The Hebrew verb אִמֵּץ (from the root א-מ-ץ) means “to strengthen,” “to make firm,” or “to encourage.” It appears primarily in the Piel binyan, where it takes on an intensive or causative meaning. The verb is used both in literal contexts (e.g., strengthening hands or arms) and figurative contexts (e.g., encouraging the heart, giving courage).
In the Hebrew Bible, it often appears in moments of transition, fear, or divine encouragement. The most famous usage is in God’s charge to Yehoshua (Joshua): חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ – “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6–9), where אִמֵּץ appears as a command for inner fortitude and trust.
Piel Binyan Conjugation of אִמֵּץ
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אִמַּצְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | אִמַּצְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | אִמַּצְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | אִמֵּץ |
| 3rd person feminine singular | אִמְּצָה |
| 1st person plural | אִמַּצְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | אִמַּצְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | אִמַּצְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | אִמְּצוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | מְאַמֵּץ |
| 2nd person masculine singular | מְאַמֵּץ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | מְאַמֶּצֶת |
| 3rd person masculine singular | מְאַמֵּץ |
| 3rd person feminine singular | מְאַמֶּצֶת |
| 1st person plural | מְאַמְּצִים |
| 2nd person masculine plural | מְאַמְּצִים |
| 2nd person feminine plural | מְאַמְּצוֹת |
| 3rd person plural | מְאַמְּצִים |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֲאַמֵּץ |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תְּאַמֵּץ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תְּאַמְּצִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יְאַמֵּץ |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תְּאַמֵּץ |
| 1st person plural | נְאַמֵּץ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תְּאַמְּצוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תְּאַמֵּצְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יְאַמְּצוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | אַמֵּץ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | אַמְּצִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | אַמְּצוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | אַמֵּצְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
The verb אִמֵּץ is used in key biblical moments where strength or encouragement is needed, particularly in the context of leadership and divine commissioning. It often appears alongside חָזַק (be strong):
- Deuteronomy 31:7 – חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ
“Be strong and courageous!” – Moshe speaks these words to Yehoshua before his leadership begins. - 2 Samuel 10:12 – חֲזַק וְנִתְחַזַּק וְאֶמֵּץ
“Be strong and let us strengthen ourselves…” – a military and moral encouragement before battle.
Summary
The verb אִמֵּץ conveys the deep and vital Hebrew concept of strength—not merely physical, but emotional, spiritual, and moral as well. In its intensive Piel form, it commands and encourages. The call to “strengthen yourself” in the biblical world is a call to trust, to act with courage, and to rise to one’s calling. Whether uttered by God, a prophet, or a leader, אִמֵּץ remains a powerful and inspiring word in the Hebrew language.
