The meaning of “יָשַׁע”
Understanding yâshaʻ reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
[idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), ...
יָשַׁע
[idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. - properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe - causatively, to free or succor 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Exodus 14:30 | “Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.” Word: יָשַׁע (yâshaʻ) | |
| Judges 7:2 | “And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.” Word: יָשַׁע (yâshaʻ) | |
| 1 Chronicles 18:13 | “And he put garrisons in Edom; and all the Edomites became David’s servants. Thus the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went.” Word: יָשַׁע (yâshaʻ) | |
| Psalms 69:1 | “Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.” Word: יָשַׁע (yâshaʻ) | |
| Lamentations 4:17 | “As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save us.” Word: יָשַׁע (yâshaʻ) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Save
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: To save, deliver, rescue
The Hebrew yasha (יָשַׁע) means to save or deliver—rescue from danger or distress. This is the root of 'Jesus' (Yeshua), meaning 'YHWH saves.' God alone is Savior: 'I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour' (Isaiah 43:11).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: To save, deliver, heal
The Greek sozo (σῴζω) means to save—deliverance from sin, death, and judgment. 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved' (Acts 16:31). The word also encompasses physical healing and spiritual wholeness.