### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יַחְלְאֵל (Yachlᵉʼêl, `{{H3177}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its etymological root provides its profound meaning. The name is a compound derived from two distinct elements: the verb יָחַל (yachal, `{{H3176}}`) and the divine name אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`). The verb יָחַל (yachal) carries the primary meaning of "to wait," "to hope," "to be patient," or "to expect." It often denotes a hopeful and trusting anticipation, particularly in relation to the Lord. The second element, אֵל (El), is a common Semitic term for "God" or "deity," frequently used in the Old Testament to refer to the one true God of Israel. Therefore, the name Yachlᵉʼêl semantically means "God waits," "He waits for God," "Expectant of God," or "One who hopes in God." The latter interpretations, emphasizing human expectation and hope directed toward the divine, are most consistent with the typical construction of such theophoric names in Hebrew. The name thus encapsulates a posture of faith and reliance upon the Almighty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yachlᵉʼêl (Jahleel in English translations) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively within genealogical lists. Its occurrences are:
* [[Genesis 46:14]]: Here, Jahleel is listed as one of the sons of Zebulun, who was a son of Jacob and Leah. This verse is part of the enumeration of Jacob's descendants who went down to Egypt, establishing the foundational lineage of the tribes of Israel.
* [[Numbers 26:26]]: In this passage, during the second census of Israel in the wilderness, Jahleel is identified as the progenitor of the "Jahleelites" (יַחְלְאֵלִי, Yachlᵉʼêlî), one of the families of the tribe of Zebulun. This demonstrates the continuation of his lineage and its recognition as a distinct clan within the tribal structure of Israel.
In both instances, the name appears within a purely genealogical context, offering no narrative details about the individual Jahleel himself. The significance of the name, therefore, rests entirely upon its inherent meaning and the theological implications derived from its etymology. As a tribal ancestor, Jahleel's name would have served as a perpetual reminder of a foundational spiritual characteristic or aspiration for his descendants: a life lived in hopeful expectation of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root יָחַל (yachal, `{{H3176}}`), from which the first part of the name Yachlᵉʼêl is derived. This root is central to understanding the concept of biblical hope and waiting. It frequently appears in contexts where individuals or the nation of Israel are encouraged to "wait for the Lord" (e.g., [[Psalm 27:14]], [[Psalm 37:34]], [[Isaiah 40:31]]). This waiting is not passive idleness but an active, hopeful trust in God's timing, promises, and redemptive action.
The second component, אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`), is a foundational term for God, appearing in numerous personal names (e.g., Israel, Immanuel, Elijah) and theological contexts throughout the Old Testament. Its inclusion in Yachlᵉʼêl anchors the hope and expectation firmly in the divine character and faithfulness of God.
Concepts closely related to Yachlᵉʼêl include:
* **Hope (תִּקְוָה, tiqvah, `{{H8615}}`):** The name embodies the very essence of biblical hope, which is grounded in God's character and promises.
* **Trust (בָּטַח, batach, `{{H982}}`):** Waiting expectantly on God inherently involves a deep trust in His sovereignty and goodness.
* **Patience (אֹרֶךְ אַפַּיִם, orekh appayim, lit. "long of nose/anger"):** While not a direct etymological link, the act of waiting for God often requires patience and endurance.
* **Divine Providence:** The name points to a belief in God's active care and provision, for which one waits.
### Theological Significance
The name Yachlᵉʼêl, meaning "Expectant of God" or "One who hopes in God," carries profound theological significance despite the scarcity of narrative about the individual. It serves as a powerful theological statement embedded within the very fabric of Israel's lineage.
Firstly, it highlights a core tenet of biblical faith: the posture of **hope and reliance upon God**. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, the name Yachlᵉʼêl stands as a testament to the belief that God is the ultimate object of human expectation and trust. It suggests that a life lived in communion with God is one of continuous, hopeful anticipation of His intervention, provision, and fulfillment of promises.
Secondly, the name implicitly speaks to the **character of God**. For one to be "expectant of God," God must be perceived as trustworthy, faithful, and capable of acting on behalf of those who wait for Him. He is the God who responds to the hope placed in Him. This resonates with numerous biblical affirmations of God's reliability (e.g., [[Psalm 33:20]], [[Lamentations 3:25]]).
Thirdly, as a name given to a tribal ancestor, Yachlᵉʼêl's name could have served as a **foundational spiritual principle** for his descendants, the Jahleelites. It would have reminded them of the spiritual heritage and identity rooted in a deep, expectant faith in the God of their fathers. In this way, the name transcends a mere identifier, becoming a quiet, enduring sermon on the nature of true piety. It underscores that even in the most basic records of lineage, the theological convictions of a people are subtly yet powerfully expressed.
### Summary
Yachlᵉʼêl (`{{H3177}}`) is a Hebrew personal name, meaning "Expectant of God" or "One who hopes in God," derived from the root יָחַל (yachal, `{{H3176}}`, "to wait/hope") and the divine name אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`, "God"). Appearing exclusively in the genealogical records of [[Genesis 46:14]] and [[Numbers 26:26]] as a son of Zebulun and progenitor of the Jahleelites, the name itself is its primary source of meaning. It signifies a profound posture of faith, trust, and hopeful anticipation directed toward the Almighty. The theological significance of Yachlᵉʼêl lies in its articulation of a core biblical truth: that a life of genuine faith is characterized by expectant waiting on a trustworthy and faithful God, serving as an enduring testament to this spiritual reality within the lineage of Israel.
TRV