from עָצַם; power; hence, body; might, strong, substance.
Transliteration:ʻôtsem
Pronunciation:o'-tsem
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun עֹצֶם (ʻôtsem, `{{H6108}}`) derives from the verbal root עָצַם (ʻatsam, `{{H6105}}`), which fundamentally means "to be mighty," "to be strong," "to be numerous," or "to be powerful." As a noun, ʻôtsem carries the core semantic range of "power," "might," or "strength." It often denotes an inherent, substantial, or peak quality of strength. Beyond mere physical force, it can convey the idea of "substance" or "body," not in the sense of a physical form, but as the embodiment or essence of power, or the full measure of something. This suggests a qualitative aspect—the *fullness* or *intensity* of power, rather than simply its presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻôtsem appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within poetic and wisdom literature, lending weight to its nuanced meaning.
* **[[Job 21:23]]**: "One dies in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet." Here, בְּעֶצֶם תֻּמּוֹ ( *bəʻetsem tummô* ) translates to "in the very strength of his perfection/fullness." The phrase emphasizes the peak of a person's vitality, vigor, and prosperity, suggesting a death occurring at the zenith of life's capabilities, before decline. It highlights the suddenness and unexpectedness of death even in the midst of robust health and well-being.
* **[[Job 30:21]]**: "You have turned cruel to me; with the might of your hand you persecute me." In this lament, Job addresses God, saying בְּעֹצֶם יָדְךָ ( *bəʻōtsem yādəḵā* ), "with the might/power of your hand." This usage unequivocally ascribes immense, overwhelming power to God's actions. It speaks to the formidable, irresistible force of divine activity, here perceived by Job as oppressive and relentless.
* **[[Psalm 78:48]]**: "He gave over their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts." The phrase וּבְעֶצֶם ( *ūḇəʻetsem* ) in this context is challenging. Many translations render it as "hot thunderbolts" or "fiery bolts," understanding ʻôtsem to refer to the *substance* or *force* of the destructive elements of divine judgment, such as lightning or intense hail. It describes the potent, substantial nature of the instruments of God's wrath, emphasizing their devastating impact.
Across these occurrences, ʻôtsem consistently points to a significant, often overwhelming, degree of power or substance, whether it be human vitality or divine might and judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relative to ʻôtsem is its verbal root, עָצַם (`{{H6105}}`), which denotes the act or state of being strong, mighty, or numerous. Other Hebrew words convey concepts of strength and power, each with its own particular nuance:
* כֹּחַ (koakh, `{{H3581}}`): A general term for strength, power, or ability, often referring to physical or vital energy.
* גְּבוּרָה (gevurah, `{{H1369}}`): Might, power, often associated with valor, military strength, or the mighty acts of God.
* חַיִל (chayil, `{{H2428}}`): Strength, wealth, valor, often used in military or economic contexts.
* עֹז (oz, `{{H5797}}`): Strength, might, security, often used in relation to divine strength and protection.
While these terms overlap, ʻôtsem appears to emphasize the *inherent* or *peak* quality of strength, or the *substance* that embodies that strength. It speaks to the formidable nature of power at its fullest extent, whether in human life or, more profoundly, in the divine realm.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻôtsem lies in its dual application to both human and divine power, albeit with vastly different implications.
When applied to humanity, as in [[Job 21:23]], ʻôtsem highlights the peak of human vitality and prosperity. However, within the broader biblical narrative, this human "full strength" is often juxtaposed with its inherent transience and ultimate vulnerability. It serves as a reminder that even at the height of human capability, life remains fragile and subject to divine prerogative. This perspective encourages humility and dependence on a greater power.
When describing God, as in [[Job 30:21]] and [[Psalm 78:48]], ʻôtsem underscores the absolute, inherent, and unassailable nature of divine might. God's ʻôtsem is not merely great; it is overwhelming, decisive, and fully capable of executing His will, whether in judgment or in the broader governance of creation. It speaks to His omnipotence and sovereignty, portraying Him as the ultimate source of all power. The use of ʻôtsem in the context of divine judgment (e.g., the "hot thunderbolts" in [[Psalm 78:48]]) paints a vivid picture of God's formidable capacity to act with overwhelming force against those who oppose Him. This reinforces the biblical understanding of God as both righteous judge and mighty King, whose power is beyond human comprehension or resistance.
### Summary
עֹצֶם (ʻôtsem, `{{H6108}}`) denotes "power," "might," or "strength," particularly emphasizing an inherent, substantial, or peak quality of such force. Its rare but potent occurrences in the biblical text reveal its significance in describing both the zenith of human vitality (e.g., [[Job 21:23]]) and, more profoundly, the overwhelming and unchallengeable might of God (e.g., [[Job 30:21]], [[Psalm 78:48]]). Theologically, ʻôtsem serves to highlight the formidable nature of divine power, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty and capacity for decisive action, while simultaneously underscoring the transient and limited nature of human strength. It calls for awe and reverence before the Creator whose ʻôtsem is infinite and eternal.
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