יָעַז
𐤉𐤏𐤆
yâʻaz
H3267 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To act boldly, to be audacious, or to display effrontery. The term generally denotes a quality of assertiveness that may carry a negative sense of insolence or arrogance, especially when directed toward authority or societal expectations. In some contexts, the word can highlight stubbornness, shameless boldness, or a refusal to be corrected.
Semantic Range
to act boldly, to be obstinate, to display shamelessness, to be impudent, to be fierce, to act insolently
Root / Etymology
Root: יעז. The root likely has the core idea of 'to be bold' or 'to act with audacity.' The verb form יָעַז (yaʻaz) is rare and appears in biblical Hebrew as a descriptor of attitude or action characterized by a lack of restraint or humility. The derivation focuses on interpersonal or social boldness rather than physical courage, implying an overstepping of appropriate boundaries.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb יָעַז is rare in the Hebrew Bible, with attestations primarily found in poetic or prophetic passages to characterize individuals or groups acting with shameless audacity or stubborn impudence. This word is distinct from other Hebrew terms for courage (such as חָזַק ḥazaq 'to be strong' or אָמַץ ʼamatz 'to be courageous'), which typically carry positive connotations. In contrast, יָעַז is marked by a negative nuance—emphasizing brashness, arrogance, or open defiance. English translations often use 'bold,' 'fierce,' or 'obstinate,' but these may either over-generalize or miss the negative, shameless aspects of the term. No related noun or derivative is attested in biblical Hebrew, and there is little evidence of development in meaning across eras due to its rarity. The word's tone and connotation are often clarified only by its context, especially in settings of confrontation, insolence before authority, or brash wrongdoing.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to be bold or obstinate; fierce.
Bantu Hebrew
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יעז (y-ʿ-z) — boldness, audacity, shameless assertiveness
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3267-01 |
נוֹעָ֖ז | noaz | HVNrmsa |
fierce | the audacious one | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3267-01 |
Isaiah 33:19 | נוֹעָ֖ז | noaz | HVNrmsa |
fierce | the audacious one |