יֶחְדְּיָ֫הוּ (yech.diy.ya.hu)
yech.diy.ya.hu
Jehdeiah
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 Jehdeiah, rendered from the Hebrew yech.diy.ya.hu, appears only twice in the Old Testament, both within the genealogical and administrative records of 1 Chronicles. It identifies two distinct men who served during the reign of King David: one as a Levite responsible for temple duties (1 Chronicles 24:20), and another as an official overseeing the king’s donkeys (1 Chronicles 27:30). Despite their different roles, both bear this same distinctive name.
Linguistically, the name combines the divine element Yahweh with a root meaning unity or oneness. While some sources suggest a joyful connotation, the prevailing interpretation is "Jehovah is unity." This theological weight transforms what might otherwise be a simple personal identifier into a statement of faith. In a period marked by tribal divisions and political fragmentation, bearing this name served as a constant reminder of God’s unifying presence among His people.
The rarity of Jehdeiah highlights how ordinary service was woven into the sacred fabric of Israel’s history. Whether managing temple logistics or royal livestock, these individuals participated in the broader order established by David. Their inclusion in Scripture affirms that faithfulness in specific, practical roles holds enduring value within the biblical narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jehdeiah carries a quiet but powerful meaning: "Jehovah is unity." In the Old Testament, this name appears only twice, attached to two men who served King David in very different capacities. One managed temple logistics, while the other cared for the royal donkeys. Though their tasks were practical and earthly, their names reminded Israel that God binds His people together.
For us today, these brief mentions offer comfort. We often feel fragmented by our differences or overwhelmed by the complexity of life. Yet Scripture shows us that God values faithfulness in every role, no matter how ordinary it seems. When we serve others with integrity, we participate in God’s work of bringing order and unity to a broken world.
This name invites us to look beyond our individual struggles and see ourselves as part of a larger community. Whether you are leading a team or caring for animals, your faithful service matters to God. He is the one who unites us, giving purpose to our daily labors and hope to our shared journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jehdeiah2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יֶחְדְּיָֽהוּ\׃1×
- יֶחְדְּיָ֖הוּ1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 24:20
Of the rest of the sons of Levi: of the sons of Amram, Shubael; of the sons of Shubael, Jehdeiah.
This verse places Jehdeiah in the priestly lineage of Amram, showing his role in maintaining the spiritual order of worship.
-
I Chronicles 27:30
Over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite. Over the donkeys was Jehdeiah the Meronothite. Over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagrite.
Here Jehdeiah is listed as an official over the donkeys, highlighting how God’s unifying presence extends to practical royal administration.