אָמָה (a.mah)
a.mah
maidservant
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 48 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun a.mah designates a female slave or maidservant in ancient Israelite society. It appears frequently in legal and narrative texts, such as the Sabbath regulations in Exodus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 5:14, where it is listed alongside sons, daughters, and livestock as part of the household that must rest on the seventh day. This inclusion highlights the social reality that women in servitude were integral members of the family unit, not merely external laborers.
A notable usage occurs when free women use the term to refer to themselves when speaking to superiors, conveying humility and respect. Hannah employs this self-designation in 1 Samuel 1:11 and 16 when praying for a child, and Abigail uses it in 1 Samuel 25:24 to address David. This figurative application softens the tone of their requests, framing their status as one of submission rather than entitlement.
The word also appears in phrases like "son of a handmaid" (Exodus 23:12; Psalm 116:16), emphasizing the low social standing associated with slavery. While often translated simply as "maid," the term carries the weight of legal bondage, distinguishing these women from free servants who might be hired for temporary work. Its presence in covenant laws underscores the comprehensive scope of justice required in Israelite community life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter the word for maidservant in Scripture, it reminds us that God’s care extends to every corner of human life, including those with the least social power. In ancient Israel, this term described women bound by legal servitude, yet even within these rigid structures, the Law provided protections. Commands regarding Sabbath rest and fair treatment showed that their dignity mattered to God just as much as anyone else's.
We also see this word used in moments of profound personal humility. When Hannah prayed for a child or Abigail spoke to David, they referred to themselves as servants. This was not about self-deprecation but about recognizing one’s place before another and approaching requests with grace rather than entitlement. It teaches us that true strength often looks like gentle submission.
Ultimately, these narratives point to a God who sees the overlooked. Whether in the legal codes of Exodus or the heartfelt prayers of the prophets, no one is invisible to Him. We are invited to trust that He values every person and works through humble hearts to bring about His purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 48 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- maidservant/ your14×
- and/ female servant/ your6×
- female slave/ his4×
- to/ maidservant/ your3×
- the/ slave woman3×
- the/ maidservants2×
- maidservant/ his2×
- and/ female servants/ their2×
- and/ female servant/ his2×
- to/ maidservant of/ your1×
- to/ a female slave1×
- slave woman/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲמָתֶ֔/ךָ4×
- אֲמָת֖/וֹ3×
- אֲמָ֣תְ/ךָ֔3×
- לַ/אֲמָתְ/ךָ֖2×
- וַ/אֲמָתֶ֔/ךָ2×
- וַ/אֲמָתְ/ךָ֖2×
- וַ/אֲמָת/וֹ֙2×
- וְ/אַמְהֹֽתֵי/הֶם֙2×
- אֲמָתֶֽ/ךָ\׃2×
- אֲמָתֶ֑/ךָ2×
- אֲמָת/וֹ֙2×
- אֲמָֽתְ/ךָ֙2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 20:10
but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates;
This verse places the maidservant alongside family members and livestock in Sabbath rest, highlighting her integral role in the household's spiritual rhythm.
-
Genesis 30:3
She said, “Behold, my maid Bilhah. Go in to her, that she may bear on my knees, and I also may obtain children by her.”
Here Bilhah is called a servant in the context of surrogate motherhood, showing how these women were central to family lineage and legacy.
-
Deuteronomy 16:14
You shall rejoice in your feast, you, your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow who are within your gates.
The inclusion of the female servant in festival rejoicing shows that communal celebration was meant to encompass all members of society regardless of status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word a.mah mean?
Why do women call themselves servants in the Bible?
How is a maidservant treated differently from other workers?
Every Occurrence (48 verses across 13 books)
Genesis 6 verses
Abraham prayed to God. So God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, and they bore children.
Genesis 21:10Therefore she said to Abraham, “Cast out this servant and her son! For the son of this servant will not be heir with my…
Genesis 21:12God said to Abraham, “Don’t let it be grievous in your sight because of the boy, and because of your servant. In all…
Genesis 21:13I will also make a nation of the son of the servant, because he is your child.”
Genesis 30:3She said, “Behold, my maid Bilhah. Go in to her, that she may bear on my knees, and I also may obtain children by her.”
Genesis 31:33Laban went into Jacob’s tent, into Leah’s tent, and into the tent of the two female servants; but he didn’t find them.…