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יַחְלְאֵל (yach.le.el)

yach.le.el

Jahleel

H3177 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 2 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

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

Word Overview

The name Yachleel, meaning “God waits,” belongs to a specific individual in the genealogies of Genesis and Numbers. He is identified as the third son of Zebulun and brother to Sered and Elon. This personal name serves as the root for the clan designation Jahleelite, found in H3178.

Yachleel appears only twice in Scripture, both within lists of Jacob’s descendants entering Egypt and later during the wilderness period (Genesis 46:14; Numbers 26:26). The brevity of his mention highlights the importance of tribal lineage in these texts. His name reflects a theological hope or characteristic, suggesting patience in divine timing.

While not a major figure in narrative history, Yachleel’s inclusion preserves the identity of the Jahleelite family within the tribe of Zebulun. The consistency of his name across both books underscores the continuity of Israel’s tribal structure from their descent into Egypt through their journey to the Promised Land.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Yachleel carries a quiet promise: "God waits." In the genealogies of Genesis and Numbers, this brief mention anchors the tribe of Zebulun during Israel’s transition from Egypt to the wilderness. It reminds us that God’s plan unfolds through generations, even when individuals are not named in narrative stories.

For your faith, this word offers comfort in seasons of waiting. Just as Yachleel’s lineage was preserved and counted, your place in God’s family is secure. His name suggests that divine timing is not delay, but purposeful care. Trust that God sees you and holds your story within His larger narrative.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • of/ Jahleel1×
  • and/ Jahleel1×

Forms in the text

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

  • לְ/יַ֨חְלְאֵ֔ל1×
  • וְ/יַחְלְאֵֽל\׃1×

Key Verses

  • Genesis 46:14
    The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel.

    This verse lists Jahleel among Zebulun’s sons, marking the first appearance of his name in the biblical record as part of Israel’s descent into Egypt.

  • Numbers 26:26
    The sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Seredites; of Elon, the family of the Elonites; of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites.

    Here, the family of the Jahleelites is counted again, showing continuity and God’s faithfulness to preserve tribal identity across generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Yachleel mean?

Yachleel means "God waits" or "God is patient." It reflects a theological hope in divine timing and care for His people.

Where does Yachleel appear in the Bible?

He appears only twice: in Genesis 46:14 as one of Zebulun’s sons, and in Numbers 26:26 as the ancestor of the Jahleelite family.

Why is Yachleel important if he has no story?

His inclusion shows God’s attention to every member of His people. Even unnamed individuals are part of Israel’s lineage and God’s preserving plan.

Every Occurrence (2 verses across 2 books)

Genesis 1 verse
Numbers 1 verse