Judah (hebrew Insight)

Lion of Judah, what does Judah mean in Hebrew

The word יְהוּדָה  Yehudah   is usually translated as “Judah” in English Bibles. This name has such rich meaning for both Jewish and Christian traditions. For example, in the Hebrew Bible, God called King David, who came from the tribe of Judah, “the man after My own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14). In the New Testament, Jesus, a later descendant of David, is referred to as “the Lion from the tribe of Judah” (Rev.5:5).

The importance of Judah, therefore, is obvious.

But what does Judah actually mean in Hebrew? The word Judah comes from the verb לְהודות Lehodot, which simply means “to thank.” In the context of the Hebrew Bible, such thanks are synonymous not just with gratitude, but with praise. In fact, there was a particular sacrifice called “The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving.” In the Temple in Jerusalem, it was called תּודָה “Todah” – the noun for “Thanksgiving.”

It is interesting to note that in Modern Hebrew, to simply say “thanks” Israelis use the very same word ( תּודָה todah) that was used in the Temple to express gratitude to God.

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  1. SlavetoRighteousness

    Thank You so very much for this. I was doing a study on the royal priesthood. In 1Peter 2:9 Obviously we are royal priest accused ording to the order of Melchizedek. I wondered why would peter tell us as royal priests; to “proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

    It seems proclaiming the excellencies of God has something I do with a royal priest hood..and sure enough

    Melchizedek the first royal priest is from the tribe of Judah.

    It would only make sense that as royal high priests according to the order of Melchizedek we are to “Lehidot”

    Or to offer the sacrifice of praise

    Psalm 116:17 “To You I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, And call upon the name of the LORD.”

    Hos 14:2 Take words with you, and return to Yahweh. Tell him, “Forgive all our sins, and accept that which is good: so we offer our lips like bulls.

    Hebrews 13:15 says, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise–the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.”

    To name a few verses.

    Having said all that, thank You so very much for helping me in my study today

  2. Bruce Frye

    As christians coming into the messianic revelation we must be able to lay down those things that are mans doctrine and embrace the pure written word. It is beautiful Isaiah 11 gives us the gentile Christian, Y”Judah and Jacob brought together and defeating the enemies of Israel with the power of messiah. We must be here to fulfill the word

  3. john

    am bless.thanks to every one.more grace

  4. Olaoye

    Judah & Judas are the the same in Hebrew

  5. Rose Marie

    Thank you very much for your teachings. However, I am concerned that you are not that interested in the Rapture. My understanding is that those who are not watching, waiting and filled with the Holy Spirit will miss it. Does it matter to you? 🙂 Shalom!

    1. Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg

      Rose Marie, hi. Let me clarify. I have (personally) no interest in debates over when and how rapture will take place. Being ready is another matter.

  6. Angela salaom

    Todah. Dr.Eli… I never in my life knew that the meaning of Judah. now I know wow….how beautiful the name of Yehudah and also meaning of Todah just today this two words I learn something oh…todah Rabbah God Bless your ministry …I thank YAHWEH for having you… TODAH….

    1. Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg

      Wonderful! So glad to hear!

  7. Anderew

    I wish to thank you for the information, i had this certain feeling when i was reading through your explanations ! I praise G-d for that

    1. Eric de Jesús Rodríguez Mendoza

      BS”D

      Thanks Anderew, always looking for the best, and for the sake of the truth. 🙂

  8. Rode Scheel

    Todaraba Dr.Eli, dass Sie mir DIESE site angeboten, ja geschenkt haben !
    Und nun weiß ich endlich was ich meiner Schwiegertochter zum nahen Geburtstag ebenso schenke : DIESE SITE !
    VE OD PAM: TODARABA, Dr. Eli

  9. Vuyo Sambu

    Thank you very much! Todah! Im learning and i love learning. Good work. Keep it up. Jesus is the King! Shalom.

  10. Kelvin God's watchman

    Judah (Hebrew: יְהוּדָה – often transliterated Yehudah) was the fourth son of the Biblical patriarch Jacob (Israel). It also can a type of praise referring to a pure praise.