from עֵת; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive; henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas.
Transliteration:ʻattâh
Pronunciation:at-taw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word עַתָּה (ʻattâh, `{{H6258}}`) is a highly frequent and versatile temporal adverb in the Old Testament, derived from the root עֵת (ʻeth, `{{H6256}}`), meaning "time" or "season." Its primary and most common meaning is "now" or "at this time." However, its semantic range extends beyond mere temporal indication, encompassing various nuanced applications:
1. **Adverbial:** Signifying the present moment, "now," "at present," "immediately," "straightway," "forthwith." It emphasizes immediacy and the current state of affairs.
2. **Conjunctional:** Often introducing a new phase in discourse, a logical consequence, or a call to action. In such cases, it can be translated as "and now," "now therefore," or "but now," signaling a transition from past events or considerations to a present imperative or conclusion.
3. **Expletive/Emphatic:** In certain contexts, ʻattâh serves an emphatic function, adding urgency, solemnity, or certainty to a statement, question, or command. It might be rendered as "indeed," "surely," or "then" in an emphatic sense, without necessarily denoting strict temporality.
The core essence of ʻattâh revolves around the concept of the present moment, often highlighting its significance in relation to what has preceded or what is to follow.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Occurring over 400 times in the Old Testament, ʻattâh (`{{H6258}}`) permeates various literary genres, from narrative to law, prophecy, and wisdom literature. Its contextual usage reveals its dynamic nature:
* **Denoting Immediacy:** In commands or calls to action, ʻattâh stresses urgency. For instance, God commands Noah, "For in seven days I will send rain on the earth... and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground." [[Genesis 7:4]] Here, "now" (implied by the context of immediate action) underscores the imminent nature of the flood. Similarly, Pharaoh's plea to Moses, "Go, serve the Lord; only let your flocks and your herds remain. Let your little ones also go with you." [[Exodus 10:24]], emphasizes the immediate permission granted.
* **Marking Transition and Consequence:** ʻattâh frequently introduces a shift in narrative or argument, often following a review of past events or a statement of facts. In the covenant renewal at Shechem, Joshua declares, "Now therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord." [[Joshua 24:14]] This "now therefore" draws a conclusion from the historical survey of God's faithfulness, calling for a present response of allegiance. David's profound prayer in [[2 Samuel 7:27]] begins, "For You, O Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have made a revelation to Your servant, saying, 'I will build you a house'; therefore Your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to You." The "therefore" (often implied by ʻattâh) connects God's promise to David's immediate worshipful response.
* **Emphasizing a Present Reality:** The word can highlight a current state or truth. In [[Genesis 3:22]], after the fall, God observes, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, lest he stretch out his hand and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever..." The "and now" emphasizes the immediate danger and the necessity of preventing further transgression.
* **In Interrogation and Appeal:** When used in questions or appeals, ʻattâh can convey a sense of immediacy in seeking a resolution or understanding. Abraham's persistent intercession for Sodom culminates with, "Oh, may the Lord not be angry, and I will speak yet this once; suppose ten are found there?" [[Genesis 18:32]] The "yet this once" (connected to ʻattâh) signals a final, urgent appeal.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to ʻattâh (`{{H6258}}`) is its root, עֵת (ʻeth, `{{H6256}}`), which broadly denotes "time," "season," or "appointed time." While ʻeth refers to time in a more general sense (e.g., "a time to be born and a time to die" [[Ecclesiastes 3:2]]), ʻattâh specifies the "now" within that broader temporal framework.
Other Hebrew temporal adverbs provide contrast or complement:
* אָז (az, `{{H227}}`): "then," referring to a past or future point in time, contrasting with the present "now."
* תָּמִיד (tamid, `{{H8548}}`): "continually," "always," indicating an ongoing state rather than a specific present moment.
* לְעוֹלָם (le'olam, `{{H5769}}`): "forever," "eternally," pointing to unending duration.
Conceptually, ʻattâh brings to mind the theological distinction between *chronos* (linear, sequential time) and *kairos* (opportune, qualitative time). While ʻattâh primarily functions within *chronos* by marking a specific point, its frequent use in divine commands and pivotal moments often imbues that "now" with *kairotic* significance—a moment pregnant with divine purpose and requiring immediate human response.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of ʻattâh (`{{H6258}}`) is profound, highlighting several key aspects of God's character and humanity's relationship with Him:
1. **Divine Immediacy and Presence:** The frequent use of "now" in God's declarations and actions underscores His active involvement in human history. God is not a distant, removed deity, but one who acts "now," hears "now," and reveals His will "now." This emphasizes His immanence and His direct engagement with His creation and covenant people. For example, in the call of Moses, God declares, "The cry of the sons of Israel has come to Me; furthermore, I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians are oppressing them. Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh..." [[Exodus 3:9-10]] The "now" signifies God's immediate response to His people's suffering.
2. **Urgency of Human Response:** ʻattâh often appears in contexts of command, exhortation, and repentance, emphasizing the immediate necessity of obedience and faith. There is no room for delay in responding to God's word or His call. "Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples..." [[Exodus 19:5]] This "now" presents an immediate choice and commitment for Israel.
3. **Pivotal Moments in Salvation History:** The word frequently marks turning points or new phases in God's redemptive plan. It signifies a transition from one state to another, often from promise to fulfillment, or from a past condition to a new divine initiative. The declaration, "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul..." [[Deuteronomy 10:12]], introduces a renewed call to covenant faithfulness after a review of God's mighty acts.
4. **The "Now" of Judgment and Deliverance:** ʻattâh can signal the immediate onset of divine judgment, warning of impending consequences for disobedience, or conversely, the present reality of God's deliverance and blessing for His faithful.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻattâh (`{{H6258}}`), derived from עֵת (ʻeth, `{{H6256}}`), is a crucial temporal adverb primarily meaning "now" or "at this time." Its versatility allows it to function adverbially to denote immediacy ("straightway"), conjunctively to mark transitions and logical consequences ("now therefore"), and emphatically to add urgency or solemnity to a statement. Through its extensive biblical occurrences, ʻattâh underscores the active and immediate presence of God in history, calling for an urgent and decisive human response to His word. Theologically, it highlights the kairotic significance of the present moment in God's unfolding plan of salvation, emphasizing both divine immanence and the imperative for immediate obedience and faith.
TRV