יָרֵחַ (ya.re.ach)
ya.re.ach
moon
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 22 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun yareach refers to the moon, appearing twenty-two times in Scripture with a heavy concentration in poetic books like Psalms and prophetic writings such as Isaiah. While it denotes the celestial body itself, its usage often extends beyond simple astronomy to serve as a marker of time and permanence.
Translators frequently render this word in phrases that emphasize enduring stability. For instance, Psalm 89:37 describes the covenant with David as being established "like the moon," using the regularity of the lunar cycle to symbolize faithfulness that outlasts human failure. Similarly, Psalm 72:5 speaks of a reign lasting "as long as the moon endures," linking the object to concepts of eternity and unchanging order.
The sources highlight a distinct contrast in how this word functions alongside other heavenly bodies. In passages like Joshua 10:12-13, the moon is commanded to stand still along with the sun, demonstrating its role as a participant in divine intervention rather than just a passive light source. This reinforces its theological weight as a witness to God’s power over creation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word for moon often points to something steady and reliable. In Psalm 89:37, the writer uses it to describe God’s promise as firm as the lunar cycle. This imagery reminds us that while human plans may shift, the commitments made by God remain constant. It offers a quiet confidence when life feels unpredictable.
Scripture also shows the moon responding to divine command in Joshua 10:12-13. Here it stands still alongside the sun during a battle. This moment highlights that creation serves its Creator. The celestial bodies are not independent powers but witnesses to God’s power over history and nature.
In Isaiah 60:19-20, the text contrasts the fading light of the moon with God’s everlasting presence. While natural lights eventually fade or change, the promise is that God Himself will be the permanent source of light. This shifts our focus from temporary markers of time to the eternal nature of His glory.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 22 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] moon5×
- and/ [the] moon4×
- the/ moon3×
- and/ to the/ moon2×
- and/ the/ moon2×
- and/ moon2×
- to the/ moon1×
- moon1×
- and/ moon/ your1×
- and/ O moon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָ֭רֵחַ2×
- וְ/יָרֵ֖חַ2×
- לַ/יָּרֵ֗חַ1×
- יָרֵֽחַ\׃1×
- יָרֵ֥חַ1×
- יָרֵ֖חַ1×
- יָ֝רֵ֗חַ1×
- וִ/ירֵחֵ֖/ךְ1×
- וְ֝/יָרֵ֗חַ1×
- וְ/לַ/יָּרֵ֜חַ1×
- וְ/לַ/יָּרֵ֙חַ֙1×
- וְ/יָרֵ֥חַ1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 72:5
They shall fear you while the sun endures; and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
This verse links the longevity of a righteous reign directly to the enduring cycle of the moon, using it as a symbol of lasting stability and peace.
-
Joshua 10:13
The sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the nation had avenged themselves of their enemies. Isn’t this written in the book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and didn’t hurry to go down about a whole day.
The moon is depicted here as an active participant in divine intervention, standing still to testify to God's power on behalf of Israel.
-
Isaiah 60:20
Your sun will not go down any more, nor will your moon withdraw itself; for Yahweh will be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning will end.
The text uses the withdrawal of the moon as a contrast to emphasize that Yahweh will provide an unending light that never fades.
-
Psalms 104:19
He appointed the moon for seasons. The sun knows when to set.
This passage highlights the moon's functional role in marking seasons, showing God's careful design for timekeeping and order.