Jorkeam
Who was Jorkeam in the Bible?
A descendant of Caleb within the tribe of Judah, Jorkeam is identified in the post-exilic genealogies as the son of Raham.
Jorkeam is a minor figure appearing in the ancestral records of the tribe of Judah. He is situated within the complex genealogical structures of the Chronicler, specifically listed as a descendant of Caleb through the line of Hebron. While the biblical text provides no narrative accounts of his life, his inclusion serves to validate the lineage and heritage of the southern clans of Israel.
Historically, Jorkeam belongs to the Patriarchs in terms of the foundational tribal history of Judah, though his name is preserved in records compiled for the returning exiles in the 5th century BC. He is specifically noted as the son of Raham, further connecting the family lines that defined the social and geographic layout of the Judean territory.
Background and Family
Jorkeam is situated within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. According to 1 Chronicles 2:44, Jorkeam was the son of Raham. His family line is traced through Shema, his grandfather, who was himself a descendant of Hebron. This lineage identifies Jorkeam as part of the Calebite clan—a powerful and influential group within Judah that traditionally held territory in the region of Hebron.
Major Life Events
The biblical record offers no specific narrative events regarding the life, deeds, or death of Jorkeam. His presence in the scriptures is strictly genealogical. Like many figures in the Books of Chronicles, Jorkeam represents a specific household or sub-clan within the tribal hierarchy. During the period of the Patriarchs and the subsequent settlement of the land, these names often served both as personal identifiers for individuals and as markers for the villages or territories they founded or inhabited.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Jorkeam’s primary relationship is to his father, Raham. The text in 1 Chronicles 2:44 states: "Shema was the father of Raham the father of Jorkeam." The passage also mentions Rekem as a brother or close relative to Shema, who fathered Shammai. These connections place Jorkeam in a network of related families that descended from Caleb the son of Hezron (not to be confused with Caleb the spy, son of Jephunneh, though the families are traditionally linked).
Spiritual Significance
While Jorkeam has no recorded spiritual dialogue or actions, his inclusion in the sacred canon is significant for the concept of "belonging." In the post-exilic era (c. 5th century BC), when the books of Chronicles were compiled, the preservation of names like Jorkeam was essential for the restoration of the community. For the returning Israelites, knowing one's lineage back to the Patriarchs was a way to reclaim their identity as the people of God and their right to ancestral lands. Jorkeam stands as a witness to the continuity of God's covenant with the house of Judah across multiple generations.
By documenting his lineage from Raham and Shema, the Chronicler reinforces the historical continuity of the Calebite clan.
In a broader biblical context, Jorkeam represents the 'forgotten' individuals who nevertheless comprise the body of Israel. His name contributes to the detailed map of the tribe of Judah, which eventually produced the Davidic line and, according to Christian theology, the Messiah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Jorkeam mentioned in the Bible?
Jorkeam is mentioned only once in the Bible, in 1 Chronicles 2:44.
Who was Jorkeam’s father?
According to the genealogy in 1 Chronicles, Jorkeam was the son of Raham.
Which tribe did Jorkeam belong to?
Jorkeam was a member of the tribe of Judah, specifically within the Calebite clan.
What does the name Jorkeam mean?
The Hebrew name Jorkeam (Yorqeam) is traditionally interpreted to mean 'the people are emptied' or 'spreading of the people,' though scholars sometimes debate the precise etymology.
Is Jorkeam a person or a city?
In biblical genealogies, names often refer to both an individual and the location they settled. While Jorkeam is listed as a person, some scholars believe the name corresponds to a site in the hill country of Judah.
Family & Relationships
Parents
RahamFather1 Chronicles 2:44Stated
JorkeamThis pageExtended family
Caleb, Son of HezronAncestor1 Chronicles 2:44Inferred
No verse names Jorkeam and Caleb together; the ancestor link is carried from the surrounding genealogy and is not stated in Scripture.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:44
Connected Figures
Family
Father · 1 Chronicles 2:44
A descendant of Caleb within the tribe of Judah and the father of Jorkeam during the Egypt and Wilderness era.
Ancestor · 1 Chronicles 2:44
A prominent descendant of Judah and son of Hezron, Caleb was a foundational figure in the genealogical expansion of the Tribe of Judah during the Egyptian and wilderness eras.
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 1 Chronicles3
Scripture References
All 3 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
1 Chronicles · 3
- 1 Chronicles 2:44
Shema was the father of Raham the father of Jorkeam, and Rekem was the father of Shammai.
- 1 Chronicles 2:45Partial
The son of Shammai was Maon, and Maon was the father of Beth-zur.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:46Partial
Caleb’s concubine Ephah was the mother of Haran, Moza, and Gazez. Haran was the father of Gazez.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.