from קוּם and אֵל; raised of God; Kemuel, the name of a relative of Abraham, and of two Israelites; Kemuel.
Transliteration:Qᵉmûwʼêl
Pronunciation:kem-oo-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name קְמוּאֵל (Qᵉmûwʼêl, `{{H7055}}`) is a compound word derived from two primary elements: the verb קוּם (qum, `{{H6965}}`) and the divine name אֵל (ʼēl, `{{H410}}`). The verb קוּם carries a rich semantic range, meaning "to rise," "to stand," "to arise," "to establish," "to confirm," or "to fulfill." When combined with אֵל, which signifies "God" or "Deity," the name קְמוּאֵל yields the profound meaning "raised of God," "established by God," or "God has raised up." This etymology suggests divine initiative and action, indicating that the individual bearing the name has been elevated, sustained, or brought into existence through God's specific design or power. The nuance of "raising" can refer to physical birth, an elevation in status or position, or even the divine establishment of a lineage or purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Kemuel appears in the Hebrew Scriptures in three distinct contexts, each highlighting a figure of some significance, consistent with the name's inherent meaning of divine elevation:
1. **Nephew of Abraham:** The first mention of Kemuel is found in the genealogy of Nahor, Abraham's brother. [[Genesis 22:21]] lists Kemuel as one of the eight sons born to Nahor by his wife Milcah. "Uz his firstborn, and Buz his brother, and Kemuel the father of Aram." While this Kemuel's role is not elaborated upon, his inclusion in the lineage of Abraham's family, particularly as the "father of Aram" (likely referring to the Arameans), places him within the broader narrative of God's covenant with Abraham and the unfolding of nations. His name subtly points to God's providential hand in the establishment of these early tribal lines.
2. **Ephraimite Leader:** A second Kemuel is introduced in [[Numbers 34:24]] as "Kemuel the son of Shiphtan, a leader of the tribe of the people of Ephraim." He is one of the twelve men appointed by God, through Moses, to assist Eleazar the priest and Joshua in dividing the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. This Kemuel's role is one of significant leadership and divine appointment, directly aligning with the meaning "raised of God." He was specifically chosen and elevated for the crucial task of ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of the Promised Land, a task central to God's covenant faithfulness.
3. **Levite during David's Reign:** The third occurrence is in [[1 Chronicles 27:17]], where Kemuel is identified as "Hashabiah the son of Kemuel, of the Levites." This Kemuel is noted as the chief officer for the tribe of Levi during the reign of King David. Like the Ephraimite leader, this Kemuel holds a position of administrative authority within the structured kingdom, particularly within the sacred tribe dedicated to service. His name again resonates with the idea of being "raised of God" into a position of responsibility and service within the divinely ordained order of the Israelite monarchy.
Across these occurrences, a consistent theme emerges: individuals named Kemuel are placed in positions of familial or tribal significance, often associated with leadership or the establishment of a lineage, reinforcing the theological implication of their name.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymology of קְמוּאֵל (Qᵉmûwʼêl, `{{H7055}}`) connects it directly to several vital biblical concepts:
* **קוּם (qum, `{{H6965}}`):** This verb is foundational to the name. It frequently describes God's action in "raising up" individuals (e.g., judges, prophets, kings), "establishing" covenants, or "fulfilling" promises. For instance, God "raised up" judges to deliver Israel ([[Judges 2:16]]), and His word "stands" forever ([[Isaiah 40:8]]). The active participation of God in bringing about events or establishing persons is central to this root.
* **אֵל (ʼēl, `{{H410}}`):** As a generic term for God, אֵל is a common component in Hebrew personal names, signifying a direct relationship or attribute of God concerning the individual. Examples include Israel (`{{H3478}}`, "contends with God"), Samuel (`{{H8050}}`, "heard of God"), Daniel (`{{H1840}}`, "God is my judge"), and Elijah (`{{H452}}`, "My God is Yahweh"). These names often serve as concise theological statements about God's character or His interaction with humanity.
* **Divine Election and Appointment:** The meaning "raised of God" strongly implies divine election or appointment. This concept pervades the biblical narrative, from God choosing Abraham, to selecting Moses to lead Israel, to anointing kings and prophets. The individuals named Kemuel, particularly the Ephraimite leader and the Levite chief, embody this principle of being chosen and elevated by God for specific purposes within His redemptive plan.
* **Sovereignty and Providence:** The name speaks to God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs and His providential care. It suggests that one's position, lineage, or even existence is not merely a matter of chance or human effort, but ultimately established and sustained by the divine will.
### Theological Significance
The name Kemuel, "raised of God," carries significant theological weight, underscoring fundamental truths about God's character and His interaction with His creation.
Firstly, it powerfully affirms **God's active sovereignty and intentionality**. The name is not merely descriptive but declarative: God is the one who raises up, establishes, and appoints. This counters any notion of a passive or disengaged deity; instead, God is intimately involved in the course of history and the lives of individuals. The Kemuel of Ephraim, specifically chosen for the crucial task of land division, exemplifies God's direct involvement in the details of His covenant people's inheritance.
Secondly, it speaks to the **divine source of true authority and standing**. For those bearing the name, their prominence or position is not self-made but divinely bestowed. This concept is vital throughout Scripture, where leaders, whether patriarchs, judges, kings, or priests, are ultimately accountable to God, from whom their authority derives. The Levite Kemuel, a chief officer under David, would understand his role as one divinely appointed to serve the God-ordained kingdom.
Thirdly, the name subtly points to **God's faithfulness in establishing His purposes**. Whether in the lineage leading to the nation of Israel, the organization of the Promised Land, or the administration of the Davidic kingdom, God "raises up" individuals to fulfill His overarching plan of salvation and covenant fulfillment. The very existence and function of these Kemuel figures are testaments to God's ongoing work in history.
Finally, in a broader theological sense, the name prefigures the ultimate "raising up" by God. While not directly messianic, the concept resonates with God's raising up of His Messiah, Jesus Christ, from the dead ([[Acts 2:24]], [[Romans 10:9]]), establishing Him as Lord and Savior. In this ultimate act, God demonstrates His supreme power to raise up, establish, and give life, fulfilling His redemptive purposes definitively.
### Summary
The Hebrew name קְמוּאֵל (Qᵉmûwʼêl, `{{H7055}}`), meaning "raised of God" or "established by God," is a profoundly theological appellation. Its etymology from קוּם (to rise/establish) and אֵל (God) highlights divine initiative and action. Throughout its three biblical occurrences—as Abraham's nephew, an Ephraimite leader for land division, and a Levite chief under David—the name consistently identifies individuals in positions of significance or leadership, underscoring their divine appointment or providential placement. Theologically, Kemuel serves as a powerful reminder of God's active sovereignty, His intentionality in human affairs, and His role as the ultimate source of all authority and establishment. It speaks to God's faithfulness in raising up individuals to fulfill His purposes, reflecting a core biblical truth about divine providence throughout salvation history.
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