Who was Jecamiah?

Jecamiah, also spelled Jekamiah in some Bible translations, was a descendant of the royal line of Judah, a member of the Davidic dynasty listed in the genealogies found in 1 Chronicles 3:18. His name in Hebrew is יְקַמְיָה (Yeqamyāh or Yeqamyāhû), which means “May Yahweh raise up” or “Yahweh will establish.” His name reflects a strong theological hope and trust in God’s sovereign ability to raise up leaders according to His purposes.

Jecamiah is identified as one of the sons of Elioenai, who was among the later descendants of King David. While the Bible gives no extended narrative or deeds associated with Jecamiah, his inclusion in the genealogical records holds great theological and messianic significance, especially within the broader context of the Davidic promise and lineage leading to Jesus Christ.

Biblical References

• 1 Chronicles 3:18 – Jecamiah is listed among the descendants of David through King Jeconiah during the time of the Babylonian exile.

• Matthew 1:12-16 – While Jecamiah himself is not named in Matthew’s genealogy, he belongs to the broader Davidic family line from which Jesus descended.

• Jeremiah 22:30 – This verse speaks of Jeconiah (also called Coniah) being childless in terms of royal succession, yet the line continues through others in David’s line, preserving God’s promise.

What Happened in the Bible?

Jecamiah is part of a long genealogical list recorded by the chronicler in 1 Chronicles 3, which outlines the descendants of King David. These genealogies were especially significant to the post-exilic Jewish community who were looking to preserve their identity and remember the covenant promises of God to David. Jecamiah is recorded as one of the sons of Elioenai, who himself was a descendant of King Jeconiah (Jehoiachin), the last Davidic king to reign in Jerusalem before the Babylonian exile.

While Jecamiah does not have an individual narrative or recorded actions in Scripture, his place in the genealogy serves a deeper theological function: to trace the continuity of the Davidic line and uphold the integrity of God’s covenant promises even during times of national judgment and dispersion.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

The mention of figures like Jecamiah in the biblical genealogies may seem minor or insignificant, yet they are a vital thread in the tapestry of God’s redemptive history. For believers today, Jecamiah’s name serves as a reminder that God works through generations, even through seemingly obscure or unknown individuals. Every life in God’s covenant plan matters, even when their story is not widely known or celebrated.

His name—“Yahweh will raise up”—speaks to the hope believers have in God‘s sovereignty to raise up leaders, fulfill His promises, and preserve His purposes across time. Just as God preserved the line of David through generations of exile and restoration, He remains faithful to His Word and His people today.

How Jecamiah’s Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The genealogies in 1 Chronicles and the Gospels are essential in demonstrating that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, the Son of David, whose kingdom will have no end (Luke 1:32-33). Though Jecamiah himself is not mentioned in the Gospel genealogies, his inclusion in the Davidic line confirms the unbroken lineage that leads to Jesus.

Jesus came in fulfillment of the covenant God made with David—that a descendant of his would reign forever on the throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16). This promise is fulfilled in Christ, who is both the root and the offspring of David (Revelation 22:16). Even in exile, when it seemed like the line of David had been cut off, God preserved it quietly through descendants like Jecamiah. In the fullness of time, God “raised up” Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of the name Jecamiah.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Faithfulness Through Generations

Jecamiah’s place in the genealogy is a testament to the enduring faithfulness of God. Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness and the judgment of exile, God preserved the Davidic line as He promised.

2. The Hiddenness of God’s Work

Many biblical figures play silent roles in redemptive history. Jecamiah represents those whose lives are not recorded in stories but who were still essential parts of God‘s unfolding plan.

3. Messianic Expectation

The genealogical record points to the greater Davidic King—Jesus the Messiah. Each name serves as a stepping stone to the fulfillment of God’s promise in Christ.

4. The Value of Every Life in God’s Plan

Even the “unknowns” in Scripture are known to God. The inclusion of Jecamiah encourages modern believers that every life, no matter how hidden or quiet, can have eternal significance.

Reflection Questions

1. Why do you think God chose to include long genealogies, including figures like Jecamiah, in the Bible?

2. How does the meaning of Jecamiah’s name—“Yahweh will raise up”—encourage your faith in God‘s ongoing work in history and in your life?

3. What does Jecamiah’s inclusion in the Davidic line teach us about God’s commitment to His promises?

4. How can understanding the genealogies deepen your appreciation of Jesus’ role as the promised Messiah?

5. In what ways can you trust God’s plan even when your own life seems insignificant or hidden?

Jecamiah may not be a well-known character, but his presence in the line of David is a quiet yet powerful witness to God’s covenant faithfulness and sovereign plan in redemptive history.