עָתָק
𐤏𐤕𐤒
ʻâthâq
H6277 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Impertinent, insolent, or disrespectful in speech or behavior; usage can also imply bold defiance or arrogance. The term is generally applied to speech (often plural, 'things of insolence') or persons (those acting disrespectfully or presumptuously), frequently in a negative, condemnatory sense.
Semantic Range
insolence, arrogance, impertinence, impudence, proud or defiant speech, presumptuous conduct, overstepping boundaries
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root עתק ('to move, withdraw, become prominent, grow strong'). The noun עָתָק is formed to express the quality of overstepping boundaries, both in social and moral senses, hence 'insolence' or 'arrogance.' Root meaning relates to 'moving away' or 'departing'—in the context of behavior, this means departing from proper standards or decorum.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, עָתָק appears in poetic and wisdom literature (e.g., Psalms, Job) where it characterizes either arrogant words (often 'דׇּבָר עָתָק', 'arrogant speech' or 'insolent speech') or persons. The term may convey increased severity or extremity compared to more common terms for pride or arrogance (such as גְּאוֹן 'pride'). While most English translations render the term variably as 'arrogance,' 'proud,' or 'stiff,' these often flatten the range of nuances comprising verbal insolence, deliberate disrespect, and haughty behavior. The idea is one who 'goes beyond limits' in words or actions. There is no specific ethnic, geographic, or religious referent; the term is general and contextual. Its usage fades in post-exilic Hebrew, becoming rare in later periods. In Greek translation, terms emphasizing insolence or overstepping (e.g., θράσος) are sometimes used, but none match the full Hebrew connotation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from עָתַק in the sense of license; impudent; arrogancy, grievous (hard) things, stiff.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
עתק (ʿ-t-q) — to move away, withdraw, become prominent, grow strong
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6266 | עָתִיק | venerable ancient one |
| H6267 | עַתִּיק | ancient ones of |
| H6268 | עַתִּיק | venerable |
| H6275 | עָתַק | she moved away |
| H6276 | עָתֵק | long-established |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6277-01 |
עָתָ֖ק | ataq | HAamsa |
arrogant | insolent | insolently | 4 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6277-01 |
1 Samuel 2:3 | עָתָ֖ק | ataq | HAamsa |
arrogant | insolent | insolence |
H6277-01 |
Psalms 31:19 | עָתָ֗ק | ataq | HNcmsa |
perversely | insolent | insolently |
H6277-01 |
Psalms 75:6 | עָתָֽק | ataq | HNcmsa |
insolence | insolent | insolent |
H6277-01 |
Psalms 94:4 | עָתָ֑ק | ataq | HAamsa |
arrogantly | insolent | insolently |