Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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ISSACHAR

The ninth son of Jacob and the progenitor of the tribe of Israel carrying his name. The boundaries of the tribe lay in the north of Manasseh and west of the Jordan River. Issachar's people were noted for their accomplishments in the field of commerce. Jacob spoke prophetically of his son thus: "He bowed his shoulders for the load, he became a slave to forced labor" (Genesis 49:15). It is significant that the name Issachar means "hired laborer."