H3173 — yachid (only, only one, solitary)

H3173 · Hebrew · Old Testament

יָחִיד

yachid

Adjective

only, only one, solitary

Definition

Yachid (H3173) describes uniqueness and solitariness — being the only one, the singular beloved. It is the word used for Isaac as Abraham's 'only son' (Genesis 22) and for the beloved only child whose loss causes deepest grief. The LXX often translates it as agapetos (beloved) or monogenes (only-begotten).

Usage & Theological Significance

Yachid creates one of Scripture's most powerful typological connections: Isaac as Abraham's yachid (Gen 22:2, 12, 16) prefigures Jesus as the Father's monogenes (John 3:16). Both sons are given up, carried to a mountain, bound (in type), and yet received back. The word carries the weight of deepest sacrificial love — giving the irreplaceable one.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 22:2 He said, 'Take your son, your only son [yachid] Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering.'

Genesis 22:12 'Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son [yachid], from me.'

Judges 11:34 And when he saw her, he tore his clothes and said, 'Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low, and you have become the cause of great trouble to me. For I have opened my mouth to the LORD, and I cannot take back my vow.' And she was his only child [yachid].

Psalm 22:20 Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life [yachid] from the power of the dog!

Jeremiah 6:26 O daughter of my people, put on sackcloth, and roll in ashes; make mourning as for an only son [yachid], most bitter lamentation.

Related Words

External Resources

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