Lexical Summary
yaats: To advise, counsel, consult, determine
Original Word:יָעַץ
Part of Speech:Verb
Transliteration:ya`ats
Pronunciation:yah-ats'
Phonetic Spelling:(yaw-ats')
KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose
NASB:counselors, counselor, consulted, planned, counseled, counsel, given
Word Origin:[a primitive root]
1. to advise
2. (reflexively) to deliberate or resolve
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
advertise, take advise, advise well, consult, give, take counsel, determine, devise,
A primitive root; to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve -- advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose.
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origina prim. root
Definitionto advise, counsel
NASB Translationadvise (1), advisers (1), conspire (1), conspired (1), consult (2), consulted (8), counsel (4), counsel do you give (2), counsel you have given (1), counseled (7), Counselor (1), counselor (10), counselors (11), decided (3), devised (2), devises (2), formed (1), gave (1), give (2), give you advice (1), give you counsel (1), given (4), planned (8), purposed (1), purposing (1), receive counsel (1), take counsel (1), took counsel (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
(only twice in Hexateuch) (Aramaic ; Arabic
exhort, admonish) —
Perfect3masculine singularIsaiah 7:5 11t.;Isaiah 14:27 2t.; suffixPsalm 16:7;Isaiah 23:9 + Baer 2 Chronicles 10:8; 3 pluralPsalm 62:5; suffix1 Kings 12:8 2t. (including 2 Chronicles 10:8, Baer ); etc.;ImperfectPsalm 32:8 (Ol Che );Exodus 18:19;Numbers 24:14 (not elsewhere Hexateuch),Jeremiah 38:15, compare also foregoing;1 Kings 1:12;Participle activeIsaiah 3:3 9t.; constructNahum 1:11,2 Samuel 15:2;Micah 4:9; pluralJob 12:17 3t.;Ezekiel 11:2; constructIsaiah 19:11 2t., etc.; feminine singular suffix 2Chronicles 22:3;Passive participle feminineIsaiah 14:26; —advise, counsel, with accusativeIsaiah 32:7,8;Isaiah 23:9 (subject )Micah 6:5; followed byNahum 1:11; Nah 7:5 (followed by =against), Nah 19:12 (followed byid.), Nah 23:8 (followed byid.),Habakkuk 2:10 (followed by ); often with accusative of congnate meaning with verb2 Samuel 16:23;2 Samuel 17:7;Ezekiel 11:2; followed byagainstJeremiah 49:20;Jeremiah 50:45 (in both of ); followed byagainstJeremiah 49:30;Isaiah 19:17 (of ); compare passive participleIsaiah 14:26; with accusative of congnate meaning with verb + suffix person1 Kings 12:8,12,13; 2Chronicles 10:8; with accusative of person2 Samuel 17:15;Psalm 16:7;Exodus 18:19;Numbers 24:14 (+ rel. clause)Jeremiah 38:15; absolute (of )Isaiah 14:24 (c. adverb ),Isaiah 14:27; of man2 Samuel 17:15 (),2 Samuel 17:21 ( + ); followed by infinitivePsalm 62:5; 2Chronicles 25:16 (of ); followed by clause without connective2 Samuel 17:11; followed byJob 26:3; —Psalm 32:8 (see above). —Participle active as substantive =counseller, king's adviser2 Samuel 15:12;1 Chronicles 27:33; 2Chronicles 22:4; 25:16;Ezra 7:28;Ezra 8:25;Isaiah 19:11; so feminine 2Chronicles 22:3; probably also1 Chronicles 27:32 ("" ); compareMicah 4:9, alsoIsaiah 1:26 ("" ),Job 12:17 (""id.); — in these three, of importance for people; so alsoIsaiah 3:3;Proverbs 11:4 =Proverbs 24:6; compareJob 3:14, and particularlyIsaiah 9:5wonder of a counsellor, of the ideal ruler predicated. More Generally,counsellor, adviserProverbs 15:22;1 Chronicles 26:14 (specific reason for title unknown);Proverbs 12:20; =prophetIsaiah 41:28, nearly =agents (hired by adversaries of Judah)Ezra 4:5.
(reflexive or reciprocal)PerfectIsaiah 40:14;Psalm 71:10;Psalm 83:6;Imperfect1 Kings 12:6 10t.;Isaiah 45:21; 2Chronicles 30:23;Nehemiah 6:7;Participle plural1 Kings 12:6 4t.; —consult together, exchange counsel, of king with advisers, followed by1 Kings 12:6,8 2Chronicles 10:6,8; and so ofIsaiah 40:14; followed by2 Kings 6:8; 2Chronicles 20:21; followed by1 Chronicles 13:1; 2Chronicles 32:3; absoluteconsider1 Kings 12:28; 2Chronicles 25:17; 30:2; compare1 Kings 12:6 (followed by infinitive) = 2 Chronicles 10:6;1 Kings 12:9 (followed by Imperfect + subordinate) = 2 Chronicles 10:9; in Generalconsult, take counsel, absoluteProverbs 13:10;Psalm 71:10;Nehemiah 6:7;Isaiah 45:21; followed by (with heart together)Psalm 83:6 nearly =determine, followed by infinitive 2 Chronicles 30:23.
