The meaning of “אִם”
Understanding ʼim reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
(and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, n...
אִם
(and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. - used very widely as demonstrative, lo! - interrogative, whether? - or conditional, if, although - also Oh that!, when - hence, as a negative, not 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 32:26 | “And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” Word: אִם (ʼim) | |
| Numbers 14:35 | “I the Lord have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.” Word: אִם (ʼim) | |
| 1 Samuel 21:5 | “And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel.” Word: אִם (ʼim) | |
| 1 Chronicles 21:12 | “Either three years’ famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the Lord, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.” Word: אִם (ʼim) | |
| Ecclesiastes 5:11 | “When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?” Word: אִם (ʼim) |