Original Word: אַמָּה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: ammah
Pronunciation: ahm-MAH
Phonetic Spelling: (am-maw')
KJV: cubit, + hundred (by exchange for H3967), measure, post
NASB: cubits, cubit, cubits and a cubit, cubits and one cubit, cubits by cubit, measure
Word Origin: [prolonged from H517 (אֵם - mother)]

1. (properly) a mother
2. (unit of measure) the fore-arm (below the elbow)
3. a cubit
4. (also) a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

A cubit; also a door-base

Prolonged from 'em; properly, a mother (i.e. Unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e. A cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance) -- cubit, + hundred (by exchange for me'ah), measure, post.

see HEBREW 'em

see HEBREW me'ah

Word Origin
from the same as em
Definition
an ell, a cubit
NASB Translation
cubit (25), cubits (204), cubits and a cubit (1), cubits and one cubit (1), cubits by cubit (1), measure (1).

II. אַמָּה₂₄₆ noun feminine ell, cubit (SI אמה; so Sabean DHM^{ZMG 1865, 613}; Aramaic , אַמָּא; Assyrian ammatu Nor²⁸⁰; Ethiopic etymology dubious; Thes and others mater brachii, i.e. length of fore-arm; others derive from √ אמם, precede, be in front, & hence fore-arm compare Di Isaiah 6:4; Dl^{Pr 109} MV derive immediately from √אמם be wide (see above), אַמָּה = distance, & hence a particular distance, ell, cubit) — ׳א absolute Genesis 6:15 +; construct אַמַּת Deuteronomy 3:11; Jeremiah 51:13; dual אַמָּתַיִם Exodus 25:10 +; plural אַמּוֺת Exodus 26:16 +; —

1 cubit, so אַמַּתאִֿישׁ i.e. ordinary cubit, Deuteronomy 3:11 (compare Isaiah 8:1); in Ezekiel 40:5; Ezekiel 43:13 is a cubit one hand-breadth longer, compare 2 Chronicles 3:3 בַּמִּחָה הָרִאשׁוֺנָה ׳א; absolute length dubious, compare Smith^{Dict. Bib., article Weights and Measures}; Lepsius^{Längenmaasse der Alten, SBAk 1883,1195 f.} identification with Egyptian, longer cubit. 525m., shorter .450m.; see also Id.^{Babylonian-Assyr. Längenmaasse 1877; MBAk 1877, 741} Oppert^{GGA 1878, 1055; Rev. d'Assyr. i. 124} (also on the Babylonian 'half-cubit' = .270 m. Hpt^{AJPh 1888, 419} Hom^{Semiten i. 501}); on אַצִּילָה ׳א Ezekiel 41:8 compare Sm & Co (Co strike out); חֲמֵשׁ אמות קָנִים Ezekiel 42:16 Kt, read מֵאוֺת so Qr Co; chiefly in Exodus 25-27. 36-38 (56 t.) 1Kings 6.. 7 (45 t.) 2 Chronicles 3.4 (21 t.) Ezekiel 40-43 (86 t.); a (one) cubit = אַמָּה Genesis 6:16; Exodus 25:10,23 +; הָאַמָּה Ezekiel 43:14; אַחַת ׳א Ezekiel 40:12 (twice in verse); Ezekiel 40:42 (3 t. in verse); Ezekiel 42:4; Ezekiel 43:14; two cubits = אַמָּתַיִם Exodus 25:10,17,23; Exodus 30:2; Exodus 37:1,6,10,25; Numbers 11:31; שְׁתַּיִם אַמּוֺת Ezekiel 40:9; Ezekiel 41:3,22; Ezekiel 43:14; with Numbers 1-10 ׳א mostly follows number in plural Exodus 26:16; Exodus 27:1 (3 t. in verse); 1 Kings 6:10; Ezekiel 40:5,7,9 +; with numbers 11-1000 +, it mostly following number in singular Genesis 6:15 (3 t. in verse); Exodus 27:12,13; Exodus 38:13,14,15; Numbers 35:4; Joshua 3:4; 1 Kings 6:2 (twice in verse); 1 Kings 6:3; 1 Kings 7:15 (twice in verse); Jeremiah 52:21,22; Ezekiel 40:49 (twice in verse) +; seldom following, in plural Ezekiel 40:11 (strike out Co) Ezekiel 40:27 (Co singular) Ezekiel 42:2; so also עֶשְׂרִים וְחָמֵשׁ אַמּוֺת Ezekiel 40:13,29 but חָמֵשׁ וְעֶשְׂרִים אַמָּה Ezekiel 40:25,30,33,36; (late) also in plural precedes all Numbers 2 Chronicles 3:3 (twice in verse); 2Chronicles 3:4,8 (twice in verse) +; 2Chronicles 6:13; Ezekiel 42:2; also often בָּאַמָּה following all numbers Exodus 26:2 (twice in verse); Exodus 26:8 (twice in verse); Exodus 27:9,18; Exodus 36:9 (twice in verse); Exodus 36:15 (twice in verse); Exodus 36:21; Numbers 35:5 (4 t. in verse); 1 Kings 6:6 (3 t. in verse); 1 Kings 7:23 (3 t. in verse); 2Chronicles 4:2 (3 t. in verse); Ezekiel 40:21; Ezekiel 47:3; Zechariah 5:2 (twice in verse) +, compare לְאַמּוֺת חָמֵשׁ2Chronicles 3:11; often וַחֲצִי ׳א Exodus 25:10 (3 t. in verse); Exodus 25:17 (twice in verse) +, also ׳וַחֲצִי הָא ׳א Exodus 26:16; Exodus 36:21; 1 Kings 17:31; 1 Kings 17:32; 1 Kings 17:35 etc.; compare שֵׁשׁ אַמּוֺת וָזָרֶ֑ת 1 Samuel 17:4; followed by בַּמִּדָּה in measurement Joshua 3:4; 2Chronicles 3:3.

