from עָמַד; a spot (as being fixed); place, ([phrase] where) stood, upright.
Transliteration:ʻômed
Pronunciation:o'-med
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun עֹמֶד (ʻômed, `{{H5977}}`) is derived from the verb עָמַד (ʻamad, `{{H5975}}`), which means "to stand," "to remain," "to endure," or "to be fixed." As a nominal form, ʻômed carries the core meaning of "a standing," "a fixed spot," or "a place where one stands." Its semantic range extends to denote a specific, designated location or position, implying stability and permanence. It can refer to the physical act of standing or, more commonly, the resultant place or state of being fixed and upright.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻômed is remarkably rare, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible.
* **[[1 Samuel 20:19]]**: "And when you have stayed three days, then you shall go down quickly and come to the place where you hid yourself when the business was in hand, and shall remain by the stone Ezel."
* In this solitary occurrence, ʻômed appears in the construct phrase מְקוֹם עָמְדְּךָ (məqôm ʻāmədəkā), literally "the place of your standing." The context is David and Jonathan's secret plan to ascertain Saul's intentions towards David. Jonathan instructs David to go to a very specific, pre-arranged location where he had previously hidden. The use of ʻômed here emphasizes the fixed, designated nature of this spot. It is not just any place, but a particular "standing place" known and agreed upon by both parties, highlighting its significance in their clandestine communication and David's need for a secure, stable position. The word underscores the precision and pre-determination of their rendezvous.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to ʻômed is its verbal root, עָמַד (ʻamad, `{{H5975}}`). This root is far more frequent and semantically rich, denoting not only physical standing but also enduring, abiding, resisting, serving, and presenting oneself. Other nominal derivatives from this root include:
* מַעֲמָד (maʻamād, `{{H4587}}`): "station," "post," "standing place," often with a connotation of an official position or a place of assembly.
* עַמּוּד (ʻammûd, `{{H5982}}`): "pillar," "column," something that stands firmly and provides support.
The conceptual connections extend to ideas of stability, permanence, steadfastness, and the establishment of a fixed point or position. In a broader sense, it relates to the concept of presence, whether human or divine, and the act of taking one's stand in a particular context.
### Theological Significance
While ʻômed itself, due to its singular occurrence and specific context, does not carry profound theological weight independently, its significance is deeply embedded in the theological implications of its root עָמָּד (`{{H5975}}`). The concept of "standing" in the Bible often denotes:
* **Divine Steadfastness and Presence**: God is frequently depicted as standing firm, enduring, and abiding, signifying His unchanging character and covenant faithfulness ([[Psalm 33:11]], [[Psalm 102:12]]). His presence is a "standing" presence among His people ([[Exodus 33:11]]).
* **Human Accountability and Service**: To "stand before" God implies a posture of reverence, worship, service, or judgment ([[Deuteronomy 10:8]], [[Psalm 1:5]], [[Malachi 3:2]]). It signifies a position of readiness and responsibility.
* **Stability and Order**: The idea of a "fixed spot" or "standing place," even in the mundane context of [[1 Samuel 20:19]], subtly resonates with the broader biblical theme of divine order and the establishment of creation on firm foundations ([[Psalm 24:2]]). The fixed nature of a ʻômed can speak to the reliability of plans, whether human or divinely ordained. Thus, while ʻômed describes a physical location, it draws its underlying resonance from a root that speaks to the very nature of existence, divine interaction, and the establishment of truth and order.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עֹמֶד (ʻômed, `{{H5977}}`) means "a fixed spot," "a standing place," or "an upright position." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[1 Samuel 20:19]] describes a specific, pre-arranged location for David's rendezvous with Jonathan, highlighting the precision and stability of the designated spot. Though rare, its meaning is deeply informed by its verbal root עָמַד (`{{H5975}}`), which signifies standing, enduring, and being fixed. This connection imbues ʻômed with an implicit theological resonance, linking it to broader biblical themes of divine steadfastness, human accountability, and the stability inherent in God's ordered creation and faithful presence.
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