יִשְׁעִי

יִשְׁעִי

Jishi, the name of four Israelites

Definition

יִשְׁעִי (Yishʻîy) is a proper noun meaning 'my salvation' or 'saving,' derived from the root for salvation. It is the name of four different individuals in the Old Testament, all appearing in genealogical lists within 1 Chronicles. The name signifies a personal connection to God's saving power, as seen in its etymology. While the name is consistently used for individuals, its theological weight comes from its root meaning, pointing to divine deliverance.

Biblical Usage

This name is used exclusively in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles, appearing four times. It identifies four distinct Israelites: a descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:31), a Simeonite (1 Chronicles 4:20), a Manassite (1 Chronicles 5:24), and another figure in a list of warriors (1 Chronicles 4:42). Its usage is purely onomastic, serving to identify individuals within Israel's tribal history without narrative development.

Etymology

Derived from the Hebrew root יָשַׁע (yāšaʻ, H3467), meaning 'to save,' 'to deliver,' or 'to give victory.' יִשְׁעִי is a first-person singular possessive form, literally translating to 'my salvation.' It is a theophoric name, implicitly invoking God as the source of salvation, similar to names like Isaiah (יְשַׁעְיָהוּ – 'Yahweh is salvation').

Semantic Range

As a personal name meaning 'my salvation,' יִשְׁעִי serves as a tangible reminder of the Israelite hope in God as deliverer. While the individuals bearing the name are not major figures, the name itself encapsulates a core biblical theme. It personalizes the concept of salvation, reflecting an individual or family's faith in God's rescuing power. Understanding this Hebrew name enriches reading by highlighting how theology was embedded in daily identity. In ancient Israel, names were often descriptive and carried significant meaning, reflecting circumstances, hopes, or divine attributes. יִשְׁעִי is a classic example of a 'theophoric' name, where a divine element (though here implied as 'my') is combined with a verb or noun. Bearing such a name was a constant, personal confession of dependence on God's saving acts, a practice different from modern naming conventions which often prioritize sound or family tradition over semantic meaning. יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Yeshaʻyāhû, H3470) — A longer, more explicit theophoric name meaning 'Yahweh is salvation,' borne by the prophet Isaiah. יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (Yĕhôshuaʻ, H3091) — Meaning 'Yahweh is salvation,' the name of Moses's successor (Joshua).

Word Details