יְשֻׁרוּן

From the study of Isaiah 44:2

Range of meaning

A poetic name for Israel, almost certainly from yashar, 'upright, straight'. It occurs only in Deuteronomy 32:15; 33:5, 26 and here. Its exact force is debated: perhaps an affectionate form ('dear upright one'), perhaps an honorific ('the upright one'), and very likely a play on the sound of 'Israel'.

Against the English

Most English versions just transliterate it as 'Jeshurun', which tells the reader nothing. Some paraphrases replace it with a word of endearment for Israel. The Greek and Latin translators rendered it 'beloved' and 'most upright'.

Used elsewhere in the period

Deuteronomy 32:15: 'Jeshurun grew fat and kicked', a reproach. Deuteronomy 33:5, 26: the LORD is king in Jeshurun and rides the heavens to its help. The Greek Septuagint renders it 'the beloved (Israel)', and the Latin Vulgate 'most upright one'.

From the study of Deuteronomy 32:15

Range of meaning

A poetic name for Israel used only four times (Deut 32:15; 33:5, 26; Isa 44:2). Most scholars derive it from the root y-sh-r, 'straight, upright, right,' with an ending (-un) that often carries an affectionate or diminutive tone: something like 'dear upright one.' It also sounds like Yisraʾel (Israel).

Against the English

English versions simply transliterate it as 'Jeshurun,' which leaves most readers with an unexplained proper name. The NLT replaces it with 'Israel,' which is clear but loses the irony of the name.

Used elsewhere in the period

Isa 44:2 sets 'Jacob my servant' parallel to 'Jeshurun whom I have chosen,' a tender use. Deut 33:5, 26 use it of Israel under God as king. The Septuagint translates it every time as ēgapēmenos, 'beloved one,' and the Vulgate follows with dilectus. So ancient translators heard it as a term of endearment more than a description of moral character.

From the study of Deuteronomy 33:26

Range of meaning

A poetic name for Israel, found only in Deut 32:15; 33:5; 33:26; Isa 44:2. It is most likely built on yāšār, "upright, straight", with the ending -ûn, which may express endearment or a diminutive ("little upright one"). Some connect it to the "Book of Jashar" (the Upright, Josh 10:13) or see wordplay on yiśrāʾēl, "Israel".

Against the English

Most English versions just transliterate it as "Jeshurun", which hides the meaning. NLT replaces it with "Israel", which identifies the referent correctly but loses the tender, idealising tone.

Used elsewhere in the period

The Greek Septuagint renders it ho ēgapēmenos, "the beloved one", in every occurrence. The Latin Vulgate renders it rectissimus, "the most upright". These two ancient versions bring out the two sides of the name: affection and uprightness. In Deut 32:15 it is used with irony: "Jeshurun grew fat and kicked".