יְעַט

to counsel; reflexively, to consult

Definition

The Hebrew verb יְעַט (yᵉʻaṭ) means to give counsel or advice, and in its reflexive form, to take counsel or consult together. It is used in the context of official, often royal, deliberation and decision-making. In Ezra 7:14-15, the word describes the king and his counselors appointing Ezra to investigate Judah and Jerusalem according to the law of God. In Daniel 6:7, the term is used for the high officials and satraps who 'consulted together' to establish a royal statute against prayer, highlighting a collective, conspiratorial deliberation.

Biblical Usage

This verb occurs only three times in the Old Testament, all in Aramaic portions of the post-exilic books of Ezra and Daniel. It is exclusively used in contexts of high-level administrative or royal consultation. In Ezra 7:14 and 7:15, it refers to the formal counsel of the Persian king Artaxerxes and his seven counselors. In Daniel 6:7, it describes the conspiratorial consultation of Daniel's political rivals. The usage consistently portrays formal, authoritative deliberation.

Etymology

יְעַט is an Aramaic verb that corresponds to the Hebrew root יָעַץ (yāʻaṣ, H3289), which also means 'to advise, counsel.' This demonstrates the linguistic interplay between Hebrew and Aramaic in the post-exilic period. The core semantic field revolves around the concept of giving or taking advice, particularly in a deliberative or planning context.

Semantic Range

This word highlights the biblical theme of seeking and giving wise counsel, especially in leadership. It shows that even pagan kings like Artaxerxes could be instruments of God's will through their counsel (Ezra 7). Conversely, in Daniel 6, it illustrates how human counsel can be used for evil purposes, contrasting with the ultimate sovereignty of God. Understanding this term enriches the study of divine providence operating through human decision-making processes.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, especially within the Persian Empire, royal counsel was a formal institution. Kings typically had a council of advisors (as seen in Ezra 7:14), and major decisions were made through consultation. The use of this Aramaic term reflects the imperial administrative language of the time and the setting of the Jewish diaspora under foreign rule, where community leaders interacted with this formal system of governance.

יָעַץ (yāʻaṣ, H3289) — The primary Hebrew equivalent, with a broader range of biblical usage. סוֹד (sôd, H5475) — Often refers to a confidential council or intimate consultation. עֵצָה (ʻēṣâ, H6098) — The noun for 'counsel' or 'advice' stemming from these verbal roots.

Word Details

Scripture References