Jerusha is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word yeresha (יְרֵשָׁה), meaning 'possession' or 'inheritance'. In the Old Testament, Jerusha (also spelled Yerusha in Biblical Hebrew) is mentioned as the wife of King Uzziah of Judah and the mother of King Jotham. She appears in 2 Kings 15:33 and 2 Chronicles 27:1, where her role is primarily genealogical, anchoring her within the Davidic line. The name Jerusha is the English transliteration found in some Bible versions, while the original Hebrew form is Yerusha. Etymology and Historical Context The root of Jerusha lies in the Hebrew root ירש, which conveys the concept of taking possession or inheriting. This thematic connection to inheritance is fitting for a king's wife, as it may symbolize the continuation of the royal lineage. The name Uzziah, her husband's name, means 'my power is Yahweh', deriving from the Hebrew elements (ʿoz) and (yah). As such, Jerusha and Uzziah together reflect the religious and royal motifs common in the Hebrew Bible. Cultural and Literary Significance While Jerusha is a figure of minor notability in the Bible—appearing only in brief genealogical passages—her name carries significance as part of the family tree of Judah's kings. The fact that her name means 'possession' may have been chosen to underscore her role as a bearer of heirs to the throne, particularly Jotham, who succeeded Uzziah as king. In English-speaking Christian contexts, Jerusha has been occasionally used as a given name, often in Puritan or other religious communities that favored biblical names. However, it remains rare compared to more widely known biblical names like Sarah or Mary. Related Forms The original Hebrew form Yerusha has been transliterated into various languages. While Jerusha is the standard English form, other variations exist in Bibles that prioritize transliteration closer to the Hebrew. Direct semantic or linguistic links to other related names such as Jericho are not established, as the roots differ. Meaning: 'possession' Origin: Hebrew Type: Biblical feminine name Usage regions: Primarily English-speaking Christian communities Notable bearer: Wife of King Uzziah of Judah, mother of Jotham