or יְשַׁעְיָהוּ; from יָשַׁע and יָהּ; Jah has saved; Jeshajah, the name of seven Israelites; Isaiah, Jesaiah, Jeshaiah.
Transliteration:Yᵉshaʻyâh
Pronunciation:yesh-ah-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יְשַׁעְיָה (Yᵉshaʻyâh) `{{H3470}}` is a theophoric proper noun, meaning it incorporates a divine element. Its etymology reveals a profound theological declaration. The name is composed of two primary elements:
1. The verb יָשַׁע (yāšaʿ) `{{H3467}}`, which signifies "to save, deliver, rescue, or help."
2. The abbreviated form of the divine name יָהּ (Yah) `{{H3050}}`, a shortened form of יְהוָה (YHWH) `{{H3068}}`, the covenant name of God.
Thus, יְשַׁעְיָה literally translates to "Yah has saved" or "The LORD is salvation." This core meaning points directly to God's active role as the deliverer and rescuer. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed, but its inherent meaning serves as a powerful theological statement about the character and actions of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Strong's definition indicates that יְשַׁעְיָה (Yᵉshaʻyâh) or its longer form יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Yᵉshaʻyâhu) was the name of "seven Israelites" in the Old Testament. The most prominent and theologically significant bearer of this name is the great prophet Isaiah. His prophetic book, a cornerstone of the Nevi'im (Propets) in the Hebrew Bible, profoundly elaborates on the very meaning of his name. The prophet's message is saturated with themes of divine salvation, encompassing both judgment and ultimate restoration. For instance, [[Isaiah 12:2]] declares, "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the LORD God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation," directly echoing the meaning embedded in his name. His prophecies speak of God's deliverance of Israel from various adversaries and exile, culminating in an eschatological salvation through the Messiah.
Beyond the prophet Isaiah, the name appears in various contexts, often in genealogical lists or records:
* A son of Jeduthun, a Levitical musician ([[1 Chronicles 25:3]], [[1 Chronicles 25:15]]).
* A chief of the tribe of Issachar ([[1 Chronicles 7:3]]).
* A Benjamite ([[1 Chronicles 26:25]]).
* An individual who returned with Ezra from the Babylonian exile ([[Ezra 8:7]]).
* A Benjamite, father of Ithiel ([[Nehemiah 11:7]]).
* A descendant of Rehabiah ([[1 Chronicles 26:25]]).
While the biblical text does not provide extensive narrative for these individuals, the very act of bestowing this name upon a child reflects a prevailing theological conviction or hope within the family—a declaration of faith in God's saving power and faithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name יְשַׁעְיָה (Yᵉshaʻyâh) is deeply interconnected with several fundamental biblical concepts:
* **Root Verb:** The foundational verb is יָשַׁע (yāšaʿ) `{{H3467}}`, meaning "to save, deliver, or help." This root is prolific in the Hebrew Bible, forming the basis for many salvation-related terms and names.
* **Divine Name:** The inclusion of יָהּ (Yah) `{{H3050}}`, the abbreviated form of יְהוָה (YHWH) `{{H3068}}`, firmly establishes God as the singular source and agent of salvation.
* **Salvation (יְשׁוּעָה, yĕshûʿâ):** The noun form יְשׁוּעָה (yĕshûʿâ) `{{H3444}}`, also derived from the same root, refers to "salvation, deliverance, or welfare." The name יְשַׁעְיָה points to the divine *giver* of this salvation.
* **Other Theophoric Names:** Names like Joshua (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, Yĕhôshuaʿ) `{{H3091}}`, meaning "Yahweh is salvation," share the same etymological and theological roots, emphasizing God's role as Savior.
* **Messianic Hope:** Especially in the context of the prophet Isaiah, the name resonates profoundly with the messianic prophecies. Isaiah's prophecies often speak of a coming deliverer, the "Servant of the Lord" ([[Isaiah 42:1-9]], [[Isaiah 52:13-53:12]]), through whom God's ultimate salvation will extend to all nations. This eschatological fulfillment is the pinnacle of the name's meaning.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of יְשַׁעְיָה (Yᵉshaʻyâh) is multi-layered and profound:
* **Divine Initiative in Salvation:** The name unequivocally declares that salvation is an attribute and action of God alone. "Yah has saved" is not a human aspiration or achievement, but a testament to God's sovereign grace and His active intervention in human history. It underscores that deliverance originates from the divine will and power.
* **Prophetic Embodiment:** For the prophet Isaiah, his very name was a living prophecy, embodying the central theme of his entire ministry. His book is a grand narrative of God's plan to deliver His people from sin, judgment, and oppression, culminating in the redemptive work of the Messiah. The name serves as a constant reminder of the source and nature of the salvation he proclaimed.
* **Basis for Hope and Trust:** In times of national crisis, exile, or personal distress, the name "Yah has saved" offers a powerful basis for hope and trust in God's unfailing faithfulness. It reminds believers that God is capable and willing to provide deliverance, encouraging reliance on His redemptive purposes.
* **Continuity of Redemptive History:** The recurring use of this name across different periods of Israelite history highlights the consistent thread of divine salvation woven throughout the biblical narrative. God's saving activity is not an isolated event but an enduring reality, demonstrating His covenant fidelity through generations.
### Summary
The Hebrew name יְשַׁעְיָה (Yᵉshaʻyâh) `{{H3470}}`, meaning "Yah has saved" or "The LORD is salvation," is a deeply significant and theologically rich proper noun. Derived from the verb יָשַׁע (yāšaʿ) `{{H3467}}` ("to save") and the divine name יָהּ (Yah) `{{H3050}}`, it serves as a powerful declaration of God's character as the ultimate deliverer. While borne by several individuals in the Old Testament, its most profound association is with the prophet Isaiah, whose entire prophetic message is a testament to God's saving power—from historical deliverances to the grand, future salvation through the Messiah. The name encapsulates core biblical truths regarding the divine initiative in salvation, God's unwavering faithfulness, and the enduring hope found in His redemptive plan. It stands as a perpetual affirmation that all true salvation originates from and is accomplished by the sovereign LORD.
TRV