עָתִיק
properly, antique, i.e. venerable or splendid
Definition
The Hebrew word עָתִיק (ʻâthîyq) fundamentally means 'ancient' or 'venerable,' carrying connotations of something that is old, enduring, and thus esteemed or splendid. It describes an object of great age that has stood the test of time, acquiring dignity and value. In its sole biblical occurrence in Isaiah 23:18, it is used to describe merchandise that is 'durable' or 'set apart' for God, implying goods of lasting, venerable quality. The related Aramaic term in Daniel 7, 'Ancient of Days' (עַתִּיק יוֹמִין), shares this root and powerfully depicts God's eternal, majestic antiquity.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Isaiah 23:18. There, it describes the merchandise of Tyre, which will become 'holy to the LORD' and will not be stored or hoarded, but its gain will provide food and fine clothing. The context suggests the merchandise is not merely old, but of a durable, lasting, and venerable quality, fit to be dedicated to God's service. Its singular usage makes it a unique and pointed descriptor.
Etymology
The noun עָתִיק (ʻâthîyq) derives from the root עָתַק (ʻâthaq, H6275), which means 'to move,' 'to proceed,' or 'to be removed.' From this idea of advancement or removal comes the sense of something that has advanced in age—something ancient, removed in time. Cognates in other Semitic languages also carry meanings related to being old or advanced. The meaning developed from the basic concept of moving forward in time to denote venerable antiquity.
Semantic Range
Though used only once directly, this word is theologically significant due to its conceptual link to the divine title 'Ancient of Days' in Daniel 7:9, 13, 22. This connection enriches our understanding of God's eternal, unchanging, and majestic nature. The use in Isaiah 23:18 also highlights a theology of dedication, where even commercial wealth of enduring quality is ultimately for God's purposes and the provision of His people. It points to God's sovereignty over all things, even trade and material goods.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, antiquity was often equated with wisdom, stability, and honor. Something described as 'ancient' or 'durable' was not seen as obsolete but as proven, reliable, and worthy of respect. In the mercantile context of Isaiah 23, describing merchandise as 'durable' (ʻâthîyq) signified goods of the highest, most lasting quality—the kind of wealth that would be fitting for a temple treasury or royal use, thus making its dedication to the LORD culturally understandable.
קֶדֶם (qedem, H6924) — emphasizes ancient times or the east; more temporal. יָשָׁן (yāshān, H3465) — means simply 'old' or 'used,' without the inherent connotation of venerability. זָקֵן (zāqēn, H2205) — primarily means 'old' as in aged, often for people, and by extension, 'elder' with authority.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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