אָיֹם (a.yom)
a.yom
terrible
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective a.yom conveys a sense of something that inspires awe or fear through its sheer magnitude or intensity. It is not merely "bad" or "evil," but rather describes an object, event, or presence that is formidable and overwhelming to behold. The word carries the weight of something so powerful that it commands respect and perhaps a degree of trepidation.
In Scripture, this term appears sparingly, with its most notable usage found in the Song of Solomon 6:4. There, the beloved is compared to "terrible" (a.yom) as an army with banners. This striking image suggests that the person’s beauty or presence is not gentle or passive, but rather majestic, organized, and commanding attention in a way that is almost intimidating in its glory.
While the word shares roots with concepts of dread, its application here highlights a positive, awe-inspiring quality. It describes strength and splendor that cannot be ignored. Translators often render it as "terrible" or "dreadful," capturing the original sense of something that evokes a profound reaction from those who witness it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word a.yom describes something that commands awe through its sheer magnitude. It is not about being evil or bad, but about being formidable and overwhelming. When we encounter this term in Scripture, it points to a presence so powerful that it naturally inspires respect and perhaps a touch of trepidation.
In the Song of Solomon, this word paints a vivid picture of beauty that is majestic and commanding. The beloved is compared to an army with banners, suggesting that true splendor does not whisper but stands tall with organized strength. This reminds us that God’s glory and the beauty He creates can be both gentle and awe-inspiring.
Even in Habakkuk, the word describes a force whose dignity proceeds from itself, evoking fear through its sheer power. We can find comfort in knowing that such overwhelming presence is part of how Scripture portrays divine justice and majesty. It invites us to look up with reverence, recognizing that some things are simply too great to be taken lightly.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- majestic2×
- [is] terrifying1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲיֻמָּ֖ה2×
- אָיֹ֥ם1×
Key Verses
-
Song of Solomon 6:4
You are beautiful, my love, as Tirzah, lovely as Jerusalem, awesome as an army with banners.
This verse applies the word to the beloved's beauty, equating it with an army with banners to show that her splendor is majestic and commanding rather than passive.
-
Song of Solomon 6:10
Who is she who looks out as the morning, beautiful as the moon, clear as the sun, and awesome as an army with banners?
Here the term describes a figure emerging like the morning sun, using the same military imagery to emphasize clarity, brightness, and an intimidating glory.
-
Habakkuk 1:7
They are feared and dreaded. Their judgment and their dignity proceed from themselves.
The prophet uses this word to describe the Chaldeans as feared and dreaded, highlighting how their judgment and dignity come from their own formidable power.