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עָתָר

𐤏𐤕𐤓

ʻâthâr

H6282 noun

SILEX Entry

Root עתר to be thick, to be abundant, to accumulate densely

Definition

A thick mass or accumulation, especially in reference to density or profusion, and by extension, used to describe incense as it rises in a thick cloud, as well as a person who entreats or pleads intensely (a suppliant). The word refers predominantly to thickness or abundance, but contextually can acquire the secondary meaning of one who is persistent or intense in supplication.

Semantic Range

density, thick mass, dense accumulation, incense cloud, suppliant; one who entreats fervently

Root / Etymology

Root: עתר (ʿ-t-r). The root עתר primarily conveys the sense of 'to be abundant, thick, or to accumulate densely.' The noun עָתָר derives from this root, signifying thickness or density (usually of smoke, incense, or similar substances). In derived or figurative usage, it extends to describe a person characterized by intensity or frequency of supplication.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical biblical Hebrew, עָתָר is rare and appears in contexts referring to smoke or incense accumulating in dense clouds, emphasizing abundance or thickness. Later, it is occasionally used in a more figurative sense for a person who entreats or beseeches persistently—thus a 'suppliant.' The connection to incense lies both in the imagery of volume and the association with acts of worship. In translation, 'incense' and 'suppliant' are both attested, though 'thick mass' or 'dense accumulation' is the essential physical sense. Over time, the semantic center shifted, so some later sources and translations conflate the word with the notion of prayer, due to its proximity to entreating (root עָתַר) and the ritual context of incense. Care should be taken not to conflate the priestly or liturgical use of incense with its physical description as a 'thick mass.' Related words include the verb עָתַר (H6279, 'to pray, entreat, plead').

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from עָתַר; also compare עָתַר; incense (as increasing to a volume of smoke); hence a worshipper; suppliant, thick.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

עתר (ʿ-t-r) — thickness, abundance, dense accumulation

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H6279 עָתַר I will cause to entreat
H6280 עָתַר and you granted entreaty
H6281 עֶתֶר and Ether

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6282-02 וַ/עֲתַ֥ר vaatar HC/Ncmsc and thick dense mass of 1
H6282-01 עֲתָרַ/י֙ ataray HNcmpc/Sp1cs my worshipers my dense masses 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6282-02 Ezekiel 8:11 וַ/עֲתַ֥ר vaatar HC/Ncmsc and thick dense mass of
H6282-01 Zephaniah 3:10 עֲתָרַ/י֙ ataray HNcmpc/Sp1cs my worshipers my dense masses
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