prolongation for prepositional prefix; in, with, by, etc.; for, in into, through.
Transliteration:bᵉmôw
Pronunciation:bem-o'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma בְּמוֹ (bᵉmôw), Strong's number `{{H1119}}`, is understood as a rare and archaic prolongation or emphatic form of the common prepositional prefix בְּ (bet). Its core meaning therefore aligns directly with the broad semantic range of בְּ, encompassing notions of location ("in," "into"), instrumentality ("by," "with"), association ("with"), manner ("in"), and sometimes cause or purpose ("for," "through"). The added מוֹ element is not a separate root but a morphological variant, potentially serving to emphasize the prepositional relationship or to mark an older linguistic stratum. While its precise function as a "prolongation" is debated among scholars, it suggests a more pronounced or perhaps poetic rendering of the prepositional idea, distinguishing it from the ubiquitous simple form.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrence of בְּמוֹ (bᵉmôw) as a distinct word or independent morpheme is exceedingly rare and primarily a subject of scholarly conjecture rather than direct textual evidence. Strong's Concordance lists only one proposed instance for `{{H1119}}`, found in:
* **[[Genesis 15:2]]**: "And Abram said, 'Lord GOD, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?'" The traditional Masoretic Text reads וּבֶן־מֶשֶׁק בֵּיתִי (uven-mesheq beiti), typically translated as "and the son of possession/steward of my house." However, some ancient versions and scholarly interpretations propose that בֶּן־מֶשֶׁק here might be an archaic or corrupted form of בְּמוֹ מֶשֶׁק, meaning "in respect of property" or "as to the possession of my house." If this interpretation holds, then `{{H1119}}` (בְּמוֹ) would function adverbially, modifying Abram's status not as having a literal "son of the steward," but rather as being without a direct heir *in relation to* his vast possessions. This interpretation highlights Abram's concern for an heir to inherit his physical wealth, setting the stage for God's subsequent promise of a biological descendant. It is crucial to note that this is a debated reading, and the traditional understanding remains prevalent. Due to its extreme rarity and interpretive nature, `{{H1119}}` does not offer a broad range of contextual examples for analysis.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related linguistic element is the common Hebrew prepositional prefix בְּ (bet), which functions identically in its core semantic range ("in, with, by"). While the preposition בְּ itself does not have a distinct Strong's number as it is a prefix, its pervasive use throughout the Hebrew Bible makes it the direct semantic and grammatical antecedent to `{{H1119}}`. The "prolongation" aspect of בְּמוֹ suggests a possible connection to other emphatic or archaic particles found in Semitic languages. Concepts associated with prepositions like בְּמוֹ include:
* **Locality and Presence**: Indicating being "in" a place or state.
* **Instrumentality and Agency**: Denoting the means "by which" something is done or the agent "with whom" an action occurs.
* **Association and Concomitance**: Expressing being "with" someone or something.
* **Manner and Condition**: Describing "how" something is done or "in what state" it exists.
* **Purpose and Cause**: Less commonly, indicating "for" a reason or "through" a cause.
Other prepositions that share some functional overlap include אֶל (to, toward), עִם (with), and עַל (on, over), though their specific nuances differ.
### Theological Significance
Given the extremely limited and debated occurrence of בְּמוֹ (bᵉmôw) as a distinct lexical item, its inherent theological significance is not robust. Any theological weight it carries derives primarily from the broader theological implications of prepositional relationships in general, or from the specific context of its proposed appearance in [[Genesis 15:2]].
If the interpretation of בְּמוֹ מֶשֶׁק in [[Genesis 15:2]] is accepted, then `{{H1119}}` underscores Abram's immediate, earthly concern for an heir to his material wealth. This human perspective of inheritance, focused on possessions, stands in stark contrast to God's subsequent, divine promise of an heir from Abram's own body, leading to an innumerable spiritual lineage. Thus, the word, if present, highlights the human-centric view of legacy before God elevates it to a covenantal, faith-based promise. The very rarity or archaic nature of the word might also suggest its use in a foundational narrative, hinting at ancient linguistic forms that convey deep, foundational truths about human need and divine provision. Ultimately, the theological significance rests more on the *context* of its singular proposed appearance than on the word itself.
### Summary
בְּמוֹ (bᵉmôw), Strong's number `{{H1119}}`, is understood as a rare and archaic prolongation of the common Hebrew prepositional prefix בְּ (bet). Its semantic range mirrors that of בְּ, conveying notions of "in, with, by, for, into, through." Its presence in the Hebrew Bible is highly debated, with the primary scholarly proposal identifying it within בֶּן־מֶשֶׁק in [[Genesis 15:2]], where it would signify "in respect of property." This interpretation, though not universally accepted, underscores Abram's concern for an heir to his material possessions, setting the stage for God's transformative covenantal promise. Due to its extreme rarity and interpretive nature, `{{H1119}}` does not carry independent theological weight but rather contributes to the nuanced understanding of a specific, foundational biblical narrative.
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