Lexical Definition

‎Ἰσαχάρ‎ Isachár (ee-sakh-ar') Issachar N:N-M-P
of Hebrew origin (‎יִשָּׂשכָר‎)

Issachar.

Usage: 4 forms in 44 verses

Abbott-Smith

Ἰσσαχάρ (Rec. Ἰσαχ-, Ἰσασχ- (Elz.), T, -άχαρ), indecl. (FlJ, Ἰσάχαρις, Ἰσάσχ-) (Heb. יִשְׁשָׂכָר, Ge 30:18),
Issachar: Re 7:7.†

Abbott-Smith References

Book Refs
Genesis 30:18
Revelation 7:7

Profile

Male • Son of Israel • Son of Jacob and Leah, forefather of tribe

Jacob's son living at the time of the Patriarchs

Issachar was the ninth son of Jacob and fifth by Leah, and he became the forefather of the Israelite tribe of Issachar.

Issachar was the ninth son of Israel (or 'Jacob') and the fifth son of Leah (Gen. 30:18; 35:23; 46:13; 1 Chr. 2:1). His name means "man of reward" or "there is reward", referring to Leah's belief that God rewarded her for giving her maidservant to Jacob (Gen. 30:18).

Issachar had four sons: Tola, Puvah, Job (or Jashub), and Shimron (Gen. 46:13; Num. 26:23-24; 1 Chr. 7:1). His descendants became one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

In Jacob's blessing, Issachar was described as a "strong donkey" and "resting between the sheepfolds", indicating his tribe would be hardworking and content with an agrarian life (Gen. 49:14-15).

During the wilderness years, the tribe of Issachar was led by Nethanel son of Zuar (Num. 1:8; 2:5; 7:18; 10:15). They encamped on the east side of the tabernacle under the standard of Judah (Num. 2:5).

In the census taken in the wilderness of Sinai, the tribe of Issachar numbered 54,400 men aged 20 and over (Num. 1:28-29). In the second census on the plains of Moab they numbered 64,300 (Num. 26:25).

Issachar's allotment in Canaan included the fertile Jezreel Valley and was bordered by Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun and Jordan (Josh. 19:17-23). The Levitical cities in Issachar's territory were Kishion, Daberath, Jarmuth and En-gannim (Josh. 21:28-29).

The tribe of Issachar was commended for providing wise leadership during the time of David (1 Chr. 12:32). One of David's officers, Omri son of Michael, was from Issachar (1 Chr. 27:18). The tribe is also noted for being faithful to Hezekiah's Passover invitation (2 Chr. 30:18).

In Ezekiel's vision of the division of the restored land, Issachar is allotted the sixth portion (Ezek. 48:25-26). In John's apocalyptic vision, Issachar is one of the tribes sealed by God (Rev. 7:7).

All entries for Issachar: יִשָּׂשכָרἸσαχάρ