### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yâqats**, represented by `{{H3364}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to awake**. It appears 11 times in 11 unique verses. The term describes the action of waking up, both from literal sleep and from states of inebriation or unawareness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3364}}` is used in several key contexts. It most commonly describes the literal act of waking from sleep, such as when Pharaoh **awoke** after his prophetic dreams [[Genesis 41:7]]. Similarly, Jacob **awaked** from his sleep to recognize God's presence [[Genesis 28:16]], and Solomon **awoke** to realize his encounter with God was a dream [[1 Kings 3:15]]. The word also describes waking from a stupor, as when Noah **awoke** from his wine [[Genesis 9:24]]. Figuratively, it is used to describe God rousing to action, when "the Lord **awaked** as one out of sleep" [[Psalms 78:65]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of waking and consciousness:
* `{{H8142}}` **shênâh** (sleep): This noun is the direct state from which one awakes. It is often paired with `{{H3364}}`, as when Jacob awaked out of his **sleep** [[Genesis 28:16]].
* `{{H3463}}` **yâshên** (sleepy; asleep): This adjective describes the state of being asleep. In a moment of sarcasm, Elijah suggests that Baal may be **asleep** and must be awaked [[1 Kings 18:27]].
* `{{H6965}}` **qûwm** (to rise): This verb is often used in parallel with awaking, signifying a call to action. It is used to describe enemies who will **rise up** and awake to bring judgment [[Habakkuk 2:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3364}}` is significant, often marking a pivotal transition in understanding or circumstance.
* **Transition from Divine Encounter:** Awaking frequently follows a dream or vision from God, marking the moment a person processes a divine message. Jacob **awaked** and recognized God's presence [[Genesis 28:16]], and both Pharaoh and Solomon **awoke** from prophetic dreams ([[Genesis 41:7]], [[1 Kings 3:15]]).
* **Realization and Consequence:** The act of awaking can represent a sudden and critical moment of truth. Samson **awoke** from his sleep only to realize the Lord had departed from him, marking his downfall [[Judges 16:20]].
* **Divine Action:** In a powerful anthropomorphism, God is described as one who **awaked** from sleep, signifying His sudden and mighty intervention in human affairs after a period of seeming inaction [[Psalms 78:65]].
* **Instrument of Judgment:** The term is used to describe the rousing of enemies, who are called to **awake** and execute judgment suddenly [[Habakkuk 2:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3364}}` is more than a simple verb for waking up; it is a narrative pivot point. It marks the critical transition from a state of unawareness—be it literal sleep, a drunken stupor, or perceived divine inaction—to a moment of clarity, consequence, or action. From Pharaoh's dreams to Samson's tragic realization, **yâqats** signals that a new reality has dawned. It powerfully illustrates how the act of awaking can signify both divine revelation and human reckoning.
TRV