אֵימִים (e.mim)
e.mim
Emim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun Emim refers to an ancient people described as the former inhabitants of the territory that later became Moab. The term itself carries a striking meaning, translating literally to "terrors" or "dreadful ones." This name likely reflects the fear these groups inspired in their neighbors, marking them as formidable and intimidating figures in the landscape of the ancient Near East.
These people are first introduced in Genesis 14:5, where they are defeated by a coalition of eastern kings. Later, Deuteronomy 2:10–11 clarifies their identity, noting that the Moabites called them Emim, while the Ammonites referred to them as Rephaim. This passage suggests that Emim was not just a tribal name but a descriptive label for a race of giants or powerful warriors who once held sway over the region before being displaced by the descendants of Lot.
The word appears only three times in Scripture, always in the context of describing the pre-Moabite population. Its presence highlights the layered history of the land, showing that the borders and inhabitants of the ancient world were constantly shifting. By identifying these people as "terrors," the text underscores the dramatic changes in power dynamics that occurred long before the Israelites entered the Promised Land.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Emim, meaning "terrors," reminds us that history is full of shifting powers. These ancient people were once seen as formidable giants who dominated their region. Their story shows that no earthly strength lasts forever, and that God’s plans unfold across generations.
For your faith, this word offers comfort. Even when circumstances feel overwhelming or when you face challenges that seem insurmountable, remember that human power is temporary. The same God who orchestrated the rise and fall of these ancient nations is faithful to guide you through your own seasons of uncertainty.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Emites2×
- Emites1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָֽ/אֵימִ֔ים1×
- הָ/אֵמִ֥ים1×
- אֵמִֽים\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 14:5
In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim,
This verse introduces the Emim as a distinct group defeated by kings, showing their presence in the early history of the region.
-
Deuteronomy 2:10
(The Emim lived there before, a great and numerous people, and tall as the Anakim.
Here the text emphasizes their physical stature and numbers, highlighting why they were feared as "terrors" by those who came after them.
-
Deuteronomy 2:11
These also are considered to be Rephaim, as the Anakim; but the Moabites call them Emim.
This note clarifies that different nations used different names for the same people, showing how cultural identity and memory shape historical records.