יִשְׂחָק (yis.chaq)
yis.chaq
Isaac
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name yis.chaq is a variant spelling of Isaac, meaning "he laughs." It appears in only four verses of Scripture, primarily within the books of Amos, Psalms, and Jeremiah. In these later texts, the form serves as a proper noun referring to the patriarch, son of Abraham and Sarah, rather than introducing the narrative of his birth.
While the more common spelling yits.chaq dominates the Genesis accounts, this variant highlights how Hebrew names were recorded with slight orthographic differences over time. The meaning remains consistent: it recalls the laughter of Abraham and Sarah in response to the promise of a child in their old age (Genesis 17:19). By using this specific form in prophetic and poetic literature, the biblical authors invoke the memory of that divine promise without retelling the origin story.
Its limited usage suggests it functions as a standard identifier within those specific books. The name anchors the reader in the lineage of Jacob and Esau, reminding them of the covenant promises passed down through Abraham’s family. The variation in spelling does not change the theological weight of the figure but reflects the natural diversity of Hebrew manuscript traditions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Isaac means "he laughs," recalling the moment Abraham and Sarah laughed in surprise at God’s promise of a child in their old age. This variant spelling appears in just four verses, mostly in Psalms and the prophets. When these writers mention Isaac, they are not retelling his birth story. Instead, they are pointing back to the covenant God made with Abraham’s family.
For your faith, this reminds you that God keeps His promises across generations. The prophets used Isaac’s name to show that the Lord’s commitment to His people does not change, even when circumstances seem difficult. You can trust that the same God who fulfilled His word to Sarah and Abraham is faithful to you today.
Whether you are studying Scripture or simply reflecting on your own life, this word anchors you in a long line of believers who saw God’s faithfulness. It invites you to rest in the assurance that God’s plans endure, just as the covenant with Isaac has endured through history.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Isaac3×
- to/ Isaac1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/יִשְׂחָֽק\׃1×
- יִשְׂחָֽק\׃1×
- יִשְׂחָ֣ק1×
- יִשְׂחָ֔ק1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 105:9
the covenant which he made with Abraham, his oath to Isaac,
This verse links Isaac directly to the oath made with Abraham, showing how the covenant promise is passed down through the patriarchs.
-
Amos 7:16
Now therefore listen to Yahweh’s word: ‘You say, Don’t prophesy against Israel, and don’t preach against the house of Isaac.’
Here Amos is told not to preach against the house of Isaac, highlighting that God’s people are still identified by their ancestral covenant even in times of judgment.
-
Jeremiah 33:26
then I will also cast away the offspring of Jacob, and of David my servant, so that I will not take of his offspring to be rulers over the offspring of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; for I will cause their captivity to be reversed and will have mercy on them.”
God’s promise to restore the offspring of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob shows that His commitment to the patriarchs remains unbroken despite Israel’s exile.