Original Word: יָצַב
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: yatsab
Pronunciation: yah-tsab'
Phonetic Spelling: (yaw-tsab')
KJV: present selves, remaining, resort, set (selves), (be able to, can, with-) stand (fast, forth, -ing, still, up)
NASB: stand, stood, present, take your stand, took his stand, presented, station
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to place (any thing so as to stay)
2. reflexively, to station, offer, continue

present selves, remaining, resort, set selves, be able to, can, with stand fast, forth,

A primitive root; to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue -- present selves, remaining, resort, set (selves), (be able to, can, with-) stand (fast, forth, -ing, still, up).

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to set or station oneself, take one's stand
NASB Translation
present (5), present yourself (1), presented (2), remaining (1), sets (1), stand (14), stand forth (1), standing (1), station (2), stood (7), take his stand (1), take their stand (2), take your stand (5), took his stand (3), took their stand (2).

[יָצַב] verb only

Hithpa`el set or station oneself, take one's stand (ᵑ7 יצב Pa`el & derivatives; Arabic be constant, firm) —

Hithpa`el Perfect3plural הִתְיַצְּבוּ2Chronicles 11:13; ׳וְהִת consecutive Numbers 11:16; Imperfect יִתְיַצֵּב Deuteronomy 7:24 6t.; יִתְיַצָּ֑ב Job 41:2; יִתְיַצַּ֑ב Proverbs 22:29; וַיִּתְיַצֵּב 1 Samuel 3:10 5t.; 3 feminine singular וַתֵּתַצֵּב Exodus 2:4 (but read וַתִּתְיַצֵּב compare Sam Ges^{§ 71} Kö^{i, 430}); 2 masculine singular תִּתְיַצֵּב 2 Samuel 18:13; וְאֶתְיַצְּבָה Habakkuk 2:1; יִתְיַצְּבוּ Psalm 2:2 2t.; וַיִּתְיַצְּבוּ Exodus 19:17 4t.; Imperative הִתְיַצֵּב Exodus 8:16 5t.: הִתְיַצְּבוּ 1 Samuel 10:19 6t.; infinitive construct (מֵ)הִתְיַצֵּב 2 Samuel 21:5 4t.; — station oneself, take one's stand, stand:

a. with phrase of place, Exodus 2:4 (E, with מֵרָחוֺק), 2 Samuel 18:13 (with מִנֶּגֶד), figurative = stand aloof (VB Dr); 2 Samuel 18:30 (with כֹּה, "" עָמַד): with ב loc, Exodus 19:17; Numbers 22:22 (both E), Judges 20:2; Deuteronomy 31:14 (twice in verse), also (in sense of having a place or position) נִשְׁמַדְנוּ מֵהִתְיַצֵּב בְּכָלגְּֿבֻל יִשְׂרָאֵל 2 Samuel 21:5; with בְּתוֺךְ person 1 Samuel 10:23, location 2 Samuel 23:12 2Chronicles 11:14; with עַל location, at, by Numbers 23:3,15 (JE), upon Habakkuk 2:1 ("" עמד), Psalm 36:5 (figurative); with עַל person see below; with שָׁם and עִם person Exodus 34:5 (subject ׳י), Numbers 11:16 (both J E).

b. absolute 1 Samuel 3:10 (׳י subject); especially of standing quiet and passive, to see the mighty deliverance of ׳י Exodus 14:13 (J), 1 Samuel 12:7,16; 2Chronicles 20:17 ("" עמד); of taking a stand to fight 1 Samuel 17:16; Psalm 2:2; in military array Jeremiah 46:4 (with ב accompare), Jeremiah 46:14 ("" הָכֵן לָךְ); to answer a charge Job 33:5; וְיִתְיַצְּבוּ כְמוֺ לְבוּשׁ Job 38:14 and they (terrestrial things) stand forth (in the light) like a garment.

c. with לִפְנֵי person = present oneself before Exodus 8:16; Exodus 9:13 (both J), Proverbs 22:29 (twice in verse); ׳לִפְנֵי י Joshua 24:1 (E), 1 Samuel 10:19 (see also

d); so as servants or courtiers (see לְ 6c), with implication of readiness for service עַלאֲֿדֹנָי Zechariah 6:5; ׳לְ י Job 1:6; Job 2:1 (twice in verse).

