The Hebrew word maʼămâts, represented by H3981, is a term for strength, resources, or force. It is derived from a root word meaning to be strong. This specific word is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in a single verse in the entire Bible, making its context particularly significant.
In the biblical narrative, the singular use of H3981 occurs within the discourses in the book of Job. It is found in a rhetorical question that contrasts human wealth and power with a higher, divine standard of value. The verse asks if God will value a person's riches, "no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength" Job 36:19. Here, H3981 represents the sum total of humanly gathered power and resources, which are deemed insufficient.
Several related words found in its immediate context help clarify its meaning:
- H3581 kôach (vigor, force, strength, power): This word is paired directly with H3981 to form the phrase "forces of strength" Job 36:19. It is often used to distinguish between human ability and divine power, as in the declaration, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit" Zechariah 4:6.
- H6186 ʻârak (to set in a row, arrange, compare, esteem): This verb frames the entire thought in the passage, asking if one's resources will be esteemed or valued Job 36:19. It is also used to question what can possibly be compared to God Isaiah 40:18.
- H7769 shûwaʻ (a halloo; cry, riches): This word for "riches" is placed in parallel with "gold" and "forces of strength," emphasizing the theme of material wealth being weighed and found wanting Job 36:19.
- H1222 bᵉtsar (gold): Mentioned explicitly as something that will not be esteemed, this term highlights that even the most universally valued material resource has no special standing Job 36:19.
The theological weight of H3981 is concentrated in its single, powerful appearance. It contributes to a significant biblical theme regarding the limits of human power.
- Insufficiency of Human Resources: The core message of Job 36:19 is that no amount of accumulated "forces" or resources can influence divine judgment or measure up to God's standard.
- Divine Power Over Human Strength: The associated word H3581 reinforces this idea. God is the one who gives power to the faint and whose spirit accomplishes what human might cannot (Isaiah 40:29, Zechariah 4:6).
- The Futility of Materialism: By being grouped with "riches" H7769 and "gold" H1222, H3981 is categorized as a worldly asset that is ultimately meaningless in a spiritual context.
In summary, while H3981 is a rarely used term, its appearance is pivotal. It encapsulates the concept of a person's total available resources and might. Its placement in Job 36:19 serves as a stark reminder of the biblical principle that human strength and material wealth are insufficient and cannot be the basis of one's standing or security. The word powerfully illustrates the inadequacy of relying on one's own "forces."
TRV