apparent contracted from אוֹת in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely); (as such unrepresented in English).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼêth**, represented by `{{H853}}`, is a unique particle that is generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition. Often unrepresented in English translations, its meaning is derived from its demonstrative sense of "entity," and it appears to be a contracted form of the word for "sign," `{{H226}}` **ʼôwth**. It appears **22 times** across **18 unique verses** in the Bible, serving to add precision and emphasis.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H853}}` is used from the very beginning to specify the direct objects of foundational actions. In the creation account, God `{{H430}}` created **the heaven** and **the earth** [[Genesis 1:1]]. It is also used to mark the specific object of sight, as when God `{{H430}}` saw **the light** [[Genesis 1:4]]. The particle is crucial in identifying the object of personal interactions, such as when Adam `{{H120}}` knew **Eve** [[Genesis 4:1]] or when Joseph's `{{H3130}}` brothers stripped **Joseph** of his coat [[Genesis 37:23]]. It also points to the object of service or rebellion, as when the kings served **Chedorlaomer** [[Genesis 14:4]] or when the people forsook **the LORD** [[Isaiah 1:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words are contextually related to **ʼêth**, helping to clarify its function and origin:
* `{{H226}}` **ʼôwth** (sign, token, mark): As the likely root word for `{{H853}}`, its meaning of a "signal" or "mark" illuminates the demonstrative function of **ʼêth** in pointing out a specific entity. Miracles are referred to as 'ôwth [[Numbers 14:22]].
* `{{H854}}` **ʼêth** (with, by, at): This is a distinct preposition with the same spelling and transliteration. While `{{H853}}` points out a direct object, `{{H854}}` indicates accompaniment or proximity, as seen when Enoch `{{H2585}}` walked **with** God [[Genesis 5:22]].
* `{{H1254}}` **bârâʼ** (to create): This verb is frequently paired with `{{H853}}`, which marks the object of the creative act. This is most famously seen in the opening of scripture, where God **created** the heaven and the earth [[Genesis 1:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H853}}` lies in the precision it brings to divine acts and relationships.
* **Specificity in Creation:** The use of `{{H853}}` in [[Genesis 1:1]] definitively marks **the heaven** `{{H8064}}` and **the earth** `{{H776}}` as the specific, direct objects of God's `{{H430}}` creative `{{H1254}}` power, leaving no ambiguity.
* **Identifying the Object of Covenant Acts:** The particle is critical for specifying the object of Israel's devotion or rebellion. In [[Isaiah 1:4]], it emphasizes that they forsook **the LORD** `{{H3068}}` and provoked **the Holy One** `{{H6918}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}`.
* **Marking the Divine Object:** `{{H853}}` frequently points directly to God as the object of an action. This occurs when Isaiah saw **the Lord** `{{H136}}` [[Isaiah 6:1]], when Ahaz `{{H271}}` refused to tempt **the LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Isaiah 7:12]], and when the Israelites tempted **me** [the LORD] ten times [[Numbers 14:22]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼêth** `{{H853}}` is a foundational grammatical tool that, while untranslated, adds a crucial layer of specificity to the Hebrew text. It serves as a pointer, directing the reader's focus to the definite object of an action. From defining the scope of God's creation to identifying the specific object of sin and worship, `{{H853}}` ensures that the key subjects of the biblical narrative are clearly and emphatically identified.
TRV