יׇקְתְאֵל
𐤉𐤒𐤕𐤀𐤋
Yqeteel
H3371 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Yoqthᵉʼêl is a proper noun referring to a place name, meaning 'God will subjugate' or 'God prevails.' It occurs in reference to two distinct locations in the Hebrew Bible: one in the Shephelah (lowlands) of Judah and another in Edom (Idumaea). The primary lexical sense is as a toponym, with possible undercurrents of 'God has subdued' or 'subjugation by God' based on the root etymology. The semantic range is limited to designation of specific locations named in memory of divine victory, deliverance, or subjugation.
Semantic Range
designation of a place commemorating God's subjugation of enemies; toponym signifying divine victory or deliverance
Root / Etymology
The word appears to derive from the root יָקָה (y-q-h, 'to subdue, to bring low'), combined with אֵל (ʼēl, 'God'). The name is thus a theophoric construction suggesting 'God subdues' or 'God makes low.' Its specific formation parallels other theophoric place names, but exact verbal force depends on the connection to the root יָקָה, which occurs infrequently. Related names, like יְקוּתִיאֵל (Yequtiel), share similar structure. Etymology is plausible but not absolutely certain, as the root יקה in the Qal binyan occurs sparingly and with limited attestation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, יׇקְתְאֵל designates (1) a city in the Shephelah (Judah), captured and renamed by King Amaziah after his victory over Edom (2 Kings 14:7; 2 Chronicles 25:11-12), and (2) a location in Judah's Shephelah (Joshua 15:38). The naming of the Edomite site as יׇקְתְאֵל likely commemorates divine assistance in subjugation during military conquest. These toponyms may function as explicit commemorations of Israelite or Judahite victories, affirming divine agency rather than simply denoting geography. English Bible translations generally transliterate the term as 'Joktheel,' but this offers little insight into its Hebrew connotation. There is no evidence that יׇקְתְאֵל had meaning beyond its toponymic role; it does not appear to denote a group identity or religious function. Distinguished from other theophoric names, it uniquely ties a verbal root of subjugation to divine action. Later tradition, including KJV, reads it as the name of a place, though the post-biblical history of the site(s) is obscure. The name does not refer to a person nor does it acquire doctrinal significance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from the same as יָקֶה and אֵל; veneration of God (compare יְקוּתִיאֵל); Joktheel, the name of a place in Palestine, and of one in Idumaea; Joktheel.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
יקה (y-q-h) — to subdue, bring low, humble
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3371-02 |
יָקְתְאֵ֔ל | yaqeteel | HNp |
Joktheel | God Subdues | 1 |
H3371-01 |
וְ/יָקְתְאֵֽל | veyaqeteel | HC/Np |
and Joktheel | and God-Subdues | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3371-01 |
Joshua 15:38 | וְ/יָקְתְאֵֽל | veyaqeteel | HC/Np |
and Joktheel | and God-Subdues |
H3371-02 |
2 Kings 14:7 | יָקְתְאֵ֔ל | yaqeteel | HNp |
Joktheel | God Subdues |