עִמָּדִי (im.mad)
im.mad
with me
H:PrepQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 40 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:Prep
Word Overview
The Hebrew word immadi is a prepositional form meaning "with me." It is a prolonged variant of the common preposition im, which generally denotes fellowship, companionship, or aid. While im appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, immadi is restricted to the first-person singular suffix, creating a specific phrase that translates to "with me" or "by me." This grammatical narrowing gives the word a distinct personal focus in contexts where direct interaction is described.
Lexical sources clarify that this term has no etymological connection to the root for standing (amad). Instead, it derives from an unused root related to binding or tying together, sharing linguistic kinship with Arabic words indicating proximity. This origin underscores the sense of close association rather than mere physical location. The word appears in forty verses, with significant usage in Genesis, 1 Samuel, and Job, often highlighting personal relationships or divine presence.
In Scripture, immadi frequently marks moments of intense personal engagement or legal testimony. For instance, Jacob uses it when negotiating his service to Laban (Genesis 29:19), emphasizing a direct, binding agreement. In Job, the phrase appears in contexts of suffering and appeal, such as when Job asks if he might be judged against by God (Job 23:6). These instances show the word anchoring abstract concepts of presence into concrete, personal reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The phrase 'with me' in Hebrew carries a weight of binding connection. It is more than physical proximity; it implies a shared journey and mutual responsibility. When Scripture uses this term, it often marks moments where relationships are tested or divine promises are anchored in daily life.
Consider Jacob’s vow in Genesis 28:20. He asks God to be with him, keep his path, and provide for his basic needs. This is not a demand but a humble recognition that survival depends on presence. Similarly, David finds safety in the promise that those who seek his life also seek his companion's (1 Samuel 22:23). These verses remind us that we are never walking alone.
Whether in times of distress or simple daily routines, this word highlights a God who enters into our personal history. It invites us to trust that the One who answers in distress is also present in the ordinary moments of our walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 40 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with/ me29×
- [are] with/ me4×
- from/ with/ me2×
- [is] with/ me2×
- with/ myself1×
- beside/ me1×
- [was] with/ me1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עִמָּדִ֑/י11×
- עִמָּדִֽ/י\׃10×
- עִמָּדִ֔/י6×
- עִמָּדִ֗/י3×
- עִמָּדִ֖/י2×
- עִמָּדִ/י֙2×
- עִמָּדִ֛/י1×
- עִמָּדִ/י֒1×
- עִמָּ֫דִ֥/י1×
- עִ֝מָּדִ֗/י1×
- מֵ/עִמָּדִ֖/י1×
- מֵ/עִמָּדִ֔/י1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 28:20
Jacob vowed a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and clothing to put on,
Jacob uses this phrase to anchor his vow, linking God's presence directly to his physical journey and provision.
-
Genesis 35:3
Let’s arise, and go up to Bethel. I will make there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me on the way which I went.”
Jacob recalls that God was with him on his way, using the phrase to justify building an altar in response to past deliverance.
-
Job 6:4
For the arrows of the Almighty are within me. My spirit drinks up their poison. The terrors of God set themselves in array against me.
Job describes the arrows of the Almighty being within him, using the preposition to express the internal reality of divine judgment and suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word immadi mean?
How is immadi different from other words for 'with'?
Where does this word appear most often?
Does this word imply physical location only?
Every Occurrence (40 verses across 9 books)
Genesis 14 verses
The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
Genesis 19:19See now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have magnified your loving kindness, which you have shown…
Genesis 20:9Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have…
Genesis 20:13When God caused me to wander from my father’s house, I said to her, ‘This is your kindness which you shall show to me.…
Genesis 21:23Now, therefore, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son.…
Genesis 28:20Jacob vowed a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to…
Genesis 29:19Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you, than that I should give her to another man. Stay with me.”
Genesis 29:27Fulfill the week of this one, and we will give you the other also for the service which you will serve with me for…
Genesis 31:5and said to them, “I see the expression on your father’s face, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my…
Genesis 31:7Your father has deceived me, and changed my wages ten times, but God didn’t allow him to hurt me.
Genesis 31:32Anyone you find your gods with shall not live. Before our relatives, discern what is yours with me, and take it.” For…
Genesis 35:3Let’s arise, and go up to Bethel. I will make there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was…
Genesis 40:14But remember me when it is well with you. Please show kindness to me, and make mention of me to Pharaoh, and bring me…
Genesis 47:29The time came near that Israel must die, and he called his son Joseph, and said to him, “If now I have found favor in…