or יְחִזְקִיָּהוּ; from יְרוּשָׁא and יָהּ; strengthened of Jah; Jechizkijah, the name of five Israelites; Hezekiah, Jehizkiah. Compare חִזְקִיָּה.
Transliteration:Yᵉchizqîyâh
Pronunciation:yekh-iz-kee-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יְחִזְקִיָּה (Yechizqîyâh, `{{H3169}}`), also appearing as יְחִזְקִיָּהוּ (Yechizqîyâhu), is a theophoric proper noun. Its core meaning is derived from the root חָזַק (chazaq, `{{H2388}}`), meaning "to be strong, firm, courageous," combined with the divine element יָהּ (Yah), a shortened form of the Tetragrammaton YHWH. Thus, the name translates to "Yahweh strengthens" or "Strengthened by Yahweh." As a personal name, its semantic range is primarily referential, identifying specific individuals. The definition indicates it was borne by "five Israelites," highlighting its use as a common, albeit significant, personal appellation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yechizqîyâh (Hezekiah/Jehizkiah) appears in the Old Testament referring to several individuals:
1. **King Hezekiah of Judah:** This is by far the most prominent bearer of the name. His reign is extensively documented in [[2 Kings 18-20]], [[2 Chronicles 29-32]], and [[Isaiah 36-39]]. He is celebrated for his profound religious reforms, including the destruction of idolatrous altars and the brazen serpent ([[2 Kings 18:4]], [[2 Chronicles 31:1]]). His unwavering trust in Yahweh during the Assyrian siege by Sennacherib led to a miraculous divine deliverance ([[2 Kings 19:35-36]], [[Isaiah 37:36]]). Later, his life was extended by God in response to his prayer ([[2 Kings 20:1-11]], [[Isaiah 38:1-8]]). However, a moment of pride in showing his treasures to Babylonian envoys resulted in a prophecy of future exile ([[2 Kings 20:12-19]], [[Isaiah 39:1-8]]). His life exemplifies the meaning of his name, demonstrating how Yahweh strengthened him in times of crisis and reform.
2. **An Ephraimite chief:** Mentioned in [[2 Chronicles 28:12]], this Hezekiah was a leader during the time of King Pekah of Israel. He, along with other chiefs, resisted the enslavement of Judean captives taken by Israel, advocating for their return to Judah.
3. **An ancestor of the prophet Zephaniah:** The prophet Zephaniah is identified as "the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah" ([[Zephaniah 1:1]]). This places a Hezekiah in the royal lineage, possibly King Hezekiah himself, though the text does not explicitly state it.
4. **A returnee from Babylonian exile:** Listed among those who returned with Zerubbabel, his name appears as "Hezekiah" in [[Ezra 2:16]] and "Jehizkiah" in [[Nehemiah 7:21]], confirming the interchangeability of the transliterations for `{{H3169}}`. His descendants numbered 98.
5. **A descendant of David:** Hezekiah is listed in the genealogy of David's descendants in [[1 Chronicles 3:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Yechizqîyâh is deeply connected to several linguistic and theological concepts:
* **Root חָזַק (chazaq, `{{H2388}}`):** This verb forms the semantic core of the name, meaning "to be strong, firm, courageous, prevail." It is used throughout Scripture to describe physical strength, moral fortitude, and divine empowerment.
* **Theophoric Names:** Yechizqîyâh belongs to a large category of Hebrew names that incorporate a divine element, often Yahweh (Yah/Yahu) or El (God). Examples include Elijah ("My God is Yahweh"), Isaiah ("Yahweh is Salvation"), and Jeremiah ("Yahweh Exalts"). These names often served as declarations of faith or theological statements.
* **חִזְקִיָּה (Chizqîyâh, `{{H2396}}`):** This is a closely related form, often used interchangeably with `{{H3169}}` for King Hezekiah, particularly in later texts or variant spellings. It shares the same root and meaning.
* **יְחֶזְקֵאל (Yechizqê'l, `{{H3168}}`):** The name Ezekiel, meaning "God strengthens," shares the same verbal root and grammatical structure but uses the divine element 'El' instead of 'Yah', illustrating a common pattern in Hebrew nomenclature.
* **Divine Strength:** The concept of God as the ultimate source of strength and power is a pervasive biblical theme ([[Psalm 18:1]], [[Psalm 46:1]], [[Isaiah 40:29]]). The name Yechizqîyâh embodies this theological truth in a personal form.
### Theological Significance
The name Yechizqîyâh, "Yahweh strengthens," carries profound theological significance, particularly as embodied by King Hezekiah.
1. **Divine Empowerment:** The name serves as a constant reminder that true strength, whether for leadership, spiritual reform, or facing overwhelming odds, originates from God. Hezekiah's successful reforms and his deliverance from Sennacherib's army were not due to his own might but to God's strengthening hand ([[2 Chronicles 32:7-8]]).
2. **Trust and Reliance on God:** The life of King Hezekiah illustrates that when one trusts in Yahweh, He provides the necessary strength and deliverance. His initial response to the Assyrian threat, turning to God in prayer rather than human alliances, is a testament to this principle ([[2 Kings 19:14-19]]).
3. **Covenant Faithfulness:** Hezekiah's zeal for restoring pure worship in Judah demonstrates that God strengthens those who are faithful to His covenant. His name implicitly links divine strength with obedience and devotion to Yahweh.
4. **Hope in Adversity:** For the Israelites, a name like Hezekiah would have been a source of hope, affirming God's active involvement in their lives and His ability to empower them even in their weakness or in dire circumstances. It underscores the biblical truth that "the joy of the Lord is your strength" ([[Nehemiah 8:10]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew proper noun יְחִזְקִיָּה (Yechizqîyâh, `{{H3169}}`), transliterated as Hezekiah or Jehizkiah, is a theophoric name meaning "Yahweh strengthens" or "Strengthened by Yahweh." Derived from the root חָזַק (chazaq, `{{H2388}}`), signifying strength and firmness, and the divine element יָהּ (Yah), it points directly to God as the ultimate source of power and resilience. While borne by several individuals in Scripture, its most significant bearer is King Hezekiah of Judah, whose reign is extensively documented. His life, marked by profound religious reform, unwavering trust in God during the Assyrian crisis, and miraculous divine intervention, powerfully exemplifies the theological truth embedded in his name. The name Yechizqîyâh thus serves as a potent biblical reminder of divine empowerment, the necessity of trusting in God, and the unwavering capacity of the Lord to strengthen His people in all circumstances.
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