יִצְהָר
Jitshar, an Israelite
Definition
Yitshâr (Jitshar/Izhar) is a proper noun referring to a significant Levite in the Israelite lineage. He was the son of Kohath and the grandson of Levi, making him a key figure in the priestly and tabernacle service structure (Exodus 6:18, 21). As the father of Korah, he is ancestrally linked to the infamous rebellion against Moses and Aaron's authority recorded in Numbers 16:1. His descendants, the Izharites, are listed among the Levitical clans assigned specific duties in the worship of the tabernacle and later the temple (1 Chronicles 23:12).
Biblical Usage
The name Yitshâr appears exclusively in genealogical and organizational lists within the Pentateuch and Chronicles. It is used to establish the Levitical lineage, specifically within the Kohathite clan. All nine occurrences (e.g., Exodus 6:18, Numbers 3:19, 1 Chronicles 6:2, 18) serve to trace ancestry and define the divisions of Levitical service, highlighting the importance of hereditary roles in Israel's worship system.
Etymology
The name Yitshâr (יִצְהָר) is derived from the identical common noun H3323 (יִצְהָר), meaning 'fresh oil' or 'shining oil,' typically referring to high-quality, pure olive oil. As a personal name, it likely carried a positive connotation of freshness, anointing, or light, possibly expressing a hope for the child's character or destiny.
Semantic Range
While a personal name, Yitshâr's placement in the Levitical genealogy underscores the biblical theme of God's sovereign ordering of worship and community. His connection to Korah highlights the serious consequences of challenging God-appointed authority (Numbers 16). Understanding his role enriches the reading of Israel's priestly history, showing how individual lineages were integral to maintaining holy worship before God.
In ancient Israelite culture, names were often meaningful and descriptive. Bearing a name derived from 'oil' (a substance associated with consecration, light, and honor) for a Levite—a tribe set apart for holy service—would have been culturally resonant. His genealogical record affirmed his family's identity, inheritance, and sacred responsibilities within the community.
None directly applicable as a proper name. The root is shared with יִצְהָר (yitshâr, H3323) — the common noun for 'fresh oil.'
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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