### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yâʻâh**, represented by `{{H3261}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to brush aside** or **sweep away**. It appears only **1 times** in **1 unique verses**, indicating a very specific and impactful usage. The term conveys a decisive and forceful removal, particularly in the context of divine judgment against falsehood.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H3261}}` is in [[Isaiah 28:17]], where it is used in a powerful prophetic declaration. In this verse, God proclaims that He will establish **judgment** `{{H4941}}` and **righteousness** `{{H6666}}` as His measuring tools. As a consequence, **hail** `{{H1259}}` will **sweep away** the **refuge** `{{H4268}}` of **lies** `{{H3577}}`, exposing all falsehoods. The action of sweeping away is an act of divine cleansing and judgment against those who trust in deceit.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its biblical context illuminate the meaning of `{{H3261}}`:
* `{{H1259}}` **bârâd** (hail): In the prophetic context of [[Isaiah 28:17]], **hail** is the instrument of judgment that performs the action of **yâʻâh**, sweeping away the false refuge. Hail is consistently depicted as a tool of divine judgment [[Exodus 9:23]].
* `{{H4268}}` **machăçeh** (a shelter... refuge): This is what is acted upon by **yâʻâh**. While God is often described as a true **refuge** [[Psalms 46:1]], the "refuge of lies" is what is targeted and swept away by God's judgment [[Isaiah 28:17]].
* `{{H3577}}` **kâzâb** (falsehood... lie): This term characterizes the refuge that is swept away, revealing that the security it offered was based on untruth and deceit. Scripture warns against trusting in **lies** [[Amos 2:4]].
* `{{H7857}}` **shâṭaph** (to gush... inundate... overflow): This verb is used in parallel with **yâʻâh** in [[Isaiah 28:17]]. Just as hail sweeps away the refuge, **waters** `{{H4325}}` will **overflow** the hiding place, reinforcing the theme of a complete and overwhelming divine cleansing.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3261}}` is concentrated in its single usage, highlighting several key concepts:
* **Divine Judgment:** The action of **yâʻâh** is a direct expression of God's **judgment** `{{H4941}}`. It is not a random event, but a deliberate act that aligns with the divine standards of **righteousness** `{{H6666}}`, symbolized by the "line" `{{H6957}}` and "plummet" `{{H4949}}` [[Isaiah 28:17]].
* **Removal of False Security:** The word is used specifically to describe the destruction of a "refuge of lies" `{{H4268}}` `{{H3577}}`. This underscores the principle that any security built on falsehood rather than on God will ultimately be swept away and proven insufficient.
* **The Inevitability of Truth:** By "sweeping away" the lies, **yâʻâh** functions to clear the way for truth. The imagery suggests that God's actions will forcefully remove deceptions, ensuring that His perfect standards of judgment and righteousness prevail.
### Summary
In summary, **yâʻâh** `{{H3261}}`, though appearing only once, offers a potent image of divine action. It means more than simply brushing aside; it signifies a decisive and complete removal of falsehood. The word powerfully illustrates the biblical theme that God's perfect judgment will not tolerate shelters built on lies, and that His righteousness will ultimately **sweep away** all deception, leaving only truth.
TRV