Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies offers crucial insights into the meanings, contexts, and interpretations of scripture. The Greek word Ἰωαθάμ (Ioatham) represents a significant name within the Biblical narrative, and examining its usage and meaning helps illuminate its importance in New Testament interpretation and the understanding of ancient Judean culture.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: Ἰωαθάμ (Ioatham) [yo-ah-THAM]
• Etymology: Derived from Hebrew יוֹתָם (Yotam), meaning “Yahweh is perfect” or “Yahweh is upright.”
• Part of Speech: Proper noun, Masculine.
• Declension: Follows the standard Greek noun declension patterns for proper masculine names.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Jotham: A personal name referring to several individuals in the Bible, most notably a king of Judah.

Similar Words: Ἰωάς (Ioas) [yo-AS] – Another Greek name derived from Hebrew, meaning “Yahweh has given.” Both names are similar in that they refer to kings of Judah and reflect aspects of God’s character in their meanings, yet they represent different historical figures.

Further Insights: Ἰωαθάμ is a transliteration of the Hebrew name יוֹתָם (Yotam). The Greek form is adapted to fit the phonetic and morphological conventions of the Greek language. It follows the typical declension pattern for Greek proper nouns. The following declension table provides insight into how the name changes with grammatical case:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Lists Ἰωαθάμ as a transliteration of the Hebrew name Jotham, referencing its use in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew.
• Thayers: Describes the word as a proper noun for the Hebrew name יוֹתָם (Yotam), which means “Yahweh is perfect.” It details its occurrences and significance in the New Testament.
• Vines: Emphasizes its usage in the genealogies, particularly in the Gospels, to highlight the lineage of Jesus.
• LSJ: Primarily focuses on the transliteration aspects from Hebrew into Greek, showing its form changes across contexts.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Provides an entry that traces the word’s usage in the Greek New Testament, specifically highlighting the genealogical context in Matthew.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 1:9 – “Uzziah was the father of Jotham [Ἰωαθάμ], Jotham [Ἰωαθάμ] the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.”

Classical Usage

Summary of Ἰωαθάμ (G2488: Ioatham)

Ἰωαθάμ (Ioatham) is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name יוֹתָם (Yotam), meaning “Yahweh is perfect.” The name appears in the New Testament genealogy of Jesus and is significant in understanding the lineage and fulfillment of prophecy in Christian theology. This name is rooted deeply in Judean history and Biblical narrative, symbolizing a legacy of kingship and fidelity to God.

Did You Know?

• Jotham (Ἰωαθάμ) was the eleventh king of Judah and is known for building the Upper Gate of the Temple.
• In the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew, Jotham serves as a link in the messianic line from David to Jesus.
• The name Jotham reflects a period of relative stability in Judah’s history, contrasting with the more tumultuous reigns of his predecessors and successors.

Understanding Ἰωαθάμ provides insight into the continuity of divine purpose throughout Biblical history, reflecting God’s ongoing relationship with His people and the importance of lineage in both historical and spiritual contexts.