probably from the same as יָקֶה and אֵל; veneration of God (compare יְקוּתִיאֵל); Joktheel, the name of a place in Palestine, and of one in Idumaea; Joktheel.
Transliteration:Yoqthᵉʼêl
Pronunciation:yok-theh-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3371 (Yoqthᵉʼêl) is a compound proper noun, derived from two significant elements. The primary definition provided indicates its etymological roots are "probably from the same as יָקֶה (yaqeh) and אֵל (ʼel)." The first element, יָקֶה (yaqeh), is commonly associated with the concept of obedience, reverence, or attentiveness, as seen in `{{H3349}}`. The second element, אֵל (ʼel), is the widely attested Semitic word for "God" (`{{H410}}`), particularly referring to the God of Israel. Therefore, the combined meaning of Yoqthᵉʼêl is best understood as "veneration of God," "obedience to God," or "God is reverenced." This etymology suggests a profound theological statement embedded within the name itself, highlighting the act of revering the Divine. The definition also notes a comparison with יְקוּתִיאֵל (Yequthiʼel, `{{H3356}}`), which similarly incorporates the element of "God" and a root related to gathering or obedience.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yoqthᵉʼêl `{{H3371}}` appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, referring to two distinct geographical locations:
1. **[[Joshua 15:38]]**: Here, Joktheel is listed among the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah, specifically within the Shephelah, the lowlands between the Judean hills and the coastal plain. It is mentioned alongside Lachish, Bozkath, and Eglon. In this context, Joktheel is simply one of many existing place names that became part of Israel's inherited territory. The listing serves to delineate tribal boundaries and possessions, and the name itself, "veneration of God," may reflect the piety of its original inhabitants or a designation by the Israelites upon taking possession, though the text does not elaborate.
2. **[[2 Kings 14:7]]**: This occurrence is highly significant for its contextual depth. The passage describes King Amaziah of Judah's military campaign against Edom. After a decisive victory in the Valley of Salt, where he slew ten thousand Edomites, Amaziah captured Sela, the capital city of Edom. Sela (`{{H5553}}`) means "rock," indicative of its formidable, perhaps impregnable, natural defenses. Remarkably, Amaziah renames Sela to Joktheel. This act of renaming a conquered capital carries immense symbolic and theological weight. It transforms a name that speaks of natural strength ("Rock") into one that proclaims "veneration of God." By doing so, Amaziah effectively attributes his victory not to his own might or the impregnability of Sela, but to the power and sovereignty of Yahweh. It serves as a public declaration that God is to be venerated, even in the heart of a recently subdued enemy territory, asserting divine supremacy over human or pagan strength.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H3371 naturally connects with several related Hebrew words and theological concepts:
* **יָקֶה (yaqeh, `{{H3349}}`)**: This root word, from which the first part of Yoqthᵉʼêl is derived, signifies "obedience," "reverence," or "attentiveness." Its connection underscores the active human response of submission and honor towards God.
* **אֵל (ʼel, `{{H410}}`)**: The ubiquitous Hebrew term for "God," forming the second component of the name. Its presence grounds the name's meaning firmly in the divine realm and specifically refers to the God of Israel.
* **יְקוּתִיאֵל (Yequthiʼel, `{{H3356}}`)**: Mentioned in the base definition as a comparative term, this name also incorporates "God" and a root related to "obedience" or "gathering." It reinforces the theme of a divinely-focused proper noun.
* **סֶלַע (Sela, `{{H5553}}`)**: The original name of the Edomite capital, meaning "rock." The contrast between Sela and Joktheel highlights a theological shift from reliance on natural defenses to the acknowledgment of divine power and the necessity of divine veneration.
* **Renaming Places**: The biblical practice of renaming places (e.g., Bethel, Peniel) often carries deep theological significance, marking a new covenantal understanding, a divine encounter, or, as in the case of Joktheel, a declaration of divine sovereignty over a conquered land.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3371 is primarily illuminated through its renaming in [[2 Kings 14:7]]. The transformation of Sela, the "Rock," into Joktheel, "Veneration of God," by King Amaziah is a powerful theological statement.
Firstly, it asserts the **supremacy of Yahweh** over all other deities and human strongholds. By renaming the capital of Edom, a nation historically hostile to Israel and worshipping other gods, Amaziah publicly declared that Yahweh alone is worthy of veneration and is the source of true strength and victory. It shifts the focus from the physical impregnability of a city to the spiritual reality of God's overarching power.
Secondly, it underscores the **importance of human reverence and obedience to God**. The name itself serves as a constant reminder that the proper response to divine power and deliverance is profound veneration. While Amaziah's personal piety might have wavered later in his reign, the symbolic act of renaming the city stands as a testament to this foundational theological principle. It suggests that true dominion and lasting peace are found not in military might alone, but in acknowledging and honoring the Divine.
Finally, Joktheel embodies the biblical theme of **God's sovereignty over nations**. The renaming implies a divine claim over the conquered territory, integrating it, at least nominally, into a worldview where Yahweh's name and glory are paramount. It transforms a place of Edomite pride into a monument to Yahweh's triumph and the call for His universal veneration.
### Summary
H3371 (Yoqthᵉʼêl) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "veneration of God," derived from the roots signifying "reverence" or "obedience" and "God." It appears in the biblical text as the name of two distinct places: a city in the territory of Judah ([[Joshua 15:38]]) and, more significantly, as the new name given by King Amaziah to the conquered Edomite capital, Sela ([[2 Kings 14:7]]). The renaming of Sela to Joktheel is a profound theological act, transforming a symbol of natural strength ("Rock") into a declaration of divine sovereignty and the necessity of human reverence. This act underscores the biblical truth that true power and victory belong to Yahweh, and that proper human response to His mighty acts is profound veneration and obedience. Joktheel stands as a linguistic and historical marker of God's ultimate authority over all nations and the universal call to acknowledge and honor Him.
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