אַמִּיץ
strong or (abstractly) strength
Definition
The Hebrew word אַמִּיץ (ʼammîyts) primarily describes a person or entity possessing great strength, might, or courage. It can refer to physical strength, as seen in Job 9:4 where God is described as 'wise in heart and mighty in strength.' It also denotes moral or military courage, such as the 'mighty men' who followed Absalom in his rebellion (2 Samuel 15:12). In an abstract sense, it can represent the quality of strength itself, as in Isaiah 40:26, which speaks of God's 'great might and strong power' in creating the stars.
Biblical Usage
This word is used six times in the Old Testament, appearing in narrative, poetic, and prophetic books. It describes human warriors (2 Samuel 15:12, Amos 2:16), the overwhelming power of God (Job 9:4, 9:19; Isaiah 40:26), and metaphorically, a destructive storm or agent of God's judgment (Isaiah 28:2). The usage shifts from human military contexts to emphasizing divine omnipotence, especially in the later prophetic writings.
Etymology
Derived from the root אָמַץ (ʼāmats, H553), meaning 'to be strong, alert, courageous, or bold.' This root conveys firmness and fortitude. אַמִּיץ is the adjectival or nominal form, focusing on the state or quality of being strong. Related words include חָזָק (ḥāzāq, H2389), which also means strong, but often with a nuance of being hard or severe.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it is applied both to humanity and, more profoundly, to God. When used of people, it often highlights human strength that is ultimately limited or futile before God (Amos 2:16, Job 9:19). Its primary theological weight comes from its application to Yahweh, emphasizing His unmatched power as Creator (Isaiah 40:26) and sovereign Judge (Isaiah 28:2). Understanding this term enriches the biblical contrast between human might and divine omnipotence.
In its ancient Near Eastern context, 'strength' or 'might' was a highly valued attribute for leadership, warfare, and survival. A 'mighty one' (אַמִּיץ) was typically a warrior or a person of significant social power and influence. This cultural understanding forms the backdrop for its application to God, elevating Him as the ultimate and unrivaled 'Mighty One.'
חָזָק (ḥāzāq, H2389) — Often denotes physical strength, hardness, or severity; can imply a more intense or severe strength. גִּבּוֹר (gibbôr, H1368) — Focuses on being a mighty warrior or champion, emphasizing valor and heroic strength. כֹּחַ (kōaḥ, H3581) — Refers to power, force, or capacity, often more abstract than personal.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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