יָשֵׁן (ya.shen)
ya.shen
Jashen
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 Yashen appears in Scripture as a proper noun, identifying a man who lived during the era of the United Monarchy. He is recorded primarily in the list of David’s mighty warriors, where he is described as the father of one or more of these elite fighters. The sources note that he is first mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:32 and appears again in the parallel account in 1 Chronicles 11:34.
Etymologically, the name derives from the Hebrew root meaning "to sleep," suggesting a meaning of "sleeping" or "one who sleeps." In the Chronicler’s list, this same individual is also referred to as Hashem. While the name itself carries this linguistic connection to rest, its biblical function is strictly genealogical, serving to anchor the warrior lineage within the historical record of David’s reign.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Yashen carries a quiet resonance in the biblical record. Derived from a root meaning "to sleep," it evokes a sense of rest or stillness. Yet this individual is not listed among those who rested, but rather as the father of mighty warriors who stood firm for King David. This contrast reminds us that our origins or names do not define our purpose; God can use any lineage to accomplish His plans.
When we encounter such brief mentions in Scripture, it invites us to consider the hidden threads of history. These names anchor the faithfulness of ordinary families within the broader story of God’s kingdom. It encourages us that even those whose stories are told in a single line are part of a larger, enduring narrative of loyalty and strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jashen1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָשֵׁ֖ן1×
Key Verses
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II Samuel 23:32
Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,
This verse identifies Jashen as the father of Jonathan, linking him directly to the elite group of David’s warriors and establishing his role in this specific military lineage.