from יְדִיד; properly, affection; concretely, a darling object; dearly beloved.
Transliteration:yᵉdidûwth
Pronunciation:yed-ee-dooth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H3033}}` (yᵉdidûwth), transliterated as "yᵉdidûwth," carries the core meaning of "affection," "fondness," or "cherished love." It can also refer concretely to the "darling object" or "dearly beloved" one. This term derives from the root `{{H3039}}` (yᵉdîyd), which means "beloved," "friend," or "darling," and ultimately from the verb `{{H3037}}` (yâdad), "to love" or "to be dear." The semantic range of `{{H3033}}` thus encompasses both the deep emotional state of affection and the entity upon whom that affection is bestowed. It suggests a unique, favored, and deeply cherished relationship, moving beyond general fondness to a particular, intimate bond.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H3033}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Jeremiah 12:7]]. This singular occurrence, however, is profoundly significant: "I have forsaken My house; I have abandoned My heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of My soul into the hand of her enemies." In this lament, the speaker is Yahweh Himself, expressing His sorrow and severe judgment upon His people, Judah/Israel. The phrase "the dearly beloved of My soul" (יְדִדוּת נַפְשִׁי - yᵉdidûth naphshî) refers unequivocally to Israel, God's chosen nation.
The context of [[Jeremiah 12:7]] is one of divine anguish and impending destruction due to Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and idolatry. Despite the severe judgment, God's use of `{{H3033}}` reveals the depth of His prior and perhaps enduring affection for His people. Even as He delivers them into the hands of their enemies, He identifies them as the cherished object of His very soul. This highlights a tragic paradox: the beloved is being disciplined, and the pain of that discipline is felt acutely by the One administering it. The term underscores the covenantal intimacy that had been violated, making the judgment all the more poignant.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relatives of `{{H3033}}` are its root words:
* `{{H3039}}` (yᵉdîyd): "beloved," "friend," "darling." This noun is used frequently, often describing individuals like Solomon (whose name Jedidiah means "beloved of Yah") or referring to one beloved by God or by others.
* `{{H3037}}` (yâdad): "to love," "to be dear." This verb forms the basis of the affectionate concepts.
Other Hebrew terms for love or affection, while distinct, help to delineate the specific nuance of `{{H3033}}`:
* `{{H0157}}` ('ahab): A general term for love, encompassing human and divine love, often implying choice and commitment.
* `{{H7355}}` (racham): Often translated as "compassion" or "mercy," stemming from the word for "womb," suggesting a deep, visceral, often maternal affection.
* `{{H2617}}` (chesed): "Steadfast love," "loyal love," "covenant love." This term emphasizes faithfulness and commitment within a relationship, especially the covenant between God and Israel.
While these terms describe various facets of love, `{{H3033}}` uniquely emphasizes the concept of a "cherished object" or "dearly beloved one," highlighting a particular, intimate, and perhaps exclusive affection. It is not merely love, but a love that elevates the beloved to a special, treasured status.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H3033}}` in [[Jeremiah 12:7]] carries immense theological weight.
1. **Divine Affection for Israel:** It unequivocally reveals the profound depth of God's personal affection for His covenant people. Israel was not merely a nation chosen for a purpose, but the "dearly beloved of My soul." This underscores the intimate, familial nature of the covenant relationship God desired with them.
2. **Divine Pathos:** The verse vividly portrays God's emotional anguish. To "give the dearly beloved of My soul into the hand of her enemies" is an act of immense pain for God, not a detached judgment. It speaks to the divine pathos, God's capacity for deep feeling and sorrow over the unfaithfulness of His beloved. This challenges anthropomorphic limitations and reveals a deeply relational God.
3. **The Severity of Sin and Broken Covenant:** The fact that God *must* give up His "dearly beloved" highlights the extreme gravity of Israel's sin and their consistent breach of the covenant. Even the most profound affection will not override divine justice and the consequences of rebellion.
4. **Enduring Love Amidst Discipline:** Despite the judgment, the very use of `{{H3033}}` in this context suggests that even in discipline, there is an underlying, enduring affection. The beloved remains beloved, even when chastised. This foreshadows the ultimate restoration and God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. For believers, this term offers a glimpse into the tender heart of God, who cherishes His people even when He must correct them.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3033}}` (yᵉdidûwth) denotes a deep, cherished affection or the object of such affection, signifying a "dearly beloved" or "darling." Though appearing only once in [[Jeremiah 12:7]], its usage is profoundly significant. There, God refers to Israel as "the dearly beloved of My soul," revealing the immense depth of His personal, intimate affection for His covenant people, even as He pronounces judgment upon them. This singular occurrence underscores the divine pathos, demonstrating God's sorrow and pain in having to deliver His cherished ones into the hands of their enemies due to their unfaithfulness. `{{H3033}}` thus serves as a powerful testament to God's enduring, personal love and the profound intimacy of His relationship with His people, even in moments of severe discipline.
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