from פָּקַח and יָהּ; Jah has observed; Pekachjah, an Israelite king; Pekahiah.
Transliteration:Pᵉqachyâh
Pronunciation:pek-akh-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Peqachyâh (`{{H6494}}`) is a composite word, deriving its meaning from two primary components: the verb root פָּקַח (paqach) and the divine suffix יָהּ (yah). The root פָּקַח (paqach, `{{H6491}}`) fundamentally signifies "to open," particularly "to open the eyes," extending semantically to "to see clearly," "to discern," "to look closely at," or "to observe." It often implies an act of divine intervention in granting sight or understanding. The suffix יָהּ (yah) is a shortened form of the divine name YHWH (Yahweh), indicating the personal name of God. Therefore, the name Peqachyâh literally translates to "Yahweh has opened (His eyes)," or more broadly, "Yahweh has observed/discerned." This suggests a profound theological concept: God's active attention, His comprehensive knowledge, and His watchful oversight of human affairs.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Peqachyâh (`{{H6494}}`) appears exclusively in the biblical narrative as the name of a king of Israel. His reign is documented in the book of 2 Kings.
* [[2 Kings 15:22]]: "And Menahem slept with his fathers, and Pekahiah his son reigned in his place."
* [[2 Kings 15:23]]: "In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned two years."
* [[2 Kings 15:24]]: "He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin."
* [[2 Kings 15:25]]: "And Pekah the son of Remaliah, his officer, conspired against him; he struck him down in Samaria, in the citadel of the king's house, with Argob and Arieh; and with him were fifty men of the Gileadites. He put him to death and reigned in his place."
* [[2 Kings 15:26]]: "Now the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel."
Pekahiah succeeded his father Menahem as king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign was notably brief, lasting only two years (c. 738-737 BCE). The biblical account unequivocally states that he "did what was evil in the sight of the Lord," continuing the idolatrous practices introduced by Jeroboam I. This assessment stands in stark contrast to the profound meaning of his name, "Yahweh has observed." The divine observation implied by his name, rather than leading to blessing or divine favor, appears to have resulted in judgment. His short and wicked reign culminated in his assassination by Pekah, one of his own officers, who then usurped the throne. This violent end underscores the consequences of his unfaithfulness, demonstrating that God's observation encompasses not only His awareness but also His righteous judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root underlying Peqachyâh is פָּקַח (paqach, `{{H6491}}`), which carries the core meaning of "to open." This root is used in various contexts in the Hebrew Bible:
* **Opening of eyes:** Often associated with the restoration of sight to the blind (e.g., [[Isaiah 35:5]]) or the opening of spiritual understanding (e.g., [[Genesis 3:7]], [[Numbers 22:31]]).
* **Opening of ears:** Implying the ability to hear and understand (e.g., [[Isaiah 42:20]]).
* **Divine observation:** God's active gaze upon humanity, whether for blessing or judgment (e.g., [[Psalm 33:18]]).
Related terms include פִּקֵּחַ (piqqeach, `{{H6493}}`), meaning "open-eyed" or "seeing."
The theophoric element יָהּ (yah) connects Peqachyâh to a vast array of biblical names that incorporate the divine name, such as Isaiah ("Yahweh is salvation"), Jeremiah ("Yahweh exalts"), Hezekiah ("Yahweh strengthens"), and Zechariah ("Yahweh remembers"). These names serve as miniature theological statements, reflecting attributes of God or a hope placed in Him. In the case of Peqachyâh, the name points directly to God's attribute of omniscience and His constant awareness of human actions.
### Theological Significance
The name Peqachyâh, meaning "Yahweh has observed," carries profound theological irony when considered in light of the king's wicked reign and violent demise. Rather than signifying divine favor or protection, God's "observation" in this context appears to be a prelude to divine judgment. The narrative of Pekahiah serves as a stark reminder that God is not a passive observer but an active, sovereign Lord who sees all things, both good and evil. His "opening of eyes" is not merely an act of perception but an act of knowing that leads to appropriate response.
For Pekahiah, God's observation meant that his unrighteousness and continuation of idolatry were fully known to the Almighty. This divine awareness ultimately led to the swift end of his reign and his assassination, fulfilling the pattern of judgment against unfaithful kings in Israel. The name, therefore, stands as a testament to God's omniscience and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, even in the midst of Israel's apostasy. It underscores the biblical truth that no human action, especially that of a king entrusted with governing God's people, escapes the watchful eye of the Lord. God's observation is a foundational aspect of His justice and His covenant faithfulness, ensuring that both obedience and disobedience are met with their due consequences.
### Summary
Peqachyâh (`{{H6494}}`) is a Hebrew name meaning "Yahweh has observed" or "Yahweh has opened (His eyes)," derived from the root פָּקַח (paqach, `{{H6491}}`) "to open, observe" and the divine name יָהּ (yah). This name belonged to Pekahiah, a king of Israel who reigned for only two years (c. 738-737 BCE). His brief tenure was marked by evil in the sight of the Lord, as he continued the idolatrous practices of his predecessors. He was ultimately assassinated by Pekah, his own officer, an event recorded in [[2 Kings 15:22-26]]. The theological significance of his name is deeply ironic: while his name declared God's active observation, his life demonstrated a profound disregard for God's will. This serves as a powerful reminder that God's omniscience encompasses not only His awareness of human actions but also His righteous judgment upon them. The name Peqachyâh thus stands as a poignant testament to the ever-present, discerning eye of the Almighty, before whom all human deeds are laid bare.
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