אִמְרָה (im.rah)
im.rah
word; threat
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 33 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun imrah refers to an utterance or spoken word, carrying a specific theological weight in Scripture. It is not merely casual speech but denotes a decisive statement issued by God. The sources indicate that this term primarily captures two distinct aspects of divine communication: the authoritative command and the binding promise.
This duality is evident in its usage across the Old Testament. In passages like Psalm 119, imrah often represents God’s instructions or statutes that guide the believer. Conversely, it can also signify a threat of judgment, as seen in Isaiah 28:22, where it refers to the decree of destruction. The word thus encapsulates the full power of God’s speech, whether it brings order or warning.
The term appears thirty-three times, with significant occurrences in Psalms and Isaiah. Its root relates to the act of speaking or declaring, emphasizing that what is spoken by God comes into being. Translators typically render imrah as "word" or "utterance," preserving the sense of a definitive divine declaration rather than general conversation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Scripture speaks of God’s word, it is not referring to casual conversation or fleeting thoughts. The Hebrew term imrah points to a decisive utterance that carries the weight of authority and truth. It is a spoken promise or command that stands firm, offering stability in a shifting world. This concept invites us to see divine speech as something tangible and reliable, capable of shaping reality and guiding our steps.
In your daily life, this understanding can bring profound comfort. Knowing that God’s words are tested and true means you can anchor your hopes in them during difficult seasons. Whether it is a promise of protection or an instruction for living, these utterances are not empty sounds but active forces that sustain faith. You can trust that what He has spoken will come to pass, providing a solid foundation for your heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 33 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- word/ your11×
- according to/ word/ your5×
- utterance/ my3×
- [the] word of3×
- word/ his2×
- utterance/ your2×
- speech/ my2×
- word of1×
- to/ word/ your1×
- on/ word/ your1×
- for/ word/ your1×
- by/ word/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אִמְרָתֶ֑/ךָ4×
- אִמְרָתִֽ/י\׃3×
- כְּ/אִמְרָתֶֽ/ךָ\׃2×
- אִמְרָתִ֑/י2×
- אִמְרָתְ/ךָ֥2×
- לְ/אִמְרָתֶ֑/ךָ1×
- לְ/אִמְרָתְ/ךָ֥1×
- כְּ֝/אִמְרָתְ/ךָ֗1×
- כְּ/אִמְרָתְ/ךָ֥1×
- כְ/אִמְרָתְ/ךָ֣1×
- וּ/לְ/אִמְרַ֥ת1×
- בְּ/אִמְרָתֶֽ/ךָ\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
This verse highlights the internalization of God's utterance as a safeguard against sin, showing how His word becomes part of one's inner moral compass.
-
II Samuel 22:31
As for God, his way is perfect. Yahweh’s word is tested. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.
Here the word is described as tested and proven, emphasizing its reliability as a protective shield for those who seek refuge in God.
-
Psalms 119:50
This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has revived me.
The psalmist identifies God's word as a source of revival and comfort specifically during times of affliction, demonstrating its life-giving power.
-
Psalms 105:19
until the time that his word happened, and Yahweh’s word proved him true.
This occurrence connects God's word directly to historical fulfillment, showing that His utterance proved true even in the face of delay and trial.