Bible Word Study
יַחְמַי
Yachmay · Jachmai, an Israelite
יַחְמַי
Jachmai, an Israelite
Definition
Yachmai (יַחְמַי) is a proper name meaning 'Jachmai,' referring to an Israelite man from the tribe of Issachar. He is listed as one of the sons of Tola, who was a mighty warrior and leader in 1 Chronicles 7:2. The name appears only in this genealogical record, where it helps establish the lineage and military strength of the tribe of Issachar during the time of King David. As a proper name, it does not carry multiple senses, but its single biblical occurrence solidifies his place within Israel's tribal history.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exactly once in the Old Testament, specifically in 1 Chronicles 7:2, within a genealogical list. The context is a record of the descendants of Issachar, noting their numbers and describing them as 'mighty men of valor.' Yachmai is named among the sons of Tola, emphasizing the tribe's military strength and contribution to Israel's forces during the reign of David. No other usage patterns exist, as it is a unique personal name.
Etymology
The name Yachmai likely derives from the Hebrew root יָחַם (yacham, H3179), meaning 'to be hot' or 'to conceive.' This root can imply warmth or ardor, possibly suggesting a passionate or zealous character. It is related to terms for heat and conception, and as a proper name, it may have been given to signify a child born from warmth or desire, though its exact personal significance for this individual is not detailed in scripture.
Semantic Range
In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried meaningful connotations, reflecting hopes, traits, or circumstances. Yachmai, potentially meaning 'hot' or 'ardent,' might have been chosen to denote zeal or vigor, fitting for a member of a tribe noted for military prowess. Genealogies like in 1 Chronicles were vital for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and military roles, highlighting how even brief mentions contributed to the community's historical and social fabric.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]