יָעַץ (ya.ats)
ya.ats
to advise
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 67 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb yaats means to give counsel, plan, or devise a course of action. It appears in the Old Testament when leaders seek guidance, when God provides direction, or when individuals make deliberate choices. In Exodus 18:19, Jethro advises Moses on organizing the people, showing the word used for practical, wise instruction. The participle form often refers to a counselor or adviser, such as the royal officials in Chronicles who shape national policy.
The word carries a sense of intentional deliberation. In the Niphal stem, it describes consulting together, as when kings gather with their advisors before making decisions (1 Kings 12:6-8). The Hithpael form can imply conspiring or plotting, revealing that counsel can be used for good or ill depending on the intent of those involved.
Yaats highlights the importance of seeking wisdom through community and reflection. It appears frequently in historical books where political and military decisions require careful thought. The term reminds readers that wise action begins with thoughtful consultation rather than impulsive reaction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we face difficult decisions, it is natural to feel overwhelmed by the weight of choice. The Hebrew word yaats reminds us that wise action begins with thoughtful consultation rather than impulsive reaction. In Exodus 18:19, Jethro advises Moses on organizing the people, showing how practical, wise instruction can bring order and peace to chaotic situations. This suggests that seeking guidance from others is not a sign of weakness but a step toward clarity.
Scripture also shows us that counsel can be used for good or ill depending on the intent of those involved. In II Samuel 16:23, Ahithophel’s advice was so trusted it was compared to inquiring at the inner sanctuary of God, yet he used it to betray David. This highlights the importance of aligning our decisions with wisdom that honors God. We are invited to reflect on who we listen to and whether their counsel leads us toward life or away from it.
Ultimately, yaats encourages us to value community and deliberation. It reminds readers that wise action begins with thoughtful consultation rather than impulsive reaction. By seeking guidance rooted in faith, we can navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 67 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he consulted7×
- he has planned5×
- counselors4×
- counseling4×
- they had counseled/ him3×
- he has counseled3×
- and/ he took counsel3×
- he plans2×
- did he plan2×
- counselor[s]2×
- and/ counselors/ his2×
- [was] a counselor2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נֽוֹעָצִ֔ים4×
- וַ/יִּוָּעַ֗ץ4×
- יָעַץ֙3×
- יָעַ֥ץ3×
- אִיעָ֣צְ/ךָ֔3×
- יוֹעֵֽץ\׃2×
- יוֹעֵ֣ץ2×
- יוֹעֲצִ֣ים2×
- יָעַ֤ץ2×
- יְעָצֻ֑/הוּ2×
- וַ/יִּוָּעַץ֙2×
- וַ/יִּוָּעַ֣ץ2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 18:19
Listen now to my voice. I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You represent the people before God, and bring the causes to God.
Jethro uses this word to offer Moses practical advice on organizing the people, demonstrating how wise counsel brings order to chaos.
-
II Samuel 16:23
The counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the inner sanctuary of God. All the counsel of Ahithophel was like this both with David and with Absalom.
Ahithophel’s counsel is described as being like inquiring at the inner sanctuary of God, showing how trusted advice can carry immense weight.
-
I Kings 12:6
King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men who had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, “What counsel do you give me to answer these people?”
Rehoboam seeks advice from older men who served his father Solomon, highlighting the value of learning from experienced leaders.
-
II Chronicles 20:21
When he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to Yahweh and give praise in holy array as they go out before the army, and say, “Give thanks to Yahweh, for his loving kindness endures forever.”
After taking counsel with the people, Hezekiah appoints singers to lead worship, showing how consultation can lead to spiritual preparation.