The Hebrew word yâmar, represented by H3235, is a primitive root meaning to exchange. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. By implication, its meaning extends to changing places and can be translated as either boast selves or change.
In its biblical usage, H3235 is applied in two distinct contexts. In Isaiah 61:6, it is translated as "boast yourselves," describing how the people of God, who will be named "Ministers of our God," will partake in the riches of the Gentiles and boast in their glory. Conversely, in Jeremiah 2:11, it is used as "changed" in a negative sense. The verse poses a rhetorical question of whether a nation has ever exchanged its gods, highlighting that God's people have, in fact, changed their glory for something unprofitable.
Several related words help illuminate the concept of exchange and glory:
- H4171 mûwr (to alter; by implication, to barter, to dispose of; [idiom] at all, (ex-) change, remove): This word is used in parallel with H3235 in Jeremiah 2:11, where God's people "have changed" their glory, emphasizing the act of substitution.
- H3519 kâbôwd (splendor or copiousness; glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able)): This is the key object being acted upon in both occurrences of H3235. Israel changes their "glory" Jeremiah 2:11, while in the future, they will "boast" in the Gentiles' "glory" Isaiah 61:6.
- H8334 shârath (to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to; minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on): This word defines the new status of God's people as "Ministers" in Isaiah 61:6, which directly precedes the statement that they will boast in the Gentiles' glory, connecting their new role to this act.
The theological weight of H3235 is seen in its contrasting applications:
- The Exchange of Glory: The word's primary theme is the exchange of glory. Jeremiah 2:11 uses it to condemn Israel for exchanging God's true glory for what is worthless. In contrast, Isaiah 61:6 presents a prophecy where God's people exchange their lowly state for the glory of the nations.
- Boasting and New Identity: The translation "boast yourselves" in Isaiah 61:6 is linked to receiving a new identity. After being called "Ministers of our God," the people then take possession of and boast in the Gentiles' glory, signifying an assertion of a new, God-given status.
- A Tale of Two Exchanges: The two uses of the word present a stark choice. One is a warning against a foolish exchange born of faithlessness Jeremiah 2:11, while the other is a promise of a triumphant exchange where the faithful are elevated Isaiah 61:6.
In summary, H3235 is a rare but potent term centered on the concept of exchange. Though used only twice, it powerfully contrasts the act of foolishly changing God's glory for something worthless with the promised act of righteously boasting in a new, elevated status. It demonstrates how the same act of changing one's position can represent either a profound failure of faith or the ultimate fulfillment of a divine promise.
TRV