3485. Yissaskar
Lexical Summary
Yissaskar: Issachar

Original Word: יִשָּׂשׂכָר
Part of Speech: proper name, masculine
Transliteration: Yissaskar
Pronunciation: yis-saw-KAR
Phonetic Spelling: (yis-saw-kawr')
KJV: Issachar
NASB: Issachar
Word Origin: [from H5375 (נָשָׂא נָסָה - lifted) and H7939 (שָׂכָר - wages)]

1. he will bring a reward
2. Jissaskar, a son of Jacob

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Issachar

(strictly yis-saws-kawr'); from nasa' and sakar; he will bring a reward; Jissaskar, a son of Jacob -- Issachar.

see HEBREW nasa'

see HEBREW sakar

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
perhaps "there is recompense," a son of Jacob and Leah, also a son of Obed-edom
NASB Translation
Issachar (43).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
יִשָּׂשכָר48 (so always ᵑ0, Qr perpet.; Ben Naphtali יִשְׂשָׂכָר BaerGn p. 84 f.)

proper name, masculine Issachar (etymology and meaning dubious; ᵑ0 as if Niph`al Imperfect √ שׂכר; Kt = יֵשׁ שָׂכָר there is recompense (compare Genesis 30:18), so Thes and others; this the true etymology according to Ol§§ 69 c; 277 f.i. 120 see יֵשׁ שָׂכָר Jeremiah 31:16; 2Chronicles 15:7; = אִישׁ שָׂכָר (a more probable combination in proper name) WeSam 95; > יִשָּׂכָר (ᵑ0), or יִשָּׂא שׂכר; ᵐ5 Ισσαχαρ, see especially Genesis 30:18 Ισσαχαρ, ὅ ἐστιν μισθός) —

1 fifth son of Jacob and Leah (apparently ninth son of Jacob) Genesis 30:18; Genesis 35:23; Genesis 46:13; Genesis 49:14; Exodus 1:3; Numbers 1:8; ׳בְּנֵי ישׂ Numbers 1:28; Numbers 2:5; Numbers 26:23; Joshua 19:17; 1 Chronicles 7:1; 1 Chronicles 12:33 (32 van d. H.); ׳מִשְׁמְּחוֺת ישׂ Numbers 26:25; 1 Chronicles 7:5; ׳מַטֵּה ישׂ Numbers 1:29; Numbers 2:5; Numbers 13:7; Joshua 21:6,28; 1 Chronicles 6:47; 1 Chronicles 6:57; ׳מטה בני ישׂ Numbers 10:15; Numbers 34:26; Joshua 19:23; ׳בֵּית ישׂ 1 Kings 15:27; hence ׳ישׂ alone = tribe of Issachar, Numbers 7:18; Deuteronomy 27:12; Deuteronomy 33:18; Joshua 19:17; Judges 5:15 (twice in verse); Judges 10:1; Ezekiel 48:33 (׳שׁער ישׂ), 1 Chronicles 27:18; 2Chronicles 30:18; = territory of the tribe Joshua 17:10,11; 1 Kings 4:17; 1 Chronicles 12:41 (40 van d. H.); transition from tribe to territory Ezekiel 48:25,26.

2 7th son of Obed-Edom 1 Chronicles 26:5.

Topical Lexicon
Name and Early Biblical Context

Issachar is the fifth son born to Jacob and Leah and the ninth of Jacob’s twelve sons (Genesis 30:18). On the day of his birth Leah proclaimed, “God has rewarded me… So she named him Issachar” (Genesis 30:18). From its earliest mention the name is linked with divine recompense, positioning Issachar as a token of God’s providence amid family rivalry.

Patriarchal Blessing (Genesis 49:14-15)

At Jacob’s deathbed Issachar received a vivid word-picture:

“Issachar is a strong donkey lying down between the sheepfolds. He saw that his resting place was good and that his land was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to the load and became a slave to forced labor”.

The blessing anticipates (1) agricultural richness, (2) a bent toward settled life rather than nomadism, and (3) a willingness to bear burdens in service of others. Throughout Israel’s history these qualities surface in Issachar’s tribal character—agrarian stability, reliability in levy, and measured political insight.

Mosaic Blessing (Deuteronomy 33:18-19)

Moses couples Issachar with Zebulun: “Rejoice… Issachar, in your tents. They will summon the peoples to the mountain… for they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand”. Together the tribes are pictured as drawing nations to worship and benefiting from both land and sea. The juxtaposition of tents (domestic devotion) and summoning peoples (missional outreach) foreshadows Issachar’s later role as counselors who “understood the times.”