2 measure, full measure, limit, only אַמַּת בִּצְעֵךְ the measure of thy gain-making Jeremiah 51:13 ("" קִצֵּךְ).

III. [אַמָּה] noun feminine (etymology & meaning dubious; Thes foundation (compare Talmud AW ), from אֵם in metaphorical sense, compare MV; De on Isaiah 6:4 derived similarly, but makes support of superliminaria (compare ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9); Ew Di derived from √ אמם = precede, whence front; Dl^{Pr 110} translates holder from √ אמם be wide, hence contain, hold) only אַמּוֺת הַסִּמִּים Isaiah 6:4.

[אַמָּה K^{§ 51, 2, Anm. 2}] noun feminine^{Daniel 3:1} cubit (= Biblical Hebrew id.; Egyptian Aramaic (plural) אמן RES²⁴⁶ S-C^C44); — plural אַמִּין (so ᵑ7 Syriac) Daniel 3:1 (twice in verse); Ezra 6:3,8.

Physical Measure and Symbolic Threshold

אַמָּה designates the length of the human forearm from elbow to fingertip and, by extension, the “cubit” used throughout Scripture for linear measurement. Ordinary construction employed a common cubit of roughly 18 inches / 45 centimeters, while sacred architecture sometimes uses a “long cubit” of a cubit and a handbreadth (about 21 inches / 52 centimeters, Ezekiel 40:5). Wherever it appears, אַמָּה marks a meeting point between the human body and God-given structure, joining the created order to divine instruction.

In the Foundational Narratives

• Genesis 6:15-16 records the earliest biblical measurements: “The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high… You shall make a roof for the ark, finishing it to within a cubit.” Precise cubit counts communicate that judgement and salvation alike unfold according to the Lord’s exact designs.
• Genesis 11:3-4 implies cubits in the ill-fated attempt at Babel, contrasting human self-exaltation with the ark’s obedient measurements.
• Deuteronomy 3:11 notes that Og’s bedstead measured “nine cubits in length and four cubits in width,” underscoring the enemy’s imposing stature yet also the covenant people’s victory under God.

