Original Word: אֲמֹרִי
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: Emoriy
Pronunciation: eh-mo-REE
Phonetic Spelling: (em-o-ree')
KJV: Amorite
NASB: Amorites, Amorite
Word Origin: [probably a patronymic from an unused name derived from H559 (אָמַר - said) in the sense of publicity, i.e. prominence]

1. thus, a mountaineer
2. an Emorite, one of the Canaanitish tribes

Amorite

Probably a patronymic from an unused name derived from 'amar in the sense of publicity, i.e. Prominence; thus, a mountaineer; an Emorite, one of the Canaanitish tribes -- Amorite.

see HEBREW 'amar

Word Origin
from amar
Definition
perhaps "mountain dwellers," a Canaanite tribe
NASB Translation
Amorite (24), Amorites (63).

אֱמֹרִי proper name, masculine collective (construed as plural Deuteronomy 3:9 5t.) Amorites (perhaps = mountain-dwellers, compare Numbers 13:29; Deuteronomy 1:7,19f. etc. & Di Genesis 10:16 and elsewhere) **meaning mountain-dwellers very dubious; on ׳א = Egyptian 'A-ma-ra see WMM^{As.u.Eur.229ff.}, = Tel Amarna and Assyrian Amurru, see Wkl^{TelAm. 36*} Jastr^{EB CANAAN, § 10} Say^{Hast.DB AMORITES} and others; compare also GFM^{Judg 4:5} Dr^{Dt l.7} Gray^{Num 13:29}. — always with article, except Numbers 21:29; Ezekiel 16:45.

1 called son of Canaan Genesis 10:16 (J) 1 Chronicles 1:14 =

2 a chief people dispossessed by Hebrews; (a) living east of Jordan Numbers 21:13 (twice in verse); Numbers 21:25 9t. Numbers + Joshua 24:8 (all E), compare Joshua 2:10; Joshua 9:10 (JE) Deuteronomy 1:4; Deuteronomy 3:2,9 7t. D; also Judges 10:8,11; Judges 11:19,21,23 (twice in verse); 1 Kings 4:19; Psalm 135:11; Psalm 136:19 (Sihon their king Numbers 21:1 +; Sihon & Og Deuteronomy 3:8 + ); (b) living west of Jordan Joshua 10:5,6; Joshua 24:12,15,18 (all E), compare Joshua 7:7 (JE); Joshua 5:1; Joshua 10:12 (both D; compare also Joshua 13:4, q. strike out Di) Judges 1:34,35,36; Judges 6:10; 1 Kings 21:26; 2 Kings 21:11 compare 1 Samuel 21:2; (c) living in south Deuteronomy 1:7,19,20,27,44; compare Genesis 14:7 (west of Dead Sea); (d) in General = ancient inhabitants of Canaan Genesis 15:16 (J or R) Genesis 48:22 (E) Amos 2:9,10; (e) named in list of Canaanitish peoples, to be dispossessed by Israel Exodus 3:8,17; Exodus 13:5; Exodus 33:2; Exodus 34:11; Joshua 3:10; Joshua 9:1 (all J); Deuteronomy 7:1; Deuteronomy 20:17; Joshua 11:3; Joshua 12:8 (all D); Exodus 23:23; Numbers 13:29; Joshua 24:11 (all E); Judges 3:5; 1 Kings 9:20; 2Chronicles 8:7; Ezra 9:1; Nehemiah 9:8; compare Ezekiel 16:3,45; (on these lists compare Bu^{Urgesch 344 ff.} & We^{JBTh xxi. 602}.)

3. adjective, of a people singular Genesis 14:13 Deuteronomy 2:24.

Etymology and Identity

אֲמֹרִי (’Ĕmōrî, Amorite) designates one of the principal Canaanite peoples descended from Canaan, the son of Ham (Genesis 10:16). Scripture consistently places them in the mountainous regions both east and west of the Jordan, hence the frequent association with “hill country” (Deuteronomy 1:7, 20).

Historical Background and Geographical Distribution

From at least the time of Abram the Amorites occupied strategic highland centers stretching from Hebron in the south (Genesis 13:18) to Bashan in the north (Deuteronomy 3:8). Two main groupings emerge:

1. Western Amorites – dwelling in the hill country of Judah and Ephraim, often intermingled with Jebusites and Hittites (Numbers 13:29; Joshua 10:6).
2. Eastern Amorites – ruled by Sihon of Heshbon and Og of Bashan, controlling the Transjordan from the Arnon to Mount Hermon (Numbers 21:21-35; Deuteronomy 3:1-11).

Their fortified cities, prominence on trade routes, and reputation for formidable warriors made them a dominant power until the Israelite conquest.

Early Biblical Encounters

Abram’s allies Mamre, Eshcol, and Aner were Amorites (Genesis 14:13, 24), illustrating early peaceful relations. Yet by the time of the Exodus the Amorites had become emblematic of the Canaanite moral corruption slated for divine judgment: “In the fourth generation your descendants will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete” (Genesis 15:16).

