from יְהֹוָה abbreviated and קוּם; Jehovah will raise; Jehojakim, a Jewish king; Jehoiakim. Compare יוֹיָקִים.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôwyâqîym
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-yaw-keem'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name יְהוֹיָקִים (Yᵉhôwyâqîym, `{{H3079}}`) is a theophoric compound name, meaning "YHWH raises up" or "Jehovah will raise/establish." It is formed from the abbreviated divine name יְהֹוָה (YHWH, Jehovah), and the verb קוּם (qum, `{{H6965}}`), which means "to rise," "to stand up," "to establish," or "to confirm." The name thus speaks to divine action and sovereignty, implying that God is the one who establishes or raises a person. The semantic range of *qum* can include raising up from a low state, establishing in a position of authority, or even raising up in judgment or for a specific purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Jehoiakim (Yᵉhôwyâqîym, `{{H3079}}`) primarily refers to the eighteenth king of Judah, the son of King Josiah. His original name was Eliakim (אֶלְיָקִים, `{{H471}}`), meaning "God raises up" or "My God raises." He was placed on the throne by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt after the death of his father Josiah, and his name was changed to Jehoiakim by the Pharaoh, as recorded in [[2 Kings 23:34]] and [[2 Chronicles 36:4]].
Jehoiakim reigned for eleven years (c. 609-598 BCE). His reign was marked by severe wickedness, oppression, and defiance against God. He imposed heavy taxes to pay tribute to Egypt ([[2 Kings 23:35]]) and engaged in unjust building projects, exploiting his people ([[Jeremiah 22:13-17]]). He consistently rejected the prophetic warnings of Jeremiah, who repeatedly called Judah to repentance. A pivotal moment in his reign was his contemptuous burning of Jeremiah's scroll containing God's words of judgment, as detailed in [[Jeremiah 36]]. This act symbolized his utter rejection of divine authority and sealed the fate of Judah.
During his reign, Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon invaded Judah, making Jehoiakim his vassal ([[2 Kings 24:1]]). After three years, Jehoiakim rebelled, leading to further Babylonian incursions. His end is described somewhat ambiguously. [[2 Kings 24:6]] states he "slept with his fathers," implying a natural death and burial. However, Jeremiah's prophecies foretold a dishonorable end: "He shall be buried with the burial of a donkey, dragged and cast out beyond the gates of Jerusalem" ([[Jeremiah 22:18-19]]) and "He shall have no one to sit on the throne of David, and his dead body shall be cast out to the heat by day and the frost by night" ([[Jeremiah 36:30]]). While the precise circumstances of his death and burial are debated, the prophetic judgment underscores the severity of his sin and God's response to his rebellion. His reign also marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile, with the first deportation occurring in his time ([[Daniel 1:1-2]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Jehoiakim is closely related to his original name, Eliakim (אֶלְיָקִים, `{{H471}}`), both incorporating a divine name (YHWH or El) with the verb *qum* (`{{H6965}}`). This highlights a common pattern in Hebrew names, where the divine element signifies God's involvement in a person's life or character. The change of his name from Eliakim to Jehoiakim by Pharaoh Neco is significant; while both names mean "God raises up," the shift from the general "God" (El) to the covenant name "YHWH" (Jehovah) by a foreign king is ironic, as Jehoiakim's life demonstrated a profound disregard for the God of Israel.
Other related concepts include:
* **Theophoric names:** Names containing a divine element, common in the ancient Near East, often reflecting piety or a theological statement.
* **Kingship in Judah:** Jehoiakim stands in stark contrast to his righteous father Josiah, illustrating the rapid moral decline of the Davidic line and the covenantal consequences of unfaithful leadership.
* **Prophetic confrontation:** His interactions with Jeremiah exemplify the tension between God's word and human rebellion, a recurring theme in the prophetic books.
* **Covenant curses:** His reign, marked by tribute, oppression, and eventual exile, is a clear fulfillment of the curses outlined in the Mosaic covenant for disobedience ([[Deuteronomy 28]]).
### Theological Significance
The name "Jehoiakim" – "YHWH raises up" – carries profound theological irony when viewed against the backdrop of his reign. While he was indeed "raised up" to the throne, it was by a foreign power (Pharaoh Neco), not by a divinely sanctioned act that brought blessing to Judah. Furthermore, his life was a testament to his rejection of the very YHWH who, by name, was said to "raise him up." God did "raise him up" in the sense that He allowed him to ascend to power, but ultimately, this was to bring about His judgment upon a persistently rebellious nation.
Jehoiakim's burning of Jeremiah's scroll ([[Jeremiah 36]]) is arguably the most significant theological act of his reign. It represents a brazen act of defiance against the very word of God, a direct assault on divine revelation. This act underscores the hardening of the human heart against God's truth and the futility of attempting to nullify God's decree. It highlights the principle that God's word, once spoken, cannot be undone by human will, and those who reject it face inevitable judgment.
His reign serves as a stark example of the consequences of unrighteous leadership and national apostasy. It vividly demonstrates God's justice and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, even when it means bringing judgment upon His own people. Despite God's patience in sending prophets, Jehoiakim's persistent wickedness led Judah further down the path of destruction, culminating in the Babylonian exile. His story is a powerful reminder that "YHWH raises up" not only for blessing but also for the execution of His righteous judgment.
### Summary
The name Yᵉhôwyâqîym (`{{H3079}}`), or Jehoiakim, means "YHWH raises up" or "Jehovah will raise/establish." This name belonged to a king of Judah whose reign (c. 609-598 BCE) was characterized by profound wickedness, oppression, and open defiance against God. Appointed by Pharaoh Neco, Jehoiakim notoriously rejected and burned Jeremiah's scroll, symbolizing his utter contempt for divine revelation. His reign directly precipitated the Babylonian exile, serving as a stark biblical example of the consequences of national apostasy and unrighteous leadership. The theological irony of his name underscores that while YHWH indeed "raises up," He does so not only to bless but also to enact His righteous judgment upon those who persistently reject His word and covenant.
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