אָמוֹץ (a.mots)

a.mots

Amoz

H0531 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 13 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 13 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The proper name Amoza appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily as a genealogical marker rather than a theological term. It identifies the father of the prophet Isaiah, linking the visionary to a specific lineage during the era of the Divided Monarchy. The name itself is derived from a root meaning "strength" or "firmness," suggesting a family identity rooted in endurance.

This word occurs thirteen times across Scripture, most notably in passages that establish Isaiah’s background. In 2 Kings 19:2 and 2 Chronicles 32:20, Amoza is mentioned when King Hezekiah sends officials to seek the prophet’s counsel during a crisis. These references serve to ground the prophetic messages in historical reality, connecting the divine word to a tangible human family.

While the name carries a meaning of strength, the text does not elaborate on Amoza’s personal character or deeds. Instead, his significance lies entirely in his role as the progenitor of one of Israel’s most prominent prophets. The brevity of these mentions highlights how God often works through ordinary lineages to produce extraordinary spiritual leadership.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Amoza appears thirteen times in Scripture, always as a marker of lineage rather than a subject of independent story. It identifies Isaiah as the son of Amoz, anchoring one of Israel’s most profound prophetic voices in a specific family and historical moment. The root meaning suggests strength or firmness, hinting at a heritage that likely shaped the character of the prophet who would stand before kings.

These brief references remind us that God often chooses ordinary lineages to carry extraordinary messages. Isaiah did not emerge from nowhere; he was part of a family tree, grounded in reality. When King Hezekiah faced crisis, he sought out this man with a known background, trusting the word that came through him. The text does not dwell on Amoz’s personal deeds, but his role as a father to a visionary shows how God works through generations.

For your faith, this offers comfort. You are part of a larger story, connected to others in ways you may not fully see. Just as Isaiah was rooted in his family and time, your life is held within God’s broader plan. Trust that He uses the ordinary moments and relationships in your life to shape who you become.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Amoz13×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

אָמ֔וֹץ3×
אָמֽוֹץ\׃2×
אָמ֜וֹץ2×
אָמ֖וֹץ2×
אָמוֹץ֮1×
אָמוֹץ֙1×
אָמ֛וֹץ1×
אָמ֑וֹץ1×

Key Verses

Isaiah 1:1
The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

This opening verse establishes Amoza as the father of Isaiah, grounding the entire book in a specific prophetic lineage during the reigns of four kings.
II Kings 19:2
He sent Eliakim, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.

King Hezekiah sends officials to 'Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz' during a national crisis, showing that Amoza’s name identifies the trusted mediator between God and the king.
II Kings 19:20
Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, “Yahweh, the God of Israel, says ‘You have prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria, and I have heard you.

Here, Isaiah is again identified by his father’s name when delivering God’s response to Hezekiah’s prayer against Sennacherib, emphasizing the reliability of the message through its human source.
Isaiah 38:1
In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, came to him, and said to him, “Yahweh says, ‘Set your house in order, for you will die, and not live.’”

When Isaiah visits the dying King Hezekiah, he is called 'the prophet, the son of Amoz,' linking the divine warning about death to a specific family identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Amoza mean?

The name Amoza is derived from a Hebrew root that generally means strength or firmness. While the Bible does not explicitly define the name in context, scholars connect it to concepts of endurance and stability, fitting for the father of a major prophet.

Who was Amoza in the Bible?

Amoza is identified solely as the father of the prophet Isaiah. He does not appear as an active character in any narrative; instead, his name serves to identify Isaiah’s lineage in thirteen different verses across Kings, Chronicles, and Isaiah.

Why is Amoza mentioned so often?

He is mentioned frequently because the biblical authors consistently identified Isaiah as 'the son of Amoz.' This was a common way to distinguish prophets or establish authority. It appears in historical accounts and prophetic books to anchor Isaiah’s ministry in a real family history.

Does Amoza have a separate story?

No, there is no separate narrative about Amoza’s life or deeds. His significance lies entirely in his relationship to Isaiah. The text uses his name to provide context for Isaiah’s background during the reigns of kings like Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.

Every Occurrence (13 verses across 3 books)

II Kings 3 verses

II Kings 19:2

He sent Eliakim, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth,…

II Kings 19:20

Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, “Yahweh, the God of Israel, says ‘You have prayed to me against…

II Kings 20:1

In those days Hezekiah was sick and dying. Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, “Yahweh…

II Chronicles 3 verses

Isaiah 7 verses