אָמֹץ (a.mots)
a.mots
strong
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word ’amots is an adjective that primarily means "strong" or "powerful." It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times within the book of Zechariah (Zechariah 10:3 and 11:3). In these contexts, it describes the strength of a lion or the power associated with judgment, emphasizing physical might and authority.
Interestingly, some lexicons also list a secondary meaning related to color, specifically "bay," "dappled," or "piebald." This usage likely refers to the mixed coat patterns of horses or other animals. However, in the specific verses where ’amots occurs, the sense of strength is the dominant and relevant interpretation, highlighting the formidable nature of the subjects described.
The rarity of this word makes its occurrences in Zechariah particularly notable. The prophet uses it to convey a sense of overwhelming force, whether describing the strength of enemies or the power of divine judgment. Its limited usage suggests it was a specific term for intense, perhaps fierce, strength rather than general vitality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word amots conveys a sense of formidable strength, often linked to raw power or authority. In Zechariah, it describes horses that are not just fast, but mighty and purposeful. This reminds us that true strength is not merely about physical capability, but about directed energy and divine assignment.
When we face challenges, we can look to the image of these powerful steeds. They move with intention, seeking to walk back and forth through the earth under God’s command. This suggests that our own strengths are meant to be used in service of a greater purpose, guided by wisdom rather than wild impulse.
God values strength when it is aligned with His will. Whether you feel weak or strong, remember that your efforts matter when they are part of His larger plan. You are invited to trust that He directs the powerful forces of the world, and He can direct your life as well.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- strong1×
- and/ the/ strong [horses]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/הָ/אֲמֻצִּ֣ים1×
- אֲמֻצִּֽים\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Zechariah 6:3
In the third chariot were white horses. In the fourth chariot were dappled horses, all of them powerful.
The word describes dappled horses as powerful, linking physical appearance with inherent strength in a vision of divine judgment.
-
Zechariah 6:7
The strong went out, and sought to go that they might walk back and forth through the earth. He said, “Go around and through the earth!” So they walked back and forth through the earth.
Here the strong spirits actively seek to patrol the earth, showing that this strength is dynamic and obedient to God's command.