from קוּן and עַם; (the) people will be lamented; Jokneam, a place in Palestine; Jokneam.
Transliteration:Yoqnᵉʻâm
Pronunciation:yok-neh-awm'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יׇקְנְעָם (Yoqnᵉʻâm), transliterated as Jokneam, is a proper noun referring to a specific geographical location in ancient Israel. Its etymological root provides significant insight into its meaning. The name is understood to be derived from two components: the verb קוּן (qun) `{{H6967}}`, meaning "to lament, wail, chant a dirge," and the noun עַם (ʿam) `{{H5971}}`, meaning "people" or "nation." Therefore, the composite meaning of Jokneam is "the people will be lamented" or "lamentation of the people." This suggests a place historically associated with sorrow, defeat, or a site of significant conflict leading to mourning. As a place name, its semantic range is primarily fixed to its geographical identity, but the inherent meaning of the name imbues it with a somber, perhaps even prophetic, quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Jokneam appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily within the accounts of the Israelite conquest and the subsequent tribal allotments.
1. **Conquest Narrative**: Jokneam is first mentioned as one of the royal Canaanite cities whose king was defeated by Joshua during the Israelite conquest of Canaan: "the king of Jokneam one" [[Joshua 12:22]]. This places it firmly within the territory subdued by the Israelites, indicating its status as a significant stronghold in the region.
2. **Tribal Allotment**: Following the conquest, Jokneam was allotted to the tribe of Zebulun. Its boundary description notes, "and their border went up to Sarid and continued westward to Maralah and touched Dabbesheth, then went on to the wadi that is east of Jokneam" [[Joshua 19:11]]. This verse helps to geographically locate Jokneam within the tribal territory.
3. **Levitical City**: Significantly, Jokneam was designated as one of the cities given to the Merarite clan of the Levites: "And to the rest of the Merarites, one of the clans of the Levites, were given from the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with its pasture lands..." [[Joshua 21:34]]. This designation highlights its importance not only as a strategic location but also as a center for priestly presence and instruction within the tribal territories.
Geographically, Jokneam is identified with Tell Qaimun, situated at the eastern end of the Carmel mountain range, overlooking the strategic Jezreel Valley (also known as the Valley of Esdraelon). Its location made it a crucial pass and a natural defensive position, explaining its status as a royal city and its inclusion in the conquest narratives. The meaning "the people will be lamented" could refer to the lament of the Canaanites upon their defeat, or it could be a descriptive name reflecting the frequent battles and sorrows associated with control over this vital region throughout history.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words are the constituent elements of the name itself:
* קוּן (qun) `{{H6967}}`: This verb signifies a deep expression of grief, often through wailing or chanting a dirge. It is found in contexts of national lamentation over disaster (e.g., [[Jeremiah 9:10]]) or personal mourning (e.g., David's lament for Saul and Jonathan in [[2 Samuel 1:17]]). The association of this root with Jokneam imbues the place with a sense of historical pathos.
* עַם (ʿam) `{{H5971}}`: This noun refers to a people, nation, or community. While it often denotes Israel as God's chosen people, it can also refer to other peoples or inhabitants of a region. In the context of Jokneam, it likely refers to the inhabitants of the city or the broader population affected by events there.
Other related concepts include:
* **Conquest and Settlement**: Jokneam's role in the conquest and its subsequent allotment connects it to the broader narrative of God's fulfillment of His covenant promises regarding the land.
* **Levitical Cities**: Its designation as a Levitical city links it to the administrative and religious structure of Israel, emphasizing the presence of God's representatives throughout the land.
* **Strategic Geography**: Jokneam's location within the Jezreel Valley connects it to other major battlegrounds and trade routes, such as Megiddo and Taanach, underscoring the region's historical significance as a site of conflict and cultural exchange.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Jokneam, though subtle, is profound. The very meaning of its name, "the people will be lamented," serves as a poignant reminder of divine judgment and the consequences of sin. For the Canaanites, their defeat at Jokneam, like that of other royal cities, was a manifestation of God's righteous judgment against their idolatry and wickedness, leading to their lamentation and displacement.
For Israel, Jokneam's inclusion in their inheritance and its designation as a Levitical city underscore God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The presence of Levites in the city would have served as a constant reminder of God's law and His presence among His people, even in a place whose name evoked sorrow.
Furthermore, the name might carry a prophetic echo. The Jezreel Valley, where Jokneam is situated, became a frequent battleground throughout Israelite history, witnessing numerous defeats and sorrows for the nation (e.g., the death of Saul on Mount Gilboa, the battles in the time of the Judges). Thus, the name "Jokneam" could subtly foreshadow the laments that would repeatedly arise from this strategic and often contested region, reflecting the cycles of obedience and disobedience in Israel's relationship with God. It serves as a reminder that even in the Promised Land, sorrow and lamentation are part of the human experience, often tied to the consequences of sin and conflict, yet always within the overarching framework of God's sovereign plan.
### Summary
Jokneam (יׇקְנְעָם, Yoqnᵉʻâm, `{{H3362}}`) is a significant biblical place name, meaning "the people will be lamented," derived from the Hebrew roots קוּן (qun, `{{H6967}}`, to lament) and עַם (ʿam, `{{H5971}}`, people). This etymology suggests a place historically marked by sorrow or conflict. In the biblical narrative, Jokneam is first encountered as a royal Canaanite city whose king was defeated by Joshua during the conquest of Canaan [[Joshua 12:22]]. It was subsequently allotted to the tribe of Zebulun [[Joshua 19:11]] and, importantly, designated as a Levitical city for the Merarites [[Joshua 21:34]]. Its strategic location at the eastern end of the Carmel mountain range, overlooking the Jezreel Valley, made it a vital stronghold and a frequent site of contention. The name "Jokneam" carries theological weight, serving as a poignant reminder of divine judgment on the Canaanites and perhaps foreshadowing the future laments that would characterize the history of this strategically vital region. As a Levitical city, it also signified God's sustained presence and instruction among His people, even in a place whose very name spoke of sorrow and the consequences of human actions.
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