יׇקְטָן (yoq.tan)
yoq.tan
Joktan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Yoqtan appears in only six verses of Scripture, serving as a pivotal link in the genealogies of Genesis 10 and 1 Chronicles 1. He is identified as the son of Eber and the brother of Peleg, placing him among the descendants of Shem during the patriarchal era. His name introduces a list of twelve sons who are traditionally understood as the ancestors of various Arabian tribes.
The meaning of the name is often connected to the Hebrew root for "small" or "little." While this etymology is noted in some sources, the text itself focuses on his role as a patriarch rather than providing biographical details. The significance of Yoqtan lies in the extensive lineage he establishes, connecting early Semitic history with regions such as Sheba and Ophir.
Translators consistently render this name as Joktan, preserving its phonetic identity across both the Masoretic Text and modern English versions. The brevity of his mention contrasts with the breadth of his descendants, highlighting how ancient genealogies map cultural and geographical connections through family lines rather than individual narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read through the genealogies in Genesis or Chronicles, names like Joktan can feel distant or purely academic. Yet these lists are not just data; they are the framework of God’s care for all nations. Joktan serves as a bridge between the patriarchs and the wider world, showing that God’s plan extends far beyond Israel to include the peoples of Arabia and the East.
His story reminds us that every family line is part of a larger divine tapestry. Even when Scripture does not record his personal prayers or struggles, his legacy lives on in the tribes he fathered. This encourages us to trust that God has a purpose for every lineage, connecting history to His ultimate redemption.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Joktan2×
- [was] Joktan2×
- Joktan2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָקְטָֽן\׃3×
- וְ/יָקְטָ֣ן2×
- יָקְטָֽן\׃\ \ס1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 10:25
To Eber were born two sons. The name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided. His brother’s name was Joktan.
This verse establishes Joktan’s identity as the brother of Peleg, linking him directly to a major historical marker in early human history.
-
Genesis 10:29
Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan.
Here the list concludes with Ophir and Havilah, regions known for wealth and trade, highlighting the geographical reach of Joktan’s descendants.
-
I Chronicles 1:19
To Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.
The Chronicler repeats this genealogy to reassure post-exilic readers that their heritage is securely rooted in the ancient promises to Shem and Eber.