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יוֹם (yom)

yom

day

H3118 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 10 verses

A:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
10 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
A:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun yom primarily means "day," referring to a single rotation of the earth. In the Old Testament, it appears frequently to mark specific periods of time, often serving as a basic unit for counting history or religious observance.

Lexical sources note a key distinction: when yom is modified by a definite number, such as "first day" or "third day," it consistently denotes a standard twenty-four-hour period. This numerical pairing anchors the word in literal chronology, distinguishing it from more abstract uses that might imply an indefinite era.

Although this entry covers only ten occurrences, predominantly found in Ezra and Daniel, these instances highlight how the term structures narrative time. In Daniel’s visions, for example, yom helps define prophetic timelines with precise temporal boundaries, allowing readers to track the sequence of events without ambiguity.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word yom simply means "day." In Scripture, it often anchors our understanding of time, whether marking a single twenty-four-hour period or pointing to a broader era of God’s activity. When paired with numbers, as in the rebuilding of the temple in Ezra, it grounds us in concrete history. We see that God works within specific moments, fulfilling promises step by step.

In the prophetic visions of Daniel, yom expands to describe future eras, such as the "latter days" or the time before the Ancient of Days judges the earth. This reminds us that our current struggles are part of a larger divine timeline. God is sovereign over both the immediate present and the distant future.

Whether you are looking at the daily provisions in Ezra or the cosmic judgments in Daniel, yom invites trust. It assures us that God’s plans unfold with precision. You can rest in the knowledge that He holds your today and your tomorrow securely in His hands.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • day2×
  • [the] days of2×
  • <the>/ days2×
  • days/ the1×
  • days1×
  • by/ day1×
  • and/ in/ days/ their1×
  • and/ in/ [the] days of1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • יוֹמָת֙1×
  • יוֹמָ֖ת1×
  • יוֹמַיָּ֑/א1×
  • יוֹמִ֖ין1×
  • יֽוֹמַיָּ֔/א1×
  • יֽוֹמַיָּ/א֙1×
  • י֥וֹם\׀1×
  • י֥וֹם1×
  • וּֽ/בְ/יוֹמֵי/ה֞וֹן1×
  • וּ/בְ/יוֹמֵ֣י1×
  • בְּ/י֖וֹם1×

Key Verses

  • Ezra 6:15
    This house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

    This verse uses yom with a specific number to mark the exact completion of the temple, showing God's faithfulness in historical events.

  • Daniel 2:28
    but there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head on your bed are these:

    Here yom appears in "latter days," shifting from literal time to a prophetic era where God reveals His ultimate plan.

  • Daniel 7:9
    “I watched until thrones were placed, and one who was Ancient of Days sat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool. His throne was fiery flames, and its wheels burning fire.

    The title "Ancient of Days" uses yom to emphasize God's eternal nature and timeless authority over all earthly kingdoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does yom mean in the Bible?

Yom primarily means "day." It can refer to a single twenty-four-hour period, especially when numbered, or it can denote a longer era or season of time, particularly in prophetic contexts.

How is yom different from other words for time?

While other Hebrew words like ophed mean "time" generally, yom specifically focuses on the daylight period or a defined unit of calendar time. It is often used to mark specific events or divine appointments.

Where does yom appear in Daniel?

Yom appears frequently in Daniel, such as in "latter days" (Daniel 2:28) and the title "Ancient of Days" (Daniel 7:9). These uses highlight God's sovereignty over both history and eternity.

Every Occurrence (10 verses across 2 books)

Ezra 4 verses
Ezra 4:15

that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will see in the book of the records, and know…

Ezra 4:19

I decreed, and search has been made, and it was found that this city has made insurrection against kings in the past,…

Ezra 6:9

That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also…

Ezra 6:15

This house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

Daniel 6 verses