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).
Transliteration:Yâshubîy Lechem
Pronunciation:yaw-shoo-bee' leh'-khem
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3433, יָשֻׁבִי לֶחֶם (Yâshubîy Lechem), is a proper noun, transliterated as Jashubi-Lechem. Its base definition, derived from its constituent roots, suggests "returner of bread." This etymology combines שׁוּב (shuv) `{{H7725}}`, meaning "to return" or "to turn back," and לֶחֶם (lechem) `{{H3899}}`, meaning "bread" or "food." However, a significant textual note accompanies this definition, proposing a probable pointing as יֹשְׁבֵי לֶחֶם (Yoshvei Lechem), which would translate to "inhabitants of Lechem." This alternative reading is widely accepted among scholars, as "Lechem" is understood as a contraction or reference to Bethlehem (בֵּית לֶחֶם, Beth Lechem `{{H1035}}`), the "house of bread." Thus, while the literal etymology points to an individual "returner of bread," the prevalent scholarly interpretation shifts its semantic range to denote a group: "the inhabitants of Bethlehem." This highlights a tension between a literal derivation and a contextually informed emendation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H3433, יָשֻׁבִי לֶחֶם (Yâshubîy Lechem), appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in [[1 Chronicles 4:22]]. The verse is part of a detailed genealogical list within the tribe of Judah, focusing on the descendants of Shelah, one of Judah's sons. The full verse reads: "And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubi-Lehem. And these are ancient things." In this context, Jashubi-Lechem is listed alongside other individuals or possibly groups (like "the men of Chozeba"). If understood as a personal name, Jashubi-Lechem is simply another figure in the lineage. However, if the proposed emendation to "inhabitants of Lechem" is adopted, then this entry refers not to an individual but to a collective group associated with the city of Bethlehem. This interpretation aligns well with the inclusion of "the men of Chozeba" in the same verse, suggesting a pattern of listing both individuals and groups tied to specific locations. The phrase "these are ancient things" underscores the historical and genealogical nature of the record, emphasizing the meticulous preservation of tribal and family histories within Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H3433 necessarily draws upon several related Hebrew words and broader biblical concepts:
* **שׁוּב (shuv) `{{H7725}}`**: The verbal root "to return, turn back." This is the basis for the "Jashubi" (returner) component if the literal etymology is maintained.
* **לֶחֶם (lechem) `{{H3899}}`**: The noun "bread, food." This forms the second part of the name and is also the root of "Bethlehem."
* **יָשַׁב (yashav) `{{H3427}}`**: The verbal root "to sit, dwell, inhabit." This is the crucial root for the proposed emendation, יֹשְׁבֵי (yoshvei), meaning "inhabitants of." The similarity in sound and form between יָשֻׁבִי (yashuvi) and יֹשְׁבֵי (yoshvei) makes the proposed textual emendation plausible.
* **בֵּית לֶחֶם (Beth Lechem) `{{H1035}}`**: Bethlehem, the significant city in Judah. The connection of "Lechem" to Bethlehem is central to the "inhabitants of Lechem" interpretation, linking this genealogical entry to a specific, important geographical location.
* **לַחְמִי (Lachmi) `{{H3898}}`**: A personal name, possibly meaning "my bread" or "belonging to Lechem," reinforcing the potential for names and groups to be derived from or associated with "lechem."
* **Genealogy and Tribal Records**: The broader concept within which H3433 is found. These lists serve to establish lineage, land rights, and tribal identity, reflecting a deep concern for historical continuity within ancient Israel.
* **Textual Criticism**: The scholarly process of evaluating different textual readings and proposing emendations, as exemplified by the debate surrounding H3433, is a key concept for understanding the transmission and interpretation of biblical texts.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3433, whether interpreted as a personal name or a collective designation, lies primarily in its contribution to the meticulous divine preservation of Israel's history and identity.
If "Jashubi-Lechem" is a personal name ("returner of bread"), its specific theological import is limited due to its singular occurrence and lack of narrative context. One might speculatively infer a theme of provision or restoration, but this remains unsubstantiated.
However, if the widely accepted interpretation of "inhabitants of Lechem" (Bethlehem) is adopted, the theological significance deepens. Bethlehem, though seemingly minor in the Old Testament, gains immense importance as the birthplace of King David ([[1 Samuel 17:12]]) and, prophetically, the birthplace of the Messiah ([[Micah 5:2]]). To find "inhabitants of Bethlehem" listed among the ancient families of Judah in a genealogical record underscores the city's early and enduring connection to the lineage of promise. This meticulous detailing of Judah's heritage, including its significant towns, subtly points towards the divine orchestration of history leading to the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, particularly the Davidic line and ultimately, the advent of Christ. The very debate surrounding the word's meaning also highlights the reverence and scholarly diligence applied to the biblical text, demonstrating how even minute linguistic details can open windows into deeper historical and theological understanding.
### Summary
H3433, יָשֻׁבִי לֶחֶם (Yâshubîy Lechem), transliterated as Jashubi-Lechem, is a unique proper noun appearing only once in [[1 Chronicles 4:22]]. While its literal etymology suggests "returner of bread," scholarly consensus strongly favors an emendation to יֹשְׁבֵי לֶחֶם (Yoshvei Lechem), meaning "inhabitants of Lechem," understood as Bethlehem. This interpretation places H3433 as a collective designation within a Judahite genealogy, highlighting the early presence and significance of Bethlehem within the tribal structure. Its importance lies not in narrative action, but in its contribution to the detailed historical and genealogical records of Israel, subtly pointing to the divine preservation of the lineage that would ultimately lead to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The scholarly discussion surrounding its meaning also exemplifies the rigorous and reverent approach to biblical textual studies.
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