from יָקַד and עַם; burning of (the) people; Jokdeam, a place in Palestine; Jokdeam.
Transliteration:Yoqdᵉʻâm
Pronunciation:yok-deh-awm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3347 (Yoqdᵉʻâm) is a proper noun, specifically a place name. Its meaning is derived from its constituent elements: יָקַד (yaqad, `{{H3344}}`), meaning "to burn, kindle, set on fire," and עַם (ʻam, `{{H5971}}`), meaning "people, nation, kindred." Therefore, the base definition of Yoqdᵉʻâm is "burning of (the) people" or "people kindled." As a geographical designation, its semantic range is fixed to this specific location within the territory of Judah, rather than conveying a broader conceptual meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H3347 (Yoqdᵉʻâm) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* [[Joshua 15:56]]: "Maon, Carmel, Ziph, and Jokdeam."
This verse is part of a detailed list of cities located in the hill country of Judah, enumerated as part of the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah. The context is purely geographical and administrative, delineating the boundaries and settlements within the Promised Land. The inclusion of Jokdeam among other known towns like Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, indicates its status as a recognized settlement during the time of the conquest and division of the land. Its precise modern location remains uncertain, but its mention affirms the meticulous nature of the biblical record regarding the fulfillment of God's promises of land to Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **יָקַד (yaqad, `{{H3344}}`)**: The verbal root signifies intense heat, kindling, or burning. It is used in various contexts, from sacrificial fires (e.g., [[Leviticus 6:12]]) to divine judgment and destruction (e.g., [[Jeremiah 17:27]]). While the name Jokdeam suggests a connection to "burning," the biblical text does not provide any narrative to explain this etymology in relation to the place. It might allude to a past historical event, a characteristic of the land, or a metaphorical description of its inhabitants.
* **עַם (ʻam, `{{H5971}}`)**: This noun denotes a "people" or "nation," frequently referring to Israel as God's chosen people. In the compound "burning of the people," it could imply a place associated with a significant event involving its inhabitants, perhaps a conflagration or a severe calamity.
* **Territorial Inheritance (נַחֲלָה, nachalah, `{{H5159}}`)**: The detailed lists of towns in Joshua, including Jokdeam, are integral to the theological theme of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land (e.g., [[Genesis 12:7]]). Each listed town serves as a tangible manifestation of this divine pledge.
* **Geographical Precision**: The meticulous recording of place names like Jokdeam highlights the historical and geographical grounding of the biblical narrative, affirming the reality of the land distribution and the establishment of Israel in Canaan.
### Theological Significance
The primary theological significance of H3347 (Yoqdᵉʻâm) lies not in its etymological meaning, which remains unexplained in the biblical narrative, but in its contribution to the overarching theme of divine faithfulness. As one of the many towns listed in [[Joshua 15:56]], Jokdeam serves as a specific, tangible piece of evidence demonstrating God's precise and complete fulfillment of His covenant promises to the patriarchs concerning the land of Canaan. Its inclusion underscores the meticulous nature of God's work in establishing His people in their inheritance. The very act of naming and listing these places emphasizes the reality of the land's possession by Israel, a direct result of God's powerful and benevolent hand. While the "burning of the people" etymology is intriguing, the text's silence on its historical context invites a reverent acknowledgement of God's sovereign plan, where even seemingly minor details contribute to the grand narrative of salvation history.
### Summary
H3347 (Yoqdᵉʻâm) is a unique Hebrew proper noun, a place name found only once in [[Joshua 15:56]]. Its etymological roots, יָקַד (`{{H3344}}`, "to burn") and עַם (`{{H5971}}`, "people"), combine to suggest "burning of (the) people." Despite this evocative name, the biblical text offers no narrative explanation for it. Instead, Jokdeam's singular mention within the detailed geographical survey of Judah's inheritance underscores a profound theological truth: it stands as a concrete testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous precision in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel by providing them with a homeland. Jokdeam, like every named place in the land distribution, serves as a silent yet powerful witness to divine providence.
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