d. with לְַ person take one's stand on the side of2Chronicles 11:13; with ל, מִייִֿתְצֵּב לִי עִם Psalm 94:16 who will take a stand forme against the workers of iniquity ("" מִי יָקוּם לִי עִם); of holding one's ground, maintaining one's position before ׳י ( לְנֶגֶד עֵינֶיךָ ׅ Psalm 5:6; so with לִפְנֵי Joshua 1:5 (D), Deuteronomy 9:2; Job 41:2; with בְּפָנֶיךָ Deuteronomy 7:24; Deuteronomy 11:25; absolute וְאֵין עִמְּךָ לְהִתִיַצֵּב2Chronicles 20:6

Overview of Usage

יָצַב appears about forty-eight times, scattered from Genesis through the Minor Prophets. The verb portrays deliberate positioning—people, armies, or even the Lord Himself taking a fixed, intentional stance. The contexts fall naturally into covenant administration, military engagements, worship, judicial scenes, and prophetic expectation. Together they underscore that true stability is found only where God places a person or a nation.

Standing in Covenant Contexts

When the Lord initiated or confirmed covenant dealings, יָצַב frequently marks the decisive moment. Moses “brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain” (Exodus 19:17). Israel’s posture signified submission to the Sinai covenant. Centuries later Joshua “stationed (יָצַב) all the tribes of Israel” before renewing the covenant at Shechem (Joshua 24:1). In both scenes the verb accents the gravity of covenant commitment: the parties must take an immovable stance before the Holy One who never wavers.

Positioned for Battle

Several battle narratives employ the verb to stress readiness under divine command. Confronted by the Red Sea, Moses exhorted: “Stand firm, and you will see the salvation the LORD will accomplish for you today” (Exodus 14:13). Jehoshaphat echoed the same theology centuries later: “You need not fight this battle. Take your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 20:17). The verb, therefore, binds physical posture to spiritual confidence—victory belongs to those who remain where God tells them to remain.

Standing before God in Worship and Service

Priestly and Levitical ministry is often described with יָצַב. At Sinai the Levites were “to stand before the LORD to serve Him” (Deuteronomy 10:8). Hezekiah reinstituted temple worship and declared, “My sons, do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him and serve Him” (2 Chronicles 29:11). Ministry is first a matter of being rightly placed in God’s presence; activity flows from abiding.

Judicial and Royal Assemblies

The word also frames courtrooms and throne rooms. Psalm 2:2 pictures rebellious rulers: “The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against His Anointed.” By contrast Psalm 82:1 portrays the true Judge: “God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods.” The juxtaposition warns earthly powers that their stance is futile unless aligned with the Sovereign Judge who is already “stationed” to rule.

Deliverance and Mediation

Moses again illustrates the theme when he interceded after the golden calf: “He would have destroyed them—had not Moses His chosen one stood in the breach before Him” (Psalm 106:23). Here יָצַב conveys sacrificial advocacy, foreshadowing the ultimate Mediator who stands before God on behalf of His people.

Prophetic and Eschatological Resonance

Prophets sometimes employ the verb to depict fixed certainty in future judgment or restoration. Jeremiah’s oracles against Egypt cry, “Harness the horses and mount! Take your positions with helmets on!” (Jeremiah 46:4), assuring that God’s decrees are as immovable as the armies He musters. In Zechariah’s vision the angel of the LORD is “standing among the myrtle trees” (Zechariah 1:10), a posture that guarantees covenant promises will be fulfilled.

Christological Fulfillment

The Gospels do not use the Hebrew term, yet its theological trajectory points to Christ. He is the One who “stands as a banner for the peoples” (Isaiah 11:10) and who, having done all, “stands” forever as King and Priest (Hebrews 10:12-13). Every Old Testament occurrence that links steadfast posture with salvation finds its consummation in the risen Lord who is “able to make you stand in the presence of His glory” (Jude 24).

