יְדַע (ye.da)
ye.da
to know
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 32 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb yedaʿ means to know or to make known, appearing primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra. In its basic form, it describes the act of perceiving, understanding, or learning something new. This sense is visible when kings seek wisdom from their advisors, as seen in Daniel 2:8, where they demand that the wise men tell them what they had dreamed.
A significant shift occurs in the Aphel stem, which changes the meaning to causative: to cause someone to know, inform, or certify. This form is often used in official contexts to declare facts or reveal divine secrets. For instance, Daniel uses it to explain that God alone can make known mysteries (Daniel 2:28), and Ezra’s officials use it to formally certify details about the temple reconstruction (Ezra 4:13).
The word carries a weight of authority because it is frequently tied to revelation. It is not merely about acquiring information but about receiving truth that was previously hidden. Whether describing a king’s confusion or God’s clear communication, yedaʿ highlights the transition from ignorance to understanding through divine intervention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This Hebrew word for 'to know' often carries a weight we feel when seeking clarity in uncertain times. It is not just about gathering facts, but about receiving truth that was previously hidden. When Daniel faced an impossible demand from the king, he did not rely on his own intellect alone. Instead, he turned to prayer, asking God to make the secret known. This shows us that true understanding often begins with humility and a request for divine insight.
For your daily life, this word invites you to trust that God can reveal what seems impossible to solve. Whether you are facing a complex decision or a confusing situation, you do not have to figure it out entirely on your own. You can ask for wisdom, knowing that the same God who reveals secrets is willing to guide your steps. This peace comes from resting in the belief that He holds the answers you need.
Ultimately, this knowledge leads to gratitude and praise. When Daniel received the interpretation of the dream, he immediately thanked God. This response reminds us that clarity is a gift meant to draw us closer to our Creator. As you seek understanding in your own journey, let your heart be open to receiving guidance with thankfulness, trusting that God’s light can illuminate even the darkest uncertainties.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 32 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- known4×
- to/ make known to/ me3×
- you will make known to/ me2×
- he made known2×
- [he is] knowing2×
- you will know1×
- you will instruct1×
- you made known to/ us1×
- you knew1×
- you have made known to/ me1×
- to/ ones knowing1×
- to/ make known to/ you1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְדִ֙יעַ֙2×
- תִּנְדַּֽע\׃1×
- תְּהוֹדְעֽוּן\׃1×
- תְהֽוֹדְעוּנַּ֙/נִי֙1×
- תְהֽוֹדְעֻנַּ֜/נִי1×
- מְהוֹדְעִ֤ין1×
- מְהוֹדְעִ֗ין1×
- לְ/יָדְעֵ֥י1×
- לְ/הוֹדָעוּתָ֑/ךְ1×
- לְ/הוֹדָעֻתַ֛/נִי1×
- לְ/הוֹדָעֻתַ֑/נִי1×
- לְ/הוֹדָעָ֥ה1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:28
but there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head on your bed are these:
This verse establishes that God alone reveals secrets, shifting the focus from human ability to divine sovereignty.
-
Daniel 2:30
But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.
Daniel clarifies that his wisdom is not personal but a means for the king to understand his own heart's thoughts.
-
Ezra 7:25
You, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people who are beyond the River, who all know the laws of your God; and teach him who doesn’t know them.
The command to teach those who do not know highlights the communal responsibility to share God's laws with others.
-
Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding.
This occurrence links God’s power to change times and seasons directly with His gift of wisdom to the wise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between this word and other Hebrew words for 'know'?
How does this word appear in the book of Daniel?
Does this word imply a personal relationship with God?
Why is Ezra 7:25 significant for understanding this word?
Every Occurrence (32 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 9 verses
Be it known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us to Jerusalem. They are building the…
Ezra 4:13Be it known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or…
Ezra 4:14Now because we eat the salt of the palace and it is not appropriate for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore we…
Ezra 4:15that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will see in the book of the records, and know…
Ezra 4:16We inform the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, then you will have no possession beyond the River.
Ezra 5:8Be it known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built…
Ezra 5:10We asked them their names also, to inform you that we might write the names of the men who were at their head.
Ezra 7:24Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites,…
Ezra 7:25You, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all…