1 Chronicles 16:19

When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

בִּֽ הְיֽוֹתְ כֶם
בִּֽ
Prefix — preposition in, at, by, with
הְיֽוֹתְ
Root word be, pass, was, were, came, …
כֶם
Suffix — pronoun your / you (a group)
Dictionary form: הָיָה · haw-YAW

Verb — Qal, Infinitive Construct, construct state simple action — "he did" try "to ___" or "___ing"

In the KJV here: when ye were
and it came to pass ×336 shall be ×333 was ×233 be ×174 came ×133 were ×117 and it shall come to pass ×97 and it shall be ×92
More options
be — Default copula; suits timeless or stative contexts.
become — Prefer when a change of state or transformation is implied.
happen — Fits narrative events; modernizes 'come to pass'.
occur — Formal register; good for reported events or incidents.
exist — Emphasizes being or presence rather than action.
take place — Idiomatic for scheduled or unfolding events.

BDB2100 H3068 H3069 H1961 H430 H589 H2022 H6635

BDB2099 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2101

יהוהc. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה proper name, of deity Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel — (

1. ᵑ0 יְהוָֺהC518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהוִֺה305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים), in the combinations אדני יהוה & יהוה אדני (see אֲדֹנֶי), and with preposition בַּיהוָֺה, לַיהוָֺה, מֵיהוָֺה (Qr בַּאדֹנָי, לַאדֹנָי, מֵאדֹנָי), do not give the original form. ᵐ5 and other Vrss follow the Qr. On the basis of Exod 20:7; Lev 24:11 יהוה was regarded as a nomen ineffabile (see Philode Vita Mosis iii. 519, 529), called by the Jews הַשֵּׁם and by the Samaritans שׁימא. The pronunciation Jehovah was unknown until 1520, when it was introduced by Galatinus; but it was contested by Le Mercier, J. Drusius, and L. Capellus, as against grammatical and historical propriety (compare § 88). The traditional Ἰαβέ of Theodoret and Epiphanius, the יָֿהוּ, יְהוֺֿ of compound proper name and the contracted form יָהּ all favour יַהְוֶךְ (compare יַהֲלֹמ֑וּן Ps 74:6 תַּהֲרוּ Isa 33:11), see LagSym i.14 BaudStudien i.179 ff.; DrStud.Bib.i.1 ff. For Jeve see StaZAW 1881, 346 Deib.1882, 173 f. & Gn. Excurs. ii.
2. on literature of interpretations see NesEg.67 Drl.c. — Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph`il of היה (=היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver (compare חַוָּה Gen 3:20) Schr HSch; giver of existence, creator, Kue Tiele; he who brings to pass (so already Le Clerc),performer of his promises, Lag, NesEg.88 (but NesEg.91 inclines to Qal as RSBrit. & For. Ev. Rev see below); or from היה he who causes to fall, rain or lightning RSOTJC.ed.1, 423; om.ed.2, 245, compare WeSkizzen iii.175; 'Fäller,' destroying foes, StaG.i.429 (dubiously). But most take it as Qal of הוה (= היה); the one who is: i.e. the absolute and unchangeable one, Ri; the existing, ever living, as self-consistent and unchangeable, Di; or the one ever coming into manifestation as the God of redemption, De Oehl; compare also RSBrit. & For. Ev. Rev. 1876, he will be it, i.e all that his servants look for (compare Ewinfr), he will approve himself (give evidence of being, assert his being Drl.c.17)).
**Theories of non-Hebrew or non-Semitic origin, opposed (in their older forms) by BauRel. i. 181 ff. (see especially 230); DlPa 162 ff. claimed Babylonian origin for יהו, against this Kuenational Religions, etc., Note iv (Eng. Trans. 329 ff.) JastrJBL xiil {1894}, 103 f. compare HptBAS i. 170 N; DlBabel u. Bibel, 46 f., 73 f. makes same claim for יהוה, against this see especially HirschZAW xxiil {1903}, 355 ff. ZimKATS. 465 ff.; SpiegelbZMG:liii {1899}, 633 ff. proposes (improbable) Egyptian etymology for יהוה; further discussions see in KöEB NAMES, § 112 and n.3. 'Jehovah' found in Jacob (? Johannes) Wessel († 1480), according to SchwThLZ, 1905, col. 612.

I. יהוה is not used by E in Genesis, but is given Exod 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb, and is explained thus : אֶהְיֶה עִמָּ֑ךְ I shall be with thee (Exod 3:12), which is then implied in אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה I shall be the one who will be it vExod 3:14a (i.e: with thee vExod 3:12) and then compressed into אֶהְיֶה vExod 3:14b (i.e. with thee vExod 3:12), which then is given in the nominal form יהוה He who will be it vExod 3:15 (i.e. with thee vExod 3:12). compare EwBTh ii. 337, 338 RSl.c., Proph. 385 ff. Other interpretations are: I am he who I am, i.e. it is no concern of yours (Le Clerc LagPsalt.Hieron.156); I am (this is my name), inasmuch as I am (אֲשֶׁר = כִּי; AE JDMich WeJD Th xxi, 540 = compare Hexateuch 72); Di and others I am who I am, he who is essentially unnameable, inexplicable, — E uses יהוה sparingly by the side of אלהים and האלהים in his subsequent narrative. The Ephraimitic writers in Judges Samuel Kings use it in similar proportions. P abstains from the use of יהוה until he gives an account of its revelation to Moses Exod 6:3 but subsequently uses it freely. He gives no explanation of its meaning. He represents that אֵל שַׁדַּי was the God of the patriarchs. J uses יהוה from the beginning of his narrative, possibly explaining it, Gen 21:83 by אל עולם, the evergreen tamarisk being a symbol of the ever-living God; compare De Gen 21:33. Elsewhere יהוה is the common divine name in pre-exilic writers, but in post-exilic writers gradually falls into disuse, and is supplanted by אלהים and אדני. In Job it is used 31 t. in prose parts, and Job 12:9 (a proverb); not elsewhere in the poem. Chronicles apart from his sources prefers אלהים and האלהים. Daniel uses יהוה only in chap. 9 (7 t.); Ecclesiastes not at all. In the Elohistic group of Psalm 42-83 it is used 39 t. (see אלהים) . It occurs as the name of Israel's God MI18. It is doubtful whether it was used by other branches of the Shemitic family, compare COT Gen 2:4b DlPa 158 ff. DrStud. Bib. i. 7 ff.

