יָשׇׁבְעָם (ya.shov.am)
ya.shov.am
Jashobeam
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 Jashobeam, meaning "the people will return," identifies a prominent warrior in the army of King David. Listed among the mighty men who joined David at Ziklag, he served as the leader of the Thirty and is recorded in 2 Samuel 23:8 and 1 Chronicles 12:6.
He is most famous for a single act of military prowess, where sources record him striking down eight hundred or three hundred men in one encounter. The text also notes an alternate name, Josheb-basshebeth, which translates to "that sat in the seat," possibly indicating his status or role among the leaders.
While some scholars suggest this figure might be identical to Adino the Eznite mentioned elsewhere, the biblical record treats Jashobeam as a distinct entry in David’s roster of elite fighters. His name serves as a reminder of the loyalty and strength that characterized David’s early reign.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Jashobeam’s name means "the people will return," a title that carries deep spiritual weight for those who have wandered far from God. In the biblical narrative, he is remembered not just for his military strength, but for his loyalty to David during times of instability. This reflects a broader truth: God often uses ordinary people with extraordinary faithfulness to lead others back to safety and purpose.
His story reminds us that returning to God is not about perfection, but about presence. Whether you are leading a team or simply trying to stay faithful in daily life, Jashobeam’s example shows that consistent service matters more than dramatic displays of power. God values the quiet commitment of those who stand firm when others might falter.
When we feel distant from our faith, this name offers hope. It suggests that no matter how far we have strayed, there is always a path back to community and purpose. Like Jashobeam, we are invited to serve where we are placed, trusting that our faithful steps contribute to something larger than ourselves.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jashobeam2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָשָׁבְעָ֣ם1×
- יָֽשָׁבְעָ֖ם1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 11:11
This is the number of the mighty men whom David had: Jashobeam, the son of a Hachmonite, the chief of the thirty; he lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them at one time.
This verse highlights Jashobeam’s role as chief of the thirty and his remarkable feat of killing three hundred men, demonstrating both leadership and martial skill in David's army.
-
I Chronicles 27:2
Over the first division for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel. In his division were twenty-four thousand.
Here Jashobeam is listed as commander of the first division for the first month, showing his ongoing administrative responsibility over twenty-four thousand troops.