Census Data and Camp Arrangement

Numbers 1:28-29 records 54,400 fighting men at Sinai.
Numbers 26:23-25 records 64,300 on the Plains of Moab—significant wartime growth.
• In the wilderness march Issachar camped on the east side with Judah and Zebulun (Numbers 2:5). Proximity to Judah—the royal line—kept Issachar at the heart of Israel’s advance and worship.

Territorial Inheritance

Joshua 19:17-23 assigns Issachar a fertile swath of the Jezreel Valley and surrounding hills, bordered by Mount Tabor and the Kishon River. Cities such as Jezreel, Shunem and En-gannim lie within its allotment. Grain fields, vineyards and caravan routes made Issachar an agricultural and commercial linchpin. Control of key valleys also placed the tribe in the path of invading powers, demanding strategic discernment.

Military Engagements and Judges Era

Deborah applauds Issachar’s valor: “The princes of Issachar were with Deborah… Issachar was with Barak, rushing after him into the valley” (Judges 5:15). The tribe’s readiness to answer the prophetic call contrasts with the hesitation of others, reinforcing its reputation for thoughtful action.

Men Who Understood the Times

During David’s rise, “from the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—two hundred chiefs” rallied to him (1 Chronicles 12:32). This unique commendation highlights spiritual perception wedded to practical counsel. Their comparatively small number (two hundred) yet decisive influence exemplifies quality over quantity in godly leadership.

Tribal Administration in the Monarchy

• One of David’s monthly officers, Omri son of Michael, was “for Issachar” (1 Chronicles 27:18), indicating administrative trust.
• In Hezekiah’s revival, people from Issachar humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem for Passover (2 Chronicles 30:18). The tribe again surfaces where reform and worship flourish.

Genealogical Preservation

Extensive family records appear in 1 Chronicles 7:1-5, naming Tola, Puah, Jashub and Shimron. The list notes 87,000 “mighty men of valor,” revealing continued strength after settlement. Post-exilic enumerations in Ezra and Nehemiah do not single out Issachar, yet the later prophetic vision includes the tribe in the restored land (Ezekiel 48:25) and among the sealed servants (Revelation 7:7).

Prophetic and Eschatological Significance

Ezekiel allocates Issachar a portion north of Simeon in the millennial allotment, and John lists the tribe among the 144,000, affirming its perpetuity in God’s covenantal program. The prophetic linkage of agricultural imagery with worship centers anticipates an age when fruitfulness and praise converge.

Lessons for Faith and Ministry

1. Reward of Faithfulness: Leah’s declaration reminds believers that God observes sacrifice and honors it in His timing.
2. Steadfast Servanthood: The “strong donkey” portrays humble strength—bearing burdens without relinquishing joy in the land.
3. Discernment and Counsel: Issachar’s men “understood the times,” modeling a Spirit-shaped awareness that presses biblical wisdom into national decision-making.
4. Partnership in Mission: Moses pairs Issachar with Zebulun, teaching that domestic faithfulness (tents) and outward witness (mountain gatherings) must coexist.
5. Hope of Restoration: Inclusion in Ezekiel 48 and Revelation 7 assures that no tribe faithful to God’s covenantal promise is forgotten.

Representative References

Genesis 30:18; 35:23; 46:13

Genesis 49:14-15

Exodus 1:3

Numbers 1:28-29; 2:5; 26:23-25

Deuteronomy 27:12; 33:18-19

Joshua 17:11; 19:17-23

Judges 5:15

1 Samuel 10:27

1 Chronicles 6:62 (6:77); 7:1-5; 12:32; 27:18

2 Chronicles 30:18; 35:18

Ezekiel 48:25

Revelation 7:7

Forms and Transliterations
בְּיִשָּׂשכָ֣ר בְּיִשָּׂשכָר֙ בְּיִשָׂשכָֽר׃ ביששכר ביששכר׃ וְיִשָּׂשכָ֖ר וְיִשָּׂשכָר֙ וּבְיִשָּׂשכָ֖ר וביששכר ויששכר יִ֠שָׂשכָר יִשָּׂשכָ֑ר יִשָּׂשכָ֔ר יִשָּׂשכָ֖ר יִשָּׂשכָ֗ר יִשָּׂשכָ֣ר יִשָּׂשכָ֤ר יִשָּׂשכָ֥ר יִשָּׂשכָֽר׃ יִשָּׂשכָר֙ יִשָׂשכָ֑ר יִשָׂשכָ֔ר יִשָׂשכָ֖ר יִשָׂשכָ֗ר יִשָׂשכָ֣ר יִשָׂשכָ֥ר יששכר יששכר׃ לְיִ֨שָּׂשכָ֔ר לְיִ֨שָׂשכָ֔ר ליששכר עַד־ עד־ ‘aḏ- ad bə·yi·śā·š·ḵār bə·yiś·śā·š·ḵār bəyiśāšḵār beyisoshChar beyissashChar bəyiśśāšḵār beyissoshChar lə·yi·śā·š·ḵār lə·yiś·śā·š·ḵār ləyiśāšḵār leYisoshChar ləyiśśāšḵār leYissoshChar ū·ḇə·yiś·śā·š·ḵār ūḇəyiśśāšḵār uveyissoshChar veyissashChar veyissoshChar wə·yiś·śā·š·ḵār wəyiśśāšḵār yi·śā·š·ḵār yiś·śā·š·ḵār yiśāšḵār yisoshChar Yisoshchor yissashChar yiśśāšḵār yissoshChar
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Englishman's Concordance
Genesis 30:18
HEB: וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ יִשָּׂשכָֽר׃
NAS: So she named him Issachar.
KJV: and she called his name Issachar.
INT: named his name Issachar

