1 Kings 1:16

And Bath-sheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

וַ תִּקֹּ֣ד
וַ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
תִּקֹּ֣ד
Root word bowed, head, heads, stooped, down
Dictionary form: קָדַד · kaw-DAHD

וַ
Vav-consecutive (wayyiqtol) The וַ prefix — vav with patach plus a doubling dagesh in the next letter — flips this verb into story-telling past: translate "and (he) ___ed", not "will ___".

Verb — Qal, Sequential Imperfect (Wayyiqtol), third person feminine singular simple action — "he did" story-telling past — try "and he ___ed" the built-in subject is "she (or it)"

In the KJV here: and bowed
stooped ×2 and bowed ×1 and bowed down his head ×1 and bowed down their heads ×1 and bowed his head ×1 and he bowed down ×1 and i bowed down my head ×1 and they bowed ×1
More options
bow down — Most natural modern phrase; suits most contexts.
bow one's head — Emphasizes the head gesture specifically.
kneel — Use when full-body posture of submission is implied.
prostrate oneself — For deep, full reverence before deity or royalty.
stoop — Physical bending forward; less formal register.
pay homage — Highlights social or cultic deference over physical act.

BDB7295 H6915

BDB7294 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7296

I. [קָדַד] verb bow down (Assyrian (including Tel Amarna) ‡adâdu, bow down); —

Qal Imperfect 3 masculine singularוַּיִּקֹּד Gen 24:26 +, etc.; — usually + וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ etc.; in worship of ׳י Gen 24:26; Gen 24:48; Exod 4:31; Exod 12:27; Exod 34:8; Num 22:31; 2Chr 20:18; 2Chr 29:30; Neh 8:6 homage to man of rank Gen 43:28, king 1Sam 24:9 (Gi v.1Sam 24:8), 1Sam 28:15; 1Kgs 1:16; 1Kgs 1:31 to ׳י + king I Chron 1Kgs 29:20.

bowed, head, heads, stooped, down
qādad
to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference
  • (Qal) to bow down

בַּת
בַּת
Root word a name — transliterate it
Dictionary form: אָב · awb

Noun — Proper Name

his father ×133 of their fathers ×94 his fathers ×86 my father ×80 thy father ×51 of the fathers ×44 the father ×41 their fathers ×30
More options
father — Default choice; direct, natural, widely understood.
ancestor — Prefer when referring to distant forebears or lineage.
forefather — Slightly more formal; good for ancestral or covenantal contexts.
patriarch — Use for tribal or clan heads with religious authority.
family head — Highlights household-leader role in social/legal contexts.
founder — Suits contexts emphasizing originating or establishing a line.

BDB17 H1

BDB16 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB18

אָב1191 noun masculine father (Phoenician אב, Assyrian abu, Arabic , Sabean אב CISiv, 1, 37 1. 2 and others, Ethiopic Aramaic אַבָּא, — absolute אָב Gen 44:19 + 47 t.; construct אַב Gen 17:4; Gen 17:5 (compare in אַבְרָהָם ib. & elsewhere in proper names. On Hal's proposed אֲבִר see אברהם); אֲבִי (compare Ge§§ 90, 3b, 96) Gen 4:20 +; suffix אָבִי Gen 19:34 + (MI אבי); אָבִיךָ Gen 12:1 +; אָבִיו Gen 2:24 +; אָבִ֫יהוּ Judg 14:10 + 6t.; plural אָבוֺת Exod 12:3 +; construct אֲבוֺת Exod 6:25 + 7 t.; suffix אֲבוֺתַי (אֲבֹתַי, אֲבוֺתָ֑י) Gen 47:9 + 15 t.; אֲבוֺתֵיהֶם 1Chr 4:38 + 32 t. (late); אֲבוֺתָם Exod 4:5 + 106 t. etc.; —

