from an unused root corresponding to שְׁבַק; he will leave; Jishbak, a son of Abraham; Ishbak.
Transliteration:Yishbâq
Pronunciation:yish-bawk'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun יִשְׁבָּק (Yishbâq), Strong's number `{{H3435}}`, is derived from an unused root that corresponds to the Aramaic root שְׁבַק (shâbaq), Strong's number `{{H7662}}`. The Aramaic root carries the primary meaning "to leave, to forsake, to permit, to abandon." Therefore, the name Yishbâq is understood to mean "he will leave" or "he will forsake." As a personal name, this meaning could be prophetic or descriptive, perhaps indicating a future separation, a departure, or even a sense of being left behind or permitted to go. Given its nature as a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to its identity as a personal name rather than a verb or common noun with broad applications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Yishbâq appears in the Hebrew Bible exclusively as the name of one of Abraham's sons by Keturah. His occurrences are found in genealogical lists:
* [[Genesis 25:2]]: "And she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah." Here, Yishbâq is listed among the six sons born to Abraham through Keturah after Sarah's death. This passage establishes his lineage directly from the patriarch Abraham.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:32]]: "The sons of Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. The sons of Jokshan: Sheba and Dedan." This parallel passage in the Chronicler's genealogy reiterates Yishbâq's position within Abraham's extended family.
In both contexts, Yishbâq is presented as a progenitor, contributing to the vast array of Abraham's descendants. His mention is purely genealogical, serving to trace the origins of various tribes and peoples who would inhabit regions adjacent to the primary covenant line through Isaac. There is no narrative developed around Yishbâq himself; his significance lies solely in his identity as a son of Abraham and a link in the broader biblical family tree.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the Aramaic root שְׁבַק (shâbaq), Strong's number `{{H7662}}`, from which the meaning of Yishbâq is derived. This root is found in biblical Aramaic texts such as Daniel and Ezra, where it consistently denotes "to leave, to permit, to abandon, to remit." For example, in [[Daniel 4:15]], it is used in the sense of "leave" a stump, and in [[Ezra 6:7]], it means "let alone" or "permit."
Conceptually, Yishbâq is related to the broader themes of biblical genealogy, the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his numerous descendants ([[Genesis 12:2]], [[Genesis 15:5]]), and the origins of nations and peoples. His inclusion, alongside his brothers, highlights the expansive nature of Abraham's progeny beyond the covenant line of Isaac and Jacob, forming various tribes that would interact with Israel throughout its history.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, Yishbâq does not carry a direct theological meaning in the way that terms like "righteousness" or "covenant" do. However, his existence and inclusion in the biblical record contribute to several theological insights:
1. **Divine Faithfulness to Promise:** Yishbâq's birth, along with his brothers, demonstrates God's faithfulness in bringing forth numerous descendants from Abraham, fulfilling the divine promise. While the covenant line passed through Isaac, God's blessing extended to Abraham's other offspring, who also became progenitors of significant peoples.
2. **Breadth of Abraham's Seed:** The lineage of Yishbâq illustrates the vast and diverse family that descended from Abraham. This underscores the comprehensive nature of God's plan, which encompasses a multitude of nations, even if only one was chosen for the specific covenant purpose.
3. **Historical and Genealogical Precision:** The meticulous recording of Yishbâq in the genealogies underscores the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and the importance of lineage in God's unfolding plan of salvation. Every name, even those without extensive narratives, plays a part in the grand tapestry of redemptive history. The name's meaning "he will leave" could subtly allude to the eventual separation of these tribes from the main Abrahamic household, as they established their own territories and identities, fulfilling a natural progression for expanding families.
### Summary
Yishbâq, Strong's number `{{H3435}}`, is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "he will leave," derived from an unused root corresponding to the Aramaic שְׁבַק (shâbaq, `{{H7662}}`). He is identified in the Bible as one of Abraham's six sons by Keturah, appearing in the genealogical records of [[Genesis 25:2]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:32]]. His significance is primarily genealogical, serving as a link in the extensive family tree of Abraham and contributing to the fulfillment of God's promise of numerous descendants. While no narrative is associated with him, his presence highlights the breadth of Abraham's progeny and the meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping, underscoring God's faithfulness in orchestrating the origins of various peoples within the broader divine plan.
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