יׇקְנְעָם (yoq.ne.am)
yoq.ne.am
Jokneam
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Jokneam, meaning "the people lament," identifies a Canaanite city conquered by Joshua and situated near Mount Carmel. Although located within the tribal territory of Zebulun, it was specifically allotted to the Merarite Levites, highlighting its role as a center for religious service rather than just military defense.
Lexical sources note that Jokneam was ruled by a king during the conquest period, marking it as a significant political entity in northern Canaan. The name’s etymology suggests a history of sorrow or mourning, which contrasts with its later status as a holy city for the Levitical priests who maintained the worship of God.
References to this location appear primarily in the book of Joshua, where it is listed among the cities taken by Israel. Its inclusion in the list of Levitical cities underscores the biblical theme that even former pagan strongholds could be repurposed for sacred duties under God’s authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Jokneam is a place name meaning "the people lament," yet it became a center for Levitical worship. This shift shows how God can take places marked by sorrow and turn them into spaces of holy service. The city, once ruled by a Canaanite king, was given to the Merarite priests to maintain the worship of God.
For believers today, this reminds us that no place or past is beyond redemption. What seems lost or broken can be restored for sacred purposes. When we serve God, even our difficult histories can become part of a larger story of grace and renewal in His kingdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jokneam3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָקְנֳעָ֥ם1×
- יָקְנְעָֽם\׃1×
- יָקְנְעָ֖ם1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 12:22
the king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one;
This verse lists Jokneam among the defeated kings, showing its political significance before it was repurposed for religious service.
-
Joshua 19:11
Their border went up westward, even to Maralah, and reached to Dabbesheth. It reached to the brook that is before Jokneam.
Here, Jokneam marks a boundary point for Zebulun’s territory, highlighting its geographic importance in the distribution of the land.
-
Joshua 21:34
To the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with its pasture lands, Kartah with its pasture lands,
This passage assigns Jokneam to the Merarite Levites, emphasizing its role as a center for worship rather than military defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jokneam mean?
Why is Jokneam important in the Bible?
Who lived in Jokneam?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Joshua 3 verses
the king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one;
Joshua 19:11Their border went up westward, even to Maralah, and reached to Dabbesheth. It reached to the brook that is before…
Joshua 21:34To the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with its…