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Title: Verb Forms of עמם in Ezekiel and Lamentations
Author(s): STRONG, John T.
Journal: Biblica
Volume: 88    Issue: 4   Date: 2007   
Pages: 546-552
DOI: 10.2143/BIB.88.4.3189019

Abstract :
Verb forms from the root עמם are defined in the lexicons as 'to dim, darken', drawing upon Arabic for guidance. This definition, however, does not allow for a consistent translation in the texts where these verb forms appear. It is proposed here that the verb forms be understood as denominatives from the common noun עם and the preposition עם, which are a part of the semantic family, indicating an agnate relationship. This understanding is applied to the four instances in the Hebrew Bible where these verb forms appear: Ezek 28,3; 31,8; Ezek 32,19; and Lam 4,1. Each verse addresses a question of association or belonging. The development of these denominative forms reflects concerns over the issue of status for the Judean exiles in the sixth century BCE.

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