by Aramaic אִישַׁי; from the same as יֵשׁ; extant; Jishai, David's father; Jesse.
Transliteration:Yishay
Pronunciation:yee-shah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H3448}}` (Yishay, יִשַׁי) is transliterated as Jesse in English. Its base definition links it to the Aramaic אִישַׁי and, more significantly, to the Hebrew word יֵשׁ (yesh), which is `{{H3426}}`. The word יֵשׁ fundamentally conveys the concept of "existence," "being," or "there is/are." Therefore, the name Yishay can be understood to mean "extant," "existent," or perhaps "God exists." This root emphasizes the reality and presence of being. While the Aramaic connection might suggest a link to "man" (אִישׁ), the primary etymological tie provided points to the concept of existence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The individual Jesse (Yishay) is a pivotal figure in the Old Testament, primarily known as the father of King David. He is introduced as an Ephrathite from Bethlehem in Judah. His role, while not one of direct action in major events, is foundational to the unfolding of God's plan for Israel's monarchy and the subsequent Messianic line.
Key occurrences include:
* In [[1 Samuel 16]], Jesse is commanded by God, through the prophet Samuel, to present his sons for anointing as Israel's next king. God rejects Jesse's older, more outwardly impressive sons, ultimately choosing David, the youngest, who was tending the sheep. This passage highlights God's unique criteria for leadership, looking at the heart rather than outward appearance ([[1 Samuel 16:7]]).
* Jesse's family and lineage are further detailed in [[1 Samuel 17]], where David is identified as "the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem-judah, whose name was Jesse" ([[1 Samuel 17:12]]).
* During David's flight from Saul, Jesse and his parents find refuge in Moab, indicating Jesse's dependency on David's growing influence ([[1 Samuel 22:3-4]]).
* His genealogy is recorded in [[1 Chronicles 2:13-16]], listing his sons and confirming his position as the patriarch of the Davidic line.
* Most profoundly, Jesse is mentioned in Messianic prophecy in [[Isaiah 11:1]]: "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots." This prophecy establishes Jesse as the ancestral source from which the future King and Messiah would emerge.
* The New Testament affirms this prophecy, with Paul quoting from Isaiah in [[Romans 15:12]], stating, "There shall be a root of Jesse; and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in him shall the Gentiles trust." This confirms Jesse's enduring significance in the lineage of Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H3426}}` (yesh):** This is the direct root word for Jesse's name, meaning "existence" or "there is." This connection subtly imbues Jesse's name with the idea of enduring presence, a fitting attribute for the patriarch of an eternal dynasty.
* **Davidic Covenant:** Jesse is the immediate progenitor of King David, through whom God established an unconditional covenant promising an eternal kingdom and dynasty ([[2 Samuel 7]]). Jesse is thus an indispensable link in this divine promise.
* **Messianic Lineage:** The concept of a coming Messiah from the "house of David" is directly tied to Jesse. He is the "stump" or "root" from which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would spring, as prophesied in [[Isaiah 11]].
* **Bethlehem:** Jesse's hometown is Bethlehem, a small town that gained immense theological significance as the birthplace of both King David and, later, Jesus Christ ([[Micah 5:2]]).
* **Divine Election:** Jesse's family, particularly David, exemplifies God's sovereign choice of the humble and unexpected to fulfill His purposes ([[1 Samuel 16:7]]).
### Theological Significance
Jesse's theological significance is primarily rooted in his role as the ancestral source of the Davidic dynasty and, crucially, the Messianic line.
1. **Progenitor of the Messiah:** The most profound theological aspect of Jesse is his identification in prophecy as the "stump of Jesse" or "root of Jesse" from which the Messiah would emerge ([[Isaiah 11:1]], [[Isaiah 11:10]]). This prophecy is foundational to understanding the lineage of Jesus Christ, who is repeatedly affirmed as the "Son of David" in the New Testament ([[Matthew 1:1]], [[Luke 1:32]]). Jesse thus serves as a vital historical and theological link, connecting the Old Testament promises to their New Testament fulfillment.
2. **Illustrator of Divine Choice:** The narrative of Samuel anointing David from Jesse's sons powerfully illustrates God's sovereign and often unexpected choice. God looked beyond human appearance and status, choosing the youngest and seemingly least significant son ([[1 Samuel 16:7]]). Jesse's household became the locus of this divine election, demonstrating that God's ways are not man's ways.
3. **Humility and Greatness:** Jesse himself is not depicted as a figure of great power or influence, yet through his lineage came the greatest king of Israel and the ultimate King of Kings. This underscores a recurring biblical theme: God often works through humble origins to accomplish His grand redemptive purposes, thereby magnifying His own glory.
### Summary
`{{H3448}}` (Yishay), or Jesse, is the father of King David, whose name is derived from the Hebrew word for "existence" or "being." While not a central actor in biblical narratives, Jesse's significance is paramount due to his pivotal role as the patriarch of the Davidic dynasty. He is explicitly named in Messianic prophecy in [[Isaiah 11]] as the "stump" or "root" from which the Messiah would spring. This prophecy is affirmed in the New Testament, establishing Jesse as an essential ancestral link in the lineage of Jesus Christ. His story also highlights God's divine election, choosing the humble and unexpected to fulfill His sovereign plan, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant in the person of the Messiah.
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