עָתַר (a.tar)
a.tar
to pray
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb atar describes a specific kind of prayer: earnest entreaty or supplication. It appears fourteen times in the Old Testament, carrying the weight of someone pleading for mercy or intervention. Unlike general terms for worship, this word focuses on the intensity of the request, often arising from distress or urgent need.
It is used most frequently in Exodus and Job, where characters face dire circumstances. In Exodus 32:11, Moses atars before God to turn away anger, showing a boldness that mixes reverence with direct appeal. Similarly, in Job’s dialogues, the verb highlights the raw honesty of suffering individuals seeking understanding or relief from their pain.
The word’s root suggests bending or bowing, reflecting the posture of humility before a higher authority. Translators often render it as "pray" or "entreat," but the Hebrew nuance implies a persistent, heartfelt plea rather than a routine recitation. This usage underscores that prayer can be an active, dynamic engagement with God’s character and will.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels heavy or uncertain, prayer is not just a ritual but an earnest cry for help. The Hebrew word atar captures this intensity. It describes a heartfelt plea made when circumstances are dire. Moses used it to plead for mercy when God’s anger burned. Job used it to pour out his raw pain before the Lord. This shows that bringing your deepest struggles to God is not weakness but an act of faith.
You do not need perfect words or polished language to be heard. God invites your honest requests, even when they come from a place of fear or confusion. Like Isaac praying for a child or Manasseh crying out in humility, every sincere entreaty meets a God who listens. He draws near to those who seek Him with genuine trust.
This word reminds us that prayer is dynamic. It involves bending our hearts before the One who holds all power. When you feel overwhelmed, remember that your plea matters. God hears the cries of the humble and responds with grace. Let this truth bring you peace as you bring your needs to Him today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he was entreated6×
- and/ he prayed3×
- you will pray1×
- pray1×
- he prays1×
- and/ pray1×
- and/ he will be entreated1×
- and/ being entreated1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יֵּעָ֤תֶר2×
- תַּעְתִּ֣יר1×
- יֶעְתַּ֤ר1×
- וַ/יֶּעְתַּ֨ר1×
- וַ/יֶּעְתַּ֥ר1×
- וַ/יֶּעְתַּ֖ר1×
- וַ/יֵּעָתֵ֧ר1×
- וַ/יֵּעָתֵ֤ר1×
- וַ/יֵּעָתֵ֖ר1×
- וְ/נַעְתּ֥וֹר1×
- וְ/נֶעְתַּ֥ר1×
- וְ/הַעְתִּ֖ירוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 25:21
Isaac entreated Yahweh for his wife, because she was barren. Yahweh was entreated by him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
Isaac’s entreaty shows that persistent prayer can open doors that seem closed by nature, leading to the birth of a promised child.
-
Job 33:26
He prays to God, and he is favorable to him, so that he sees his face with joy. He restores to man his righteousness.
This verse highlights that earnest prayer leads to restoration and joy, showing God’s favorable response to those who seek Him in suffering.
-
II Chronicles 33:13
He prayed to him; and he was entreated by him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that Yahweh was God.
Manasseh’s entreaty after humility resulted in his return to the throne, proving that God hears even those who have strayed far.