from יָשַׁר; the right; Jesher, an Israelite; Jesher.
Transliteration:Yêsher
Pronunciation:yay'-sher
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3475 (Yêsher) is derived from the verb `{{H3474}}` (yāshar), which fundamentally means "to be straight," "to be level," or "to be right." From this root, `{{H3474}}` extends semantically to encompass ethical and moral uprightness, integrity, and righteousness. In its verbal form, it often describes a path that is straight or a conduct that is just in the eyes of God or man.
However, it is crucial to note that H3475 (Yêsher) itself, as it appears in the biblical text, functions exclusively as a proper noun, a personal name. While the name inherently carries the etymological connotation of "uprightness," "straightness," or "righteousness" due to its root, H3475 is not used as a common noun meaning "the right" or "uprightness" in the biblical corpus. Its primary and singular usage is to identify an individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun H3475 (Yêsher) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within a genealogical listing:
* [[1 Chronicles 2:18]]: "And Caleb the son of Hezron begat children of Azubah his wife, and of Jerioth: her sons are these; Jesher, and Shobab, and Ardon."
In this sole occurrence, Yêsher is identified as one of the sons of Caleb, the son of Hezron, who was a prominent figure from the tribe of Judah. Caleb himself is renowned for his unwavering faith and obedience to God, particularly in the wilderness wanderings ([[Numbers 13:30]], [[Numbers 14:24]]). The inclusion of Yêsher in this lineage places him within a significant and esteemed family line, contributing to the detailed genealogical records that were vital for establishing tribal identity, inheritance, and the fulfillment of divine promises in ancient Israel. As a name within a list, there is no further narrative or descriptive information provided about Jesher's life or character beyond his familial relationship. His significance lies in his existence within this lineage, rather than any specific actions attributed to him.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to H3475 is its verbal root, `{{H3474}}` (yāshar), "to be straight, right, upright." This root gives rise to a family of related terms that articulate the concept of uprightness:
* `{{H3476}}` (yōsher): A masculine noun derived from the same root, meaning "straightness," "uprightness," "equity," or "rectitude." This term is often used to describe moral integrity, as seen in [[Deuteronomy 9:5]] ("for the uprightness of thine heart") or [[Proverbs 2:13]] ("who leave the paths of uprightness").
* `{{H4339}}` (mêshārîm): A plural noun from the same root, meaning "equity," "justice," or "straightness," often referring to just judgments or straight paths ([[Psalm 9:8]], [[Psalm 67:4]]).
Beyond the immediate lexical family, H3475 connects conceptually to broader biblical themes of righteousness and justice, often expressed through terms like:
* `{{H6664}}` (tsedeq) / `{{H6666}}` (tsaddîq): "Righteousness" and "righteous," referring to conformity to a divine standard of justice and moral rectitude.
* `{{H4941}}` (mishpāṭ): "Justice," "judgment," often denoting the act of administering justice or the established legal order.
These terms collectively underscore the profound biblical emphasis on living a life that is "straight" or "right" in alignment with God's character and commands.
### Theological Significance
While H3475 (Yêsher) is solely a proper noun, its etymological root in `{{H3474}}` (yāshar) imbues the name with a subtle yet significant theological resonance. In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried profound meaning, reflecting aspirations, circumstances, or character. The name "Yêsher," meaning "Uprightness" or "Straightness," would have served as a constant reminder of a foundational biblical virtue.
The concept of "uprightness" is not merely about moral rectitude but also about adherence to God's covenant and His revealed will. To walk in "uprightness" is to walk in God's ways, to live a life characterized by integrity, faithfulness, and justice ([[Psalm 1:6]], [[Proverbs 11:3]]). God Himself is often described as "upright" ([[Deuteronomy 32:4]], [[Psalm 92:15]]), serving as the ultimate standard for human conduct.
Therefore, although the individual Jesher is a minor figure in the biblical narrative, his name encapsulates a core theological principle: the divine call for humanity, particularly God's covenant people, to live lives that are ethically and morally "straight" before Him. The very existence of such a name within a prominent lineage suggests an enduring value placed on this quality within the community of faith, reflecting a hope or expectation that the bearer would embody this virtue.
### Summary
H3475 (Yêsher) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name, found only once in the biblical text as a son of Caleb in [[1 Chronicles 2:18]]. While its direct biblical usage is limited to this genealogical mention, its profound significance lies in its derivation from the root `{{H3474}}` (yāshar), meaning "to be straight, right, or upright." This etymological connection links the name "Yêsher" to the pervasive biblical theme of moral and ethical uprightness, integrity, and righteousness. Though the individual Jesher remains a silent figure, his name serves as a quiet testament to the enduring value and divine imperative of living a life that is "straight" and in alignment with God's character and commands, a virtue central to the covenant relationship between God and His people.
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