תַּעֲצֻמָה
𐤕𐤏𐤑𐤌𐤄
taʻătsumâh
H8592 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A quality or attribute denoting strength, power, or great force, typically in the sense of capability or capacity for effective action. Often used to describe collective or abundant strength (whether physical, social, or military) and, in context, can refer to massed or concentrated power. Most occurrences are in plural form, indicating a collectivized or abstracted sense of might.
Semantic Range
might (often collective or plural), strength, power, force, abundant capability, formidable resources, concentrated power
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root עצם (ayin-tsade-mem), which at the root level conveys meanings such as 'to be strong,' 'to be powerful,' or 'to be numerous/great in number.' תַּעֲצֻמָה is a noun form typically found in the plural, formed with the standard feminine abstract ending -āh.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term תַּעֲצֻמָה appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently in contexts stressing the existence or exercise of formidable strength or resources, often in poetic or wisdom literature. Its use in Proverbs (e.g., Proverbs 8:14) refers to traits such as counsel and sound wisdom being accompanied by 'might' or conspicuous ability, suggesting capacity for skillful and effective activity. The nuance differs from related terms such as גְּבוּרָה (gᵉvurah, 'heroic strength' or 'valor') or כֹּחַ (koach, 'ability, capacity, raw strength'), focusing more closely on amassed or overwhelming might, often communal or abstract in nature. English translations sometimes render the term as 'power,' 'might,' or 'strength,' but these may miss the sense of collective or concentrated force implied by the plural form. The distinction between individual prowess and group or abstracted might is significant in understanding its usage. Terms derived from the same root, such as עֶצֶם ('bone,' 'substance,' or 'self'), highlight an underlying notion of solidity or internal strength. There is little evidence for significant semantic shift across biblical periods, though poetic contexts (notably in Proverbs and Job) may shape the term's nuance toward more abstract qualities of capability or resourcefulness.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from עָצַם; might (plural collective); power.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been recorded for this word yet.
Root Family
עצב (Otsem) — to shape, to form, to grieve, to cause pain
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4620 | מַעֲצֵבָה | to a carved idol |
| H6087 | עָצַב | he pained him |
| H6088 | עֲצַב | pain-stricken |
| H6089 | עֶצֶב | in pain |
| H6090 | עֹצֶב | my formed-idol |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8592-01 |
וְ/תַעֲצֻמ֥וֹת | vetaatsumot | HC/Ncfpa |
and power | and mighty forces | and mighty forces | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8592-01 |
Psalms 68:36 | וְ/תַעֲצֻמ֥וֹת | vetaatsumot | HC/Ncfpa |
and power | and mighty forces | and mighty forces |