יָצַר

From the study of Isaiah 43:1

Range of meaning

To shape or form, as a potter shapes clay (the participle yōṣēr is the ordinary word for 'potter', Jer 18:2–6). Used of God forming the first human (Gen 2:7), forming a child in the womb (Jer 1:5; Isa 44:2), forming light and plans.

Against the English

'Formed' is accurate. YLT's 'Fashioner' keeps the title-like participle. The craftsman picture is easy to miss in English.

Used elsewhere in the period

Isaiah develops the potter image repeatedly (29:16; 45:9; 64:8); 44:2 and 44:24 combine 'formed you from the womb' with 'your Redeemer'.

From the study of Isaiah 45:7

Range of meaning

To shape or fashion, especially as a potter shapes clay. It is used of God forming the first human from dust (Gen 2:7), forming Israel (Isa 43:1; 44:2, 24), and forming plans or events (Isa 22:11; 37:26; 46:11, 'I have planned it'). The participle yotser means 'potter'.

Against the English

'Form' (most versions) is accurate but loses the potter image. NLT's 'create' merges it with bara.

Used elsewhere in the period

Isaiah 45:9 is the very next image: 'Woe to him who strives with his Maker… Does the clay say to the one who forms it (yotser), "What are you making?"' Jeremiah 18:1–11 is the potter's house, ending with 'I am forming (yotser) disaster against you.'

From the study of Isaiah 43:7

Range of meaning

"To form, fashion, shape." Its participle yotser means "potter". It is used for shaping clay, metal and idols, and for God's shaping of the human body, of Israel, of the earth and of history ("I formed it long ago", 37:26).

Against the English

"Formed" is accurate but plain. English loses the potter picture: hands working clay into a vessel for a purpose.

Used elsewhere in the period

Genesis 2:7 (God forms the human from dust). Jeremiah 18:1–6 (the potter and the clay). Isaiah 29:16; 45:9; 64:8 ("we are the clay, you are our potter"). Isaiah 44:2, 24: "who formed you from the womb", said of Israel the nation. Isaiah 44:9–12 mocks craftsmen who "form" idols with the same verb.