VIDEO: Theophoric Names in Judaism and Idolatry

[RC Klein]

LINK: https://youtu.be/jOyu7d3kXg4

In this lecture, Rabbi Reuven Chaim Klein discusses the significance and meaning of theophoric names in Jewish and non-Jewish cultures. The term "theophoric" refers to names that contain references to God or gods. In Jewish culture, theophoric names often contain parts of the divine name YHVH or El, such as Joshua, Eliezer, and Ishmael. They can serve as a declaration of faith in God, a way of expressing thanks for the past, or a prayer for the future.

With the onomastic paradigm of theophoric names in mind, this lecture explores the significance of Pharaoh Necho changing the name of Josiah's son Eliakim to Jehoiakim, and also works to reconciles the archeological records of Tiglath-Pileser with the Bible regarding the name of the King of Judah (Ahaz vs. Jehoahaz). The lecture then segues to the phenomenon of theophoric names found in non-Jewish idolatrous cultures, such as the Canaanites and the Babylonians. In doing so, the lecturer questions whether it is appropriate for a Jew to bear a given names that contains a theophoric reference to a pagan deity and harnesses various prooftexts from the Bible toward resolving that question.

Overall, this lecture offers a fascinating exploration of the significance and meaning of theophoric names in the Bible, both in Jewish and idolatrous contexts.

This lecture was delivered in front of a live audience at the Gideon Hall in the Ramada Jerusalem Hotel for the 2023 PesachIsrael.com Program.

Rabbi Reuven Chaim Klein's books are available for purchase on Amazon:
• Lashon HaKodesh: History, Holiness, & Hebrew (Mosaica Press): https://amzn.to/3zZVJT6
• God versus Gods: Judaism in the Age of Idolatry (Mosaica Press): https://amzn.to/36a05Kt

Sincerely,

Reuven Chaim Klein

Beitar Illit, Israel

Author of: God versus Gods & Lashon HaKodesh

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