from שָׁוָה; level; Jishvi, the name of two Israelites; Ishuai, Ishvi, Isui, Jesui.
Transliteration:Yishvîy
Pronunciation:yish-vee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יִשְׁוִי (Yishvîy) `{{H3440}}` is a proper noun, serving as a personal name. Its etymology traces directly to the root שָׁוָה (shavah) `{{H7737}}`, which carries the fundamental meaning "to be level, even, smooth, or equal." This core semantic range extends to concepts of likeness, comparison, or the act of setting something in order. Therefore, the name Yishvîy inherently conveys the idea of "level" or "equal," or perhaps by extension, "balanced" or "even-tempered." As a personal name, it likely functioned either descriptively (of a person possessing such qualities) or prescriptively (a hope that the individual would embody these traits), or simply drew upon a common, positive attribute. The various transliterations provided—Jishvi, Ishuai, Ishvi, Isui, Jesui—reflect the phonetic variations in rendering the Hebrew into English.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yishvîy `{{H3440}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible referring to two distinct individuals:
1. **Ishvi, son of Asher:** This Ishvi is one of the sons of Asher, one of the twelve patriarchs of Israel. He is mentioned in the genealogical lists in [[Genesis 46:17]], [[Numbers 26:44]], and [[1 Chronicles 7:30]]. In these contexts, Ishvi is identified as a tribal progenitor, a founding figure within the lineage of the tribe of Asher. His inclusion in these vital records underscores his role in the establishment and continuation of the Israelite nation. There is no specific narrative detail provided about his life or character; his presence is primarily for the purpose of demonstrating the continuity of the covenant line.
2. **Ishvi, son of Saul:** This Ishvi is listed as one of King Saul's sons in [[1 Samuel 14:49]]. He is also known by the name Abinadab in the parallel genealogies found in [[1 Chronicles 8:33]] and [[1 Chronicles 9:39]]. The practice of individuals having multiple names or variations of names was not uncommon in ancient Israel. In this instance, Ishvi's mention serves to identify him as part of the royal lineage of Saul, though no further specific actions or narrative details are attributed to him beyond his familial connection.
In both occurrences, the name Yishvîy functions primarily as an identifier within genealogical records, highlighting the meticulous preservation of lineage in ancient Israelite society and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific families and tribes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to Yishvîy `{{H3440}}` is its root, שָׁוָה (shavah) `{{H7737}}`, which means "to be level, even, smooth, or equal." This root forms the basis for the name's inherent meaning. Other related terms stemming from or associated with this root include:
* שָׁוֶה (shaveh) `{{H7738}}`: An adjective meaning "level, even, like, or equal."
* שָׁוָה (shavah) `{{H7739}}`: A noun referring to a "plain" or "valley," places characterized by their levelness.
These linguistic connections reinforce the core semantic field of "levelness," "equality," and "smoothness." The concepts implicitly linked to these meanings include fairness, balance, equity, order, and comparison. While not directly applied to the individuals named Ishvi in the biblical text, these underlying concepts contribute to the richness of the Hebrew lexicon and its capacity to describe both physical and abstract realities.
### Theological Significance
As a proper name, Yishvîy `{{H3440}}` does not bear direct theological doctrine. Its significance is largely indirect, stemming from the theological implications of its root meaning. The concept of "levelness" or "equality," derived from שָׁוָה `{{H7737}}`, resonates with several profound theological themes:
* **Divine Justice and Equity:** The Lord is often described as just and righteous, whose ways are "level" or "fair" ([[Psalm 23:2]] implicitly, though not using this specific root, speaks of "paths of righteousness"). God's dealings with humanity are characterized by impartiality and a balanced standard.
* **God's Order in Creation:** The act of creation involved God bringing order out of chaos, making the world "even" and "smooth" in its design and function. This reflects God's meticulous ordering of the cosmos.
* **Equality Before God:** While not explicitly stated in relation to Yishvîy, the concept of "equality" before God is a foundational theological principle, particularly in the New Testament (e.g., [[Galatians 3:28]], "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus"). The Old Testament also points to a unified covenant community where all are equally accountable and equally recipients of God's grace.
In the context of genealogies, the naming of individuals, even those with seemingly descriptive or simple names, underscores God's sovereign plan unfolding through specific lineages. Each name, however minor its narrative role, is part of the divine tapestry, contributing to the historical and theological continuity of the covenant people. The presence of Ishvi as a tribal progenitor further emphasizes the divine hand in establishing the very foundation of Israel's identity.
### Summary
Yishvîy `{{H3440}}` is a Hebrew proper name derived from the root שָׁוָה (shavah) `{{H7737}}`, meaning "to be level, even, or equal." This name is attributed to two distinct individuals in the biblical text: Ishvi, a son of Asher and tribal progenitor ([[Genesis 46:17]], [[Numbers 26:44]], [[1 Chronicles 7:30]]), and Ishvi, a son of King Saul, also known as Abinadab ([[1 Samuel 14:49]]). While the name's primary function in the Scriptures is genealogical, serving to identify key figures within the unfolding narrative of God's covenant people, its etymological root subtly points to deeper theological concepts such as divine justice, cosmic order, and the principle of equality before God.
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