Lexical Summary Yoyakin: Jehoiachin Original Word: יוֹיָכִין Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jehoiachin A form of Yhowyakiyn; Jojakin, an Israelite king -- Jehoiachin. see HEBREW Yhowyakiyn NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as Yehoyakin, q.v. Topical Lexicon Identity and NamingStrong’s Hebrew 3112 (יוֹיָכִין) designates the Judean king more commonly rendered Jehoiachin (also Jeconiah or Coniah in other spellings). The form occurs only once (Ezekiel 1:2), yet Scripture consistently describes the same historical person—a son of King Jehoiakim and grandson of Josiah—whose brief reign (circa 597 BC) marked the decisive Babylonian deportation of Jerusalem’s elite. Historical Context in Ezekiel Ezekiel dates the inaugural vision of his prophetic ministry “in the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin” (Ezekiel 1:2). By anchoring his calling to Jehoiachin’s captivity, Ezekiel reminds the exiles that their national crisis stemmed from covenant infidelity, not Babylonian strength alone (Deuteronomy 28:36). The single mention of יוֹיָכִין therefore serves as a chronological and theological reference point: God’s word reaches His people precisely when the Davidic monarchy appears shattered. Parallel Passages and Variant Forms Although the spelling יוֹיָכִין is unique to Ezekiel 1:2, the king’s account unfolds in 2 Kings 24:6-17; 2 Chronicles 36:8-10; Jeremiah 22:24-30; and his later release in 2 Kings 25:27-30; Jeremiah 52:31-34. These texts chronicle three stages: 1. Sudden enthronement and surrender (2 Kings 24:8-12). Theological Significance 1. Covenant Justice Jehoiachin’s exile validates the prophetic warnings of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Habakkuk that persistent idolatry would end in captivity. His removal demonstrates that no earthly throne is exempt from divine discipline (Psalm 89:30-32). 2. Covenant Faithfulness Despite judgment, the Lord preserves the Davidic line. The Chronicler deliberately lists Jehoiachin’s sons (1 Chronicles 3:17-18), confirming that God “will not reject forever” (Lamentations 3:31). 3. Prophetic Framework Ezekiel’s ministry begins under the shadow of a deposed king, yet ends with promises of a purified sanctuary and a restored land (Ezekiel 40–48). The lonely mention of יוֹיָכִין at the start thus contrasts human failure with ensuing visions of divine glory. Restoration and Messianic Lineage Jehoiachin’s descendants reappear after the exile (Haggai 2:2; Zechariah 6:11-13), and the New Testament traces the legal ancestry of Jesus Christ through this line (Matthew 1:11-12). What seemed a cursed branch (Jeremiah 22:30) becomes a testimony that God can overturn judgment through grace, culminating in the birth of the Messiah who fulfills the eternal kingship promise (Luke 1:32-33). Ministry Applications 1. Preaching and Teaching Pointing to יוֹיָכִין highlights God’s sovereignty over nations and kings. Exile is not the end of the story; it is a summons to repentance and renewed hope. 2. Pastoral Encouragement Like Judah in Jehoiachin’s day, believers facing discipline can cling to the certainty that the Lord disciplines “for our good, that we may share in His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10). 3. Mission and Worship Even in foreign soil, Ezekiel receives visions that fuel worship. Modern congregations can likewise expect God’s presence and direction, regardless of external circumstances. Summary The lone occurrence of יוֹיָכִין in Ezekiel 1:2 anchors the prophet’s call within the darkest chapter of Judah’s history while simultaneously signaling the unfailing purposes of God—justice administered, promises preserved, and ultimate redemption secured through the same royal line that culminates in Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations יוֹיָכִֽין׃ יויכין׃ yō·w·yā·ḵîn yōwyāḵîn yoyaChinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 1:2 HEB: לְגָל֖וּת הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ יוֹיָכִֽין׃ KJV: year of king Jehoiachin's captivity, INT: exile of King Jehoiachin's 1 Occurrence |
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