### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻôtsem**, represented by `{{H6108}}`, is derived from עָצַם and conveys concepts of **power**, **might**, and **strong**. It can also refer to the physical **body** or **substance**. It is a rare term, appearing only **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, giving each instance significant weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H6108}}` illustrates different facets of power and being. In Psalms, it is translated as **substance**, referring to the physical frame of a person being intricately formed by God, a substance that was not **hid** `{{H3582}}` from its creator [[Psalms 139:15]]. In Deuteronomy, the word shifts to mean **might**, used in a warning against human pride where one might say in their **heart** `{{H3824}}` that their own power and the **might** of their hand has gained them wealth [[Deuteronomy 8:17]]. Finally, in Job, it is used to describe the overwhelming power of God, with Job lamenting that God has become **cruel** `{{H393}}` and opposes him with a **strong** `{{H6108}}` hand [[Job 30:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the meaning of `{{H6108}}`:
* `{{H3027}}` **yâd** (a hand): This word is directly associated with `{{H6108}}` in two of its three occurrences, symbolizing the agent of power and action. The phrase "might of mine **hand**" connects personal strength to tangible results [[Deuteronomy 8:17]].
* `{{H3581}}` **kôach** (power, strength, might): Used in parallel with `{{H6108}}`, this term reinforces the idea of strength and ability. Deuteronomy warns against trusting in one's own **power** `{{H3581}}` and might [[Deuteronomy 8:17]].
* `{{H3582}}` **kâchad** (to conceal, hide): This word provides a direct contrast to God's awareness of man's "substance" `{{H6108}}`. In [[Psalms 139:15]], the psalmist declares his substance was not **hid** from God during his creation.
* `{{H7551}}` **râqam** (to embroider, fabricate): This term describes the creative act upon the "substance" `{{H6108}}`. The human form is said to be **curiously wrought** `{{H7551}}`, highlighting the detailed and artistic power of God in creation [[Psalms 139:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6108}}` is focused on the origin and application of power.
* **Divine Creation:** The use of `{{H6108}}` as "substance" establishes that the very physical essence of humanity is a product of God's intimate and detailed craftsmanship [[Psalms 139:15]].
* **The Source of Strength:** The term is central to the warning against self-attribution of success. While man possesses "might," it is a temptation to forget that God is the one who gives the **power** `{{H3581}}` to get wealth [[Deuteronomy 8:17]].
* **Sovereign Power:** In the context of suffering, `{{H6108}}` describes God's "strong" hand. This illustrates the theological tension where God's absolute power can be perceived by humanity as overwhelming or even adversarial [[Job 30:21]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʻôtsem** `{{H6108}}` is a focused and powerful term. Though used infrequently, it uniquely spans the concepts of the physical human "substance" and the abstract idea of "might." It serves as a theological reminder that God is the source of both our physical being and our effective strength, and it cautions against the pride of forgetting that source while also acknowledging the inscrutable nature of divine power.
TRV