Yetzer (יֵצֶר): Inclination

Impulse or Inclination.

Yetzer (or yetser) is a Hebrew term for a human being’s inner impulse, inclination, or “bent” of heart and mind. It stems from the root meaning “to form” or “to frame,” often denoting the creative, formative power of human desire, thoughts, or imagination. It is commonly divided into two types: the yetzer hara (evil/selfish inclination) and the yetzer hatov (good inclination).

Key Usage Examples and Synonyms:

• Yetzer Hara (Inclination to Evil/Selfishness): Often used for selfish drives, physical desires, or impulses that go against moral, ethical, or Divine law.
• Yetzer Hatov (Inclination to Good/Altruism): Represents the moral conscience and desire to do good.
• Synonyms: Inclination, desire, impulse, imagination, drive, bent, purpose, or framing of the mind.
• Common Phrases: Used as “Yetzer Hara” (evil inclination) and “Yetzer Hatov” (good inclination) to describe internal moral struggle.