עָצֶה
𐤏𐤑𐤄
ʻâtseh
H6096 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The physiological backbone or spinal column, denoting the rigid structure in vertebrates that provides support and firmness to the body. The term specifically refers to the anatomical spine rather than metaphorical uses. It occurs in contexts describing the human or animal body, emphasizing structural integrity and strength derived from the spine.
Semantic Range
spine, backbone, spinal column (in humans or animals), rigid anatomical structure
Root / Etymology
Root/Etymology: Derived from the root עצה (ʿ-ṣ-h), which in its verbal form means 'to be firm, hard, strong' (as in עָצָה, 'to be strong, firm'). עָצֶה is a nominal formation referring specifically to the spine, drawing on the core idea of providing strength or rigidity. The root is not widely attested with other senses in Biblical Hebrew, and the noun occurs only rarely.
Historical & Contextual Notes
עָצֶה is a rare anatomical term in Biblical Hebrew, only attested in Job 40:17 in reference to the powerful tail of Behemoth, whose 'bones are tubes of bronze, his limbs like bars of iron,' and 'his tail stiffens like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are knit together.' The translation as 'backbone' or 'spine' derives from this context, emphasizing not just a bony structure but the quality of firmness or strength. Later Hebrew and cognate Semitic languages have other more common terms for 'backbone' or 'spine' (such as גַּו, gav), but עָצֶה is largely restricted to poetic or descriptive passages. Standard English translations usually render this term as 'backbone' or 'spine,' but always in a strictly anatomical sense rather than metaphorically. There are no clear metaphorical extensions or significant semantic shifts attested across biblical texts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from עָצָה; the spine (as giving firmness to the body); backbone.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
עצה (ʿ-ṣ-h) — firmness, strength, hardness
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6096-01 |
הֶ/עָצֶ֖ה | heatseh | HTd/Ncmsa |
the backbone | backbone | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6096-01 |
Leviticus 3:9 | הֶ/עָצֶ֖ה | heatseh | HTd/Ncmsa |
the backbone | backbone |