Lexical Summary maamats: Strength, effort, exertion Original Word: מַאֲמָץ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance force From 'amats; strength, i.e. (plural) resources -- force. see HEBREW 'amats NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom amets Definition power, strength, force NASB Translation forces (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מַאֲמָץ] noun [masculine] power, strength, force, plural construct מַאֲמַצֵּיכֹֿחַ Job 36:19. Topical Lexicon Biblical Overview מַאֲמָץ appears only once in the Old Testament, in Job 36:19. In that solitary occurrence it designates the sum total of a person’s self-generated power—material resources, personal energy, and every human “backup plan” marshalled in moments of crisis. Elihu’s question confronts Job’s assumption that some combination of riches or resolve might shield him from affliction. By framing human effort in the singular noun, Scripture places the whole weight of self-reliance on a single term, then shows its inadequacy before the sovereignty of God. “Would your wealth relieve your distress, or all your mighty effort, so that you would not be in anguish?” (Job 36:19) Context in Job 36 Elihu is urging Job to recognize that suffering may serve corrective, not merely punitive, purposes. Verses 17–21 warn against bargaining with God by appealing to status or accomplishments. The rhetorical force of Job 36:19 is heightened by using מַאֲמָץ as a collective noun; even if Job could pile every asset and ounce of strength on one side of the scale, divine judgment would still outweigh it (Job 36:18). Thus the term punctures self-confidence and turns attention to humble repentance and dependence on grace (Job 36:10–12). Historical and Cultural Insights In the Ancient Near East, displays of wealth and military prowess often served as proof of divine favor. Kings advertised “mighty works” to secure loyalty. By contrast, Job’s account unravels that cultural norm. Elihu’s challenge exposes the frailty of every earthly reserve—cattle herds (Job 1:3), household servants (Job 1:15), familial networks (Job 1:18-19), and even inner fortitude (Job 3:26). The Hebrew word’s rarity itself underlines how ephemeral human might is when measured against God’s eternal strength (Job 36:22-23). Theological Significance 1. Limitation of Human Strength: مַאֲמָץ encapsulates humanity’s best attempts to engineer security. Scripture consistently warns that such reliance is misplaced (Psalm 33:16-17; Proverbs 11:4). Related Old Testament Parallels • Deuteronomy 8:17 reminds Israel not to say, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” New Testament Resonance The apostle Paul echoes the lesson of מַאֲמָץ when he boasts in weakness so that Christ’s power may rest on him (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Similarly, James cautions the wealthy not to rely on riches that will “rot” and “corrode” (James 5:1-3). In each case, earthly effort is dethroned to exalt divine grace. Ministry Application • Pastoral Counseling: When believers face trials, Job 36:19 serves as a diagnostic question—are they leaning on resources or on God? Summary מַאֲמָץ stands as a biblical monument to the futility of self-reliance. Whether expressed in finances, influence, or sheer determination, human strength cannot secure deliverance from the deepest pains of life. Job 36:19 redirects the reader from trusting in accumulated might to resting in the all-sufficient power and wisdom of the LORD. Forms and Transliterations מַאֲמַצֵּי־ מאמצי־ ma’ămaṣṣê- ma·’ă·maṣ·ṣê- maamatztzeiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 36:19 HEB: בְצָ֑ר וְ֝כֹ֗ל מַאֲמַצֵּי־ כֹֽחַ׃ NAS: Or all the forces of [your] strength? KJV: [no], not gold, nor all the forces of strength. INT: gold all the forces of strength 1 Occurrence |
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