Original Word: אֻמְנָם
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: umnam
Pronunciation: oom-NAHM
Phonetic Spelling: (oom-nawm')
NASB: indeed, really
Word Origin: [an orthographical variation of H551 (אָמנָם - truly)]

1. in (very) deed
2. of a surety

indeed; of a surety

An orthographical variation of 'omnam -- in (very) deed; of a surety.

see HEBREW 'omnam

Word Origin
from aman
Definition
verily, truly, indeed
NASB Translation
indeed (3), indeed* (1), really (1).

אֻמְנָם adverb (from אֹמֶן by affix ָ  ם) verily, truly, indeed, always in interrogative Genesis 18:13 (J), elsewhere הַאֻמְנָם Numbers 22:37 (E) 1 Kings 8:27; 2Chronicles 6:18; Psalm 58:2.

Semantic Scope and Function

אֻמְנָם carries the sense of “indeed,” “truly,” or “really,” functioning as an adverb that either (1) affirms an assertion or (2) frames a rhetorical question that tests the reality of a claim. In either use it highlights the issue of genuineness—whether of God’s promise, human intent, or covenant faithfulness.

Distribution in the Old Testament Canon

The five occurrences span Torah, Historical Books, and Wisdom Literature, giving the term a panoramic reach across Israel’s account and worship. The settings progress from the intimate patriarchal dialogue (Genesis) to prophetic challenge (Numbers), royal temple theology (Kings and Chronicles), and communal lament (Psalms).

Key Texts and Thematic Threads

Genesis 18:13

“Then the LORD said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really bear a child when I am old?’”

Here אֻמְנָם underscores the apparent impossibility of covenant fulfillment. It frames human incredulity over divine promise, setting the stage for God’s revelation that nothing is too hard for Him (Genesis 18:14).

Numbers 22:37

Balak’s protest—“Am I really not able to reward you?”—employs the word to expose human frustration when divine sovereignty overrules political power. The narrative reminds readers that no amount of earthly incentive can manipulate a prophet bound to speak God’s word.

1 Kings 8:27 / 2 Chronicles 6:18

“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain You…”

Solomon’s temple dedication prayer uses אֻמְנָם to juxtapose God’s transcendence with His gracious willingness to dwell among His people. The rhetorical force conveys awe, compelling worshipers to marvel at divine condescension.

Psalm 58:1

“Do you indeed speak righteousness, mighty ones? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men?”

The psalmist challenges corrupt leaders, wielding אֻמְנָם to expose hypocrisy. The term intensifies the accusation by questioning the authenticity of their public claims to justice.

Theological and Devotional Significance

1. Authenticity and Accountability: Whether questioning unjust rulers (Psalm 58) or a reluctant prophet’s motives (Numbers 22), אֻמְנָם confronts the dissonance between professed and actual righteousness.
2. Faith versus Doubt: Sarah’s laughter illustrates the tension between human limitation and divine omnipotence. The same word that highlights doubt becomes the pivot for faith when God fulfills His promise.
3. Immanence and Transcendence: Solomon’s prayer anchors temple worship in the paradox that the infinite God dwells among finite people. The word invites reverent wonder and guards against reducing worship to mere ritual.

Christological Fulfillment

Solomon’s “Will God indeed dwell on the earth?” anticipates the incarnation, answered with a resounding “Yes” in John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us.” The reality Solomon could only ponder is realized in Jesus Christ, who embodies the ultimate “indeed” of God’s redemptive plan (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Connections with New Testament Usage

Greek ἀληθῶς (“truly,” “indeed”) functions similarly in the Gospels (“Truly this was the Son of God,” Matthew 27:54). Both words affirm factuality and challenge superficial belief, tying the Testaments together in their concern for truth and authenticity.

Pastoral Implications

• Preaching: Use אֻמְנָם texts to call congregations from nominal profession to genuine faith and obedience.
• Worship: Solomon’s prayer encourages corporate awe—celebrating that the transcendent God dwells with His people through the Holy Spirit.
• Counseling: Sarah’s journey from skepticism to laughter of faith offers hope to believers wrestling with doubt; God’s promises stand firm despite human frailty.

Summary

אֻמְנָם is a small word that carries weighty implications. Whether expressing astonishment at divine possibility, exposing hollow rhetoric, or magnifying God’s willingness to dwell with humanity, it drives Scripture’s call to sincere belief and righteous action—an “indeed” that still challenges and comforts the people of God today.

אֻמְנָ֛ם אמנם הַֽאֻמְנָ֔ם הַֽאֻמְנָ֗ם האמנם ’um·nām ’umnām ha’umnām ha·’um·nām haumNam umNamInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts