Lexical Summary yamar: To change, exchange, alter Original Word: יָמַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance boast selves, change A primitive root; to exchange; by implication, to change places -- boast selves, change. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition perhaps to exchange NASB Translation boast (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs ימר verb assumed in Thes to explain Hiph`il הֵימִיר = הֵמִיר Jeremiah 2:11, and Hithpa`el תִּתְיַמָּ֑רוּ Isaiah 61:6; but on הימיר see מור (Köi. 457), and תִּתְיַמָּ֑רוּ is probably from אמר q. v. above. יִמְרָה see below מרה. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence The verb יָמַר appears once in the canon, at Isaiah 61:6, where it is rendered in the Berean Standard Bible, “you will boast in their riches.” Its lone appearance grants the word a focused theological weight, tying it inseparably to the sweeping restoration oracle of Isaiah 61. Literary and Contextual Setting Isaiah 61 is the great proclamation of “the year of the LORD’s favor” (Isaiah 61:2), a passage announced by the Servant-Messiah and later read by Jesus Christ in the synagogue of Nazareth (Luke 4:18-21). Verses 4-9 describe Israel’s reversal of fortune after exile. In verse 6, three clauses stand out: 1. “you will be called the priests of the LORD” The verb יָמַר occupies the climactic third clause, portraying the covenant people not merely receiving provision but exulting—glorying—in what God has supplied through the Gentile nations. Theological Significance 1. Reversal and Vindication The term captures more than economic advantage; it signals a complete reversal of shame. The exiles who once served foreign masters will now glory in the very resources of those nations (compare Isaiah 60:5-11). The “boast” is not a fleshly pride but a God-given vindication that magnifies His faithfulness to covenant promises. 2. Priestly Identity The boasting is tethered to priesthood. Ancient priests partook of sacrificial portions (Leviticus 2:3), symbolizing participation in holy privilege. Likewise, in Isaiah 61:6 the restored Israel “feeds” on Gentile wealth, a priestly portion extended on an international scale. The verb highlights priestly enjoyment of holy bounty granted by divine decree. 3. Exchange of Glory Interpreters note a semantic nuance of “exchanging” or “substituting.” In redemptive history God repeatedly exchanges ashes for beauty (Isaiah 61:3), mourning for joy, and now poverty for plentiful glory. יָמַר serves the theme: God substitutes disgrace with splendor, securing praise for Himself through His people’s newfound honor. Historical Backdrop Post-exilic Judah wrestled with poverty and foreign domination (Haggai 1:6; Nehemiah 5:1-5). Isaiah 61 answered these conditions prophetically, promising not just survival but superabundance. In Second Temple times the vision fueled national hope, and in the intertestamental period it informed messianic expectations of Gentile tribute and Israel’s ascendancy (e.g., Tobit 13:11-17). Messianic Fulfillment Jesus’ citation of Isaiah 61:1-2 declares the passage fulfilled in His ministry. While the economic fulfillment awaits consummation, the spiritual reality is inaugurated: believers are already “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9) who “boast in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2). Thus יָמַר becomes a foretaste of eschatological glory secured by the Messiah. Ministerial Implications 1. Confidence in God’s Provision Churches ministering in scarcity can look to Isaiah 61:6 as assurance that God’s resources extend beyond visible means. The same verse that predicts receiving Gentile riches also assigns priestly service. Material blessing is coupled with mediatorial responsibility, urging believers to steward resources for global gospel advance. Paul echoes the prophetic idea: “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). True יָמַר finds its object in the Triune God, not human achievement. New Testament Resonances • Romans 15:9-12—Gentiles glorify God, fulfilling Isaiah’s vision of international praise. Practical Application for Believers Today Believers awaiting final redemption can live as present-tense priests, boasting only in the cross (Galatians 6:14) while anticipating tangible participation in Christ’s future reign. The single Old Testament use of יָמַר reminds the church that every God-given privilege—spiritual and material—exists for worship and witness. Summary Though יָמַר appears once, it anchors a rich tapestry of reversal, priesthood, and eschatological hope. Isaiah employs the verb to declare that God’s restored people will rejoice in, and display, the wealth and glory drawn from the very nations they now serve—in fulfillment of covenant promises, through the priestly ministry of the Messiah, and unto the universal praise of the LORD. Forms and Transliterations תִּתְיַמָּֽרוּ׃ תתימרו׃ tiṯ·yam·mā·rū tityamMaru tiṯyammārūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 61:6 HEB: תֹּאכֵ֔לוּ וּבִכְבוֹדָ֖ם תִּתְיַמָּֽרוּ׃ NAS: And in their riches you will boast. KJV: and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. INT: will eat their riches will boast 1 Occurrence |
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