אָת
𐤀𐤕
ʼâth
H852 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A sign, mark, or distinguishing token—often used to denote an event, object, or phenomenon regarded as an indicator or portent, particularly as a manifestation of divine communication or intention. In Aramaic passages, denotes something that stands as evidence or an attesting mark, especially in a supernatural or symbolic context.
Semantic Range
sign, portent, token, distinguishing mark, evidence, attesting miracle
Root / Etymology
Cognate with Hebrew אוֹת (ʼôt, 'sign'), from the root אות (to mark, to distinguish), reflecting a shared Northwest Semitic root with meanings related to marking or signifying. In this Aramaic form (אָת), it preserves similar functions as its Hebrew counterpart.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Found specifically in the Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible (Daniel and Ezra), אָת always refers to a sign or portent, frequently of a supernatural or divine character, often paired with מוֹפְתִּין (wonders, miracles). The Hebrew אוֹת, widely attested throughout the Tanakh, carries a range of meanings from everyday markers (e.g., Cain's mark) to ritual or covenantal signs (e.g., Sabbath, circumcision) as well as miraculous signs. In contrast, Aramaic אָת usage is particularly associated with divine manifestations, particularly in the exilic and post-exilic literature, reflecting the increased influence of Aramaic as a lingua franca. English translations usually render it as 'sign' or 'portent,' but may not always reflect the supernatural nuance implicit in contexts where it appears alongside words denoting wonders or miracles.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to אוֹת; a portent; sign.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אות (ʾ-w-t) — marking, distinguishing, designating
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1942 | הַוָּה | the distinguishing sign |
| H225 | אוּת | we will consent |
| H226 | אוֹת | by signs |
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H852-01 |
אָֽתַיָּ/א֙ | ataya | ANcmpd/Td |
the signs | the attesting signs | 1 |
H852-03 |
אָת֨וֹ/הִי֙ | atohi | ANcmpc/Sp3ms |
its-signs | his signs | 1 |
H852-02 |
אָתִ֣ין | atin | ANcmpa |
signs | attesting signs | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H852-01 |
Daniel 3:32 | אָֽתַיָּ/א֙ | ataya | ANcmpd/Td |
the signs | the attesting signs |
H852-03 |
Daniel 3:33 | אָת֨וֹ/הִי֙ | atohi | ANcmpc/Sp3ms |
its-signs | his signs |
H852-02 |
Daniel 6:28 | אָתִ֣ין | atin | ANcmpa |
signs | attesting signs |