עָמַם (a.mam)
a.mam
to darken
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb `ammam` means to darken, dim, or become obscure. It describes a loss of light or clarity, whether in a literal sense or as a metaphor for hiddenness. The word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Lamentations 4:1, where it is used in a striking visual image.
In this verse, the poet asks how the gold has become dimmed. Here, `ammam` is not describing nightfall but rather the loss of luster and value. The sources note that while the root relates to covering or concealing, its usage here emphasizes the visible fading of brilliance. This single occurrence captures the profound grief of Jerusalem’s destruction, where even precious metals lose their shine in the aftermath of disaster.
Etymologically, `ammam` is linked to roots meaning to cover or veil, suggesting that darkness often implies something being hidden from view. Translators typically render it as "dimmed" or "darkened," preserving the sense of a sudden, tragic loss of radiance. Its rarity in Scripture makes this specific instance particularly poignant, serving as a concrete symbol for the nation’s fallen state.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ammam describes a sudden loss of light, like gold turning dull or a face obscured by shadow. In Lamentations 4:1, it paints a heartbreaking picture of Jerusalem’s destruction. The precious stones and pure gold that once shone with glory have become dim and lifeless. This image captures the deep sorrow of seeing something beautiful and valuable reduced to dust and despair.
Yet this word also offers a quiet comfort for your own life. When you feel your own light has faded, or when circumstances seem to strip away your joy and clarity, remember that ammam speaks to a temporary state, not an eternal end. The same God who holds the gold in His hands also holds your heart. Even when darkness covers your vision, His presence remains constant and unchanging.
You do not need to force your own radiance back into place. Instead, rest in the truth that your worth is not defined by how brightly you shine on your own. God’s grace is sufficient even in the dimmest moments. He sees you clearly when you feel obscure, and He promises to restore what has been lost.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it is dimmed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יוּעַ֣ם1×
Key Verses
-
Lamentations 4:1
How the gold has become dim! The most pure gold has changed! The stones of the sanctuary are poured out at the head of every street.
This verse uses the word to describe the tragic loss of luster in Jerusalem's gold and sacred stones, symbolizing the nation's fallen state.