Original Word: יִפְדְּיָה
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Yiphdyah
Pronunciation: yif-deh-YAH
Phonetic Spelling: (yif-deh-yaw')
KJV: Iphedeiah
NASB: Iphdeiah
Word Origin: [from H6299 (פָּדָה - redeem) and H3050 (יָהּ - LORD)]

1. Jah will liberate
2. Jiphdejah, an Israelite

Jiphdejah, an Israelite

From padah and Yahh; Jah will liberate; Jiphdejah, an Israelite -- Iphedeiah.

see HEBREW padah

see HEBREW Yahh

Word Origin
from padah and Yah
Definition
"Yah will ransom," an Isr.
NASB Translation
Iphdeiah (1).

Biblical context

The name appears once, in the genealogical register of Benjamin recorded in 1 Chronicles 8:25: “Iphdeiah, Penuel, the sons of Shashak.” The Chronicler’s list traces the post-exilic restoration of Benjamin’s clans, demonstrating that the tribe nearly wiped out in Judges 20 was mercifully preserved for ongoing covenant service and eventual messianic blessing (Genesis 49:27; Romans 11:1).

Genealogical significance

Located midway through a roster that moves from Saul’s line to later Benjamite families, Iphdeiah represents the third generation after Shashak. These lists, though terse, provided returning exiles legal proof of tribal inheritance (Ezra 2:59-63) and spiritual assurance that “the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). Every individual name—however briefly noted—testifies that the Lord remembers His people individually (Malachi 3:16).

The redemption theme in the name

Though the text offers no narrative about Iphdeiah, his name bears the Hebrew root for “redeem,” declaring that “Yahweh redeems.” This theological motif threads through Scripture:

• Exodus 6:6 “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm.”
• Psalm 34:22 “The LORD redeems His servants.”
• Isaiah 44:22 “Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”

Placed among the sons of Benjamin, the name quietly anticipates the greater redemption accomplished in Jesus Christ, Himself descended through Israel’s tribes (Hebrews 2:14-15).

Theological implications

1. Covenant faithfulness: A single occurrence underscores that divine redemption is not merely corporate but personal. Names like Iphdeiah anchor large redemptive promises in real families.
2. Preservation of a remnant: Benjamin’s survival, signposted by this genealogy, illustrates the LORD’s pledge that “a remnant will return” (Isaiah 10:21).
3. Foreshadowing the Redeemer: The name’s meaning prepares readers for the climactic revelation of the true Kinsman-Redeemer (Ruth 4; Galatians 4:4-5).

Ministerial application

• Identity in redemption: Believers tracing their spiritual heritage see that redemption is foundational to God’s dealings, shaping both name and vocation (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
• Encouragement for the overlooked: Iphdeiah receives no exploits, yet his inclusion in Scripture affirms that ordinary saints are integral to God’s unfolding plan (1 Corinthians 12:22).
• Genealogies as discipleship tools: Teaching through lists like 1 Chronicles 8 equips the church to appreciate biblical history, confront modern rootlessness, and anticipate the final roll call of the redeemed (Revelation 20:12-15).

Related passages for further study

1 Chronicles 9:1-3; Ezra 2:1-2; Nehemiah 7:5-7 – Post-exilic registrations

Psalm 130:7-8 – Redemption and hope for Israel

Titus 2:14 – Christ who “gave Himself for us to redeem us”

Summary

Iphdeiah, though mentioned only once, embodies the enduring promise that the LORD redeems His people, preserves their lineage, and uses even the least-known believer to proclaim His covenant faithfulness across generations.

וְיִפְדְיָ֥ה ויפדיה veyifdeYah wə·yip̄·ḏə·yāh wəyip̄ḏəyāhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts