יָאָה (ya.ah)
ya.ah
to befit
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ya’ah is a rare term found only once in the Old Testament, appearing in Jeremiah 10:7. It carries the specific meaning of being fitting, appropriate, or befitting. In this single instance, it describes the qualities that properly belong to Yahweh, emphasizing His unique status as King among all nations.
Because the word is so scarce, its usage provides a focused glimpse into how biblical authors described divine suitability. Here, it underscores that while other peoples may call upon their gods, only Yahweh possesses the inherent majesty and power that truly befit a sovereign ruler. The term highlights not just what God does, but what is intrinsically right and proper for His nature.
Translators typically render this word as "who is like You" or "befitting," depending on the flow of the sentence. This choice reflects the word’s core idea of congruence between identity and action. The verse uses ya’ah to contrast the empty idols of the nations with the living God, whose attributes are perfectly aligned with His supreme authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ya'ah appears only once in Scripture, yet it carries a weighty truth about who God is. In Jeremiah 10:7, it describes what is fitting for the King of the nations. It reminds us that God’s actions always match His nature. He does not act out of character or compromise His holiness.
When we face uncertainty, this concept offers comfort. We can trust that God’s responses to our lives are appropriate and wise. Unlike the idols of old, which were powerless and silent, Yahweh possesses the majesty that truly befits a sovereign ruler. His strength is not just great; it is perfectly suited to His role as Creator and King.
This single word invites us to rest in the consistency of God’s character. We do not need to guess what He will do, because He is always true to who He is. You can find peace knowing that the One who holds the universe together acts with perfect suitability and grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it is befitting1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָאָ֑תָה1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 10:7
Who shouldn’t fear you, King of the nations? For it belongs to you. Because among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their royal estate, there is no one like you.
This verse uses ya'ah to contrast the empty idols of the nations with Yahweh, asserting that only He possesses the inherent majesty and power that truly befits a sovereign ruler.