from יָגַע; toil; hence, a work, produce, property (as the result of labor); labour, work.
Transliteration:yᵉgîyaʻ
Pronunciation:yeg-ee'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H3018}}` (yᵉgîyaʻ) is derived from the verb `{{H3021}}` (yāgaʻ), which means "toil, grow weary, labor strenuously." Consequently, the core meaning of `{{H3018}}` encompasses both the act of strenuous labor and, crucially, the tangible result or product of such labor. Its semantic range extends from "toil" or "labor" as an effort, to "work," "produce," "property," or "gain" as the outcome of that effort. It often implies an exertion that is fatiguing or burdensome, yet it also denotes the valuable fruit derived from such exertion. Unlike more general terms for "work," `{{H3018}}` carries the nuance of hard-won achievement or the wearying nature of the effort itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H3018}}` appears primarily in wisdom literature and prophetic texts, illuminating various facets of human labor and its outcomes.
In Deuteronomy, it speaks of the *produce* or *gain* from one's efforts, often in the context of divine blessing or curse. [[Deuteronomy 28:33]] states, "A nation whom you have not known shall eat up the fruit of your ground and all your labors (yᵉgîyaʻ), and you shall be only oppressed and crushed continually," indicating the loss of one's hard-earned produce due to disobedience. Conversely, [[Deuteronomy 28:12]] implies blessing upon the "work of your hands" (though using a different term, the concept aligns with the positive outcome of `{{H3018}}`).
The Psalms and Prophets use `{{H3018}}` to refer to the *wealth* or *property* acquired through labor. [[Psalm 105:44]] recounts God giving Israel "the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the labor (yᵉgîyaʻ) of peoples," referring to the accumulated wealth or produce of those nations. [[Jeremiah 3:24]] laments that "the shameful thing has devoured the toil (yᵉgîyaʻ) of our fathers," signifying the loss of ancestral wealth and prosperity. [[Hosea 12:8]] illustrates Ephraim's self-reliance: "Ephraim said, 'Ah, but I am rich; I have found wealth for myself; in all my labors (yᵉgîyaʻ) they will find in me no iniquity,'" where `{{H3018}}` denotes the accumulated riches.
Ecclesiastes provides the most profound and frequent usage of `{{H3018}}`, often highlighting the *futility* or *weariness* associated with human effort. The Preacher repeatedly questions the ultimate value of "toil" (yᵉgîyaʻ) in the face of death and the unknown. [[Ecclesiastes 2:11]] states, "Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil (yᵉgîyaʻ) I had spent in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun." Here, `{{H3018}}` emphasizes the burdensome and ultimately unfulfilling nature of labor when viewed from a purely earthly perspective. [[Ecclesiastes 3:9]] asks, "What gain has the worker from his toil (yᵉgîyaʻ)?" while [[Ecclesiastes 5:15]] observes that one "carries nothing away in his hand of all his toil (yᵉgîyaʻ)," underscoring the transient nature of material gain. [[Ecclesiastes 10:15]] even speaks of "the toil (yᵉgîyaʻ) of fools," suggesting that misguided effort only leads to exhaustion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H3018}}` is its root verb, `{{H3021}}` (yāgaʻ), which denotes the act of growing weary or toiling. This etymological link ensures that `{{H3018}}` consistently carries the connotation of effort, often strenuous or fatiguing.
Other related Hebrew terms include:
* `{{H6089}}` (‘āmāl): This word also means "toil" or "labor," but often carries a stronger negative connotation, emphasizing trouble, hardship, or misery associated with the effort. While `{{H3018}}` can describe the *product* of labor, `{{H6089}}` more frequently focuses on the *difficulty* of the process itself.
* `{{H4639}}` (ma‘ăśeh): A more general term for "work," "deed," or "act," lacking the specific nuance of strenuous effort or its direct fruit that `{{H3018}}` conveys.
* `{{H4399}}` (mᵉlā’ḵāh): Refers to "work," "occupation," or "business," often in the context of a specific task or professional activity.
Conceptually, `{{H3018}}` is intertwined with ideas of human industry, productivity, reward, inheritance, prosperity, and conversely, weariness, futility, and loss. It brings to the forefront the relationship between human effort and divine blessing or judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3018}}` is multifaceted, reflecting core biblical teachings about the human condition, divine sovereignty, and the nature of true blessedness.
Firstly, `{{H3018}}` speaks to the reality of labor in a fallen world. Following the curse in [[Genesis 3:17-19]], human work is intrinsically linked with "toil" (`{{H6089}}`) and "sweat." `{{H3018}}` captures this aspect, acknowledging that productive effort often involves weariness and struggle.
Secondly, the Bible consistently teaches that the *outcome* or *fruit* of `{{H3018}}` is ultimately dependent on God's blessing. [[Psalm 127:1-2]] succinctly expresses this: "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil." This highlights that human exertion (`{{H3018}}`) alone cannot guarantee lasting fruit or security; divine favor is paramount.
Thirdly, Ecclesiastes' extensive use of `{{H3018}}` underscores the profound theological truth regarding the vanity of human endeavor when pursued apart from God. The Preacher's recurring lament that "all is vanity" ([[Ecclesiastes 2:11]]) applies directly to the accumulation of `{{H3018}}` (wealth, achievements) that cannot be taken beyond the grave and offers no ultimate satisfaction. This perspective challenges humanity's tendency to find ultimate meaning and security in their own efforts and possessions.
Finally, `{{H3018}}` serves as a reminder of God's justice and covenant faithfulness. Blessings upon one's `{{H3018}}` are promised for obedience ([[Deuteronomy 28:12]]), while the loss or consumption of one's `{{H3018}}` by others is a consequence of disobedience ([[Deuteronomy 28:33]], [[Jeremiah 3:24]]). This demonstrates that God is intimately involved in the outcomes of human labor, whether through provision or judgment.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3018}}` (yᵉgîyaʻ) precisely describes both the strenuous *act* of labor and its tangible *result* or *product*. Rooted in the concept of "toil" or "weariness" (`{{H3021}}`), it conveys the effort involved in work, alongside the gain, produce, or property that emerges from it. Biblically, `{{H3018}}` is used to denote the fruit of one's ground, accumulated wealth, or the very process of arduous work itself. Its most poignant usage in Ecclesiastes highlights the profound theological truth that human `{{H3018}}` often leads to weariness and can ultimately be "vanity" when pursued without a God-centered perspective. Ultimately, `{{H3018}}` underscores the reality of labor in a fallen world, the absolute sovereignty of God over its outcomes, and the critical distinction between earthly gain and eternal significance.
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