The Hebrew word Yᵉshîyshây, represented by H3454, is an Israelite name meaning aged. Based on the root word for "aged," it designates a specific individual in the biblical record. This name appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible, indicating its very specific and limited role.
The single appearance of H3454 is within a genealogical list in the book of 1 Chronicles. In this context, Jeshishai is named as a link in a chain of ancestry. The verse establishes his identity by naming his descendants and his ancestors, placing him as the son of Jahdo and the father of Michael. His mention serves exclusively to document the lineage of the children of Abihail 1 Chronicles 5:14.
Jeshishai's identity is defined by his relationships to other individuals mentioned in the same lineage:
- H1121 bên: This word, meaning a son, is the structural component of the entire genealogy, repeated multiple times to connect each generation, including Jeshishai to his father and son 1 Chronicles 5:14.
- H3163 Yachdôw: Defined as his unity... Jachdo, an Israelite, this is the name of Jeshishai's father.
- H4317 Mîykâʼêl: Meaning who (is) like God?, this is the name of Jeshishai's son.
- H32 ʼĂbîyhayil: Meaning father (i.e. possessor) of might, Abihail is the head of the family whose children are being listed in this specific genealogy 1 Chronicles 5:14.
The significance of H3454 is not found in narrative action but in its contribution to the biblical record of ancestry.
- Genealogical Link: The primary function of the name Jeshishai is to serve as a specific link in the historical and familial record of Israel, connecting the line from Buz to Abihail 1 Chronicles 5:14.
- Preservation of Heritage: The inclusion of H3454 in such a detailed list highlights the biblical emphasis on preserving family history and identity.
- Positional Identity: Jeshishai's importance is understood entirely through his position within the family tree as the son of Jahdo H3163 and an ancestor to a line traced through Michael H4317, Gilead H1568, and others.
In summary, H3454 Yᵉshîyshây is a name whose significance is purely genealogical. Meaning "aged," it identifies an Israelite named Jeshishai who appears once in Scripture. His presence in the biblical text is a testament to the meticulous preservation of lineage, serving as a vital link in the ancestral chain recorded in 1 Chronicles and demonstrating the value placed on heritage and identity.
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