lemma יְצב missing vowel, corrected to יְצַב; xlit yᵉtsêb corrected to yᵉtsab; (Aramaic) corresponding to יָצַב; to be firm; hence, to speak surely; truth.
Transliteration:yᵉtsab
Pronunciation:yets-abe'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma יְצַב (yᵉtsab), Strong's H3321, carries the fundamental meaning of "to be firm" or "to be established." This core sense extends semantically to concepts of certainty, truth, and reliability. It denotes a state of being fixed, stable, or unshakeable. The transition from physical firmness to epistemological certainty is evident in its usage, where something that is firm can be relied upon as true or sure. This Aramaic root corresponds directly to the Hebrew יָצַב (yatsab, `{{H3320}}`), which similarly conveys the idea of standing firm, taking a stand, or being placed firmly. Thus, יְצַב encapsulates the notion of an unassailable reality or an undeniable fact.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, יְצַב (yᵉtsab) primarily appears in the Aramaic portions of the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its usage consistently reinforces the core meaning of certainty, firmness, or truth.
* In [[Daniel 2:45]], Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream, concluding, "the dream is certain, and its interpretation trustworthy." Here, יְצַב (yᵉtsab) emphasizes the absolute reliability and factual nature of the divine revelation. The dream's origin in God ensures its unwavering truthfulness.
* Similarly, in [[Daniel 6:12]], when Darius is confronted with the decree regarding prayer, the officials remind him, "the decree is firm, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be altered." The word highlights the unchangeable and binding nature of the law, reflecting a human attempt to establish unalterable decrees, albeit in contrast to divine immutability.
* [[Daniel 7:19]] presents the nuance of seeking truth: "Then I desired to know the truth concerning the fourth beast." Here, יְצַב (yᵉtsab) refers to the accurate, certain understanding or reality of the vision. Daniel seeks not mere information, but the definitive and reliable explanation.
* In [[Ezra 7:26]], the decree of Artaxerxes states, "whoever will not observe the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him with all diligence." While some translations render this as "diligence" or "certainty," the underlying sense of יְצַב (yᵉtsab) is that the judgment should be carried out with unwavering firmness and certainty, leaving no doubt about its execution.
Across these contexts, יְצַב (yᵉtsab) consistently underscores the idea of something being undeniably true, reliably established, or immutably fixed, whether it refers to divine prophecy, human law, or the certainty of execution.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic יְצַב (yᵉtsab) is closely related to several key concepts and words in both Hebrew and Aramaic that convey firmness, truth, and faithfulness.
* **Hebrew Counterpart:** Its direct Hebrew cognate is יָצַב (yatsab, `{{H3320}}`), meaning "to take one's stand," "to stand firm," or "to be set up." This connection highlights the shared semantic field of stability and establishment.
* **Truth and Faithfulness:** The concept of "truth" inherent in יְצַב (yᵉtsab) links it to the Hebrew אֱמֶת (emet, `{{H571}}`), which denotes truth, faithfulness, and reliability, stemming from the root אָמַן (aman, `{{H539}}`), "to be firm, trustworthy." The Aramaic equivalent for "truth" is also קְשַׁט (qeshat, `{{H7187}}`), which carries a similar connotation of certainty and rectitude.
* **Firmness and Steadfastness:** Other words conveying firmness include the Hebrew חָזַק (chazaq, `{{H2388}}`), "to be strong, firm," and כּוּן (kun, `{{H3559}}`), "to establish, prepare." These terms collectively emphasize the biblical value placed on stability, reliability, and an unyielding commitment to what is right and true.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of יְצַב (yᵉtsab) centers on the attributes of God and the nature of His revelation and decrees.
* **Divine Certainty and Immutability:** The most profound application of "firmness" and "truth" is found in God Himself. His character is unchangeably firm, and His word is eternally true. The "certainty" of Daniel's dream (`{{H3321}}` in [[Daniel 2:45]]) is a direct reflection of God's perfect knowledge and sovereign control over history. Unlike human decrees that may be firm but can still lead to injustice (as seen in [[Daniel 6:12]]), God's decrees are not only firm but also righteous and unfailing.
* **Reliability of Prophecy:** The use of יְצַב (yᵉtsab) in prophetic contexts underscores the absolute reliability of divine foresight. What God reveals will certainly come to pass; His word is not subject to change or error. This instills confidence in the believer regarding God's plan for salvation and the future.
* **The Nature of Truth:** The word points to a non-relative, objective truth that originates in God. This truth is not merely an intellectual concept but a firm reality upon which one can stand. For the believer, living by God's truth means aligning oneself with His firm and unchanging reality.
### Summary
The Aramaic term יְצַב (yᵉtsab, `{{H3321}}`) signifies "to be firm," extending its semantic range to encompass certainty, truth, and reliability. Primarily found in the Aramaic portions of Daniel and Ezra, it consistently highlights the unshakeable nature of divine revelations, the binding force of decrees, and the pursuit of accurate understanding. As the direct Aramaic counterpart to the Hebrew יָצַב (yatsab, `{{H3320}}`), it belongs to a cluster of biblical words emphasizing stability and trustworthiness. Theologically, יְצַב (yᵉtsab) powerfully underscores God's immutable character, the absolute certainty of His word and prophecies, and the objective, foundational nature of divine truth, providing a bedrock of assurance for faith.
TRV