or יִשְׁמַעְיָהוּlemma יְשְׁמַעְיָהוּ first vowel, corrected to יִשְׁמַעְיָהוּ; from שָׁמַע and יָהּ; Jah will hear; Jishmajah, the name of two Israelites; Ishmaiah.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yishmaʻyâh**, represented by `{{H3460}}`, means **"Jah will hear"**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible and is the name given to two different Israelites. The name itself is a declaration of faith in God's attentiveness and responsiveness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3460}}` identifies two distinct individuals in leadership positions. The first, mentioned in [[1 Chronicles 12:4]], is **Ismaiah** the **Gibeonite** `{{H1393}}`, who is described as a **mighty man** `{{H1368}}` and a leader among the elite group known as the **thirty** `{{H7970}}`. The second individual, found in [[1 Chronicles 27:19]], is **Ishmaiah** the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Obadiah** `{{H5662}}`, who served as a ruler for the tribe of **Zebulun** `{{H2074}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the identity and roles of the men named Ishmaiah:
* `{{H1368}}` **gibbôwr** (powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant): This term describes the first Ishmaiah as a **mighty man**, highlighting his status as a formidable warrior [[1 Chronicles 12:4]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word is essential for establishing the lineage of the second Ishmaiah, identifying him as the **son** of Obadiah and defining him through his family connection [[1 Chronicles 27:19]].
* `{{H1393}}` **Gibʻônîy** (a Gibeonite, or inhabitant of Gibon): This identifier specifies the origin of the first Ishmaiah, noting his connection to the people of Gibeon [[1 Chronicles 12:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3460}}` is conveyed entirely through its literal meaning.
* **A Declaration of Faith:** The name **Yishmaʻyâh** is a compound of the Hebrew words for "hear" and "Jah," God's name. It functions as a personal testimony, proclaiming the belief that "Jah will hear."
* **Divine Attentiveness:** By its very nature, the name underscores a core biblical theme: God's attentiveness to His people and their circumstances.
* **Pious Identity:** Bestowing this name upon a child, especially one who would grow into a leadership role as a **mighty man** [[1 Chronicles 12:4]] or a tribal ruler [[1 Chronicles 27:19]], reflects a culture where faith in God's character was a central part of personal identity.
### Summary
In summary, **Yishmaʻyâh** `{{H3460}}` is a specific and relatively uncommon personal name whose significance is rooted in its meaning, "Jah will hear." Though appearing only twice, it identifies two separate Israelite leaders: a distinguished warrior and a tribal officer. The name itself serves as a powerful, concise expression of the Israelite faith in a personal God who listens.
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