### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yôwmâm**, represented by `{{H3119}}`, means **daily** or **by day**. Derived from `{{H3117}}` **yôwm**, the word for day, it appears 51 times in 50 verses. It is frequently used in contrast with night to describe continuous action or to specify events that happen during daylight hours.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3119}}` is central to describing God's unwavering guidance of Israel. The LORD went before the people in a pillar of a cloud by **day** to lead them in the way [[Exodus 13:21]]. This divine presence was a constant, as the pillar of the cloud did not depart from them by **day** [[Nehemiah 9:19]]. The word also denotes continuous devotion or supplication, such as meditating on the law **day** and night [[Joshua 1:8]] or praying before God **day** and night [[Nehemiah 1:6]]. It is also used to describe unending sorrow, with tears running down **day** and night [[Jeremiah 14:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context to the meaning of **yôwmâm**:
* `{{H3117}}` **yôwm** (day): As the root word, it signifies a day or a space of time. Its relationship is foundational, as **yôwmâm** specifies the daytime portion of a **yôwm**. It appears in phrases like abiding at the door of the tabernacle seven **days** [[Leviticus 8:35]].
* `{{H3915}}` **layil** (night): This word is the direct counterpart to **yôwmâm** and often appears alongside it to express a complete 24-hour cycle of activity, such as God leading Israel by **day** and **night** [[Exodus 13:21]].
* `{{H216}}` **ʼôwr** (light): This term for illumination is inherently connected to the daytime. God gives the sun for a **light** by **day** [[Jeremiah 31:35]], and He led Israel with a **light** of fire at night [[Psalms 78:14]].
* `{{H6051}}` **ʻânân** (cloud): This word is directly associated with God's presence by **day** during the exodus, where He led the people in a pillar of a **cloud** [[Numbers 14:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3119}}` is expressed through its consistent use in key themes:
* **Divine Guidance:** The pillar of cloud by **day** is a powerful symbol of God's faithful and visible presence leading His people through the wilderness ([[Deuteronomy 1:33]], [[Exodus 40:38]]).
* **Constant Devotion:** The command to meditate on the law **day** and night establishes a principle of unceasing focus on and delight in God's commands ([[Joshua 1:8]], [[Psalms 1:2]]).
* **Covenant Stability:** God's covenant is compared to the certainty of **day** and night, illustrating its unbreakable and enduring nature [[Jeremiah 33:25]]. His lovingkindness is commanded in the **daytime** [[Psalms 42:8]].
* **Divine Protection:** Scripture promises protection from dangers specific to the daytime, such as the sun that shall not smite by **day** [[Psalms 121:6]] and the provision of a shadow in the **daytime** from the heat [[Isaiah 4:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3119}}` does more than simply mark the hours of daylight. It serves as a vehicle to communicate God's constant guidance, His call for perpetual devotion, and the steadfastness of His covenant promises. Whether describing the LORD's leading cloud or the ceaseless prayers of His servants, **yôwmâm** emphasizes endurance and consistency in the relationship between God and humanity.
TRV