יָאָה
𐤉𐤀𐤄
yâʼâh
H2969 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be fitting, suitable, proper, or becoming—used primarily of what is appropriate or befitting in a given context, especially in matters of dignity, worth, or honor. In biblical usage, יָאָה expresses that something or someone is appropriate for a role, status, or action, particularly as pertains to what is considered honorable or right (e.g., what 'befits' a king, or behavior 'becoming' of a people). Sometimes used of what is proper for a deity or high office, reflecting suitability in status or action.
Semantic Range
to be suitable, to be fitting, to be appropriate, to be becoming, to be proper, to be worthy, to appertain
Root / Etymology
Root is יאה, meaning 'to be suitable' or 'to be fitting.' The verb יָאָה is derived directly from this root with the core idea of appropriateness or propriety. Related in semantic field to the roots יָפָה (to be beautiful, pleasing) and נכון (to be established, prepared), but יָאָה focuses on the dimension of propriety and fitness rather than beauty or preparation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
יָאָה is a relatively rare verb in Biblical Hebrew, occurring a handful of times, often in poetic or elevated speech. Usage is mostly attested in Psalms and Chronicles, expressing what 'befits' YHWH or royalty. In later Hebrew and post-biblical usage, the notion of fittingness or suitability continues but may be more generalized. The nuance in Psalmic contexts often signals not merely what is acceptable, but what is supremely appropriate or dignified for the subject of address (e.g., praise that is fitting for YHWH). Standard English translations often render יָאָה as 'suitable,' 'fitting,' or 'proper,' but such translations may flatten the connotation of honor or appropriateness in highly formal or ritual contexts. The word is distinct from כָּשֵׁר (kasher, fit/authorized for ritual use) or נָכוֹן (prepared, established), emphasizing an inherent appropriateness rather than ritual or functional readiness. Usage remains consistent across biblical periods but is stylistically more common in poetry or liturgical language than in prose.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to be suitable; appertain.
Bantu Hebrew
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+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
יאה (y-ʾ-h) — to be fitting, to be suitable, to be proper
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2969-01 |
יָאָ֑תָה | yaatah | HVqp3fs |
it befits | she was fitting | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2969-01 |
Jeremiah 10:7 | יָאָ֑תָה | yaatah | HVqp3fs |
it befits | she was fitting |