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עָמֵק

𐤏𐤌𐤒

ʻâmêq

H6012 adjective

SILEX Entry

Root עמק to be deep, to be profound, to go deep

Definition

Adjective describing that which is physically deep or profound, often used of valleys or places characterized by significant vertical distance below surrounding terrain, but also metaphorically for depth or incomprehensibility. In poetry and metaphor, it may denote mystery, complexity, or something difficult to fathom mentally or spiritually.

Semantic Range

deep (of place or thing), deep valley, depth(s), profound (of thought or counsel), mysterious, difficult to understand

Root / Etymology

From the root עָמַק (ʻamaq), meaning 'to be deep' or 'to be profound.' The adjective עָמֵק functions as a descriptor of physical or figurative depth. The root conveys the idea of extending downward, increase in depth, or intensification.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, עָמֵק is most commonly found modifying nouns such as valleys (e.g., עֵמֶק, valley), as in עֵמֶק יִזְרְעֶאל (the Valley of Jezreel), distinguishing these low-lying areas from hills or mountains. Less frequently, it is extended metaphorically to describe profound or inscrutable matters, as in poetic or wisdom literature. Its use as 'strange' in some translation traditions appears to be an interpretive extension, reflecting the concept of something hidden or mysterious rather than foreignness or oddness. The term is more descriptive than evaluative. English translations typically render it as 'deep' or 'depth(s),' which captures the core sense in most contexts. In post-biblical Hebrew, the word retains its physical connotation and may be used in philosophical or mystical contexts to indicate spiritual profundity.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from עָמַק; deep (literally or figuratively); deeper, depth, strange.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

עמק (ʿ-m-q) — depth, profundity, going deep

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4615 מַעֲמָק in depths of
H5987 עָמוֹק deep
H5994 עֲמִיק the deep things
H6009 עָמַק they became deep
H6010 עֵמֶק your deep valleys

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6012-02 עִמְקֵ֤י imeqey HAampc deep depths of 3
H6012-01 בְּ/עִמְקֵ֖י beimeqey HR/Ncmpc in the depths of in depths of 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6012-02 Isaiah 33:19 עִמְקֵ֤י imeqey HAampc deep/obscure depths of
H6012-02 Ezekiel 3:5 עִמְקֵ֥י imeqey HAampc deep depths of
H6012-02 Ezekiel 3:6 עִמְקֵ֤י imeqey HAampc deep depths of
H6012-01 Proverbs 9:18 בְּ/עִמְקֵ֖י beimeqey HR/Ncmpc in the depths of in depths of
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