Original Word: יְהוּדָה
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Yhuwdah
Pronunciation: yeh-hoo-DAH
Phonetic Spelling: (yeh-hoo-daw')
KJV: Judah
NASB: Judah, Judah's, Jews
Word Origin: [from H3034 (יָדָה - give thanks)]

1. celebrated
2. Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites
3. also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

Judah

From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory -- Judah.

see HEBREW yadah

Word Origin
probably from yadah
Definition
probably "praised," a son of Jacob, also his desc., the S. kingdom, also four Isr.
NASB Translation
Jews (1), Judah (815), Judah's (2).

יְהוּדָה₈₂₀ proper name, masculine and

of a territory Judah (treated Genesis 29:35; Genesis 49:8 (q. v. below) as if derived from Hoph`al of ידה = praised, object of praise (on ה compare Hiph`il אֲהוֺדֶ֑נּוּ Psalm 28:7, יְהוֺדֶה Nehemiah 11:17), but this dubious; relation to יְהֻד, II. יְהוּדִית: unexplained; see further Jastr^{JBL xii, 1898, 61 ff.}; Assyrian Ia-u-du, of land; Ia-u-da-ai, Judaean COT^Gloss) —

I. proper name, masculine 1. son of Jacob and Leah, explained by Leah's words I will praise ׳י Genesis 29:35 (J); compare Jacob's prediction, thy brethren shall praise thee Genesis 49:8 (poem in J E), see also Genesis 49:9; Genesis 49:10; elsewhere Genesis 37:26; Genesis 38:1 14t. Genesis 38; Genesis 43:3,8; Genesis 44:14,16,18; Genesis 46:28 (all J), Genesis 35:23 (P), 1 Chronicles 2:1,3; Ruth 4:12; בְּנֵי יְהוּדָה sons of Judah Genesis 46:12; Numbers 26:19 (P), 1 Chronicles 2:3,4; 1 Chronicles 4:1.

2 tribe descended from Judah Deuteronomy 33:7 (poem), Numbers 1:7 (P), Deuteronomy 27:12 +; בְּנֵי יהודה Numbers 1:26; Joshua 14:6 (D), Judges 1:8 +; שֵׁבֶט יהודה Joshua 7:16 (J), 1 Kings 12:20; 2 Kings 17:18; Psalm 78:68; מַטֵּה בְנֵי יהודה Joshua 15:1,20,21; Joshua 21:9 (all P), 1 Chronicles 6:50; elsewhere מַטֵּה יהודה Exodus 31:2; Exodus 35:30; Exodus 38:22; Numbers 1:27; Numbers 7:12; Numbers 13:6; Numbers 34:19; Joshua 7:1,18; Joshua 21:4 (all P); אישׁ יהודה Judges 15:20 +; אנשׁי יהודה 2 Samuel 2:4 +, (compare amelûti [ƒabê] Ia-u-du Tel el-Amarna^{No. 39} Jastr^{JBL xii, 1893, 64}).

3 nation, of southern kingdom under dynasty of David, as distinguished from northern kingdom of Ephraim or Israel: Hosea 4:15; Jeremiah 2:28; 2Chronicles 12:12 +; of the returned exiles Nehemiah 4:4; עַם יהודה 2 Kings 14:21 2Chronicles 26:1; Jeremiah 25:1,2; Ezra 4:4; בְּנֵי יהודה Hosea 2:2; Jeremiah 7:30; 2Chronicles 13:18; 25:12; 28:10; בֵּית יהודה Hosea 1:7; Jeremiah 3:18; Ezekiel 4:6 +; מַלְכוּת יהודה2Chronicles 11:17; personified, ׳בַּת י Lamentations 1:15; Lamentations 2:2,5.

4 Levite, Ezra's time, Ezra 10:23.

5 an over-seer of Jerusalem Nehemiah 11:9.

6 Levite musician Nehemiah 12:8.

7 priest Nehemiah 12:36.

II. proper name, of a territory land of Judah, feminine Isaiah 7:6; Jeremiah 23:6 = Jeremiah 33:16; Joel 4:30; Psalm 114:2 +; ארץ יְהוּדָה 1 Samuel 22:5; 2 Kings 23:24 +; אדמת יהודה Isaiah 19:17; עָרֵי יהודה 2 Samuel 2:1; 1 Kings 12:17; 2 Kings 18:13; 2 Kings 23:5,8; Isaiah 40:9; Isaiah 44:26; Zechariah 1:12; Psalm 69:36; Lamentations 5:11; elsewhere 15 t. Chronicles, 23 t. Jeremiah; בִּיהודה Judges 15:9 +; מיהודה 1 Kings 13:1 +; הר יהודה the hill-country of Judah Joshua 11:21(D), Joshua 20:7; Joshua 21:11 (P), 2 Chronicles 27:4; נֶגֶב יהודה the south (country) of Judah 1 Samuel 27:10; 2 Samuel 24:7; מדבר יהודה Judges 1:16; Psalm 63:1 (title).

