תּוֹקַהַת

Tokahath, an Israelite

Definition

Tokahath is a proper name of an Israelite mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:35, appearing in the genealogy of the tribe of Asher. The name is derived from a root meaning 'obedience' or 'hope,' though its precise meaning in this context is debated due to textual variations. Some scholars suggest the name in 1 Chronicles 7:35 may be a scribal variant or corruption of 'Tikvah' (H8616), another name meaning 'hope' found in 2 Kings 22:14. As a personal name, it signifies an individual within the tribal lineage, reflecting the common practice of using meaningful, often theologically significant, names in Israelite culture.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 7:35, as the name of a son of Helem in the genealogy of Asher. It is used strictly as a proper noun within a list of descendants, with no narrative context or repeated usage elsewhere in Scripture. The single occurrence highlights its role in documenting tribal lineage rather than conveying a broader thematic or theological concept.

Etymology

The name Tokahath (תּוֹקַהַת) is likely derived from the root יקח (y-q-h), related to H3349 (יִקָּהָה), which carries the sense of 'obedience' or 'to be obedient.' Some lexical sources connect it by association to the concept of 'hope' (תִּקְוָה, H8616), noting that the Masoretic Text in 1 Chronicles 7:35 may reflect a scribal adjustment or confusion between similar-sounding words. This etymological link to obedience suggests the name originally conveyed an attribute of faithfulness or submission.

Semantic Range

While Tokahath itself is a minor personal name, its potential connection to the root for 'obedience' subtly underscores the importance of faithfulness to God within the covenant community. Genealogies like the one in 1 Chronicles 7, where it appears, affirm God's faithfulness to the tribes of Israel across generations. Understanding its etymological root can remind readers that even obscure names in biblical lists often carry meaningful, virtue-oriented significance in Israelite tradition.

In ancient Israelite culture, personal names often reflected character traits, hopes, or theological affirmations. Tokahath, meaning 'obedience,' would have been given to signify a parental desire for the child's faithfulness or to acknowledge God's work. Its placement in a genealogy emphasizes the continuity of the tribe of Asher, as family lineages were central to identity, inheritance, and covenant promises within Israel.

Tikvah (H8616) — A more common Hebrew name meaning 'hope,' possibly related through textual variation in 1 Chronicles 7:35.

Word Details