### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
`{{H8616}}`, *Tiqvâh*, is a Hebrew proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its meaning is derived from the root `{{H6960}}` (*qâvâh*), which means "to wait, to look eagerly for, to hope." The related common noun is `{{H8615}}` (*tiqvâh*), meaning "hope" or "expectation," and also "cord" (as in a lifeline or something to hold onto). Thus, the name *Tikvah* itself signifies "Hope" or "Expectation." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying the specific individual(s) bearing this name in the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Strong's number `{{H8616}}`, *Tiqvâh*, occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible. It identifies an individual in the lineage of Shallum, the husband of Huldah the prophetess:
* [[2 Kings 22:14]]: "So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (she lived in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter), and they spoke with her."
In this context, Tikvah is the grandfather of Shallum, whose wife, Huldah, played a crucial role in the spiritual reforms initiated by King Josiah. When the Book of the Law was discovered in the temple, Josiah's officials consulted Huldah for divine guidance. Her prophetic word affirmed the authenticity of the book and foretold both judgment for Judah's apostasy and a reprieve for Josiah due to his humility. The parallel account in [[2 Chronicles 34:22]] lists Shallum's father as "Tokhath" (`{{H8434}}`) and his grandfather as "Hasrah" (`{{H2628}}`), indicating a textual variant in the transmission of these names. Therefore, `{{H8616}}` specifically points to the individual named Tikvah in the account of [[2 Kings 22:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H8616}}` is to the common Hebrew noun `{{H8615}}` (*tiqvâh*), which directly means "hope" or "expectation." This noun appears frequently in the Old Testament, often in contexts of waiting on God, divine promise, or the confident anticipation of future good (e.g., [[Job 11:18]], [[Psalm 62:5]], [[Jeremiah 29:11]]). The name *Tikvah* is a direct nominalization of this concept. Furthermore, both the name and the noun are derived from the verbal root `{{H6960}}` (*qâvâh*), which conveys the action of waiting, hoping, or binding together. While `{{H8616}}` is a proper noun, its etymological link to the concept of "hope" is undeniable and adds a layer of potential significance to the individual bearing the name.
### Theological Significance
Although Tikvah himself is a minor figure in the biblical narrative, his name, meaning "Hope," carries a subtle but profound theological resonance within the context of his appearance. He is the grandfather of Shallum, whose wife, Huldah the prophetess, was instrumental in confirming the divine authenticity of the newly discovered Book of the Law during King Josiah's reign. This discovery sparked a significant spiritual revival and covenant renewal in Judah, a period of genuine, albeit temporary, hope for the nation.
In a time marked by widespread idolatry and spiritual decline, the family associated with a pivotal moment of national repentance and divine revelation bore a name signifying "Hope." This can be seen as a quiet testament to God's enduring presence and His provision of hope even in the darkest of times. The message conveyed through Huldah was one of both impending judgment and the possibility of grace for those who humbled themselves. Thus, the name "Hope" within this lineage, at this critical juncture, serves as a poignant reminder that God always preserves a remnant and provides a path to renewal, often through the faithfulness of individuals, even those whose direct actions are not extensively recorded.
### Summary
`{{H8616}}`, *Tiqvâh*, is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "Hope" or "Expectation," derived from the root for "to hope" (`{{H6960}}`) and related to the common noun for "hope" (`{{H8615}}`). This name identifies a single individual in the biblical record: the grandfather of Shallum, the husband of Huldah the prophetess, as noted in [[2 Kings 22:14]]. While Tikvah's direct actions are not detailed, his familial connection to Huldah places him within the lineage involved in King Josiah's significant spiritual reforms. The meaning of his name, "Hope," is particularly significant, subtly underscoring God's faithfulness to provide avenues for renewal and expectation of divine intervention, even amidst national apostasy and impending judgment, as exemplified by the prophetic ministry of Huldah and the subsequent revival under Josiah.
TRV