יְהוֹיָדָע (ye.ho.ya.da)
ye.ho.ya.da
Jehoiada
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 44 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Jehoiada, meaning "Jehovah knows," appears forty-four times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the historical books of Kings and Chronicles. It is not the label for a single individual but rather a common priestly name shared by three distinct men across different eras of Israel’s history. This repetition suggests a family lineage or a tradition of naming sons after prominent ancestors who held significant religious authority.
The most prominent figure bearing this name was the high priest during the reign of Athaliah. He played a crucial role in preserving the Davidic line by hiding the infant Joash for six years before orchestrating his coronation, thereby restoring lawful kingship to Judah. His influence extended into the next generation, as he guided King Joash’s early reforms and oversaw the repair of the temple, though later sources note that Joash eventually turned against Jehoiada’s descendants.
Two other men named Jehoiada appear earlier in the narrative. One served as a leader among David’s priests when the king established his court at Hebron, while another was the father of Benaiah, one of David’s most trusted military commanders. The recurrence of this name highlights the enduring importance of priestly leadership and divine knowledge in maintaining the spiritual integrity of the kingdom.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jehoiada means "Jehovah knows." In a world where human judgment often feels uncertain or flawed, this title offers a steady anchor. It reminds us that God sees what we cannot see and understands the hidden corners of our hearts. When Scripture uses this name for key figures like the high priest who saved King Joash or Benaiah, David’s loyal commander, it highlights individuals who trusted in divine oversight rather than their own strength.
These men did not always have power or safety. Jehoiada hid a child in the temple during a time of danger. Benaiah carried out difficult orders with quiet obedience. Their stories show that faithfulness is not about having a clear path, but about trusting that God knows the end from the beginning. This assurance allows us to face our own uncertainties with peace.
When you feel overwhelmed by choices or consequences, remember that Jehovah knows your situation fully. You do not need to carry the weight of knowing every outcome. Trusting in His awareness brings a deep sense of rest and confidence in His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 44 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jehoiada44×
- and/ Jehoiada2×
- <to>/ Jehoiada1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְה֣וֹיָדָ֔ע7×
- יְהוֹיָדָ֣ע6×
- יְהוֹיָדָ֨ע5×
- יְהוֹיָדָ֛ע5×
- יְהוֹיָדָ֑ע4×
- יְהוֹיָדָ֥ע3×
- יְהוֹיָדָ֜ע3×
- יְהוֹיָדָ֧ע2×
- יְהוֹיָדָ֤ע2×
- יְהוֹיָדָ֗ע2×
- יְהוֹיָדָ֖ע2×
- לִֽ/יהוֹיָדָ֣ע1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 11:4
In the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the captains over hundreds of the Carites and of the guard, and brought them to him into Yahweh’s house; and he made a covenant with them, and made a covenant with them in Yahweh’s house, and showed them the king’s son.
This verse shows Jehoiada taking decisive action to protect the royal line, demonstrating how divine knowledge guides practical courage in dangerous times.
-
II Samuel 23:20
Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion in the middle of a pit in a time of snow.
Here Jehoiada is identified as the father of Benaiah, linking the name to a lineage of military valor and steadfast loyalty to David’s kingdom.
-
I Kings 1:36
Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, “Amen. May Yahweh, the God of my lord the king, say so.
Benaiah invokes Yahweh’s will in this response, showing how the name Jehoiada is associated with those who align their actions with God’s known purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Jehoiada mean?
Are there different people named Jehoiada in the Bible?
Why is Jehoiada important in biblical history?
Every Occurrence (44 verses across 6 books)
II Samuel 4 verses
Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief ministers.
II Samuel 20:23Now Joab was over all the army of Israel, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites,
II Samuel 23:20Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, killed the two sons of…
II Samuel 23:22Benaiah the son of Jehoiada did these things, and had a name among the three mighty men.