עֵיטָם (e.tam)
e.tam
Etam
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun etam refers to a geographical location mentioned five times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the books of Judges and Chronicles. The name itself likely translates to "lair of wild beasts," suggesting a rugged, cliff-side setting that served as a natural stronghold or hideout for animals and potentially people.
Historically, this site appears in two distinct contexts. In Judges 15:8, it marks the place where Samson hid from the Philistines after his conflict with them. Later, in 2 Chronicles 11:6, King Rehoboam fortified Etam as part of his defensive network between Bethlehem and Tekoa to protect the southern borders of Judah.
While its exact modern location remains uncertain, the word’s etymology paints a vivid picture of a wild, untamed place. Whether used as a refuge for a judge or a garrison for a king, Etam represents the harsh, rocky terrain that characterized much of the region's southern frontier.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Etam appears in Scripture as a rugged place, likely meaning 'lair of wild beasts.' It was a natural stronghold where Samson hid from his enemies and later a fortified town under King Rehoboam. This word reminds us that God uses even the wildest, most dangerous corners of the earth for His purposes.
When life feels chaotic or unsafe, remember that God is present in the 'cave in Etam’s rock' (Judges 15:8). He does not require perfect conditions to protect you. Your refuge is found in Him, not in the security of walls or armies.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Etam4×
- [were] Etam1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֵיטָם֒1×
- עֵיטָֽם\׃\ \ס1×
- עֵיטָ֣ם1×
- עֵיטָ֖ם1×
- עֵיטָ֔ם1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 15:8
He struck them hip and thigh with a great slaughter; and he went down and lived in the cave in Etam’s rock.
This verse shows Etam as a physical hiding place for Samson, highlighting its role as a secure refuge in times of danger.
-
II Chronicles 11:6
He built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,
Here Etam is listed among Rehoboam's fortified cities, demonstrating its strategic importance in defending Judah's southern borders.
-
I Chronicles 4:32
Their villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan, five cities;
Etam is included in a list of villages, showing it was also a settled community with regular inhabitants rather than just a wilderness cave.