Hodiah

The name Hodiah derives from the Hebrew roots hod (הוד), meaning 'majesty' or 'splendor,' and Yah (יה), a shortened form of Yahweh, the sacred name of God in the Hebrew Bible. Together, the name translates to 'majesty of Jehovah,' reflecting a powerful and reverent acknowledgment of God's greatness. Historically, names incorporating 'Yah' or 'Jehovah' were particularly significant in ancient Israelite culture, as they denoted a close relationship with the divine and often served as a testament to faith and devotion within the community. Linguistically, Hodiah exemplifies theophoric naming, a common practice in biblical times where names were imbued with elements of divine reference to signify spiritual identity and purpose.

, "SIGNIFICANCE_SECTION_START": "In the Bible, Hodiah is associated with multiple individuals, each of whom carries spiritual and historical significance. According to 1 Chronicles 4:19, Hodiah is named as the husband of Naham's sister, and his sons became the patriarchs of Keilah and Eshtemoa, towns with notable roles in Israel's history. This highlights Hodiah's familial and tribal importance in the genealogical structure of Israel. Additionally, Hodiah plays a prominent role in the post-exilic period, as mentioned in Nehemiah 8:7 and Nehemiah 9:5, where he is involved in explaining the law to the people and exhorting Israel to bless the Lord—a crucial task in the community's spiritual revival. Furthermore, Hodiah's appearance on the sealed covenant document in Nehemiah 10:1-27 underscores his leadership and dedication to God during a pivotal moment of national restoration. With a high Divine Proximity Index of 80.8/100 and a Jesus Circle Score of 94.1/100, Hodiah's name is deeply intertwined with themes of devotion, leadership, and reverence for God, making it a spiritually significant name.

, "BIBLICAL_CONTEXT_SECTION_START": "The name Hodiah appears in six distinct biblical verses, providing a multifaceted view of its significance. In 1 Chronicles 4:19, Hodiah is described in a genealogical context, where his descendants hold notable positions as fathers of Keilah and Eshtemoa. These towns were strategically important locations in ancient Israel, suggesting that Hodiah's lineage contributed to Israel's socio-political and spiritual framework. In the Book of Nehemiah, Hodiah emerges as a key figure during the post-exilic period. In Nehemiah 8:7, he is listed among those who explained the law to the people, indicating his role in fostering a deeper understanding of God's commandments. Nehemiah 9:5 further emphasizes his spiritual leadership, as he exhorted Israel to bless the Lord during a time of communal repentance and renewal. Hodiah's inclusion in the sealed covenant of Nehemiah 10:10, 13, and 18 signifies his commitment to the restoration of Israel's covenant with God, marking him as both a spiritual and civic leader. These appearances collectively underscore Hodiah's contributions to Israel's religious and societal development.