The Hebrew name Yᵉkolyâh, represented by H3203, means Jah will enable. It is also found in the forms Jecoliah and Jekiljah. According to the scriptural record, this name appears 2 times across 2 unique verses. The name belongs to an Israelitess who is part of the royal lineage of Judah.
The two appearances of H3203 are nearly identical and serve to identify the mother of King Uzziah. In both 2 Kings 15:2 and 2 Chronicles 26:3, the text states, "his mother's name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem." This links her directly to both the king, who began his fifty-two-year reign at the age of sixteen, and to the capital city of Jerusalem H3389.
Several related words provide context for understanding the role of Yᵉkolyâh:
- H517 ʼêm: This word means a mother, described as "the bond of the family." Yᵉkolyâh is exclusively identified in her role as a mother H517, tying her to the biblical importance of this position in establishing lineage and family structure (Genesis 2:24, Exodus 20:12).
- H3389 Yᵉrûwshâlaim: This name for Jerusalem means "founded peaceful." Yᵉkolyâh is specifically noted as being "of Jerusalem" H3389, the city where her son reigned and a central location for God's covenant people (Zechariah 9:9, Isaiah 30:19).
While her biblical mentions are brief, the identity of Yᵉkolyâh carries significance.
- Theological Name: Her name itself, Yᵉkolyâh ("Jah will enable"), is a declaration of faith in God's power. It reflects a deep-seated belief that God is the one who empowers and makes things possible.
- Royal Matriarch: As the mother H517 of King Uzziah, she holds a place in the royal history of Judah. Her identity is preserved in connection with her son's long and significant reign in Jerusalem H3389.
- Israelite Identity: The base definition identifies her as an "Israelitess," confirming her position within the covenant nation. Her connection to Jerusalem H3389 further solidifies this status.
In summary, H3203 is the name of a specific individual, Yᵉkolyâh, the mother of King Uzziah. Though she is not a central character, her name is preserved in the scriptures, linking her to the royal line of Judah and the city of Jerusalem. Her name's meaning, "Jah will enable," serves as a concise yet powerful statement of faith, demonstrating how even minor figures in the biblical narrative can carry theologically significant identities.
TRV