or עָמַשׂ; a primitive root; to load, i.e. impose aburden (or figuratively, infliction); be borne, (heavy) burden (self), lade, load, put.
Transliteration:ʻâmaç
Pronunciation:aw-mas'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H6006 (ʻâmaç), often transliterated as amas, carries the fundamental meaning "to load" or "to put a burden upon." Its semantic range extends from the literal act of placing a physical weight onto an animal or person to the figurative imposition of a heavy responsibility, an affliction, or even the weight of sin. In its passive form, it denotes the state of being burdened or bearing a load. The root conveys the sense of something being made heavy or oppressive, whether tangibly or metaphorically.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H6006 in the Hebrew Bible illustrate its dual application:
* **Physical Burden:** In [[Genesis 44:13]], the brothers of Joseph "loaded" their donkeys with grain and provisions, a straightforward depiction of physical transport. Similarly, in [[Nehemiah 13:15]] and [[Jeremiah 17:21-22]], the term is used in the context of "loading" or "bearing" burdens on the Sabbath day. These passages underscore the prohibition against commerce and labor on the day of rest, where the physical act of carrying a load becomes a violation of the covenant.
* **Figurative/Theological Burden:** A profound metaphorical use is found in [[Isaiah 46:1]], where idols are depicted as being "loaded" onto beasts, becoming a wearisome burden for the weary animals. This powerfully contrasts the impotence of man-made gods, who must be carried, with the true God who carries His people. Perhaps the most striking metaphorical usage is in [[Amos 2:13]], where the Lord declares, "Behold, I am pressed under you, as a cart is pressed that is full of sheaves." Here, H6006 describes God Himself being "burdened" or "pressed down" by the weight of Israel's sin and rebellion. This anthropomorphism conveys the divine distress and suffering caused by human iniquity, leading to the inevitability of judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "burden" is pervasive in biblical thought and is expressed through several related Hebrew terms:
* `{{H4853}}` (*massāʾ*): This noun, derived from `{{H5375}}` (to lift, carry), frequently denotes a "burden," "load," or a "prophetic oracle" (often implying a heavy, weighty message from God). While H6006 focuses on the *act* of loading/burdening, *massāʾ* refers to the *thing* carried or the *message* itself.
* `{{H5445}}` (*sābal*): This verb means "to carry" or "to bear," often implying a heavy or oppressive burden, such as the forced labor of the Israelites in Egypt.
* `{{H5375}}` (*nāśāʾ*): A very broad term meaning "to lift," "to carry," "to bear," or "to take away." It encompasses the carrying of both physical loads and spiritual responsibilities (e.g., bearing sin).
* `{{H3513}}` (*kābēd*): Meaning "heavy" or "weighty," this adjective often describes the nature of a burden or a difficult task.
These words collectively paint a picture of the various dimensions of "burden" in the biblical worldview, from the physical to the spiritual, from human responsibility to divine suffering.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6006 is multifaceted:
* **The Impotence of Idolatry:** The use of H6006 in [[Isaiah 46:1]] starkly highlights the futility and powerlessness of idols. Unlike the true God who sustains and carries His people from birth to old age, idols are themselves a burden that must be carried by their devotees, demonstrating their utter lack of divine agency. This passage serves as a powerful polemic against pagan worship.
* **The Weight of Sin and Divine Suffering:** The most profound theological insight comes from [[Amos 2:13]], where God declares Himself "burdened" by Israel's transgressions. This unique anthropomorphism reveals the depth of God's emotional response to human sin. It signifies that sin is not merely a breaking of rules but an act that causes distress and "presses down" upon the Holy One. This imagery underscores the gravity of human rebellion and the divine pain it inflicts, leading to righteous judgment.
* **Sabbath Sanctity and Covenant Obedience:** The repeated use of H6006 in the context of carrying burdens on the Sabbath (e.g., [[Nehemiah 13:15]], [[Jeremiah 17:21-22]]) emphasizes the importance of observing the day of rest as a sign of covenant faithfulness. The physical act of bearing a load becomes a symbol of spiritual disobedience, highlighting how human actions can either honor or dishonor God's commands.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** While H6006 itself doesn't directly mean "judgment," the divine "burden" in Amos leads inevitably to divine action and judgment. The weight of sin necessitates a divine response, demonstrating God's justice in addressing human rebellion.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H6006 (ʻâmaç) fundamentally means "to load" or "to impose a burden." While it describes the literal carrying of physical loads, particularly in the context of Sabbath observance and its violation, its theological depth is revealed in its metaphorical applications. Most notably, it portrays the utter impotence of idols, which are themselves a burden to their carriers, and profoundly, the divine suffering experienced by God Himself as He is "burdened" by the overwhelming weight of human sin. This root thus underscores the gravity of human action, the sanctity of divine commands, and the profound, often anthropomorphic, portrayal of God's engagement with His people's faithfulness and rebellion.
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