### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yᵉhôwyâkîyn**, represented by `{{H3078}}`, means **"Jehovah will establish"**. It appears **10 times** across **8 unique verses** and refers to Jehoiachin, a **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Judah** `{{H3063}}`. The name itself is derived from **Yᵉhôvâh** `{{H3068}}` and a root word signifying establishment, pointing to a divine promise of stability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical narrative of **Yᵉhôwyâkîyn** `{{H3078}}` chronicles a brief and tumultuous reign. He was the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Jehoiakim** `{{H3079}}` and succeeded him as king [[2 Kings 24:6]]. He began to **reign** `{{H4427}}` at the age of **eighteen** `{{H8083}}` [[2 Kings 24:8]] or **eight** `{{H8083}}` [[2 Chronicles 36:9]], and his rule in **Jerusalem** `{{H3389}}` lasted only **three months** `{{H2320}}` [[2 Kings 24:8]]. During this time, he **did** `{{H6213}}` that which was **evil** `{{H7451}}` in the sight of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[2 Chronicles 36:9]]. Subsequently, he, his **mother** `{{H517}}` **Nehushta** `{{H5179}}`, his **servants** `{{H5650}}`, and his **princes** `{{H8269}}` were taken into **captivity** `{{H1546}}` by the king of **Babylon** `{{H894}}` ([[2 Kings 24:12]], [[2 Kings 24:15]]). After thirty-seven years in captivity, **Evilmerodach** `{{H192}}`, king of Babylon, **lifted up** `{{H5375}}` the **head** `{{H7218}}` of Jehoiachin and brought him out of **prison** `{{H3608}}` on the twenty-seventh day [[2 Kings 25:27]] or the twenty-fifth day [[Jeremiah 52:31]] of the twelfth month.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the life of Jehoiachin:
* `{{H3079}}` **Yᵉhôwyâqîym** (Jehoiakim): The name of Jehoiachin's **father** `{{H1}}`, whom he succeeded as **king** `{{H4428}}`. The Bible records that **Jehoiachin** `{{H3078}}` his **son** `{{H1121}}` **reigned** `{{H4427}}` in his stead [[2 Kings 24:6]].
* `{{H1546}}` **gâlûwth** (captivity): This word, meaning **captivity** or **exiles**, defines the central event of Jehoiachin's life after his short reign. His eventual release is dated from the start of his **captivity** `{{H1546}}` [[Jeremiah 52:31]].
* `{{H894}}` **Bâbel** (Babylon): The empire and location of Jehoiachin's exile. He was carried away to **Babylon** `{{H894}}` and remained there until released by its king [[2 Kings 24:15]].
* `{{H192}}` **ʼĔvîyl Mᵉrôdak** (Evil-Merodach): The Babylonian **king** `{{H4428}}` who showed favor to Jehoiachin. He is credited with lifting up Jehoiachin's **head** `{{H7218}}` and bringing him out of prison in the first year of his own reign [[2 Kings 25:27]].
### Theological Significance
The story of **Yᵉhôwyâkîyn** `{{H3078}}` carries significant theological weight, illustrating several key themes:
* **Royal Succession and Failure:** The story is rooted in the royal line of **Judah** `{{H3063}}`, as he is the **son** `{{H1121}}` who **reigned** `{{H4427}}` after his **father** `{{H1}}` **Jehoiakim** `{{H3079}}` [[2 Chronicles 36:8]]. However, his reign is marked by failure, as he **did** `{{H6213}}` that which was **evil** `{{H7451}}` in God's sight, leading to his downfall [[2 Chronicles 36:9]].
* **Judgment and Captivity:** The consequence for his evil actions is swift and severe. He is **took** `{{H3947}}` by the **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Babylon** `{{H894}}` and carried into **captivity** `{{H1473}}` ([[2 Kings 24:12]], [[2 Kings 24:15]]), demonstrating a clear pattern of divine judgment for disobedience.
* **A Glimmer of Restoration:** Despite his fall from power, the narrative concludes with an act of mercy. After 37 **years** `{{H8141}}`, **Evilmerodach** `{{H192}}` **lifted up** `{{H5375}}` the **head** `{{H7218}}` of **Jehoiachin** `{{H3078}}`, releasing him from **prison** `{{H3608}}` [[2 Kings 25:27]]. This act provides a final, unexpected note of grace, echoing the promise in his name, "Jehovah will establish."
### Summary
In summary, **Yᵉhôwyâkîyn** `{{H3078}}` is not merely a historical name but the subject of a narrative that illustrates themes of royal failure, divine judgment, and unexpected restoration. The story of this **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Judah** `{{H3063}}` charts a course from the throne in **Jerusalem** `{{H3389}}` to a long **captivity** `{{H1546}}` in **Babylon** `{{H894}}`. While his actions led to exile, the final account of his release from prison offers a faint echo of his name's meaning, "Jehovah will establish," showing that even in judgment, a path to being "lifted up" can be found.
TRV