יוֹזָבָד (yo.za.vad)
yo.za.vad
Jozacar
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Yozabad, meaning "Jehovah has endowed," appears seven times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the historical books of Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. It identifies a specific group of men rather than a single individual, serving as a marker of lineage and service within Israel’s religious structure. The sources distinguish between a few key figures: one is noted as a Korahite Levite, the second son of Obed-edom, who served as a gatekeeper for the temple during King David’s reign.
Another prominent figure bearing this name is listed among David’s mighty warriors, highlighting a role in military defense rather than temple liturgy. A third entry identifies him simply as another warrior, while additional mentions point to priests or Levites involved in the restoration efforts under Ezra and Nehemiah. One variant reading in 2 Chronicles 24:26 associates the name with Zabad, the son of Shimeath, who was an Ammonite official during the time of King Joash.
This clustering of names reflects a family line that held significant positions across different eras of Israel’s history. From the military campaigns of David to the sacred duties of the temple gatekeepers and the post-exilic rebuilding efforts, the bearers of this name illustrate how one lineage contributed to both the defense and the worship of the nation. The recurrence of the name underscores the importance of hereditary roles in maintaining the stability of Israel’s religious and social institutions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jozabad means "Jehovah has endowed." In the Bible, this is not just a label but a reminder that our abilities and positions come from God. Several men with this name appear in Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. They served as gatekeepers, warriors, and overseers during critical times for Israel.
These men held important roles in maintaining worship and order. Whether guarding the temple or helping rebuild the community after exile, they showed that faithful service matters. Their lives remind us that God uses ordinary people to support His work in history.
When we think about our own contributions, we can look to these examples. We may not hold official titles, but every act of faithfulness supports the broader story of God’s people. Trusting that God provides what we need allows us to serve with confidence and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jozabad4×
- and/ Jozabad3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יוֹזָבָ֨ד1×
- יוֹזָבָ֧ד1×
- יוֹזָבָ֣ד1×
- יוֹזָבָ֖ד1×
- וְ/יוֹזָבָד֙1×
- וְ/יוֹזָבָ֜ד1×
- וְ/יוֹזָבָ֖ד1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 31:13
Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of Hezekiah the king and Azariah the ruler of God’s house.
Jozabad serves as an overseer under Hezekiah’s religious reforms, showing how lineage supported structured worship.
-
Ezra 8:33
On the fourth day the silver and the gold and the vessels were weighed in the house of our God into the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them were Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, the Levites.
He helps weigh the temple treasures, highlighting his role in protecting sacred resources during the return from exile.
-
Nehemiah 11:16
and Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chiefs of the Levites, who had the oversight of the outward business of God’s house;
As a chief Levite overseeing outward business, he ensures the practical needs of God’s house are met reliably.