The Hebrew word yaqqîyr, represented by H3357, means precious or dear. It appears only 1 time in a single verse in the Bible, yet its usage provides a profound insight into divine affection. The term conveys a sense of being cherished and highly valued.
The sole appearance of H3357 is in Jeremiah 31:20, where the LORD speaks of His relationship with Ephraim. The question, "Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child?" reveals God's deep, fatherly love. Even though God had spoken against Ephraim, He declares, "I do earnestly remember him still." This expression of endearment is followed by God's deep emotional response—"therefore my bowels are troubled for him"—and a promise of restoration: "I will surely have mercy upon him." The word captures the preciousness of Ephraim to God despite past discipline.
Several related words from its context illuminate the meaning of yaqqîyr:
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is directly modified by yaqqîyr in the phrase "my dear son" Jeremiah 31:20. It establishes the foundational, familial relationship that makes the term dear so impactful.
- H1993 hâmâh (troubled): This describes God's intense emotional state—"my bowels are troubled for him"—as a direct result of His love for his dear son Ephraim. It signifies a great commotion or disquiet Jeremiah 31:20.
- H7355 râcham (have mercy): The feeling of dearness leads to action. God's declaration that he will "surely have mercy" on Ephraim is the culmination of His remembrance and deep affection, stemming from a root that means to love or compassionate Jeremiah 31:20.
The theological weight of H3357 is significant despite its rarity.
- Divine Affection: The word is a powerful expression of God's personal and heartfelt love for His people. It shows that God views Ephraim not as a subject to be discarded, but as a dear son who is cherished Jeremiah 31:20.
- Unfailing Remembrance: The term highlights that God's discipline does not erase His love. After speaking against Ephraim, God's memory of him is earnest and constant, demonstrating that the relationship remains precious and intact Jeremiah 31:20.
- Motivation for Mercy: The dearness of Ephraim is the direct catalyst for God's compassion. His feeling of inner turmoil and His ultimate promise to "have mercy" are rooted in the value He places on His son Jeremiah 31:20.
In summary, yaqqîyr H3357 is more than a descriptor of value; it is a word of profound relational tenderness. Its single use in scripture powerfully defines God's fatherly heart, which remains full of affection and is moved to compassion even in the midst of discipline. It shows that being dear to God is the basis for His unfailing remembrance and ultimate mercy Jeremiah 31:20.
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