Lexical Summary Yukal: Can, be able, prevail, endure Original Word: יוּכַל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jucal A form of Yhuwkal; Jukal, an Israelite -- Jucal. see HEBREW Yhuwkal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as Yehukal, q.v. Brown-Driver-Briggs יוּכַל proper name, masculine see יְהוּכַל below יהוה above. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Translation Jucal (Hebrew יוּכַל, Strong’s 3116) is a proper name meaning “He is able” or “May he prevail.” It appears once with this vocalization in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 38:1) and is a variant spelling of the official more commonly rendered “Jucal” (Strong’s 3082). The name is formed from the verb yakol, “to be able,” and thus carries an implicit confession of human capacity under God’s sovereignty. Historical Setting Jucal served in the court of King Zedekiah during the final years of the kingdom of Judah (circa 588-586 BC). Babylon’s armies had already besieged Jerusalem, famine was spreading, and popular morale was collapsing (Jeremiah 32:24; 37:5). Political leaders were split between resistance and capitulation. Jucal was among those who strongly opposed the prophetic message of Jeremiah, which called the nation to surrender to Babylon as an act of submission to divine judgment. Jucal’s Engagement with Jeremiah Jeremiah 38:1 records Jucal among four high-ranking officials who listened to the prophet’s public proclamation: “Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jucal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malchiah heard the words that Jeremiah was telling all the people”. These words asserted that the city would fall and that those who surrendered would live (Jeremiah 38:2-3). Together the officials declared Jeremiah a traitor and demanded his death (Jeremiah 38:4). Their influence persuaded King Zedekiah to consign the prophet to a cistern, a decision that nearly cost Jeremiah his life. Thus Jucal stands as a representative of political leadership that rejects God’s word when it conflicts with nationalistic hopes or personal security. Theological Insights 1. Divine sovereignty versus human ability: The name “He is able” contrasts sharply with Jucal’s actual impotence before God’s decreed judgment. Human authority resists, yet divine purpose prevails (Proverbs 21:30). Archaeological Note Bullae (clay seal impressions) unearthed in Jerusalem bear the inscription “Belonging to Yehukal son of Shelemyahu.” Many scholars identify this individual with Jucal, corroborating Jeremiah’s narrative and underlining Scripture’s historical reliability. Implications for Ministry • Discernment in leadership: Church and civic leaders must measure strategic plans against God’s revealed will, not public sentiment. Practical Application 1. Pray for governmental authorities to heed God’s word (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Related References Jeremiah 37:3 – Variant spelling “Jucal” sent by Zedekiah to seek Jeremiah’s intercession. Jeremiah 38:4-6 – The officials’ successful petition to imprison Jeremiah. 2 Kings 25:1-7 – Fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy in Jerusalem’s fall. Forms and Transliterations וְיוּכַל֙ ויוכל veyuChal wə·yū·ḵal wəyūḵalLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Jeremiah 38:1 HEB: בֶּן־ פַּשְׁח֔וּר וְיוּכַל֙ בֶּן־ שֶׁ֣לֶמְיָ֔הוּ KJV: of Pashur, and Jucal the son INT: the son of Pashhur and Jucal the son of Shelemiah 1 Occurrence |
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