עָצַם
a.tsam
to shut eyes
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word עָצַם (atsam) has a specific meaning: "to shut eyes." This action is classified under the semantic domain of Physical Action, indicating that it is a tangible, physical behavior. It appears in the Bible only twice, suggesting that its usage is relatively limited. Given its definition, this verb likely implies a state of closure, concealment, or even deception by withholding one's gaze. Its significance may lie in its implications of hiding or covering up one's sight, possibly in a context of secrecy, ignorance, or deliberate avoidance. Without more context, the specific connotations of this action cannot be determined, but it is clear that it involves a deliberate choice to withhold one's visual attention.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences across the text
For Yahweh has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes, the prophets; and he has covered your heads, the seers.
Isaiah 33:15He who walks righteously and speaks blamelessly, he who despises the gain of oppressions, who gestures with his hands, refusing to take a bribe, who stops his ears from hearing of blood, and shuts his eyes from looking at evil—