יִשְׁבָּק (yish.baq)
yish.baq
Ishbak
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Ishbak is a proper name found in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only twice in Genesis 25:2 and 1 Chronicles 1:32. The text identifies him as a son of Abraham and Keturah, making him a half-brother to Isaac and Ishmael. He is listed among six brothers born to Abraham after Sarah’s death, representing the expansion of Abraham’s family line into new territories.
The name carries the meaning "he releases" or "he lets go." This etymology suggests a thematic link to the narrative context of Genesis 25, where Abraham sends his sons by Keturah away from Isaac toward the east. The name may reflect this act of sending forth or the freedom associated with their new beginning.
As a patriarchal figure, Ishbak serves as the progenitor of an Arabian tribe mentioned in genealogical records. His brief appearance highlights the breadth of Abraham’s influence and the diverse origins of the peoples surrounding Israel. The name anchors his identity within the larger story of covenant promises extending beyond the primary line of Isaac.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Ishbak is a name that appears in two genealogies, marking him as one of the sons born to Abraham after Sarah’s death. His name means "he releases" or "he lets go," which mirrors the story where Abraham sends these children away from Isaac toward the east. This act of sending forth was not an erasure of their place in Abraham’s life, but a way to establish new families and tribes in different lands.
For readers today, this name offers a quiet reminder that God’s care extends beyond the primary line of promise. While Isaac remained the child of the covenant, Ishbak and his brothers were still part of Abraham’s legacy. Their existence shows that God’s blessings are not limited to one narrow path but can branch out in many directions.
When we encounter names like Ishbak in Scripture, we see the breadth of God’s providence. Even those who step away from the central narrative remain known and remembered. This perspective can bring comfort when we feel our own paths diverge from what we expected, reminding us that every life has a place in the larger story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Ishbak1×
- Ishbak1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִשְׁבָּ֖ק1×
- וְ/יִשְׁבָּ֣ק1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 25:2
She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.
This verse records Ishbak’s birth among Keturah’s sons, establishing his identity as part of Abraham’s extended family after Sarah’s passing.