from יָעַץ; advice; by implication, plan; also prudence; advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose.
Transliteration:ʻêtsâh
Pronunciation:ay-tsaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun עֵצָה (ʻêtsâh, `{{H6098}}`) is derived from the verbal root יָעַץ (yaʻats, `{{H3289}}`), meaning "to advise," "to counsel," or "to plan." As a noun, עֵצָה carries a primary semantic range encompassing "advice" or "counsel," referring to the guidance, instruction, or recommendation offered to another. By extension and implication, it also signifies a "plan," "purpose," or "design," representing the outcome or intention that arises from deliberation or counsel. Furthermore, in certain contexts, it can denote "prudence" or "discernment," highlighting the quality of good counsel or the wisdom employed in its formulation or reception. The term thus spans from the act of advising to the resulting intention or the inherent wisdom of that intention.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of עֵצָה in the Old Testament reveal a spectrum of usage, often contrasting human counsel with divine counsel.
1. **Human Counsel:** This can be either beneficial or detrimental.
* **Beneficial Counsel:** It is presented as a source of safety and wisdom. For instance, [[Proverbs 11:14]] states, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Similarly, [[Proverbs 12:15]] notes that "a wise man listens to counsel." Good counsel is associated with righteousness and prudence.
* **Detrimental Counsel:** Often depicted as foolish, wicked, or ultimately futile when opposed to God's will. Rehoboam's rejection of the counsel of the elders in favor of his younger companions' advice led to the division of the kingdom ([[1 Kings 12:8]], [[1 Kings 12:13]]). Ahithophel's counsel, though initially esteemed as if from God, was ultimately frustrated by divine intervention ([[2 Samuel 17:7]], [[2 Samuel 17:14]]). The psalmist warns against walking "in the counsel of the wicked" ([[Psalm 1:1]]), indicating that human counsel can lead to unrighteousness and destruction.
2. **Divine Counsel:** This is the most significant theological application of עֵצָה. God's counsel is consistently portrayed as sovereign, immutable, and ultimately prevailing.
* **Unchangeable Purpose:** [[Psalm 33:11]] declares, "The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations." This emphasizes God's eternal and unwavering purpose.
* **Sovereign Will:** [[Isaiah 46:10]] powerfully states, "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure." This highlights God's absolute control over history and His ability to bring all His intentions to pass, regardless of human opposition.
* **Wisdom and Knowledge:** God's counsel is inherently wise and beyond human comprehension, as seen in [[Isaiah 28:29]], which speaks of the Lord of hosts as "wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance."
* **Seeking God's Counsel:** The righteous are called to seek and adhere to God's counsel, recognizing its supremacy and life-giving nature ([[Ezra 10:3]]). Conversely, rejecting God's counsel leads to calamity ([[Proverbs 1:25]], [[Psalm 107:11]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of עֵצָה is closely intertwined with several other key biblical terms:
* **יָעַץ (yaʻats, `{{H3289}}`):** The verbal root from which עֵצָה is derived, meaning "to advise," "to counsel," or "to plan." This direct etymological link highlights the active process of deliberation and guidance.
* **חָכְמָה (chokmah, `{{H2451}}`):** "Wisdom." Good counsel is a manifestation of wisdom. [[Proverbs 8:14]] states, "Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength," personifying wisdom as possessing counsel.
* **בִּינָה (binah, `{{H998}}`):** "Understanding" or "discernment." Essential for both giving and receiving sound counsel.
* **תּוֹרָה (torah, `{{H8451}}`):** "Instruction" or "law." While עֵצָה can refer to specific advice, torah represents the broader body of divine instruction, which serves as the ultimate counsel for life.
* **מְזִמָּה (mezimmah, `{{H4209}}`):** "Purpose," "discretion," or "device." This term can carry both positive connotations (prudence, discretion) and negative ones (wicked device, evil plot), contrasting with the consistently positive nature of divine עֵצָה.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עֵצָה is profound, primarily centering on the attributes of God and humanity's relationship to Him.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Providence:** The most crucial theological insight derived from עֵצָה is the absolute sovereignty of God. His עֵצָה is eternal, unchangeable, and irresistible. It forms the foundation of His providential governance over all creation and history. Every event, from the grand sweep of salvation history to the smallest detail of individual lives, ultimately unfolds according to His pre-ordained עֵצָה. This provides immense comfort and assurance to believers, knowing that God's purposes cannot be thwarted ([[Isaiah 14:27]]).
2. **Human Dependence and Humility:** The contrast between human and divine עֵצָה underscores humanity's inherent limitations and dependence on God. Human plans are often fallible and short-sighted ([[Proverbs 19:21]]), whereas God's counsel is perfect. This necessitates a posture of humility, seeking divine wisdom and guidance in all endeavors. Rejecting God's counsel is depicted as rebellion and leads to disastrous consequences.
3. **The Nature of Wisdom:** עֵצָה highlights that true wisdom is rooted in God. Those who walk in His counsel and seek His עֵצָה are truly wise, while those who follow their own counsel or the counsel of the wicked are foolish.
4. **Theological Blueprint:** God's עֵצָה represents His eternal blueprint for creation, redemption, and consummation. It is the divine will and intention that drives all of history towards its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. While עֵצָה itself is a Hebrew term, the concept of divine counsel finds its ultimate embodiment and revelation in the person of Jesus Christ, who is called "Wonderful Counselor" ([[Isaiah 9:6]]) in a prophetic context, signifying His divine wisdom and guidance.
### Summary
עֵצָה (ʻêtsâh, `{{H6098}}`) is a multifaceted Hebrew term derived from יָעַץ (`{{H3289}}`), primarily meaning "advice" or "counsel," but extending to "plan," "purpose," and "prudence." In the biblical narrative, עֵצָה illuminates a critical distinction between human counsel, which is often fallible, self-serving, or ultimately futile ([[1 Kings 12:8]], [[Psalm 1:1]]), and the divine counsel of Yahweh. God's עֵצָה is portrayed as eternally established, sovereign, and irresistible ([[Psalm 33:11]], [[Isaiah 46:10]]), forming the unassailable foundation of His providential control over all creation and history. The theological significance of עֵצָה profoundly affirms God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering purpose, while simultaneously calling humanity to a posture of humility and dependence, urging them to seek and adhere to His perfect and life-giving counsel for all matters of life and godliness.
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