II. 1. יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D;
  a. with אֱלֹהֶיךָ in the Ten Words Exod 20:2-12 (5 t.) = Deut 5:6-16 in the law of worship of J E, Exod 23:19; Exod 34:24; Exod 34:26 in D 234 t.; Josh 1:9; Josh 1:17; Josh 9:9; Josh 9:24 (D2); elsewhere Gen 27:20; Exod 15:26 (JE), Judg 6:26 Samuel & Kings 20 t.; 1Chr 11:2; 1Chr 22:11; 1Chr 22:12; 2Chr 9:8 (twice in verse); 2Chr 16:7; Isa 7:11; Isa 37:4 (twice in verse); Isa 41:13; Isa 43:3; Isa 51:15; Isa 55:5; Jer 40:2 + (3t.); Hos 12:10; Hos 13:4; Hos 14:2; Amos 9:15; Ps 81:11.
  b. with אֱלֹהֵיכֶם in D 46 t.; D2 28 t.; H 15 t.; P 15 t.; elsewhere Exod 23:25 (E); Exod 8:24; Exod 10:8; Exod 10:16; Exod 10:17 (JE); Judg 6:10; 1Sam 12:12; 1Sam 12:14; 2Kgs 17:39; 2Kgs 23:21; 1Chr 22:18 + (10 t. Chronicles) Ps 76:12; Jer 13:16 + (5 t.) Ezek 20:5; Ezek 20:7; Ezek 20:19; Ezek 20:20; Joel 2:13 + (6 t.) Zech 6:15.
  c. with אֱלֹהֵינוּ in D 23 t.; in D2 5 t.; Exod 8:6 (JE) Exod 3:18; Exod 5:3; Exod 8:22; Exod 8:23; Exod 10:25; Exod 10:26 (E) Judg 11:24; 1Sam 7:8; 1Kgs 8:57; 1Kgs 8:59; 1Kgs 8:61; 1Kgs 8:65; 2Kgs 18:22; 2Kgs 19:10 = Isa 36:7; Isa 37:20; 1Chr 13:2 + (15 t. Chronicles) Mic 4:5; Mic 7:17; Isa 26:13; Jer 3:22 + (17 t.) Ps 20:8; Ps 90:17 (?;Baer אֲדנָֹי); Ps 94:23; Ps 99:5; Ps 99:8; Ps 99:9 (twice in verse); Ps 105:7; Ps 106:47; Ps 113:5; Ps 122:9; Ps 123:2; Dan 9:10; Dan 9:13; Dan 9:14.
  d. with אֱלֹהֵיהֶם Exod 10:7 (J) Exod 29:46 (twice in verse); Lev 26:44 (P) Judg 3:7; Judg 8:34; 1Sam 12:9; 1Kgs 9:9; 2Kgs 17:7; 2Kgs 17:9; 2Kgs 17:14; 2Kgs 17:16; 2Kgs 17:19; 2Kgs 18:12; 2Chr 31:6; 2Chr 33:17; 2Chr 34:33; Neh 9:3 (twice in verse); Neh 9:4; Jer 3:21; Jer 22:9; Jer 30:9; Jer 43:1 (twice in verse); Jer 50:4; Ezek 28:26; Ezek 34:30; Ezek 39:22; Ezek 39:28; Hos 1:7; Hos 3:5; Hos 7:10; Zeph 2:7; Hag 1:12 (twice in verse); Zech 9:16; Zech 10:6.
  e. with אֱלֹהָיו Num 23:21 (E) Exod 32:11 (J) Lev 4:22 (P) Deut 17:19; Deut 18:7; 1Sam 30:6; 1Kgs 5:17; 1Kgs 11:4; 1Kgs 15:3; 1Kgs 15:4; 1Kgs 2:11; 1Kgs 16:2; 1Kgs 2:1 + 13 t. Chronicles; Mic 5:3; Jer 7:28; Ps 33:12; Ps 144:15; Ps 146:5; Jonah 2:2. feminine with אֱלֹהַי Num 22:18 (JE) Deut 4:5; Deut 18:16; Deut 26:14; Josh 14:8; Josh 14:9; 2Sam 24:24; 1Kgs 3:7; 1Kgs 5:18; 1Kgs 5:19; 1Kgs 8:28; 1Kgs 17:20; 1Kgs 17:21; 1Chr 21:17; 1Chr 22:7; 2Chr 2:3; 2Chr 6:19; 2Chr 9:5; Ps 7:2; Ps 7:4; Ps 13:4; Ps 18:29; Ps 30:3; Ps 30:13; Ps 35:24; Ps 40:6; Ps 104:1; Ps 109:26; Isa 25:1; Jer 31:18; Dan 9:4; Dan 9:20; Jonah 2:7; Hab 1:12; Zech 11:4; Zech 13:9; Zech 14:5.
  g. with אֱלֹהַיִךְ Isa 60:9; Jer 2:17; Jer 2:19; Jer 3:13; Mic 7:10; Zeph 3:17.
  h. with אלהים, probably always due to later editors, or to a Qr which has crept into the text Gen 2:4b — Gen 3:23 (J, 20 t. either אלהים inserted by RP as Di De; or יהוה inserted by J in an older source); Exod 9:30 (J, but not in ᵐ5 ; Samaritan אדני יהוה; possibly ᵑ0 from earlier Qr, & from later Qr); 2Sam 7:22; 2Sam 7:25 (ᵐ5 אדני יהוה and 1Chr 17:20-23 only יהוה); 1Chr 17:16; 1Chr 17:17 (but 2Sam 7:18; 2Sam 7:19 אדני יהוה) 1Chr 28:20; 1Chr 29:1; 2Chr 1:9; 2Chr 6:41 (twice in verse); 2Chr 6:42; 2Chr 26:18 (but in the original Ps 132:8 stood יהוה (so ), or else no divine name); Ps 72:18 (the late doxology) Ps 84:12 (but it makes the line too long); Jonah 4:6. For the combinations with other divine names see those names.
2. the phrase אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy: —
  a. after אמר either alone Exod 6:2; Exod 6:29 (P) or before relative and other clauses: Gen 28:13 (J) Gen 15:7 (R) Exod 6:6 (P) with אלהיכם Judg 6:10; Ezek 20:5.
  b. after ידע כי (α) Exod 7:17; Exod 8:18; Exod 10:2 (J); Exod 7:5; Exod 14:4; Exod 14:18 (P); 1Kgs 20:13; 1Kgs 20:28; Jer 24:7; Ezek 6:7 + 48 t. Ezekiel; (β) with אלהיכם Exod 6:7; Exod 16:12; Deut 29:5 (P) Exod 20:20; Joel 4:17 (γ) with אלהיהם Exod 29:46 (P) Ezek 28:26; Ezek 34:30; Ezek 39:22; Ezek 39:28 (δ) before relative and other clauses Isa 45:3; Isa 49:23; Isa 49:26; Isa 60:16; Ezek 7:9; Ezek 17:24; Ezek 21:10; Ezek 22:22; Ezek 35:12; Ezek 36:36 (ε) with various forms of קדשׁ Exod 31:13 (P) Ezek 20:12; Ezek 37:28; Ezek 39:7 (ζ) with דברתי Ezek 5:13; Ezek 17:21, compare ׳יֵדְעוּ אשׁר אני י Ezek 20:26.
  c. after כִּי in various combinations Lev 11:44; Lev 11:45; Num 35:34 (P), Lev 20:7; Lev 20:26; Lev 21:8; Lev 21:15; Lev 21:23; Lev 22:16; Lev 24:22; Lev 25:17; Lev 26:1; Lev 26:44 (all H); Exod 15:26 (R) Isa 41:13; Isa 43:3; Isa 61:8; Jer 9:23; Ezek 12:25; Ezek 21:4; Zech 10:6; Mal 3:6.
  d. emphatic Exod 6:8; Exod 12:12; Lev 26:2; Lev 26:45; Num 3:13; Num 3:41; Num 3:45 (all P); Lev 18:5; Lev 18:6; Lev 18:21; Lev 19:12; Lev 19:14; Lev 19:16; Lev 19:18; Lev 19:28; Lev 19:30; Lev 19:32; Lev 19:37; Lev 21:12; Lev 22:2; Lev 22:3; Lev 22:8; Lev 22:30; Lev 22:31; Lev 22:33 (all H) Isa 43:15 with אלהיהם Exod 29:46 with אלהיךָ Isa 48:17 with אלהיכם Lev 23:43; Lev 25:38; Lev 25:55; Num 10:10; Num 15:41 (twice in verse) (P) Lev 18:2; Lev 18:4; Lev 18:30; Lev 19:2; Lev 19:3; Lev 19:4; Lev 19:10; Lev 19:25; Lev 19:31; Lev 19:34; Lev 19:36; Lev 20:24; Lev 23:22; Lev 26:13 (all H) Ezek 20:7; Ezek 20:19; Joel 2:27 with מְקַדֵּשׁ Lev 20:8; Lev 22:9; Lev 22:32 (H), with דברתי Num 14:35 (P) Ezek 5:15 + (11 t. Ezekiel); with clauses Isa 27:3; Isa 41:4; Isa 41:17; Isa 42:6; Isa 42:8; Isa 45:5; Isa 45:6; Isa 45:7; Isa 45:8; Isa 45:18; Isa 45:19; Isa 45:21; Isa 60:22; Jer 17:10; Jer 32:27; Ezek 14:4; Ezek 14:7; Ezek 14:9; Ezek 34:24 אָנֹכִי יהוה is used in the Ten Words Exod 20:2; Exod 20:5 = Deut 5:6; Deut 5:9 cited Ps 81:11; Hos 12:10; Hos 13:4 elsewhere only Exod 4:11 (J) Isa 43:11; Isa 44:24; Isa 51:15.
3. יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh יהוה יראה Gen 22:14 (J); יהוה נסי Exod 17:15 (E) יהוה שׁלים Judg 6:24 יהוה צדקנו Jer 33:16 (compare Jer 23:6 where it is applied to the Messiah); יהוה שָׁ֑מָּה Ezek 48:35. — On combinations such as ׳הַר י, צְבָאוֺת ׳י etc., see הַר, צָבָא, etc.

Note. — BonkZAW 1891, 126 ff. seems to shew that as prefix, in compare proper name, יְהוֺ is the oldest and the latest form and that יוֺ is intermediate, belonging to the earlier post-exilic period until the time of Chronicles; occasional copyists' mistakes being taken into the account.


BDB2145 H1961

BDB2144 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2146

הָיָה3570 verb fall out, come to pass, become, be (SI1; SI6 היה, ib3 הית; parallel form of הוה, Arabic , Aramaic הֲוָא, ; see הָוָה above) —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular הָיָה Gen 3:1 +; וְהָיָה consecutive Gen 4:14 +; 3 feminine singular הָֽיְתָה Gen 1:2 +; הָיָ֑תָה Isa 14:24 + 3 t.; וְהָֽיְתָה consecutive Gen 9:13 +; והית2Kgs 9:37 Kt (Qr וְהָֽיְתָה); 2 masculine singular הָיִיתָ Deut 5:15 +; 1 singular הָיִיתִיGen 31:40 3 plural הָיוּ Gen 6:4 +; 2 masculine plural הֱיִיתֶ ם Exod 22:20 +; וִהְיִיתֶם consecutive Gen 3:5 +; 1 plural הָיִינוּIsa 1:9 +; etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִהְיֶה Gen 1:29 +; jussive יְהִיGen 1:3 +; יֶהִ֑י Ezek 16:15 וִיהִיGen 1:6 +; וַיְהִי Gen 1:3 +; וַיֶּ֑הִי Ps 33:9; Ezek 16:19 3 feminine singular תִּהְיֶה Gen 21:30 +; 1 singular אֶהְיֶה Exod 3:12 +; וָאֶהְיֶה2Sam 7:6 + 9 t.; וָאֱהִי Judg 18:4 + 12 t.; 3 masculine plural יִהְיוּ Gen 6:19 +; 3 feminine plural תִּהְיֶינָהIsa 16:2 + 19 t.; תִּהְיֶין֣Gen 41:36 + 11 t.; וְתִהְיֶנָה Jer 18:21; Jer 48:6 וַתִּהְיֶינָה 2Sam 20:3 + 6 t.; וַתִּהְיֶיןָGen 26:35; 1Sam 25:43 וַתִּהְיֶנָה 1Chr 7:15 2 masculine plural תִהְיוּ Gen 34:15 +; תִהְיוּן Exod 22:20 1 plural נִהְיֶה Gen 38:23 +; וַנִּהְיֶה2Sam 11:23; Jer 44:17 וַנְּהִי Num 13:33; Isa 64:5, etc.; Imperative masculine singular הֱיֵה Exod 18:19 +; feminine singular הֲיִיGen 24:60 masculine plural הֱיוּExod 19:15; Num 16:16, וִהְיוּ 1Sam 4:9 + 6 t.; Infinitive absolute הָיוֺ Gen 18:18 + 3 t.; הָיֹה 1Kgs 13:32; Ezek 1:3 construct הֱיוֺת Gen 2:18 +, so read probably also for הֱיֵה Ezek 21:15 compare Sm i. p. 600 f. (Co em. היהלֿה to הָהֵל shine, glitter); with prefix בִּהְיוֺת Exod 5:13 +, בִּהְיֹת Exod 19:16 +; לִהְיוֺת Gen 10:8 +, לִהְיֹת Exod 23:1 +; suffix הֱיוֺתִי Jonah 4:2 הֱיוֺתְךָ Judg 18:19 (twice in verse); לִהְיֹתְךָ Deut 26:10, etc.; Participle feminine הוֺיָה Exod 9:3.

