The Hebrew Verb אִמֵּץ: To Strengthen and Encourage

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 31:7חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ
    “Be strong and courageous!” – Moshe speaks these words to Yehoshua before his leadership begins.
  • 2 Samuel 10:12חֲזַק 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.

About Biblical Hebrew

Learn Biblical Hebrew Online. Studying Biblical Hebrew online opens a direct window into the sacred texts of the Hebrew Bible, allowing readers to engage with Scripture in its original linguistic and cultural context. By learning the language in which much of the Tanakh was written, students can move beyond translations and discover the nuanced meanings, poetic structures, and theological depth embedded in the Hebrew text. Online learning provides flexible and accessible avenues to build these skills, whether through self-paced modules, guided instruction, or interactive resources. As one grows in proficiency, the richness of biblical narratives, laws, prayers, and prophetic visions comes to life with renewed clarity, making the study of Biblical Hebrew not only an intellectual pursuit but a deeply rewarding spiritual and cultural journey.
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