פִּסְפָּה

Pispah, an Israelite

Definition

Pispah is a proper name given to an Israelite man, a descendant of Asher, mentioned in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 7:38. As a personal name, it does not carry multiple senses or meanings in the biblical text; it functions solely to identify an individual within the tribal lineage. The name appears only in this single genealogical list, which traces the family of Asher's son, Heber.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exclusively as a proper noun in the Old Testament, appearing only once in 1 Chronicles 7:38. Its usage is strictly genealogical, identifying Pispah as one of the sons of Jether within the tribe of Asher. There are no other contextual uses or patterns, as it is a unique personal name recorded in a list of descendants.

Etymology

The name Pispah (פִּסְפָּה) is likely derived from the Hebrew root פָּסַס (pāsas, H6461), which carries meanings related to 'breaking in pieces,' 'shattering,' or 'dispersing.' As a personal name, it may have been descriptive or aspirational, possibly connoting concepts of fragmentation or scattering. Its formation is similar to other Hebrew proper nouns ending in the feminine 'ah' suffix.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, personal names often held significant meaning, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or characteristics. A name like Pispah, potentially linked to 'dispersion,' might have carried symbolic weight, though its specific significance for this individual is not explained in Scripture. It appears in a post-exilic genealogy (1 Chronicles), which emphasizes the continuity and identity of the tribes, underscoring the importance of lineage and covenant community.

Word Details

Scripture References