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The Israeli Names Portal

יהונדב


Meaning of the name יהונדב

Yehonadav is an ancient and rare Hebrew name composed of two elements: 'Yeho' - a shortened form of God's name (YHWH), and 'nadav' - meaning generosity, volunteering, or giving of one's own free will. The full meaning of the name is 'God has given generously' or 'God's generous gift'. The name expresses the Jewish worldview that all good in the world originates from divine generosity, and that humans are called to emulate this attribute of generosity in their lives. The name carries a profound message about the relationship between humans and their Creator, a relationship expressed through gratitude for divine giving and the aspiration to emulate God's attributes. In the Bible, the name Yehonadav appears in several significant contexts. The central figure bearing this name is Yehonadav ben Rechav, a unique spiritual leader who lived during the period of the divided kingdom. Yehonadav ben Rechav was the head of the Kenite tribe and led an ascetic and distinctive lifestyle that included abstaining from wine, avoiding building permanent houses, and refraining from sowing seeds. He commanded his sons to maintain this nomadic lifestyle for generations, and they remained faithful to his testament for hundreds of years. The prophet Jeremiah presents the Rechabite family as an example of faithfulness and obedience, in contrast to the people of Israel who did not heed the words of the prophets. Another figure bearing a similar name is Yonadav ben Shimeah, King David's nephew, who was known as a wise man and counselor, though not always for good. The name also appears in the Book of Kings in the context of Jehu's revolution against the house of Ahab. Linguistically and culturally, the name Yehonadav reflects the ancient Hebrew tradition of theophoric names - names containing God's name or one of His appellations. The form of the name with the prefix 'Yeho' indicates its origin in the early period of the First Temple era, when it was customary to include God's name in personal names. The root 'nadav' appears in Hebrew in various contexts related to voluntary giving, volunteering, and generosity of heart. In Jewish culture, the attribute of generosity is considered one of the most important virtues, appearing as a central value in wisdom literature and in rabbinic teachings. One who bears this name carries a legacy of giving, faithfulness to principles, and deep connection with the spiritual tradition of the Jewish people. Today the name is considered rare and special, suitable for parents seeking a name with deep meaning, biblical roots, and rich historical resonance.

The name יהונדב with vowels

יְהוֹנָדָב

The name יהונדב in English

Yehonadav | Jehonadab | Yonadav

יהונדב is mainly suitable for

Boy

Is the name יהונדב considered international

No

Origin of the name יהונדב from the Bible

2 Kings 10:15 - And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me thine hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot.

Origin of the name יהונדב from Kabbalah

In Kabbalah, the name Yehonadav carries the meaning of a channel for divine abundance. The component 'Yeho' represents the supreme flow of divine light, while 'nadav' symbolizes generosity and free giving. The name expresses the Kabbalistic principle that humans serve as vessels for receiving supreme abundance and transmitting it to the world. The bearer of this name is called to open their heart to receive divine blessing and to pass it generously to others.

Gematria value for the name יהונדב

77

=

10

י

+

5

ה

+

6

ו

+

50

נ

+

4

ד

+

2

ב

Numerology value for the name יהונדב

5

=

10

י

+

5

ה

+

6

ו

+

50

נ

+

4

ד

+

2

ב

=

77

=

7

+

7

=

14

=

1

+

4

=

5

Names similar to יהונדב

Total times the name יהונדב was registered

125 times

Graph of the name יהונדב

* Source: Central Bureau of Statistics. As of April 2022

יהונדב — Name Meaning | שֵׁם