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יוֹנָדָב (yo.na.dav)

yo.na.dav

Jonadab

H3122 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 6 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
6 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Yoḏāḇāḇ (Strong’s H3122) appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, referring to two distinct figures separated by centuries. The earlier figure is a nephew of King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel and Chronicles. This Jonadab is noted for his shrewdness, particularly in advising Amnon regarding Tamar, an act that sets off a chain of violent events within the royal family.

The second, more prominent bearer of the name is Jonadab son of Rechab, a leader of the Rechabite clan during the time of King Jehu. Unlike his namesake, this Jonadab is remembered for strict obedience to ancestral traditions, specifically refusing wine and dwelling in tents. Jeremiah later uses the Rechabites’ faithfulness as a contrast to Judah’s disobedience (Jeremiah 35), highlighting how this Jonadab’s legacy endured long after his death.

The name itself means “Yahweh is willing” or “Yahweh has granted.” While the royal Jonadab is associated with cunning and political maneuvering, the Rechabite Jonadab represents steadfast commitment to a specific way of life. The biblical text preserves both names to illustrate different kinds of influence: one through court intrigue, the other through consistent, generational faithfulness.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Jonadab appears in Scripture for two very different men. One was a clever advisor in King David’s court, using his wits to manipulate family dynamics. The other was a leader who kept a strict promise to live simply and faithfully, even when it meant refusing wine or comfortable homes. This contrast shows us that influence can come from cunning schemes or from quiet, consistent obedience.

Jeremiah 35 highlights the Rechabite Jonadab as an example of keeping promises made to God and ancestors. While the court intrigue fades into tragedy, the faithfulness of the Rechabites stands as a lasting witness. It reminds us that our daily choices and loyalty to what is right leave a mark that outlasts our time on earth.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Jonadab4×
  • to/ Jonadab1×
  • and/ Jonadab1×
  • [was] Jonadab1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • לְ/יוֹנָדָ֧ב1×
  • יוֹנָדָ֨ב1×
  • יוֹנָדָ֥ב1×
  • יוֹנָדָ֣ב\׀1×
  • יֽוֹנָדָב֙1×
  • יֽוֹנָדָ֔ב1×
  • וְ/י֣וֹנָדָ֔ב1×

Key Verses

  • Jeremiah 35:6
    But they said, “We will drink no wine; for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, ‘You shall drink no wine, neither you nor your children, forever.

    This verse records the specific command given by Jonadab son of Rechab, establishing the basis for the clan’s distinct lifestyle of abstinence and tent-dwelling.

  • Jeremiah 35:19
    therefore Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jonadab the son of Rechab will not lack a man to stand before me forever.’”

    Here God affirms the enduring legacy of Jonadab’s faithfulness, promising that his descendants will always have a place before Him.

  • II Samuel 13:3
    But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother; and Jonadab was a very subtle man.

    This introduction identifies the royal Jonadab as 'very subtle,' setting the stage for his role in the deceptive events surrounding Amnon and Tamar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Jonadab mean?

The Hebrew name Yoḏāḇāḇ means 'Yahweh is willing' or 'Yahweh has granted.' It appears in the Bible for two distinct men separated by centuries, each representing a different kind of influence.

Are there two different people named Jonadab?

Yes. The first is a nephew of King David known for his shrewdness and involvement in court intrigue (2 Samuel 13). The second is Jonadab son of Rechab, a leader who enforced strict obedience to ancestral laws regarding wine and housing (Jeremiah 35).

Why is Jonadab son of Rechab mentioned in Jeremiah?

Jeremiah uses the Rechabites’ faithfulness to their father’s commands as a contrast to Judah’s disobedience to God. Because they kept their human covenant, God promises that Jonadab’s line will never lack a follower standing before Him.

Every Occurrence (6 verses across 2 books)

II Samuel 3 verses
II Samuel 13:3

But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother; and Jonadab was a very subtle man.

II Samuel 13:32

Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, answered, “Don’t let my lord suppose that they have killed all the young…

II Samuel 13:35

Jonadab said to the king, “Behold, the king’s sons are coming! It is as your servant said.”

Jeremiah 3 verses