Original Word: יוֹחָא
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Yowcha'
Pronunciation: yo-KHAH
Phonetic Spelling: (yo-khaw')
KJV: Joha
NASB: Joha
Word Origin: [probably from H3068 (יְהוֹוָה - LORD) and a variation of H2421 (חָיָה - To live)]

1. Jehovah-revived
2. Jocha, the name of two Israelites

Joha

Probably from Yhovah and a variation of chayah; Jehovah-revived; Jocha, the name of two Israelites -- Joha.

see HEBREW Yhovah

see HEBREW chayah

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
two Isr.
NASB Translation
Joha (2).

יוֺחָא proper name, masculine (√ & meaning dubious; ? = יוֺאָח) —

1 a Benjamite 1 Chronicles 8:16.

2 one of David's heroes 1 Chronicles 11:45.

יוּטָה = יֻטָּה q. v. below נטה.

Biblical Occurrences

Joha (יוֹחָא) appears twice in the Old Testament, both times in 1 Chronicles:
• 1 Chronicles 8:16 – within the genealogy of Benjamin: “Michael, Ishpah, and Joha were the sons of Beriah.”
• 1 Chronicles 11:45 – in the roster of David’s mighty warriors: “Jediael son of Shimri and Joha his brother, the Tizite.”

Joha son of Beriah (1 Chronicles 8:16)

1. Tribal identity. The genealogy in 1 Chronicles 8 traces the lineage of Benjamin from the patriarch himself through the post-exilic period. Joha’s placement under Beriah situates him in a family line noted for resiliency after the exile, underscoring how God preserved Benjamin despite severe national upheavals (Judges 20; Hosea 5:8).
2. Covenant continuity. Chronicling individual Benjamites in detail affirms that every household mattered in the covenant community. Joha’s name—embedded quietly among otherwise unknown kinsmen—witnesses to the faithfulness of the Lord who “keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9).
3. Restoration hope. Chronicles was compiled for returned exiles who needed to reconnect with their heritage. The mention of Joha and his brothers assured them that their tribal structures still stood and that each clan retained a stake in God’s promises.

Joha the Tizite (1 Chronicles 11:45)

1. Member of “the Thirty.” Joha’s inclusion among David’s elite fighters places him in the same honored list as Benaiah, Abishai, and others whose exploits secured the kingdom. Though the Chronicler withholds specific deeds, membership in this corps required proven courage and unwavering loyalty.
2. Geographic note. As “the Tizite,” he likely hailed from Tiz or a similarly named locality (now lost to history). This detail shows how David’s reign unified diverse regions under one anointed king—anticipating the Messiah who gathers people “from every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).
3. Brotherhood motif. Joha is introduced as the “brother” of Jediael. The phrase highlights comradeship forged in battle and foreshadows the New Testament ideal of believers being “brothers and sisters” in Christ, standing side by side in spiritual warfare (Philippians 1:27).

Tribal and Historical Setting

• Benjamin was small yet strategically important, lying between Judah and the northern tribes; its warriors often played pivotal roles (e.g., Saul, Mordecai, Paul). Joha’s presence in both genealogy and military annals illustrates Benjamin’s dual heritage: covenant lineage and martial service.
• David’s mighty men formed the backbone of his rise from Hebron to Jerusalem. Their feats demonstrated that the kingdom’s establishment was neither accidental nor merely political but providentially guided.

Spiritual and Theological Significance

1. God values the obscure. Scripture records Joha without fanfare, yet permanently. The Lord “is not unjust; He will not forget your work” (Hebrews 6:10).
2. Faith expressed through vocation. One Joha served through genealogy—maintaining identity; the other through warfare—defending the anointed king. Both spheres are legitimate arenas for covenant faithfulness.
3. Name theology. Containing the divine element Yo-, Joha proclaims that life and success originate in Yahweh. Whether guarding family lines or risking life in battle, each Joha lived under that confession.

Patterns of Faithful Service

• Commitment in ordinary life (genealogical Joha)
• Valor in extraordinary moments (warrior Joha)
• Brotherhood and unity under God’s chosen leadership

Together they model balanced discipleship: steadfast in routine, courageous in crisis.

Christological Outlook

David’s mighty men prefigure those who rally to the greater Son of David. As Joha stood beside David, believers are called to stand with Christ, “the Captain of their salvation” (Hebrews 2:10). The Chronicler’s emphasis on lineage finds ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah, whose genealogy brings blessing to all nations (Matthew 1; Luke 3).

Application for Believers Today

• Embrace your place—known or unseen—in God’s unfolding story.
• Cultivate loyalty to the Lord’s Anointed, Christ Jesus, in both everyday responsibilities and spiritual battles.
• Foster brotherly unity, recognizing fellow believers as partners in service.
• Trust that God records and rewards even the hidden labor of faith, just as He preserved the name Joha for future generations.

וְיֹחָ֥א וְיוֹחָ֖א ויוחא ויחא veyoCha wə·yō·ḥā wə·yō·w·ḥā wəyōḥā wəyōwḥāInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts