עָתִיד (a.tid)
a.tid
ready
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word `atid` means ready or prepared, describing something that is fully equipped for its purpose. In Scripture it appears only five times, mostly in poetic books like Job and Esther. It often describes people who are skilled or trained, such as warriors ready for battle or artisans prepared for a task. The term implies more than just availability; it suggests an active state of being made fit for action.
Its meaning extends beyond simple readiness to include things that are stored up or impending. In some contexts, it refers to treasures kept in reserve, while in others it points to events that are prepared to happen. This dual sense connects human preparation with divine timing, showing how what is ready in the present may also be destined for the future.
The word shares a root with Aramaic `atid`, reflecting its use across Semitic languages of the ancient Near East. Translators usually render it as "ready" or "prepared," capturing both the skill of the person and the state of the object. Its rarity in the Bible highlights specific moments where readiness is central to the narrative, whether in human effort or divine plan.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word atid describes a state of being fully prepared for a specific purpose. It is not merely about waiting, but about being equipped and skilled for action. In the Bible, this term often highlights individuals who are trained warriors or artisans ready for their tasks. This concept reminds us that readiness involves both inner preparation and outer capability.
When we face difficult seasons, we might feel unprepared or overwhelmed. Scripture shows that God values those who are atid, actively engaged in their duties with skill and focus. Whether in times of peace or conflict, being ready allows us to respond with wisdom rather than panic. This readiness is a gift that helps us navigate life's challenges with confidence.
We can trust that God equips us for the moments He calls us to face. By staying attentive and faithful in our daily tasks, we become instruments of His peace and justice. May you find strength in knowing that your preparation matters to Him, and that He provides the grace needed for every day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ready3×
- the/ [ones] ready1×
- impending [things]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עָתִ֬יד1×
- עֲתִידִים֙1×
- עֲתִדֹ֥ת1×
- עֲתִדִ֖ים1×
- הָ֝/עֲתִידִ֗ים1×
Key Verses
-
Esther 3:14
A copy of the letter, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published to all the peoples, that they should be ready against that day.
This verse uses the word to describe a decree that prepares all peoples for a specific day of action, highlighting the political urgency of the narrative.
-
Job 15:24
Distress and anguish make him afraid. They prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.
Here the term compares distress to a king ready for battle, illustrating how fear can make a person feel constantly on guard and prepared for conflict.
-
Job 3:8
Let them curse it who curse the day, who are ready to rouse up leviathan.
The word describes those who are skilled or 'ready' to summon Leviathan, connecting human capability with the power to disturb deep chaos.