perhaps from שָׁפָה; he will scratch; Jishpah, an Israelite; Ispah.
Transliteration:Yishpâh
Pronunciation:yish-paw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term יִשְׁפָּה (Yishpâh), Strong's H3472, functions exclusively as a proper noun in the biblical text. Its base definition, "perhaps from שָׁפָה; he will scratch; Jishpah, an Israelite; Ispah," points to a proposed etymological root. The verb שָׁפָה (shapah), Strong's `{{H8194}}`, carries a semantic range that includes "to scratch," "to scrape," "to smooth," or "to polish." Thus, the name Yishpah could etymologically signify "he will scratch" or, conversely, "he will smooth/polish," depending on the nuance of the root intended. As a proper name, its primary meaning is its referent: a specific individual within the genealogies of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Yishpah (יִשְׁפָּה) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the extensive genealogical records of the book of 1 Chronicles.
* [[1 Chronicles 8:16]]: "and Yishpah, and Arah, and Ariel, and Malchiel, and Shema, and Sheariah, and Azariah."
In this context, Yishpah is listed as one of the sons of Beriah, a chief of the Benjamite tribe. The passage in 1 Chronicles 8 provides a detailed genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, tracing their lineage and identifying heads of families who resided in Jerusalem or Gibeon. The inclusion of Yishpah in this list underscores his role as a recognized member of a prominent Benjamite family, part of the meticulously preserved tribal records. These genealogies were crucial for establishing tribal identity, land rights, priestly succession, and ultimately, the lineage of the Messiah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The proposed root for Yishpah is שָׁפָה (shapah), Strong's `{{H8194}}`. This root is not widely attested in the Piel stem with a clear meaning of "scratch" or "smooth" in other proper names, making the etymology somewhat speculative, as indicated by the "perhaps" in the base definition. However, the broader concept of proper names in biblical genealogies is highly significant. Names like Yishpah are part of the intricate tapestry of Israel's tribal structure, demonstrating:
* **Lineage and Identity:** Names established a person's place within their family, clan, and tribe, defining their identity within the covenant community.
* **Covenant Continuity:** The meticulous preservation of genealogies, especially in books like Chronicles, underscores God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant people and preparing the way for the promised Messiah through specific lineages.
* **Divine Ordering:** The detailed lists reflect a divine ordering and knowledge of individuals within His chosen nation.
### Theological Significance
As a proper name in a genealogy, Yishpah's theological significance is primarily indirect, contributing to the larger theological themes embedded in biblical genealogies.
1. **God's Sovereignty and Providence:** The inclusion of individuals like Yishpah in the sacred record testifies to God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign hand in orchestrating the history of His people. Every name, even those appearing only once, plays a part in the unfolding divine plan.
2. **Covenant Faithfulness:** The preservation of tribal lineages, especially the Benjamites, who played significant roles in Israel's history (e.g., King Saul, the apostle Paul), highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The very existence of these records demonstrates God's commitment to His people across generations.
3. **Community and Belonging:** Being named within these lists signifies belonging to the covenant community of Israel. It emphasizes the importance of family, clan, and tribal identity within God's chosen nation, a collective entity through whom His purposes would be realized.
4. **Preparation for Messiah:** Ultimately, these genealogies point towards the coming of the Messiah, whose lineage would be traced through specific tribal lines. While Yishpah is not directly in the Messianic line, his inclusion contributes to the overall narrative of a people preserved by God, leading to the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.
### Summary
Yishpah (יִשְׁפָּה, Strong's H3472) is a Hebrew proper name, appearing once in [[1 Chronicles 8:16]] as a son of Beriah, a chief within the tribe of Benjamin. While its etymology, possibly from the root שָׁפָה (shapah, `{{H8194}}`) meaning "to scratch" or "to smooth," remains somewhat speculative, its primary significance lies in its role within the meticulously preserved genealogies of Israel. The inclusion of Yishpah underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage, identity, and the divine ordering of God's covenant people. His presence in the sacred record contributes to the broader theological themes of God's sovereignty, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, and the intricate preparation for the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the nation of Israel.
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