יוּשַׁב חֶסֶד

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word Yûwshab Cheçed, represented by H3142, is a personal name meaning kindness will be returned. It is an exceedingly rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the entire Bible. The name is composed of the Hebrew words for "return" (שׁוּב) and "kindness" (חֵסֵד).

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole biblical appearance of H3142 is in a genealogical list in 1 Chronicles. In this context, Jushab-hesed is named as one of five individuals listed together. The verse serves to document a specific family line, stating: "And Hashubah, and Ohel, and Berechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushabhesed, five" 1 Chronicles 3:20. The name's usage is purely as a proper noun to identify a person.

Related Words & Concepts

The context of Jushab-hesed is defined by the other names listed alongside him in the same verse:

• H2807 Hashubah: An Israelite name meaning estimation. He is mentioned directly before Ohel 1 Chronicles 3:20.
• H169 Ohel: The name of an Israelite, listed in the group of five 1 Chronicles 3:20.
• H1296 Berechiah: A name meaning blessing of Jah, belonging to six different Israelites in scripture 1 Chronicles 3:20.
• H2619 Hasadiah: An Israelite name that means Jah has favored 1 Chronicles 3:20.
• H2568 châmêsh: The Hebrew numeral for five, used to summarize the number of individuals listed in this group 1 Chronicles 3:20.

Theological Significance

Given its singular use in a genealogy, the theological weight of H3142 is derived entirely from the meaning of the name itself.

• A Name of Principle: The name Jushab-hesed ("kindness will be returned") embodies a theological or moral principle. It suggests a belief in reciprocal grace and the reward for benevolent actions.
• Reflection of Hope: As a personal name, it likely reflected the piety or hopes of the parents, embedding the concept of God's or man's reciprocating kindness into their child's identity.
• Linguistic Roots: The name's construction from the Hebrew for "return" and "kindness" provides a direct and powerful statement of this belief without needing further narrative context.

Summary

In summary, Yûwshab Cheçed H3142 is a specific and uncommon biblical name. Its only function in the biblical text is to identify an individual named Jushab-hesed within a genealogy. While its narrative role is minimal, the name's meaning, "kindness will be returned," offers a concise and poignant insight into a principle of faith held by ancient Israelites, captured within a single proper noun.