מַאֲמָץ
𐤌𐤀𐤌𐤑
maʼămâts
H3981 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A means or source of strength, especially in the sense of resources, capabilities, or collective means; in context, often refers to the aggregate resources or wealth available for a purpose, more abstractly to material or non-material assets that afford strength.
Semantic Range
resources, means, assets, collective strength, supply, materially available force
Root / Etymology
From the root אָמַץ (אָמַץ), meaning 'to be strong, to strengthen, to make firm.' The noun מַאֲמָץ draws on the concept of that which is produced or gathered as a result of strength—hence, 'means,' 'resources,' 'assets.' The formation is a noun pattern indicating 'means of strength.' The root relates generally to strength or firmness, but the noun here specifies what that strength supplies or enables.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In its limited usage (2 Chronicles 32:5), מַאֲמָץ refers concretely to resources, likely material assets marshalled for defense or construction, aligning with the semantic notion of 'means' or 'resources.' The plural form implies a collection or sum of all means at one's disposal, whether material (wealth, provisions) or non-material (abilities, manpower). English translations frequently render it 'resources' or 'supplies,' although 'force' can be a misleadingly narrow, militaristic interpretation. This term appears rarely and does not denote personal courage or inner fortitude—those are indicated by עֹז (ʿoz) or חָיִל (ḥayil) in the Hebrew Bible. Later biblical and post-biblical Hebrew uses this root and cognate forms more generally for 'effort' or 'striving,' though this nuance is not primary in the biblical use of מַאֲמָץ. The term's sense did not materially shift over Israelite history, remaining closely tied to tangible resources in its only attested context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from אָמַץ; strength, i.e. (plural) resources; force.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אמצ (ʾ-m-ṣ) — to be strong, to strengthen, to make firm
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H531 | אָמוֹץ | Strong-one |
| H533 | אַמִּיץ | valiant strong one |
| H553 | אָמַץ | I will strengthen you |
| H554 | אָמֹץ | robust-red ones |
| H558 | אֲמַצְיָה | Yahweh is strong |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3981-01 |
מַאֲמַצֵּי | maamatsey | HNcmpc |
forces of | strength-resources of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3981-01 |
Job 36:19 | מַאֲמַצֵּי | maamatsey | HNcmpc |
forces of | strength-resources of |