יִשְׁעִי (yish.i)

yish.i

Ishi

H3469 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 4 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 4 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Ishi means "He saves me," a declaration of personal deliverance rooted in the Hebrew word for salvation. It appears four times in Scripture, all within the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. These entries list men from various tribes—Judah, Simeon, and Manasseh—who served as tribal chiefs or family heads during the period of the Divided Monarchy.

Although these individuals are not central figures in the biblical narrative, their names carry significant theological weight. By naming sons "He saves me," families expressed a deep reliance on God’s protective power rather than military strength or political status. The name reflects a common ancient Israelite practice of embedding faith into identity, reminding readers that deliverance comes from the Lord alone.

Translators typically leave such names untranslated to preserve their original meaning and cultural context. This approach allows modern readers to encounter the personal piety embedded in these ancient records, seeing how ordinary leaders acknowledged divine help in their lineage and leadership roles.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Ishi appears in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, meaning "He saves me." These records list family heads from tribes like Judah and Simeon who lived during the time of the Divided Monarchy. Though they are not central figures in the biblical narrative, their names carry significant theological weight. By naming sons with this declaration, families expressed a deep reliance on God’s protective power rather than military strength or political status.

This practice reminds us that deliverance comes from the Lord alone. It reflects an ancient Israelite habit of embedding faith into identity. When we read these lists, we see ordinary leaders acknowledging divine help in their lineage and leadership roles. This offers a quiet encouragement: our security does not rest on our own strength, but on God’s faithful care.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Ishi4×
and/ Ishi1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

יִשְׁעִי֙1×
יִשְׁעִ֖י1×
יִשְׁעִ֔י1×
יִשְׁעִ֑י1×
וְ/יִשְׁעִ֡י1×

Key Verses

I Chronicles 2:31
The son of Appaim: Ishi. The son of Ishi: Sheshan. The son of Sheshan: Ahlai.

This verse introduces Ishi as part of the lineage of Judah, showing how the name was passed down through generations as a reminder of God's saving power.
I Chronicles 4:20
The sons of Shimon: Amnon, Rinnah, Ben Hanan, and Tilon. The sons of Ishi: Zoheth, and Ben Zoheth.

Here, Ishi is listed among the sons of Shimon, illustrating that even lesser-known tribal families carried names that pointed to divine deliverance.
I Chronicles 4:42
Some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to Mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi.

This occurrence highlights Uzziel, one of the captains under Ishi, demonstrating how those named for salvation led others in acts of courage and faith.
I Chronicles 5:24
These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel—mighty men of valor, famous men, heads of their fathers’ houses.

Ishi is listed among mighty men of valor in Manasseh, showing that strength and leadership were understood as gifts from God rather than personal achievements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Ishi mean?

Ishi is a Hebrew name that translates to "He saves me." It reflects a personal declaration of trust in God’s ability to deliver and protect. The name appears in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles, where it serves as a reminder of divine help.

Where does Ishi appear in the Bible?

The name Ishi appears four times in 1 Chronicles, specifically in chapters 2, 4, and 5. These entries list men from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Manasseh who served as family heads or leaders during the Divided Monarchy.

Why is this name significant?

The name highlights a common ancient Israelite practice of embedding faith into identity. By naming their children "He saves me," families acknowledged that their security and leadership came from God, not from military power or social status.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)

I Chronicles 4 verses

I Chronicles 2:31

The son of Appaim: Ishi. The son of Ishi: Sheshan. The son of Sheshan: Ahlai.

I Chronicles 4:20

The sons of Shimon: Amnon, Rinnah, Ben Hanan, and Tilon. The sons of Ishi: Zoheth, and Ben Zoheth.

I Chronicles 4:42

Some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to Mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah,…

I Chronicles 5:24

These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel—mighty men…