### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻăṭîyshâh**, represented by `{{H5846}}`, is a term for **sneezing**. It is derived from an unused root meaning to sneeze. This word is extremely rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H5846}}` is in the vivid description of a powerful creature in [[Job 41:18]]. The verse states, "By his **neesings** a light doth shine." Here, the common biological act of sneezing is elevated to a display of immense force, where the expulsion of air is so powerful that it creates a flash of light. This usage serves to illustrate the creature's extraordinary and formidable nature, setting a tone of awe and power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The imagery in [[Job 41:18]] is built upon several related Hebrew words that describe light and vision:
* `{{H1984}}` **hâlal** (to shine): A root word that means to be clear or to shine, and can be extended to mean celebrate or praise.
* `{{H216}}` **ʼôwr** (light): This word signifies illumination or a luminary, and can refer to lightning, happiness, the morning, or the sun.
* `{{H5869}}` **ʻayin** (eye): The term for an eye, used both literally and figuratively.
* `{{H6079}}` **ʻaphʻaph** (eyelids): Meaning an eyelash or, figuratively, a morning ray or dawning.
* `{{H7837}}` **shachar** (morning): This term refers to the dawn, both literally and figuratively.
### Theological Significance
While appearing only once, the figurative weight of `{{H5846}}` is significant within its context. It illustrates how a mundane physical act can symbolize immense power.
* **Power and Light:** The act of "sneezing" is directly linked with the creation of light `{{H216}}`, transforming a simple reflex into a sign of awesome power. It suggests a creature whose very life functions operate on a majestic scale.
* **Metaphor of Dawn:** The description continues by comparing the creature's eyes to the "eyelids of the morning" [[Job 41:18]]. This connects the light from the sneeze `{{H5846}}` to the powerful, unavoidable light of dawn `{{H7837}}`, framing the creature as a force of nature.
* **Untamable Strength:** The use of such a dramatic image contributes to the overall theme of the passage, which is to describe a being whose strength is beyond human measure or control.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5846}}` **ʻăṭîyshâh** provides a striking example of how a rare word can carry significant descriptive power. Its single use in scripture is not incidental but is central to creating a powerful and memorable image. By associating a sneeze with a flash of light, the text portrays a creature of immense, almost supernatural, might, linking its physical being to the fundamental forces of light and dawn.
TRV