יוֹמָם (yo.mam)
yo.mam
by day
H:AdvQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 38 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:Adv
Word Overview
The Hebrew word yomam functions as both an adverb meaning "by day" and a substantive noun for "daytime." Derived from the root yom (day) with an adverbial suffix, it simply denotes the period of daylight. Its usage is straightforward, marking actions or conditions that occur during the sunlit hours rather than at night.
A key feature of its biblical usage is the fixed phrase yomam wa-laylah, meaning "by day and by night." This pairing appears frequently to express continuity or constant presence. For instance, in Exodus 13:21-22, the pillar of cloud and fire guided Israel continuously, appearing both by day and by night. Similarly, Leviticus 8:35 describes a seven-day period of service performed day and night without interruption.
While often translated simply as "day," the word carries a specific temporal weight in contexts of divine guidance or judgment. In Psalm 91:5, the psalmist speaks of not fearing the terror that strikes by day, contrasting it with other dangers. The term grounds these spiritual assurances in the tangible rhythm of daily life, reminding readers that God's presence and protection are active throughout the waking hours.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yomam simply means "by day." It marks the hours of sunlight and activity. In Scripture, it often appears with its opposite, "by night," to show that God’s care covers every part of our lives. This pairing reminds us that divine presence is not limited to quiet moments or special occasions. It is constant.
When we read about the pillar of cloud guiding Israel by day, we see a picture of steady leadership. The text does not suggest God only watches over us when things are calm. Instead, it affirms that guidance continues through the busy, visible hours of our routine. This can bring comfort when daily responsibilities feel overwhelming.
Even in verses about meditation or prayer, the word grounds spiritual practice in real life. We do not need to escape the day to find God. His attention is present in the sunlit moments just as much as in the dark ones. This consistency invites us to rest in a faith that does not sleep.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 38 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- by day34×
- and/ by day3×
- daytime2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יוֹמָ֣ם9×
- יוֹמָ֔ם7×
- יוֹמָ֥ם6×
- יוֹמָ֑ם4×
- יוֹמָ֖ם3×
- יוֹמָֽם\׃2×
- יוֹמָם֙1×
- יוֹמָ֤ם1×
- יוֹמָ֜ם1×
- יוֹמָ֗ם1×
- יֽוֹמָם\־1×
- וְ/יוֹמָם֙1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 13:21
Yahweh went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that they might go by day and by night:
This verse establishes the pattern of continuous divine guidance, using yomam to mark the visible direction provided during travel.
-
Psalms 91:5
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Here the word highlights specific daytime dangers like flying arrows, contrasting them with night terrors to show comprehensive protection.
-
Psalms 1:2
but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On his law he meditates day and night.
The term emphasizes that delight in God's law is a constant practice, not restricted to private or evening hours.
-
Nehemiah 1:6
let your ear now be attentive and your eyes open, that you may listen to the prayer of your servant which I pray before you at this time, day and night, for the children of Israel your servants, while I confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against you. Yes, I and my father’s house have sinned.
Nehemiah uses the phrase "day and night" to describe his persistent intercession, showing how the word frames earnest prayer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word yomam mean?
How is yomam different from other words for day?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (38 verses across 17 books)
Exodus 3 verses
Yahweh went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to…
Exodus 13:22the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, didn’t depart from before the people.
Exodus 40:38For the cloud of Yahweh was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the…