This is the common Hebrew word for people or nation, appearing thousands of times throughout the Old Testament. In Jeremiah 17:19, it appears with the definite article in the phrase 'gate of the sons of the people,' referring to a public gate where common people passed. The term 'am can designate Israel as God's covenant people, other nations, or simply a population. It emphasizes collective identity and shared belonging. When used of Israel, it carries deep covenant significance—these are 'my people,' bound to God through promise and obligation. The word captures both ethnic identity and theological relationship.