יָצַג (ya.tsag)
ya.tsag
to set
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb yatsag primarily means to set or place something in a specific position. In the Old Testament, it appears fifteen times, often describing the physical act of setting up objects or establishing boundaries. The sources note its use in Genesis and Judges for arranging items, such as setting stones or preparing offerings.
A distinct nuance emerges in the Hiphil stem, where it can mean to present or exhibit something before others. This usage highlights intentionality; the action is not merely placing an object down but positioning it for a purpose, often for observation or judgment. In Job, this sense of presenting a case or evidence is central to the dialogue.
The word also carries a passive sense in the Hophal stem, meaning to be stopped, stayed, or detained. This shift from active placement to being held in place adds depth to its theological weight. It suggests that what is set can also be fixed or restrained, creating a tension between human action and divine limitation found in the poetic books.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yatsag carries a sense of deliberate placement. It is not about dropping something randomly, but positioning it with intent. Whether setting stones for a boundary or placing an offering before the Lord, the action implies purpose. In our daily lives, this reminds us that God places people and circumstances with specific reasons in mind.
Sometimes we feel like objects being moved by others, yet Scripture shows us a God who sets things right. When David brought the ark to its place, it was an act of worship and order. We can trust that even when life feels chaotic, the Creator is establishing boundaries and purposes that bring peace to our souls.
This word invites us to look at our own positions in life with hope. Just as items are set for observation or judgment, we are known fully by God. There is comfort in knowing He arranges our steps with care, turning confusion into a path we can walk with confidence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ they set2×
- and/ he placed2×
- you will set1×
- to place1×
- let me place1×
- it will be detained1×
- he set down/ me1×
- and/ they placed1×
- and/ set up1×
- and/ he presented/ them1×
- and/ he has set/ me1×
- and/ I will set/ him1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּצִּ֤יג1×
- מַצִּ֛יג1×
- יֻצָּ֑ג1×
- וַ/יַּצֵּ֨ג1×
- וַ/יַּצֵּ֗ג1×
- וַ/יַּצִּגֵ֖/ם1×
- וַ/יַּצִּ֥יגוּ1×
- וַ/יַּצִּ֤גוּ1×
- וַ/יַּצִּ֣יגוּ1×
- וְֽ֭/הִצִּגַ/נִי1×
- וְ/הַצִּ֥יגוּ1×
- וְ/הִצַּגְתִּ֣י/ו1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 30:38
He set the rods which he had peeled opposite the flocks in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink. They conceived when they came to drink.
This verse illustrates the physical act of setting rods to influence natural processes, showing the word's use in arranging items for a specific outcome.
-
II Samuel 6:17
They brought in Yahweh’s ark, and set it in its place in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Yahweh.
Here the ark is set in its designated place, highlighting the word’s connection to establishing order and proper worship within the tent.
-
Judges 7:5
So he brought down the people to the water; and Yahweh said to Gideon, “Everyone who laps of the water with his tongue, like a dog laps, you shall set him by himself; likewise everyone who bows down on his knees to drink.”
Gideon sets people apart by the water, demonstrating how the verb applies to selecting or positioning individuals for a divine purpose.
-
Amos 5:15
Hate evil, love good, and establish justice in the courts. It may be that Yahweh, the God of Armies, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”
The call to establish justice uses this term metaphorically, showing its application in setting societal standards and moral boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does yatsag mean in the Bible?
How is yatsag different from other words for 'place'?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 10 books)
Genesis 4 verses
He set the rods which he had peeled opposite the flocks in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink. They…
Genesis 33:15Esau said, “Let me now leave with you some of the people who are with me.” He said, “Why? Let me find favor in the…
Genesis 43:9I’ll be collateral for him. From my hand will you require him. If I don’t bring him to you, and set him before you,…
Genesis 47:2From among his brothers he took five men, and presented them to Pharaoh.