and יְכׇלְיָהוּ; or (2 Chronicles 26:3) יְכִילְיָה; from יָכֹל and יָהּ; Jah will enable; Jekoljah or Jekiljah, an Israelitess; Jecholiah, Jecoliah.
Transliteration:Yᵉkolyâh
Pronunciation:yek-ol-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name יְכׇלְיָה (Yᵉkolyâh), also appearing as יְכׇלְיָהוּ (Yᵉkolyâhu) and יְכִילְיָה (Yᵉkîlyâh) in some manuscripts or contexts, is a theophoric name derived from two components: the verb יָכֹל (yakol, `{{H3201}}`) and the shortened divine name יָהּ (yah, `{{H3050}}`). The root יָכֹל signifies "to be able," "to be capable," "to prevail," or "to overcome." The suffix יָהּ is an abbreviation of יְהוָה (YHWH), the personal name of God. Thus, יְכׇלְיָה carries the profound meaning of "Yahweh is able," "Yahweh will enable," or "Yahweh will prevail." This name functions as a declarative statement of faith, embedding a theological truth about God's omnipotence and capability directly into a personal identity. Its semantic range is therefore tightly bound to the concept of divine power and enablement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יְכׇלְיָה appears in the Hebrew Bible in reference to a single individual: Jecoliah (or Jecholiah), the mother of King Uzziah (also known as Azariah) of Judah. She is mentioned in [[2 Kings 15:2]] and [[2 Chronicles 26:3]]. Both passages identify her as "of Jerusalem," indicating her origin or residence within the capital city. Her son, Uzziah, ascended to the throne at the young age of sixteen and reigned for fifty-two years. The biblical account largely portrays Uzziah's early reign as righteous, stating that "he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done" ([[2 Chronicles 26:4]]). The presence of a name like יְכׇלְיָה in the royal lineage may subtly underscore the belief that God's enablement was foundational to the stability and success of the Davidic monarchy. While the text provides no explicit details about Jecoliah's character or actions beyond her maternal role, her name itself serves as a silent testament to the theological convictions prevalent in her era, possibly reflecting her parents' or her own faith in God's prevailing power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic components of יְכׇלְיָה are crucial for understanding its depth. The verb יָכֹל (`{{H3201}}`) is frequently used throughout the Old Testament to describe capability, whether human or divine. For instance, it describes God's ability to save ([[Isaiah 59:1]]), human inability to stand against God ([[Psalm 76:7]]), or the capacity to perform a task ([[Genesis 13:6]]). Its inclusion in a personal name highlights the belief that true ability and success ultimately derive from God. The divine element יָהּ (`{{H3050}}`) is a common feature in many Hebrew theophoric names, such as Isaiah ("Yahweh is salvation"), Jeremiah ("Yahweh will uplift"), and Hezekiah ("Yahweh strengthens"). These names collectively form a rich tapestry of theological statements, each affirming a different attribute or action of God. The concept of divine omnipotence and sovereignty is intrinsically linked to יְכׇלְיָה, as it declares God's absolute power to accomplish His will. This aligns with other biblical themes emphasizing God's unmatched strength and His role as the ultimate enabler of all things.
### Theological Significance
The name יְכׇלְיָה is more than a mere identifier; it is a theological declaration woven into the fabric of a person's identity. It powerfully affirms the biblical truth of God's absolute capability and sovereignty. In a world often marked by human weakness, limitations, and failures, the name יְכׇלְיָה stands as a constant reminder that "Yahweh is able." This belief would have provided comfort, hope, and a foundation for trust in divine providence, especially within the context of the Davidic monarchy, which often faced immense challenges. The practice of embedding theological truths in names was pervasive in ancient Israel, serving to perpetuate and reinforce core beliefs within families and the broader community. Thus, Jecoliah's name would have echoed the conviction that God possesses the power to sustain, to protect, and to bring about His purposes, even through human instruments like kings. It subtly points to the source of true strength and authority, not in human might, but in divine enablement.
### Summary
יְכׇלְיָה (Yᵉkolyâh) is a Hebrew theophoric name meaning "Yahweh is able" or "Yahweh will enable." Derived from the verb יָכֹל (`{{H3201}}`) and the divine name יָהּ (`{{H3050}}`), it serves as a profound statement of God's omnipotence and prevailing power. Its sole biblical appearance is as the name of the mother of King Uzziah of Judah, providing a subtle theological backdrop to the royal lineage. The name reflects a common ancient Israelite practice of embedding core theological convictions into personal identities, thereby continually affirming God's sovereignty and His capacity to act in the lives of individuals and the nation. It stands as a testament to the enduring faith that all true ability and success ultimately emanate from the enablement of the Almighty God.
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