from לֹא and עַם with pronominal suffix; not my people; Lo-Ammi, the symbolic name of a son of Hosea; Lo-ammi.
Transliteration:Lôʼ ʻAmmîy
Pronunciation:lo am-mee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase `{{H3818}}` (Lôʼ ʻAmmîy) is a composite term derived from `{{H3808}}` (לֹא, *loʼ*), meaning "no" or "not," and `{{H5971}}` (עַם, *‘am*), meaning "people" or "nation," combined with the first-person singular pronominal suffix "-î" ("my"). Thus, its literal and foundational meaning is "not my people." This phrase signifies a profound state of disinheritance, rejection, or a severed relationship from God's perspective. It is a declaration of a broken covenant, expressing God's withdrawal of His special relationship and protection from those who were once His chosen. The semantic range is primarily theological, indicating a divine pronouncement of spiritual estrangement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary and most significant occurrence of `{{H3818}}` is found in the book of Hosea, where it serves as the symbolic name given to the third child of the prophet Hosea and his wife, Gomer.
In [[Hosea 1:9]], God explicitly commands Hosea to name his son "Lo-Ammi," stating, "for you are not My people, and I am not your God." This naming act is a powerful prophetic sign, embodying God's judgment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) for their persistent idolatry, unfaithfulness, and breach of the Mosaic covenant. The preceding symbolic names, Jezreel (`{{H3157}}`) and Lo-Ruhamah (`{{H3819}}`), represent God's judgment and withdrawal of mercy, respectively. "Lo-Ammi" is the climax of this series of judgments, signifying the ultimate severing of the covenant relationship. It foreshadows the impending Assyrian exile (722 BCE), where Israel would be scattered and no longer dwell in their land as God's distinct people.
Crucially, the prophecy of Hosea does not end with this declaration of judgment. In [[Hosea 2:23]] (often [[Hosea 2:25]] in some English translations), a promise of restoration is given: "I will sow her for Myself in the land; I will have mercy on Lo-Ruhamah, and I will say to those who were not My people, 'You are My people,' and they shall say, 'You are my God.'" This reversal of "Lo-Ammi" to "Ammi" ("My People") demonstrates God's enduring faithfulness and His ultimate plan for restoration, even after severe judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H3818}}` is enriched by examining its constituent parts and parallel concepts:
* `{{H3808}}` (לֹא, *loʼ*): The particle of negation, emphasizing the complete denial of the relationship.
* `{{H5971}}` (עַם, *‘am*): "People," a foundational term for Israel's identity as God's chosen nation. The absence of this relationship is devastating.
* `{{H3819}}` (לֹא רֻחָמָה, *Lôʼ Ruchamah*): "Not Pitied" or "No Mercy," another symbolic name in Hosea 1, signifying God's withdrawal of compassion. This parallels "Lo-Ammi" in expressing divine judgment.
* `{{H1285}}` (בְּרִית, *berit*): "Covenant." The declaration "Lo-Ammi" directly signifies the breaking or suspension of the covenant relationship between God and Israel due to their unfaithfulness.
* Concepts of unfaithfulness, idolatry, judgment, exile, and divine wrath are all intimately connected to the meaning and context of "Lo-Ammi."
* Conversely, concepts of repentance, restoration, mercy, grace, and divine faithfulness are seen in the prophetic reversal of "Lo-Ammi" to "Ammi."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3818}}` is profound and multi-layered:
1. **Divine Justice and Sovereignty:** "Lo-Ammi" underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His righteous judgment against sin, particularly against a people who have repeatedly violated their covenant obligations through idolatry and spiritual adultery. It demonstrates that God's covenant is conditional upon human obedience, and disobedience carries severe consequences.
2. **Covenant Theology:** The phrase vividly illustrates the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant. Israel's status as God's "people" was not inherent but dependent on their faithfulness to His commands. When they broke the covenant, God, in His justice, declared them "not My people."
3. **Prophetic Symbolism:** The naming of Hosea's children serves as a powerful example of prophetic action, where the prophet's personal life becomes a living parable of God's relationship with Israel. "Lo-Ammi" is not merely a name but a divine pronouncement of a broken relationship.
4. **Hope and Restoration:** While a declaration of judgment, "Lo-Ammi" is not God's final word. The subsequent promise in Hosea to reverse this status (e.g., [[Hosea 2:23]]) reveals God's enduring love, faithfulness, and redemptive purpose. It points to a future restoration where God will reconcile with His people, demonstrating His mercy triumphs over judgment.
5. **New Testament Application:** The theological impact of "Lo-Ammi" extends into the New Testament. Paul, in [[Romans 9:25-26]], quotes Hosea 2:23 to explain God's sovereign plan to include Gentiles, who were once "not My people," into His covenant family, while also reaffirming the future restoration of Israel. Similarly, [[1 Peter 2:9-10]] echoes this theme, describing believers (both Jew and Gentile) as those who "once were not a people but are now the people of God."
### Summary
`{{H3818}}` (Lôʼ ʻAmmîy), meaning "not my people," is a deeply significant Hebrew phrase primarily found in the book of Hosea. It functions as a symbolic name for the prophet's son, representing God's solemn declaration of judgment and disinheritance against the unfaithful Northern Kingdom of Israel. This phrase signifies a broken covenant relationship due to Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience, foreshadowing their exile and loss of their distinct status as God's chosen nation. Theologically, "Lo-Ammi" highlights God's justice, the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant, and the dire consequences of spiritual unfaithfulness. However, within Hosea's broader message, "Lo-Ammi" is ultimately reversed to "Ammi" ("My People"), revealing God's enduring faithfulness, His redemptive plan, and the promise of future restoration for Israel, a theme later applied in the New Testament to the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family and the ultimate hope for all of God's people.
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