(Aramaic) corresponding to אַמָּה; {properly, a mother (i.e. unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e. a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)}; cubit.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ʼammâh**, represented by `{{H521}}`, corresponds to the Hebrew term for a **cubit**. It appears **4 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its base definition refers to a unit of measure, properly the forearm below the elbow, and is used to specify the dimensions of significant structures.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its scriptural occurrences, `{{H521}}` is used exclusively to define the scale of major construction projects. In the book of Daniel, it is used to describe the immense golden image built by King Nebuchadnezzar, which stood sixty **cubits** high and six **cubits** wide [[Daniel 3:1]]. Similarly, in the book of Ezra, King Cyrus decrees the dimensions for rebuilding the house of God in Jerusalem, specifying its height and breadth as sixty **cubits** each [[Ezra 6:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words appear alongside `{{H521}}` to provide complete measurements:
* `{{H7314}}` **rûwm**: This word for **height** is used in direct conjunction with `{{H521}}` to specify the vertical dimension of both Nebuchadnezzar's image and the new temple ([[Daniel 3:1]], [[Ezra 6:3]]).
* `{{H6613}}` **pᵉthay**: Meaning **breadth**, this term is paired with `{{H521}}` to establish the width of these same structures ([[Daniel 3:1]], [[Ezra 6:3]]).
* `{{H8361}}` **shittîyn**: This is the word for **threescore**, or sixty, and it quantifies the number of cubits for the height and breadth of the constructions detailed in Daniel and Ezra ([[Daniel 3:1]], [[Ezra 6:3]]).
### Theological Significance
While `{{H521}}` is a simple unit of measure, its application carries significant weight by defining the scale of objects central to the biblical narrative.
* **Monumental Scale:** The measurement of "threescore cubits" is used to convey the massive size of two very different structures: a pagan idol erected in defiance of God and the temple decreed for the worship of God.
* **Human Pride vs. Divine Decree:** In Daniel, the sixty-**cubit** measurement highlights the grandeur of Nebuchadnezzar's idolatrous image [[Daniel 3:1]]. In Ezra, the same measurement defines the sanctioned dimensions for the house of God, as part of His restorative plan for Israel [[Ezra 6:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H521}}` functions as a crucial descriptor for establishing physical scale in the Aramaic portions of Scripture. Though a technical term of measurement, its use in describing both an object of profound idolatry and the holy temple in Jerusalem gives it a distinctive role in contrasting the works of man with the commands of God.
TRV