עָמַד

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.