a.tsal describes holding something back or setting it aside, including a blessing, spirit, space, or personal enjoyment.

The attested uses show setting aside or holding back something in relation to another person or purpose: a blessing requested for oneself, some spirit placed upon others, space set apart in a structure, and enjoyment not withheld from oneself.

1. Holding back or setting something aside · dominant

   In Numbers 11:17 and Numbers 11:25, Qal forms occur in clauses where some of the spirit upon one person is put upon others; the APB renders this as reserving some of the spirit before it is placed upon them. In Genesis 27:36, the Qal perfect occurs in the request that a blessing be kept for the speaker; Ecclesiastes 2:10 negates such withholding from the eyes and heart, while Ezekiel 42:6 uses a Niphal form for space reserved from the lower and middle levels.

   Numbers 11:17Numbers 11:25Genesis 27:36Ecclesiastes 2:10Ezekiel 42:6

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB variously presents the clauses with “reserved,” “withhold,” and “refuse,” including space “reserved” in Ezekiel 42:6. These are presentations of the surrounding clauses rather than fixed English equivalents.