יוֹסִפְיָה (yo.siph.yah)
yo.siph.yah
Josiphiah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Yosef-yah, rendered in English as Josiphiah, is a Hebrew personal name meaning "Yahweh adds." It appears only once in the Old Testament, recorded in Ezra 8:10 among the list of exiles who returned to Jerusalem under Ezra’s leadership. The text identifies him as the father of Shelomith, marking his place within the family lineage of those rebuilding their community after the Babylonian exile.
This brief mention highlights the importance of genealogy in post-exilic Israel, where identity and tribal inheritance were carefully preserved. By recording Josiphiah’s name, the biblical author ensures that even lesser-known figures are remembered as part of the faithful remnant. The name itself serves as a theological statement, attributing new life and restoration to God’s action during a time of national recovery.
While the sources provide no further details about his personal life or role, his inclusion underscores how ordinary families contributed to the larger story of return and renewal. The concise record reflects the historical focus of Ezra, prioritizing lineage over biography for those who helped reestablish Jewish life in the land.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Josiphiah carries a quiet promise: "Yahweh adds." Found only in Ezra 8:10, this brief mention reminds us that God’s work of restoration often includes ordinary families alongside prominent leaders. When the exiles returned to Jerusalem, every lineage mattered because identity and inheritance were being carefully preserved.
This word invites you to trust that God is still adding to your life, even in seasons of rebuilding or transition. Your place in His story is secure, not because of fame, but because you are part of a faithful remnant. Even when details of your personal history seem small, they are woven into a larger narrative of renewal and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Josiphiah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יוֹסִפְיָ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 8:10
Of the sons of Shelomith, the son of Josiphiah; and with him one hundred sixty males.
This verse records Josiphiah as the father of Shelomith, highlighting how family lineage was essential for preserving identity among the returning exiles.