יָרַע (ya.ra)
ya.ra
be ill
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb yara means to tremble or quiver. In the biblical text, it describes a physical shaking that often signals distress or instability. The word appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times within the book of Isaiah.
In Isaiah 15:4, the prophet uses this term to depict the people of Moab reacting to impending judgment. Their hearts "tremble" as they flee through the streets. This usage highlights a visceral reaction to crisis rather than a voluntary spiritual act. The image is one of involuntary physical response to overwhelming fear or disaster.
Lexical sources consistently link this root to the idea of quivering motion. It does not carry the broader theological weight of repentance or worship found in other Hebrew verbs for trembling. Instead, it serves as a precise descriptor of bodily reaction in moments of intense upheaval, grounding the prophetic message in human physical experience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yara describes a physical trembling, often linked to distress or instability. In Isaiah 15:4, it captures the visceral fear of Moab’s people as they face judgment. This shaking is not a spiritual choice but a natural reaction to overwhelming crisis.
When life feels unstable, your body and mind may react similarly. This word reminds us that even profound fear is part of the human experience. God sees these moments of vulnerability without condemnation.
You do not need to hide your trembling. Bringing your honest reactions to God allows Him to meet you in your weakness. His presence offers steadiness when everything else feels like it is shaking apart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it is trembling1×
- is sad1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָ֥רְעָה1×
- יֵרַ֣ע1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 15:4
Heshbon cries out with Elealeh. Their voice is heard even to Jahaz. Therefore the armed men of Moab cry aloud. Their souls tremble within them.
The word describes the involuntary physical trembling of Moab's people as they flee from impending judgment, highlighting their intense fear.