יִשְׁפָּה (yish.pah)
yish.pah
Ishpah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Ishpah appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, listed as a son of Beriah within the genealogy of Benjamin in 1 Chronicles 8:16. The text places him among several brothers who are identified as heads of their family or tribe, suggesting that Ishpah held a position of leadership or prominence within his community during the period leading up to the exile.
The name itself carries a striking meaning, interpreted as "He is bare" or "naked." In ancient Near Eastern naming conventions, such names often reflected a specific circumstance at birth or a theological statement about dependence on God. While the exact context of this designation is not explained in the brief genealogical record, the name stands out for its stark imagery compared to more common honorifics.
As a member of the tribe of Benjamin, Ishpah connects to a lineage that produced significant figures like King Saul. His inclusion in Chronicles serves to preserve the identity of Israel’s families, ensuring that even those with less widely known stories remain part of the recorded heritage. The brevity of his mention highlights how the biblical text values the integrity of family lines over individual biographical detail.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ishpah appears in a single line of Scripture, listing him as a son of Beriah within the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:16). His name carries the meaning "He is bare" or "naked," a stark reminder of human vulnerability. In ancient times, names often reflected circumstances or spiritual truths, and this one points to our fundamental dependence on God.
Genealogies in the Bible are not just lists of names; they show that every person matters to God. Even those with brief mentions are part of His larger story. Ishpah’s inclusion reminds us that God values each individual, regardless of how well-known they may be. This truth offers comfort, knowing that our lives are woven into God's faithful plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Ishpah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/יִשְׁפָּ֛ה1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 8:16
Michael, Ishpah, Joha, the sons of Beriah,
This verse places Ishpah in the lineage of Benjamin, highlighting his role as a son of Beriah and connecting him to the tribe that produced King Saul.