### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yᵉshûwʻâh**, represented by `{{H3444}}`, is a central term for **salvation**. Its definition encompasses something saved, deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity, health, and welfare. It appears 78 times across 77 unique verses, highlighting its significant role in expressing God's saving acts and the security of His people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H3444}}` is used to describe God's direct intervention and deliverance. At the Red Sea, Moses instructs the people to "stand still, and see the **salvation** of the LORD" [[Exodus 14:13]], framing their rescue as a divine act to be witnessed, not a human achievement. The term is consistently sourced in God, as declared by the psalmist, "from him cometh my **salvation**" [[Psalms 62:1]], and Jonah, "**Salvation** is of the LORD" [[Jonah 2:9]]. This deliverance is a cause for profound joy and trust; Hannah rejoices in God's **salvation** [[1 Samuel 2:1]], and the people are called to "be glad and rejoice in his **salvation**" [[Isaiah 25:9]]. The concept extends beyond a single event to an enduring promise, as God's **salvation** will be "for ever" [[Isaiah 51:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words enrich the meaning of deliverance and aid:
* `{{H3467}}` **yâshaʻ** (to save): As the primitive root of `{{H3444}}`, this verb denotes the action of freeing or delivering someone, as in God's promise that "he will **save** us" [[Isaiah 25:9]].
* `{{H982}}` **bâṭach** (to trust): This word describes the proper response to God's promise of salvation. In the face of fear, the declaration is "I will **trust**, and not be afraid" because God is my salvation [[Isaiah 12:2]].
* `{{H5797}}` **ʻôz** (strength): This term is frequently paired with salvation, showing that God's deliverance is an act of His mighty power. The LORD is described as both "my **strength**" and my salvation [[Exodus 15:2]].
* `{{H6697}}` **tsûwr** (rock): This is a powerful metaphor for God as the unshakeable source of deliverance. David proclaims that God is his "**rock** and my salvation" [[Psalms 62:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3444}}` is demonstrated in its core scriptural themes:
* **Divine Source:** Salvation is exclusively an act of God. It is not something earned or accomplished by human effort. It "belongeth unto the LORD" [[Psalms 3:8]] and is a gift He shews to His people [[Exodus 14:13]].
* **Object of Hope and Joy:** The expectation of God's deliverance is a central theme of faith. Jacob waits for it [[Genesis 49:18]], David's heart rejoices in it [[Psalms 13:5]], and the people are invited to "draw water out of the wells of **salvation**" with joy [[Isaiah 12:3]].
* **Protective Power:** Salvation is depicted as a powerful defense. It is described as a "helmet" [[Isaiah 59:17]], a strong city's "walls and bulwarks" [[Isaiah 26:1]], and the strength that covers one's head in the day of battle [[Psalms 140:7]].
* **Covenantal Faithfulness:** God's salvation is tied to His covenant promises and eternal righteousness. It is part of the "day of **salvation**" in which God helps His people and gives a "covenant of the people" [[Isaiah 49:8]]. His salvation, like His righteousness, will not be abolished [[Isaiah 51:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3444}}` **yᵉshûwʻâh** provides a rich theological framework for understanding deliverance. It is far more than a simple rescue, encompassing victory, welfare, and health that come from God alone. Throughout scripture, it is presented as God's sovereign act, which in turn becomes the foundation for the believer's trust, hope, and rejoicing. From the tangible deliverance of Israel to the eternal promise of God's faithfulness, **yᵉshûwʻâh** is a cornerstone word that defines God's character as a Savior and the believer's ultimate security.
TRV