of Hebrew origin (יִשָּׂשכָר); Isachar (i.e. Jissaskar), a son of Jacob (figuratively, his descendant):--Issachar.
Transliteration:Isachár
Pronunciation:ee-sakh-ar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Ἰσαχάρ (Isachár, `{{G2466}}`) functions exclusively as a proper noun, directly transliterating the Hebrew name יִשָּׂשכָר (Yissaskar, `{{H3485}}`). This name belongs to the ninth son of Jacob and Leah, and subsequently, to the tribe descended from him. The etymology of the Hebrew name is typically understood to mean "there is a reward" or "man of hire/wages." This interpretation is rooted in Leah's declaration upon his birth: "God has given me my reward (שָׂכָר, *sakhar*) because I gave my servant to my husband" [[Genesis 30:18]]. Thus, the core meaning of Ἰσαχάρ is intrinsically linked to the concept of divine recompense and the specific historical figure and his lineage. It does not possess a broader semantic range beyond this proper identification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, the Greek transliteration Ἰσαχάρ (Isachár, `{{G2466}}`) appears only once, in the book of Revelation. Its singular occurrence is found in [[Revelation 7:7]], within the visionary passage describing the sealing of the 144,000 servants of God from the tribes of Israel.
The context of [[Revelation 7]] is eschatological, presenting a divine census of those who are preserved for God's kingdom. Issachar is listed among the twelve tribes, each contributing 12,000 sealed individuals. This inclusion highlights the enduring significance of the historical tribes of Israel within God's ultimate redemptive plan. The order of the tribes in this list (Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin) differs from typical Old Testament genealogies and tribal encampment orders. This rearrangement, including the absence of Dan and the inclusion of Levi and Joseph (represented by Manasseh and Ephraim, though only Joseph is listed here for the latter), suggests a symbolic rather than strictly historical or geographical enumeration, emphasizing the completeness and spiritual unity of God's people from all Israel. The presence of Issachar, therefore, affirms the comprehensive nature of God's covenant faithfulness extending to all foundational lineages of His chosen nation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew original, יִשָּׂשכָר (Yissaskar, `{{H3485}}`), from which Ἰσαχάρ (Isachár, `{{G2466}}`) is derived. This Hebrew term is extensively used throughout the Old Testament in genealogies, tribal listings, and historical narratives concerning the tribe of Issachar.
Conceptually, Ἰσαχάρ is inextricably linked to:
* **Tribal Identity:** As one of the twelve sons of Jacob, Issachar represents one of the fundamental divisions of ancient Israel. The concept of "tribe" (φυλή, *phylē*, `{{G5443}}`) is central to understanding his role.
* **The Sons of Jacob/Tribes of Israel:** Issachar is always understood in relation to his brothers and their respective tribes, such as Judah (`{{G2455}}`), Reuben (`{{G4502}}`), Levi (`{{G3017}}`), Simeon (`{{G4826}}`), Zebulun (`{{G2207}}`), Joseph (`{{G2501}}`), and Benjamin (`{{G958}}`), among others. Their collective identity forms the foundational structure of God's covenant people.
* **Divine Reward/Wages:** The etymological root of the name, tied to "שָׂכָר" (*sakhar*, `{{H7939}}`, "wages, reward"), connects it to the broader biblical theme of divine recompense for human actions and faithfulness.
* **Covenant:** The existence and naming of Issachar, like all the tribes, are rooted in God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, signifying the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through a chosen lineage.
### Theological Significance
The name Ἰσαχάρ (Isachár, `{{G2466}}`), through its Hebrew origin and singular New Testament occurrence, carries several layers of theological significance:
1. **Divine Providence and Recompense:** The very etymology of the name, "there is a reward," points to God's active involvement and providential care in the lives of His people. Leah's acknowledgment in [[Genesis 30:18]] attributes Issachar's birth directly to God's reward for her faithfulness. This establishes a theological principle that God observes and justly recompenses the actions of His servants, even amidst complex human circumstances.
2. **Continuity of God's Covenant People:** The inclusion of Issachar in the list of sealed tribes in [[Revelation 7:7]] is profoundly significant. It affirms the enduring nature of God's covenant with *all* Israel, demonstrating that the historical identity of the tribes remains relevant in God's ultimate eschatological plan. It signifies that the full, complete number of God's redeemed includes those from every foundational lineage of the chosen nation, thereby underscoring the faithfulness of God to His promises.
3. **Symbol of Discernment (Old Testament Association):** While not directly conveyed by the Greek term itself, the tribe of Issachar gained a notable reputation in the Old Testament for its wisdom. [[1 Chronicles 12:32]] describes the "men of Issachar, who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do." This association, though not a direct meaning of the Greek word, enriches the theological understanding of the tribe. It suggests that divine favor (implied by the name "reward") can be linked to spiritual discernment and timely action, serving as a model for discerning God's will.
4. **Inclusion in the New Covenant Community:** The listing of Issachar among the sealed in Revelation demonstrates that the identity of the tribes, while rooted in the Old Covenant, finds its ultimate fulfillment and inclusion within the broader scope of God's redemptive work, culminating in the New Jerusalem where the names of the twelve tribes are inscribed on its gates ([[Revelation 21:12]]). This signifies the continuity of God's people across the covenants, united in Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word Ἰσαχάρ (Isachár, `{{G2466}}`) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew יִשָּׂשכָר (Yissaskar, `{{H3485}}`), the name of Jacob's ninth son and the progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Its etymological background, "there is a reward," reflects the circumstances of his birth as a divine recompense to Leah ([[Genesis 30:18]]). In the New Testament, Ἰσαχάρ appears solely in [[Revelation 7:7]], where the tribe of Issachar is listed among the 144,000 sealed servants of God. This inclusion is theologically significant, underscoring the enduring nature of God's covenant with all Israel and the comprehensive scope of His redemptive plan, which embraces the historical tribes within the eschatological vision of His unified people. The name thus serves as a reminder of divine faithfulness, providence, and the ultimate inclusion of God's chosen lineages in His eternal kingdom.
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