Bible Dictionary
EMIM
An ancient tall people who lived in the region of Moab and were regarded as Rephaim, or giants. Their earlier dwelling was associated with Shaveh-kiriathaim.
Definition
The Emim were an ancient people of tall stature who lived in the region later associated with Moab. They were counted among the Rephaim, or giant peoples, in the traditions recorded concerning the inhabitants east of the Jordan.
Biblical Usage
Deuteronomy describes the Emim as earlier inhabitants of Moab and compares them with the Anakim and other peoples regarded as Rephaim. Genesis associates them with Shaveh-kiriathaim in the time of Abraham.
Historical Background
The name was given to them by the Moabites and may not have been their own designation. They are associated with the Moabite district of Shaveh-kiriathaim, identified with modern Kureiyat. Their exact relationship to other tall peoples is unknown.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>e'-mim ('emim; Ommaein, Ommein, or Ommiein):</p><p>Stated to have been the earlier inhabitants of Moab (De 2:10,11), and to have been of tall stature, and hence, "accounted Rephaim (or giants) as the Anakim" or the Zamzummim of Ammon (De 2:20). As the name was given to them by the Moabites, it may not have been that by which they called themselves. A tall race, known to the Israelites as REPHAIM (which see), once existed in Southern Palestine as well as on the East side of the Jordan, but its exact relationship is unknown. In the time of Abraham the Emim were living in the Moabite district of Shaveh-kiriathaim, identified with the modern Kureiyat (Ge 14:5).</p><p>A. H. Sayce</p>