Definition

Proper noun 1. A son of Jacob: In the Old Testament, Issachar is the ninth son of the patriarch Jacob and the fifth son born to Leah. 2. An Israelite tribe: Issachar also refers to one of the twelve tribes of Israel, traditionally descended from this son, which was allotted territory in the northern part of Canaan.

Usage Examples

• According to the Book of Genesis, Issachar was born after Leah hired Jacob's company with mandrakes.
• The tribe of Issachar was known for its understanding of the times and its agricultural prosperity.
• In the blessing of Jacob, Issachar is described as a strong donkey lying down between two burdens.

Advanced Usage

• "The sons of Issachar": This phrase is sometimes used in modern contexts, particularly in religious or leadership discourse, to symbolize a group with keen insight, understanding, and the ability to discern the correct course of action, based on 1 Chronicles 12:32.

Variants and Related Words

• Issacharite (noun): A member of the tribe of Issachar.

Synonyms

• Tribe of Israel (when referring to the collective group).

Noun

1. (Old Testament) a son of Jacob and a forebear of one of the tribes of Israel