אַתָּה

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

Definition

אַתָּה (ʼattâh) is the primary second-person singular masculine pronoun in Biblical Hebrew, meaning 'you' (thou/thee). It is used to address an individual male directly, often in contexts of personal communication, command, or covenant relationship. In its plural forms (אַתֶּם for masculine, אַתֶּן or אַתֵּנָה for feminine), it addresses groups, meaning 'you all' (ye/you). The singular form is frequently employed in divine-human dialogue, such as when God speaks to individuals like Adam in Genesis 3:11 or Cain in Genesis 4:7, emphasizing personal accountability. The plural appears in addresses to Israel, as in Exodus 20:2-3 where God says, 'I am the Lord your God... you shall have no other gods before me,' highlighting collective responsibility.

Biblical Usage

This pronoun occurs nearly 1,000 times across the Old Testament, appearing in every genre from narrative to prophecy. It is most common in direct speech, especially in covenantal contexts like the giving of the Law (e.g., Deuteronomy) and prophetic oracles (e.g., Isaiah). In singular form, it often marks intimate or confrontational address, as in God's questioning of Adam in Genesis 3:11 ('Who told you that you were naked?'). Plural forms typically address the nation of Israel, such as in Exodus 19:4-5 where God says, 'You yourselves have seen what I did... you shall be my treasured possession.' Its usage underscores the personal nature of biblical revelation.

Etymology

אַתָּה is a primitive, independent personal pronoun with no clear verbal root, common to Semitic languages (cognates include Arabic 'anta' and Aramaic 'אַנְתְּ'). Its forms are irregular: the masculine singular is אַתָּה, feminine singular is אַתְּ (or rarely אַתִּי), masculine plural is אַתֶּם, and feminine plural is אַתֶּן or אַתֵּנָה. The vowel variations likely reflect dialectical or historical developments in Hebrew. As a basic pronoun, it has remained stable in meaning, simply denoting the second person without inherent semantic shift.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant because it personalizes God's communication with humanity. In singular form, it highlights individual covenant relationship and responsibility, as seen in God's direct addresses to patriarchs, kings, and prophets. For example, in Genesis 17:1, God tells Abraham, 'I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless,' using אַתָּה to underscore Abraham's personal role. Plural forms emphasize corporate identity, reminding Israel of their collective calling as God's people. Understanding אַתָּה enriches Bible reading by revealing how Scripture often speaks directly to the reader, inviting personal response to God's word.

In ancient Near Eastern culture, direct address with a pronoun like אַתָּה could convey authority, intimacy, or social hierarchy. When used by God or a superior, it often implied command or covenant expectation, reflecting the patron-client relationships common in the era. Unlike modern English 'you,' which is gender-neutral and number-ambiguous, Hebrew's distinct forms clarify whether one person or a group, male or female, is being addressed, adding precision to communication. This linguistic feature highlights the importance of community and individual roles within Israelite society.

אַתְּ (ʼat, H859) — feminine singular form of 'you'. הוּא (hûʼ, H1931) — third-person masculine singular 'he', used for indirect reference rather than direct address. אֲנִי (ʼănî, H589) — first-person singular 'I', contrasting as the speaker's self-reference.

Word Details

Scripture References