Lexical Summary
Yisrael: Israel, Israel's, Israelites
Original Word:יִשְׂרָאֵל
Part of Speech:Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration:Yisra'el
Pronunciation:yis-rah-EL
Phonetic Spelling:(yis-raw-ale')
KJV: Israel
NASB:Israel, Israel's, Israelites
Word Origin:[fromH8280 (שָׂרָה - contended) andH410 (אֵל - God)]
1. he will rule as God
2. Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob
3. (typically) of his posterity
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Israel
Fromsarah and'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity: --Israel.
see HEBREWsarah
see HEBREW'el
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
sarah and
elDefinition"God strives," another name of Jacob and his desc.
NASB TranslationIsrael (2485), Israel's (13), Israelites (5), Israelites* (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
and derivatives, see below I. .
2507 (El persisteth, persevereth (or jussiveLet El persist) [usuallycontendeth (NesEg.60 ff.) orLet El contend (GrayProp. N. 218), but see DrHast. DB JACOB 530]; on vocalization see LagBN 131 f. Kit1Chronicles 4:16 (Hpt); MI5, + 5 t. ; in EgyptianY-si-r-'l SteindZAW xvi (1896), 331, compare BreastedBib. World ix (1897), 62 ff. PatonSyr. and Pal. 134; AssyrianSir-'-lai (= ) SchrKG 356 ff., 364; COTGenesis 36:31;1 Kings 16:29. — On a possibly relation of to proper name , see RSK 257, 2nd ed. 34; — compare ; — :
Genesis 32:29 28t. Genesis (JE),Exodus 32:13 (JE),Hosea 12:13;Judges 18:29;Exodus 6:14;Numbers 1:20;Numbers 26:5 (all P),2 Kings 17:34;1 Chronicles 1:34 8t. Chronicles,Psalm 105:23;Ruth 4:11; (literal)Genesis 42:5 3t. E, 2 t. P +Exodus 1:7 (P; transition to wider use),1 Kings 18:31;1 Chronicles 2:1 +; = 12 tribesExodus 28:9 7t. P;1 Kings 18:36;1 Chronicles 29:18; 2Chronicles 30:6.
(usuallyJudges 11:17f. but1 Samuel 17:21;2 Samuel 24:9 [not ""1 Chronicles 21:5], compare Dron the passage AlbrZAW xvi (1896), 57 f.): name of Hebrew nation; usually derived from
, but more common in early usage than (see p. 120:b):
(1) undivided kingdom;Genesis 47:27 (J),Genesis 49:7 (poem in J) + 108 t. J E,Deuteronomy 1:1;Deuteronomy 18:6;Deuteronomy 33:10 (poem) + 76 t. D,Genesis 34:7;Exodus 12:15 42t. P;Judges 5:2,7 (twice in verse) + 104 t. Judges; often 1and 2Samuel;1 Kings 1-12; of whole people2 Samuel 8:15 +, of whole army2 Samuel 11:1 +, opposed to Judah2 Samuel 2:9 + (so also later). (2) = Northern tribes, distinguished from Judah, even before disruption,2 Samuel 2:9, compare2 Samuel 2:10;2 Samuel 3:10;2 Samuel 4:1;2 Samuel 5:5;2 Samuel 12:7;2 Samuel 20:1;1 Kings 1:35;1 Kings 4:20;1 Kings 5:5 +; so at disruption1 Kings 12:16 (3 t. in verse);1 Kings 12:18,19; then usually of Northern kingdom, till its fall,1 Kings 12:28; 1Ki 24:7; 1Ki 24:10 + very often Kings,Amos 1:1;Amos 2:6;Amos 3:14 +,Hosea 1:5;Hosea 4:15 (twice in verse);Hosea 5:3 (twice in verse);Hosea 5:5 +,Micah 1:13, etc. (3) of Southern kingdom, Judah, rarely before fall of SamariaIsaiah 1:3;Isaiah 8:18;Micah 1:14,15, so1 Kings 12:17; after fall of Samaria, (less often ) occurs of entire people, in reference to past or future2 Kings 21:8;2 Kings 23:22;Isaiah 17:9;Psalm 103:7;Jeremiah 2:3;Jeremiah 50:17,19 +; also = JudahJeremiah 2:14,31;Jeremiah 4:1 +,Ezekiel 13:2,4,16;Ezekiel 14:1,7,9 +,Isaiah 40:27;Isaiah 41:8;Isaiah 42:24 +,Ezra 2:59 =Nehemiah 7:61;Ezra 2:70;Ezra 3:11 +,Nehemiah 10:34;Nehemiah 10:3 +,Psalm 14:7 (twice in verse) =Psalm 53:7 (twice in verse),Psalm 147:2;Psalm 149:2 +, etc. (4) usage in Chronicles: of whole people1 Chronicles 2:7 110t., of Northern kingdom 2 Chronicles 11:1 16t., of Judah 2Chronicles 12:6; 19:8 9t. (5) personified as ,Isaiah 44:1,21;Isaiah 49:3.
