יְתִב (ye.tiv)
ye.tiv
to dwell
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb yativ means to sit or dwell. In the Old Testament, it appears only five times, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra. The basic sense is physical sitting, but it often extends to the idea of residing in a place permanently.
Its most notable usage occurs in Daniel 5:21, where Nebuchadnezzar is described as being "deposed from his royal throne" and losing his glory. Here, the word contrasts with reigning; to sit is to hold authority, so losing that seat means losing power. In Ezra, it describes people dwelling in their cities after returning from exile.
The term also has a causative form, meaning to cause someone to dwell or settle them in a location. This highlights how the language connects physical presence with stability and order. Translators usually render it as "dwell" when referring to residence, capturing the sense of established habitation rather than just temporary rest.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word yativ connects physical presence with lasting stability. In ancient texts, sitting on a throne was not merely resting; it signified holding authority and ruling from a fixed place. When Nebuchadnezzar lost his seat in Daniel 5:21, he did not just change locations; he lost his power and glory. This shows that true security comes from where God places us, not from our own ability to maintain control.
For believers today, this concept offers comfort. We are settled by God into His family and purpose. Like the exiles in Ezra who returned to dwell in their cities, we find our home in Christ. Our stability does not depend on shifting circumstances but on the One who remains forever. This assurance allows us to rest in His care.
God’s kingdom is eternal and unshakable. While earthly powers rise and fall, He sits as Ancient of Days, judging with righteousness. We can trust that our lives are anchored in His enduring presence. May you find peace in knowing that your place in God’s family is secure and lasting.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it will sit1×
- it sat1×
- he sat1×
- and/ he caused to dwell1×
- [were] dwelling1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָתְבִ֖ין1×
- יִתִּ֑ב1×
- יְתִ֖ב1×
- יְתִ֑ב1×
- וְ/הוֹתֵ֣ב1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 7:9
“I watched until thrones were placed, and one who was Ancient of Days sat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool. His throne was fiery flames, and its wheels burning fire.
This verse establishes the contrast between temporary earthly thrones and the eternal, unshakable authority of God, who sits as Ancient of Days.
-
Ezra 4:10
and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar brought over and settled in the city of Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River, and so forth, wrote.
Here the word describes foreign nations settled by an enemy king, highlighting how human powers attempt to establish control over people and land.
-
Daniel 7:26
“‘But the judgment will be set, and they will take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it to the end.
The judgment removes dominion from earthly rulers, showing that all human authority is temporary compared to God's eternal reign.