יִשִּׁיָּה

Jishshijah, the name of five Israelites

Definition

Yishshîyâh is a proper masculine name borne by five different individuals in the Old Testament. The name means 'Yahweh will lend' or 'Yahweh will set,' signifying a child given or dedicated by God. All bearers are Israelites, primarily appearing in genealogical lists within the books of Chronicles and Ezra. While the name's meaning is consistent, the individuals are distinct, including a warrior of David (1 Chronicles 12:6), Levites (1 Chronicles 23:20, 24:21, 24:25), and a man who married a foreign wife (Ezra 10:31).

Biblical Usage

This name is used exclusively in post-exilic historical and genealogical texts, specifically 1 Chronicles and Ezra. It appears six times across lists detailing the lineages of the tribe of Issachar (1 Chronicles 7:3), David's mighty men (1 Chronicles 12:6), the divisions of Levitical families (1 Chronicles 23:20, 24:21, 24:25), and those who pledged to divorce foreign wives (Ezra 10:31). The usage is purely identificatory, with no narrative development around the characters.

Etymology

The name יִשִּׁיָּה (Yishshîyâh) is a shortened form of יִשִּׁיָּהוּ (Yishshîyâhû). It is a compound name derived from the root נָשָׁה (nāšâ, H5383), meaning 'to lend' or 'to give as a pledge,' and the divine name יָהּ (Yāh, H3050), a shortened form of Yahweh. Thus, the name literally means 'Yahweh will lend' or 'Yahweh will give,' expressing trust in God's provision.

Semantic Range

As a theophoric name (containing God's name), Yishshîyâh reflects the personal piety and theological consciousness of Israelite families, who often named children to acknowledge God's action or character. It embodies a confession of faith in Yahweh as the source of blessing and provision. While the individuals themselves are not major figures, their names collectively testify to the widespread practice of invoking Yahweh's name in daily life and identity, enriching our understanding of personal faith in the genealogical tapestry of Israel.

In ancient Israelite culture, names were deeply significant, often expressing a hope, circumstance, or attribute related to God. A name meaning 'Yahweh will lend' likely reflected parental gratitude for a child after a period of barrenness or difficulty, viewing the child as a gift 'on loan' from God. This contrasts with modern naming conventions, which are often chosen for sound or family tradition rather than explicit theological meaning.

Yehonathan (Yᵊhônāṯān, H3083) — Means 'Yahweh has given'; shares the theme of God as giver. Nethanyahu (Nᵊṯanyāhû, H5418) — Means 'Yahweh has given'; another theophoric name with a similar root concept of giving.

Word Details

Scripture References