Dictionary Home / J

Jedidiah

biblical_name theological_term standard

Jedidiah is the name given to Solomon in 2 Samuel 12:25, meaning “beloved of the LORD.”

At a Glance

A divinely given name for Solomon meaning “beloved of the LORD.”

Key Points

Description

Jedidiah is a name given to Solomon in 2 Samuel 12:25: “He called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.” The name is usually understood to mean “beloved of the LORD” and underscores God’s gracious favor toward Solomon. It appears in the setting of David and Bathsheba’s son’s birth, after the prophet Nathan had brought both rebuke and hope in connection with David’s sin. Scripture presents Jedidiah as a divinely given name for Solomon rather than as a separate biblical figure or an alternate identity used throughout his life.

Biblical Context

The name appears in the account of Solomon’s birth after David and Bathsheba’s earlier loss. In that setting, the Lord’s favor is displayed even amid discipline and the continuing outworking of David’s household turmoil.

Historical Context

In the Davidic court setting, names often carried theological weight and reflected circumstances, hopes, or covenant significance. Jedidiah functions as a royal-name marker that points to God’s gracious purpose in Solomon’s life.

Jewish and Ancient Context

In Hebrew naming practice, names frequently conveyed character, circumstance, or divine favor. Jedidiah is commonly understood as a form meaning “beloved of the LORD,” fitting the biblical pattern of meaningful names.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

From Hebrew yedidyah, commonly understood to mean “beloved of the LORD” or “beloved of Yah.”

Theological Significance

Jedidiah highlights divine grace. Even in the aftermath of sin and judgment, the Lord continued His covenant purposes in David’s line and showed favor to Solomon.

Philosophical Explanation

The name illustrates how biblical names can function as theological signs: they do not merely label a person, but can also communicate meaning, relationship, and divine action.

Interpretive Cautions

Jedidiah is not a separate biblical character. It is best understood as a special name for Solomon in a specific narrative setting, not as a title that replaces his better-known name in ordinary usage.

Major Views

Most interpreters understand Jedidiah as a divinely given name for Solomon meaning “beloved of the LORD.” The main discussion concerns the exact nuance of the Hebrew, not the identity of the person named.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry should not be used to build speculative doctrines from the name alone. Its main significance is contextual: it testifies to God’s gracious favor in Solomon’s life and in the Davidic line.

Practical Significance

The name encourages readers that God’s mercy can be at work even in painful circumstances. It also reminds believers that the Lord’s purposes are not frustrated by human sin.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Jedidiah

↑ Top