הָֽ/אַמָּ֔ה
𐤄/𐤀𐤌𐤄
ʼammâh
the cubit
A unit of linear measurement, commonly known as the 'cubit,' based on the length of the human forearm from elbow to fingertip. The term can also refer to the forearm itself, and in some architectural contexts, to a foundational or structural element such as a base or post. Rarely, by metathesis, it may serve as a number substitute for 'hundred' in poetic or cryptic usage. Its primary meaning in the context of biblical measurement is the standardized unit (usually about 45 cm or 18 inches, though the precise length could vary regionally or across time).
Exodus 36:21 · Word #7
Lexicon H520
| Lemma | אַמָּה |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤀𐤌𐤄 |
| Transliteration | ʼammâh |
| Strong's | H520 |
| Definition | A unit of linear measurement, commonly known as the 'cubit,' based on the length of the human forearm from elbow to fingertip. The term can also refer to the forearm itself, and in some architectural contexts, to a foundational or structural element such as a base or post. Rarely, by metathesis, it may serve as a number substitute for 'hundred' in poetic or cryptic usage. Its primary meaning in the context of biblical measurement is the standardized unit (usually about 45 cm or 18 inches, though the precise length could vary regionally or across time). |
Morphology HTd/Ncfsa
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | N — Noun — A person, place, thing, or idea |
| Subtype | c — Common — Common noun |
| Gender | f — Feminine — Feminine |
| Number | s — Singular — Singular |
| State | a — Absolute — The noun stands independently |
Common Translation
| Phrase | the cubit |
SIBI-P1 Translation H520-08
the forearm-measure
| Morphological Notes | Noun, common; feminine singular absolute with definite article (הָ). |
| Rendering Rationale | The noun אַמָּה denotes the standard forearm-based unit of length; rendering it "forearm-measure" preserves both the anatomical origin and its function as a foundational unit. The definite article הָ marks it as "the," and the feminine singular absolute form is reflected in the singular English noun. |
View full lexicon entry for H520 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
the cubit
| Same as P1 | No — adjusted for context |
| Rationale | 'the forearm-measure' is etymologically correct, but 'the cubit' is the standard and contextually accurate translation for measurements in Exodus. |