קִים (qim)
qim
adversary
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun qim appears only once in the Old Testament, specifically in Job 22:20. It translates to "adversary" or "enemy," but its underlying sense is more dynamic than a static opponent. The root idea suggests an uprising or an insurgent force that rises up against someone.
In this single occurrence, Eliphaz uses the word to describe how the wicked will be destroyed by those who rise against them. The image is not just of a legal rival, but of a hostile power that actively opposes and overthrows. This specific nuance of "uprising" distinguishes it from other common words for enemy in Hebrew.
Because the term is so rare, its meaning is tightly bound to this context in Job. It captures the sudden, violent nature of divine judgment where enemies are turned against the wicked. The word emphasizes the active resistance and conflict inherent in the situation rather than a passive state of enmity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qim appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Job 22:20. It describes an adversary not as a static opponent, but as one who rises up in active hostility. Eliphaz uses this term to illustrate how divine judgment often involves enemies rising against the wicked. This dynamic image reminds us that conflict is not always passive; sometimes it is a sudden uprising of forces aligned against injustice.
For your faith, this rare word offers a sobering perspective on spiritual warfare and justice. It shows that God’s justice can manifest through the very powers that oppose evil. While we may face adversaries who rise up, we can trust that ultimate judgment belongs to God. This understanding invites us to rest in His sovereignty rather than fearing the chaos of conflict.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- adversary/ our1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קִימָ֑/נוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Job 22:20
saying, ‘Surely those who rose up against us are cut off. The fire has consumed their remnant.’
Eliphaz uses qim to describe enemies who rise up against the wicked, emphasizing the active and violent nature of divine judgment rather than a passive state of enmity.