יִשְׁמְרַי (yish.me.ray)
yish.me.ray
Ishmerai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Ishmerai is a personal name found only once in Scripture, appearing in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin in 1 Chronicles 8:18. He is identified as the son of Elpaal and one of several brothers listed in this family line.
The name carries the meaning "He keeps me," derived from the Hebrew root for guarding or protecting. This construction reflects a common pattern in biblical naming, where individuals express trust in divine preservation through their identity.
Its single occurrence highlights how ancient Israelite genealogies preserved the names of ordinary family members alongside more prominent figures. The record serves as a testament to the continuity of the tribe during the period of the divided monarchy, ensuring that even those with brief scriptural mentions remain part of the historical narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ishmerai means "He keeps me," a simple phrase that carries deep weight for anyone who has ever felt vulnerable or alone. In the ancient world, naming a child this way was an act of faith — a declaration that God would be their protector and preserver throughout life.
Though he appears only once in Scripture as part of the tribe of Benjamin’s genealogy, his name reminds us that God remembers every person. Even when history seems to move on or our own stories feel small, we are held by the same faithful hand that guarded the ancestors of Israel. This single mention shows that no life is too minor for God’s record.
When you face uncertainty or fear, let this name encourage you. It whispers that the One who kept Ishmerai is still with you today, watching over your steps and holding your future in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Ishmerai1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/יִשְׁמְרַ֧י1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 8:18
Ishmerai, Izliah, Jobab, the sons of Elpaal,
This verse lists Ishmerai among the sons of Elpaal, showing how his name, meaning "He keeps me," was part of a broader family line preserved in Israel’s tribal records.