עֻמָּה (um.mah)
um.mah
Ummah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ummah, corresponding to Strong’s H5981, appears only once in the Old Testament, specifically within the land allotment description for the tribe of Asher in Joshua 19:30. In this context, it functions as a proper name for one of the fortified cities assigned to that tribe.
Lexical sources identify the meaning of the word as "union," reflecting its root concept of gathering or joining together. This etymological background provides insight into the nature of the settlement, suggesting a place defined by community or alliance. Some scholars also propose that this location may be identical with Acco, a well-known coastal city later referenced in biblical history.
While the term itself is rare, its singular occurrence anchors it firmly in the historical geography of Israel’s tribal inheritance. The name serves as a reminder of the specific boundaries and communal structures established during the conquest period, linking linguistic meaning to tangible territorial division.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ummah appears just once in the Hebrew Bible, nestled within the detailed land distribution for the tribe of Asher in Joshua 19:30. Its root meaning points to a union or gathering, suggesting that this place was more than just a dot on a map; it was a community bound together by shared purpose and alliance.
For your faith life, this rare term reminds us that God’s promises are often fulfilled in the context of people. The inheritance given to Asher included fortified cities where families could live safely and support one another. It highlights how divine provision includes not only land but also the social structures that help communities thrive.
When you read about these ancient settlements, consider how God cares for the collective well-being of His people. Just as ummah signified a united place in Israel’s history, your own spiritual journey is supported by the fellowship of believers who gather around shared truths and mutual care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Umah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/עֻמָ֥ה1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 19:30
Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty-two cities with their villages.
This verse lists Ummah as one of the twenty-two cities assigned to Asher, anchoring the word’s meaning of 'union' in a specific territorial inheritance.