### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3113}}`, יוֹיָקִים (Yôwyâqîym), is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. It serves as a shortened or contracted form of the longer name יְהוֹיָקִים (Yehôyâqîm), which is `{{H3079}}`. Both forms convey the same etymological meaning: "Yahweh raises up" or "Yahweh establishes." The name is a theophoric compound, combining an abbreviated form of the divine name Yahweh (יוֹ or יְהוֹ) with a form of the verbal root קוּם (qûm, related to `{{H6965}}` or `{{H6966}}`), meaning "to rise," "to stand," "to establish," or "to raise up." As a proper name, its semantic range is primarily tied to the identity of the individual bearing it and the theological declaration embedded within the name itself regarding God's active role in establishing or raising up.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yôwyâqîym (Joiakim) appears exclusively in the book of Nehemiah, specifically within the genealogical and historical records pertaining to the post-exilic priestly lineage. He is mentioned three times:
* [[Nehemiah 12:10]]: Here, Joiakim is identified as the son of Jeshua (also spelled Joshua in some translations), who was the high priest who returned with Zerubbabel. Joiakim is listed as the father of Eliashib. This verse establishes his position in the high priestly succession.
* [[Nehemiah 12:12]]: This verse lists the heads of the priestly families "in the days of Joiakim." It indicates that he was the high priest during a specific period, overseeing the priestly administration and the registration of their families. This period would precede the full extent of Nehemiah's reforms, though overlapping with the time of Ezra.
* [[Nehemiah 12:26]]: This verse reiterates the historical context, stating that the registration of the Levites and priests occurred "in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra the priest, the scribe." This places Joiakim's high priesthood firmly within the crucial period of the Second Temple's early restoration and the re-establishment of Jewish life in Jerusalem under Persian rule.
From these occurrences, Joiakim emerges as a significant figure in the post-exilic community, serving as high priest and playing a vital role in the continuity of the Levitical and priestly services. His name underscores the divine hand in the re-establishment of the priesthood after the Babylonian exile.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is יְהוֹיָקִים (Yehôyâqîm, `{{H3079}}`), the longer form of the name, famously borne by a king of Judah (originally named Eliakim) who reigned during a tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile. Though different individuals, the shared name signifies the same theological statement about Yahweh's power to "raise up" or "establish." The base definition also points to יוֹקִים (Yôqîm, `{{H3139}}`), which is another proper name with the same etymological root and meaning, though referring to a different individual (a descendant of Benjamin, [[1 Chronicles 8:27]]).
The core concept embedded in these names is the verb קוּם (qûm), which appears in various forms throughout the Hebrew Bible to denote God's active role in establishing covenants, raising up leaders, restoring nations, or fulfilling promises. For example, God "raises up" (יָקִים) a prophet like Moses ([[Deuteronomy 18:18]]), or "establishes" (יָקִים) His covenant ([[Genesis 6:18]]). The inclusion of the divine name Yahweh within Joiakim's name emphasizes that this "raising up" or "establishing" is not by human might but by divine decree and power.
### Theological Significance
The name Joiakim, meaning "Yahweh raises up" or "Yahweh establishes," carries profound theological significance, particularly in the context of the post-exilic period in which the high priest Joiakim served. After the devastating exile and the destruction of the First Temple, the very existence and continuity of the Jewish people, their priesthood, and their worship were precarious. The name Joiakim serves as a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness and sovereignty in the face of such adversity.
It testifies to the belief that despite the desolation, Yahweh was actively "raising up" His people, "establishing" His covenant anew, and ensuring the continuity of the priestly line essential for atonement and worship. Joiakim's leadership as high priest during this critical period was, in the biblical view, a direct manifestation of God's promise to maintain His people and their spiritual infrastructure. The name itself would have served as a constant reminder to the community that their restoration was not merely a political or human endeavor, but a divine work, initiated and sustained by Yahweh Himself. It underscores the theological theme of divine providence and the enduring nature of God's covenant promises, even through periods of judgment and exile.
### Summary
`{{H3113}}`, Yôwyâqîym (Joiakim), is a Hebrew proper name meaning "Yahweh raises up" or "Yahweh establishes," a shortened form of `{{H3079}}` (Jehoiakim). This name belongs to a high priest in the post-exilic community, son of Jeshua and father of Eliashib, as recorded in [[Nehemiah 12:10]], [[Nehemiah 12:12]], and [[Nehemiah 12:26]]. His role was crucial in the re-establishment of the priestly functions in Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian exile. The theological significance of his name lies in its declaration of God's active involvement in restoring and sustaining His people and their institutions, particularly the priesthood, after a period of severe judgment. It serves as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His power to "raise up" and "establish" His purposes, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
TRV