יָטַב (ya.tav)
ya.tav
be good
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 99 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb yāṭab means to be good, but its scope extends beyond moral quality to include physical well-being, aesthetic appeal, and personal satisfaction. In the Qal stem, it often describes a state of being "well" or "pleasant," such as when Joseph tells his brothers that things will go well for him in Egypt (Genesis 12:13). This usage highlights a holistic sense of prosperity or comfort, where external circumstances align with internal peace.
A distinct nuance appears in the phrase "it was good in my eyes," which denotes personal preference or delight rather than objective truth. We see this when Pharaoh’s daughter remarks that Moses’ brother is good to look at (Exodus 2:9), or when Esther finds favor with the king (Esther 5:2). Here, the word captures subjective approval, marking something as desirable or pleasing to a specific observer.
The Hiphil stem shifts the focus to action, meaning to do good, make right, or deal kindly. It is frequently used to describe ethical conduct or benevolent treatment, such as when God promises to deal well with those who keep His commands (Deuteronomy 4:40). This causative form emphasizes the active role of improving a situation or treating someone with kindness, bridging the gap between a state of being good and the practice of goodness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yāṭab carries a rich sense of goodness that goes beyond simple moral correctness. It describes situations where things are well, pleasant, or satisfactory. When we see characters in Scripture asking for things to go well, they are seeking holistic peace and provision. This reminds us that God cares about the practical details of our lives, not just abstract spiritual concepts.
In everyday faith, this word invites us to recognize God’s kindness in both small comforts and major blessings. It encourages a posture of gratitude when circumstances align with His will. We can trust that He desires our well-being and often provides it through the actions of others or through direct intervention.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 99 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ it was good15×
- it may go well9×
- to/ do good to4×
- it will go well4×
- thoroughly <do well>3×
- so/ it may go well3×
- so/ it may be good3×
- it makes good3×
- he will do good3×
- ¿/ rightly <do well>2×
- you will do well2×
- to/ do good2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִיטַ֥ב4×
- יִ֣יטַב4×
- וַ/יִּיטַב֙4×
- יִֽיטַב\־3×
- וַ/יִּיטַ֥ב3×
- וַ/יִּיטַ֖ב3×
- הֵיטֵ֔ב3×
- הֵיטִ֖יבוּ3×
- לְ/הֵיטִ֥יב2×
- לְ/הֵיטִ֔יב2×
- יֵיטִ֥יב2×
- יֵיטִ֣ב2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 12:13
Please say that you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that my soul may live because of you.”
This verse shows Abram seeking personal safety and provision, using the word to describe a state where his life is preserved and well-being is secured through a specific arrangement.
-
Deuteronomy 4:40
You shall keep his statutes and his commandments which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which Yahweh your God gives you for all time.
Here the word connects obedience to long-term prosperity, indicating that keeping God’s commands leads to a sustained state of well-being for future generations.
-
Genesis 12:16
He dealt well with Abram for her sake. He had sheep, cattle, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female donkeys, and camels.
This occurrence highlights God’s active intervention, showing how He deals kindly with Abram by providing material wealth and protection as a result of the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does yāṭab mean in the Bible?
How is yāṭab different from other words for good?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (99 verses across 25 books)
Genesis 7 verses
If you do well, won’t it be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you…
Genesis 12:13Please say that you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that my soul may live because of you.”
Genesis 12:16He dealt well with Abram for her sake. He had sheep, cattle, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female…
Genesis 34:18Their words pleased Hamor and Shechem, Hamor’s son.
Genesis 40:14But remember me when it is well with you. Please show kindness to me, and make mention of me to Pharaoh, and bring me…
Genesis 41:37The thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.
Genesis 45:16The report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” It pleased Pharaoh well, and his…