Original Word: עָצֵב
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: `atseb
Pronunciation: aw-tseb' or ats-tsawb'
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-tsabe')
Definition: Idol, image, pain, sorrow
Meaning: a, workman

labor

From atsab; a (hired) workman -- labour.

see HEBREW atsab

Word Origin
from atsab
Definition
toiler
NASB Translation
workers (1).

[עָצֵב, > עַצָּב] noun [masculine] toiler (properly sufferer; less well עֶצֶב toil Thes Kö^{ii. 1, 29} and others); — plural suffix עַצְּבֵיכֶם תִּנְנּ֑שֹׁוּ Isaiah 58:3 (dagesh forte dirimens Ges^{§ 20h}) your toilers ye drive on; Klo Che עֲבֹט בְּיֶדְכֶם (compare Vrss in part) money lent on pledge ye exact.

Word Origin: Derived from the root עָצַב (atzab), which means "to fashion" or "to shape."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of a craftsman or artisan in the context of idol-making can be related to several Greek terms in the New Testament, though there is no direct one-to-one correspondence. Some related Greek terms include:
• τέκτων (tekton): A general term for a craftsman or builder, often used to describe a carpenter.
• δημιουργός (demiourgos): Refers to a craftsman or creator, though not specifically in the context of idol-making.

These Greek terms capture the broader concept of craftsmanship and creation, which can be seen in various New Testament contexts, though they do not carry the specific connotation of idolatry associated with עָצֵב.

Usage: The word עָצֵב is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe craftsmen or artisans, particularly those involved in the making of idols. It highlights the skill and labor involved in the creation of physical objects, often with a negative connotation due to the association with idolatry.

Context: The Hebrew term עָצֵב (atzeb) appears in the context of craftsmanship and artistry, particularly in the making of idols. This word is used to describe individuals who are skilled in shaping and fashioning materials into specific forms. In the Old Testament, the role of the עָצֵב is often viewed negatively, as their work is associated with the creation of idols, which are condemned in the biblical narrative.

For example, in the book of Isaiah, the prophet speaks against the futility of idol-making, highlighting the work of the עָצֵב as ultimately worthless in the face of the living God. The Berean Standard Bible translates Isaiah 44:12 as: "The blacksmith takes a tool and works with it in the coals; he shapes an idol with hammers, and forges it with the might of his arm. He grows hungry and loses his strength; he drinks no water and grows faint."

This passage illustrates the labor-intensive process undertaken by the עָצֵב, yet it underscores the futility of their efforts when directed towards idolatry. The work of the עָצֵב is contrasted with the power and sovereignty of God, who is not made by human hands.

עַצְּבֵיכֶ֖ם עצביכם ‘aṣ·ṣə·ḇê·ḵem ‘aṣṣəḇêḵem atztzeveiChemInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts