יָאַל

yâʼal /yaw-al'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root (probably rather the same as יָאַל through the idea of mental weakness) · properly, to yield, especially assent
Meaninghence (pos.) to undertake as an act of volition
KJV usageassay, begin, be content, please, take upon, would.
Idioms & phrasesidiom willingly
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word yâʼal, represented by H2974, conveys the concept of volition, assent, and contentment. It appears 19 times across 19 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning ranges from being pleased or content with a circumstance to willingly undertaking an action, beginning a task, or attempting something new.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical narratives, H2974 is used to express both divine and human will. It describes God's sovereign choice, as in the declaration that "it hath pleased H2974 the LORD to make you his people" 1 Samuel 12:22. On a human level, it shows a person's decision to accept a situation, such as when Moses "was content H2974 to dwell with the man" Exodus 2:21. The word can also signify a bold undertaking, as when Abraham states, "I have taken upon me H2974 to speak unto the Lord" Genesis 18:27. Conversely, it can show obstinance, as the Canaanites "would H2974 dwell in that land" despite Israelite opposition Judges 1:27.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the scope of H2974 by showing the actions that result from this volition:

  • H3427 yâshab (to sit down, to dwell): This verb is frequently paired with H2974 to indicate a willing decision to remain or settle in a place. For example, the Levite "was content H2974 to dwell H3427 with the man" Judges 17:11.
  • H1696 dâbar (to speak): This highlights the decision to engage in significant speech. Abraham twice prefaces his appeal to God by saying he has "taken upon me H2974 to speak H1696" (Genesis 18:27, Genesis 18:31).
  • H1288 bârak (to bless): The connection shows a desire for God's favorable action, as when David prays, "let it please H2974 thee to bless H1288 the house of thy servant" 2 Samuel 7:29.

Theological Significance

The conceptual weight of H2974 lies in its focus on the will as the source of action.

  • Divine Pleasure: The word is used to describe God's sovereign pleasure and gracious will. His decision to make Israel His people was not a result of obligation but because it "pleased H2974 the LORD" 1 Samuel 12:22.
  • Human Consent and Contentment: H2974 establishes the theme of human agreement and acceptance. This is seen positively when Moses is "content H2974" with his new life Exodus 2:21 and negatively when the Amorites "would H2974 dwell" in lands they were meant to be driven from Judges 1:35.
  • Initiating Action: The term signifies the start of a momentous task. Moses "began H2974 to declare" God's law to Israel Deuteronomy 1:5, and David "assayed H2974 to go" in unfamiliar armor to face a giant 1 Samuel 17:39.

Summary

In summary, H2974 is a nuanced word that bridges the gap between internal decision and external action. It expresses more than simple agreement, encompassing the active will to begin, to undertake, to attempt, or to be content. From God's sovereign pleasure in choosing His people to a person's decision to speak or dwell, yâʼal demonstrates the critical role of volition in the biblical account.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 19 occurrences, inflected in 9 grammatical forms.

  • Hiphil Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 5×
  • Hiphil Imperative 2nd Singular Masculine 4×
  • Hiphil Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Hiphil Perfect 1st Singular common gender 2×
  • Hiphil Imperative 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Perfect 1st Plural common gender 1×
  • Hiphil Perfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 19 verses across 11 books. Most frequent in Judges (4 verses).

2
Genesis
1
Exodus
1
Deuteronomy
2
Joshua
4
Judges
2
1 Samuel
1
2 Samuel
2
2 Kings
1
1 Chronicles
2
Job
1
Hosea

Verse Explorer

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