### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ἐλιακείμ (Eliakeím), Strong's `{{G1662}}`, is a transliteration of the Hebrew name אֶלְיָקִים (Elyaqim), Strong's `{{H471}}`. This name is a theophoric compound, meaning it incorporates a divine element. It is composed of two primary Hebrew elements:
1. **אֵל ('El')**: Meaning "God" or "God of" (`{{H410}}`). This is a common element in Hebrew names, signifying a relationship with or characteristic of God.
2. **יָקִים ('yaqim')**: This is the Hiphil imperfect form of the verb קוּם (qum), Strong's `{{H6965}}`, which means "to rise," "to stand," "to establish," or "to confirm." In the Hiphil stem, it conveys a causative sense: "He causes to rise," "He establishes," or "He sets up."
Therefore, the name Ἐλιακείμ (Eliakeím) fundamentally means "God raises up," "God establishes," or "God sets up." This meaning inherently points to divine action and sovereignty in the life of the individual bearing the name. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to the identity of the person, but the etymology provides rich theological insight into the character and purpose associated with the name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Ἐλιακείμ (Eliakeím) appears twice in the New Testament, specifically within the genealogies of Jesus Christ:
* In the Gospel of Matthew, Eliakim is listed as the son of Abiud and the father of Azor, appearing in the lineage following the Babylonian exile: "Abiud was the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor" [[Matthew 1:13]]. This Eliakim is part of the line tracing through Joseph, Jesus' legal father.
* In the Gospel of Luke, a different Eliakim is mentioned as the son of Melea and the father of Jonan, in a lineage that traces back through Mary: "the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse... the son of Eliakim, the son of Melea" [[Luke 3:30]]. This Eliakim is clearly distinct from the one in Matthew's genealogy.
While these New Testament occurrences are brief, merely listing names in a lineage, the significance of the name itself is amplified by its prominent Old Testament bearer. The most notable Eliakim in the Hebrew Scriptures is Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who served as master of the household under King Hezekiah of Judah (late 8th century BCE). He is first mentioned in [[2 Kings 18:18]] and [[Isaiah 36:3]] as one of the officials sent to negotiate with Sennacherib's Assyrian commander. More significantly, Isaiah prophesies that Eliakim will replace Shebna as the one entrusted with the "key of the house of David," symbolizing great authority and responsibility: "I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David; he shall open, and no one shall shut; and he shall shut, and no one shall open. I will fasten him like a peg in a secure place, and he will become a throne of honor for his ancestral house" [[Isaiah 22:22-23]]. This Old Testament figure imbues the name with a strong connotation of divine appointment, reliable stewardship, and established authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymology of Ἐλιακείμ (Eliakeím) connects it to several key biblical concepts:
* **Theophoric Names:** The presence of "El" (God) links Eliakim to a vast array of Hebrew names that emphasize God's character or action (e.g., Elijah, Elisha, Samuel, Emmanuel). This highlights the pervasive understanding in ancient Israel that God is actively involved in human lives and history.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The verb root קוּם (qum), meaning "to rise" or "to establish," points directly to God's sovereign power to raise up individuals, establish dynasties, and ordain events. This concept is foundational to biblical theology, affirming that God is ultimately in control.
* **Stewardship and Authority:** As seen with the Old Testament Eliakim, the name becomes associated with the concept of being divinely appointed to a position of trust and authority, particularly in the "house of David." This resonates with themes of leadership and responsibility within God's plan.
* **Messianic Lineage:** The appearance of Eliakim in both genealogies of Jesus underscores the meticulous and divinely guided progression of the lineage leading to the Messiah. Every name, including Eliakim, represents a link in God's redemptive plan.
* **The "Key of David":** The imagery from [[Isaiah 22:22]] associated with the Old Testament Eliakim, particularly the "key of the house of David," finds profound echo in the New Testament's description of Christ, who holds the "key of David" and has ultimate authority over the kingdom of God ([[Revelation 3:7]]). This connection suggests that the very name Eliakim carries a prophetic foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate authority and establishment of His kingdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Ἐλιακείμ (Eliakeím) lies primarily in what its meaning ("God raises up/establishes") communicates about God's character and His redemptive plan.
1. **God's Active Providence:** The name serves as a powerful reminder of God's active and intentional providence in history. It asserts that God is not a distant observer but intimately involved in establishing individuals, families, and even nations according to His divine purpose. The inclusion of an Eliakim in the lineage of Jesus, regardless of which genealogy, subtly reinforces the idea that God was orchestrating every step toward the coming of the Messiah.
2. **Divine Election and Appointment:** The meaning "God raises up" speaks to the concept of divine election and appointment. Those bearing the name are, by definition, seen as instruments whom God has chosen and empowered for a specific role, whether it be a prominent public office like the Old Testament Eliakim or simply a crucial link in the genealogical chain leading to Christ.
3. **The Foundation of the Messiah's Kingdom:** The association of the Old Testament Eliakim with the "key of the house of David" in Isaiah 22 is highly significant. This prophecy, fulfilled in a sense by Eliakim son of Hilkiah, ultimately points to Jesus Christ as the true and ultimate possessor of the "key of David," the one who has ultimate authority over God's kingdom. Thus, the name Eliakim, through its most famous Old Testament bearer, becomes a type or foreshadowing of Christ's authority and establishment of His eternal reign. It underscores that the Messiah's kingdom is divinely established and secured.
4. **Assurance of God's Plan:** For the early Christian readers, encountering the name Eliakim in the genealogies would have provided assurance that Jesus' lineage was divinely secured, a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises concerning the Davidic covenant.
### Summary
The name Ἐλιακείμ (Eliakeím), derived from the Hebrew אֶלְיָקִים (Elyaqim), carries the profound meaning "God raises up" or "God establishes." While appearing in the New Testament primarily as a name within the genealogies of Jesus Christ ([[Matthew 1:13]], [[Luke 3:30]]), its theological weight is significantly amplified by its Old Testament counterpart, Eliakim son of Hilkiah. This prominent figure in Isaiah 22 was entrusted with the "key of the house of David," symbolizing divine appointment and stewardship. Consequently, the name Eliakim powerfully communicates God's active providence and sovereignty in establishing individuals and orchestrating history. It highlights the divine hand in the lineage leading to the Messiah, affirming that Jesus' coming was not a random event but the culmination of God's meticulous plan. Furthermore, the Old Testament Eliakim's role with the "key of David" serves as a prophetic foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate authority and the secure establishment of His eternal kingdom. Thus, Ἐλιακείμ (Eliakeím) stands as a testament to God's faithfulness, His power to raise up, and His ultimate control over the unfolding of redemptive history.
TRV