The Hebrew term Emori refers to the Amorites, one of the pre-Israelite peoples of Canaan. The name may derive from a root meaning 'to say' or connect to a word for 'mountain dweller.' The Amorites were a prominent Semitic people in ancient Canaan and Mesopotamia, mentioned over 80 times in the Old Testament.
The Amorites represent the spiritual corruption of Canaan that Israel was called to displace. God told Abraham that the iniquity of the Amorites was 'not yet complete' (Genesis 15:16), showing divine patience and measured judgment. Their eventual defeat under Joshua demonstrates that no human power stands against God's purposes. The Amorites also represent the allure of syncretism — a constant danger Israel faced.