or יִשִּׁיָּהוּ; from נָשָׁה and יָהּ; Jah will lend; Jishshijah, the name of five Israelites; Ishiah, Isshiah, Ishijah, Jesiah.
Transliteration:Yishshîyâh
Pronunciation:yish-shee-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name יִשִּׁיָּה (Yishshîyâh), transliterated as Yishshîyâh (`{{H3449}}`), is a theophoric name derived from two components. The first element is the verb נָשָׁה (nashah) (`{{H5383}}`), which in this context carries the primary meaning "to lend" or "to cause to lend." The second element is יָהּ (Yah) (`{{H3050}}`), a shortened, reverential form of the divine name Yahweh (`{{H3068}}`). Therefore, the name Yishshîyâh fundamentally means "Jah will lend" or "Yahweh lends."
This etymology suggests a profound theological statement embedded within the name. "Jah will lend" implies divine provision, generosity, and active involvement in the lives of individuals. It can signify that the child was perceived as a gift "lent" by God, perhaps in response to prayer or as a sign of divine favor. The semantic range of the name is thus primarily confined to its etymological meaning as a proper noun, emphasizing God's role as the ultimate Giver and Provider.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yishshîyâh (`{{H3449}}`) is attributed to five distinct Israelites within the biblical text, primarily appearing in the genealogical and administrative records of the books of Chronicles. Their roles vary, providing insight into the societal structure and the significance of such names within Israelite life.
1. **A Son of Izrahiah, of the Tribe of Issachar:** [[1 Chronicles 7:3]] lists "Ishiah" among the five sons of Izrahiah, who were "chief men." This individual is presented within a tribal genealogy, emphasizing his position within the lineage of Issachar, a tribe known for its understanding of the times.
2. **A Korhite Warrior in David's Army:** [[1 Chronicles 12:6]] mentions "Jesiah" among the mighty men who joined David at Ziklag. These were highly skilled warriors, described as "mighty men of valor, experts in war," demonstrating loyalty and military prowess.
3. **A Levite, Son of Uzziel:** [[1 Chronicles 23:20]] identifies "Isshiah" as a son of Micah, a grandson of Uzziel, who was a son of Kohath. This places him within the Levitical lineage responsible for temple service, particularly after David's reorganization.
4. **Another Levite, Son of Rehabiah:** [[1 Chronicles 24:21]] lists a different "Isshiah" as the first son of Rehabiah, also a descendant of Kohath, through Moses. This further highlights the prevalence of the name within the Levitical families dedicated to temple duties.
5. **A Levite in Hezekiah's Reign:** [[2 Chronicles 31:15]] includes "Ishiah" among the Levites who served under Kore, responsible for distributing offerings in the cities of the priests during King Hezekiah's reforms. This context underscores his involvement in the practical administration of temple worship and the support of the priesthood.
The recurring presence of Yishshîyâh in Levitical contexts (1 Chr 23, 24, 2 Chr 31) suggests that this name, with its emphasis on divine provision, may have been particularly meaningful within families dedicated to serving God in the tabernacle and later the temple. While none of these individuals are central narrative figures, their inclusion in these meticulous records underscores their established identity and role within the community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Yishshîyâh (`{{H3449}}`) naturally connects to several related Hebrew words and theological concepts:
* **נָשָׁה (nashah) (`{{H5383}}`):** The root verb for "to lend." While its primary meaning here is positive, it can also carry connotations of "to exact" or "to oppress" in other contexts (e.g., [[Nehemiah 5:7]], [[Nehemiah 5:10]]). However, in the context of a theophoric name, the benevolent sense of divine lending or giving is clearly intended. It also has a distinct meaning of "to forget" (e.g., [[Genesis 41:51]]), which is not directly related to this name's etymology.
* **יָהּ (Yah) (`{{H3050}}`):** This is the abbreviated form of the divine name Yahweh (`{{H3068}}`), emphasizing the direct involvement and character of God. Its presence in Hebrew names is ubiquitous, forming a core component of many names that declare a truth about God (e.g., Isaiah "Yahweh is salvation," Jeremiah "Yahweh will uplift," Obadiah "Servant of Yahweh").
* **Theophoric Names:** Yishshîyâh exemplifies a common practice in ancient Israel of naming children with elements of God's name. These names served as miniature theological declarations, reflecting the parents' faith, a significant event, or a hope concerning the child's life in relation to God. They were living testimonies to God's character and actions.
* **Divine Providence and Provision:** The core meaning "Jah will lend" directly points to the theological concept of God's active providence. It highlights the belief that God is not distant but intimately involved in providing for His creation and especially His covenant people. This aligns with numerous biblical narratives where God supplies needs, gives children, and provides for His people in miraculous ways.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** The naming of a child "Jah will lend" can be seen as an act of faith, trusting in God's covenant promises to provide and sustain. It underscores the reciprocal relationship between God and His people, where His faithfulness elicits human trust and devotion.
### Theological Significance
The name Yishshîyâh, meaning "Jah will lend," carries profound theological significance, even though the individuals bearing the name are not central figures in biblical narratives.
1. **Affirmation of God's Benevolence and Sovereignty:** The most direct theological implication is the declaration of God as the ultimate Giver. He is not merely a distant deity but one who actively "lends" life, blessings, and resources. This underscores His sovereignty over all creation and His benevolent nature towards His people. The name asserts that all good things ultimately originate from Him.
2. **Expression of Parental Faith and Hope:** For parents to bestow this name upon a child was an act of profound faith. It likely expressed their conviction that God had intervened in their lives, perhaps by granting a child after a period of waiting, or by providing for their needs. It served as a hopeful prayer that God would continue to provide for and bless the child's life.
3. **God's Initiative in Human Life:** The phrase "Jah will lend" emphasizes divine initiative. God is the one who acts, who gives, who provides. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative where God consistently initiates the relationship with humanity, extends grace, and makes covenants. It reminds us that our existence and sustenance are ultimately dependent on His gracious acts.
4. **A Constant Reminder of Divine Provision:** In a culture where names carried deep meaning, Yishshîyâh would have served as a perpetual reminder, both to the bearer and to those who spoke the name, of God's generous and active presence in their lives. It transformed a personal identifier into a miniature creed, affirming God's character as a faithful provider.
5. **Theological Depth in Genealogical Records:** The inclusion of such names in the meticulous genealogies and administrative lists of Chronicles imbues these seemingly dry records with theological depth. They demonstrate that even in the meticulous accounting of lineages and roles, the pervasive presence and character of God were acknowledged and celebrated through the very names of His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew name Yishshîyâh (`{{H3449}}`), derived from נָשָׁה (nashah) (`{{H5383}}`) and יָהּ (Yah) (`{{H3050}}`), signifies "Jah will lend" or "Yahweh lends." This name is borne by five distinct individuals in the Old Testament, primarily within the books of Chronicles ([[1 Chronicles 7:3]], [[1 Chronicles 12:6]], [[1 Chronicles 23:20]], [[1 Chronicles 24:21]], [[2 Chronicles 31:15]]). These figures include a tribal chief, a warrior, and notably, multiple Levites involved in temple service and administration, highlighting the name's prevalence within families dedicated to God's worship.
Theologically, Yishshîyâh profoundly affirms God's character as the ultimate, benevolent Giver and Provider. It underscores divine sovereignty and initiative, reminding us that all good things originate from Him. The name serves as a testament to parental faith, expressing trust in God's covenant faithfulness and His active involvement in human lives. As a theophoric name, Yishshîyâh transformed a personal identity into a constant declaration of God's generous provision, subtly weaving theological truth into the fabric of Israelite history and identity.
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