### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼomnâm**, represented by `{{H551}}`, is an adverb used to express certainty and affirmation. It appears 9 times in 9 unique verses and is translated as **verily**, **indeed**, **no doubt**, **surely**, and **of a truth**. Its function is to add a strong emphasis to a statement, confirming its factual and undeniable nature, often in contexts of serious debate or solemn declaration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{H551}}` is used to establish a point with conviction. In the book of Job, it frequently prefaces profound or challenging truths. Job uses it to concede a point, stating, "**I know** `{{H3045}}` it is so **of a truth** `{{H551}}`: but how should man `{{H582}}` be just `{{H6663}}` with God `{{H410}}`?" [[Job 9:2]]. It is also used sarcastically to acknowledge his friends' perceived wisdom, saying, "**No doubt** `{{H551}}` but ye are the people `{{H5971}}`" [[Job 12:2]]. In a different context, the word confirms a legal status when Boaz tells Ruth, "And now it is **true** `{{H551}}` that I am thy near kinsman `{{H1350}}`" [[Ruth 3:12]]. The term is also used in prayer to God, affirming a difficult reality, as when acknowledging that the kings `{{H4428}}` of Assyria `{{H804}}` had **of a truth** `{{H551}}` destroyed the nations ([[2 Kings 19:17]], [[Isaiah 37:18]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H551}}` is found:
* `{{H7706}}` **Shadday** (the Almighty): This name for God appears alongside `{{H551}}` to affirm His perfect justice. In [[Job 34:12]], the statement "**surely** God... will not do wickedly" is immediately followed by "neither will the **Almighty** pervert judgment."
* `{{H3045}}` **yâdaʻ** (to know): This word is frequently connected to `{{H551}}`, highlighting that the affirmation is based on recognized truth or knowledge. Job begins his statement of truth with "I **know** it is so" [[Job 9:2]].
* `{{H1350}}` **gâʼal** (to redeem... kinsman): This term is central to the affirmation in Ruth, where Boaz confirms that he is **of a truth** `{{H551}}` a near **kinsman** `{{H1350}}`, linking the word to legal and familial obligations [[Ruth 3:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H551}}` is significant, as it underscores foundational truths about God and humanity.
* **Affirmation of Divine Justice:** The word is used to make an absolute declaration about God's character. Elihu states, "**Yea, surely** `{{H551}}` God `{{H410}}` will not do wickedly `{{H7561}}`, neither will the Almighty `{{H7706}}` pervert `{{H5791}}` judgment `{{H4941}}`."
* **Truthfulness of Words:** In Job's dialogues, Elihu uses the term to vouch for the integrity of his own speech, claiming, "For **truly** `{{H551}}` my words `{{H4405}}` shall not be false `{{H8267}}`" [[Job 36:4]].
* **Acknowledgment of the Human Condition:** It is used to establish the unbridgeable gap between mortal man and a holy God, as seen when Job affirms "**of a truth**" the impossibility of a man being just before God on his own terms [[Job 9:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H551}}` serves as more than a simple agreement. It is a powerful adverb of affirmation used to establish an indisputable fact, often within high-stakes dialogue or prayer. Whether confirming the reality of enemy destruction, the legal standing of a kinsman, or the perfect justice of the Almighty, **ʼomnâm** provides a stamp of certainty, insisting that the statement which follows is to be accepted as true.
TRV