Hebrew · Strong's H3256
יָסַר
(yah-SAR)
verb
To chasten, discipline, or instruct, often involving corrective action to bring about moral and spiritual improvement.
The Hebrew verb יָסַר (yasar) carries a primary sense of discipline, correction, and instruction. This discipline can manifest in various ways, from direct physical chastisement to verbal admonition and teaching. The underlying goal of such action is typically to guide an individual or a people toward a desired behavior or understanding. It is not merely punitive, but formative, aiming for growth and reformation. The range of meaning extends from severe correction to gentle teaching, with the intent being to lead to wisdom and righteousness.
In many contexts, יָסַר is used in relation to God's dealings with humanity. He disciplines His people, not out of anger alone, but to draw them back to Himself and to His ways. This divine discipline is a sign of His love and a means of sanctification. Similarly, parents are exhorted to discipline their children, understanding that without guidance and correction, a child may stray from the right path. The wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, frequently emphasizes the importance of both divine and parental discipline for acquiring knowledge and living righteously.
The semantic range of יָסַר also includes the idea of being warned or admonished. One can be instructed (יָסַר) by experiences, by the words of others, or by the commandments of God. The aim remains the same: to impart understanding and to guide behavior. When people reject this instruction, whether from God or from human authorities, it often leads to negative consequences, highlighting the importance of heeding correction. The concept of discipline as a path to wisdom is central to the biblical understanding of יָסַר.
Common English renderings
- chasten
- chastise
- correct
- instruct
- punish
- reprove
- teach
Key verses
"Now therefore be wise, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth."
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"Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest; Yea, he will give delight unto thy soul."
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"He that chastiseth the nations, shall not he correct, Evenhe that teacheth man knowledge?"
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"Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he made thee to see his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire."
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"If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, that will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and, though they chasten him, will not hearken unto them;"
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"Jehovah hath chastened me sore; But he hath not given me over unto death."
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