אֶלְיָקִים (el.ya.qim)
el.ya.qim
Eliakim
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Eliakim means "God raises up" or "God establishes." It appears twelve times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily during the era of the Divided Monarchy. The most prominent figure bearing this name was the son of Hilkiah, who served as the master of the household under King Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:18). In Isaiah 22:20, God declares that He will clothe Eliakim with a robe and gird him with a belt, symbolizing the transfer of royal authority and stewardship over Judah.
The name is not unique to this single official. It also belonged to Josiah’s son, who was installed as king by Pharaoh Necho II (2 Kings 23:34), and later to a priest who assisted Nehemiah in rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 12:41). This recurrence suggests the name carried significant theological weight, reflecting a hope that God would sustain leadership despite political upheaval.
Translators consistently render Eliakim as a proper noun without altering its meaning. The lexical sources emphasize that the name itself functions as a statement of faith: divine support is the foundation of human authority. Whether serving in the royal court or the temple, bearers of this name illustrate the biblical theme that true stability comes from God’s raising up, not merely human effort.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Eliakim carries a quiet but powerful promise: "God raises up." In a time when Judah faced threats from powerful empires, this name reminded the people that their security did not rest in military strength or political alliances. Instead, it pointed to a God who actively establishes leaders and sustains His people through uncertainty.
When Eliakim was given authority over the royal household, it was not merely a promotion based on merit. It was an act of divine appointment. This truth offers comfort today. When you feel overwhelmed by circumstances beyond your control, remember that God is the one who raises up hope and provides stability. His faithfulness remains the foundation for every good thing in your life.
This name invites us to trust in God's timing and power. Whether you are facing personal challenges or watching the world shift around you, you can rest in the knowledge that He is able to establish what seems fragile. Your strength comes from Him alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Eliakim11×
- <to>/ Eliakim1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֶלְיָקִ֣ים5×
- אֶלְיָקִ֨ים2×
- אֶלְיָקִ֥ים2×
- לְ/אֶלְיָקִ֖ים1×
- אֶלְיָקִים֩1×
- אֶלְיָקִ֡ים1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 22:20
It will happen in that day that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah,
This verse highlights God's direct appointment of Eliakim, showing that authority is granted by divine call rather than human ambition.
-
II Kings 18:26
Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, Shebnah, and Joah, said to Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in the Syrian language, for we understand it. Don’t speak with us in the Jews’ language, in the hearing of the people who are on the wall.”
Here Eliakim acts as a mediator during a crisis, demonstrating how God-raised leaders often serve as bridges between the people and their king in times of fear.
-
Nehemiah 12:41
and the priests, Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;
The presence of an Eliakim among the priests at the wall's dedication shows that the name's legacy of God-established service continued into the restoration period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Eliakim mean?
Who was Eliakim in the Bible?
Why is Eliakim significant in Isaiah 22?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 4 books)
II Kings 5 verses
When they had called to the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and…
II Kings 18:26Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, Shebnah, and Joah, said to Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in the Syrian…
II Kings 18:37Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, came with Shebna the scribe and Joah the son of Asaph the…
II Kings 19:2He sent Eliakim, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth,…
II Kings 23:34Pharaoh Necoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the place of Josiah his father, and changed his name to Jehoiakim;…