1. father of individual Gen 2:24 (+ אֵם) Gen 11:28; Gen 11:29 (twice in verse); Gen 19:31; Gen 19:32; Gen 19:33, + often (mostly J E D); of father as commanding Gen 50:16 (J) Jer 35:6 f Prov 6:20 (compare Gen 18:19 J Gen 28:1; Gen 28:6 P 1Sam 17:20; 1Kgs 2:1); instructing מוסר Prov 1:8; Prov 4:1 (compare Deut 8:5); specifically as begetter, genitor Prov 23:22; Zech 13:3 (twice in verse) (+ אֵם) Isa 45:10 compare Gen 49:4 (J) Lev 18:7; Lev 18:8; Lev 18:11 (P); rebuking Gen 37:10 loving Gen 37:4; Gen 44:20 (J E; compare Gen 22:2; Gen 25:28; Gen 37:3; 2Sam 14:1); pitying Ps 103:13 (in simile compare 2Sam 18:5); blessing Gen 27:41 (J E compare Gen 27:4 also Gen 28:1 P +); as glad Prov 10:1; Prov 15:20 compare Prov 29:3 grieving Gen 37:35 (J E; compare 2Sam 12:22; 2Sam 19:1; 2Sam 19:2 f) etc. Also as object of honour, obedience, love Exod 20:12 (E) = Deut 5:16; Exod 21:15; Exod 21:17 (E) Deut 21:18; Deut 21:19; Gen 28:7 (P) 1Kgs 19:20 (all + אֵם), 1Kgs 50:1; 1Kgs 50:5 (J) Mal 1:6 etc. Hence metaphor of intimate connection Job 17:14 to corruption I cry, My father art thou (|| אִמִּי וַאֲחֹתִי לָֽרִמָּה).
2. of God as father of his people (see RSSem 42), who constituted, controls, guides and lovingly watches over it: Deut 32:6; Jer 3:4; Jer 3:19; Jer 31:9; Isa 63:16 (twice in verse); Isa 64:7; Mal 1:6; Mal 2:10 (compare Exod 4:22; Exod 19:4 (JE) Deut 32:11; Hos 11:1); compare Jer 2:27 (of idolatrous Israel) אֹמְרִים לָעֵץ אָבִי אַתָּה וְלָאֶבֶן אַתְּ ילדתני׃; especially God as father of Davidic line 2Sam 7:14; Ps 89:27 f. of needy (late) Ps 68:6 (compare Ps 103:13) (in proper name, f. of individual, compare below)
3. head of household, family or clan; בֵּית אָבִי as abode Gen 38:11 (twice in verse); Lev 22:13 +; = family Gen 24:40 (|| מִשְׁפַּחְתִּי) Gen 41:51; Gen 46:31 + compare Num 18:1; Num 18:2; Josh 2:12; Josh 2:18; Josh 6:25 especially techn. of divisions of Israel בֵּית אָב לְמִשְׁפָּחוֺת Num 3:30; Num 3:35 = a father's house, i.e. a family or clan; more often plural (אבותם, אבותיו) בֵית אָבוֺת = father's houses = families, clans (compare Di on Exod 6:14) Exod 6:14; Exod 12:3; Num 1:2; Num 1:18 ff (often in Numbers) Josh 14:1; Josh 19:51; Josh 21:1 (twice in verse); Josh 22:14 (twice in verse) (always P in Hexateuch); also 1Chr 5:13; 1Chr 5:15 + often in Chronicles; compare רָאשֵׁי אבות הלוים (= ׳בית א ׳ר) Exod 6:25 compare 1Kgs 8:1; 1Chr 6:4; 1Chr 7:11 + often Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah.
4. ancestor (a) of individual; grandfather (instead of precise term) Gen 28:13; Gen 32:10 (J; where used by Jacob of Abraham & then of Isaac); greatgrandfather 1Kgs 15:13 great-greatgrandfather 1Kgs 15:11 etc.; oft plural (= fathers, forefathers) Gen 15:15; Gen 46:34 (JE) 1Kgs 19:4; 1Kgs 21:3; 1Kgs 21:4; 2Kgs 19:12; 2Kgs 20:17 +; particularly שׁכב עם אבותיו 1Kgs 1:21; 1Kgs 2:10; 1Kgs 11:21; 1Kgs 22:40 +; joined with ׳ויקבר עם אב 1Kgs 14:31; 1Kgs 15:24; 1Kgs 22:51; 2Kgs 8:24; 2Kgs 15:38 compare v2Kgs 15:7, 2Kgs 16:20 + (all of kings of Judah); intensive, אֲבֹתֶיךָ וַאֲבוֺת אֲבֹתֶיךָ Exod 10:6 compare Dan 11:24 (b) of people Gen 10:21 (J) Gen 17:4; Gen 17:5 (P) Gen 19:37; Gen 19:38 (J) Gen 36:9; Gen 36:43 (P) Deut 26:5; Isa 51:2; Isa 43:27 (where אביך הראשׁון thy first father, see Che) compare also Ezek 16:3; Ezek 16:45 + often; plural Exod 3:13; Exod 3:15; Exod 3:16 (E) Deut 1:8; Josh 1:6; Judg 2:1; 1Sam 12:6 +; 1Sam 12:15 near the end read וּבְמַלְכְּכֶם ᵐ5 We Dr.
5. originator or patron of a class, profession, or art Gen 4:20; Gen 4:21.
6. figurative of producer, generator Job 38:28 הֲיֵשׁ לַמָּטָר אָ֑ב (|| הוֺלִיד אֶגְלֵיטָֽֿל׃ מִיֿ).
7. figurative of benevolence & protection Job 29:6 אָב אָֽנֹכִי לָֽאֶבְיוֺנִים, compare Job 31:18 of Eliakim Isa 22:21 perhaps also of gracious Messianic king אֲבִי עַד Isa 9:5 everlasting father (Ge Ew De Che Brd Di) — others divider of spoil (Abarb Hi Kn Kue BrMP).
8. term of respect & honour (Abbas, Pater, Papa, Pope); applied to master 2Kgs 5:13 priest Judg 17:10; Judg 18:19 prophet 2Kgs 2:12 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 6:21; 2Kgs 13:14 (twice in verse); compare 2Kgs 8:9 counsellor Gen 45:8 (E; compare δευτέρου πατρός ᵐ5 add. Esth 3:13 τῷ πατρί 1 Mac Esth 11:32); king 1Sam 24:12 artificer 2Chr 2:12; 2Chr 4:16.
9. specifically, ruler, chief (late) 1Chr 2:24; 1Chr 2:42 (twice in verse); etc. (compare Ew§ 273 b) see also EwGeschichte. i. 524. H i. 365. On the force of אָב in proper names (in many probably a divine title), see CheEncy. Bib., ABI, NAMES WITHib., NAMES, §§ 44, 45.

