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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yoqthᵉʼêl**, represented by `{{H3371}}`, is a proper name for a place, defined as "veneration of God." It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, designating one location in Palestine and another in Idumaea.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical record, `{{H3371}}` is used in two distinct contexts. It first appears as a city in the territory of Judah in a geographical list [[Joshua 15:38]]. The second and more descriptive occurrence is in [[2 Kings 14:7]], where a city named Selah, after being taken by war from Edom, was renamed **Joktheel**. This act of renaming serves as a historical marker, commemorating the victory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The narrative surrounding the renaming of Selah to Joktheel involves several key actions described by related Hebrew words:
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike... kill... smite): This word is used to describe the military action preceding the renaming, where ten thousand men of Edom were slain [[2 Kings 14:7]].
* `{{H8610}}` **tâphas** (to manipulate, i.e. seize; chiefly to capture... take hold): This describes the successful capture of the city of Selah [[2 Kings 14:7]].
* `{{H4421}}` **milchâmâh** (a battle... war): This term specifies the context of the capture, clarifying that Selah was taken "by **war**" [[2 Kings 14:7]].
* `{{H7121}}` **qârâʼ** (to call out to... (give) name... proclaim): This verb describes the official act of giving the city its new name, **Joktheel**, signifying a change in its identity and allegiance [[2 Kings 14:7]].
### Theological Significance
The thematic significance of `{{H3371}}` is rooted in its literal meaning, "veneration of God."
* **Acknowledging Divine Aid:** By renaming a conquered city **Joktheel**, the victor makes a public declaration that the victory was achieved through God's power. It transforms a military conquest into an act of worship.
* **Memorializing God's Power:** The new name serves as a permanent testimony. The phrase "unto this day" in [[2 Kings 14:7]] highlights that the name was intended to be a lasting reminder for future generations of God's role in the event.
* **The Sovereignty of God in War:** The context of taking a city by **war** `{{H4421}}` and then naming it in God's honor reflects the biblical theme that battles ultimately belong to the Lord [[2 Chronicles 20:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3371}}` is more than just a geographical name. While it identifies specific locations, its primary significance comes from its meaning and the context of its application in 2 Kings. The renaming of a captured city to **Joktheel** illustrates a profound act of faith, attributing military success to God and establishing a physical landmark as a monument to His "veneration."
TRV