or יֵשַׁע; from יָשַׁע; liberty, deliverance, prosperity; safety, salvation, saving.
Transliteration:yeshaʻ
Pronunciation:yeh'-shah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H3468}}` (yeshaʻ), also appearing as yēshaʻ, derives from the verbal root `{{H3467}}` (yashaʻ), meaning "to save, deliver, rescue." As a noun, yeshaʻ encapsulates the state or act of being saved or delivered. Its semantic range is remarkably broad, encompassing tangible, immediate rescue from physical danger, oppression, or distress, as well as a more comprehensive sense of well-being, prosperity, and ultimate salvation. It denotes "liberty" in the sense of release from bondage, "deliverance" as an active rescue, "safety" as the secure state following deliverance, "prosperity" as the flourishing that results from divine favor and protection, and "salvation" as the overarching theological concept of divine rescue. While often concrete, referring to military victories or personal escapes, it also carries profound spiritual implications, pointing to God as the ultimate source of rescue from all forms of evil and distress.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Yeshaʻ appears frequently in the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms and prophetic literature, underscoring God's character as a deliverer. In the Psalms, it often describes God's saving acts on behalf of His people or an individual. For instance, [[Psalm 3:8]] declares, "Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people!" Here, yeshaʻ is explicitly attributed to Yahweh, emphasizing His exclusive prerogative and power to save. Similarly, [[Psalm 13:5]] expresses personal trust: "But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation." This verse highlights the personal experience of God's deliverance and the joy it brings.
In historical narratives, yeshaʻ can refer to specific instances of God's intervention. In [[1 Samuel 14:45]], when the people rescue Jonathan from Saul's rash vow, they declare, "Shall Jonathan die, who has brought about this great salvation in Israel?" Here, yeshaʻ signifies a decisive, divinely-empowered victory or rescue.
The prophet Isaiah uses yeshaʻ with significant eschatological weight, pointing to a future, ultimate deliverance. [[Isaiah 12:2]] proclaims, "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation." This verse not only identifies God as the source of yeshaʻ but also links it to trust and the removal of fear, anticipating a future, complete redemption. The repetition emphasizes the certainty and power of this divine salvation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related term to `{{H3468}}` is its verbal root, `{{H3467}}` (yashaʻ), meaning "to save, deliver, rescue, help." The noun yeshaʻ is the outcome or state of this saving action. Another closely related noun is `{{H8668}}` (tĕshûʻâ), which also means "salvation, deliverance, help" and is often used synonymously or in parallel constructions with yeshaʻ. Both terms underscore the active, interventionist nature of God's help.
Conceptually, yeshaʻ is intrinsically linked to God's attributes, particularly His power, faithfulness, and mercy. It stands in contrast to states of distress, oppression, bondage, and defeat. It is often a manifestation of God's covenant loyalty (hesed, `{{H2617}}`), where He acts to preserve His people according to His promises. Other related concepts include redemption (padah, `{{H6299}}`), liberation, victory, and peace (shalom, `{{H7965}}`), which is often a result of yeshaʻ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3468}}` is profound. It reveals a fundamental aspect of God's character: He is a God who saves. Yeshaʻ is not merely a human achievement but a divine act, demonstrating God's sovereign power and His active involvement in the affairs of humanity. It underscores humanity's inherent need for divine intervention, acknowledging that true deliverance, whether from physical enemies or spiritual bondage, ultimately comes from God alone.
In the Old Testament, yeshaʻ often serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate salvation to be brought by the Messiah. The very name "Jesus" (Greek: Iēsous) is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew Yeshua (or Yehoshua), which means "Yahweh saves" or "Yahweh is salvation," directly linking to yeshaʻ. Thus, yeshaʻ lays the theological groundwork for understanding the person and work of Christ as the embodiment of God's saving purpose. The experience of yeshaʻ in the Old Testament also elicits a response of trust, praise, and worship from those who receive it, shaping their understanding of God's faithfulness and inspiring hope for future deliverance.
### Summary
`{{H3468}}` (yeshaʻ) is a rich Hebrew term signifying "salvation," "deliverance," and "safety," rooted in the concept of divine rescue. Its semantic range extends from concrete, immediate liberation from distress to a comprehensive state of well-being and ultimate spiritual redemption. Throughout the Old Testament, yeshaʻ consistently points to God as the sole source of all true deliverance, whether in military victory, personal rescue, or eschatological hope. It highlights God's active, faithful, and powerful intervention on behalf of His people, eliciting trust and praise. The concept of yeshaʻ is foundational to understanding God's character as a saving God and provides a crucial theological link to the New Testament's revelation of Jesus as the ultimate embodiment of God's salvation.
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