from the same as יָקֶה and אֵל; obedience of God; Jekuthiel, an Israelite; Jekuthiel.
Transliteration:Yᵉqûwthîyʼêl
Pronunciation:yek-ooth-ee'-ale
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Yᵉqûwthîyʼêl (יְקוּתִיאֵל), Strong's number `{{H3354}}`, is a compound proper noun derived from two primary elements: the root יָקֶה (yaqeh), related to יָקַה (yaqah) `{{H3348}}`, and אֵל (ʼEl) `{{H410}}`. The root יָקַה carries the semantic range of "to obey," "to hearken," "to wait for," or "to be attentive." The element אֵל is the common Hebrew word for "God."
Combining these elements, the name Yᵉqûwthîyʼêl is typically understood as "obedience of God" or "hearkening of God." This can be interpreted in two primary ways:
1. **Subjective Genitive:** "One who is obedient to God" or "one who hearkens to God." This emphasizes the individual's devotion and responsiveness to divine will.
2. **Objective Genitive:** "God's obedience" or "God's hearkening/responsiveness." This would imply God's faithfulness to His promises, or His attentiveness to the prayers and needs of His people. While less common for personal names, it is grammatically possible and highlights a divine attribute.
Given the context of proper names in ancient Israel, the former interpretation, emphasizing the individual's character or the hope for such character, is often favored. However, the latter, pointing to God's responsive nature, adds a rich theological layer. The name therefore encapsulates a profound relationship between humanity and the Divine, whether through human submission or divine attentiveness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yᵉqûwthîyʼêl (יְקוּתִיאֵל) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah:
* [[1 Chronicles 4:18]]: "And his wife Jehudijah bare Jered the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Socho, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. And these are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, which Mered took."
In this sole occurrence, Jekuthiel is identified as a son of Mered and Bithiah, the daughter of Pharaoh. This lineage is particularly notable. Mered is a descendant of Judah, and his marriage to Bithiah, an Egyptian princess, represents a rare instance of intermarriage with a non-Israelite royal house within the detailed genealogies. The inclusion of Jekuthiel in this specific line suggests his significance within the tribal records of Judah, despite the brevity of his mention.
The name "Obedience of God" or "God's Hearkening" takes on a poignant dimension in this context. For a son born to an Egyptian princess who had married an Israelite, the name could signify a turning point or a pledge of loyalty to the God of Israel. It might reflect Bithiah's own conversion or commitment to Yahweh, or the hope that her descendants would be characterized by faithfulness to the covenant. Conversely, it could also be a testament to God's graciousness and willingness to "hearken" even to those from outside the covenant, drawing them into His plan. The precise historical circumstances surrounding this union are not detailed, but the name itself stands as a theological statement within this unique genealogical entry.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of Yᵉqûwthîyʼêl are יָקֶה (yaqeh) `{{H3348}}` and אֵל (ʼEl) `{{H410}}`.
* The root יָקַה (yaqah) / יָקֶה (yaqeh) is rare but signifies "to obey," "to hearken," or "to wait." Related concepts include attentive listening, compliance, and patient expectation. This root is distinct from common words for "hearing" (e.g., שָׁמַע - shamah `{{H8085}}`) but carries a similar semantic weight of responsiveness.
* אֵל (ʼEl) `{{H410}}` is a foundational term for God in Hebrew, appearing frequently in personal names (e.g., Israel, Samuel, Elijah, Daniel). Its presence in a name consistently points to a direct connection with the divine, either as the source of the person's identity, the object of their devotion, or the subject of divine action.
Concepts related to Yᵉqûwthîyʼêl include:
* **Obedience:** A central theme in biblical theology, emphasizing humanity's duty to respond to God's commands and covenant stipulations (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 11:27]], [[1 Samuel 15:22]]).
* **Divine Responsiveness/Hearkening:** God's attribute of listening to and acting upon the prayers and needs of His people (e.g., [[Psalm 10:17]], [[Psalm 116:1]]).
* **Covenant Fidelity:** The mutual commitment between God and His people, often expressed through obedience on the human side and faithfulness on the divine side.
* **Proselytism/Inclusion:** The unusual lineage of Jekuthiel, a descendant of a foreign princess, implicitly raises questions of how individuals from outside the covenant community are integrated, and how their names might reflect their new allegiance to Yahweh.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Yᵉqûwthîyʼêl lies primarily in the meaning embedded within its components and its singular, striking appearance in the biblical record.
1. **Theological Naming:** Hebrew names are frequently theological statements, reflecting the parents' faith, hopes, or a divine attribute. "Obedience of God" or "God's Hearkening" points to a profound spiritual reality. It underscores the biblical emphasis on obedience as a cornerstone of faith and covenant relationship. True faith is not merely intellectual assent but active submission to God's will.
2. **God's Nature and Human Response:** The name can serve as a dual reminder: of God's character as One who hears and responds (He "hearkens"), and of the expectation for His people to be "obedient" to Him. This reciprocity is vital to the biblical understanding of divine-human interaction.
3. **Inclusion and Grace:** The context of Jekuthiel's lineage (son of Bithiah, daughter of Pharaoh) is highly significant. For a descendant of a foreign, pagan royal family to bear a name meaning "Obedience of God" suggests a profound turning towards Yahweh. It speaks to the inclusive nature of God's grace, extending beyond the strict ethnic boundaries of Israel to embrace those who would turn to Him in obedience. This foreshadows a broader redemptive purpose, welcoming those from all nations who would humble themselves before the God of Israel. It suggests that even those from the most unlikely backgrounds can become exemplars of divine obedience or recipients of God's attentive favor.
4. **The Power of a Name:** Even a single mention in a genealogy can carry significant theological weight. The name Yᵉqûwthîyʼêl, though appearing in a list, speaks volumes about the value placed on obedience and God's responsiveness within the sacred history of Israel.
### Summary
Yᵉqûwthîyʼêl (יְקוּתִיאֵל) `{{H3354}}` is a Hebrew proper name meaning "obedience of God" or "hearkening of God," derived from the roots יָקֶה (yaqeh) `{{H3348}}` (to obey/hearken) and אֵל (ʼEl) `{{H410}}` (God). It appears only once in the Bible, in [[1 Chronicles 4:18]], identifying a son of Mered and Bithiah, the daughter of Pharaoh. This unique lineage imbues the name with particular theological resonance, suggesting either the individual's commitment to divine obedience or God's gracious attentiveness, especially in the context of a family with foreign origins being integrated into the covenant community. The name underscores the biblical emphasis on human obedience to God and God's responsive nature, while also subtly hinting at the expansive reach of divine grace beyond traditional boundaries.
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