from עָמַק; deep (literally or figuratively); deeper, depth, strange.
Transliteration:ʻâmêq
Pronunciation:aw-make'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term ʻâmêq (`{{H6012}}`) is an adjective derived from the verbal root עָמַק (`{{H6009}}`), meaning "to be deep" or "to make deep." As such, ʻâmêq denotes the quality or state of being deep, whether literally or figuratively. Its semantic range extends beyond mere physical profundity to encompass intellectual, emotional, and even moral dimensions.
Literally, ʻâmêq describes physical depth, such as that of water or a pit. Figuratively, it conveys several nuanced meanings:
1. **Profoundness or Complexity:** Referring to deep thoughts, counsel, or understanding, which may be difficult to fathom or extract.
2. **Hiddenness or Obscurity:** Implicating things that are concealed, secret, or difficult to discern. The "strange" aspect in its base definition can point to this, indicating something so profoundly hidden as to be inscrutable or even perverse.
3. **Intensity or Severity:** Used metaphorically to describe the profound extent of something, such as deep-seated depravity or intense sorrow.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ʻâmêq appears in various contexts, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Profound Human Thought/Counsel:** In [[Proverbs 20:5]], "Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out." Here, ʻâmêq describes the profound and often hidden nature of human wisdom or plans, requiring discernment to access or understand. Similarly, [[Psalm 64:6]] speaks of the "deep" thoughts and hearts of wicked individuals, highlighting their intricate and concealed schemes.
* **Futility of Hiding from God:** A particularly striking use is found in [[Isaiah 29:15]]: "Woe to those who deeply hide their counsel from the Lord, and whose deeds are in the dark, and who say, 'Who sees us?' and 'Who knows us?'" Here, ʻâmêq functions adverbially ("deeply hide"), emphasizing the arrogant and futile attempt of humans to conceal their plans and actions from the omniscient God. This passage underscores the stark contrast between human presumption and divine knowledge.
* **Physical Depths for Refuge:** In [[Jeremiah 49:8]], the term is used as a noun, "depths," instructing the inhabitants of Dedan to "flee, turn back, dwell in the depths," referring to remote, inaccessible places sought for refuge from impending judgment.
* **Profound Moral Corruption:** [[Hosea 9:9]] employs ʻâmêq to describe the extent of Israel's moral degradation: "They have gone deep in depravity as in the days of Gibeah." This usage signifies not a superficial transgression but a profound, ingrained, and pervasive corruption.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root עָמַק (`{{H6009}}`), from which ʻâmêq is derived, meaning "to be deep" or "to make deep." Other semantically related terms and concepts include:
* מַחְשָׁבָה (machashavah, `{{H4284}}`): "thought," "plan," "device," often referring to human intentions, whether good or ill, which can be "deep."
* סוֹד (sod, `{{H5475}}`): "secret," "counsel," often associated with hidden or profound discussions.
* תְּהוֹם (tehom, `{{H8415}}`): "deep," "abyss," typically referring to primeval waters or the deep sea, distinct from ʻâmêq which describes the quality of depth itself rather than a specific deep entity.
* צָפוּן (tsaphun, `{{H6845}}`): "hidden," "stored up," conveying the idea of concealment.
* The concept of חָכְמָה (chokmah, `{{H2451}}`), "wisdom," is often associated with profundity, contrasting with the "deep" schemes of the foolish.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻâmêq primarily revolves around the interplay between divine omniscience and human attempts at concealment or the profound nature of human existence.
1. **Futility of Human Deception Against Divine Omniscience:** The most potent theological implication arises from passages like [[Isaiah 29:15]]. The human desire to "deeply hide" counsel from the Lord highlights a fundamental rebellion against God's sovereignty and knowledge. It underscores the futility of human attempts to operate outside of God's sight, implicitly affirming God's transcendent and unsearchable wisdom, which far surpasses any human "depth" of thought or scheme.
2. **The Depth of the Human Heart:** The use of ʻâmêq for human counsel and thought ([[Proverbs 20:5]], [[Psalm 64:6]]) points to the complex and often concealed nature of the human inner life. This depth can be a source of profound wisdom that requires discernment to extract, or a wellspring of hidden wickedness and intricate schemes. It reminds us that while human hearts may be "deep" and mysterious to others, they are fully known to God.
3. **The Profundity of Sin:** As seen in [[Hosea 9:9]], ʻâmêq describes sin that is not superficial but deeply ingrained, pervasive, and severe. This signifies the profound impact of rebellion against God, affecting the very core of an individual or a nation. It emphasizes that sin can corrupt to the "depths" of one's being, necessitating a radical and divine intervention for cleansing.
### Summary
ʻâmêq (`{{H6012}}`) is a versatile Hebrew term denoting "deep" in both literal and figurative senses. It describes physical profundity, the complexity of human thought and counsel, and the hiddenness of plans. Theologically, its most significant use highlights the futility and arrogance of humans attempting to conceal their actions or intentions from God's omniscient gaze, implicitly affirming the unsearchable depth of divine knowledge and wisdom. Furthermore, it speaks to the profound, often hidden, nature of the human heart—whether as a source of wisdom or of wicked schemes—and the severe, ingrained character of human sin.
TRV