עָתֵק (a.teq)
a.teq
surpassing
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective ateq carries the sense of something that is enduring, lasting, or surpassingly valuable. Its root idea involves being handed down or passed forward through time, which gives it a connotation of durability and high worth. Because it describes what stands the test of time, it is often translated as "enduring" or "eminent" in contexts where permanence is key.
This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Proverbs 8:18. In this verse, Wisdom declares that she possesses ateq qualities alongside riches and honor. The usage here suggests that true wisdom offers a kind of value that does not fade or break, contrasting with fleeting material gains. It points to a legacy that remains solid and respected across generations.
Translators often render ateq as "enduring" or "lasting" to capture this sense of permanence. The word highlights the stability of wisdom’s rewards, emphasizing that what is truly valuable is not easily lost or destroyed. Its single occurrence underscores its special role in describing the lasting nature of divine insight.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ateq describes something that endures through time, standing firm when other things fade away. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Proverbs 8:18, where Wisdom speaks of possessing enduring wealth alongside riches and honor. This single usage highlights a value that is not easily lost or destroyed, contrasting with the fleeting nature of material gains.
For your faith life, this reminds us that true worth is found in what lasts. While worldly success may come and go, the insights and character shaped by divine wisdom remain solid across generations. It invites you to seek a legacy built on stability rather than temporary pleasure, trusting that what is rooted in understanding will stand the test of time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- enduring1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עָ֝תֵ֗ק1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 8:18
With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity.
This verse uniquely pairs ateq with riches and honor to show that wisdom's rewards are permanent, unlike fleeting material wealth.