Lexical Summary Amal: Amal Original Word: עָמָל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Amal The same as amal; Amal, an Israelite -- Amal. see HEBREW amal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom amal Definition "trouble," an Asherite NASB Translation Amal (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. עָמָל proper name, masculine name in Asher 1 Chronicles 7:35, ᵐ5 Αμαα, ᵐ5L Αλαμ. Topical Lexicon Biblical Reference 1 Chronicles 7:35 “The sons of his brother Helem: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal.” Family Line Amal is a fourth–generation descendant of Asher, Jacob’s eighth son. His lineage runs: Asher → Heber → Helem → Amal. The Chronicler places Amal among the sons of Helem, alongside Zophah, Imna, and Shelesh, thereby identifying him as the head of a distinct Asherite clan. Tribal Identity within Asher The tribe of Asher received blessing for prosperity and abundance (Genesis 49:20; Deuteronomy 33:24-25). By naming the sub-clans that grew from Asher, 1 Chronicles 7 emphasizes God’s faithfulness to preserve and multiply a tribe destined to “dip his foot in oil.” Amal’s household would have shared in the fertile coastal-plain inheritance that stretched from Mount Carmel northward, contributing manpower and resources for both agriculture and defense. Role in the Chronicler’s Census Immediately after listing Amal’s line, the Chronicler records a summary: “All these were the sons of Asher—heads of families, choice men, mighty warriors, and chiefs among the princes. Their number enrolled for battle was 26,000 men.” (1 Chronicles 7:40). Amal’s name stands as testimony that every individual and clan was counted in Israel’s covenant service. Though the text offers no deeds, his descendants are included among the “mighty warriors,” underscoring the importance of even lesser-known clans in the nation’s military readiness. Possible Significance of the Name While the Chronicler does not explain the choice of the name, Amal likely derives from the Hebrew root for “labor” or “toil.” Such a name could recall the struggles of ancestral sojourners or anticipate the industrious character expected of an Asherite farmer-soldier. It subtly reminds readers that God’s blessing often works through ordinary work and perseverance. Historical Context 1 Chronicles was compiled after the Babylonian exile to affirm Israel’s continuity and covenant identity. Recording Amal’s clan served three purposes: 1. To legitimize post-exilic land claims by Asherites returning to Galilee’s territories. Spiritual Lessons 1. God values every believer’s place in His redemptive story, even when Scripture contains only a single verse about them. Ministry Application • Encourage congregations to recognize and honor the “Amals” whose quiet service sustains the local church. See Also Genesis 49:20; Deuteronomy 33:24-25; 1 Chronicles 7:30-40; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Corinthians 15:58 Forms and Transliterations וְעָמָֽל׃ ועמל׃ veaMalLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 7:35 HEB: וְיִמְנָ֖ע וְשֵׁ֥לֶשׁ וְעָמָֽל׃ NAS: Imna, Shelesh and Amal. KJV: and Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal. INT: Imna Shelesh and Amal 1 Occurrence |
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