probably from יָחַם; hot; Jachmai, an Israelite; Jahmai.
Transliteration:Yachmay
Pronunciation:yakh-mah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יַחְמַי (Yachmay, `{{H3181}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a masculine personal name. Its etymology is generally traced to the root יָחַם (yacham, `{{H3179}}`), which carries the core meaning of "to be hot," "to become warm," or "to conceive" (often in the sense of becoming pregnant due to heat or passion). Thus, the name Yachmay likely means "hot" or "he makes hot," possibly implying vitality, ardor, or even the warmth associated with life and procreation. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to its function as an identifier for an individual within a lineage, rather than a descriptive adjective for his character or circumstances.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yachmay appears only once in the entire biblical corpus, found in [[1 Chronicles 7:2]]. In this solitary occurrence, Yachmay is listed as one of the six sons of Tola, who was himself a son of Issachar. The broader context of [[1 Chronicles 7:1-5]] is a genealogical record detailing the descendants of the tribe of Issachar, emphasizing their numerical strength and their status as "mighty men of valor." The passage states, "The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Jibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their fathers' houses, mighty men of valor for their generations; their number in the days of David was twenty-two thousand six hundred." The mention of Yachmay serves to meticulously record the lineage and growth of the tribe, contributing to the comprehensive genealogical structure that characterizes the Books of Chronicles. No further biographical details or actions of Yachmay are provided, indicating his significance lies primarily in his contribution to the ancestral line.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to Yachmay (`{{H3181}}`) is its root, יָחַם (yacham, `{{H3179}}`). This verbal root appears in various contexts, often denoting physical heat or the heat of passion leading to conception. For instance, in [[Genesis 30:38-41]], it describes Jacob's flocks becoming "in heat" or "warm" when conceiving. In [[Psalm 51:5]] (or 51:7 in some translations), the verb is used metaphorically in the context of being "conceived in iniquity," drawing on the idea of the passionate act of conception. The conceptual connection of Yachmay to this root suggests an underlying association with life, vigor, or the generative process. Beyond this direct etymological link, Yachmay is related to the broader biblical concept of genealogies, which serve to establish identity, inheritance, and the continuity of God's covenant people. Other names in biblical genealogies, while not etymologically linked, share the common purpose of preserving the sacred record of Israel's families.
### Theological Significance
As a singular entry in a genealogical list, Yachmay (`{{H3181}}`) does not possess direct, explicit theological significance in terms of personal narrative or divine interaction. However, his inclusion within the meticulously preserved genealogies of [[1 Chronicles 7]] carries profound theological weight by extension. The Chronicler's emphasis on lineage underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of multiplying Abraham's descendants into a great nation. The recording of names like Yachmay serves to:
1. **Affirm Divine Faithfulness:** It demonstrates God's ongoing work in sustaining and expanding the tribes of Israel, even through seemingly obscure individuals.
2. **Establish Identity and Inheritance:** Genealogies were crucial for tribal identity, land allocation, and the maintenance of the theocratic order. Yachmay is part of the fabric that defines the people of God.
3. **Point to Continuity:** The continuous record of generations, though not directly leading to the messianic line in this instance, reinforces the overarching biblical narrative of God working through history and generations to bring about His redemptive plan. The very act of naming and recording each individual, no matter how brief their mention, reflects a divine economy that values every part of His people.
### Summary
Yachmay (`{{H3181}}`) is a Hebrew proper name meaning "hot" or "he makes hot," derived from the root יָחַם (yacham, `{{H3179}}`). This name appears only once in the biblical text, in [[1 Chronicles 7:2]], identifying one of the sons of Tola, a descendant of the tribe of Issachar. While the name's etymology hints at vitality or warmth, its primary biblical function is to serve as a precise entry within the meticulous genealogical records of Israel. The theological significance of Yachmay lies not in any individual action or explicit divine encounter, but rather in his contribution to the larger narrative of God's covenant faithfulness in multiplying and preserving His people through successive generations, as meticulously documented in the Books of Chronicles.
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