lemma יְהיּד yod, corrected to יְהוּד; (Aramaic) contracted from a form corresponding to יְהוּדָה; properly, Judah, hence, Judaea; Jewry, Judah, Judea.
Transliteration:Yᵉhûwd
Pronunciation:yeh-hood'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma יְהוּד (Yᵉhûwd), designated as Strong's H3061, serves as a contracted form corresponding to the Hebrew יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, `{{H3063}}`). Its core meaning encompasses both geographical and ethno-national dimensions. Primarily, it refers to "Judah," denoting the historical tribal territory and later the post-exilic province. Secondarily, it extends to "Judaea," the Hellenized and Romanized name for the region. The term can also signify "Jewry," encapsulating the land inhabited by Jews or, by extension, the collective body of the Jewish people residing therein. This semantic range reflects the evolving political and social landscape of the post-exilic period, where the ancient kingdom of Judah became a smaller administrative unit under foreign dominion, yet retained its distinct identity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, יְהוּד (H3061) appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, primarily within the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage consistently reflects the post-exilic reality of the Jewish people and their land.
In Ezra, the term frequently designates the province or region from which the exiles returned and where the temple was rebuilt. For instance, [[Ezra 5:8]] speaks of "the province of Judah" (מְדִינַת יְהוּד), highlighting its status as an administrative division within the Persian Empire. Similarly, [[Ezra 6:14]] refers to "the elders of the Jews" (סָבֵי יְהוּדָיֵא), where the related term יְהוּדָיֵא (yᵉhûwdâyêʼ), derived from the same root, emphasizes the national identity. The context in Ezra underscores the Persian kings' decrees concerning the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, situated within this province, thereby affirming the continued existence and significance of the land of Judah for the returning exiles.
In Daniel, יְהוּד (H3061) is used to refer to the people or exiles originating from Judah. For example, [[Daniel 2:25]] mentions Daniel as one of "the exiles from Judah" (בְּנֵי גָלוּתָא דִּי יְהוּד), brought to Babylon. Similarly, [[Daniel 5:13]] identifies Daniel as one of "the exiles of Judah" (בְּנֵי גָלוּתָא דִּי יְהוּד), whom King Nebuchadnezzar brought from Judah. These occurrences in Daniel emphasize the forced displacement of the people from their homeland, yet maintain their distinct origin and identity as "from Judah." The consistent use of this term across these Aramaic texts underscores the enduring connection between the people and their ancestral land, even when under foreign rule or in exile.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic יְהוּד (H3061) is intrinsically linked to several key Hebrew and Aramaic terms that share its root and semantic field:
* יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, `{{H3063}}`): This is the primary Hebrew proper noun from which יְהוּד is derived. It refers to the patriarch Judah, his tribe, and the southern kingdom of Judah. The Aramaic form is a direct continuation of this lineage and identity.
* יְהוּדִי (Yᵉhûwdîy, `{{H3064}}`): The Hebrew adjective/noun meaning "Jew" or "Jewish," denoting a descendant of Judah or an inhabitant of Judea. This term solidifies the ethno-religious identity associated with the land.
* יְהוּדִית (Yᵉhûwdîyth, `{{H3062}}`): The feminine form, often referring to the "Jewish language" (i.e., Hebrew or Aramaic as spoken by Jews) or a "Jewish woman."
* יְרוּשָׁלַיִם (Yᵉrûwshâlayim, `{{H3389}}`): Jerusalem, the capital city of Judah, frequently mentioned in conjunction with יְהוּד as the spiritual and political center of the province.
* בָּבֶל (Bâbel, `{{H894}}`): Babylon, the place of exile for many from Judah, serving as a stark contrast to the homeland and highlighting the journey of return.
The concept of "the remnant" is also closely tied to יְהוּד in the post-exilic context, as the term often refers to those who survived the exile and returned to re-establish life in the ancestral land. This highlights themes of divine preservation and continuity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of יְהוּד (H3061) is profound, especially in its post-exilic context.
1. **Continuity of Covenant and Identity:** Despite the devastating experience of exile and the loss of national sovereignty, the persistent use of "Judah" or "Judea" in Aramaic texts underscores the enduring identity of God's chosen people. It signifies that the covenant promises to Abraham and David, which included a land and a people, remained active even when the people were under foreign dominion. God's faithfulness to His promises is implicitly affirmed.
2. **Divine Sovereignty in History:** The historical events described in Ezra and Daniel, where יְהוּד appears, reveal God's sovereign hand at work through world empires. The decrees of Persian kings allowing the return and rebuilding of the temple in "Judah" are presented as divinely orchestrated, demonstrating that even foreign rulers are instruments in God's plan for His people's restoration ([[Ezra 1:1-4]]).
3. **Remnant and Restoration:** The references to "exiles from Judah" emphasize the concept of the remnant – a portion of the people preserved by God to return and carry on His purposes. This concept is central to Old Testament theology, highlighting God's grace and His commitment to His redemptive plan despite human sin and failure. The return to יְהוּד is a partial fulfillment of prophetic promises of restoration and renewal.
4. **Theological Geography:** The continued designation of the land as יְהוּד reinforces its sacred status as the promised inheritance. It is not merely a geographical location but a theological space where God's presence dwells (in the rebuilt temple) and where His people are called to live in covenant relationship.
### Summary
The Aramaic term יְהוּד (Yᵉhûwd, `{{H3061}}`) is a crucial linguistic marker for understanding the post-exilic period of Israel's history. Derived from the Hebrew יְהוּדָה (`{{H3063}}`), it denotes both the geographical region of Judah/Judea and the people associated with it. Occurring primarily in the Aramaic sections of Ezra and Daniel, its usage highlights the administrative status of Judah as a Persian province while simultaneously affirming the enduring national and spiritual identity of the Jewish people. Theologically, יְהוּד signifies the unwavering continuity of God's covenant with His people and land, His sovereign control over historical events, and the vital concept of the faithful remnant returning for restoration. It serves as a testament to divine faithfulness amidst challenging circumstances, pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes for His people and the world.
TRV