Girl · Hebrew · Old Testament

Jehosheba

Q: Is Jehosheba a biblical name?

Yes. Jehosheba appears in the Old Testament. Jehosheba was the daughter of King Jehoram of Judah and the wife of Jehoiada the high priest. When the wicked Queen Athaliah discovered that her son had died, she immediately began to murder all the remaining royal heirs to secure her own power. Seeing the baby prince Joash in danger, Jehosheba boldly stole him away from the dying princes.

jeh-HOSH-eh-buh · from Yehosheva · means “Yahweh has sworn”

Jehosheba is a Hebrew name meaning "the Lord has sworn" or "the Lord is an oath." She was the courageous princess of Judah who saved the royal line of David by hiding the baby prince Joash from the murderous Queen Athaliah. Her name stands for bravery and faith.

Courage Faith Strength

“But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal princes, who were about to be murdered.”
— 2 Kings 11:2 (NIV)

The story behind the name

Jehosheba was the daughter of King Jehoram of Judah and the wife of Jehoiada the high priest. When the wicked Queen Athaliah discovered that her son had died, she immediately began to murder all the remaining royal heirs to secure her own power. Seeing the baby prince Joash in danger, Jehosheba boldly stole him away from the dying princes.

She hid Joash and his nurse in a bedroom in the temple, keeping him safe from Athaliah's search. For six years, Jehosheba and her husband raised the young boy in secret inside the house of the Lord while Athaliah ruled Judah. Her quick actions and faith preserved the Messianic line of David through which Jesus would eventually be born.

Her story in 2 Kings 11 is one of the most dramatic accounts of courage in Scripture. A daughter named Jehosheba carries a legacy of quick thinking, deep trust in God's promises, and outstanding bravery. Her life shows that God can use a single courageous person to protect His entire plan.

Spiritual Encouragement

If you find comfort in Jehosheba’s story, you may also appreciate our prayer resource:

Read A Prayer for Courage →

A blessing to pray over Jehosheba

Lord, grant this daughter the heroic courage and faith of Jehosheba. May she be a defender of the vulnerable and a keeper of Your promises, unafraid to stand against evil in the world. Amen.