a primitive root; properly, to be broken up (with any violent action) i.e. (figuratively) to fear; be grevious (only Isaiah 15:4; the rest belong to רָעַע).
Transliteration:yâraʻ
Pronunciation:yaw-rah'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root yâraʻ (`{{H3415}}`) is a primitive root whose fundamental meaning is "to be broken up" or "to be shattered" through some violent action. This core sense extends figuratively to encompass a state of internal breaking. While the broader semantic field of "fear" or "evil" is often associated with the similar-sounding root râʻaʻ (`{{H7489}}`), the specific entry for yâraʻ (`{{H3415}}`) is explicitly limited in its application to "be grievous" or "be sorrowful." This particular nuance emphasizes an internal, deeply painful experience, rather than an external act of breaking or an ethical state of evil. Its usage points to a condition of profound inner distress or anguish, where the very soul is "broken" by sorrow.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
According to the Strong's definition, yâraʻ (`{{H3415}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible in only one instance: [[Isaiah 15:4]]. In this verse, within a prophetic oracle concerning Moab, it is translated as "grievous": "And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh: their voice shall be heard even unto Jahaz: therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out; his soul shall be *grievous* unto him."
The context is one of impending judgment and desolation upon Moab. The cities are crying out, and the armed soldiers, typically symbols of strength and resilience, are depicted as being overwhelmed by despair. The phrase "his soul shall be grievous unto him" powerfully conveys an internal, existential anguish. It is not merely a physical wound or external threat, but a profound spiritual and emotional burden that crushes the individual from within. The breaking is not of a physical object, but of the spirit, indicating deep sorrow, pain, and a sense of being utterly overwhelmed by circumstances. This singular occurrence highlights a specific, intense form of suffering that is deeply personal and internal.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most critical distinction to make when studying yâraʻ (`{{H3415}}`) is its relationship to râʻaʻ (`{{H7489}}`). While phonetically similar and sharing a conceptual link to "breaking" or "being bad," the Strong's definition for yâraʻ (`{{H3415}}`) explicitly states that "the rest [of occurrences often translated as 'fear' or 'broken'] belong to râʻaʻ." Râʻaʻ (`{{H7489}}`) is a much more common and semantically broad root, encompassing meanings such as "to be evil, bad, wicked," "to break, crush," "to be displeasing," and sometimes "to fear." In contrast, yâraʻ (`{{H3415}}`) is hyper-specific to the internal state of being "grievous" or "sorrowful" in its sole biblical appearance.
Other related concepts, though not directly derived from yâraʻ (`{{H3415}}`), include words describing various forms of human suffering and lamentation. These might include yagôn (`{{H3015}}`, "sorrow, grief"), ka'av (`{{H3510}}`, "pain, sorrow"), tsarah (`{{H6869}}`, "distress, trouble, anguish"), or anah (`{{H6031}}`, "to be afflicted, humbled, oppressed"). The unique contribution of yâraʻ (`{{H3415}}`) in [[Isaiah 15:4]] is its vivid portrayal of an individual's soul being internally broken by sorrow, a profound and deeply personal experience of anguish.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of yâraʻ (`{{H3415}}`) in [[Isaiah 15:4]] carries significant theological weight within the context of prophetic judgment. It underscores the profound and devastating impact of divine judgment, not merely on a national or political level, but on the individual human soul. The "grievous" state of the Moabite soldier's soul speaks to the ultimate consequence of opposing God's will or enduring His chastisement: a deep, internal brokenness that transcends physical pain or external loss.
Theologically, this word highlights the reality of human suffering and despair when faced with overwhelming circumstances, particularly those brought about by divine decree. It portrays a state where human strength and courage (represented by the armed soldiers) are utterly insufficient to withstand the weight of affliction, leading to an inescapable inner anguish. It serves as a stark reminder of the depth of human vulnerability and the pervasive nature of sorrow in the face of judgment or severe distress, emphasizing that God's actions can penetrate to the very core of one's being.
### Summary
The Hebrew root yâraʻ (`{{H3415}}`) is a rare but potent term, specifically defined as "to be grievous" or "to be sorrowful." Its sole appearance in the biblical text is found in [[Isaiah 15:4]], where it vividly describes the profound internal anguish of the Moabite soldier, whose "soul shall be grievous unto him." This word is distinct from the more common râʻaʻ (`{{H7489}}`), which carries broader meanings of evil or general breaking. In its unique usage, yâraʻ (`{{H3415}}`) powerfully conveys a state of being inwardly broken by sorrow or despair, highlighting the deep, personal impact of suffering and divine judgment on the human spirit.
TRV