עֶצֶם
𐤏𐤑𐤌
Etsem
H6107 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Refers primarily to bone, the rigid structure of a body, but also extends in meaning to 'substance', 'essence', 'self', and at times is used metaphorically for strength, firmness, or what is intrinsic or central. Additionally, occurs as a proper noun designating a locale (Etsem/Ezem) in the southern territories of ancient Israel.
Semantic Range
bone (literal), substance, strength, essence, self, body part, what is essential or central, place name (Etsem/Ezem)
Root / Etymology
From the root ע־צ־ם, whose core sense involves being strong, powerful, or numerous. The noun form עֶצֶם denotes literally 'bone', the hard and substantial component of an organism, and shifts figuratively to mean essence, substance, or self. As a place name (Etsem/Ezem), the derivation suggests a location noted for firmness or centrality, though the specific connection is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Used throughout the Hebrew Bible from the early narratives through post-exilic writings. In the patriarchal and monarchic narratives, עֶצֶם is commonly employed to indicate literal bones (Genesis 2:23, 'bone of my bones'), but also functions in expressions of kinship and essential sameness ('bone and flesh', meaning close relative). Its figurative usage, denoting 'essence' or 'self', becomes more pronounced in poetic and wisdom literature (e.g., Job, Psalms), conveying notions of inner strength or one's very being. The shift from anatomical specificity to the abstract sense of 'substance' parallels developments in comparable Semitic languages. As a toponym (Etsem/Ezem), it identifies a locale in the Negev/Shephelah regions associated with Judahite or Simeonite tribal territories (e.g., Joshua 15:29; 19:3). English translations often limit עֶצֶם to 'bone', missing the broader semantic range, especially in metaphorical or idiomatic contexts. Notably, the rendering as a place name (Etsem or Ezem) may appear as 'Azem' in the KJV and other historical versions due to linguistic transmission.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
the same as עֶצֶם; bone; Etsem, a place in Palestine; Azem, Ezem.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
ע־צ־ם (ʿ-ts-m) — strength, might, firmness, numerousness
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6106 | עֶצֶם | his bones |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6107-02 |
וָ/עָֽצֶם | vaatsem | HC/Np |
and Ezem | and Etsem | 2 |
H6107-01 |
וּ/בְ/עֶ֖צֶם | uveetsem | HC/R/Np |
and in Ezem | and in Etsem | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6107-02 |
Joshua 15:29 | וָ/עָֽצֶם | vaatsem | HC/Np |
and Ezem | and Etsem |
H6107-02 |
Joshua 19:3 | וָ/עָֽצֶם | vaatsem | HC/Np |
and Ezem | and Etsem |
H6107-01 |
1 Chronicles 4:29 | וּ/בְ/עֶ֖צֶם | uveetsem | HC/R/Np |
and in Ezem | and in Etsem |