Pastoral and Ministerial Applications

1. Identity before activity: ministry begins with being positioned by God, not self-appointment.
2. Spiritual warfare: victory requires remaining where God assigns, armed with His promises (Ephesians 6:13 echoes Exodus 14:13).
3. Intercession: like Moses, leaders today are called to “stand in the breach,” pleading God’s mercy for the flock.
4. Assurance: believers may face hostile “kings of the earth,” but the Lord already occupies the ultimate bench; His decrees cannot be moved.

Conclusion

The theology of יָצַב weaves through Scripture like a firm foundation. Whether in covenant, conflict, worship, or prophecy, God establishes, sustains, and vindicates all who take their stand at His command.

הִֽתְיַצְּב֛וּ הִֽתְיַצְּב֥וּ הִֽתְיַצְּבוּ֙ הִֽתְיַצְב֗וּ הִתְיַצְּב֣וּ הִתְיַצֵּ֣ב הִתְיַצֵּ֥ב הִתְיַצֵּב֙ הִתְיַצֵּב֮ הִתְיַצָּֽבָה׃ התיצב התיצבה׃ התיצבו וְ֝יִֽתְיַצְּב֗וּ וְאֶֽתְיַצְּבָ֖ה וְהִֽתְיַצְּב֖וּ וְהִֽתְיַצְּב֛וּ וְהִֽתְיַצְּב֥וּ וְהִתְיַצֵּ֖ב וְהִתְיַצֵּב֙ וַיִּֽתְיַצְּב֖וּ וַיִּֽתְיַצְּב֞וּ וַיִּֽתְיַצְּב֤וּ וַיִּתְיַצֵּ֖ב וַיִּתְיַצֵּ֞ב וַיִּתְיַצֵּ֤ב וַיִּתְיַצֵּ֥ב וַיִּתְיַצַּ֔ב וַתֵּתַצַּ֥ב ואתיצבה והתיצב והתיצבו ויתיצב ויתיצבו ותתצב יִ֝תְיַצֵּב יִ֥תְיַצְּב֨וּ ׀ יִ֭תְיַצֵּב יִתְיַצְּב֣וּ יִתְיַצֵּ֔ב יִתְיַצֵּ֥ב יִתְיַצָּ֑ב יִתְיַצָּֽב׃ יתיצב יתיצב׃ יתיצבו לְהִתְיַצֵּ֖ב לְהִתְיַצֵּֽב׃ להתיצב להתיצב׃ מֵֽהִתְיַצֵּ֖ב מהתיצב תִּתְיַצֵּ֥ב תתיצב hiṯ·yaṣ·ḇū hiṯ·yaṣ·ṣā·ḇāh hiṯ·yaṣ·ṣə·ḇū hiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ hiṯyaṣḇū hiṯyaṣṣāḇāh hiṯyaṣṣêḇ hiṯyaṣṣəḇū hityatzTzavah hityatzTzev hityatztzeVu hityatzVu lə·hiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ ləhiṯyaṣṣêḇ lehityatzTzev mê·hiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ mêhiṯyaṣṣêḇ mehityatzTzev tiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ tiṯyaṣṣêḇ tityatzTzev vaiyityatzTzav vaiyityatzTzev vaiyityatztzeVu vattetatzTzav veetyatztzeVah vehityatzTzev vehityatztzeVu veyityatztzeVu wat·tê·ṯaṣ·ṣaḇ wattêṯaṣṣaḇ way·yiṯ·yaṣ·ṣaḇ way·yiṯ·yaṣ·ṣə·ḇū way·yiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ wayyiṯyaṣṣaḇ wayyiṯyaṣṣêḇ wayyiṯyaṣṣəḇū wə’eṯyaṣṣəḇāh wə·’eṯ·yaṣ·ṣə·ḇāh wə·hiṯ·yaṣ·ṣə·ḇū wə·hiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ wə·yiṯ·yaṣ·ṣə·ḇū wəhiṯyaṣṣêḇ wəhiṯyaṣṣəḇū wəyiṯyaṣṣəḇū yiṯ·yaṣ·ṣāḇ yiṯ·yaṣ·ṣə·ḇū yiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ yiṯyaṣṣāḇ yiṯyaṣṣêḇ yiṯyaṣṣəḇū yityatzTzav yityatzTzev yityatztzeVuInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts