of Hebrew origin (יְכׇנְיָה); Jechonias (i.e. Jekonjah), an Israelite:--Jechonias.
Transliteration:Iechonías
Pronunciation:ee-ekh-on-ee'-as
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun **Ἰεχονίας** (transliterated as **Iechonías**) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name יְכׇנְיָה (Yekonyah), also known as יְהוֹיָכִין (Yehoyakhin) or כָּנְיָהוּ (Konyahu). The Hebrew root of the name conveys the meaning "Yahweh will establish" or "Yahweh establishes." This name specifically refers to Jeconiah, also known as Jehoiachin or Coniah, who was the son of Jehoiakim and an eighteenth king of Judah. His brief reign (c. 598-597 BC) preceded the final Babylonian exile of Judah, a pivotal moment in Israelite history. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to this historical figure, whose identity and place in the lineage of Judah are of profound theological significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term **Ἰεχονίας** occurs exclusively in the New Testament, specifically within the genealogies of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Its primary occurrences are found in [[Matthew 1:11]] and [[Matthew 1:12]].
In [[Matthew 1:11]], it states, "Josiah begat Jeconiah and his brothers, at the time of the exile to Babylon." This verse marks a critical turning point in the genealogy, highlighting the period of the Babylonian captivity, a divinely ordained judgment upon Judah. The phrase "and his brothers" likely refers to his actual brothers or to the other prominent figures of the royal house who were also carried into exile.
[[Matthew 1:12]] continues the lineage, stating, "And after the exile to Babylon, Jeconiah begat Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel." This verse is crucial as it demonstrates the continuity of the Davidic line even through the disruption of the exile. While Old Testament genealogies (e.g., [[1 Chronicles 3:17]]) identify Jeconiah's son as Assir or Pedaiah (who begat Zerubbabel), Matthew's genealogy directly links Jeconiah to Shealtiel, bypassing a generation or perhaps using a different familial designation common in the period. Regardless of the precise genealogical mechanics, the inclusion of Jeconiah underscores his indispensable role as a historical bridge connecting the pre-exilic monarchy to the post-exilic community from which the Messiah would eventually arise. His presence anchors the Messianic lineage in a specific, historical moment of judgment and transition.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, **Ἰεχονίας** is intrinsically linked to its Hebrew equivalents and the historical context they represent.
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** The most direct Hebrew forms are יְכׇנְיָה (Yekonyah - `{{H3659}}`) and יְהוֹיָכִין (Yehoyakhin - `{{H3078}}`), both referring to the same individual. The shortened form, כָּנְיָהוּ (Konyahu - `{{H3659}}`), is also used, notably in the prophetic book of Jeremiah ([[Jeremiah 22:24]], [[Jeremiah 22:28]], [[Jeremiah 24:1]], [[Jeremiah 27:20]], [[Jeremiah 28:4]], [[Jeremiah 29:2]]).
* **The Davidic Covenant:** Jeconiah's inclusion in the genealogy directly relates to God's unconditional covenant with David, promising an eternal dynasty ([[2 Samuel 7:12-16]]). His presence demonstrates God's faithfulness to this promise, even when the human king was unfaithful or the kingdom was in ruins.
* **The Babylonian Exile:** The phrase "at the time of the exile to Babylon" in [[Matthew 1:11]] explicitly links Jeconiah to this watershed event. This period signifies divine judgment for Israel's sin, yet simultaneously, it is a period where God preserves a remnant and continues His redemptive plan.
* **Messianic Lineage:** Jeconiah is an indispensable link in the genealogical chain that culminates in Jesus Christ. His position highlights the continuity of the royal line and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's descent from David.
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The prophets, particularly Jeremiah, spoke extensively about Jeconiah (Coniah) and the impending exile, pronouncing judgment but also hinting at future restoration ([[Jeremiah 22:24-30]], [[Jeremiah 29:10-14]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of **Ἰεχονίας** in the New Testament is profound, extending beyond a mere name in a list.
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment and Preservation:** Jeconiah's reign marks the immediate prelude to the full Babylonian exile, a period of intense divine judgment. Yet, his very presence in the genealogy underscores God's sovereign control over history, even through periods of national catastrophe. God's plan for salvation through the Davidic line was not thwarted but rather advanced through this crucible of exile.
2. **Continuity of the Davidic Covenant:** The inclusion of Jeconiah demonstrates the unbreakable nature of God's covenant with David. Despite the apparent collapse of the monarchy and the cessation of a reigning king from David's line, God meticulously preserved the lineage through figures like Jeconiah, ensuring that the promise of a perpetual throne would ultimately be fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.
3. **God's Grace Working Through Imperfection:** Jeconiah's reign was brief and marked by the impending judgment. His inclusion in Christ's genealogy, alongside other figures with complex or even morally compromised histories, illustrates a key theological truth: God works through imperfect human instruments and circumstances to accomplish His perfect will. The purity of the Messianic line is not dependent on the moral perfection of every ancestor, but on God's faithfulness.
4. **Historical Anchor for Messianic Hope:** By meticulously tracing the lineage through Jeconiah and the exile, Matthew firmly roots Jesus' identity as the Messiah in the tangible history of Israel. This historical precision affirms that Jesus is not a mythical figure but the culmination of God's redemptive work across generations, fulfilling the long-held hopes of Israel.
### Summary
**Ἰεχονίας** (Iechonías) is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name for King Jeconiah (also known as Jehoiachin or Coniah), meaning "Yahweh will establish." As a proper noun, it refers to the penultimate king of Judah before the Babylonian exile. Its New Testament occurrences are exclusively in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in [[Matthew 1:11-12]], where Jeconiah serves as a crucial link connecting the pre-exilic Davidic monarchy to the post-exilic period and ultimately to the Messiah. Theologically, his inclusion highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to the Davidic covenant, His sovereign control over history (even through judgment like the exile), and His ability to work through imperfect human lines to bring forth the perfect Savior. Jeconiah's place in the genealogy thus affirms the historical reality and divine orchestration of the Messianic lineage, underscoring the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ.
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