אֹמֶר (o.mer)
o.mer
word
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun omer denotes an utterance or spoken word, appearing in only two verses within the Hebrew Bible (Job 20:22 and Habakkuk 3:9). It belongs to a poetic register, conveying speech that carries weight or authority rather than casual conversation. In these contexts, it often refers to divine declarations or powerful commands.
Etymologically, omer derives from the verb amar, meaning "to say." While common words for word exist in Hebrew, omer is reserved for elevated style. Its limited usage suggests it emphasizes the content and force of what is spoken, particularly when describing God’s speech or prophetic pronouncements.
Translators typically render omer as "word" or "utterance," capturing its formal tone. The rarity of this term highlights its special function in Scripture, marking moments where speech itself becomes a significant theological event. Its presence in Job and Habakkuk underscores themes of divine justice and power expressed through spoken declaration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word omer appears only twice in Scripture, yet each instance carries significant weight. It is not used for everyday chat but for declarations that shape reality. When God speaks using this term, His words are not mere suggestions; they are forces that establish truth and execute justice.
In Habakkuk 3:9, the imagery of splitting the earth with rivers follows a divine utterance. This reminds us that God’s speech has power to break through chaos. For believers, this offers comfort. Even when circumstances seem overwhelming, the Word that created and sustains the world remains active and effective in your life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a word1×
- a matter1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֹ֣מֶר1×
- א֭וֹמֶר1×
Key Verses
-
Habakkuk 3:9
You uncovered your bow. You called for your sworn arrows. Selah. You split the earth with rivers.
This verse uses omer to describe a powerful divine command that splits the earth, highlighting the word's role in executing judgment.