(Aramaic) corresponding to יָדָה; to praise; (give) thank(-s).
Transliteration:yᵉdâʼ
Pronunciation:yed-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb יְדָא (yᵉdâʼ, `{{H3029}}`) serves as the direct Aramaic equivalent to the more common Hebrew verb יָדָה (yādâ, `{{H3034}}`). Its core meaning encompasses the actions of "to praise" and "to give thanks." This semantic range suggests an outward expression of gratitude, adoration, or acknowledgment. While the Hebrew root `{{H3034}}` often carries a nuance of "throwing" or "casting out" (e.g., hands in praise, or confession), the Aramaic `{{H3029}}` similarly denotes a public or verbal declaration. It is not merely an internal feeling but an active, often vocal, response to divine goodness or action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Given its Aramaic origin, `{{H3029}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Daniel.
1. **Ezra 3:11**: "And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, 'For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.'" Here, יְדָא is translated as "giving thanks." The context is the foundational rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The people engage in corporate worship, singing antiphonally, expressing profound gratitude and praise to Yahweh. Their thanksgiving is rooted in God's enduring goodness and His covenant faithfulness (חֶסֶד, `{{H2617}}`), which is seen in His allowing their return and the restoration of worship. This usage highlights the communal, liturgical aspect of thanksgiving.
2. **Daniel 2:23**: "To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king's matter." In this instance, Daniel uses יְדָא in a personal prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God. This occurs immediately after God reveals King Nebuchadnezzar's dream and its interpretation to Daniel, saving Daniel and his companions from execution. Daniel's thanksgiving is a direct, fervent response to divine revelation and intervention. It underscores God's omniscient wisdom and power, and Daniel's humble acknowledgment of God as the source of all understanding. This usage emphasizes the individual, private aspect of thanksgiving as a response to divine favor.
In both occurrences, the act of praise and thanksgiving is directed towards God, acknowledging His attributes and actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the Hebrew יָדָה (yādâ, `{{H3034}}`), which `{{H3029}}` parallels directly. Both words convey the sense of giving praise or thanks, often with an implication of extending hands or making a public declaration. The root of `{{H3034}}` is often associated with the hand (יָד, `{{H3027}}`), suggesting a physical component to the act of praise or confession.
Other related concepts include:
* **Praise (תְּהִלָּה, `{{H8416}}`)**: The act of extolling God's virtues and deeds.
* **Thanksgiving (תּוֹדָה, `{{H8426}}`)**: An expression of gratitude, often involving a sacrifice or offering of praise.
* **Worship**: The broader act of reverence and adoration directed towards God.
* **Confession**: In some contexts of `{{H3034}}`, it can mean to confess sin or truth, acknowledging a reality before God. While `{{H3029}}` is primarily praise/thanks, the underlying idea of acknowledging God's truth or goodness is present.
* **Gratitude**: The state of being thankful.
### Theological Significance
The Aramaic verb יְדָא carries profound theological significance, reflecting core tenets of biblical faith:
1. **Divine Worthiness**: The act of "praising" or "giving thanks" to God inherently affirms His supreme worth, His goodness, and His sovereign power. It is a recognition that God alone is worthy of such adoration and gratitude.
2. **Appropriate Human Response**: Both in corporate worship (Ezra) and private devotion (Daniel), `{{H3029}}` demonstrates the expected and appropriate human response to God's beneficence, revelation, and steadfast love. It highlights that faith is not merely belief but an active, outward expression of gratitude.
3. **Covenant Faithfulness**: In Ezra, the thanksgiving is explicitly linked to God's enduring "steadfast love" (חֶסֶד, `{{H2617}}`) toward Israel. This connects the act of praise to God's covenant relationship with His people, emphasizing His faithfulness to His promises despite their past failures.
4. **Acknowledgment of Divine Providence**: Daniel's use of `{{H3029}}` underscores the acknowledgment of God's direct intervention in human affairs, His provision of wisdom and strength, and His ultimate control over events. It fosters a posture of humility and dependence on God.
5. **Foundation of Worship**: Whether communal or individual, the act of giving thanks and praise is a foundational element of worship, fostering a right relationship between the Creator and His creation. It shifts focus from self to God, cultivating humility and reverence.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb יְדָא (yᵉdâʼ, `{{H3029}}`) is a significant term for expressing "praise" and "thanksgiving" to God, directly corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H3034}}`. Its occurrences in Ezra and Daniel illustrate its dual application in both corporate liturgical worship, celebrating God's enduring covenant love (Ezra 3:11), and fervent individual prayer, acknowledging divine wisdom and intervention (Daniel 2:23). Theologically, `{{H3029}}` underscores God's supreme worthiness of adoration, the proper human response to His goodness and revelation, and the vital role of both communal and personal expressions of gratitude in a life of faith. It serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's dependence on and reverence for the Most High God.
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