Joab
Joab in the Bible — son of Zeruiah (2SA 2:13), commander of David's army (1CH 27:34). Joab belonged to the tribe of Judah. Referenced in 9 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “paternity; voluntary”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Judah
- Scripture References
- 9 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 8 connections
Biography
Joab was a male warrior from the tribe of Judah, known as the son of Zeruiah and the commander of King David's army. His leadership was marked by military brilliance and a complex character, serving prominently throughout David's reign. No additional notes are recorded about him.
Names & Titles
The name Joab means 'YHWH is father,' reflecting a theistic element common in Hebrew names. This proper name is not indicated as being given directly by God but carries a significant meaning tied to the divine.
Family
Joab was the son of Zeruiah and had two brothers, Abishai and Asahel. He was also related to Amasa as a half-brother. Throughout his life, Joab was involved in violent conflicts, killing notable figures such as Abner, Absalom, and Amasa, and was ultimately killed by Benaiah.
Significance
Joab stands out as a key military leader under King David, demonstrating exceptional strategic skill and loyalty in battle. However, his career is marked by ruthless actions, including the unauthorized killings of important figures, which created tension with David's commands. This duality highlights the challenges of leadership and obedience in God's providence, showing that even faithful service must align with divine authority. Ultimately, Joab's violent decisions led to his execution under Solomon, underscoring the consequences of disobedience.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- יוֹאָב
- Transliteration
- yoav
- Meaning
- y-h-v-h is father
- Greek
- Ιωαβ
- Reference
- 1SA 26:6
- Strong's
- H3097
Family & Relationships (8)
son
half-brother
killed by
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Joab in the Bible?
Joab was a male warrior from the tribe of Judah, known as the son of Zeruiah and the commander of King David's army. His leadership was marked by military brilliance and a complex character, serving prominently throughout David's reign. No additional notes are recorded about him.
What does the name Joab mean?
The name Joab means “paternity; voluntary” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.