a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) abundant; deceitful, multiply.
Transliteration:ʻâthar
Pronunciation:aw-thar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb עָתַר (ʻâthar), Strong's `{{H6280}}`, is a primitive root whose primary biblical usage signifies "to pray," "to supplicate," or "to entreat." This fundamental meaning is deeply intertwined with the concept of "abundance" from the provided base definition. When humans ʻâthar to God, they seek His abundant favor, blessing, or intervention. Conversely, when God is ʻâthar (often in the Niphal stem, "to be entreated" or "to be heard"), it implies His abundant willingness to respond, often by granting plentiful blessings, children, or deliverance. Thus, the idea of "multiplication" or "abundance" is intrinsically linked to the efficacy and outcome of prayer.
The base definition also includes "deceitful." This aspect presents a significant semantic divergence from the dominant meaning of prayer. While it is theoretically possible for a root to develop such a broad range (e.g., from an "abundance of words" leading to insincere speech), clear biblical instances of `{{H6280}}` carrying the meaning of "deceitful" are exceedingly rare, if not absent, in standard lexicons. It is more likely either a highly nuanced or obscure semantic extension, or potentially a homonymous root not clearly distinguished in the provided single entry. The overwhelming evidence from biblical usage points to the verb's association with sincere supplication and the abundant divine response.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H6280}}` appears numerous times in the Hebrew Bible, almost exclusively in contexts of prayer and supplication. A prime example is [[Genesis 25:21]], where "Isaac entreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived." Here, the verb is used both for Isaac's fervent prayer and for God's gracious response, resulting in the "multiplication" of offspring, directly linking prayer to abundance.
Similarly, in [[Exodus 8:30]] and [[Exodus 10:18]], Moses ʻâthar to the Lord to remove the plagues, and God ʻâthar (was entreated) by him, causing the plagues to cease. This demonstrates God's responsiveness to intercession, leading to the abundance of relief for the people. In [[Numbers 21:7]], the people ask Moses to ʻâthar to the Lord on their behalf, and Moses "prayed for the people," again highlighting the role of intercessory prayer.
The theological significance of `{{H6280}}` in these contexts is profound: it underscores God's attentiveness to His people's cries and His willingness to act in response to sincere prayer. The "abundance" aspect is consistently seen in the positive, often miraculous, outcomes of these supplications – the abundance of life, deliverance, or divine favor.
Regarding the "deceitful" aspect of the base definition, it is crucial to note that biblical occurrences of `{{H6280}}` do not clearly or commonly support this meaning. The vast majority of instances firmly establish its usage in the realm of earnest prayer and divine response, with no apparent connection to deceit or insincerity. If such a meaning exists, it is an extremely rare and highly debated semantic extension, not a primary or common usage of this particular Strong's number.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to `{{H6280}}` is the noun עֶתֶר (ether), `{{H6279}}`, which means "abundance" or "riches." This nominal form strongly reinforces the "abundant" aspect of the verbal root. The verb `{{H6280}}` can thus be understood as "to make abundant (through prayer)" or "to be made abundant (in response to prayer)."
Other related concepts include:
* **Prayer and Supplication:** General terms for prayer, such as תְּפִלָּה (tephillah, `{{H8605}}`) or בָּקַשׁ (baqash, `{{H1245}}` - to seek, request), are conceptually linked, as `{{H6280}}` specifies a particular kind of earnest entreaty.
* **Divine Response and Hearing:** The efficacy of prayer is a core theme, often expressed by God "hearing" (שָׁמַע, `{{H8085}}`) or "answering" (עָנָה, `{{H6030}}`) the supplications made through `{{H6280}}`.
* **Fruitfulness and Blessing:** The "abundance" aspect often manifests as increased fertility (e.g., [[Genesis 25:21]]), prosperity, or the multiplication of a people, aligning with God's covenantal blessings.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6280}}` lies primarily in its portrayal of the dynamic relationship between humanity and God through prayer.
1. **God's Responsiveness:** The consistent usage of `{{H6280}}` demonstrates that God is not distant or indifferent, but actively hears and responds to the sincere cries of His people. This underscores His immanence and His covenant faithfulness.
2. **The Efficacy of Prayer:** The word highlights that prayer is not merely a human ritual but a powerful means of engaging with the divine will. It is through ʻâthar that individuals and communities can influence circumstances, seek guidance, and receive divine intervention, often resulting in abundant blessings or deliverance.
3. **Divine Abundance:** The connection to "abundance" signifies that God's response to prayer is often generous and overflowing, exceeding human expectations. This can be seen in the granting of children, the removal of plagues, or the restoration of land.
4. **Covenant Engagement:** For Israel, `{{H6280}}` often appears in contexts where the people are seeking God's help in accordance with His covenant promises, reinforcing the idea that prayer is a vital aspect of their covenant relationship.
While the base definition includes "deceitful," the theological weight of `{{H6280}}` in the biblical narrative overwhelmingly points to the integrity of earnest prayer and the faithfulness of a God who hears and blesses abundantly.
### Summary
The Hebrew root עָתַר (ʻâthar), `{{H6280}}`, is predominantly understood as "to pray," "to supplicate," or "to entreat." This act of earnest prayer is consistently linked to the concept of "abundance" or "multiplication," as God frequently responds to such supplications with plentiful blessings, children, or deliverance. Key biblical examples, such as Isaac's prayer for Rebekah ([[Genesis 25:21]]) or Moses' intercession for Israel ([[Exodus 8:30]]), illustrate this reciprocal relationship between human entreaty and divine, abundant response. While the base definition includes "deceitful," this meaning is not supported by the primary biblical usage of `{{H6280}}`, which unequivocally emphasizes the power and efficacy of sincere prayer and God's gracious responsiveness. The word thus stands as a testament to the vital role of prayer in the covenant relationship and the boundless nature of God's blessings.
TRV