### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun יוֹרָם (Yôwrâm), transliterated as Joram, is a shortened form of יְהוֹרָם (Yᵉhôwrâm) `{{H3088}}`. Its meaning is derived from two components: the divine name יָהּ (Yah), a shortened form of יְהוָה (Yahweh) `{{H3068}}`, and the verb רוּם (rûm) `{{H7311}}`, meaning "to be high," "to be exalted," or "to raise up." Therefore, the name יוֹרָם signifies "Yahweh is exalted" or "Yahweh has raised up." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying individuals, but its inherent meaning carries significant theological weight, serving as a statement about the character and action of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יוֹרָם (Joram) appears in the Old Testament referring to several distinct individuals:
1. **Joram, Son of Toi, King of Hamath:** He is mentioned in [[2 Samuel 8:10]] as the son of Toi, king of Hamath. When David defeated Hadadezer, Toi sent Joram to David with gifts, seeking to establish a friendly alliance. This Joram represents a non-Israelite, a "Syrian" king's son, who acknowledged David's power and, by extension, the God who granted David victory.
2. **Joram, King of Israel:** This Joram was the son of Ahab and Jezebel, and king of Israel (reigning c. 852-841 BCE). His reign is extensively documented in the books of Kings, particularly from [[2 Kings 3:1]] through [[2 Kings 9:24]]. Though he removed the pillar of Baal that his father had made, he continued in the sins of Jeroboam, maintaining calf worship. He interacted significantly with the prophet Elisha, seeking his counsel during military campaigns (e.g., against Moab in [[2 Kings 3:6-27]]) and benefiting from his miraculous interventions (e.g., in the siege of Samaria in [[2 Kings 6:24-7:20]]). Despite these encounters with divine power, Joram did not fully turn to Yahweh. His reign ended violently when he was assassinated by Jehu during a divinely orchestrated coup, fulfilling prophecies against the house of Ahab ([[2 Kings 9:24]]).
3. **Joram, King of Judah:** This Joram was the son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and reigned concurrently with his namesake in Israel for a period (c. 853-841 BCE). While often referred to by the longer form יְהוֹרָם (Jehoram) `{{H3088}}`, the shorter יוֹרָם (Joram) `{{H3141}}` is used for him in passages such as [[2 Kings 8:21]], [[2 Kings 8:23]], and [[2 Kings 8:24]]. Unlike his righteous father, Joram of Judah walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, largely due to his marriage to Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. He executed all his brothers and led Judah into idolatry, building high places and causing the inhabitants of Jerusalem to play the harlot ([[2 Chronicles 21:1-11]]). His reign was marked by Edom's successful revolt and a Philistine and Arab invasion that plundered his palace and carried away his family ([[2 Chronicles 21:8-10]], [[2 Chronicles 21:16-17]]). He died of a terrible, incurable disease, and his death was unmourned ([[2 Chronicles 21:18-20]]).
4. **Joram, a Levite:** A descendant of Moses and a keeper of the temple treasury is also named Joram ([[1 Chronicles 26:25]]). This individual is mentioned in a genealogical list, indicating his role within the Levitical service.
The recurring use of this name, particularly for two contemporary kings, highlights the commonality of the name in ancient Israel. The contrasting spiritual paths of these kings, especially the two Jorams who ruled Israel and Judah respectively, present a poignant irony when considering the name's meaning.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to יוֹרָם (Yôwrâm) is its longer form, יְהוֹרָם (Yᵉhôwrâm) `{{H3088}}`, which carries the identical meaning of "Yahweh is exalted." The two names are often used interchangeably in biblical texts, reflecting a common practice of shortening names that incorporate the divine name.
The root verb underlying the name is רוּם (rûm) `{{H7311}}`, which means "to be high," "to be exalted," "to rise," or "to lift up." This root is frequently used in the Psalms and prophetic literature to describe God's inherent majesty, His power to lift up the humble, and His supreme position above all creation.
The divine name element יָהּ (Yah) or יְהוָה (Yahweh) `{{H3068}}` is central to the meaning, emphasizing that the exaltation is attributed specifically to the God of Israel. This connection places the name within a broader category of theophoric names, which were prevalent in ancient Israel and served as declarations of faith or theological statements. Concepts related to יוֹרָם therefore include divine sovereignty, the nature of God's exaltation, and the significance of names as theological affirmations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of יוֹרָם lies primarily in its embedded confession: "Yahweh is exalted." This name serves as a constant, albeit sometimes unheeded, declaration of God's supreme authority, majesty, and power. It affirms that Yahweh is the one true God, elevated above all other deities and earthly powers.
The lives of the kings named Joram, particularly Joram of Israel and Joram of Judah, present a profound theological irony. Despite bearing a name that testifies to Yahweh's exaltation, both kings largely failed to exalt Yahweh in their reigns. They engaged in idolatry, clung to the sins of their predecessors, and ultimately faced divine judgment. This contrast underscores a crucial biblical truth: a person's name, while potentially a theological statement, does not guarantee their character or faithfulness. It highlights the human capacity for rebellion and the ongoing tension between divine truth and human action.
Moreover, the name "Yahweh is exalted" points to God's unchanging nature. Even when human leaders fall short, God remains exalted. His sovereignty is not diminished by human sin or disobedience. The presence of such names within the biblical narrative serves as a subtle yet persistent witness to God's character and His ultimate triumph, regardless of the immediate circumstances or the unfaithfulness of His people.
### Summary
יוֹרָם (Yôwrâm), or Joram, is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "Yahweh is exalted" or "Yahweh has raised up." It is a shortened form of יְהוֹרָם `{{H3088}}`, combining the divine name Yahweh with the root רוּם `{{H7311}}` ("to be high, exalted"). The name is borne by several individuals in the Old Testament, including Joram, son of Toi of Hamath ([[2 Samuel 8:10]]); Joram, King of Israel (son of Ahab), who had extensive interactions with Elisha but ultimately met a violent end ([[2 Kings 3:1]]ff); Joram, King of Judah (son of Jehoshaphat), who ruled wickedly and suffered divine judgment ([[2 Kings 8:21]]ff, [[2 Chronicles 21:1]]ff); and a Levite descendant of Moses ([[1 Chronicles 26:25]]). The theological significance of the name lies in its declaration of God's supreme exaltation, often standing in stark and poignant contrast to the unfaithfulness and idolatry of the kings who bore it, thereby emphasizing God's unchanging nature despite human failings.
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