### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâmam**, represented by `{{H6004}}`, is a primitive root used to convey concepts of being overshadowed, hidden, or becoming dim. It appears only **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, making each usage significant. Its meaning shifts between physical concealment and the metaphorical loss of brilliance or value.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H6004}}` is used to illustrate different forms of obscuring. In a declaration of wisdom, the prophet states that no secret can be **hidden** from the subject, who is wiser than Daniel [[Ezekiel 28:3]]. In a different context, it describes a figure of such immense beauty and stature that even the great cedars in God's garden could not **hide** or overshadow him [[Ezekiel 31:8]]. Lastly, it is used in a lament to describe how precious gold has become **dim**, signifying a tragic loss of glory and purity [[Lamentations 4:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H6004}}` is used:
* `{{H5640}}` **çâtham** (hidden, secret): This word is used in parallel with `{{H6004}}` to describe knowledge that cannot be concealed. It is used when Daniel is told to **shut up** the words of a prophecy [[Daniel 12:4]].
* `{{H730}}` **'erez** (cedar): This word for a mighty tree provides a physical scale for the concept of overshadowing. In Ezekiel, the cedars fail to hide the subject, while elsewhere the righteous are described as growing like a **cedar** in Lebanon [[Psalms 92:12]].
* `{{H2091}}` **zâhâb** (gold): The subject that becomes "dim" in Lamentations. Gold's inherent value makes its dimming a powerful symbol of loss, though elsewhere it represents purity and refinement, as one who is tried comes forth as **gold** [[Job 23:10]].
* `{{H8132}}` **shânâʼ** (change): This root appears alongside `{{H6004}}` in Lamentations, emphasizing the transformation from a glorious state to a diminished one, as the fine gold is **changed** [[Lamentations 4:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6004}}` is seen in its metaphorical applications.
* **Divine Preeminence:** In [[Ezekiel 31:8]], the inability of creation's grandest trees to "hide" or overshadow the subject emphasizes a glory that is supreme and cannot be obscured.
* **Consequence of Judgment:** The use of "become dim" in [[Lamentations 4:1]] serves as a stark metaphor for the loss of Zion's sacredness and splendor. The dimming of the gold and the scattering of sanctuary stones depict the tangible results of sin and judgment.
* **Limits of Human Wisdom:** The statement in [[Ezekiel 28:3]], that nothing can be hidden, is used in the context of a ruler's pride in his own wisdom, highlighting a theme of knowledge and the futility of keeping secrets from a divine perspective.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6004}}` is a concise but powerful term used to articulate concepts of concealment and diminishment. Whether describing a secret that cannot be hidden, a beauty that cannot be overshadowed, or a glory that has faded, it effectively portrays a change in state. Through its rare appearances, it illustrates key theological ideas about divine supremacy, human pride, and the sorrowful consequences of falling from a state of grace.
TRV