or יַעֲלָה; the same as יַעֲלָה or direct from יַעַל; Jaala or Jaalah, one of the Nethinim; Jaala, Jaalah.
Transliteration:Yaʻălâʼ
Pronunciation:yah-al-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יַעֲלָא (Yaʻălâʼ, `{{H3279}}`) is a proper noun, functioning as a personal or family name in the biblical text. Its etymological root offers two primary possibilities:
1. **From יַעַל (yaʻal, `{{H3276}}`):** This verbal root signifies "to be profitable, useful, beneficial, advantageous." If derived from this root, the name Jaala would convey a meaning such as "he will be profitable" or "God has been profitable/beneficial." This interpretation aligns well with the concept of service and utility within a community.
2. **Related to יַעֲלָה (yaʻalah, `{{H3277}}`):** This noun refers to a "mountain goat" or "ibex." While less probable for a personal name associated with temple service, it could metaphorically suggest qualities like agility, sure-footedness in difficult terrain, or perhaps a connection to a specific region or characteristic.
Given the context of its biblical occurrences, the derivation from the root meaning "to be profitable" or "useful" is generally favored by scholars, reflecting the dedicated service of the individual or family.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יַעֲלָא (Yaʻălâʼ, `{{H3279}}`) appears twice in the Old Testament, both instances within lists of those who returned from the Babylonian exile to Judah:
* [[Ezra 2:56]]: "The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the children of Ami."
* [[Nehemiah 7:58]]: "The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the children of Amon." (Note: Ami in Ezra is Amon in Nehemiah, a common textual variant for personal names in these lists).
In both contexts, Jaala is listed among the "Nethinim" (`{{H5411}}`). The Nethinim were a class of temple servants, likely non-Israelites (or descendants of Gibeonites, as per [[Joshua 9:27]]) who were "given" or "dedicated" to perform the more menial tasks associated with the tabernacle and later the Temple, such as drawing water and hewing wood. Their inclusion in the lists of returnees underscores their continued vital role in the re-establishment of the Jewish community and the restoration of Temple worship in post-exilic Jerusalem. The name Jaala thus represents a family or clan within this dedicated group, highlighting their collective identity and function in the divine economy of worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding יַעֲלָא (Yaʻălâʼ, `{{H3279}}`) is enhanced by considering its linguistic and conceptual neighbors:
* **יַעַל (yaʻal, `{{H3276}}`):** The verbal root "to be profitable, useful, beneficial." This is the most direct and semantically relevant etymological connection, emphasizing the function and value of the Nethinim's service.
* **יַעֲלָה (yaʻalah, `{{H3277}}`):** "Mountain goat" or "ibex." While a less likely primary derivation for the name in this context, it represents a possible linguistic link, demonstrating the flexibility of Hebrew word formation.
* **Nethinim (`{{H5411}}`):** This is the overarching category to which Jaala belonged. The term itself means "given ones" or "dedicated ones," signifying their role as servants consecrated for the Temple's needs. This concept is crucial for understanding the identity and purpose of the Jaala family.
* **Temple Service:** The broader theme of service to God, particularly within the cultic sphere, is central. This encompasses the roles of priests, Levites, and the Nethinim, all contributing to the proper functioning of worship and the maintenance of the sacred space.
### Theological Significance
The presence of Jaala and the Nethinim in the post-exilic records carries several layers of theological significance:
* **Dignity of All Service:** The inclusion of Jaala among those essential for the restored community underscores the biblical principle that all dedicated service to God, regardless of its perceived status, is valuable and necessary. Even "menial" tasks performed for the glory of God are imbued with divine dignity and contribute to the flourishing of the covenant community.
* **Inclusion and Restoration:** The return of the Nethinim, including the family of Jaala, signifies God's comprehensive plan for the restoration of His people after exile. It demonstrates that the new community was intended to be inclusive, incorporating those who, though perhaps not of direct Israelite lineage, were committed to the worship of Yahweh and the life of the Temple. This foreshadows a broader inclusion in God's redemptive plan.
* **Theological Meaning of the Name:** If Jaala indeed means "he will be profitable" or "God has been profitable," the name itself becomes a theological statement. It could reflect the Nethinim's inherent usefulness in God's service, or perhaps a testimony to God's beneficial provision and faithfulness to even the humblest servants. It subtly teaches that true "profit" is found in devoted service to the Divine.
* **Humility and Faithfulness:** The Nethinim, by nature of their tasks, embodied humility. The continued presence of families like Jaala in the restored community highlights the importance of faithful, humble service as a foundational element for spiritual renewal and the re-establishment of a holy people.
### Summary
יַעֲלָא (Yaʻălâʼ, `{{H3279}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, representing a family name found among the Nethinim, a group of dedicated temple servants. Its most probable etymological root, יַעַל (yaʻal, `{{H3276}}`), signifies "to be profitable" or "useful," aptly describing their essential role. Appearing in [[Ezra 2:56]] and [[Nehemiah 7:58]], the name contextualizes the Jaala family within the post-exilic community that returned from Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem and its Temple. Theologically, Jaala stands as a testament to the divine value placed on all forms of dedicated service to God, emphasizing the dignity of humble labor, the inclusivity of God's restored people, and the inherent "profit" found in faithfulness to His purposes.
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