יֵם
𐤉𐤌
yêm
H3222 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A domesticated equine animal, specifically a mule—an offspring resulting from the crossbreeding of a male donkey and a female horse. Rare word denoting this hybrid beast of burden used for riding, transport, or work.
Semantic Range
mule (hybrid equid), possible but unattested sense of 'warm spring' (not present in biblical usage); beast of burden, animal used in tribute or elite transport
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root י-ו-ם (possibly connected with warmth or fecundity), but the precise relationship of יֵם to יוֹם ('day') is uncertain. The derivational pathway is unclear; etymology uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term יֵם occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible (1 Kings 10:25; 2 Chronicles 9:24, where it appears in a list of royal tribute gifts). The identification as 'mule' is based on context, as well as parallels in other Semitic languages (cf. Ugaritic ym, possibly also 'mule'). In the biblical context, the mule was a valued animal for long-distance travel and royal processions, being prized for its strength, endurance, and hybrid vigor. The use of mules is associated with elite or royal transport in monarchic Israel. Other Hebrew terms for equids include חֲמוֹר (donkey), סוּס (horse), each with distinctive usage. In post-biblical Hebrew and in ancient Near Eastern contexts, the mule continued to be a valued animal; however, the word יֵם is not the standard term outside these few references. Standard English translations as 'mule' capture the general referent but do not reflect the word's rarity or its nuanced social associations in the source text. English versions sometimes simply transliterate as 'yem' due to uncertainty, but 'mule' is likely correct. The connection suggested by Strong's to 'warm spring' is not reflected in biblical usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as יוֹם; a warm spring; mule.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
יום (y-w-m) — to be hot, to bring forth, to come forth, to bear offspring (uncertain)
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3117 | יוֹם | in the days |
| H3118 | יוֹם | in day of |
| H3119 | יוֹמָם | in the daytime |
| H3220 | יָם | the days |
| H3224 | יְמִימָה | Daylight |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3222-01 |
הַ/יֵּמִם֙ | hayemim | HTd/Ncmpa |
the hot springs | the mules | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3222-01 |
Genesis 36:24 | הַ/יֵּמִם֙ | hayemim | HTd/Ncmpa |
the hot springs | the mules |