הִמּוֹ (him.mo)
him.mo
they
A:DemPQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:DemP
Word Overview
The word himmo is a third-person plural pronoun in Hebrew, functioning as both a subject ("they") and an object ("them"). It appears eleven times in the Bible, primarily within the books of Ezra and Daniel. This form serves as a standard way to refer to groups of people or things already established in the narrative context.
Its usage is straightforward and grammatical rather than rhetorical. In Ezra, it often refers to the returning exiles or their enemies, while in Daniel, it typically points to nations or kings. The sources indicate no significant distinction from other plural pronouns like hem; himmo is simply one of the common forms used for "they" or "them" in biblical Hebrew.
Because it occurs so infrequently and in specific historical books, it does not carry unique theological weight beyond its basic referential function. Translators consistently render it as "they" or "them," depending on the sentence structure. Its presence helps clarify who is acting or being acted upon in these ancient texts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word himmo is a simple Hebrew pronoun meaning "they" or "them." It appears eleven times in the Bible, mostly in Ezra and Daniel. In these books, it helps readers follow who is doing what. For example, it might refer to the Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem or the kings of powerful empires like Babylon.
While this word does not carry deep theological mystery, it plays an important role in how God’s story unfolds. It reminds us that history involves real people—kings, servants, and communities—who act under God’s sovereign oversight. Whether referring to those who opposed the temple or those who served God, these pronouns anchor us in the reality of biblical history.
For your faith, this word invites you to see yourself within a larger narrative. Just as "they" acted in ancient times, you are part of God’s ongoing work today. The Bible uses such clear language so we can understand who is involved and what God is accomplishing through them.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- them11×
- they1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הִמּ֔וֹ6×
- הִמּוֹן֙1×
- הִמּֽוֹן\׃1×
- הִמּ֡וֹ1×
- הִמּ֜וֹ1×
- הִמּ֖וֹ1×
- הִמּ֔וֹן1×
Key Verses
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Ezra 4:23
Then when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force of arms.
This verse shows how "they" (the officials) acted with force against the Jews, illustrating human opposition to God's work.
-
Ezra 5:5
But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they didn’t make them cease until the matter should come to Darius, and an answer should be returned by letter concerning it.
Here, "they" refers to those who stopped the work until Darius ruled, highlighting how God’s eye remained on the elders despite delays.
-
Daniel 2:34
You saw until a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet that were of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces.
The stone strikes and breaks "them" (the image's feet), demonstrating God’s power to overthrow earthly kingdoms.
-
Daniel 3:22
Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
This verse describes how the fire killed "those men" who seized Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, showing the consequences of opposing God's people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word himmo mean?
Where does himmo appear in the Bible?
Is himmo different from other Hebrew pronouns like hem?
Does himmo have any special theological significance?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 8 verses
and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar brought over and settled in the city of Samaria, and in…
Ezra 4:23Then when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they…
Ezra 5:5But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they didn’t make them cease until the matter should come to…
Ezra 5:11Thus they returned us answer, saying, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are building the house…
Ezra 5:12But after our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of…
Ezra 5:14The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and…
Ezra 5:15He said to him, ‘Take these vessels, go, put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let God’s house be built in…
Ezra 7:17Therefore you shall with all diligence buy with this money bulls, rams, and lambs with their meal offerings and their…