from an unused root meaning to blanch; gray-haired, i.e. an aged man; stoop for age.
Transliteration:yâshêsh
Pronunciation:yaw-shaysh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יָשֵׁשׁ (yâshêsh), Strong's number `{{H3486}}`, is derived from an unused root that conveys the sense of "to blanch" or "to become white." This etymological root directly informs its primary meaning: "gray-haired." Consequently, יָשֵׁשׁ refers specifically to an aged man, one whose hair has turned gray or white with the passage of time. The definition also includes the nuance "stoop for age," indicating the physical decline often associated with advanced years, such as a bent posture. Thus, the semantic range encompasses not only the visual sign of age (gray hair) but also the physical manifestation of senescence, portraying an individual who is both chronologically old and physically affected by their years.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term יָשֵׁשׁ (yâshêsh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in [[2 Chronicles 36:17]]. This singular occurrence, however, is profoundly impactful and illuminates the word's full weight in a context of extreme judgment and devastation:
* **[[2 Chronicles 36:17]]:** "Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldeans, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand."
In this verse, יָשֵׁשׁ is translated as "him that stooped for age" (KJV) or simply "aged" (ESV), standing in parallel with "young man," "maiden," and "old man" (referring to `{{H2205}}`, *zaqen*, a more general term for an elder). The passage describes the ruthless and indiscriminate nature of the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, which was God's judgment upon Judah for their unfaithfulness. The inclusion of יָשֵׁשׁ in this list emphasizes the totality of the destruction: no demographic was spared. The Chaldeans showed "no compassion" even for the most vulnerable members of society—the very old and physically infirm. The phrase "him that stooped for age" vividly depicts the physical frailty of the *yâshêsh*, making their slaughter all the more horrific and underscoring the complete breakdown of any moral or societal restraint on the part of the invaders. It highlights the depth of the calamity, where even those traditionally afforded respect or protection due to their advanced years were brutally put to the sword.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate יָשֵׁשׁ (yâshêsh), it is helpful to consider other Hebrew terms related to age and elders:
* **`{{H2205}}` (zaqen):** This is the most common Hebrew word for "old man" or "elder." It often carries connotations of wisdom, experience, and authority, frequently referring to community leaders or respected figures. While *yâshêsh* focuses on the physical manifestation of advanced age (gray hair, stooping), *zaqen* can denote a broader status or chronological age.
* **`{{H3924}}` (yashan):** Meaning "old," "ancient," or "worn out," this term can describe things (e.g., old grain, old clothes) or, less commonly, people in a general sense of being old. It lacks the specific visual and physical nuances of *yâshêsh*.
* **Concepts of Age:** The Bible generally holds elders in high regard, associating age with wisdom, honor, and a source of counsel ([[Leviticus 19:32]], [[Proverbs 16:31]], [[Job 12:12]]). The single appearance of *yâshêsh* in a context of utter destruction contrasts sharply with this general reverence, accentuating the severity of the judgment where even the most venerable and vulnerable were consumed.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of יָשֵׁשׁ (yâshêsh) in [[2 Chronicles 36:17]] carries significant theological weight. It serves as a stark indicator of the comprehensive nature of divine judgment and the utter lack of mercy shown by the instruments of that judgment, the Chaldeans.
1. **Severity of Judgment:** The indiscriminate slaughter of all demographics, including the *yâshêsh*, underscores the extreme severity of God's wrath against Judah's persistent idolatry and disobedience. It signifies a complete withdrawal of divine protection, allowing the enemy to act without restraint, even against those typically considered inviolable due to their age and frailty.
2. **Violation of Norms:** In a culture that typically revered its elders ([[Leviticus 19:32]]), the brutal slaying of the *yâshêsh* represents a profound violation of both human and divine norms. It highlights the depth of the moral decay that had set in, both among the judged (whose sins led to such a fate) and among the executioners (who showed no compassion).
3. **Universal Suffering:** The inclusion of the *yâshêsh* alongside the young, the maiden, and the general "old man" emphasizes the universal sweep of the suffering during this period of judgment. No one was exempt from the consequences of national apostasy. The image of the "stooped for age" man being slain is particularly poignant, evoking a sense of ultimate vulnerability and the complete collapse of societal order and protection.
### Summary
The Hebrew word יָשֵׁשׁ (yâshêsh), Strong's number `{{H3486}}`, precisely describes an "aged man," particularly one whose hair has turned gray and who may be "stooped for age." Its singular, yet powerful, appearance in [[2 Chronicles 36:17]] is crucial for understanding its full semantic and theological impact. In this context of divine judgment and the Chaldean conquest, the *yâshêsh* represents the most physically vulnerable segment of society. Their inclusion in the list of those mercilessly slain highlights the extreme severity and indiscriminate nature of the judgment against Judah, underscoring the complete absence of compassion from the invaders. The word poignantly conveys the ultimate vulnerability of humanity in the face of overwhelming divine wrath, where even the most frail and aged are not spared.
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