a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) deep (literally or figuratively); (be, have, make, seek) deep(-ly), depth, be profound.
Transliteration:ʻâmaq
Pronunciation:aw-mak'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H6009}}` (ʻâmaq) is a primitive verb signifying the state or action of being deep. Its semantic range extends from the literal, physical dimension to profound, figurative concepts. In its most basic sense, ʻâmaq refers to physical depth, as in a deep well, a deep valley, or a profound foundation. This literal usage often implies inaccessibility, hiddenness, or a significant distance from the surface.
Figuratively, `{{H6009}}` describes intellectual, emotional, or moral profundity. It can denote wisdom, profound understanding, or counsel that is hidden or difficult to discern. Conversely, it can also describe the deep-seated nature of sin, rebellion, or deceit, indicating something ingrained and pervasive. The causative aspect of the root allows for the meaning "to make deep" or "to deepen," suggesting an intentional act of creating depth or intensifying a condition. The associated noun forms derived from this root, or related words, often convey "depth" or "profundity."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H6009}}` appears in various contexts across the Hebrew Bible, illuminating its diverse applications:
* **Literal Physical Depth:** In [[Proverbs 20:5]], "Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water," illustrating that wisdom, though present, may be hidden and require effort to draw out, much like water from a deep well. Similarly, [[Proverbs 25:3]] states, "The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable," using physical dimensions to convey the inscrutability of a monarch's intentions. [[Jeremiah 49:8]] warns the inhabitants of Dedan to "dwell deep," suggesting they seek refuge in remote, hidden places due to impending judgment.
* **Profound Wisdom and Divine Inscrutability:** The depths of God's being and actions are often described by `{{H6009}}`. [[Psalm 92:5]] exclaims, "How great are Your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep." Here, `{{H6009}}` conveys the unfathomable nature of divine wisdom and planning, transcending human comprehension. This reinforces God's sovereignty and transcendence.
* **Human Folly, Deceit, and Sin:** `{{H6009}}` is employed to describe the misguided attempts of humanity to hide from God or the ingrained nature of their sin. [[Isaiah 29:15]] pronounces a woe upon "those who hide deep their counsel from the Lord," highlighting the futility and sinfulness of trying to conceal plans or intentions from an omniscient God. Their attempts to ʻâmaq (make deep) their counsel are ultimately exposed. In [[Hosea 9:9]], the prophet declares, "They have deeply corrupted themselves," using `{{H6009}}` to emphasize the pervasive and entrenched nature of Israel's moral decay, indicating a profound and systemic spiritual illness.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H6009}}` interacts with several related Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **Depth and Foundation:** The noun `{{H4688}}` (ma'amaq), derived from the same root, explicitly means "depths" or "deep things," often referring to the depths of the sea or the earth. `{{H8482}}` (tachtiy) also relates to "lowest parts" or "depths," often in a geographical sense. These terms collectively emphasize the physical dimension of "depth."
* **Wisdom and Understanding:** `{{H2451}}` (chokmah, "wisdom") and `{{H998}}` (binah, "understanding") are frequently associated with `{{H6009}}` when describing divine or human insight. God's wisdom is ʻâmaq (deep), contrasting with human attempts to acquire chokmah through superficial means.
* **Hiddenness and Mystery:** `{{H5641}}` (satar, "to hide") and `{{H5643}}` (seter, "hiding place," "secret") resonate with `{{H6009}}` when it describes things concealed or inscrutable. The "deep counsel" of God or the "deeply hidden" plans of rebellious humans share this semantic overlap.
* **Rebellion and Corruption:** When `{{H6009}}` describes sin, it connects with terms like `{{H7455}}` (ra'a', "evil") or `{{H6127}}` (aqar, "to root out," sometimes implying perversity). The "deep corruption" of `{{H6009}}` in Hosea speaks to an entrenched evil that is difficult to eradicate.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6009}}` is multifaceted:
* **Divine Transcendance and Inscrutability:** The most prominent theological use of `{{H6009}}` is in describing the nature of God. His "thoughts" and "works" are "very deep" ([[Psalm 92:5]]), underscoring His infinite wisdom, His sovereign control, and the unfathomable nature of His plans. This concept evokes a sense of awe and humility before the Creator, reminding humanity of its limited capacity to fully comprehend the divine.
* **The Folly of Human Self-Reliance:** When humans attempt to "dig deep" to hide their counsel from the Lord ([[Isaiah 29:15]]), `{{H6009}}` highlights the futility and arrogance of such efforts. It serves as a stark reminder that no human scheme or hidden thought can escape divine scrutiny. This emphasizes the necessity of transparency and dependence upon God.
* **The Pervasiveness of Sin:** The description of sin as "deeply corrupted" ([[Hosea 9:9]]) reveals the profound and ingrained nature of human rebellion. It is not merely superficial error but a fundamental distortion of the heart and will, requiring radical divine intervention for restoration.
* **Call to Humble Trust:** The profound depths of God's wisdom and ways, while often mysterious, ultimately call believers to a posture of humble trust. Rather than seeking to plumb the depths of divine counsel through human intellect, the emphasis is on faith in the One whose thoughts are infinitely higher than our own.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H6009}}` (ʻâmaq) fundamentally means "to be deep" or "to make deep," encompassing both literal physical dimensions and profound figurative concepts. Biblically, it describes the literal depth of wells or foundations, the unfathomable wisdom and plans of God, and conversely, the deep-seated nature of human sin, deceit, and rebellion. Theologically, `{{H6009}}` powerfully conveys God's transcendence, His inscrutable wisdom, and the pervasive nature of human sin. It stands as a testament to the vastness of the divine mind and a sober reminder of human limitations and the futility of attempting to hide from the Almighty. The word thus calls for reverence, humility, and trust in the One whose thoughts are eternally deep.
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