### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâtsâh**, represented by `{{H6095}}`, is a primitive root with a precise meaning: to fasten or make firm, specifically used to describe closing or shutting the eyes. Its usage in scripture is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in a single verse. This singular focus gives the word a distinct and powerful role in its context, illustrating a deliberate physical act tied to malicious intent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H6095}}` is found in [[Proverbs 16:30]], which paints a vivid picture of someone conceiving a wicked plan. The verse states, "He **shutteth** his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass." Here, the action of shutting the eyes is not for rest or ignorance, but is the first step in a sequence of evil. It is an intentional gesture to block out external influences and focus inward on plotting perverse schemes, which are then put into action and brought to completion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The surrounding words in its only context illuminate the full meaning of `{{H6095}}`:
* `{{H5869}}` **ʻayin** (eye): This is the object being shut. The eye often represents perception and moral sight, as in doing what is right in God's "sight" [[Exodus 15:26]]. Closing them willfully is a rejection of godly perception.
* `{{H2803}}` **châshab** (to devise): This reveals the purpose of shutting the eyes. It means to plot or contrive, often maliciously. While it can mean "to think" in a neutral sense, in this context it clearly points to a negative fabrication of thought [[Genesis 50:20]].
* `{{H8419}}` **tahpukâh** (froward things): This defines what is being devised: "a perversity or fraud." The Lord hates a "froward mouth" [[Proverbs 8:13]], and here the mind is devising such things.
* `{{H7169}}` **qârats** (moving): This describes the next action, often translated as winking or pinching the lips as a gesture of malice. The one who "winketh with the eye" causes sorrow [[Proverbs 10:10]], showing a pattern of malicious non-verbal cues.
* `{{H3615}}` **kâlâh** (bringeth to pass): This signifies the completion or fulfillment of the evil plan. The same word is used for the finishing of creation [[Genesis 2:1]], but here it is used for the consummation of a destructive scheme.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6095}}` is concentrated in its single appearance, which serves as a powerful illustration of sin's progression.
* **The Anatomy of Premeditated Evil:** [[Proverbs 16:30]] outlines a clear path from thought to action. The process begins with `{{H6095}}`, the deliberate shutting of the eyes to focus the mind on devising `{{H2803}}` perversity `{{H8419}}`, which culminates in bringing evil `{{H7451}}` to pass `{{H3615}}`.
* **Willful Spiritual Blindness:** The act of shutting the eyes is a physical metaphor for intentionally isolating oneself from righteousness to concentrate on evil. It is the opposite of keeping God's works in sight and remembering them [[Deuteronomy 4:9]].
* **The Link Between Inner Intent and Outer Action:** This verse is a stark reminder that sinful actions are born from sinful thoughts. The physical act of shutting the eyes is the gateway that allows the heart to "devise his way" [[Proverbs 16:9]] toward a destructive end.
### Summary
In summary, while **ʻâtsâh** `{{H6095}}` is one of the rarest words in the biblical lexicon, its meaning is sharp and clear. Its lone appearance provides a concise and potent anatomy of how a wicked person prepares to do harm. It is more than simply closing the eyes; it is the act of fastening one's mind and will to a perverse purpose, demonstrating the biblical principle that evil is conceived internally before it is brought to pass externally.
TRV