Genesis 35:23
HEB: וְלֵוִ֣י וִֽיהוּדָ֔ה וְיִשָּׂשכָ֖ר וּזְבוּלֻֽן׃
NAS: and Judah and Issachar and Zebulun;
KJV: and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:
INT: and Levi and Judah and Issachar and Zebulun

Genesis 46:13
HEB: וּבְנֵ֖י יִשָׂשכָ֑ר תּוֹלָ֥ע וּפֻוָּ֖ה
NAS: The sons of Issachar: Tola and Puvvah
KJV: And the sons of Issachar; Tola,
INT: the sons of Issachar Tola and Puvvah

Genesis 49:14
HEB: יִשָּׂשכָ֖ר חֲמֹ֣ר גָּ֑רֶם
NAS: Issachar is a strong donkey,
KJV: Issachar [is] a strong ass
INT: Issachar donkey strong

Exodus 1:3
HEB: יִשָּׂשכָ֥ר זְבוּלֻ֖ן וּבְנְיָמִֽן׃
NAS: Issachar, Zebulun and Benjamin;
KJV: Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin,
INT: Issachar Zebulun and Benjamin

Numbers 1:8
HEB: לְיִ֨שָּׂשכָ֔ר נְתַנְאֵ֖ל בֶּן־
NAS: of Issachar, Nethanel the son
KJV: Of Issachar; Nethaneel the son
INT: of Issachar Nethanel the son

Numbers 1:28
HEB: לִבְנֵ֣י יִשָּׂשכָ֔ר תּוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם
NAS: Of the sons of Issachar, their genealogical registration
KJV: Of the children of Issachar, by their generations,
INT: of the sons of Issachar their genealogical their families

Numbers 1:29
HEB: פְּקֻדֵיהֶ֖ם לְמַטֵּ֣ה יִשָּׂשכָ֑ר אַרְבָּעָ֧ה וַחֲמִשִּׁ֛ים
NAS: men of the tribe of Issachar [were] 54,400.
KJV: of them, [even] of the tribe of Issachar, [were] fifty
INT: were numbered the tribe of Issachar and four fifty

Numbers 2:5
HEB: עָלָ֖יו מַטֵּ֣ה יִשָּׂשכָ֑ר וְנָשִׂיא֙ לִבְנֵ֣י
NAS: to him [shall be] the tribe of Issachar, and the leader
KJV: next unto him [shall be] the tribe of Issachar: and Nethaneel
INT: next to him the tribe of Issachar and the leader of the sons

Numbers 2:5
HEB: וְנָשִׂיא֙ לִבְנֵ֣י יִשָּׂשכָ֔ר נְתַנְאֵ֖ל בֶּן־
NAS: of the sons of Issachar: Nethanel
KJV: of the children of Issachar.
INT: and the leader of the sons of Issachar Nethanel the son

Numbers 7:18
HEB: צוּעָ֑ר נְשִׂ֖יא יִשָּׂשכָֽר׃
NAS: leader of Issachar, presented
KJV: prince of Issachar, did offer:
INT: of Zuar leader of Issachar

Numbers 10:15
HEB: מַטֵּ֖ה בְּנֵ֣י יִשָׂשכָ֑ר נְתַנְאֵ֖ל בֶּן־
NAS: army of the sons of Issachar;
KJV: of the children of Issachar [was] Nethaneel
INT: the tribal the son of Issachar and Nethanel of the sons

Numbers 13:7
HEB: לְמַטֵּ֣ה יִשָּׂשכָ֔ר יִגְאָ֖ל בֶּן־
NAS: from the tribe of Issachar, Igal
KJV: Of the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son
INT: the tribe of Issachar Igal the son

