from שָׁבַח; he will praise; Jishbach, an Israelite; Ishbah.
Transliteration:Yishbach
Pronunciation:yish-bakh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3431, יִשְׁבַּח (Yishbach), is a proper noun, transliterated as Ishbah in many English translations. Its core meaning is derived directly from the verbal root `{{H7623}}` *shabach* (שָׁבַח), which signifies "to praise," "to laud," "to commend," or "to glorify." The form of the name יִשְׁבַּח is a third-person masculine singular imperfect (future) tense of this verb, thus literally meaning "he will praise" or "he will laud." This indicates that the name is not merely a label but carries an active, declarative, or aspirational meaning related to the act of praise. The semantic range is therefore tightly bound to the concept of offering commendation, honor, or adoration, particularly in a loud or triumphant manner, as often implied by the root *shabach*.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yishbach (Ishbah) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah:
* [[1 Chronicles 4:17]]: "And the sons of Ezrah were Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon; and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa."
In this sole occurrence, Ishbah is identified as a son of Ezrah and is further distinguished as "the father of Eshtemoa." Eshtemoa is known elsewhere as a Levitical city in the hill country of Judah ([[Joshua 15:50]], [[Joshua 21:14]], [[1 Samuel 30:28]]). This genealogical reference places Ishbah within the lineage of Caleb, a prominent figure in the tribe of Judah known for his faithfulness and inheritance. While the context is purely genealogical, the naming convention in ancient Israel often imbued personal names with significant meaning, reflecting hopes, circumstances, or characteristics. For a descendant in such a significant lineage to bear a name meaning "he will praise" suggests a potential emphasis on the quality of praise within this family line, or perhaps a parental aspiration for the individual's life to be marked by glorifying God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to H3431 is its root verb, `{{H7623}}` *shabach* (שָׁבַח). This verb is frequently used throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms, to describe the act of praising God. Examples include:
* [[Psalm 63:3]]: "Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you." (Here, *shabach* is used).
* [[Psalm 145:4]]: "One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." (Here, *shabach* is translated as "commend").
* [[Psalm 147:12]]: "Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!" (Here, *shabach* is translated as "praise").
While *shabach* is a word for praise, it is distinct from other Hebrew terms for praise such as `{{H1984}}` *halal* (to boast, rave, praise), `{{H1288}}` *barak* (to bless, kneel), `{{H3034}}` *yadah* (to throw, confess, praise with extended hands), or `{{H2167}}` *zamar* (to sing praise). *Shabach* often conveys a sense of loud, triumphant, or boastful praise, a declarative commendation of God's character or deeds. The concept of a name embodying this act of praise underscores the pervasive importance of worship and glorification of God in Israelite thought and identity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3431, Yishbach, lies primarily in the meaning of the name itself: "he will praise."
1. **Meaningful Names:** In biblical culture, names were rarely arbitrary. They often served as declarations, prophecies, or reflections of character, circumstances, or parental hopes. For an individual to be named "He Will Praise" suggests a deep-seated value placed on the act of praise within the family or community.
2. **Praise as an Essential Characteristic:** The name Yishbach can be seen as an aspirational statement, a hope that the individual's life would be characterized by the act of praising God. This reflects the broader biblical emphasis on praise as a fundamental response to God's nature and works. It suggests that praise is not merely an occasional activity but a defining mark of God's people.
3. **Connection to Lineage:** Appearing in a genealogy of Judah, a tribe from which kings and, ultimately, the Messiah would descend, the name "He Will Praise" subtly reinforces the idea that praise should be an inherent quality or expected duty within the lineage of God's chosen people. It links the individual's identity to a core act of worship.
4. **Future-Oriented Hope:** The imperfect tense ("he *will* praise") suggests a future orientation, perhaps a parental prayer or a prophetic declaration that this individual's life, and by extension his descendants, would be marked by a continuous and active glorification of God.
### Summary
H3431, Yishbach (Ishbah), is a unique proper name appearing only once in [[1 Chronicles 4:17]] within the genealogies of Judah. Derived from the Hebrew root `{{H7623}}` *shabach*, meaning "to praise," the name literally signifies "he will praise." This powerful meaning imbues the individual's identity with the act of glorifying God. While its appearance is limited to a genealogical list, the name itself speaks volumes about the cultural significance of meaningful names in ancient Israel and the profound importance of praise as a defining characteristic and expected duty for God's people. It serves as a subtle yet potent reminder that individuals and their lineages are called to a life marked by the commendation and adoration of the Divine.
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