אִישְׁהוֹד
Ishod, an Israelite
Definition
Ishod is a proper name of an Israelite man, appearing only once in the Old Testament. The name means 'man of renown' or 'man of majesty,' derived from the Hebrew words for 'man' and 'splendor/glory.' In its sole biblical occurrence, Ishod is listed as a son of Hammoleketh, a descendant of Manasseh, within a genealogical record (1 Chronicles 7:18). As a proper name, it carries no other distinct senses or meanings in different passages.
Biblical Usage
The word is used exclusively as a personal name in a genealogical context. It appears only in 1 Chronicles 7:18, within a list detailing the descendants of the tribe of Manasseh. This usage is typical of many proper nouns found in the Chronicler's genealogical records, serving to establish lineage and tribal identity without narrative development.
Etymology
The name Ishod (אִישְׁהוֹד) is a compound of two Hebrew elements: 'ish' (אִישׁ, H376), meaning 'man,' and 'hod' (הוֹד, H1935), meaning 'majesty,' 'splendor,' or 'renown.' It is a theophoric name, though not explicitly containing a divine name like 'El' or 'Yah,' it poetically ascribes a quality of majesty to the individual. Similar name constructions combining 'ish' with another element are found in the Old Testament (e.g., Ish-bosheth).
Semantic Range
While the name itself is not central to major doctrines, its meaning—'man of renown'—reflects a cultural and spiritual value placed on honor and a distinguished reputation within the community of Israel. Understanding the name's etymology can enrich reading by highlighting how personal names often served as declarations of hope or character, even for individuals otherwise unknown in the biblical narrative. It subtly points to the importance of legacy and standing before God and people.
In ancient Israelite culture, names were deeply significant, often describing hoped-for character, circumstances of birth, or attributes of God. A name meaning 'man of renown' likely expressed parental hope for their son to achieve honor and a respected status within the tribe and nation. This differs from modern naming conventions, which are often chosen for sound or family tradition rather than explicit meaning.
Ish-bosheth (ʼÎysh-bôsheth, H378) — Another compound name beginning with 'ish' (man), but the second element 'bosheth' means 'shame,' often considered a polemical alteration of 'ba'al.'
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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