עֵצֶן
𐤏𐤑𐤍
Etsen
H6112 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A proper noun referring to a clan or individual (Eznite), possibly meaning 'spear-man' or 'one associated with a spear.' The term appears as an ethnicon or patronymic derived either from a personal name or a word meaning 'spear.' The direct meaning of the lexical item in context is as an identifier—'the Eznite'—rather than as a common noun 'spear.'
Semantic Range
personal or clan name; patronymic or ethnicon 'Eznite'; possibly, by folk etymology, 'spear-man' or 'man of the spear'
Root / Etymology
The word עֵצֶן (ʻêtsen) is likely derived from an unused root עצן, possibly related to the notion 'to be sharp, to be strong' (possibly linked with עָצָן or עוּץ roots with related connotations of strength or sharpness). However, the root itself does not appear in biblical Hebrew outside of this proper noun. The formation fits a patronymic or clan indication ('Eznite'—belonging to ʻÊtsen or his descendants). The precise root connection is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
עֵצֶן appears only as a proper name attached to 'Eliezer the Eznite' (אֱלִיעֶזֶר הָעֵצְנִי) in 2 Samuel 23:8, where Eliezer is named among David's mighty men. The margin and some traditions interpret 'Eznite' as related to 'spear,' possibly seeing a connection with related terms for 'to be strong' or 'to be sharp,' but the exact etymology is not transparent. The word occurs only in this genealogical or ethnic context, not as a common noun. Standard English translations historically render עֵצֶן as 'Eznite', following transliteration rather than translation. Most modern lexica mark the etymology as uncertain, referring either to a personal or clan name or a lost noun. The use is limited to the monarchic period, and the specific meaning had likely already become opaque in the post-exilic period. There is no evidence that the term referred to 'Jews' in any period, nor to inhabitants of a specific locality beyond the named association within David's retinue.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to be sharp or strong; a spear; Eznite (from the margin).
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
עצן (ʿ-ṣ-n) — strength, sharpness (uncertain)
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6112-02 |
ה/עצנ/ו | htsnv | HTd/Ngmsc/Sp3ms |
the Eznite | his Eznite | 1 |
H6112-01 |
הָֽ/עֶצְנִ֔י | haetseni | HTd/Ngmsa |
the Eznite | the Eznite | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6112-02 |
2 Samuel 23:8 | ה/עצנ/ו | htsnv | HTd/Ngmsc/Sp3ms |
the Eznite | his Eznite |
H6112-01 |
2 Samuel 23:8 | הָֽ/עֶצְנִ֔י | haetseni | HTd/Ngmsa |
the Eznite | the Eznite |