fathers, father, chief, families, patrimony, …
ʾāb
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
  • father of an individual
  • "of God as father of his people"head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan"ancestor
    • grandfather, forefathers (of a person)
    • "of people
    originator or patron of a class, profession, or art"of producer, generator (figuratively)"of benevolence and protection (figuratively)"term of respect and honor"ruler or chief (specifically)

שֶׁ֔בַע
שֶׁ֔בַע
Root word a name — transliterate it ("Bath-sheba")
Dictionary form: בַּת־שֶׁבַע · baht sheh-BA

Adjective — Cardinal Number, feminine singular, absolute state a number (one, two, three, …)

In the KJV here: bath-sheba
bath-sheba ×9 and bath-sheba ×1 bathsheba ×1
More options
Bathsheba — Standard modern spelling; use in most contexts.
Bath-Sheba — Hyphenated form; preserves the Hebrew compound structure.
Bath Sheba — Two-word form used in some modern translations.

BDB1181 H1339

BDB1180 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1182

בַּתשֶֿׁ֫בַע proper name, feminine (daughter of oath ? compare אֱלִישֶׁ֫בַע) wife of Uriah 2Sam 11:3; Ps 50:2 afterwards of David, & mother Solomon 2Sam 12:24; 1Kgs 1:11; 1Kgs 1:15; 1Kgs 1:16; 1Kgs 1:31; 1Kgs 2:13; 1Kgs 2:18; 1Kgs 2:19 בַּתשָֿׁ֑בַע 1Kgs 1:28 compare also following

bath-sheba, bathsheba
bat šebaʿ
daughter of an oath
Bath-Sheba, the mother of Solomon
  • the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan

וַ תִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ
וַ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
תִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ
Root word worship, worshipped, bowed, down, obeisance, …
Dictionary form: שָׁחָה · shaw-HAW

וַ
Vav-consecutive (wayyiqtol) The וַ prefix — vav with patach plus a doubling dagesh in the next letter — flips this verb into story-telling past: translate "and (he) ___ed", not "will ___".

