עֲטִישָׁה
𐤏𐤈𐤉𐤔𐤄
ʻăṭîyshâh
H5846 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A forceful expulsion of breath through the nose and mouth; specifically, an act of sneezing. The term denotes the physical action or the event of sneezing, as observed or described in narrative or poetic contexts.
Semantic Range
sneezing as a physical action, forceful exhalation, act or event of sneezing, metaphorical for forceful emission
Root / Etymology
Derived from an otherwise unattested Hebrew root עטש (to sneeze), typified in this feminine noun form. While the root itself is not preserved in other extant Hebrew forms, cognate verbs exist in other Semitic languages (such as Aramaic אתש, Arabic عَطَسَ ʿaṭasa), all denoting 'to sneeze.' Thus, while the root is not found as a verb in biblical Hebrew, the noun reflects a well-recognized Semitic verbal base.
Historical & Contextual Notes
עֲטִישָׁה occurs in the Hebrew Bible only in poetic or narrative description, notably in Job 41:10 (Eng. v. 18), used metaphorically for the powerful exhalations of Leviathan. The word is rare, and its meaning is supported by cognate forms in related languages and context. 'Sneezing' as an observable phenomenon is sometimes referenced idiomatically in later Hebrew and Aramaic writings as representing revival or a return of life (cf. 2 Kings 4:35, where a verb for sneezing is not used in the noun form but the phenomenon is described). The term is not loaded with ritual or symbolic significance in biblical usage, but later traditions may attach additional meaning. English translations typically preserve the sense with 'sneezing,' which adequately captures the core meaning. Contrast with other Hebrew words for physical emissions, which often have specific ritual or purity connotations, whereas עֲטִישָׁה is descriptive and physical rather than legal or ritual. The rarity and context-specific use prevent the term from developing broader semantic extension in the biblical period.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
lemma עֵטִישָׁה first vowel, corrected to עֲטִישָׁה; from an unused root meaning to sneeze; sneezing; sneezing.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
עטש (ʿ-ṭ-sh) — to sneeze, forceful exhalation, expel breath violently
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5846-01 |
עֲֽ֭טִישֹׁתָי/ו | atishotayv | HNcfpc/Sp3ms |
his sparks | his sneezings | his sneezings | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5846-01 |
Job 41:10 | עֲֽ֭טִישֹׁתָי/ו | atishotayv | HNcfpc/Sp3ms |
his sparks | his sneezings | his sneezings |