עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e. in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically
Definition
The Hebrew word עִם (ʻim) is a versatile preposition and conjunction primarily meaning 'with,' expressing accompaniment, association, or close relationship. It denotes being together in a physical sense (Genesis 3:6, where Eve gives the fruit 'with' Adam), in a relational sense (Genesis 13:1, Abram went up from Egypt 'with' his wife and all he had), and in a comparative sense meaning 'like' or 'as' (Genesis 18:25, 'Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?'). It can also imply reciprocity or mutual action, as seen in covenantal contexts.
Biblical Usage
עִם appears over 900 times across all genres of the Old Testament, making it one of the most common prepositions. It frequently describes God's presence with His people (e.g., Genesis 26:3, 'I will be with you'), a key theme in the biblical narrative. It is used for simple accompaniment (Genesis 13:14), for indicating the parties in a dialogue or dispute (Genesis 18:23, Abraham pleading 'with' God), and in legal or comparative contexts. Its usage with pronominal suffixes (e.g., 'immî' - 'with me') is very common.
Etymology
Derived from the root עָמַם (ʻāmam, H6004), which conveys the sense of association, joining, or being deep. This root connection emphasizes the core idea of closeness and intimate connection inherent in the preposition 'with.'
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it encapsulates the biblical theme of God's relational presence. The promise 'I will be with you' (e.g., to Isaac in Genesis 26:3, to Moses in Exodus 3:12, and ultimately fulfilled in 'Immanuel,' God with us) hinges on this term. Understanding עִם enriches reading by highlighting the personal, accompanying nature of God's relationship with His covenant people, contrasting with a distant deity.
In the ancient Near Eastern context, the concept of 'being with' someone carried strong connotations of alliance, protection, and shared identity. A superior declaring they were 'with' an inferior was a pledge of support and defense. This cultural understanding deepens the impact of God's promises to be 'with' the patriarchs and Israel.
אֶת (ʼet, H854) — A more direct accusative marker or 'with,' often less relational; לְ (lᵉ, H0) — The preposition 'to' or 'for,' indicating direction or benefit, not accompaniment.
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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