יִשְׁוִי

Jishvi, the name of two Israelites

Definition

Yishvîy (Jishvi) is a proper name borne by two distinct individuals in the Old Testament. First, it refers to a son of Asher, the eighth son of Jacob, as listed in the genealogies of Genesis 46:17 and Numbers 26:44, where he is a clan founder. Second, it is the name of a son of King Saul, mentioned in 1 Samuel 14:49 and 1 Chronicles 8:33 (where the name appears as 'Ishvi' or 'Ishui'). The name's meaning, derived from its root, relates to being 'level' or 'equal,' though its specific significance for these individuals is not explained in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

This name is used exclusively as a personal name in genealogical and historical lists. It appears in the foundational tribal genealogy of Asher (Genesis 46:17, Numbers 26:44) and in the royal family record of Saul (1 Samuel 14:49, 1 Chronicles 7:30/8:33). There is no narrative usage; it functions solely to identify individuals within these family lineages.

Etymology

The name Yishvîy (יִשְׁוִי) is a patronymic or gentilic form derived from the root שָׁוָה (shâvâ, H7737), meaning 'to be level, even, or equal.' It likely signifies 'the level one' or 'man of equality.' This root is also seen in words like יָשָׁר (yâshâr, H3477), meaning 'upright' or 'straight.'

Semantic Range

As a personal name, Yishvîy reflects the common Israelite practice of using words with positive or descriptive meanings for names. The concept of being 'level' or 'equal' may have conveyed ideals of fairness, uprightness, or stability, qualities valued within the community. Its use for both a tribal ancestor and a king's son shows the name's acceptance across different social strata in ancient Israel.

Asher (ʼÂshêr, H836) — The tribal patriarch, father of Jishvi. Ishvi (ʼIshvîy, H3440) — A variant spelling for the same name, referring to Saul's son.

Word Details

Scripture References