from שׁוּב and לֶחֶם; returner of bread; Jashubi-Lechem, an Israelite; Jashubi-lehem. (Prob. the text should be pointed יֹשְׁבֵי לֶחֶם and rendered '(they were) inhabitants of Lechem,' i.e. of Bethlehem (by contraction). Compare לַחְמִי).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yâshubîy Lechem**, represented by `{{H3433}}`, means **returner of bread**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. The base definition also notes a probable alternative rendering as "(they were) inhabitants of Lechem," suggesting a connection to a place like Bethlehem. This name is recorded as Jashubi-lehem, an Israelite.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H3433}}` is in a genealogical record found in [[1 Chronicles 4:22]]. The verse lists several names: "And Jokim `{{H3137}}`, and the men `{{H582}}` of Chozeba `{{H3578}}`, and Joash `{{H3101}}`, and Saraph `{{H8315}}`, who had the dominion `{{H1166}}` in Moab `{{H4124}}`, and Jashubilehem `{{H3433}}`." The passage concludes by noting, "And these are ancient `{{H6267}}` things `{{H1697}}`," underscoring the historical nature of this list.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its sole context help clarify its significance:
* `{{H1166}}` **bâʻal**: Defined as "to be master" or "have dominion (over)," this word describes the role held by the group that included Jashubi-lehem. They are remembered as having exercised authority in Moab [[1 Chronicles 4:22]].
* `{{H4124}}` **Môwʼâb**: This refers to Moab, the territory and descendants of Lot's son. It provides the geographical setting for the dominion held by Jashubi-lehem and his associates [[1 Chronicles 4:22]].
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr**: Meaning "a word; by implication, a matter... or thing," this term is used to frame the entire genealogical entry. The verse states that these records are "ancient things," highlighting their role as a preserved historical account [[1 Chronicles 4:22]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H3433}}` is tied entirely to its singular context within a historical list.
* **Ancient Record:** The name is preserved as part of a list of "ancient things `{{H1697}}`," emphasizing its purpose as a component of Israel's tribal memory [[1 Chronicles 4:22]].
* **Dominion in Moab:** Jashubi-lehem is explicitly associated with a group that "had the dominion `{{H1166}}` in Moab `{{H4124}}`." This links the name to a specific historical event or period of influence in a neighboring land.
* **Interpretive Possibility:** The source definition itself proposes that the text might be better understood as "inhabitants of Lechem," which would connect this lineage to Bethlehem. This suggests its meaning is a subject of scholarly interpretation.
### Summary
In summary, **Yâshubîy Lechem** `{{H3433}}` is a name that appears once in scripture, locked within a genealogical record in 1 Chronicles. While its literal meaning is "returner of bread," its significance comes from its association with a group that held dominion in Moab. The name serves as a marker in an ancient account, with its precise identity—whether a person or a reference to inhabitants of a town—relying on the interpretation of this single, historical verse.
TRV