Genesis 30:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is noted that God listened to Leah, for He recognized her suffering and lack of favor. In response, she bore a son and remarked that she had been rewarded for offering her maidservant to her husband, which is why she named her child Issachar.

After Leah received the mandrakes, she bore two sons, Issachar and Zebulun. The name Issachar translates to ‘reward,’ while Zebulun signifies ‘good way’ and ‘blessing.’ As previously mentioned, the Jewish synagogue, through the holy Apostles, received the sacrament of Christ much like a mother receiving from her children, thereby becoming the mother of those who were taught about the rewards and blessings of God. The assurance that faith in Christ yields rewards is vividly demonstrated by the forgiveness of sins. This is further affirmed by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, who states: ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you ... whoever believes in... Me has eternal life’ (John 5:24) (John 6:35, 40).

Seventy interpreters have elucidated the origin of this name as indicating ‘there is a recompense.’ It should not be taken that the phrase implies ‘which is the recompense.’ Such a misinterpretation commonly arises from the inclusion of an additional pronoun. The entire name Issachar can be understood as ‘there is a recompense.’ This interpretation is based on the word is (יִשִשָּׂ), meaning ‘is,’ and sachar (שכָֽר), signifying ‘recompense.’ This arises from the account of her obtaining her husband’s presence in exchange for the mandrakes belonging to her son Reuben, a situation attributed to Rachel.