יֶלֶד

something born, i.e. a lad or offspring

Definition

The Hebrew noun יֶלֶד (yeled) primarily refers to a child, offspring, or young person, encompassing a range from infancy to youth. It denotes a human being in the early stages of life, as seen in the story of Ishmael, who is called a 'yeled' when he is a teenager (Genesis 21:14-16). The word can also refer more broadly to offspring or progeny, such as the 'children' (yeled) of Jacob (Genesis 30:26). In poetic contexts, it can signify 'fruit' or 'product,' as in Lamech's song referring to his wounding of a 'man' and a 'yeled' (Genesis 4:23), where it likely means a young man.

Biblical Usage

יֶלֶד is used 76 times across the Old Testament, most frequently in narrative books like Genesis, Exodus, and 2 Kings. It commonly appears in family and lineage contexts, describing sons and daughters (e.g., Genesis 21:8, 32:22). It is also used in stories of vulnerability and divine protection, such as Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 21:14-16) or the infant Moses (Exodus 2:3-6). The term can refer to young servants or attendants, as with Joseph's brothers calling Benjamin a 'yeled' (Genesis 44:22).

Etymology

יֶלֶד derives from the root יָלַד (yalad, H3205), meaning 'to bear,' 'bring forth,' or 'beget.' This root connection emphasizes the word's fundamental sense of 'something born.' Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Arabic 'walad' (child). The noun retains the core idea of birth and progeny throughout its usage.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights God's concern for the vulnerable, the continuity of covenant promises through offspring, and human lineage. Stories like Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 21) show God hearing the cry of the 'yeled.' Understanding יֶלֶד enriches reading by connecting individual children to larger biblical themes of promise, family, and divine providence, foreshadowing the importance of 'a child born' in messianic prophecy (Isaiah 9:6).

In ancient Israelite culture, a יֶלֶד represented not just a young individual but also a vital link in the family lineage and economic unit. Children were valued for continuing the family name and inheritance. The term could span a wider age range than modern 'child,' sometimes including teenagers and young adults still under paternal authority. Their vulnerability and dependence were recognized, as seen in laws offering them protection.

בֵּן (ben, H1121) — specifically 'son,' often with a focus on lineage or relationship. נַעַר (na'ar, H5288) — 'young man,' 'servant,' or 'youth,' often emphasizing adolescence or service. תִּינוֹק (tinok) — a later Hebrew term for a very young child or infant. יוֹנֵק (yoneq, H3126) — 'suckling' or 'nursing child,' specifying infancy.

Word Details

Scripture References