from יָשַׁע; saving; Jishi, the name of four Israelites; Ishi.
Transliteration:Yishʻîy
Pronunciation:yish-ee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word Yishʻîy (יִשְׁעִי), designated by `{{H3469}}`, is a proper noun derived from the verb root `{{H3467}}` (yashaʻ), which fundamentally signifies "to save," "to deliver," "to help," or "to bring salvation." As a personal name, Yishʻîy directly reflects this foundational meaning, conveying the sense of "saving" or "my salvation." Unlike a common noun or verb, its semantic range is limited to its function as an identifier for individuals. However, the inherent meaning embedded within the name points to the action or state of being saved, a concept central to biblical understanding. It embodies a hope, an attribute, or an experience of deliverance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Yishʻîy (`{{H3469}}`) appears in the Old Testament as the name of four distinct Israelites, primarily within genealogical lists, offering limited narrative context but underscoring its presence within various tribal lineages:
1. **A Son of Zoheth, Descendant of Judah:** In [[1 Chronicles 4:20]], Yishʻîy is mentioned as a son of Zoheth within the detailed genealogies of the tribe of Judah. This brief mention places him within a significant lineage but provides no further biographical information.
2. **A Chief of the Simeonite Clan:** [[1 Chronicles 4:42]] identifies an Ishi (Yishʻîy) as the father of four leaders (Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel) who led five hundred men of Simeon to Mount Seir, where they dispossessed the remnant of the Amalekites. Here, the name is associated with leadership and military action, subtly aligning with the concept of deliverance, as these men brought about the "saving" or liberation of territory from an enemy.
3. **A Chief of the Half-Tribe of Manasseh East of the Jordan:** In [[1 Chronicles 5:24]], Yishʻîy is listed among the heads of the fathers' houses of the half-tribe of Manasseh. He is explicitly described as a "mighty man of valor" and a "famous man." This description of strength and renown resonates well with the etymological meaning of "saving," implying a figure capable of providing protection or deliverance.
4. **A Son of Iddo, a Levite of the Gershonite Clan:** [[1 Chronicles 23:20]] includes an Ishi (Yishʻîy) among the sons of Iddo, within the enumeration of the Levitical divisions and their assigned duties. As with the first instance, this is a purely genealogical reference, placing him within the sacred lineage of those who served in the tabernacle/temple.
Across these occurrences, Yishʻîy consistently functions as a proper noun. While the direct narrative contributions of the individuals named Yishʻîy are minimal, the association with leadership, military prowess, and tribal prominence in some instances subtly reinforces the inherent meaning of the name as "saving" or "deliverance."
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary and most crucial related word is the root verb `{{H3467}}` (yashaʻ), from which Yishʻîy (`{{H3469}}`) is derived. This root forms the basis for a rich vocabulary related to salvation in the Hebrew Bible:
* `{{H3444}}` (yeshaʻ): A noun meaning "salvation," "deliverance," or "help."
* `{{H3440}}` (yeshuʻah): Another common noun for "salvation," "deliverance," or "victory," frequently used to describe God's mighty acts of rescue.
* `{{H3468}}` (yosheaʻ): A participle meaning "savior" or "deliverer."
The concept of "salvation" (yeshuʻah) is a cornerstone of biblical theology, encompassing deliverance from various forms of distress: enemies, oppression, sin, and death. Hebrew names often carry profound meaning, reflecting divine attributes, hopes, or the circumstances of birth. Names like Yishʻîy fall into a category that expresses a desire for or recognition of divine intervention and deliverance, similar to more explicit names such as Isaiah (Yesha'yahu, "Yahweh is salvation") or Joshua (Yehoshu'a, "Yahweh is salvation"). While Yishʻîy does not explicitly name God, its root firmly grounds it in the pervasive biblical theme of divine rescue.
### Theological Significance
While Yishʻîy (`{{H3469}}`) is a proper name and not a theological concept in itself, its etymological connection to `{{H3467}}` (yashaʻ), "to save," imbues it with implicit theological significance. The practice of naming individuals with terms related to "saving" reflects a profound understanding within ancient Israel of the constant need for deliverance and, crucially, the divine source of that deliverance.
The presence of such names within the genealogies of Israel serves as a quiet, yet persistent, affirmation of God's character as the ultimate Savior and Deliverer. It suggests a cultural awareness and a deep-seated desire for God's active involvement in human affairs, whether for protection from enemies, provision in times of need, or spiritual redemption. The individuals bearing the name Yishʻîy may not be depicted as saviors themselves, but their very names point to the overarching biblical truth that "Salvation belongs to the Lord" [[Jonah 2:9]]. Thus, the name can be seen as an act of faith, a prayer, or a testimony to God's past, present, or anticipated saving work in the life of the family or the nation.
### Summary
Yishʻîy (`{{H3469}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "saving" or "my salvation," derived from the verb root `{{H3467}}` ("to save, deliver"). It designates four distinct individuals in the Old Testament, primarily within genealogical records: a descendant of Judah [[1 Chronicles 4:20]], a Simeonite chief [[1 Chronicles 4:42]], a mighty man of Manasseh [[1 Chronicles 5:24]], and a Levite [[1 Chronicles 23:20]]. While the biblical contexts are brief, the name's etymological root connects it to the fundamental biblical concept of deliverance and salvation. The use of such a name reflects the pervasive hope and experience of God's saving acts within Israelite culture, subtly affirming God as the ultimate source of rescue and help.
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