Bible Word Study
אָמִיר
ʼâmîyr · a summit (of a tree or mountain
אָמִיר
a summit (of a tree or mountain
Definition
The Hebrew noun אָמִיר (ʼâmîyr) refers to the highest or topmost part of something, specifically the summit of a tree or a mountain. In Isaiah 17:6, it describes the 'topmost bough' of an olive tree, the highest fruit-bearing branch. In Isaiah 17:9, it is used metaphorically for the fortified 'summits' of mountains, representing places of idolatrous high places that will be deserted. The word consistently conveys the idea of a lofty, prominent peak, whether in a natural or figurative sense.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 17:6, 17:9). In Isaiah 17:6, it appears in an agricultural metaphor for the remnant of Israel, likened to gleanings left on an olive tree. In Isaiah 17:9, it is used in a prophecy of judgment against the northern kingdom, describing the desolation of the 'summits' of mountains where idolatry was practiced. The usage shifts from a literal tree bough to a symbolic mountain stronghold.
Etymology
The word אָמִיר is apparently derived from the root אָמַר (ʼāmar, H559), which means 'to say,' but here it carries a sense of 'prominence' or 'self-exaltation.' This connection suggests the idea of something that 'speaks' or declares itself by standing out or rising above. It is a rare noun, with its meaning closely tied to the concept of a lofty, conspicuous point.
Semantic Range
Though used only twice, אָמִיר carries theological weight in Isaiah's prophecies. In Isaiah 17:6, it illustrates God's preservation of a faithful remnant—even the highest, most prominent bough can be stripped, yet a gleaning remains. In Isaiah 17:9, it symbolizes human pride and idolatry built on 'high places,' which God will bring to desolation. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the imagery of God's judgment on human exaltation and His grace in preserving a remnant. In ancient Israelite culture, the 'topmost bough' of an olive tree (Isaiah 17:6) represented the most valuable, fruitful part, often harvested last. The 'summits' of mountains (Isaiah 17:9) were commonly associated with pagan high places used for idol worship. The word's dual usage reflects familiar agricultural and geographical realities, emphasizing both provision and peril in elevated positions. צַמֶּרֶת (tsammereth, H6788) — specifically the top or crown of a tree. רֹאשׁ (rōʼsh, H7218) — a more general term for 'head' or 'top.'
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]