יִצְחָק
Yitzhak / Isaac
“He will laugh”
Isaac (יִצְחָק, Yitzhak) is a Hebrew boy's name meaning “he will laugh,” pronounced “yitz-KHAK.” From the Hebrew verb צָחַק (tzachak) meaning 'to laugh.' The yod prefix makes it imperfect/future tense: 'he will laugh' or 'he laughs.' The name memorializes the laughter of both Abraham (Genesis 17:17) and Sarah (Genesis 18:12).
| Hebrew | יִצְחָק |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Yitzhak |
| English Name | Isaac |
| Meaning | He will laugh |
| Pronunciation | yitz-KHAK |
| Gender | Boy |
| Category | Male Biblical Names |
| Variants | Yitzhak, Yitzchak, Izaak, Isaak, Isak, Itzik |
| Key Scripture | Genesis 21:6 |
Isaac's name is born from laughter — the incredulous, joyful, overwhelmed laughter of two elderly parents who were told they would have a child. When God promised ninety-year-old Sarah a son, she laughed behind the tent flap (Genesis 18:12). When Abraham heard it, he 'fell facedown and laughed' (Genesis 17:17). So God told them to name the boy Yitzhak — 'He will laugh' — turning their disbelief into a permanent reminder that God's promises are always beyond what seems possible. Every time they called their son's name, they were reliving the moment God made the impossible happen.
Key Scripture: Genesis 21:6
“Sarah said, 'God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.'”
What Does Isaac Mean in Hebrew?
From the root צ-ח-ק (tsade-chet-qof) meaning 'to laugh, to play, to rejoice.' The form יִצְחָק (Yitzhak) is a third-person imperfect: 'he will laugh' or 'he laughs.' The name is a wordplay woven through the entire birth narrative of Genesis 17-21.
Isaac in the Bible
Isaac is the second patriarch and the child of promise. His near-sacrifice on Mount Moriah (the Akedah) is one of the most theologically significant events in Scripture. He married Rebekah, fathered twins Jacob and Esau, and passed on the Abrahamic covenant. Though less dramatic than Abraham or Jacob, Isaac's quiet faithfulness sustained the covenant line.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
The Akedah (Binding of Isaac) is one of the most analyzed passages in all religious literature. It is read on Rosh Hashanah in the synagogue and is central to Jewish, Christian, and Islamic theology. The shofar (ram's horn) blown on Rosh Hashanah recalls the ram caught in the thicket that replaced Isaac.
Isaac has become increasingly popular in the United States, currently ranking in the top 40 boys' names. In Israel, Yitzhak is a classic name associated with leaders like Yitzhak Rabin and Yitzhak Ben-Zvi. It's popular across Jewish and Christian communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaac
What does Isaac mean in Hebrew?
Isaac (יִצְחָק, Yitzhak) means “He will laugh” in Hebrew. From the Hebrew verb צָחַק (tzachak) meaning 'to laugh.' The yod prefix makes it imperfect/future tense: 'he will laugh' or 'he laughs.' The name memorializes the laughter of both Abraham (Genesis 17:17) and Sarah (Genesis 18:12).
How do you pronounce Isaac in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Isaac is “yitz-KHAK.” The name is written יִצְחָק in Hebrew script.
What does Isaac mean in Hebrew?
Isaac (יִצְחָק, Yitzhak) means 'he will laugh' in Hebrew, from the root צ-ח-ק (tsade-chet-qof) meaning 'to laugh.' The name commemorates the laughter of both Abraham and Sarah when God promised them a son in their extreme old age — a laughter of disbelief that became a laughter of joy when the impossible promise was fulfilled.
What is the significance of the Binding of Isaac?
The Akedah (Genesis 22) — where God commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah — is one of the most profound passages in Scripture. It tests the limits of faith and obedience, foreshadows substitutionary sacrifice (the ram caught in the thicket), and in Christian theology, prefigures God offering His own Son. In Judaism, it is the supreme example of devotion to God.
Is Isaac an important name in Israel today?
Yes — Yitzhak is one of the most iconic Hebrew names in Israeli culture. Two Israeli prime ministers bore the name: Yitzhak Ben-Zvi and Yitzhak Rabin. It carries connotations of endurance, faithfulness, and patriarchal identity that resonate deeply in Israeli society.
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
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