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H3191 · Hebrew · Old Testament
יְטַב
Yetav
Verb (Aramaic)
To be good, to please, to go well

Definition

The Aramaic verb yetav is the equivalent of the Hebrew yatav (H3190), meaning 'to be good, to be pleasing, to go well.' It appears in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, particularly in Daniel and Ezra. The concept of something being truly 'good' — pleasing to God and well-ordered — runs through all of Scripture from Genesis 1 ('it was good') to Revelation.

Usage & Theological Significance

Though an Aramaic verb appearing mainly in the exilic portions of Scripture, yetav reflects the same theological foundation as Hebrew tov: that genuine goodness is defined by conformity to God's will and character. The exile context is significant — even in Babylon, what is truly yetav (good/pleasing) is determined not by the king's decree but by God's standard. Daniel's three friends embody this: what was 'good' in Nebuchadnezzar's eyes was not necessarily good before God.

Key Bible Verses

Daniel 6:23 The king was overjoyed [it was good to him] and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den.
Daniel 2:32 The head of the statue was made of pure gold... its appearance was extraordinary.
Genesis 1:31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.
Psalm 73:28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?

Related Words

External Resources

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