אָמֵץ (a.mats)
a.mats
to strengthen
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 34 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb amats describes a quality of strength that is both physical and mental, often translated as being strong, bold, or alert. It conveys the idea of firmness and stability, whether referring to sturdy feet or a resolute mind. The word appears frequently in contexts where leaders encourage people to stand firm against opposition, such as when Joshua is told to be strong and courageous to lead Israel (Joshua 1:6-9).
A key feature of amats is its contrast with weakness or despair. In passages like 2 Chronicles 13:18, it describes those who are steadfast in mind, opposing those whose knees sink from fear. The Piel stem extends this meaning to actively strengthening others, as seen when kings fortify their troops (2 Chronicles 11:17) or when God assures His people of His support (Isaiah 41:10). This active form highlights the dynamic nature of the strength described—it is not passive endurance but an energizing resolve.
The term carries theological weight by linking human courage to divine empowerment. While it can describe natural bravery, its most significant usage ties human steadfastness to God’s presence and promise. Translators often render it as "be strong" or "be courageous," capturing the imperative tone of these biblical commands. The word reminds readers that true strength involves both inner determination and outward action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word amats describes a strength that is both physical and mental, often translated as being strong, bold, or alert. It conveys the idea of firmness and stability, whether referring to sturdy feet or a resolute mind. This concept reminds us that true courage is not just about natural bravery but involves inner determination linked to divine empowerment.
In many biblical passages, leaders encourage people to stand firm against opposition by relying on God’s presence. For instance, Joshua was told to be strong and courageous because Yahweh would go with him (Joshua 1:9). This active form of strength highlights that it is not passive endurance but an energizing resolve rooted in faith.
When you face challenges, remember that your steadfastness can come from trusting in God’s promise. Whether leading others or walking through difficult seasons, this word invites you to lean on His support and find peace in His unwavering presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 34 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ be bold8×
- he proved himself strong2×
- and/ be courageous2×
- you will harden1×
- you strengthened1×
- when/ made firm/ he1×
- they were [too] strong1×
- so/ may it show strength1×
- make firm1×
- it will be strong1×
- he will make firm1×
- and/ they were strong1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אִמְצ֔וּ3×
- וֶ/אֱמָ֔ץ2×
- הִתְאַמֵּץ֙2×
- תְּאַמֵּֽץ\׃1×
- תְאַמֵּ֣ץ1×
- מִתְאַמֶּ֥צֶת1×
- מְאַמֶּץ\־1×
- יֶֽאֱמָ֔ץ1×
- יְאַמֵּ֣ץ1×
- וַֽ/יְאַמְּצֻֽ/הוּ\׃1×
- וַֽ/יְאַמְּצ֛וּ1×
- וַ֝/תְּאַמֵּ֗ץ1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 1:9
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
This verse commands Joshua to be strong and courageous because Yahweh is with him wherever he goes, linking human courage directly to divine companionship.
-
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them, for Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.”
Moses urges the people to be strong and courageous, assuring them that God will not fail or forsake them as they enter the Promised Land.
-
II Chronicles 32:7
“Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or dismayed because of the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude who is with him; for there is a greater one with us than with him.
Hezekiah tells his soldiers to be strong and courageous because there is a greater power on their side than with the Assyrian army.
-
I Chronicles 28:20
David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed, for Yahweh God, even my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you, until all the work for the service of Yahweh’s house is finished.
David encourages Solomon to be strong and courageous for building the temple, reminding him that God will not fail or forsake him until the work is finished.