I. 1. a. Fall out, happen מֶההָֿיָה הַדָּבָר 1Sam 4:16 how has the matter fallen out, (gone, turned out) ? so 2Sam 1:4 מֶההָֿיָה לוֺ Exod 32:1; Exod 32:23 (both J E) what has happened to him? compare 1Sam 10:12 מִקְרֶה הוּא הָיָה לָנוּ 1Sam 6:9 a chance it is that has befallen us; also וַיְהִילֿוֺ כֵּן 2Kgs 7:20 and so it happened to him, compare וַיְהִיכֵֿן below
  b. occur, take place, come about, come to pass:גְדוֺלָה הָֽיְתָה בָּעָם מַגֵּפָה 1Sam 4:17 a great slaughter has taken place among the people, compare 2Sam 17:9 וַתְּהִי הַמִּלְחָמָה בְּיַעַר אֶפְרַיִם 2Sam 18:6 and the battle took place in the wood of Ephraim (on אפרים compare Klo Dr); Josh 22:17 (P; of plague); תְּהִי נָא אָלָה Gen 26:28 (J) let an oath take place (be taken) so Judg 21:5 compare 2Kgs 17:7 (si vera lectio), Ezek 16:34 especially late, 2Chr 29:36; 2Chr 32:31; Eccl 1:9; Eccl 1:10; Eccl 3:22; Eccl 8:7; Eccl 10:14 etc.; often of fulfilment of prediction, command, expectation, etc.: — כֵּן הָיָה Gen 41:3 (E) so it came to pass, 2Sam 13:25, וַיְהִיכֵֿן Judg 6:38; 2Kgs 15:12; Isa 29:5, & especially וַיְהִיכֵֿן Gen 1:7; Gen 1:9; Gen 1:11; Gen 1:15; Gen 1:24; Gen 1:30 (all P) +; יְהִי כִדְבָרֶ֑ךָ Gen 30:34 let it be as thou sayest, Zech 6:15, see also לֹא תָקוּם וְלֹא יִהְיֶה Isa 7:7 it shall not arise (be realized) & shall not come about, Isa 14:34 (so often בּוֺא q. v. 2 c, p. 98 above)
2. especially & very often, come about, come to pass followed by substantive (subject) clause almost always + modifying (usually temporal) clause or phrase:
  a. ( I) וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.) followed by
   (a) Imperfect consecutive: a. with Infinitive with כְּ temporal Gen 12:14; Gen 19:17 (both J) + 75 t. + Esth 3:4 Qr (Hexateuch chiefly J, — so always Genesis, — & J E; P only Exod 16:10, D only Deut 5:20; Deut 31:24; Josh 5:1; Josh 9:1 27 t. in Kings), — somewhat different is 2Kgs 7:18 β. with Infinitive with בְּ Gen 4:8; Gen 11:2 (both J) + 29 t. + Esth 3:4 Kt (in Hexateuch 10 t. J E; 3 t. P, Gen 19:29; Exod 34:29; Num 17:7 not in D); γ. with בְּ followed by temporal noun (יוֺם, בֹּקֶר, etc.) Gen 21:22 (E) Gen 26:32 (J) + 45 t. (Hes 14 t. J E; 3 t. P, Exod 6:28; Exod 16:13; Num 7:1 not D); δ. לְ temporal 1Sam 1:20; 2Sam 13:23; 1Kgs 20:26; 1Chr 20:1 ε. כְּ temporal Gen 39:11; 1Sam 25:38 ζ. מִן temporal namely: מֵאָז Gen 39:5, מִיּוֺם 1Sam 7:2 compare 1Sam 30:25, מִיָּמִים Judg 11:4; Judg 15:1, מִקֵּץ Gen 4:3; Gen 8:6 + 6 t., מִקְצֵה Josh 3:2; 2Kgs 8:3; Ezek 3:16, especially מִמָּחֳרָת Gen 19:34; Exod 18:13 + 11 t.; η. כַּאֲשֶׁר temporal Gen 12:11 (J) Gen 20:13 (E) + 31 t. (Hexateuch 13 t. J E, Deut 2:16, not P), characteristic of Nehemiah's memoris, Neh 3:33; Neh 4:1; Neh 4:6; Neh 4:9; Neh 6:1; Neh 6:16; Neh 7:1; Neh 13:19 θ. with כִּי temporal Gen 6:1 (J) Exod 3:21 (E) + 14 t. + Judg 16:25 Kt; ι. אַחֲרֵי temporal Gen 22:20 (J) + 13 t., אַחַר Gen 39:7; Job 42:7, אַחֲרֵיכֵֿן Judg 16:14 + 6 t.; κ. followed by עַד temporal 1Sam 14:19 (on which compare Dr); compare עַדכֹּֿה וְעַדכֹּֿה 1Kgs 18:45 λ. with combinations; as בְּ with temporal noun + בְּ Infinitive Gen 34:25; Exod 19:16; 1Sam 25:37 בְּ Infinitive + כְּ Infinitive Josh 3:14 double preposition כְּמִשְּׁלשׁ חֳדָשִׁים Gen 38:24 מִקְצֵה + אַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר Josh 9:16 מִיָּמִים + id. Josh 23:1 μ. other unusual constructions under this head are: those where temporal idea is expressed by a circumstantial clause Isa 22:7; 1Kgs 13:20; 2Kgs 8:21 (Dr§ 165, & Οβς.) = 2Chr 21:9 those with indefinite כֹּל 1Sam 10:11; 2Sam 2:23; 2Sam 15:2, or with participle = rel. clause 1Sam 11:1 (on all see Dr§ 78 n. & Sm); quite unique is 1Kgs 16:31, with הֲנָקֵל ׳לָכְתּוֺ וגוin place of temporal clause
   (b) וַיְהִי sometimes followed by simple Perfect, with a negative Gen 39:10 (with כְּ Infinitive), Exod 13:17 (with בְּ Infinitive) 2Kgs 12:7; 2Kgs 17:25 (both with בְּ temporal); & without negative, Gen 8:13 (P) Gen 14:1 +, usually with בְּ temporal (38 t.), Hexateuch chiefly P; rarely with other preposition & adverb as above; note especially מִדֵּי followed by Infinitive 1Sam 18:30; 2Chr 12:11 sometimes the subject of following Perfect precedes it with וְ, as Gen 22:1; Gen 41:1; 1Sam 18:19; 1Sam 30:1; 2Kgs 2:9; 2Kgs 4:40 +; note especially 2Sam 17:27 where several subject & also several objects precede the Perfect (compare Dr); in these cases temporal modifier is occasionally a circumstantial clause 2Sam 13:30; 1Kgs 8:10; 2Kgs 19:37 = Isa 37:38 rarely subject precedes Perfect without וְ 1Kgs 11:4; 1Kgs 21:1, compare subject preceding Participle without וְ Neh 4:10 in 2Chr 8:1 the object (with וְ) precedes what is apparently the principal verb
   (c) וַיְהִי followed by וְהִנֵּה Gen 24:15 (J; טֶרֶם in temporal clause), Gen 29:25 (E), Gen 38:27 (J, both בְּ temporal) vGen 38:29 (כְּ Participle), 1Sam 13:10 (כְּ Infinitive); also 2Sam 1:2; 2Sam 13:36; 2Sam 15:32 (circumstantial clause) 2Kgs 2:11 (id.), 2Kgs 3:20; 2Kgs 13:21 (circumstantial clause).
   (d) rarely וַיְהִי (in this sense) followed by other constructions: אָז יִתֵּן 1Kgs 9:10 (with מִקְצֵה); Imperfect frequentative 1Kgs 14:28 (with מִדֵּיבּֿאֹ), 2Kgs 4:8 (with מִדֵּי עָבְרוֺ) Jer 36:23 (with כְּ Infinitive); Perfect consecutive frequentative 2Chr 24:11 (with בְּ temporal). (2) rarely also Perfect with וְ conjunctive וְהָיָה (compare Dr§ 183) followed by Imperfect consecutive as subject clause: 1Sam 1:12 (c. several circumstantial clause), 1Sam 10:9 (with כְּ Infinitive) 2Kgs 3:15 (id.), 1Sam 17:48 (with כִּי), Jer 37:11 (with בְּ Infinitive), Amos 7:2 (with אִם temporal); also Jer 3:9 (apparently with מִן causative, but obscure); 1Sam 13:22 (with בְּ temporal) is followed by וְלֹא & Perfect as well as Imperfect consecutive
  b. less often וְהָיָה Perfect consecutive and it shall come to pass, or frequentative,came to pass (repeatedly, etc.) usually
   (a) followed by simple Imperfect (c. 100 t.): a. with בְּ temporal Deut 21:16; Deut 25:19 + 37 t., (especially בַּיּוֺם הַהוּא Hos 2:18; Hos 2:33; Isa 7:18; Isa 7:21; Isa 7:23 + 21 t.); β. with בְּ local Ezek 47:23; Zech 13:8 compare also Hos 2:1 (בִּמְקוֺם אֲשֶׁר, but perhaps = instead of, compare VB); γ. with indefinite rel. clause, or its equivalents (כֹּל indefinite, etc.), compare Dr§ 121, Obs. 1: Gen 4:14; Num 17:20; Deut 12:11; Deut 18:19; Josh 7:14; Josh 7:15; Judg 7:4; 1Sam 2:36; 1Sam 17:25; 2Sam 15:35; 1Kgs 19:17; 1Kgs 20:6; Isa 4:3; Isa 24:18; Nah 3:7; Jer 27:8; Jer 42:4; Ezek 47:9; Zech 14:17; Joel 3:5 δ. with כַּאֲשֶׁר Num 33:56; Deut 28:63; Josh 23:15; Judg 7:17; Isa 29:8; Jer 31:28; Zech 8:13 ε. less often with other modifying phrase: כְּ Infinitive Exod 33:8; Exod 33:9 (both frequentative), Josh 3:13; Josh 8:8; Jer 25:12; Jer 51:63 בְּ Infinitive Gen 9:14 (P) 2Kgs 4:10; Ezek 44:17 אִם of condition Deut 20:11 (+ vDeut 20:11 Dr§ 118 n.), also Josh 22:18, where the arrangement is peculiar, & the condition is expressed without אִם (compare Dr§ 155); לְ temporal Deut 23:12 מִקֵּץ Isa 23:17 טֶרֶם Isa 65:24 מִדֵּי חֹדֶשׁ בְּחָדְשׁוֺ Isa 66:23, etc.
   (b) וְהָיָה followed by Perfect consecutive (c. 85 t.): α. most often + clause with כִּי temporal Gen 12:12; Gen 46:33 (both J) Exod 1:10 (E) Deut 11:29; Isa 8:21 + 25 t.; β. with אִם Exod 4:8; Exod 4:9; Num 15:24; Deut 11:13 + 14 t.; also Gen 38:9; Num 21:9 (both frequentative); γ. with בְּ temporal Gen 30:41 (frequentative) Gen 47:24 (but compare Ol Di) Exod 16:5 + 11 t.; δ. with indefinite rel. clause or equivalent (Dr§ 121 Obs. 1): Gen 24:14; Num 10:32 (Dr§ 118 n.) Num 21:18; Deut 21:3; Judg 11:31; Judg 19:30; Zech 14:16 ε. occasionally with other modifying phrase: כַּאֲשֶׁר Gen 27:40 +; כְּ Infinitive Gen 44:31 +; בְּ Infinitive Exod 33:22 +; מִקֵּץ 2Sam 14:26 עֵקֶב causative Deut 7:12 also
   (c) followed by וְלֹא + simple Imperfect Exod 3:21 (with כִּי temporal).
   (d) וְהָיָה followed by Imperative (very rare) Deut 6:10 (with כִּי temporal), 1Sam 10:7 (with כִּי), compare 1Sam 29:10, compare Perfect consecutive in command 1Sam 3:9 (with אִם).
   (e) וְהָיָה followed by simple Perfect (also very rare) Deut 8:19 (with אִם).
   (f) וְהָיָה followed by clause without verb: Gen 24:43; Josh 2:19; 1Kgs 18:24 (all with indefinite rel. modifier, or equivalents, see
   (a) γ,
   (b) δ, above).
   (g) וְהָיָה (ו conjunctive) followed by Imperfect consecutive see
  a.
   (e) above

