עִם (im)

with

H5974 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 12 verses

A:Prep

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 12 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: A:Prep

Word Overview

The Hebrew preposition im simply means "with." It is a fundamental word for indicating accompaniment or association, functioning much like the English "with" in phrases such as "walking with a friend" or "eating with family." In the biblical text, it establishes a close spatial or relational proximity between two parties.

Although common, its usage in Ezra and Daniel carries specific narrative weight. For instance, in Ezra 7:28, the king’s favor is described as being "with" Ezra, signaling divine support and authorization for his mission. Similarly, in Daniel 11:34, those who fall to the sword are said to be "with" others, grouping them in shared fate or location. The word does not imply equality of status, but rather a state of being together.

Its etymology is straightforward, deriving from roots associated with presence and togetherness. Translators consistently render it as "with," "together with," or sometimes "during" when indicating the time in which an event occurs alongside another. It serves as a basic connector, grounding abstract theological concepts in tangible human relationships.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word im simply means "with." It is a basic preposition that indicates accompaniment or close association. In everyday life, we use it to describe sitting with friends or working alongside colleagues. In Scripture, it grounds abstract faith in tangible relationships, showing that God’s work often happens in community rather than isolation.

While im does not imply equality of status, it highlights the reality of being together. For example, Ezra 7:28 notes that the king’s favor was "with" Ezra, signaling divine support for his mission. This reminds us that we are never alone in our tasks; God’s presence accompanies those who serve Him faithfully.

Whether describing prophets helping builders or saints enduring trials, this word assures us of shared experience and divine nearness. It invites us to value the company of others as part of God’s design for our lives.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.

with9×
with/ you1×
with/ him1×
and/ [were] with/ them1×
and/ [was] with1×
[is] with1×

Forms in the text

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

עִם\־9×
עִמָּ֖/ךְ1×
עִמֵּ֥/הּ1×
עִם֩1×
וְ/עִמְּ/ה֛וֹן1×
וְ/עִם\־1×

Key Verses

Ezra 5:2
Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build God’s house which is at Jerusalem; and with them were the prophets of God, helping them.

This verse shows prophets actively helping Zerubbabel and Jeshua, illustrating that spiritual authority often operates in partnership with human effort.
Daniel 2:18
that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret, that Daniel and his companions would not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

Here the word describes Daniel and his friends seeking mercy so they would not perish alongside other wise men, highlighting shared vulnerability before God.
Daniel 7:13
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him near before him.

The phrase "with the clouds" depicts the Son of Man arriving in divine glory, emphasizing His association with heavenly authority rather than earthly power.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word im mean?

Im is a preposition that means "with." It indicates accompaniment, association, or being together with someone or something. It is a fundamental word used throughout the Old Testament to describe relationships and proximity.

Does im imply equality between two parties?

No, it does not necessarily imply equality of status. Instead, it describes a state of being together or in close proximity. For example, Ezra 7:28 uses it to show the king’s favor was with Ezra, indicating support rather than equal rank.

How is im different from other words for "with"?

While Hebrew has other prepositions like eth (H854) or al (H5921), im specifically focuses on accompaniment and association. It is straightforward in meaning, often translated simply as "with" or "together with" in English Bibles.

Every Occurrence (12 verses across 2 books)

Ezra 4 verses

Ezra 5:2

Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build God’s house which is at…

Ezra 6:8

Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of…

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…

Ezra 7:16

and all the silver and gold that you will find in all the province of Babylon, with the free will offering of the…

Daniel 8 verses