The Hebrew word ʼâmats, represented by H553, is a primitive root that signifies being alert and resolute, either physically or mentally. It is used to convey concepts of courage, strength, confirmation, and fortification, but can also mean to be obstinate or hardened. It appears 41 times in 41 unique verses, indicating its specific and impactful use in Scripture.
Beyond simply "being" strong or courageous, H553 frequently appears in the Hiphil stem, where it carries the causative sense of "to strengthen," "to make firm," or "to encourage." This highlights an active, intentional imparting of strength, whether by God to individuals, or by humans to one another. For instance, Moses is commanded to "encourage" and "strengthen" Joshua for his leadership role Deuteronomy 3:28, indicating a transfer of resolve and fortitude. Similarly, Job's words are said to "uphold" and "strengthen" the falling and feeble Job 4:4, demonstrating the power of supportive speech to impart H553. This active dimension reveals that strength is not always an intrinsic quality but can be a gift, a command, or an intentional act of support.
In biblical contexts, H553 is frequently used as a divine command to be courageous in the face of daunting tasks. God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous to lead the people into the promised land Joshua 1:6. The word also describes comparative physical power, as in the prophecy to Rebekah that one of her unborn nations would be stronger than the other Genesis 25:23. In a different sense, it describes the willful hardening of the heart, as when King Zedekiah hardened his heart against turning to God 2 Chronicles 36:13. It is also used to describe the act of confirming or making firm, such as to confirm feeble knees Isaiah 35:3.
The application of H553 extends beyond human resolve to encompass the strengthening of physical structures and even elements of creation. The Lord is described as having "strengthened the fountains of the deep" and "established the clouds" in the wisdom passage of Proverbs 8:28, portraying divine power in cosmic ordering. Likewise, human effort can "strengthen" materials, as seen in the craftsman who "heweth him down cedars. which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest" for idol-making Isaiah 44:14. In a more martial context, the word also describes the act of fortifying defenses or one's own physical capacity for battle. The prophet Nahum exhorts to "make thy loins strong, fortify thy power mightily" as a preparation for war Nahum 2:1, illustrating a proactive engagement with H553 for strategic advantage. This versatility underscores its core meaning of making something firm, robust, or resolute, whether it be a heart, a nation, or a physical structure.
Several related words help define the scope of H553:
- H2388 châzaq (to be strong): This word is very often paired with ʼâmats, forming the classic exhortation to "be strong and of good courage" given to leaders like Joshua Joshua 1:9.
- H2865 châthath (to be dismayed): Frequently used as an antonym, this term appears in commands not to be dismayed, but rather to be strong and courageous Joshua 1:9.
- H3372 yârêʼ (to fear): This is another common contrast. God's people are told not to fear their enemies but instead to be courageous, because God is with them Deuteronomy 31:6.
- H7185 qâshâh (to harden): This word is used in parallel with ʼâmats to describe a stubborn will, such as stiffening the neck and hardening the heart against God 2 Chronicles 36:13.
- H555 ʼômets (strength): This noun, directly derived from H553, denotes the inherent quality of strength, vigor, or fortitude itself. It represents the state or characteristic that H553 describes or commands.
The theological weight of H553 is significant, highlighting the source and nature of true strength.
- A Divine Command for Courage: The call to be courageous is not merely humanistic self-encouragement. It is a direct command from God to His people and leaders, founded on the promise of His unfailing presence and help (Joshua 1:9, Deuteronomy 31:6).
- Strengthening the Heart: True fortitude is internal and comes from God. The Psalms state that God will strengthen the heart of those who wait for and hope in Him, linking courage directly to faith and patience (Psalms 27:14, Psalms 31:24).
- Willful Obstinacy: The word also serves as a warning. It can describe a heart that is made obstinate or hardened, either by God as a form of judgment Deuteronomy 2:30 or by an individual's own rebellion 2 Chronicles 36:13, preventing them from turning to the Lord.
- The Folly of Self-Reliance: While H553 often speaks of God's enabling power, it also serves as a stark warning against relying solely on human strength. The prophet Amos declares that in the day of judgment, "the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself" Amos 2:14, underscoring the ultimate futility of human might when confronted with divine judgment or when separated from God's sustaining power. This highlights that true and lasting H553 is not self-generated but is ultimately sourced in the Lord.
The Hebrew word H553 ʼâmats is a rich and dynamic term, fundamentally denoting a state of being alert, resolute, and firm, applicable to both physical and mental fortitude. It encompasses concepts ranging from courage and strength to confirmation and fortification, while also carrying the darker connotation of obstinacy. Its usage across 41 unique verses reveals a nuanced semantic range, often appearing as a divine command for courage in leadership, as seen with Joshua Joshua 1:6, or describing the comparative power between entities, as in the prophecy concerning Jacob and Esau Genesis 25:23.
Beyond these instances, H553 is notably employed in its causative Hiphil form, meaning "to strengthen" or "to encourage." This active impartation of resolve is evident when Moses is instructed to "strengthen" Joshua Deuteronomy 3:28, or when Job speaks of strengthening the "feeble knees" through his words Job 4:4. This highlights that H553 is not merely an inherent quality but can be a gift, a command, or an intentional act of support. The term also applies to the strengthening of physical structures and even God's cosmic ordering, as He "strengthened the fountains of the deep" Proverbs 8:28, or in human endeavors like a craftsman strengthening wood Isaiah 44:14. The noun form, H555 ʼômets, directly captures this essence of strength and fortitude.
Theologically, H553 anchors the concept of true courage in God's presence and command, emphasizing that divine strength is the ultimate source of human fortitude Psalms 27:14. It also serves as a grave warning, depicting the willful hardening of the heart against God 2 Chronicles 36:13, a self-imposed obstinacy that leads to judgment. Crucially, the word also reveals the limitations of human strength when divorced from divine power, as the "strong shall not strengthen his force" apart from God Amos 2:14. Thus, H553 consistently directs attention to the source, nature, and application of true strength, whether it manifests as divinely-enabled courage, human fortitude, or stubborn rebellion.
TRV