Lexical Summary at: you (feminine singular) Original Word: אַט Strong's Exhaustive Concordance charmer, gently, secret, softly From an unused root perhaps meaning to move softly; (as a noun) a necromancer (from their soft incantations), (as an adverb) gently -- charmer, gently, secret, softly. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition gentleness NASB Translation despondently (1), gently (3), leisure (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַט substantive gentleness, used only adverbially: — a. as adverb. accus. 1 Kings 21:27 וַיְהַלֵח ַאט׃ and he (Ahab) went about softly (that is, in penitence); b. with לְ of norm or state (as in לָבֶטַח, see לְ) 2 Samuel 18:5 לְאַטלִֿי לַנַּעַר (deal) gently for me with the young man, Isaiah 8:6 the waters of Shiloah הַהֹלְכִים לְאַ֑ט that go Gently; with pretonic qameƒ Job 15:11 דָּבָר לָאַט עִמָּֽח׃ a word (spoken) gently with thee; with suffix Genesis 33:14 and I אֶתְנַהֲלָה לְאִטִּי will lead on gently (literally according to my Gentleness). לְאַט לָאַט gently, see אַט below אטט above לאך (√ of מַלְאָךְ מְלָאכָה, compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Overviewאַט portrays actions or attitudes that are measured, tender, or subdued. Whether it describes a shepherd’s pace, a king’s command, a humbled sinner’s walk, or the quiet flow of water, the adverb signals restraint in strength—strength that chooses to move softly rather than harshly. Seven Old-Testament occurrences supply a rich portrait of godly gentleness that is neither weakness nor passivity but purposeful mercy. Gentle Pacing and Shepherd Care (Genesis 33:14; Hosea 11:4) Jacob tells Esau, “I will move on slowly, at a pace suited to the livestock and the children” (Genesis 33:14). The word pictures a leader adjusting his speed to protect the frail. Centuries later the Lord says of Israel, “I was to them like one who eases the yoke from their jaws, and I bent down to feed them” (Hosea 11:4). The covenant God does not drive His people faster than they can follow; He stoops to lift burdens and nourish. Pastoral ministry finds its model here—guiding the flock in step with their capacity, never sacrificing the weak for the progress of the strong (compare 1 Thessalonians 2:7). Royal Commands of Compassion (2 Samuel 18:5) Before the battle, “the king commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, saying, ‘Deal gently with the young man Absalom for my sake’ ” (2 Samuel 18:5). David’s instruction embodies mercy toward one who had rebelled. Authority at its best restrains force for the sake of reconciliation. The incident foreshadows the greater Son of David, who “will not break a bruised reed” (Isaiah 42:3) and calls His followers to the same spirit (2 Timothy 2:24–25). A Softened Walk of Repentance (1 Kings 21:27) When Ahab hears Elijah’s judgment, he tears his clothes, puts on sackcloth, fasts, “and went about subdued” (1 Kings 21:27). The verb paired with אַט shows him walking slowly, quietly. Genuine contrition tempers one’s pace, and God notices: the announced disaster is postponed (1 Kings 21:28–29). Humility expressed in gentle bearing still brings relief from judgment (James 4:6). Quiet Words of Consolation (Job 15:11) Eliphaz reminds Job of “words spoken gently” (Job 15:11). Though his counsel ultimately misfires, the verse confirms that God’s comfort ordinarily comes with a measured tone. Ministry that consoles need not thunder; it must speak truth bathed in tenderness (Galatians 6:1). The Gently Flowing Waters (Isaiah 8:6) Judah “has rejected the gently flowing waters of Shiloah” (Isaiah 8:6) and preferred the torrents of political alliance. The understated brook symbolized the Lord’s quiet, faithful presence in Zion. Rejecting divine gentleness, the nation would face the raging Euphrates of Assyrian invasion. Trust in God’s seemingly inconspicuous provision is safer than reliance on impressive human power (Psalm 46:4–7). Fragile Spirits and Slow Collapse (Isaiah 19:3) In Egypt “the spirit of the Egyptians will be emptied out in their midst” (Isaiah 19:3). While the verse emphasizes disintegration, the inclusion of אַט links the process to a draining away rather than a sudden blow. God can judge nations by letting their strength leak out little by little, proving that the gentle speed of His dealings still accomplishes His sovereign purpose. Ministry Implications 1. Leadership must set a pace that the weakest can endure (Genesis 33:14; Hebrews 13:17). Christological Fulfillment Jesus Christ embodies אַט. He enters Jerusalem “gentle and riding on a donkey” (Matthew 21:5), guides His disciples with patient instruction, and bears sinners’ loads unto the cross. In Him, divine might is harnessed in meekness for redemption. As His Spirit produces “gentleness” (Galatians 5:23) in believers, the ancient adverb finds daily expression in the Church’s life and witness. Conclusion Across its seven appearances, אַט urges the people of God to value measured pace, compassionate authority, and quiet trust. The same Lord who leads softly will one day reign openly; until then, His servants reflect His character by moving gently in a noisy world. Forms and Transliterations אַֽט׃ אט׃ הָ֣אִטִּ֔ים האטים וְאַ֥ט ואט לְאִטִּ֗י לְאַ֑ט לְאַט־ לָאַ֥ט לאט לאט־ לאטי ’aṭ At hā’iṭṭîm hā·’iṭ·ṭîm haitTim lā’aṭ lā·’aṭ laAt lə’aṭ lə’aṭ- lə’iṭṭî lə·’aṭ lə·’aṭ- lə·’iṭ·ṭî leat leitTi veAt wə’aṭ wə·’aṭLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 33:14 HEB: וַאֲנִ֞י אֶֽתְנָהֲלָ֣ה לְאִטִּ֗י לְרֶ֨גֶל הַמְּלָאכָ֤ה NAS: and I will proceed at my leisure, according to the pace KJV: and I will lead on softly, according as INT: and I will proceed my leisure to the pace of the cattle 2 Samuel 18:5 1 Kings 21:27 Job 15:11 Isaiah 8:6 Isaiah 19:3 Hosea 11:4 7 Occurrences |
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, 
send, 
messenger, Ethiopic 
send a messenger, see 
be sent, wait on, minister; 
= Hebrew מַלְאָךְ; compare Phoenician מלאך messenger; Late Hebrew מַלְאָךְ Aramaic מַלְאֲכָא, as in Hebrew)