יׇרְקְעָם

Jorkeam, a place in Palestine

Definition

Jorkeam is a proper noun referring to a place in ancient Palestine. It is mentioned only once in the Old Testament in 1 Chronicles 2:44 as a location associated with the descendants of Caleb. The name itself, meaning 'people will be poured forth,' may suggest a place of settlement or dispersion. As a geographical name, it does not carry multiple senses, but its single biblical occurrence situates it within the genealogical records of Judah.

Biblical Usage

The word is used only once in the Old Testament, specifically in a genealogical context. It appears in 1 Chronicles 2:44, where it is listed as a son or descendant of Caleb: 'and Shema begat Raham, the father of Jorkeam.' This places it within the tribal records of Judah, functioning solely as a proper name for a person or a clan location, with no narrative or descriptive usage elsewhere in Scripture.

Etymology

The name Jorkeam (יָרְקְעָם) is derived from the Hebrew roots רוּק (rûq, H7324), meaning 'to pour out' or 'to empty,' and עַם (ʻam, H5971), meaning 'people.' Thus, the compound name translates literally as 'people will be poured forth.' This likely conveys a sense of population movement or establishment, a common theme in Hebrew place-names that describe origins or characteristics of a community.

Semantic Range

In its original setting, Jorkeam was likely a small settlement or clan name within the territory of Judah. Place-names in ancient Israel often reflected familial lineage, geographical features, or historical events, serving as markers of identity and inheritance. As a genealogical entry, it underscores the importance of land and lineage in Israelite culture, connecting individuals to their tribal heritage and the promises given to the patriarchs.

No direct synonyms as a proper noun, but related geographically: יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûdâh, H3063) — the tribe in which Jorkeam is listed; חֶבְרוֹן (Chevrôn, H2275) — a major Calebite city in the same region.

Word Details

Scripture References