from קָבַץ and אֵל; God will gather; Jekabtseel, a place in Palestine; Jekabzeel. Compare קַבְצְאֵל.
Transliteration:Yᵉqabtsᵉʼêl
Pronunciation:yek-ab-tseh-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term יְקַבְצְאֵל (Yᵉqabtsᵉʼêl), Strong's number `{{H3343}}`, is a compound word derived from two significant Hebrew elements: the verb קָבַץ (qavats), meaning "to gather, collect, assemble," and the divine name אֵל (El), meaning "God" or "Mighty One." Therefore, the etymological meaning of Yᵉqabtsᵉʼêl is "God will gather" or "God gathers." This name functions primarily as a geographical designation, specifically identifying a place in ancient Palestine. The semantic range is quite narrow, being a proper noun, but its inherent meaning carries significant theological weight, pointing to divine action. It is closely related to and often considered a variant of the name קַבְצְאֵל (Qabtsᵉʼêl), which shares the same root meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יְקַבְצְאֵל (Yᵉqabtsᵉʼêl) appears in the Hebrew Bible in [[Nehemiah 11:25]]. In this passage, it is listed among the towns in Judah where the people of Judah settled after the return from Babylonian exile. The full verse reads: "And for the villages, with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath-arba and its villages, and in Dibon and its villages, and in Jekabzeel and its villages." This context is crucial, as it places Yᵉqabtsᵉʼêl within the narrative of the post-exilic restoration and resettlement of the land.
It is widely accepted by scholars that יְקַבְצְאֵל (Yᵉqabtsᵉʼêl) in Nehemiah is the same place as קַבְצְאֵל (Qabtsᵉʼêl), which is mentioned in [[Joshua 15:21]] as one of the southernmost cities in the tribal allotment of Judah. The slight orthographic difference likely reflects a variation in transliteration or dialectal pronunciation over time. In Joshua, Qabtsᵉʼêl is part of a list of cities assigned to Judah, emphasizing its ancient presence within the Israelite territory. The recurrence of the name in Nehemiah underscores the continuity of the land's identity and the people's re-establishment in their ancestral territories, even after a long period of exile. The fact that the name means "God will gather" is particularly poignant in the context of the return from exile, as it speaks directly to God's faithfulness in regathering His dispersed people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root קָבַץ (qavats, `{{H6908}}`), which signifies "to gather, collect, assemble." This verb is used extensively throughout the Hebrew Bible to describe various forms of gathering: gathering people for war or assembly, gathering crops, or, most significantly, God's act of gathering His dispersed people from exile. Examples include God gathering the exiles of Israel from all lands ([[Deuteronomy 30:3]], [[Isaiah 43:5]], [[Jeremiah 29:14]], [[Ezekiel 34:13]]).
The divine element אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`) is a fundamental name for God in the Old Testament, denoting His power, might, and sovereignty. Its inclusion in compound names like Yᵉqabtsᵉʼêl attributes the action described by the verb directly to God.
As noted, the name קַבְצְאֵל (Qabtsᵉʼêl, `{{H6909}}`) is essentially the same place name, appearing in [[Joshua 15:21]]. This demonstrates the fluidity of Hebrew orthography and pronunciation over time, but the core meaning and geographical reference remain consistent.
The concept of "gathering" is a profound theological theme, often associated with divine restoration, covenant faithfulness, and eschatological hope. It stands in contrast to scattering, which is often a consequence of divine judgment or disobedience.
### Theological Significance
The name יְקַבְצְאֵל (Yᵉqabtsᵉʼêl), meaning "God will gather," carries significant theological weight, especially when considered in its biblical contexts. In the book of Nehemiah, the return from Babylonian exile is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The very act of the exiles returning to and resettling towns like Yᵉqabtsᵉʼêl embodies the divine promise of gathering. This name, therefore, serves as a standing memorial to God's active and sovereign role in the restoration of His people. It declares that the re-establishment of the community in the land is not merely a human endeavor but a direct result of God's will and power to gather.
Furthermore, the name points to a broader prophetic theme. Throughout the prophets, the scattering of Israel among the nations is depicted as a consequence of their sin, but it is consistently followed by promises of a future divine gathering. Yᵉqabtsᵉʼêl, as a physical place name, concretizes this theological truth. It implies that even in desolation, God's ultimate purpose is to bring His people together, fulfilling His redemptive plan. The name is a declaration of hope and assurance, reminding the returning exiles and subsequent generations that their presence in the land is a direct manifestation of God's unwavering commitment to His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word יְקַבְצְאֵל (Yᵉqabtsᵉʼêl, `{{H3343}}`) is a place name meaning "God will gather," derived from the verb קָבַץ (qavats, `{{H6908}}`) and the divine name אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`). It appears in [[Nehemiah 11:25]] as a town resettled by the returnees from Babylonian exile, and is recognized as the same location as קַבְצְאֵל (Qabtsᵉʼêl, `{{H6909}}`) mentioned in [[Joshua 15:21]] as part of Judah's inheritance. Its core meaning, "God will gather," is profoundly significant, especially in the context of the post-exilic period. The name serves as a theological statement, affirming God's active sovereignty and faithfulness in regathering His dispersed people, fulfilling His covenant promises, and restoring them to their land. Yᵉqabtsᵉʼêl stands as a silent but powerful witness to the divine work of reunion and restoration throughout biblical history.
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