lemma עֵטִישָׁה first vowel, corrected to עֲטִישָׁה; from an unused root meaning to sneeze; sneezing; sneezing.
Transliteration:ʻăṭîyshâh
Pronunciation:at-ee-shaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5846}}`, *ʻăṭîyshâh*, is a noun derived from an unused root meaning "to sneeze." Its core meaning is singular and straightforward: "sneezing." This word describes the sudden, involuntary expulsion of air from the nose and mouth due to irritation of the nasal passages. Unlike many biblical terms with broad semantic ranges, `{{H5846}}` is remarkably precise in its definition, pointing to a specific physiological action. The fact that its root is "unused" in other forms or contexts within the Hebrew Bible further limits its potential semantic expansion, anchoring its meaning firmly to this singular physical phenomenon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5846}}`, *ʻăṭîyshâh*, appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Job 41:18]]. This solitary occurrence is found within the Lord's magnificent and awe-inspiring description of Leviathan, the formidable sea creature, designed to impress upon Job the incomprehensible power and sovereignty of God over all creation.
The full verse reads: "His sneezings flash forth light, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the dawn."
In this context, Leviathan's "sneezings" are depicted not as a mundane human reflex but as an extraordinary, terrifying manifestation of its power. The imagery suggests that these expulsions are so forceful and intense that they "flash forth light," perhaps like sparks, fire, or brilliant reflections from its scales. This hyperbole elevates a common bodily function into a supernatural attribute, contributing to the creature's monstrous and untamable portrayal. The description emphasizes Leviathan's formidable nature, its inherent danger, and its complete independence from human control, serving as a powerful testament to the Creator's boundless might. The "sneezing" here is part of a larger picture of a creature that embodies chaos and strength, yet remains utterly subject to the divine will.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that the root of `{{H5846}}` is unused elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible, there are no direct linguistic cognates or derivative forms to explore. However, we can consider related concepts:
* **Bodily Functions in Biblical Imagery:** While `{{H5846}}` describes a specific function, the Bible occasionally uses other physiological actions (e.g., breathing, roaring, weeping) to convey strength, emotion, or divine attributes. Leviathan's "sneezing" parallels other descriptions of its physical emanations, such as smoke from its nostrils (Job 41:20) or fire from its mouth (Job 41:19), all contributing to its terrifying aura.
* **Descriptions of Powerful Creatures:** The portrayal of Leviathan, including its "sneezing," places it among other biblical descriptions of powerful, often mythical or symbolic, creatures (e.g., Behemoth in Job 40, dragons, sea monsters). These descriptions often serve to underscore God's ultimate dominion over all forces, both natural and supernatural.
* **Light and Fire Imagery:** The association of "sneezing" with "flashing forth light" connects `{{H5846}}` to broader biblical themes of light as a manifestation of power, glory, or divine presence (e.g., [[Exodus 3:2]], [[Psalm 104:4]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5846}}` is inextricably linked to its singular appearance in the book of Job. It serves as a crucial detail in God's rhetorical questioning of Job, designed to humble him and reveal the vast chasm between human understanding and divine wisdom.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** The description of Leviathan, including its fearsome "sneezing," is a profound demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over even the most untamable and terrifying elements of creation. God alone can create such a being and hold it in check. The creature's power, manifested even in its involuntary actions like sneezing, points back to the infinite power of its Creator.
2. **Humility and Awe:** By presenting Job with a creature whose very sneezes are like flashes of light, God underscores Job's limited perspective and his inability to comprehend the full scope of divine power and wisdom. This detail, seemingly minor, contributes to the overwhelming picture of a creation so grand and mysterious that it demands humility and awe from humanity.
3. **The Mystery of Creation:** Leviathan's extraordinary attributes, including its luminous sneezing, highlight the mysterious and often fearsome aspects of God's creation. Not everything in God's world is easily understood or tamed by humans, and this very mystery serves to magnify the Creator's incomprehensible greatness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H5846}}`, *ʻăṭîyshâh*, meaning "sneezing," is a unique and potent term in the biblical lexicon, appearing only once in [[Job 41:18]]. In this singular occurrence, it describes a terrifying attribute of Leviathan, whose "sneezings flash forth light," elevating a common physiological action into a fearsome display of power. Theologically, this detail serves to underscore God's absolute sovereignty and incomprehensible power over all creation, even the most formidable and untamable creatures. It contributes to the book of Job's overarching theme of human humility in the face of divine majesty, inviting awe and reverence for the Creator whose wisdom and might are beyond human comprehension.
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