1. the eldest son of Abiud or Judah, bother of Joseph, and father of Azor Mt. 1:
2. son of Melea, and father of Jonan Lk 3:30,31

Origins and Meaning of Eliakeim

Eliachim (also spelled Eliakim) is a Hebrew name, which means “God raises” or “God sets up.” Breaking the name into its components: “Eli” means “my God,” and “akim” comes from the Hebrew root “kum,” which means “to establish” or “to raise.” This name speaks volumes about the hopes and expectations placed upon individuals named Eliakim in Biblical times.

In Greek, Eliakim is translated as “Ηλιακείμ” (pronounced as “Eliakeim”) and it carries over the same meaning – “God raises.” Names and their meanings are often preserved in translation especially when they hold religious or cultural significance. Understanding what Eliakeim means in Greek in the context of the Bible also helps us appreciate the continuity and preservation of these meanings across different languages and eras.

Eliakeim in Biblical Narratives

Eliakeim is mentioned at several key points in the Bible, each time highlighting the faith and trust in God’s providence. The most notable Eliakeim in the Bible is found in the Old Testament, where Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, serves as a faithful servant during the reign of King Hezekiah.

Eliakeim, Son of Hilkiah

In the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 22:20-24), Eliakim son of Hilkiah is a significant figure during a tumultuous time in Judah’s history. He is described as a reliable and godly man who is appointed to a position of authority. Isaiah prophesies that Eliakim will be given the keys to the house of David. These keys symbolize authority and trust – Eliakim is entrusted with the power to open and shut doors which no one else can, a direct indication of divine approval and support.

This metaphor of the keys represents stewardship, responsibility, and governance under divine guidance. The name Eliakim itself thus becomes an emblem of God’s establishment of righteous authority.

Eliakeim in the Lineage of Jesus

Eliakeim also appears in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. In the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:13), Eliakim (spelled as “Eliakim” in the Greek New Testament) is listed among the ancestors of Jesus, reinforcing the name’s association with divine purpose and continuity. This inclusion underscores the name’s significance across Testaments and its alignment with God’s overarching plan.

Symbolic Meaning and Theological Implications

Divine Elevation and Trust

The name Eliakim signifies “God will establish” or “God will raise up,” symbolizing a divine act of elevation or support. This directly ties to the concept of God intervening to uplift those who are faithful. In a theological sense, Eliakim represents the belief in divine providence and the trust that God will appoint righteous leaders and establish His will through them.

Stewardship and Authority

As seen in the story of Eliakim son of Hilkiah, the name also signifies a trusted steward. The giving of the keys to the house of David is a powerful image of trust and stewardship. It suggests that those who bear this name are seen as caretakers of God’s domain, invested with responsibilities they must fulfill under divine guidance.

Christological Connections

Interestingly, the reference to Eliakim in Isaiah has been linked to Jesus Christ in Christian theology. The imagery of the keys to the house of David is echoed in the New Testament when Jesus speaks to Peter, saying “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:19). This parallel draws a line from Eliakim, the faithful steward in the Old Testament, to Peter and ultimately to Christ in the New Testament, signifying a continuum of divine authority and trust.

Linguistic and Cultural Translation

Preservation of Meaning

The transition of the name Eliakim from Hebrew to Greek is an excellent example of how core meanings are preserved across languages. Despite linguistic shifts, the essence of the name, “God raises,” remains intact. This preservation echoes the enduring nature of divine principles and the timelessness of God’s promises.

Cultural Context

In both Hebrew and Greek cultures, names carried weighty meanings and were often chosen to reflect one’s character or destiny. Eliakim’s meaning, tied so closely to divine action, would have been both a reminder of God’s active role in the world and an indication of the purpose or blessing associated with the individual.

Modern Day Relevance

Names like Eliakim, while ancient, still resonate deeply in today’s world for those who study the Bible or adhere to Judeo-Christian faiths. The name stands as a testament to divine support, trust, and providence. It reminds believers of the importance of being faithful stewards of the responsibilities given to them by God. Moreover, it points to the continuous thread of divine plan from the Old Testament through to the New Testament.

Conclusion

Understanding what Eliakim means in Greek in the context of the Bible allows us to uncover deeper layers of Biblical storytelling and theology. The name Eliakim, meaning “God raises,” encapsulates a message of divine appointment and faith. Whether it is through the story of Eliakim son of Hilkiah or its place in the genealogy of Jesus, the name carries with it a powerful symbolism of trust, stewardship, and the assurance of God’s providence. This exploration enhances our appreciation for the Biblical text and the enduring impact of these ancient names.