from רָחַם and אֵל; God will compassionate; Jerachmeel, the name of three Israelites; Jerahmeel.
Transliteration:Yᵉrachmᵉʼêl
Pronunciation:yer-akh-meh-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name יְרַחְמְאֵל (Yᵉrachmᵉʼêl), Strong's H3396, is a theophoric compound, rich in theological meaning. It is derived from two significant Hebrew elements: the verb רָחַם (racham) `{{H7355}}` and the divine name אֵל (El) `{{H410}}`. The root רָחַם (racham) fundamentally conveys the concept of deep, tender compassion, mercy, or love. It is often associated with the visceral affection of a parent, particularly a mother, for her child, stemming from the noun רֶחֶם (rechem), meaning "womb." This connection suggests a profound, innate, and protective form of pity. The second component, אֵל (El), is a widely used Semitic term for "God" or "deity," serving as a general name for the Most High God in the Hebrew Bible. Therefore, the name יְרַחְמְאֵל (Yᵉrachmᵉʼêl) literally translates to "God will compassionate," "God shows compassion," or "May God be compassionate." It encapsulates a declaration of divine attribute or a heartfelt prayer concerning God's merciful nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יְרַחְמְאֵל (Yᵉrachmᵉʼêl) appears in the Hebrew Bible referring to three distinct individuals:
* **Jerahmeel, son of Hezron:** This is the most extensively documented figure bearing the name. He is identified as the firstborn son of Hezron, who was a son of Judah ([[1 Chronicles 2:9]]). His descendants, known as the Jerahmeelites, formed a significant clan within the tribe of Judah. The detailed genealogical accounts in 1 Chronicles trace their lineage, including their intermarriage with Egyptians ([[1 Chronicles 2:25-42]]). This extensive mention underscores the importance of tribal identity, family lines, and the preservation of historical records within ancient Israel. The name here serves as a marker of lineage within the covenant community.
* **Jerahmeel, a Levite:** He is listed among the sons of Kish from the family of Merari, a division of the Levites ([[1 Chronicles 24:29]]). This occurrence is found within the detailed enumeration of the divisions of priests and Levites established for service in the temple, highlighting his role within the religious administration of Israel.
* **Jerahmeel, the king's son/official:** In the book of Jeremiah, Jerahmeel is mentioned as "the king's son" (often interpreted as a high-ranking royal official rather than a literal son of the king) whom King Jehoiakim commanded to seize the scribe Baruch and the prophet Jeremiah ([[Jeremiah 36:26]]). This context presents a striking and poignant irony: a man whose very name declares "God will compassionate" is actively engaged in persecuting God's prophet and suppressing the divine word of warning, which itself was an act of God's compassion towards His rebellious people. This instance serves as a powerful reminder that the personal character of an individual may not always align with the theological declaration embedded in their name.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of יְרַחְמְאֵל (Yᵉrachmᵉʼêl) is enriched by examining its linguistic and conceptual relatives:
* **רָחַם (racham) `{{H7355}}`**: This is the foundational verbal root for the name, signifying "to be compassionate," "to show mercy," or "to love deeply." Its usage throughout the Old Testament consistently describes God's tender, often maternal, care for His people, as well as the capacity for human empathy.
* **רַחֲמִים (rachamim) `{{H7356}}`**: The plural noun form of the root, frequently translated as "mercies" or "compassions." This term is a prominent descriptor of God's character, emphasizing His abundant and unfailing mercy (e.g., [[Psalm 103:4]], [[Psalm 145:9]]).
* **חֶסֶד (chesed) `{{H2617}}`**: Often rendered as "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," or "mercy," חֶסֶד (chesed) is a crucial concept in covenant theology. While distinct from רָחַם (racham), it often appears in parallel with it, collectively portraying the multifaceted nature of God's gracious and faithful disposition towards His people (e.g., [[Psalm 25:6]], [[Psalm 40:11]]).
* **אֵל (El) `{{H410}}`**: The divine component of the name, referring to God. Its inclusion in יְרַחְמְאֵל (Yᵉrachmᵉʼêl) directly attributes the quality of compassion to the divine being, distinguishing it from mere human sentiment.
* **Theophoric Names**: יְרַחְמְאֵל (Yᵉrachmᵉʼêl) belongs to a vast category of Hebrew names that incorporate a divine element (such as "El" or "Yah/Yahu"). These names often serve as theological statements, expressions of faith, or prayers, embedding core truths about God's character or actions directly into the identity of individuals (e.g., Samuel, Daniel, Elijah, Isaiah).
### Theological Significance
The name יְרַחְמְאֵל (Yᵉrachmᵉʼêl) carries profound theological significance, primarily serving as a declaration of God's inherent and active compassion. It asserts a fundamental truth about the divine nature: God is merciful. This attribute is not merely a passive feeling but an active disposition that underlies God's redemptive history, from His deliverance of Israel from bondage to His provision in the wilderness and His consistent offer of forgiveness and restoration. The name echoes the consistent biblical portrayal of Yahweh as "a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" ([[Exodus 34:6]]).
The ironic instance of Jerahmeel in Jeremiah, who acted in opposition to God's compassionate word delivered through His prophet, highlights a crucial theological tension. It underscores that while God's mercy is freely offered, human free will can choose to reject or oppose it. Even in such cases, the name itself continues to testify to God's unchanging character, emphasizing the enduring nature of divine attributes despite human rebellion. Ultimately, יְרַחְמְאֵל (Yᵉrachmᵉʼêl) embeds a core theological truth about God's merciful heart directly into the personal identities and historical narrative of the biblical record, serving as a constant reminder of the foundational role of divine compassion in the divine-human relationship.
### Summary
The Hebrew name יְרַחְמְאֵל (Yᵉrachmᵉʼêl), Strong's H3396, is a powerful theological statement meaning "God will compassionate" or "May God show compassion." Its etymology combines the deep, visceral sense of compassion from רָחַם (racham) `{{H7355}}` with the divine name אֵל (El) `{{H410}}`. The name is borne by three individuals in the biblical narrative: a prominent descendant of Judah, a Levite, and notably, a royal official in Jeremiah's time who acted contrary to the very compassion his name proclaimed by seeking to arrest the prophet. Theologically, יְרַחְמְאֵל (Yᵉrachmᵉʼêl) serves as a constant affirmation of God's essential nature as a compassionate and merciful being, reflecting His steadfast love and readiness to extend grace throughout salvation history. It stands as a testament to the enduring divine attribute of mercy, a cornerstone of biblical revelation concerning God's character.
TRV