Original Word: יִשְׁוִי
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: Yishviy
Pronunciation: YISH-vee
Phonetic Spelling: (yish-vee')
KJV: Jesuites
NASB: Ishvites
Word Origin: [patronymically from H3440 (יִשׁוִי - Ishvi)]

1. a Jishvite (collectively) or descendants of Jishvi

Jesuites

Patronymically from Yishviy; a Jishvite (collectively) or descendants of Jishvi -- Jesuites.

see HEBREW Yishviy

Word Origin
from Yishvi
Definition
a desc. of Ishvi
NASB Translation
Ishvites (1).

II. יִשְׁוִי adjective, of a people of foregoing

1; with article as collective noun ׳הַיִּ, Numbers 26:44.

Genealogical Context

Yishwi, third-listed son of Asher and grandson of Jacob (Genesis 46:17; 1 Chronicles 7:30), became eponymous head of the Ishvite clan. His lineage stood alongside those of Imnah and Beriah within the tribe of Asher, testifying that even comparatively obscure family branches were memorialized in Israel’s sacred record. God’s covenant purposes were traced not only through patriarchs and judges but through lesser-known households such as the Ishvites, underscoring the divine concern for every name within the covenant community.

Role in the Wilderness

During the second wilderness census, the Ishvite family was formally enrolled:

“​These were the descendants of Asher by their clans: The Imnite clan from Imnah, the Ishvite clan from Ishvi, and the Beriite clan from Beriah.” (Numbers 26:44)

This registration occurred on the plains of Moab just before Israel crossed the Jordan. By identifying the clan in detail, Scripture highlights corporate accountability: each family shared responsibility for obedience, warfare, worship, and inheritance. The census also marks fulfillment of God’s promise to multiply Jacob’s offspring even during prolonged desert discipline.

Territorial Inheritance in Canaan

Following the conquest, Asher’s allotment stretched along the fertile Phoenician coast from Mount Carmel northward toward Sidon (Joshua 19:24-31). The Ishvites, as part of the tribal collective, settled in this prosperous region famous for olive oil and maritime trade. Jacob’s ancient prophecy, “Asher’s food will be rich, and he shall yield royal delicacies” (Genesis 49:20), and Moses’ blessing, “May he be most blessed of sons… and dip his foot in oil” (Deuteronomy 33:24-25), were tangibly realized through clans such as the Ishvites who cultivated the land’s bounty.

Prophetic and Spiritual Themes

1. Covenant Memory: The preservation of the Ishvite name demonstrates that God’s covenant catalogues all His people, not merely national leaders.
2. Inheritance and Faithfulness: Inclusion in the land distribution underscores that every Israelite family, large or small, receives a share in divine promise when they persevere in faith.
3. Eschatological Continuity: Revelation 7:6 lists Asher among the twelve tribes sealed for protection. The mention signals that the spiritual legacy of clans like the Ishvites endures into God’s final redemptive program.

Application for Ministry Today

• Valuing Every Believer: Just as Yishwi’s descendants were recorded, local churches should honor each member’s contribution, affirming that no service is insignificant.
• Generational Discipleship: Parents are encouraged to cultivate faith within their households, mindful that God tracks family lines across centuries.
• Steadfast Hope: The Ishvites entered Canaan after forty years of wilderness testing; likewise, believers can trust God to fulfill promises despite delays.

Key References

Genesis 46:17; Numbers 26:44; 1 Chronicles 7:30; Joshua 19:24-31; Genesis 49:20; Deuteronomy 33:24-25; Revelation 7:6

הַיִּשְׁוִ֑י הישוי haiyishVi hay·yiš·wî hayyišwîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts