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H3005 · Hebrew · Old Testament
יִבְשָׂם
Yivsam
Proper noun (person)
Ibasmah — a descendant of Issachar

Definition

Yivsam (יִבְשָׂם, also Ibasmah) is a personal name meaning "he is fragrant\” or "spice/balsam\”, derived from besem (fragrance). He appears in the genealogical lists of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 7:2 as a son of Tola, one of the heads of ancestral houses counted in David's reign.

Usage & Theological Significance

The name Yivsam belongs to the rich Hebrew tradition of theophoric and nature-based names that encode meaning within a person's identity. Names meaning "fragrance" carry deep biblical resonance: the offering that rises to God is described as a "fragrant aroma" (reyach nichoach) throughout the Torah. To be named "fragrant" was to carry an implied vocation — to be an offering pleasing to God.

Paul picks up this language in 2 Corinthians 2:15: "We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved." The obscure name in Chronicles thus finds unexpected NT depth — every believer in Christ is called to be a yivsam, a fragrant presence before God and the world.

Key Bible Verses

1 Chronicles 7:2 The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam and Samuel — heads of their families.
2 Corinthians 2:15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
Exodus 29:18 Then burn the entire ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the LORD.
Philippians 4:18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied... They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
Leviticus 2:2 The priest shall take it to the altar and burn a handful of it as a memorial portion, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD.

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