### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yillôwd**, represented by `{{H3209}}`, is a passive term derived from the root for "to bear young," specifically meaning **born**. It is a rare term, appearing only **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. Its usage often places individuals within a specific, consequential context at the moment of their birth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3209}}` marks individuals born into critical situations. It appears in Pharaoh's edict to cast every **born** male Israelite into the river [[Exodus 1:22]], and in Nathan's prophecy that the child **born** to David would die as a consequence of his sin [[2 Samuel 12:14]]. The term also describes the generation of Israelites **born** in the wilderness who had not been circumcised, distinguishing them from those who came out of Egypt [[Joshua 5:5]]. Furthermore, it is used to list the names of David's sons who were **born** to him in Jerusalem [[2 Samuel 5:14]], establishing their royal lineage. In one instance, it refers to the fathers who **begat** children in a land under judgment [[Jeremiah 16:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of birth and lineage:
* `{{H3205}}` **yâlad** (to bear young; causatively, to beget): This is the primitive root from which `{{H3209}}` is derived, encompassing the entire act of bringing forth children. It appears prophetically to announce that "unto us a child is **born**" [[Isaiah 9:6]].
* `{{H1121}}` **ben** (a son): As the direct result of being born, this word is central to concepts of lineage and inheritance. God refers to the Israelites as the "**sons** of Jacob" to remind them of their covenant identity [[Malachi 3:6]].
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (a daughter): The female counterpart to son, this term is used to describe offspring and community. It appears in prophecies where God promises to pour out His spirit on both sons and **daughters** [[Joel 2:28]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3209}}` is tied to the circumstances surrounding a birth, often highlighting divine judgment or covenantal status.
* **Birth under Judgment:** The word is used to describe children born under a death sentence, whether from a human king like Pharaoh [[Exodus 1:22]] or as a direct consequence of sin, as with David's child [[2 Samuel 12:14]]. This underscores that being born does not guarantee life but can place one under immediate peril.
* **Covenantal Status:** The term is used to identify the generation of Israelites **born** in the wilderness, whose lack of circumcision set them apart [[Joshua 5:5]]. Their birth outside the promised land and without the covenant sign marked them as a distinct group needing a specific divine intervention.
* **Generational Lineage:** The word establishes a person's identity within a family and nation. This can be a record of royal succession, as with David's sons **born** in Jerusalem [[2 Samuel 5:14]], or a marker of being part of a generation whose fathers **begat** them in a land facing judgment [[Jeremiah 16:3]].
### Summary
In summary, **yillôwd** `{{H3209}}` is more than a simple declaration of birth; it is a term that frames existence within a specific and often critical context. Whether defining a royal lineage, marking a generation by their covenant status, or placing a newborn under a sentence of death, the word emphasizes that the circumstances of being **born** have profound implications for one's identity and fate in the biblical narrative.
TRV