a primitive root; to encircle (for attack or protection); especially to crown (literally or figuratively); compass, crown.
Transliteration:ʻâṭar
Pronunciation:aw-tar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H5849}}` (ʻâṭar) fundamentally conveys the idea of "to encircle" or "to surround." This core meaning branches into two primary semantic fields, often with contrasting implications. On one hand, it can denote encircling for hostile purposes, such as besieging a city or surrounding an enemy. This aspect emphasizes pressure, constraint, or imminent attack. On the other hand, and more prominently in its biblical usage, `{{H5849}}` signifies encircling for honor, protection, or bestowment. This leads to its most common translation: "to crown."
The act of "crowning" can be understood both literally and figuratively. Literally, it refers to placing a diadem or wreath upon someone's head, symbolizing royalty, authority, victory, or distinction. Figuratively, it speaks of bestowing honor, glory, favor, blessing, or even wisdom upon an individual or a collective. The word thus captures a spectrum from encompassing threat to encircling glory, with the latter being the dominant theological application.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H5849}}` appears in various contexts, predominantly illustrating the act of crowning or bestowing honor.
* **Divine Crowning:** Perhaps the most profound usage is when God is the subject of the verb. In [[Psalm 8:5]], humanity is described as being "crowned... with glory and honor" by God, highlighting the unique dignity and elevated status bestowed upon mankind in creation. Similarly, [[Psalm 103:4]] proclaims that the Lord "crowns you with steadfast love and mercy," illustrating divine compassion and faithfulness as a protective and dignifying embrace. In [[Psalm 65:11]], God is said to "crown the year with your bounty," picturing divine provision and blessing as an encircling, abundant gift to creation. These instances underscore God's benevolent sovereignty and His active role in conferring worth and blessing.
* **Human Crowning and Honor:** The word can also refer to human actions of crowning. In [[Song of Solomon 3:11]], the mother of Solomon crowns him on his wedding day, a literal act signifying joy, celebration, and the investiture of a king. Figuratively, [[Proverbs 14:18]] states that "the prudent are crowned with knowledge," indicating that wisdom and discernment serve as a source of honor and distinction for those who possess them.
* **Figurative "Crowning" of Objects/Places:** `{{H5849}}` can extend to inanimate objects or places. [[Isaiah 23:8]] refers to Tyre as "the crowning city," implying its preeminence, wealth, and status as a jewel among cities due to its extensive trade and influence. This usage further emphasizes the concept of being adorned or distinguished.
Across these occurrences, the central theme is the bestowment of something valuable—be it glory, love, bounty, knowledge, or status—that encircles and elevates the recipient.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of `{{H5849}}` is closely related to other Hebrew terms that describe honor, glory, and various forms of headwear or adornment.
* `{{H5145}}` (nezer): Often translated as "diadem" or "consecration," it denotes a crown, especially one worn by a king or high priest, signifying dedication and separation. While `{{H5849}}` is the *act* of crowning, `{{H5145}}` is the *object* or *state* of being crowned/consecrated.
* `{{H3543}}` (keter): An Aramaic loanword specifically for a "crown," used in Esther.
* `{{H3519}}` (kavod): "Glory," "honor," "reputation." `{{H5849}}` often describes the *bestowal* of `{{H3519}}`.
* `{{H8597}}` (ti'arah): Another word for "diadem" or "crown," often associated with priestly or royal headwear.
* `{{H6791}}` (tsephirah): A "wreath" or "diadem," similar to a crown.
Conceptually, `{{H5849}}` is tied to themes of authority, blessing, divine favor, and distinction. The act of crowning signifies elevation, recognition, and the conferral of a special status, whether by God or by humans. It speaks to the idea of being set apart and adorned with worth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5849}}` is profound, particularly in its application to God's relationship with humanity and creation.
1. **Divine Benevolence and Sovereignty:** The repeated motif of God "crowning" humanity with glory, honor, steadfast love, and mercy (e.g., [[Psalm 8:5]], [[Psalm 103:4]]) underscores His character as the ultimate Giver of all good things. It highlights His benevolent sovereignty, where His rule is not oppressive but enriching, bestowing dignity and worth upon His creation.
2. **Human Dignity and Imago Dei:** The crowning of humanity in [[Psalm 8:5]] is a powerful affirmation of the *imago Dei* (image of God). It suggests that despite human frailty, God has endowed humanity with a unique and exalted status, granting them authority and honor that sets them apart within creation.
3. **God's Providential Care:** The image of God crowning the year with bounty ([[Psalm 65:11]]) speaks to His ongoing providential care for the natural world and for His people. It portrays His blessings as encircling and abundant, ensuring sustenance and fruitfulness.
4. **The Nature of True Honor:** While earthly crowns represent temporal power and status, the biblical use of `{{H5849}}` often points to a deeper, spiritual honor derived from God. Knowledge ([[Proverbs 14:18]]), love, and mercy are presented as true crowns, suggesting that intrinsic virtues and divine attributes are the most valuable adornments.
In essence, `{{H5849}}` reveals a God who not only creates but also adorns, dignifies, and blesses, encircling His people and His creation with His favor and glory.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H5849}}` (ʻâṭar) carries the dual sense of "to encircle" for either hostile purposes or, more commonly, for bestowing honor and protection. Its primary usage in the Old Testament is "to crown," both literally (placing a diadem) and figuratively (conferring glory, honor, blessing, or wisdom). Biblical occurrences demonstrate God's benevolent action in crowning humanity with dignity and love ([[Psalm 8:5]], [[Psalm 103:4]]) and adorning creation with His bounty ([[Psalm 65:11]]). It also describes human acts of crowning and the figurative "crowning" of virtues like knowledge. Theologically, `{{H5849}}` profoundly illustrates God's sovereignty, His generous nature as the source of all true honor and blessing, and the inherent dignity He has bestowed upon humanity. It paints a vivid picture of divine favor as an encompassing, enriching embrace.
TRV