עַם (am)
am
people
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The noun `am` refers to a people or nation, functioning as the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew `am` found throughout the Old Testament. In its primary sense, it denotes a distinct group of individuals bound together by common origin, language, or political allegiance. This term appears frequently in the later biblical books written in or containing significant portions of Aramaic, such as Daniel and Ezra.
Its usage often highlights the collective identity of Israel or surrounding nations within the imperial context of the Persian Empire. For instance, in Ezra 4:15, it describes the people whose history is being examined by royal officials, while in Daniel 3:4, it refers to the crowds gathering for Nebuchadnezzar’s dedication ceremony. The word underscores social cohesion and shared destiny rather than merely a random assembly of individuals.
Translators consistently render `am` as "people," maintaining its straightforward sociological weight. Unlike terms that might emphasize religious piety or legal covenant status, this word focuses on the demographic reality of a community. It serves as a neutral descriptor for groups acting in concert, whether they are subjects of a king or the chosen people of God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word am simply means 'people.' It describes a group of individuals bound together by shared history, language, or allegiance. In books like Ezra and Daniel, written during the Persian Empire, this term highlights how communities maintained their identity while living under foreign rule. It is a neutral descriptor for any group acting in concert, whether they are subjects of a king or the chosen people of God.
For your faith, this word reminds you that you belong to a larger story. Even when political powers rise and fall, as seen in Daniel’s visions, God remains sovereign over every nation and crowd. The 'people of the saints' will ultimately inherit an everlasting kingdom. This truth offers stability; your identity is not defined by temporary earthly authorities but by your place in God’s enduring plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- peoples/ the4×
- people/ the3×
- to/ a people2×
- peoples/ O1×
- people1×
- and/ people/ the1×
- and/ people1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַֽמְמַיָּ֗/א2×
- עַמָּ֨/ה1×
- עַמָּ֤/א1×
- עַמָּ/ה֙1×
- עַמְמַיָּ֡/א1×
- עַֽמְמַיָּ֜/א1×
- עַֽמְמַיָּ֔/א1×
- עַ֨ם1×
- לְ/עַ֥ם1×
- לְ/עַ֖ם1×
- וְ/עַמָּ֖/ה1×
- וְ/עַם֙1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 7:27
The kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole sky, will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions will serve and obey him.’
This verse contrasts the fleeting nature of earthly empires with the permanent dominion given to 'the people of the saints of the Most High,' showing God's ultimate loyalty to His community.
-
Ezra 7:13
I make a decree that all those of the people of Israel and their priests and the Levites in my realm, who intend of their own free will to go to Jerusalem, go with you.
Here, the decree allows specific groups from the 'people of Israel' to return to Jerusalem, highlighting how am identifies those actively preserving their religious and national heritage.
-
Daniel 3:7
Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, all the peoples, the nations, and the languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
The gathering of 'peoples, nations, and languages' to worship a golden image illustrates the word's use for diverse crowds united by political pressure rather than shared faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word am (H5972) mean?
How is am different from other words for 'people'?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 5 verses
But after our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of…
Ezra 6:12May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter…
Ezra 7:13I make a decree that all those of the people of Israel and their priests and the Levites in my realm, who intend of…
Ezra 7:16and all the silver and gold that you will find in all the province of Babylon, with the free will offering of the…
Ezra 7:25You, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all…