ImperfectPsalm 83:4conspire against, followed by ("" ).
Topical Lexicon
Overview of Scriptural UsageThe verb יָעַץ occurs about seventy-eight times across the Old Testament and ranges in meaning from “advise, counsel, purpose, plan, devise” to “determine.” The contexts span personal relationships, national policy, prophetic declarations, and divine self-revelation. In every sphere Scripture presents counsel as morally weighty, either reflecting the steadfast wisdom of God or the fragile, often destructive, reasoning of fallen humanity.
Counsel as Divine Attribute
1. God’s counsel is eternal and irresistible. “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations” (Psalm 33:11). Isaiah repeatedly emphasizes that no power can frustrate what God has purposed (Isaiah 14:24-27; 46:10-11; 48:14-15).
2. The Lord shares His counsel with His people. “I bless the LORD who counsels me; even at night my conscience instructs me” (Psalm 16:7). His guidance sustains believers in every age (Psalm 73:24).
3. Prophetic announcements are God’s counsel made public. “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). When prophets proclaim judgment or restoration, they are unfolding the counsel already settled in heaven.
Human Counsel—Wise and Foolish
1. Godly counsel fosters life and stability. Jethro’s advice to Moses (Exodus 18:19-24) preserved the leader’s strength and served the people. Ezra’s reform relied on collective counsel rooted in Scripture (Ezra 10:3-5). Proverbs celebrates wise advisers: “With guidance a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance” (Proverbs 11:14; see also 15:22; 24:6).
2. Ungodly counsel courts disaster. Rehoboam rejected elder counsel and split the kingdom (1 Kings 12:6-16). Ahithophel’s brilliant but treacherous advice almost toppled David (2 Samuel 16:20-23; 17:1-14). Isaiah confronts rulers who “devise iniquity” (Isaiah 30:1) and calls them to abandon their schemes. Jeremiah laments leaders who “did not obey or incline their ear, but followed the stubbornness of their own counsel” (Jeremiah 7:24).
3. The nations plot in vain. Assyria, Babylon, Edom, and Moab formulate strategies against God’s people, yet the Lord nullifies them (Isaiah 8:10;Jeremiah 49:20; 50:45; 51:11). Human counsel, unsubmitted to God, dissolves under His sovereign decree.
Messianic and Prophetic Connections
The noun form appears inIsaiah 9:6, naming Messiah “Wonderful Counselor,” but the verb יָעַץ also undergirds messianic hope. Isaiah foretells a day when “He will be called… Wonderful Counselor” precisely because He embodies the flawless counsel already witnessed in the divine verb usage. The Servant ofIsaiah 11:2 will possess “the Spirit of counsel and strength,” assuring believers that the same counsel guiding Israel’s history culminates in Christ’s redemptive reign.
Implications for Ministry
1. Preaching and Teaching: Pastors and teachers must anchor counsel in God’s revealed Word, confident that His purposes endure when human plans fail (Proverbs 19:21).
2. Discipleship and Pastoral Care: Wise counsel harmonizes truth and compassion. Jethro’s model shows that effective advising aims at practical obedience and sustained service.
3. Leadership and Governance: Any church or ministry that heedlessly forsakes seasoned, Scripture-shaped counsel risks division akin to Rehoboam’s kingdom. Plural leadership under the authority of Scripture provides safety.
4. Evangelism and Apologetics: God’s unthwarted counsel assures believers that history moves toward Christ’s consummation. This certainty emboldens witness and steadies hearts amid cultural upheaval.
Warnings and Encouragements
• Test every plan against God’s Word; counsel contrary to Scripture is ultimately futile (Isaiah 8:20).
• Seek a multitude of spiritually mature counselors; isolation breeds error (Proverbs 15:22).
• Rejoice that God’s counsel stands when circumstances appear chaotic (Psalm 33:11).
• Anticipate the consummation of all divine counsel in the return of the “Wonderful Counselor,” Jesus Christ, who now guides His church by the Spirit of counsel (John 16:13-14).
Selected Key References
Exodus 18:19-24;Numbers 24:14;2 Samuel 17:14;1 Kings 12:6-15;2 Chronicles 25:17;Ezra 10:3;Job 12:13;Psalm 16:7;Psalm 33:11;Psalm 73:24;Proverbs 11:14;Proverbs 15:22;Isaiah 8:10;Isaiah 14:24-27;Isaiah 19:11;Isaiah 46:10-11;Jeremiah 7:24;Jeremiah 18:18;Jeremiah 50:45;Micah 4:12;Nahum 1:11.
Conclusion
The verb יָעַץ presents counsel as a decisive force in Scripture, displaying the contrast between the flawless purpose of God and the precarious schemes of humanity. Believers are summoned to align every plan, personal and corporate, with the everlasting counsel revealed in the Word and fulfilled in Christ.
