Emims
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Topical Encyclopedia
The Emims were an ancient people mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the early history of the Israelites and their journey to the Promised Land. The name "Emim" is derived from a Hebrew word meaning "terrors" or "fearful ones," which reflects the formidable reputation they held among neighboring tribes.

Biblical References

The primary biblical reference to the Emims is found in Deuteronomy 2:10-11, where they are described as a people great, numerous, and tall, similar to the Anakim, another group of giants. The passage states: "The Emim had formerly lived there, a people great and many, as tall as the Anakim. Like the Anakim, they were also regarded as Rephaim, though the Moabites called them Emim." (Deuteronomy 2:10-11).

Historical Context

The Emims were inhabitants of the region of Moab, located east of the Dead Sea. The Moabites, descendants of Lot, referred to them as Emims, while the Israelites recognized them as part of the larger group of Rephaim, a term often associated with giants or mighty warriors. The Emims, along with other similar tribes, were part of the ancient landscape that the Israelites encountered during their wilderness wanderings.

Cultural and Theological Significance

The mention of the Emims in the biblical narrative serves to highlight the challenges faced by the Israelites as they approached the land promised to them by God. The presence of such formidable peoples underscored the need for reliance on divine assistance to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The Emims, like the Anakim and other giant tribes, symbolized the fear and intimidation that the Israelites had to overcome through faith and obedience to God's commands.

Relation to Other Tribes

The Emims are often mentioned in conjunction with other ancient tribes such as the Anakim, Rephaim, and Zamzummim. These groups are collectively noted for their impressive stature and strength, contributing to the legendary status they held in the ancient Near East. The biblical narrative often uses these tribes to illustrate the power and might of God in delivering His people from their enemies.

Archaeological and Historical Considerations

While there is limited archaeological evidence directly linked to the Emims, their mention in the biblical text provides insight into the complex interactions between various peoples in the ancient Near East. The Emims, as part of the broader category of Rephaim, contribute to the understanding of the cultural and historical context of the early Israelite period.

In summary, the Emims are a testament to the diverse and challenging environment that the Israelites navigated under divine guidance. Their presence in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the power of God to deliver His people from formidable foes and fulfill His promises.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Emims

fears; terrors; formidable; people

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Emims

(terrors), a tribe or family of gigantic stature which originally inhabited the region along the eastern side of the Dead Sea. They were related to the Anakim.

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Terrors, a warlike tribe of giants who were defeated by Chedorlaomer and his allies in the plain of Kiriathaim. In the time of Abraham they occupied the country east of Jordan, afterwards the land of the Moabites (Genesis 14:5; Deuteronomy 2:10). They were, like the Anakim, reckoned among the Rephaim, and were conquered by the Moabites, who gave them the name of Emims, i.e., "terrible men" (Deuteronomy 2:11). The Ammonites called them Zamzummims (2:20).
Strong's Hebrew
368. Eymiym -- "terrors," an inhabitant of Moab
... 367, 368. Eymiym. 368a . "terrors," an inhabitant of Moab. Transliteration:
Eymiym Phonetic Spelling: (ay-meem') Short Definition: Emims. Emims ...
/hebrew/368.htm - 5k
Thesaurus
Emims (2 Occurrences)
... They were, like the Anakim, reckoned among the Rephaim, and were conquered by the
Moabites, who gave them the name of Emims, ie, "terrible men" (Deuteronomy 2 ...
/e/emims.htm - 7k

Anakims (9 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Deuteronomy 2:10 The Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people
great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; (KJV WBS). ...
/a/anakims.htm - 9k

Emim (3 Occurrences)

/e/emim.htm - 8k

Eminence (2 Occurrences)

/e/eminence.htm - 7k

Shavehkiriathaim
... Plain of Kirja-thaim where Chedorlaomer defeated the Emims, the original inhabitants
(Genesis 14:5). Now Kureiyat, north of Dibon, in the land of Moab. Int. ...
/s/shavehkiriathaim.htm - 7k

Shaveh-kiriathaim (1 Occurrence)
... Plain of Kirja-thaim where Chedorlaomer defeated the Emims, the original inhabitants
(Genesis 14:5). Now Kureiyat, north of Dibon, in the land of Moab. Int. ...
/s/shaveh-kiriathaim.htm - 7k

Giants (18 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS). Deuteronomy 2:11 Which also were accounted giants, as the
Anakims; but the Moabites called them Emims. (KJV DBY WBS). ...
/g/giants.htm - 19k

Past (200 Occurrences)
... (KJV BBE WBS). Deuteronomy 2:10 The Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people
great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; (KJV BBE DBY WBS). ...
/p/past.htm - 37k

Dwelt (307 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Deuteronomy 2:10 The Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people great,
and many, and tall, as the Anakims; (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/d/dwelt.htm - 36k

Resources
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Concordance
Emims (2 Occurrences)

Deuteronomy 2:10
The Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims;
(KJV WBS)

Deuteronomy 2:11
Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites called them Emims.
(KJV WBS)

Subtopics

Emims

Emims: A Race of Giants

Related Terms

Anakims (9 Occurrences)

Emim (3 Occurrences)

Eminence (2 Occurrences)

Shavehkiriathaim

Shaveh-kiriathaim (1 Occurrence)

Giants (18 Occurrences)

Past (200 Occurrences)

Dwelt (307 Occurrences)

Emim
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