3092. Yehoshaphat
Lexical Summary
Yehoshaphat: Jehoshaphat

Original Word: יְהוֹשָׁפָט
Part of Speech: proper name, masculine; proper name, of a location
Transliteration: Yhowshaphat
Pronunciation: yeh-ho-shaw-fat'
Phonetic Spelling: (yeh-ho-shaw-fawt')
KJV: Jehoshaphat
NASB: Jehoshaphat, Joshaphat
Word Origin: [from H3068 (יְהוֹוָה - LORD) and H8199 (שָׁפַט - judge)]

1. Jehovah-judged
2. Jehoshaphat, the name of six Israelites
3. also of a valley near Jerusalem

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Jehoshaphat

From Yhovah and shaphat; Jehovah-judged; Jehoshaphat, the name of six Israelites; also of a valley near Jerusalem -- Jehoshaphat. Compare Yowshaphat.

see HEBREW Yhovah

see HEBREW shaphat

see HEBREW Yowshaphat

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from Yhvh and shaphat
Definition
"the LORD has judged," the name of a number of Isr.
NASB Translation
Jehoshaphat (84), Joshaphat (2).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
יְהוֺשָׁפָט, יוֺשָׁפָט proper name, masculine ᵐ5 Ἰωσαφαθ, Ἰωσαφατ (׳י hath judged, compare אֱלִישָׁפָט, שְׁפַטְיָהוּ& references) —

1 ׳יְהוֺ (so all except

5 &

6) king of Judah, son of Asa 1 Kings 15:24; 1 Kings 22:2 21t. 1Kings; 2 Kings 1:17; 2 Kings 3:1,7,11,12 (twice in verse); 2 Kings 3:14; 2 Kings 8:16 (twice in verse); 2 Kings 12:19; 1 Chronicles 3:10; 2Chronicles 17:1 40t. 2 Chronicles.

2 father of Jehu king of Israel 2 Kings 9:2,14.

3 chronicler under David & Solomon, son of Ahilud 2 Samuel 8:16; 1 Kings 4:3; 1 Chronicles 18:15; also 2 Samuel 20:24 (ᵐ5L Σαφαν).

4 one of Solomon's 12 officers who provided victuals for the royal household 1 Kings 4:17 (ᵐ5L Ἰωασαφατ).

5 ׳יוֺ one of David's heroes 1 Chronicles 11:43.

6 ׳יוֺ a priest & trumpeter in David's time 1 Chronicles 15:24.

7 in

proper name, of a location עֵמֶק יְהוֺשָׁפָט Joel 1 Chronicles 4:2,12, symbolical name of a valley near Jerusalem, place of ultimate judgement.

Topical Lexicon
Occurrences and Bearers

• King Jehoshaphat of Judah, son of Asa, fourth monarch of the Southern Kingdom (1 Kings 15:24; 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 17–21).
• Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud, royal recorder under David and Solomon (2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Samuel 20:24; 1 Kings 4:3).
• Jehoshaphat son of Paruah, district governor over Issachar in Solomon’s administrative system (1 Kings 4:17).
• Jehoshaphat the priest who helped convey the Law during the king’s teaching mission (2 Chronicles 17:8) and who earlier blew trumpets before the ark (1 Chronicles 15:24).
• Jehoshaphat son of Nimshi, father of Jehu the reforming king of Israel (1 Kings 19:16; 2 Kings 9:2, 14).
• A few additional Levites and post-exilic signatories (for example, 2 Chronicles 21:2) bear the name.
• The “Valley of Jehoshaphat” as a place of divine judgment (Joel 3:2, 12).

King Jehoshaphat of Judah

Early Piety and Security

“​The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David…​” (2 Chronicles 17:3-4). Upon accession (circa 873 BC) he fortified garrisons, placed troops throughout the land, and received tribute from surrounding nations (2 Chronicles 17:1-6, 10-11). His initiatives show how covenant faithfulness brings both spiritual and material stability.

Teaching Mission

In the third year the king commissioned officials, Levites, and priests to “teach in Judah, having the Book of the Law of the LORD with them” (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). Scripture, not royal decree alone, was made the standard for national life, anticipating later reforms by Hezekiah and Josiah.

