### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yitschâq**, represented by `{{H3327}}`, is the name for **Isaac**, the son of Abraham. Derived from the root word for laughter `{{H6711}}`, the name appears **108 times** across **101 unique verses** in the Bible. He is a central figure in the patriarchal lineage of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3327}}` is the long-promised **son** `{{H1121}}` born to Abraham `{{H85}}` and Sarah [[Genesis 21:3]]. God established an everlasting **covenant** `{{H1285}}` with him [[Genesis 17:19]]. His life is marked by key events, including being bound upon an **altar** `{{H4196}}` by his **father** `{{H1}}` in the land of Moriah `{{H4179}}` as a **burnt offering** `{{H5930}}` [[Genesis 22:9]]. **Isaac** later married Rebekah and became the **father** `{{H1}}` of Esau `{{H6215}}` and Jacob `{{H3290}}` [[1 Chronicles 1:34]]. He is consistently named as a patriarch through whom God's promises were passed down [[Exodus 2:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to the identity and narrative of Isaac:
* `{{H6711}}` **tsâchaq** (to laugh, mock, play): As the root of Isaac's name, this word captures the circumstances of his birth and name. It is also used to describe Isaac **sporting** with his wife Rebekah [[Genesis 26:8]].
* `{{H1}}` **ʼâb** (father): This defines his relationship to Abraham and his own role as the **father** of Jacob and Esau. God is repeatedly called the God of his **father** Isaac [[Genesis 32:9]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): As the counterpart to 'father', this word highlights his status as the heir of promise, referred to as Abraham's only **son** [[Genesis 22:2]].
* `{{H1285}}` **bᵉrîyth** (covenant): This term is intrinsically linked to Isaac, as God promised to establish His **covenant** with him and his descendants [[Genesis 17:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3327}}` is immense, establishing patterns of promise and inheritance.
* **Heir of the Covenant:** The **covenant** `{{H1285}}` God made with Abraham was explicitly established with Isaac and his **seed** `{{H2233}}` after him for an everlasting covenant [[Genesis 17:19]]. This promise is a recurring theme, remembered by God throughout scripture ([[Exodus 2:24]], [[Leviticus 26:42]]).
* **Son of Promise:** Isaac's birth was a divine fulfillment. He is designated as Abraham's **only** `{{H3173}}` **son** `{{H1121}}` whom he **loved** `{{H157}}` [[Genesis 22:2]]. God declared that in Isaac Abraham's **seed** `{{H2233}}` would be called [[Genesis 21:12]], making him the singular line of inheritance for the promise.
* **Link in the Patriarchal Chain:** Isaac is the vital link between Abraham and Jacob. God identifies Himself as the **God** `{{H430}}` of Abraham, the **God** `{{H430}}` of Isaac, and the **God** `{{H430}}` of Jacob, establishing a generational continuity of His relationship with Israel ([[Exodus 3:6]], [[Exodus 3:15]]). Jacob uniquely refers to God as the "fear of his **father** `{{H1}}` Isaac" [[Genesis 31:53]].
### Summary
In summary, **Yitschâq** represents the long-awaited son of promise, whose life is a testament to God's faithfulness. He serves as the indispensable heir to Abraham and the **father** of Jacob, ensuring the continuation of the divine covenant. His story, from a miraculous birth to the ultimate test on Mount Moriah, defines his role as a foundational patriarch of Israel, through whom the promise of land and descendants is passed to all future generations [[Deuteronomy 30:20]].
TRV