from קוּם; he will raise; Jakim, the name of two Israelites; Jakim. Compare יְהוֹיָקִים.
Transliteration:Yâqîym
Pronunciation:yaw-keem'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun יָקִים (Yâqîym, `{{H3356}}`) is derived from the verbal root קוּם (qûm, `{{H6965}}`), which carries a rich semantic range encompassing "to rise," "to stand," "to arise," "to establish," and "to confirm." The form יָקִים is a hiphil imperfect third person masculine singular, meaning "he will cause to rise" or "he will establish." As a proper noun, Yâqîym thus signifies "He will raise" or "He will establish," with the implicit subject being God. This structure is common in Hebrew names, where a divine agent is understood to be the one performing the action. The name therefore functions as a miniature theological declaration, testifying to God's power and active involvement in establishing or raising up.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yâqîym (Jakim) appears in the Old Testament as the name of two distinct individuals, both associated with the priestly lineage:
1. **A Priest in David's Time:** Yâqîym is listed as the twelfth of the twenty-four divisions of priests established by David for service in the temple ([[1 Chronicles 24:12]]). This meticulous organization ensured an orderly and continuous priestly ministry. While no specific details are given about this individual's life or service beyond his position in the priestly roster, his inclusion highlights the importance of the priestly order and the divine arrangement for worship. The name "He will raise/establish" would have resonated with the divine institution of the priesthood itself.
2. **A Returning Exile:** Yâqîym is also mentioned among the priests and Levites who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel and Jeshua, listed as a head of a priestly house in the days of Joiakim, the son of Jeshua ([[Nehemiah 12:19]]). This individual is likely a descendant of the priestly line, possibly even the same family as the Jakim from David's time, maintaining the lineage through the exile and restoration. His presence underscores the continuity of God's covenant with the priestly line and His faithfulness in re-establishing His people and their worship in the land.
In both contexts, the individuals bearing the name are part of the divinely ordained structure of Israelite worship and community. Though their personal narratives are not elaborated, their very names bear witness to the theological truth that God is the one who raises up, establishes, and maintains His purposes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for Yâqîym is its root, קוּם (qûm, `{{H6965}}`). This root is foundational in biblical Hebrew, appearing thousands of times with a wide array of meanings. It can refer to physical rising (from sleep, from a seated position), to standing firm, to establishing a covenant or a kingdom, to fulfilling a promise, or to raising up a leader or a nation. The hiphil stem, from which Yâqîym is derived, emphasizes the causative action: "to cause to rise," "to establish," "to confirm."
Another significant related name is יְהוֹיָקִים (Yehôyâqîm, Jehoiakim, `{{H3079}}`), which explicitly incorporates the divine name Yahweh ("YHWH will raise/establish"). This name shares the same root and theological thrust, explicitly attributing the action of raising or establishing to the Lord. The existence of both Yâqîym and Yehôyâqîm demonstrates a common Hebrew naming convention where the divine agent is either implicit or explicit.
Concepts related to Yâqîym include divine sovereignty, God's faithfulness to His promises, His power to establish and sustain, and His active involvement in human history, particularly in raising up individuals and institutions for His purposes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the name Yâqîym lies primarily in its implicit declaration of God's active power and faithfulness. Even as a proper noun for individuals whose lives are not extensively detailed, the name itself serves as a constant reminder of divine agency. It proclaims that God is the one who "raises up" – whether it be a priestly line, a nation from exile, or indeed, the dead.
In a broader biblical context, the concept of God "raising up" is central to His redemptive plan. He raises up judges to deliver His people ([[Judges 2:16]]), prophets to speak His word ([[Deuteronomy 18:18]]), and kings to rule ([[1 Samuel 2:8]]). Ultimately, the New Testament testifies to God raising up Jesus from the dead, establishing Him as Lord and Christ ([[Acts 2:24]], [[Acts 2:32-36]]). Thus, the name Yâqîym, though ancient and tied to specific individuals, resonates with the overarching biblical narrative of God's sovereign power to establish, restore, and bring to fruition His divine will. It speaks to a God who is not passive but actively involved in upholding His covenant and bringing about His purposes through His chosen instruments.
### Summary
Yâqîym (`{{H3356}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "He will raise" or "He will establish," derived from the fundamental root קוּם (qûm, `{{H6965}}`). It serves as a theophoric name, implicitly attributing the act of raising or establishing to God. This name is borne by two individuals in the Old Testament: a priest in David's time ([[1 Chronicles 24:12]]) and a priestly leader in the post-exilic community ([[Nehemiah 12:19]]). While specific biographical details are scarce, the name itself carries profound theological weight, testifying to God's active sovereignty, His faithfulness in establishing His people and institutions, and His power to bring about His divine will. It stands as a silent but potent affirmation of divine agency in the unfolding of salvation history.
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