The Hebrew name Yᵉqamyâh, represented by H3359, translates to Jah will rise. It appears 3 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible and is the name given to two distinct Israelites, spelled as Jekamiah or Jecamiah.
The use of H3359 is found exclusively within the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. In one instance, Jekamiah is identified as the son of Shallum and the father of Elishama, establishing his place in a specific lineage 1 Chronicles 2:41. The second mention lists a different individual, Jecamiah, among others such as Malchiram, Pedaiah, and Hoshama 1 Chronicles 3:18. In both cases, the name serves to mark an individual within the recorded family lines of Israel.
Several other names are contextually linked to Yᵉqamyâh through these genealogies:
- H7967 Shallûwm: The father of the first Jekamiah, his name is defined as Shallum, the name of fourteen Israelites 1 Chronicles 2:41.
- H476 ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ: The son of Jekamiah, his name means God of hearing; Elishama, the name of seven Israelites 1 Chronicles 2:41.
- H6305 Pᵉdâyâh: An individual listed with the second Jecamiah, his name means Jah has ransomed; Pedajah, the name of six Israelites 1 Chronicles 3:18.
- H3205 yâlad: The verb used to establish these relationships, meaning to bear young; causatively, to beget 1 Chronicles 2:41.
The theological weight of H3359 is primarily derived from its meaning and its context within a naming tradition that reflected faith.
- A Statement of Faith: The name itself, Jah will rise, serves as a declaration of hope and trust in God's power and sovereignty.
- Thematic Naming: Jekamiah appears in genealogies alongside others whose names also carry theological significance, such as his son Elishama ("God of hearing") H476 and his contemporary Pedaiah ("Jah has ransomed") H6305. This pattern highlights a culture that used names to profess core beliefs about God.
- Preservation of Lineage: By appearing in the chronicles, the name contributes to the larger theological purpose of documenting the preservation of Israel's lineage, a sign of God's covenant faithfulness to His people.
In summary, H3359 Yᵉqamyâh is a personal name whose importance lies in its powerful meaning, Jah will rise. Although its use in scripture is limited to genealogical lists, the name stands as an example of how personal identity in ancient Israel was often intertwined with expressions of theological hope. It plays a small but specific role in the detailed family records that affirm the continuity of God's people.
TRV