### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H4613 (מׇעֳמָד, moʻŏmâd) is derived from the verbal root `{{H5975}}` (עָמַד, 'amad), meaning "to stand," "to stand still," or "to take one's stand." As a nominal form, moʻŏmâd literally denotes a "foothold" or a "standing place." Its semantic range extends to encompass the concept of a stable position, firm ground, or a secure foundation. It describes not merely the act of standing, but the *place* or *state* of being established and secure, often in contrast to instability or peril.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H4613 is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in only two distinct contexts, each illuminating a facet of its meaning:
1. **[[1 Samuel 20:24]]**: "So David hid himself in the field. And when the new moon came, the king sat down to eat food. And the king sat on his seat, as at other times, on the seat by the wall, and Jonathan stood up, and Abner sat by Saul's side, but David's *place* (מׇעֳמָד) was empty." Here, moʻŏmâd refers to a specific, designated standing or sitting place. It denotes a physical spot that is customarily occupied, and its emptiness underscores David's absence and the disruption of the established order within Saul's court. The context highlights a specific, expected position within a social setting.
2. **[[Psalm 69:2]]**: "I sink in deep mire, where there is no *standing* (מׇעֳמָד); I have come into deep waters, and the flood overwhelms me." In this poetic lament, moʻŏmâd takes on a more metaphorical and existential significance. The psalmist describes a state of utter desperation, sinking into mire and deep waters without any firm ground or "foothold." The absence of moʻŏmâd vividly portrays a lack of stability, security, and support, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of distress and the inability to find firm footing, either literally or metaphorically, in a perilous situation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for H4613 is its root, `{{H5975}}` (עָמַד, 'amad), which is widely used throughout the Old Testament to describe standing, enduring, or being established. Other related concepts and words that convey ideas of stability, foundation, or a secure place include:
* `{{H4301}}` (מָכוֹן, makon): a fixed place, foundation, or abode.
* `{{H3247}}` (יָסַד, yasad): to found, establish, or lay a foundation.
* `{{H4143}}` (מוּסָדָה, musadah): a foundation or basis.
* `{{H6697}}` (צוּר, tsur): rock, often used metaphorically for God as a strong, unshakeable foundation or refuge.
The concept of a "foothold" also relates to ideas of security, refuge, and a place of safety, which are frequently attributed to God in biblical theology.
### Theological Significance
Despite its limited occurrences, H4613 carries profound theological weight, particularly in its usage within [[Psalm 69:2]]. The vivid imagery of sinking without a moʻŏmâd powerfully expresses the human condition of vulnerability and helplessness when faced with overwhelming trials. This absence of a secure standing place underscores the precariousness of life and highlights the desperate need for divine intervention and support.
Theologically, the lack of moʻŏmâd in the psalmist's experience implicitly points to God as the ultimate source of stability and the true "foothold" for His people. While moʻŏmâd itself is not directly applied to God, its absence in human suffering compels the believer to seek the divine foundation. God, as the unshakeable Rock and steadfast presence, provides the secure ground where humanity can stand firm, even amidst the deepest mire and overwhelming waters. Thus, the word, by depicting the dire consequences of its absence, indirectly magnifies the essential role of divine faithfulness and strength as the only true and enduring moʻŏmâd for the soul.
### Summary
H4613 (מׇעֳמָד, moʻŏmâd), derived from the root `{{H5975}}` (עָמַד, 'amad), signifies a "foothold" or "standing place." Its rare biblical appearances in [[1 Samuel 20:24]] and [[Psalm 69:2]] illustrate its dual application: a literal, designated position and a metaphorical, firm foundation. In the context of the psalm, the absence of moʻŏmâd poignantly conveys a state of extreme vulnerability and a desperate lack of support, emphasizing the human need for stability in the face of overwhelming distress. Theologically, this word, by depicting the profound insecurity without a secure standing, implicitly directs the reader to God as the ultimate, steadfast moʻŏmâd—the unshakeable foundation and source of stability for His people in all circumstances.
TRV