In Mosaic Worship

The Tabernacle and its furnishings are almost wholly defined by cubit instructions, portraying holiness that is both spatial and relational.
• Ark of the Covenant—Exodus 25:10: “two and a half cubits long, one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high.”
• Table of the Bread of the Presence—Exodus 25:23.
• Altar of Burnt Offering—Exodus 27:1.
• Curtains, frames, sockets, veils, and courtyard—all governed by cubits (Exodus 26–27; 30; 36–38).

Each detail confirms that earnest worship does not invent its own dimensions but receives them, foreshadowing the New Testament truth that “worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24) never conflicts with divinely revealed order.

Covenant Kings and Builders

• Solomon’s Temple—1 Kings 6:2 “The temple… was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high.” The gold-laden inner sanctuary formed a perfect cube of twenty cubits (1 Kings 6:20), prefiguring the heavenly city whose length, width, and height are equal (Revelation 21:16).
• Bronze Pillars, Sea, lavers, and portico dimensions (1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 3–4) further exhibit cubit-based symmetry that mirrors divine glory.
• Walls of Jerusalem—Jeremiah 52:21 documents copper columns “eighteen cubits high” taken to Babylon, signalling that exile never nullifies God’s measurements; restoration will one day realign reality to the same standard.

Prophetic Visions of Restoration

Ezekiel 40–48 contains the densest single block of אַמָּה usage (over 100 occurrences). A man “whose appearance was like bronze” measures the visionary temple with “a measuring rod six long cubits” (Ezekiel 40:3-5). The prophet watches gateways, courts, chambers, altar, and sanctuary brought under that rod, assuring the exiles that God’s future dwelling will be precisely and permanently holy. Revelation later borrows the motif of angelic measurement (Revelation 11:1; 21:15-17), linking the long cubit of Ezekiel to the everlasting kingdom of Christ.

Human Stature and Embodiment

The word retains its concrete sense of “forearm” or “span of the arm” in several narratives:
• Judges 3:16—Ehud forges a sword “a cubit long” that hides along his thigh for Israel’s deliverance.
• 1 Samuel 17:4—Goliath’s height “six cubits and a span,” yet even the tallest enemy falls before the name of the LORD.
• Ezekiel 13:18—false prophetesses sew magic veils for “the heads of every stature,” reminding readers that mere bodily size gains no favor when truth is lacking.

Legal and Civic Life

Cubit formulas regulate everyday justice and safety:
• Deuteronomy 25:14 mandates honest measures, implying cubits equal in house and field.
• Deuteronomy 22:8 commands a parapet around flat roofs; rabbinic tradition assigns a height of ten handbreadths (about one cubit) to prevent bloodguilt.
• Second Temple water tunnels (2 Kings 20:20) and city walls (Nehemiah 3) employ cubits to balance security and stewardship.

Theological and Ministry Reflections

1. Order reflects character. God’s meticulous use of cubits showcases His faithfulness “in all His ways and holy in all His works” (Psalm 145:17).
2. Revelation is sufficient. From ark to temple, no craftsman needed to guess at length or width; likewise, Scripture supplies all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
3. Judgment and mercy are measured. The same cubit that framed the doorposts also defined the bronze altar of sacrifice, teaching that grace and justice never conflict.
4. Human limitation magnifies divine omnipotence. Jesus asked, “Who of you by worrying can add a single cubit to his height?” (Matthew 6:27 footnote). Our inability to lengthen even an אַמָּה urges trust in the Father who measures the heavens with a span (Isaiah 40:12).
5. Gospel fulfillment. The perfectly cubed Holy of Holies (1 Kings 6:20) anticipates believers “being built together into a dwelling place for God” (Ephesians 2:22), while the measured New Jerusalem proclaims final, flawless communion.

