### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yôwkebed**, represented by `{{H3115}}`, is defined as **Jehovah-gloried**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses**, identifying the mother of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. Though mentioned only twice, her position is central to the lineage of Israel's most pivotal leaders during the Exodus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two biblical accounts of **Yôwkebed** `{{H3115}}` establish her family connections. In [[Exodus 6:20]], she is identified as the **father's sister** `{{H1733}}` of **ʻAmrâm** `{{H6019}}`, whom he **took** `{{H3947}}` as his **wife** `{{H802}}`. This union **bare** `{{H3205}}` **ʼAhărôwn** `{{H175}}` and **Môsheh** `{{H4872}}`. The second account, in [[Numbers 26:59]], confirms her **name** `{{H8034}}` as **ʻAmrâm's** `{{H6019}}` **wife** `{{H802}}` and further clarifies her lineage as the **daughter** `{{H1323}}` of **Lêvîy** `{{H3878}}`, who was born in **Egypt** `{{H4714}}`. This passage also adds that she **bare** `{{H3205}}` **Miryâm** `{{H4813}}` as their **sister** `{{H269}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related individuals and terms define the context of Jochebed's life:
* `{{H6019}}` **ʻAmrâm** (high people): Jochebed's husband. The scriptures record that the **years** `{{H8141}}` of the **life** `{{H2416}}` of **ʻAmrâm** were one **hundred** `{{H3967}}` and **thirty** `{{H7970}}` and **seven** `{{H7651}}` [[Exodus 6:20]].
* `{{H4872}}` **Môsheh** (drawing out (of the water), i.e. rescued): One of Jochebed's sons, who would become the great lawgiver of Israel [[Exodus 6:20]].
* `{{H175}}` **ʼAhărôwn** (Aharon, the brother of Moses): Jochebed's son who was established as the head of Israel's priesthood [[Numbers 26:59]].
* `{{H4813}}` **Miryâm** (rebelliously; Mirjam, the name of two Israelitesses): The daughter of Jochebed, identified as a prophetess and the **sister** `{{H269}}` of Aaron [[Exodus 15:20]].
* `{{H3878}}` **Lêvîy** (attached; Levi, a son of Jacob): Jochebed is a direct **daughter** `{{H1323}}` of Levi, placing her and her children firmly within the tribe that God would later set apart [[Numbers 26:59]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H3115}}` is found entirely in her maternal role and foundational lineage.
* **Matriarch of the Exodus:** Jochebed is the mother of the three leaders who guided Israel out of Egypt: **Môsheh** `{{H4872}}` the deliverer, **ʼAhărôwn** `{{H175}}` the high priest, and **Miryâm** `{{H4813}}` the prophetess ([[Numbers 26:59]], [[Micah 6:4]]).
* **A Levite Heritage:** As the **daughter** `{{H1323}}` of **Lêvîy** `{{H3878}}`, her lineage is crucial. She transmits the Levitical heritage to her children, which forms the basis for the Aaronic priesthood and the special role of the Levites in Israel's worship.
* **Fulfillment of Name:** Her name, **Yôwkebed** ("Jehovah-gloried"), finds its fulfillment not in her own recorded actions but through the glory brought to God by the lives and ministries of the children she **bare** `{{H3205}}` [[Exodus 6:20]].
### Summary
In summary, **Yôwkebed** `{{H3115}}` is a pivotal matriarch in the biblical narrative. While her name appears infrequently, her identity as the wife of **ʻAmrâm** `{{H6019}}`, daughter of **Lêvîy** `{{H3878}}`, and mother to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam makes her an essential link in the story of God's deliverance and the establishment of Israel as a nation. Her name foreshadows the immense glory God would receive through the work of her children.
TRV