Lexical Definition
יְהוֹנָדָב Yᵉhôwnâdâb (yeh-ho-naw-dawb') Jonadab N:N-M-P
from יְהֹוָה and נָדַב; Jehovah-largessed
Jehonadab, Jonadab. Compare יוֹנָדָב.
- § Jehonadab = "Jehovah is willing"
- Jehonadab, the name of an Israelite and of an Arab
1) a son of Rechab, chief of the Rechabites, in the time of Jehu and Ahab
2) a nephew of David
| Form | Translated As | In Verse(s) |
|---|---|---|
| יְהוֹנָדָב֩ | Jonadab | 2Kgs.10.15 |
| יְהוֹנָדָ֥ב | Jonadab | 2Kgs.10.15 |
| יְהוֹנָדָ֤ב | Jonadab | Jer.35.8 |
| יְהוֹנָדָ֣ב | Jonadab | Jer.35.14 • Jer.35.16 • Jer.35.18 |
| וִיהוֹנָדָ֥ב | and Jonadab | 2Kgs.10.23 |
Extended Information
- A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.10.15
- son of: Rechab (רֵכָב); also called Jehonadab at 2Ki.10.15, 23
- Also named: yo.na.dav (יוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" יוֹנָדָב)
Brown-Driver-Briggs
יְהוֺנָדָב, יוֺנָדָב proper name, masculine (׳י is noble, or is liberal, or hath impelled, compare נְדַבְיָה) —
1. ׳יְהוֺ son of Rechab & chief of the Rechabites (ᵐ5 Ἰωαναδαβ) 2Kgs 10:15 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 10:23; Jer 35:8; Jer 35:14; Jer 35:16; Jer 35:18 = ׳יוֺ Jer 35:6; Jer 35:10; Jer 35:19.
2. ׳יְהוֺ nephew of David (ᵐ5 Ἰωναδαβ, Ἰωναδαμ; ᵐ5L Ἰωαναθαν) 2Sam 13:5 = ׳יוֺ 2Sam 13:3 (twice in verse); 2Sam 13:32; 2Sam 13:35 (apparently called Jonathan 2Sam 21:21; 1Chr 20:7, compare יְהוֺנָתָן
3.)
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| 2 Samuel | 13:3 · 13:5 · 13:32 · 13:35 · 21:21 |
| 2 Kings | 10:15 · 10:23 |
| 1 Chronicles | 20:7 |
| Jeremiah | 35:6 · 35:8 · 35:10 · 35:14 · 35:16 · 35:18 · 35:19 |
Profile
Male • Son of Rechab • Son of Rechab, who promoted Rechabite lifestyle
Man living at the time of Divided Monarchy
Jonadab, the son of Rechab, instructed his descendants to abstain from wine, live in tents, and follow a nomadic lifestyle, which they faithfully observed (Jer.35.8,14,16,18; 2Ki.10.15,15,23; Jer.35.6,10,19).
- A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.10.15;
- referred to as Jonadab or Jehonadab יְהוֹנָדָב, or Jonadab יוֹנָדָב;
- a son of Rechab רֵכָב.
Jonadab, the son of Rechab, is mentioned in the books of Jeremiah and 2 Kings as the founder of the Rechabites, a nomadic tribe known for their strict adherence to a set of rules that he established. Jonadab instructed his descendants to abstain from drinking wine, building houses, sowing seed, and planting vineyards (Jer.35.6-7). Instead, they were to live in tents and follow a nomadic way of life.
The Rechabites' faithfulness to Jonadab's commands is highlighted in Jeremiah 35, where the prophet uses their example to contrast the disobedience of the people of Judah. When offered wine by Jeremiah, the Rechabites refused, stating that they were following the instructions of their ancestor Jonadab (Jer.35.6,8). God commends the Rechabites for their steadfast obedience and promises that they will always have a descendant to serve Him (Jer.35.18-19).
In 2 Kings 10:15-23, Jonadab is mentioned in connection with Jehu, the king of Israel. After Jehu had carried out a purge of the worshippers of Baal, he met Jonadab and invited him to witness his zeal for the Lord. Jonadab's presence and approval of Jehu's actions suggest that he was a respected figure known for his devotion to God.
The example of Jonadab and the Rechabites serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and the value of maintaining a distinct identity in the midst of a changing society. Their commitment to their way of life and their ancestor's instructions stands in stark contrast to the disobedience and unfaithfulness of the people of Judah during the time of Jeremiah.
All entries for Jonadab or Jehonadab: יְהוֹנָדָב ☩ יוֹנָדָב
Related Profiles:
- Rechab (father)