### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Tiqvâh**, represented by `{{H8616}}`, is a proper name used to identify two specific Israelite men. According to its base definition, it is simply "Tikvah, the name of two Israelites." The name appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Old Testament, where it serves a genealogical purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8616}}` is used to establish lineage. In 2 Kings, **Tiqvâh** is named as the grandfather of Shallum, who was the husband of the prophetess Huldah [[2 Kings 22:14]]. A second individual named **Tiqvâh** is mentioned in the book of Ezra as the father of Jahaziah, one of the men tasked with overseeing a matter for the post-exilic community [[Ezra 10:15]]. The name functions to historically place these individuals within specific events in Israel's history.
### Related Words & Concepts
A closely related word provides additional context through a documented scribal variation:
* `{{H8445}}` **Tôwqahath**: This name is explicitly given as a correction for **Tiqvâh** in the parallel account of Huldah's family line found in [[2 Chronicles 34:22]]. The definition for this variant is **obedience; Tokahath, an Israelite; Tikvath**.
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H8616}}` is historical and genealogical rather than theological. It serves to identify and anchor individuals within the biblical record.
* **Genealogical Marker:** The primary role of the name is to provide a clear ancestral record for key figures, such as the husband of the prophetess Huldah [[2 Kings 22:14]] and Jahaziah, who was involved in the affairs of the community under Ezra [[Ezra 10:15]].
* **Historical Context:** The name places these men within major events, including the reforms of King Josiah and the restructuring of the community after the return from exile.
* **Textual Variation:** The connection to `{{H8445}}` **Tôwqahath** in [[2 Chronicles 34:22]] highlights a noted textual variant in the scriptural record, where one name, meaning "obedience," is used as a correction for the other.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8616}}` **Tiqvâh** is not a word with a broad conceptual meaning but a proper name for two men. Its importance lies in its function as a genealogical identifier in the historical books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Ezra. By naming the fathers of Shallum and Jahaziah, the name helps to validate the identities of those connected to significant moments in Israel's story.
TRV