II. Come into being, become:

1. a. absolute, in lively narrative, arise, appear, come וַתְּהִי צְעָקָה גְדֹלָהExod 12:80 (J) and there arose a great cry in Egypt; וַיְהִיקֿוֺל Ezek 1:25 (strike out Co compare Da), Ezek 37:7 (strike out קוֺל ᵐ5 Co); כִּי הָֽיְתָה הָֽרְוָחָה Exod 8:11 (J) Pharaoh saw that respite had come; Mic 7:4 now shall come their confusion (|| בוא); also of concrete objects וְהָֽיְתָה הַקֶּשֶׁת בֶּעָנָן Gen 9:16 (P) and the bow shall appear in the clouds (|| וְנִרְאֲתָה) וְרִמָּה לֹא הָֽיְתָה בּוֺ Exod 16:24 (P) and worms did not appear in it; of condition or action begun & continuing, as: famine Gen 12:10; Gen 26:1 (twice in verse) (all J), Gen 41:54 (E), Ruth 1:1; 2Sam 21:1; 2Kgs 6:25 strife Gen 13:7; Gen 13:8 (J), Hab 1:3 (|| מָדוֺן יִשָּׂא); often of action of the elements, as the coming of hail Exod 9:18; Exod 9:24; Exod 9:26 (all J), thunder & lighting, etc., Exod 19:16 (E), rain 1Kgs 18:45, storm Jonah 1:4 especially of creative fiats יְהִי אוֺר וַיְהִי אוֺר Gen 1:3 let light appear, and light appeared, compare vGen 1:5 vGen 1:8 vGen 1:13 vGen 1:19 vGen 1:23 vGen 1:31 (all P); also arise, come on the stage or scene, וְאַחֲרָיו הָיָה שַׁמְגַּר Judg 3:31 and after him arose Shamgar (= וַיָּקָם Judg 10:1); further וַעֲלָטָה הָיָה Gen 15:17 (JE) and darkness came on; הַבֹּקֶר הָיָה Exod 10:13 (J) the morning came, Exod 19:16 (E); וַיְהִי הַיּוֺם 1Sam 1:4 and the day came, when (see Dr), 1Sam 14:1; 2Kgs 4:8; 2Kgs 4:11; 2Kgs 4:18; Job 1:6; Job 1:18; Job 2:1.
  b. followed by preposition: בְּ, וְיָדֵנוּ אַלתְּֿהִיבֿוֺ Gen 37:27 (J) but our hand, let it not come upon him, of hand of ׳יּ 1Sam 5:9; 1Sam 7:13; 1Sam 12:15 + (all in hostile sense); בְּכָלשֲֶֿֿׁר יֶשׁלֿוֺ ׳וַיְהִי בִּרְכַּת י Gen 39:5 (J) and the blessing of ׳י came into (on) all that he had; but also of plague Exod 12:13 (P); followed by עַל, וּמֵי הַמַּבּוּל הָיוּ עַלהָֿאָרֶץ Gen 7:10 (J) that the waters of the flood came upon the earth; עָלַי הָיוּ כֻלָּ֑נָה Gen 42:36 (E) Gen 9:2 (P) fear shall come upon, compare Gen 35:25 (P) 2Chr 14:13; 2Chr 17:19; 2Chr 20:29 +; of wrath Josh 22:20; 1Kgs 3:27 so of Saul's evil spirit from God 1Sam 16:16; 1Sam 16:23; 1Sam 19:9 (אֶל); but followed by עַל also in good sense ׳וַתְּהִי עָלָיו רוּחַ י conferring strength & efficiency Judg 3:10; Judg 11:29 (היה = צלח Judg 14:6 + often), compare Num 24:2 (JE) of prophetic power; (on ׳וַתְּהִי לָיו יַד י 2Kgs 3:15; Ezek 3:22 and the like, see יָד); יַד אֱלֹהֵינוּ הָֽיְתָה עָלֵינוּ Ezra 8:31, so Ps 80:18 even וַתְּהִי עַלרֿאֹשׁ דָּוִד 2Sam 12:30 and it (the crown, עֲטֶרֶת) came (i.e. was put, set) on David's head; with a different meaning וַנִּהְיֶה עֲלֵיהֶם עַדפֶּֿתַח הַשָּׁ֑עַר 2Sam 11:23 and we were close upon them even to the gateway (compare We Dr); come, go, follow (followed by אַחֲרֵי) i.e. take the side of, adhere to, Exod 23:2 (JE) 1Sam 12:14; 2Sam 2:10; 1Kgs 12:20; 1Kgs 16:21 followed by לְ of blessings Gen 49:26 (poem); of judgement, punishment Jer 40:3 especially ויהי דבר֗֗֗ אֶל and the word of ... came unto: word of Samuel 1Sam 4:1 usually word of God (or ׳י) Gen 15:1; 1Sam 15:10 +; constantly in prophets: Hos 1:1; Mic 1:1 etc.; especially Jeremiah & Ezekiel: Jer 1:4; Jer 1:11; Jer 1:13; Jer 2:1; Jer 13:8 +; Ezek 3:16; Ezek 6:1; Ezek 7:1; Ezek 11:14; Ezek 11:17; Ezek 11:21; Ezek 11:26; Ezek 12:1; Ezek 12:8 +; so also absolute הָיָה הַמַּשָּׂא הַזֶּה Isa 14:28 in the death-year of king Ahaz came this utterance; also followed by מִן; מַלְכֵי עַמִּים מִמֶּנָּה יִהְיוּ Gen 17:16 (P), וּקְהַל גּוֺיִם יִהְיֶה מִמֶּ֑ךָּ Gen 35:11 (P), וְהָיָה אַדִּירוֺ מִמֶּנּוּ Jer 30:21 (|| מִקִּרְבּוֺ יֵצֵא); הַכֹּל הָיָה מִןהֶֿעָפָר וְהַכֹּל שָׁב אֶל הֶעָפָר Eccl 3:20 all came from the dust, & all return unto the dust; וַיְהִי קֶצֶף גָּדוֺל מֵאֵת צְבָאוֺת ׳י Zech 7:12.
2. become :
  a. followed by predicate noun (to be viewed as implicit accusative Dr§ 161, 3 n., according to the Arabic usage WAG ii, § 41. 44. 74): הִוא הָֽיְתָה אֵם כָּלחָֿ֑י Gen 3:20 (J) it was she that became the mother of all living; וַיְהִי הֶבֶל רֹעֵה צאֹן וְקַיִן הָיָה עֹבֵד אֲדָמָהGen 4:2 (J) and Abel became a shepherd of flocks, while Cain became a tiller of ground; 2Sam 8:14; Mic 2:11 + often
  b. followed by predicate adjective Gen 38:7; Exod 36:13 +; compare Gen 37:20 let us see what his dream will become (turn out to be, signify);
  c. become like (כְּ), וִהְיִיתֶם כֵּאלֹהִים Gen 3:5 and ye shall become like gods compare vGen 3:22, Num 11:1 (JE), Hos 2:1; Hos 7:11; Isa 9:18; 1Kgs 7:8; Zech 9:7 +; compare Gen 15:5 so (כֹּה) shall thy seed become; specifically of likeness in punishment Isa 1:9; 1Sam 17:36 +; also with כְּ repeated וְהָיָה כָעָם כַּכֹּהֵן Hos 4:9 and the people shall become like the priest (literally, and the like of the people shall become the like of the priest), so especially Isa 24:2 (6 pairs of words as above); וְהָיָה כַצַּדִּיק כָּרָשָׁע Gen 18:25 (J), see כְּ. b + c Gen 27:32 his hands had become like the hands of Esau his brother, hairy.
  d. followed by predicate + לְ person וּתְהִי אִשָּׁה לְבֶןאֲֿדֹנֶיךָ Gen 24:51 (J) and let her become wife to the son of thy lord, 1Sam 16:21; 1Kgs 11:25; Ps 89:42; 1Chr 18:6 +; = be instituted, estanblished, וְהָיָה לָהֶםחָקעֿוֺלָם Exod 30:21 (P) and it shall be established for them as a perpetual ordinance (compare f below).
  e. followed by לְ predicate: וַיְהִי הָאָדָם לְנֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה Gen 2:7 (J) and the man became a living soul; וְהָיָה לְאַרְבָּעָה רָאשִׁיםGen 2:10 (J) and it became four heads; גַּםהֿוּא יִהְיֶהלְֿעָם Gen 48:19 (J) he too shall become a people; וִהְיוּ לַאֲנָשִׁים 1Sam 4:9 and become (shew yourselves to be) men (|| הִתְחַזְּקוּ; compare with double לְ, f below); Zeph 1:13; Ezek 17:6; Ezek 47:12; Job 16:8 עלמֶלֶךְ עַלכָּֿלהָֿאָרֶץ ׳וְהָיָה י Zech 14:9 וַיְהִי לְמַס עֹבֵד Gen 49:15; Josh 16:10 so often; also in sense of turn into, be changed so as to become, וַיְהִי לְנָחָשׁExod 4:3 and it became a serpent, vExod 4:4; Exod 7:10; Isa 1:22; Deut 26:5 +; figurative וַיְהִי לְמָ֑יִם Josh 7:5 and it (their heart) turned to water, so וְהוּא הָיָה לְאֶבֶן 1Sam 25:37 or, serve as וְהָיוּ לִמְאוֺרֹת Gen 1:15 (P) and they shall become (fulfil the function of, serve as) luminaries, compare vGen 1:14 וְהָיָה לְאוֺת בְּרִית Gen 9:13; Gen 17:11 (both P). feminine often with לְ predicate + לְ person: וַתְּהִי לָהֶם הַלְּבֵנָה לְאָ֑בֶןGen 11:3 (J) and the bricks became (served as) stone for them; וַתְּהִי לִי לְאִשָּׁה Gen 20:12 (E) compare Gen 24:67 (J) +, וַתִּהְיֶינָה מַחְלָה וְחָגְלָה ֗֗֗ לַבְנֵי דֹדֵיהֶן לְנָשִׁים Num 36:11 וְהָיָה לְךָ וְלָהֶם לְאָכְלָה Num 6:21 (P), Exod 2:10; Exod 15:2; Judg 8:27 לִי לֵאלֹהִים ׳וְהָיָה י Gen 28:21 (E); אֲנִי אֶהְיֶה לוֺ לְאָב וְהוּא יִהְיֶהלִֿי לְבֵן 1Chr 17:3 +; = shew or prove oneself as הֱיֵהלִֿי לְבֶןחַֿיִל 1Sam 18:17 shew thyself for me a valiant man (compare 1Sam 4:9 e above); = be instituted, established (compare e above) וְהָיָה לְאַהֲרֹן וּלְבָנָיו לְחָקעֿוֺלָם Exod 29:28 and it shall be instituted for Aaron and his sons as a perpetual ordinance; compare vExod 29:9; Lev 10:15 וְהָֽיְתָה לִהְיֹת לָהֶם מָשְׁחָתָם לִכְהֻנַּת עוֺלָם לְדֹרֹתָם Exod 40:15 (all P).
  g. with עַל and לְ 1Sam 22:2 וַיְהִי עֲלֵיהֶם לְשָׂר and he became over them prince.
  h. sometimes with לְ person only = become the property of, come into the possession of ׳וַיְהִילֿוֺ צאֹןוּֿבָקָר וְגו Gen 12:15 (J), and he came to have flocks and herds etc., Gen 26:14; Gen 30:43 לֹא לוֺ יִהְיֶה הַזָּ֑רַע Gen 38:9 not his should the seed become; ׳וְהָיָה לי Judg 11:31 it shall become Yah-weh's; Deut 10:9; Josh 13:29; 1Kgs 10:26; 1Kgs 11:3 + often; so of a woman, as wife תְּהִינָֿא לְךָ Judg 15:2 pray let her become thine, compare also וַתְּהִי אֵשֶׁת שִׁמְשׁוֺן לְמֵרֵעֵהוּ Judg 14:20, Hos 3:3; Ruth 1:13; Lev 21:3; Deut 24:2; Jer 3:1; Ezek 16:8 (and also + לְאִשָּׁה, לְנָשִׁים see f above)III. Be (often with subordinate idea of becoming); —
