or (shortened) אֵתָן ; from an unused root (meaning to continue); permanence; hence (concrete) permanent; specifically a chieftain; hard, mighty, rough, strength, strong.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼêythân**, represented by `{{H386}}`, conveys concepts of permanence, strength, and hardness. Its definition includes terms like **mighty**, **strong**, **hard**, and **rough**. It appears **13 times** across **13 unique verses** in the Bible, used to describe things that are lasting, powerful, or rugged in nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H386}}` is applied to both the natural world and human affairs. It describes the perpetual force of a **mighty** stream [[Amos 5:24]] and the enduring **strength** of the sea [[Exodus 14:27]]. It is used to characterize the seemingly permanent foundations of a dwelling place, as when Balaam describes the Kenites' home as **Strong** [[Numbers 24:21]]. The term also defines the formidable power of a **mighty** nation [[Jeremiah 5:15]] and the difficult path of transgressors, which is described as **hard** [[Proverbs 13:15]]. It can even depict the intensity of suffering, such as **strong** pain [[Job 33:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the concept of enduring strength and permanence:
* `{{H4146}}` **môwçâdâh** (foundation): This word is used directly with `{{H386}}` in [[Micah 6:2]] to describe the "**strong** foundations of the earth," linking permanence to the very structure of creation.
* `{{H5158}}` **nachal** (stream, valley): This term appears alongside `{{H386}}` to depict a "**mighty** stream" in [[Amos 5:24]] and a "**rough** valley" in [[Deuteronomy 21:4]], highlighting both the power of flowing water and the hardness of the terrain.
* `{{H5553}}` **çelaʻ** (a craggy rock, a fortress): In [[Numbers 24:21]], the Kenites' dwelling is described as **strong** `{{H386}}` because they put their nest in a **rock** `{{H5553}}`, connecting the idea of strength to the security of a rocky fortress.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H386}}` is significant, often contrasting created strength with the Creator's ultimate power.
* **Enduring Divine Power:** The word illustrates God's sovereignty over creation. He is the one who can **cleave** the fountain and the flood and dry up **mighty** `{{H386}}` rivers [[Psalms 74:15]], and the earth's **strong** foundations `{{H386}}` are part of His divine order [[Micah 6:2]].
* **The Unfailing Nature of Justice:** In [[Amos 5:24]], `{{H386}}` is used metaphorically to command that judgment and righteousness flow with the constant, powerful force of a **mighty** stream, establishing justice as an enduring principle of God's kingdom.
* **The Limits of Human Might:** While `{{H386}}` describes **mighty** chieftains and nations ([[Job 12:19]], [[Jeremiah 5:15]]), the context often reveals their frailty. God is the one who "overthroweth the **mighty**" [[Job 12:19]], and the **hard** way of transgressors is a path leading to difficulty [[Proverbs 13:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H386}}` is a multifaceted word that signifies more than simple physical power. It represents enduring strength, whether in the relentless flow of a **mighty** river, the secure foundation of a mountain, or the formidable might of a nation. Theologically, it serves to draw a line between the temporal, created strength of the world and the eternal, sovereign power of God, who alone establishes what is truly permanent and can overturn any strength that stands apart from Him.
TRV