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Meaning of Yod (י) Hebrew Letter

Yod is the tenth Hebrew letter and the smallest letter in the square script. Its traditional pictographic association is the hand, and it carries the y sound.

Pronunciation and form

Pronounced: YOD. Sound: y. A y consonant

Traditional meaning and association

Yod is traditionally associated with Hand; related teaching associations include Work / Deed. These traditional pictures should be distinguished from the letter’s role as a consonant in actual Hebrew words.

Biblical Hebrew word examples

Scripture connections and Messiah

  • ישועה — YESHUAH · SALVATION

    Yod begins yeshuah, salvation. Matthew 1:21 connects Jesus’ name with His mission to save His people from their sins.

    Matthew 1:21
  • יד — YAD · HAND

    Yod begins yad, hand. Jesus speaks of His sheep as secure in His hand.

    John 10:28

Psalm 119 study passage

The acrostic stanza for Yod is Psalm 119:73–80. Read the first verse of this stanza in the TOC Bible reader.