### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term יָכִינִי (Yâkîynîy, `{{H3200}}`) is a patronymic noun, derived from the proper name יָכִין (Yâkîn, `{{H3199}}`). As a patronymic, it denotes "descendants of Jakin" or "belonging to Jakin." The base name יָכִין (Yâkîn) itself means "He will establish" or "He will confirm," pointing to a foundational act of setting something firmly in place. Therefore, the יָכִינִי are the "Jakinites," the clan or family line established through the progenitor Jakin. Its semantic range is limited to this specific familial and tribal designation within ancient Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term יָכִינִי (Yâkîynîy, `{{H3200}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Numbers, specifically in the context of the second census of Israel. Its sole occurrence is found in [[Numbers 26:12]]: "The sons of Simeon according to their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites;". This verse lists the various clans (or families, מִשְׁפָּחָה, *mishpachah*) that comprised the tribe of Simeon. Jakin is identified as one of the sons of Simeon ([[Genesis 46:10]], [[Exodus 6:15]], [[1 Chronicles 4:24]]), and thus the Jakinites represent one of the primary subdivisions within the Simeonite tribe. The census in Numbers 26 serves to enumerate the fighting men of Israel before their entry into the Promised Land, establishing their tribal and familial identities and their inheritance rights. The inclusion of the Jakinites confirms the continuity and preservation of this specific lineage within the larger covenant community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the proper noun יָכִין (Yâkîn, `{{H3199}}`), the progenitor from whom the Jakinites derive their name. This name is significant, as it carries the meaning "He will establish" or "He will confirm," likely an abbreviation of "Yahweh will establish." This root meaning is also seen in the name of one of the pillars of Solomon's Temple, Jachin ([[1 Kings 7:21]]), symbolizing strength and divine establishment. The concept of patronymics is pervasive in biblical genealogies, signifying a people's identity tied to their ancestral head (e.g., Reubenites from Reuben, Simeonites from Simeon). The broader concept of tribal and clan organization (mishpachah) is crucial to understanding Israelite society, land distribution, and military muster.
### Theological Significance
The existence and enumeration of the יָכִינִי (Yâkîynîy) hold theological significance primarily within the broader context of God's covenant faithfulness and His meticulous ordering of His people. The very name יָכִין (Yâkîn) – "He will establish" – subtly points to the divine power and steadfastness behind the continued existence of this family line. Even amidst the wilderness wanderings and the challenges faced by the tribe of Simeon (which notably diminished in size by the second census), the Jakinites are explicitly counted, demonstrating God's preservation of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which included the proliferation of their descendants. The census itself is a theological act, highlighting God's knowledge of His people, His preparation of them for the inheritance, and the divine order inherent in His community. The continuity of the Jakinite lineage, like all other enumerated families, testifies to God's sovereign hand in establishing and maintaining the identity of Israel.
### Summary
The term יָכִינִי (Yâkîynîy, `{{H3200}}`) designates the "Jakinites," a specific clan or family line descended from Jakin, one of the sons of Simeon. Appearing solely in the census record of [[Numbers 26:12]], it underscores the importance of lineage and tribal identity within ancient Israel. The underlying meaning of the progenitor's name, "He will establish," subtly points to God's faithfulness in preserving and ordering His people, affirming His covenant promises through the continued existence of these named families. The Jakinites, therefore, represent a tangible manifestation of God's enduring establishment of the nation of Israel.
TRV