English · KJV
H3336

יֵצֶר

yêtser /yay'-tser/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom יָצַר
Meaninga form; figuratively, conception (i.e. purpose)
KJV usageframe, thing framed, imagination, mind, work.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of yêtser — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word yêtser, represented by H3336, is derived from the word for "to mould" and carries the meaning of a form, frame, or work. Figuratively, it denotes a conception, purpose, imagination, or mind. It appears 9 times in 9 unique verses, illustrating its specific and significant role in describing both the physical creation of humanity and the inner workings of the human heart and mind.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical usage, H3336 captures a range of concepts. It is used to describe the corrupt imagination of the human heart before the flood, which God saw was "only evil continually" Genesis 6:5. In a context of God's mercy, He remembers humanity's humble origins, knowing our frame and remembering that we are dust Psalms 103:14. The term also refers to the mind's focus, as in Isaiah, where God keeps in perfect peace the one whose mind is stayed on Him Isaiah 26:3. In a rebuke, the word is used as thing framed to illustrate the absurdity of a creation questioning its creator, like pottery speaking back to the potter Isaiah 29:16.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words illuminate the meaning of H3336:

  • H3335 yâtsar (to mould into a form): As the root word, it directly links H3336 to the act of a potter shaping clay. In Isaiah 29:16, the "thing framed" (H3336) questions him that "framed" (H3335) it.
  • H4284 machăshâbâh (thought): This word is often paired with H3336 to refer to the entirety of a person's inner plans and intentions. God understands "all the imaginations of the thoughts" 1 Chronicles 28:9.
  • H3820 lêb (the heart): This is the seat of the yêtser. Scripture states that the "imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth" Genesis 8:21.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H3336 is significant, touching on core doctrines of humanity and God.

  • The Human Inclination: The word is central to the biblical understanding of humanity's fallen nature. God perceives that the imagination of man's heart is innately evil (Genesis 6:5, Genesis 8:21) and knows this inclination even before it leads to action Deuteronomy 31:21.
  • God as Sovereign Creator: The imagery of the potter and the "thing framed" underscores God's absolute sovereignty over His creation Isaiah 29:16. His knowledge of our frame as dust is a basis for his compassion Psalms 103:14.
  • The Possibility of a Focused Mind: Despite its often negative connotation, the yêtser can be rightly directed. A mind stayed on the LORD is kept in peace Isaiah 26:3. This leads to prayers for God to "keep" this righteous imagination in the hearts of His people 1 Chronicles 29:18.

Summary

In summary, H3336 is a precise term that moves from the external, physical "frame" of humanity to the internal, conceptual "imagination" and "mind." It serves as a key word for understanding the biblical view of the human condition, representing both the deep-seated inclination toward evil and the potential for a mind whose purpose is steadfastly fixed upon God. This duality makes it essential for grasping the relationship between the Creator and His creation.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun and a verb across 10 occurrences, inflected in 3 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • יֵצֶר
  • יֵצֶר
  • יֹצְר

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H3335 יָצַר probably identical with יָצַר (through the squeezing into shape); (compare יַצַע); to mould into a form; especially as a H4284 מַחֲשָׁבָה or מַחֲשֶׁבֶת; from חָשַׁב; a contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whethe H3820 לֵב a form of לֵבָב; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; like

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 9 verses across 6 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Genesis, 1 Chronicles, and Isaiah (2 verses each); never once in the other 33.

2
Genesis
1
Deuteronomy
2
1 Chronicles
1
Psalms
2
Isaiah
1
Habakkuk

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.