Ἐλιακείμ

Eliakim

Definition

Ἐλιακείμ is a proper name meaning 'God will establish' or 'God raises up.' In the New Testament, it refers to two different individuals in the genealogies of Jesus. In Matthew 1:13, Eliakim is listed as the son of Abiud and father of Azor in the line from David to Joseph. In Luke 3:30, a different Eliakim appears as the son of Melea and father of Jonam in the line from Nathan to Mary. Both are presented as links in the messianic lineage, fulfilling the Old Testament promise that the Messiah would come from David's line.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exclusively in the two Gospel genealogies (Matthew 1:13 and Luke 3:30). It functions solely as a proper name for ancestral figures, with no other grammatical or contextual variations. Its usage underscores the meticulous recording of Jesus's legal and biological descent from King David, as required for the Messiah.

Etymology

Ἐλιακείμ is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name אֶלְיָקִים (Elyaqim), meaning 'God will establish' or 'God raises up.' It is a compound of אֵל (El, 'God') and קוּם (qum, 'to rise, establish'). The name appears in the Old Testament for significant figures like King Hezekiah's steward (Isaiah 22:20-25), foreshadowing the establishment of God's kingdom.

Semantic Range

While a proper name, its meaning ('God will establish') and placement in Jesus's genealogy are theologically significant. It subtly reinforces the theme of God's sovereign plan to establish His eternal kingdom through the Davidic Messiah. Each name in the genealogy, including Eliakim, represents a link in the fulfillment of God's covenant promises (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Understanding the Hebrew meaning behind the Greek name enriches the reading of the genealogies, transforming a list of names into a testimony of God's faithful, establishing work across generations.

In Jewish culture, names often carried prophetic or descriptive meaning. Bearing a name like 'God will establish' in a genealogical list would remind readers of God's active role in preserving the messianic line despite exile and hardship. The dual appearance of the name in different branches (Solomonic and Nathanic) of David's family highlights the comprehensive fulfillment of the Davidic covenant in Jesus.

Δαυίδ (Dauid, G1138) — The kingly ancestor; Ἰεσσαί (Iessai, G2421) — David's father; both are proper names in the same genealogical context.

Word Details

Scripture References