☀️
← Back to Lexicon
H3384 · Hebrew · Old Testament
יָרָה
yarah
Verb
To teach/instruct; to throw/shoot

Definition

The Hebrew yarah is a key verb with dual senses: to throw, shoot (as an arrow) and, in its causative stem (Hiphil), to direct, point out, teach, or instruct. From this verb comes Torah (H8451) — the great body of God's instruction to Israel.

Usage & Theological Significance

Yarah is the root of Torah, the single most important word in Judaism. The image is evocative: as an archer aims and releases an arrow to hit the mark, so the teacher aims the student toward the target of righteous living. This is not dry rule-giving but directional wisdom — pointing someone toward flourishing. The Aaronic priests were called moreh (teachers, derived from yarah) because their role was to teach the distinction between holy and common (Leviticus 10:11). Hosea mourns that for lack of da'at (knowledge) the people perish — a knowledge transmitted through priestly teaching (yarah). In the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:33), God promises to write His Torah on hearts rather than stone — internalizing what yarah always aimed for.

Key Bible Verses

Jeremiah 31:33 This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time, declares the LORD. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.
Proverbs 4:11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
Deuteronomy 17:11 Act according to whatever they teach you and the decisions they give you. Do not turn aside from what they tell you, to the right or to the left.
Psalm 119:102 I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me.
Isaiah 28:9 Who is it he is trying to teach? To whom is he explaining his message? To children weaned from their milk, to those just taken from the breast?

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️