(Aramaic) corresponding to יָטַב; {to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)}; seem good.
Transliteration:yᵉṭab
Pronunciation:yet-ab'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H3191 (יְטַב, *yᵉṭab*) carries a rich semantic range, closely mirroring its Hebrew counterpart H3190 (יָטַב, *yaṭab*). At its core, it signifies "to be well," extending into causative meanings such as "to make well" or "to do well." This well-being can manifest literally, referring to a state of being "sound" or "beautiful," or figuratively, encompassing concepts of being "happy," "successful," or "right." A prominent aspect of its usage is the idea of something "seeming good" or "being pleasing" in the eyes of another, whether a human ruler or, by extension, God. Thus, yᵉṭab encapsulates notions of suitability, acceptability, and intrinsic goodness, reflecting a state of flourishing or correctness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Occurring exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, H3191 is found in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its limited but significant occurrences consistently highlight the aspect of "seeming good" or "being pleasing/acceptable."
In [[Ezra 7:18]], the Persian King Artaxerxes instructs Ezra regarding the use of remaining silver and gold: "what seems good to you and your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and gold, that do according to the will of your God." Here, yᵉṭab denotes a discretionary judgment, an action that is deemed appropriate or agreeable by Ezra and his colleagues, yet ultimately guided by divine will.
In [[Daniel 4:27]], Daniel advises King Nebuchadnezzar: "Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity." The phrase "let my counsel be acceptable to you" (וְדָנִיֵּאל מַלְכָּא מִלְּכִי יְטַב עֲלָךְ) uses yᵉṭab to express the hope that Daniel's difficult admonition will be received favorably and deemed good or right by the king. This context underscores the moral dimension, where "good" counsel leads to righteous actions.
A notable instance appears in [[Daniel 6:1]], where it states, "It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be over the whole kingdom." Here, yᵉṭab (צְבָה דָרְיָוֶשׁ וְשָׁפַר קֳדָמוֹהִי) is used in conjunction with a verb for "to be pleased" (צְבָה), emphasizing that the decision was agreeable or seemed good to King Darius. This highlights its use in expressing royal will and administrative decisions.
Across these contexts, H3191 consistently points to actions, counsels, or arrangements that are considered agreeable, appropriate, or beneficial from a human perspective, often with implications for divine approval or the pursuit of righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew H3190 (יָטַב, *yaṭab*), from which the Aramaic H3191 is explicitly stated to correspond. H3190 carries a broader semantic field in Hebrew, encompassing "to be good," "to do good," "to be pleasing," "to prosper," "to make well," and "to be right." The Aramaic yᵉṭab largely shares this range, particularly emphasizing "to seem good" or "to be acceptable."
Other related concepts include:
* **Pleasure/Approval:** The idea of something being agreeable or finding favor, whether with a human authority or with God.
* **Righteousness/Justice:** As seen in Daniel's counsel, what "seems good" can be intrinsically linked to moral rectitude and just actions.
* **Well-being/Prosperity:** The outcome of actions that are "good" or "right" often leads to a state of flourishing.
* **Wisdom/Discernment:** The act of determining what "seems good" requires a degree of wisdom and judgment.
### Theological Significance
While H3191 primarily describes human decisions and perceptions of what is "good" or "pleasing" within a political or administrative context, its theological significance is nonetheless profound. The concept of "goodness" is foundational to biblical theology, originating in God's own character and His creative acts ([[Genesis 1:31]]).
In Daniel 4:27, Daniel's counsel to Nebuchadnezzar links actions that "seem good" or "are acceptable" (i.e., repentance and righteousness) directly to the possibility of divine favor and extended prosperity. This implies that what is truly "good" in the ultimate sense is that which aligns with God's will and moral law. Even when human kings determine what "seems good" to them, the narrative often subtly critiques or affirms these decisions against a backdrop of divine sovereignty. For instance, Darius's decision to appoint satraps (Daniel 6:1) is a human act, but the subsequent events involving Daniel reveal God's superior authority and what is truly "good" in His sight.
Thus, yᵉṭab serves as a linguistic bridge, demonstrating how human perceptions of what is "good" or "acceptable" are often tested and ultimately measured by a higher, divine standard of goodness and righteousness.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb H3191 (יְטַב, *yᵉṭab*) signifies "to be well," "to make well," or "to do well," with a strong emphasis on something "seeming good" or "being pleasing/acceptable." As the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew H3190 (יָטַב), it carries nuances of soundness, beauty, happiness, success, and correctness. Its limited occurrences in Ezra and Daniel consistently illustrate its use in contexts of human decision-making, royal decrees, and counsel, where something is deemed agreeable, appropriate, or beneficial. The theological significance of yᵉṭab lies in its connection to the broader biblical concept of "goodness," subtly pointing towards a divine standard of what is truly right and acceptable, ultimately aligning human actions with God's perfect will and character.