lemma יְהיּד yod, corrected to יְהוּד; (Aramaic) contracted from a form corresponding to יְהוּדָה; properly, Judah, hence, Judaea; Jewry, Judah, Judea.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **Yᵉhûwd**, represented by `{{H3061}}`, refers to the geographical and national entity of **Judah** or **Judea**. It appears 7 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra. The term is used to denote the land itself, often as "Judea," and to identify the origin of its people, particularly those in exile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narrative, `{{H3061}}` consistently defines a specific place and its people during the period of the Babylonian exile and the subsequent return. In the book of Daniel, it is repeatedly used to identify Daniel as being from "the captivity of **Judah**" ([[Daniel 2:25]], [[Daniel 6:13]]), establishing his heritage before foreign kings. A king even asks Daniel if he is from the children of the captivity brought from **Jewry** [[Daniel 5:13]]. In Ezra, the focus shifts to restoration, where officials report on their work in the "province of **Judea**" [[Ezra 5:8]] and a royal decree is issued to enquire concerning **Judah** and Jerusalem [[Ezra 7:14]]. It is also the specific location where the prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to the returning exiles [[Ezra 5:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context surrounding `{{H3061}}`:
* `{{H3062}}` **Yᵉhûwdâʼîy** (Jew): The term for the inhabitants of Judah. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to the **Jews** that were in Judah [[Ezra 5:1]].
* `{{H1547}}` **gâlûwth** (captivity): This word describes the state of the people from Judah in Babylon. Daniel is identified as being one of the children of the **captivity** of Judah ([[Daniel 5:13]], [[Daniel 6:13]]).
* `{{H4083}}` **mᵉdîynâh** (province): This term defines the administrative status of Judea under Persian rule, as seen in the report about the rebuilding of God's house in the **province** of Judea [[Ezra 5:8]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H3061}}` is rooted in its role during and after the exile.
* **Identity in Exile:** The term serves as a crucial marker of identity for figures like Daniel. He is not just a captive but a man of the "captivity of **Judah**" [[Daniel 2:25]], anchoring his story and faith to his homeland despite being in Babylon.
* **Land of Restoration:** In Ezra, **Judah** is the geographical center of God's plan of restoration. It is the destination for the returning exiles and the site for rebuilding the house of God, sanctioned by royal decree ([[Ezra 5:8]], [[Ezra 7:14]]).
* **Focus of Prophetic Word:** The land of **Judah** is where God's word is actively proclaimed through prophets like Haggai and Zechariah, who prophesied in the name of the God of Israel, underscoring its continuing spiritual importance [[Ezra 5:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3061}}` is more than a geographical designation. It functions as a vital link to national and religious identity for the people of Judah during the exile in Babylon. Furthermore, it marks the physical land of **Judah** as the stage for God's work of restoration and the focus of renewed prophetic ministry, demonstrating its central importance in the post-exilic narrative.
TRV