יׇקְשָׁן (yoq.shan)
yoq.shan
Jokshan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Yôqeshân is a proper name appearing in three Old Testament verses, primarily within genealogical records in Genesis and 1 Chronicles. The sources identify him as a son of Abraham and Keturah, making him a half-brother to Isaac and Ishmael. He is listed alongside his brothers Zimran, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.
The name itself is interpreted as meaning "snarer." This etymology stands in contrast to the roles of his more prominent relatives; while Isaac inherits the covenant promise and Ishmael becomes a great nation, Yôqeshân appears in the text primarily as an ancestor. He is recorded as the father of Sheba and Dedan, linking his lineage to later tribal groups.
His inclusion in Scripture highlights the breadth of Abraham’s family through Keturah. Although he does not feature in narrative events, his name preserves the connection between the patriarchal era and the subsequent generations that settled in various parts of the Arabian peninsula. The brief mentions serve to document the full scope of Abraham’s descendants.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Names in the Bible often carry weight beyond their sound. Jokshan means "snarer," a title that might suggest entrapment, yet his story reveals how God weaves every thread into a larger tapestry of history. He was not an actor on the main stage but a vital link in the chain of Abraham’s descendants.
His inclusion reminds us that God’s plans extend far beyond the most famous figures. While Isaac received the primary covenant, Jokshan’s line expanded to include tribes like Sheba and Dedan. This shows that God’s care and historical purpose cover many families and nations, even those mentioned only in passing.
For your faith, this offers comfort. You are part of a vast spiritual family where every person has a place in God’s record. Just as Jokshan’s lineage was preserved and valued, your life is known and remembered by the Creator who holds all generations together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Jokshan2×
- Jokshan2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָקְשָׁ֖ן1×
- יָקְשָׁ֔ן1×
- וְ/יָקְשָׁ֣ן1×
- וְ/יָקְשָׁ֛ן1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 25:2
She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.
This verse establishes Jokshan’s position as a son of Abraham through Keturah, placing him in the same generation as Isaac and Ishmael.
-
Genesis 25:3
Jokshan became the father of Sheba, and Dedan. The sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim.
Here the text shifts from listing brothers to tracing lineage, showing how Jokshan’s name leads directly to the tribes of Sheba and Dedan.