יָגוֹר (ya.gor)
ya.gor
fearing
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The adjective yāgôr describes a state of being fearful or in awe. It appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Jeremiah. In these instances, it characterizes a deep, reverent fear of God that motivates obedience and ethical living.
Its rarity makes its usage significant. Rather than describing panic or terror, yāgôr points to a respectful dread rooted in the recognition of divine authority. This nuance aligns with other biblical concepts where fear of the Lord is linked to wisdom and moral integrity, serving as a foundational attitude for those who seek to follow God’s commands.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word yāgôr appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both found within the book of Jeremiah. It describes a state of being fearful or in awe, but not in the sense of panic or terror. Instead, it points to a respectful dread rooted in the recognition of divine authority. This nuance aligns with other biblical concepts where fear of the Lord is linked to wisdom and moral integrity.
In these rare instances, the word characterizes a deep reverence that motivates obedience and ethical living. It serves as a foundational attitude for those who seek to follow God’s commands. When we encounter this term, we are reminded that true faith involves a healthy respect for God's sovereignty and justice.
Understanding yāgôr helps us see that fear of God is not about being paralyzed by anxiety, but about acknowledging His power and holiness. This perspective can bring comfort, knowing that our reverence for Him is seen and valued. It invites us to live with integrity, trusting in His guidance and protection.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [are] fearful2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָג֖וֹר2×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 22:25
I would give you into the hand of those who seek your life, and into the hand of them of whom you are afraid, even into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of the Chaldeans.
This verse highlights the contrast between human fear of enemies like Nebuchadnezzar and the ultimate authority of God, showing how yāgôr reflects a deep awareness of who holds power.
-
Jeremiah 39:17
But I will deliver you in that day,” says Yahweh; “and you will not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid.
Here, the promise of deliverance from those whom the individual fears underscores God's protection and the reliability of His word in times of danger.