### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çâthar**, represented by `{{H5641}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively**. It appears 82 times across 80 unique verses in the Bible. The term is used to convey a range of actions including being absent, keeping something close or secret, and concealing oneself or an object.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5641}}` is used in several significant contexts. A prominent theme is God **hiding** his face from his people, often as a consequence of their sin, which separates them from Him [[Isaiah 59:2]]. Conversely, the word also describes God's protective nature, where He **hides** the righteous for their safety, as in a time of trouble when He **hides** them in His tabernacle [[Psalms 27:5]]. The futility of trying to **hide** from God's omnipresence is also highlighted, with the LORD asking, "Can any **hide** himself in secret places that I shall not see him?" [[Jeremiah 23:24]]. It also describes human actions, such as when Moses **hid** his face in fear of God [[Exodus 3:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the concept of hiding and concealment:
* `{{H5643}}` **çêther** (a cover, hiding place): This related noun often appears alongside the verb, designating the place of concealment. In times of trouble, God will **hide** `{{H5641}}` a person in the **secret** `{{H5643}}` of His tabernacle [[Psalms 27:5]].
* `{{H1540}}` **gâlâh** (to reveal): This word serves as a direct contrast to hiding. Scripture establishes a distinction between secret things that God conceals and things that are **revealed** to humanity [[Deuteronomy 29:29]].
* `{{H2244}}` **châbâʼ** (to secrete, hide): A close synonym, this word is used in parallel with `{{H5641}}` to emphasize total concealment, as when God both **hid** `{{H2244}}` his servant in the shadow of his hand and **hid** `{{H5641}}` him in his quiver [[Isaiah 49:2]].
* `{{H2713}}` **châqar** (to search out): This term presents an action that opposes concealment. While it is God's glory to **conceal** `{{H5641}}` a matter, it is the honor of kings to **search out** `{{H2713}}` a matter [[Proverbs 25:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5641}}` is significant, illustrating key aspects of God's character and His interaction with humanity.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** God's act of **hiding** His face is a recurring theme signifying His response to iniquity and disobedience. It is not an act of ignorance but a form of divine judgment where fellowship is broken ([[Isaiah 59:2]], [[Micah 3:4]]).
* **Divine Protection and Refuge:** In contrast, `{{H5641}}` is also an expression of God's mercy. He acts to **hide** His people from danger, providing a refuge from wrath and trouble ([[Zephaniah 2:3]], [[Psalms 31:20]]). The LORD Himself becomes the hiding place for the faithful.
* **Human Accountability:** The concept of **hiding** speaks to human responsibility. People are called to **hide** from evil [[Proverbs 22:3]], but they are warned that they cannot **hide** their ways or their sin from an all-seeing God ([[Jeremiah 16:17]], [[Jeremiah 23:24]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5641}}` **çâthar** is a dynamic term that communicates more than the simple act of hiding. It carries significant theological weight, representing both divine judgment in the hiding of God's face from sin, and divine mercy in the hiding of His people for protection. From the futility of man attempting to **conceal** himself from the Creator to the glory of God in **concealing** a matter, the word is foundational to understanding biblical concepts of sin, refuge, accountability, and the profound nature of the relationship between God and humanity.
TRV