יַצִּיב (yats.tsiv)
yats.tsiv
certain
A:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word yatsiv functions as an adjective meaning "certain," "true," or "reliable." It describes something that is established, firm, and trustworthy. In its adverbial use, it conveys the sense of doing something surely or truly, emphasizing stability and dependability.
This term appears only four times in the Bible, all within the book of Daniel (2:45; 6:19; 7:28; 8:26). In these contexts, it underscores the certainty of God’s revelations and the reliability of His decrees. For instance, it describes the vision as "certain" and "true," assuring the reader that what is seen will indeed come to pass.
Its root relates to standing or setting up, which informs its meaning of something firmly established. This etymology highlights the theological weight given to divine promises: they are not fleeting but stand firm. The word assures believers that God’s word is as solid as the ground beneath their feet.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yatsiv carries the weight of something firmly established, reliable, and true. It appears only four times in Scripture, all within the book of Daniel, where it serves as a anchor for believers facing uncertainty. When the text describes a vision as yatsiv, it is not merely saying it is likely to happen; it is declaring that God’s word stands firm like bedrock. In a world that shifts constantly, this term reminds us that divine promises are not fleeting thoughts but solid realities.
This certainty does not come from human effort but from God’s own faithfulness. The root of the word relates to standing or setting up, which paints a picture of stability amidst chaos. For your daily life, this means you can rest in the knowledge that what God has spoken will indeed come to pass. It invites trust when circumstances seem confusing or frightening.
When you encounter challenges, remember that God’s declarations are established and sure. You do not need to grasp at shadows or fear the unknown, because the One who speaks holds all things together. His word remains your steady ground, offering peace that transcends understanding.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- certain2×
- and/ truth/ the1×
- and/ [is] certain1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יַצִּיבָ֖א1×
- יַצִּיב֙1×
- וְ/יַצִּיבָ֥/א1×
- וְ/יַצִּ֥יב1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 2:45
Because you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold, the great God has made known to the king what will happen hereafter. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.”
This verse explicitly calls the dream 'certain' and its interpretation 'sure,' directly linking the word to the reliability of God's revelation about future events.
-
Daniel 2:8
The king answered, “I know of a certainty that you are trying to gain time, because you see the thing has gone from me.
Here the king uses a related form to acknowledge he knows for certain that the wise men are delaying, showing the word’s use in establishing factual truth in human interaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word yatsiv mean?
Where does yatsiv appear in the Bible?
How is yatsiv different from other words for 'true'?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 4 verses
The king answered, “I know of a certainty that you are trying to gain time, because you see the thing has gone from me.
Daniel 2:45Because you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the…
Daniel 3:24Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished and rose up in haste. He spoke and said to his counselors, “Didn’t we cast…
Daniel 7:16I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth concerning all this. “So he told me, and made me know…