Forms and Transliterations
אִֽיעֲצָ֖ה אִיעָ֣צְךָ֔ אִיעָצֵ֥ךְ איעצה איעצך הַלְיוֹעֵ֤ץ הליועץ וְ֝יִתְיָעֲצ֗וּ וְהַיֹּעֲצִ֥ים וְיֹ֣עֲצֵי וְיֹעֲצַ֖יִךְ וְיֹעֲצָ֣יו וְיֽוֹעֲצָ֔יו וְיוֹעֵ֛ץ וְנִֽוָּעֲצָ֖ה וַיִּוָּֽעֲצוּ֙ וַיִּוָּעַ֗ץ וַיִּוָּעַ֞ץ וַיִּוָּעַ֣ץ וַיִּוָּעַ֨ץ וַיִּוָּעַץ֙ וּֽלְיֹעֲצֵ֖י והיעצים ויועץ ויועצו ויועציו ויעצי ויעציו ויעציך ויתיעצו וליעצי ונועצה יְעָצָ֑הּ יְעָצָ֑נִי יְעָצֻ֑הוּ יְעָצֻֽהוּ׃ יִֽוָּעֲצ֖וּ יָּ֭עַצְתָּ יָּעַ֗ץ יָּעַ֛ץ יָעֲצ֣וּ יָעַ֖צְתִּי יָעַ֗צְתִּי יָעַ֣ץ יָעַ֤ץ יָעַ֥ץ יָעַ֥צְתִּי יָעַ֥צְתָּ יָעַ֨ץ יָעַץ֙ יָעָ֑ץ יָעָ֔ץ יָעָ֖ץ יֹעֵ֖ץ יֽוֹעֲצִ֗ים יֽוֹעַצְתּ֖וֹ יוֹעֲצִ֖ים יוֹעֲצִ֣ים יוֹעֲצֵךְ֙ יוֹעֵ֑ץ יוֹעֵ֔ץ יוֹעֵ֣ץ יוֹעֵ֣ץ ׀ יוֹעֵ֥ץ יוֹעֵֽץ׃ יוֹעֵץ֙ יועץ יועץ׃ יועצו יועצים יועצך יועצתו יעץ יעצה יעצהו יעצהו׃ יעצו יעצני יעצת יעצתי נ֖וֹעָצִ֣ים נֽוֹעָצִ֔ים נוֹעֲצ֣וּ נוֹעֲצ֥וּ נוֹעָץ֙ נועץ נועצו נועצים ’î‘ăṣāh ’î‘āṣêḵ ’î‘āṣəḵā ’î·‘ă·ṣāh ’î·‘ā·ṣə·ḵā ’î·‘ā·ṣêḵ hal·yō·w·‘êṣ halyoEtz halyōw‘êṣ iaTzah iaTzech iAtzecha nō·w·‘ā·ṣîm nō·w·‘ă·ṣū nō·w·‘āṣ noAtz noaTzim noaTzu nōw‘āṣ nōw‘āṣîm nōw‘ăṣū ū·lə·yō·‘ă·ṣê ūləyō‘ăṣê uleyoaTzei vaiyivvaAtz vaiyivvaaTzu vehaiyoaTzim venivvaaTzah veyityaaTzu veyoaTzav veyoaTzayich veYoatzei veyoEtz way·yiw·wā·‘ă·ṣū way·yiw·wā·‘aṣ wayyiwwā‘aṣ wayyiwwā‘ăṣū wə·hay·yō·‘ă·ṣîm wə·niw·wā·‘ă·ṣāh wə·yiṯ·yā·‘ă·ṣū wə·yō·‘ă·ṣa·yiḵ wə·yō·‘ă·ṣāw wə·yō·‘ă·ṣê wə·yō·w·‘ă·ṣāw wə·yō·w·‘êṣ wəhayyō‘ăṣîm wəniwwā‘ăṣāh wəyiṯyā‘ăṣū wəyō‘ăṣāw wəyō‘ăṣayiḵ wəyō‘ăṣê wəyōw‘ăṣāw wəyōw‘êṣ yā‘aṣ yā‘āṣ yā‘aṣtā yā‘aṣtî yā‘ăṣū yā·‘ă·ṣū yā·‘aṣ yā·‘āṣ yā·‘aṣ·tā yā·‘aṣ·tî yaAtz Yaatzta yaAtzti yaaTzu yə‘āṣāh yə‘āṣānî yə‘āṣuhū yə·‘ā·ṣā·nî yə·‘ā·ṣāh yə·‘ā·ṣu·hū yeaTzah yeaTzani yeaTzuhu yivvaaTzu yiw·wā·‘ă·ṣū yiwwā‘ăṣū yō‘êṣ yō·‘êṣ yō·w·‘ă·ṣêḵ yō·w·‘ă·ṣîm yō·w·‘aṣ·tōw yō·w·‘êṣ yoatzeCh yoaTzim yoatzTo yoEtz yōw‘ăṣêḵ yōw‘ăṣîm yōw‘aṣtōw yōw‘êṣ
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