Brief Overview of Ἐλιακείμ (Strong’s G1662: Eliakím)

Introduction

Understanding the original Greek and Hebrew names in Biblical studies is crucial for deepening our comprehension of the characters and events described in the Scriptures. The Greek word Ἐλιακείμ (Eliakím) is particularly significant as it refers to an individual whose name carries profound theological implications. The name Eliakim, meaning “God raises” or “God sets up,” appears in both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the role of divine appointment and authority. Eliakim is especially relevant in the context of New Testament interpretation, as it underscores the continuity between the Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in the New Testament narrative. Additionally, the name offers insights into ancient Hebrew culture, where names were often reflective of one’s destiny or role within God’s plan.

Key Information:

Greek Word:

• Ἐλιακείμ (Eliakím) [eh-lee-ah-KEEM]

Etymology:

• Derived from the Hebrew elements אֵל (El, meaning “God”) and יָקוּם (yakum, meaning “will raise” or “will establish”). The name thus signifies “God raises” or “God establishes.”

Part of Speech:

• Proper noun (Masculine, indeclinable)

The F.O.G Word Choice:

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Primary Meanings:

• Eliakim, a personal name meaning “God raises” or “God establishes,” used to refer to several figures in the Bible, including a significant official under King Hezekiah in the Old Testament and an ancestor of Jesus listed in the genealogy provided in the Gospel of Matthew.

Similar Words:

• Ἐλὶ (Eli) [EH-lee]: A shorter form of the name Eliakim, meaning “my God.” Eli was the name of the high priest in the time of Samuel.
• Ζαχαρίας (Zacharias) [zah-kah-REE-ahs]: Meaning “the Lord has remembered.” Like Eliakim, Zacharias is a theophoric name (a name that incorporates a divine name) that reflects God’s action in the life of the individual.

While both Ἐλιακείμ and Ἐλὶ include references to God, Ἐλιακείμ emphasizes the act of raising up or establishing, whereas Ἐλὶ simply acknowledges God as a personal deity.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: Ἐλιακείμ is a proper noun that is indeclinable in Greek, meaning it does not change form regardless of its grammatical case in a sentence. This is typical for names borrowed directly from Hebrew, as they retain their original structure.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG describes Ἐλιακείμ as a proper noun, noting its use in the New Testament as part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:13). The lexicon emphasizes its Hebrew origin and the significance of the name in conveying divine action and authority.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon explains that Ἐλιακείμ means “whom God will raise” or “God raises,” highlighting its importance in both Old and New Testament contexts. Thayer’s notes that the name is associated with figures who were divinely appointed to positions of authority.

Vines:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses Ἐλιακείμ in the context of Biblical names that incorporate the name of God (El), emphasizing how such names were used to express faith in God’s sovereignty and His role in human affairs.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon primarily focuses on classical Greek literature but acknowledges the Hebrew origin of names like Ἐλιακείμ, noting how such names were adapted into Greek for use in the Septuagint and New Testament writings.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines Ἐλιακείμ as “God raises,” indicating its Hebrew roots and its application to several Biblical figures. The concordance provides references to both the Old Testament and New Testament occurrences of the name.

Scripture References:

• 2 Kings 18:18 – “When they called for the king, there came out to them Eliakim (Ἐλιακείμ) the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder.”
• Isaiah 22:20-21 – “In that day I will call my servant Eliakim (Ἐλιακείμ) the son of Hilkiah, and I will clothe him with your robe, and will bind your sash on him, and will commit your authority to his hand…”
• Matthew 1:13 – “Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim (Ἐλιακείμ), and Eliakim the father of Azor.”

Classical Usage:

Given that Ἐλιακείμ is a name of Hebrew origin, it does not appear in classical Greek literature in the same context as native Greek words. However, its adaptation into Greek for the Septuagint and New Testament reflects the broader cultural exchange between Hebrew and Greek traditions.

Summary of Ἐλιακείμ (G1662: Eliakím):

The Greek name Ἐλιακείμ, meaning “God raises” or “God establishes,” is a significant proper noun that appears in both the Old and New Testaments. This name reflects the belief in God’s active role in establishing and raising up leaders and ancestors within the Biblical narrative. Eliakim is a key figure in several Biblical stories, most notably as an official under King Hezekiah and as an ancestor of Jesus Christ. Understanding the significance of Ἐλιακείμ deepens our appreciation for the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and highlights the importance of divine appointment in Biblical history.

Did You Know?

The name Eliakim not only appears in the Bible but also has historical significance outside of it. During the time of the Second Temple, many Jewish families named their children Eliakim, reflecting a hope that God would continue to raise up leaders to restore and protect Israel. This name thus serves as both a historical and theological symbol of God’s enduring presence in the lives of His people.