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יָע

𐤉𐤏

yâʻ

H3257 noun

SILEX Entry

Root יעה to scoop, to take up, to remove (with a tool)

Definition

A tool for scooping or shoveling, especially a firepan or implement used to remove ashes or burning coals from an altar or hearth. The term is primarily used in cultic or ritual contexts within the tabernacle or temple, denoting an implement for sacred fire management. Its semantic range extends from a general shovel or pan for removing ashes to a ritual instrument in sacrificial procedures.

Semantic Range

shovel, firepan, pan for ashes, ritual implement for removing coals or ashes, tool for altar maintenance

Root / Etymology

From the root יעה (Y-'-H), likely meaning 'to take up' or 'to scoop.' The noun יָע denotes a tool fashioned for scooping; the base root conveys the core action of lifting or removing material, which in the ritual context specifies the removal of hot ashes or coals.

Historical & Contextual Notes

יָע appears predominantly in texts concerning the tabernacle and temple, where it refers specifically to a pan or fire shovel used by priests for the management of altar fire or ashes (e.g., Exodus 27:3, Numbers 4:14). Its function was essential for the upkeep of the sacrificial system. The English term 'shovel' may imply a gardening or agricultural tool, but יָע in the Hebrew Bible chiefly conveys a smaller implement, perhaps closer to a firepan. In later usage, as the temple system evolved, the term may have persisted in ritual lexicon, but the core semantic field remained tied to religious implements. Other Hebrew words such as מחתה (machtah, 'firepan') overlap somewhat in meaning but can sometimes denote a slightly different tool or purpose within the cultic context. English translations frequently render יָע as 'shovel,' but contextual evidence suggests 'fire shovel' or 'firepan' is often more accurate.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from יָעָה; a shovel; shovel.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

יעה (y-ʿ-h) — to scoop, to take up, to remove with a tool

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H3261 יָעָה and he swept away
H3262 יְעוּאֵל El carries away
H3273 יְעִיאֵל And El-gathers

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H3257-01 הַ/יָּעִים֙ hayaim HTd/Ncmpa shovels the ash-scoops 8
H3257-02 וְ/יָעָי/ו֙ veyaayv HC/Ncmpc/Sp3ms and its shovels and his ash-scoops 1

Occurrences in Scripture

9 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H3257-02 Exodus 27:3 וְ/יָעָי/ו֙ veyaayv HC/Ncmpc/Sp3ms and its shovels and his ash-scoops
H3257-01 Exodus 38:3 הַ/יָּעִים֙ hayaim HTd/Ncmpa the shovels the ash-scoops
H3257-01 Numbers 4:14 הַ/יָּעִ֣ים hayaim HTd/Ncmpa the shovels the ash-scoops
H3257-01 1 Kings 7:40 הַ/יָּעִ֖ים hayaim HTd/Ncmpa the shovels the ash-scoops
H3257-01 1 Kings 7:45 הַ/יָּעִ֜ים hayaim HTd/Ncmpa shovels the ash-scoops
H3257-01 2 Kings 25:14 הַ/יָּעִ֜ים hayaim HTd/Ncmpa shovels the ash-scoops
H3257-01 Jeremiah 52:18 הַ/יָּעִ֨ים hayaim HTd/Ncmpa shovels the ash-scoops
H3257-01 2 Chronicles 4:11 הַ/יָּעִ֖ים hayaim HTd/Ncmpa shovels the ash-scoops
H3257-01 2 Chronicles 4:16 הַ/יָּעִ֤ים hayaim HTd/Ncmpa shovels the ash-scoops
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