עֵת (et)
et
time
H:NQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 227 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun et refers to a specific time, whether defined by an event, a proper season, or a period of experience. It appears frequently in Scripture, particularly in Ecclesiastes and Jeremiah, where it marks the boundaries of human life and divine action. The word captures both the chronological moment and the qualitative appropriateness of that moment, distinguishing a fit occasion from mere duration.
A key nuance lies in its use for "proper time" or opportunity, contrasting with premature or ill-timed actions. For instance, Proverbs 15:23 describes a word spoken at the right moment as delightful, while Ecclesiastes 3:1 asserts that everything has its appointed season. This usage aligns closely with the Greek andros in some contexts, emphasizing the rightness of the timing rather than just the clock.
Translators often render et as "time," "season," or "when," depending on context. In Ecclesiastes 10:17, it highlights the blessedness of princes who eat at the proper time, suggesting stability and order. The word’s flexibility allows it to describe both brief intervals and extended periods, always carrying the weight of significance attached to that specific moment in history or personal experience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word et points to a specific moment defined by its significance rather than just the ticking clock. It marks the boundaries of human life and divine action, reminding us that every experience has its proper season. This understanding brings comfort when we feel out of step with our circumstances, as it suggests that timing is part of a larger order.
Scripture often uses this term to highlight God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises. When a promise seems delayed, the text assures us that there is a set time for fulfillment. This perspective helps us trust that our current struggles or waiting periods are not random but fit into a meaningful timeline established by God.
By recognizing these appointed seasons, we can find peace in the present moment. It invites us to be attentive to the opportunities around us and to rest in the knowledge that God is working within history. This awareness encourages a life of patience and hope, trusting that every moment holds purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 227 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- at the/ time60×
- a time21×
- time15×
- [the] time of15×
- to/ [the] time of13×
- and/ a time13×
- at/ appropriate time/ its10×
- about <the>/ this time10×
- at/ [the] time of9×
- and/ at the/ time8×
- at/ [the] time7×
- about the/ time6×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בָּ/עֵ֣ת36×
- עֵ֥ת17×
- בָּ/עֵ֥ת15×
- עֵ֣ת12×
- לְ/עֵ֣ת8×
- בְּ/עֵ֥ת8×
- כָּ/עֵ֣ת7×
- וְ/עֵ֣ת7×
- בְּ/עֵ֣ת7×
- עֵ֤ת6×
- וְ/עֵ֥ת6×
- עֵֽת\׃5×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for Yahweh? At the set time I will return to you, when the season comes around, and Sarah will have a son.”
This verse emphasizes that divine promises are fulfilled at a specific, appointed time, reinforcing God's sovereignty over history.
-
Leviticus 16:2
and Yahweh said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the Most Holy Place within the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark; lest he die; for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat.
Here the word highlights the seriousness of approaching God only at the designated times, showing respect for sacred order.
-
Genesis 29:7
He said, “Behold, it is still the middle of the day, not time to gather the livestock together. Water the sheep, and go and feed them.”
This usage illustrates how et distinguishes between a general duration and a specific, appropriate moment for action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between et and other Hebrew words for time?
How does this word relate to God's timing in the Bible?
Why is the concept of 'proper time' important for daily life?
Every Occurrence (227 verses across 31 books)
Genesis 9 verses
The dove came back to him at evening and, behold, in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the…
Genesis 18:10He said, “I will certainly return to you at about this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.”…
Genesis 18:14Is anything too hard for Yahweh? At the set time I will return to you, when the season comes around, and Sarah will…
Genesis 21:22At that time, Abimelech and Phicol the captain of his army spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you…
Genesis 24:11He made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at the time of evening, the time that women go out…
Genesis 29:7He said, “Behold, it is still the middle of the day, not time to gather the livestock together. Water the sheep, and go…
Genesis 31:10During mating season, I lifted up my eyes, and saw in a dream, and behold, the male goats which leaped on the flock…
Genesis 38:1At that time, Judah went down from his brothers, and visited a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah.
Genesis 38:27In the time of her travail, behold, twins were in her womb.