### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yissâˢkâr**, represented by `{{H3485}}`, means "he will bring a reward" and is the name of a son of Jacob. It appears **43 times** across **40 unique verses** in the Bible, identifying both the patriarch and the tribe descended from him. The name's origin is explicitly tied to the concept of a divine reward, or "hire," as stated by his mother Leah at his birth [[Genesis 30:18]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3485}}` first appears as the ninth son of Jacob, born to Leah [[Genesis 35:23]]. Jacob's prophecy over his sons describes Issachar as a "strong ass couching down between two burdens" [[Genesis 49:14]]. The name later represents one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The men of the tribe of Issachar were noted for their unique wisdom, described as having "understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" [[1 Chronicles 12:32]]. The tribe received its inheritance by lot [[Joshua 19:17]] and played a role in Israel's history, producing notable figures such as Tola, a judge who defended Israel [[Judges 10:1]], and Baasha, a king of Israel [[1 Kings 15:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for Issachar's identity and role:
* `{{H7939}}` **sâkâr** (reward): This word is the root of Issachar's name. Leah names him Issachar because she sees his birth as her "hire" from God for giving her maiden to her husband [[Genesis 30:18]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): Issachar is a **son** of Jacob [[Genesis 35:23]], and his descendants are consistently referred to as the "children of Issachar" [[Numbers 2:5]], defining their lineage.
* `{{H4294}}` **maṭṭeh** (tribe): The identity of Issachar expands from an individual to a **tribe** [[Numbers 2:5]], a distinct family group that forms a part of the nation of Israel.
* `{{H5159}}` **nachălâh** (inheritance): The tribe of the children of Issachar received a specific portion of land as their **inheritance** [[Joshua 19:23]], fulfilling God's promise to the patriarchs.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3485}}` is centered on themes of divine providence, wisdom, and destiny.
* **Divine Reward:** The very name Issachar, "he will bring a reward," and its naming story [[Genesis 30:18]] establish that the formation of Israel's tribes is a direct result of God's blessing and intervention.
* **God-Given Wisdom:** The tribe of Issachar was uniquely known for its understanding of the times [[1 Chronicles 12:32]]. This suggests a special endowment of discernment given by God for the guidance and benefit of the entire nation of Israel.
* **Prophetic Role:** Jacob’s prophecy over Issachar [[Genesis 49:14]] defines the tribe's character and destiny, illustrating how God ordains specific roles and attributes for different parts of His people.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3485}}` **Yissâˢkâr** signifies more than a personal name; it represents a key component of the nation of Israel. From its meaning of "reward" to the tribe's renowned wisdom, the term underscores God's direct hand in the lives of His people. It demonstrates how an individual's identity, established in response to God's faithfulness, can extend to a powerful tribe with a unique and divinely appointed purpose in biblical history.
TRV