יַקִּיר (yaq.qir)
yaq.qir
precious
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective yaqqir describes something or someone as exceptionally precious or dear. It is a rare term in the Old Testament, appearing only once in Jeremiah 31:20. In this verse, God speaks of Ephraim as His "dear son," using this specific word to emphasize a value that goes beyond ordinary affection.
Its rarity gives it significant weight. Because it is not used frequently, its single appearance stands out as a deliberate choice by the biblical author. The term conveys a sense of high honor and deep personal attachment, marking Ephraim not just as a subject, but as a cherished child in God's eyes.
This word shares a root with other terms for value and honor in Hebrew and Aramaic. Its use here highlights the intensity of divine love, showing that even when judgment is necessary, the underlying relationship remains one of profound and costly regard.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word yaqqir appears only once in the entire Old Testament, found in Jeremiah 31:20. God uses it to describe Ephraim as His "dear son." This rarity gives the term special weight. It is not a casual compliment but a declaration of deep, personal attachment. Even when judgment was necessary, God's underlying relationship remained one of profound regard.
This single occurrence reminds us that our value in God's eyes is not based on our performance. When we feel distant or unworthy, Scripture assures us that He remembers us with earnest love. His heart yearns for us, not because we are perfect, but because we are His children. This promise of mercy stands firm regardless of our failures.
May this rare word bring you comfort today. You are held in a love that goes beyond ordinary affection. Let this truth anchor your heart when uncertainty arises, knowing that you are cherished by the Creator who speaks with such specific tenderness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- dear1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יַקִּ֨יר1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 31:20
Is Ephraim my dear son? Is he a darling child? For as often as I speak against him, I still earnestly remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him. I will surely have mercy on him,” says Yahweh.
This verse uniquely applies yaqqir to Ephraim, emphasizing God's intense personal attachment and yearning despite the nation's rebellion.