Issachar

Issachar is a biblical masculine given name, traditionally interpreted as meaning "man of hire" or "there is reward." It appears in the Old Testament as the name of the ninth son of Jacob (the fifth son of Leah) and the progenitor of the Tribe of Issachar. The etymology combines the Hebrew element shaḵar (שָׂכָר), meaning "hire, wage, or reward." The Bible explicitly ties the name to two events: Leah hiring Jacob's favors with mandrakes (Genesis 30:18), and her view that the child was a divine reward.

In the biblical narrative, Issachar's role among the tribes is later described in the Blessing of Jacob (Genesis 49:14–15), where he is likened to a strong donkey between sheepfolds, suggesting agrarian strength and submission to forced labor. Some scholars interpret this as reflecting the tribe's historical subjugation to Canaanite city-states. The tribe of Issachar settled in fertile lowlands south of the Sea of Galilee, an area corresponding to parts of modern Israel.

Notable Bearers

As a biblical figure, Issachar is remembered as one of the ancestors of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Beyond scripture, the name has been used historically by Jewish communities and among Christians influenced by the Biblical canon.

Usage

Issachar is used primarily in English, Greek, and Latin biblical traditions. Its Hebrew variant is Yissakhar (יִשָּׂשכָר). The name has remained rare in modern times but occasionally appears among religious families or in cultural contexts drawing on Old Testament names.

• Meaning: "man of hire" or "there is reward"
• Origin: Hebrew (שָׂכָר)
• Type: First name, primarily male
• Usage regions: English, Greek, Latin Bible traditions; Hebrew variant Yissakhar