Original Word: עִם
Part of Speech: Preposition
Transliteration: `im
Pronunciation: eem
Phonetic Spelling: (eem)
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H5973 (עִם - against)]

1. by, from, like, to(-ward), with

by, from, like, toward, with

(Aramaic) corresponding to im -- by, from, like, to(-ward), with.

see HEBREW im

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to im
Definition
with
NASB Translation
like* (1), one another* (1).

Overview

The Hebrew preposition עִם occurs twenty-two times in Ezra and Daniel as catalogued under Strong’s 5974. It consistently marks closeness—physical, social, spiritual, or even chemical—bringing two parties into a single field of action. Far more than a grammatical connector, the word highlights truths about covenant fellowship, divine presence, human solidarity, and final eschatological victory.

Association in Covenant Restoration (Ezra 5–7)

• Ezra 5:2 records that “the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.” The rebuilding of the temple was not a solitary act but a cooperative venture under prophetic encouragement. The preposition shows the unity of leadership and laity in God’s redemptive program.
• Royal decrees likewise emphasize supportive partnership. Artaxerxes writes, “who wish to go to Jerusalem, may go with you” (Ezra 7:13), and commands that gifts be conveyed “together with all the silver and gold you may obtain from the province of Babylon” (7:16). Imperial power is portrayed as working with the returning exiles, underscoring the providential orchestration of pagan authorities for covenant purposes (cf. Proverbs 21:1).

Ministry significance: God’s work advances through cooperative obedience; leaders, prophets, civil authorities, and common worshipers stand “with” one another in a shared mission.

Divine Presence and Human Limitation (Daniel 2:11; 2:22)

• The Babylonian sages confess, “the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh” (Daniel 2:11). Their false worldview assumes an unbridgeable gulf between deity and humanity.
• In striking contrast, Daniel blesses the Most High: “He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him” (2:22). The same preposition that exposes pagan distance affirms God’s intimate possession of light and knowledge.

Theological thread: While human wisdom stands apart from God, covenant revelation places the faithful in fellowship with the One who “dwells in unapproachable light” yet chooses to reveal mysteries. This anticipates the incarnational fulfillment of Immanuel, “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23).

Mixture and Incompatibility of Kingdoms (Daniel 2:43)

The statue’s iron and clay “will mix with one another, but will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay.” The same word that elsewhere signals harmonious unity here underlines political instability. Kingdoms built on forced alliances lack true cohesion and will fall before the stone “cut without hands.”

Pastoral insight: Unity apart from righteousness cannot endure; spiritual and ethical incompatibilities eventually fracture every merely human federation.

Humiliation of Kings: Life with the Beasts (Daniel 4–5)

Nebuchadnezzar is sentenced to dwell “with the beasts of the field” (4:15, 23, 25, 32) until he learns “that the Most High rules the kingdom of men.” Belshazzar is reminded that his predecessor “lived with the wild donkeys” (5:21). The preposition highlights a forced association intended for chastening; proud rulers are reduced to beastly company to acknowledge God.

Application: When people refuse to live with God in humble obedience, they may find themselves living with that which is sub-human. Genuine sovereignty is exercised only in submission to the Sovereign of heaven.

Protection in the Lions’ Den (Daniel 6:21)

After a night ‘with’ the lions, Daniel testifies: “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths.” The word underscores the contrast between danger and deliverance. Daniel shares physical space with predators yet enjoys spiritual fellowship with the Protector.

Lesson for believers: Being “with” hostile forces does not negate being simultaneously “with” God. Divine presence secures safety amid peril (Psalm 23:4).

Eschatological Vision: With the Clouds and With the Saints (Daniel 7)

• “One like a Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven” (7:13) unites messianic rule and heavenly authority.
• The little horn “was waging war with the saints” (7:21). The same preposition that celebrates the Messiah’s advent also describes the adversary’s assault, highlighting a conflict resolved when dominion is given to the Son of Man and His people.

Hope: Final victory belongs to those found “with” Christ. The word pivots from opposition to triumph as the saints possess the kingdom forever (7:27).

Ministry Reflections

1. Fellowship. True ministry thrives when leaders and people labor “with” one another under God’s word (Ezra).
2. Dependence. Wisdom and revelation dwell “with” God alone; prayer seeks partnership with Him (Daniel 2:18).
3. Purity. Attempted mixtures of iron and clay warn against compromising alliances (Daniel 2:43; 2 Corinthians 6:14).
4. Humility. Pride drives people away from communion with God and into degrading associations (Daniel 4–5).
5. Assurance. Whether among beasts or before tyrants, those who walk “with” God are preserved.
6. Expectation. The church lives in hope of seeing the Son of Man coming “with the clouds” and reigning “with” His saints.

Thus, the small preposition עִם becomes a theological thread, stitching together themes of presence, partnership, purity, and promise from post-exilic restoration to apocalyptic consummation.

וְֽעִם־ וְעִם־ וְעִמְּה֛וֹן ועם־ ועמהון עִם֩ עִם־ עִמִּ֔י עִמֵּ֥הּ עִמָּ֖ךְ עם עם־ עמה עמי עמך ‘im ‘im- ‘im·māḵ ‘im·mêh ‘im·mî ‘immāḵ ‘immêh ‘immî im imMach imMeh imMi veim veimmeHon wə‘im- wə‘imməhōwn wə·‘im- wə·‘im·mə·hō·wnInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts