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אׇמְנָם (om.nam)

om.nam

truly

H0551 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 9 verses

H:Adv

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
9 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:Adv

Definition

Definition

verily, truly, surely

Brown-Driver-Briggs

אָמְנָם adv. (= אֻמְנָם) verily, truly, in asseverations

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

verily, truly, surely

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word אֹמְנָם carries the weight of certainty. It is not a tentative guess or a hopeful wish, but a firm declaration that something is real and established. When you encounter this term in Scripture, it anchors your understanding in the solidity of God's character or the reality of human experience.

In Ruth 3:12, Boaz uses this word to confirm his legal obligation as a kinsman-redeemer. He speaks with clarity about the truth of the situation, ensuring that Ruth knows her rights are recognized. This kind of straightforward honesty provides comfort, showing that God works through people who value integrity and clear communication.

Similarly, in Job 9:2, Elihu’s friend uses it to assert a theological point about human limitation before God. While the context is heavy, the word itself highlights the importance of acknowledging truth as it stands. For your faith, this invites you to rest in the certainty that God’s nature does not change and that His promises are grounded in reality, not opinion.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • truly9×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • אָ֭מְנָם4×
  • אָמְנָ֖ם2×
  • אָמְנָ֥ם1×
  • אָמְנָ֗ם1×
  • אָמְנָ֔ם1×

Key Verses

  • Ruth 3:12
    Now it is true that I am a near kinsman. However, there is a kinsman nearer than I.

    Boaz uses this word to give a definitive legal confirmation of his status as a kinsman, providing Ruth with security and clarity about her future.

  • Job 9:2
    “Truly I know that it is so, but how can man be just with God?

    The speaker employs this term to firmly establish the premise that human righteousness cannot stand against God’s absolute justice.

  • II Kings 19:17
    Truly, Yahweh, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands,

    Hezekiah uses this word in prayer to acknowledge the undeniable reality of Assyria’s destruction, grounding his plea in the facts before Yahweh.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does אֹמְנָם mean in Hebrew?

It is an adverb meaning 'truly,' 'indeed,' or 'certainly.' It is used to emphasize the reality or certainty of a statement, often serving as an affirmative response or a strong declaration of fact.

How is this word different from other words for 'truth'?

While other Hebrew words like אֱמֶת (emet) refer to truth as a noun or quality, אֹמְנָם functions as an adverb. It modifies verbs or entire clauses to stress that something is undeniably true in the moment of speaking.

Where does this word appear most significantly?

It appears nine times in the Old Testament. Notable occurrences include Ruth 3:12, where Boaz confirms his role, and Job 9:2, where it underscores the gap between human and divine justice.

Every Occurrence (9 verses across 4 books)

Ruth 1 verse
II Kings 1 verse
Job 6 verses
Isaiah 1 verse