עָצֹם (a.tsom)
a.tsom
be vast; to shut eyes
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew word atsom carries two distinct meanings that rarely overlap in context: to be vast or mighty, and to shut the eyes. In its primary sense, it describes something immense in number or power. This usage appears frequently in prophetic literature, such as when Jeremiah speaks of a great multitude (Jeremiah 46:23) or when Isaiah describes powerful nations (Isaiah 10:3). The root conveys a sense of overwhelming strength or density.
Less commonly, the same consonants form a verb meaning to close the eyes. This usage is rarer but significant in wisdom literature. In Proverbs 6:13, it describes the secretive behavior of a scoundrel who signals deceit by shutting his eyes tightly. Here, the physical act implies hidden intent, contrasting sharply with the open visibility associated with divine truth.
Translators must carefully distinguish between these senses based on context. The "mighty" sense emphasizes scale and force, while the "shut eyes" sense focuses on concealment or rest. Both meanings rely on the idea of closing off or encompassing—whether by filling a space with power or by sealing the visual field.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word atsom paints a picture of overwhelming magnitude or intense focus. When used to describe vastness, it reminds us that God’s plans are larger than our circumstances. In Psalm 139:17, the psalmist marvels at how vast God’s thoughts are toward him. This offers comfort when life feels chaotic; the Creator who fills the earth with His power is also intimately aware of your specific needs.
However, the word also carries a warning about hidden intentions. In Proverbs 6:13, it describes a deceitful person who shuts his eyes to avoid seeing the truth or the harm he causes. This contrast invites us to examine our own hearts. Are we open to God’s light, or do we close ourselves off to accountability? The word challenges us to choose transparency over secrecy.
Whether reflecting on God’s mighty presence or guarding against hidden sin, atsom calls for awareness. We can trust that the same God who is vast in power is also just in His judgment. Let this duality deepen your reverence and refine your character as you walk with Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they are numerous5×
- and/ they became mighty2×
- you have become [too] powerful1×
- they are vast1×
- he gnawed bones/ its1×
- and/ just as/ became mighty/ it1×
- and/ it will be mighty1×
- and/ he will become mighty1×
- and/ he made strong/ it1×
- and/ he has shut1×
- and/ [one who] shuts1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עָצְמ֖וּ2×
- וַ/יַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ2×
- עָצַֽמְתָּ\־1×
- עָצְמ֣וּ1×
- עָֽצְמוּ֙1×
- עָֽצְמוּ\־1×
- עָ֝צְמוּ1×
- עִצְּמ֔/וֹ1×
- וּ/כְ/עָצְמ֗/וֹ1×
- וַ֝/יַּֽעֲצִמֵ/הוּ1×
- וַ/יְעַצֵּ֖ם1×
- וְ/עֹצֵ֥ם1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 139:17
How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is their sum!
This verse uses the 'vast' sense to highlight the infinite scope of God's knowledge, offering personal comfort.
-
Genesis 26:16
Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.”
Abimelech uses the term to acknowledge Isaac's overwhelming strength, showing how it denotes superior power in human contexts.
-
Isaiah 31:1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they don’t look to the Holy One of Israel, and they don’t seek Yahweh!
The word describes the 'many' and 'strong' horsemen of Egypt, emphasizing military might that distracts from reliance on God.