Original Word: יְעַט
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: y`at
Pronunciation: yah-ats'
Phonetic Spelling: (yeh-at')
KJV: counsellor, consult together
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H3289 (יָעַץ - counselors)]

1. to counsel
2. reflexively, to consult

counselor, consult together

(Aramaic) corresponding to ya'ats; to counsel; reflexively, to consult -- counsellor, consult together.

see HEBREW ya'ats

[יְעַט] verb advise (so Jewish-Aramaic; Biblical Hebrew יעץ); —

Ithpa`al Perfect3masculine plural אִתְיָעַ֫טוּ (K^{§§ 23, 1. Anm}.; 39, 5) Daniel 6:8 reciprocal took counsel with each other, followed by infinitive

[יָעֵט] noun masculine counsellor (properly Participle active); — plural suffix יָָֽעֲטֹ֫הִי Ezra 7:14, יָעֲט֫וֺהִי Ezra 7:15.

Occurrences and Literary Context

• Ezra 7:14 and Ezra 7:15 employ the Aramaic verb יְעַט in the fixed royal phrase “the king and his seven counselors,” an official body that authorizes Ezra’s journey, investigation, and transfer of temple funds.
• Daniel 6:7 uses the same verb to describe how the Medo-Persian officials “agreed” or “consulted together” in order to entrap Daniel.

The word therefore appears both in a benevolent setting (imperial support for temple restoration) and in a malevolent setting (imperial manipulation against faithful worship).

Imperial Counsel as a Channel of Divine Provision (Ezra 7)

The context of Ezra 7:12-28 shows Artaxerxes’ decree written in formal Aramaic. Twice the decree mentions the king’s counselors, underscoring that the entire imperial cabinet ratified Ezra’s mission.

Ezra 7:14: “For you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God, which is in your hand.”

Ezra 7:15: “Moreover, you are to take with you the silver and gold that the king and his counselors have freely given to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem.”

Key observations

1. The presence of the counselors affirms the legality and permanence of the decree (compare Esther 1:13-14).
2. Their unanimous decision becomes an instrument through which the LORD re-establishes worship in Jerusalem, illustrating Proverbs 21:1.
3. The commitment of pagan advisers to provide offerings anticipates the prophetic expectation that “the wealth of the nations” will serve God’s house (Isaiah 60:5-9).

Counsel Turned Against the Righteous (Daniel 6)

Daniel 6:7: “All the administrators of the kingdom—the prefects, satraps, counselors, and governors—have agreed that the king should issue a decree…”

Here יְעַט describes collusion. The same political mechanism that aided Ezra now conspires to criminalize prayer.

Contrasts with Ezra 7:
• Purpose: Support of worship versus suppression of worship.
• Outcome: Ezra’s mission prospers; Daniel’s faithfulness brings a miraculous deliverance, exposing the futility of ungodly counsel (Psalm 33:10).

Theological Themes

1. Sovereign use of human counsel

God may direct imperial cabinets for His people’s benefit (Ezra 7) or permit them to test His servants (Daniel 6), yet His purposes prevail in both.
2. The ambivalence of collective wisdom

Corporate decision-making carries weight, but its moral value depends on conformity to divine revelation (Psalm 1:1; Proverbs 19:21).
3. Foreshadowing the Gospel

The pattern of unjust counsel against the righteous anticipates the Sanhedrin’s plot against Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:3-4), while the reversal in Daniel anticipates resurrection victory.

Ministry Application

• Seek counsel that aligns with Scripture; refuse consensus that contradicts it (Acts 5:29).
• Recognize God’s ability to work through secular authorities; pray for those in power (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
• Expect opposition formed by “counsel,” yet remain steadfast, trusting that God “thwarts the plans of the peoples” (Psalm 33:10).

Related Biblical Motifs

Wise Counsel: Exodus 18:19-24; Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 15:22.

Wicked Counsel: 2 Samuel 17:23; Psalm 2:1-3; Micah 6:16.

Divine Overrule: Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28.

Key Takeaways

• יְעַט highlights the power of collective advice in Near Eastern courts.
• The word’s three uses illustrate both righteous and unrighteous collaboration.
• Scripture consistently presents the LORD as the final arbiter over every human council, encouraging believers to seek godly wisdom and to stand firm when worldly consensus turns against obedience to God.

אִתְיָעַ֜טוּ אתיעטו וְיָעֲט֗וֹהִי ויעטוהי יָעֲטֹ֙הִי֙ יעטהי ’iṯ·yā·‘a·ṭū ’iṯyā‘aṭū ityaAtu veyaaTohi wə·yā·‘ă·ṭō·w·hî wəyā‘ăṭōwhî yā‘ăṭōhî yā·‘ă·ṭō·hî yaaTohiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts