The Hebrew name Yᵉqûwthîyʼêl, represented by H3354, translates to obedience of God. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, identifying a specific Israelite. The name itself suggests a devotion or faithfulness to God.
The single appearance of H3354 is in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. In this context, Jekuthiel is named as the father H1 of Zanoah H2182. He is listed as one of the sons of Bithiah, who was the daughter of Pharaoh and the wife of an Israelite named Mered 1 Chronicles 4:18. His mention serves to establish a specific lineage within the tribe of Judah.
Several related words in the surrounding text help to define Jekuthiel's identity and relationships:
- H1 ʼâb (father): This word defines Jekuthiel's role as a progenitor, specifically as "the father of Zanoah," indicating his status as a founder or chief of that line 1 Chronicles 4:18.
- H1121 bên (son): Jekuthiel is identified as one of "the sons of Bithiah," which establishes his maternal lineage and connects him to the other figures mentioned in the verse 1 Chronicles 4:18.
- H3057 Yᵉhudîyâh (Jehudijah): Listed as a wife H802 who bare H3205 several key figures in this genealogy, highlighting the importance of maternal lines in these records 1 Chronicles 4:18.
- H1332 Bithyâh (daughter of Jah): As Jekuthiel's mother and the daughter H1323 of Pharaoh H6547, her name connects the lineage to both Egyptian royalty and the worship of God 1 Chronicles 4:18.
- H4778 Mered (Mered): The Israelite who took H3947 Bithiah as his wife, establishing the patriarchal family to which Jekuthiel belongs 1 Chronicles 4:18.
Despite its single use, the name H3354 carries significant weight through its literal meaning and context.
- Obedience Personified: The name itself, "obedience of God," suggests that this individual or the line he founded was characterized by faithfulness, a core theological virtue.
- A Consecrated Lineage: Jekuthiel is a son H1121 of Bithiah H1332, whose name means "daughter of Jah." This positions "obedience of God" (Jekuthiel) as the offspring of a "worshipper of Jah," even one who came from the house of Pharaoh H6547.
- Foundational Fatherhood: By being designated the father H1 of Zanoah H2182, Jekuthiel's legacy is tied to the establishment of a town or clan, implying that this community was founded on the principle of obedience to God 1 Chronicles 4:18.
In summary, H3354 is a prime example of how a name appearing only once in scripture can be rich with meaning. Jekuthiel, "obedience of God," is not merely a name in a list but a theological statement embedded within a genealogy. His identity as a father H1 connects this divine principle to the founding of a family line, illustrating how personal faith and obedience are integral to the biblical narrative of lineage and community.
TRV