from יָשִׁישׁ; aged; Jeshishai, an Israelite; Jeshishai.
Transliteration:Yᵉshîyshây
Pronunciation:yesh-ee-shah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יְשִׁישָׁי (Yᵉshîyshây, `{{H3454}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its meaning is directly derived from its root, יָשִׁישׁ (yāšîš, `{{H3442}}`), which translates to "aged," "old," or "ancient." Thus, the name Yᵉshîyshây semantically signifies "one who is aged" or "venerable." As a proper noun, its semantic range is narrow, primarily functioning as a descriptive personal identifier that suggests a characteristic of age or respectability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yᵉshîyshây appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Chronicles.
* [[1 Chronicles 5:14]]: "These were the sons of Abihail son of Huri, son of Jaroah, son of Gilead, son of Michael, son of Jeshishai, son of Jahdo, son of Buz."
In this context, Jeshishai is listed as an ancestor within the genealogy of the tribe of Gad. The Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping of lineages serves to establish tribal identity, confirm land claims, and trace the continuity of God's covenant people. The inclusion of a name meaning "aged" within such a lineage might subtly suggest a figure of respect, longevity, or a significant elder in the ancestral line, though no further narrative details are provided about this individual. His primary role in the text is to serve as a link in the unbroken chain of Gadite descendants.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related Hebrew word is the root from which Yᵉshîyshây is derived: יָשִׁישׁ (yāšîš, `{{H3442}}`). This term appears elsewhere in the Old Testament, often denoting advanced age, as seen in [[Job 12:12]] ("With the ancient is wisdom, and in length of days understanding") and [[Job 32:6]] ("I am young in days, and you are very aged"). Another significant term for "old" or "elder" is זָקֵן (zaqen, `{{H2205}}`), which is much more frequently used to describe elderly individuals or community leaders. The concept of "agedness" in the Bible is often associated with wisdom, experience, honor, and a life blessed by God. Furthermore, the context of Yᵉshîyshây in a genealogy connects it to broader biblical themes of lineage, inheritance, tribal identity, and the faithful preservation of historical records.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, the theological significance of Yᵉshîyshây is primarily indirect, rooted in its etymology and its singular contextual appearance. The name "Aged" or "Venerable" within a sacred genealogy subtly highlights the biblical value placed on longevity and the passing down of heritage through generations. In ancient Israel, a long life was often considered a mark of divine blessing and favor, a reward for righteousness ([[Exodus 20:12]], [[Proverbs 3:1-2]]). The inclusion of Jeshishai in the detailed genealogies of Chronicles underscores the importance of every individual within the covenant community, demonstrating God's meticulous care for the history and identity of His people. The very act of preserving such lineages reflects a theological commitment to historical truth and the continuity of God's redemptive plan unfolding through successive generations.
### Summary
יְשִׁישָׁי (Yᵉshîyshây, `{{H3454}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "aged" or "venerable," stemming from the root יָשִׁישׁ (yāšîš, `{{H3442}}`). Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[1 Chronicles 5:14]], where Jeshishai is listed as an ancestor in the genealogy of the tribe of Gad. While no narrative details are provided, the name itself reflects the biblical esteem for age and longevity. Theologically, Jeshishai's presence in a sacred lineage underscores the importance of historical continuity, tribal identity, and the divine blessing associated with a long life within God's covenant people.
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