יָשַׁע (ya.sah)
ya.sah
to save
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 163 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb yasha means to save, deliver, or set free. Its core image comes from the idea of being placed in a wide, open space, escaping the narrowness of danger or distress. In Scripture, this word describes God’s action in liberating people from physical threats, such as enemies in battle, and from moral troubles.
It appears frequently in Psalms and Isaiah, often paired with the name Yeshua (Jesus), which carries the same root meaning. The sources note that it is used when God gives victory to His people, as seen in Judges 6:14, or when believers cry out for rescue from enemies, as in Psalm 7:1. Translators usually render it simply as "save," but the Hebrew sense includes both physical deliverance and spiritual safety.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yasha carries a vivid picture of rescue. It describes moving from a narrow, dangerous place into wide, open safety. When Scripture uses this term, it points to God’s power to deliver His people from immediate threats and deep distress. This is not just a distant concept but a tangible reality for those who cry out for help.
In the Old Testament, we see this action repeated as judges rise up to protect Israel from their enemies. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the struggles of His people. He steps in when human strength fails, turning defeat into victory and fear into peace.
This same root word connects to the name Yeshua, or Jesus. The meaning remains consistent across both testaments: God saves. Whether facing physical danger or spiritual brokenness, we can trust that the One who delivered Israel is still able to bring us into a place of safety and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 163 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ deliver6×
- a deliverer6×
- and/ he delivered5×
- to/ save4×
- save/ us4×
- save/ me4×
- save/ !4×
- and/ he delivered/ them4×
- it will save3×
- he will save3×
- and/ he gave victory to3×
- I will save3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/הוֹשִׁ֥יעַ6×
- מוֹשִֽׁיעַ\׃4×
- מוֹשִׁ֛יעַ3×
- וַ/יּ֤וֹשַׁע3×
- תִּוָּשַׁ֣ע2×
- נוֹשַׁ֣ע2×
- מוֹשִׁ֣יעַ2×
- מֽוֹשִׁיעֵ֔/ךְ2×
- לְ/הוֹשִׁיעֵ֑/נִי2×
- לְ/הֽוֹשִׁיעָ֑/הּ2×
- יוֹשִׁיעֵֽ/ם\׃2×
- יוֹשִֽׁיעַ\׃2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 14:30
Thus Yahweh saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore.
This verse establishes the foundational pattern of God saving Israel from overwhelming military force, showing His power to create safety where none seemed possible.
-
Judges 2:16
Yahweh raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them.
Here the text highlights God’s personal initiative in raising up leaders to rescue His people when they were being plundered, demonstrating His ongoing care.
-
Judges 6:14
Yahweh looked at him, and said, “Go in this your might, and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Haven’t I sent you?”
God commissions Gideon with this command, linking human action to divine salvation and showing that He uses willing hearts to bring deliverance.
-
Deuteronomy 33:29
You are happy, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by Yahweh, the shield of your help, the sword of your excellency? Your enemies will submit themselves to you. You will tread on their high places.”
This blessing describes Israel as a people saved by Yahweh, framing their national identity around the fact that God is their ultimate protector and shield.