from עָמַם; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people.
Transliteration:ʻam
Pronunciation:am
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun עַם (`{{H5971}}`), transliterated as *ʻam*, derives from the root עָמַם (to obscure, dim, gather), suggesting the idea of a collected or congregated mass. Fundamentally, it denotes a "people" as a unified group, emphasizing social cohesion and shared identity, distinct from a mere collection of individuals. Its semantic range is broad, encompassing:
* A general populace or inhabitants of a land (e.g., "the people of the land").
* A specific ethnic, national, or tribal group (e.g., "the people of Israel," "the people of Egypt," a specific tribe within Israel).
* A collective body of followers, attendants, or troops.
* Figuratively, a flock, implying a shepherd-flock relationship, particularly in the context of God's care for Israel.
The core nuance of עַם lies in its emphasis on communal belonging and often, a common destiny or relationship, especially with the divine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term עַם is one of the most frequently occurring nouns in the Hebrew Bible, appearing thousands of times, reflecting its central importance in describing human societies and, most significantly, God's relationship with Israel.
* **General Sense of "People":** עַם is used broadly to refer to various nations and their inhabitants, such as "the people of Egypt" ([[Exodus 1:9]]) or "the people of Canaan" ([[Genesis 50:11]]). It can also distinguish the common populace from their leaders or elites ([[Jeremiah 26:23]]).
* **God's Chosen People, Israel:** This is the most significant theological usage of עַם. It frequently appears with possessive suffixes, as "My people" (עַמִּי), referring to Israel. This designation underscores God's unique covenant relationship and ownership of Israel ([[Exodus 3:7]], [[Hosea 2:23]]). Israel is often called "the people of the LORD" ([[Judges 5:11]]), highlighting their identity as a collective entity united by divine covenant and shared history ([[Deuteronomy 26:18]]).
* **Tribal Sense:** Within the context of Israel, עַם can refer to the individual tribes, emphasizing their internal cohesion as units within the larger nation ([[Numbers 25:15]]).
* **Collective Body/Attendants:** The word can also denote a company of men, troops, or followers, as seen in "the people with him" ([[1 Samuel 14:2]]).
* **Figurative "Flock":** While not always directly translated as "flock," the imagery of God as a shepherd and Israel as His flock is pervasive, reinforcing the protective and guiding relationship implied by the "My people" designation ([[Psalm 100:3]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding עַם is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms for groups and communities:
* **גּוֹי (`{{H1471}}`):** Often translated "nation" or "gentile." While עַם emphasizes internal cohesion and a relational bond (especially with God), גּוֹי frequently refers to a nation as a political or ethnic entity, sometimes highlighting its distinctness or even opposition to Israel. However, the terms can overlap, and Israel itself is occasionally called a גּוֹי ([[Exodus 19:6]]). The distinction often lies in the theological perspective: עַם emphasizes the covenant bond.
* **לְאֹם (`{{H3816}}`):** Another term for "people" or "nation," typically used in poetic or prophetic contexts, sometimes referring to a large, diverse population or even the peoples of the world.
* **קָהָל (`{{H6951}}`):** "Assembly" or "congregation." This term emphasizes the *act* of gathering or the gathered body, often for a specific purpose (e.g., worship, legal assembly). עַם refers to the people *who* constitute the assembly, while קָהָל refers to the assembly itself.
* **Covenant (בְּרִית, `{{H1285}}`):** The concept of "people" for Israel is intrinsically linked to the covenant God made with them, which defines their identity and relationship.
* **Community:** The word עַם inherently speaks to a sense of shared identity, destiny, and communal responsibility, forming the bedrock of Israelite society.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עַם is profound, particularly in its application to Israel:
* **Divine Election and Covenant:** The most crucial theological aspect of עַם is its use to describe Israel as God's chosen people. This designation, "My people," underscores God's sovereign choice, His loving initiative, and the unique covenant relationship He established with Abraham's descendants ([[Exodus 6:7]], [[Deuteronomy 7:6-8]]). It signifies a special, exclusive relationship.
* **Identity and Belonging:** For Israel, being עַם meant possessing a divinely ordained identity and a secure sense of belonging, rooted in God's faithfulness rather than their own merit. This identity defined their purpose and their unique role in salvation history.
* **Responsibility and Obedience:** While chosen, the "people" were also called to a specific way of life—obedience to God's Torah. Their status as עַם carried inherent responsibilities, and their disobedience could lead to disciplinary action, though God's covenant loyalty remained steadfast.
* **Prophetic Hope and Restoration:** In prophetic literature, the restoration of Israel is often framed as God bringing His עַם back from exile and renewing the covenant, culminating in a glorious future where they truly are "My people" and He is "their God" ([[Jeremiah 30:22]], [[Ezekiel 37:27]]).
* **Bridge to the New Testament:** The concept of God's "people" extends into the New Testament, where the church, comprised of both Jew and Gentile, is identified as the new λαός (`{{G2992}}`, the Greek equivalent of עַם), God's people called out of darkness into His marvelous light ([[1 Peter 2:9-10]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word עַם (`{{H5971}}`) fundamentally denotes a "people" as a cohesive, congregated unit. While applicable to any nation or group, its most profound and frequent usage in the Hebrew Bible pertains to Israel as God's specially chosen and covenanted "people." This designation highlights divine election, a unique relationship with Yahweh, and a collective identity rooted in covenant faithfulness. עַם emphasizes the internal unity, shared destiny, and communal responsibility of a group, distinguishing it from other terms for "nation" by its strong theological emphasis on the bond with God. The concept of "My people" underscores God's enduring commitment and the hope for a restored, obedient community in His presence.
TRV