1. exist, be in existence (i.e. originally have come into existence), כָּלהַֿיּמִים אֲשֶׁר הָיָה 1Sam 1:28 all the days which he shall have been (lived, = חַי Gen 5:5 etc., DrSm), Job 3:16; Isa 23:13 often with בְּ local וְכֹל שִׂיחַ הַשָּׂדֶה טֶרֶם יִהְיֶה בָאָרֶץ Gen 2:5 (J) and there was not yet in the earth any shrub of the field; ׳וּבְאֵלֶּה לֹא הָיָה אִישׁ וגו Num 26:64 (P) and among them there was not a man to be found, etc.; also וְלֹא הָיָה כַּיּוֺם הַהוּא לְפָנָיו וְאַחֲרָיו Josh 10:14 (JE) & there hath not been a day like that before it nor since. compare 2Sam 14:25; 2Sam 1:5; 2Sam 21:25; 2Sam 23:25; +; somewhat weaker, in the frequently introductory clause וַיְהִי אִישׁ now there was a man Judg 13:2; 1Sam 1:1; 1Sam 9:1; Num 9:6 (P), Job 1:1 +; on אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה Exod 3:14 see יהוֺה.
2. abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) וַיְהִי משֶׁה בָּהָר Exod 24:18 and Moses remainded in the mount forty days, etc., so Exod 34:28 (both J E), Judg 17:4; Judg 17:12; 1Sam 6:1; 1Kgs 11:20; 2Kgs 11:3 = 2Chr 22:12 +; also Lev 22:27; Lev 25:28 (both H), etc.; followed by עַד temporal remain until Deut 22:2; 1Kgs 11:40; 2Kgs 15:5; 2Chr 5:9; 2Chr 26:21; Dan 1:21 etc.; compare הוּא יִהְיֶה לְעוֺלָם Eccl 3:14 so also of space followed by עַד extend unto, as far as, Josh 19:10: of net beneath altar, Exod 27:5 shall reach as far as (עַד) the middle of the altar.
3. with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated stand, lie; בִּהְיוֺתָם בַּשָּׂדֶה Gen 4:8 (J) when they were in the field, הַמָּקוֺם אֲשֶׁרהָֿיָה שָׁם אָהֳלֹה בַּתְּחִלָּה Gen 13:3 (J) the place where his tent had stood at first; וְהָאָרֶץ תִּהְיֶה לִפְנֵיכֶם Gen 34:10 and the land, it lieth before you; compare Josh 19:1; Judg 7:1; Judg 7:8; Mic 5:6; Mic 5:7 followed by עַל be, be found or situated upon Isa 30:25 and there shall be upon every high mountain etc., streams, water-courses; Ezek 37:27 and my dwelling-place shall be over them; figurative of guilt דָּמִים וְהָיָה עָלָיךָ Deut 19:10 and blood (-guilt) be upon thee.
4. as copula, joining subject & predicate: —
  a. followed by predicate adjective וַיִּהְיוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם עֲרוּמִּים Gen 2:25, וְהַנָּחָשׁ הָיָה עָרוּם Gen 3:1, בִּהְיוֺתָם כֹּאֲבִים Gen 34:25, וַיְהִי יוֺסֵף יְפֵהתֹֿאַר Gen 39:6; Deut 23:15; Josh 19:9; Judg 11:1; Job 1:1; Job 1:3b 2Chr 7:21.
  b. followed by predicate noun Gen 1:2; Gen 9:18; Gen 25:3; Gen 36:14; Gen 40:13; 1Sam 17:34; 1Sam 17:42; 2Sam 8:10; 2Sam 20:25; 1Kgs 10:6; 2Kgs 3:4; 2Kgs 5:1 (twice in verse); 1Chr 9:20; 1Chr 11:20; 1Chr 18:10; 1Chr 26:10; 2Chr 13:7 כִּי לֹאהָֿיָה מֶלֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵל 2Chr 18:32 (|| 1Kgs 22:33 כִּילֹֿאמֶֿלֶךְ ישׂראל הוּא) +; often of age: וַיְהִי אַבְרָם בֶּןתִּֿשְׁעִים שָׁנָה וְתֵשַׁע שָׁנִים Gen 17:1 (P) 2Kgs 8:17; 2Kgs 14:2; 2Kgs 15:2; 2Kgs 15:33; 2Kgs 18:2; 2Chr 21:20; 2Chr 27:8 +; followed by predicate Infinitive absolute (very anomal.) וְהַמַּיִם הָיוּ הָלוֺךְ וְחָסוֺר Gen 8:5 = amount to, come to, in enumeration of days of life number of people, amounts of money, etc.: Gen 5:4; Gen 5:5; Gen 5:8; Gen 5:11; Gen 5:14; Gen 9:29; Gen 11:32; Gen 23:1 +; Exod 38:24; Num 1:46, etc.
  c. followed by adverb & adverbial phrase: לֹאטֿוֺב הֱיוֺת הָאָדָם לְבַדּוֺGen 2:18 (J) it is not good that the man be alone; חָדַל לִהְיוֺת לְשָׂרָה אֹרַה כַּנָּשִׁים Gen 18:11 (J).
  d. followed by preposition: (a) be with, accompany with עִם, subject most often ׳י or אלהים with added idea of protection, aid Gen 26:3; Gen 31:3; Gen 39:10; Gen 48:21; Josh 1:3; Josh 6:27; Judg 1:19; Judg 2:18; 1Sam 3:19; 1Sam 18:12; 1Sam 20:13; 1Kgs 1:37; 1Chr 11:13; 2Chr 17:3 followed by עִמָּדִי Gen 28:20; Gen 31:5; Gen 35:3 followed by עִם, human subject, of accompaniment וְהָיָההַכֹּהֵןבֶּןאַֿהֲרֹן עִםהַֿלְוִיִּם Neh 10:39; 1Chr 11:12, read also in || 2Sam 23:9 (Th We Dr); = be on the side of 1Kgs 1:8 with עִם also = be near הָיָה עִםגֹּֿרֶן האורנה ׳וּמַלְאַךְ י 2Sam 24:16 (compare Dr); also 2Sam 13:20 implying sexual intercourse, so Gen 39:10 (perhaps gloss, compare Di); peculiar uses with עִם are: וּדְבַראַֿבְנֵר הָיָה עִםזִֿקְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל 2Sam 3:17 and the speech of A. had been with the elders of Israel, compare 1Kgs 1:7 וַיְהִי עִםלְֿבַב דָּוִד אָבִּי לִבְנוֺת 1Kgs 8:17 and it was with (i.e. in) the heart of David my father to build, = 2Chr 6:7 compare 1Kgs 8:18 (twice in verse); 1Chr 22:7; 2Chr 6:8 (twice in verse); 2Chr 24:4 also 1Kgs 10:2 = 2Chr 9:1
   (b) be with, followed by אֶת, subject ׳י, אלהים, Gen 21:20; Gen 39:2; Gen 39:21 but also with human subject וּבָנָיוּ הָיוּ אֶתמִֿקְנֵהוּ Gen 34:5, compare 1Sam 29:8 +;
   (c) followed by לְ of possessor כֶּרֶם הָיָה לִידִדִי Isa 5:1 all vineyard had my beloved, Gen 30:30 compare Exod 20:3 = Deut 5:7; Judg 18:27; 1Sam 9:2; 1Kgs 5:6 + often (compare I. 2 d, f, h);
   (d) followed by לְ + other preposition: of boundary וַיְהִי לָהֶם הַגְּבוּל מֵעֲרוֺעֵרJosh 13:16, compare וַיְהִי גְבוּלָם מִמַּחֲנַיִם vJosh 13:30 וַוְהִי לָהֶם הַגְּבוּל לִפְאַת צָפנַָה מִיַּרְדֵּן Josh 18:12, etc.;
   (e) followed by בְּ be among, or of, Amos 1:1 who was one of the herdsmen, 1Kgs 2:7 let them be among those eating, Prov 22:26; Prov 23:20.
5. periphrastic conjug.:
  a. היה + participle, of continuous state, or condition, sometimes, especially late (compare Late Hebrew), of habit, with וַיְהִי also of beginning and continuance (compare Dr§ 135, (5)): participle active Gen 39:22 (J), Exod 3:1 (E), 1Sam 2:11; 1Sam 7:10; 1Sam 18:9 (compare Dr) v1Sam 18:14 v1Sam 18:29; 2Sam 8:15 = 1Chr 18:14. Deut 28:29; Isa 30:20; 1Kgs 5:1; 1Kgs 5:15; 1Kgs 5:24; 2Kgs 6:5; 2Kgs 9:14; 2Chr 9:26; Ezra 4:4; Neh 1:4; Neh 2:13; Dan 1:16 +; Gen 1:6 (P); ׳הָיָה יָרֵא אֶתיֿ 1Kgs 18:3; 2Kgs 4:1; 2Chr 26:1 passive participle Josh 10:26; 1Kgs 13:24; 1Kgs 22:35 וְהַמֶּלֶךְ הָיָה מָעֳמָד בַּמֶּרְכָּבָה (|| 2Chr 18:34 הָיָה מַעֲמִיד), Isa 2:2 = Mic 4:1, וְהָיָה סָגוּר Ezek 44:2, נַעֲשֶׂה ׳ה Neh 5:18, ׳וְאָהוּב לֵאלֹהָיו ה Neh 13:26 — on 2Sam 13:32 compare Dr.
  b. followed by Infinitive with לְ (Dr§ 208, 204): וְהָיָה לְבָעֵר Isa 5:5 and it shall be to burn (is to be, is destined to be burned) etc.; לָבוֺא וַיְהִי הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ Gen 15:12 and the sun was about to set; וַיְהִי הַשַּׁעַר לִסְגּוֺר Josh 2:5 and the gate was about to be shut; but also וַיְהִי לִדְרשׁ אֱלֹהִים 2Chr 26:5 (nearly = וַיְהִי + Participle) Niph`al Perfect נִהְיָה 1Kgs 1:27 + 6 t. + Mic 2:4 (compare below near the end); 3 feminine singular נִהָיְתָה Judg 19:30 + 5 t., נִהְיָ֑תָה Exod 11:6; Jer 48:19 וְנִהְיָ֑תָה consecutive Ezek 39:8 + Ezek 21:12 (strike out B Manuscripts ᵐ5 Co); 2 masculine singular נִהְיֵיתָ Deut 27:9 1 singular ךּנהִךְייךתי Dan 8:27 Participle feminine singular נִהְיָה Prov 13:19
1. either, be done, be brought about, or occur, come to pass: in the strong expressions וְכָמֹהוּ לֹא תֹסִף אֲשֶׁר כָּמֹהוּ ׳לֹא נ Exod 11:6 (J) a cry such as hath not occurred (been raised), and will not be again, compare Deut 4:32 (be done; || נִשְׁמַע), & Judg 19:30 (|| נִרְאֲתָה); — but simply intransitive Joel 2:2; Dan 12:1 & apparently Ezek 21:12 (|| בָּאָ֫ה; on text, however, see above) Ezek 39:8 (|| id.); — also אֵיכָה נִהְיְתָה הָרָעָה הַזֹּאת Judg 20:3 how hath this wickedness been done ? compare vJudg 20:12; Jer 5:30; Jer 48:19 also Neh 6:8 with לֹא, existence denied ׳לֹא נ Zech 8:10 (|| אֵינֶ֑נָּה); in all the above (except Joel 2:2; Dan 12:1 & Ezek 21:12; Ezek 39:8) personal agency is clearly implied; it is expressed ׳מֵאֵת אֲדֹנִי הַמֶּלֶץ נ הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה 1Kgs 1:27, so of divine agency (מֵאִתִּי) 1 K i1Kgs 12:24 = 2Chr 11:4 further be attained, secured, of wages Zech 8:10 (with לֹא, || אֵינֶ֑נָּה); תַּאֲוָּה נִהְיָה Prov 13:19 a desire come to pass, realized.
2. be done, finished, gone, only Daniel וּשְׁנָתוֺ נִהְיְתָה עָלָיו Dan 2:1 and his sleep was finished upon him, i.e. left him (compare Aramaic Dan 6:19); נִהְיֵיתִי Dan 8:27 I came to an end, was exhausted (si vera lectio, strike out ᵐ5; || נֶחֱלֵיתִי); נִהְיָה, in וְנָהָה נְהִי נִהְיָה Mic 2:4, is dubious; it is done, over, the ruin is come Rob-Ges Ew Hi Ca Che L RVm;? < omit as dittograph StaZAW 1886, 122 f. compare JBL1890, 74.77.


