אָצַל (a.tsal)
a.tsal
to reserve
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb a.tsal means to keep something back or reserve it for later use. In its basic form, it describes the act of setting apart resources rather than spending them immediately. This meaning appears clearly in Genesis 41:35, where Joseph advises Pharaoh to gather and store grain during the years of plenty so that there will be enough when famine arrives.
The word carries a sense of withdrawal or narrowing in other contexts. In Ecclesiastes 2:8, it describes how Solomon withheld pleasure from himself, choosing restraint over indulgence. The sources note that in the Niphal stem, the idea shifts to being withdrawn or shortened, suggesting a reduction in scope or availability.
Across its four occurrences, a.tsal highlights intentional conservation. It is not merely saving for hoarding, but preparing for future need. This concept of reserving strength or resources reflects a practical wisdom found throughout Scripture, where foresight and discipline are valued traits.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word a.tsal speaks to the quiet discipline of holding back. It is not about greed or fear, but about wise stewardship of what God has placed in your hands. In Genesis 41, Joseph uses this concept to save a nation from starvation by reserving grain during plenty. This reminds us that our resources are often entrusted to us for a future time when they will be needed most.
Even Solomon, who had every opportunity for indulgence, practiced this restraint in Ecclesiastes 2. He did not withhold joy from himself, but he chose to reserve his energy and focus for meaningful work. This word invites us to look beyond immediate gratification. It encourages a posture of preparation, trusting that God provides both the means to save and the wisdom to use them well.
When we feel overwhelmed by present demands, this concept offers a gentle perspective. We are not called to spend every resource instantly, but to consider how our actions today might serve others tomorrow. This simple act of reservation can be a profound expression of faith in God’s ongoing provision.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- have you reserved1×
- and/ he shared1×
- and/ I will share1×
- I withheld1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יָּ֗אצֶל1×
- וְ/אָצַלְתִּ֗י1×
- אָצַ֥לְתָּ1×
- אָצַ֖לְתִּי1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 27:36
He said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright. See, now he has taken away my blessing.” He said, “Haven’t you reserved a blessing for me?”
This verse highlights the emotional weight of the word, as Esau realizes Jacob has reserved the blessing for himself, showing how a.tsal can imply setting something aside exclusively for another.
-
Numbers 11:17
I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit which is on you, and will put it on them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you don’t bear it yourself alone.
Here the concept is applied to spiritual authority, where God reserves part of Moses' Spirit to share with others, demonstrating that reservation often serves a communal purpose rather than selfish hoarding.
-
Ecclesiastes 2:10
Whatever my eyes desired, I didn’t keep from them. I didn’t withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor.
Solomon uses this idea to describe his self-control, noting he did not withhold joy but rather reserved his heart’s focus on labor, illustrating a balanced approach to pleasure and duty.