יוֹאָח (yo.ach)
yo.ach
Joah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Yoach means "Jehovah is brother." It appears nine times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the historical books of Kings and Chronicles, with a single mention in Isaiah. The sources identify four distinct individuals who share this name during the era of the Divided Monarchy and the post-exilic restoration.
One prominent figure was the son of Asaph, serving as a chronicler under King Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:18). Another was a Korhite doorkeeper in David’s time, while two others appear later as officials or descendants of Levitical families. These varied roles show that the name belonged to several different men across generations.
Though the name itself is simple, its meaning highlights a theological theme: the covenant relationship between God and His people. By calling Yahweh "brother," the name reflects a close, familial bond rather than distant reverence. This personal connection is central to how Israel understood their identity throughout these historical narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Joah is a name meaning "Jehovah is brother," appearing nine times in the Hebrew Bible. It belongs to several different men across generations, including officials under Hezekiah and Levitical descendants. The name reflects a close familial bond with God, showing that Israel understood their identity through this personal connection.
When you read about Joah in Kings or Chronicles, notice how he stands alongside others like Eliakim and Shebna. They face pressure from enemies but remain faithful to their roles. This reminds us that God uses ordinary people in specific duties to uphold His purposes. The name itself points to a relationship where God is not distant but near.
Whether serving as a recorder or a doorkeeper, these men show that faithfulness matters in every station. Their lives highlight how covenant relationships shape history. You can find comfort in knowing that God values those who serve Him with integrity, regardless of their title or visibility.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Joah6×
- Joah4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יוֹאָ֤ח2×
- וְ/יוֹאָ֨ח2×
- וְ/יוֹאָ֥ח2×
- וְ/יוֹאָ֜ח2×
- יוֹאָח֙1×
- יוֹאָֽח\׃1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 18:18
When they had called to the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder came out to them.
This verse introduces Joah as the son of Asaph the recorder, showing his official role during a critical moment when Assyrian officials demanded terms from King Hezekiah.
-
II Kings 18:26
Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, Shebnah, and Joah, said to Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in the Syrian language, for we understand it. Don’t speak with us in the Jews’ language, in the hearing of the people who are on the wall.”
Here Joah joins Eliakim and Shebna in requesting that the enemy speak in Aramaic, demonstrating their desire to protect the people on the wall from hearing the psychological warfare.
-
II Chronicles 29:12
Then the Levites arose: Mahath, the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites; and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehallelel; and of the Gershonites, Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah;
Joah the son of Zimmah is listed among the Levites who arose to help King Hezekiah purify the temple, highlighting the communal effort to restore worship.
-
Isaiah 36:3
Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph the recorder came out to him.
This parallel account in Isaiah confirms Joah's presence as a key advisor when he and his colleagues went out to meet the Assyrian commander, emphasizing the consistency of his service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Joah mean?
Is there only one person named Joah in the Bible?
Why is Joah mentioned in both Kings and Isaiah?
What can we learn from Joah's story?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 4 books)
II Kings 3 verses
When they had called to the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and…
II Kings 18:26Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, Shebnah, and Joah, said to Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in the Syrian…
II Kings 18:37Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, came with Shebna the scribe and Joah the son of Asaph the…