### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yeled**, represented by `{{H3206}}`, primarily refers to **something born**, such as a lad or offspring. It appears **89 times** across **76 unique verses** in the Bible. While its core meaning is a **child**, the term is versatile, also translated as boy, fruit, son, and young man, encompassing various stages of youth and lineage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H3206}}` appears in several significant contexts. It is central to the story of Moses, who is first introduced as a **child** `{{H3206}}` placed in an ark [[Exodus 2:3]] and later grows to become the son of Pharaoh's daughter [[Exodus 2:10]]. The word is also used for a group of young advisors, as when King Rehoboam rejected the counsel of the old men for that of the **young men** `{{H3206}}` who had grown up with him [[1 Kings 12:8]]. Figuratively, it can describe character, as seen when Israel is chided for being "children{H3206} of transgression" [[Isaiah 57:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of family and birth:
* `{{H3205}}` **yâlad**: As the primitive root, it means **to bear young** or **to beget**. It is the action that results in a `yeled`, as seen in the prophecy, "For unto us a child{H3206} is born{H3205}" [[Isaiah 9:6]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên**: Meaning **a son**, this word often appears alongside `yeled` to specify a male heir or descendant. In [[Isaiah 9:6]], the "child{H3206}" is also identified as a "son{H1121}" who is given.
* `{{H3207}}` **yaldâh**: The feminine form of `yeled`, meaning a **damsel** or **girl**. The two words appear together in Zechariah's vision of a restored Jerusalem, with streets "full of boys{H3206} and girls{H3207} playing" [[Zechariah 8:5]].
* `{{H1323}}` **bath**: This word for **daughter** helps define the full scope of a family's offspring. Laws in Exodus pertain to a man's wife and her **children** `{{H3206}}`, which can include sons or daughters [[Exodus 21:4]].
* `{{H5759}}` **ʻăvîyl**: Meaning a **babe** or **young child**, this term is used in parallel with `yeled` to emphasize extreme youth, as when the wicked "send forth their little ones{H5759} like a flock, and their children{H3206} dance" [[Job 21:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3206}}` is profound, especially in prophecy and covenantal language.
* **Messianic Hope:** The most prominent use is in [[Isaiah 9:6]], where the birth of a **child** `{{H3206}}` signals the coming of a divine ruler who will be called "The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
* **Divine Relationship:** Scripture uses the term to illustrate God's tender relationship with his people. In [[Jeremiah 31:20]], the LORD asks, "is he a pleasant child{H3206}?" to express His deep affection for Ephraim. Isaiah refers to his own children as signs from God, stating, "Behold, I and the children{H3206} whom the LORD hath given me" [[Isaiah 8:18]].
* **Human Vulnerability and Sin:** The word often highlights the innocence and helplessness of the young, as when the Hebrew **children** `{{H3206}}` were threatened in Egypt [[Exodus 1:17]]. Conversely, it can denote a moral lineage, as when the prophet Hosea is commanded to take "children{H3206} of whoredoms" [[Hosea 1:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3206}}` is a foundational word that signifies more than just a young person. It spans the range from a newborn infant [[Exodus 2:6]] and the young of animals [[Job 38:41]] to a group of royal advisors [[2 Chronicles 10:8]]. Its usage is crucial for understanding themes of family, lineage, vulnerability, and, most importantly, the prophetic promise of the divine **child** who would one day be born as a savior.
TRV