יוֹיָדָע (yo.ya.da)
yo.ya.da
Joiada
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Joiada, or Jehoiada, means "Jehovah knows." It appears five times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the books of Ezra and Nehemiah that record the return from exile. The sources identify two distinct men bearing this name, both connected to the restoration of Jerusalem’s community and its worship.
The first Joiada is the son of Paseah. He is noted for his practical contribution to the city’s defense, helping to repair the Old Gate alongside Nehemiah (Nehemiah 3:6). This usage highlights how ordinary citizens participated in rebuilding their physical surroundings after the devastation of exile.
The second Joiada holds a more significant religious role as the son of the high priest Eliashib. He appears in the genealogical records of the priests (Nehemiah 12:10-11) and is identified as the father of Johanan. His mention in Nehemiah 13:28 links him to a controversial marriage alliance with a foreign official, illustrating the complex social and spiritual tensions faced by the returning exiles as they sought to maintain their distinct identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Joiada carries a simple but profound meaning: "Jehovah knows." In the Hebrew Bible, this name appears in the records of those who returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem. It reminds us that God is aware of every detail in our lives, including our efforts to restore what was lost and to maintain our identity as His people.
One man named Joiada worked alongside Nehemiah to repair the Old Gate, a practical task that helped secure the city for his community. Another Joiada appears in the priestly lineages, showing how faithfulness across generations preserved the worship of God even during times of social tension and change.
These records show us that God knows those who serve Him in both visible and quiet ways. Whether through physical labor or maintaining spiritual heritage, our lives are seen and valued by Him. This assurance brings comfort to anyone seeking to remain faithful in their own context.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Joiada4×
- and/ Joiada1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יוֹיָדָ֤ע2×
- יוֹיָדָֽע\׃1×
- יֽוֹיָדָע֙1×
- וְ/יוֹיָדָע֙1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 3:6
Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the old gate. They laid its beams and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars.
This verse highlights Joiada the son of Paseah’s practical role in rebuilding the Old Gate, showing how ordinary citizens contributed to the physical restoration of Jerusalem.
-
Nehemiah 12:10
Jeshua became the father of Joiakim, and Joiakim became the father of Eliashib, and Eliashib became the father of Joiada,
Here Joiada is listed as the son of Eliashib in the priestly genealogy, establishing his place in the religious leadership that preserved worship traditions after the exile.
-
Nehemiah 13:28
One of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite; therefore I chased him from me.
This occurrence mentions a son of Joiada who married into a foreign family, illustrating the complex social challenges and spiritual tensions faced by the returning community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Joiada mean?
How is Joiada different from Jehoiada?
Where does Joiada appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Nehemiah 5 verses
Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the old gate. They laid its beams and set up its…
Nehemiah 12:10Jeshua became the father of Joiakim, and Joiakim became the father of Eliashib, and Eliashib became the father of…
Nehemiah 12:11and Joiada became the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan became the father of Jaddua.
Nehemiah 12:22As for the Levites, in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua, there were recorded the heads of fathers’…
Nehemiah 13:28One of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite; therefore I…