Ἰσαχάρ

Issachar

Definition

Ἰσαχάρ (Issachar) is a proper name referring to the ninth son of Jacob and the fifth son of Leah, as recorded in Genesis 30:18. It also designates the tribe of Israel descended from him, one of the twelve tribes. In the New Testament, the name appears exclusively in Revelation 7:7, where it is listed among the twelve tribes from which 144,000 servants of God are sealed. This usage directly connects to the Old Testament identity of the tribe, with no additional or divergent meanings in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Revelation 7:7. It is part of a list naming the twelve tribes of Israel in a prophetic, symbolic context concerning God's sealed servants. The usage is strictly as a proper name for one of the tribes, following the pattern of the other tribal names in the passage.

Etymology

The Greek Ἰσαχάρ is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name יִשָּׂשכָר (Yissakhar). The Hebrew name's etymology is explained in Genesis 30:18, deriving from the root words for 'reward' or 'hire' (שָׂכָר, sakar), as Leah said, 'God has given me my hire (שְׂכָרִי, sekari) because I gave my servant to my husband.' Thus, the name means 'there is reward' or 'man of hire.'

Semantic Range

The mention of Issachar in Revelation 7:7 is theologically significant as it reaffirms God's faithfulness to His covenant promises with all twelve tribes of Israel, even in eschatological prophecy. It underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the patriarchs to the end times. Understanding this name as a transliteration highlights the intentional connection between Old Testament identity and New Testament fulfillment, enriching the reading of Revelation's symbolic vision.

In its original context, Issachar was one of the tribes of Israel with a defined territorial inheritance in the Promised Land, known for its agricultural prosperity and, later, for its scribal tradition according to some Jewish interpretations (1 Chronicles 12:32). The tribal identity was a core component of ancient Israelite social and religious structure. The New Testament reference assumes this foundational cultural and historical understanding.

Ἰούδας (Ioudas, G2455) — Judah, another son of Jacob/tribe of Israel. Ἰωσήφ (Iōsēph, G2501) — Joseph, another son of Jacob, whose sons Ephraim and Manasseh often represent tribes. Λευί (Leui, G3017) — Levi, the priestly tribe sometimes listed separately.

Word Details

Scripture References