BDB9470 H1934 H1961

BDB9469 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9471

הֲוָא, הֲוָּה71 verb come to pass, become, be (Biblical Hebrew הָיָה); —

Pe`al Perfect 3 masculine singular הֲוָה Dan 4:26 +, הֲוָא Dan 5:19 +; 2 masculine singular הֲוַיְתָ Dan 2:31; Dan 2:34, 1 singular הֲוֵית Dan 4:1 +; 3 masculine plural הֲווֺ Dan 2:35 +; Imperfect 3 masculine singular לֶהֱוֵא (K§ 47, l) b) Dr§ 204 Obs. M 215 ff.; in Jewish-Aramaic as jussive D§ 61, lc) Dan 2:20 +; 3 feminine singular תֶּהֱוֵה Dan 4:24 +, אֵ֯ Ezra 6:8 +, 3 masculine plural לֶהֱוֺן Ezra 6:10 + 6 t., 3 feminine plural לֶהֶוְיָן Dan 5:17 Imperative masculine plural הֱווֺ Ezra 4:22, הֲזוֺ Ezra 6:6
1. come to pass Dan 2:28; Dan 2:29 (twice in verse); Dan 2:45.
2. come into being, arise Ezra 7:23 become, come to be, with predicate noun Dan 4:24; Dan 5:29 and ( = represent) Dan 7:23 with כְּ like Dan 2:35 a, with ל predicate vDan 2:35 b, with adjective predicate Ezra 6:6, with adverb phrase Ezra 5:5; Dan 4:22 often periphrastic, with participle: ׳יְדִיעַ לה let become known Dan 3:18; Ezra 4:12; Ezra 4:13; Ezra 5:8 let it be given Ezra 6:8; Ezra 6:9, also Ezra 7:26; Dan 2:20.
3. be, as copula, with adjective predication Dan 2:40; Dan 2:42; Dan 7:19 so very often in periphrastic conjugation with participle, צָבֵא ׳ה wish Dan 5:19 (4 t. in verse), ׳חָזֵה ה behold Dan 2:31; Dan 2:34; Dan 7:2; Dan 7:4; Dan 7:6 +, etc.

be, pass, was, were, came, …
hāyâ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
  • to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out
    • (Qal)
      • to occur
        • to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass
        • "to come about, come to pass
        to come into being, become
        • to arise, appear, come
        • "to become
          • to become
          • "to become like"to be instituted, be established
        to be
        • to exist, be in existence
        • "to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)"to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)"to accompany, be with
      (Niphal)
      • to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about
      • "to be done, be finished, be gone

מְתֵ֣י
מְתֵ֣י
Root word men, few, friends, number, persons, …
Dictionary form: מַת · maht

Noun — Common, masculine plural, construct state plural — usually add "-s"; "___ of …" — bound to the next word

men ×4 the men ×3 from men ×2 and let not his men ×1 and ye men ×1 being few ×1 but a few men ×1 few ×1
More options
man — Core meaning; use for individual or collective references.
person — Neutral, inclusive; good when gender is not the focus.
people — Collective use; fits contexts of a group or crowd.
few — Captures the 'small number' sense in quantitative contexts.
follower — Fits 'friends/companions' nuance in loyalty or retinue contexts.
individual — Emphasizes a single counted unit in census-style passages.

BDB4890 H4962 H4974

BDB4889 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4891

[מַת] noun masculine male, man (מְתוּֿ in proper name; Zinjirli מת collective males, male offspring; Assyrian mutu, husband; Ethiopic id.; compare Egyptian m-t, phallus, male, Steind in BaNB § 2b, δ); — only plural מְתִים Job 11:3 + 3 t., מְתִם Deut 2:34; Deut 3:6 + Judg 20:48 (probably), for ᵑ0 מְתֹם, so GFM; construct מְתֵי Gen 34:30 + 13 t.; suffix 2 feminine singular מְתַיִךְ; Isa 3:25 3 masculine singular מְתָיו Deut 33:6

1. males, men, Isa 3:25 (|| גְּבוּרָתֵךְ); more distinctly, וְהַטָּף (וְ)הַנָּשִׁים מְתִם עִיר Deut 2:34; Deut 3:6 every city of males (male population, compare Dr), and the women, etc.; Judg 20:48 (see above; opposed to בְּהֵמָה).
2. usually less emphasis on sex, in prose only phrase:
  a. מְתֵי מִסְפָּר men of number (numerable, i.e. few) Gen 34:30 (J; apposition of אֲנִי = Jacob, representing his family), Deut 4:27; Jer 44:28, also Ps 105:12 = 1Chr 16:19 compare וִיהִי מְתָיו מִסְפָּר Deut 33:6 and (but) let his men be few.
  b. בִּמְתֵי מְעָ֑ט = consisting of a few men Deut 26:5; Deut 28:62
3. elsewhere only in poetry, sex usually not emphasized:
  a. Job 11:3; Job 24:12; Ps 17:14 (twice in verse) (but text probably corrupt, of. Bae We; at least omit ממתים ידך Ol Bi Che, compare Hup-Now); מְתֵי ישׂראל Isa 41:14.
  b. poetic phrase: מְתֵי שָׁוְא men of false-hood Job 11:11; Ps 26:4 אָוֶן ׳מ Ps 22:15 men of wickedness; סוֺדִי ׳מ Ps 19:19 men of my cycle; אָהֳלִי ׳מ Job 31:31 men of my tent (household); רָעָב ׳מ Isa 5:13 men of hunger, but read probably ׳מְזֵי ר sucked out, empty from hunger (as Deut 32:24) Ew De Che Di Du (compare מָזֶה).


BDB9194 H4974 H4962

BDB9193 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB9195

מְתֹם noun [masculine] soundness; in phrase ׳אֵין מְתֹם ב Isa 1:6; Ps 38:4; Ps 38:8 מֵעִיר מְ֯תֹם Judg 20:48 from entire city (Manuscripts De Rossi Bu GFM מְתִם, see מַת and compare עיר מת(י)ם Deut 2:34; Deut 3:6; Job 24:12).


תֵּמָן, תֵּמָנִי see תֵּימָן below ימן.


תִּמְנָה, תִּמְנָ֫תָה, תִּמְנִי, תִּמְנַת see מנה.


תִּמְנָע see מָנַע. תֶּ֫מֶס see מסס.

men, few, friends, number, persons, …
mat
properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural)
  • male, man
    • males, men
    • "few men (in prose)
      • less emphasis on sex
      men (poetic)
      • less emphasis on sex

מִסְפָּ֔ר
מִסְפָּ֔ר
Root word number, few, innumerable, all, time, …
Dictionary form: מִסְפָּר · mis-PAWR

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: but few
according to the number ×27 number ×14 the number ×11 shall be according to their number ×7 and the number ×6 by number ×6 in number ×6 a few ×3
More options
number — Most direct rendering; fits nearly any context.
count — Emphasizes the act or result of counting.
total — Prefer when a sum or aggregate is in view.
few — Use when the context stresses smallness of quantity.
tally — Slightly informal; good for lists or census contexts.
sum — Best when a final, cumulative figure is meant.

