### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yachlᵉʼêl**, represented by `{{H3177}}`, is the name of an Israelite. Its base definition is **expectant of God**. This name appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, where it serves a specific genealogical purpose, identifying a founder of a family within the tribe of Zebulun.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3177}}` is used exclusively to establish lineage. The first mention is in Genesis, which lists Jahleel as one of the **sons** `{{H1121}}` of **Zebulun** `{{H2074}}` who went into Egypt with Jacob [[Genesis 46:14]]. He is listed alongside his brothers, Sered and Elon. The second instance occurs in Numbers during a census of the Israelite tribes, where the descendants of **Zebulun** are recorded according to their **families** `{{H4940}}`. Here, **Jahleel** `{{H3177}}` is explicitly named as the progenitor of the **family** `{{H4940}}` of the Jahleelites `{{H3178}}` [[Numbers 26:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Jahleel's place within the Israelite tribal structure:
* `{{H2074}}` **Zᵉbûwlûwn** (Zebulun): The father of Jahleel and one of the sons of Jacob. The name is defined as **habitation; Zebulon, a son of Jacob; also his territory and tribe** [[Genesis 46:14]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word links Jahleel to his father, Zebulun. It is defined as **a son (as a builder of the family name)** and appears in both verses that mention Jahleel ([[Genesis 46:14]], [[Numbers 26:26]]).
* `{{H3178}}` **Yachlᵉʼêlîy** (Jahleelites): The patronymic term for the descendants of Jahleel. It is defined as **a Jachleelite or descendant of Jachleel** and confirms his role as a clan founder [[Numbers 26:26]].
* `{{H4940}}` **mishpâchâh** (family): This term defines the clan that came from Jahleel. It means **a family, i.e. circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people** [[Numbers 26:26]].
* `{{H5624}}` **Çered** (Sered): An Israelite listed as a brother of Jahleel, his name means **trembling** [[Genesis 46:14]].
* `{{H356}}` **ʼÊylôwn** (Elon): Another brother of Jahleel, whose name means **oak-grove** [[Genesis 46:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3177}}` is found primarily in its meaning and its role in the continuity of the covenant people.
* **Covenantal Lineage:** Jahleel’s inclusion in the genealogies of Genesis and Numbers is significant. It secures his place, and that of his descendants, within the covenant promises made to Israel through the line of Jacob and his son Zebulun ([[Genesis 46:14]], [[Numbers 26:26]]).
* **Hope Embodied in a Name:** While no actions of Jahleel are recorded, his name itself, meaning "expectant of God," carries theological significance. It reflects a posture of faith and hope in God that was valued within the Israelite community.
* **Foundation of a Family:** The record of the **family** `{{H4940}}` of the **Jahleelites** `{{H3178}}` highlights the biblical principle of families being the foundational units through which God’s people are organized and his blessings are passed down through generations [[Numbers 26:26]].
### Summary
In summary, **Yachlᵉʼêl** `{{H3177}}` is a specific personal name that plays an important role in biblical genealogy. Though mentioned only twice, he is established as a son of **Zebulun** `{{H2074}}` and the patriarch of the **Jahleelites** `{{H3178}}`. His presence in the scriptural record underscores the detailed preservation of Israel's tribal lineage and, through his name's meaning, points to the underlying hope in God that characterized the covenant people.
TRV