יַעֲקָן (ya.a.qan)
ya.a.qan
Akan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ya’aqan identifies a specific individual in the genealogical records of Esau, appearing only once in Scripture within 1 Chronicles 1:42 as a son of Ezer and brother to Bilhan and Zaavan. This same person is listed under the variant form Akan in Genesis 36:27, highlighting how ancient Hebrew names often shifted slightly between texts or oral traditions while referring to the same Edomite patriarch.
Lexical sources connect the root meaning to a phrase suggesting oppression or subjugation, translating roughly to "let him oppress them." This etymology stands in stark contrast to the more common Jacob (Ya’aqov), which derives from a word meaning "he grasps" or "supplants." While both names share phonetic similarities, their theological and narrative weights differ significantly; Ya’aqan serves as a minor link in the lineage of Edom rather than a central figure in Israel’s story.
His brief mention underscores the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, which preserve even obscure tribal connections. By recording these names, the text affirms the historical reality of Esau’s descendants and their distinct identity within the ancient Near East, providing context for the complex relationship between Israel and Edom that unfolds throughout the Old Testament.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ya’aqan appears in the genealogies of Esau, specifically as a son of Ezer and brother to Bilhan and Zaavan (1 Chronicles 1:42). While this individual plays no active role in the biblical narrative, his inclusion highlights the care with which Scripture records history. These lists are not mere footnotes but affirm the real existence of Edomite clans and their distinct identity in the ancient world.
For your faith, this detail reminds us that God’s historical record is thorough. Even obscure names like Ya’aqan are preserved, showing that no part of human lineage is forgotten by God. This stability in history grounds our confidence in the reliability of Scripture, assuring us that the same God who tracks these ancient family lines is faithful to His promises today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jaakan1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יַעֲקָ֑ן1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 1:42
The sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Jaakan. The sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran.
This verse explicitly lists Ya’aqan as a son of Ezer, confirming his place in the Edomite lineage alongside his brothers Bilhan and Zaavan.