יָסַד (ya.sad)
ya.sad
to found
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 37 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb yasad means to lay a base or establish something on firm ground. In the Old Testament, it describes both physical construction and divine action. When applied to buildings, as in Ezra 3:10-12, it refers to setting the stones of the temple foundation. More frequently, Scripture uses it for God’s creative work, such as in Psalm 24:2, where Yahweh is said to have founded the earth upon the seas.
This word carries a sense of permanence and stability. It implies that what is founded will not easily collapse. The sources note its use in Job 38:4, where God asks Job if he knows when the earth’s foundations were laid. This rhetorical question highlights human limitation against divine power. The verb often appears in poetic passages to remind readers that God’s order is secure and enduring.
Translators usually render yasad as "found," "establish," or "lay the foundation." The choice depends on context. For physical structures, "lay the foundation" is precise. For abstract concepts like laws or nations, "establish" or "ordain" fits better. This distinction shows how Hebrew thought connects physical stability with spiritual and social order.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yasad speaks of laying something on firm ground so it will not easily collapse. In Scripture, this action belongs to God alone when He created the earth or established His people. It reminds us that our faith rests on a stable foundation, not shifting sand. When we face uncertainty, we can look back at how God has secured what is His.
This stability appears in both physical temples and spiritual promises. The builders of Jerusalem’s temple laid stones with care, yet the true permanence comes from the One who founded Zion. We find comfort knowing that what God establishes endures through every generation. His order remains secure even when human plans fail.
For your daily life, this truth offers peace. You do not need to build your security on temporary things. Instead, rest in the fact that God has laid a foundation that cannot be shaken. This hope invites you to trust His timing and character, knowing He is faithful to sustain what He begins.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 37 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it was founded4×
- he had appointed2×
- he founded/ it2×
- founded2×
- and/ [who] founded2×
- you have established/ them1×
- you have established/ it1×
- you had established1×
- when/ founded/ it1×
- when/ founded/ I1×
- was founded/ it1×
- to/ found1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָֽסַד\־2×
- יִסַּ֥ד2×
- יִסַּ֣ד2×
- יְסָדָ֑/הּ2×
- וְ/יֹסֵ֣ד2×
- תִּוָּסֵֽד\׃\ \ס1×
- נֽוֹסְדוּ\־1×
- מוּסָּ֔ד1×
- מְיֻסָּדִ֖ים1×
- לְ/יִסּ֑וֹד1×
- יֻסָּֽד\׃1×
- יֻסַּ֨ד1×
Key Verses
-
Job 38:4
“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding.
God uses this word to challenge Job’s limited perspective by asking where he was when the earth’s foundations were laid.
-
Psalms 24:2
For he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the floods.
This verse declares that Yahweh founded the earth on the seas, highlighting His sovereign power over creation.
-
Ezra 3:10
When the builders laid the foundation of Yahweh’s temple, they set the priests in their vestments with trumpets, with the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise Yahweh, according to the directions of David king of Israel.
The builders laid the foundation of Yahweh’s temple while priests and Levites praised God with musical instruments.
-
Isaiah 14:32
What will they answer the messengers of the nation? That Yahweh has founded Zion, and in her the afflicted of his people will take refuge.
The prophet announces that Yahweh has founded Zion, providing a place of refuge for the afflicted among His people.