from קוּם and עַם; (the) people will rise; Jekamam, an Israelite; Jekameam. Compare יְהוֹיָקִים, יׇקְמְעָם.
Transliteration:Yᵉqamʻâm
Pronunciation:yek-am'-awm
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name יְקַמְעָם (Yᵉqamʻâm, `{{H3360}}`) is a compound anthroponym, meticulously crafted from two significant Hebrew roots. The first element derives from the verb קוּם (qum, to rise, stand, establish, endure). The second element is the noun עַם (ʻam, people, nation, kindred). Synthesizing these components, the name carries the profound meaning, "the people will rise" or "may the people rise." It expresses a hopeful or prophetic declaration concerning the community, implying not merely physical ascent but also resurgence, establishment, or flourishing. While not explicitly containing a divine name, the act of "rising" in a biblical context often implicitly points to divine agency or blessing as the source of such upliftment or establishment for a people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יְקַמְעָם (Yᵉqamʻâm, `{{H3360}}`) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically in the genealogical records pertaining to the Levites.
1. **[[1 Chronicles 23:19]]**: "The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth." Here, Jekameam is identified as the fourth son of Hebron, a descendant of Kohath, who was a son of Levi. This verse is part of David's organization of the Levites into divisions for service in the temple, highlighting Jekameam's lineage and his place within the sacred structure of Israelite worship.
2. **[[1 Chronicles 24:23]]**: "The sons of Hebron: Jeriah, Amariah, Jahaziel, Jekameam." This verse reiterates the lineage, confirming Jekameam's position among the sons of Hebron, again within the context of the priestly and Levitical divisions established by David. This repetition underscores the importance of these genealogical records for maintaining order and legitimacy in the temple service.
In both occurrences, Jekameam is presented as a significant figure within the Levitical priesthood, part of the lineage responsible for the sacred duties of the tabernacle and, later, the temple. The name's meaning, "the people will rise," would have resonated deeply within this context, perhaps serving as an aspiration for the enduring strength and spiritual vitality of the people of Israel through their faithful worship and service.
### Related Words & Concepts
The constituent elements of יְקַמְעָם (Yᵉqamʻâm, `{{H3360}}`) connect it to a rich tapestry of biblical concepts:
* **קוּם (qum)**: This verb is exceedingly versatile, meaning to rise, stand, establish, confirm, or endure. It is used for physical rising (e.g., [[Genesis 19:1]]), rising from sleep or death (e.g., [[Psalm 44:26]], [[Job 14:12]]), establishing covenants (e.g., [[Genesis 17:7]]), or establishing a kingdom (e.g., [[2 Samuel 7:12]]). In the context of "the people will rise," it evokes notions of resilience, divine vindication, or the establishment of God's purposes for His community.
* **עַם (ʻam)**: This noun refers to a people, nation, or kindred group. It frequently denotes Israel as God's chosen people (e.g., [[Exodus 3:7]], [[Deuteronomy 7:6]]), emphasizing their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. The "people" in Jekameam's name is undoubtedly God's people, Israel.
* **Similar Theophoric Names**: The definition itself points to comparisons.
* **יְהוֹיָקִים (Jehoiakim, `{{H3079}}`)**: Meaning "Yahweh raises/establishes." This name explicitly attributes the "raising" or "establishing" to Yahweh, whereas Jekameam's name implies it through the passive or jussive "will rise" for the people.
* **יׇקְמְעָם (Jokmeam, `{{H3361}}`)**: This is a place name, not a person, but shares the same root components and a similar meaning, "let the people rise/stand." Its proximity in form suggests a shared linguistic and conceptual heritage, reflecting aspirations or observations about a community's standing.
* **Names as Prophecy/Blessing**: Many biblical names carried prophetic weight or served as declarations of hope and faith. Jekameam fits this pattern, embodying a prayer or confident expectation for the future of God's people.
### Theological Significance
The name יְקַמְעָם (Yᵉqamʻâm, `{{H3360}}`), "the people will rise," carries profound theological weight, especially when considered in the context of a Levite's lineage.
1. **Divine Providence for the Community**: The name implicitly acknowledges God's ongoing work in sustaining and elevating His people. The "rising" of the people is not merely a human endeavor but a testament to divine faithfulness and empowerment. It speaks to God's commitment to His covenant people, ensuring their resilience and continuity despite challenges.
2. **Hope and Restoration**: In a broader biblical narrative, Israel often experienced periods of decline, exile, and oppression. Names like Jekameam serve as reminders of the eschatological hope for the people's ultimate restoration, their "rising" to a place of prominence, faithfulness, and blessing in God's plan (e.g., the prophetic vision of Israel's restoration in texts like [[Isaiah 60:1]] or [[Ezekiel 37:1-14]]).
3. **The Enduring Nature of Sacred Service**: As a Levite, Jekameam's name underscores the vital and enduring role of the Levitical and priestly class in facilitating the worship and spiritual health of the community. Their service was instrumental in enabling the "people" to "rise" in their relationship with God. The name could have been a constant reminder of the Levites' duty to uphold the spiritual vitality that would lead to the people's flourishing.
4. **Corporate Identity and Solidarity**: The name emphasizes the collective "people" (עַם) rather than an individual. This highlights the strong corporate identity within ancient Israel, where the well-being and destiny of the individual were inextricably linked to the community. Jekameam's very name embodies this communal aspiration.
### Summary
The Hebrew name יְקַמְעָם (Yᵉqamʻâm, `{{H3360}}`) is a potent anthroponym meaning "the people will rise" or "may the people rise," formed from the roots קוּם (to rise, stand, establish) and עַם (people). It is exclusively found in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, identifying a Levite, a son of Hebron, within the organized divisions for temple service established by King David ([[1 Chronicles 23:19]], [[1 Chronicles 24:23]]). The name reflects a deep aspiration or confident declaration concerning the vitality and establishment of God's chosen people, Israel. Theologically, it points to divine providence in sustaining and elevating the community, embodying a hope for restoration and the enduring nature of sacred service within God's plan. As a name, Jekameam is a powerful reminder of the corporate identity of Israel and the divine faithfulness that ensures the "rising" and flourishing of His people.
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