יִשְׁוָה (yish.vah)
yish.vah
Ishvah
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 Yishvah identifies a specific individual in the genealogies of Genesis and Chronicles, recorded as the second son of Asher and brother to figures like Beriah and Serah. It appears only twice in Scripture, marking his presence among the seventy members of Jacob’s family who descended into Egypt (Genesis 46:17) and later in the tribal records of Israel (1 Chronicles 7:30).
Linguistically, the name is interpreted as meaning "he will resemble" or "he will be like." This etymology suggests a personal identity tied to likeness or continuity within the family line. While the text does not elaborate on his personal deeds or character, his inclusion in these lists affirms his place in the ancestral heritage of the tribe of Asher.
As a proper noun, Yishvah functions primarily as a marker of lineage rather than a theological term. Its rarity highlights how biblical genealogies preserve the names of individuals who do not have narrative roles, ensuring their existence is recorded within the broader story of Israel’s origins and tribal structure.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you read through the long lists of names in Genesis or Chronicles, it is easy to feel like these are just dry records with no real impact on your life today. Yet, each name represents a real person who was part of God’s unfolding plan. Yishvah, meaning 'he will resemble,' reminds us that our identity is often rooted in where we come from and the family line God has chosen.
This word shows up only twice in Scripture, marking Yishvah as one of Asher’s sons. His inclusion in the genealogies leading into Egypt and later in tribal records highlights a beautiful truth: every individual matters to God. Even those without dramatic stories in the Bible are preserved with care, showing that our heritage is not just about famous ancestors but about being part of a larger, faithful community.
For your faith, this encourages you to see your own place in God’s story. Just as Yishvah was remembered for his lineage, you are remembered by name. Your life, like his, contributes to the broader narrative of God’s people. It is a comforting thought that no one is overlooked in the grand tapestry of Scripture.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Ishvah2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/יִשְׁוָ֛ה2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 46:17
The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and Serah their sister. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel.
This verse lists Yishvah among the seventy members of Jacob’s family, showing his specific role in the migration to Egypt and the preservation of the tribe of Asher.
-
I Chronicles 7:30
The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and Beriah. Serah was their sister.
Here, Yishvah is named again in the tribal records, confirming that his lineage was carefully maintained and recognized within the community of Israel long after the Exodus.