יַ֫חַד (ya.chad)
ya.chad
unitedness; together
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 120 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word yachad primarily conveys the idea of being united or acting in concert. It functions as both a noun meaning "union" and an adverb meaning "together." In the Old Testament, it appears frequently to describe people joining forces or things occurring simultaneously. The sources note that while it can stand alone as a substantive concept of unity, it most often modifies verbs to emphasize shared action.
This term carries significant weight in prophetic literature, particularly in Isaiah and Jeremiah, where it describes the collective experience of God’s people. It is not merely physical proximity but a functional partnership. For instance, when Israel is called to act yachad, it implies a coordinated movement toward a common goal, whether that be worship, judgment, or restoration. The word underscores the relational aspect of community, highlighting that many things in Scripture are intended to happen in concert rather than isolation.
Its usage in Job often highlights the solidarity of friends or the shared burden of suffering. Translators typically render it as "together" or "in union," capturing the sense of joined effort. The word reminds readers that biblical community is defined by active participation and mutual presence, reflecting a divine pattern where unity is not just a state of being but a mode of doing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yachad describes a unity that is active rather than static. It appears in Scripture to show people joining forces, sharing burdens, or moving toward a common goal. This is not just about physical proximity but about coordinated effort and mutual presence. When the text says Israel stood together, it implies a shared purpose rooted in their relationship with God.
In your daily life, this word invites you to consider how you engage with others. Faith is rarely lived in isolation. Whether in worship, service, or facing hardship, we are called to walk alongside one another. Like Abraham and Isaac moving forward in trust, or the tribes gathering under God’s kingship, our strength often comes from acting in concert rather than alone.
This concept reminds us that community is a mode of doing. It challenges us to seek partnership in our spiritual journey. By standing together, we reflect a divine pattern where unity is found in shared action and mutual support, offering hope that no burden is too heavy when carried by many hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 120 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- together92×
- alike14×
- altogether7×
- and/ together4×
- all together4×
- [were] together1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יַחְדָּ֑ו18×
- יַחְדָּ֖ו14×
- יַחְדָּֽו\׃10×
- יַחְדָּ֔ו9×
- יָֽחַד\׃8×
- יַחְדָּו֙8×
- יָ֑חַד6×
- יַ֖חַד5×
- יַחְדָּ֥ו4×
- יַ֥חַד4×
- יַחְדָּֽו\׃\ \ס3×
- יַחְדָּ֗ו3×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 22:8
Abraham said, “God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they both went together.
This verse highlights the intimate trust between Abraham and Isaac as they move forward in shared obedience, showing how yachad binds relationships through faith.
-
Exodus 19:8
All the people answered together, and said, “All that Yahweh has spoken we will do.” Moses reported the words of the people to Yahweh.
Here the entire nation responds in unison to God’s voice, demonstrating that yachad can signify a collective commitment to divine instruction.
-
Deuteronomy 33:5
He was king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people were gathered, all the tribes of Israel together.
The tribes are gathered as one under God’s kingship, illustrating how yachad unites the people of Israel in their identity and worship.
-
I Samuel 30:24
Who will listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays with the baggage. They shall share alike.”
David establishes that all who participate in the struggle share equally in the outcome, showing yachad as a principle of fair partnership and solidarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word yachad mean?
How is yachad different from other words for 'together'?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (120 verses across 21 books)
Genesis 5 verses
The land was not able to bear them, that they might live together; for their possessions were so great that they…
Genesis 22:6Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. He took in his hand the fire and the knife.…
Genesis 22:8Abraham said, “God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they both went together.
Genesis 22:19So Abraham returned to his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beersheba. Abraham lived at Beersheba.
Genesis 36:7For their substance was too great for them to dwell together, and the land of their travels couldn’t bear them because…