or עָצֻם; passive participle of עָצַם; powerful (specifically, a paw); by implication, numerous; [phrase] feeble, great, mighty, must, strong.
Transliteration:ʻâtsûwm
Pronunciation:aw-tsoom'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word ʻâtsûwm (`{{H6099}}`) is a passive participle derived from the verbal root ʻâtsam (`{{H6105}}`). This root carries the fundamental meaning of "to be mighty," "to be vast," "to be strong," or "to be numerous." As a passive participle, ʻâtsûwm describes something that possesses or has been endowed with these qualities. Its primary semantic range includes:
* **Powerful/Mighty:** This is the most direct and frequent meaning, denoting great strength, force, or efficacy. It can refer to physical power, military might, or inherent capability. The nuance of "specifically, a paw" in the base definition hints at the tangible, physical manifestation of power, often associated with a strong grip or forceful action.
* **Numerous/Vast:** This is a significant secondary meaning, arising by implication. Strength or might can be expressed through sheer quantity or overwhelming numbers. A large population, a vast army, or an abundant resource can be described as ʻâtsûwm because their multitude confers power or influence.
Thus, ʻâtsûwm encapsulates both the intensity of strength and the magnitude of quantity, often conveying a sense of imposing or overwhelming presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ʻâtsûwm appears numerous times in the Hebrew Bible, illuminating its dual emphasis on power and numerousness.
* **Describing Nations and Peoples:** Frequently, ʻâtsûwm is used to describe foreign nations or the Israelites themselves as "strong" or "mightier." In [[Exodus 1:9]], Pharaoh expresses concern that the Israelites are "more and mightier than we," combining numerical superiority with a perceived threat of power. Similarly, the spies report that the inhabitants of Canaan are "strong" (`{{H6099}}`) and their cities "fortified" in [[Numbers 13:28]], indicating both their military prowess and the strength of their defenses. Deuteronomy repeatedly uses ʻâtsûwm to describe nations "greater and mightier" than Israel, emphasizing the formidable challenge they posed (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 4:38]], [[Deuteronomy 7:1]], [[Deuteronomy 9:1]]). This usage highlights the overwhelming nature of these adversaries, setting the stage for divine intervention.
* **Describing God's Power:** ʻâtsûwm is also applied to Yahweh, underscoring His supreme might. In [[Deuteronomy 10:17]], God is called "the great, the mighty, and the awesome God," where ʻâtsûwm affirms His incomparable strength and sovereignty. This attribute is reiterated in [[Nehemiah 9:32]], where the people appeal to "our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God." These references affirm God's omnipotence, assuring His people of His ability to act decisively on their behalf.
* **Describing Growth and Blessing:** The numerical aspect of ʻâtsûwm is evident in passages describing the multiplication of Abraham's descendants. In [[Genesis 18:18]], God promises that Abraham shall surely become "a great and mighty nation," signifying a people vast in number and consequently powerful. [[Psalm 105:24]] states that God "made His people very fruitful, and made them stronger than their adversaries," illustrating how numerical increase directly contributes to their ʻâtsûwm in relation to their enemies, a clear sign of divine blessing.
The contexts often involve comparisons, emphasizing relative strength or the overwhelming nature of a force, whether human or divine.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ʻâtsûwm is enriched by its relationship with other Hebrew terms:
* **ʻâtsam (`{{H6105}}`):** As the verbal root, ʻâtsam directly undergirds the meaning of ʻâtsûwm, expressing the act of becoming strong or numerous. Understanding the verb clarifies the participle's dynamic nature.
* **chazaq (`{{H2389}}`):** Meaning "strong," "firm," or "courageous," chazaq often overlaps with ʻâtsûwm in denoting physical or military strength. However, chazaq can also imply moral fortitude or perseverance, a nuance less prominent in ʻâtsûwm.
* **gibbor (`{{H1368}}`):** Translating as "mighty" or "hero," gibbor typically refers to a mighty warrior or a person of great strength and valor. While similar in describing powerful individuals, ʻâtsûwm has a broader application to groups, nations, and divine attributes.
* **rab (`{{H7227}}`):** Meaning "much," "many," or "great," rab directly conveys the idea of numerousness or abundance. When ʻâtsûwm is used to denote "numerous," it shares a close semantic proximity with rab.
* **ʻetsem (`{{H6106}}`):** A noun derived from the same root, meaning "bone" or "body," and by extension, "strength" or "substance." This connection underscores the physical, inherent quality of strength implied by ʻâtsûwm.
These related terms help to delineate the specific nuances of ʻâtsûwm, highlighting its unique emphasis on both intensive power and extensive quantity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻâtsûwm is profound, particularly in its application to God and His covenant people.
* **God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty:** The most critical theological application of ʻâtsûwm is to God Himself. Describing Yahweh as "mighty" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 10:17]], [[Nehemiah 9:32]]) affirms His absolute power, His capacity to overcome any obstacle, and His ultimate control over all creation and history. This attribute undergirds His faithfulness to His covenants and His ability to deliver His people from even the most ʻâtsûwm adversaries.
* **Divine Empowerment and Blessing:** When applied to Israel, ʻâtsûwm often signifies God's blessing of fruitfulness and multiplication. The promise to Abraham that his descendants would become a "great and mighty nation" ([[Genesis 18:18]]) is fulfilled as Israel becomes "stronger than their adversaries" ([[Psalm 105:24]]) through divine intervention. This teaches that the true strength and numerical growth of God's people are not merely human achievements but direct results of His covenant faithfulness and empowering presence.
* **Contrast of Human and Divine Strength:** The frequent use of ʻâtsûwm to describe powerful human nations, often in comparison to a seemingly weaker Israel, serves to highlight a critical theological point: human might, no matter how great, is ultimately finite and subject to God's will. Israel's victories against ʻâtsûwm nations were not due to their own strength but to the superior ʻâtsûwm of Yahweh. This reinforces the theological imperative for reliance on God rather than on human power or resources.
* **God's Justice and Judgment:** God's ʻâtsûwm also ensures His capacity to execute justice and judgment against those who oppose His will or oppress His people. His might guarantees that no earthly power can ultimately thwart His purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻâtsûwm (`{{H6099}}`), a passive participle of ʻâtsam (`{{H6105}}`), carries the core meanings of "powerful," "mighty," and, by significant implication, "numerous" or "vast." This dual semantic range allows it to describe both the intensity of strength and the magnitude of quantity. In the biblical narrative, ʻâtsûwm is frequently employed to characterize formidable nations and armies, underscoring their overwhelming power or size. Crucially, it is a foundational descriptor of God, affirming His supreme omnipotence and incomparability, as seen in passages like [[Deuteronomy 10:17]]. When applied to God's people, it often signifies the fulfillment of His covenant promise to multiply them, resulting in a numerical strength that contributes to their overall power, yet always remains dependent on divine might. Ultimately, ʻâtsûwm serves as a powerful theological concept, highlighting that while human and national strength may be great, it is always finite, whereas the ʻâtsûwm of Yahweh is absolute, providing the ultimate source of deliverance, blessing, and sovereignty in all of history.
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