אֵמֻן (e.mun)
e.mun
faithful
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word emun means steadfast reliability or trustworthiness. It describes a character that can be depended upon, whether applied to people or to God. In Scripture, it appears in only six verses, primarily within Proverbs, Isaiah, and II Samuel, where it highlights the quality of being firm and constant.
As an adjective, emun qualifies individuals as "faithful" or "trusty," indicating they are safe bets for confidence. This usage emphasizes consistency in action and word. When applied to God, it reflects His unwavering commitment to His promises, providing a foundation of security for those who rely on Him.
The term carries a sense of stability, often linked with the idea of standing firm against change or pressure. Unlike words that might imply emotional affection, emun focuses on the structural integrity of a relationship built on trust. This reliability is central to biblical wisdom, showing that true faithfulness is demonstrated through enduring presence and action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word emun describes a steadfast reliability that serves as a foundation for trust. It is not merely an emotional feeling but a structural integrity in character. When applied to people, it signifies someone whose actions match their words consistently over time. In Proverbs, this quality is highlighted as rare and valuable, showing that true faithfulness is demonstrated through enduring presence rather than fleeting promises.
When directed toward God, emun reflects His unwavering commitment to His promises. This reliability provides a deep sense of security for those who rely on Him. Isaiah 26:2 invites the righteous nation to enter a place of peace because they keep faith with Him. This connection reminds us that our stability is rooted in His constant nature, offering hope even when circumstances shift.
In your daily life, this concept encourages you to value consistency above all else. Whether seeking friends or serving others, aim for a character that can be depended upon. The assurance of God’s faithfulness allows you to face uncertainty with calm confidence, knowing that the One who holds you is unchanging and true.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- faithfulness<es>4×
- faithfulness1×
- [the] faithful [ones] of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֵמֻ֥ן1×
- אֱמוּנֵ֣י1×
- אֱמוּנִ֣ים1×
- אֱמֻנִֽים\׃1×
- אֱ֭מוּנִים1×
- אֱ֝מוּנִ֗ים1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 26:2
Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter: the one which keeps faith.
This verse links entering God's peace directly to the quality of keeping faith, showing how emun defines the posture of the righteous nation.
-
Proverbs 20:6
Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man?
Here the word highlights the rarity of true faithfulness among men, contrasting many claims of love with the scarcity of reliable character.
-
II Samuel 20:19
I am among those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city and a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up Yahweh’s inheritance?”
The woman of Abel uses this term to describe her city's peaceable and trustworthy nature, appealing to Judah's sense of shared reliability.