יוֹיָקִים (yo.ya.qim)
yo.ya.qim
Joiakim
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name יוֹיָקִים (Yoyaqim) translates to "Jehovah raises up." In the Hebrew Bible, this specific form appears only three times, all within Nehemiah 12. It identifies a priest from the tribe of Levi who lived during the period of the Return from Exile. He is recorded as the son of the high priest Joshua and the father of Eliashib.
This individual should not be confused with King Jehoiakim of Judah, who ruled centuries earlier before the Babylonian conquest. While the king’s name shares a similar root meaning, the biblical text uses this shorter variant for the post-exilic priestly lineage. The occurrence in Nehemiah 12:10 places him within the official genealogical record that traces the spiritual leadership of Israel back to the time of Zerubbabel and Jeshua.
The brevity of its usage highlights a shift in biblical naming patterns. Rather than emphasizing royal power or military might, names in this era often reflected gratitude for God’s restoration of the community. By linking Joshua to Eliashib through Yoyaqim, the text underscores the continuity of the priesthood during a time when Israel was rebuilding its identity and worship practices.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Joiakim means "Jehovah raises up," a simple declaration that God is active in lifting people to their purpose. In Nehemiah, this name anchors a specific moment in Israel's history, linking the high priest Joshua to his son and successor Eliashib. It reminds us that spiritual leadership is often passed down through faithful families who trust God to provide the next generation.
For your own life, this word invites you to look for how God has raised you up in your current season. Whether you are leading a team, caring for a family, or serving quietly in the background, His strength is sufficient. The continuity of the priesthood shows that God values faithfulness over fame, building a legacy one generation at a time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Joiakim3×
- and/ Joiakim1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יוֹיָקִ֥ים1×
- יֽוֹיָקִ֔ים1×
- יֽוֹיָקִ֑ים1×
- וְ/יֽוֹיָקִים֙1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 12:10
Jeshua became the father of Joiakim, and Joiakim became the father of Eliashib, and Eliashib became the father of Joiada,
This verse establishes Joiakim as the crucial link between Joshua and Eliashib in the priestly lineage.
-
Nehemiah 12:12
In the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers’ households: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;
It highlights that Joiakim's era saw the organization of priests into specific household groups for service.
-
Nehemiah 12:26
These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest and scribe.
This occurrence places Joiakim alongside Ezra and Nehemiah, showing his role during the restoration of worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Joiakim mean?
Is Joiakim the same person as King Jehoiakim?
Why is Joiakim mentioned in Nehemiah 12?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Nehemiah 3 verses
Jeshua became the father of Joiakim, and Joiakim became the father of Eliashib, and Eliashib became the father of…
Nehemiah 12:12In the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers’ households: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;
Nehemiah 12:26These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and…