Numbers 26:23
HEB: בְּנֵ֤י יִשָּׂשכָר֙ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔ם תּוֹלָ֕ע
NAS: The sons of Issachar according to their families:
KJV: [Of] the sons of Issachar after their families:
INT: the sons of Issachar to their families Tola

Numbers 26:25
HEB: אֵ֛לֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת יִשָּׂשכָ֖ר לִפְקֻדֵיהֶ֑ם אַרְבָּעָ֧ה
NAS: are the families of Issachar according to those who were numbered
KJV: These [are] the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered
INT: These the families of Issachar were numbered and four

Numbers 34:26
HEB: וּלְמַטֵּ֥ה בְנֵֽי־ יִשָׂשכָ֖ר נָשִׂ֑יא פַּלְטִיאֵ֖ל
NAS: of the sons of Issachar a leader,
KJV: of the children of Issachar, Paltiel
INT: of the tribe of the sons of Issachar A leader Paltiel

Deuteronomy 27:12
HEB: וְלֵוִ֣י וִֽיהוּדָ֔ה וְיִשָּׂשכָ֖ר וְיוֹסֵ֥ף וּבִנְיָמִֽן׃
NAS: Judah, Issachar, Joseph,
KJV: and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph,
INT: Levi Judah Issachar Joseph and Benjamin

Deuteronomy 33:18
HEB: זְבוּלֻ֖ן בְּצֵאתֶ֑ךָ וְיִשָּׂשכָ֖ר בְּאֹהָלֶֽיךָ׃
NAS: in your going forth, And, Issachar, in your tents.
KJV: in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents.
INT: Zebulun your going and Issachar your tents

Joshua 17:10
HEB: יִפְגְּע֣וּן מִצָּפ֔וֹן וּבְיִשָּׂשכָ֖ר מִמִּזְרָֽח׃
NAS: on the north and to Issachar on the east.
KJV: on the north, and in Issachar on the east.
INT: reached side Issachar the east

Joshua 17:11
HEB: וַיְהִ֨י לִמְנַשֶּׁ֜ה בְּיִשָּׂשכָ֣ר וּבְאָשֵׁ֗ר בֵּית־
NAS: In Issachar and in Asher, Manasseh
KJV: And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher
INT: had Manasseh Issachar Asher Beth-shean

Joshua 19:17
HEB: לְיִ֨שָּׂשכָ֔ר יָצָ֖א הַגּוֹרָ֣ל
NAS: fell to Issachar, to the sons
KJV: came out to Issachar, for the children
INT: to Issachar fell lot

Joshua 19:17
HEB: הָֽרְבִיעִ֑י לִבְנֵ֥י יִשָּׂשכָ֖ר לְמִשְׁפְּחוֹתָֽם׃
NAS: to the sons of Issachar according to their families.
KJV: for the children of Issachar according to their families.
INT: the fourth to the sons of Issachar to their families

Joshua 19:23
HEB: מַטֵּ֥ה בְנֵֽי־ יִשָּׂשכָ֖ר לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם הֶעָרִ֖ים
NAS: of the sons of Issachar according to their families,
KJV: of the children of Issachar according to their families,
INT: of the tribe of the sons of Issachar to their families the cities

Joshua 21:6
HEB: מִמִּשְׁפְּח֣וֹת מַטֵּֽה־ יִשָּׂשכָ֣ר וּמִמַּטֵּֽה־ אָ֠שֵׁר
NAS: of the tribe of Issachar and from the tribe
KJV: of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe
INT: the families of the tribe of Issachar the tribe of Asher

Joshua 21:28
HEB: וּמִמַּטֵּ֣ה יִשָּׂשכָ֔ר אֶת־ קִשְׁי֖וֹן
NAS: From the tribe of Issachar, [they gave] Kishion
KJV: And out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishon
INT: the tribe of Issachar Kishion pasture

43 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 3485
43 Occurrences


‘aḏ- — 1 Occ.
bə·yi·śā·š·ḵār — 1 Occ.
bə·yiś·śā·š·ḵār — 1 Occ.
bə·yiś·śā·š·ḵār — 1 Occ.
lə·yi·śā·š·ḵār — 1 Occ.
lə·yiś·śā·š·ḵār — 2 Occ.
ū·ḇə·yiś·śā·š·ḵār — 1 Occ.
wə·yiś·śā·š·ḵār — 1 Occ.
wə·yiś·śā·š·ḵār — 3 Occ.
yi·śā·š·ḵār — 10 Occ.
yi·śā·š·ḵār — 1 Occ.
yiś·śā·š·ḵār — 2 Occ.
yiś·śā·š·ḵār — 18 Occ.

3484
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