GospelMount
Search Topics Scripture Prayer Resources Ebooks About Support the mission Saved articles

אֲבִיָּם (a.viy.yam)

a.viy.yam

Abijam

H0038 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 4 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
4 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Abijam refers to a king of Judah who succeeded his father Rehoboam during the period of the divided monarchy. The sources identify him as the son of Maacah and the father of Asa, placing him in the lineage of David. His name appears primarily in 1 Kings, where it is recorded alongside details of his reign and burial.

Linguistically, the name combines the elements for "father" and a reference to Yahweh, often translated as "Yah(u) is (my) father." Some lexical notes suggest an alternative meaning involving the sea, but the dominant understanding links the royal title directly to divine paternity. The text also notes that this form of the name is sometimes equated with Abijah in other biblical contexts.

Historical records highlight his role as a transitional figure between Rehoboam and Asa. While 1 Kings mentions his actions, it does not provide an extensive theological evaluation of his rule, focusing instead on genealogical facts. This concise treatment contrasts with the more detailed accounts of later kings, leaving his specific legacy defined largely by his position in the royal succession.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Abijam carries a simple but profound meaning: "Yahweh is my father." In the ancient world, names were not just labels; they were declarations of identity and trust. For this king of Judah, his name served as a constant reminder that his lineage and authority ultimately rested with God, even when political alliances shifted around him.

While Scripture records his reign briefly, focusing on the transition from his father Rehoboam to his son Asa, it shows us that history is built on ordinary moments of succession. We see in these verses that God’s plan continues through generations, regardless of how short or quiet a ruler’s time may be. His story reminds us that we are part of a larger narrative written by God.

When we look at the kings of Judah, we often focus on their failures or successes. But Abijam’s record invites us to see the steady hand of Providence guiding history. It encourages us to trust that God is at work in our own lives, shaping our heritage and our future, even when the details seem small or unclear.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Abijam5×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • אֲבִיָּם֙2×
  • אֲבִיָּ֖ם2×
  • אֲבִיָּ֥ם1×

Key Verses

  • I Kings 15:1
    Now in the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam the son of Nebat, Abijam began to reign over Judah.

    This verse marks the precise beginning of Abijam's reign, anchoring his rule in the timeline of Jeroboam and establishing his place in the divided monarchy.

  • I Kings 15:7
    The rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? There was war between Abijam and Jeroboam.

    Here the text notes the ongoing war between Abijam and Jeroboam, highlighting the political instability that characterized this period of Israel's history.

  • I Kings 15:8
    Abijam slept with his fathers, and they buried him in David’s city; and Asa his son reigned in his place.

    This passage records his burial in David’s city and the succession of his son Asa, showing the continuity of the Davidic line despite the kingdom's division.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Abijam mean?

The Hebrew name Abijam (אֲבִיָּם) is generally understood to mean "Yahweh is my father." It combines the word for father with a reference to the divine name, reflecting a theological claim about God's role as patriarch and protector.

Who was Abijam in the Bible?

Abijam was the second king of Judah after the kingdom split. He was the son of Rehoboam and the father of Asa. His reign is recorded in 1 Kings, where he is noted for continuing the conflicts with the northern kingdom under Jeroboam.

How long did Abijam reign?

The Bible states that Abijam reigned for three years over Judah. This information is found in 1 Kings 15:2, though the provided candidate list focuses on his accession and burial details.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)

I Kings 4 verses
I Kings 14:31

Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in David’s city. His mother’s name was Naamah the…

I Kings 15:1

Now in the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam the son of Nebat, Abijam began to reign over Judah.

I Kings 15:7

The rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of…

I Kings 15:8

Abijam slept with his fathers, and they buried him in David’s city; and Asa his son reigned in his place.