Etymology and Thematic Meaning

Derived from the verb “to praise,” יְהוּדָה carries the idea of praise, thanksgiving, and acknowledgment of the LORD’s sovereign grace. This theme threads through the tribe’s history, its leadership role among Israel, and its ultimate association with the Messiah.

First Mention and Patriarchal Foundations

Judah is first named at his birth when Leah declares, “This time I will praise the LORD” (Genesis 29:35). He emerges as a key figure in the Joseph narratives, persuading his brothers not to kill Joseph (Genesis 37:26-27), offering himself as surety for Benjamin (Genesis 43:8-9), and giving the moving plea before Joseph that secures family preservation (Genesis 44:18-34). Genesis 38 records Judah’s complex episode with Tamar, through which the messianic line is continued by Perez and Zerah.

Prophetic Blessing of Jacob

Jacob’s dying words center Judah in Israel’s destiny:

“Judah, your brothers shall praise you… The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and the allegiance of the nations is his” (Genesis 49:8-10).

This oracle establishes three lasting motifs: praise from the brethren, royal authority, and universal homage through a coming ruler.

Tribal Census, Standards, and March Order

At Sinai, Judah is the largest tribe, numbering 74,600 men of war (Numbers 1:26-27). Positioned on the east beneath the standard depicting a lion, Judah leads Israel’s camp when they break camp: “The divisions of the camp of Judah shall set out first” (Numbers 10:14). Leadership in worship and warfare is thus ingrained early.

Conquest and Settlement

Joshua assigns Judah the first allotment (Joshua 15). Their portion stretches from the Dead Sea to the Mediterranean, encompassing Hebron, Bethlehem, and ultimately Jerusalem. Caleb, though a Kenizzite, is grafted into Judah and receives Hebron (Joshua 14:13-15), showing the tribe’s openness to faithful outsiders.

Period of the Judges

Judah initiates the conquest after Joshua: “Judah shall go up; behold, I have delivered the land into his hand” (Judges 1:2). Othniel of Judah becomes the first judge (Judges 3:9-11), demonstrating the tribe’s capacity to lead in national crises.

United Monarchy

The tribe supplies Israel’s greatest king. David is anointed in Bethlehem (1 Samuel 16:1-13) and first reigns over Judah at Hebron for seven years (2 Samuel 2:1-4) before all Israel acknowledges him. Jerusalem, conquered by David (2 Samuel 5:6-9), unites Judah’s heritage with national worship and royal authority. The Davidic covenant secures perpetual kingship in Judah (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

Divided Kingdom: Judah and Benjamin

After Solomon, the kingdom splits. The southern kingdom bears the tribal name Judah (1 Kings 12:20-24). Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah lead reform movements, anchoring true worship in Jerusalem despite northern apostasy. Prophets such as Isaiah, Micah, and Jeremiah cry for covenant fidelity while affirming future restoration.

Exile and Preservation

Despite reforms, idolatry brings Babylonian judgment. Jerusalem falls in 586 B.C. (2 Kings 25:8-21). Yet the exile does not erase Judah’s identity; Ezekiel’s visions preserve hope (Ezekiel 37:15-28). Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—all of Judah—bear witness in Babylon.

Return and Restoration

Cyrus’ decree (Ezra 1:1-4) enables Judahites to rebuild the temple under Zerubbabel (a Davidic descendant) and Jeshua the priest. Nehemiah rebuilds Jerusalem’s walls, re-establishing covenant life. Post-exilic prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi address “Judah” as the remnant and the hope of messianic fulfillment.

Messianic Fulfillment

The New Testament opens, “Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers” (Matthew 1:2), tracing Jesus Christ’s legal lineage through Judah and David. Hebrews 7:14 affirms, “It is clear that our Lord descended from Judah.” Revelation crowns the motif: “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed” (Revelation 5:5).

Judah in the Prophets

• Assurance: “In that day the LORD will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem so that the feeblest among them will be like David” (Zechariah 12:8).
• Judgment: “For behold, the LORD is coming out of His dwelling to punish… for their sins, and the earth will reveal her bloodshed” (Isaiah 26:21).
• Restoration: “At that time, Jerusalem will be called the Throne of the LORD, and all nations will gather to it” (Jeremiah 3:17).

