from the same as עָכָן; troublesome; Jakan, an Israelite; Jachan.
Transliteration:Yaʻkân
Pronunciation:yah-kawn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word יַעְכָּן (Yaʻkân), Strong's number `{{H3275}}`, is a proper noun derived from the same root as the name עָכָן (Achan, `{{H5912}}`). Its base definition is "troublesome" or "one who troubles." This etymological connection points to a semantic range associated with disturbance, affliction, or the act of causing trouble. The root עָכַר (akar, `{{H5916}}`) means "to trouble, disturb, stir up," often implying a negative or adverse impact. Thus, while Yaʻkân is a personal name, its inherent meaning carries the connotation of being a source of difficulty or disquiet.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yaʻkân (`{{H3275}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[1 Chronicles 5:13]]. In this verse, Yaʻkân is listed as one of the seven brethren from the house of their fathers within the tribe of Gad: "And their brethren of the house of their fathers were, Michael, and Meshullam, and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jachan, and Zia, and Heber, seven." The context is purely genealogical, part of an extensive list detailing the descendants of the tribes of Israel. There is no narrative information provided about this individual Yaʻkân, nor any account of his actions or character. Unlike Achan (`{{H5912}}`), whose name became synonymous with "trouble" due to his specific transgression in [[Joshua 7]], Yaʻkân is merely a name in a lineage, devoid of any textual indication that he embodied the "troublesome" meaning of his name.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is עָכָן (Achan, `{{H5912}}`), whose story in the book of Joshua profoundly illustrates the concept of "trouble." Achan's sin of taking devoted things from Jericho "troubled" the entire community of Israel, leading to their defeat at Ai and ultimately to his own judgment in the Valley of Achor, meaning "trouble" ([[Joshua 7:25-26]]). The verbal root עָכַר (akar, `{{H5916}}`), meaning "to trouble" or "to disturb," underpins both names and is used in various contexts to describe physical, emotional, or spiritual disturbance (e.g., [[Genesis 34:30]], [[1 Samuel 14:29]]). Concepts related to this word family include:
* **Trouble/Disturbance:** Often as a consequence of sin or divine judgment.
* **Corporate Responsibility:** Achan's sin troubled the whole nation.
* **Consequence of Disobedience:** The direct link between actions and their disruptive outcomes.
* **Purity and Holiness:** The necessity for the community to be free from defiling elements that cause trouble.
### Theological Significance
While the individual Yaʻkân (`{{H3275}}`) is not associated with any specific theological narrative, the etymological root of his name, shared with Achan, carries profound theological weight. The concept of "trouble" (עָכַר, `{{H5916}}`) in the Old Testament is often linked to sin, disobedience, and the disruption of covenantal relationship. Achan's story serves as a potent theological lesson on the pervasive and destructive nature of sin, demonstrating how one individual's transgression can "trouble" an entire community and incur divine displeasure. The name Yaʻkân, therefore, stands as a quiet linguistic echo of this significant theological theme. It reminds us that names in ancient Israel often carried inherent meanings, sometimes reflecting aspirations, circumstances, or even prophetic implications, even if the biblical text does not elaborate on the individual's life in relation to that meaning. It subtly underscores the biblical understanding that sin inevitably brings trouble, whether to the individual or the community.
### Summary
Yaʻkân (`{{H3275}}`) is a proper Hebrew name, transliterated as "Jachan" in some English versions, meaning "troublesome." It is etymologically linked to the root of עָכָן (Achan, `{{H5912}}`), a figure famous for "troubling" Israel through his sin. Yaʻkân appears only once in the Bible, in [[1 Chronicles 5:13]], as a member of the tribe of Gad in a genealogical list. No narrative context is provided for this individual, meaning his life is not depicted as embodying the "troublesome" meaning of his name. However, the name itself connects to a significant biblical theme: the concept of "trouble" (עָכַר, `{{H5916}}`) as a consequence of sin and disobedience, a theme powerfully illustrated in the story of Achan. Thus, Yaʻkân serves as a linguistic reminder of the profound impact of sin and the disruptive nature of unfaithfulness within the covenant community.
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