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H857 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אָתָה
Atah (2)
Verb (variant)
To come (poetic/prophetic form)

Definition

A poetic variant form of atah meaning to come or arrive, used especially in older Hebrew poetry. Its appearances in Deuteronomy and the Psalms are in elevated, archaic poetic style befitting hymns of divine majesty and theophany.

Usage & Theological Significance

The archaic form of this verb in Deuteronomy 33 places it in the Blessing of Moses — one of the oldest poems in Scripture. The language of God 'coming' in theophanic arrival undergirds the entire biblical narrative of divine visitation: from Sinai to the incarnation to the final return. Each appearance of God is both a foretaste and a guarantee of the ultimate coming — when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess.

Key Bible Verses

Deuteronomy 33:2 He said, 'The LORD came from Sinai and dawned from Seir upon us; he shone forth from Mount Paran; he came (atah) from the ten thousands of holy ones.'
Isaiah 35:4 Say to those who have an anxious heart, 'Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance.'
Psalm 50:3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence; before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest.
Habakkuk 3:3 God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. His splendor covered the heavens.
Revelation 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.'

Related Words

External Resources

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