עֵקֶר
Eker, an Israelite
Definition
Eker is a proper noun referring to an individual in the genealogy of Judah. He is listed as a son of Ram, who was a descendant of Jerahmeel (1 Chronicles 2:27). The name appears only in this genealogical context, and no further narrative or biographical details about the person are provided in the biblical text. The name itself is identical to the common noun meaning 'offshoot' or 'root,' which may carry symbolic significance within the lineage.
Biblical Usage
The word is used exclusively as a proper name in the Old Testament, appearing only once in 1 Chronicles 2:27. Its usage is strictly genealogical, found within the detailed lineage of the tribe of Judah. This places it in the context of post-exilic historical records that sought to preserve Israelite tribal and family identities.
Etymology
The name Eker (עֵקֶר) is the same as the common Hebrew noun H6133 (עֵקֶר), which means 'offshoot,' 'root,' or 'barren.' It derives from the root ע־ק־ר, which relates to being uprooted or barren. As a name, it likely carried a metaphorical sense of 'descendant' or 'scion,' emphasizing continuity and lineage from a family line.
Semantic Range
While the name itself is not theologically loaded, its appearance in the genealogy of Judah connects it to the messianic line, as Judah is the tribe from which King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ descend (Genesis 49:10, Matthew 1:3-6). The meaning 'offshoot' or 'root' can symbolically point to the theme of God's faithfulness in preserving a lineage, as seen in the promise to David. Understanding this enriches the reading of Chronicles by highlighting how even minor names contribute to the larger story of God's covenant people.
In ancient Israelite culture, names were often significant and descriptive. Naming a child Eker ('offshoot' or 'root') likely expressed a hope for family continuity, fertility, and the establishment of a lasting lineage. This contrasts with a modern understanding of names as primarily identifiers, as it embedded a meaningful wish or characteristic into the individual's identity within the community.
None directly applicable as synonyms for a proper name. For the concept of 'offshoot' or 'descendant': צֶמַח (Tzemach, H6780) — a sprout or growth, often used messianically (e.g., Jeremiah 23:5); שֹׁרֶשׁ (Shoresh, H8328) — root, foundation; נֵצֶר (Netzer, H5342) — branch or shoot, a prophetic term (e.g., Isaiah 11:1).
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →