אַמָּה

Ammah, a hill in Palestine

Definition

Ammah is a proper noun referring to a specific hill in Palestine. The name itself means 'forearm' or 'cubit,' a unit of measurement, suggesting the hill may have been used as a landmark or boundary. It appears only once in the Bible, in 2 Samuel 2:24, as a location in the territory of Benjamin where Joab and Abishai stopped pursuing Abner after the battle at the pool of Gibeon. The text describes it as being near Giah, but its exact modern location remains uncertain.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, specifically in the historical narrative of 2 Samuel 2:24. It functions solely as a geographical place name within the context of a military pursuit following a tribal conflict between the forces of David and Ish-bosheth. The usage provides a specific location marker in the territory of Benjamin, helping to trace the route of Joab's army.

Etymology

The word אַמָּה (ʼAmmâh) is identical to the common noun H520 (אַמָּה), which means 'cubit' (a forearm's length, a standard ancient measure) or 'forearm' itself. As a place name, it is therefore derived from this term for a unit of measurement, likely indicating the hill's role as a boundary marker or a place known for its specific dimensions or shape.

Semantic Range

In the ancient Near East, geographical features like hills were often used as boundary markers and strategic points. Naming a hill 'Ammah' (Cubit) may indicate it served as a known measurement point or territorial limit. Its mention in a military narrative highlights how the landscape itself played a crucial role in the strategies and outcomes of biblical conflicts.

גִּבְעָה (Gibʿâh, H1389) — A more general term for 'hill' or 'height,' often used for towns (e.g., Gibeah). אַמָּה (ʼAmmâh, H520) — The identical common noun meaning 'cubit' or 'forearm,' from which the place name is directly derived.

Word Details

Scripture References