Ἰωράμ (Iōram)
Iōram
Joram
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Iōram appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Matthew 1:8 as part of Jesus’ genealogy. It represents the Hebrew name Joram, also known as Jehoram, who was the king of Judah and the son of Jehoshaphat. In this context, the Greek form serves as a transliteration of the original Hebrew personal name found in the Old Testament records.
Etymologically, the name means "whom Jehovah has exalted," reflecting a common theological pattern in Hebrew naming where divine action is embedded in personal identity. Although this particular king’s reign was marked by political instability and religious compromise, his inclusion in Matthew’s list highlights the continuity of God’s covenant line through Judah’s monarchy, leading ultimately to Christ.
Translators typically render this entry as Joram or Jehoram to distinguish him from other biblical figures with similar names. The single occurrence underscores how the New Testament author carefully traced Jesus’ human ancestry back through the royal house of David, preserving these historical identities without adding commentary on their moral standing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Iōram appears in Matthew’s genealogy, marking a link between King Jehoshaphat and his successor. While historical records show this king faced political trouble and religious compromise, his presence in the list reminds us that God’s plan moves forward through imperfect people.
This single mention highlights how Jesus’ human ancestry includes figures with mixed reputations. It shows that God does not require moral perfection to continue His covenant line. Instead, He works through history as it is, weaving even flawed moments into a greater story of redemption.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Joram;1×
- Joram1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰωράμ·1×
- Ἰωρὰμ1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 1:8
Asa became the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat became the father of Joram. Joram became the father of Uzziah.
This verse places Joram in the direct line from Jehoshaphat to Uzziah, showing how Jesus’ ancestry includes kings who did not always follow God fully.