from עָתַד; prepared; by implication, skilful; feminine plural the future; also treasure; things that shall come, ready, treasures.
Transliteration:ʻâthîyd
Pronunciation:aw-theed'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word עָתִיד (ʻâthîyd, `{{H6264}}`) is derived from the verbal root עָתַד (ʻâthad, `{{H6259}}`), meaning "to be ready," "to be prepared," or "to appoint." As an adjective or noun, ʻâthîyd carries several interconnected nuances. Its primary sense is "prepared" or "ready," indicating a state of readiness for an event or purpose. By implication, it can describe someone "skilful" or "competent," as one who is prepared for a task. In its feminine plural form, הָעֲתִדוֹת (haʻathîydot), it refers to "the future" or "things to come," signifying events or circumstances that are prepared or laid up in time. Furthermore, it can denote "treasure" or "stored possessions," items that have been prepared and set aside for future use or value. This dual temporal and material aspect underscores the concept of something being set apart, whether for a future moment or as a valuable reserve.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻâthîyd appears in a limited number of biblical passages, yet its usage is highly significant:
* **[[Job 15:28]]**: "And he dwelleth in desolate cities, in houses which no man inhabiteth, which are *ready* (עָתִיד) to become heaps." Here, ʻâthîyd describes cities that are prepared or destined for utter ruin. The context is Eliphaz's discourse on the fate of the wicked, where their dwellings are depicted as being in a state of readiness for destruction, highlighting a prepared judgment.
* **[[Isaiah 41:23]]**: "Shew the things that are *to come* (הָעֲתִדוֹת) hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together." In this prophetic challenge to idols, God asserts His unique power to declare "things to come." ʻâthîyd here refers to future events, emphasizing God's exclusive foreknowledge and sovereign control over history, in stark contrast to the impotence of false gods.
* **[[Isaiah 44:7]]**: "And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are *coming* (וְהָעֲתִדוֹת), and shall come, let them shew unto them." Similar to [[Isaiah 41:23]], this verse reinforces God's unique attribute as the one who declares "things to come" (the future). It is a powerful assertion of His omnipotence and singular deity, as only He can reveal what is prepared and ordained for the future.
* **[[Jeremiah 49:19]]**: "Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time (וּמִי הוּא רֹעֶה עָתִיד)?" While translations vary, the phrase "a shepherd appointed/ready" (רֹעֶה עָתִיד) refers to a leader or ruler who is prepared or designated for a specific, often challenging, task. Here, it speaks to God's sovereign choice and preparation of an individual to execute His judgment.
* **[[Jeremiah 50:44]]**: This verse repeats the exact phrase and context from [[Jeremiah 49:19]], applying the same principle of a divinely "appointed" or "ready" leader to the judgment of Babylon.
Across these contexts, ʻâthîyd consistently points to a state of being "prepared" or "destined," whether for destruction, future revelation, or a divinely appointed role.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for ʻâthîyd is its verbal root, עָתַד (ʻâthad, `{{H6259}}`), which means "to be ready," "to be prepared," or "to appoint." This root emphasizes the active process of preparation or designation.
Other related concepts include:
* **Future/Time:** While ʻâthîyd specifically denotes "things to come" in a prepared sense, other words like אָחַר ('achar, `{{H3117}}`), meaning "latter" or "future," describe the temporal dimension more generally.
* **Preparation/Establishment:** Words such as כּוּן (kun, `{{H3559}}`), "to be firm, established, prepared," or עָרַךְ ('arak, `{{H6186}}`), "to arrange, set in order," share a semantic overlap in conveying readiness or order.
* **Treasure/Store:** The definition also includes "treasure." Related words like אוֹצָר ('otsar, `{{H214}}`), "treasure, storehouse," or חָסַן (chasán, `{{H2630}}`), "to store up," convey the idea of something valuable being set aside.
The distinctiveness of ʻâthîyd lies in its fusion of preparedness with futurity and inherent value, suggesting a divinely ordained or designated outcome.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of ʻâthîyd are profound, primarily centering on divine sovereignty and foreknowledge.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge:** The most significant theological insight comes from its use in Isaiah, where God alone can declare the ʻâthîyd—the "things to come" ([[Isaiah 41:23]], [[Isaiah 44:7]]). This attribute is presented as irrefutable proof of His unique deity, distinguishing Him from all false gods who are incapable of knowing or controlling the future. It underscores God's omnipotence and His active role as the orchestrator of history, whose plans are not reactive but divinely prepared and executed.
* **Divine Justice and Judgment:** In [[Job 15:28]], the cities "ready" for destruction speak to God's prepared judgment. This implies that consequences for sin are not arbitrary but are part of a divinely established order, highlighting God's righteousness in bringing about what has been appointed.
* **Divine Appointment and Purpose:** The "shepherd appointed/ready" in Jeremiah ([[Jeremiah 49:19]], [[Jeremiah 50:44]]) illustrates God's sovereign choice and preparation of individuals for specific tasks, often involving the execution of His divine will, whether in judgment or restoration. This speaks to the concept of divine calling and equipping for a predetermined purpose.
* **Future Hope and Divine Provision:** While less explicit in its direct occurrences, the semantic range including "treasure" hints at divine provision and a future hope. God not only prepares judgment but also prepares blessings and a future for His people, holding valuable things in store for them.
Thus, ʻâthîyd powerfully conveys the truth that God is the Lord of time and destiny, who prepares, appoints, and brings to pass all that is to come.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עָתִיד (ʻâthîyd, `{{H6264}}`), stemming from the root עָתַד (ʻâthad, `{{H6259}}`), signifies "prepared," "ready," "things to come," and "treasure." Its biblical occurrences consistently highlight aspects of divine sovereignty. In [[Isaiah 41:23]] and [[Isaiah 44:7]], ʻâthîyd underscores God's unique ability to declare and orchestrate the future, distinguishing Him from all idols. In [[Job 15:28]], it points to a divinely prepared judgment, where cities are "ready" for ruin. Furthermore, in [[Jeremiah 49:19]] and [[Jeremiah 50:44]], it describes an individual "appointed" or "ready" for a specific divine task. Overall, ʻâthîyd reveals a God who is actively involved in history, whose plans are eternally prepared and infallibly executed, whether for judgment, revelation, or the fulfillment of His purposes.
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