BIBLE HEBREW WORD STUDY
Hayah — Meaning and Biblical Usage
Hayah means “to exist,” “to be,” or “to become,” and to come to pass, often with an emphatic sense rather than as a mere linking verb.
Meaning of the word
The Hebrew term הָיָה (hāyəṯāh) denotes existence or being, and can also mark becoming or the occurrence of an event. Its basic sense is not merely to serve as a copula or auxiliary verb.
In the provided passages, it describes the condition of the earth (“the earth was waste and void”), the existence of light (“there was light”), and the fulfillment of God's commands (“and it was so”).
Usage in Scripture
In Genesis 1:2, hayah identifies the earth as existing in a state of waste and void. In Genesis 1:3 and Genesis 1:5, related forms express the command and result that light be, is, and comes to be present.
Genesis 1:6-11 repeatedly uses forms of hayah in the creation account. The phrase “and it was so” in Genesis 1:7, Genesis 1:9, and Genesis 1:11 presents the outcome of God's spoken command as an accomplished event.
The word in detail
- H1961 H1961 is listed with the lemma הָיָה and transliteration hāyəṯāh. The lexicon definition is “to exist, i.e. be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary).”
Example verses
- Genesis 1:2 Hayah describes the earth as existing in a waste and void condition, with darkness upon the deep and the Spirit of God moving over the waters.
- Genesis 1:3 After God says, “Let there be light,” the text says, “and there was light,” showing existence and the result of God's command.
- Genesis 1:7 In the creation of the firmament, hayah appears in the statement “and it was so,” marking what came to pass after God's action.
- Genesis 1:11 Following God's command concerning vegetation, the text says, “and it was so,” presenting the commanded result as an accomplished event.
Common questions
What does הָיָה mean?
It means to exist, to be or become, or to come to pass. The lexicon emphasizes that it is not merely a copula or auxiliary verb.
How is הָיָה used in Genesis 1:3?
The verse says, “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” The phrase “there was light” expresses the existence that results from God's command.
Does הָיָה only mean “was”?
No. The lexicon includes existence, being, becoming, and coming to pass. In Genesis 1:2 it describes a condition, while in Genesis 1:3 it expresses the result of God's command.