a primitive root; to press (intransitive), i.e. be narrow; figuratively, be in distress; be distressed, be narrow, be straitened (in straits), be vexed.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yâtsar**, represented by `{{H3334}}`, is a primitive root that means to press, be narrow, or figuratively, to be in distress. It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible, conveying a state of being straitened, vexed, or emotionally distressed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H3334}}` is used to describe moments of intense pressure and anguish. When Jacob anticipated meeting his brother Esau, he "was greatly afraid and **distressed**" [[Genesis 32:7]]. Similarly, David was "greatly **distressed**" when his men, grieved over their lost families, spoke of stoning him [[1 Samuel 30:6]]. The word also describes the condition of the Israelites when they turned from God, who as a consequence made them "greatly **distressed**" [[Judges 2:15]]. In a more physical sense, it can mean "narrow" or "straitened," as in the promise that the path of the righteous "shall not be **straitened**" [[Proverbs 4:12]], or in Job's description of the wicked, whose "steps of his strength shall be **straitened**" [[Job 18:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the state of being distressed or confined:
* `{{H2470}}` **châlâh**: A primitive root meaning to be weak, sick, or afflicted. It is used in connection with `{{H3334}}` when Amnon was so **vexed** that he "fell **sick**" for his sister Tamar [[2 Samuel 13:2]].
* `{{H3372}}` **yârêʼ**: A primitive root meaning to fear or revere. This word is paired directly with `{{H3334}}` to describe Jacob's state of being "greatly **afraid** and distressed" [[Genesis 32:7]].
* `{{H3966}}` **mᵉʼôd**: An intensive term meaning vehemently, greatly, or exceedingly. It is frequently used to amplify the degree of distress, as seen in "sore **distressed**" [[Judges 10:9]] and "greatly **distressed**" [[1 Samuel 30:6]].
* `{{H4843}}` **mârar**: A primitive root meaning to be or make bitter, or to be grieved. It describes the internal state of the people whose souls were **grieved**, causing David's distress [[1 Samuel 30:6]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H3334}}` carries significant weight, illustrating key spiritual and moral concepts.
* **A Consequence of Disobedience:** The distress of Israel is often a direct result of their actions. The Lord's hand was against them for evil, and as a result, "they were greatly **distressed**" [[Judges 2:15]], linking suffering to unfaithfulness.
* **A Test of Faith:** The word marks critical turning points for major biblical figures. Jacob's distress leads him to prayer and planning [[Genesis 32:7]], while David's distress is immediately followed by him encouraging himself in the Lord [[1 Samuel 30:6]].
* **Emotional and Physical Constraint:** `{{H3334}}` connects internal anguish with external limitation. A wicked man in his "fulness of his sufficiency he shall be **in straits**" [[Job 20:22]], showing that abundance cannot prevent this restrictive judgment. Conversely, a righteous path is one that is not **straitened** [[Proverbs 4:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3334}}` denotes more than simple sadness; it describes a powerful sense of being pressed, confined, and overwhelmed, both emotionally and circumstantially. From the personal anguish of Jacob and David to the national suffering of Israel as a consequence of sin, **yâtsar** captures the human experience of being in dire straits. It serves as a potent descriptor for trial, judgment, and the feeling of having no room to move.
TRV