### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3175 (יָחִיל, *yâchîyl*) is derived from the root H3176 (יָחַל, *yâchal*), which fundamentally signifies "to wait," "to hope," or "to expect." While H3176 describes the act of hoping, H3175 often functions as a participle or an imperfect verbal form, conveying the state of being "expectant" or indicating that one "should hope" or "will hope." Its semantic range extends beyond mere desire, carrying the strong nuance of confident anticipation and patient endurance. It implies a posture of active waiting, rooted in trust rather than passive wishfulness. The "expectant" quality embedded in H3175 suggests a forward-looking orientation, anticipating a future reality or divine intervention with certainty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H3175 appears in several significant biblical passages, often in contexts that underscore trust in Yahweh amidst challenging circumstances or in anticipation of His righteous acts.
* In [[Psalm 119:43]], the psalmist declares, "And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments." Here, yâchîyl expresses a deep reliance on God's decrees, affirming the psalmist's trust in divine justice even when facing potential silence or opposition.
* [[Psalm 130:7]] contains an exhortation: "Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption." This verse calls for a collective, national hope rooted in God's abundant mercy and power to redeem, presenting hope as an active choice and a source of comfort.
* Similarly, [[Psalm 147:11]] states, "The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy." This passage links hope directly to God's favor, identifying those who confidently expect His steadfast love (*hesed*) as the objects of His delight.
* In [[Lamentations 3:21]], amidst profound suffering and despair, the prophet declares, "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope." Here, yâchîyl signifies a tenacious and deliberate act of hope, born from remembering God's unfailing mercies, even when circumstances seem hopeless.
* [[Micah 7:7]] presents a personal declaration: "Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me." The use of yâchîyl here underscores the prophet's resolve to patiently and confidently await God's intervention and salvation.
* Perhaps most notably, [[Isaiah 42:4]] describes the Servant of the Lord: "He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law." The "isles" (distant nations) are depicted as being "expectant" or "hopeful" for the Messiah's teaching and justice, highlighting a universal, eschatological anticipation.
Across these occurrences, H3175 consistently points to Yahweh as the sole and sufficient object of hope, emphasizing a patient, confident, and active reliance on His character, promises, and redemptive power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of H3175 is enriched by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms that convey similar or complementary meanings:
* **H3176 (יָחַל, *yâchal*):** This is the root from which H3175 is derived. Yâchal is the more general term for "to hope," "to wait," or "to expect." Yâchîyl often functions as a specific manifestation or state of this hope.
* **H6960 (קָוָה, *qavah*):** Often translated as "to wait" or "to hope," qavah frequently appears alongside or interchangeably with yâchal. While both express expectation, qavah sometimes carries the nuance of "binding together" or "collecting," suggesting perseverance and steadfastness in waiting upon the Lord.
* **H982 (בָּטַח, *batach*):** Meaning "to trust" or "to be confident," *batach* is deeply intertwined with hope. Biblical hope is not mere optimism; it is a confident trust placed in God's character and faithfulness, making *batach* a foundational component of the hope expressed by yâchîyl.
* **H5445 (סָבַר, *sabar*):** An Aramaic loanword, also meaning "to hope" or "to expect," though less common in the Hebrew Bible in this context compared to yâchal and qavah.
The concept of hope (yâchîyl) in the Hebrew Bible is thus intimately linked with faith (*emunah*), trust (*batach*), and patient endurance (*qavah*), forming a robust theological framework for reliance upon God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3175 is profound, underscoring several core tenets of biblical faith:
1. **Theocentric Hope:** The primary object of hope expressed by yâchîyl is consistently Yahweh Himself, His word, His mercy, His salvation, and His judgments. This highlights that true hope is not placed in human strength, circumstances, or fleeting desires, but in the immutable character and promises of God.
2. **Active Trust and Expectation:** Yâchîyl portrays hope not as passive wishfulness but as an active, confident expectation. It is a spiritual discipline that requires deliberate choice and perseverance, especially in times of adversity. It signifies a confident looking forward to God's intervention and fulfillment of His purposes.
3. **Resilience in Suffering:** As seen in Lamentations and Psalms, yâchîyl often arises in contexts of distress, lament, or waiting for justice. It serves as a vital source of strength and comfort, enabling believers to endure trials with the assurance that God is faithful and will ultimately act.
4. **Foundation for Righteous Living:** Those who "hope in His mercy" (Psalm 147:11) are those in whom the Lord takes pleasure. This indicates that hope is not merely an emotional state but a disposition of the heart that pleases God and motivates righteous living, fostering a deeper relationship with Him.
5. **Eschatological Dimension:** The usage in Isaiah 42:4 extends the concept of yâchîyl to a broader, messianic and eschatological anticipation, where nations await the coming of the Messiah and His just reign. This connects individual hope to the larger divine plan for redemption and restoration.
### Summary
H3175 (יָחִיל, *yâchîyl*) is a significant Hebrew term derived from H3176 (יָחַל, *yâchal*), conveying the meaning of being "expectant" or "should hope." It encapsulates a confident, active, and patient anticipation rooted firmly in the character and promises of God. Biblical occurrences demonstrate its use in expressing profound trust in Yahweh's judgments, mercy, and salvation, often in contexts of waiting or enduring hardship. The term underscores a theocentric hope, where God Himself is the sole object of reliance. Closely related to concepts like trust (`{{H982}}`) and patient waiting (`{{H6960}}`), yâchîyl is a foundational aspect of biblical faith, providing resilience in suffering, fostering a deeper relationship with God, and pointing towards ultimate divine fulfillment. It is a powerful expression of confident expectation in the face of uncertainty, grounded in the unwavering faithfulness of the Lord.
TRV