יְהוּכַל

יְהוּכַל

Jehukal, an Israelite

Definition

יְהוּכַל (Yᵉhûwkal) is a proper noun referring to a specific Israelite individual, Jehukal. He is identified as the son of Shelemiah and served as an official messenger for King Zedekiah of Judah. His sole biblical appearance is in the context of a diplomatic mission during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, where he is sent to request the prophet Jeremiah's prayers (Jeremiah 37:3). The name itself means 'Yahweh is able' or 'Yahweh can,' reflecting a common Hebrew naming convention that incorporates the divine name (Yah) and a verb expressing God's power.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in the book of Jeremiah. It functions strictly as a personal name for a court official during the reign of King Zedekiah. The usage occurs in a historical narrative detailing the king's desperate attempt to seek divine intervention through the prophet Jeremiah while Jerusalem is under military threat from Babylon (Jeremiah 37:3-5).

Etymology

The name יְהוּכַל (Yᵉhûwkal) is a compound name derived from two elements. The first part is יְהוּ (Yᵉhû), a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh (יהוה). The second part comes from the root verb יָכֹל (yāḵōl, H3201), meaning 'to be able,' 'to prevail,' or 'to have power.' Thus, the name translates directly as 'Yahweh is able.' It is a theophoric name, similar in construction to יוּכַל (Yûkal, H3116), which appears to be a variant.

Semantic Range

While the name itself is not central to a major doctrine, it serves as a poignant narrative detail. In its single usage, the bearer of the name 'Yahweh is able' is part of a delegation seeking help from God through a prophet, even as the kingdom faces imminent judgment for covenant disobedience. This creates an ironic contrast: the officials appeal to the 'able' God in a moment of crisis, yet the nation has largely turned away from Him. It underscores that acknowledging God's power in name must be matched by faithfulness in action. In ancient Israelite culture, names were often meaningful statements of faith or circumstance. A name like Jehukal ('Yahweh is able') was a public declaration of trust in God's power and sovereignty, typical of the Judahite royal court where many officials bore Yahweh-based names. His role as a royal messenger (often translated 'official') placed him in a position of trust and authority, acting as the king's direct representative. This context highlights the gravity of the mission to Jeremiah. יוּכַל (Yûkal, H3116) — A variant spelling or a closely related personal name borne by a different individual, also meaning 'Yahweh is able' (Jeremiah 38:1).

Word Details