### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâlam**, represented by `{{H5956}}`, is a primitive root that means to veil from sight or conceal. It appears **28 times** across **27 unique verses** in the Bible, carrying both literal and figurative meanings, including to hide, to blind, or to refer to a secret thing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5956}}` is used to describe various forms of concealment. God warns that He will **hide** His eyes from those whose hands are full of blood [[Isaiah 1:15]]. The concept is also applied to human responsibility, as the law commands one not to **hide** from a brother's lost sheep or ox [[Deuteronomy 22:1]]. It also describes things that are kept secret, with the understanding that God will eventually bring every **secret thing** into judgment [[Ecclesiastes 12:14]]. In one instance, it is used figuratively to describe how a bribe can **blind** the eyes to injustice [[1 Samuel 12:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illuminate the concept of concealment:
* `{{H5869}}` **ʻayin** (eye): This word is frequently paired with `{{H5956}}` in phrases like "hid from the eyes" or "hide their eyes," emphasizing the visual aspect of concealment, whether physical or willful ignorance ([[Proverbs 28:27]], [[Ezekiel 22:26]]).
* `{{H3045}}` **yâdaʻ** (to know): Often used in contrast to `{{H5956}}`, this word highlights the transition from a hidden state to one of awareness. A sin may be **hid**, but when a person comes to **know** of it, they become guilty [[Leviticus 5:3]].
* `{{H816}}` **ʼâsham** (be guilty): This term is the common consequence when something hidden, particularly a sin or uncleanliness, is revealed. Even if a transgression is **hid** from a person, they are still considered **guilty** once it is known [[Leviticus 4:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5956}}` is significant, touching on themes of divine judgment, human morality, and accountability.
* **Divine Concealment:** God may **hide** His face or His ear as a response to sin or in times of trouble, representing a perceived distance between God and humanity ([[Isaiah 1:15]], [[Psalms 10:1]], [[Lamentations 3:56]]). The LORD also sometimes keeps things **hid** even from his prophets [[2 Kings 4:27]].
* **Moral Responsibility:** The act of hiding oneself is often portrayed as a failure of duty. The law repeatedly commands against hiding from a neighbor's need, making concealment an act of deliberate neglect ([[Deuteronomy 22:1]], 22:3, 22:4). Similarly, hiding one's eyes from the poor brings a curse [[Proverbs 28:27]].
* **Hidden Sins and Judgment:** Scripture emphasizes that no sin is truly hidden from God. He sets our **secret** sins in the light of His countenance, showing that all hidden acts will ultimately be accounted for ([[Psalms 90:8]], [[Ecclesiastes 12:14]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5956}}` encompasses much more than simple physical hiding. It is a key term for understanding the biblical concepts of accountability, responsibility, and divine justice. It illustrates that whether it is God hiding His eyes from the sinful, a person hiding from their duty, or a sin hidden from view, nothing is truly concealed from the judgment of God.
TRV