Jacan יַעְכָּן
Gadite leader during the reign of Jotham.
Who is Jacan in the Bible?
Jacan was a leader of the tribe of Gad during the reign of King Jotham of Judah, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 5:13 as one of seven tribal chiefs listed in the genealogical records. The Gadites, along with the Reubenites and half-tribe of Manasseh, occupied the territory east of the Jordan River. Jacan's inclusion in this genealogical list, dating to the eighth century BC when Jotham ruled Judah, served to document the leadership structure and historical continuity of the Gadite tribe during this period. Beyond this brief mention, no other details about his life or specific accomplishments are recorded in Scripture, making him one of many minor figures whose names appear in biblical genealogies to establish tribal authority and historical context.
Biography
Jacan is mentioned briefly in 1Ch.5.13 as one of the leaders from the tribe of Gad during the reign of Jotham, king of Judah. He is listed alongside six other leaders: Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jachan, and Zia.
This passage is part of a genealogical record of the tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Gadites, along with the Reubenites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, settled in the region east of the Jordan River (1Ch.5.11).
The mention of these leaders during the reign of Jotham helps to establish the historical context and timeline of the Gadite tribe. Jotham was a king of Judah who reigned in the 8th century BC, known for doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord (2Ch.27.2).
No other specific details are provided about Jacan's life or role within the tribe. His inclusion in this list, however, suggests that he held a position of authority and responsibility among the Gadites during this period in Israel's history.
Family
Siblings
- Michael MaleDavid's warriorA Manassite who joined David at Ziklag.View full profile →
- Meshullam Tribe of JudahSon of ZerubbabelSon of Zerubbabel, a descendant of David.View full profile →
- Sheba Tribe of GadSon of AbihailGadite leader during the reign of JothamView full profile →
- Jorai Tribe of GadSon of AbihailA chief of the half-tribe of ManassehView full profile →
- Zia Tribe of GadSon of AbihailGadite clan leader during the reign of JothamView full profile →
- Eber Tribe of GadSon of AbihailA Gadite chief during the reign of JothamView full profile →
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 5:13
"Their kinsmen by families were Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia, and Eber—seven in all."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יַעְכָּן |