Verb — Hishtaphel, Sequential Imperfect (Wayyiqtol), third person feminine singular reflexive — "to bow oneself down" story-telling past — try "and he ___ed" the built-in subject is "she (or it)"

In the KJV here: and did obeisance
and worshipped ×23 and bowed himself ×11 and worship ×9 to worship ×9 and bowed herself ×4 and did obeisance ×4 and bowed themselves ×3 and he bowed himself ×3
More options
bow down — Most literal; physical posture of submission or reverence.
worship — Best for religious/devotional contexts directed toward a deity.
prostrate oneself — Emphasizes full-body submission; strongest physical sense.
pay homage — Suits royal or diplomatic contexts; dignified register.
do obeisance — Formal reverence toward a superior; slightly elevated register.
kneel — Less emphatic than prostration; use when posture is upright bow.

BDB8581 H7812

BDB8580 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8582

[שָׁחָה]172 verb bow down (Late Hebrew id.; Jewish-Aramaic שְׁחִי (rare); akin to שׁוח, שׁחח); —

Qal Imperative feminine singular שְׁחִי Isa 51:23 bow down. Hiph`il Imperfect 3 masculine singular suffix יַשְׁחֶ֑נָּה Prov 12:25, figurative, anxiety depresses it (that is לֵב; opposed to שִׂמֵּחַ). Hithpa`lel170 (Ges«GKC:75kk»§ 75kk) Perfect 3 masculine singular הִשְׁתַּחֲוָה Ezek 46:2 2 masculine singular הִשְׁתַּחֲוִ֫יתָ Deut 4:19 + 3 t.; 1 singular הִשְׁתַּחֲוֵ֫יתִי 1Sam 16:4 + 2 t.; 3 masculine plural הִשְׁתַּחֲווּ Jer 8:2, etc.; Imperfect יִשְׁתַּחֲוֶה 2Sam 15:32 + 3 t.; apocopatic יִשְׁתַּ֫חוּ Isa 44:17 +; 3 masculine plural יִשְׁתַּחֲווּ Gen 49:8 +; 2 feminine plural תִּשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֫יןָ Gen 33:6; Gen 37:7, etc.; Imperative feminine singular הִשְׁתַּחֲוִי Ps 45:12 masculine plural הִשְׁתַּחֲווּ Ps 29:2 +; Infinitive construct הִשְׁשַׁתַּחֲוֺת Gen 37:10 +; suffix מִשְׁתַּחֲוֶי 2Kgs 5:18 (but ᵐ5 ᵑ9 and modern חֲוֺתוֺ-); Participle מִשְׁתַּחֲוֶה 2Kgs 19:27, etc.; מִשְׁתַּחֲוִיתֶּם Ezek 8:16, read וִים- all modern; —
1. bow down, prostrate oneself, before a monarch or superior, in homage, etc.:
  a. with ל, after descriptive clause (especially with קדד, נפל 3 b, q. v. ), 1Sam 24:9; Gen 43:28 (J) 2Sam 14:4; 2Sam 14:22; Ruth 2:10; 1Kgs 1:31; 2Kgs 4:37 + 6 t., + (after כָּרֵע) Esth 3:2 (twice in verse); Esth 3:5.
  b. with ל, followed by phrase (לפני) על אפים ארצה 2Sam 14:33; 1Kgs 1:23 לאפים Gen 48:12 (E) 2Sam 18:28 אפים Gen 42:6 (E) + 4 t.; omit אפים Gen 33:3 (J) + 3 t.; עַל כַּפּוֺת רֵנְלַיִךְ Isa 60:14.
  c. with לְ person only, Gen 23:7 (P) Gen 27:29 (twice in verse); Gen 37:9 (E), Gen 49:8; Exod 11:8 (J) + 8 t.; with לפני Gen 23:12 (P); with אל Isa 45:14 (|| התפלּל); absolute Gen 33:6; Gen 33:7 (twice in verse) (J), Exod 18:7 (E) 2Sam 9:8; 2Sam 16:4; Isa 49:7.
2. before God, in worship, etc.:
  a. with לְ, after descriptive phrase: קדד ארצה Exod 34:8 (J); ארצה omitted Gen 24:26; Gen 24:48 (J) + 4 t.; כרע אפים ארצה 2Chr 7:3 כרע 2Chr 29:29 נפל ארצה Job 1:20 נפל לפני 2Chr 20:18.
  b. followed by phrase: אפים ארצה ׳ל ׳קדד וישׁ Neh 8:6 ׳ארצה ל Gen 24:52 (J); ונכרעה ׳השׁ Ps 95:6 בְּהַדְרַת קֹדֶשׁ ׳ל ׳השׁ Ps 29:2; Ps 96:9 = 1Chr 16:29 אֶלהֵֿיכָל (looking towards) Ps 5:8; Ps 138:2 לַהֲדֹם רגלים Ps 99:5; Ps 132:7.
  c. with לְ only: 1Sam 1:28 (but read וַתַּנִּחֵהוּ ᵐ5 and modern), 1Sam 15:25; Jer 7:2; Ps 66:4 + 9 t.; with לפני Deut 26:10; Isa 66:23 + 4 t.; with בְ local Isa 27:13 with לְ local Ps 99:9 absolute Gen 22:5 (E) Judg 7:15 + 5 t.; accusative of location Exod 33:10 (E) Jer 26:2; Ezek 46:3 לפני (ה)מזבח Isa 36:7 = 2Kgs 18:22 = 2Chr 32:12 with על location Gen 47:31 (J) 1Kgs 1:47; Ezek 46:2 מֵרֶחֹק after off Exod 24:1 (E).
  d. before angel in theoph.: after clause with נפל, קדד, Josh 5:14; Num 22:31 followed by אפים ארצה Gen 19:1 ארצה Gen 18:2 (all J).
3. before other gods: absolute Isa 2:20; Isa 44:15; Isa 44:17; Isa 46:6 accusative of location 2Kgs 5:18 (3 t. in verse); 2Kgs 19:37 = Isa 37:38 with לְ, Exod 20:5 = Deut 5:9 (10 words), Exod 23:24 (E), Num 25:2 (J), Josh 23:7 (D), Deut 8:19; Deut 11:16; 1Kgs 16:31 + 34 t.; with על, Lev 26:1 (H); לפני 2Chr 25:14 (|| קטּר).

worship, worshipped, bowed, down, obeisance, …
šāḥâ
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or God)
  • to bow down
    • (Qal) to bow down
    • "(Hiphil) to depress (figuratively)"(Hithpael)
      • to bow down, prostrate oneself
        • before superior in homage
        • "before God in worship"before false gods"before angel

לַ מֶּ֑לֶךְ
לַ
Prefix — preposition to, for + "the" (the article is absorbed into the prefix)
מֶּ֑לֶךְ
Root word king, kings, royal
Dictionary form: מֶלֶךְ · meh-LEK

לַ
Hidden "the" לַ = the preposition + the article הַ squeezed together: the "a" vowel under the prefix is the swallowed "the". Translate "to the ___".

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: unto the king
the king ×712 king ×501 and the king ×198 the kings ×192 of the kings ×104 of the king ×98 kings ×64 and king ×33
More options
king — Most natural modern equivalent; universally understood.
monarch — Formal register; suits literary or elevated prose.
ruler — Broader term; useful when royal rank is less central.
sovereign — Emphasizes supreme authority; good in legal or theological contexts.
royal — Adjectival use; fits compound nouns like 'royal court'.

