יָקַץ (ya.qats)
ya.qats
to awake
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb yaqats describes the act of waking from sleep or becoming alert and active. It appears eleven times in the Old Testament, with notable occurrences in Genesis, Judges, and 1 Kings. The word captures the physical transition from rest to wakefulness, often implying a sudden or decisive shift in state.
In its most famous usage, Jacob employs this term when he wakes at Beersheba after his dream of the ladder (Genesis 28:16). He declares, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it," highlighting a moment of spiritual awakening that parallels his physical one. The verb carries a sense of sudden awareness, as seen when Saul’s men realize he has left his camp (1 Kings 20:41) or when the prophet Elijah rises to eat and drink (1 Kings 19:5).
Unlike words that might describe gradual stirring, yaqats often implies a clear break from inactivity. It is used both literally for rising from sleep and metaphorically for moral or spiritual alertness. Translators typically render it as "awake" or "arise," preserving the immediacy of the action. The term underscores the importance of being attentive to divine presence or impending events.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about Jacob waking at Beersheba, he realizes God was present all along, even though he had been unaware. This verb captures that sudden shift from unconsciousness to clear sight. It reminds us that spiritual awareness often comes as a gift, breaking through our routine or distraction to reveal what has always been true.
There are moments when we feel stuck in a cycle of sleepiness, whether physically or emotionally. The biblical use of this word suggests that God can bring a decisive awakening, not just to rise from bed, but to recognize His nearness. It is an invitation to pay attention, trusting that He is active even when we do not see Him immediately.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he awoke8×
- so/ he may awake1×
- and/ may they awake?1×
- and/ I awoke1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וָ/אִיקָֽץ\׃1×
- וַ/יִּקַ֥ץ1×
- וַ/יִּקַ֣ץ1×
- וַ/יִּקַ֖ץ1×
- וַ/יִּיקַץ֙1×
- וַ/יִּיקַ֥ץ1×
- וַ/יִּיקַ֣ץ1×
- וַ/יִּיקַ֖ץ1×
- וַ/יִּ֥יקֶץ1×
- וְ/יִקָֽץ\׃1×
- וְ/יִקְצ֖וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 28:16
Jacob awakened out of his sleep, and he said, “Surely Yahweh is in this place, and I didn’t know it.”
This verse highlights the spiritual dimension of waking, as Jacob realizes God's presence in a place he previously overlooked.
-
Psalms 78:65
Then the Lord awakened as one out of sleep, like a mighty man who shouts by reason of wine.
Here the term describes God’s sudden intervention, comparing His action to a mighty warrior rising from sleep to act decisively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary meaning of the Hebrew word yaqats?
How is this word different from other terms for waking?
Where does this word appear in the Old Testament?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 5 books)
Genesis 5 verses
Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his youngest son had done to him.
Genesis 28:16Jacob awakened out of his sleep, and he said, “Surely Yahweh is in this place, and I didn’t know it.”
Genesis 41:4The ugly and thin cattle ate up the seven sleek and fat cattle. So Pharaoh awoke.
Genesis 41:7The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy and full ears. Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream.
Genesis 41:21and when they had eaten them up, it couldn’t be known that they had eaten them, but they were still ugly, as at the…