יוֹחָא (yo.ach)
yo.ach
Joha
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Yoach means "Jehovah gives life." It appears in two brief genealogical records within the First Book of Chronicles, identifying distinct individuals who share this same Hebrew name. In the first instance, found in 1 Chronicles 8:16, Yoach is listed as a son of Beriah and a member of the tribe of Benjamin. This entry places him among the descendants of the patriarch Jacob, highlighting his role within the broader family structure of Israel during the early periods leading up to the monarchy.
The second mention occurs in 1 Chronicles 11:45, where Yoach is identified as "the Tizite" and counted among David’s mighty warriors. Here, he is described as the son of Shimri and brother of Jediael. This usage shifts the focus from tribal lineage to military service, marking him as one of the elite fighters who supported King David. The repetition of the name in these different contexts underscores how common it was for families to honor God with names referencing His life-giving power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Yoach carries a simple but profound meaning: Jehovah gives life. In the Bible, names often reflect God’s character or His promises to His people. When we see this name recorded in Scripture, it reminds us that every person has value and purpose within God’s grand design.
Although the individuals named Yoach appear only briefly in genealogies and lists of warriors, their inclusion shows that God cares about families, tribes, and those who serve with courage. Whether listed as a descendant of Benjamin or noted as a brother among David’s mighty men, these names point to a community sustained by divine grace.
For you today, this word invites reflection on how God gives life in your own story. It may come through birth, through strength in difficult times, or through the quiet faithfulness of everyday obedience. Trust that He is actively involved in your lineage and your legacy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Joha2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/יוֹחָ֖א1×
- וְ/יֹחָ֥א1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 8:16
Michael, Ishpah, Joha, the sons of Beriah,
This verse places Yoach within the tribal structure of Benjamin, showing how God preserves identity and heritage across generations.
-
I Chronicles 11:45
Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite,
Here Yoach is identified as a warrior brother, highlighting the role of faithful service and familial loyalty in supporting leadership.