יָקִים (ya.qim)
ya.qim
Jakim
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Yakim, meaning "He will raise," appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times identifying men from the tribe of Benjamin during the era of the Divided Monarchy. In 1 Chronicles 8:19, he is listed as a son of Shimei and brother to Zichri and several other siblings, anchoring him within a specific family lineage rather than highlighting individual deeds.
A second figure with this name appears in 1 Chronicles 24:12. Here, Yakim is identified not as a tribal descendant but as a Levite priest assigned to lead the twelfth division of temple service under King David. This dual usage suggests the name was known enough within Israel’s religious and social structures to be borne by both a layman and a temple official.
The meaning "He will raise" carries theological weight, often reflecting hope for divine intervention or restoration. While these two individuals are minor figures in the biblical narrative, their names preserve a reminder of God’s ongoing work through ordinary people in specific historical moments.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Yakim carries a simple but powerful meaning: "He will raise." In the Hebrew Bible, this word appears only twice, attached to two different men in the tribe of Benjamin and the line of Levi. One is listed as a son in a family genealogy, while the other serves as a priest leading a division of temple service. Though they are minor figures in the biblical narrative, their names remind us that God works through ordinary people in specific historical moments.
This name reflects a hope for divine intervention or restoration. It suggests that God is actively involved in raising up individuals for His purposes. Whether someone is serving in the temple or simply part of a family line, each person has a role in God's broader story. This perspective offers comfort, knowing that our lives are not overlooked but are part of a larger plan.
When we encounter names like Yakim, we are invited to see ourselves in these stories. We may not always be the main characters, but we are essential participants in God's work. The promise embedded in this name encourages us to trust that God can raise us up, even in difficult seasons, to fulfill His purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ Jakim1×
- and/ Jakim1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/יָקִ֖ים1×
- וְ/יָקִ֥ים1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 8:19
Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi,
This verse identifies Jakim as a son of Shimei, anchoring him within a specific family lineage rather than highlighting individual deeds.
-
I Chronicles 24:12
the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,
Here, Yakim is identified as a Levite priest assigned to lead the twelfth division of temple service under King David.