from the same as צַחַר; he will shine; Jitschar, an Israelite; and Zehoar (from the margin).
Transliteration:Yitschar
Pronunciation:yits-khar'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יִצְחַר (Yitschar), Strong's number `{{H3328}}`, is a proper noun derived from the root צָחַר (tsachar), Strong's number `{{H6713}}`. The base definition provided indicates a meaning of "he will shine" or "he will glisten." This etymological connection points to concepts of brightness, radiance, or distinction. As a proper name, its semantic range is primarily confined to this root meaning applied to the individual it designates. While the root צָחַר itself denotes a physical quality of being bright or dazzling, when used for a name, it likely conveys a hope or expectation of prominence, purity, or divine favor for the person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Yitschar appears consistently in the biblical record as one of the four sons of Kohath, who was a son of Levi. His brothers were Amram, Hebron, and Uzziel. Yitschar's lineage is crucial as it places him squarely within the Levitical tribe, responsible for the service of the tabernacle.
The primary occurrences are found in genealogical lists:
* [[Exodus 6:18]]: "The sons of Kohath: Amram, and Yitschar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. And the years of the life of Kohath were a hundred thirty and three years." This verse establishes his place in the patriarchal lineage of Levi.
* [[Exodus 6:21]]: "And the sons of Yitschar: Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri." This is a pivotal mention, identifying Yitschar as the father of Korah.
* [[Numbers 3:19]]: "The sons of Kohath by their families: Amram, and Yitschar, Hebron, and Uzziel." Here, he is listed among the heads of the Kohathite families, underscoring his role in the tribal organization.
* [[Numbers 16:1]]: "Now Korah, the son of Yitschar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men." This verse directly links Yitschar to his most infamous descendant, Korah, who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron.
* [[1 Chronicles 6:2]], [[1 Chronicles 6:18]], [[1 Chronicles 6:38]], [[1 Chronicles 23:12]]: These passages reiterate Yitschar's position in the Levitical genealogies, confirming his status as a progenitor of a significant clan within the Kohathite division.
Contextually, Yitschar is not presented as an active participant in any narrative beyond his genealogical role. His significance is entirely derived from his position in the Levitical lineage, particularly as the father of Korah. The meticulous recording of his ancestry and progeny highlights the importance of tribal and family lines in ancient Israelite society, especially concerning the sacred duties of the Levites.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct related word is the root צָחַר (tsachar, `{{H6713}}`), meaning "to be bright," "to glisten," or "to be white." This root is rare, but its connection to Yitschar's name is explicit in the etymological definition.
Concepts related to the name's meaning ("he will shine") include:
* **Glory and Radiance:** The idea of "shining" often denotes divine presence, glory (כָּבוֹד, kavod, `{{H3519}}`), or divine favor. For example, the face of Moses shone after being with God ([[Exodus 34:29]]).
* **Distinction and Prominence:** A name signifying "shining" could imply a hope for the individual to be distinguished or to rise to prominence, perhaps in service to God.
* **Purity and Whiteness:** The root can also imply a gleaming whiteness, suggesting purity or blamelessness.
Given Yitschar's place in the Levitical lineage, related concepts include:
* **Levitical Service:** The Kohathites, Yitschar's clan, were specifically tasked with carrying the most sacred components of the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant ([[Numbers 3:31]]).
* **Heredity and Lineage:** The meticulous genealogies underscore the importance of inherited roles and blessings within God's covenant people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Yitschar primarily stems from two aspects: the meaning of his name and his pivotal position within the Levitical genealogy, particularly as the father of Korah.
The name "He will shine" (Yitschar) carries an inherent positive connotation, suggesting a destiny of prominence, purity, or divine illumination. It may reflect a parental hope or even a prophetic utterance about the individual's future. However, Yitschar himself does not "shine" in any recorded personal acts of faithfulness or leadership. His most significant contribution to biblical narrative is through his son, Korah.
Yitschar's place as the father of Korah introduces a profound theological tension. Korah's rebellion ([[Numbers 16]]) represents a direct challenge to God's divinely appointed leadership (Moses) and priesthood (Aaron). This rebellion, arising from a lineage whose name means "he will shine," serves as a stark reminder that divine calling and inherited privilege do not guarantee personal righteousness or obedience. It highlights:
* **The Sovereignty of God's Appointment:** God's choice of Moses and Aaron was not open to human challenge, regardless of one's lineage or perceived merit.
* **The Danger of Presumption:** Korah and his followers presumed to usurp roles not given to them, leading to severe divine judgment.
* **The Consequences of Unfaithfulness:** The destruction of Korah and his company serves as a powerful warning against rebellion against God's established order.
* **Lineage and Responsibility:** While Yitschar himself is not implicated in Korah's sin, his name is inextricably linked to this event, underscoring how the actions of descendants can reflect upon or even overshadow the legacy of their ancestors. The positive potential implied by the name "Yitschar" contrasts sharply with the tragic outcome of his son's rebellion.
### Summary
Yitschar (`{{H3328}}`), meaning "he will shine," is a significant figure in the biblical genealogies, specifically as one of the four sons of Kohath and a grandson of Levi. While he is not depicted as an active participant in any narrative, his importance lies in his position within the Levitical lineage, which was divinely appointed for service in the Tabernacle. Most notably, Yitschar is identified as the father of Korah, whose rebellion against Moses and Aaron resulted in severe divine judgment. The hopeful meaning of Yitschar's name stands in poignant contrast to the catastrophic actions of his most prominent descendant, serving as a powerful reminder of the tension between inherited privilege and personal responsibility, and the unwavering nature of God's justice in upholding His divine order.
TRV