אֲבִישׁוּעַ (a.vi.shu.a)
a.vi.shu.a
Abishua
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Abishua means "my father is rescue" or "my father is safety." It appears in two brief genealogical lists in the Hebrew Bible, identifying men who served as links in long family lines rather than acting as central figures in narrative events.
One bearer of this name was a Levite, a son of Phinehas and grandson of Aaron (1 Chronicles 6:4). Another Abishua belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, listed as a son of Bela (1 Chronicles 8:4). In both cases, the name functions as a marker of heritage and continuity within the tribes of Israel.
The etymology highlights trust in divine protection. By naming their children with references to rescue or safety, these families affirmed that their survival depended on God’s intervention. The word itself does not carry theological weight beyond its role in preserving ancestral records.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Abishua carries a simple but profound meaning: "my father is rescue." In the ancient world, names were not just labels; they were declarations of faith. By giving this name to their children, families acknowledged that their survival and safety came from God alone. It was a way of saying that even in uncertain times, their heritage rested on divine protection.
While Abishua appears only briefly in the biblical record, his inclusion in genealogies reminds us that every generation matters. These lists preserve the lineage leading to Aaron and the priesthood, showing how God honors faithful families across centuries. Your own place in God’s story is just as significant, woven into a larger narrative of grace.
When we read these names, we are invited to trust that God is our refuge. Just as Abishua’s ancestors looked back to their heritage, we look forward to the hope found in Christ. This word encourages us to rest in the truth that our Father provides rescue and safety for all who seek Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Abishua1×
- Abishua1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/אֲבִישׁ֥וּעַ1×
- אֲבִישׁ֗וּעַ1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 8:4
Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah,
This verse identifies Abishua as a son of Bela, anchoring him within the tribal lineage of Benjamin and preserving his family’s place in Israel’s history.
-
Ezra 7:5
the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest—
Here Abishua is listed as an ancestor of Ezra, highlighting the continuity of the priestly line from Aaron through generations to the time of the return from exile.