(Aramaic) corresponding to עָמֵק; profound, i.e. unsearchable; deep.
Transliteration:ʻămîyq
Pronunciation:am-eek'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic adjective `{{H5994}}` (ʻămîyq) denotes a quality of "depth" or "profundity." As indicated by its definition, it corresponds directly to the Hebrew `{{H6009}}` (ʻāmēq), sharing a similar semantic range. While it can refer to literal physical depth, its primary nuance, particularly in its biblical usage, extends to the figurative. The definition's inclusion of "i.e. unsearchable" is crucial, highlighting that `{{H5994}}` often describes that which is so deep as to be beyond human discovery, comprehension, or investigation. It conveys a sense of mystery, inscrutability, and hiddenness, implying a knowledge or reality accessible only through extraordinary means.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H5994}}` appears only once in the biblical text, within the Aramaic portion of the book of Daniel:
* **[[Daniel 2:22]]**: "He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him."
In this verse, `{{H5994}}` (ʻămîyq) modifies "things" (רָזִין - *razin*, "secrets" or "mysteries"). Daniel, in his prayer of thanksgiving and praise, extols God for revealing Nebuchadnezzar's forgotten dream and its interpretation. The "deep things" (רָזִין עֲמִיקִין - *razin ʻămîqîn*) are presented in parallel with "hidden things" (מְסַתְּרָתָא - *mĕsattĕrātāʼ*), emphasizing their concealed nature from human perception. The context clearly establishes that these "deep and hidden things" are divine mysteries, future events, and profound truths that only God possesses and can disclose. Daniel contrasts God's omniscience, His knowledge of "what is in the darkness," with human inability to discern such profound realities without divine intervention. The revelation of these "deep things" is presented as a unique attribute and prerogative of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Counterpart:** The most direct linguistic relation is to the Hebrew `{{H6009}}` (ʻāmēq), which also signifies "deep" or "profound." `{{H6009}}` is used for literal depth (e.g., [[Psalm 69:2]] - "deep waters") and figurative depth, often in a negative sense of cunning or hidden evil (e.g., [[Isaiah 29:15]] - "those who hide deep their counsel from the LORD"). While sharing the core meaning of depth, `{{H5994}}` in Daniel emphasizes divine knowledge rather than human deceit.
* **Wisdom and Knowledge:** `{{H5994}}` is intimately connected with concepts of divine wisdom (חָכְמָה - `{{H2451}}`, סָכְלָנוּת - `{{H7923}}`) and knowledge (דַּעַת - `{{H1847}}`). It highlights God's unparalleled understanding of all things, especially those beyond human grasp.
* **Mystery and Revelation:** The "deep things" are inherently mysterious, and the verb used with `{{H5994}}` in [[Daniel 2:22]] is "reveals" (גָּלָא - *gālāʼ*), underscoring the theme of divine revelation. This connects to the broader biblical concept of God making known what was previously hidden, a theme prominent in both Old Testament prophecy and New Testament epistles concerning the mystery of Christ.
* **Omniscience:** The word contributes to the biblical portrayal of God's omniscience—His attribute of knowing all things, including the most profound and secret aspects of existence and future events.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of `{{H5994}}` in [[Daniel 2:22]] carries profound theological weight, primarily centering on the nature of God:
* **Divine Omniscience and Sovereignty:** The word powerfully affirms God's absolute knowledge and control over all things. He alone knows the "deep and hidden things," including the course of human history and the destinies of nations. This underscores His supreme sovereignty, as His knowledge extends even to the most concealed aspects of existence.
* **Revelation as a Divine Prerogative:** The use of `{{H5994}}` emphasizes that access to these profound truths is not achieved through human intellect, research, or power, but is solely a gift of divine revelation. Daniel's inability, and indeed the inability of all human wise men, to know Nebuchadnezzar's dream highlights humanity's dependence on God for true understanding, especially regarding spiritual and prophetic insights. God graciously chooses to reveal what is otherwise unsearchable.
* **Awe and Humility:** The concept of God knowing "deep things" evokes a sense of awe and reverence before His infinite wisdom. It serves to humble humanity, reminding us of our finite understanding and the vastness of God's knowledge that extends far beyond our comprehension.
* **Trust and Comfort:** For the believer, God's knowledge of "deep things" can be a source of profound comfort and trust. Even when circumstances are perplexing, chaotic, or seemingly unfathomable, the knowledge that God understands all and is in control provides assurance. His plans, though often "deep" and unsearchable to us, are ultimately perfect and work for His glory and the good of His people.
### Summary
The Aramaic word `{{H5994}}` (ʻămîyq) signifies "deep" or "profound," specifically carrying the nuance of being "unsearchable" or "hidden" from human understanding. Its singular but impactful appearance in [[Daniel 2:22]] is crucial for understanding its theological import. There, it describes the "deep and hidden things" that only God knows and can reveal, such as prophecies and divine mysteries. This usage underscores God's absolute omniscience, His unique prerogative in revealing truth, and His supreme sovereignty over all knowledge. The word thus evokes a reverent awe before God's infinite wisdom and highlights humanity's complete dependence on His gracious revelation for true insight into the profound realities of existence.
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