from יָלַד; something born, i.e. a lad or offspring; boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one).
Transliteration:yeled
Pronunciation:yeh'-led
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word יֶלֶד (yeled, `{{H3206}}`) is derived from the verbal root יָלַד (yalad, `{{H3205}}`), meaning "to bear, bring forth, or beget." Consequently, the noun yeled primarily signifies "something born" or "offspring." Its semantic range is broad, encompassing various stages of youth and often, though not exclusively, a male gender. It can refer to:
* A "child" in a general sense, without specific age or gender emphasis.
* A "boy" or "lad," specifically denoting a young male.
* A "young man," extending to adolescence or early adulthood.
* A "son," emphasizing the filial relationship.
* Figuratively, "fruit" in the sense of progeny.
The core idea conveyed is one of new life, dependence, and the early stages of human development, emphasizing the state of having been born.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term yeled appears over 200 times in the Hebrew Bible, its meaning often nuanced by context.
* In [[Genesis 4:23]], Lamech speaks of slaying a "young man" (yeled), indicating a male past childhood but not necessarily fully adult.
* [[Genesis 21:8]] describes the weaning of Isaac, referring to him as "the child" (yeled), highlighting his infancy/toddler stage.
* [[Exodus 1:17]] uses yeled specifically for "male children" (הַיְלָדִים - plural), underscoring the gender in the context of Pharaoh's decree.
* In [[1 Samuel 4:21]], Ichabod is born, and his mother names him, referring to "the child" (yeled) as the one whose birth coincides with the departure of glory.
* [[2 Kings 4:32]] portrays Elisha finding "the child" (yeled) of the Shunammite woman dead, indicating a young boy.
* [[Proverbs 22:6]] famously states, "Train up a child (yeled) in the way he should go," here using the term generically for offspring in the context of parental instruction.
* Perhaps most significantly, yeled is used in key prophetic passages, such as [[Isaiah 7:14]] ("a son" - yeled) and [[Isaiah 9:6]] ("For to us a child (yeled) is born, to us a son (בֵּן - ben, `{{H1121}}`) is given"). These instances point to a specific, divinely appointed birth.
The contextual usage demonstrates its flexibility, ranging from infants to adolescents, and often, though not exclusively, denoting a male.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of yeled is illuminated by its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **יָלַד (yalad, `{{H3205}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to bear, bring forth, beget." Yeled is the direct result of this action.
* **בֵּן (ben, `{{H1121}}`):** "Son," "child." While ben often emphasizes filial relationship, lineage, or status as an heir, yeled focuses more on the *state* of being born or the stage of youth. They can be used interchangeably in some contexts (e.g., [[Isaiah 9:6]] uses both yeled and ben for the Messiah).
* **בַּת (bat, `{{H1323}}`):** "Daughter." The feminine counterpart to ben and sometimes used alongside yeled when referring to all offspring.
* **נַעַר (na'ar, `{{H5288}}`):** "Lad," "young man," "servant." Na'ar often describes a male who is past early childhood but not yet fully adult, and can also denote a servant. While it overlaps with yeled in referring to a young male, yeled more strongly emphasizes the state of childhood or being an offspring.
* **עוּלָל (ulal, `{{H5768}}`):** "Infant," "baby." A more specific term for a very young child, often emphasizing vulnerability.
Concepts related to yeled include birth, generation, offspring, youth, dependence, vulnerability, and the future of a family or nation.
### Theological Significance
The concept of yeled carries profound theological weight in the biblical narrative:
* **Divine Blessing and Covenant Fulfillment:** Children are consistently presented as a divine blessing and a sign of God's favor ([[Psalm 127:3]]). The birth of a yeled often signifies the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, particularly to Abraham concerning his numerous offspring ([[Genesis 15:5]]). The ability to bear children was a sign of divine blessing, while barrenness was often seen as a curse or trial.
* **Vulnerability and Dependence:** The yeled represents humanity's inherent vulnerability and dependence, first on parents and ultimately on God. This dependence can serve as a metaphor for the human condition before a sovereign God. The care and protection of the yeled are divinely mandated ([[Deuteronomy 24:19-21]]).
* **Future and Legacy:** Children are the future of the covenant community, responsible for carrying on the traditions, faith, and lineage. The instruction to "train up a child (yeled)" ([[Proverbs 22:6]]) highlights the importance of spiritual formation from a young age for the perpetuation of God's people.
* **Messianic Incarnation:** The most significant theological application of yeled lies in its use in messianic prophecy. [[Isaiah 9:6]] declares, "For to us a child (yeled) is born, to us a son (ben) is given." This prophecy points to the unique birth of the Messiah, who, though divine, would enter human history as a yeled, embodying humility, dependence, and ultimately, serving as the divine-human Savior. This usage elevates the term beyond mere biological offspring to encompass the miraculous incarnation of God's Son.
### Summary
The Hebrew word יֶלֶד (yeled, `{{H3206}}`), derived from the verb "to bear," fundamentally denotes "that which is born" or "offspring." Its semantic range extends from "infant" to "young man," often carrying a connotation of youth and dependence, and frequently, though not exclusively, refers to a male. While it shares conceptual space with terms like בֵּן (ben, `{{H1121}}`) and נַעַר (na'ar, `{{H5288}}`), yeled emphasizes the state of being born and the associated youthful stage of life. Theologically, yeled is rich with meaning, signifying divine blessing, the continuation of covenant promises, the vulnerability and dependence of humanity, and the crucial role of the next generation in the faith. Most profoundly, its use in messianic prophecy in Isaiah points to the miraculous and salvific incarnation of the divine Messiah as a "child" born into the world, thereby weaving themes of creation, covenant, and redemption into the very fabric of human existence.
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