יָחַד (ya.chad)
ya.chad
be joined
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb yachad describes a state of being joined or united. It appears in only three verses, yet its usage highlights a specific kind of connection. In Genesis 2:24, it describes how a man and his wife become one flesh, emphasizing the deep, intrinsic bond that forms when two people are joined together.
In Psalms and Isaiah, the word takes on a communal or spiritual dimension. Psalm 133:1 uses it to describe brothers dwelling together in unity, suggesting harmony and peace within a group. Isaiah 52:1 applies it to Jerusalem’s walls being built up again, portraying restoration and wholeness after destruction. The verb implies not just proximity, but a genuine coming together.
Its root conveys the idea of closeness or nearness, which underlies both its physical and relational uses. Translators often render it as "unite" or "joined," capturing the sense of things being brought into alignment or connection. This word reminds readers that unity is not merely an abstract ideal but a tangible reality, whether in marriage, community, or national restoration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word yachad speaks of a deep joining, where separate parts come together to form a single, cohesive whole. In Genesis 49:6, it warns against being united with those who act in anger and violence. This verse reminds us that true unity requires shared values and peace, not just physical proximity. When our hearts align with destructive paths, we lose the integrity that comes from walking in truth.
Psalm 86:11 offers a beautiful counterpoint, asking God to make the heart undivided or united in fearing His name. Here, yachad describes an inner wholeness where devotion is not split by competing loyalties. This kind of unity brings stability and focus, allowing us to walk steadily in God’s ways without being pulled apart by conflicting desires.
Isaiah 14:20 shows the negative side of this joining, describing how evildoers are cut off from the community and even from proper burial rites. It highlights that separation from God’s people is a form of disconnection that leads to isolation. We are called instead to seek connections that build up, restore, and honor life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will be united1×
- unite1×
- it be united1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תֵּחַ֣ד1×
- תֵחַ֤ד1×
- יַחֵ֥ד1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 49:6
My soul, don’t come into their council. My glory, don’t be united to their assembly; for in their anger they killed men. In their self-will they hamstrung cattle.
This verse uses yachad to warn against being united with violent conspirators, showing that shared action in evil breaks true fellowship.
-
Psalms 86:11
Teach me your way, Yahweh. I will walk in your truth. Make my heart undivided to fear your name.
Here the word describes an undivided heart, emphasizing that unity with God requires a focused and wholehearted devotion to His name.
-
Isaiah 14:20
You will not join them in burial, because you have destroyed your land. You have killed your people. The offspring of evildoers will not be named forever.
The text states the evildoer will not join the burial community, illustrating how sin leads to a final and complete separation from the people of God.