a primitive root; probably to glow, i.e. (figuratively) be desolated; be darkened.
Transliteration:ʻâtham
Pronunciation:aw-tham
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H6272}}` (ʻâtham) is a primitive root whose semantic range is suggested to move from a literal sense of "to glow" to a figurative meaning of "to be desolated" or "to be darkened." The initial "glow" could imply an intense heat or light, which, when applied figuratively, might lead to concepts of scorching, burning, or the aftermath of such destructive intensity. The "probably" in its base definition suggests that the precise etymological development from "glow" to "desolation/darkness" may involve a nuance of meaning, perhaps the dark, sooty residue left after a fire, or the darkening of skin due to exposure or illness. Ultimately, its attested usage points towards a state of physical or metaphorical obscurity, ruin, or severe discoloration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H6272}}` (ʻâtham) is a *hapax legomenon* in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once, in [[Lamentations 4:8]]. This singular occurrence provides the primary, and indeed only, direct contextual insight into its usage.
In [[Lamentations 4:8]], the verse reads: "Their appearance is darker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become dry as wood." Here, ʻâtham (as a Pual participle, עֻתְּמוּ, ʻuttĕmû) is translated as "darker" or "blacker," specifically describing the physical appearance of the inhabitants of Jerusalem during the siege and subsequent exile. The context is one of extreme famine, suffering, and degradation. The people's faces have become so emaciated and discolored by starvation and distress that they are unrecognizable, literally "darkened" beyond normal human appearance, likened to soot (`{{H6349}}`, פֶּחָם - pecham). This usage firmly establishes the meaning of ʻâtham in this context as referring to a severe, unnatural darkening, likely due to the ravages of suffering and lack of sustenance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that `{{H6272}}` (ʻâtham) is a hapax legomenon, direct synonyms are not readily apparent. However, its contextual meaning in [[Lamentations 4:8]] connects it to several broader biblical concepts:
* **Darkness and Obscurity:** It relates to words like `{{H2822}}` (חֹשֶׁךְ - choshek, darkness) or `{{H6937}}` (קָדַר - qadar, to be dark, to mourn, to be gloomy), which often describe physical or spiritual states of distress, judgment, or sorrow.
* **Desolation and Ruin:** The figurative aspect of its definition ("to be desolated") aligns with terms such as `{{H8074}}` (שָׁמֵם - shamem, to be desolate, appalled) or `{{H2723}}` (חָרַב - charab, to be dry, waste, desolate), which frequently depict the aftermath of divine judgment or military devastation.
* **Physical Deterioration:** The specific imagery in Lamentations links ʻâtham to descriptions of emaciation, disease, and the physical toll of famine, often found in prophetic lamentations (e.g., descriptions of wasting away or skin shriveling).
While the proposed original meaning of "to glow" might suggest connections to words for heat or fire (e.g., `{{H3344}}` - יָקַד - yaqad, to burn), the actual biblical usage of ʻâtham pivots entirely to the *result* or *consequence* of such intensity, manifesting as darkening or desolation.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H6272}}` (ʻâtham) in [[Lamentations 4:8]] imbues it with profound theological significance, serving as a powerful descriptor of the consequences of divine judgment and the depth of human suffering.
1. **Visualizing Judgment:** The "darkening" of the people's appearance vividly portrays the physical manifestation of God's severe discipline upon Jerusalem. It is not merely a description of hunger, but a stark image of a people brought to an unrecognizable state of degradation due to their sins and the subsequent divine wrath. This physical decay underscores the severity of God's justice.
2. **Depth of Suffering:** The word encapsulates the utter despair and loss of dignity experienced during the siege and exile. The darkening of their faces, making them unrecognizable, symbolizes their complete loss of identity and status, reduced to mere shadows of their former selves. It highlights the profound physical and psychological toll of national catastrophe.
3. **Lament and Brokenness:** As part of the book of Lamentations, ʻâtham contributes to the overall theme of national lamentation and the acknowledgment of brokenness before God. It is a word that evokes empathy and sorrow, painting a picture of a people utterly undone.
4. **Symbolic Resonance:** Beyond the literal physical darkening, ʻâtham can be seen as symbolically representing the spiritual darkness and desolation that had enveloped the nation. Their outward appearance mirrored their inward state of despair, abandonment, and estrangement from God's favor.
### Summary
`{{H6272}}` (ʻâtham) is a rare Hebrew root, occurring as a *hapax legomenon* in the Old Testament. While its base definition suggests a range from "to glow" to "to be desolated" or "to be darkened," its sole appearance in [[Lamentations 4:8]] firmly establishes its meaning as referring to a severe, unnatural "darkening" or "blackening." In this context, it powerfully describes the physical appearance of the suffering inhabitants of Jerusalem, whose faces were discolored and unrecognizable due to the ravages of famine and distress during the Babylonian siege. Theologically, ʻâtham serves as a potent descriptor of the physical and spiritual degradation resulting from divine judgment, emphasizing the profound suffering, despair, and desolation experienced by God's people. It stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the depth of national brokenness.
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