BDB5700 H4557

BDB5699 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5701

I. מִסְפָר133 noun masculine1Chr 27:24 number, tale; — absolute ׳מ Gen 34:30 +; construct מִסְפַר Exod 16:16 +; suffix מִסְפַּרְכֶם Num 14:29, מִסְפָּרָם Judg 21:23 +; plural construct מִסְפְּרֵי 1Chr 12:23

1. a. number, Judg 7:6 the number of those lapping, לַכּוֺכָבִים ׳מִס Ps 147:4, + often (37 t. PH); ׳לֹא עָלָה הַמִּסְפָּר בְּמִסְפַּר דִּבְרֵי וגו 1Chr 27:24 (read בְּסֵפֶר) the number did not come up into (was not recorded in) the book of the daily doings, etc.; redundant after number, 2Sam 21:20 twenty-four (in) number; ׳אֵין מ it was (they were) innumerable Gen 41:49 (E), with לְ Judg 6:5; Judg 7:12; 1Chr 22:16; 2Chr 12:3, ׳לִתְבוּנָתוֺ אֵין מ Ps 147:5 (of ׳י); absolute Jer 2:32; Job 21:33; Song 6:8 ׳עַדאֵֿין מ = id. Job 5:9; Job 9:10; Ps 40:13, ׳וְאֵין לָהֶם מ Jer 46:23 ׳לְאֵין מ 1Chr 22:4 ׳וְאֵין מ Ps 104:25; Ps 105:34; Joel 1:6 לִגְדוּדָיו ׳הֲיֵשׁ מ Job 25:3 can his bands be numbered ? without אֵין = numerable, i.e. few, ׳וִיהִי מְתָיו מ Deut 33:6 but let his men be few ׳יָמִים מ Num 9:20, ׳מ alone Isa 10:19, usually in combination, ׳מְתֵי מ = a few men Gen 34:30 (J), Deut 4:27; Jer 44:28; 1Chr 16:19; Ps 105:12, ׳אַנְשֵׁי מ Ezek 12:16 so ׳שְׁנוֺת מ Job 16:22 adverb phrase מִסְפַר יְמֵי חַיֵּיהֶם Eccl 2:3 = during all their lives, compare Eccl 5:17; Eccl 6:18 = appointed (normal) number, יָמֶיךָ מֲַלֵּא ׳מ Exod 23:26 (E).
  b. with preposition ׃בְּ ׳מְעַט בְּמ Ezek 5:3 few in number; ׳בְּמ by (exact) count, tale 2Sam 2:15; Deut 25:2; 1Chr 9:28 (twice in verse), so probably Ezek 20:37 read בְּמִסְפַּר ᵐ5 Toy for ᵑ0 מָסֹרֶת; in (prescribed) number Num 29:18 + 6 t. Num 29 (P), Ezra 3:4 = acc. to (proportioned to) the number of Lev 25:15. 15 + often; ׳לְמִס according to number Judg 21:23; Josh 4:5; Josh 4:8 (JE) Num 14:29 (P) Ezek 4:5; 1Chr 27:1 ׳כְּמִס = id. 1Kgs 18:31; Num 15:12 (twice in verse) (P); so ׳מ alone (adverb accusative) Exod 16:16 (P) Job 1:5; Jer 2:28; Jer 11:13. — Num 23:10b read סָפַר מִי, compare va, so ᵐ5 Di SoKau.
2. recounting, relation מִסְפַּר הַחֲלוֺם Judg 7:15 the recounting of the dream.

number, few, innumerable, all, time, …
mispār
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
  • number, tale
    • number
      • number
      • "innumerable (with negative)"few, numerable (alone)"by count, in number, according to number (with prep)
      recounting, relation

כִּ מְעַ֖ט
כִּ
Prefix — preposition like, as
מְעַ֖ט
Root word little, few, almost, thing, while, …
Dictionary form: מְעַט · meh-AT

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: even a few
a little ×19 few ×7 a few ×3 little ×3 a little while ×2 and a little ×2 and few ×2 and little ×2
More options
a little — Best all-purpose choice for degree or amount.
few — Prefer for countable plurals, e.g. people or days.
a short while — Use when מְעַט marks a brief span of time.
a small amount — Good for quantities of substances or things.
barely — Captures the 'almost' or marginal nuance adverbially.
insignificant — Use when the context stresses low importance or worth.

BDB4758 H4592

BDB4757 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4759

מְעַט101 substantive a little, fewness, a few; — ׳מ absolute and construct, מְעָ֑ט Isa 10:7 +, plural מְעַטִּים Ps 109:8; Eccl 5:1

1. a. Gen 30:30 מעט אשׁר היה לך לְפָנַי the little that thou hadst, Gen 47:9 מעט ורעים היו ימי שׁני חיי few and evil, Lev 25:52; Num 26:54 (compare Num 33:54) וְלַמְעַט תמעיט נחלתו and to the small (few) thou shalt make small his inheritance, vNum 33:56; Num 35:8 וּמֵאֵת ַ˜המְעַט תמעיטו, Deut 7:7 וכי אתם ַ˜המְעַט מכלֿ העמים ye are the fewest out of all peoples, 1Sam 14:6 לְהוֺשִׁיעַ בְּרַב אוֺ בִמְעָ֑ט, Jer 42:2 כִּי נִשְׁאַרְנוּ מְעַט מֵהַרְבֵּה we are left as few out of many, Ezek 5:3 וְלָקַחְתָּ מִשָּׁם מְעַט בְּמִסְפָּר, Hag 1:6 זְרַעְתֶּם הַרְבֵּה וְהָבֵא מְעָ֑ט (compare vHag 1:9), Ps 8:6 ותחסּרהו מעט מאלהים, Ps 37:16 טוֺב מְעַט לַצַּדִּיק (compare Prov 15:16; Prov 16:8), 2Chr 29:34 רַק הַכֹּהֲנִים הָיוּ לִמְעָ֑ט; as predicate Num 13:18 הַמְעַט הוּא אִםרָֿ֑ב, Josh 7:3 כִּי מְעַט הֵמָּה, Job 10:20; Ruth 2:7; Neh 7:4; Isa 16:14 וּשְׁאָר מְעַט מִזְעָר. — Hos 8:10 וַיָּחֵלּוּ מְעַט and they begin as littleness ( = to be minished) because of, &c.; but read probably (ᵐ5) וְיֶחְדְּלוּ מְעַט מִמְּשֹׁחַ and they shall cease for a little (d) from anointing, etc.
  b. as substantive with following genitive, Gen 18:4 מְעַט מַיִם a little of water, Gen 24:17; Gen 24:43, מְעַט אֹכֶל Gen 43:2; Gen 44:25; 1Sam 14:43; 1Sam 17:28 מְעַט הַצּאֹן הָהֵ֫נָּה literally the fewness of those sheep, Prov 6:10 +; as genitive to a previous substantive, מְתֵי מְעָ֑ט men of fewness Deut 26:5; Deut 28:62 in apposition, Isa 10:7 לְהַכְרִית גּוֺיִם לֹא מְעָ֑ט, Ezra 9:8 מִחְיָה מְעַט, Neh 2:12 וַאֲנָשִׁים מְעַט עִמִּי, Eccl 9:4 either genitive or appositive, Eccl 10:1; Dan 11:34 יֵעָֽזְרוּ עֵזֶר מְעָ֑ט with a help of smallness.
  c. twice declined as an adjective , Ps 109:8 יִהְיוּ יָמָיו מְעַטִּים, Eccl 5:1 עלכֿן יהיו דבריך מְעַטִּים.
  d. as adverb. accusative, of place, 2Sam 16:1 וְדָוִד עֹבֵר מְעַט; of time, Job 10:20 b; of degree, 2Kgs 10:18 אַחְאָב עָבַד אֶתהַֿבַּעַל מְעָ֑ט, Ezek 11:16 and have been to them for a sanctuary but little, Zech 1:15 repeated מְעַט מְעַט by little, by little = gradually, Exod 23:30; Deut 7:22.
  e. phrases: — a. with the interr. הֲ, Gen 30:15 ַ˜המְעַט קַחְתֵּךְ אֶתֿ אִישִׁי וְלָקַחַת was thy taking my husband (too) little? and (wilt thou be) for taking also my son's love-apples? Num 16:9-10 ַ˜המְעַט מִכֶּם כִּי הִבְדִּיל ֗֗֗ וּבִקַּשְׁתֶּם גַּם כְּהֻנָּה is it too little for you that J. hath separated, etc., ... and do ye seek, etc.? vNum 16:13 ַ˜המְעַט כִּי הֶעֱלִיתָנוּ ֗֗֗ כִּי תִשְׂתָּרֵר גַּם הִשְׂתָּרֵר, Josh 22:17f. ׳ַ˜המְעַט לָנוּ ֗֗֗ וְאַתֶּם תָּשׁוּבוּ וגו, Isa 7:13 ׳ַ˜המְעַט מִכֶּם הַלְאוֺת אֲנָשִׁים כִּי תַּלְאוּ וגו is wearying men too little for you, that you will weary also my God? Ezek 34:18 (as Ew Co AV RV), Job 15:11 ַ˜המְעַט מִמְּךָ תַּנְחוּמוֺת אֵל. But Ezek 16:20 (si vera lectio) was it (too) little because of thy whoredom? (was that insufficient for thee? iii. 406 m). b. ׳עוֺד מְעַט וְ, Exod 17:4 עוֺד מְעַט וּסְקָלֻנִי yet a little, and they will stone me, Jer 51:33; Hos 1:4; Ps 37:10 ׳עוֺד מְעַט מִזְעָר וְ Isa 10:25; Isa 29:17 compare Hag 2:6; Job 24:24.

