Original Word: עָמָל
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: `Amal
Pronunciation: ah-MAHL
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-mawl')
KJV: Amal
NASB: Amal
Word Origin: [the same as H5999 (עָמָל - labor)]

1. Amal, an Israelite

Amal

The same as amal; Amal, an Israelite -- Amal.

see HEBREW amal

Word Origin
from amal
Definition
"trouble," an Asherite
NASB Translation
Amal (1).

II. עָמָל proper name, masculine name in Asher 1 Chronicles 7:35, ᵐ5 Αμαα, ᵐ5^L Αλαμ.

Biblical Reference

1 Chronicles 7:35 “The sons of his brother Helem: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal.”

Family Line

Amal is a fourth–generation descendant of Asher, Jacob’s eighth son. His lineage runs: Asher → Heber → Helem → Amal. The Chronicler places Amal among the sons of Helem, alongside Zophah, Imna, and Shelesh, thereby identifying him as the head of a distinct Asherite clan.

Tribal Identity within Asher

The tribe of Asher received blessing for prosperity and abundance (Genesis 49:20; Deuteronomy 33:24-25). By naming the sub-clans that grew from Asher, 1 Chronicles 7 emphasizes God’s faithfulness to preserve and multiply a tribe destined to “dip his foot in oil.” Amal’s household would have shared in the fertile coastal-plain inheritance that stretched from Mount Carmel northward, contributing manpower and resources for both agriculture and defense.

Role in the Chronicler’s Census

Immediately after listing Amal’s line, the Chronicler records a summary: “All these were the sons of Asher—heads of families, choice men, mighty warriors, and chiefs among the princes. Their number enrolled for battle was 26,000 men.” (1 Chronicles 7:40). Amal’s name stands as testimony that every individual and clan was counted in Israel’s covenant service. Though the text offers no deeds, his descendants are included among the “mighty warriors,” underscoring the importance of even lesser-known clans in the nation’s military readiness.

Possible Significance of the Name

While the Chronicler does not explain the choice of the name, Amal likely derives from the Hebrew root for “labor” or “toil.” Such a name could recall the struggles of ancestral sojourners or anticipate the industrious character expected of an Asherite farmer-soldier. It subtly reminds readers that God’s blessing often works through ordinary work and perseverance.

Historical Context

1 Chronicles was compiled after the Babylonian exile to affirm Israel’s continuity and covenant identity. Recording Amal’s clan served three purposes:

1. To legitimize post-exilic land claims by Asherites returning to Galilee’s territories.
2. To inspire renewed commitment to covenant obedience by showing how every family once stood ready for war.
3. To highlight divine preservation—names long forgotten by men are preserved by God.

Spiritual Lessons

1. God values every believer’s place in His redemptive story, even when Scripture contains only a single verse about them.
2. Genealogies teach that faithfulness is often measured not by fame but by steady contribution across generations.
3. The chronicled warriors of Asher foreshadow the New-Testament truth that every member of Christ’s body is equipped for spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Ministry Application

• Encourage congregations to recognize and honor the “Amals” whose quiet service sustains the local church.
• Use Amal’s brief appearance to teach that church records and membership rolls are not mere formality; they witness to God’s ongoing work through His people.
• Mobilize believers to labor diligently, knowing that “in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

See Also

Genesis 49:20; Deuteronomy 33:24-25; 1 Chronicles 7:30-40; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Corinthians 15:58

וְעָמָֽל׃ ועמל׃ veaMalInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts