Lexical Summary Yakan: Jakan Original Word: יַעְכָּן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jachan From the same as Akan; troublesome; Jakan, an Israelite -- Jachan. see HEBREW Akan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as Akan Definition a Gadite NASB Translation Jacan (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs יַעְכָּן proper name, masculine Gadite 1 Chronicles 5:12, Ξιμα, Ιαχα. עכס (√ of following; Arabic Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence “and their relatives by their father’s houses were Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia, and Eber—seven in all” (1 Chronicles 5:13). Geographic and Tribal Setting Jacan belongs to the tribe of Gad, one of the two and a half tribes that settled east of the Jordan. The Gadites occupied territory stretching from Aroer on the Arnon to Salecah in Bashan (Joshua 13:24-28). This trans-Jordan location placed them on the frontier between Israel and the desert peoples, shaping both their pastoral economy and their frequent military engagements (1 Chronicles 5:9-10). Relation to Gadite Military and Settlement Pattern The genealogy of 1 Chronicles 5 highlights Gad’s reputation as warrior-herdsmen who “waged war against the Hagrites… because they cried out to God in the battle, and He granted their request” (1 Chronicles 5:18-20). Jacan, listed among the “relatives” of Gadite chiefs Joel, Shapham, Jaanai, and Shaphat (1 Chronicles 5:12-13), represents one of the family heads whose households contributed to Gad’s defensive strength and communal life along Israel’s eastern border. Distinction from Other Bearers of a Similar Name Jacan the Gadite should not be confused with Jaakan (Genesis 36:27; 1 Chronicles 1:42), a Horite chieftain, or with the wilderness encampment Bene-Jaakan (Numbers 33:31-32; Deuteronomy 10:6). The similarity of names illustrates how diverse lineages could share cognate designations while inhabiting very different covenant contexts. Historical Significance 1 Chronicles preserves genealogies compiled after the exile to remind the returned community of its tribal heritage. Even a single-mention figure like Jacan testifies to the chronicler’s concern for completeness. His inclusion affirms that God remembers every household, including those east of the Jordan who were later deported by Tiglath-pileser (1 Chronicles 5:6, 26). The record underscores both privilege and accountability: privilege in being counted among the people of God, accountability in the warning that unfaithfulness leads to exile (1 Chronicles 5:25-26). Theological Themes 1. Covenant Preservation—Jacan’s name in Scripture declares that God keeps covenant across generations and geography. Spiritual and Ministry Applications • Unsung Service: Jacan’s obscurity encourages believers who labor without public acclaim (Colossians 3:23-24). Cross-References for Further Study Numbers 26:15-18; Deuteronomy 33:20-21; Joshua 13:24-28; 2 Kings 15:29; 1 Chronicles 5:18-26; Revelation 20:12. Summary Though mentioned only once, Jacan stands as a witness that every clan and individual within God’s people matters. His appearance in Gad’s registry strengthens the biblical portrait of a covenant community preserved, disciplined, and ultimately redeemed by the Lord who “knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19). Forms and Transliterations וְיַעְכָּ֛ן ויעכן veyaKan wə·ya‘·kān wəya‘kānLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 5:13 HEB: וְ֠שֶׁבַע וְיוֹרַ֧י וְיַעְכָּ֛ן וְזִ֥יעַ וָעֵ֖בֶר NAS: Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia and Eber, KJV: and Jorai, and Jachan, and Zia, INT: Sheba Jorai Jacan Zia and Eber 1 Occurrence |
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