יָהַב (ya.hav)
ya.hav
to give
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 27 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb yahav means to give, place, or provide. Although it appears only twenty-seven times in the Old Testament, its usage is distinct because it often functions as a synonym for the more common root natan. In Genesis 29:21, Jacob asks Laban to give him Rachel, and in Psalm 29:2, Israel is called to ascribe glory to the Lord. These examples show how the word covers both physical transfer and figurative attribution.
A notable feature of yahav is its imperative form, which frequently translates as "come" or "come now." In Genesis 11:3 and 11:7, the builders of Babel say, "Come, let us make bricks," using this verb to urge action. This usage suggests an original sense of granting permission or inviting someone to proceed, a nuance that aligns with its Aramaic equivalent yehav.
The word also carries the meaning of setting or placing something in a specific position. In 2 Samuel 11:15, David instructs Joab to set Uriah in the front lines of the battle. Similarly, Deuteronomy 1:13 uses it to command the selection of wise men for leadership. This concrete sense of positioning adds depth to its broader meaning of giving.
Translators render yahav variously as give, set, bring, or come on, depending on the context. The variation reflects its flexible nature in biblical Hebrew. While rare, it provides a concise way to express transfer, appointment, or invitation without the need for additional prepositions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yahav is a simple verb meaning 'to give,' yet it carries a surprising range of meanings in Scripture. Beyond handing over physical objects, it describes placing someone in a position of authority or inviting others to join in action. When Jacob asked Laban for Rachel, he used this word for a personal request. When the builders at Babel said 'come,' they were using an imperative form that urged immediate cooperation. This flexibility shows how God uses everyday language to express both tangible gifts and spiritual invitations.
In worship, yahav appears in the Psalms when Israel is called to 'ascribe' glory to the Lord. Here, giving is not about losing something but offering praise. It reminds us that our response to God involves actively attributing honor to His name. Whether we are asking for provision or offering thanks, this word connects our human actions with divine grace.
Understanding yahav helps us see that giving is central to biblical life. It includes the practical need for bread and water, as seen when Joseph provided for Egypt, and the spiritual duty of worship. We can trust that God invites us into relationship through these simple, direct calls. May we learn to give ourselves fully to Him in gratitude.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 27 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- give/ !11×
- ascribe10×
- give8×
- provide2×
- set1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָב֥וּ9×
- הָב֣וּ7×
- הָֽבָ/ה\־4×
- הָ֚בָ/ה2×
- הָבָ֣/ה1×
- הָבָ/ה1×
- הָב֤וּ1×
- הָ֥בָ/ה1×
- הָ֣בוּ1×
- הָ֣בָ/ה\׀1×
- הָ֣בָ/ה1×
- הָ֠בִי1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 11:3
They said to one another, “Come, let’s make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they used tar for mortar.
The imperative form 'Come' here urges collective action, showing how the word functions as an invitation to cooperate rather than just a transfer of goods.
-
Psalms 29:2
Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name. Worship Yahweh in holy array.
This verse uses the verb to mean 'ascribe,' indicating that giving glory is an active attribution of honor to God's name rather than a physical gift.
-
Genesis 29:21
Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her.”
Jacob uses this word in a direct personal request for his wife, illustrating its common use for obtaining something desired or promised.
-
II Samuel 11:15
He wrote in the letter, saying, “Send Uriah to the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck and die.”
David instructs Joab to 'send' Uriah to the front, demonstrating the word's meaning of placing someone in a specific position or situation.
-
Genesis 47:16
Joseph said, “Give me your livestock; and I will give you food for your livestock, if your money is gone.”
Joseph offers food for livestock, showing how the verb covers the provision of essential resources during times of scarcity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word yahav mean?
Why does yahav sometimes translate as 'come'?
How is yahav different from other words for giving?
Where does yahav appear in the Psalms?
Every Occurrence (27 verses across 13 books)
Genesis 8 verses
They said to one another, “Come, let’s make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they used…
Genesis 11:4They said, “Come, let’s build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top reaches to the sky, and let’s make a name for…
Genesis 11:7Come, let’s go down, and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.”
Genesis 29:21Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her.”
Genesis 30:1When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister. She said to Jacob, “Give me children, or…
Genesis 38:16He turned to her by the way, and said, “Please come, let me come in to you,” for he didn’t know that she was his…
Genesis 47:15When the money was all spent in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph, and…
Genesis 47:16Joseph said, “Give me your livestock; and I will give you food for your livestock, if your money is gone.”