פְּקַחְיָה (pe.qach.yah)
pe.qach.yah
Pekahiah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Pekahiah means "Jehovah sees" or "God has opened the eyes." It belongs to a king of the northern kingdom of Israel who ruled for only two years, as recorded in 2 Kings 15:22-26. He was the son of Menahem and succeeded him on the throne during a turbulent period known as the Divided Monarchy.
His brief reign ended in violence when he was assassinated by Pekah, one of his own military captains. This event highlights the instability of the northern kingdom, where political power often shifted through coups rather than stable succession. The name itself, pointing to divine perception, stands in contrast to the short-sightedness that characterized his rule and its abrupt end.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Pekahiah carries a meaning that points to divine perception—"Jehovah sees." In the turbulent history of Israel’s northern kingdom, this brief reign serves as a quiet reminder that God observes human leadership with full clarity. While political power often shifted through violence and instability during this era, the biblical record preserves these names not merely for historical tracking, but to show us who is truly watching over the affairs of nations.
For your own life, this word invites trust in God’s omniscience. When circumstances feel chaotic or when justice seems delayed, remember that nothing escapes His sight. The brevity of Pekahiah’s rule highlights how fleeting human authority can be, yet it also underscores the enduring nature of God’s awareness. You are seen by Him with complete understanding, even in seasons where stability feels out of reach.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Pekahiah3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פְּקַחְיָ֥ה1×
- פְּקַֽחְיָ֨ה1×
- פְקַחְיָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 15:23
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria for two years.
This verse establishes the specific timeframe of his reign, anchoring the name Pekahiah within the historical context of Judah's king Azariah.
-
II Kings 15:22
Menahem slept with his fathers, and Pekahiah his son reigned in his place.
Here the text highlights the familial succession, showing how the name passed from father to son amidst a period of political instability.
-
II Kings 15:26
Now the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
The reference to the chronicles indicates that despite his short rule and violent end, his actions were formally recorded for posterity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Pekahiah mean?
Who was Pekahiah in the Bible?
Where does Pekahiah appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
II Kings 3 verses
Menahem slept with his fathers, and Pekahiah his son reigned in his place.
II Kings 15:23In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria for…
II Kings 15:26Now the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of…