plural of לְאֹם; communities; Leum mim, an Arabian; Leummim.
Transliteration:Lᵉʼummîym
Pronunciation:leh-oom-meem'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word לְאֻמִּים (Lᵉʼummîym), Strong's `{{H3817}}`, is the plural form of the noun לְאֹם (lᵉʼom), Strong's `{{H3816}}`. The singular form, `{{H3816}}`, carries the primary meaning of "people," "nation," or "community," often emphasizing a distinct group or populace. As a plural, לְאֻמִּים would theoretically denote "peoples," "nations," or "communities" in a general sense. However, its sole occurrence in the biblical text is as a proper noun, "Leummim," referring to a specific individual or tribal group. This suggests a semantic range that encompasses both the general concept of multiple peoples (derived from its root) and a specific designation for a familial or tribal entity within the genealogical records.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term לְאֻמִּים (Lᵉʼummîym), Strong's `{{H3817}}`, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* **[[Genesis 25:3]]**: "And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim."
In this context, Leummim is listed as one of the three sons of Dedan, who was a son of Jokshan, one of Abraham's sons by Keturah. Here, לְאֻמִּים functions exclusively as a proper noun, identifying a specific individual or, more likely given the pattern of such genealogies, an eponymous ancestor of an Arabian tribe. This usage aligns with the "an Arabian" part of its definition. While morphologically a plural, its singular biblical attestation as a proper noun means it does not function as a general plural for "peoples" in the biblical text itself. Instead, it contributes to the detailed lineage of Abraham's descendants, illustrating the expansive nature of his progeny and the formation of the surrounding nations.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the singular form, לְאֹם (lᵉʼom), Strong's `{{H3816}}`. This singular form is used more broadly in the Hebrew Bible to refer to "people" or "nation," often in poetic or prophetic contexts, such as in [[Genesis 25:23]] where Rebekah is told, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated."
Other significant Hebrew terms for "people" or "nation" include:
* עַם (am), Strong's `{{H5971}}`: This is a very common term for "people," often referring to a specific group united by kinship, common descent, or political ties, most frequently used for the people of Israel.
* גּוֹי (goy), Strong's `{{H1471}}`: This term also means "nation" or "people." While it can refer to Israel, it is very frequently used to denote non-Israelite nations, often translated as "Gentiles."
While לְאֻמִּים (`{{H3817}}`) itself is limited to a proper noun, its connection to לְאֹם (`{{H3816}}`) places it within a semantic field concerned with the formation, distinctiveness, and interaction of various human groups or nations in God's overarching plan. The nuances among these terms (`{{H3816}}`, `{{H5971}}`, `{{H1471}}`) often depend on context, emphasizing different aspects such as origin, covenant relationship, or geopolitical status.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of לְאֻמִּים (Lᵉʼummîym), Strong's `{{H3817}}`, is primarily derived from its role within the Abrahamic covenant and the broader biblical narrative of nations. As a proper noun in [[Genesis 25:3]], Leummim represents one of the numerous descendants of Abraham through Keturah, fulfilling God's promise that Abraham would be the "father of a multitude of nations" ([[Genesis 17:4-5]]). This specific lineage highlights the divine sovereign plan for the expansion of humanity and the formation of diverse peoples, even those outside the direct covenant line of Isaac.
While the term itself does not carry a direct theological teaching, its placement in the genealogical record underscores:
1. **Divine Faithfulness**: God's promise to Abraham was not merely about a single nation (Israel) but about an expansive progeny that would contribute to the tapestry of human peoples.
2. **The Origin of Nations**: The genealogies in Genesis, including the listing of Leummim, provide a biblical framework for understanding the origins and relationships of the various peoples of the ancient Near East, all ultimately tracing back to a common ancestor.
3. **God's Universal Scope**: The inclusion of groups like Leummim, who would become Arabian tribes, subtly points to God's interest and involvement with all peoples, not just the chosen line of Israel. This foreshadows the universal scope of salvation later revealed in the New Testament.
### Summary
לְאֻמִּים (Lᵉʼummîym), Strong's `{{H3817}}`, is the plural form of the Hebrew noun for "people" or "nation" (לְאֹם, `{{H3816}}`). Despite its morphological plural nature, its sole biblical occurrence is as a proper noun in [[Genesis 25:3]], where it designates Leummim, one of the sons of Dedan and a descendant of Abraham through Keturah. In this context, Leummim represents an eponymous ancestor of an Arabian tribe, contributing to the detailed genealogical record of Abraham's expansive progeny. While the term itself does not function as a general plural for "communities" in the biblical text, its root connects it to the broader concept of distinct peoples and nations. Its inclusion in the Abrahamic lineage subtly underscores God's faithfulness to His promise of a multitudinous offspring for Abraham and highlights the divine plan in the formation and diversification of the world's peoples.
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