### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâmaq**, represented by `{{H6009}}`, is a primitive root used to describe something that is or is made **deep**, both literally and figuratively. Its base definition includes being profound, seeking deeply, or establishing depth. It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible, illustrating concepts ranging from God's profound thoughts to the severity of human rebellion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H6009}}` is applied in several distinct ways. It describes literal, physical depth, such as when God offers a sign "in the depth, or in the height above" [[Isaiah 7:11]]. It is also used when God prepares Tophet, making it "deep and large" [[Isaiah 30:33]]. Figuratively, the term expresses the profound nature of God's thoughts, which are described as "very deep" [[Psalms 92:5]]. Conversely, it illustrates the deliberate and hidden nature of human sin, as when people "seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD" [[Isaiah 29:15]] or have "deeply revolted" [[Isaiah 31:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help contextualize the meaning of being deep or profound:
* `{{H1361}}` **gâbahh**: a primitive root; to soar, i.e. be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty; exalt, be haughty, be (make) high(-er), lift up, mount up, be proud, raise up great height, upward. This word serves as a direct antonym, appearing in contrast to depth when a choice is offered for a sign [[Isaiah 7:11]].
* `{{H4284}}` **machăshâbâh**: a contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice); cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. This term is directly linked to the figurative depth of thought, as in God's "very deep" thoughts [[Psalms 92:5]] and the "purpose" conceived by Nebuchadrezzar [[Jeremiah 49:30]].
* `{{H5627}}` **çârâh**: from סוּר; apostasy, crime; figuratively, remission; [idiom] continual, rebellion, revolt(-ed), turn away, wrong. This word is paired with `{{H6009}}` to emphasize the gravity of sin, as when the children of Israel have "deeply revolted" [[Isaiah 31:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6009}}` is significant, often creating a contrast between the divine and the human.
* **Divine Profundity:** The term is used to express the incomprehensible nature of God. His thoughts are described as "very deep" [[Psalms 92:5]], setting His wisdom and plans apart from human understanding.
* **The Depth of Human Sin:** In contrast, `{{H6009}}` is used to measure the severity of human corruption and rebellion. People are condemned for attempting to "seek deep" to hide their plans from God [[Isaiah 29:15]], for having "deeply corrupted" themselves [[Hosea 9:9]], and for being "profound to make slaughter" [[Hosea 5:2]].
* **A Measure of Extremes:** The word establishes a scale for divine action and human choice. It marks the lower bound of a choice between "the depth" and "the height" [[Isaiah 7:11]] and describes the immense scale of a place of judgment made "deep and large" [[Isaiah 30:33]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6009}}` is a powerful word that conveys more than simple physical measurement. It is a cornerstone for expressing concepts of profundity, whether it is the unsearchable depth of God's mind or the deep-seated nature of human sin. The word illustrates how the Bible uses tangible concepts like depth to explain intangible realities of theology, counsel, and rebellion.
TRV