### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H5567}}` (çâman), a primitive root, carries the core meaning of "to designate" or "to appoint." This implies an act of setting apart, marking, or indicating something or someone for a specific purpose, identity, or location. The nuance of "designate" suggests an intentional, perhaps authoritative, act of selection or identification. The term "appointed" further emphasizes this aspect of formal assignment or pre-determination. Due to its extreme rarity in the Masoretic Text (appearing only once), the full semantic range must be inferred primarily from this singular occurrence and its derived forms, rather than from diverse contextual applications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H5567}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[1 Samuel 20:20]]. The verse reads: "And I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as though I shot at a mark." The form used here is the Hiphil participle, מַסְמֶנֶת (masmenet), which can be translated as "as one shooting at a designated mark" or "as if I were shooting at a mark."
In this pivotal passage, Jonathan is devising a secret signal for David to ascertain Saul's intentions. The "mark" in question is not a physical target in the sense of an archery bullseye, but rather a pre-arranged, *designated point* or *location* that will serve as a crucial indicator for David. Jonathan's instruction to his servant regarding the arrows' landing spot will serve as the "mark" or "sign" that communicates whether David is safe to return or must flee. This singular usage strongly supports the primary definition of "designate," highlighting a pre-determined and intentional act of marking out a specific point for communication or action. It underscores the idea of a pre-arranged signal or a specific, agreed-upon indicator.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{H5567}}` is its derivative noun, `{{H5568}}` (simman), which means "mark," "sign," or "token." This noun directly reinforces the core meaning of the root, emphasizing the result of the act of designating.
While `{{H5567}}` is unique in its biblical occurrence, its conceptual domain of "designating" or "appointing" connects it to several other important Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* `{{H226}}` (ʾôṯ): A very common word meaning "sign," "mark," or "token," often used for divine signs, covenant tokens, or miraculous indicators (e.g., [[Exodus 3:12]], [[Genesis 9:12]]).
* `{{H6485}}` (pāqaḏ): "to visit," "to appoint," "to muster." This verb often implies an official or authoritative designation of individuals for roles or tasks (e.g., [[Numbers 1:50]], [[Jeremiah 1:10]]).
* `{{H3259}}` (yaʿaḏ): "to appoint," "to fix," "to meet." Used for appointing times, places, or assemblies (e.g., [[Exodus 25:22]], [[Amos 3:3]]).
* `{{H7760}}` (śîm): "to set," "to place," "to appoint." A very broad verb that can encompass the idea of designating or establishing (e.g., [[Genesis 41:41]], [[Deuteronomy 17:15]]).
The rarity of `{{H5567}}` suggests it might be a more specialized term for marking or designating, perhaps with an emphasis on a pre-arranged or agreed-upon indicator.
### Theological Significance
Despite its single occurrence, the underlying concept of "designation" inherent in `{{H5567}}` is profoundly significant in biblical theology. God is consistently portrayed as the ultimate "Designator." He designates:
* **Time:** He designated the Sabbath day as holy ([[Genesis 2:3]]).
* **Place:** He designated the land of Canaan for Abraham's descendants ([[Genesis 12:7]]).
* **People:** He designated Israel as His chosen people ([[Deuteronomy 7:6]]), and within Israel, He designated individuals for specific roles—priests (e.g., Aaron, [[Exodus 28:1]]), prophets (e.g., Jeremiah, [[Jeremiah 1:5]]), and kings (e.g., Saul, David, [[1 Samuel 9:16]]).
* **Purpose:** He designates events and individuals for the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.
The act of "designating" speaks to God's sovereignty, foresight, and meticulous ordering of creation and history. It implies intentionality and purpose, rather than randomness. In [[1 Samuel 20:20]], the human act of "designating a mark" for communication mirrors, albeit on a human scale, the divine attribute of establishing order and purpose through clear indicators. While not a central theological term itself, `{{H5567}}` contributes to the broader understanding of a God who acts with deliberate purpose, marking out and appointing for the accomplishment of His will.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H5567}}` (çâman) fundamentally means "to designate" or "to appoint." Its sole appearance in the Hebrew Bible, in [[1 Samuel 20:20]], describes a "designated mark" or pre-arranged signal used by Jonathan to communicate with David. This usage highlights the concept of a specific, intentional indicator. Though exceptionally rare, its meaning is reinforced by its derived noun, `{{H5568}}` (simman), meaning "mark" or "sign." Theologically, `{{H5567}}` touches upon the broader biblical theme of divine appointment and designation, underscoring God's purposeful action in setting apart times, places, and individuals for His sovereign will. It speaks to the intentionality and order inherent in God's creation and redemptive plan.
TRV