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אָמִיר

𐤀𐤌𐤉𐤓

ʼâmîyr

H534 noun

SILEX Entry

Root אמר to say, utter, stand out, be prominent

Definition

Topmost part or summit, specifically referring to the highest point or uppermost shoot of a tree (especially a palm tree), or the summit of a mountain. In botanical contexts, refers to the crown or tuft, the uppermost clusters of branches or fronds. The term carries connotations of height and prominence, often denoting not just physical position but also perceived elevation and distinction among similar elements.

Semantic Range

summit, topmost shoot or tuft, uppermost bough of a tree (especially palm tree), mountain top, highest branch, crown

Root / Etymology

From the root אָמַר (אמר), which in core usage means 'to say, utter.' However, אָמִיר represents a derived nominal form, where the semantic development appears to be through the sense of 'something that stands out' or is 'distinct,' possibly by analogy to something spoken standing out from silence or background. This sense of 'prominence' leads to the physical meaning of 'summit' or 'topmost part.' The link from 'say, utter' to 'highest point' is debated among lexicographers and may involve a different or secondary development within the root. Thus, precise etymology is uncertain; it likely denotes 'that which is elevated.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

אָדִיר (adir, 'mighty, majestic') is often used in parallel or contrast with אָמִיר to denote not only strength but also prominence; however, אָמִיר chiefly denotes physical elevation rather than might or splendor. In its handful of occurrences (Isa 17:6; 17:9; Ezek 17:3,22), the term is consistently used of the highest points, whether of palm tree fronds or a mountain summit, highlighting either the choicest part or the idea of remnant after harvesting (i.e., only the 'summit' remains). In Ezekiel’s allegory, the amir is cut and transplanted, reflecting the image of leadership or preeminence, but the literal sense remains uppermost shoot. English translations like 'bough' or 'branch' may obscure the word’s emphasis on vertical position; the nuance is not simply any branch, but specifically the crest. In later periods, the term does not persist, and more common terms for 'branch' (e.g., זֵר, עָנָף, שָׁרָב) take over. There is no evidence that אָמִיר carried religious or symbolic meaning in the biblical period beyond its imagery in literary or prophetic texts.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently from אָמַר (in the sense of self-exaltation); a summit (of a tree or mountain); bough, branch.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אמר (ʾ-m-r) — to say, utter, stand out, be prominent

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H201 אוֹמָר Omar
H3982 מַאֲמַר authoritative declaration of
H3983 מֵאמַר according to decree-of
H559 אָמַר he said
H560 אֲמַר he said

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H534-02 וְ/הָ֣/אָמִ֔יר vehaamir HC/Td/Ncmsa and the branch and the summit 1
H534-01 אָמִ֑יר amir HNcmsa of the uppermost bough prominent summit 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H534-01 Isaiah 17:6 אָמִ֑יר amir HNcmsa of the uppermost bough prominent summit
H534-02 Isaiah 17:9 וְ/הָ֣/אָמִ֔יר vehaamir HC/Td/Ncmsa and the branch and the summit
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