יָעָה
𐤉𐤏𐤄
yâʻâh
H3261 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To sweep away, remove or clear out (typically with force); the action of forcibly displacing, getting rid of, or eradicating. The verb depicts the kind of removal that is thorough, as one sweeps away debris or disposes of something unwanted. May also denote figurative removal, such as elimination of people, objects, or consequences.
Semantic Range
to sweep away, to brush aside, to eradicate, to forcibly remove, to clear away (figuratively or literally), to dispose of
Root / Etymology
Root: יעה. The root meaning appears to center on the action of sweeping or removing. There is a semantic overlap with roots denoting cleansing, clearing, or eradicating, but יָעָה itself is rare and its exact relationship to other roots (such as those related to sweeping, e.g. שָׁטַף or סָחַף) is debated. Cognate roots in related Semitic languages are not definitively attested. Thus, etymology remains uncertain beyond the observed Hebrew occurrences.
Historical & Contextual Notes
יָעָה is a rare verb, occurring only in a few biblical contexts (e.g., Isaiah 28:17), where it appears in poetic passages conveying the idea of forceful removal. The term is not commonly used for the ordinary act of sweeping (which is more often expressed by other roots). Its usage seems to carry connotations of judgment or decisive action, often in metaphorical or prophetic language. Later rabbinic Hebrew does not commonly adopt this root, and it does not become a standard term in post-biblical literature. English translations such as 'sweep away' or 'brush aside' capture the imagery but may not fully express its emphatic or judgmental nuances. The root should be distinguished from more general terms for sweeping or cleansing, as יָעָה typically implies eradication or destruction rather than routine cleaning.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; apparently; to brush aside; sweep away.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
יעה (y-ʿ-h) — to sweep, remove, clear out
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3257 | יָע | the ash-scoops |
| H3262 | יְעוּאֵל | El carries away |
| H3273 | יְעִיאֵל | And El-gathers |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3261-01 |
וְ/יָעָ֤ה | veyaah | HC/Vqq3ms |
will sweep away | and he swept away | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3261-01 |
Isaiah 28:17 | וְ/יָעָ֤ה | veyaah | HC/Vqq3ms |
will sweep away | and he swept away |