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עָתַם

𐤏𐤕𐤌

ʻâtham

H6272 verb

SILEX Entry

Root עתם to darken, to become dim, to obscure

Definition

To be darkened, to become dim, to obscure; in context, typically refers to loss of clarity or brightness, whether physically (as of vision) or metaphorically (as in knowledge or circumstances). The word primarily describes a state of diminished light or vitality, sometimes implying weakness or devastation.

Semantic Range

to lose brightness, to become darkened (of eyes, face), to lose clarity (metaphorical, of heart or spirit), to be clouded, to weaken or be devastated (figurative)

Root / Etymology

Root: עתם. The root meaning appears to be "to darken, to obscure," though it is rare and possibly onomatopoeic, suggesting the process of growing dim. The word is only attested in specific, later biblical Hebrew contexts and may be related to Arabic ʿatama (“to become dark,” especially at dusk), though exact correspondence is uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

עָתַם is a rare verb, only attested in a handful of late biblical passages (Job 16:16; Lamentations 5:17). In Job 16:16 it is used to describe the effects of weeping on the speaker's complexion and vision, indicating a literal sense of growing dark or dim. In Lamentations 5:17 it takes on a metaphorical quality, describing the heart as becoming darkened, which suggests a collapse of vitality or hope following national disaster. It is not used to describe total darkness (unlike חשך), but rather a process of dimming or the consequences of grief and devastation. Later rabbinic literature does not substantially expand on its usage. Modern translations sometimes render it as "grow dim," "be darkened," or "be clouded," which reflects the range from physical to emotional-spiritual contexts. The link to desolation is indirect, operating metaphorically through the sense of lost brightness or hope. English translations that adopt "desolate" may reflect broad semantic extension but do not capture the core lexical nuance of diminished light or clarity.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive root; probably to glow, i.e. (figuratively) be desolated; be darkened.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

עתם (ʿ-t-m) — to darken, to become dim, to obscure

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6272-01 נֶעְתַּ֣ם neetam HVNp3ms is burned he became darkened 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6272-01 Isaiah 9:18 נֶעְתַּ֣ם neetam HVNp3ms is burned he became darkened
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