, (1) of undivided peopleExodus 1:12 (J),Exodus 3:9 (E) + 72 t. J E,Deuteronomy 3:18;Deuteronomy 10:6 25t. D,Genesis 32:33 327t. P;Judges 1:1 60t. Judges; seldom 1and 2Samuel,1 Kings 1-12; in1 Kings 13—2Kings 25passive in reference to older history (rarely otherwise). (2) seldom of Northern kingdomAmos 2:11 9t. Amos, Hosea; 2Chronicles 13:12 7t. Chronicles. (3) of Judah (late)Ezekiel 2:3;Nehemiah 1:6 (twice in verse);Ezra 3:1; Joel 4:16 +, 2 Chronicles 31:5.
Exodus 16:31;Exodus 40:38 142t. (see (); 81 t. Ezekiel, where = Judah; see especiallyExodus 37:16);Isaiah 8:14.
, , , , , , , , , , , ; also (in epithet of ) below , , , I. , , (I. ), I. (V. ), , I. (3).
= the laity, opposed to priests, etc. (late):Ezra 10:25;Nehemiah 11:3;1 Chronicles 9:2;Ezra 2:70;Ezra 10:5;Ezra 9:1;Nehemiah 10:40, compareNehemiah 11:20.
(Biblical Hebrewid., √ I. ); —Ezra 5:1;Ezra 6:14;Ezra 7:15;Ezra 5:11;Ezra 6:16,Ezra 7:13.
Topical Lexicon
Origin in Jacob’s Encounter with GodThe first occurrence of the name belongs to Jacob. At Peniel the Angel of the LORD declared, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed” (Genesis 32:28). The name is confirmed at Bethel (Genesis 35:10). From one man the covenant line now bears a corporate destiny that will unfold through his twelve sons.
Patriarchal Foundations
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob receive irrevocable promises concerning land, seed, and blessing (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:18-21; 26:3-5; 28:13-15). InGenesis 35:11-12 God says, “I am God Almighty… the land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I give to you, and to your descendants after you.” Thus Israel is both a person and the embryonic nation in which “all the families of the earth will be blessed.”
Israel as the Covenant Nation
At the Exodus the name designates the corporate people redeemed from slavery. “Then you are to tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ‘Israel is My firstborn son’” (Exodus 4:22). At Sinai the LORD declares, “You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). Deuteronomy revisits the covenant, stressing election (Deuteronomy 7:6-8) and calling for wholehearted obedience (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).
Conquest and Inheritance
Under Joshua, “The LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their fathers” (Joshua 21:43). The tribal allotments fulfill earlier promises, though full possession awaits continual faithfulness. Judges recounts cycles of apostasy and deliverance, revealing Israel’s need for righteous leadership.
Israel in Worship and Law
The Tabernacle and later the Temple place the LORD’s dwelling “in the midst of Israel” (Exodus 25:8;1 Kings 6:13). Sacrificial worship, festivals, and the priesthood set Israel apart as a theocratic society. Balaam testifies, “The LORD their God is with them, and the shout of the King is among them” (Numbers 23:21).
United Monarchy
Under David and Solomon the tribes are consolidated. “David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel” (2 Samuel 5:12). Jerusalem becomes political and spiritual center (2 Samuel 7;1 Kings 8). The covenant with David secures a perpetual royal line culminating in Messiah.
Divided Kingdom: Northern Israel
After Solomon, ten tribes break away to form the Northern Kingdom, often called Israel or Ephraim (1 Kings 12). Prophets such as Hosea and Amos indict the nation for idolatry and social injustice while pledging future restoration (Hosea 1:10-11;Amos 9:11-15).
Prophetic Oracles of Judgment and Restoration
Isaiah proclaims, “You are My servant, Israel, in whom I will display My glory” (Isaiah 49:3). Jeremiah promises a “new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah” (Jeremiah 31:31). Ezekiel’s vision of the two sticks (Ezekiel 37) foretells national reunification under “My servant David” (Ezekiel 37:24).
Remnant and Diaspora
Though exile scatters the nation (2 Kings 17;2 Kings 25), God preserves a faithful remnant: “A remnant will return, a remnant of Jacob, to the Mighty God” (Isaiah 10:21). Post-exilic books (Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther) record returns, reforms, and preservation amidst foreign rule.
Israel in the Psalms and Wisdom Literature
Psalms often pair Israel’s history with praise: “He declared His word to Jacob, His statutes and judgments to Israel” (Psalm 147:19-20). The nation is urged to “hope in the LORD from this time forth and forevermore” (Psalm 131:3).Proverbs 14:34 underscores righteousness as national exaltation.
Messianic Hope
Prophets connect Israel’s destiny to a coming King. “For to us a child is born… He will reign on David’s throne… over His kingdom, to establish and sustain it” (Isaiah 9:6-7). Zechariah foresees national repentance: “They will look on Me, the One they have pierced” (Zechariah 12:10).
Israel and the Messiah Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth is hailed as “King of Israel” (John 1:49) and confines His earthly mission to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24), yet anticipates Gentile inclusion (Matthew 8:11). At Pentecost Peter addresses “Men of Israel” (Acts 2:22) and proclaims Jesus as Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).
