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.
Transliteration:yâchîyd
Pronunciation:yaw-kheed'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term יָחִיד (yâchîyd), Strong's number `{{H3173}}`, derives from the root יָחַד (yâchad), `{{H3161}}`, meaning "to be united," "to be one," or "to join." From this foundational sense of singularity and unity, יָחִיד develops a rich semantic range. Properly, it denotes that which is "sole" or "only," emphasizing uniqueness and an absence of peers or replacements. By implication, this singularity can lead to various nuanced meanings:
1. **Uniqueness/Singularity:** Referring to an "only" child or son, highlighting their irreplaceable status and often, special affection.
2. **Preciousness/Beloved:** As a consequence of being unique, something or someone is often cherished and held dear, hence the translation "darling" or "precious life" in some contexts, particularly when referring to one's very existence.
3. **Isolation/Loneliness:** Conversely, being "sole" can also imply being "lonely" or "desolate," signifying a state of being without companionship or support.
The feminine form can specifically refer to "the life" itself, as something utterly unique to an individual and therefore irreplaceable.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word יָחִיד (yâchîyd) appears 12 times in the Hebrew Bible, with its meaning heavily dependent on context:
* **"Only Son/Child" (often denoting preciousness):**
* Most famously, Isaac is repeatedly called Abraham's "only son" (בִּנְךָ אֶת־יְחִידְךָ - "your son, your only one") in the account of the Akedah, the binding on Mount Moriah ([[Genesis 22:2]], [[Genesis 22:12]], [[Genesis 22:16]]). This emphasizes the profound nature of Abraham's sacrifice, as Isaac was the unique son of promise, despite Ishmael's prior birth.
* Jephthah's daughter is described as his "only child" ([[Judges 11:34]]), underscoring the tragic nature of his vow.
* The son of the widow of Zarephath ([[1 Kings 17:12]], [[1 Kings 17:21]]) and the son of the Shunammite woman ([[2 Kings 4:16]]) are also referred to as "only sons," highlighting the deep grief of their mothers at their deaths and the miraculous nature of their restoration to life.
* In prophetic laments, the mourning over an "only son" is used as a metaphor for profound and bitter sorrow ([[Jeremiah 6:26]], [[Amos 8:10]], [[Zechariah 12:10]]).
* **"Lonely/Desolate" (denoting isolation):**
* In the Psalms, the term describes individuals who are isolated or without help: "Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted" ([[Psalm 25:16]]).
* God is praised for setting "the solitary [יְחִידִים] in families" ([[Psalm 68:6]]), indicating His care for those who are isolated.
* The psalmist cries out, "Look to my right and see; no one knows me; no refuge remains for me; no one cares for my soul. I cry to you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.' Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me." ([[Psalm 142:4]] - often translated as "I am desolate").
* **"Darling/Precious Life" (feminine usage, denoting one's irreplaceable life):**
* In the Psalms, it refers to one's very life, which is precious and vulnerable: "Deliver my soul from the sword, my darling [יְחִידָתִי] from the power of the dog!" ([[Psalm 22:20]]).
* "Rescue my darling [יְחִידָתִי] from their destructions, my precious life from the lions!" ([[Psalm 35:17]]). This usage emphasizes the singular, irreplaceable nature of one's own life.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for יָחִיד (yâchîyd) is its root, יָחַד (yâchad), `{{H3161}}`, which means "to be united," "to be one," or "to join together." This root emphasizes the concept of unity and singularity, from which the various nuances of יָחִיד flow.
Other related concepts include:
* **Oneness (אֶחָד - 'echad, `{{H259}}`):** While יָחִיד emphasizes uniqueness and singularity in a qualitative or relational sense (e.g., "only child"), אֶחָד often denotes numerical oneness (e.g., "one God" in [[Deuteronomy 6:4]]) or collective unity. Both contribute to the biblical understanding of singularity.
* **Solitude and Isolation:** The semantic range of יָחִיד overlaps with words describing being alone or cut off, such as בָּדָד (bâdâd, `{{H909}}`), meaning "alone" or "isolated."
* **Preciousness and Value:** The concept of something being "only" often implies its high value and irreplaceability, connecting to ideas of cherished possession or unique importance.
* **Monogenēs (μονογενής, `{{G3439}}`):** In the New Testament, this Greek term, often translated "only begotten," carries a similar theological weight to the "only son" usage of יָחִיד, especially in relation to Jesus Christ (e.g., [[John 3:16]]). While not a direct translation of יָחִיד, the conceptual parallel is striking in its emphasis on unique sonship.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of יָחִיד (yâchîyd) is profound, particularly in two key areas:
1. **The Sacrifice of Isaac and its Typological Significance:** The repeated designation of Isaac as Abraham's "only son" in [[Genesis 22]] is arguably the most theologically weighty usage of יָחִיד. This highlights the immense cost and depth of Abraham's obedience and faith. The narrative serves as a powerful foreshadowing (a type) of God the Father's own unparalleled sacrifice of His "only begotten Son," Jesus Christ. Just as Abraham was willing to offer his unique and beloved son, God truly offered His unique and beloved Son for the salvation of humanity ([[John 3:16]]). The emotional and spiritual agony depicted in Abraham's trial is a faint echo of the divine love expressed in Christ's crucifixion.
2. **Human Vulnerability and Divine Compassion:** The use of יָחִיד to describe those who are "lonely" or "desolate" ([[Psalm 25:16]], [[Psalm 68:6]], [[Psalm 142:4]]) underscores the human condition of vulnerability and isolation. The biblical witness consistently portrays God as one who cares for the marginalized and those without earthly support. His promise to "set the solitary in families" ([[Psalm 68:6]]) reveals His character as a compassionate Provider and Sustainer, drawing the isolated into community and care. Furthermore, the use of "darling" or "precious life" ([[Psalm 22:20]], [[Psalm 35:17]]) emphasizes the fragility and irreplaceable value of each individual life in God's eyes, prompting appeals for divine deliverance in times of dire threat.
3. **Messianic Prophecy:** The lament for an "only son" in [[Zechariah 12:10]] is often understood as a prophecy of the profound sorrow that will accompany the realization of Israel's rejection of their Messiah, Jesus, who was "pierced." This deep mourning mirrors the grief over an irreplaceable loss, pointing to the unique and singular significance of the Messiah.
### Summary
The Hebrew word יָחִיד (yâchîyd), derived from the root "to be united" or "to be one," encompasses a semantic range signifying singularity, uniqueness, and preciousness, as well as the contrasting state of loneliness or desolation. Its most impactful biblical usage is in the narrative of Abraham's offering of Isaac, his "only son," which profoundly prefigures God's own sacrifice of His unique and beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Beyond this pivotal theological type, יָחִיד also highlights God's compassionate care for the vulnerable and isolated, as well as the irreplaceable value of human life. It is a term that speaks to both the depth of divine love and the breadth of human experience.
TRV