יׇרְקְעָ֑ם (yor.qe.am)
yor.qe.am
Jorkeam
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Yorqeam is a proper name found exclusively in the Hebrew Bible, appearing just once in 1 Chronicles 2:44. He is identified as a male member of the tribe of Judah, specifically listed among the descendants of Caleb. The text notes him as the son of Raham, placing him within the genealogical records of this prominent clan during the period of the Divided Monarchy.
The name itself carries a striking meaning: "the people empty." This translation suggests a theological or social commentary embedded in the identity of the individual. In a context where lineage and tribal strength were paramount, such a name might reflect humility, dependence on God rather than human numbers, or perhaps a historical moment of scarcity for his family line.
As a rare lexical entry with only a single occurrence, Yorqeam serves as a specific anchor point in the long genealogies of Chronicles. His inclusion highlights the detailed preservation of Judah’s tribal structure. The name’s unique etymology offers a glimpse into how personal identities were shaped by communal experiences or spiritual reflections in ancient Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jorkeam means "the people empty." It appears only once in Scripture, tucked into a long list of ancestors in 1 Chronicles 2:44. Genealogies can feel dry, but they show how God remembers every person, even those with no other story attached to them.
This name reminds us that our worth does not come from numbers, status, or family strength. Being "empty" of human resources is not a failure; it is an opening for God's provision. When we feel small or overlooked, this single entry confirms that God sees and records your place in His story.
Trust that He knows your name just as He knew Jorkeam. You are never forgotten by the One who keeps the record of lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jorkeam1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָרְקֳעָ֑ם1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 2:44
Shema became the father of Raham, the father of Jorkeam; and Rekem became the father of Shammai.
This verse places Jorkeam in the lineage of Caleb, showing how individual names anchor the broader history of Judah's tribal identity.