from יַחַד with pronominal suffix; his unity, i.e. (adverb) together; Jachdo, an Israelite; Jahdo.
Transliteration:Yachdôw
Pronunciation:yakh-doe'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word יַחְדוֹ (Yachdôw, `{{H3163}}`) is derived from the root יַחַד (yachad, `{{H3162}}`), which fundamentally conveys the idea of "union," "oneness," or "togetherness." The form יַחְדוֹ specifically adds a third-person masculine singular pronominal suffix, literally meaning "his unity" or "its unity." However, in its most common biblical usage, it functions adverbially, signifying "together," "altogether," "unitedly," or "at the same time."
The semantic range of יַחְדוֹ extends beyond mere physical proximity; it often implies a shared purpose, synchronized action, or a state of collective being. It can denote comprehensive inclusion ("altogether") or a unified front. While its primary function is adverbial, it also appears as a proper noun, Jahdo, in one genealogical context. The core emphasis remains on the concept of solidarity and collective existence, whether positive or negative in its manifestation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word יַחְדוֹ (Yachdôw, `{{H3163}}`) appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are significant in illustrating its semantic range:
* **As an Adverbial Modifier (Together/Altogether):**
* In narratives of conflict, it describes collective action: In [[1 Samuel 11:11]], it highlights the complete scattering of the Ammonites by Israel, "so that no two of them were left *together*." Similarly, in [[Jeremiah 46:21]], it speaks of Egyptian hired soldiers fleeing *together*. In [[Isaiah 22:3]], it describes leaders fleeing *together* in a time of crisis.
* In wisdom literature, it frequently emphasizes universality or totality: [[Job 3:18]] depicts the peace of the grave where "the prisoners rest *together*." [[Job 10:8]] speaks of God's complete work in creation, "Your hands fashioned and made me *altogether*." [[Job 38:7]] paints a picture of cosmic harmony at creation, when "the morning stars sang *together*." [[Psalm 14:3]] (repeated in [[Psalm 53:3]]) laments the universal depravity of humanity, stating, "They have all turned aside; *together* they have become corrupt." [[Psalm 49:2]] addresses a universal audience for wisdom, "both low and high, rich and poor *together*." [[Psalm 62:9]] underscores the universal insignificance of humanity, as "in the balances they go up *together*."
* It can also describe collective intent or conspiracy: [[Psalm 71:10]] mentions enemies who "consult *together*" to devise harm.
* In prophetic contexts, it can denote a challenge or a future gathering: [[Isaiah 41:22]] challenges false gods/prophets to declare future events "together." [[Hosea 1:11]] prophesies the future reunification of Judah and Israel, who "shall be gathered *together*."
* A particularly poignant usage is in [[Psalm 133:1]], "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell *together* in unity!" Here, יַחְדוֹ powerfully encapsulates the ideal of communal harmony and blessing.
* [[Jeremiah 10:8]] uses it to describe the complete folly of idolaters: "But they are *altogether* stupid and foolish."
* **As a Proper Noun (Jahdo):**
* [[1 Chronicles 5:14]] lists "Ahiel the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz" within a Gadite genealogy. This is a distinct usage, referring to an individual's name.
The contextual analysis reveals that while the core meaning of "togetherness" remains constant, the implications vary widely, from the negative solidarity of sin and conspiracy to the positive ideal of communal harmony and divine creative action.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root noun/adverb יַחַד (yachad, `{{H3162}}`), from which יַחְדוֹ (Yachdôw, `{{H3163}}`) is directly derived. יַחַד itself carries the meaning of "union," "unity," "together," and "altogether," and is far more frequent in the Hebrew Bible. יַחְדוֹ can be seen as a specific inflection emphasizing "his/its" togetherness, often functioning as a more emphatic or nuanced adverb than the simpler יַחַד.
Other related concepts and words include:
* **אֶחָד (echad, `{{H259}}`):** Meaning "one" or "united," often emphasizing singularity or a unified whole, as in the oneness of God ([[Deuteronomy 6:4]]). While יַחְדוֹ speaks of multiple entities acting as one, אֶחָד can describe an intrinsic, singular unity.
* **עִם (im, `{{H5973}}`):** A common preposition meaning "with," indicating companionship or association, but lacking the inherent sense of collective action or unity implied by יַחְדוֹ.
* **כֻּלָּם (kullam, from כֹּל, kol, `{{H3605}}`):** Meaning "all of them" or "everyone," which denotes totality but not necessarily the synchronized action or unified state that יַחְדוֹ conveys.
Concepts contrasting with יַחְדוֹ include:
* **בָּדָד (badad, `{{H909}}`):** "Alone," "isolated."
* **פָּרַד (parad, `{{H6504}}`):** "To divide," "to separate."
The semantic field of יַחְדוֹ thus centers on the quality of collective action or existence, distinguishing it from mere presence with others or simple totality.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of יַחְדוֹ (Yachdôw, `{{H3163}}`) is profound, particularly in its adverbial usage emphasizing unity and collective action.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Creation:** The use of יַחְדוֹ in texts like [[Job 10:8]] and [[Job 38:7]] highlights God's comprehensive and unified work in creation. The universe, from the stars to human beings, is fashioned and operates *together* under His sovereign design, reflecting divine order and harmony.
2. **The Nature of Humanity:** The word paints a stark picture of humanity's fallen state in passages like [[Psalm 14:3]] and [[Psalm 53:3]], where all have *together* become corrupt. This emphasizes the pervasive and universal nature of sin, affecting humanity as a collective. Conversely, it can underscore humanity's shared vulnerability and insignificance before God ([[Psalm 62:9]]).
3. **The Ideal of Community and Blessing:** Perhaps the most enduring theological impact of יַחְדוֹ comes from [[Psalm 133:1]]: "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell *together* in unity!" This verse presents a powerful vision of blessed communal life, where harmony among God's people is not merely desirable but divinely ordained and brings forth blessing, likened to precious oil and the dew of Hermon. This unity is a reflection of God's character and His desire for His covenant people. It speaks to the spiritual and social cohesion that fosters flourishing.
4. **Eschatological Hope:** The prophecy in [[Hosea 1:11]] regarding the gathering of Judah and Israel *together* points to a future restoration and reunification of God's scattered people. This signifies a hope for ultimate reconciliation and a renewed, unified covenant community.
5. **Contrast of Collective Action:** The word's usage demonstrates that "togetherness" is not inherently good. While it can describe divine harmony and communal blessing, it also depicts the negative solidarity of enemies conspiring ([[Psalm 71:10]]) or the collective folly of idolaters ([[Jeremiah 10:8]]). This nuanced usage underscores the moral quality of the collective action or state being described.
### Summary
The Hebrew word יַחְדוֹ (Yachdôw, `{{H3163}}`) is derived from יַחַד (yachad, `{{H3162}}`), conveying the core meaning of "togetherness" or "unity." While literally meaning "his unity," its primary function in the biblical text is adverbial, signifying "together," "altogether," or "unitedly."
Its occurrences span various contexts, from describing the comprehensive nature of divine creation and the universal depravity of humanity to the negative solidarity of conspirators and the positive ideal of communal harmony. Most notably, יַחְדוֹ encapsulates the beauty and blessing of brothers dwelling "together in unity" in [[Psalm 133:1]], making it a key term for understanding biblical concepts of community, solidarity, and the ideal state of God's people. Though rarely used as a proper noun, its adverbial force consistently highlights the manner or state of collective action or existence, underscoring the profound impact, whether for good or ill, of entities acting or existing as one.
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