אֵם

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively (like father))

Definition

The Hebrew word אֵם (ʼêm) primarily means 'mother,' referring to a female parent. It often appears in genealogies and family narratives, such as when Eve is called 'the mother of all living' (Genesis 3:20). Beyond the literal sense, it can denote a female ancestor, as in Genesis 20:12 where Sarah is Abraham's half-sister, 'the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother.' Figuratively, the word extends to concepts of origin or source, like a 'mother city' or a founding clan. In a few cases, it refers to an animal mother, or 'dam' (e.g., Leviticus 22:27).

Biblical Usage

אֵם is used approximately 200 times across the Old Testament, most frequently in narrative books like Genesis, Exodus, and Samuel. It commonly appears in family contexts, describing relationships (Genesis 2:24, 'a man shall leave his father and his mother'), blessings, and legal stipulations (e.g., the command to honor father and mother in Exodus 20:12). It is also used in poetic and prophetic literature to convey nurturing or foundational imagery, such as in Isaiah's depiction of Jerusalem as a mother (Isaiah 66:13).

Etymology

אֵם is a primitive, foundational noun in Hebrew, likely derived from a common Semitic root for 'mother' (cf. Arabic 'umm'). It is related to the word for 'tribe' or 'people' (אֻמָּה, 'ummah, H523), suggesting an original connection between motherhood and social or clan identity. Its meaning has remained stable across Semitic languages.

Semantic Range

The concept of 'mother' in Scripture is theologically significant. It is integral to the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12) and the created order of family (Genesis 2:24). God Himself uses maternal imagery to describe His compassion (Isaiah 66:13). Understanding אֵם enriches readings of key passages about lineage, covenant promises (e.g., the matriarchs), and the personification of wisdom (Proverbs 1-9) or Zion as a mother figure, highlighting themes of nurture, origin, and covenantal faithfulness.

In ancient Israelite culture, a mother was central to the family's identity, stability, and honor. Her role extended beyond childbearing to include teaching (Proverbs 1:8) and household management. The term could also denote a female head of a household or clan. This cultural weight makes the dishonoring of one's mother a grave offense (Proverbs 30:17) and gives depth to its figurative uses for cities or nations.

אִמָּה (ʼimmah, H517) — a poetic or variant form of 'mother'. אֵם (ʼêm) is the standard form. אָב (ʼav, H1) — 'father,' the male counterpart in the parental pair. יוֹלֵדָה (yoledah, H3205) — 'bearer' or 'woman in childbirth,' focusing on the act of birthing.

Word Details

Scripture References