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יֵצֶר

𐤉𐤑𐤓

yêtser

H3336 noun

SILEX Entry

Root יצר to form, to fashion, to shape

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.

Translation Consistency

primary "form" 0 occurrences

“Form” is a simple, natural English word that covers both the concrete sense (a shaped thing, frame, formation) and the abstract sense (a mental form, disposition or intent). It is broad enough to render the typical usages of yêtser consistently and naturally across physical and psychological contexts.

Alternatives (10 occurrences):
"formed-frame of" (4x) "formation" (2x) "formed-thing" (1x) "fashioner" (1x) "frame" (1x) "intent" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from יָצַר; a form; figuratively, conception (i.e. purpose); frame, thing framed, imagination, mind, work.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root 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 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H3336-03 יֵ֨צֶר֙ yetser HNcmsc inclination formed-frame of formed-frame of 4
H3336-05 יִצְר֗/וֹ yitsero HNcmsc/Sp3ms his handiwork his formation his formation 2
H3336-01 לְ/יֵ֥צֶר leyetser HR/Ncmsc in the formation to formed-intent to the intent 1
H3336-06 יֹֽצְר֔/וֹ yotsero HVqrmsc/Sp3ms has shaped it his formed-disposition his fashioner 1
H3336-02 וְ/יֵ֛צֶר veyetser HC/Ncmsa or the thing formed and formed-thing and formed-thing 1
H3336-04 יִצְרֵ֑/נוּ yitserenu HNcmsc/Sp1cp our frame our formed-frame our frame 1

Occurrences in Scripture

10 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H3336-03 Genesis 6:5 יֵ֨צֶר֙ yetser HNcmsc inclination formed-frame of formed-frame of
H3336-03 Genesis 8:21 יֵ֣צֶר yetser HNcmsc inclination formed-frame of formed-frame of
H3336-05 Deuteronomy 31:21 יִצְר֗/וֹ yitsero HNcmsc/Sp3ms inclination his formation his formation
H3336-03 Isaiah 26:3 יֵ֣צֶר yetser HNcmsa mind formed-frame of formed-frame of
H3336-02 Isaiah 29:16 וְ/יֵ֛צֶר veyetser HC/Ncmsa or the thing formed and formed-thing and formed-thing
H3336-06 Habakkuk 2:18 יֹֽצְר֔/וֹ yotsero HVqrmsc/Sp3ms has shaped it his formed-disposition his fashioner
H3336-05 Habakkuk 2:18 יִצְר/וֹ֙ yitsero HNcmsc/Sp3ms his handiwork his formation his formation
H3336-04 Psalms 103:14 יִצְרֵ֑/נוּ yitserenu HNcmsc/Sp1cp our frame our formed-frame our frame
H3336-03 1 Chronicles 28:9 יֵ֥צֶר yetser HNcmsc intent formed-frame of formed-frame of
H3336-01 1 Chronicles 29:18 לְ/יֵ֥צֶר leyetser HR/Ncmsc in the formation to formed-intent to the intent
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