Lexical Summary athaq: To move, advance, proceed, become old Original Word: עָתָק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance arrogancy, grievous hard things, stiff From athaq in the sense of license; impudent -- arrogancy, grievous (hard) things, stiff. see HEBREW athaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom atheq Definition forward, arrogant NASB Translation arrogance (1), arrogantly (2), insolent (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עָתָק adjective forward, arrogant (of speech) (Thes free (see Arabic), unrestrained); — 1 Samuel 2:3; Psalm 31:19; Psalm 94:4; so also Psalm 75:6 (compare צַוָּאר). Topical Lexicon Overview The noun עָתָק portrays arrogant, overbearing speech—words that rise above their proper place and presume upon God or people. Though rare, its occurrences form a tight cluster that exposes the heart-condition God consistently opposes: pride expressed through the mouth. Semantic Nuance and Imagery The term evokes the idea of going beyond set limits. It pictures speech that “pushes out” or “projects upward,” conveying self-exaltation. Each context links the word to lips, tongue, or horn, so the arrogance is verbal, not merely inward attitude. The imagery warns that the mouth can transgress just as surely as deeds can. Occurrences and Literary Setting • 1 Samuel 2:3 introduces the concept in Hannah’s song: “Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed.” Spoken as Israel transitions from corrupt priesthood to prophetic leadership, the verse places arrogant speech under divine scrutiny. Historical and Cultural Background Ancient Near Eastern society valued honor, yet Scripture calls for honor that is received from God, not seized by the tongue. Boasting about strength, lineage, or military success was common in royal inscriptions, but Israel’s liturgy and narrative redirect honor to the Lord. The use of עָתָק in worship texts (Psalms) and a prophetic prayer (1 Samuel) confronts cultural norms that celebrated self-magnification. Theological Themes 1. Divine Omniscience versus Human Pride. Hannah’s song contrasts human boasting with God’s perfect knowledge, asserting that no arrogant word escapes His evaluation. Ministry and Spiritual Formation • Examination of Speech. These texts call believers to audit prayer meetings, pulpits, and conversations for subtle self-promotion. Homiletical and Discipleship Uses • Sermons on Humility can juxtapose עָתָק with Philippians 2:5-11, showing the model of Christ’s emptied speech. Related Concepts in Scripture Arrogance (גָּאוֹן), haughtiness (גָּבַהּ), and boastfulness (הָלַל) overlap with עָתָק but broaden from speech to attitude and action. New Testament parallels include the Greek ὑπερήφανος (“arrogant”) and ἀλαζών (“boaster”), both judged under the same divine standard (Romans 1:30; 2 Timothy 3:2). Summary Though found only four times, עָתָק exposes a universal danger: pride that escapes through the lips. Scripture’s verdict is unwavering—arrogant words invite God’s opposition and eventual reversal, while humble speech aligns the believer with His favor. Forms and Transliterations עָתָ֑ק עָתָ֖ק עָתָ֗ק עָתָֽק׃ עתק עתק׃ ‘ā·ṯāq ‘āṯāq aTakLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 2:3 HEB: גְבֹהָ֔ה יֵצֵ֥א עָתָ֖ק מִפִּיכֶ֑ם כִּ֣י NAS: proudly, Do not let arrogance come KJV: proudly; let [not] arrogancy come INT: proudly come arrogance of your mouth is a Psalm 31:18 Psalm 75:5 Psalm 94:4 4 Occurrences |
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