Alliance with Ahab

Although personally faithful, Jehoshaphat “made an alliance by marriage with Ahab” (2 Chronicles 18:1). At Ramoth-gilead he nearly lost his life; only divine intervention spared him when he cried out (2 Chronicles 18:31). Micaiah’s lonely prophecy (1 Kings 22:17; 2 Chronicles 18:16) and the king’s subsequent rebuke from Jehu the seer (2 Chronicles 19:2) underline the danger of compromising fellowship for political gain. Yet the Chronicler affirms, “There is some good in you” (2 Chronicles 19:3), balancing stern warning with gracious acknowledgment.

Judicial Reforms

He stationed judges in every fortified city and charged them, “There is no injustice or partiality or bribery with the LORD our God” (2 Chronicles 19:7). In Jerusalem, a high court of priests, Levites, and heads of families handled both religious and civil cases (2 Chronicles 19:8-11), modeling an integrated view of worship and jurisprudence.

Deliverance from the Trans-Jordan Coalition

When Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites advanced, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast and gathered the nation at the temple. His prayer (2 Chronicles 20:6-12) invokes the covenant, admits helplessness—“We are powerless… we do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (verse 12)—and anticipates the gospel theme of salvation by divine initiative. Jahaziel’s prophetic assurance (verses 14-17) led to a worship procession: “At the moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes” (verse 22). The battle was won without Judah lifting a sword, and the spoil-filled Valley of Beracah (“Blessing”) commemorated God’s faithfulness.

Maritime Venture with Ahaziah

A second ill-chosen alliance, this time with the wicked king of Israel Ahaziah, sought to reopen Solomon’s trade route. “Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works,” Eliezer prophesied; the fleet wrecked at Ezion-Geber (2 Chronicles 20:35-37). Obedience affects economics as surely as warfare.

Final Assessment

“He walked in all the ways of his father Asa; he did not turn aside from them” (1 Kings 22:43). The Chronicler adds that the people, not the king, left many high places (2 Chronicles 20:33), harmonizing the two accounts. Jehoshaphat’s reign of twenty-five years set a benchmark of godly administration, though his son Jehoram’s marriage into Ahab’s house sowed later disaster (2 Chronicles 21:5-6).

Other Ministry Figures Named Jehoshaphat

Recorder and Chronicler

Under David and Solomon, Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud preserved state records (2 Samuel 8:16). His faithful stewardship of history parallels the later literary efforts that produced Samuel–Kings and Chronicles.

Governor of Issachar

As one of twelve regional deputies (1 Kings 4:7, 17), Jehoshaphat son of Paruah oversaw grain and taxation for Solomon’s court, illustrating the administrative reach of the united monarchy.

Priestly Trumpeter and Teacher

A priest named Jehoshaphat helped escort the Ark (1 Chronicles 15:24) and generations later joined the king’s teaching corps (2 Chronicles 17:8). The same name thus links worship, instruction, and national revival.

Father of Jehu

By calling the reformer Jehu “son of Jehoshaphat, son of Nimshi” (2 Kings 9:2, 14), Scripture anchors Jehu’s zeal in a lineage whose very name recalls divine judgment—fitting for the man appointed to end Ahab’s dynasty.

Valley of Jehoshaphat

Joel foretells a day when the nations will be gathered “into the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them” (Joel 3:2, 12). Whether a literal ravine near Jerusalem or a prophetic title meaning “The LORD Judges,” the valley becomes emblematic of final accountability and vindication for God’s people, echoing the personal deliverances experienced by the king who bore the same name.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Judgment and Mercy: The name itself—borne by kings, clerks, and places—repeatedly frames scenes where God judges enemies yet shows mercy to those who seek Him.
2. Prayer-Centered Leadership: From national fasts to courtroom exhortations, Jehoshaphat models public dependence on God.
3. Dangers of Unequal Alliance: Political pragmatism with idolatrous partners compromises testimony and invites discipline.
4. Word-Based Reform: Sending teachers with the Law (2 Chronicles 17:9) underscores that lasting renewal flows from Scripture.
5. Worship as Warfare: Choirs lead the army (2 Chronicles 20:21-22), prefiguring the New Testament call to spiritual battle through praise and truth (Ephesians 6:17-18).

Prophetic Echoes and Messianic Line

Jehoshaphat’s dynasty carries the promise to David forward, keeping alive the genealogical line that culminates in “Jesus the Messiah, the son of David” (Matthew 1:1). His reign anticipates the righteous rule, perfect judgment, and universal peace that reach their fullness in the greater Son of David.

