יָעָה (ya.ah)
ya.ah
to sweep away
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb yaah appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Isaiah 28:17. Its core meaning is to sweep away or sweep together, evoking the physical action of clearing a surface with force.
In this specific context, it describes how God will use judgment as a measuring line and stones of anger to sweep away refuge. The imagery suggests a thorough cleansing or removal of what is unstable, leaving nothing behind in its path.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word yaah paints a vivid picture of forceful removal. In Isaiah 28:17, it describes how God uses judgment like a sweeping wind or rushing waters to clear away false security. This imagery reminds us that human refuges built on lies cannot withstand the weight of divine truth.
For your faith, this offers both warning and comfort. It warns against trusting in unstable foundations, yet comforts those who seek shelter in God’s justice. When life feels chaotic, remember that God clears away what is false to reveal what is solid. His righteousness stands firm when everything else fades.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ it will sweep away1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/יָעָ֤ה1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 28:17
I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plumb line. The hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters will overflow the hiding place.
This verse uses yaah to depict hail sweeping away the refuge of lies, showing how divine judgment removes false security.