יְגִעָה (ye.gi.ah)
ye.gi.ah
weariness
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun yegi‘ah describes the physical and mental state of weariness or exhaustion. It comes from a root meaning to labor or toil, capturing the feeling of being worn out by effort. In Scripture, it appears only once, in Ecclesiastes 12:12.
This single occurrence places the word in a context about the endless accumulation of knowledge and books. The text suggests that making many books is a form of labor that leads to yegi‘ah, implying that such pursuits can drain a person’s energy without providing true satisfaction. The term highlights the limits of human effort when it becomes an end in itself.
Translators often render yegi‘ah as "weariness" or "toil." This choice reflects the word’s focus on the fatigue resulting from sustained work. It serves as a reminder that not all labor leads to fulfillment, and that some efforts may leave one feeling depleted rather than enriched.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yegi‘ah captures the deep exhaustion that follows relentless effort. It describes a state where the body and mind feel worn out by continuous labor. In Ecclesiastes, this term highlights how the endless pursuit of knowledge can drain our energy rather than satisfy our souls.
When we chase after more information or achievements without pause, we often find ourselves depleted instead of fulfilled. This word reminds us that not all work leads to true rest or joy. Sometimes, the very things we strive for can become burdens if they consume our entire being.
It invites you to reflect on where your energy is going. Perhaps there are areas in your life where constant striving has left you feeling empty. Recognizing this weariness can be a gentle nudge to step back and seek peace instead of more activity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [is] weariness of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְגִעַ֥ת1×
Key Verses
-
Ecclesiastes 12:12
Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
This verse uses yegi‘ah to show how excessive study and book-making can exhaust the body, warning against labor that leads to depletion rather than wisdom.