The Hebrew verb *yacad* (H3245) carries the meaning of to begin or to found. In Psalm 8:2, as quoted by Christ in Matthew 21:16, it is rendered in the GOD's WORD Translation as building a fortress, reflecting the idea of foundation or beginning. The English Standard Version translates the corresponding Greek verb in Matthew as "prepared," yet the core notion of *yacad* remains tied to initiating or establishing. Unlike the Greek verb *katartizo* used in the same context, which focuses on restoration and maintenance, *yacad* does not imply ongoing repair or mending but rather the act of starting or creating something anew. This distinction highlights a contrast between the initial act of founding associated with *yacad* and the later processes of upkeep or completion.

The Hebrew verb *yacad* (H3245), meaning to found or to begin, corresponds to the concept of first in the implied merism of first and last. It carries the idea of beginning or founding, as seen in its translation as "built" in Psalm 8:2, where God is described as building a fortress from the mouths of children and infants. According to linguistic roots, *yacad* relates to setting or establishing, akin to setting a foundation or letting concrete set, emphasizing the initial act of creation or founding. In various scriptures, *yacad* illustrates this concept of beginning. In Exodus 9:18, it refers to the founding of Egypt as a nation, marking the start of its history. In I Kings 6:37, it denotes the beginning of work on the temple, capturing the initial stage of construction. Zechariah 12:1 uses *yacad* to describe God founding the earth and stretching out the sky, highlighting the act of initiating existence. Isaiah 48:13 reinforces this by stating that God's hand founded the earth, emphasizing the primary act of creation. Job 38:4 questions where Job was when God began building the earth, using *yacad* to signify the starting point of creation. Further examples include I Kings 16:34, where *yacad* is rendered as starting work on rebuilding Jericho, indicating an initial action. In Zechariah 4:9, it describes Zerubbabel starting the rebuilding of the Temple, marking the beginning of the project. Lastly, in Zechariah 8:9, *yacad* appears in the phrase *yacad muwcad*, best translated as "founded foundation," stressing the act of establishment by God from the outset, rather than merely the strength or reliability of the foundation.

The Hebrew verb *yacad* (H3245), meaning to begin or to found, differs significantly in semantic scope from the Greek verb *katartizo*, which relates to restoration and maintenance. In the Septuagint translation of Psalm 8:2, *yacad* is rendered as *katartizo*, though their meanings are not synonymous. Peter, in I Peter 5:10, lists *katartizo* (translated as restore) and *themelioo* (translated as establish) in a series of four verbs, indicating distinct meanings for each. Both Greek verbs appear as translations of *yacad* in different Old Testament quotations: *katartizo* in Matthew 21:16 referencing Psalm 8:2, and *themelioo* in Hebrews 1:10 referencing Psalm 102:25, where *yacad* denotes laying a foundation. The placement of *themelioo* as the last verb in the series, rather than adjacent to *katartizo*, suggests Peter did not view them as synonyms. *Themelioo*, meaning to lay a foundation or to found, aligns more closely with *yacad* in its sense of initial action, as seen in its New Testament uses. This distinction argues that *katartizo* does not map directly to *yacad*, while *themelioo* serves as a stronger counterpart to the Hebrew term when the intended meaning pertains to founding or beginning. Additionally, some translations of Matthew 21:16, such as The Expanded Bible, God's Word Translation, International Standard Version, Names of God Version, and George Lamsa's translation of the Peshitta, render *katartizo* with terms like "created" or "composed," subtly converging with the notion of founding or beginning inherent in *yacad*.