from יָחַד; properly, united, i.e. sole; by implication, beloved; also lonely; (feminine) the life (as not to be replaced); darling, desolate, only (child, son), solitary.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yâchîyd**, represented by `{{H3173}}`, conveys a profound sense of uniqueness and preciousness. Its base definition includes concepts like being united or sole, and by implication, beloved. It appears **12 times** in **12 unique verses**, where it is translated as "only" (in the context of a child or son), "darling," "desolate," and "solitary," highlighting its focus on that which is singular and irreplaceable.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3173}}` is most famously used to describe Isaac as Abraham's **only** son, emphasizing the immense weight of the command to sacrifice him ([[Genesis 22:2]], [[Genesis 22:12]], [[Genesis 22:16]]). The word also captures the deep sorrow of loss, as seen in the story of Jephthah's daughter, his **only child** [[Judges 11:34]]. Prophets use the grief over an **only son** as the ultimate metaphor for national mourning and judgment ([[Jeremiah 6:26]], [[Amos 8:10]]). In the Psalms, the word is used to express feelings of being **desolate** and afflicted [[Psalms 25:16]] or to refer to one's own soul as a precious "darling" in need of rescue ([[Psalms 22:20]], [[Psalms 35:17]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a richer understanding of the contexts in which **yâchîyd** appears:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word is foundational to the most common use of **yâchîyd**. The combination "only son" specifies a unique and beloved male heir, as seen in the command to Abraham to take his **son**, his **only** son Isaac [[Genesis 22:2]].
* `{{H1060}}` **bᵉkôwr** (firstborn): This term appears in parallel with **yâchîyd** to describe the depth of mourning. The grief for the pierced one in Zechariah is compared both to mourning for an **only** son and bitterness for a **firstborn** [[Zechariah 12:10]], linking uniqueness with primogeniture.
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (a daughter): This term shows that the preciousness of an only child is not limited to sons. Jephthah's **daughter** was his **only child**, and he had neither son nor **daughter** besides her [[Judges 11:34]].
* `{{H60}}` **ʼêbel** (mourning): The concept of **yâchîyd** is frequently tied to the most intense form of grief. Prophets command the people to make **mourning**, as for an **only son**, to illustrate the severity of coming judgment ([[Jeremiah 6:26]], [[Amos 8:10]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3173}}` is significant, highlighting themes of sacrifice, sorrow, and unique value.
* **Ultimate Sacrifice and Faith:** The description of Isaac as Abraham's **only** son frames the account in Genesis 22 as the ultimate test of faith. The word underscores that God asked for the most precious and irreplaceable person in Abraham's life [[Genesis 22:12]].
* **The Depth of Prophetic Lament:** The prophets' use of "mourning for an **only** son" establishes a benchmark for the most profound sorrow imaginable. It is used to convey the intensity of the grief that will accompany God's judgment upon His people [[Amos 8:10]].
* **Messianic Significance:** In Zechariah, the mourning for the one "whom they have pierced" is compared to the mourning for an **only** son [[Zechariah 12:10]]. This powerfully connects the concept of a unique, beloved son to a pierced, messianic figure who is the subject of intense national repentance.
* **The Preciousness of the Soul:** David's prayer to rescue his "darling" (**yâchîyd**) from the lions `{{H3715}}` and the dog `{{H3611}}` portrays the human soul `{{H5315}}` as a unique, beloved, and irreplaceable life that is utterly dependent on God for deliverance ([[Psalms 35:17]], [[Psalms 22:20]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3173}}` **yâchîyd** is a word layered with deep emotional and theological meaning. It moves beyond the simple idea of being "one" to encompass the value of what is unique, beloved, and irreplaceable. Whether describing a cherished child like Isaac, a state of utter desolation, or the soul's plea for rescue, **yâchîyd** consistently points to a singular object of profound importance, making it a powerful term in the contexts of faith, judgment, and redemption.
TRV