ישי

The name Yishai is one of the most central and significant biblical names in Jewish culture, carrying with it a rich heritage of royalty, spiritual leadership, and deep connection to messianic tradition. The name first appears in the Book of Samuel as the name of King David's father, and it bears multiple and varied meanings. Linguistically, Yishai is composed of the root "yesh" meaning existence, reality, and essence, combined with the letter yod which symbolizes the divine name. Some interpret the name as a hint to the words "yesh shai" - there is a gift, or "yesh li" - he has something precious. The name's origin may also derive from the Semitic root "asheh" meaning foundation, base, or infrastructure, alluding to his role as the foundation of the Davidic royal dynasty. Yishai son of Oved was a resident of Bethlehem from the tribe of Judah, and he is considered one of the founding fathers of the most important royal dynasty in Jewish history. He was the grandson of Boaz and Ruth the Moabite, thus being part of a unique redemption story where a righteous convert integrated into the people of Israel and gave birth to the royal lineage. Yishai was father to eight sons, with the youngest, David, chosen to be King of Israel by the prophet Samuel. In Jewish tradition, Yishai symbolizes the humble and upright father who merited raising the greatest king in Jewish history. The expression "son of Yishai" became an honorific title for King David, and the name Yishai itself carries connotations of righteousness, humility, and moral integrity. The Midrash tells that Yishai was among the great men of his generation, a pious man and servant of God, whose merit sustained his children and descendants for generations. In Kabbalistic and messianic tradition, the name Yishai holds special significance. The prophet Isaiah describes the future Messiah as "a shoot from the stem of Yishai" - "There shall come forth a shoot from the stem of Yishai, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit." This expression became central to Jewish messianic thought, and Yishai is perceived as a symbol of the pure root from which redemption will sprout. The phrase "stem of Yishai" is mentioned in many prayers and liturgical poems as an expression of messianic hope. The name also carries meanings of vitality, existence, and eternity - "yesh" as a symbol of true and eternal reality. In the modern era, the name Yishai has returned to popularity in Israel and has become one of the beloved names among parents seeking a biblical name with rich history, pleasant sound, and deep meaning. The name conveys connection to tradition, roots, and values of leadership, family, and faith.

יִשַׁי

Yishai | Ishai | Jesse | Yishay

Boy

No

1 Samuel 16:1 - And the LORD said unto Samuel: 'How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill thy horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite; for I have provided Me a king among his sons.'

In Kabbalah, Yishai symbolizes the pure root of the royal and messianic dynasty. The expression "shoot from the stem of Yishai" represents the power of spiritual renewal and growth that will lead to complete redemption. The name carries the Sefirah of Yesod, connecting the spiritual and practical worlds, and symbolizes the firm foundation upon which divine kingship is built. The gematria value of Yishai (320) equals the phrase "Tree of Life," alluding to his connection to the root of eternal life and the messianic lineage.

320

5

Ishay Levi - Israeli singer and actor | Ishay Ribo - Israeli singer and composer | Yishai Lapidot - Israeli actor and director | Ishay Golan - Israeli actor | Yishai Swissa - Israeli footballer | Jesse Eisenberg - American actor (English equivalent) | Jesse Owens - American Olympic athlete (English equivalent)

ישעיהו | ישראל | יששכר | יהושע | יוסי

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