Lexical Summary Yitschar: Oil Original Word: יִצְחַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jitschar, an Israelite From the same as tsachar; he will shine; Jitschar, an Israelite -- and Zehoar (from the margin). see HEBREW tsachar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as Tsochar, q.v. NASB Translation Izhar (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs יִצְחָר 1 Chronicles 4:7 Kt, see foregoing. Topical Lexicon Etymology and Sense The name יִצְחַר (Yitschar) sounds like the Hebrew word for “fresh oil” and evokes the imagery of brightness, richness, and consecration. While Scripture does not pause to interpret the meaning, the association with oil naturally suggests blessing, abundance, and suitability for anointing. Biblical Occurrence 1 Chronicles 4:7 records, “The sons of Helah were Zereth, Izhar, and Ethnan”. This single notice places Izhar within the expansive Judahite genealogy that stretches through 1 Chronicles 4, tracing the tribe’s growth after the exile and reaffirming its covenant place. Historical Background The Chronicler wrote to a post-exilic community eager to rediscover its heritage. By listing even little-known descendants such as Izhar, the inspired writer underscored that every clan, however small, had a stake in the restoration of Judah’s land, worship, and identity. Genealogies in Chronicles function as spiritual census records, anchoring the returned remnant in God’s unbroken promises to Abraham, Judah, and David. Izhar’s name, though appearing only once, signifies a real household that shared in rebuilding life around the rebuilt temple. Distinction from the Levite Izhar Elsewhere a different spelling (יִצְהָר) identifies Izhar the Kohathite, ancestor of Korah (Exodus 6:18; Numbers 16:1). The Judahite Izhar of 1 Chronicles 4:7 must not be conflated with that Levite line. The two names sound alike yet represent distinct tribes and callings—Judah’s royal lineage and Levi’s priestly service—both essential to the covenant community. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Inclusiveness: By naming Izhar, Scripture affirms that God remembers individuals unknown to history but precious to Him (Isaiah 49:16). Ministry Application Pastors and teachers can draw practical lessons from Izhar’s lone appearance: Lessons for the Church Izhar’s brief mention encourages modern disciples to rejoice in their adoption into God’s family record (Ephesians 1:5). As names once engraved on tablets in Jerusalem found lasting place in inspired writ, so believers’ names are “written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Izhar’s inclusion, therefore, becomes a quiet testimony that every saved person counts in God’s unfolding account and will share in the everlasting inheritance promised through Judah’s greatest Son. Forms and Transliterations וְצֹ֖חַר וצחר veTzochar wə·ṣō·ḥar wəṣōḥarLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 4:7 HEB: [יִצְחָר כ] (וְצֹ֖חַר ק) וְאֶתְנָֽן׃ NAS: [were] Zereth, Izhar and Ethnan. INT: of Helah Zereth Jitschar and Ethnan 1 Occurrence |
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