Topical Encyclopedia
Jehonathan is a biblical figure whose name means "Yahweh has given." The name appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, often as Jonathan, and is associated with several individuals. The most notable Jehonathan is Jonathan, the son of King Saul and a close friend of David, the future king of Israel. However, the name Jehonathan also appears in other contexts and genealogies, reflecting its common usage in ancient Israel.
1.
Jonathan, Son of Saul: Jonathan, the son of King Saul, is one of the most prominent figures bearing this name. He is renowned for his deep friendship with David, which is characterized by loyalty, love, and mutual respect. Despite his father Saul's animosity towards David, Jonathan remains steadfast in his support for David, recognizing God's anointing upon him. In
1 Samuel 18:1-4, the Berean Standard Bible describes their covenant: "After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt."
2.
Jehonathan, a Levite: In
2 Chronicles 17:8, Jehonathan is mentioned as a Levite sent by King Jehoshaphat to teach in the cities of Judah. This Jehonathan was part of a group of Levites and priests tasked with instructing the people in the Law of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of religious education and adherence to God's commandments during Jehoshaphat's reign.
3.
Jehonathan, a Priest: Another Jehonathan is noted in
Nehemiah 12:18 as a priest during the time of Joiakim, the son of Jeshua. This Jehonathan is listed among the heads of the priestly families, indicating his role in the religious leadership and temple service after the return from Babylonian exile.
4.
Jehonathan, a Military Leader: In
1 Chronicles 27:25, Jehonathan is mentioned as the overseer of the treasuries in the fields, cities, villages, and fortresses. This role highlights the administrative and military responsibilities held by individuals named Jehonathan, reflecting the diverse functions they served in the kingdom of Israel.
The name Jehonathan, therefore, is associated with various roles and responsibilities, from royal friendship and priestly duties to educational and administrative functions. Each mention of Jehonathan in the Scriptures underscores the multifaceted nature of leadership and service in ancient Israel, as well as the enduring legacy of those who bore this name in the biblical narrative.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Jehonathangift of the Lord; gift of a dove
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Jehonathan(whom Jehovah gave).
- Son of Uzziah; superintendent of certain of King David's storehouses. (1 Chronicles 27:25) (B.C. 1014).
- One of the Levites who were sent by Jehoshaphat through the cities of Judah, with a book of the law, to teach the people. (2 Chronicles 17:8) (B.C. 910.)
- A priest, (Nehemiah 12:18) the representative of the family of Shemaiah, ver. 6, when Joiakim was high priest. (B.C. after 536.)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Whom Jehovah gave.
(1.) One of the stewards of David's store-houses (1 Chronicles 27:25).
(2.) A Levite who taught the law to the people of Judah (2 Chronicles 17:8).
(3.)Nehemiah 12:18.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
JEHONATHANje-hon'-a-than (yehonathan, "Yahweh has given"): The name is the same as Jonathan: the Hebrew has the two forms for the same person sometimes; sometimes only one is found. SeeJONATHAN. The form "Jehonathan" occurs as follows in English Versions of the Bible:
(1) A Levite who took part in teaching the Torah in the cities of Judah under Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:8 English Versions of the Bible and Hebrew).
(2) Head of the priestly family of Shemaiah (Nehemiah 12:18 English Versions of the Bible and Hebrew).
(3) the King James Version and Hebrew in1 Chronicles 27:25; see JONATHAN, (7).
Strong's Hebrew
3083. Yehonathan -- "the LORD has given," the name of a number of...... NASB Word Usage
Jehonathan (2), Jonathan (120), Jonathan's (2).
... From Yhovah and nathan;
Jehovah-given;
Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites -- Jonathan.
...Library
Jehoshaphat's Reform
... in the cities of Judah.8. And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah,
and Zebadiah, and Asabel, and Shemiramoth, andJehonathan, and Adonijah...
October 3 Evening
...Jehonathan: and over them that did the work of the field for tillage of
the ground was Ezri: and over the vineyards was Shimei....
Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of...
... The third period is marked by coins which bear the inscriptionJehonathan the
High-Priest and the Jews.' It was a period of outward military success, and of...
Thesaurus
Jehonathan (3 Occurrences)... 8). (3.) Nehemiah 12:18. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
JEHONATHAN. je
... 7). Multi-Version Concordance
Jehonathan (3 Occurrences). 1
...Jehon'athan (2 Occurrences)
Jehon'athan.Jehonathan, Jehon'athan. Jehoram . Multi-Version Concordance... (See
RSV). Nehemiah 12:18 of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah,Jehonathan; (See RSV)....
Shemai'ah (38 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 17:8 and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah,
and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, andJehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah...
Shemaiah (40 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 17:8 and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah,
and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, andJehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah...
Zebadi'ah (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 17:8 and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah,
and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, andJehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah...
Zebadiah (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 17:8 and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah,
and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, andJehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah...
Nethani'ah (20 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 17:8 and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah,
and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, andJehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah...
Nethaniah (20 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 17:8 and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah,
and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, andJehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah...
Uzziah (27 Occurrences)
... (2.) The father ofJehonathan, one of David's overseers (1 Chronicles
27:25). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. UZZIAH; (AZARIAH)....
Jehohanan (9 Occurrences)
... is (or has been) gracious"): (1) A Korahite doorkeeper in David's reign, "son" of
Meshelemiah (1 Chronicles 26:3). Septuagint, Luc, has "Jehonathan." (2) One...
Resources
Bible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
