אוּת (ut)
ut
to consent
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ut appears only three times in the Old Testament, always in the Niphal stem with the meaning "to consent" or "to agree." Its primary occurrence is in Genesis 31:44, where Jacob and Laban make a covenant to establish peace between them. In this context, the word describes a mutual agreement reached after a period of tension, signifying that both parties willingly accept the terms of their arrangement.
Because the word is so rare, its usage in Genesis 31:44 carries significant narrative weight. It marks a turning point from conflict to cooperation, highlighting the importance of mutual consent in establishing lasting peace. The term emphasizes the active willingness of individuals to align their wills with one another, rather than imposing terms by force.
Translators typically render ut as "agree" or "consent," capturing the essence of a shared decision. Its limited occurrence underscores the specific nature of covenant-making in ancient Near Eastern culture, where verbal agreement was crucial for maintaining relationships between rival groups. The word serves as a reminder that genuine reconciliation requires the voluntary participation of all involved parties.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
True peace rarely arrives through force or unilateral decision. Instead, it grows from a place of mutual agreement where every voice is heard and respected. The rare Hebrew word for consent appears in moments when relationships are fragile, reminding us that lasting reconciliation requires the willing participation of all involved parties.
In Genesis 31, Jacob and Laban use this concept to establish a covenant after tension. Their agreement was not imposed but chosen, marking a shift from conflict to cooperation. This highlights how genuine peace is built on shared will rather than power dynamics.
When we seek harmony in our own lives, this word invites us to listen deeply. It suggests that true unity comes when we align our hearts with others voluntarily. May you find strength in relationships where consent and mutual respect create a foundation for enduring peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- we will agree1×
- they will agree1×
- let us agree1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נֵא֣וֹתָה1×
- נֵא֣וֹת1×
- יֵאֹ֨תוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 34:15
Only on this condition will we consent to you. If you will be as we are, that every male of you be circumcised,
The Shechemites condition their consent on circumcision, showing how agreement can be tied to specific cultural or religious requirements.
-
Genesis 34:23
Won’t their livestock and their possessions and all their animals be ours? Only let’s give our consent to them, and they will dwell with us.”
Here the men argue that consenting would bring them wealth, revealing how mutual agreement can sometimes be motivated by self-interest rather than genuine reconciliation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word ut mean?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
How is ut different from other words for agreement?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Only on this condition will we consent to you. If you will be as we are, that every male of you be circumcised,
Genesis 34:22Only on this condition will the men consent to us to live with us, to become one people, if every male among us is…
Genesis 34:23Won’t their livestock and their possessions and all their animals be ours? Only let’s give our consent to them, and…