### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word ʻâthêq (`{{H6276}}`) is derived from the verbal root ʻâthaq (`{{H6275}}`), which signifies "to move, depart, grow old, be antiquated." Consequently, ʻâthêq primarily conveys the sense of "antique," "ancient," or "old." However, its base definition expands this to include "valued" and "durable." This crucial nuance suggests that in biblical usage, "oldness" is not merely a descriptor of age or decay, but often implies something established, enduring, or possessing inherent worth due to its antiquity or proven longevity. The semantic range of ʻâthêq thus encompasses:
* **Antiquity/Oldness:** Referring to something from a distant past, often with an implication of being well-established.
* **Durability/Endurance:** Implying longevity, resistance to change or decay, and continued existence over time.
* **Value/Preciousness:** Suggesting that which is old is also esteemed, cherished, or holds inherent wisdom/authority. This positive valuation distinguishes ʻâthêq from other words for "old" that might imply obsolescence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ʻâthêq (`{{H6276}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both instances found within the book of Job. This limited attestation necessitates a careful examination of its specific contexts to discern its full meaning.
1. **[[Job 21:7]]**: "Why do the wicked live on, growing old and becoming mighty in power?"
* In this lament, Job questions the apparent injustice of divine providence, observing that the wicked not only live long but also prosper and gain power. The phrase "growing old" (וְגָבְרוּ חָיִל, literally "and become mighty in power") uses ʻâthêq to emphasize the *longevity* and *endurance* of the wicked's life and influence. It highlights a perplexing aspect of their continued existence and flourishing, rather than necessarily an inherent positive value from Job's perspective. The focus here is on their remarkable *durability* in the face of their unrighteousness.
2. **[[Job 32:7]]**: "I said, 'Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.'"
* Here, Elihu, a younger man, initially expresses his deference to his elders. He states his belief that wisdom naturally accompanies old age and extensive experience. The term ʻâthêq is translated as "days" or "multitude of years," signifying the wisdom and insight that are presumed to accrue with advanced age. In this context, the nuance of "valued" or "esteemed" is prominent. Elihu's initial premise is that old age, represented by ʻâthêq, inherently brings a profound wisdom and authority that should be heeded. While Elihu subsequently argues that divine inspiration, not merely age, imparts true understanding, his opening statement clearly links ʻâthêq with the *potential* for deep wisdom and respect derived from long-standing experience.
In both occurrences, ʻâthêq is intrinsically linked to the passage of time and its effects, whether manifesting as the enduring life of the wicked or the wisdom of the aged. The underlying sense of something established and enduring is consistently present.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ʻâthaq (`{{H6275}}`):** As the verbal root, it directly informs the meaning of ʻâthêq, emphasizing the process of becoming old or moving from a past state.
* **yashan (`{{H3465}}`):** A common word for "old" or "ancient," often used for things like old grain (valued) or old garments (worn out). It can carry both positive and negative connotations of age.
* **zaqen (`{{H2204}}`, `{{H2205}}`):** Refers to an "old man" or "elder," directly addressing human age and the associated social status, often implying wisdom and authority (as seen in relation to [[Job 32:7]]).
* **qadmon (`{{H6924}}`):** Meaning "ancient" or "former," often used for things from primeval times or the distant past, emphasizing origin and precedence.
* **olam (`{{H5769}}`):** Signifying "everlasting," "ancient," or "eternity." While ʻolam describes an indefinite duration, ʻâthêq focuses on the *quality* of being old, established, or enduring from that past.
* The concept of "endurance" inherent in ʻâthêq connects it to broader biblical themes of permanence, steadfastness, and reliability, qualities often attributed to God and His covenant.
### Theological Significance
The limited usage of ʻâthêq (`{{H6276}}`) primarily within the book of Job offers specific theological insights rather than broad doctrinal implications.
* **The Problem of Theodicy:** In [[Job 21:7]], ʻâthêq underscores the perplexing reality of the wicked's sustained prosperity and longevity. This challenges simplistic notions of immediate divine retribution and compels a deeper theological reflection on the complexities of divine justice, the timing of judgment, and the apparent *durability* of unrighteousness within the temporal order. It highlights a tension between human expectations of justice and God's sovereign, often inscrutable, ways.
* **Wisdom and Age:** The use of ʻâthêq in [[Job 32:7]] reflects the deeply ingrained biblical and ancient Near Eastern reverence for elders and the wisdom accumulated through long experience (e.g., [[Proverbs 16:31]], [[Leviticus 19:32]]). Elihu's initial premise, though later nuanced, affirms the *value* placed on the enduring wisdom of the aged. This points to a theological principle: God often uses the long-tested and established (the "antique" in a sense) as a source of truth and guidance, even while reserving the right to impart understanding through His Spirit regardless of age.
* **God's Enduring Nature (Implicit):** While ʻâthêq is not directly applied to God, its underlying semantic range of "durable" and "valued" resonates profoundly with God's eternal, unchanging nature. God is the ultimate "Ancient of Days" (Aramaic ʻattiq yomin in Daniel 7:9, 13, 22, related to ʻâthaq `{{H6275}}`), who is not merely old but eternally existent, supremely valuable, and the source of all enduring truth and wisdom. The human appreciation for that which is ʻâthêq—that which is old, valued, and durable—can be seen as a faint echo of the ultimate reality of God's unchangeable being.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻâthêq (`{{H6276}}`), derived from ʻâthaq (`{{H6275}}`), carries the core meaning of "antique" or "old," but importantly includes the nuances of "valued" and "durable." Its two appearances in the book of Job provide specific contextual insights. In [[Job 21:7]], it describes the perplexing longevity and enduring power of the wicked, emphasizing their *durability*. In [[Job 32:7]], it refers to the wisdom traditionally associated with advanced age, highlighting the *value* and esteem placed upon long experience. Though limited in its biblical occurrences, ʻâthêq offers a profound glimpse into biblical perspectives on the passage of time, the perplexing nature of enduring prosperity (even for the unrighteous), and the reverence for wisdom accumulated through years. Ultimately, it points to the human appreciation for that which is established and lasts, a quality supremely and eternally found in God Himself.
TRV