יְהַב (ye.hav)
ye.hav
to give
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 26 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb yehav means to give, provide, or place something in a specific position. It appears twenty-six times in the Hebrew Bible, concentrated heavily in the books of Daniel and Ezra where imperial court narratives unfold. The word covers both the transfer of objects and the bestowal of abstract gifts, such as authority or time.
A notable usage occurs in Ezra 5:16, where the term describes laying foundations for a temple structure, showing its physical application alongside its more common figurative sense. In Daniel, it frequently conveys the act of delivering someone over to fate or judgment, highlighting God’s sovereign control over history and human destiny.
Translators often render this word as "give," "deliver," or "lay" depending on context. Its presence in these post-exilic texts underscores the theme that all power and provision ultimately come from the Most High, even when exercised through foreign kings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Aramaic verb yehav, meaning 'to give,' appears frequently in the post-exilic books of Ezra and Daniel. In these texts, it describes not only the transfer of physical objects but also the bestowal of authority, wisdom, and life itself. This usage reminds us that every gift, whether material or spiritual, originates from God’s sovereign hand.
When we encounter this word in narratives about kings and exiles, it highlights a consistent theme: human power is derived, not inherent. Whether Nebuchadnezzar receives dominion or the saints receive judgment, the act of giving remains rooted in divine purpose. This perspective offers comfort, as it suggests that our circumstances are held within a larger, intentional plan.
Reflecting on yehav invites us to recognize the source of all provision. It encourages a posture of gratitude for what we have received and trust in how God distributes power and time. By acknowledging that every good thing comes from above, we can navigate life’s transitions with greater peace and humility.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 26 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it was given6×
- he gave4×
- he has given2×
- given2×
- you have given1×
- so/ they may be given1×
- let it be given1×
- he laid1×
- give!1×
- and/ they were given1×
- and/ they gave1×
- and/ it was given1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְהַב\־3×
- מִתְיְהֵ֥ב2×
- יְהַ֣ב2×
- יְהִ֥יב2×
- וִ/יהִיבַ֖ת2×
- תִּתְיְהִֽב\׃1×
- מִתְיַהֲבִ֣ין1×
- מִֽתְיַהֲבָ֛א1×
- יָהֵ֤ב1×
- יְהַ֧ב1×
- יְהַ֣בְתְּ1×
- יְהַ֖ב1×
Key Verses
-
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 verse explicitly links the act of giving wisdom to God’s sovereign control over historical timelines and leadership changes.
-
Daniel 5:18
“To you, king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty.
Here the word describes the transfer of kingdom authority from Nebuchadnezzar, illustrating that earthly power is a delegated gift from the Most High.
-
Daniel 7:14
Dominion was given him, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be destroyed.
The passive construction 'was given' emphasizes that eternal dominion is bestowed upon the Son of Man by divine decree rather than human conquest.
-
Ezra 6:9
That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests who are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail,
This command to give daily provisions for temple worship shows God’s care for the practical sustenance required for faithful service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Aramaic word yehav mean?
Why is yehav significant in the book of Daniel?
How is yehav different from the Hebrew word natan?
Every Occurrence (26 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 8 verses
There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute,…
Ezra 5:12But after our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of…
Ezra 5:14The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and…
Ezra 5:16Then the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of God’s house which is in Jerusalem. Since that time even…
Ezra 6:4with three courses of great stones and a course of new timber. Let the expenses be given out of the king’s house.
Ezra 6:8Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of…
Ezra 6:9That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also…
Ezra 7:19The vessels that are given to you for the service of the house of your God, deliver before the God of Jerusalem.