Original Word: יְטַב
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: ytab
Pronunciation: yah-tab'
Phonetic Spelling: (yet-ab')
NASB: good
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H3190 (יָטַב - well)]

1. seem good

seem good

(Aramaic) corresponding to yatab -- seem good.

see HEBREW yatab

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to yatab
Definition
to be good or pleasing
NASB Translation
good (1).

[יְטַב] verb be (good,) pleasing (ᵑ7; Egyptian Aramaic Haf. הוטב S-C^B11+; see Biblical Hebrew יטב); —

Pe`al Imperfect יֵיטַב (K^{§ 43, 2}) Ezra 7:18 (עַל person, + infinitive).

Root Concept of Goodness and Benefit

The verb יְטַב embodies the idea of something “being good” or “proving beneficial.” Scripture consistently links goodness with what aligns to the purposes of God (Deuteronomy 6:24; Psalm 119:68). The term implies more than moral acceptability; it denotes advantage, welfare, and that which produces blessing.

Occurrence and Immediate Context

Ezra 7:18 contains the sole appearance of יְטַב in this specific form:

“Whatever seems good to you and your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and gold, you may do according to the will of your God.”

Here the Persian decree grants Ezra and the returning remnant liberty to allocate temple funds as “seems good.” The language intertwines royal permission with spiritual accountability, underscoring that true goodness is measured “according to the will of your God.”

Historical Background

The verse belongs to Artaxerxes’ letter (Ezra 7:11-26), dated to 457 B.C. The king entrusts Ezra—a priestly scribe steeped in Mosaic Law—with monetary resources for sacrificial worship in Jerusalem. Persia’s policy of supporting native cults met practical aims of political stability, yet divine providence stands behind the scene (Ezra 7:27). יְטַב marks the point where imperial favor converges with covenant fidelity.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Sovereignty over Secular Authority

God moves a pagan monarch to authorize worship and to delegate discretionary power to His servant (Proverbs 21:1). Goodness flows wherever God directs, regardless of human source.

2. Responsible Freedom

The word grants Ezra latitude, but his freedom is bounded by “the will of your God.” Scripture portrays genuine goodness as conscious dependence on divine instruction (Micah 6:8; Romans 12:2).

3. Stewardship of Resources

The entrusted silver and gold represent communal offerings and royal subsidy. Handling them “as seems good” anticipates New Testament teaching on faithful stewardship (Luke 16:10-13; 1 Corinthians 4:2).

4. Community Discernment

“You and your brothers” implies corporate wisdom. Good decisions in ministry arise from shared counsel under Scriptural norms (Acts 15:28).

Intercanonical Parallels

• Genesis 4:7 contrasts goodness with sin crouching at the door, illustrating that what “is good” carries morally decisive weight.
• 1 Samuel 29:6 (“you have been blameless in my sight”) shows a foreign ruler again recognizing what is good in a servant of God, echoing the Ezra scene.
• Philippians 4:8 exhorts believers to dwell on “whatever is excellent or praiseworthy,” expanding the Old Testament vision of goodness into the life of the church.

Practical Ministry Implications

• Financial Oversight: Leaders should seek what is good for worship and witness, directing resources toward purposes God expressly blesses—Scripture, evangelism, mercy.
• Decision-Making: Freedom in secondary matters must be exercised under the primary authority of God’s revealed Word.
• Partnership with Civil Structures: Like Ezra, modern believers may receive governmental favor; such opportunities call for integrity and gospel-centered priorities.
• Corporate Discernment: Engaging “brothers” (and sisters) safeguards against self-interest and invites the Spirit’s wisdom through the body of Christ.

Devotional Reflection

When facing choices that seem open-ended, Ezra 7:18 reminds us that goodness is never morally neutral. Ask: Does this course align with God’s will, promote His worship, and edify His people? If so, pursue it confidently, trusting the God who orchestrates even royal edicts for the glory of His name and the good of His covenant community.

יִיטַ֗ב ייטב yî·ṭaḇ yîṭaḇ yiTavInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts