אֹמְנָה
𐤀𐤌𐤍𐤄
ʼômᵉnâh
H547 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A structural pillar or column, especially one that serves as a supportive architectural element. The term denotes a vertical supporting member, typically made of stone or wood, which bears the weight of a structure such as a roof, ceiling, or upper story. While primarily an architectural term, it also carries figurative connotations of support or stability in certain contexts.
Semantic Range
pillar, column (architectural), structural support, figurative support or stabilizing element
Root / Etymology
From the root אמן (ʼ-m-n), meaning 'to support, confirm, be faithful.' The word is the feminine active participle form derived from this root, indicating 'one who supports' or 'that which supports.' In this context, it refers concretely to a column or pillar, as a physical means or agent of support in architecture.
Historical & Contextual Notes
אֹמְנָה occurs in biblical texts describing architectural features of significant buildings, such as temples and palaces (e.g., the temple of Solomon). The word is especially used to denote free-standing pillars or columns that are essential structural elements. Its use is similar to, but distinct from, other Hebrew terms for supporting structures, such as עַמּוּד (ʻammûd), which is a more generic term for a pillar. In some cases, אֹמְנָה may imply a supporting pillar with a decorative or significant role. English translations often render the term as 'pillar' or 'column,' but may miss the nuance of active support conveyed by its verbal root. The word is usually reserved for monumental or prestigious architecture rather than ordinary dwellings. In later periods, related forms of the root אמן are semantically extended to connote firmness, reliability, or faithfulness, but this noun remains concretely architectural in biblical usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
feminine active participle of אֹמֶן (in the original sense of supporting); a column; pillar.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אמן (ʾ-m-n) — support, firmness, reliability, steadfastness
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1968 | הֵימָן | Heman |
| H4191 | מוּת | your reliability |
| H529 | אֵמוּן | steadfast trustworthiness |
| H530 | אֱמוּנָה | in steadfastness |
| H539 | אָמַן | I will regard as firm |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H547-01 |
הָ/אֹ֣מְנ֔וֹת | haomenot | HTd/Ncfpa |
the doorposts | the supporting pillars | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H547-01 |
2 Kings 18:16 | הָ/אֹ֣מְנ֔וֹת | haomenot | HTd/Ncfpa |
the doorposts | the supporting pillars |