Practical Reflections

• Seek Scripture-saturated solutions to national and personal crises.
• Guard against alliances that dilute holiness, no matter how promising.
• Remember that praise is not a prelude to battle but often the battle itself.
• Trust the righteous Judge who once rescued Judah in the valley of blessing and will one day gather all nations to the valley of decision.

Forms and Transliterations
וְיהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט וִֽיהוֹשָׁפָ֣ט וִֽיהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט וִיהֽוֹשָׁפָט֙ וִיהוֹשָׁפָ֖ט וִיהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט ויהושפט יְה֣וֹשָׁפָ֔ט יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֑ט יְהֽוֹשָׁפָט֙ יְהוֹשָׁפָ֑ט יְהוֹשָׁפָ֔ט יְהוֹשָׁפָ֖ט יְהוֹשָׁפָ֗ט יְהוֹשָׁפָ֛ט יְהוֹשָׁפָ֜ט יְהוֹשָׁפָ֡ט יְהוֹשָׁפָ֣ט יְהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט יְהוֹשָׁפָ֨ט יְהוֹשָׁפָֽט׃ יהושפט יהושפט׃ לִֽיהוֹשָׁפָ֛ט לִֽיהוֹשָׁפָט֙ לִיהוֹשָׁפָ֑ט לִיהוֹשָׁפָ֖ט ליהושפט lî·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ lihoshaFat lîhōwōšāp̄āṭ vhoshaFat vihoshaFat w·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ whōwōšāp̄āṭ wî·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ wîhōwōšāp̄āṭ yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ yeHooshaFat yehoshaFat yəhōwōšāp̄āṭ
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
2 Samuel 8:16
HEB: עַל־ הַצָּבָ֑א וִיהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט בֶּן־ אֲחִיל֖וּד
NAS: the army, and Jehoshaphat the son
KJV: [was] over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son
INT: over the army and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud

2 Samuel 20:24
HEB: עַל־ הַמַּ֑ס וִיהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט בֶּן־ אֲחִיל֖וּד
NAS: the forced labor, and Jehoshaphat the son
KJV: [was] over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son
INT: was over the forced and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud

1 Kings 4:3
HEB: שִׁישָׁ֖א סֹפְרִ֑ים יְהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט בֶּן־ אֲחִיל֖וּד
NAS: [were] secretaries; Jehoshaphat the son
KJV: scribes; Jehoshaphat the son
INT: of Shisha scribes Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud

1 Kings 4:17
HEB: יְהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט בֶּן־ פָּר֖וּחַ
NAS: Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah,
KJV: Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah,
INT: Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah

1 Kings 15:24
HEB: אָבִ֑יו וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ יְהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט בְּנ֖וֹ תַּחְתָּֽיו׃
NAS: his father; and Jehoshaphat his son
KJV: his father: and Jehoshaphat his son
INT: his father reigned and Jehoshaphat his son his place

1 Kings 22:2
HEB: הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֑ית וַיֵּ֛רֶד יְהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט מֶֽלֶךְ־ יְהוּדָ֖ה
NAS: year Jehoshaphat the king
KJV: year, that Jehoshaphat the king
INT: the third came Jehoshaphat the king of Judah

1 Kings 22:4
HEB: וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֶל־ יְה֣וֹשָׁפָ֔ט הֲתֵלֵ֥ךְ אִתִּ֛י
NAS: And he said to Jehoshaphat, Will you go
KJV: And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go
INT: said to Jehoshaphat go for

1 Kings 22:4
HEB: גִּלְעָ֑ד וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֽוֹשָׁפָט֙ אֶל־ מֶ֣לֶךְ
NAS: at Ramoth-gilead? And Jehoshaphat said
KJV: to Ramothgilead? And Jehoshaphat said
INT: Gilead said to Jehoshaphat to the king

1 Kings 22:5
HEB: וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוֹשָׁפָ֖ט אֶל־ מֶ֣לֶךְ
NAS: Moreover, Jehoshaphat said to the king
KJV: And Jehoshaphat said unto the king
INT: said Jehoshaphat to the king

1 Kings 22:7
HEB: וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ יְה֣וֹשָׁפָ֔ט הַאֵ֨ין פֹּ֥ה
NAS: But Jehoshaphat said, Is there
KJV: And Jehoshaphat said,
INT: said Jehoshaphat is there here

