The Hebrew word for mother, about 220 times. Designates biological mother, grandmother, or metaphorical matriarch. Honoring one's em is part of the Decalogue (Ex 20:12).
Mothers shape redemptive history through faith and action. God as mother appears in Isa 66:13. Proverbs closes with the eshet chayil, embodying em as life-giver and wisdom-bearer.
Metaphorical uses include 'mother city' (2 Sam 20:19). In wisdom literature, em is paired with ab as source of instruction — 'Do not forsake your mother's teaching' (Prov 1:8).