Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Jokmeam" is believed to mean "Gathered by the People" or "Established by the People." The etymology reflects a communal aspect, possibly indicating the city's role or origin within the tribal confederation of Israel.

Biblical References:
Jokmeam is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the tribal allotments and Levitical cities. It appears in 1 Chronicles 6:68 : "Jokmeam with its pasturelands, Beth-horon with its pasturelands." This passage lists Jokmeam as one of the cities given to the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel, within the territory of Ephraim.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Jokmeam was located in the hill country of Ephraim, a region known for its fertile land and strategic importance. The allocation of Jokmeam to the Levites underscores its significance as a center for religious and communal life. The Levites were responsible for religious duties and the maintenance of the tabernacle, and their cities served as hubs for worship and instruction in the Law.

Tribal Significance:
As part of the territory of Ephraim, Jokmeam was situated within one of the leading tribes of Israel. Ephraim held a prominent position among the tribes, often associated with leadership and strength. The presence of a Levitical city within its borders highlights the tribe's role in supporting the religious framework of the nation.

Archaeological Insights:
While specific archaeological evidence for Jokmeam is limited, the general region of Ephraim has yielded findings that illuminate the period of the Judges and the United Monarchy. These discoveries provide context for understanding the lifestyle, culture, and religious practices of the inhabitants during the biblical era.

Theological Implications:
Jokmeam's designation as a Levitical city emphasizes the importance of worship and religious instruction in ancient Israel. The Levites were integral to the spiritual life of the nation, and their cities served as centers for teaching the Law and facilitating the sacrificial system. This allocation reflects the biblical principle of dedicating resources and locations for the service of God and the community's spiritual well-being.

Cultural and Religious Role:
In addition to its religious significance, Jokmeam would have played a role in the social and economic life of the region. As a Levitical city, it would have been a place where people gathered for festivals, legal matters, and communal decisions, reinforcing the communal and covenantal aspects of Israelite society.

Conclusion:
Jokmeam, though briefly mentioned in the biblical text, represents a vital aspect of Israel's religious and communal structure. Its role as a Levitical city within the territory of Ephraim underscores the integration of worship, law, and community in the life of ancient Israel.Jokmeam

confirmation, or revenge, of the people

Jokmeam

(gathered by the people), a city of Ephraim, given with its suburbs to a Kohathite Levites. (1 Chronicles 6:68) The situation of Jokmeam (in Authorized Version JOKNEAM) is to a certain extent indicated in (1 Kings 4:12) where it is named with places which we know to have been in the Jordan valley at the extreme east boundary of the tribe.

Gathering of the people, a city of Ephraim, which was given with its suburbs to the Levites (1 Chronicles 6:68). It lay somewhere in the Jordan valley (1 Kings 4:12, R.V.; but in A.V. incorrectly "Jokneam"). JOKMEAM

jok'-me-am (yoqme`am): A town in Mt. Ephraim assigned to the Kohathite Levites (1 Chronicles 6:68), named along with Gezer and Beth-horon. Its place is taken by Kibzaim in Joshua 21:22 (in Septuagint here the name is omitted). It is mentioned again in 1 Kings 4:12 (the King James Version wrongly "Jokneam"), where it seems to indicate some position to the East of Ephraim. So far no identification is possible.

3361. Yoqmeam -- "let the people be established," a city in ...
... "let the people be established," a city in Northern Israel. Transliteration: Yoqmeam
Phonetic Spelling: (yok-meh-awm') Short Definition: Jokmeam. ... Jokmeam. ...
/hebrew/3361.htm - 6kJokmeam (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JOKMEAM. jok'-me-am (yoqme`am): A town
in Mt. ... Multi-Version Concordance Jokmeam (2 Occurrences). ...
/j/jokmeam.htm - 8k

Jok'meam (1 Occurrence)
Jok'meam. Jokmeam, Jok'meam. Jok'me-am . Multi-Version Concordance Jok'meam
(1 Occurrence). ... Jokmeam, Jok'meam. Jok'me-am . Reference Bible.
/j/jok'meam.htm - 6k

Kibzaim (1 Occurrence)
... It is also called Jokmeam (1 Chronicles 6:68). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
KIBZAIM. kib-za'-im, kib'-za-im See JOKMEAM. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/k/kibzaim.htm - 7k

Zarethan (4 Occurrences)
... in Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth Shean which is beside Zarethan, beneath Jezreel,
from Beth Shean to Abel Meholah, as far as beyond Jokmeam; (WEB JPS ASV ...
/z/zarethan.htm - 9k

Jokneam (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 4:12 the name appears in the King James Version where, with the Revised
Version (British and American), we should read "Jokmeam." Eusebius, Onomasticon ...
/j/jokneam.htm - 9k

Joking (3 Occurrences)

/j/joking.htm - 7k

Jok'me-am (1 Occurrence)
... Jok'me-am (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 6:68 and Jokmeam with the open land about
it, and Bethhoron with the open land about it; (See RSV). ...
/j/jok'me-am.htm - 6k

Ta'anach (6 Occurrences)
... in Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth Shean which is beside Zarethan, beneath Jezreel,
from Beth Shean to Abel Meholah, as far as beyond Jokmeam; (See RSV). ...
/t/ta'anach.htm - 8k

Meholah (4 Occurrences)
... in Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth Shean which is beside Zarethan, beneath Jezreel,
from Beth Shean to Abel Meholah, as far as beyond Jokmeam; (WEB KJV JPS ...
/m/meholah.htm - 7k

Megid'do (12 Occurrences)
... in Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth-shean which is beside Zarethan, beneath Jezreel,
from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah, as far as beyond Jokmeam; (See RSV). ...
/m/megid'do.htm - 10k

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