BDB4669 H4428 H4429

BDB4668 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4670

I. מֶ֫לֶךְ2513 noun masculine king (Late Hebrew id.; MI1, 5, 10, 18, 23 מלך; Neh 1:4 המלכן; Phoenician מלך; Zinjirli מלך DHMSendsch. 60; Assyrian maliku, malku, prince (Assyrian šarru = king); Arabic king (original Hebrew *מַלִח inferred, LagBN 73 BaNB § 112 WMMAs. u. Europ.76); Sabean מלכן SabDenkmNo. 1; construct מלך, plural אמלך CISiv 37; compare Ethiopic God (and l.c.); Aramaic , מְלֵיךְ; Palmyrene מלך מלכא VogNo. 28; Nabataean מלכא EutNab. 1); — ׳מ absolute Gen 14:7 + (insert also 2Sam 13:17 ᵐ5 Th We Dr Kit Bu, and v2Sam 13:34 ᵐ5 We Dr Kit Bu); in p. always מֶ֑לֶךְ Gen 49:20 + 238 t. (so also proper name in מֶלֶךְ-); construct Gen 14:1 +; suffix מַלְכִּי 2Sam 19:44 + 6 t., etc.; plural מְלָכִים Gen 14:9 +; מְלָכִין Prov 31:3 construct מַלְכֵי Gen 17:16 +; suffix מְלָכֶיהָ Isa 7:16 + 3 t.; מַלְכֵיהֶם Deut 7:24 + 16 t., etc.; —

