Etymology and Meaning: The name Jesaiah, also spelled as Isaiah in some translations, is derived from the Hebrew name יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Yeshayahu), which means "Yahweh is salvation" or "The Lord is salvation." This name reflects a common theme in Hebrew names, emphasizing the relationship and reliance on God for deliverance and salvation.

Biblical References: Jesaiah is a name that appears in several contexts within the Old Testament, referring to different individuals. It is important to distinguish between these figures to understand their roles and significance in biblical history.

1. Jesaiah, the Son of Hananiah: In 1 Chronicles 3:21, Jesaiah is mentioned as a descendant of David, specifically the son of Hananiah. This lineage places him within the royal line of Judah, highlighting the continuation of Davidic heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises to David.

1 Chronicles 3:21 : "The sons of Hananiah: Pelatiah and Jeshaiah, the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shecaniah."

2. Jesaiah, the Levite: Another Jesaiah is noted among the Levites in the time of King David. In 1 Chronicles 25:3, Jesaiah is listed as one of the sons of Jeduthun, a chief musician appointed by David to lead worship in the temple. This Jesaiah was involved in the musical aspect of temple worship, contributing to the spiritual life of Israel through song and praise.

1 Chronicles 25:3 : "From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD."

3. Jesaiah, the Son of Rehabiah: In 1 Chronicles 26:25, Jesaiah is mentioned as a descendant of Moses through his son Gershom. This Jesaiah is part of the Levitical family responsible for the care and oversight of the temple treasures, indicating a role of stewardship and service in the house of God.

1 Chronicles 26:25 : "His relatives through Eliezer: Rehabiah his son, Jeshaiah his son, Joram his son, Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son."

4. Jesaiah, the Son of Athaliah: In Ezra 8:7, Jesaiah is listed among those who returned with Ezra from Babylonian exile. He is identified as a descendant of Elam, one of the families that participated in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the reestablishment of the Jewish community in the Promised Land.

Ezra 8:7 : "From the descendants of Elam: Jeshaiah son of Athaliah, and with him 70 men."

Theological Significance: The various individuals named Jesaiah in the Bible, though distinct, collectively underscore themes of faithfulness, service, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Whether through lineage, worship, stewardship, or restoration, each Jesaiah plays a role in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan for His people. The name itself, meaning "Yahweh is salvation," serves as a constant reminder of the central message of the Bible: God's desire to save and redeem His people through His covenantal love and faithfulness.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

Jesaiah

health, or salvation, of the Lord

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Jesaiah

(salvation of Jehovah).

1. Son of Hananiah, brother of Pelatiah and grandson of Zerubbabel. (1 Chronicles 3:21) (B.C. after 536.)

Strong's Hebrew

3470. Ysha'yah -- "salvation of Yah," four Israelites
... "salvation of Yah," four Israelites. Transliteration: Ysha'yah Phonetic Spelling:
(yesh-ah-yaw') Short Definition: Isaiah. Isaiah, Jesaiah, Jeshaiah ...
/hebrew/3470.htm - 5k

Thesaurus

Jesaiah (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jesaiah (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 3:21 And
the sons of Hananiah; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah: the sons of ...
/j/jesaiah.htm - 7k

Jeshaiah (7 Occurrences)
... a), the others form (b): (1) Son of Hananiah, and grandson of Zerubbabel, according
to 1 Chronicles 3:21, the King James Version "Jesaiah." But commentators ...
/j/jeshaiah.htm - 10k

Jesarelah (1 Occurrence)

/j/jesarelah.htm - 6k

Jeru'shah (1 Occurrence)
Jeru'shah. Jerushah, Jeru'shah. Jesaiah . Multi-Version Concordance Jeru'shah
(1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Jerushah, Jeru'shah. Jesaiah . Reference Bible
/j/jeru'shah.htm - 6k

Shechaniah (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 3:21 And the sons of Hananiah; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah: the sons of Rephaiah,
the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shechaniah. ...
/s/shechaniah.htm - 10k

Resources

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