### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yâchîyl**, represented by `{{H3175}}`, means **expectant** or **should hope**. As a derivative of יָחַל (yâchal), it carries the idea of waiting with anticipation. It is a very specific term, appearing only **1 time** in the Bible, in a single verse that defines its meaning through its context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H3175}}` is in [[Lamentations 3:26]], which states, "It is good that a man should both **hope** and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD." In this passage, the act of being expectant is presented as a virtuous posture. It is not an idle or anxious state, but one that is deliberately paired with quiet waiting for God's deliverance. The verse frames this patient hopefulness as something fundamentally **good** `{{H2896}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its context clarify the meaning of `{{H3175}}`:
* `{{H2342}}` **chûwl**: This primitive root is directly associated with `{{H3175}}` in its only use [[Lamentations 3:26]]. Its meanings include to **wait**, **hope**, **travail**, and **tremble**. This connection deepens the idea of hope into an intense, patient waiting, as also seen in [[Psalms 37:7]] where it means to "wait patiently" for the LORD.
* `{{H1748}}` **dûwmâm**: Meaning to be **silent** or **quietly wait**, this word describes the manner in which one should hope. In [[Lamentations 3:26]], hoping and waiting silently are presented as two parts of a single, commended action. This same word is used to describe a "dumb stone" [[Habakkuk 2:19]] or a call to "sit thou silent" [[Isaiah 47:5]], emphasizing a state of stillness.
* `{{H8668}}` **tᵉshûwʻâh**: This word for **salvation**, **deliverance**, or **victory** is the object of the hope in [[Lamentations 3:26]]. It clarifies that the expectant waiting is for a specific outcome from God. Scripture affirms that this "safety is of the LORD" [[Proverbs 21:31]] and that it is an "everlasting salvation" [[Isaiah 45:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3175}}` is captured entirely within its single context, which teaches a profound lesson on the nature of faith.
* **The Goodness of Expectant Waiting:** The primary lesson from [[Lamentations 3:26]] is that it is **good** `{{H2896}}` to actively hope for God's intervention while maintaining a quiet, trusting posture. This is a central theme in relating to God, as seen in [[Psalms 34:8]] which states that "the LORD is good".
* **Hope Directed at God's Salvation:** The hope is not vague; it is fixed on the "salvation of the LORD" `{{H3068}}`. This directs the believer's trust away from human ability, as "in the son of man... there is no help" `{{H8668}}` [[Psalms 146:3]], and toward God's ultimate deliverance.
* **A Foundation of Trust:** To hope and wait in this manner requires deep trust in **the LORD** `{{H3068}}`. This echoes the command to "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart" [[Proverbs 3:5]] and the promise that "they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength" [[Isaiah 40:31]].
### Summary
In summary, though it appears only once, `{{H3175}}` **yâchîyl** provides a powerful and concise definition of a core tenet of faith. It is not merely a wish, but an active, expectant, and quiet trust. Its use in [[Lamentations 3:26]] illustrates that the proper response to hardship is to wait with confident expectation for the **salvation** `{{H8668}}` that comes from **the LORD** `{{H3068}}` alone.
TRV