אֶתְמוֹל (et.mol)
et.mol
previously
H:AdvQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:Adv
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun etmol means yesterday or formerly, marking a specific point in the recent past. In the Old Testament it appears eight times, often anchoring memories to a concrete timeframe. When David recalls his friendship with Jonathan in 2 Samuel 1:26, he uses this word to emphasize how fresh and immediate that loss feels, even though the events are now behind him.
Its range extends beyond literal calendar days to include "of old" or "in former times." This flexibility allows prophets like Micah to contrast current failures with past faithfulness (Micah 6:4), highlighting a shift in relationship over time. The word carries no inherent emotional weight; it simply places an event in the timeline of memory.
Etymology links it to roots meaning "to be behind," suggesting something that has passed or receded. Translators typically render it as "yesterday" or "formerly," depending on whether the context demands a specific day or a general period. This distinction helps readers understand how biblical authors measured time not just by clocks, but by significant relational and historical markers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word etmol anchors us in the reality of time, reminding us that our memories are grounded in specific moments. When Scripture speaks of yesterday or former times, it is not just marking a date on a calendar but highlighting how past experiences shape our present understanding. This simple term helps us recall God’s faithfulness in seasons that have already passed.
For your daily walk, this word invites you to look back with gratitude. Whether recalling a specific day of help or the broader history of God’s provision, remembering what He has done strengthens your trust for today. It is a gentle call to acknowledge that the God who acted in the past is the same God present now.
Let these memories of His past faithfulness bring you peace. As you reflect on previous blessings, allow that hope to settle quietly in your heart, knowing that His character remains constant through every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- yesterday3×
- from/ yesterday2×
- as/ yesterday2×
- and/ yesterday1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֵֽ/אֶתְמוּל֙1×
- מֵ/אִתְּמ֣וֹל1×
- כְּ/אֶתְמ֥וֹל1×
- כְּ/אֶתְמ֣וֹל1×
- וְ/אֶתְמ֗וּל1×
- אֶתְמ֥וֹל1×
- אֶתְמ֣וֹל1×
- אֶ֭תְמוֹל1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 4:7
The Philistines were afraid, for they said, “God has come into the camp.” They said, “Woe to us! For there has not been such a thing before.
This verse uses the concept of 'before' to highlight the sudden and terrifying realization by the Philistines that God has entered their camp, marking a decisive shift in the battle.
-
II Samuel 5:2
In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led Israel out and in. Yahweh said to you, ‘You will be shepherd of my people Israel, and you will be prince over Israel.’”
David recalls how he previously led Israel out and in during Saul’s reign, establishing his legitimate claim to kingship based on past service rather than just lineage.
-
Psalms 90:4
For a thousand years in your sight are just like yesterday when it is past, like a watch in the night.
The psalmist contrasts the vastness of God’s eternity with the brevity of human life, comparing a thousand years to 'yesterday when it is past' to emphasize divine timelessness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word etmol mean?
How is etmol different from other words for 'past'?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 5 books)
I Samuel 4 verses
The Philistines were afraid, for they said, “God has come into the camp.” They said, “Woe to us! For there has not been…
I Samuel 10:11When all who knew him before saw that, behold, he prophesied with the prophets, then the people said to one another,…
I Samuel 14:21Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines before and who went up with them into the camp from all around, even they…
I Samuel 19:7Jonathan called David, and Jonathan showed him all those things. Then Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his…