יְהוֹיָקִים (ye.ho.ya.qim)
ye.ho.ya.qim
Jehoiakim
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 37 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Jehoiakim, meaning "Jehovah raises up," belongs to a king of Judah who reigned from 609 to 598 BC. He was the son of Josiah and originally called Eliakim before Pharaoh Necho renamed him. This change marked his transition into a vassal state under Egyptian influence, though he later switched allegiance to Babylon.
His eleven-year reign is recorded in twenty-seven verses across Kings, Chronicles, and Jeremiah. The biblical narrative portrays him as a stubborn ruler who resisted prophetic warnings. In Jeremiah 26, he attempts to silence the prophet by ordering his execution, an act that highlights the political tension between the monarchy and divine messengers during the fall of Jerusalem.
His reign ended in violence, fulfilling prophecies that he would die without honor. Unlike his father Josiah, who sought reform, Jehoiakim is remembered for his opposition to God's word. His story serves as a historical marker for the final years before the Babylonian exile, illustrating the consequences of political instability and spiritual rebellion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jehoiakim means Jehovah raises up, yet his story shows how political ambition can twist divine purpose. He began as Eliakim under Egyptian influence before being renamed by Pharaoh Necho. This shift marked the start of a reign defined by rebellion against Babylon and resistance to prophetic warnings. His life illustrates the danger of prioritizing earthly power over spiritual obedience.
When Jeremiah delivered God’s word, Jehoiakim sought to silence the prophet rather than listen. He burned the scroll containing the message and ordered the prophet’s death. This act reveals a heart hardened against correction. It reminds us that authority without humility leads to isolation and judgment.
His legacy serves as a sobering example for leaders and believers alike. True strength comes from submitting to God’s word, not resisting it. We are invited to examine our own responses to divine instruction, choosing openness over defensiveness in our daily walk with the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 37 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jehoiakim32×
- of/ Jehoiakim5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְהוֹיָקִ֣ים6×
- יְהוֹיָקִ֥ים4×
- יְהוֹיָקִ֑ים4×
- לִ/יהוֹיָקִ֥ים3×
- יְהוֹיָקִ֤ים3×
- יְהוֹיָקִֽים\׃2×
- יְהוֹיָקִ֧ים2×
- יְהוֹיָקִ֖ים2×
- יְהֽוֹיָקִים֙2×
- לִ/יהוֹיָקִ֨ים1×
- לִ/יהוֹיָקִ֧ים1×
- יְהוֹיָקִים֙1×
Key Verses
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II Kings 23:34
Pharaoh Necoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the place of Josiah his father, and changed his name to Jehoiakim; but he took Jehoahaz away, and he came to Egypt and died there.
This verse records the renaming from Eliakim to Jehoiakim, marking his entry into a vassal relationship with Egypt and the beginning of his politically driven reign.
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Jeremiah 26:23
They fetched Uriah out of Egypt and brought him to Jehoiakim the king, who killed him with the sword and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people.
It details Jehoiakim’s violent response to Jeremiah’s prophecy, showing his active suppression of divine truth through the execution of the prophet Uriah.
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Jeremiah 22:18
Therefore Yahweh says concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah: “They won’t lament for him, saying, ‘Ah my brother!’ or, ‘Ah sister!’ They won’t lament for him, saying ‘Ah lord!’ or, ‘Ah his glory!’
This prophecy highlights the dishonor awaiting him, noting that no one will lament his death, which contrasts sharply with the honor due to a king.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Jehoiakim mean?
How is Jehoiakim different from his father Josiah?
Why is Jehoiakim mentioned in the book of Jeremiah?
Every Occurrence (37 verses across 5 books)
II Kings 7 verses
Pharaoh Necoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the place of Josiah his father, and changed his name to Jehoiakim;…
II Kings 23:35Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh; but he taxed the land to give the money according to the commandment…
II Kings 23:36Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name…
II Kings 24:1In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant for three years. Then he turned…
II Kings 24:5Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and all that he did, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the…
II Kings 24:6So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers, and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his place.
II Kings 24:19He did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight, according to all that Jehoiakim had done.