by variation from יָשָׁר and אֵל with directive enclitic; right towards God; Jesarelah, an Israelite; Jesharelah.
Transliteration:Yᵉsarʼêlâh
Pronunciation:yes-ar-ale'-aw
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term יְשַׂרְאֵלָה (Yᵉsarʼêlâh), Strong's number `{{H3480}}`, is a proper noun, a personal name. Its etymology, as provided, is derived "by variation from יָשָׁר (yashar, `{{H3477}}`) and אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`) with a directive enclitic."
* יָשָׁר (yashar, `{{H3477}}`) denotes "straight," "upright," "right," or "just." It conveys a sense of moral rectitude, integrity, and alignment with a standard.
* אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`) is a common Semitic word for "God."
* The directive enclitic -ָה (ah) appended to the construct often indicates motion "towards" or "unto."
Therefore, the combined meaning of יְשַׂרְאֵלָה can be rendered as "right towards God" or "upright unto God." This suggests a disposition of integrity, righteousness, and proper alignment specifically in relation to the Divine. It emphasizes a moral and spiritual orientation directed *towards* God, rather than a struggle *with* God, which is a common interpretation for the similar name יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el, `{{H3478}}`). The semantic range thus centers on the concept of living in a state of rectitude and devotion before the Almighty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יְשַׂרְאֵלָה (Yᵉsarʼêlâh, `{{H3480}}`) appears in the Old Testament in the context of the Levitical musicians during the time of King David.
Its sole occurrence is found in:
* [[1 Chronicles 25:14]]: "the seventh to Jesarelah, his sons and his brothers, twelve."
Here, Jesarelah is identified as the head of the seventh division of musicians appointed by David for service in the house of the Lord. He is listed among the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, who were chosen to prophesy with harps, lyres, and cymbals. This indicates a significant role in the organized worship of Israel.
It is important to note that the same individual is referred to as אֶשְׂרְאֵלָה (Asarelah, `{{H840}}`) in [[1 Chronicles 25:2]]. While referring to the same person, the Strong's number `{{H840}}` has a different etymological root ("God has prevailed"). For the purposes of this study, we adhere strictly to the etymology provided for `{{H3480}}`, which emphasizes "rightness towards God." The context of a temple musician bearing a name signifying "right towards God" is highly significant, suggesting a life and service dedicated to maintaining a proper spiritual posture before the Creator. His role in leading worship underscores the idea that those who minister before God should embody a disposition of integrity and uprightness directed solely to Him.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological components of יְשַׂרְאֵלָה connect it to several foundational biblical concepts:
* **יָשָׁר (yashar, `{{H3477}}`):** This root is pervasive in the Hebrew Bible, signifying "straight," "level," "right," or "upright." It is frequently used to describe moral rectitude, justice, and integrity. For example, the ways of the Lord are described as יְשָׁרִים (yesharim, "right" or "straight") in [[Hosea 14:9]]. The name יְשַׂרְאֵלָה thus inherently links to the biblical emphasis on righteous living and walking in integrity.
* **אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`):** As a primary name for God, אֵל underscores the divine focus of the name יְשַׂרְאֵלָה. It signifies that the "rightness" or "uprightness" is not merely humanistic morality but is specifically directed towards and defined by God.
* **יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el, `{{H3478}}`):** While semantically distinct in its given etymology ("God strives" or "he strives with God"), the phonetic similarity and the shared אֵל component invite comparison. Both names grapple with the human relationship with God. However, יְשַׂרְאֵלָה emphasizes a posture of *alignment* and *rectitude* before God, whereas יִשְׂרָאֵל highlights a dynamic of *engagement* or *struggle*.
* **Concepts of Righteousness and Devotion:** The name יְשַׂרְאֵלָה encapsulates the biblical ideal of *tsedeq* (righteousness) and *tamim* (blamelessness/integrity) as a directed posture towards God. It evokes the idea of a life lived in accordance with divine will, with a heart wholly devoted and rightly oriented.
### Theological Significance
The name יְשַׂרְאֵלָה carries profound theological weight, particularly in its association with a leader of temple worship. "Right towards God" is not merely a description but an aspiration and a theological statement about the nature of true worship and service.
1. **Divine Orientation:** The name emphasizes that human uprightness and integrity are not self-derived but are properly directed *towards* God. True righteousness is defined by one's relationship and alignment with the Divine.
2. **Prerequisite for Worship:** For a chief musician, bearing a name meaning "right towards God" underscores the biblical principle that worship must flow from a heart and life rightly oriented to God. It suggests that spiritual integrity and moral uprightness are essential for effective and acceptable service in God's presence. As [[Psalm 24:3-4]] asks, "Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully." Jesarelah's name embodies this ideal.
3. **Aspiration for Believers:** The name serves as a theological reminder for all believers to strive for a life that is "right towards God." This involves continuous self-examination, repentance, and a conscious effort to align one's thoughts, words, and deeds with God's revealed will. It is a call to live with integrity, honesty, and devotion, always with an awareness of God's presence and His standards.
4. **God's Sovereignty and Standard:** The name implicitly acknowledges God as the ultimate standard of "rightness." It is His holiness and righteousness that define what it means to be "right," and humanity's task is to conform to that divine standard.
### Summary
The Hebrew name יְשַׂרְאֵלָה (Yᵉsarʼêlâh, `{{H3480}}`), derived from יָשָׁר (upright, right) and אֵל (God) with a directive enclitic, signifies "right towards God" or "upright unto God." Its sole biblical occurrence identifies Jesarelah as a prominent Levitical musician in King David's temple service ([[1 Chronicles 25:14]]). This context amplifies the name's theological significance, suggesting that those who lead worship and minister before God must embody a life of integrity and devotion, with their hearts and actions rightly aligned with the Divine. The name serves as a powerful reminder of the biblical imperative for all believers to live in a state of righteousness and proper orientation towards God, reflecting His standards in their lives and service.
TRV