1. king: of Egypt Gen 39:20f.; Exod 1:8f.; Deut 11:3; 1Kgs 3:1 of Mesopotamia, Shinar, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, etc. Judg 3:8; Judg 3:10; Gen 14:1f.; 2Kgs 15:19; 2Kgs 15:20; 2Kgs 15:29; 2Kgs 17:3f.; 2Kgs 18:13f.; 2Kgs 24:1; 2Kgs 24:11f.; Ezra 1:1f.; Ezra 4:3f.; Esth 1:2 +, 1Kgs 11:18; 1Kgs 11:40; 1Kgs 14:25; 2Kgs 17:4f.; 2Kgs 23:29 +; of Canaan, Philistia, Edom, Moab, etc. (often of single city): Gen 14:2f.; vGen 14:18; Gen 20:2; Gen 26:1; Gen 26:8; Gen 36:31; Num 20:14; Num 21:1f.; Num 22:4; Num 22:10; Deut 1:4; Deut 3:1f.; Josh 2:2 (often in Joshua), Judg 1:7; Judg 5:19; Judg 8:5; Judg 8:12; Judg 11:12f.; 2Kgs 3:4f. +; of Aram, Hamath, etc. 2Sam 8:3f. v2Sam 8:9; 1Kgs 15:18; 1Kgs 20:1f.; 1Kgs 22:3; 2Kgs 5:1f.; 2Kgs 8:7f.; v2Kgs 8:29; 2Kgs 9:14; 2Kgs 9:15; 2Kgs 15:37; 2Kgs 16:5f. +; of Tyre, etc. 2Sam 5:11; 1Kgs 5:15; 1Kgs 9:11; 1Kgs 9:16+, etc.; especially of Israel (undivided, and of both divisions) Gen 36:31; Num 23:21; Num 24:7; Deut 17:14f.; Judg 17:6; Judg 18:1; Judg 19:1; Judg 21:25; 1Sam 2:10; 1Sam 8:5f.; 2Sam 2:4f.; 1Kgs 1:33; 1Kgs 1:34f. + very often; compare also Judg 9:5. — 2Sam 18:29b strike out ׳הַמּ We Klo Dr Kit Bu. Note that in early books המלך דוד is nearly always said; in late books usually המלך ׳שׁלמה וגו) דוד; compare Aramaic כּוֺרֶשׁ מַלְכָּא, etc.
2. of Davidic king, as under divine protection, 1Sam 2:10 (|| מְשִׁיחוֺ), Ps 2:6; Ps 18:51; Ps 89:19; Ps 61:7, compare Ps 99:4 so in (Messianic) prediction Hos 3:5; Isa 32:1; Jer 23:5; Ezek 37:22; Ezek 37:24; Zech 9:9.
3. used of ׳י as king of Israel 1Sam 12:12 in poetry Deut 33:5 compare Ps 5:3; Ps 10:16; Ps 29:10; Ps 44:5; Ps 48:3; Ps 68:25; Ps 74:12; Ps 84:4; Ps 145:1; Ps 149:2; Isa 41:21; Isa 43:15; Isa 44:6; Zeph 3:15 מֶלֶךְ הַכָּבוֺד Ps 24:7; Ps 24:8; Ps 24:9; Ps 24:10 (twice in verse); universal king Ps 47:3; Ps 47:8; Ps 95:3; Ps 98:6; Jer 10:7; Jer 10:10, compare Jer 46:18; Jer 48:15; Jer 51:57; Zech 14:9; Zech 14:16; Zech 14:17; Mal 1:14 of false god Amos 5:26.
