### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Ἰωρείμ (Iōreím), Strong's number `{{G2497}}`, is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition suggests it is "perhaps for Ἰωράμ" (Iōrám), which is Strong's number `{{G2496}}`. If this etymological connection holds, then Ἰωρείμ would derive its meaning from the Hebrew name יְהוֹרָם (Yehōrām), Strong's number `{{H3088}}`, meaning "Yahweh is exalted" or "Yahweh is high." As a proper name, its primary semantic function is to identify a unique individual within a specific lineage. It does not carry a broad semantic range of actions, qualities, or concepts, but rather points to a person whose very name might have carried a theological affirmation for those who understood its etymological root.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Ἰωρείμ (Iōreím) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically within the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded by Luke:
* [[Luke 3:29]]: "the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi..."
In this passage, Jorim is listed as an ancestor of Jesus, several generations removed from David and before Abraham, in the lineage traced through Mary's side (or Joseph's, depending on interpretation, but Luke's genealogy uniquely traces back to Adam, suggesting a broader scope). The inclusion of Jorim, like other names in the genealogy, serves to establish the historical and human lineage of Jesus, demonstrating His full humanity and His connection to the covenant people of God. Genealogies in the biblical context were not merely lists; they affirmed identity, heritage, and the continuity of God's redemptive plan through specific families and individuals. Jorim's presence, though brief, is integral to the unbroken chain leading to the Messiah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is Ἰωράμ (Iōrám), `{{G2496}}`, which is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew יְהוֹרָם (Yehōrām), `{{H3088}}`. This Hebrew name, meaning "Yahweh is exalted," was borne by several significant figures in the Old Testament, including kings of Judah and Israel. The potential connection between Ἰωρείμ and Ἰωράμ suggests a shared linguistic root and possibly a similar theological resonance in the naming practice.
Beyond direct lexical relations, Ἰωρείμ is conceptually linked to:
* **Genealogy:** The broader biblical concept of tracing ancestry, crucial for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and messianic claims.
* **Names of God:** Names incorporating elements of "Yahweh" (like "Yeho-" or "-iah") are common in Hebrew nomenclature, serving as miniature confessions of faith or prayers.
* **Messianic Lineage:** The overarching theme of God's faithfulness in preserving a line through which the promised Messiah would come.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Jorim lies primarily in his inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. While he is not presented as a figure of particular historical or theological importance in his own right, his presence underscores several profound truths:
1. **Divine Providence in History:** Jorim's place in the lineage highlights God's meticulous and sovereign oversight of history, guiding the course of human generations to fulfill His redemptive purposes. Every individual, even those seemingly obscure, plays a part in God's grand design.
2. **Jesus' Full Humanity:** The detailed genealogies in Matthew and Luke emphasize that Jesus was fully human, born into a real human family with a tangible ancestry. This counters any notion of Him being a phantom or merely appearing human. His humanity is essential for His role as the perfect sacrifice and mediator.
3. **Continuity of God's Covenant:** The lineage demonstrates the unbroken continuity of God's covenant promises, beginning with Abraham and extending through David to Jesus. Jorim is a link in this chain, signifying God's faithfulness across generations.
4. **Universality of Jesus' Ministry:** Luke's genealogy, unlike Matthew's which stops at Abraham, traces Jesus' ancestry back to Adam ([[Luke 3:38]]). This emphasizes Jesus' connection not just to the Jewish people, but to all humanity, underscoring the universal scope of His salvation. Jorim, as an ancient ancestor, contributes to this universal reach.
### Summary
Ἰωρείμ (Iōreím), `{{G2497}}`, is a proper name appearing once in the New Testament, in Luke's genealogy of Jesus Christ ([[Luke 3:29]]). Likely related to the Hebrew name יְהוֹרָם (Yehōrām), `{{H3088}}`, meaning "Yahweh is exalted," it serves to identify an ancestor in the Messiah's lineage. While Jorim himself is not a prominent biblical figure, his inclusion in the genealogy is profoundly significant. It affirms the historical reality and full humanity of Jesus, demonstrates God's meticulous providence in guiding human history towards His redemptive purposes, and underscores the continuity of God's covenant promises leading to the Messiah. His presence contributes to Luke's emphasis on Jesus' universal connection to all humanity, tracing His ancestry back to Adam.
TRV