from עָתַק in the sense of license; impudent; arrogancy, grievous (hard) things, stiff.
Transliteration:ʻâthâq
Pronunciation:aw-thawk'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) derives from the root עָתַק (ʻâthaq, `{{H6275}}`), which primarily conveys the sense of "to move, remove, or be advanced/old." In the context of עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`), the nuance shifts from mere movement or age to an overstepping of boundaries, a "moving beyond" what is proper or permissible, thus implying "license." This leads to its core semantic range:
1. **Impudence/Arrogance:** A bold, disrespectful, or insolent attitude, often manifested in speech. It denotes a presumptuous self-exaltation that disregards proper deference.
2. **Grievous/Hard Things:** When applied to speech, it signifies words that are harsh, severe, burdensome, or even slanderous, inflicting pain or injustice.
3. **Stiff/Stubborn:** Implies an unyielding, unbending disposition, particularly in the context of resistance to divine will or proper authority.
The word consistently carries a negative connotation, describing a quality of character or speech that is offensive, defiant, or oppressive.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) appears in several significant passages, each illuminating its nuanced meaning:
* **[[1 Samuel 2:3]]**: In Hannah's prayer, she warns, "Talk no more so exceeding proudly [עָתָק]; let not arrogancy [עָתָק] come out of your mouth." Here, עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) clearly refers to boastful, arrogant speech that springs from a heart of pride, contrasting with the Lord's knowledge and judgment.
* **[[Psalm 31:18]]**: The psalmist prays, "Let the lying lips be put to silence, which speak grievous things [עָתָק] proudly against the righteous with contempt and scorn." In this context, עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) describes the harsh, severe, and slanderous words uttered by those who oppose the righteous, emphasizing their oppressive and contemptuous nature.
* **[[Psalm 75:5]]**: The psalmist declares, "Lift not up your horn on high; speak not with a stiff [עָתָק] neck." Here, עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) is used adverbially with "neck" (צַוָּאר, tsawwa'r), signifying stubbornness, defiance, and an unyielding resistance to God's authority or moral principles. The "stiff neck" is a classic biblical metaphor for rebellion.
* **[[Psalm 94:4]]**: "They pour out arrogant [עָתָק] words; all the workers of iniquity boast themselves." Similar to [[1 Samuel 2:3]], this verse highlights the arrogant, boastful, and oppressive speech of the wicked, who act with impunity and self-exaltation.
* **[[Daniel 7:8]], [[Daniel 7:11]], [[Daniel 7:20]]**: In the vision of the four beasts, the "little horn" is characterized by "a mouth speaking great things [רַבְרְבָן, rav'r'van, Aramaic for 'great things' or 'boastful things']," which is translated by some ancient versions and commentators as עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) in the sense of 'boastful' or 'arrogant' things. While the primary Aramaic word is different, the *concept* conveyed by עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) perfectly aligns with the horn's blasphemous and defiant speech against the Most High. The Septuagint and Vulgate often render the Aramaic with terms implying arrogance or presumption, reflecting the semantic range of עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`).
* **[[Job 8:2]]**: Bildad asks Job, "How long will you speak these strong [עָתָק] things?" Here, עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) describes Job's words as harsh, severe, or perhaps even presumptuous in Bildad's view, indicating the intensity or perceived impropriety of Job's speech.
Across these occurrences, a consistent picture emerges: עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) describes an attitude or speech that is characterized by pride, insolence, defiance, or oppressive severity, often directed against God or the righteous.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) resonates with several other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **Pride and Arrogance:**
* `{{H1346}}` (ga'on): Often translated as "pride," "majesty," or "arrogance," particularly when describing human haughtiness.
* `{{H1361}}` (gavah): "To be high, exalted," often used negatively for human pride.
* `{{H2086}}` (zadon): "Presumption," "insolence," often leading to defiant acts against God.
* **Stubbornness and Rebellion:**
* `{{H7186}}` (qasheh oref): The idiom "stiff-necked," directly paralleling עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) in [[Psalm 75:5]], denoting an unyielding, rebellious spirit.
* `{{H4784}}` (meri): "Rebellion," "rebelliousness," often against divine authority.
* **Harsh/Lying Speech:**
* `{{H8267}}` (shaqer): "Lie," "falsehood," often associated with the "lying lips" in [[Psalm 31:18]].
* `{{H3985}}` (maddu'ach): "Slander," "defamation."
* `{{H6203}}` (ʻaraq): While not directly related by root, it can describe a stubborn or defiant attitude in certain contexts.
The semantic field of עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) thus encompasses the various facets of human pride, defiance, and the destructive power of arrogant or oppressive speech. It stands in stark contrast to humility, obedience, and gracious communication.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) is profound, as it describes a characteristic that is fundamentally opposed to the nature and will of God:
1. **Opposition to Divine Sovereignty:** Speech or actions characterized by עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) are often expressions of human pride that challenge God's ultimate authority and wisdom. Hannah's prayer in [[1 Samuel 2:3]] explicitly links such arrogance to a lack of understanding of God's knowledge and judgment.
2. **Characteristic of the Ungodly:** In the Psalms, עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) consistently describes the wicked, those who oppress the righteous, speak lies, and act with defiance. It highlights their moral depravity and their contempt for God's laws and His people.
3. **Object of Divine Judgment:** The Bible frequently portrays God's judgment falling upon those who exhibit עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`). Hannah's prayer anticipates the humbling of the proud, and the vision in Daniel points to the ultimate destruction of the arrogant horn that speaks "great things" against God. This underscores that such pride and defiance are an abomination to the Lord.
4. **Call to Humility:** By contrasting the behavior described by עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) with the righteous, the Scriptures implicitly call believers to humility, submission to God's will, and gracious speech. The "stiff neck" is to be replaced by a humble and obedient heart.
In essence, עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) serves as a theological marker for attitudes and expressions that arise from a heart alienated from God, characterized by self-exaltation, defiance, and a disregard for righteousness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) encapsulates a range of negative human qualities, primarily "impudence," "arrogance," "grievous/hard things," and "stiffness." Derived from a root implying an overstepping of bounds, it consistently denotes a defiant, presumptuous, or oppressive disposition, often manifested in speech. Biblical occurrences illustrate its use to describe the boastful and arrogant words of the wicked ([[1 Samuel 2:3]], [[Psalm 94:4]]), the harsh and slanderous speech of adversaries ([[Psalm 31:18]], [[Job 8:2]]), and the stubborn, rebellious attitude of those who resist divine authority ([[Psalm 75:5]]). Theologically, עָתָק (ʻâthâq, `{{H6277}}`) represents a characteristic fundamentally opposed to God's nature, serving as a sign of ungodliness and a target for divine judgment, thereby emphasizing the biblical call to humility and obedience.
TRV