from חָצָהlemma חָעָה ayin, corrected to חָצָה and אֵל; allotted of God; Jachtsiel, an Israelite; Jahziel. Compare יַחְצְאֵל.
Transliteration:Yachtsîyʼêl
Pronunciation:yakh-tsee-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H3185}}`, יַחְצִיאֵל (Yachtsîyʼêl), is a theophoric name, meaning "allotted of God" or "God allots." It is derived from two core components: the verb חָצָה (chatzah, `{{H2673}}`), meaning "to divide," "to halve," "to apportion," or "to allot," and the divine name אֵל ('el, `{{H410}}`), referring to God. The name therefore conveys a profound theological statement: God is the active agent in the distribution, division, or assignment of portions. This implies divine sovereignty over destiny, inheritance, or one's lot in life. The semantic range points to an understanding of life's circumstances, whether familial lineage, tribal inheritance, or personal destiny, as being under the direct and intentional ordination of the Almighty. It is closely related to and often interchanged with `{{H3184}}`, יַחְצְאֵל (Yachtsᵉʼêl), which carries the identical meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yachtsîyʼêl (`{{H3185}}`) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, consistently referring to the same individual, a son of Naphtali:
* **[[Genesis 46:24]]**: "The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem." Here, Yachtsîyʼêl is listed among the seventy souls who went down to Egypt with Jacob. This verse is part of a genealogical record, establishing the initial members of the nascent tribes of Israel. His inclusion in this foundational list underscores his role as a progenitor of one of the families within the tribe of Naphtali.
* **[[Numbers 26:48]]**: "The sons of Naphtali according to their clans: of Jahzeel, the clan of the Jahzeelites; of Guni, the clan of the Gunites;" This passage records the second census taken in the wilderness, detailing the heads of the tribal families. Yachtsîyʼêl is again identified as a son of Naphtali, and his descendants are explicitly named "the Jahzeelites" (יַחְצְאֵלִי - Yachtsᵉʼêlî), indicating a significant family branch within the tribe. The context here is the organization and enumeration of Israel's fighting men and the delineation of tribal divisions prior to entering the Promised Land, emphasizing the divine order and structure of the nation.
In both occurrences, Yachtsîyʼêl is presented within a genealogical and organizational framework, highlighting the importance of lineage and the precise ordering of the Israelite tribes. The consistency of his placement as a son of Naphtali reinforces the identity of this specific individual and his foundational role in the tribal structure.
### Related Words & Concepts
The theological depth of `{{H3185}}` is illuminated by its etymological roots and conceptual connections:
* **חָצָה (chatzah, `{{H2673}}`)**: This verb forms the initial component of Yachtsîyʼêl and signifies "to divide," "to halve," "to apportion," or "to allot." It is frequently used in contexts of dividing land (e.g., [[Numbers 34:17]]), spoils of war (e.g., [[Genesis 14:15]]), or even people (e.g., [[Exodus 14:16]]). Its presence in the name emphasizes the active role of God in the distribution and assignment of portions.
* **אֵל ('el, `{{H410}}`)**: The divine name "El" serves as the suffix, clearly attributing the act of allotment to God. This common element in Hebrew names signifies a direct relationship with the divine and often expresses a theological truth about God's character or action.
* **יַחְצְאֵל (Yachtsᵉʼêl, `{{H3184}}`)**: This is an alternate spelling of the same name, found in passages like [[1 Chronicles 7:13]]. The interchangeability of these forms underscores the fluidity of Hebrew orthography while retaining the identical meaning and theological import.
* **Concepts of Inheritance and Portion**: The name directly evokes the biblical concept of an "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה - nachalah), particularly the land of Canaan, which was "allotted" to the tribes by God. It speaks to the divine provision and the secure possession of what God has given.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**: The very structure of the name asserts God's ultimate authority and meticulous care in orchestrating the lives of individuals and the collective destiny of His people. Nothing is left to chance; all is divinely purposed and apportioned.
### Theological Significance
The name Yachtsîyʼêl, "allotted of God," carries profound theological weight, revealing key aspects of the biblical understanding of God and humanity:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Destiny**: The name unequivocally declares that one's portion, lot, or destiny is not a matter of chance or human endeavor alone, but is divinely ordained. God is the active agent who "allots" or assigns. This concept resonates throughout Scripture, affirming God's overarching control and purposeful design in creation and history.
2. **God as the Source of Provision and Inheritance**: For the Israelites, the most significant "allotment" was the land of Canaan, given as an inheritance. The name Jahzeel points to God as the ultimate Giver and Provider of all good things, including land, family, and future. It reinforces the idea that true security and blessing come from God's gracious hand.
3. **Identity Rooted in God's Plan**: For an individual bearing this name, it would serve as a constant reminder that their very existence and place within the community were part of God's deliberate plan. It fosters a sense of purpose and belonging, knowing that one is "allotted of God."
4. **Order and Structure in the Covenant Community**: The appearance of Yachtsîyʼêl in genealogical lists and tribal censuses underscores God's meticulous ordering of His people. The precise division and organization of the tribes, each with its designated family heads, reflect a divine blueprint for the nation of Israel, ensuring their identity and function within the covenant.
5. **Trust in God's Providence**: The name implicitly calls for trust in God's perfect wisdom and goodness in His allotments. Even when circumstances are challenging, the name reminds believers that their portion, whatever it may be, has been divinely appointed for a purpose.
### Summary
Yachtsîyʼêl (`{{H3185}}`), meaning "allotted of God," is a theophoric Hebrew name derived from the verb "to divide/allot" (`{{H2673}}`) and the divine name "God" (`{{H410}}`). It appears in the biblical genealogies of Genesis and Numbers as a son of Naphtali and progenitor of a significant clan. The name powerfully conveys the theological truth of God's active sovereignty and providence in the lives of individuals and the collective destiny of His people. It emphasizes that one's portion, whether in terms of family, inheritance, or life circumstances, is divinely appointed. This name serves as a profound testament to God's meticulous ordering of creation and His covenant faithfulness in providing for and establishing His chosen nation, Israel, highlighting the deep trust in God's perfect and purposeful allotments.
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