Who was Ishi in the Bible?

Ishi was a son of Shimon and a descendant of Judah, mentioned in the genealogy of the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:20). He is listed as part of the lineage that traces the family line from Judah through his son Perez.

Why is Ishi mentioned in the Bible?

Ishi's mention is primarily for genealogical record-keeping, establishing the continuity of the tribe of Judah. This lineage was crucial for Israel's tribal identity and, later, for tracing the ancestry of King David and, by Christian tradition, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3).

Are there any stories about Ishi in the Bible?

No, there are no specific stories or key events recorded about Ishi's life. His name appears only in the genealogical list in 1 Chronicles 4:20, with no further narrative details provided.

Ishi

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Ishi was a son of Shimon, a descendant of Judah (1Ch.4.20).

Ishi

Biography

This Ishi was a son of Shimon, belonging to the tribal genealogy of Judah as recorded in 1 Chronicles 4:20. The passage lists the sons of Shimon, Amnon, Rinnah, Ben-hanan, and Ishi, as part of the broader genealogical survey of Judah's descendants that opens the fourth chapter of Chronicles. Beyond this single listing, no further details are provided about Ishi's life, deeds, or offspring. His inclusion in the Chronicler's genealogy confirms his place within Judah's tribal memory and establishes him as a recognized member of the covenant people. The name Ishi appears multiple times in the Old Testament, applied to several distinct individuals across different tribes and eras, underscoring its popularity as a name in ancient Israel.

Significance

The brevity of Ishi's mention in 1 Chronicles 4:20 is itself theologically instructive. The Chronicler's meticulous genealogical record reflects a theological conviction that every person within the covenant community possesses a named and remembered identity before God. In post-exilic Israel, these genealogies were not merely historical curiosities but vital instruments of communal restoration, helping a displaced people reclaim their heritage and connection to the land and promises of their ancestors. Ishi's place in Judah's genealogy affirms that even those who leave no recorded deeds are not forgotten, they remain woven into the fabric of God's covenant story.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherAppaimChildSheshan

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 4:20

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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