a primitive root (rather denominative from עֶתֶר); to burn incense in worship, i.e. intercede (reciprocally, listen to prayer); intreat, (make) pray(-er).
Transliteration:ʻâthar
Pronunciation:aw-thar'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H6279 (ʻâthar), a primitive verb, carries a rich semantic range primarily centered on the act of earnest and effective prayer. Its base definition, "to burn incense in worship," suggests an act of intense devotion and offering, which naturally extends to fervent supplication. This initial sense evolves to "intercede," "intreat," and "make prayer," emphasizing the human act of petitioning a divine being. Crucially, the definition also includes the reciprocal meaning: "to listen to prayer," indicating that the word can describe God's act of hearing and responding to human entreaty. This reciprocal nature highlights the dynamic interaction between humanity and the divine. The denominative connection to עֶתֶר (perhaps related to "abundance" or "supplication") further underscores the idea of a prayer that is not merely uttered but is potent and productive, often leading to a desired outcome. Thus, ʻâthar signifies a prayer that is both deeply sincere and effective in eliciting a divine response.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ʻâthar appears in various significant contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, consistently emphasizing the earnestness and efficacy of prayer. One of the most prominent instances is found in [[Genesis 25:21]], where Isaac *entreated* (ʻâthar) Yahweh on behalf of his barren wife Rebekah, and "Yahweh was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived." This verse powerfully illustrates the word's capacity to denote a prayer that is heard and answered by God, leading to a miraculous outcome.
Similarly, Moses frequently *entreated* Yahweh on behalf of Pharaoh or Israel during the plagues. In [[Exodus 8:30]], after Moses *entreated* Yahweh, the frogs departed. Again, in [[Exodus 10:18]], Moses *entreated* Yahweh, and the strong west wind removed the locusts. These examples underscore the intercessory nature of ʻâthar and its role in mediating divine judgment or deliverance.
In the monarchical period, the word continues to appear in contexts of national or personal crisis. Samuel *entreated* Yahweh for Israel against the Philistines in [[1 Samuel 7:5]], leading to a great victory. David *entreated* Yahweh on behalf of the land after a famine in [[2 Samuel 21:14]], and "God was entreated for the land." Solomon, in his dedicatory prayer for the Temple, uses forms of ʻâthar to describe the prayers of the people that God should hear from heaven, as seen in [[1 Kings 8:30]], [[1 Kings 8:33]], and [[1 Kings 8:47]]. This highlights the Temple as a place where prayers of confession and petition would be heard and answered by God.
Prophetic literature also employs ʻâthar. In [[Isaiah 19:22]], Yahweh will strike Egypt but then heal them, and "they will return to Yahweh, and He will be entreated of them and heal them." This shows God's willingness to respond to the repentance and supplication of even foreign nations. Conversely, in [[Jeremiah 37:7]], Yahweh states that the Chaldean army "will not return" to Jerusalem, implying that no amount of entreaty will change the divine decree. This demonstrates that while God often hears, His response is ultimately sovereign. Ezekiel also uses it in the negative, where God declares, "I will not be entreated of you" ([[Ezekiel 20:31]]), indicating a point beyond which divine patience and willingness to respond to insincere inquiry cease.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of prayer in the Old Testament is conveyed through various Hebrew terms, each with nuanced meanings that enrich our understanding of ʻâthar.
* `{{H6419}}` (*palal*): This is the most common verb for "to pray" or "to intercede," often implying a self-judgment or mediation. While palal is a general term for prayer, ʻâthar often emphasizes the *effectiveness* or *result* of the prayer.
* `{{H8605}}` (*tefillah*): The most common noun for "prayer" or "supplication," derived from palal.
* `{{H7971}}` (*sha'al*): "To ask," "request," or "inquire." This is a broader term for asking for something, not exclusively religious in nature, though it can be used for prayer.
* `{{H2603}}` (*chanan*): "To be gracious," "show favor," or "implore favor." This verb focuses on seeking or bestowing grace and mercy, often through earnest pleading.
* `{{H6030}}` (*anah*): "To answer" or "respond." This verb is frequently used in conjunction with prayer, describing God's active response to human petition. The reciprocal nature of ʻâthar (God being entreated) directly overlaps with the concept of anah.
Concepts closely related to ʻâthar include intercession, supplication, earnest pleading, divine responsiveness, and the covenant relationship. The efficacy implied by ʻâthar underscores the belief in a God who is not distant but actively engaged with His people, capable of intervening in response to their heartfelt cries.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻâthar is profound, illuminating key aspects of the Old Testament understanding of God, humanity, and their interaction. Primarily, it underscores the power and efficacy of earnest prayer within the covenant relationship. The numerous instances where God "is entreated" highlight His character as a responsive and merciful God who hears the cries of His people and acts on their behalf. This challenges any notion of a passive or indifferent deity.
Furthermore, ʻâthar emphasizes the role of human agency in seeking divine intervention. It is not merely a passive hope, but an active, fervent pleading that can influence the course of events, as seen in the lives of Isaac, Moses, Samuel, and David. This does not diminish God's sovereignty but rather reveals a God who has chosen to work through the prayers of His faithful.
The reciprocal sense of ʻâthar—that God allows Himself to be entreated—is particularly significant. It speaks to God's condescension and willingness to enter into a dynamic relationship with humanity, where human petitions are genuinely considered and often granted. This concept is foundational to understanding the nature of biblical prayer: it is not a mere ritual, but a vital, interactive dialogue between the Creator and His creation.
However, the instances where God refuses to be entreated (e.g., in Jeremiah and Ezekiel) provide a theological counterpoint, demonstrating that God's responsiveness is not automatic or unconditional. It is often tied to the sincerity, repentance, and covenant faithfulness of the petitioner. Thus, ʻâthar encapsulates the tension between human earnestness and divine sovereignty, portraying a God who is both deeply personal and ultimately supreme in His decisions.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H6279 (ʻâthar) signifies an earnest, fervent, and often effective act of prayer or intercession. Its core meaning, originating from an act of worship like burning incense, evolved to denote intense supplication. A crucial aspect of ʻâthar is its reciprocal nature: it describes both the human act of entreating God and God's act of listening to and being entreated by prayer. Biblical occurrences consistently demonstrate that prayers using ʻâthar are typically heard and answered by God, leading to significant divine intervention in personal and national affairs, as seen in the lives of figures like Isaac, Moses, and David. While related to other terms for prayer, ʻâthar uniquely emphasizes the efficacy and divine responsiveness inherent in the act. Theologically, it highlights God's character as a merciful and interactive deity who engages with humanity through prayer, underscoring the profound power of earnest petition within the covenant relationship.
TRV