from עָמַק; deep (literally or figuratively); ([idiom] exceeding) deep (thing).
Transliteration:ʻâmôq
Pronunciation:aw-moke'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adjective ʻâmôq (`{{H6013}}`) derives from the verb ʻâmaq (`{{H6009}}`), meaning "to be deep" or "to make deep." As an adjective, ʻâmôq primarily signifies "deep" in both literal and figurative senses. Literally, it refers to physical depth, such as deep water, a deep well, or the deep ground. Figuratively, its semantic range extends to intellectual, emotional, and spiritual profundity, often conveying ideas of hiddenness, mystery, inscrutability, or complexity. It can describe thoughts, counsel, plans, or even the human heart as being "deep." The base definition also includes the idiomatic sense of "exceeding deep," emphasizing an extreme degree of depth. When used substantively, it can refer to "a deep thing" or "deep things," highlighting the profound or hidden nature of a subject.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻâmôq appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Literal Depth:** In [[Ezekiel 47:5]], ʻâmôq describes waters that are "deep enough to swim in," emphasizing the physical depth of the river flowing from the temple. Similarly, [[Proverbs 23:27]] uses ʻâmôq to characterize a "deep ditch" or "deep pit," referring to the danger and inescapable nature associated with a harlot.
* **Figurative Depth of Wisdom and Understanding:** The Psalms and Proverbs frequently employ ʻâmôq to speak of the profound nature of divine and human wisdom. [[Psalm 92:5]] exclaims, "How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep (ʻâmôq)." Here, it highlights the unfathomable wisdom and intricate plans of God. [[Proverbs 20:5]] states, "Counsel in the heart of man is like deep (ʻâmôq) water, but a man of understanding will draw it out." This metaphor illustrates that human intentions and thoughts can be hidden and complex, requiring discernment to be revealed.
* **Figurative Depth of Hiddenness and Inscrutability:** ʻâmôq can also denote that which is concealed or difficult to comprehend. [[Isaiah 29:15]] condemns those who "seek deep (ʻâmôq) to hide their counsel from the Lord," implying a futile attempt to conceal their schemes from divine knowledge. This usage underscores human deceit and the futility of hiding from an omniscient God. In [[Jeremiah 49:8]], the inhabitants of Dedan are commanded to "dwell in the deep (ʻâmôq)," likely referring to a remote, inaccessible place, emphasizing their desperate need to hide from impending judgment.
* **Figurative Depth of Evil:** As seen in [[Proverbs 23:27]], the "deep ditch" of the harlot conveys not just physical depth but also the profound moral danger and ensnaring power of sin. The "deep heart" of man in [[Psalm 64:6]] can also allude to the hidden depths of human malice and wicked schemes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ʻâmôq is enriched by examining its relationship with other Hebrew terms that convey similar or complementary meanings:
* **ʻâmaq (`{{H6009}}`):** This is the root verb from which ʻâmôq (`{{H6013}}`) is derived. It means "to be deep," "to make deep," or "to go deep." While ʻâmôq describes the *state* of being deep, ʻâmaq describes the *action* or *process* of becoming or making deep.
* **tᵉhôwm (`{{H8415}}`):** Often translated as "deep," "abyss," or "ocean depths," tᵉhôwm typically refers to the primordial waters or the vast, chaotic deep, as seen in [[Genesis 1:2]]. While ʻâmôq can describe the depth of any body of water, tᵉhôwm often carries a more specific, sometimes cosmic or mythological, connotation of the great deep.
* **maʻămāqîm (`{{H4615}}`):** This plural noun means "depths" and is often used to describe places of profound distress or despair, as in [[Psalm 130:1]], "Out of the depths (maʻămāqîm) I cry to you, O Lord!" While ʻâmôq is an adjective describing something as deep, maʻămāqîm refers to the deep places themselves, particularly in a metaphorical sense of trouble.
* **ḥāqar (`{{H2713}}`):** Meaning "to search," "to explore," or "to investigate," ḥāqar is often used in conjunction with things that are deep or hidden and therefore require diligent searching to uncover. This highlights the inscrutable nature that ʻâmôq can imply.
* **sāṯar (`{{H5641}}`):** Meaning "to hide" or "to conceal," this verb is conceptually linked to ʻâmôq when the latter describes hidden counsel or plans, as in [[Isaiah 29:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻâmôq is multifaceted, touching upon divine attributes, the human condition, and the nature of revelation.
* **Divine Inscrutability and Wisdom:** The most profound theological use of ʻâmôq is in describing God's thoughts and works as "very deep" ([[Psalm 92:5]]). This emphasizes the infinite, unsearchable wisdom and understanding of God, which far transcend human comprehension. It reinforces the concept that God's ways are higher than human ways, and His thoughts deeper than human thoughts ([[Isaiah 55:8-9]]). This divine depth elicits awe and worship, acknowledging the Lord as the ultimate source of all wisdom and knowledge.
* **The Depths of the Human Heart:** When applied to the human heart or counsel ([[Proverbs 20:5]], [[Psalm 64:6]]), ʻâmôq reveals the complex and often concealed motives, intentions, and even depravity within humanity. It points to the need for divine discernment, as only God can truly search the deep places of the heart ([[Jeremiah 17:9-10]]). This underscores the human capacity for both profound wisdom and profound sin, highlighting the hidden aspects of our inner being.
* **Divine Providence and Judgment:** The "deep counsel" of those who seek to hide from God ([[Isaiah 29:15]]) highlights the futility of human rebellion against divine omniscience. God's own plans, though sometimes appearing hidden or mysterious to humanity, are ultimately profound and will be accomplished. The "deep" can also be a place of inescapable judgment or a metaphor for a desperate situation from which only God can deliver ([[Jeremiah 49:8]]).
* **Revelation of Deep Things:** While God's thoughts are ʻâmôq, the New Testament (using the Greek bathos `{{G901}}`) speaks of the Spirit revealing the "deep things of God" ([[1 Corinthians 2:10]]). This suggests that while God's nature is inherently profound and mysterious, He graciously chooses to reveal aspects of His ʻâmôq wisdom to those who seek Him, enabling a deeper understanding of His truth.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻâmôq (`{{H6013}}`) fundamentally denotes "deep," encompassing both literal physical depth and a rich array of figurative meanings. It describes the profound, hidden, or inscrutable nature of things, whether referring to the unfathomable wisdom of God, the complex and often concealed motives of the human heart, or the hidden counsel of the wicked. Throughout the biblical text, ʻâmôq serves to highlight the vastness of divine knowledge and understanding, the intricate workings of human thought and intention, and the sometimes mysterious or unsearchable aspects of divine providence and judgment. It conveys a sense of profundity, mystery, and occasionally, danger or inaccessibility, inviting reflection on the limits of human perception in contrast to the limitless depths of God's being.
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