### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H6011 (ʻômeq) originates from the verb H6009 (ʻāmaq), meaning "to be deep," "to be profound," or "to go deep." As a noun, ʻômeq fundamentally denotes "depth." Its semantic range encompasses both literal and metaphorical applications. Literally, it refers to the physical dimension of deepness, such as the profoundness of the earth or a well. Metaphorically, ʻômeq extends to describe the profoundness, inscrutability, or hidden nature of wisdom, counsel, thoughts, or divine attributes. It conveys the idea of something that is not easily plumbed, understood, or reached, suggesting a hidden or unfathomable quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H6011 (ʻômeq) appears in a limited number of significant passages within the Hebrew Bible, each shedding light on its nuanced meaning:
* **[[Proverbs 25:3]]**: "The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable." Here, ʻômeq is used in parallel with "height" (H7311) to describe the vast physical dimensions of the earth, particularly its unplumbed depths. Crucially, it then draws a parallel to the "unsearchable" nature of a king's heart, implying the profound, often hidden, and complex motives, plans, or wisdom of powerful rulers. It highlights the difficulty of discerning their inner workings.
* **[[Job 11:8]]**: Zophar, challenging Job's understanding, asks, "Canst thou find out the deep things of God? Canst thou find out the perfect one to perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? Deeper than Sheol; what canst thou know?" In this rhetorical question, ʻômeq (ʻămaqqîm, plural) directly refers to the "deep things" or "depths" of God. It is juxtaposed with "height" (H1361) and compared to the ultimate depth of Sheol (H7585), emphasizing the immeasurable, unfathomable, and utterly incomprehensible nature of divine wisdom, understanding, and counsel to human limitedness.
* **[[Psalm 92:5]]**: "How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep." (H6011 is here in the plural, ʻămaqqîm, "depths"). The psalmist attributes "depths" to God's thoughts (H4284). This declaration expresses awe at the profound wisdom, intricate design, and unsearchable nature of God's creative and providential works. It speaks to the complexity and profundity of the divine mind, which transcends human intellectual capacity.
Across these contexts, ʻômeq consistently points to that which is beyond easy human access, whether physically, intellectually, or spiritually.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb H6009 (ʻāmaq)**: The direct verbal root, meaning "to be deep," "to go deep," or "to be profound," as seen in [[Isaiah 29:15]] where people "hide deep" their counsel.
* **H4688 (maʿămāq)**: Another noun derived from the same root, also meaning "depth" or "deep place," often used for the depths of the sea, as in [[Nehemiah 9:11]].
* **H7700 (šᵉʾôl)**: "Sheol," the underworld, frequently described as a deep, dark realm, serving as a metaphor for ultimate depth and unknowability in [[Job 11:8]].
* **Antonyms of Vastness**: H7311 (rûm, "height") and H1361 (gōvah, "height") often appear in parallel with ʻômeq to express the immense and incomprehensible scale of something, particularly divine attributes.
* **Wisdom and Knowledge**: The concept of ʻômeq is intrinsically linked to divine wisdom (H2451, ḥokmâ) and knowledge (H1847, daʿat). The "depths of God" are synonymous with His profound, unsearchable, and perfect wisdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6011 (ʻômeq) is primarily centered on the **inscrutability, transcendence, and infinite wisdom of God**.
* **Divine Incomprehensibility**: The most prominent theological application of ʻômeq is in describing the "depths of God" ([[Job 11:8]], [[Psalm 92:5]]). This highlights a core theological truth: God's thoughts, plans, and works are immeasurably profound, far surpassing human capacity for exhaustive comprehension. This does not imply that God is unknowable, but rather that His knowledge and wisdom are infinite and inexhaustible.
* **God's Sovereignty and Mystery**: The "depths" of God's counsel ([[Psalm 92:5]]) underscore His absolute sovereignty. His ways are often mysterious to human understanding, not because they are arbitrary, but because they operate on a level of wisdom beyond our grasp. This mystery invites humility and trust in God's perfect will, rather than demanding full rational explanation.
* **Human Epistemic Limitation**: The use of ʻômeq in passages like [[Job 11:7-8]] serves as a powerful reminder of human intellectual and spiritual limitations. It calls for a posture of awe, reverence, and dependence on divine revelation, rather than relying on self-sufficient intellectualism to plumb the depths of God.
* **Awe and Worship**: When the psalmist proclaims, "Your thoughts are very deep" ([[Psalm 92:5]]), it elicits a profound sense of wonder and prompts worship. The sheer profundity of God's works and thoughts inspires adoration for a God whose wisdom is truly beyond measure.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6011 (ʻômeq), derived from H6009 (ʻāmaq), fundamentally means "depth." While it can denote physical deepness, its most profound biblical usage refers to the unplumbable, inscrutable, and unfathomable nature of God's wisdom, thoughts, and plans. Appearing in passages such as [[Proverbs 25:3]], [[Job 11:8]], and [[Psalm 92:5]], ʻômeq consistently points to that which is beyond complete human comprehension or exhaustive exploration. Theologically, it underscores the divine incomprehensibility and transcendence, serving as a powerful reminder of human epistemic limitations. It calls for a posture of humility, reverence, and worship before a God whose "depths" are infinite, inviting trust in His sovereign wisdom even when His ways remain mysterious to the human mind.
TRV