feminine of עֹצֶם; powerfulness; by extension, numerousness; abundance, strength.
Transliteration:ʻotsmâh
Pronunciation:ots-maw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun עׇצְמָה ('otsmâh, `{{H6109}}`) is a feminine form derived from the root עָצַם ('atsam, `{{H6105}}`), which fundamentally means "to be strong," "to be mighty," or "to be numerous." Its masculine counterpart is עֹצֶם ('otsem, `{{H6108}}`). The core semantic range of עׇצְמָה encompasses "powerfulness," "strength," and "might." This denotes an inherent capacity for vigor or force. By extension, and reflecting the root's broader meaning, עׇצְמָה also signifies "numerousness," "abundance," or "multitude." In this latter sense, it describes the manifestation of strength through sheer quantity or overwhelming presence. Thus, עׇצְמָה can refer both to the quality of being strong and the quantitative measure of that strength, often in terms of a great number or vast resources.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term עׇצְמָה appears seven times in the Old Testament, revealing its multifaceted usage:
* **[[Deuteronomy 8:17]]**: Here, the word is used in a cautionary context: "Lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’" עׇצְמָה (translated as "power" or "might") refers to human strength and capability, which the Israelites are warned not to attribute their prosperity to, but rather to God's blessing. This highlights the danger of human self-reliance.
* **[[Psalm 68:35]]**: "Awesome is God from your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives strength and power to his people. Blessed be God!" In this verse, עׇצְמָה describes the divine attribute of imparting strength and might to His chosen people. It underscores God as the ultimate source of true power.
* **[[Isaiah 40:29]]**: "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength." Similar to Psalm 68:35, עׇצְמָה here refers to the strength and vigor that God graciously bestows upon those who are weak or weary, demonstrating His limitless power and compassion.
* **[[Isaiah 47:9]]**: "These two things shall come to you in a moment, in one day: loss of children and widowhood; they shall come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the great abundance of your enchantments." Here, עׇצְמָה takes on the meaning of "abundance" or "multitude," specifically referring to the vast quantity of Babylon's magical practices.
* **[[Isaiah 47:12]]**: "Stand fast in your enchantments and in the abundance of your sorceries, in which you have toiled from your youth." This verse reiterates the usage from [[Isaiah 47:9]], emphasizing the sheer quantity and persistent nature of Babylon's reliance on occult practices.
* **[[Micah 2:1]]**: "Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil on their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in the power of their hand." עׇצְמָה (translated as "power") signifies the capability or means by which the wicked execute their evil plans, highlighting their unrestrained ability to do wrong.
* **[[Nahum 3:9]]**: "Ethiopia and Egypt were her boundless strength; Put and Lubim were your helpers." In this context, עׇצְמָה describes the immense military and political power of Thebes (No-amon), derived from its allies and resources. It refers to the vastness and might of a nation's collective force.
From these occurrences, it is evident that עׇצְמָה can denote both inherent strength and the quantitative manifestation of power, applied to divine action, human capacity (for good or ill), and national might.
### Related Words & Concepts
עׇצְמָה is intimately connected to its root עָצַם ('atsam, `{{H6105}}`), which means "to be strong, mighty, numerous, or vast." This root forms the basis for related nouns such as עֹצֶם ('otsem, `{{H6108}}`), the masculine form of עׇצְמָה, also meaning "strength" or "might." Other related concepts include:
* **Might/Power:** כֹּחַ (koach, `{{H3581}}`), גְּבוּרָה (gevurah, `{{H1369}}`).
* **Abundance/Multitude:** רֹב (rov, `{{H7230}}`), הָמוֹן (hamon, `{{H1995}}`).
* **Wealth/Resources:** חַיִל (chayil, `{{H2428}}`).
The semantic field of עׇצְמָה thus encompasses physical strength, numerical superiority, and the resources that confer power or influence. Its usage often contrasts human self-sufficiency with divine omnipotence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עׇצְמָה is profound, highlighting several key themes:
1. **Divine Source of Power:** The Psalms and Isaiah unequivocally present God as the ultimate possessor and dispenser of עׇצְמָה. He is the one who gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak ([[Isaiah 40:29]], [[Psalm 68:35]]). This emphasizes God's sovereignty and His benevolent provision for His people, asserting that true strength is not inherent in humanity but is a divine gift.
2. **Human Pride and Dependence:** [[Deuteronomy 8:17]] serves as a stark warning against human pride and self-reliance. Attributing success or wealth to one's own עׇצְמָה rather than to God's blessing is a form of idolatry, forgetting the true source of all power and provision. This highlights the constant temptation for humanity to trust in its own capabilities rather than in the Lord.
3. **Misuse of Power:** The use of עׇצְמָה in [[Micah 2:1]] and [[Isaiah 47:9]], [[Isaiah 47:12]] demonstrates that human עׇצְמָה can be directed towards wickedness and the proliferation of evil. The "power of their hand" in Micah refers to the capacity to enact evil, while the "abundance of sorceries" in Isaiah points to the vast, destructive influence of occult practices. This illustrates that human strength, when divorced from divine guidance, can become a tool for sin and rebellion, leading to judgment.
4. **Transience of Worldly Power:** While עׇצְמָה can describe the formidable might of nations ([[Nahum 3:9]]), the broader biblical narrative consistently demonstrates that such worldly power is ultimately fleeting and subject to God's sovereign will. The might of empires, though seemingly boundless, pales in comparison to the eternal and limitless עׇצְמָה of the Almighty.
### Summary
עׇצְמָה ('otsmâh, `{{H6109}}`) is a versatile Hebrew term signifying both "power" or "strength" and "abundance" or "numerousness." Its usage across the Old Testament highlights a critical theological tension: while humans and nations may possess or accumulate עׇצְמָה in various forms (physical might, wealth, numbers, or even capacity for evil), true and enduring strength ultimately resides with God. The word serves as a divine reminder against self-reliance and pride, urging humanity to recognize God as the sole source of all power and blessing, and warning of the consequences when human עׇצְמָה is misused or elevated above divine authority.
TRV