the same as עֶצֶם; bone; Etsem, a place in Palestine; Azem, Ezem.
Transliteration:ʻEtsem
Pronunciation:eh'-tsem
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6107 (עֶצֶם, ʻEtsem) is primarily understood as a proper noun, designating a geographical location in ancient Israel. Its base definition, "the same as עֶצֶם; bone; Etsem, a place in Palestine; Azem, Ezem," indicates a direct etymological link to the common noun H6106 (עֶצֶם), which signifies "bone," "body," "strength," "substance," or "self." Thus, while H6107 itself refers to a specific place, its name carries the semantic weight of its root, potentially implying characteristics such as solidity, strength, or perhaps a place of significant essence or origin, akin to the "bones" or "substance" of a thing. The various transliterations (Etsem, Azem, Ezem) reflect different renderings of the same Hebrew place name across biblical texts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H6107 appears in the Hebrew Bible exclusively as a place name, specifically a city within the tribal allotments. Its occurrences are limited to the geographical lists detailing the inheritance of the tribes of Judah and Simeon:
* In [[Joshua 15:29]], the city is listed as "Azem" (עֶצֶם) among the cities in the Negeb region allotted to the tribe of Judah. This context is part of the extensive and detailed description of the boundaries and cities assigned to Judah, emphasizing the precise fulfillment of God's promise regarding the land.
* In [[Joshua 19:3]], the city appears as "Ezem" (עֶצֶם) within the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon. Simeon's territory was located within the larger territory of Judah, indicating that Ezem/Azem was a shared or border city, or one that transitioned from Judah's initial allocation to Simeon's. This highlights the fluidity and occasional overlap in the tribal divisions.
* In [[1 Chronicles 4:29]], "Ezem" (עֶצֶם) is again mentioned as one of the cities belonging to the tribe of Simeon. This confirms its association with Simeon and reinforces the historical record of the tribal settlements, often echoing or elaborating on the details provided in Joshua.
In all instances, H6107 functions purely as a geographical marker within detailed administrative and historical records. There is no narrative or theological discourse directly associated with the city itself beyond its inclusion in the land division.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to H6107 is H6106 (עֶצֶם), the common noun from which the place name is derived. H6106 encompasses a rich semantic range, including:
* **Bone:** As in [[Genesis 2:23]], where Eve is described as "bone of my bones" (עֶצֶם מֵעֲצָמַי), signifying deep kinship and shared essence.
* **Substance/Body:** Referring to the very essence or core of something, as in "the very body of heaven" ([[Exodus 24:10]]).
* **Strength/Power:** Implied in contexts where "bone" signifies the internal strength or framework.
* **Self/Identity:** Used reflexively to mean "himself" or "itself," emphasizing the intrinsic nature.
While H6107 is a proper noun, its connection to H6106 suggests that the place Etsem/Azem/Ezem may have been named for a characteristic related to "bone" – perhaps a place of strength, a solid foundation, a significant landmark, or even a place where bones were found. The concept of tribal inheritance and the meticulous division of the land are also closely related concepts, as H6107 appears exclusively within these contexts, underscoring the fulfillment of divine promises.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical place name, the direct theological significance of H6107 is primarily indirect. Its repeated mention in the tribal allotments underscores several key theological themes:
* **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment:** The inclusion of Etsem/Azem/Ezem in the detailed lists of inherited cities testifies to God's meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants regarding the land of Canaan. Every city, no matter how seemingly minor, was part of God's divinely orchestrated plan for His people.
* **Order and Sovereignty:** The precise allocation of land to each tribe, including specific cities like Etsem, demonstrates God's sovereignty over creation and His orderly establishment of the nation of Israel. This order reflects divine wisdom and governance.
* **Identity and Belonging:** For the tribes of Judah and Simeon, cities like Etsem represented their tangible inheritance and identity within the Promised Land. This physical possession was foundational to their national and spiritual identity as God's chosen people.
* **Etymological Resonance:** Although H6107 is a place name, its root H6106 ("bone," "substance") carries profound theological weight in other biblical contexts, particularly in creation and covenant. While not directly applied to the city itself, the name might have subtly evoked ideas of foundational strength, deep connection, or essential being within the Israelite consciousness.
### Summary
H6107 (עֶצֶם, ʻEtsem) designates a specific ancient city, Etsem, also known as Azem or Ezem, located within the tribal territories of Judah and Simeon. While its primary biblical function is as a geographical marker in lists of tribal inheritance ([[Joshua 15:29]], [[Joshua 19:3]], [[1 Chronicles 4:29]]), its name is etymologically linked to the Hebrew word H6106 (עֶצֶם), meaning "bone," "substance," or "strength." This connection suggests the city may have been characterized by solidity or significance. The theological importance of H6107 lies not in any specific narrative associated with the city, but in its inclusion within the meticulous and divinely ordained division of the Promised Land, serving as a testament to God's faithfulness, sovereignty, and the fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel.
TRV