Lexical Summary Ióatham: Jotham Original Word: Ἰωάθαμ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Joatham. Of Hebrew origin (Yowtham); Joatham (i.e. Jotham), an Israelite -- Joatham. see HEBREW Yowtham NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Yotham Definition Jotham, a king of Judah NASB Translation Jotham (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2488: ἸωαθάμἸωαθάμ (Ἰωαθάμ WH), ὁ (יותָם i. e. Jehovah is perfect), indeclinable, Jotham (A. V.-1611Joatham], king of Judah, son of Uzziah, Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingStrong’s Greek 2488, Ἰωαθάμ, appears twice in Matthew 1:9, preserving the name of King Jotham in the legal genealogy of Jesus Christ. By placing Jotham between Uzziah (Azariah) and Ahaz, Matthew anchors the Messiah’s lineage firmly within the royal house of David and the covenant promises made to Judah’s kings (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 9:6-7). Historical Background: Jotham King of Judah Jotham reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, circa 750–735 BC (2 Kings 15:32-38; 2 Chronicles 27). Scripture presents him as a largely righteous ruler who “did what was right in the sight of the Lord, just as his father Uzziah had done” (2 Kings 15:34). While personal fidelity marked his reign, the nation continued corrupt practices at the high places, foreshadowing later judgments. Key features of his administration include: • Military victories over the Ammonites, who paid a substantial annual tribute (2 Chronicles 27:5). The inspired summary states, “So Jotham grew powerful because he ordered his ways before the Lord his God” (2 Chronicles 27:6). This verse crystallizes the link between covenant obedience and divine blessing, a recurring theological motif in Kings and Chronicles. Interaction with the Prophets Isaiah’s inaugural vision (Isaiah 1:1) and Micah’s early oracles (Micah 1:1) both list Jotham among the kings in office during their ministries. These prophets confronted the entrenched sins tolerated by the people despite the king’s own piety. Their messages—calling for justice, denouncing idolatry, and announcing messianic hope—frame Jotham’s reign within God’s larger redemptive plan. Typological and Messianic Connections Matthew’s inclusion of Jotham situates Jesus within a historical line that combines periods of faithfulness and failure. Whereas Jotham’s limited reforms could not halt Judah’s moral decline, the Greater Son of David brings perfect righteousness and an unshakeable kingdom (Hebrews 1:8). Jotham’s modest successes anticipate the comprehensive victory of Christ, who secures peace not by tribute but by His own blood (Colossians 1:20). Ministry Applications 1. Personal Integrity Matters: Jotham’s strength flowed from ordering his ways before God (2 Chronicles 27:6). Leadership that begins with private holiness invites public favor. Summary Ἰωαθάμ (Jotham) surfaces briefly in the New Testament yet represents a strategically important link in salvation history. His reign models faithful governance, underscores ongoing prophetic witness, and points forward to the flawless reign of Jesus Christ—the ultimate heir of David’s throne. Forms and Transliterations Ιωαθαμ Ἰωαθάμ Ἰωαθὰμ Ioatham Ioathám Ioathàm Iōatham Iōathám IōathàmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 1:9 NGRK: ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωαθάμ Ἰωαθὰμ δὲ NAS: was the father of Jotham, Jotham KJV: Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham INT: was father of Jotham Jotham moreover Matthew 1:9 N |
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