from רוּק and עַם; people will be poured forth; Jorkeam, a place in Palestine; Jorkeam.
Transliteration:Yorqᵉʻâm
Pronunciation:yor-keh-awm'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term יׇרְקְעָם (Yorqᵉʻâm), Strong's number `{{H3421}}`, is a proper noun, specifically a place name. Its etymology is derived from two root components: רוּק (ruwq), which carries the sense of "to empty, to pour out, to draw forth" (compare `{{H7324}}`), and עַם (ʻam), meaning "people" or "nation" (`{{H5971}}`). Thus, the base definition "people will be poured forth" or "people poured out" suggests a place associated with the gathering, dispersal, or perhaps the flourishing and expansion of a particular group of people. As a proper noun, this etymology likely describes a characteristic of the place itself or the circumstances of its founding or settlement—perhaps a place where a population settled abundantly or from which a people originated and spread.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word יׇרְקְעָם (Yorqᵉʻâm) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of 1 Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 2:44]]: "And Shema begot Raham the father of Jorkeam; and Rekem begot Shammai."
In this solitary occurrence, Jorkeam is identified as a place or community associated with Raham, who is a descendant of Hebron within the extensive genealogy of the tribe of Judah. The context is purely genealogical, listing the lineage of Judah's sons and their descendants, often including the places or families that arose from them. This suggests Jorkeam was a settlement or a clan-related territory within the tribal allotment of Judah, specifically linked to the house of Hebron. The brevity of its mention indicates it was not a site of major historical or narrative events, but rather an integral part of the detailed record of Israel's tribal and land inheritance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The constituent elements of Yorqᵉʻâm connect it to broader biblical themes. The root רוּק (ruwq) relates to various concepts of emptying or pouring out, which can be applied to water, judgment, or even the drawing out of a sword. While the specific nuance in "Yorqᵉʻâm" points to a demographic sense ("people poured forth"), it subtly echoes the divine capacity to pour out blessings or judgments. The term עַם (ʻam), "people," is fundamental to understanding Israel's identity as God's chosen people, the *am YHWH* (the people of the Lord). The combination in a place name hints at a community's origin or expansion. Conceptually, Yorqᵉʻâm aligns with other place names in the genealogies that signify the founding or association of specific clans with particular territories, underscoring the meticulous record of tribal inheritance and settlement in ancient Israel.
### Theological Significance
As a singular occurrence within a genealogical list, the direct theological significance of Jorkeam is limited. However, its inclusion, even in such a minor capacity, speaks to several broader theological principles. Firstly, it underscores the meticulousness of the divine record. God's Word meticulously preserves not only the grand narratives but also the intricate details of lineage and land, demonstrating His comprehensive knowledge and sovereign ordering of history, even down to obscure places. Secondly, its presence within the genealogy of Judah, the tribe from which the Messiah would ultimately come, highlights the divine preservation and continuity of the covenant line. The "people poured forth" may subtly allude to the growth and expansion of the tribes of Israel, a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his numerous descendants. Thus, Jorkeam, though minor, is a testament to the divine faithfulness in preserving and unfolding His plan through generations and geographical locations.
### Summary
Yorqᵉʻâm (`{{H3421}}`) is a unique Hebrew place name, etymologically signifying "people poured forth," suggesting a location associated with the gathering, dispersal, or flourishing of a community. It appears solely in [[1 Chronicles 2:44]], identified as a place linked to Raham, a descendant of Hebron within the tribe of Judah. Its significance is primarily found in its inclusion within the meticulous biblical genealogies, which underscore God's sovereign record-keeping and the divine preservation of the tribal lineages, particularly that of Judah. While not a site of major narrative events, Yorqᵉʻâm subtly contributes to the comprehensive tapestry of Israel's history and land inheritance as ordained by God.
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