4. in fable, king of trees Judg 9:8; Judg 9:15 figurative of crocodile Job 41:26 אֵין לָאַרְבֶּה ׳מ Prov 30:27 of death, מֶלֶךְ בַּלָּהוֺת Job 18:14.
5. combinations are: —
  a. הַגָּדוֺל ׳הַמּ 2Kgs 18:19; 2Kgs 18:28 = Isa 36:4; Isa 36:13 (of Assyrian king: compare Assyrian šarru rabu); גָּדוֺל ׳מ Eccl 9:14 (indefinite); of ׳י Mal 1:14, עַלכֿלאֿלהים ׳ג ׳מ Ps 95:3 ׳מ עוֺלָם Jer 10:10 (of ׳י); מְלָכִים ׳מ Ezek 26:7 (king of Babylon)
  b. יְחִי הַמֶּלֶךְ 1Sam 10:24; 2Sam 16:16 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 1:34; 1Kgs 1:39; 2Kgs 11:12; 2Chr 23:11 מֶלֶךְ בירושׁלם Eccl 1:1, compare Eccl 15:26; 2Sam 5:2; 1Kgs 14:2; 1Chr 29:25; 2Sam 2:11 (׳בחברון עלהֿיה מ) 1Kgs 11:37; 2Chr 28:4; Eccl 1:12.
  c. following a verb (one or two accusative) על ׳שִׂים מ Deut 17:14; Deut 17:15 (twice in verse); 1Sam 10:19 ׳שִׂים לָנוּ מ 1Sam 8:5 ׳שִׂים לְמ 1Kgs 10:9 לְ ׳נָתַן מ 1Sam 8:6; Hos 13:10; Hos 13:11 נָתַן עַל 1Sam 12:13; 2Chr 2:10; Neh 9:37; Neh 13:26 הִמְלִיךְ לְמֶלֶךְ Judg 9:6; 1Sam 15:11 על ׳הִמְלִיךְ מ 1Sam 12:1 לְ ׳הִמְלִיךְ מ 1Sam 8:22 ׳מָשַׁח מ עַל Judg 9:8 ׳מָשַׁח לְמ 1Kgs 1:45 עַל ׳מָשַׁךְ לְמ Judg 9:15; 1Sam 15:1; 1Sam 15:17; 2Sam 2:4; 2Sam 5:3; 2Sam 5:12; 2Sam 12:7; 1Kgs 1:34; 1Chr 11:3; 1Chr 14:8 יִהְיֶה על ׳מ 1Sam 8:19 על ׳בִּקֵּשׁ למ 2Sam 3:17 ׳הֵכִין לְמ על 2Sam 5:12; 1Chr 14:2 על ׳הֵקִים מ 1Kgs 14:14; Deut 28:36 ׳תַּחַת וגו ׳לְמ ׳יָשַׁב עַלכִּֿסֵּא י 1Chr 29:23, compare Prov 20:8 אלהיך ׳לְי ׳נָתַן עַלכִּֿסֵּא לְמ 2Chr 9:8.
  d. מַעֲדַנֵּימֶֿלךְ Gen 49:20 royal dainties, figurative; ׳מִשְׁתֵּה הַמּ 1Sam 25:36 royal feast (in simile); ׳אֶבֶן הַמּ 2Sam 14:26 king's weight; ׳יַדהַֿמּ 1Kgs 10:13 royal bounty (in simile); ׳גִּזֵּי הַמּ Amos 7:1 king's mowings; ׳מִקְדַּשׁ מ Amos 7:13 royal sanctuary; עֲטֶרֶת מַלְכָּם 2Sam 12:30 crown of their king = 1Chr 20:2 (but read מִלְכֹּם ᵐ5 We Klo Dr Kit Kau — not Bu KitChr. Hpt); compare also בַּיִת, עֵמֶק, גַּן, שָׁוֵה, etc. — proper name אבימלך, אחימלך, אלימלך, מלך, נתן, מלך, עבד, see below אב, אח, etc.


