### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yâshêsh**, represented by `{{H3486}}`, describes one who is **gray-haired** or an **aged man** who has come to **stoop for age**. Its meaning is derived from an unused root signifying "to blanch." This specific and evocative term for extreme old age is exceedingly rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entirety of scripture, making its single usage particularly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H3486}}` is in [[2 Chronicles 36:17]], which recounts the devastating fall of Jerusalem to the king of the Chaldees `{{H3778}}`. The verse describes an indiscriminate slaughter in the very house `{{H1004}}` of the sanctuary `{{H4720}}`. The invaders had no compassion `{{H2550}}` upon a wide range of people: "young man `{{H970}}` or maiden `{{H1330}}`, old man `{{H2205}}`, or him that **stooped for age** `{{H3486}}`." The inclusion of `{{H3486}}` at the end of this list emphasizes the complete and utter ruthlessness of the judgment, extending even to the most physically frail and vulnerable individuals in the society.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H3486}}` is illuminated by the words used alongside it in [[2 Chronicles 36:17]]:
* `{{H2205}}` **zâqên** (old man): This general term for an **old** or **aged** person is used in conjunction with `{{H3486}}`, suggesting that "him that stooped for age" represents a degree of frailty even beyond that of a typical elder. It often appears in contexts contrasting age groups, such as "young men `{{H970}}` and **old** `{{H2205}}` together" [[Jeremiah 31:13]].
* `{{H970}}` **bâchûwr** (young man): This word for a **youth** or choice **young man** stands in stark contrast to `{{H3486}}`. Their slaughter in the same event highlights the all-encompassing nature of the destruction, where neither the vigor of youth nor the vulnerability of old age was spared [[Jeremiah 31:13]].
* `{{H2550}}` **châmal** (to have compassion, pity, spare): This word is central to understanding the verse's meaning. The text explicitly states the conquerors "had **no compassion**" `{{H2550}}`. This action stands as the opposite of God's promised mercy, as when the Lord says He will **pity** `{{H2550}}` His people [[Joel 2:18]].
* `{{H2026}}` **hârag** (to slay): This primitive root meaning **to smite with deadly intent** is the primary action of the verse. The Chaldees came to **slay** `{{H2026}}` the people of Judah, an act of judgment that began at the sanctuary [[Ezekiel 9:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3486}}` is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context.
* **Totality of Judgment:** The use of `{{H3486}}` demonstrates that God's judgment on Judah was absolute and without exception. Every demographic, from the young man `{{H970}}` to the maiden `{{H1330}}` to the old man `{{H2205}}` and finally to the most infirm, was given `{{H5414}}` into the hand `{{H3027}}` of the king `{{H4428}}` of the Chaldees `{{H3778}}`.
* **Extreme Vulnerability:** The image of one who "stooped for age" conveys a state of profound helplessness. That such a person was slain `{{H2026}}` without pity underscores the severity of the punishment and the complete withdrawal of divine protection from the nation.
* **The Absence of Mercy:** The statement that there was no compassion `{{H2550}}` is a terrifying theological declaration. It signifies a moment where the consequences of rebellion were allowed to unfold in their most brutal form, serving as a stark warning about defying God's covenant.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3486}}` **yâshêsh** is a highly specific term whose meaning is inseparable from its only context. It signifies a person bent over with extreme age, representing the utmost in human frailty. Its appearance in [[2 Chronicles 36:17]] serves as the climactic example in a list of those slain during the Babylonian conquest, illustrating the comprehensive and merciless nature of a divine judgment enacted without compassion `{{H2550}}`. The word powerfully portrays the terrible reality that when judgment comes, no one is exempt.
TRV