Jonathan(12)
Jonathan in the Bible — son of Shemaiah_14 (NEH 12:35). Jonathan belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 3 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “given of God”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 3 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 2 connections
Biography
Jonathan was a male Levite, identified specifically as the son of Shemaiah, a descendant of Asaph. His lineage situates him within the Levitical family, which held a significant role in Israel's religious life. The biblical record provides limited details about his personal life beyond these genealogical notes.
Names & Titles
The name Jonathan means "gift of YHWH," reflecting a theologically rich meaning common in Hebrew names. This proper name is recorded in Nehemiah 12:35 and was not indicated as being given directly by God.
Family
Scripture identifies Jonathan as the son of Shemaiah and infers Zechariah as his father, both references coming from Nehemiah 12:35. Beyond this, no other family relationships are documented in the biblical text for this Jonathan.
Significance
Jonathan's significance lies primarily in his Levitical heritage as a descendant of Asaph and son of Shemaiah, situating him in the priestly and musical traditions of Israel. Though distinct from the more widely known Jonathan, son of Saul, this Jonathan's mention contributes to the genealogical records that affirm the continuity of Levitical families. His presence in the biblical narrative underscores the importance of lineage and worship roles within the community of Israel.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- יוֹנָתָן
- Transliteration
- yonatan
- Meaning
- gift of y-h-v-h
- Greek
- Ιωναθαν
- Reference
- NEH 12:35
- Strong's
- H3129
Notes
descendant of Asaph_2
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jonathan in the Bible?
Jonathan was a male Levite, identified specifically as the son of Shemaiah, a descendant of Asaph. His lineage situates him within the Levitical family, which held a significant role in Israel's religious life. The biblical record provides limited details about his personal life beyond these genealogical notes.
What does the name Jonathan mean?
The name Jonathan means “given of God” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.