Amorites in Covenant Promises

The Abrahamic covenant lists the Amorites among the peoples whose land would be granted to Israel (Genesis 15:21). This pledge re-appears in God’s words to Moses: “I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites” (Exodus 33:2). The repeated mention underscores both God’s faithfulness to promise and His patience until their sin warranted expulsion.

Opposition and Conquest

The Amorites were the first Canaanite nation to confront Israel in force. Sihon’s refusal of peaceful passage (Numbers 21:21-23) led to decisive victory at Jahaz, opening the entire Transjordan. Og soon fell at Edrei, leaving sixty fortified cities in Israelite hands (Deuteronomy 3:4-5). Moses recounted these victories as a foretaste of all Canaan (Deuteronomy 3:21). Joshua later defeated the western coalition led by Adoni-Zedek after the miraculous sun-stand at Gibeon (Joshua 10). The book tallies thirty-one defeated kings, with Sihon and Og given special mention (Joshua 12:2-6), highlighting their representative role.

Land Grant and Tribal Allotments

Territory captured from the Amorite kings was assigned to Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 32:33). Moses emphasized that these parcels were legitimately Israel’s by divine decree, not mere war spoil (Deuteronomy 4:47-49).

Residual Amorite Presence and Israel’s Compromise

Despite sweeping victories, remnant Amorite pockets persisted. “The Amorites confined the children of Dan to the hill country” (Judges 1:34). Their survival contributed to Israel’s cycle of spiritual compromise: “The Israelites lived among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites” (Judges 3:5), leading to idolatry and oppression.

Prophetic and Poetic Allusions

Prophets used the Amorite as a symbol of pagan greatness humbled by God. Amos 2:9 recalls, “Yet I destroyed the Amorite before them, whose height was like the cedars and who was as strong as the oaks.” Ezekiel employs the image in a metaphor for Jerusalem’s ancestry: “Your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite” (Ezekiel 16:3), spotlighting spiritual waywardness.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Patience and Justice – Four generations elapsed before judgment fell (Genesis 15:16), affirming God’s longsuffering.
2. Holiness of the Land – The Amorite expulsion underscores that the land cannot tolerate persistent sin (Leviticus 18:24-28).
3. Assurance of Victory – The downfall of towering Amorite kings encouraged Israel to trust God against “giants” (Deuteronomy 3:11; Joshua 14:12).
4. Warning Against Syncretism – Residual Amorite influence illustrates the peril of partial obedience (Judges 2:2-3).

Occurrences Overview

Approximately eighty-seven appearances span the Pentateuch (about forty-five), Joshua and Judges (about twenty-seven), the monarchy narratives (about ten), and the prophets (five). The distribution traces Israel’s entire redemptive journey—from promise, through conquest, to prophetic reflection.

Ministry Implications

• Proclamation: God keeps covenant promises across centuries; hence believers can preach the reliability of His Word.
• Discipleship: The incomplete eradication of Amorite idolatry parallels lingering sin; wholehearted obedience is essential.
• Missions: As Israel was commissioned to displace entrenched paganism with worship of the true God, the church is called to advance the gospel where strongholds remain.

Key References

Genesis 15:16, 21; Exodus 33:2; Numbers 21:21-35; Deuteronomy 1:7, 20; 2:24; 3:1-11; Joshua 10; 12:2-6; Judges 1:34; 3:5; 1 Kings 21:26; Amos 2:9-10; Ezekiel 16:3.

אֱמֹרִ֖י אֱמֹרִֽי׃ אמרי אמרי׃ הָ֣אֱמֹרִ֔י הָֽאֱמֹרִ֑י הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י הָֽאֱמֹרִ֛י הָֽאֱמֹרִ֨י הָֽאֱמֹרִי֙ הָֽאֱמֹרִי֮ הָאֱמֹרִ֑י הָאֱמֹרִ֔י הָאֱמֹרִ֖י הָאֱמֹרִ֗י הָאֱמֹרִ֛י הָאֱמֹרִ֜י הָאֱמֹרִ֡י הָאֱמֹרִ֥י הָאֱמֹרִ֧י הָאֱמֹרִֽי׃ הָאֱמֹרִי֙ האמרי האמרי׃ וְהָ֣אֱמֹרִ֔י וְהָֽאֱמֹרִי֙ וְהָאֱמֹרִ֖י וְהָאֱמֹרִ֜י וְהָאֱמֹרִ֤י וְהָאֱמֹרִ֧י וְהָאֱמֹרִֽי׃ וְהָאֱמֹרִי֙ והאמרי והאמרי׃ לָֽאֱמֹרִֽי׃ לאמרי׃ ’ĕ·mō·rî ’ĕmōrî emoRi hā’ĕmōrî hā·’ĕ·mō·rî haemoRi lā’ĕmōrî lā·’ĕ·mō·rî LaemoRi vehaemoRi wə·hā·’ĕ·mō·rî wəhā’ĕmōrîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts