from קוּם; an opponent (as rising against one), i.e. (collectively) enemies; substance.
Transliteration:qîym
Pronunciation:keem
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word קִים (qîym, `{{H7009}}`) is a noun derived from the verb קוּם (qûm, `{{H6965}}`), meaning "to rise, stand up, establish, confirm." This foundational root provides the semantic basis for קִים.
The primary definition provided for קִים suggests a dual semantic range:
1. **An opponent (as rising against one), i.e., (collectively) enemies:** This meaning directly reflects the "rising against" aspect of its root, implying an adversarial stance, hostile intent, or active opposition. It denotes those who stand up in defiance or aggression.
2. **Substance:** This meaning, while seemingly distinct from "enemies," also connects to the root קוּם. It can signify "that which stands," "that which is established," or "that which endures." In this sense, it refers to material possessions, property, or wealth that has been acquired or established.
The interplay between these two meanings highlights the dynamic nature of Hebrew etymology, where a single root can give rise to nuanced concepts depending on context and grammatical form.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word קִים (qîym, `{{H7009}}`) is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible. While its Strong's definition includes "enemies," direct attestations of H7009 specifically translated as "enemies" are not widely found in standard Hebrew texts. The semantic potential for "enemies" arises strongly from its root קוּם (`{{H6965}}`), which frequently describes adversaries "rising up" (e.g., [[Psalm 3:1]], [[Psalm 27:12]]). However, קִים itself is primarily associated with the meaning of "substance" or "property" in its limited occurrences.
The main instances where H7009 is traditionally linked, particularly by concordances like Strong's, are within the book of Esther:
* [[Esther 9:10]]: "The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, they slew; but they laid not their hand on the spoil."
* [[Esther 9:15]]: "For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but they laid not their hands on the prey."
* [[Esther 9:16]]: "But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey."
In these verses, the phrase consistently appears as "they laid not their hands on the spoil/prey." While the Hebrew word for "spoil" or "prey" in these specific verses is בִּזָּה (bizzah, `{{H962}}`), the traditional linking of H7009 to "substance" in these contexts by some lexicons suggests that קִים may have been understood as a synonym or an alternative term for "property" or "plunder" in certain textual traditions or interpretations. The consistent refrain across these verses—that the Jews did *not* take the spoil of their enemies—is a crucial contextual detail. This act of restraint demonstrates a clear moral and ethical stance, distinguishing their actions from mere vengeance or opportunistic plunder. It underscores that their fight was for survival and justice, not for material gain.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root קוּם (qûm, `{{H6965}}`). This root is prolific and gives rise to many words related to standing, rising, establishing, and enduring.
* **Derivatives of קוּם:**
* תְּקוּמָה (tequmah, `{{H8613}}`): "resistance, standing up," often in the context of standing against an enemy. This word more directly embodies the "rising against" aspect of קִים's definition.
* מָקוֹם (maqom, `{{H4725}}`): "place," literally "a standing place."
* קִיָּם (qiyam, `{{H6970}}`): "standing, continuance," suggesting stability or endurance.
* **Words for "enemies" or "opponents":**
* אֹיֵב (oyev, `{{H341}}`): The most common Hebrew word for "enemy."
* צַר (tsar, `{{H6862}}`): "adversary, foe."
* שָׂנֵא (sane, `{{H8130}}`): "hater, enemy."
קִים, if understood as "opponent," would emphasize the *action* of rising up against, rather than simply being an enemy.
* **Words for "substance" or "property":**
* בִּזָּה (bizzah, `{{H962}}`): "spoil, plunder," the word actually used in Esther 9.
* רְכוּשׁ (rekush, `{{H7399}}`): "property, goods, possessions."
* הוֹן (hon, `{{H1952}}`): "wealth, sufficiency."
* נְכָסִים (nechasim, `{{H5233}}`): "riches, wealth."
In this semantic field, קִים would denote that which is established or stands as one's possession.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of קִים (qîym, `{{H7009}}`) is primarily drawn from its connection to the narrative in Esther and the dual nature of its definition.
If understood as "opponent" or "enemy," קִים speaks to the reality of hostile forces that "rise up" against God's people. This concept is deeply embedded in biblical theology, where the faithful often face opposition from various sources—human, spiritual, or systemic. The act of "rising against" implies an active challenge to God's covenant people and His divine plan. In such contexts, God's deliverance and protection become paramount, demonstrating His sovereignty over all who oppose Him.
However, the more widely attested meaning for H7009 as "substance" in the Esther narrative carries profound theological weight. The repeated emphasis that the Jews "laid not their hand on the spoil" (e.g., [[Esther 9:10]], [[Esther 9:15]], [[Esther 9:16]]) is a powerful testament to their integrity and adherence to a higher moral standard. Unlike many ancient conflicts where victors would plunder the vanquished, the Jews, in their divinely sanctioned self-defense, chose not to enrich themselves from their enemies. This restraint signifies:
1. **Purity of Motive:** Their actions were not driven by greed or revenge, but by the imperative of self-preservation and the defense of their community.
2. **Trust in Divine Provision:** By forsaking the spoil, they implicitly expressed trust that their true security and prosperity come from God, not from earthly acquisition.
3. **Distinction of God's People:** This act set them apart from the common practices of the world, highlighting their unique identity as a people called to righteousness, even in times of war. It reflects a principle that victory is not measured by material gain, but by the establishment of peace and justice.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קִים (qîym, `{{H7009}}`), derived from קוּם (qûm, `{{H6965}}`), carries a dual semantic potential: "an opponent rising against" and "substance." While the "opponent" meaning is semantically plausible from its root, its direct attestation as H7009 is less common. The primary biblical occurrences associated with H7009 are found in the book of Esther (e.g., [[Esther 9:10]], [[Esther 9:15]], [[Esther 9:16]]), where it is understood as "substance" or "property," emphasizing the Jews' ethical choice to refrain from taking the spoil of their enemies. This act of restraint underscores the theological principles of pure motives, trust in divine provision, and the distinct ethical character of God's people, even amidst conflict. קִים thus points to both the reality of opposition and the unwavering integrity of those who rely on God.
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