### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâmad**, represented by `{{H5976}}`, is derived from מָעַד and means **to shake; be at a stand**. Its usage is highly specific, as it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. This singular appearance provides a focused and potent illustration of its meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H5976}}` is found in [[Ezekiel 29:7]], a prophecy against Egypt. The verse describes Israel's misplaced reliance on Egypt, which is likened to a faulty staff. When they leaned upon this support, it broke, causing their shoulder to be rent and their loins to **be at a stand**. In this context, the word signifies a state of sudden, jarring immobility and weakness—a paralysis resulting from the catastrophic failure of what was trusted for support.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H5976}}` is enriched by several related words that describe reliance and failure:
* `{{H8172}}` **shâʻan** (to support one's self; lean, lie, rely, rest): This is the action that precipitates the failure. It is used to describe both relying on God [[Proverbs 3:5]] and falsely leaning on human power [[Isaiah 31:1]].
* `{{H7665}}` **shâbar** (a primitive root; to burst... break... crush, destroy): This word appears in the same verse as ʻâmad, describing how the false support "brakest" under pressure. It is also used to describe a "broken" heart or spirit ([[Psalms 34:18]], [[Psalms 51:17]]).
* `{{H7533}}` **râtsats** (a primitive root; to crack in pieces... break, bruise, crush, discourage): This term further emphasizes the destructive outcome, as the staff did "break." It is also associated with oppression and being "bruised" or "discouraged" ([[Isaiah 42:3]], [[Isaiah 58:6]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5976}}` is derived entirely from its single, powerful context in Ezekiel.
* **The Danger of False Reliance:** The word's use in [[Ezekiel 29:7]] serves as a stark metaphor for the consequences of trusting in worldly powers instead of God. Leaning on such support leads not to stability, but to being made to "be at a stand" in a state of shock and weakness.
* **A Picture of Sudden Failure:** Unlike a stable stance, ʻâmad here portrays a jarring halt. The image of the loins `{{H4975}}`, a source of bodily strength, being brought to this state underscores the complete and debilitating nature of the failure.
* **Divine Judgment on Unreliable Allies:** The event described is part of a divine judgment. The failure of the support is not accidental but is a direct consequence of its inherent weakness, illustrating a recurring biblical theme that anything leaned upon outside of God will ultimately break `{{H7665}}` and fail.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5976}}` **ʻâmad** provides a concise and vivid picture of debilitating failure. Though used only once, its meaning is powerfully defined in [[Ezekiel 29:7]] as the paralysis that follows when a trusted support shatters. It illustrates that reliance on fragile, earthly powers results not in stability, but in being brought to a shocking and weak standstill, a potent warning against misplaced faith.
TRV