אִיִּים֙
𐤀𐤉𐤉𐤌
iyim
hyenas
probably identical with אִי (through the idea of a doleful sound); a howler (used only in the plural), i.e. any solitary wild creature; wild beast of the islands.
Isaiah 13:22 · Word #2
Lexicon H338
| Lemma | אִי |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤀𐤉 |
| Transliteration | ʼîy |
| Strong's | H338 |
| In-context | hyenas |
Morphology HNcmpa
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | N — Noun — A person, place, thing, or idea |
| Subtype | c — Common — Common noun |
| Gender | m — Masculine — Masculine |
| Number | p — Plural — Plural |
| State | a — Absolute — The noun stands independently |
SIBI-P1 H339-10
howling desert-creatures
| Root | אי (ʾ-y) |
| Core Meanings | coastland, island, isolated place; howling, wailing |
| Semantic Range | islands, coastlands, remote regions; wild desert beasts; howling creatures inhabiting ruins |
| Conceptual Significance | In prophetic literature, אִיִּים evokes the sound and presence of desolation—wild creatures inhabiting ruined cities. It symbolizes judgment, abandonment, and the reversal of human habitation, marking places overtaken by chaos and wilderness. |
| Morphological Notes | Common masculine plural noun (absolute). The form אִיִּים occurs only in the plural and functions as a concrete noun referring to creatures associated with deserted regions. |
| Rendering Rationale | The plural form אִיִּים is a masculine plural noun in the absolute state. While the root אי can denote coastlands or islands, this plural form in prophetic contexts refers to wild, howling creatures inhabiting desolate places. The rendering "howling desert-creatures" preserves both the root sense of isolation/howling and the masculine plural morphology. |
AI-generated (openai/gpt-5.2-chat-latest)
Words from Root אי (coastland, island, isolated place; howling, wailing)
| SILEX Code | Transliteration | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
H335-01 |
ayam | where are they? |
H346-02 |
ayeh | where? |
H335-02 |
ayekah | Where are you? |
Word Usage (3 occurrences of H338)
| Location | Form | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 13:22 | אִיִּים֙ | iyim | hyenas |
| Isaiah 34:14 | אִיִּ֔ים | iyim | hyenas |
| Jeremiah 50:39 | אִיִּ֔ים | iyim | hyenas |