Original Word: עַמּוֹנִית
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: Ammowniyth
Pronunciation: am-mo-neeth'
Phonetic Spelling: (am-mo-neeth')
KJV: Ammonite(-ss)
NASB: Ammonitess, Ammon
Word Origin: [feminine of H5984 (עַמּוֹנִי - Ammonite)]

1. an Ammonitess

Ammonitess

Feminine of Ammowniy; an Ammonitess -- Ammonite(-ss).

see HEBREW Ammowniy

Word Origin
fem. of Ammoni
Definition
an Ammonite woman
NASB Translation
Ammon (1), Ammonitess (4).

Identity and Background

“Ammonitess” designates a woman of Ammon, the nation descended from Lot’s younger daughter (Genesis 19:38, “Ben-Ammi”). Ammon lay east of the Jordan and remained in almost continual spiritual and political tension with Israel. Ammon’s chief deity was Milcom (also called Molech), whose worship was marked by detestable practices (1 Kings 11:5, Leviticus 18:21). Deuteronomy 23:3–6 barred Ammonites from entering “the assembly of the LORD” to the tenth generation, underscoring the gravity of their opposition to God’s covenant people.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. 1 Kings 14:21; 1 Kings 14:31 – Naamah the Ammonitess is identified as the mother of Rehoboam, Solomon’s successor.
2. 2 Chronicles 12:13 – Reaffirms Naamah’s Ammonite origin while describing Rehoboam’s reign.
3. 2 Chronicles 24:26 – Shimeath the Ammonitess is the mother of Zabad, one of the assassins of King Joash.

Only two Ammonite women are named, yet their influence frames critical moments in Judah’s monarchy—its division under Rehoboam and the violent end of Joash’s reforms.

Historical Context and Theological Significance

Solomon’s treaty marriages (1 Kings 11:1) brought foreign wives—including Naamah—into Jerusalem. Scripture records the result: “his wives turned his heart after other gods” (1 Kings 11:4). The birth of Rehoboam to an Ammonitess links the sins of Solomon’s household directly to the split of the united kingdom (1 Kings 12), illustrating the far-reaching consequences of unequal alliances.

Naamah’s presence in the royal lineage also highlights divine sovereignty. God preserved the Davidic line even through an Ammonite mother, just as earlier He used Rahab of Jericho and Ruth the Moabitess in Messianic ancestry. Grace triumphs, yet never excuses disobedience.

Shimeath’s son Zabad participated in Joash’s assassination (2 Chronicles 24:26), a tragic bookend to an earlier season of reform. The chronicler mentions his maternal identity to show that foreign influence, tolerated rather than confronted, again culminated in violence and covenant unfaithfulness.

Lessons for Ministry and Personal Faith

1. Spiritual compromise begins in the private sphere. Solomon’s household decisions shaped national destiny. Leadership today must heed Paul’s warning: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14).
2. God remains faithful to His promise even when His people falter. Despite Ammonite connections, the lamp of David was not extinguished (1 Kings 11:36). This steadies believers amid the visible imperfections of the Church.
3. Cultural engagement demands discernment. Israel was called to love the sojourner (Deuteronomy 10:19) yet resist idolatry. Modern ministry must likewise balance compassion with doctrinal fidelity.

Christological Perspective

The line culminating in Jesus Christ passes through unexpected Gentile women (Matthew 1:5-6). While the Ammonitess Naamah is outside Matthew’s genealogy, her appearance in the royal narrative anticipates the inclusion of “every nation” in the Gospel (Acts 10:35). God’s redemptive plan is not thwarted by human failure; rather, He weaves even the outsider into His story, magnifying His grace.

Key References for Further Study

Deuteronomy 23:3-6; 1 Kings 11:1–8; 1 Kings 14:21, 31; 2 Chronicles 12:13; 2 Chronicles 24:25-26; Nehemiah 13:1-3.

הָֽעַמֹּנִֽית׃ הָֽעַמּוֹנִ֔ית הָעַמֹּנִ֑ית הָעַמֹּנִֽית׃ העמונית העמנית העמנית׃ hā‘ammōnîṯ hā‘ammōwnîṯ hā·‘am·mō·nîṯ hā·‘am·mō·w·nîṯ haammoNitInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts