יָאַל (ya.al)
ya.al
be willing
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 19 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ya'al, appearing in the Hiphil stem, conveys a decisive shift from hesitation to commitment. It describes the moment a person agrees to do something, resolves to undertake a task, or willingly accepts an invitation. Rather than a passive desire, it implies an active determination to begin and follow through with what has been agreed upon.
This word carries significant weight in narrative contexts where characters must make firm choices. In Judges, it often marks the point where individuals resolve to act despite uncertainty, while in Job it highlights a steadfast willingness to endure or accept God’s allowance. The term bridges the gap between internal intent and external action, signaling that a person has truly committed their will to a course.
Translators typically render ya'al as "be willing," "agree," or "undertake," depending on the context. Its usage underscores that true willingness in Scripture is not merely an emotional feeling but a concrete resolve to engage with a situation. This distinction helps readers see biblical characters not as passive figures, but as agents making deliberate, committed choices.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ya'al describes a decisive shift from hesitation to commitment. It is not merely a feeling of desire but an active resolve to undertake a task or accept an invitation. In Scripture, this willingness bridges the gap between internal intent and external action, signaling that a person has truly committed their will to a course. When characters like Abraham speak to God despite their unworthiness, they demonstrate this firm determination.
For your faith life, this word invites you to view willingness as a concrete choice rather than a passive emotion. It encourages you to move beyond uncertainty and engage with the situations before you. Whether facing difficult decisions or accepting God’s allowance in hard seasons, true biblical willingness involves a steadfast heart ready to follow through.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- be willing5×
- he was determined2×
- and/ it was determined2×
- and/ he was willing2×
- I have undertaken2×
- you have determined1×
- we had been willing1×
- he undertook1×
- and/ may he be willing1×
- and/ he was determined1×
- and/ he fell short1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יּ֥וֹאֶל2×
- וַ/יּ֙וֹאֶל֙2×
- הוֹאַ֙לְתִּי֙2×
- הוֹאִ֣יל2×
- וַ/יֹּ֣אֶל1×
- וַ/יּ֤וֹאֶל1×
- וְ/יֹאֵ֣ל1×
- הוֹאַ֣לְנוּ1×
- הוֹאַ֙לְתָּ֙1×
- הוֹאֵל֙1×
- הוֹאֵ֖ל1×
- הוֹאִ֣ילוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 18:27
Abraham answered, “See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord, although I am dust and ashes.
Abraham uses this resolve to speak boldly to the Lord, showing that willingness involves stepping forward despite feeling inadequate.
-
Job 6:9
even that it would please God to crush me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
In his deepest pain, Job expresses a willingness for God’s hand to act, highlighting how this term can mark a steadfast acceptance of divine allowance even in suffering.
-
II Samuel 7:29
Now therefore, let it please you to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you; for you, Lord Yahweh, have spoken it. Let the house of your servant be blessed forever with your blessing.”
David prays that it may please God to bless his house, demonstrating a humble submission to God’s will as the foundation of true willingness.