from the same as יֶרַח; the moon; moon. Yrechow. See יְרִיחוֹ.
Transliteration:yârêach
Pronunciation:yaw-ray'-akh
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3394 (יָרֵחַ, *yârêach*) refers specifically to the "moon," the celestial body that illuminates the night sky. Its base definition connects it to `{{H3391}}` (יֶרַח, *yerach*), which denotes "month" or "new moon." This etymological link underscores the moon's fundamental role in ancient Israelite timekeeping and the demarcation of seasons and festivals. While yârêach designates the moon itself, the broader term `{{H3974}}` (מָאוֹר, *ma'or*), meaning "luminary" or "light-bearer," is used in [[Genesis 1:16]] to describe the moon (the "lesser light") alongside the sun (the "greater light"). This distinction highlights that yârêach specifies the particular celestial body, whereas ma'or describes its function. The word is consistently used to refer to the physical satellite of the Earth, distinguishing it from general concepts of light or other celestial phenomena.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The moon (yârêach) appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, often in conjunction with the sun (`{{H8121}}`, *shemesh*), reflecting their complementary roles in the cosmos. In the creation narrative, God establishes the moon to "govern the night" ([[Genesis 1:16]]), emphasizing its divine origin and purpose. Its function as a time-marker is evident in [[Psalm 104:19]], where it is appointed "for seasons."
The moon is frequently invoked in passages celebrating God's power and wisdom as Creator. [[Psalm 8:3]] marvels at "the moon and the stars, which you have set in place," attributing their existence to divine artistry. Similarly, [[Psalm 136:9]] praises God for making "the moon and stars to govern the night, for his steadfast love endures forever!" This reinforces the moon's role within an ordered, divinely sustained cosmos.
A crucial aspect of yârêach's biblical context is its association with idolatry. The worship of celestial bodies, including the moon, was a widespread practice among ancient Near Eastern peoples. The Torah strictly forbids such practices, as seen in [[Deuteronomy 4:19]] and [[Deuteronomy 17:3]], where Israel is warned against bowing down to "the sun or the moon or any of the host of heaven." [[Job 31:26-27]] also portrays the act of kissing one's hand to the moon as a form of "iniquity worthy of judgment," emphasizing that true worship belongs solely to the Creator.
Furthermore, yârêach appears in prophetic and eschatological contexts, often symbolizing cosmic upheaval accompanying divine judgment or the advent of the Day of the Lord. Passages like [[Isaiah 13:10]] and [[Joel 2:31]] describe the moon withholding its light or turning to blood, signifying profound disruptions in the natural order that precede or accompany God's decisive intervention in history. This imagery underscores the moon's role as a fixed element of creation whose alteration portends extraordinary divine action.
The reference to Yrechow (Jericho, `{{H3405}}`) in the base definition is intriguing, as some scholars suggest its name might be related to yârêach due to its ancient association with moon worship or its crescent-like shape. However, the primary focus of H3394 remains the celestial body itself.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of yârêach is enriched by examining its relationship with other key biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H3391}}` (יֶרַח, *yerach*):** Directly related, meaning "new moon" or "month." This connection highlights the moon's function in establishing the calendar and marking time, particularly for religious festivals.
* **`{{H8121}}` (שֶׁמֶשׁ, *shemesh*):** The "sun." The moon is almost invariably mentioned alongside the sun, emphasizing their co-existence as the two primary luminaries ordained by God to govern day and night. Their complementary roles underscore the divine order of creation.
* **`{{H3974}}` (מָאוֹר, *ma'or*):** "Luminary," "light-bearer." This is the broader term used in [[Genesis 1:16]] to describe both the sun and the moon, indicating their shared function of providing light, while yârêach specifies the moon.
* **`{{H216}}` (אוֹר, *'or*):** General term for "light." The moon is a source of light, albeit a reflective one, making this a foundational concept for understanding its purpose.
* **Cosmic Order:** The moon's consistent appearance and predictable cycles are emblematic of the divine order established at creation, reflecting God's wisdom and control over the universe.
* **Timekeeping and Seasons:** The moon's phases were critical for ancient Israelite agriculture and the timing of religious festivals (e.g., Passover, Tabernacles), linking the natural world to covenantal life.
* **Idolatry:** The prohibition against worshipping the moon underscores the fundamental biblical principle of monotheism and the exclusive worship of Yahweh, the Creator, rather than His creation.
* **Eschatology and Prophecy:** The moon's darkening or turning to blood serves as a powerful metaphor for the disruption of the established order, signaling divine judgment and the climactic events of the end times.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of yârêach is multifaceted, touching upon God's sovereignty, covenantal faithfulness, and the nature of worship.
Firstly, the moon stands as a perpetual testament to God's creative power and meticulous design. As a divinely appointed "lesser light" ([[Genesis 1:16]]), its very existence and function declare the glory of its Maker ([[Psalm 19:1]]). Its consistent cycles demonstrate the order and reliability inherent in God's creation, reflecting His wisdom and omnipotence.
Secondly, the moon plays a crucial role in the biblical understanding of time and covenant. Its regular phases were integral to the Israelite calendar, dictating the rhythm of sacred feasts and seasons. In this sense, the moon is not merely a celestial object but a divinely ordained instrument for the ordering of human life in relation to God's redemptive plan. Furthermore, its enduring presence is sometimes used as a metaphor for God's eternal faithfulness to His covenant promises, as seen in [[Psalm 89:37]], where David's line is promised to endure "like the moon, a faithful witness in the sky."
Thirdly, the biblical prohibition against moon worship ([[Deuteronomy 4:19]], [[Job 31:26-27]]) is profoundly significant. It establishes a clear theological boundary: the moon, like all creation, is to be admired as God's handiwork, but never worshipped. To worship the moon is to exchange the glory of the Creator for the created thing ([[Romans 1:25]]), a fundamental act of idolatry that undermines the unique sovereignty of Yahweh. This prohibition underscores the radical monotheism of Israel's faith in contrast to surrounding pagan cultures.
Finally, the moon's appearance in prophetic literature as an object whose light will fail or turn to blood ([[Isaiah 13:10]], [[Joel 2:31]], [[Acts 2:20]]) carries immense theological weight. Such imagery signifies the breaking of the cosmic order, signaling the Day of the Lord, a time of divine judgment and ultimate redemption. This transformation of the moon from a steady light to a portent of doom highlights God's absolute control over creation, even to its very foundations, when He intervenes decisively in human history.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3394 (יָרֵחַ, *yârêach*) precisely denotes the "moon," a celestial body of profound theological significance in the biblical narrative. Created by God to govern the night and mark seasons, it stands as a perpetual witness to divine power, wisdom, and the cosmic order. Its etymological link to `{{H3391}}` (month/new moon) underscores its role in timekeeping and the rhythm of Israelite life and worship. While celebrated as a testament to God's creative might and even used as a symbol of His enduring covenant faithfulness ([[Psalm 89:37]]), the moon is strictly forbidden as an object of worship ([[Deuteronomy 4:19]]). This prohibition against idolatry emphasizes the unique sovereignty of Yahweh, the Creator, over His creation. Furthermore, yârêach serves as a powerful symbol in prophetic contexts, its darkening or transformation signaling divine judgment and the dramatic advent of the Day of the Lord ([[Joel 2:31]]). Thus, the moon in the Bible is far more than a mere astronomical object; it is a divinely appointed luminary that points consistently to the glory, authority, and redemptive purposes of God.
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