יָעֵל (ya.el)
ya.el
Wildgoats'
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun yaʿel refers to a wild mountain goat, an animal known for its sure-footed agility on steep and rocky terrain. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears in only two verses, both located in poetic books: Psalm 104:18 and Job 39:1.
The sources identify this word specifically as a "mountain-goat," distinguishing it from domestic livestock by its wild nature and habitat. Its presence in these texts highlights the untamed beauty of creation, where such creatures thrive in places inaccessible to humans.
This rare term underscores the diversity of God’s wildlife, reminding readers that even the most rugged landscapes support life. The word’s limited usage suggests it was a familiar concept to ancient Israelites, evoking images of strength and independence in the highlands.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word yaʿel points to the mountain goat, a creature designed for steep cliffs and rocky heights. In ancient Israel, these animals were known for their sure-footed agility in places humans could not easily reach. This rare term appears only twice in Scripture, highlighting a specific kind of wild strength that thrives where others might fear to step.
When we read about these creatures in Job or the Psalms, we see a creation that is both untamed and carefully ordered by God. They do not rely on fences or feeders; their nature is suited exactly to their environment. This reminds us that God’s wisdom extends to every corner of the earth, even the most rugged and inaccessible ones.
For your faith, this word invites you to trust in a Creator who knows the details of His world. Just as the mountain goat finds its footing on difficult terrain, we can look to God for stability when our own paths feel steep or uncertain. His care covers not just the gentle valleys but also the high places where life seems precarious.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mountain goats of1×
- [belong] to the/ mountain goats1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַ/יְּעֵלִ֑ים1×
- יַעֲלֵי\־1×
Key Verses
-
Job 39:1
“Do you know the time when the mountain goats give birth? Do you watch when the doe bears fawns?
This verse uses the word to illustrate God’s intimate knowledge of animal birth cycles, emphasizing His authority over natural processes humans cannot control.
-
Psalms 104:18
The high mountains are for the wild goats. The rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers.
Here the term identifies the high mountains as a specific habitat provided by God, showing how He designs distinct environments for different creatures to thrive.