עָתַק

ʻâthaq /aw-thak'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto remove (intransitive or transitive) figuratively, to grow old; specifically, to transcribe
KJV usagecopy out, leave off, become (wax) old, remove.
Copy as

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word ʻâthaq, represented by H6275, is a primitive root with a range of meanings including to remove, to grow old, and to transcribe or copy out. It appears 9 times in 9 unique verses, illustrating its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, H6275 is used to describe physical movement and change. It depicts patriarchal figures like Abram and Isaac as they removed from one place to another to pitch a tent H168 or dig H2658 a well H875 (Genesis 12:8, Genesis 26:22). The word also conveys immense power, as God is the one who removeth the mountains H2022 Job 9:5. Figuratively, it describes the process of aging, where the wicked H7563 become old Job 21:7 or an eye H5869 waxeth old from grief H3708 Psalms 6:7. In a unique application, it signifies the act of transcribing, as when the men of Hezekiah copied out the proverbs H4912 of Solomon Proverbs 25:1.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the contexts in which ʻâthaq is used:

  • H2015 hâphak (to turn about or over): This word is used alongside H6275 to describe God's power over creation, where he removeth the mountains and overturneth them in his anger H639 Job 9:5.
  • H5034 nâbêl (to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint): This term connects to the idea of decay and removal. It appears in the description of a mountain H2022 that, in falling H5307, cometh to nought while the rock is removed Job 14:18.
  • H4912 mâshâl (proverb): This word is directly associated with the intellectual act of transcription. The men of Hezekiah copied out H6275 the proverbs of Solomon, preserving wisdom Proverbs 25:1.

Theological Significance

The varied uses of H6275 carry significant thematic weight:

  • Divine Sovereignty: The word is used to express God's ultimate power over the most permanent aspects of creation. His ability to remove mountains H2022 demonstrates that nothing is fixed or secure apart from His will Job 9:5.
  • Human Progression and Frailty: H6275 marks the passage of time, whether in the wicked who become old and mighty H1396 in power H2428 Job 21:7 or in the grief-stricken whose eye H5869 waxeth old Psalms 6:7. This points to the inevitable processes of life and decay.
  • Preservation of Divine Word: The specific use of the word for "to copy out" Proverbs 25:1 underscores the value placed on the careful transcription and continuation of sacred texts and proverbs H4912. It signifies a deliberate act of moving wisdom from one generation to the next.

Summary

In summary, H6275 is a versatile term that encompasses concepts of movement, aging, and intellectual transfer. From the literal act of Abram removing his tent H168 to the figurative decay of the human body and the scholarly act of copying out proverbs, ʻâthaq illustrates how a single root can apply to the physical world, the human condition, and the preservation of divine wisdom.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 9 occurrences, inflected in 7 grammatical forms.

  • Hiphil Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Hiphil Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 2×
  • Hiphil Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 1×
  • Qal Conjunction+Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Qal Perfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Conjunction+Imperfect
Imperfect joined by a simple "and".
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 9 verses across 4 books. Most frequent in Job (5 verses).

2
Genesis
5
Job
1
Psalms
1
Proverbs

Verse Explorer

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