Original Word: עֹמֶק
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: `omeq
Pronunciation: OH-mek
Phonetic Spelling: (o'-mek)
KJV: depth
NASB: depth, depths
Word Origin: [from H6009 (עָמַק - deeply)]

1. depth

depth

From amaq; depth -- depth.

see HEBREW amaq

Word Origin
from amoq
Definition
depth
NASB Translation
depth (1), depths (1).

עֹ֫מֶק noun [masculine] depth; — absolute Proverbs 25:3; plural construct עִמְקֵי שְׁאוֺל Proverbs 9:18 (Kö^{ii. 1, 32}).

Semantic Range and Imagery

עֹמֶק draws the reader into the figurative world of “depth”—that which lies far beneath the surface, out of easy reach, and resistant to shallow investigation. In Scripture, depth evokes mystery, wisdom, and the hidden workings of both creation and the human heart. Whether describing the subterranean reaches of the earth or the unfathomable counsels of God, the image consistently invites awe-filled contemplation rather than superficial analysis.

Canonical Context: Proverbs 25:3

“As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable” (Proverbs 25:3). Placed in a collection of sayings collected by the men of King Hezekiah (Proverbs 25:1), the verse balances three realms:

1. Height of the heavens—limitless expanse above.
2. Depth of the earth—immeasurable recesses below.
3. Heart of a king—unfathomable motives within.

The comparison underscores the inscrutability of royal decisions, highlighting the necessity of humility before those in authority (compare Romans 13:1). By extension, if human rulers possess such hidden depths, how much more the King of kings (Psalm 92:5; Isaiah 55:9).

Theology of Depth in the Old Testament

Though עֹמֶק itself appears only once, the theme permeates the Hebrew canon:

• Job 11:7–9 sets the standard: “Can you fathom the deep things of God? … They are deeper than Sheol.”
• Psalm 139:8 portrays divine presence reaching the highest and lowest points.
• Isaiah 7:11 offers Ahaz a sign “as deep as Sheol or as high as heaven,” pairing extremes to emphasize utter comprehensive authority.

These passages weave depth into a theology of divine omniscience and omnipresence. The earth’s depths stand as a natural metaphor for realms inaccessible to humanity yet open to the Creator (Psalm 95:4).

Christological and New Testament Echoes

The New Testament absorbs and intensifies the motif:

• Romans 11:33—“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!”
• 1 Corinthians 2:10—“The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.”
• Ephesians 3:18–19 prays that believers may grasp the “breadth and length and height and depth” of Christ’s love.

Here, depth no longer intimidates but beckons believers into ever-expanding wonder at redemption accomplished in Jesus Christ.

Historical Understanding in Jewish and Christian Tradition

Rabbinic commentary often linked Proverbs 25:3 to the caution required when judging a ruler’s decrees, viewing hidden motives as part of God’s secret providence. Early Christian writers such as Gregory the Great transformed the proverb into an admonition for spiritual leadership: shepherds must cultivate an interior life whose depths mirror the mysteries they proclaim.

Reformation commentators stressed the verse’s call to search Scripture diligently while acknowledging its ultimate profundity. “The Word is like an ocean,” wrote John Calvin, “its surface plain enough for a child, its depths never fully sounded by the greatest theologian.”

Practical Ministry Applications

• Teaching: Use Proverbs 25:3 to illustrate the limits of human perception and the necessity of divine revelation. Encourage congregations to resist snap judgments about leaders and circumstances.

• Discipleship: Invite believers to pursue the “deep things of God” through disciplined study and prayer, trusting the Spirit to illuminate (1 Corinthians 2:10).

• Pastoral Counseling: When motives are questioned, this verse counsels patience and humble inquiry rather than presumption, fostering unity within the body.

• Evangelism: Contrast the shallow promises of worldly wisdom with the profound riches found in Christ, whose gospel alone reaches the deepest needs of the human heart.

Summary

עֹמֶק, though occurring only once, stands as a vital theological signpost. It directs attention downward—not toward darkness, but toward the profound reality that beneath every surface lies a realm known fully only to God. From Old Testament wisdom to New Testament doxology, the theme of depth glorifies the One whose understanding is beyond measure and invites His people to seek ever deeper communion with Him.

לָעֹ֑מֶק לעמק lā‘ōmeq lā·‘ō·meq laOmekInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts