from יָרַשׁ; something occupied; a conquest; also a patrimony; heritage, inheritance, possession.
Transliteration:yᵉrushshâh
Pronunciation:yer-oosh-shaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun יְרֻשָּׁה (yᵉrushshâh), Strong's number `{{H3425}}`, derives from the verb יָרַשׁ (yārash), `{{H3423}}`, which fundamentally means "to inherit," "to take possession," or "to dispossess." The noun therefore signifies "something occupied," "a conquest," or "that which is taken possession of." Its semantic range extends to encompass "patrimony," "heritage," "inheritance," and "possession." Unlike some terms for inheritance that emphasize the passive reception of an allotment, יְרֻשָּׁה often carries the nuance of active acquisition, whether through divine grant, conquest, or legal succession. It denotes a tangible asset or territory that is secured and held.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term יְרֻשָּׁה appears predominantly in the Deuteronomistic history and prophetic literature, frequently in the context of the land of Canaan. Its most prominent usage refers to the land promised by God to Israel, which they were to "take possession of" and hold as their "inheritance."
In Deuteronomy, the land is consistently presented as a divine gift and a יְרֻשָּׁה. For instance, in [[Deuteronomy 2:5]], God instructs Israel not to contend with the descendants of Esau for their land, stating, "I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot's breadth; because I have given Mount Seir to Esau for a possession [יְרֻשָּׁה]." Similarly, regarding the Moabites and Ammonites in [[Deuteronomy 2:9]] and [[Deuteronomy 2:19]], God designates their territories as their respective possessions. This highlights that God is the ultimate granter of יְרֻשָּׁה, distributing lands as He wills. The repeated command to "take possession" of the land of Canaan underscores the active role Israel was to play in securing this divine gift ([[Deuteronomy 2:12]]).
In Joshua, the term continues to describe the land of Canaan as Israel's inheritance after the conquest. [[Joshua 1:15]] speaks of the land beyond the Jordan as a "possession" for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh. [[Joshua 12:7]] summarizes the territories conquered by Joshua as the "possession" given to the tribes of Israel.
Beyond the national inheritance of the land, יְרֻשָּׁה can also refer to individual or tribal patrimony. [[Leviticus 25:46]] discusses the acquisition of foreign slaves as a perpetual "possession" for one's children. [[Numbers 32:18]] refers to the land east of the Jordan as a "possession" for the Transjordanian tribes. In [[Ezekiel 46:18]], the term is used in the context of a prince's inheritance, emphasizing that he should not dispossess his people by taking their inheritance, but rather give from his own "possession" to his sons. This illustrates the concept of a secure, rightful holding.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root יָרַשׁ (yārash), `{{H3423}}`, from which יְרֻשָּׁה is derived. The verb emphasizes the *action* of inheriting, dispossessing, or taking possession, while the noun refers to the *result* or *object* of that action—the inheritance or possession itself. This active sense of "taking" is crucial to understanding יְרֻשָּׁה.
Another significant related term is נַחֲלָה (nachalah), `{{H5159}}`, which also translates to "inheritance" or "heritage." While often used synonymously with יְרֻשָּׁה, נַחֲלָה tends to emphasize the *allotted portion* or the *heritage passed down*, often with a stronger sense of divine apportionment or ancestral legacy. יְרֻשָּׁה, by virtue of its root, more strongly conveys the idea of *active acquisition* or *secure holding* of what is possessed, often through conquest or taking. Thus, while both terms refer to an inheritance, יְרֻשָּׁה often highlights the process of gaining and maintaining that possession.
Concepts intertwined with יְרֻשָּׁה include:
* **Promise:** The land as a promised gift from God.
* **Covenant:** The possession of the land as a fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham.
* **Conquest/Dispossession:** The means by which Israel often acquired their יְרֻשָּׁה.
* **Allotment:** The division of the land among the tribes, securing their individual יְרֻשָּׁה.
### Theological Significance
The concept of יְרֻשָּׁה is deeply theological, particularly in the context of the land of Israel.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Gift:** The land is not merely conquered territory but a divine gift, a "possession" granted by God. This underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His faithfulness to His promises. The land is a tangible expression of His covenant love and election of Israel.
2. **Covenant Fulfillment:** The acquisition of the land as a יְרֻשָּׁה represents the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant ([[Genesis 12:7]], [[Genesis 15:18-21]]). It signifies God's faithfulness to His word across generations.
3. **Responsibility and Obedience:** The securing and retention of this divine יְרֻשָּׁה were contingent upon Israel's obedience to God's commandments. Disobedience could lead to the loss of this possession, as seen in the exilic period. The land was not an unconditional right but a stewardship.
4. **Identity and Security:** For Israel, the land as a יְרֻשָּׁה was central to their national identity and security. It was the place where God dwelled among them, where they could observe the Law and live as His distinct people.
5. **Future Hope:** In prophetic literature, the concept of a restored יְרֻשָּׁה points to a future eschatological hope—a time when Israel will fully and securely possess the land in an ultimate sense, often tied to messianic redemption ([[Ezekiel 46:18]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word יְרֻשָּׁה (yᵉrushshâh), `{{H3425}}`, denotes a "possession," "inheritance," or "conquest," emphasizing the act of taking and holding. Derived from the verb "to inherit" or "to take possession," it frequently refers to the land of Canaan as Israel's divinely granted "inheritance." Biblical occurrences highlight its usage in the context of God's promise and the Israelites' active role in securing their land. Theologically, יְרֻשָּׁה underscores God's sovereign gift-giving, the fulfillment of His covenant with Israel, and the inherent responsibilities tied to receiving such a divine blessing. It signifies a tangible, secured holding that is central to Israel's identity and future hope, often acquired through divine empowerment and human action.
TRV