יֵצֶר
𐤉𐤑𐤓
yêtser
H3336 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A concrete frame, form, or shape produced by forming or fashioning; figuratively, the disposition, inclination, or intent of the mind. In material contexts, denotes something shaped or molded, such as a physical object, vessel, or form. In abstract or psychological contexts, indicates an inward disposition, impulse, or purpose, referring to the shaping of thoughts or intentions.
Semantic Range
form, physical shape, thing formed; frame (of mind), disposition, impulse, intention, mental inclination, imagination
Root / Etymology
From the root יצר, meaning 'to form, fashion, shape.' יֵצֶר is a noun derived from this root and denotes that which is formed or shaped, whether a physical form or, metaphorically, an inward intention or disposition.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In early biblical usage, יֵצֶר predominantly refers to physical forms or objects shaped by an artisan or by God, emphasizing the act of shaping or forming. In later and more figurative usage, particularly in wisdom literature and prophetic texts, it comes to denote the inclination or underlying intent of the mind or heart (e.g., Genesis 6:5 'every יֵצֶר of the thoughts of his heart'). This conceptual development lays early groundwork for later post-biblical Jewish literature (e.g., the rabbis' doctrine of יֵצֶר הַרַע and יֵצֶר הַטּוֹב, the evil and good inclination), though in the biblical period the term does not yet carry these technical meanings. The standard English translations 'imagination' or 'frame' can be somewhat limiting, as biblical יֵצֶר encompasses both the physical act of shaping and the figurative direction or bent of one’s inner thoughts or will.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from יָצַר; a form; figuratively, conception (i.e. purpose); frame, thing framed, imagination, mind, work.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
יצר (y-ṣ-r) — to form, fashion, shape
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3334 | יָצַר | you (feminine) will be pressed |
| H3335 | יָצַר | I will form you |
| H3337 | יֵצֶר | to Yêtser |
| H3338 | יָצֻר | and my formed-members |
| H3339 | יִצְרִי | Yitsrite clansman |
Word Forms
6 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3336-03 |
יֵ֨צֶר֙ | yetser | HNcmsc |
inclination | formed-frame of | 4 |
H3336-05 |
יִצְר֗/וֹ | yitsero | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
his handiwork | his formation | 2 |
H3336-01 |
לְ/יֵ֥צֶר | leyetser | HR/Ncmsc |
in the formation | to formed-intent | 1 |
H3336-06 |
יֹֽצְר֔/וֹ | yotsero | HVqrmsc/Sp3ms |
has shaped it | his formed-disposition | 1 |
H3336-02 |
וְ/יֵ֛צֶר | veyetser | HC/Ncmsa |
or the thing formed | and formed-thing | 1 |
H3336-04 |
יִצְרֵ֑/נוּ | yitserenu | HNcmsc/Sp1cp |
our frame | our formed-frame | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
10 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3336-03 |
Genesis 6:5 | יֵ֨צֶר֙ | yetser | HNcmsc |
inclination | formed-frame of |
H3336-03 |
Genesis 8:21 | יֵ֣צֶר | yetser | HNcmsc |
inclination | formed-frame of |
H3336-05 |
Deuteronomy 31:21 | יִצְר֗/וֹ | yitsero | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
inclination | his formation |
H3336-03 |
Isaiah 26:3 | יֵ֣צֶר | yetser | HNcmsa |
mind | formed-frame of |
H3336-02 |
Isaiah 29:16 | וְ/יֵ֛צֶר | veyetser | HC/Ncmsa |
or the thing formed | and formed-thing |
H3336-06 |
Habakkuk 2:18 | יֹֽצְר֔/וֹ | yotsero | HVqrmsc/Sp3ms |
has shaped it | his formed-disposition |
H3336-05 |
Habakkuk 2:18 | יִצְר/וֹ֙ | yitsero | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
his handiwork | his formation |
H3336-04 |
Psalms 103:14 | יִצְרֵ֑/נוּ | yitserenu | HNcmsc/Sp1cp |
our frame | our formed-frame |
H3336-03 |
1 Chronicles 28:9 | יֵ֥צֶר | yetser | HNcmsc |
intent | formed-frame of |
H3336-01 |
1 Chronicles 29:18 | לְ/יֵ֥צֶר | leyetser | HR/Ncmsc |
in the formation | to formed-intent |