Selected References

Genesis 6:15-16; Exodus 25:10, 23; 26:16; 27:1; 30:2; 1 Kings 6:2, 20; 7:15, 23; 2 Chronicles 3:3-4; 2 Chronicles 4:1; 1 Samuel 17:4; 2 Samuel 21:20; Jeremiah 52:21; Ezekiel 40:5; 41:8; 42:20; 43:13-17; Amos 7:7-8; Zechariah 2:1-2; Matthew 6:27; Revelation 11:1; 21:15-17.

See Also

Cubit in Ancient Near Eastern culture; Handbreadth; Measuring rod; Temple architecture; Measures and weights in Israel.

אַמַּ֥ת אַמָּ֑ה אַמָּ֔ה אַמָּ֖ה אַמָּ֗ה אַמָּ֛ה אַמָּ֜ה אַמָּ֣ה אַמָּ֤ה אַמָּ֥ה אַמָּ֨ה אַמָּֽה׃ אַמָּה֒ אַמָּה֙ אַמָּתַ֤יִם אַמָּתַ֨יִם אַמֹּ֖ת אַמּ֑וֹת אַמּ֔וֹת אַמּ֕וֹת אַמּ֖וֹת אַמּ֗וֹת אַמּ֛וֹת אַמּ֜וֹת אַמּ֞וֹת אַמּ֣וֹת אַמּ֤וֹת אַמּ֥וֹת אַמּ֨וֹת אַמֹּות֒ אַמּֽוֹת־ אַמּֽוֹת׃ אַמּוֹת֒ אַמּוֹת֙ אמה אמה׃ אמות אמות־ אמות׃ אמת אמתים בְּאַמַּת־ בָּ֠אַמָּה בָּֽ֠אַמָּה בָּֽאַמָּ֑ה בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה בָּֽאַמָּ֗ה בָּֽאַמָּ֟ה בָּֽאַמָּה֙ בָּֽאַמּ֔וֹת בָּאַמָּ֔ה בָּאַמָּ֖ה בָּאַמָּ֗ה בָּאַמָּ֛ה בָּאַמָּ֜ה בָּאַמָּ֣ה בָּאַמָּֽה׃ בָֽאַמָּ֔ה בָֽאַמָּ֜ה בָֽאַמָּה֙ באמה באמה׃ באמות באמת־ הָֽאַמָּ֑ה הָֽאַמָּ֔ה הָאַמָּ֗ה הָאַמָּ֛ה הָאַמָּ֜ה הָאַמָּֽה׃ האמה האמה׃ וְאַמָּ֣ה וְאַמָּ֤ה וְאַמָּ֥ה וְאַמָּ֨ה וְאַמָּה֙ וְאַמָּה־ וְאַמָּתַ֖יִם וְאַמָּתַ֙יִם֙ וְאַמּ֥וֹת וְהָאַמָּ֤ה וְהָאַמָּ֨ה וּכְאַמָּתַ֖יִם ואמה ואמה־ ואמות ואמתים והאמה וכאמתים לְאַמּ֣וֹת לאמות מֵאֹ֥ות מאות ’am·mā·ṯa·yim ’am·māh ’am·maṯ ’am·mō·wṯ ’am·mō·wṯ- ’am·mōṯ ’ammāh ’ammaṯ ’ammāṯayim ’ammōṯ ’ammōwṯ ’ammōwṯ- amMah amMat ammaTayim amMot bā’ammāh ḇā’ammāh bā’ammōwṯ bā·’am·māh ḇā·’am·māh bā·’am·mō·wṯ baamMah baamMot bə’ammaṯ- bə·’am·maṯ- beammat hā’ammāh hā·’am·māh haamMah lə’ammōwṯ lə·’am·mō·wṯ leamMot mê’ōwṯ mê·’ō·wṯ meot ū·ḵə·’am·mā·ṯa·yim ucheammaTayim ūḵə’ammāṯayim vaamMah veamMah veammaTayim veamMot vehaamMah wə’ammāh wə’ammāh- wə’ammāṯayim wə’ammōwṯ wə·’am·mā·ṯa·yim wə·’am·māh wə·’am·māh- wə·’am·mō·wṯ wə·hā·’am·māh wəhā’ammāhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts