הֵם

they (only used when emphatic)

Definition

הֵם (hêm) is the masculine plural independent personal pronoun meaning 'they' or 'them.' It is used to refer to a group of males or a mixed-gender group, distinct from the feminine הֵן (hên). While it can function as a standard pronoun, its primary grammatical role is often emphatic or contrastive, highlighting the subject in distinction to others. For example, in Genesis 3:7, 'the eyes of both of them were opened' uses 'them' to emphasize the shared experience of Adam and Eve. In some contexts, especially in its prolonged form הֵמָּה (hēmmâ), it can carry a demonstrative force, akin to 'these' or 'those,' as seen in lists like the names of Ishmael's sons in Genesis 25:16.

Biblical Usage

This pronoun appears over 740 times across all genres of the Old Testament, making it one of the most common words. It is frequently used in narrative to identify groups, such as the Nephilim in Genesis 6:4 ('they were the mighty men') or the kings allied with Abram in Genesis 14:13. Its emphatic function is clear in contrasts, like in Genesis 11:6 where God says of humanity, 'this they begin to do,' setting their actions apart. The prolonged form הֵמָּה often appears in poetic or formal lists for added weight.

Etymology

הֵם derives from the common Semitic root for third-person pronouns. It is the masculine plural form of the demonstrative/pronoun root הוּא (hû’, H1931, 'he'). The prolonged form הֵמָּה (hēmmâ) is an emphatic variant. The connection to H1981 (הָלַךְ, 'to go') listed in some sources is considered a typographical or traditional error in Strong's numbering; the pronoun is not etymologically related to the verb 'to walk.'

Semantic Range

As a basic pronoun, הֵם does not carry direct theological weight. However, its precise usage is crucial for accurate exegesis, as it clarifies who is acting in a narrative. In texts about God's people or His opponents, correctly identifying the 'they' can illuminate themes of covenant, judgment, or blessing. For instance, understanding that 'they' in Genesis 11:6 refers to unified humanity underscores the corporate nature of human rebellion before Babel.

In Hebrew grammar, the use of an independent pronoun like הֵם often adds emphasis or clarity, a nuance sometimes lost in English translation where 'they' is used uniformly. The language's gender specificity (masculine הֵם vs. feminine הֵן) reflects the cultural and linguistic framework of the ancient world, where mixed groups are referred to with the masculine plural.

הֵן (hên, H2007) — The feminine plural independent pronoun 'they,' used for groups of females. הֵמָּה (hēmmâ, H1992) — The prolonged, often more emphatic, form of the same masculine plural pronoun. הוּא (hû’, H1931) — The masculine singular 'he,' from which the plural form is derived.

Word Details

Scripture References