Joab(3)
Joab in the Bible — his sons (descendants) returned to Judah after captivity (EZR 2:6). Referenced in 4 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “paternity; voluntary”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 4 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 3 connections
Biography
Joab is a male biblical figure known primarily for his descendants who returned to Judah after the captivity, as recorded in Ezra 2:6. While specific tribal affiliation is not stated, his role within the post-exilic community highlights his lasting familial legacy. There are no additional notes provided about his life or character in the given data.
Names & Titles
The name Joab means 'y-h-v-h is father,' reflecting a theophoric element that acknowledges God's fatherly role. This proper name is not indicated as being given directly by God but carries significant theological meaning within its Hebrew context.
Family
Scripture identifies Joab as a descendant of Jacob (inferred from Ezra 2:6) and as an ancestor of Jehiel (inferred from Ezra 8:9). He also has an explicit descendant named Pahath-moab, noted in Nehemiah 7:11. These relationships situate Joab within a continuing lineage important to the restoration community after the exile.
Significance
Joab's significance lies in his enduring legacy through his sons who returned to Judah following the Babylonian captivity, underscoring the faithfulness of his lineage in the covenant community. Although the provided facts do not detail his personal actions, the prior reference to his complex leadership during King David's reign reveals a man of military skill and loyalty, yet marked by violence and disobedience. His story illustrates the tension between devoted service to God's anointed king and the consequences of flawed human leadership.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- יוֹאָב
- Transliteration
- yoav
- Meaning
- y-h-v-h is father
- Greek
- Ιωαβ
- Reference
- EZR 2:6
- Strong's
- H3097
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Joab in the Bible?
Joab is a male biblical figure known primarily for his descendants who returned to Judah after the captivity, as recorded in Ezra 2:6. While specific tribal affiliation is not stated, his role within the post-exilic community highlights his lasting familial legacy. There are no additional notes provided about his life or character in the given data.
What does the name Joab mean?
The name Joab means “paternity; voluntary” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.