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יִשְׁוָה

𐤉𐤔𐤅𐤄

Yishevah

H3438 noun

SILEX Entry

Root שוה to be equal, level, compare

Definition

Proper name: Yishvah, a male personal name borne by a descendant of Asher, one of the sons of Jacob/Israel. As a name, its primary meaning is not transparent in context, but it is likely connected to the sense of 'evenness' or 'levelness' suggested by its root, though possibly chosen simply for its phonetic qualities or family tradition rather than semantic content. The word appears as a genealogical identifier in list contexts, designating a specific Israelite clan-ancestor.

Semantic Range

proper personal name (male), possible sense of 'level' or 'equal' if interpreted etymologically; used strictly as a genealogical designation in biblical contexts

Root / Etymology

The name is traditionally derived from the root שָׁוָה (sh-w-h), which carries meanings related to being equal, level, or comparable. The form יִשְׁוָה (Yishvah) follows standard masculine nominal patterns, but as a personal name, its semantic motivation may be opaque or secondary; 'etymology uncertain' applies regarding any specific intention behind its use as a name.

Historical & Contextual Notes

יִשְׁוָה is used exclusively as a male personal name in genealogical lists (Genesis 46:17, Numbers 26:44, 1 Chronicles 7:30), referencing a son of Asher, one of the Israelite tribes. The name appears alongside his brothers' names, forming the ancestral groups of Asherite clans. Later English translations may render the name as Ishvah, Isvah, or Jishvah; such spellings reflect traditions rather than pronunciation or meaning. There is no indication from biblical usage that the name connoted a particular attribute or role beyond its genealogical function. The etymological connection to 'level' or 'equal' is possible but not emphasized in the text. The name is distinct from related roots such as שָׁוֶה (meaning 'to be equal, similar') and should not be confused with words used for equality or comparison in broader Hebrew literature. The historical context associates the bearer only with the early tribal period of the Israelites and has no clear presence or resonance in later biblical or extra-biblical Hebrew.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from שָׁוָה; he will level; Jishvah, an Israelite; Ishvah, Isvah.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

שוה (sh-w-h) — to be equal, level, compare

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H3145 יוֹשַׁוְיָה And Yahweh-has-established
H3440 יִשְׁוִי to Yishvi
H3441 יִשְׁוִי the Yishvite
H7737 שָׁוָה I will make equal
H7738 שָׁוָה you will be devastated

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H3438-01 וְ/יִשְׁוָ֛ה veyishevah HC/Np and Ishvah and Yishvah 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H3438-01 Genesis 46:17 וְ/יִשְׁוָ֛ה veyishevah HC/Np and Ishvah and Yishvah
H3438-01 1 Chronicles 7:30 וְ/יִשְׁוָ֛ה veyishevah HC/Np and Ishvah and Yishvah
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