יִשְׁמַעְיָ֫הוּ (yish.ma.yah)
yish.ma.yah
Ishmaiah
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 Ishmaiah, derived from the Hebrew elements meaning "Jehovah will hear," appears only twice in the Old Testament, both within the genealogical and military records of 1 Chronicles. It identifies two distinct figures from the era of King David, serving as a reminder that ordinary names often belonged to individuals who played specific roles in Israel’s history.
The first Ishmaiah is listed among David’s mighty warriors in 1 Chronicles 12:4. He is described as a Gibeonite and a leader from the tribe of Zebulun, highlighting how men from various tribal backgrounds united behind David. The second mention in 1 Chronicles 27:19 identifies him as the son of Obadiah and the official ruler over the tribe of Zebulun during David’s reign.
While the name itself carries a hopeful theological weight—suggesting divine attentiveness—the biblical text focuses on his administrative or military function rather than personal narrative. These brief references illustrate how the Chronicler valued record-keeping, ensuring that leaders like Ishmaiah were remembered for their service to the kingdom.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ishmaiah carries a simple but powerful meaning: "Jehovah will hear." In the Old Testament, this name appears only twice, both times within the detailed records of King David’s reign. These brief mentions remind us that God notices those who serve in specific roles, whether on the battlefield or in administrative leadership.
In 1 Chronicles 12:4, Ishmaiah is listed as a Gibeonite and a leader among David’s mighty warriors. His presence shows how men from different tribal backgrounds united behind David. Later, in 1 Chronicles 27:19, he is noted as the ruler over the tribe of Zebulun. These records highlight that faithful service, even when not given a personal narrative, is valued by God.
For your faith, this word offers comfort. It suggests that your efforts to serve and lead are seen. Just as Ishmaiah’s name promised divine attentiveness, you can trust that God hears the prayers and labors of those who walk in obedience. His records keep what matters most: loyalty and service.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Ishmaiah1×
- Ishmaiah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִֽשְׁמַֽעְיָ֖הוּ1×
- וְ/יִֽשְׁמַֽעְיָ֧ה1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 12:4
Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty and a leader of the thirty; Jeremiah; Jahaziel; Johanan; Jozabad the Gederathite;
This verse identifies Ishmaiah as a Gibeonite leader among David's warriors, showing how diverse tribes united in service.
-
I Chronicles 27:19
of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah; of Naphtali, Jeremoth the son of Azriel;
Here he is named as the official ruler over Zebulun, highlighting his administrative role in David’s kingdom.