Issachar
malePatriarchalMeaning: “There is a reward; hire”
The ninth son of Jacob and fifth by Leah; his name means "reward," and his tribe was later praised for understanding the times.
Biography
Issachar was the ninth son of Jacob, the fifth borne by Leah. Leah connected his name with God's "reward" to her (Genesis 30:18).
Father of a tribe
Jacob likened him to "a strong ass couching down between two burdens," who "bowed his shoulder to bear" (Genesis 49:14–15) — a picture of a sturdy, settled, hard-working people. The tribe of Issachar was later honored among David's supporters as men "that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" (1 Chronicles 12:32).
Life Timeline
Born to Leah, who names him for God’s "reward"
On the Bible timeline
Issachar belongs to the The Patriarchs era (c. 2100 – 1800 BC).
- c. 2091 BCThe Call of Abraham
- c. 1898 BCJoseph Sold into Egypt
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Issachar
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Issachar appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
4 verses in 1 bookGenesis4 verses
Genesis 30:18
And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar. Issachar: that is, An hire
Genesis 35:23
The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:
Genesis 46:13
And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron. Phuvah, and Job: or, Puah, and Jashub
Genesis 49:14
Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens:
Frequently asked about Issachar
Who was Issachar in the Bible?
The ninth son of Jacob and fifth by Leah; his name means "reward," and his tribe was later praised for understanding the times.
What does the name Issachar mean?
The name Issachar means “There is a reward; hire”.
What did Issachar do in the Bible?
Issachar served as patriarch.
Who were Issachar's parents?
Issachar was the child of Jacob, Leah.
Where does Issachar appear in the Bible?
Issachar is mentioned 4 times across 1 book: Genesis.
What can we learn from Issachar?
The story of Issachar touches on themes of jacob, children, tribes of israel, the, leah — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Issachar's life.
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