יְבַל (ye.val)
ye.val
to bring
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb yeval means to bring or carry something along. It appears only three times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the book of Ezra. In these instances, it describes the physical act of transporting items, specifically the sacred vessels and treasures from Jerusalem that were being moved as part of the restoration efforts.
This word is a Haphel form, which typically indicates causative action, derived from the root yabal meaning to conduct or lead. While the Hebrew Bible often uses different terms for carrying burdens or leading people, yeval focuses on the movement of objects from one place to another. Its limited usage in Ezra highlights the logistical reality of rebuilding: gathering resources and moving them into position for the temple’s reconstruction.
Translators usually render yeval simply as "bring" or "carry," reflecting its straightforward physical sense. Unlike words that might imply spiritual guidance, this term grounds the narrative in tangible history. It reminds readers that the return from exile involved real goods and materials being transported across distances, marking a concrete step toward restoring worship in Jerusalem.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word yeval appears only three times in Scripture, all within the book of Ezra. It describes the physical act of bringing or carrying sacred vessels and treasures. This simple verb grounds the biblical narrative in tangible history, reminding us that faith involves real materials and logistics.
When we read about these items being moved from Babylon to Jerusalem, we see God’s care for His dwelling place. The restoration of worship required not just prayer but the careful transport of gold and silver. This shows that ordinary actions can serve holy purposes.
Your life may feel like a series of small tasks. Yet, just as these vessels were brought back to their rightful place, your daily efforts matter to God. He uses practical steps to build His kingdom. Trust that what you bring Him is seen and valued.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he carried2×
- and/ to/ carry1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/הֵיבֵ֣ל2×
- וּ/לְ/הֵיבָלָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 5:14
The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and brought into the temple of Babylon, those Cyrus the king also took out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered to one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor.
This verse highlights the continuity of God’s provision by noting how Cyrus reversed Nebuchadnezzar’s actions, bringing the vessels back to Sheshbazzar.
-
Ezra 6:5
Also let the gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple which is at Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be restored and brought again to the temple which is at Jerusalem, everything to its place. You shall put them in God’s house.
Here the command is explicit: bring the vessels again to Jerusalem and place them in their proper location within God’s house.
-
Ezra 7:15
and to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,
The focus shifts to voluntary offerings, showing that bringing gifts to God was an act of free will from the king and his counselors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word yeval mean?
Why is yeval significant in the book of Ezra?
How is yeval different from other words for carrying?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 3 verses
The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and…
Ezra 6:5Also let the gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple which is at Jerusalem…
Ezra 7:15and to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose…