אִי (i)
i
not
H:NegQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:Neg
Word Overview
The Hebrew particle ’î functions as a negative adverb meaning "not." Its usage is extremely rare in the Old Testament, appearing only once in the canonical text at Job 22:30. In this specific context, it serves to negate the possibility of a certain outcome, reinforcing the statement that even a guilty man may be delivered through the intercession of a pure heart.
Because this word occurs so infrequently, it does not develop a wide range of nuances or distinct theological weight compared to more common negatives like ’ên or lō’. It simply performs the basic grammatical function of denial. Translators render it straightforwardly as "not," reflecting its unadorned nature in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ’î is a simple negative particle meaning "not." It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Job 22:30. In this verse, it denies that someone is innocent or blameless. This rare usage highlights how God’s grace extends even to those who know they are guilty.
When we read this, we see a powerful truth about mercy. It is not about our own purity but about God’s willingness to save. The text suggests that intercession and repentance can lead to deliverance, regardless of our past failures. This offers hope to anyone feeling unworthy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- not1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אִֽי\־1×
Key Verses
-
Job 22:30
He will even deliver him who is not innocent. Yes, he will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.”
This is the only occurrence of the word, where it negates innocence to emphasize that deliverance is possible through intercession despite guilt.