Lexical Summary yahad: To unite, to join, to be united Original Word: יָהַד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance become Jews Denominative from a form corresponding to Yhuwd; to Judaize, i.e. Become Jewish -- become Jews. see HEBREW Yhuwd NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindenominative verb from Yehudah Definition to become a Jew NASB Translation became Jews (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [יהד] verb see below יִהוּדָה below [יהד] verbdenominative Hithpa`el become a Jew — only participle מִתְיַהֲדִים Esther 8:17 many of the people of the land were becoming Jews. Topical Lexicon Biblical Setting The verb יָהַד (Strong’s 3054) appears once, in Esther 8:17, describing those who “became Jews” after Mordecai’s decree. The single use is sufficient to convey a moment of mass identification with God’s covenant people at the climax of a national deliverance narrative. Meaning within the Book of Esther Esther records a dramatic reversal: the intended extermination of the Jews turns into their vindication. When the king’s new edict empowers the Jews to defend themselves, “many of the peoples of the land became Jews, for the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them” (Esther 8:17). The verb portrays a deliberate, public embrace of Jewish identity. It is not mere sympathy but a formal alignment, likely involving acceptance of Jewish faith, customs, and communal protection. Conversion and Covenant Inclusion Though the word itself is rare, its idea—outsiders entering the covenant community—threads through Scripture: These passages together reveal that covenant membership has always been open to all who fear the LORD. Fear of the Lord and Witness In Esther, the catalyst is “fear” (p̱aḥad) of the Jews—a reverence arising from God’s evident protection of His people. Authentic witness often produces holy fear (Joshua 2:11; Acts 5:11–14). Such fear is not terror alone but recognition of God’s power and a motive for conversion. Diaspora Testimony The Jews of Susa lived under Persian authority far from Zion. Yet their distinct identity, preserved in exile, became a light drawing others. Esther thus illustrates the missionary potential of a faithful diaspora community—an enduring paradigm for scattered believers today (1 Peter 1:1). Old Testament Parallels • Joshua 9:3–27 – Gibeonites seek covenant protection. Each account underscores God’s heart for the nations and the magnetism of His acts of salvation. New Testament Echoes • Acts 2:10 – “Proselytes” present at Pentecost. These texts show the pattern of Gentiles drawn to covenant blessings, now fulfilled in Christ (Ephesians 2:12–19). Christological and Eschatological Significance Esther’s mass conversion anticipates the ingathering of the Gentiles through Messiah. The gospel extends the same invitation: “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish” (John 3:16). Ultimately, Revelation 7:9 pictures a multitude from “every nation” joined to the Lamb—an eschatological counterpart to the Esther moment. Ministry Applications 1. Confidence in Providence: God can turn opposition into opportunity for witness. Key Takeaways • יָהַד marks a decisive, public transition from outsider to covenant member. Forms and Transliterations מִֽתְיַהֲדִ֔ים מתיהדים miṯ·ya·hă·ḏîm mityahaDim miṯyahăḏîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 8:17 HEB: מֵֽעַמֵּ֤י הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ מִֽתְיַהֲדִ֔ים כִּֽי־ נָפַ֥ל NAS: of the land became Jews, for the dread KJV: of the land became Jews; for the fear INT: the peoples of the land became for had fallen 1 Occurrence |
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