יוֹשַׁוְיָה (yo.shav.yah)
yo.shav.yah
Joshaviah
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 Joshaviah, or Yôshaḇyāh, means "Jehovah makes equal." It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in 1 Chronicles 11:46 as one of King David’s elite warriors. This brief mention places him among the "mighty men" who protected and served the monarch during a turbulent period of Israel’s history.
He is identified as the son of Elnaam and the brother of Jeribai. While the text does not detail his specific deeds, his inclusion in this list signifies that he was recognized for his loyalty and martial skill. The name itself suggests a theological belief that divine power levels the playing field, ensuring that even those from humble backgrounds are made equal before God.
Because it is so rare, the word carries no broader semantic range beyond this personal identifier. It serves as a historical marker, anchoring an individual within the larger narrative of David’s reign and the formation of his loyal military corps.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Joshaviah is a name that means Jehovah makes equal. In 1 Chronicles 11:46, he appears as one of King David’s mighty men. This brief mention shows us that God values loyalty and service, no matter how small our role might seem.
His inclusion in the list reminds us that every person has a place in God’s story. We do not need to be famous or powerful to be part of something greater. God sees the faithful heart behind the action.
When we feel overlooked, this name offers comfort. It tells us that our worth comes from God alone. He levels the playing field and gives every believer a unique purpose in His kingdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Joshaviah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/יוֹשַׁוְיָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 11:46
Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,
This verse lists Joshaviah among David's elite warriors, highlighting his role as a loyal servant in Israel's history.