Lexical Summary yagea: Weary, tired, exhausted Original Word: יָגֵעַ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance full of labor, weary From yaga'; tired; hence (transitive) tiresome -- full of labour, weary. see HEBREW yaga' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yaga Definition weary, wearisome NASB Translation wearisome (1), weary (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs יָגֵעַ adjective weary, wearisome; — יָגֵעַ Deuteronomy 25:18 weary ("" עָיֵף); 2 Samuel 17:2 ("" רְפֵה יָדַיִם); כָּלהַֿדְּבָרִים יְגֵעִים Ecclesiastes 1:8 all things are wearisome (' full of labour '). Topical Lexicon Range of Meaning and Nuance The word depicts physical or mental exhaustion resulting from sustained effort, travel, conflict, or the sheer complexity of life. It does not describe momentary tiredness but an enervating weariness that leaves a person vulnerable to outside pressures. Occurrences in Canonical Context 1. Deuteronomy 25:18 – Amalek “attacked all your stragglers when you were weary and worn out.” Israel’s fatigue became the occasion for a treacherous assault, establishing a moral lesson about exploiting weakness. Historical and Cultural Background Ancient travel was arduous, and military campaigns depended on stamina. Armies targeted the weary because speed and strength determined survival. In daily life, agrarian labor and extreme climates made extended fatigue common. Scripture’s use of the word therefore resonated immediately with its original audience. Thematic Significance 1. Vulnerability in Weakness. Both Deuteronomy and 2 Samuel portray adversaries waiting for the moment when God’s people are exhausted. Weariness is shown not merely as a human condition but as a strategic point exploited by evil. Intertextual Links • Isaiah 40:29-31 contrasts the failing strength of the weary with divine renewal: “He gives power to the faint … those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength.” Theological Reflections Weariness is both a natural consequence of creaturely limitation and a spiritual metaphor for life under sin’s curse. Scripture never condemns the condition itself; rather, it warns against exploiting it and urges dependence on God for renewal. The pattern—human exhaustion met by divine strength—runs from Israel’s wilderness march to the invitation of Jesus Christ. Practical Application for Ministry • Shepherding the Exhausted. Pastoral care should anticipate seasons when believers are especially susceptible to temptation or discouragement. Christological and Redemptive Themes David’s threatened weariness in 2 Samuel foreshadows the greater Son of David who, though physically exhausted (John 4:6), triumphed through reliance on the Father. On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of human frailty that the weary might find eternal rest (Hebrews 4:9-11). Summary Across Torah, Prophets, and Writings, the term paints a vivid portrait of human limitation. It exposes the tactics of the wicked, underscores God’s concern for the vulnerable, and invites trust in the One who renews strength. From desert ambush to palace intrigue to philosophical reflection, the narrative arc points to a God who never grows weary and who calls His people to rest in Him. Forms and Transliterations וְיָגֵ֑עַ ויגע יְגֵעִ֔ים יָגֵ֙עַ֙ יגע יגעים veyaGea wə·yā·ḡê·a‘ wəyāḡêa‘ yā·ḡê·a‘ yaGea yāḡêa‘ yə·ḡê·‘îm yəḡê‘îm yegeImLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 25:18 HEB: וְאַתָּ֖ה עָיֵ֣ף וְיָגֵ֑עַ וְלֹ֥א יָרֵ֖א NAS: when you were faint and weary; and he did not fear KJV: thee, when thou [wast] faint and weary; and he feared INT: you were faint and weary and he feared 2 Samuel 17:2 Ecclesiastes 1:8 3 Occurrences |
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