from יְהֹוָה and רוּם; Jehovah-raised; Jehoram, the name of a Syrian and of three Israelites; Jehoram, Joram. Compare יוֹרָם.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôwrâm
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-rawm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun Yᵉhôwrâm `{{H3088}}` is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. It is a compound derived from `{{H3068}}` (Yĕhôwâh, the personal name of God, YHWH) and `{{H7311}}` (rûm, meaning "to be high," "exalted," or "lifted up"). Thus, the core meaning of Yᵉhôwrâm is "YHWH is exalted" or "Jehovah-raised." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying specific individuals, but the theological weight of its etymology is significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yᵉhôwrâm `{{H3088}}` is attributed to several figures in the Old Testament:
1. **Jehoram, King of Judah:** Son of King Jehoshaphat. He reigned for eight years and is depicted as a wicked king who walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and married a daughter of Ahab ([[2 Kings 8:16-24]]; [[2 Chronicles 21:1-20]]). His reign was marked by apostasy and divine judgment.
2. **Jehoram, King of Israel:** Son of King Ahab. He reigned for twelve years and, while he removed the pillar of Baal, he continued in the sins of Jeroboam ([[2 Kings 3:1-3]]). He was involved in conflicts with Moab and Aram, and was ultimately slain by Jehu ([[2 Kings 8:28-29]]; [[2 Kings 9:14-26]]).
3. **Jehoram, son of Toi, King of Hamath:** This is the "Syrian" reference in the Strong's definition, as Hamath was an Aramean kingdom. He sent his son, also called Hadoram in [[1 Chronicles 18:9-10]], to King David with gifts after David's victory over Hadadezer ([[2 Samuel 8:9-10]]). This demonstrates an acknowledgment of YHWH's power by a foreign ruler.
4. **Jehoram, a Levite:** A descendant of Eliezer, mentioned in a genealogical list among those responsible for the treasury of the house of God ([[1 Chronicles 26:25]]). He is a minor figure, and his life details are not elaborated upon.
The most striking aspect of the name's occurrences is the profound irony in the cases of the two kings named Jehoram. Despite bearing a name that declares the exaltation of YHWH, both kings led lives of unfaithfulness and idolatry, bringing judgment upon themselves and their nations. This highlights the disjunction between a person's name and their character or actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Yᵉhôwrâm `{{H3088}}` is intrinsically linked to its constituent parts:
* `{{H3068}}` (Yĕhôwâh): The Tetragrammaton, the sacred personal name of God, YHWH, emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel and His supreme sovereignty.
* `{{H7311}}` (rûm): The verb "to be high," "to be exalted," "to be lifted up." This root is used throughout the Old Testament to describe physical elevation, but more significantly, the exaltation of God, His power, and His glory.
A key related name is Yowram `{{H3138}}`, which is an abbreviated or contracted form of Yᵉhôwrâm. In some instances, the same individual might be referred to by both forms, underscoring their interchangeability. Other theophoric names incorporating the root rum include Abiram ("my father is exalted") and Hiram ("my brother is exalted"), though these use "El" or familial terms rather than YHWH directly. The concept of "exaltation" is central, often referring to God's inherent majesty and His being lifted up in praise by His people.
### Theological Significance
The name Yᵉhôwrâm `{{H3088}}` carries profound theological significance, primarily through its declaration: "YHWH is exalted."
* **Theophoric Declaration:** It serves as a constant reminder of God's supreme position and inherent glory. In a culture saturated with such names, it continually pointed to the divine as the source of all being and power.
* **Irony and Human Responsibility:** The lives of the two prominent kings named Jehoram present a powerful theological paradox. Their actions directly contradicted the meaning of their names. Despite being named "YHWH is exalted," they led their people into idolatry and dishonored God. This underscores the biblical truth that a name, however divinely significant, does not automatically confer righteousness or guarantee obedience. Human free will and accountability before God remain paramount. It highlights that God's exaltation is independent of human recognition or obedience; He remains exalted regardless of human faithfulness or failure.
* **God's Unchanging Nature:** The name stands as an enduring testimony to YHWH's unchanging character. He is eternally exalted, and this truth is proclaimed even through the names of individuals who may fail to acknowledge or live by it.
* **Universal Acknowledgment:** The case of Jehoram of Hamath suggests that even outside of Israel, there could be an acknowledgment of YHWH's power and exalted status, albeit perhaps without a full understanding of His covenantal relationship with Israel.
### Summary
The Hebrew name Yᵉhôwrâm `{{H3088}}`, meaning "YHWH is exalted," is a powerful theophoric compound of `{{H3068}}` (YHWH) and `{{H7311}}` (to be high, exalted). While borne by a Levite and a Syrian king, its most prominent bearers were two unrighteous kings of Israel and Judah. The lives of King Jehoram of Judah and King Jehoram of Israel stand in stark ironic contrast to the profound meaning of their name. Despite bearing a name that declared God's supreme exaltation, both kings pursued idolatry and led their nations astray, demonstrating that a divine name does not guarantee a righteous character. This paradox underscores the biblical emphasis on human accountability and the unchanging, inherent majesty of YHWH, who remains exalted irrespective of human faithfulness. The abbreviated form, Yowram `{{H3138}}`, is often used interchangeably.
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