2. כִּמְעַט like a little: hence
  a. within a little, almost (compare ὀλίγου), Gen 26:10 כִּמְעַט שָׁכַב ֗֗֗ almost had lain ..., Ps 73:2 Qr, Ps 94:17; Ps 119:87; Prov 5:14 (all followed by perfect); Ezek 16:47 כִּמְעַט קָט וַתַּשְׁחִתִי מֵהֶן like a little, and thou hadst done more corruptly than they; Song 3:4 כִּמְעַט שֶׁעָבַרְתִּי מֵהֶם = hardly had I passed.
  b. with imperfect, just, 2Sam 19:37 כמעט יעבר עבדך just would thy servant pass over; lightly, easily, quickly (compare δἰ ὀλίγου), Ps 2:12 כִּי יִבְעַר כִּמְעַט אַפּוֺ, Ps 81:15; Job 32:22.
  c. = shortly, 2Chr 12:7.
  d. = little worth, Prov 10:20 כמעט ולב רשׁעים. e. pleonastic for מְעַט, Isa 1:9 (accents) כִּמְעָ֑ט שָׂרִיר a little remnant, Ps 105:12 (= 1Chr 16:19) כִּמְעַט וְגָרִים בָּהּ; כִּמְעַט רֶגַע like the littleness of a moment = for a little moment, Isa 26:20; Ezra 9:8.

little, few, almost, thing, while, …
mĕʿaṭ
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
  • littleness, few, a little, fewness
    • little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little
    • "like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth

וְ גָרִ֥ים
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
גָרִ֥ים
Root word sojourn, sojourneth, sojourned, dwell, afraid, …
Dictionary form: גּוּר · ɡoor

Verb — Qal, Participle Active, masculine plural, absolute state simple action — "he did" ongoing action — try "___ing" or "one who ___s"

In the KJV here: and strangers in it
that sojourneth ×11 to sojourn ×11 sojourn ×6 sojourned ×6 that sojourn ×4 and sojourned ×3 sojourneth ×3 among us shall dwell ×2
More options
sojourn — Modernized KJV form; best for formal or liturgical contexts.
live as a resident alien — Captures legal/social outsider status precisely.
dwell temporarily — Emphasizes the transient, non-permanent nature of the stay.
settle — Neutral, everyday word; use when permanence is ambiguous.
take up residence — Formal register; suits narrative or legal passages.
stay — Simplest modern option; best for short-term or casual contexts.

BDB1562 H1481

BDB1561 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1563

I. גּוּר verb sojourn (compare Arabic turn aside tarry, see especially III. IV. VIII. X; Aramaic Eth. in derivatives) —

Qal Perfect גָּר Gen 35:27 + 3 t., וְגָר consecutive Isa 11:6 גַּרְתָּה Gen 21:23 גַּרְתִּי Gen 32:5; Ps 120:5 גָּרוּ Exod 6:4 Imperfect יָגוּר Exod 12:48 + 12 t., וַיָּ֫גָר Gen 20:1 + 2 t.; suffix יְגֻרְךָ Ps 5:5 3 feminine singular וַתָּ֫גָר 2Kgs 8:2 2 feminine singular תָּגוּרִי 2Kgs 8:1 cohortative אָגוּ֑רָה Ps 61:5 יָגוּרוּ Isa 16:4 Imperative גּוּר Gen 26:3, גּוּ֫רִי 2Kgs 8:1 Infinitive construct גּוּר Gen 12:10 + 17 t.; Participle גָּר Deut 18:6; Judg 17:7 + 17 t.; feminine construct גָּרַת Exod 3:22 plural גָּרִים Lev 25:6 + 8 t.; construct גָּרֵי Job 19:15
1. sojourn, dwell for a (definite or indefinite) time, dwell as a new-comer (compare גֵּר) without original rights, see especially Gen 19:9 (J) Deut 18:6 & compare Judg 17:7; Judg 17:8; Judg 17:9; Judg 19:1 also Gen 12:10; Gen 20:1; Gen 21:23; Gen 21:34; Gen 32:5; Gen 47:4 (all J E); of partriarchs in Canaan Gen 26:3 (J) Gen 35:27; Exod 6:4 (both P) compare Ps 105:12 = 1Chr 16:19; Judg 19:16; 2Sam 4:3; 2Kgs 8:1 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 8:2 (seven years) Isa 16:4; Ruth 1:1; Ezra 1:4 (in exile); compare further Exod 3:22 (E) גָּרַת בַּיִת of a woman in another's house as lodger or guest (see Di), גָּרֵי בַיִת Job 19:15 so (poetry) of worshipper in Yahweh's house Ps 15:1; Ps 61:5 compare Isa 33:14 (twice in verse); figurative of evil לֹא יְגָֻֽרְךָ רָ֑ע Ps 5:5 evil cannot be a guest of thine (Che; followed by accusative, as in Arabic III); particulary of the גֵּר (q. v.) in Israel Exod 12:48; Exod 12:49; Lev 16:29 (all P) 17: 8; Lev 17:10; Lev 17:12; Lev 17:13; Lev 18:26; Lev 19:33; Lev 19:34; Lev 20:2; Lev 25:6; Lev 25:45 (all H) Num 9:14; Num 15:14; Num 15:15; Num 15:16; Num 15:26; Num 15:29; Num 19:10; Josh 20:9 (all P) Ezek 14:7; Ezek 47:22; Ezek 47:23 of Ephraim and Manasseh sojourning with Judah and Benjamin 2Chr 15:9 of Rechabites sojourning in Judah Jer 35:7 of Israelites sojourning in Egypt Deut 26:5; Isa 52:4; Ps 105:23 so of Judah, to escape from under Babylonian power Jer 42:15; Jer 42:17; Jer 42:22; Jer 43:2; Jer 44:8; Jer 44:12; Jer 44:14; Jer 44:28.
2. abide, nearly or quite = dwell Jer 43:5 compare Lam 4:15; Jer 49:18; Jer 49:33; Jer 50:40, also Job 28:4 of wolf dwelling with lamb Isa 11:6 stay (inactive) Judg 5:17 — in Isa 5:17 read perhaps, for גָּרִים, גְּדָיִם or כָּרִים compare ᵐ5 Lo Ew Di & Che critical note (> Stu גֵּרִים) Hithpolel Participle מִתְגּוֺרֵר 1Kgs 17:20 seek hospitality with, followed by עִם (compareArabic x); יִתְגּוֺרָ֖רוּ Hos 7:14 is dubious (compare II. גור); AE Ki Thes AV RV they assemble themselves, but text probably error, see גדד.


BDB1571 H1481

BDB1570 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1572

II. [גּוּר] verb stir up strife, quarrel (compare גרה) — so Ew Che Di RVm (Isa 54:15); gather together Ges De Br compare ᵑ7 ᵑ9, so AV RV; —

Qal. Perfect גָּר Isa 54:15 Imperfect יָגוּר vIsa 54:15, יָגוּרוּ Ps 56:7; Ps 59:4; Ps 140:3 (on all compare below); Infinitive absolute גּוֺר Isa 54:15
1. stir up strife, absolute גּוֺר יָגוּר Isa 54:14 compare Ps 56:7 (but AE Che read יָגוֺדּוּ attack, see גדד); followed by עַלֿ Ps 59:4 (but Che id.; compare Ps 94:21, which however Ol would emend by Ps 56:7; Ps 59:4); followed by accusative מִלְחָמוֺת Ps 140:3 (Hup Che read יְגָרוּ Pi`el Imperfect of גרה)
2. quarrel, followed by אֶתֿ with Isa 54:15. Here also Hithpolel Imperfect Hos 7:14 יִתְגּוֺרָ֖רוּ (compare I. גור), according to Ew, they excite themselves, but unlikely; see גדד.


BDB1574 H1481

BDB1573 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1575

III. [גּוּר] verb dread (compare יָגֹר) —

Qal Imperfect וַיָּגָר Num 22:3; 1Sam 18:15 2 masculine singular תָּגוּר Deut 18:22 אָגוּר Deut 32:27 plural יָגוּרוּ Ps 33:8; Job 41:17 + Hos 10:5, תָּגוּרוּ Deut 1:17 Imperative גּוּרוּ Ps 22:24; Job 19:29
1. be afraid of, followed by מִפְּנֵי Num 22:3; Deut 1:17; 1Sam 18:15, גּוּרוּ לָכֶם מִפְּנֵי Job 19:29 with מִן Job 41:17; Deut 18:22 with accusative Deut 32:27 (poetry) Hos 10:5 read probably ינודו lament (|| אבל, used with לְ e.g. Nah 3:7; Jer 15:5 and elsewhere; compare Che).
2. stand in awe of, followed by מִן Ps 22:24; Ps 33:8 (יָרֵא).

sojourn, sojourneth, sojourned, dwell, afraid, …
gûr
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place); also to gather for hostility (as afraid)
  • to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely
    • (Qal)
      • to sojourn, dwell for a time
      • "to abide, stay, temporarily dwell
      (Hithpolel)
      • to seek hospitality with
      • "to assemble oneself
    to stir up trouble, strife, quarrel, gather together
    • (Qal)
      • to stir up strife
      • "to quarrel
      (Hithpolel) to excite oneself
    to dread, fear, stand in awe, be afraid
    • (Qal)
      • to fear, be afraid
      • "to be in awe, stand in awe

בָּֽ הּ
בָּֽ
Preposition in, at, by, with
הּ
Suffix — pronoun her / it

הּ
Mapiq — the "her" dot The dot inside the final הּ (mapiq) makes the ה a real consonant: it is the suffix "her / its" attached to this word.

Preposition

it ×144 him ×95 them ×83 thee ×59 me ×53 unto him ×35 you ×28 he ×22

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.
בִּהְיֽוֹתְכֶם֙ Pashta — a lesser break מְתֵ֣י מִסְפָּ֔ר Zaqef Qatan — a strong break כִּמְעַ֖ט Tipeha — a lesser break וְגָרִ֥ים בָּֽהּ Silluq — end of the verse

בִּהְיֽוֹתְכֶם מְתֵי מִסְפָּר כִּמְעַט וְגָרִים בָּֽהּ׃
19
When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it.
Cross References

Genesis 34:30

וַיֹּאמֶר יַֽעֲקֹב אֶל-שִׁמְעוֹן וְאֶל-לֵוִי עֲכַרְתֶּם אֹתִי לְהַבְאִישֵׁנִי בְּיֹשֵׁב הָאָרֶץ בַּֽכְּנַעֲנִי וּבַפְּרִזִּי וַֽאֲנִי מְתֵי מִסְפָּר וְנֶֽאֶסְפוּ עָלַי וְהִכּוּנִי וְנִשְׁמַדְתִּי אֲנִי וּבֵיתִֽי׃
30
And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.

Deuteronomy 7:7

לֹא מֵֽרֻבְּכֶם מִכָּל-הָֽעַמִּים חָשַׁק יְהוָה בָּכֶם וַיִּבְחַר בָּכֶם כִּֽי-אַתֶּם הַמְעַט מִכָּל-הָֽעַמִּֽים׃
7
The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:

Hebrews 11:13

Κατὰ πίστιν ἀπέθανον οὗτοι πάντες μὴ λαβόντες τὰς ἐπαγγελίας ἀλλὰ πόῤῥωθεν αὐτὰς ἰδόντες καὶ πεισθέντες καὶ ἀσπασάμενοι καὶ ὁμολογήσαντες ὅτι ξένοι καὶ παρεπίδημοί εἰσιν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς
13
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Acts 7:5

καὶ οὐκ ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ κληρονομίαν ἐν αὐτῇ οὐδὲ βῆμα ποδός καὶ ἐπηγγείλατο αὐτῷ δοῦναι εἰς κατάσχεσιν αὐτὴν καὶ τῷ σπέρματι αὐτοῦ μετ' αὐτόν οὐκ ὄντος αὐτῷ τέκνου
5
And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.