עָמַל (a.mal)
a.mal
to toil
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb amal describes the physical and mental exertion of laboring or toiling. It appears nine times in the Old Testament, with a significant concentration in Ecclesiastes, Psalms, and Proverbs. The word captures the essence of hard work, often implying effort that is strenuous or wearisome rather than simple activity.
In its most famous usage, it anchors the recurring refrain "vanity of vanities" in Ecclesiastes. Solomon observes that all human toil under the sun is fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying without God (Ecclesiastes 2:11, 23). Here, amal highlights the exhaustion of striving for lasting meaning through work alone. The Psalms also use it to describe the wearying nature of life’s struggles, such as being pursued by enemies or burdened by guilt (Psalm 88:7; Psalm 102:11).
Translators typically render amal as "toil," "labor," or "weariness." Unlike words that might imply joyful craftsmanship, this term often carries a tone of struggle or futility. It reminds readers that human effort, while necessary, is limited and can become a source of deep fatigue when disconnected from divine purpose.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word amal captures the heavy, often wearying nature of human effort. It is not merely activity, but strenuous toil that can leave us physically and mentally exhausted. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon uses this term to describe the frustration of striving for meaning through work alone, only to find it fleeting without God's presence.
When we feel drained by our daily responsibilities or anxious about the future, this word reminds us that human effort has limits. It invites us to recognize that true peace comes not from our own strength, but from trusting in Yahweh’s provision. As Psalm 127 suggests, unless He builds, our labor is in vain.
This understanding does not dismiss hard work but places it in its proper context. We can serve faithfully while resting in the knowledge that our worth is not defined by our productivity. Let us bring our weariness to Him, finding rest in His sovereignty rather than striving for control.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- that/ I have toiled2×
- you had toiled1×
- they have toiled1×
- that/ he toils1×
- that/ I had toiled1×
- it labors1×
- he toils1×
- he toiled1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֶֽׁ/עָמַ֥לְתִּי1×
- שֶֽׁ/יַּעֲמֹ֖ל1×
- שֶׁ/עָמַ֣לְתִּי1×
- שֶׁ/עָמַ֖לְתִּי1×
- עָמַ֥לְתָּ1×
- עָמְל֣וּ1×
- עָֽמַל\־1×
- עָ֣מְלָה1×
- יַעֲמֹ֧ל1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 127:1
A Song of Ascents. By Solomon. Unless Yahweh builds the house, they who build it labor in vain. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain.
This verse contrasts human toil with divine provision, showing that effort without God's blessing is ultimately futile.
-
Ecclesiastes 2:20
Therefore I began to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor in which I had labored under the sun.
Here the word highlights the deep despair that can arise when one realizes their labor may not yield lasting personal satisfaction.
-
Ecclesiastes 1:3
What does man gain from all his labor in which he labors under the sun?
Solomon uses this term to question the eternal value of human effort, emphasizing its temporary nature under the sun.