Jehoash

Jehoash is a biblical name found in the Old Testament, where it is used for a king of Israel who likely reigned in the 8th century BCE. It derives from the Hebrew name יְהוֹאָשׁ (Yehoʾash), an extended form of יוֹאָשׁ (see Joash). While Joash is a shorter variant, Jehoash incorporates the divine element Yeho-, referring to Yahweh, the God of Israel. Thus, the name may be interpreted as “Yahweh has given” or, following the root of Joash, possibly “fire of Yahweh.”

Etymology

The name Jehoash is composed of two Hebrew elements: Yeho-, a shortened form of Yahweh, and the verb ash, meaning “to give” or “fire.” Alternatively, the base name Joash (Yoʾash) may mean “fire of Yahweh,” though the exact meaning remains uncertain. The longer form Jehoash explicitly names God, emphasizing divine association.

Biblical King Jehoash

According to the Old Testament, Jehoash (also called Joash) was the king of Israel who ruled from approximately 798 to 782 BCE. He was the son of Jehoahaz and came to power during a troubled period for the northern kingdom, as the Arameans were dominant. The biblical account in 2 Kings (chapters 13–14) describes him as a ruler who “did evil in the eyes of the Lord” yet sought the prophet Elisha’s help. Notably, Jehoash recovered cities from Ben-Hadad III of Aram and reasserted Israelite power. His reign was marked by conflict with Amaziah of Judah, whom he defeated.

To distinguish Jehoash king of Israel from the contemporary king of Judah with the same name, the latter is usually referred to as Jehoash (or Joash) of Judah, son of Ahaziah. Both names appear interchangeably in some Bible translations.

Related Names and Variants

The name has multiple forms in other languages and ancient texts: Ioas in Biblical Latin, Yeho'ash and Yo'ash in Biblical Hebrew, and Joas in Dutch. The core root Yahweh highlights that Jehoash belongs to a class of theophoric names common in ancient Israel.

Notable Bearers

The most prominent Jehoash in history is the biblical king of Israel. No other widely recognized figures bear this name in modern usage.

Popularity

Jehoash is virtually unattested as a given name today, except among individuals interested in Biblical revivalism or religious meaning. It remains primarily a scholarly or scriptural reference.

Conclusion

Jehoash is a classic example of a Hebrew theophoric name reflecting the importance of divine relationship and historical event in biblical narrative.

• Meaning: possibly “Yahweh has given” or “fire of Yahweh”
• Origin: Hebrew
• Type: First name
• Usage region: English Bible (rare)
• Notable bearer: King Jehoash of Israel