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H520 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אַמָּה
Ammah
Noun, feminine
Cubit; forearm (unit of linear measure)

Definition

The Hebrew word ammah is the standard unit of linear measurement in the Old Testament — the cubit, equal to the length of the forearm from elbow to tip of middle finger, approximately 17.5–20.5 inches (44–52 cm). It was the primary unit used in construction of the tabernacle, Noah's ark, Solomon's temple, and Ezekiel's visionary temple.

Usage & Theological Significance

The ammah (cubit) anchors much of the biblical architecture that shapes Israel's worship and God's dwelling. Noah's ark was 300 cubits long, 50 wide, and 30 high (Genesis 6:15). The tabernacle and its furnishings were measured in cubits with exacting precision. Solomon's temple — 60 cubits long, 20 wide, 30 high (1 Kings 6:2) — was God's dwelling on earth. The 'royal cubit' used in Solomon's temple (2 Chronicles 3:3) and Ezekiel's visionary temple was slightly longer (~20.5 inches). The New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:17 is measured in cubits by the angel, connecting the ancient measure to the eternal city. The humble human forearm became the measure of the sacred.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 6:15 This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark 300 cubits, its breadth 50 cubits, and its height 30 cubits.
Exodus 25:10 They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Two and a half cubits shall be its length, a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height.
1 Kings 6:2 The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was 60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high.
Ezekiel 40:5 And behold, there was a wall all around the outside of the temple area, and the length of the measuring reed in the man's hand was six long cubits.
Revelation 21:17 He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel's measurement.

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