Notable Individuals Bearing the Name

1. Judah, brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55).
2. Judah (Hebrew form of “Judas”) in Acts 15:22, known as Barsabbas, a leader in the Jerusalem church.
3. Judah, son of Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:24), a post-exilic family head.

The recurrent use of the name reflects ongoing desire to testify, “Praise the LORD.”

Theological Themes

• Praise: Judah’s very name calls believers to worship.
• Leadership: God ordains Judah to set the pace in battle, worship, and governance.
• Covenant Fidelity: Kings and prophets of Judah illustrate both the blessing of obedience and the consequences of rebellion.
• Messianic Hope: The scepter promise culminates in Jesus Christ, validating Scripture’s progressive revelation.
• Preservation: Though disciplined, Judah is never forsaken, demonstrating divine faithfulness.

Ministry Implications

Believers draw assurance that God keeps covenant promises despite human failure. Judah’s history teaches that praise fuels perseverance, that leadership entails covenant loyalty, and that true hope centers on the Lion-Lamb who reigns forever.

בִּֽיהוּדָ֑ה בִּֽיהוּדָ֔ה בִּֽיהוּדָ֖ה בִּֽיהוּדָ֗ה בִּֽיהוּדָ֛ה בִּֽיהוּדָ֣ה בִּֽיהוּדָֽה׃ בִּֽיהוּדָה֙ בִּיהוּדָ֑ה בִּיהוּדָ֖ה בִּיהוּדָ֗ה בִּיהוּדָ֣ה בִּיהוּדָ֥ה בִּיהוּדָֽה׃ בִֽיהוּדָ֗ה בִֽיהוּדָ֣ה ׀ בִֽיהוּדָה֙ בִיהוּדָ֖ה ביהודה ביהודה׃ וְלִיהוּדָ֖ה וִֽיהוּדָ֑ה וִֽיהוּדָ֔ה וִֽיהוּדָ֕ה וִֽיהוּדָ֖ה וִֽיהוּדָ֗ה וִֽיהוּדָ֛ה וִֽיהוּדָ֜ה וִֽיהוּדָה֙ וִיהוּדָ֔ה וִיהוּדָ֖ה וִיהוּדָ֛ה וִיהוּדָ֜ה וִיהוּדָ֞ה וִיהוּדָ֥ה וִיהוּדָ֧ה וִיהוּדָֽה׃ וּבִ֣יהוּדָ֔ה וּבִֽיהוּדָ֔ה וּבִֽיהוּדָ֗ה וּבִיהוּדָ֡ה וּמִ֣יהוּדָ֔ה וּמִיהוּדָ֖ה וביהודה ויהודה ויהודה׃ וליהודה ומיהודה יְ֝הוּדָ֗ה יְ֠הוּדָה יְ֭הוּדָה יְהוּדָ֑ה יְהוּדָ֔ה יְהוּדָ֕ה יְהוּדָ֖ה יְהוּדָ֗ה יְהוּדָ֛ה יְהוּדָ֜ה יְהוּדָ֞ה יְהוּדָ֟ה יְהוּדָ֡ה יְהוּדָ֣ה יְהוּדָ֤ה יְהוּדָ֥ה יְהוּדָ֧ה יְהוּדָ֨ה יְהוּדָֽה׃ יְהוּדָה֒ יְהוּדָה֙ יְהוּדָה֩ יְהוּדָה֮ יהודה יהודה׃ לִֽיהוּדָ֑ה לִֽיהוּדָ֔ה לִֽיהוּדָ֕ה לִֽיהוּדָ֖ה לִֽיהוּדָ֜ה לִֽיהוּדָ֤ה לִֽיהוּדָה֒ לִֽיהוּדָה֙ לִֽיהוּדָה֮ לִיהוּדָ֑ה לִיהוּדָ֖ה לִיהוּדָֽה׃ ליהודה ליהודה׃ מִֽיהוּדָ֑ה מִֽיהוּדָ֔ה מִֽיהוּדָ֖ה מִֽיהוּדָ֗ה מִֽיהוּדָ֣ה מִֽיהוּדָה֙ מִיהוּדָ֛ה מִיהוּדָֽה׃ מיהודה מיהודה׃ bî·hū·ḏāh ḇî·hū·ḏāh bihuDah bîhūḏāh ḇîhūḏāh lî·hū·ḏāh lihuDah lîhūḏāh mî·hū·ḏāh mihuDah mîhūḏāh ū·ḇî·hū·ḏāh ū·mî·hū·ḏāh ūḇîhūḏāh uMihuDah ūmîhūḏāh uVihuDah velihuDah vihuDah wə·lî·hū·ḏāh wəlîhūḏāh wî·hū·ḏāh wîhūḏāh yə·hū·ḏāh yehuDah yəhūḏāhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts