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H3014 · Hebrew · Old Testament
יָגָה
Yagah
Verb
To Push Away / Thrust Aside / Grieve

Definition

The Hebrew verb yagah (יָגָה) means to push aside, to thrust away, or to cause grief/suffering. It appears rarely but carries emotional weight — describing an act of rejection or causing sorrow. Lamentations 3:33 uses a cognate form to say that God 'does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men,' showing the word's connection to sorrow and divine compassion.

Usage & Theological Significance

The rarity of yagah makes its appearances theologically significant. In Lamentations 3, the prophet reflects on God's discipline: though He has brought suffering, He has not done so with pleasure. This is a profound statement about the nature of divine discipline — it is purposeful, not punitive for its own sake; it is restorative, not destructive. The New Testament parallel is Hebrews 12:6–11: the Lord disciplines those He loves, and though discipline is painful, it yields 'the peaceful fruit of righteousness.' The God who can thrust aside is the same God who says He does not delight in the grief of His children.

Key Bible Verses

Lamentations 3:33 For he does not willingly afflict or grieve (yagah) the children of men.
Lamentations 3:32 But though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
Hebrews 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.
Hebrews 12:11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Isaiah 53:4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.

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External Resources

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