Persons of the Bible: Letter Y
Though the letter Y contains only a small number of entries, these names point us directly to the deep Hebrew heritage of the Bible. Variants such as Yair, Yeshua, Yedidiah, and Yonah remind us that the people of Scripture lived within a real linguistic and cultural world. Many familiar names—John, Jonah, Joshua, and others—appear here in their Hebrew forms, giving us a richer understanding of how God’s story has been passed down across languages and generations. Even the covenant name of God, spelled with the sacred letters YHWH, belongs to this family of names, reminding us that the Lord has always revealed Himself personally to His people.
Yachin (variant of Jachin)
A variant spelling of Jachin, the priestly name associated with one of the two pillars of Solomon’s temple and with several individuals in priestly lineages.
Scripture: 1 Kings 7:21 (variant); 1 Chronicles 24:17
Yair (variant of Jair)
A Hebrew transliteration of Jair, a man who judged Israel and whose thirty towns became known as Havvoth-jair.
Scripture: Numbers 32:41; Judges 10:3–5 (variant)
Yam
The Hebrew word “yam” (sea) is occasionally used symbolically to identify a chaotic or hostile force in poetic literature.
Scripture: Psalm 74:13 (poetic)
Yapheth
A Hebrew-flavored transliteration of Japheth, son of Noah and ancestor of many nations.
Scripture: Genesis 10:2 (variant)
Yarah
A variant rooted in the Hebrew term for “moon,” appearing in extended genealogical records.
Scripture: Variant tradition
Yashar
A title meaning “upright,” sometimes used to identify individuals of righteous reputation.
Scripture: Psalm 107:42 (contextual)
Yasher
A spelling variant referring to Jashen, mentioned in David’s mighty men group.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:32 (variant)
Yasib
A shortened form related to Josibiah in genealogical contexts.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:35 (variant)
Yedidiah
A Hebrew transliteration of Jedidiah, the name given by God to Solomon meaning “Beloved of the Lord.”
Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:25 (variant)
Yegar
The Aramaic expression used by Laban when making a covenant with Jacob.
Scripture: Genesis 31:47
Yeshua
Yeshua is the Hebrew form of the name Jesus, meaning “Yahweh saves.” In the Old Testament, Yeshua appears frequently as the name of priests and leaders during the post-exilic period, most notably the high priest who helped rebuild the altar and restore worship under Zerubbabel. As a name, Yeshua points forward to the greater fulfillment found in Jesus the Messiah, whose life, death, and resurrection accomplished the salvation God promised. For the full description of the person and work of Jesus, see the main entry under Jesus (Letter J).
Scripture: Ezra 3:2; Nehemiah 7:7; Matthew 1:21 (name meaning)
Yeshua (variant of Joshua/Jesus)
A Hebrew form of Joshua, also used as a form of the name Jesus in Greek/Aramaic contexts. Appears frequently after the exile of priests and leaders.
Scripture: Ezra 3:2; Nehemiah 7:7 (variant)
Yether
A Hebrew transliteration of Jether, the father of Amasa.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 17:25 (variant)
Yevamot (designation—personal legal context)
A Hebrew term referring to a childless widow involved in levirate marriage; the laws identify the individuals in these relationships.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 25:5–10 (contextual)
YHWH (Yahweh / Jehovah)
YHWH, the sacred four-letter name revealed to Moses, is the personal covenant name of the God of Israel. It is often rendered in English as LORD (all caps), and in older translations as Jehovah. For the full theological and devotional description, see the entry under Jehovah (Letter J).
Scripture: Exodus 3:14–15; Exodus 6:2–3; Psalm 83:18
Yoab (variant of Joab)
The Hebrew spelling of Joab, commander of David’s army.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 2–20 (variant)
Yoash (variant of Joash)
A Hebrew transliteration of Joash, a name borne by multiple kings and leaders in Judah and Israel.
Scripture: 2 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 24 (variant)
Yochanan (variant of John)
A Hebrew form of John, used in early Jewish-Christian writings and in genealogical references.
Scripture: Luke 1:13 (variant tradition)
Yonadab (variant of Jonadab)
A Hebrew spelling of Jonadab, associated with both the Rechabite forefather and the scheming cousin of Amnon.
Scripture: 2 Kings 10:15; 2 Samuel 13:3 (variant)
Yonah (variant of Jonah)
A Hebrew form of Jonah, the prophet sent to Nineveh.
Scripture: Jonah 1:1; Matthew 12:39 (variant)
The names listed under Y encourage us to appreciate the beauty and depth of Scripture’s original languages. Behind every variant spelling stands a real person with a real story—someone who took part in God’s unfolding plan. From prophets and judges to everyday families, each name bears witness to a God who meets His people in their own time, culture, and tongue.
As we move forward to the letter Z, we will complete our journey through the alphabet and see how all these names—hundreds upon hundreds—together form a living tapestry pointing us to Jesus Christ.
