from יָהַב; properly, what is given (by Providence), i.e. a lot; burden.
Transliteration:yᵉhâb
Pronunciation:ye-hawb'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term יְהָב (yᵉhâb) `{{H3053}}` is a rare noun derived from the verb יָהַב (yâhab) `{{H3051}}`, meaning "to give" or "to set." As a noun, yᵉhâb fundamentally signifies "that which is given" or "what is assigned." Its semantic range extends to encompass concepts such as a "lot," "portion," or "burden." The nuance of "burden" arises from the idea that what is "given" by Providence might be a difficult or heavy assignment, a trial, or a responsibility. It is not merely a general gift, but an allotment or imposition, often implying a specific circumstance or challenge divinely permitted or assigned to an individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word יְהָב (yᵉhâb) `{{H3053}}` appears only once in the entire Masoretic Text, making its contextual analysis highly concentrated on this singular instance.
* **[[Psalm 55:22]]:** "Cast your burden (יְהָבֶךָ) on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved."
In this verse, the Psalmist, likely David, is expressing profound distress and seeking divine solace amidst betrayal and affliction. The command "Cast your burden on the Lord" uses yᵉhâb to refer to the heavy load of anxiety, care, or trouble that weighs upon an individual. The context suggests that this "burden" is not self-imposed but rather a difficult "lot" or circumstance that has been "given" to the individual, possibly implying a providential allowance of suffering. The Septuagint translates yᵉhâb here as μέριμνα (merimna), meaning "care" or "anxiety," reinforcing the idea of an oppressive mental or emotional load. The verse offers a powerful promise of divine sustenance and stability to those who entrust their divinely-allotted difficulties to God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for יְהָב (yᵉhâb) `{{H3053}}` is its root verb:
* **יָהַב (yâhab) `{{H3051}}`**: "to give," "to put," "to set." This root emphasizes the passive nature of yᵉhâb – it is something *received* or *given*, not something actively sought or created by the individual.
Other Hebrew words that convey a sense of "burden" or "load" include:
* **מַשָּׂא (massāʼ) `{{H4853}}`**: A common word for a physical load, but also used metaphorically for a prophetic oracle (a "burden" from the Lord) or a heavy responsibility.
* **עֹמֶס (ʿōmes) `{{H6006}}`**: Another term for a "burden" or "load," often implying something oppressive.
* **כָּבֵד (kābēd) `{{H3513}}`**: While primarily an adjective meaning "heavy" or "weighty," it can imply a heavy burden or a difficult situation.
Conceptually, yᵉhâb aligns with themes of divine providence, the sovereignty of God over human circumstances, and the call to trust and reliance upon the Almighty in times of trial.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of יְהָב (yᵉhâb) `{{H3053}}` is profound, despite its singular occurrence, precisely because of its placement in [[Psalm 55:22]].
1. **Divine Allowance/Assignment:** The very etymology of yᵉhâb as "that which is given" implies that even the burdens and difficulties in a believer's life are not random occurrences but are, in some sense, permitted or even assigned by divine Providence. This does not necessarily attribute evil to God, but rather asserts His ultimate sovereignty over all circumstances, even those that bring distress.
2. **Call to Trust and Relinquishment:** The verse commands the casting of this yᵉhâb upon the Lord. This is a powerful theological statement about the believer's responsibility to relinquish their anxieties and troubles to God, acknowledging His capacity and willingness to bear them. It is an invitation to active faith and dependence.
3. **Divine Sustenance:** The promise that God "will sustain you" and "never permit the righteous to be moved" offers immense comfort. It assures the believer that whatever "lot" or "burden" God allows, He also provides the strength and stability necessary to endure it. This speaks to God's faithfulness and His covenantal commitment to His people.
4. **God's Sovereignty over Suffering:** yᵉhâb subtly underscores the biblical truth that God is sovereign even over suffering. The believer is not left to bear their burden alone, nor is their struggle outside of God's knowledge or control. Instead, the very "burden" can become an occasion for deeper reliance on God and a testimony to His sustaining power.
### Summary
The Hebrew word יְהָב (yᵉhâb) `{{H3053}}`, derived from the verb "to give," refers to "that which is given" by Providence, specifically a "lot" or, more commonly, a "burden." Though it appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Psalm 55:22]], its theological weight is considerable. It represents the anxieties, cares, or difficult circumstances divinely permitted or assigned to an individual. The command to "cast your burden (יְהָבֶךָ) on the Lord" offers a foundational theological principle: believers are called to entrust their divinely-allotted difficulties to God, who in turn promises unwavering sustenance and stability. Yᵉhâb thus encapsulates the divine sovereignty over human experience, even suffering, and underscores the profound comfort and strength available through faith in God's faithful provision.
TRV