Ammi am'-i (`ammi, "my people"): A symbolic name given to Israel by Hosea (Hosea 2:1, Hosea 2:3 in Hebrew text), descriptive of Israel in the state of restoration, and in contrast to sinful and rejected Israel, represented by Hosea's son, who was called Lo-ammi, "not my people," when born to the prophet (Hosea 1:9, Hosea 1:10). This restoration to the Divine favor is more fully described in Hosea 2:21, Hosea 2:23 in words quoted by Paul (Romans 9:25, Romans 9:26). The use of such figurative and descriptive names is frequent in the Old Testament; compare Isaiah 62:4, Isaiah 62:12.