### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâmîyth**, represented by `{{H5997}}`, defines a **fellow** or **neighbour**. It is derived from a root meaning to associate and appears **12 times** in **10 unique verses**. The term signifies companionship and describes a relationship with a comrade or kindred man.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H5997}}` primarily outlines ethical and legal obligations within the community. In the book of Leviticus, it is used repeatedly to establish standards for social conduct, including honesty in dealings [[Leviticus 19:11]] and fairness in judgment `{{H4941}}` [[Leviticus 19:15]]. The term also governs economic transactions, forbidding oppression `{{H3238}}` when buying from or selling to a **neighbour** `{{H5997}}` [[Leviticus 25:14]]. A unique and significant usage appears in Zechariah, where the LORD `{{H3068}}` of hosts `{{H6635}}` refers to his shepherd `{{H7462}}` as "the man `{{H1397}}` that is my **fellow**" [[Zechariah 13:7]], elevating the word to describe a deeply associated companion to God himself.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the duties and relationships associated with a **ʻâmîyth**:
* `{{H251}}` **ʼâch** (brother): Often used to define a kindred relationship, this term appears alongside **ʻâmîyth** to emphasize the familial and covenantal bonds within the community. For instance, Israelites were commanded not to hate their **brother** `{{H251}}` in their heart `{{H3824}}` but to rebuke their **neighbour** `{{H5997}}` [[Leviticus 19:17]].
* `{{H3238}}` **yânâh** (to oppress): This verb describes a prohibited action against a **fellow**. The law explicitly forbids Israelites from oppressing `{{H3238}}` one another in commercial dealings, linking just behavior directly to the relationship with a **neighbour** `{{H5997}}` [[Leviticus 25:17]].
* `{{H1397}}` **geber** (a valiant man or warrior): This word is used to describe the person who is God's **fellow** `{{H5997}}` in the prophecy of Zechariah, identifying him as a significant **man** `{{H1397}}` in close association with the LORD `{{H3068}}` of hosts `{{H6635}}` [[Zechariah 13:7]].
* `{{H8199}}` **shâphaṭ** (to judge): The responsibility to **judge** `{{H8199}}` righteously is a core obligation toward a **neighbour** `{{H5997}}`, establishing justice as a foundation of community life [[Leviticus 19:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5997}}` is revealed in its application to both human and divine relationships.
* **Foundation of Community Ethics:** The term is central to the legal and ethical framework of the covenant community. How one treats their **neighbour** `{{H5997}}` is not merely a social matter but a reflection of their reverence for God. This is explicitly stated in the command to not oppress `{{H3238}}` one another but instead to **fear** `{{H3372}}` God `{{H430}}` [[Leviticus 25:17]].
* **Justice in Action:** The concept of **ʻâmîyth** grounds abstract principles of righteousness `{{H6664}}` in daily life. Laws against stealing `{{H1589}}` from a **neighbour** `{{H5997}}` [[Leviticus 19:11]], committing adultery with a **neighbour's** `{{H5997}}` wife `{{H802}}` [[Leviticus 18:20]], or dealing falsely `{{H3584}}` in a deposit `{{H6487}}` [[Leviticus 6:2]] demonstrate that justice is measured by one's actions toward their fellow.
* **A Unique Divine Association:** The most profound theological use of `{{H5997}}` is in Zechariah, where the LORD `{{H3068}}` of hosts `{{H6635}}` identifies his shepherd `{{H7462}}` as "the man `{{H1397}}` that is my **fellow**" [[Zechariah 13:7]]. This prophetic statement elevates the idea of companionship to a unique status, describing an individual in an unparalleled close association with God, whose smiting `{{H5221}}` has cosmic consequences for the flock `{{H6629}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5997}}` **ʻâmîyth** moves beyond a simple definition of a **neighbour** to become a cornerstone of covenantal living. It establishes the standard for ethical, judicial, and economic interactions within God's people, demanding fairness, honesty, and integrity. Ultimately, its use in prophecy elevates the concept from a relationship between peers to a description of the intimate associate of God himself, the shepherd `{{H7462}}` who is the LORD's `{{H3068}}` own **fellow** [[Zechariah 13:7]]. The word illustrates how right relationships with one another are inseparable from a right relationship with God.
TRV