עֵקֶר (e.qer)
e.qer
Eker
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name `e.qer` (עֵקֶר) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the genealogy of Judah recorded in 1 Chronicles 2:27. In this context, it identifies a man who lived during the period of the Divided Monarchy. He is listed as the son of Ram and the brother of Maaz and Jamin, placing him within the ancestral line that leads to King David.
Lexical sources translate `e.qer` as "offspring" or "descendant." This meaning aligns with its root, which relates to bearing fruit or producing progeny. As a personal name in this sparse genealogical record, it likely serves to emphasize the continuity of Judah’s lineage during a time when maintaining tribal identity was crucial for the people of Israel.
Because this name occurs in such a limited context, its theological weight is found in its function as a link in the chain of ancestry. It reminds readers that the historical narrative of Israel includes many individuals whose names are preserved not for their deeds, but for their place in the family tree. This single mention underscores the importance of lineage in the biblical text, connecting the early patriarchs to the later monarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Eker appears just once in Scripture, listed among the sons of Ram in the genealogy of Judah found in 1 Chronicles 2:27. Lexical sources suggest it means "offspring" or "descendant," pointing directly to the idea of bearing fruit and continuing a family line. In this sparse record, his name is preserved not for any specific deed, but simply for his place in the ancestral chain.
This reminds us that God’s story includes many whose names are rarely seen outside of a list. While we often focus on the heroes who led battles or spoke prophecies, the quiet continuity of ordinary families was essential to preserving Israel’s identity. Eker’s inclusion shows that every link in the line matters, connecting the patriarchs to the kings and ultimately to Christ.
For your faith, this offers a gentle encouragement. You do not need to be famous or loud to have value in God’s plan. Your presence in the family of God, whether you are known for great achievements or simply faithful obedience, is part of His enduring purpose. The history of salvation is built on these steady, faithful generations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Eker1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וָ/עֵֽקֶר\׃1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 2:27
The sons of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel were Maaz, Jamin, and Eker.
This verse places Eker as a son of Ram and brother to Maaz and Jamin, establishing his role in the Judahite lineage that leads to David.