Lexical Summary ummah: People, nation Original Word: אֻמָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance nation (Aramaic) corresponding to 'ummah -- nation. see HEBREW 'ummah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to ummah Definition a nation NASB Translation nation (1), nations (7). Topical Lexicon Overview אֻמָּה designates a distinct people group or nation, usually viewed in its corporate identity rather than as an ethnic curiosity. All eight uses appear in the Imperial Aramaic sections of Ezra and Daniel, underscoring a period when God’s covenant people lived under foreign rule yet continued to confess His sovereign governance over “every people, nation, and language.” Occurrence and Literary Setting Ezra 4:10 employs the term in the correspondence between adversaries of Judah and the Persian court, describing “peoples” transplanted into Samaria. The remaining seven instances cluster in Daniel 3–7, a narrative and prophetic block that repeatedly juxtaposes the rule of pagan monarchs with the unrivaled dominion of the Most High. The word therefore situates the human kingdoms addressed by God through exiles who bore His wisdom. Thematic Significance in Ezra Ezra’s single occurrence sets the stage for post-exilic tensions. The imported “peoples” brought syncretistic worship and political agitation, challenging the remnant’s fidelity to the Law. Their presence reminds readers that God’s people often rebuild amid cultural pluralism, a setting that magnifies the call to holiness without withdrawal. Thematic Significance in Daniel 1. Universal summons to idolatry (Daniel 3). Nebuchadnezzar gathers “peoples, nations, and languages” (3:4) to bow before the golden image, illustrating the coercive unity of human power when it displaces true worship. The refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrates that allegiance to God transcends national identity. Theological Observations • Divine sovereignty over nations: Each occurrence accentuates God’s rule, whether by preserving His servants, humbling tyrants, or granting the Son of Man eternal authority. Practical Ministry Applications • Global mission motivation: Since every אֻמָּה will ultimately acknowledge Christ, the Church labors confidently toward the Great Commission, assured of final success. Summary אֻמָּה threads through two post-exilic books to highlight God’s unassailable reign over every people. Whether describing transplanted settlers in Samaria, subjects of Babylonian monarchs, or the worldwide worshipers of the coming Messiah, the word reminds the faithful that all nations lie within the gracious and just purposes of the Lord. Forms and Transliterations אֻמַּיָּ֖א אֻמַּיָּ֗א אֻמַיָּ֛א אֻמַיָּ֣א אֻמַיָּ֧א אֻמַיָּא֙ אֻמָּ֜ה אמה אמיא ’u·may·yā ’um·māh ’um·may·yā ’umayyā ’ummāh ’ummayyā umaiYa umMah ummaiYaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 4:10 HEB: וּשְׁאָ֣ר אֻמַּיָּ֗א דִּ֤י הַגְלִי֙ NAS: and the rest of the nations which KJV: And the rest of the nations whom INT: and the rest of the nations which deported Daniel 3:4 Daniel 3:7 Daniel 3:29 Daniel 4:1 Daniel 5:19 Daniel 6:25 Daniel 7:14 8 Occurrences |
    |