### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun יוֹקִים (Yôwqîym), transliterated as Jokim (`{{H3137}}`), is explicitly defined as "a form of יוֹיָקִים" (Yôyāqîm, `{{H3113}}`). Therefore, its core meaning is derived directly from its root. The name יוֹיָקִים (Yôyāqîm) is a theophoric name, combining the divine name Yahweh (יהו- / יְהוֹ-) with the verb קוּם (qûm), meaning "to rise," "to stand up," or "to establish." Thus, Jokim carries the meaning "Yahweh raises up" or "Yahweh establishes." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to this etymological significance, primarily identifying an individual and implicitly affirming a theological truth through its very name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Jokim (`{{H3137}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the genealogies of the tribe of Judah:
* [[1 Chronicles 4:22]]: "And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubi-lehem. And these are ancient things."
The context places Jokim among the descendants of Shelah, one of Judah's sons. The verse lists several individuals, some of whom are noted for their dominion or settlement in specific regions, including Moab. The phrase "and these are ancient things" (וְהַדְּבָרִים עַתִּיקִים) suggests that these are historical records of prominent families or events from ancient times. Beyond his lineage and association with "the men of Chozeba" and possibly dominion in Moab, the text provides no further narrative details about Jokim himself. His mention serves to fill out the genealogical record, indicating his place within the tribal structure and perhaps reflecting a period of Judahite influence or settlement in Moabite territory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct related word is יוֹיָקִים (Yôyāqîm, `{{H3113}}`), which is the primary form from which Jokim (`{{H3137}}`) is derived. This name is famously borne by King Jehoiakim of Judah, son of King Josiah (e.g., [[2 Kings 23:34]], [[Jeremiah 22:18]]). Both names share the same theological root meaning, "Yahweh raises up/establishes," highlighting a common practice of embedding divine attributes or actions into personal names (theophoric names). Other related concepts include:
* **Theophoric Names:** The widespread practice in ancient Israel of incorporating elements of God's name (e.g., יהו-, יָהּ-) into personal names, reflecting a family's faith or a hope for the child's life.
* **Root קוּם (qûm):** The verbal root underlying the name, which signifies "to rise," "to stand," "to establish," or "to fulfill." This root is used extensively in the Old Testament to describe God's actions in raising up leaders, establishing covenants, or fulfilling promises (e.g., God raising up judges, [[Judges 2:16]]; establishing His covenant, [[Genesis 6:18]]).
### Theological Significance
Despite the brevity of his mention, the name Jokim (`{{H3137}}`) carries profound theological significance through its etymological meaning: "Yahweh raises up" or "Yahweh establishes." In the context of a genealogy, this name subtly affirms God's sovereign hand in the lineage of Judah, even among figures otherwise unknown to us. It serves as a miniature confession of faith, acknowledging that the very existence and prominence (implied by his inclusion in a record of "ancient things" and dominion) of individuals and families are ultimately dependent on divine action.
While the more famous Jehoiakim (`{{H3113}}`) was indeed "raised up" to the throne by an earthly power ([[2 Kings 23:34]]), his reign was marked by unrighteousness and ultimately led to Judah's downfall. In contrast, the obscure Jokim's name simply stands as a quiet testament to God's ongoing work of establishing and sustaining, even in the lives of those not central to the grand narrative. The name reminds the reader that God is the ultimate source of all establishment and elevation, whether of a king or a less prominent figure in a tribal record. It reinforces the overarching biblical theme of divine sovereignty over human affairs and history.
### Summary
Jokim (יוֹקִים, `{{H3137}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a variant of יוֹיָקִים (Yôyāqîm, `{{H3113}}`), meaning "Yahweh raises up" or "Yahweh establishes." He is mentioned only once in the biblical text, in [[1 Chronicles 4:22]], as a descendant of Judah through Shelah, noted alongside others associated with dominion or settlement in Moab. As a theophoric name, Jokim's theological significance lies in its implicit declaration of God's sovereign power to establish and elevate individuals and lineages. Even for this briefly noted figure, his name serves as a quiet yet powerful reminder of divine agency in the unfolding history of God's people, affirming that all being and prominence ultimately derive from the Lord's active involvement.
TRV