יְרַחְמְאֵל (ye.rach.me.el)

ye.rach.me.el

Jerahmeel

H3396 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 8 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 8 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Yerachme’el means “may God have pity,” reflecting a desire for divine compassion. It appears eight times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in 1 Chronicles and Jeremiah, attached to three different individuals who share this personal name rather than belonging to a single continuous lineage.

The most prominent figure is the eldest son of Hezron and grandson of Judah, listed in 1 Chronicles 2:9. As the founder of the Jerahmeelites, his family line is traced through several sons, including Ram and Bunah, establishing a significant clan within the tribe of Judah before the establishment of the monarchy.

The name reappears later in history with two other bearers. In Jeremiah 36:12, Yerachme’el serves as an officer under King Jehoiakim, tasked with arresting the scribe Baruch. A third individual, a Merarite Levite, is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:43, representing the family of Kish within the priestly divisions.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Jerahmeel carries a gentle weight, meaning “may God have pity.” In a world that often values strength through dominance or independence, this name points to a different kind of power: the humility to ask for and receive divine compassion. It reminds us that our origins and our identities are not self-made but are held within the care of God.

While the name appears in genealogies and historical records, it connects ordinary people to a larger story of faithfulness. Whether listed as a clan leader in Judah or serving in the royal court, those named Jerahmeel were part of God’s unfolding plan. Their lives show us that being remembered in Scripture is not about fame, but about being woven into the community of believers.

This word invites us to see our own place in God’s family with peace. We do not need to earn our standing; we are included by grace. May you find comfort in knowing that God’s pity and care extend to every member of His people, past and present.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Jerahmeel7×
to/ Jerahmeel1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

יְרַחְמְאֵֽל\׃2×
לִֽ/ירַחְמְאֵ֖ל1×
יְרַחְמְאֵ֨ל1×
יְרַחְמְאֵ֥ל1×
יְרַחְמְאֵ֛ל1×
יְרַחְמְאֵ֔ל1×
יְרַחְמְאֵ֑ל1×

Key Verses

I Chronicles 2:9
The sons also of Hezron, who were born to him: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai.

This verse establishes Jerahmeel as the eldest son of Hezron, marking him as the foundational figure of a significant clan within the tribe of Judah.
I Chronicles 2:25
The sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron were Ram the firstborn, Bunah, Oren, Ozem, and Ahijah.

Here the text lists the sons of Jerahmeel, showing how his lineage continued to grow and establish its own identity within the broader family of Israel.
Jeremiah 36:26
The king commanded Jerahmeel the king’s son, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to arrest Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet; but Yahweh hid them.

This occurrence highlights a different bearer of the name who served as an officer under King Jehoiakim, illustrating how the name persisted into the later monarchy period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Jerahmeel mean?

The name Jerahmeel (Yerachme’el) translates to “may God have pity” or “God is merciful.” It reflects a desire for divine compassion and mercy, serving as a reminder of God’s caring nature toward His people.

Is Jerahmeel one person or multiple people?

The name appears in the Hebrew Bible attached to at least three different individuals. The most prominent is the eldest son of Hezron in 1 Chronicles, but others include a royal officer in Jeremiah and a Levite in 1 Chronicles 24.

Why is Jerahmeel mentioned in the Bible?

He is primarily listed in genealogies to trace the lineage of the tribe of Judah. His role as the founder of the Jerahmeelites helps establish the historical and tribal structure of Israel before the monarchy.

How does this name relate to God's character?

The meaning “may God have pity” directly relates to God’s attribute of mercy. It suggests that even in ancient times, people named their children with hopes for divine compassion and care.

Every Occurrence (8 verses across 2 books)

I Chronicles 7 verses

I Chronicles 2:9

The sons also of Hezron, who were born to him: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai.

I Chronicles 2:25

The sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron were Ram the firstborn, Bunah, Oren, Ozem, and Ahijah.

I Chronicles 2:26

Jerahmeel had another wife, whose name was Atarah. She was the mother of Onam.

I Chronicles 2:27

The sons of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel were Maaz, Jamin, and Eker.

I Chronicles 2:33

The sons of Jonathan: Peleth and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel.

I Chronicles 2:42

The sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel were Mesha his firstborn, who was the father of Ziph, and the sons of…

I Chronicles 24:29

Of Kish, the son of Kish: Jerahmeel.

Jeremiah 1 verse