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.
The etymology of Yissâˢkâr (H3485) carries a subtle yet profound theological weight beyond a simple "reward." The name is widely understood as a verbal sentence name, likely a contracted form of yēš śāḵār (יש שכר), meaning "there is reward," or yiśśāʾ śāḵār, "he brings/will bring reward." This active or existential sense, rather than a passive "he is rewarded," emphasizes that the reward is not merely received but present or forthcoming through divine action. This nuance underscores Leah's conviction that God Himself was the agent providing the "hire" for her giving her maidservant to Jacob, framing the birth as a direct divine intervention and blessing rather than solely a human transaction.
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.
Beyond his individual and tribal characterizations, H3485 also features prominently in the administrative and military records of Israel. During the first census in the wilderness, the tribe of Issachar numbered "fifty and four thousand and four hundred" fighting men Numbers 1:28-29, and later, after the plague, they had grown to "threescore and four thousand and three hundred" Numbers 26:23-25, indicating a robust and growing population. Their designated place in the wilderness encampment was on the east side of the tabernacle, positioned alongside Judah and Zebulun, with Nethaneel the son of Zuar serving as their prince and captain Numbers 2:5, Numbers 7:18, Numbers 10:15. This strategic placement suggests their importance in the national structure and their readiness for both worship and warfare as a cohesive unit within the larger congregation of Israel.
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.
- H3478 Yisrâʼêl (Israel): Issachar is consistently identified as one of the "sons of Israel" 1 Chronicles 2:1, and his descendants form one of the twelve tribes of Israel, thus establishing his foundational role in the very identity and lineage of the nation.
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.
- National Unity and Support: The tribe of Issachar is frequently listed alongside other tribes in contexts of national assembly, military muster, or communal worship, illustrating their integral role in the collective identity and functioning of Israel. They participated in events such as the blessing on Mount Gerizim Deuteronomy 27:12, and their willingness to join Hezekiah's Passover celebration despite not being fully cleansed demonstrates a spirit of communal solidarity and devotion to God's ordinances 2 Chronicles 30:18, highlighting their contribution to the unity and spiritual health of the nation.
Yissâˢkâr (H3485), meaning "he will bring a reward," encapsulates a profound narrative of divine providence and purpose within the formation of ancient Israel. Originating from Leah's declaration of God's "hire" at his birth Genesis 30:18, the name itself points to God's active hand in blessing and intervening in the lives of His people. As a son of Jacob and progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, Issachar's identity is inextricably linked to the broader national story, his descendants forming a vital component of the H3478 Israelite collective.
The tribe of Issachar, characterized by Jacob's prophecy as a "strong ass couching down between two burdens" Genesis 49:14, represents a people committed to diligent labor and endurance, finding sustenance and reward in their God-given inheritance. Their notable wisdom, particularly their "understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" 1 Chronicles 12:32, underlines a special divine endowment for discernment and national guidance. This wisdom, coupled with their significant population numbers and strategic placement within the Israelite camp, demonstrates their practical contribution to the nation's strength and stability.
Ultimately, H3485 Yissâˢkâr signifies more than just a historical figure or a geographical entity. It embodies a theological journey of divine faithfulness, human labor, and God-given wisdom that shaped a key component of the Israelite nation. From its semantic roots in divine reward to the tribe's unique role in national unity and understanding, the name stands as a testament to God's intricate design and purpose for each part of His chosen people throughout biblical history.
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