Israel and the Early Church
The question, “Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6) signals ongoing expectation. Paul affirms that the covenants, law, worship, and promises “belong to the Israelites” (Romans 9:4). He foresees a future national turning: “All Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26) while explaining present partial hardening that opens salvation to the nations.
Spiritual Israel and the Church
Believing Jews and Gentiles are “one new man” in Christ (Ephesians 2:15). Paul names the church “the Israel of God” in the context of those who “walk by this rule” (Galatians 6:16), yet he maintains ethnic Israel’s distinct future (Romans 11:28-29). Thus Scripture holds both continuity and distinction between national Israel and the multinational body of Christ.
Future Restoration
Prophecies anticipate a final regathering (Isaiah 11:11-12), spiritual renewal (Ezekiel 36:25-27), and Messianic reign from Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:9-11). Revelation lists “twelve tribes of the sons of Israel” sealed during tribulation (Revelation 7:4-8), and the New Jerusalem’s gates bear their names (Revelation 21:12), attesting to Israel’s enduring place in God’s redemptive program.
Titles and Descriptions
• Firstborn son (Exodus 4:22)
• Congregation of the LORD (Numbers 27:17)
• Holy nation (Exodus 19:6)
• Vine out of Egypt (Psalm 80:8)
• Servant of the LORD (Isaiah 41:8)
• Wife of the LORD (Jeremiah 3:14)
• People of His pasture (Psalm 95:7)
• Light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6)
Theological Significance
1. Election: God’s sovereign choice of Israel underscores grace (Deuteronomy 7:7-8).
2. Covenant: Unconditional promises anchor biblical history and theology (Genesis 15;2 Samuel 7).
3. Revelation: Through Israel came Scripture, worship, and ultimately the Savior (John 4:22).
4. Witness: Israel’s calling models holiness and proclaims God’s character to the nations (Isaiah 43:10-12).
5. Eschatology: Israel’s future restoration guarantees God’s faithfulness and shapes prophetic hope (Jeremiah 31:35-37).
Representative Passages for Study
Genesis 32:28;Exodus 19:5-6;Deuteronomy 7:6-11;Joshua 21:43-45;1 Kings 18:36-37;Isaiah 49:3-6;Jeremiah 31:31-37;Ezekiel 37:15-28;Hosea 11:1-11;Amos 9:11-15;Zechariah 12–14;Matthew 15:24;Acts 2:36;Romans 11:25-29;Revelation 7:4.
Summary
Across approximately 2,506 Old Testament occurrences, “Israel” moves from one man’s new name to a nation chosen, chastened, scattered, and destined for glory. In both Old and New Covenants the term remains central to God’s unfolding plan, culminating in a redeemed remnant and the universal reign of the Messiah, underlining the surety of divine promise and the unity of Scripture’s testimony.
Forms and Transliterations
בְּ֝יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל בְּיִשְׂרָ֫אֵ֥ל בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל֒ בְיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל בְיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל בְיִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל בְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ בישראל בישראל׃ וְ֝יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וְיִ֨שְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל וְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ וְיִשְׂרָאֵל֙ וּ֝בְיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וּבְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל וּלְיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וּלְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל וּלְיִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל וּמִֽיִּשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וּמִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֑ל ובישראל וישראל וישראל׃ ולישראל ומישראל יִ֝שְׂרָאֵ֗ל יִ֠שְׂרָאֵל יִ֭שְׂרָאֵל יִשְׂרָ֫אֵ֥ל יִשְׂרָֽאֵל׃ יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל יִשְׂרָאֵ֕ל יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל יִשְׂרָאֵ֞ל יִשְׂרָאֵ֡ל יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל ׀ יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל ׀ יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל ׀ יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל ׀ יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל ׀ יִשְׂרָאֵֽ֑ל יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ יִשְׂרָאֵל֩ יִשְׂרָאֵל֮ יִשְׂרָאֵל׃ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל ישראל ישראל׃ כְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כישראל לְ֝יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ לְיִשְׂרָאֵל֙ לישראל לישראל׃ מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֑ל מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֔ל מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֗ל מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֛ל מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֜ל מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל֒ מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל֙ מישראל מישראל׃ bə·yiś·rā·’êl ḇə·yiś·rā·’êl bəyiśrā’êl ḇəyiśrā’êl beYisraEl kə·yiś·rā·’êl kəyiśrā’êl keYisraEl lə·yiś·rā·’êl ləyiśrā’êl leYisraEl mî·yiś·rā·’êl mîyiśrā’êl miYisraEl ū·ḇə·yiś·rā·’êl ū·lə·yiś·rā·’êl ū·mî·yiś·rā·’êl ūḇəyiśrā’êl ūləyiśrā’êl uleYisraEl ūmîyiśrā’êl umiYisraEl uveYisraEl veYisraEl wə·yiś·rā·’êl wəyiśrā’êl yiś·rā·’êl yiśrā’êl YisraEl
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