### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yᵉkonyâh**, represented by `{{H3204}}`, identifies a **Jewish king** and means "Jah will establish." It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses**, consistently referring to this specific historical figure. His name, often cited as Jeconiah, is central to the narrative of Judah's exile to Babylon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3204}}` marks a pivotal moment of judgment and transition for the kingdom of Judah. Jeconiah, the son `{{H1121}}` of Jehoiakim `{{H3079}}` king `{{H4428}}` of Judah `{{H3063}}`, was carried away captive `{{H1540}}` from Jerusalem `{{H3389}}` to Babylon `{{H894}}` by Nebuchadrezzar `{{H5019}}` ([[Jeremiah 24:1]], [[Esther 2:6]]). This event was so significant that it included the exile of the queen `{{H1377}}`, the princes `{{H8269}}`, carpenters `{{H2796}}`, and smiths `{{H4525}}` [[Jeremiah 29:2]]. In a prophetic context, the LORD `{{H3068}}` gave a promise to break `{{H7665}}` the yoke `{{H5923}}` of Babylon's king `{{H4428}}` and bring Jeconiah `{{H3204}}` back from captivity [[Jeremiah 28:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Jeconiah's identity and story:
* `{{H3079}}` **Yᵉhôwyâqîym** (Jehoiakim): This is the name of Jeconiah's father, establishing his place in the royal lineage of Judah `{{H3063}}`. The phrase "Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim" appears multiple times ([[Jeremiah 24:1]], [[1 Chronicles 3:16]]).
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): This title is invariably attached to Jeconiah, emphasizing his royal status even in the context of his defeat and exile ([[Esther 2:6]], [[Jeremiah 28:4]]).
* `{{H1540}}` **gâlâh** (to exile): This verb defines the central action of Jeconiah's story, as he and his people were "carried away captive" from Jerusalem to Babylon ([[Jeremiah 27:20]], [[Esther 2:6]]).
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word is crucial for defining Jeconiah's lineage, both as the son of Jehoiakim `{{H3079}}` and as the father of Assir `{{H617}}` and Salathiel `{{H7597}}` [[1 Chronicles 3:16-17]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H3204}}` is immense, anchoring key events in Judah's history.
* **Symbol of Exile:** Jeconiah's capture represents the fall of the monarchy and the beginning of the Babylonian captivity. The departure `{{H3318}}` of the king `{{H4428}}`, the queen `{{H1377}}`, and the nation's craftsmen (`{{H2796}}`, `{{H4525}}`) from Jerusalem `{{H3389}}` marks a profound national crisis [[Jeremiah 29:2]].
* **Focal Point of Prophecy:** His exile is the event that precedes the LORD `{{H3068}}` showing Jeremiah a vision of two baskets `{{H1736}}` of figs `{{H8384}}`, symbolizing the fate of the exiles [[Jeremiah 24:1]]. He is also the subject of a divine promise of return [[Jeremiah 28:4]].
* **Continuation of the Royal Line:** Despite the exile, the record of his sons `{{H1121}}`, Assir `{{H617}}` and Salathiel `{{H7597}}`, affirms the continuation of the royal lineage, a detail of great importance for future hope [[1 Chronicles 3:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3204}}` is more than just a name; it is the signifier of a key figure whose life encapsulates the judgment of Judah's exile. Jeconiah's story is defined by his royal status, his capture by Nebuchadnezzar `{{H5019}}`, and his role in prophetic declarations. Though his reign ended in captivity, the careful preservation of his lineage points to a future beyond the exile, consistent with his name's meaning: "Jah will establish."
TRV