Original Word: אָמֹץ
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: amots
Pronunciation: ah-MOHTS
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-mohts')
KJV: bay
NASB: strong, strong ones
Word Origin: [probably from H553 (אָמַץ - courageous)]

1. of a strong color, i.e. red (others fleet)

bay

Probably from 'amats; of a strong color, i.e. Red (others fleet) -- bay.

see HEBREW 'amats

Word Origin
from amets
Definition
strong
NASB Translation
strong (1), strong ones (1).

[אָמֹץ] adjective strong, only plural אֲמֻצִּים of horses Zechariah 6:3,7 (in Zechariah 6:7 perhaps read אֲדֻמִּים, compare Zechariah 6:2, & Hi; see another view in Lag^{BN 29}).

Meaning and Scope

אָמֹץ portrays vigorous, enduring strength. It is not passive potential but active, resilient power in motion, whether describing physical vitality or moral fortitude. In Zechariah it characterizes the horses that carry out the Lord’s global purposes, emphasizing capacity for sustained action under divine command.

Biblical Context

Zechariah’s eighth night vision (Zechariah 6:1-8) presents four chariots emerging “from between two mountains of bronze.” Each team of horses differs in color, but all share one trait: “all of them strong” (Zechariah 6:3). Verse 7 singles out these “strong ones” again as they surge forward to “patrol the earth.” The term marks them as agents fully equipped for the task assigned by the Lord of Hosts. Their strength guarantees the certainty and completeness of God’s oversight across the nations.

Theological Significance

1. Divine empowerment: The strength is inherent because God commissions and sustains His messengers (compare Psalm 33:17; Proverbs 21:31).
2. Sovereign patrol: The vigorous horses signify uninterrupted, unhindered divine governance. No earthly power can impede the Lord’s purposes, a truth intended to reassure the post-exilic community rebuilding under foreign rule.
3. Foreshadowing consummation: The vision anticipates later prophetic scenes (Revelation 6:1-8), linking the unbroken theme of God’s active, powerful supervision from restoration times to the final judgment.

Historical Setting

Zechariah prophesied around 520-518 BC, when Judah was small, vulnerable, and still clearing temple rubble. Persian authority seemed absolute. By depicting God’s agents as universally “strong,” the prophet redirected the people’s focus from imperial might to Yahweh’s more formidable, unseen resources.

Ministry and Practical Application

• Assurance in service: Those called to labor for God may feel inadequate, yet Zechariah reminds believers that the mission’s effectiveness depends on strength He supplies (cf. 1 Peter 4:11).
• Vigilance and readiness: Just as the horses stand poised, believers are to be “steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
• Intercessory confidence: In global upheaval, prayer rests on the conviction that divine patrols remain vigorous and unwearied (Isaiah 40:28-31).

Related Scriptures

Psalm 147:10-11; Proverbs 24:5; Isaiah 40:29-31; Zechariah 10:12; Ephesians 6:10. Each passage echoes the truth embodied in אָמֹץ: true strength issues from God, accomplishes His purposes, and stands available to all who trust Him.

אֲמֻצִּֽים׃ אמצים׃ וְהָאֲמֻצִּ֣ים והאמצים ’ă·muṣ·ṣîm ’ămuṣṣîm amutzTzim vehaamutzTzim wə·hā·’ă·muṣ·ṣîm wəhā’ămuṣṣîmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts