הֵ֫מָּה (hem.mah)
hem.mah
they(masc.)
H:DemPQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 419 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:DemP
Word Overview
The Hebrew word hemmah is a third-person plural pronoun meaning "they" or "those." It serves as an emphatic form of the shorter pronoun hem, which carries the same basic definition but lacks the added weight. In the Old Testament, this longer form appears frequently to highlight specific groups or individuals, such as the leaders named in Numbers 1:16 or the nations described in Jeremiah.
Its primary function is emphasis and distinction. By using the fuller form, biblical writers draw attention to the subjects of a sentence, often translating it as "these" or "the same" in English to signal that particular people are being identified. The sources note that while it generally refers to males, it can occasionally stand in for feminine groups when context demands, such as in Ruth 1:22.
Etymologically, the term is linked to roots suggesting movement or going, which may explain its use in identifying those who are distinct or separate. Translators must carefully choose between "they," "these," or "those" based on whether the emphasis falls on identity or distinction. This nuance ensures that the reader understands exactly who is being referenced in complex historical narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you read the Old Testament, you will encounter this word often as a simple marker for 'they' or 'those.' It is not just a grammatical placeholder but a tool that draws your eye to specific people in the narrative. The biblical writers use it to distinguish certain groups from others, ensuring you know exactly who is acting or being addressed in the story.
This emphasis helps us see how God interacts with distinct communities throughout history. Whether it is the brothers of Joseph or the leaders of Israel, the word highlights their identity and role. It reminds us that God knows individuals by name and group, paying close attention to those who are part of His unfolding plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 419 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they273×
- and/ they78×
- <the>/ those53×
- [are] they38×
- they [were]2×
- them2×
- that/ they2×
- [will] they2×
- who/ they1×
- they/ /[were] broken down1×
- they [masc]1×
- [were] they1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הֵ֣ם37×
- הֵ֖ם22×
- הֵ֥ם21×
- הֵ֣מָּה20×
- הָ/הֵ֔ם18×
- הֵֽמָּה\׃18×
- הֵ֖מָּה18×
- הֵ֥מָּה17×
- הֵ֑ם16×
- הֵ֗מָּה14×
- הֵ֙מָּה֙13×
- וְ/הֵ֖ם10×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 3:7
Their eyes were opened, and they both knew that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together, and made coverings for themselves.
This verse uses the pronoun to identify Adam and Eve immediately after their eyes are opened, marking the moment they become aware of their own condition.
-
Genesis 25:16
These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes, according to their nations.
Here the word introduces a list of twelve princes, serving to formally distinguish the specific lineage and leaders of Ishmael's descendants.
-
Genesis 42:8
Joseph recognized his brothers, but they didn’t recognize him.
The contrast in this verse highlights the tension between Joseph recognizing his brothers and their failure to recognize him, driving the narrative forward.
-
Exodus 6:27
These are those who spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt. These are that Moses and Aaron.
This occurrence explicitly identifies Moses and Aaron as the specific agents sent to speak with Pharaoh, distinguishing them from other leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hemmah and hem?
Does this word always refer to men?
Why do some translations say 'these' instead of 'they'?
Every Occurrence (419 verses across 31 books)
Genesis 20 verses
Their eyes were opened, and they both knew that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together, and made coverings for…
Genesis 6:4The Nephilim were in the earth in those days, and also after that, when God’s sons came in to men’s daughters and had…
Genesis 7:14they, and every animal after its kind, all the livestock after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps on the…
Genesis 14:13One who had escaped came and told Abram, the Hebrew. At that time, he lived by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother…
Genesis 14:24I will accept nothing from you except that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me:…
Genesis 25:16These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes,…
Genesis 34:21“These men are peaceful with us. Therefore let them live in the land and trade in it. For behold, the land is large…
Genesis 34:22Only on this condition will the men consent to us to live with us, to become one people, if every male among us is…
Genesis 34:23Won’t their livestock and their possessions and all their animals be ours? Only let’s give our consent to them, and…
Genesis 37:16He said, “I am looking for my brothers. Tell me, please, where they are feeding the flock.”
Genesis 40:12Joseph said to him, “This is its interpretation: the three branches are three days.
Genesis 40:18Joseph answered, “This is its interpretation. The three baskets are three days.
Genesis 42:8Joseph recognized his brothers, but they didn’t recognize him.
Genesis 42:23They didn’t know that Joseph understood them; for there was an interpreter between them.
Genesis 42:35As they emptied their sacks, behold, each man’s bundle of money was in his sack. When they and their father saw their…
Genesis 44:3As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys.
Genesis 44:4When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men.…
Genesis 47:14Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which…
Genesis 48:5Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you into Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and…
Genesis 48:9Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here.” He said, “Please bring them to me, and I…