הֵם
abundance, i.e. wealth
Definition
The Hebrew word הֵם (hêm) refers to 'abundance' or 'wealth,' specifically denoting material riches or possessions. In its sole biblical occurrence in Ezekiel 7:11, it describes the 'abundance' of the wicked that has become a source of violence and pride, leading to judgment. The term emphasizes not just possession, but a state of plentiful resources, often with a connotation of excess. Its meaning is consistently tied to tangible prosperity rather than abstract concepts.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Ezekiel 7:11, within a prophetic oracle of doom against Judah. Here, 'abundance' (hêm) is directly linked to the violence and arrogance of the people, illustrating how their wealth has corrupted them and provoked God's wrath. The context is entirely negative, portraying material prosperity as a catalyst for sin and impending divine judgment.
Etymology
הֵם (hêm) is derived from the root הָמָה (H1993, hāmâ), meaning 'to murmur,' 'roar,' 'be tumultuous,' or 'be in an uproar.' This connection suggests that the original sense of 'abundance' may have carried an implication of something that is noisy, bustling, or overwhelming in quantity, evolving to denote plentiful wealth or resources.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, הֵם carries theological weight in its context. It highlights the biblical theme that wealth without righteousness is perilous. In Ezekiel 7:11, abundance is not a blessing but a snare that fuels violence and pride, leading to God's judgment. This warns against trusting in material security and underscores the prophetic call to justice and reliance on God rather than riches.
In ancient Israelite culture, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's blessing (e.g., Abraham, Solomon). However, prophets like Ezekiel frequently challenged this view, warning that ill-gotten or pride-inducing wealth could incur divine displeasure. The use of הֵם in Ezekiel reflects this critical prophetic perspective, where abundance is reinterpreted not as a reward but as a potential catalyst for social injustice and moral decay.
עֹשֶׁר (ʿōšer, H6239) — a more common general term for wealth or riches. הוֹן (hôn, H1952) — substance, wealth, often implying material possessions. כָּבוֹד (kāḇôḏ, H3519) — in some contexts, can denote riches or abundance as a form of 'weight' or honor.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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