עֻמָּה (um.mah)
um.mah
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H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun ummah describes a state of being close by or side by side, often functioning in Scripture as a preposition meaning "alongside" or "parallel with." It conveys physical proximity, such as when armies or groups are stationed next to one another, but it also carries the sense of correspondence. The word suggests things that align closely, whether in position or in nature.
Its usage is distinctive because it appears primarily in historical narratives rather than poetic or prophetic texts. In places like Exodus and Chronicles, it helps describe the arrangement of people or objects in relation to each other, emphasizing order and nearness. This spatial closeness can imply agreement or matching conditions, as when one thing stands directly beside another in a corresponding manner.
Understanding ummah highlights how biblical authors used physical proximity to express relational or structural alignment. It is not merely about distance but about the quality of being adjacent or equivalent. The word’s limited occurrence gives it a specific weight, marking moments where exact positioning or parallelism matters to the narrative’s meaning.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ummah describes a state of being close by or side by side. It is often used in historical narratives to describe physical proximity, such as when armies are stationed next to one another or when parts of the tabernacle are arranged in precise alignment. This spatial closeness suggests not just nearness, but also correspondence and order. When things stand ummah, they align closely, whether in position or in nature.
In Ecclesiastes 7:14, this concept takes on a deeper spiritual meaning. Solomon writes that God has made the day of prosperity and the day of adversity side by side. This pairing is intentional, designed to help us understand our place in God's plan. It reminds us that both joy and hardship are part of the same reality, placed together so we might learn wisdom rather than confusion.
For your faith, this word offers comfort in the structure of God’s world. Just as the rings on the Ark were placed close to the rim for a specific purpose, our lives are arranged with intentionality. We do not face seasons of joy or sorrow in isolation; they stand together, teaching us reliance on God in every circumstance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <to>/ corresponding to5×
- <to>/ close to5×
- <to>/ parallel with/ him2×
- from/ to/ near1×
- along/ side1×
- <to>/ exactly as1×
- <to>/ correspondingly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/עֻמַּ֖ת4×
- לְ/עֻמַּת֙3×
- לְ/עֻמַּ֥ת3×
- מִ/לְּ/עֻמַּ֣ת1×
- לְ/עֻמָּת֗/וֹ1×
- לְ/עֻמָּת֔/וֹ1×
- לְ/עֻמַּת\־1×
- לְ/עֻמַּ֣ת\׀1×
- לְ/עֻמַּ֣ת1×
Key Verses
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Ecclesiastes 7:14
In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yes, God has made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything after him.
This verse uniquely applies the word to describe how God intentionally pairs prosperity and adversity side by side for human instruction.
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Exodus 25:27
The rings shall be close to the rim, for places for the poles to carry the table.
The rings are described as close to the rim, indicating precise physical placement necessary for carrying the table.
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II Samuel 16:13
So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went, threw stones at him, and threw dust.
Shimei walks along the hillside opposite David, showing the word’s use for spatial opposition and proximity during a crisis.
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Nehemiah 12:24
The chiefs of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brothers close to them, to praise and give thanks according to the commandment of David the man of God, section next to section.
Levites stand close to one another in organized sections, reflecting the order required for worship and praise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word ummah mean?
Where does ummah appear in the Bible?
How is ummah different from other words for 'near'?
Why is the usage in Ecclesiastes 7:14 important?
Every Occurrence (14 verses across 7 books)
Exodus 5 verses
The rings shall be close to the rim, for places for the poles to carry the table.
Exodus 28:27You shall make two rings of gold, and shall put them on the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, in its…
Exodus 37:14The rings were close by the border, the places for the poles to carry the table.
Exodus 38:18The screen for the gate of the court was the work of the embroiderer, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen.…
Exodus 39:20They made two more rings of gold, and put them on the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, in its front, close…