עֲתִיד (a.tid)
a.tid
ready
A:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:A
Word Overview
The Aramaic adjective atid means ready or prepared. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Daniel 3:15. In this context, King Nebuchadnezzar asks Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to prove their gods can save them, implying they are already prepared for the outcome.
It is the Aramaic form of the Hebrew word atid (H6264). While the Hebrew term often points to future events or what is coming, this Aramaic usage focuses on immediate readiness. The king’s challenge assumes the men have made their decision and are prepared to face the consequences.
Its single occurrence highlights a moment of tension. The word underscores the certainty of the situation. The king does not ask if they will decide; he states they are ready. This brevity adds weight to the dialogue, showing how language shifts between Hebrew and Aramaic in Daniel’s narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life presents us with an ultimatum, we often feel the pressure to choose between loyalty and safety. The word atid reminds us that true faith is not just a passive belief but a state of readiness. It describes a heart prepared to stand firm, even when the consequences are severe. This readiness does not come from our own strength but from a deep trust in God’s presence.
In Daniel 3, the king demands proof of loyalty before granting mercy. The men’s response shows that their faith was already settled. They were ready to face the fire because they knew who held their lives. This word invites us to examine our own hearts: are we prepared to stand for what is right, even when it costs us everything? It calls for a quiet confidence that God is with us in the trial.
May you find peace in knowing that your faithfulness is seen. You do not need to prove yourself to every skeptic or authority. Instead, rest in the certainty that God values your steadfastness. May His presence be your strength when you face difficult choices today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ready1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲתִידִ֗ין1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 3:15
Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music to fall down and worship the image which I have made, good; but if you don’t worship, you shall be cast the same hour into the middle of a burning fiery furnace. Who is that god who will deliver you out of my hands?”
The king uses this word to assume the men have already made their decision, highlighting the tension between human authority and divine loyalty.