### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼănâk**, represented by `{{H594}}`, is a term for a **plumb-line**. It appears **4 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Based on its use, it signifies a standard of measurement, used by God in a prophetic vision to assess the nation of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H594}}` is found exclusively in the book of Amos, within a vision shown to the prophet. In this vision, the Lord `{{H136}}` is seen standing on a wall that was itself made by a **plumb-line**, holding a **plumb-line** in His hand [[Amos 7:7]]. The LORD `{{H3068}}` then asks Amos what he sees, and upon his reply, "A plumbline," declares, "Behold, I will set a **plumbline** in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more" [[Amos 7:8]]. This imagery establishes the plumb-line as God's instrument for measuring His people against His perfect standard.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to the context in which `{{H594}}` appears:
* `{{H136}}` **ʼĂdônây** (the Lord): This title for God is used for the one who stands with the plumb-line and declares His intention to use it as a standard for Israel ([[Amos 7:7]], [[Amos 7:8]]).
* `{{H3068}}` **Yᵉhôvâh** (the LORD): Used in conjunction with ʼĂdônây, this name identifies the God of Israel as the one revealing the vision of judgment to His prophet Amos [[Amos 7:8]].
* `{{H7200}}` **râʼâh** (to see, behold, perceive): This word is key to the prophetic experience, as God shows (shewed) Amos the vision and asks him what he sees (seest) ([[Amos 7:7]], [[Amos 7:8]]).
* `{{H7760}}` **sûwm** (to put, set, appoint): This action word describes God's direct application of the plumb-line as a standard, stating His purpose to "set" it in the midst of His people [[Amos 7:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H594}}` is focused on divine judgment and standards.
* **A Divine Standard:** The plumb-line is a powerful symbol of God's absolute and unbending standard of righteousness. Just as a builder uses it to ensure a wall is perfectly vertical, God uses it to measure the moral and spiritual state of His people.
* **Imminent Accountability:** The vision signifies that God's patience has ended. His statement, "I will not again pass by them any more," indicates that a final measurement is taking place and judgment for their crookedness is unavoidable [[Amos 7:8]].
* **Prophetic Revelation:** The appearance of the plumb-line within a vision shown to Amos demonstrates how God communicates His coming actions. He uses tangible, understandable symbols to reveal profound spiritual truths about His character and His dealings with humanity.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H594}}` is not merely a builder's tool but a significant prophetic symbol. It is used exclusively in the visions of Amos to represent the righteous standard of God against which Israel is measured and found wanting. The word powerfully illustrates the concepts of divine accountability, the certainty of judgment, and the clarity of God's revelation to His prophets.
TRV