### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yâʻaph**, represented by `{{H3286}}`, is a primitive root used to describe tiring, fainting, or being weary, often as if from exhausting flight. It also carries the meaning "cause to fly." This word appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses**, primarily to contrast human frailty with divine endurance or to describe the result of futile effort.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3286}}` is used to establish a fundamental contrast between God and humanity. God, the Creator, "fainteth not, neither is weary" [[Isaiah 40:28]], highlighting His inexhaustible nature. Conversely, even the most vigorous humans, the "youths," are shown to "faint" and grow weary [[Isaiah 40:30]]. The word is also used to illustrate the consequences of judgment and vain labor, as the people building Babylon "shall be weary" ([[Jeremiah 51:58]], [[Jeremiah 51:64]]). In a unique context, the man Gabriel is described as "being caused to fly swiftly," demonstrating a use of `{{H3286}}` related to rapid, divinely-powered movement rather than exhaustion [[Daniel 9:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concepts of weariness and strength:
* `{{H3021}}` **yâgaʻ** (to be exhausted, to tire, to toil): This word is often paired directly with **yâʻaph** for emphasis, as in the declaration that God "fainteth not, neither is weary" [[Isaiah 40:28]] and that youths "shall faint and be weary" [[Isaiah 40:30]].
* `{{H3581}}` **kôach** (vigor, force, strength): This term serves as a direct antonym. It is the **strength** that God gives, enabling those who wait on Him to "not faint" [[Isaiah 40:31]]. It is also the human **strength** that fails the hungry and thirsty smith, causing him to be "faint" [[Isaiah 44:12]].
* `{{H6960}}` **qâvâh** (to expect, patiently, tarry, wait for): This word provides the condition for overcoming weariness. The promise that "they shall walk, and not faint" is given specifically to "they that wait upon the LORD" [[Isaiah 40:31]].
* `{{H3782}}` **kâshal** (to totter or waver, stumble, faint or fall): This word describes the ultimate outcome of the weariness expressed by **yâʻaph**. In [[Isaiah 40:30]], the young men who faint and are weary "shall utterly fall."
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3286}}` is centered on the source of all strength.
* **Human Frailty:** The word consistently illustrates the limits of human ability. Whether it is the physical exhaustion of a smith [[Isaiah 44:12]] or the inherent weakness of even the strongest youths [[Isaiah 40:30]], scripture uses **yâʻaph** to show that human strength is finite.
* **The Futility of Labor Against God:** In both Jeremiah and Habakkuk, those who work on projects destined for judgment, such as the walls of Babylon, ultimately "shall be weary" [[Jeremiah 51:58]] and "weary themselves for very vanity" [[Habakkuk 2:13]]. This links weariness to spiritually empty and futile efforts.
* **Divine Endurance:** The absolute contrast is God Himself, who does not faint [[Isaiah 40:28]]. This divine characteristic becomes the basis for hope.
* **God as the Source of Strength:** The promise of not fainting is directly tied to a relationship with God. It is those who "wait upon the LORD" who renew their strength and "shall walk, and not faint" [[Isaiah 40:31]], shifting the source of endurance from self to God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3286}}` is a powerful word that defines the boundary between human limitation and divine limitlessness. It depicts physical and spiritual exhaustion resulting from both natural weakness and vain, godless effort. From the fainting smith to the weary builders of Babylon, **yâʻaph** marks the end of human capacity. Yet, it also points toward the ultimate solution: the promise that those who wait for the Lord will receive supernatural endurance and will not faint.
TRV