Have you ever had a nickname that only close family or friends used for you?
Today, we’re going to study a Paleo-Hebrew word that is exactly that — a nickname, a familiar name: 𐤉𐤔𐤔𐤉 (Yashashay or Yššy), which becomes Izzi or Jazzy in English. It’s also a possessive form that means “My Support,” or “Yah lends support.”
The name Iššy or Yaššy incorporates the Paleo-Hebrew letters: yad, shan, shan, and yad. Or as we know them Y, S with a caron, S with a caron, and Y in English. The S with a caron represents an S and h or Sh sound in Paleo-Hebrew.
The 𐤉 (yad) means hand, work, deed.
The 𐤔 (shan) means teeth, consume, press, sharp.
The 𐤔 (shan) is repeated for emphasis, adding to it a meaning of firmness, or strength.
Then it ends with a 𐤉 (yad) meaning hand again, or “my” since it is a possessive ending.
Let’s say it together slowly: Ya-sha-shay.
When we say it quickly we get Yashashay. However, Yššy is perfectly acceptable too.
Try saying it three times out loud.
What do you feel when you say it out loud?
The root word is Yšš or Yashash.
It holds the meaning of to support or to be firm.
When made possessive by adding the ending yad, it transforms it to mean “My support.”
However, from a spiritual perspective it means Yah lends support, as He is the firm foundation beneath us.
The name also holds the meaning of Gift of Existence. Life itself as a gift upheld by Yah.
Also, it has the meaning of Tribute of Being. Our very lives are a living offering back to Him.
So let me ask you, when have you felt Yah’s support holding you firm in a difficult time?
The name Yššy is a nickname for the name Yasharaal or Israel.
Yes, the same Israel who was once known as Jacob, the same Israel that Moses led out of Egypt, the same Israel that the Messiah was born from, and the same Israel that is the inheritence and portion of Yahuah.
Yasharaal means:
He who strives with Al, which is short for Alahayam.
Prince with Elohim.
Upright of Elohim.
And righteous of Elohim.
Yššy is an affectinate, shortened nickname.
Just like “Jonathan” becomes “Jon,” or “Elizabeth” becomes “Lizzie.”
Even the chosen nation had a nickname — showing both intimacy and identity.
Whether it be in Paleo-Hebrew or English or Arabic, the name holds powerful meaning.
In English, Izzi is a gender-neutral Hebrew name, meaning “God’s promise” or “God is my strength.”
Jazzy, on the other hand, means lively, joyful, vibrant; it is connected with the energy of jazz music.
In Arabic, the root word is ʿizz which means “honor, dignity, might.”
This ties into Al-ʿIzz which means “The Honor.”
Here’s a key takeaway, across cultures, this name carries support, strength, joy, and honor.
If Yashashay means “My Support,” how would life change if you truly leaned on Yah’s support every day?
I want you to write one situation where you need to remember “Yah is my support.”
As Psalm 18 and 2 says “Yahauah is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my Elohim is my rock, in whom I take refuge.”
Now let’s recap.
You learned that Yashashay is Paleo-Hebrew for Izzi and Jazzy. It is a nickname for Israel.
You learned the Root YŠŠ means “to support, to be firm.” which makes the name mean “My Support.”
Also, you learned the Spiritual meaning: “Yah lends support for He is your firm foundation.”
The next time you feel weak, speak this name aloud — Izzi, Jazzy, Yashashay — and remember: Yah is your support, your firmness, your gift of being.
