### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻĂthâk**, represented by `{{H6269}}`, is a place name, **Athach**. Derived from an unused root meaning to sojourn, its definition is "lodging." It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, identifying a specific location in Palestine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H6269}}` is in a list of locations in [[1 Samuel 30:30]]. In this verse, **Athach** is mentioned as one of the recipient cities alongside Hormah `{{H2767}}` and Chorashan `{{H3565}}`. The context is a simple geographical listing, placing **Athach** within a known region of southern Palestine.
### Related Words & Concepts
Two other place names are directly associated with `{{H6269}}` as they appear in the same verse:
* `{{H2767}}` **Chormâh** (Hormah): Meaning "devoted," Hormah is a place in Palestine mentioned with **Athach** in [[1 Samuel 30:30]]. It appears in several other contexts, often related to military conflict with the Canaanites [[Numbers 21:3]] and as part of territorial allotments [[Joshua 15:30]].
* `{{H3565}}` **Kôwr ʻÂshân** (Chorashan): Defined as "furnace of smoke," this place is also listed with **Athach** in [[1 Samuel 30:30]]. The provided scripture limits its appearance to this single instance.
### Theological Significance
While not carrying significant theological weight on its own, the inclusion of `{{H6269}}` serves a specific function within the biblical text.
* **Historical Grounding:** The mention of **Athach** provides geographical specificity, rooting the narrative of 1 Samuel in a real-world setting and demonstrating the text's attention to historical detail.
* **Geographical Context:** Its placement in a list with other known locations, such as **Hormah** `{{H2767}}`, helps to map the events of the chapter to a particular area of ancient Palestine.
* **Root Meaning:** The base definition of "lodging" or "to sojourn" hints at the nature of the location, although this is derived from an unused root and not expanded upon in the text.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6269}}` is a minor but illustrative example of how the Bible uses specific place names. As **Athach**, its single mention in [[1 Samuel 30:30]] functions primarily as a geographical and historical marker. It contributes to the texture and grounded reality of the biblical account, demonstrating that even the most obscure references serve to build a cohesive and specific world for the narrative.
TRV