יׇקְנְעָם
𐤉𐤒𐤍𐤏𐤌
Yqeneam
H3362 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Yoqneʿam refers to a specific city located in the north of the land historically associated with the Israelites, near Mount Carmel. The word serves as a toponym, not a common noun, and designates a populated settlement frequently listed among Levitical or territorial allotments. The name's precise etymological meaning remains uncertain, though some propose a theophoric or expressive intention built from Hebrew roots.
Semantic Range
Yoqneʿam as a city; designated Levitical city; territorial allotment in Zebulun; toponym in ancient northern Israelite territory
Root / Etymology
The name יׇקְנְעָם is commonly analyzed as compound, potentially from the roots קוּן (to establish, stand) and עַם (people), but this formation is debated and its exact derivation remains uncertain. The most that can be asserted is its probable use as a compound name, possibly conveying 'the people are established' or similar, though this is supposition based on phonetics rather than decisive textual evidence.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Yoqneʿam appears in biblical sources chiefly as a location assigned to the tribe of Zebulun (Josh 19:11) and designated as a Levitical city for the Merarite clan (Josh 21:34; 1 Chr 6:68). In historical context, Yoqneʿam was strategically situated near the pass at Mount Carmel, making it significant in regional trade and military movements during the monarchic and pre-exilic periods. The identification of Yoqneʿam with Tell Qeimun or Tell Yokneam is widely accepted archaeologically. In Greek and later traditions, the name often appears as Iokneam or similar, but the term 'Palestine' for the region is anachronistic for biblical usage. Modern English translations generally render the name as 'Jokneam', which is a transliteration and covers only the city, not a broader social group or people. The meaning of the name itself has little bearing on narrative content and is not used metaphorically.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from קוּן and עַם; (the) people will be lamented; Jokneam, a place in Palestine; Jokneam.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
קום, עם (q-w-m; ʿ-m) — to arise, establish; people, kin group
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3362-01 |
יָקְנְעָֽם | yaqeneam | HNp |
Jokneam | Established-People | 2 |
H3362-02 |
יָקְנֳעָ֥ם | yaqenoam | HNp |
Jokneam | People-Established City | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3362-02 |
Joshua 12:22 | יָקְנֳעָ֥ם | yaqenoam | HNp |
Jokneam | People-Established City |
H3362-01 |
Joshua 19:11 | יָקְנְעָֽם | yaqeneam | HNp |
Jokneam | Established-People |
H3362-01 |
Joshua 21:34 | יָקְנְעָ֖ם | yaqeneam | HNp |
Jokneam | Established-People |