1 Kings 22:8
HEB: יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל ׀ אֶֽל־ יְהוֹשָׁפָ֡ט ע֣וֹד אִישׁ־
NAS: said to Jehoshaphat, There is yet
KJV: said unto Jehoshaphat, [There is] yet one
INT: of Israel to Jehoshaphat is yet man

1 Kings 22:8
HEB: יִמְלָ֑ה וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ יְה֣וֹשָׁפָ֔ט אַל־ יֹאמַ֥ר
NAS: of Imlah. But Jehoshaphat said,
KJV: concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said,
INT: of Imlah said Jehoshaphat nay say

1 Kings 22:10
HEB: וּמֶ֣לֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵ֡ל וִֽיהוֹשָׁפָ֣ט מֶֽלֶךְ־ יְהוּדָ֡ה
NAS: of Israel and Jehoshaphat king
KJV: of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king
INT: now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah

1 Kings 22:18
HEB: יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל אֶל־ יְהוֹשָׁפָ֑ט הֲלוֹא֙ אָמַ֣רְתִּי
NAS: said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell
KJV: said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell
INT: of Israel to Jehoshaphat not tell

1 Kings 22:29
HEB: מֶֽלֶךְ־ יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל וְיהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט מֶֽלֶךְ־ יְהוּדָ֖ה
NAS: of Israel and Jehoshaphat king
KJV: of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king
INT: the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah

1 Kings 22:30
HEB: יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל אֶל־ יְהוֹשָׁפָ֗ט הִתְחַפֵּשׂ֙ וָבֹ֣א
NAS: said to Jehoshaphat, I will disguise
KJV: said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise
INT: of Israel to Jehoshaphat will disguise and go

1 Kings 22:32
HEB: הָרֶ֜כֶב אֶת־ יְהוֹשָׁפָ֗ט וְהֵ֤מָּה אָֽמְרוּ֙
NAS: saw Jehoshaphat, they said,
KJV: saw Jehoshaphat, that they said,
INT: the captains of the chariots Jehoshaphat they said

1 Kings 22:32
HEB: לְהִלָּחֵ֑ם וַיִּזְעַ֖ק יְהוֹשָׁפָֽט׃
NAS: against him, and Jehoshaphat cried
KJV: to fight against him: and Jehoshaphat cried out.
INT: to fight cried and Jehoshaphat

1 Kings 22:41
HEB: וִיהֽוֹשָׁפָט֙ בֶּן־ אָסָ֔א
NAS: Now Jehoshaphat the son of Asa
KJV: And Jehoshaphat the son of Asa
INT: now Jehoshaphat the son of Asa

1 Kings 22:42
HEB: יְהוֹשָׁפָ֗ט בֶּן־ שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים
NAS: Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years
KJV: Jehoshaphat [was] thirty and five
INT: Jehoshaphat old thirty

1 Kings 22:44
HEB: וַיַּשְׁלֵ֥ם יְהוֹשָׁפָ֖ט עִם־ מֶ֥לֶךְ
NAS: Jehoshaphat also made peace
KJV: And Jehoshaphat made peace
INT: made Jehoshaphat with the king

1 Kings 22:45
HEB: וְיֶ֨תֶר דִּבְרֵ֧י יְהוֹשָׁפָ֛ט וּגְבוּרָת֥וֹ אֲשֶׁר־
NAS: of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might
KJV: of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might
INT: now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat and his might which

1 Kings 22:48
HEB: יְהוֹשָׁפָ֡ט [עָשָׂר כ]
NAS: Jehoshaphat made ships
KJV: Jehoshaphat made ships
INT: Jehoshaphat ten ships

1 Kings 22:49
HEB: אַחְאָב֙ אֶל־ יְה֣וֹשָׁפָ֔ט יֵלְכ֧וּ עֲבָדַ֛י
NAS: said to Jehoshaphat, Let my servants
KJV: of Ahab unto Jehoshaphat, Let my servants
INT: of Ahab to Jehoshaphat go my servants

1 Kings 22:49
HEB: וְלֹ֥א אָבָ֖ה יְהוֹשָׁפָֽט׃
NAS: in the ships. But Jehoshaphat was not willing.
KJV: in the ships. But Jehoshaphat would
INT: was not willing Jehoshaphat

84 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 3092
84 Occurrences


lî·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ — 6 Occ.
w·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ — 1 Occ.
wî·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ — 10 Occ.
yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ — 7 Occ.
yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ — 60 Occ.

3091
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