Original Word: אָצַל
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: atsal
Pronunciation: aw-tsal'
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-tsal')
Definition: To reserve, to withdraw, to separate, to set apart
Meaning: to separate, to select, refuse, contract

keep, reserve, straiten, take

A primitive root; properly, to join; used only as a denominative from 'etsel; to separate; hence, to select, refuse, contract -- keep, reserve, straiten, take.

see HEBREW 'etsel

Word Origin
a denominative verb from the same as etsel
Definition
to lay aside, reserve, withdraw, withhold
NASB Translation
refuse (1), reserved (1), set back (1), take (1), took (1).

[אָצַל] verb denominative lay aside, reserve, withdraw, withhold —

Qal Perfect אָצַלְתָּ Genesis 27:36; אָצַלְתִּי Ecclesiastes 2:10; וְאָֽצַלְתִּ֫י consecutive Numbers 11:17; — reserve, לִי בְרָכָה Genesis 27:36; (withdraw), set apart מִןהָֿרוּחַ Numbers 11:17; withhold מֵהֶם Ecclesiastes 2:10.

Niph`al Perfect נֶאֱצַל Ezekiel 42:6 be withdrawn, i.e. shortened or narrowed.

Hiph`il Imperfect וַיָּאצֶל Numbers 11:25 (Kö^{1. 390}) = Qal Numbers 11:17.

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G851 (aphorizo): This Greek term means "to separate" or "to set apart," closely aligning with the primary meaning of אָצַל in terms of distinguishing or dividing for a specific purpose.
• G3635 (oikonomia): While primarily meaning "stewardship" or "administration," this term can relate to the idea of selection and management, akin to the selective aspect of אָצַל.
• G5275 (hypostello): This Greek word means "to withdraw" or "to shrink back," which can correspond to the aspect of refusal or withholding inherent in אָצַל.

In summary, אָצַל (atsal) is a multifaceted Hebrew verb that encompasses the ideas of separation, selection, refusal, and contraction, with applications in both physical and spiritual contexts within the biblical narrative.

Usage: The term is used in various contexts within the Hebrew Bible, often relating to the act of separating or setting apart, whether in a physical, ceremonial, or metaphorical sense.

Context: The Hebrew verb אָצַל (atsal) appears in several key passages in the Old Testament, illustrating its diverse applications. In Numbers 11:17, the Lord instructs Moses to gather seventy elders of Israel, and He will "take of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them," demonstrating the concept of separation and distribution of spiritual authority. This act of separation is not merely physical but also spiritual, indicating a transfer or sharing of divine empowerment.

In another instance, 2 Kings 6:17, Elisha prays for his servant's eyes to be opened, and the Lord reveals the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire. Here, the separation is between the seen and unseen realms, highlighting a divine selection and revelation.

The verb can also imply a refusal or withholding, as seen in contexts where something is deliberately kept back or not granted. This aspect of the word underscores a decision-making process, where certain elements are chosen or rejected based on divine or human criteria.

The concept of contracting or reducing is less frequently encountered but can be inferred in contexts where limitation or restriction is applied, whether in resources, numbers, or influence.

אָצַ֖לְתִּי אָצַ֥לְתָּ אצלת אצלתי וְאָצַלְתִּ֗י וַיָּ֗אצֶל ואצלתי ויאצל נֶאֱצַ֗ל נאצל ’ā·ṣal·tā ’ā·ṣal·tî ’āṣaltā ’āṣaltî aTzalta aTzalti ne’ĕṣal ne·’ĕ·ṣal neeTzal vaiYatzel veatzalTi way·yā·ṣel wayyāṣel wə’āṣaltî wə·’ā·ṣal·tîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts