עֵ֫מֶק (e.meq)
e.meq
Valley (of Achor)
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 54 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun emeq refers to a broad, low-lying area of land, typically translated as valley, vale, or plain. Derived from a root meaning "to be deep," it describes a wide depression that is often fertile enough for agriculture and large enough to serve as a battlefield. Unlike narrower gullies or seasonal streams, this term emphasizes the open, expansive nature of the terrain.
Its usage highlights both its agricultural value and its strategic military importance. In Psalm 65:13, it depicts lush pastures where hills are clothed with joy, while in Judges 7:1, it serves as the staging ground for Gideon’s small army against the Midianites. The word frequently appears in proper names, such as the Valley of Elah, where David faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17:2), or the Valley of Blessing near Engedi (2 Chronicles 20:26).
Translators usually render emeq simply as "valley," though this can sometimes obscure its specific sense of a broad, open lowland. It stands in contrast to words like bik'ah, which often denotes a more specific plain or rift valley. By focusing on the physical space itself, the text grounds significant biblical events in tangible, recognizable landscapes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word emeq describes a broad, low-lying area of land, often fertile or strategically significant. It is not merely a geographical feature but a setting where pivotal moments unfold. From the lush pastures in Psalm 65 to the staging ground for Gideon’s army in Judges 7, these valleys represent places of both trial and divine provision.
In your own life, you may find yourself in a valley—a season that feels low or difficult. Yet Scripture reminds us that God is present in these spaces too. The Valley of Achor, once a place of trouble, became a name meaning 'trouble' turned to hope (Joshua 7:26). This word invites you to see your current circumstances not as dead ends, but as open spaces where God can act.
Whether you face agricultural abundance or military opposition, emeq grounds biblical events in tangible landscapes. It encourages trust that God walks with you through every terrain, bringing peace and purpose even when the path seems wide and exposed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 54 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ [the] valley of10×
- the/ valley7×
- in the/ valley7×
- [the] valley of6×
- valleys2×
- in the/ valleys2×
- from/ [the] valley of2×
- and/ [the] valley of2×
- [was] in the/ valley2×
- [is] in/ [the] valley of2×
- [are] in/ [the] valley of2×
- valleys/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/עֵ֥מֶק10×
- עֵ֥מֶק3×
- בְּ/עֵ֖מֶק3×
- עֵ֣מֶק2×
- מֵ/עֵ֣מֶק2×
- וְ/עֵ֥מֶק2×
- הָ/עֵֽמֶק\׃2×
- הָ/עֵ֔מֶק2×
- בָּֽ/עֲמָקִ֔ים2×
- בָּ/עֵֽמֶק\׃2×
- בָּ/עֵ֖מֶק2×
- בָּ/עֵ֑מֶק2×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 7:26
They raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day. Yahweh turned from the fierceness of his anger. Therefore the name of that place was called “The valley of Achor” to this day.
This verse explains how the valley of Achor, originally a place of judgment, was renamed to signify God's turning away from anger, offering hope after failure.
-
Judges 7:1
Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people who were with him, rose up early and encamped beside the spring of Harod. Midian’s camp was on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
Here, Gideon encamps in the valley against a vast Midianite force, highlighting how God uses humble settings for deliverance.
-
Joshua 10:12
Then Joshua spoke to Yahweh in the day when Yahweh delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel. He said in the sight of Israel, “Sun, stand still on Gibeon! You, moon, stop in the valley of Aijalon!”
Joshua calls for the sun to stand still in the valley of Aijalon, showing how valleys serve as stages for miraculous divine intervention.
-
Genesis 14:10
Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and some fell there. Those who remained fled to the hills.
The valley of Siddim is full of tar pits, illustrating how these lowlands can be places of danger and judgment, yet also where God's justice is executed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word emeq mean?
How is emeq different from bik'ah?
Why are valleys significant in the Bible?
What is the Valley of Achor?
Every Occurrence (54 verses across 15 books)
Genesis 5 verses
All these joined together in the valley of Siddim (also called the Salt Sea).
Genesis 14:8The king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (also called…
Genesis 14:10Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and some fell there. Those who…
Genesis 14:17The king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with…
Genesis 37:14He said to him, “Go now, see whether it is well with your brothers, and well with the flock; and bring me word again.”…