Athaliah

The name Athaliah, derived from the Hebrew עֲתַלְיָה (ʻAtalya), translates to 'the Lord is strong'. Its linguistic roots reflect the deep association with divine strength and authority, a fitting meaning for biblical figures bearing the name. In Greek, the name appears as Γοθολία (Gotholía), and in Latin as Athalia, showing its transliteration across ancient languages. Historically, the name has been tied to both regal and spiritual connotations, given its prominence in the Old Testament. Athaliah's etymology underscores the enduring significance of names in biblical tradition, often serving as markers of divine purpose or human destiny.

, "SIGNIFICANCE_SECTION_START": "Athaliah is notably the name of one woman and two men in the Bible, with the most prominent being Queen Athaliah of Judah. Her story, chronicled in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, is one of power, ambition, and spiritual defiance. Despite her ruthless reign and introduction of Baal worship, Athaliah's narrative highlights the resilience of God's promises, as the Davidic line—and by extension, the lineage of the Messiah—remained intact through divine intervention. The Divine Proximity Index of 92.4/100 and Jesus Circle Score of 94.1/100 reflect the name's strong biblical associations, especially in its connection to the overarching redemptive narrative. Athaliah's legacy, though marked by tyranny, serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of opposing divine will, while simultaneously affirming the sovereignty of God in preserving His covenant.

, "BIBLICAL_CONTEXT_SECTION_START": "Athaliah appears in 21 biblical verses, primarily in the context of her tumultuous reign over Judah (841–835 B.C.). As the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, Athaliah inherited a legacy of idolatry and ruthlessness. Her marriage to Jehoram, king of Judah, was politically motivated, symbolizing an alliance between Israel and Judah. After the deaths of her husband and son, Athaliah seized power, killing her grandsons to secure the throne. However, the infant Joash was hidden by his aunt, Jehosheba, in the temple, ensuring the survival of the Davidic line. Athaliah's eventual downfall came when the high priest Jehoiada orchestrated a coup, crowning Joash as king and executing Athaliah outside the temple. This narrative underscores the tension between human ambition and divine providence, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises.