יְקַמְעָם
Jekamam, an Israelite
Definition
יְקַמְעָם (Yᵉqamʻâm) is a proper name meaning 'the people will rise' or 'may the people arise.' It refers to a Levite from the family of Hebron, as recorded in the genealogical lists of 1 Chronicles. The name appears in two parallel passages (1 Chronicles 23:19 and 1 Chronicles 24:23) where he is identified as a son of Hebron and a leader among the Levites. In these contexts, the name serves to identify an individual within the priestly lineage responsible for temple service during the time of King David.
Biblical Usage
This name is used exclusively in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles, specifically in chapters 23 and 24. In 1 Chronicles 23:19, Jekameam is listed among the sons of Hebron, who were Levites appointed for duties in the temple. In 1 Chronicles 24:23, he appears again in a similar list detailing the divisions of the priestly service. The usage is purely identificatory within these administrative and familial records, with no narrative or dialogical context.
Etymology
The name יְקַמְעָם is a compound derived from the Hebrew root קוּם (qûm, H6965), meaning 'to rise' or 'arise,' and עַם (ʻam, H5971), meaning 'people.' It is a theophoric name expressing a hopeful declaration: 'the people will rise.' It is linguistically compared to similar names like יְהוֹיָקִים (Yᵉhôyâqîm, H3079), meaning 'Yahweh will raise up,' and יׇקְמְעָם (Yoqmʻam, H3361), a variant form found in some manuscripts.
Semantic Range
While the name itself is not central to major doctrines, its meaning—'the people will rise'—reflects a common theme of hope and divine action within the community of Israel. As a Levitical name, it connects to the theology of worship, priesthood, and God's orderly provision for maintaining His sanctuary. Understanding its etymology enriches the reading of Chronicles by highlighting how even administrative lists contain names that express faith and collective identity.
In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried significant meaning, reflecting parental hopes, circumstances of birth, or attributes of God. As a Levite, Jekameam belonged to the tribe set apart for religious service. His inclusion in the Chronicler's lists underscores the importance of lineage and assigned roles in maintaining the worship system established by David, reflecting the cultural value placed on order, heritage, and communal duty within the priesthood.
יְהוֹיָקִים (Yᵉhôyâqîm, H3079) — A name meaning 'Yahweh will raise up,' incorporating the divine name YHWH. יׇקְמְעָם (Yoqmʻam, H3361) — A textual variant of the same name, likely a scribal difference.
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.
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