יְשִׁישַׁי (ye.shi.sah)
ye.shi.sah
Jeshishai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Yĕshîšay appears only once in Scripture, recorded in the genealogy of the tribe of Gad in 1 Chronicles 5:14. It identifies a man from Gilead who lived during the period of the divided monarchy. He is listed as the son of Jahdo and the father of Michael, serving as a link in the ancestral line that preserves the identity of this eastern tribe.
Linguistically, the name means "my old one" or "my elder." It derives from the Hebrew root for age or seniority, reflecting a cultural emphasis on respect for elders. While the name itself carries this meaning of maturity and experience, the biblical text uses it simply to mark his place in the family record without further narrative detail.
Because this entry is isolated within a long list of names, its primary significance lies in its historical function. It confirms the continuity of the Gadite community through generations. The name serves as a reminder that even individuals with no recorded deeds or speeches were part of the larger people of Israel, whose lineage was carefully preserved for future generations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jeshishai appears only once in the Bible, tucked into a long list of ancestors in 1 Chronicles 5:14. It means "my elder" or "my old one," pointing to a life marked by maturity and experience. In the culture of ancient Israel, such names reflected a deep respect for those who had lived through many seasons and guided their families with wisdom.
Though Jeshishai left no recorded speeches or heroic deeds, his inclusion in Scripture matters deeply. He stands as a link in the chain that preserved the identity of the tribe of Gad during turbulent times. This reminds us that God values every generation and every quiet life lived in faithful continuity.
Your own place in God's story does not depend on fame or loud achievements. Like Jeshishai, your steady presence and faithful living contribute to a larger narrative that God carefully preserves. Even in ordinary moments, you are part of His enduring plan for His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jeshishai1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְשִׁישַׁ֥י1×