הֶמְיָה (hem.yah)
hem.yah
sound
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun hemyah refers to the sound or music produced by instruments. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Isaiah 14:11, where it describes the noise made by lyres and harps.
This single occurrence places the word in a scene of profound irony. The text speaks of the fallen king of Babylon, whose pride has led to his downfall. Instead of celebrating with music, the instruments lie silent in Sheol, and the "noise of thy viols" is no longer heard. The absence of hemyah highlights the total loss of status and joy.
Because the word is so rare, its meaning is defined entirely by this context. It does not describe joyful worship but rather the cessation of earthly pomp. The silence where music once was becomes a powerful symbol of humiliation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hemyah appears only once in Scripture, found in Isaiah 14:11. It describes the sound of stringed instruments accompanying a fallen king’s pride. The text notes that this music has ceased, replaced by silence in Sheol. This single instance reminds us that earthly power and celebration are temporary.
For your faith, this offers a sobering perspective on worldly success. True stability does not rest on the noise of triumph or the applause of crowds. Instead, it is found in God’s enduring presence, which outlasts every human achievement. When our own plans seem to fall short, we can look beyond temporary circumstances.
May you find peace in knowing that your worth is secure in Christ, not in the shifting sounds of this world. Rest in the hope that He upholds you when all else fades away.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] sound of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הֶמְיַ֣ת1×
Key Verses
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Isaiah 14:11
Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, with the sound of your stringed instruments. Maggots are spread out under you, and worms cover you.
The word hemyah appears here to mark the abrupt end of the Babylonian king’s musical celebration, highlighting the total loss of his earthly status.