The Hebrew word hêm, represented by H1992, is a masculine plural pronoun primarily meaning they. It appears 44 times across 44 unique verses. As an emphatic pronoun, it is used to specifically identify or emphasize a group, translating variously as "they," "them," "these," "those," "the same," or even "such."
Beyond simple identification, H1992 often serves to differentiate between multiple subjects or to introduce a distinct group in a narrative. Its etymological connection to H1993 (hâmâh), meaning "to make a noise" or "be in commotion," subtly imbues H1992 with a sense of a discernible, often active, collective entity. This underlying meaning reinforces the pronoun's capacity to highlight a group's presence or action, making "they" not just a general reference but a specific, sometimes bustling, collection of individuals or things. The pronoun's placement can also serve a resumptive function, reiterating a previously mentioned group with renewed emphasis.
In the biblical narrative, H1992 is used to emphatically identify specific people, objects, or concepts. It points to "the same" mighty men of old in Genesis Genesis 6:4, and singles out Moses and Aaron as "these" who spoke to Pharaoh Exodus 6:27. The word also designates the high priest's attire as "these" holy garments Leviticus 16:4. In Ecclesiastes, it is used to stress a reflective point, stating that men might see that "they" themselves are like beasts Ecclesiastes 3:18. This emphatic usage clarifies identity and adds weight to the subjects being discussed.
H1992 is frequently employed to distinguish between different categories or groups within a single context, guiding the reader's focus. For example, in the narrative of Noah's ark, the pronoun leads a comprehensive listing of creatures, stating "They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind." Genesis 7:14, clearly marking the beginning of a detailed enumeration. Similarly, when describing the porters chosen for the temple gates, H1992 delineates "These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages" 1 Chronicles 9:22, separating them from other groups and emphasizing their specific appointment. This usage ensures precision, particularly when contrasting the actions or attributes of one group against another, as seen in Exodus where some judges handled small matters "themselves," while hard cases "they" brought to Moses Exodus 18:26.
Several words are contextually linked to H1992, either by its etymological root or by the nouns it frequently modifies or refers to:
- H1980 hâlak (to walk): This is the primitive root from which H1992 is derived, connecting the idea of "they" to a root verb of movement and existence.
- H1121 bên (son): H1992 is often used to refer to groups defined by their lineage, such as "the sons of men" Ecclesiastes 9:12 or "the sons of God" Genesis 6:4.
- H376 ʼîysh (man): This word for man is frequently the antecedent for H1992, as seen when describing the "wise hearted man, in whom" the Lord put wisdom Exodus 36:1.
- H430 ʼĕlôhîym (gods): The pronoun is used to refer to the false gods chosen by Israel, emphasizing that Israel should let "them" deliver them from tribulation Judges 10:14.
- H1993 hâmâh (to make a noise): This primitive root is the direct etymological source for H1992, connecting the plural pronoun "they" to the idea of a collective sound, commotion, or multitude, thus reinforcing the sense of a distinct group or entity.
The theological significance of H1992 lies in its emphatic power to specify identity, judgment, and divine purpose.
- Divine Designation: The pronoun is used to single out individuals or groups chosen by God for a specific role or blessing. For example, it identifies the craftsmen "in whom" H1992 the LORD put wisdom for building the sanctuary Exodus 36:1.
- Emphatic Judgment: H1992 is used to stress the identity of those facing judgment. The people who followed false prophets would have none to bury "them" Jeremiah 14:16, and the Ethiopians are told, "ye" H1992 shall be slain by God's sword Zephaniah 2:12.
- Defining the Sacred: The word helps to set apart what is holy. The high priest's special clothing is identified as "these" H1992 are holy garments Leviticus 16:4, and it is used in reference to the saints "that" H1992 are in the earth Psalms 16:3.
- Divine Interaction and Consecration: H1992 can highlight the subjects of divine action or the recipients of divine presence. At Meribah, the children of Israel strove with the LORD, yet "he was sanctified in them" H1992 Numbers 20:13, underscoring God's consecration and self-revelation even amidst human rebellion. This demonstrates how the pronoun can point to a group as the very locus of God's holy work or manifestation.
H1992, the Hebrew masculine plural pronoun, functions as a powerful tool of emphasis and specification within the biblical text. While fundamentally meaning "they," its usage extends to "them," "these," "those," "the same," and "such," meticulously identifying and underscoring groups, objects, or concepts. This emphatic quality clarifies identity, whether singling out the mighty men of old in Genesis Genesis 6:4, or designating Moses and Aaron as "these" who spoke to Pharaoh Exodus 6:27. Its role is crucial in distinguishing specific subjects, such as the various kinds of creatures entering Noah's ark Genesis 7:14 or the particular individuals appointed as porters in the gates of the temple 1 Chronicles 9:22.
Etymologically, H1992 traces its origin to H1993 (hâmâh), meaning "to make a noise" or "be in commotion," which subtly imbues H1992 with a sense of a discernible, often active, collective entity. This underlying meaning reinforces the pronoun's capacity to draw attention to a group as a unified, discernible presence. The pronoun also frequently interacts with words like H1121 (bên) "son" and H376 (ʼîysh) "man," defining groups by their lineage or human identity, and can even refer to H430 (ʼĕlôhîym) "gods" chosen by Israel.
Theologically, H1992 carries significant weight. It serves as a divine designator, identifying those chosen for sacred service, such as the wise-hearted craftsmen of the sanctuary Exodus 36:1, and defines sacred objects, like the high priest's "holy garments" Leviticus 16:4. Furthermore, it powerfully highlights those facing divine judgment, stressing that none would bury "them" among the unrepentant Jeremiah 14:16. Beyond designation and judgment, H1992 also speaks to humanity's collective experience, illustrating universal vulnerabilities, as seen when "the sons of men" are snared by an evil time Ecclesiastes 9:12, and underscores divine interaction, as God was sanctified "in them" amidst Israel's striving Numbers 20:13. Through its precise and emphatic application, H1992 consistently adds rhetorical force, removing ambiguity and deepening the significance of its referents throughout the Old Testament narrative.
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