### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H8617 (תְּקוּמָה, *tᵉqûwmâh*) is a feminine noun derived from the verbal root `{{H6965}}` (קוּם, *qûwm*), which fundamentally means "to rise," "to stand up," or "to arise." The noun tᵉqûwmâh extends this core meaning to denote the *ability* or *power* to stand, particularly in the face of opposition or adversity. Its semantic range thus encompasses "resistfulness," "resilience," "endurance," or "the capacity to maintain one's position." It is not merely the act of standing, but the inherent strength or capability that allows one to do so, especially when challenged. In some contexts, it can even refer to "that which stands" or "substance," implying established wealth or possessions, as these represent a form of "standing" or stability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term tᵉqûwmâh is relatively rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in only two distinct passages, each offering crucial insight into its meaning:
* **[[Leviticus 26:37]]**: "And they shall stumble over one another, as if fleeing from a sword, though no one pursues; and you shall have no power to stand before your enemies." Here, tᵉqûwmâh is used in the negative (wᵉlō'-tihyeh lāḵem tᵉqûwmâh), signifying a complete absence of strength, resilience, or ability to resist an adversary. This passage is part of the covenant curses outlined for Israel's disobedience, illustrating a state of utter demoralization and helplessness where God removes their capacity to withstand their foes. It underscores that the power to stand against enemies is ultimately a divine gift, which can be withdrawn as a consequence of unfaithfulness.
* **[[Job 22:20]]**: "Surely our adversaries are cut off, and the remnant of them the fire has consumed." This verse, part of Eliphaz's discourse, presents a more nuanced interpretive challenge. While some translations render tᵉqûwmâh as "substance" or "possessions" (e.g., NIV, ESV), reflecting "that which stands" or is established, others retain a sense of "standing" or "endurance" (e.g., KJV: "our substance is not cut off"). If interpreted as "power to stand," it would refer to the wicked's inability to endure or maintain their position against divine judgment. If "substance," it points to the destruction of their established wealth. Given the primary definition "power to stand" or "resistfulness," the former aligns more directly with the core meaning derived from `{{H6965}}`, suggesting the wicked's lack of capacity to withstand ruin. The ambiguity highlights the word's potential to bridge physical standing with metaphorical stability.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of tᵉqûwmâh is `{{H6965}}` (קוּם, *qûwm*), which is highly significant and prolific in the Hebrew Bible. It forms the basis for numerous words related to rising, standing, establishing, and enduring.
* **Directly Related:** Other forms of `{{H6965}}` include nouns like `{{H6966}}` (קִימָה, *qîmâh*, "rising up"), or verbs describing the act of standing.
* **Semantic Fields:**
* **Strength & Power:** Concepts like `{{H2428}}` (חַיִל, *chayil*, "strength, might, army"), `{{H5797}}` (עֹז, *oz*, "strength, might"), and `{{H1369}}` (גְּבוּרָה, *gᵉbûwrâh*, "strength, power") share the domain of ability and might, though tᵉqûwmâh specifically emphasizes the *capacity to stand* or *resist*.
* **Stability & Endurance:** Words related to firmness, establishment, and perseverance, such as `{{H3559}}` (כּוּן, *kun*, "to establish, prepare, make firm") or `{{H5324}}` (נָצַב, *natsab*, "to stand, take one's stand"), are conceptually linked.
* **Antonyms:** The absence of tᵉqûwmâh implies weakness, collapse, defeat, and an inability to resist or endure.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of tᵉqûwmâh is profound, despite its limited occurrences. In [[Leviticus 26:37]], it serves as a stark reminder of divine sovereignty over human strength and security. When God's people abandon His covenant, He removes their tᵉqûwmâh, rendering them utterly powerless before their enemies. This illustrates that true resilience and the ability to "stand" against adversity are not inherent human capacities but are contingent upon divine favor and obedience.
This concept extends to a broader theological principle: all human strength, stability, and ability to endure are ultimately derived from or permitted by God. The lack of tᵉqûwmâh signifies a state of divine judgment and abandonment, where all human efforts to resist or maintain a position become futile. Conversely, the presence of tᵉqûwmâh (implied by its absence in judgment) points to God as the ultimate source of strength and the one who enables His people to stand firm, whether against physical enemies or spiritual challenges. While the word itself is rare, its underlying root `{{H6965}}` is central to biblical themes of divine establishment (e.g., of a kingdom, a covenant), resurrection (God raising the dead), and the call for believers to "stand firm" in faith.
### Summary
H8617 (תְּקוּמָה, *tᵉqûwmâh*) precisely denotes the "power to stand" or "resistfulness." Derived from the ubiquitous root `{{H6965}}` (קוּם, "to rise, to stand"), it describes the inherent capacity to maintain one's position, especially in the face of opposition. Its most explicit usage in [[Leviticus 26:37]] powerfully conveys the consequences of covenant disobedience: God's removal of Israel's tᵉqûwmâh, leading to utter defeat. While [[Job 22:20]] offers a more ambiguous context, potentially referring to "substance" or "established wealth," its core meaning remains tied to stability and endurance. Theologically, tᵉqûwmâh underscores the biblical principle that human strength and resilience are ultimately dependent on divine will and favor, highlighting God's sovereignty over the ability to stand firm.
TRV