יָעַל (ya.al)
ya.al
to gain
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The verb ya‘al, appearing primarily in the Hiphil stem, means to gain profit or provide benefit. It describes something that is useful, valuable, or effective in achieving a desired result. In the Old Testament, this word often evaluates whether a person, action, or object actually helps someone or advances their cause.
Its meaning is frequently applied to idols and false gods, highlighting their inability to help their worshippers. For example, Jeremiah notes that people follow deities that do not profit them (Jeremiah 2:8), and Isaiah points out that those who trust in idols will not be benefited by them (Isaiah 57:12). The word also appears in wisdom literature, such as Job 15:3, where it questions the value of empty words.
The root concept involves rising or ascending to a higher level of usefulness. When something is described with ya‘al, it is seen as having weight or worth that contributes positively to a situation. Translators often render it as "profit," "avail," or "help," depending on whether the subject is a person, an object, or an action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ya‘al asks a simple but profound question: does this thing actually help? In the Old Testament, it is often used to test whether idols, wealth, or human strategies provide real benefit. The Bible repeatedly shows that false gods and empty promises fail when we need them most. This word invites us to examine what we rely on for security and peace.
When we turn away from things that cannot deliver, we find space for trust in God alone. Scripture reminds us that riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers (Proverbs 11:4). This is not a call to reject all material things, but to recognize their limits. True help comes from the One who teaches us to profit and leads us in the right way (Isaiah 48:17).
May you find rest in knowing that God’s guidance is always effective. When life feels uncertain, look to the Lord, who alone provides lasting benefit. His ways are reliable, and His love endures forever.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to profit2×
- they will confer profit2×
- they benefit2×
- it profits2×
- will we gain1×
- will I profit1×
- to/ profit1×
- to/ confer profit1×
- to confer profit1×
- they will benefit/ you1×
- they will benefit1×
- they profited1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/הוֹעִ֔יל2×
- הוֹעִֽיל\׃2×
- נּ֝וֹעִ֗יל1×
- מוֹעִֽיל\׃1×
- יוֹעִילֽוּ/ךְ\׃1×
- יוֹעִֽילוּ\׃1×
- יוֹעִֽיל\׃1×
- יוֹעִ֥ילוּ1×
- יוֹעִ֥יל1×
- יוֹעִ֣ילוּ1×
- יוֹעִ֣יל1×
- יוֹעִ֛ילוּ1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 12:21
Don’t turn away to go after vain things which can’t profit or deliver, for they are vain.
This verse warns against following vain things that cannot profit or deliver, highlighting the futility of idolatry.
-
Isaiah 48:17
Yahweh, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says: “I am Yahweh your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way that you should go.
Here God contrasts false gods with Himself, stating He is the one who teaches His people to profit and leads them well.
-
Proverbs 11:4
Riches don’t profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
This proverb emphasizes that wealth offers no advantage in times of judgment, whereas righteousness provides true deliverance.
-
Jeremiah 2:11
Has a nation changed its gods, which really are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which doesn’t profit.
The prophet laments that Israel exchanged their glory for gods that are useless and provide no real benefit.