from שָׁמַר; preservative; Jishmerai, an Israelite; Ishmerai.
Transliteration:Yishmᵉray
Pronunciation:yish-mer-ah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Yishmᵉray (`{{H3461}}`) derives directly from the verb *shamar* (`{{H8104}}`), which carries a rich and expansive semantic range. The root *shamar* fundamentally means "to keep, guard, watch, preserve, observe, or take heed." It encompasses both the active sense of protecting or maintaining something, and the attentive sense of observing or obeying a command.
Given this root, Yishmᵉray is interpreted as "preservative" or "one who keeps/guards." As a proper noun, it functions as a personal name, likely signifying a characteristic hoped for in the individual, or perhaps a declaration about divine action. While not explicitly a theophoric name (one that includes a divine name), the meaning "preservative" strongly resonates with God's attribute as the ultimate Preserver and Keeper of His covenant and people. It could subtly imply "Yahweh preserves" or "He (God) keeps."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yishmᵉray (`{{H3461}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the extensive genealogical records of the book of Chronicles.
* **[[1 Chronicles 8:18]]**: "And Ishmerai, and Izliah, and Jobab, the sons of Elpaal." This verse is part of a detailed genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. Elpaal is listed as a prominent Benjamite, and Yishmᵉray is one of his sons.
The context is purely genealogical, providing no narrative or specific actions attributed to Yishmᵉray himself. This means the significance of the name rests entirely upon its inherent meaning and the theological weight of its root. In genealogical lists, names often carried aspirational meanings, reflected family values, or commemorated divine blessings. For a descendant of Benjamin, a tribe known for its strength and later for producing King Saul and the Apostle Paul, a name signifying "preservation" could have held particular significance in maintaining tribal identity and covenant fidelity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verb *shamar* (`{{H8104}}`), from which Yishmᵉray is derived. This root is foundational to many theological concepts in the Hebrew Bible:
* **Divine Preservation**: God is frequently depicted as the One who *shamar*—preserves, guards, and protects His people ([[Psalm 121:7-8]]), His covenant ([[Deuteronomy 7:9]]), and His creation ([[Psalm 36:6]]). This aspect of divine care is a cornerstone of biblical theology.
* **Human Obedience and Stewardship**: Humans are called to *shamar*—to keep God's commandments ([[Deuteronomy 4:2]]), observe His statutes ([[Exodus 12:42]]), guard their hearts ([[Proverbs 4:23]]), and be faithful stewards of what has been entrusted to them ([[Genesis 2:15]]).
* **Covenant Faithfulness**: The concept of *shamar* is intrinsically linked to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where both parties have a responsibility to "keep" their respective obligations.
* **Other Names**: Other Hebrew names also incorporate the root *shamar*, such as Shemariah (`{{H8111}}`), meaning "Yahweh has guarded," further illustrating the prominence of this concept in ancient Israelite naming conventions.
### Theological Significance
Though Yishmᵉray is a proper name appearing only in a list, its derivation from *shamar* imbues it with profound theological resonance.
Firstly, the name quietly testifies to God's character as the ultimate Preserver. In a world fraught with change and peril, the idea of a divine "keeper" or "guardian" offers immense comfort and assurance. The very existence of such a name within a lineage suggests a recognition of God's sustaining power over generations.
Secondly, the name can serve as a subtle reminder of human responsibility. While God preserves, humanity is also called to "keep" or "guard" the divine revelation, covenant obligations, and moral purity. The name Yishmᵉray, in this light, could be seen as an aspiration for the individual or family to embody faithfulness and vigilance.
Lastly, within the context of Benjamin's genealogy, a name meaning "preservative" might reflect a hope for the preservation of the tribe's identity, its place within Israel, and its spiritual heritage, especially given the turbulent history of the tribal period.
### Summary
Yishmᵉray (`{{H3461}}`) is a singular occurrence in the biblical text, appearing as a Benjamite proper name in [[1 Chronicles 8:18]]. Its core meaning, "preservative" or "one who guards/keeps," is directly derived from the rich Hebrew verb *shamar* (`{{H8104}}`). This root word is central to understanding both God's preserving and protecting nature, and humanity's call to keep His commands and remain faithful. Despite its limited appearance, the name Yishmᵉray stands as a quiet yet potent witness to these fundamental biblical truths concerning divine providence, covenant fidelity, and the enduring significance of careful keeping.
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