יֶשֶׁבְאָב
Jeshebab, an Israelite
Definition
Yeshebʼâb is a proper name meaning 'seat of (his) father' or 'father's dwelling.' It is the name of a single individual in the Bible, Jeshebab, who served as a priest in the time of King David. He was appointed by lot to the thirteenth division of priests, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 24:13. The name appears only in this genealogical and organizational list, with no further narrative about his life or actions.
Biblical Usage
This name is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 24:13. It occurs within a detailed list describing the organization of the priestly divisions established by David. The context is purely administrative and genealogical, recording the assignment of duties for temple service. There are no other usages or patterns, as it is a unique personal name.
Etymology
The name Yeshebʼâb (יֶשֶׁבְאָב) is a compound word derived from the Hebrew root יָשַׁב (yāšab, H3427), meaning 'to sit, dwell, remain,' and אָב (ʼāḇ, H1), meaning 'father.' Thus, it literally translates to 'seat of the father' or 'dwelling of the father.' It is a theophoric name, likely expressing a concept of God (the Father) as a dwelling place or foundation.
Semantic Range
While the individual Jeshebab is not a major figure, his inclusion highlights the theological importance of orderly worship and priestly service as instituted by David under divine guidance (1 Chronicles 28:11-13). His name, meaning 'father's dwelling,' may subtly point to the priestly role of mediating God's presence—the ultimate 'dwelling' for His people. Understanding such names enriches reading by revealing how even minor characters' identities were shaped by concepts of God's nature and relationship with Israel.
In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried significant meaning, reflecting hopes, circumstances, or attributes of God. A name like 'seat of the father' likely conveyed stability, legacy, or a connection to ancestral heritage. As a priest, bearing this name would align with the priestly duty of maintaining the worship centered on God, the Father of the nation. The casting of lots for his division (1 Chronicles 24:5) reflects a cultural and religious practice for seeking divine guidance in appointments.
No direct synonyms as a proper name, but related theophoric names include: יְהוֹשָׁפָט (Yehôshāphāṭ, H3092) — 'Yahweh has judged'; אֲבִינָדָב (ʼĂḇînāḏāḇ, H41) — 'my father is noble.'
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.
Full methodology & sources →