יָאַל
𐤉𐤀𐤋
yâʼal
H2973 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To act foolishly, to show lack of sense or discernment, often in the sense of making poor or reckless decisions. The verb generally describes behavior or speech that is improper, injudicious, or lacking in wisdom. In some contexts, it can carry an additional nuance of becoming senseless or thoughtless, as well as failing to respond appropriately to circumstances.
Semantic Range
to behave foolishly, to become foolish, to be senseless, to show lack of judgment, to act imprudently, to dote
Root / Etymology
Root: יאל. The root appears infrequently and is typically associated with folly or foolish action. Although its precise etymology is uncertain, the form and its few attestations indicate a verbal root possibly related to lacking sense or becoming ineffective in judgment. Some lexicographers have linked it to roots meaning 'to slacken' or 'grow feeble,' but these connections remain tentative.
Historical & Contextual Notes
יָאַל is found only a handful of times in the Hebrew Bible, mostly in poetic or wisdom contexts (e.g., Job 1:22, Job 2:10, Isaiah 19:13). Its occurrences are predominantly in literary or rhetorical settings where the emphasis is on behavior understood as lacking prudence or exhibiting folly. The word does not denote mental incapacity but refers to willful or careless behavior. It should be distinguished from other Hebrew verbs for 'foolishness,' such as אִוֶּלֶת (ʾiwwelet, foolishness/fool) or סָכָל (sakal, to act as a fool), which often have more specific or intensive connotations. Standard English translations typically render it as 'fool,' 'act foolishly,' or 'be senseless,' but these can sometimes conceal the verb's nuance of careless or undisciplined action rather than mere lack of intelligence. In later periods, cognate terms in Aramaic and related Semitic languages tend also to be associated with foolish behavior, suggesting a continuity of the underlying sense.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; properly, to be slack, i.e. (figuratively) to be foolish; dote, be (become, do) foolish(-ly).
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
יאל (y-ʾ-l) — to act foolishly, to lack judgment, to be senseless
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2973-02 |
נֽוֹאֲלוּ֙ | noalu | HVNp3cp |
have been fooled | they became foolish | 2 |
H2973-03 |
וְ/נֹאָ֑לוּ | venoalu | HC/VNq3cp |
and they will act foolishly | and they became foolish | 1 |
H2973-01 |
נוֹאַ֖לְנוּ | noalenu | HVNp1cp |
we have done foolishly | we have become foolish | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2973-01 |
Numbers 12:11 | נוֹאַ֖לְנוּ | noalenu | HVNp1cp |
we have done foolishly | we have become foolish |
H2973-02 |
Isaiah 19:13 | נֽוֹאֲלוּ֙ | noalu | HVNp3cp |
have been fooled | they became foolish |
H2973-02 |
Jeremiah 5:4 | נוֹאֲל֕וּ | noalu | HVNp3cp |
they are foolish | they became foolish |
H2973-03 |
Jeremiah 50:36 | וְ/נֹאָ֑לוּ | venoalu | HC/VNq3cp |
and they will act foolishly | and they became foolish |