Jahzeel is a rare biblical name of Hebrew origin, meaning “God will divide.” It appears in Old Testament genealogies as the name of a son of Naphtali (and thus a grandson of Jacob), listed in Genesis 46:24 and Numbers 26:48 among the clans of the tribe of Naphtali.
Etymology
The name derives from two Hebrew elements: ḥatsa חָצָה, meaning “to divide,” and ʾel אֵל, meaning “God.” Combined, Jahzeel conveys a sense of divine division or separation. A variant form found in the Masoretic Text is Yachtze'el (יַחְצְאֵל), which appears in some manuscripts and translations. The Septuagint renders it as Ἰαζιήλ (Iaziel).
Biblical Context
In the Book of Genesis, Jacob blesses his sons, and the tribe of Naphtali is described briefly. Jahzeel is noted as one of Naphtali’s four sons—along with Guni, Jezer, and Shillem—who formed the clans of the tribe. Later, in the census recorded in Numbers, the clan of Jahzeel is listed. No further biographical details are provided in the biblical text, and Jahzeel is not mentioned elsewhere in the canon.
Usage and Significance
Jahzeel is considered a minor figure in the Hebrew Bible, and the name rarely appears outside genealogical contexts. It has been used as a given name among English-speaking Christians who draw from the Old Testament, though it remains uncommon. The name’s theophoric element and its directional meaning may have appealed to Puritans and other early modern Christians who selected biblical names with pious attributes. Today, Jahzeel is sometimes chosen by parents seeking a distinctive name with religious heritage.
Related Names
The Hebrew form Yachtze'el is a direct variant. In Greek versions of the Old Testament, the name is transliterated as Jahziel (Ιαζιηλ). The name is semantically similar to other compound names ending in -el that describe God’s actions.
- Meaning: “God will divide”
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: Given name (male)
- Usage Regions: English Bible tradition; occasional use in modern English-speaking countries