from עוּשׁ; hasty; Jeish, the name of an Edomite and of a an Israelite; Jeush (from the margin). Compare יְעוּשׁ.
Transliteration:Yᵉʻîysh
Pronunciation:yeh-eesh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3274}}` (Yᵉʻîysh), transliterated as Jeish or Jeush, is a proper noun derived from the root `{{H5789}}` (עוּשׁ, 'ush), which conveys the meaning "to hasten," "to make haste," or "to be eager." Thus, the name itself carries the semantic implication of "hasty," "swift," or "eager one." As a personal name, its semantic range is inherently limited to identifying specific individuals within the biblical narrative rather than describing a general concept or action. The Strong's definition also notes a comparison with `{{H3265}}` (יְעוּשׁ, Yᵉʻûsh), indicating a close etymological and semantic relationship between these two names, both pointing towards the idea of speed or eagerness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H3274}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible in reference to three distinct individuals, two Israelites and one Edomite, primarily within genealogical lists.
1. **An Edomite Chief:** The first occurrence identifies Jeish as a son of Esau by his Hivite wife Oholibamah, and subsequently as a chief (alluph) among the Edomites. He is listed among the tribal leaders descended from Esau who settled in the land of Seir.
* [[Genesis 36:5]]: "And Oholibamah Esau’s wife bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: these are the sons of Esau, which were born unto him in the land of Canaan."
* [[Genesis 36:14]]: "And these were the sons of Oholibamah, Esau’s wife, the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon: and she bare to Esau Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah."
* [[Genesis 36:18]]: "And these are the sons of Oholibamah Esau’s wife; chief Jeush, chief Jaalam, chief Korah: these were the chiefs that came of Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, Esau’s wife."
In this context, Jeish is a foundational figure in the lineage of Edom, highlighting the intricate familial connections between the descendants of Esau and Jacob, despite their later national animosity. The name's meaning ("hasty") is not explicitly reflected in his actions or character within the brief mentions.
2. **A Benjamite:** Jeish is also listed as a son of Bilhan, a descendant of Benjamin. He is part of a genealogical record detailing the prominent families and warriors within the tribe of Benjamin.
* [[1 Chronicles 7:10]]: "The sons also of Bilhan; Jeush, and Benjamin, and Ehud, and Chenaanah, and Zethan, and Tharshish, and Ahishahar."
This mention is purely genealogical, providing no narrative details about the individual. His inclusion serves to trace the lineage and strength of Benjamin within the broader tribal structure of Israel.
3. **A Gershonite Levite:** Lastly, Jeish appears as a son of Shimei, a Gershonite Levite, during the organization of the Levites for temple service in David's time.
* [[1 Chronicles 23:10]]: "And the sons of Shimei were, Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei."
* [[1 Chronicles 23:11]]: "And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they were in one reckoning, according to their father’s house."
Here, Jeish is noted specifically for having few sons, leading to his house being combined with that of his brother Beriah for the purpose of Levitical service. This detail, though minor, subtly underscores the meticulous organization of the Levites and the pragmatic adjustments made based on family size, ensuring efficient service in the tabernacle/temple. The meaning "hasty" does not seem to bear direct relevance to his role or the specific note about his family size.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H3274}}` is its root, `{{H5789}}` (עוּשׁ, 'ush), which signifies "to make haste," "to be diligent," or "to gather eagerly." This root appears in various forms throughout the Hebrew Bible, often describing swift action, either positive (e.g., hastening to obey God) or negative (e.g., hastening to do evil). While the proper noun `{{H3274}}` does not carry these broader semantic applications, its etymology connects it to the biblical concept of speed and urgency.
Another closely related name is `{{H3265}}` (יְעוּשׁ, Yᵉʻûsh), which also derives from a similar root and carries the meaning of "hasty" or "collected." This name appears for a son of Rehoboam ([[2 Chronicles 11:19]]) and another Benjamite ([[1 Chronicles 7:10]], though some texts and translations might conflate these with `{{H3274}}`). The existence of two such similar names with identical meanings suggests a common linguistic and cultural motif related to the concept of speed or eagerness in personal naming conventions.
Concepts related to "haste" in the Bible include:
* **Diligence/Zeal:** Positive haste, often associated with obedience and service to God (e.g., "be diligent to present yourself approved to God" [[2 Timothy 2:15]]).
* **Impulsivity/Rashness:** Negative haste, leading to poor decisions or sin (e.g., "He who is hasty with his feet sins" [[Proverbs 19:2]]).
* **Divine Speed:** God's swiftness in judgment or salvation (e.g., "I the Lord will hasten it in its time" [[Isaiah 60:22]]).
While Jeish's name means "hasty," the biblical text does not provide any narrative to suggest that these individuals exemplified either the positive or negative aspects of haste. Their significance lies more in their lineage and their place within the unfolding history of God's people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3274}}`, as a proper noun, is primarily found in its role within the meticulous genealogical records of the Old Testament.
1. **Divine Order and Preservation of Lineage:** The inclusion of names like Jeish, even with minimal accompanying narrative, underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage. This is crucial for understanding the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, particularly the Abrahamic covenant and the Davidic covenant, which are inherently tied to specific family lines. The genealogies demonstrate God's sovereign oversight and preservation of His chosen people, as well as His record of all humanity.
2. **The Intertwined Destinies of Nations:** The appearance of Jeish in both Edomite and Israelite genealogies subtly highlights the shared ancestry of these two nations (Esau and Jacob). While their paths diverged greatly, their common origin points to God's universal sovereignty over all peoples, even as He chooses a particular nation for His redemptive purposes.
3. **The Purpose of Naming:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, names often carried prophetic or descriptive significance. While the individuals named Jeish are not depicted as particularly "hasty" in their actions, the name itself serves as a reminder that God knows and names His people, and that even seemingly minor figures contribute to the grand tapestry of His plan. The name's meaning, though not explicitly fulfilled in the individuals' lives, might have reflected parental hopes or observations at birth, or simply been a common name with a particular etymology.
4. **Theological Meaning in Absence of Narrative:** The very lack of extensive narrative about Jeish allows the name to stand as a testament to the comprehensive nature of biblical record-keeping. Every name, every lineage, contributes to the overall witness of God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive history, even if the personal story of the individual remains largely untold.
### Summary
`{{H3274}}` (Yᵉʻîysh), meaning "hasty" or "swift," is a proper noun identifying three distinct individuals in the Old Testament. These include an Edomite chief, a Benjamite, and a Gershonite Levite. While the etymological meaning of the name suggests quickness or eagerness, the biblical texts provide no narrative details to connect this meaning to the actions or character of the individuals. Instead, the significance of `{{H3274}}` lies primarily in its role within the detailed genealogies of the Bible. Its inclusion highlights God's meticulous preservation of lineages, His sovereign oversight of both covenant and non-covenant peoples, and the foundational importance of ancestry in the divine plan. The name serves as a testament to the comprehensive nature of biblical record-keeping, where every individual, regardless of their prominence in the narrative, plays a part in the unfolding story of God's interaction with humanity.
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