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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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