Yissakhar is the Hebrew form of Issachar, a name borne by a biblical figure. In the Old Testament, Issachar is the name of the fifth son of Jacob and Leah (Jacob's ninth son overall), and the founder of the Israelite Tribe of Issachar.
Etymology
The name's etymology is tied to two interpretations from the text of Genesis. It may derive from ish sakar, meaning "man of hire," referencing Leah's arrangement to hire Jacob's sexual favors for mandrakes. Alternatively, it may come from yesh sakar, meaning "there is reward," reflecting Leah's view that Issachar's birth was a divine reward for giving her handmaid Zilpah to Jacob as a concubine. This second meaning is supported by the Hebrew root שָׁכַר (shaḵar), meaning "hire, wage, reward." In Genesis 30:18, Leah states, "God has given me my wages because I gave my female servant to my husband," providing the name's justification. Some Biblical scholars view the name and tribe as an eponymous metaphor explaining the tribe's connections to the Israelite confederation.
Cultural and Historical Context
Tribes of Israel: The twelve sons of Jacob became the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Tribe of Issachar is traditionally associated with knowledge of the times and leadership in warfare (1 Chronicles 12:32), as well as a blessing from Jacob in Genesis 49:14 describing them as a strong donkey laboring between two burdens.
- Meaning: "man of hire" or "there is reward"
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: First name
- Usage: Hebrew, Hebrew Bible
Sources: Wikipedia — Issachar