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H6009 · Hebrew · Old Testament
עָמַק
amaq
Verb
to be deep, to go deep, to make deep

Definition

Amaq (עָמַק) means to be or become deep — physically (digging a pit deep) and metaphorically (deep counsels, deep sleep, deep sin). The related noun emeq (H6010) is a valley — the geographically deep place. The adjective amoq (H6012) is "deep."

Usage & Theological Significance

Depth in Scripture is a rich theological space. The deep things of God (emqe El) are beyond human fathoming (Job 11:8; Romans 11:33). Isaiah 29:15 condemns those who "go deep to hide their plans from the LORD" — using amaq for sinful conspiracy. But Psalm 92:5 celebrates: "How great are your works, O LORD, how profound [amaq] your thoughts!" The sea is tehom — the primordial deep — and God walks upon it. Jesus sleeping in the deep storm is the Creator resting in his creation; his rebuke of the waves the original amaq being reordered.

Key Verses

Isaiah 29:15 Woe to those who go to great depths [amaq] to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their work in darkness.
Job 11:8 They are higher than the heavens — what can you do? They are deeper [amaq] than the depths of the grave — what can you know?
Psalm 92:5 How great are your works, LORD, how profound [amaq] your thoughts!
Isaiah 7:11 Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths [amaq] or in the highest heights.
Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

Word Study

The noun family: emeq (valley, H6010), omq (depth, H6011), amoq (deep, H6012). Valley and depth share a root — both are the low, hidden places. Israel's great battles often took place in valleys (emeq Jezreel, Valley of Elah). The theological reversal: God who rules the heights also commands the depths. Psalm 139:8: "If I make my bed in the depths [sheol], you are there."

Related Words

External Resources

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