BDB4674 H4432 H1322 H4428

BDB4673 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4675

מֹ֫לֶךְ proper name, of a divinity Molech (ᵐ5 Μολοχ, ᵑ9 Moloch) (= מֶלֶךְ i.e. (divine) King, with vowels of בּשֶׁת to denote abhorrence, HoffmZAW iii. 1883, 124 RSSemitic i. 353; 2nd ed. 372; compare HoffmGG Abh. xxxvi. 1890 a (May, 1889), 25; Phoenician proper name, of divinity מלך Milk, in proper names compare Bloch, DrDt.222 f.); — with article ׳הַמּ: — the god to whom Israel sacrificed children with fire (in valley of Hinnom); ׳העביר בָּנֵשׁ לַ מּ 2Kgs 23:10 ׳העביר לַמּ Jer 32:35 (|| הַבַּעַל), Lev 18:21 (H); ׳נתן לַמּ Lev 20:2; Lev 20:3; Lev 20:4 (H); more generally ׳לִזְנוֺת אַחֲרֵי הַמּ vLev 20:5 (H). In 1Kgs 11:7 read probably מִלְכֹּם, q. v.


BDB4684 H4442 H6664 H4428

BDB4683 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4685

מַלְכִּיצֶֿ֫דֶק proper name, masculine king of שָׁלֵם (q. v.), (my king is ‚ede‡) — Gen 14:18. Ps 110:4. ᵐ5 Μελχισεδεκ.


BDB4685 H4443 H4428 H7311

BDB4684 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4686

מַלְכִּירָם proper name, masculine son of Jeconiah (= Jehoiakin) (my king (= Yahweh) is high, compare GrayProp. N. 146 f.; Phoenician proper name מלכרם); — 1Chr 3:18. ᵐ5 Μελχ(ε)ιραμ.


BDB4686 H4428 H4444 H7769

BDB4685 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4687

מַלְכִישׁוּעַ proper name, masculine son of Saul my king (= ׳י) is opulence, compare GrayProp. N. 147); — 1Sam 14:49; 1Sam 31:2; 1Chr 8:33; 1Chr 9:39; 1Chr 10:2 (in Chronicles מַלְכִּישֿׁוּעַ). ᵐ5 Μελχεισα, Μελχεσουε, etc.

king, kings, royal
melek
a king
  • king

וַ יֹּ֥אמֶר
וַ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
יֹּ֥אמֶר
Root word said, saying, saith, say, spake, …
Dictionary form: אָמַר · aw-MAHR

וַ
Vav-consecutive (wayyiqtol) The וַ prefix — vav with patach plus a doubling dagesh in the next letter — flips this verb into story-telling past: translate "and (he) ___ed", not "will ___".

Verb — Qal, Sequential Imperfect (Wayyiqtol), third person masculine singular simple action — "he did" story-telling past — try "and he ___ed" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

In the KJV here: said
said ×947 saying ×718 and said ×688 saith ×527 and he said ×343 then said ×139 say ×122 and say ×119
More options
say — Most versatile; fits nearly any context or register.
declare — Emphasizes formal or authoritative pronouncement.
tell — Prefer when communication to an audience is stressed.
speak — Highlights the act of oral expression itself.
command — Use when the utterance carries directive force.
think — Fits internal or reflective speech contexts.

BDB557 H559

BDB556 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB558

אָמַר5287 verb utter, say (MI, Phoenician אמר, Aramaic אֲמַר, Ethiopic I. 2 shew, declare, Arabic command; perhaps √ אמר originally = be or make prominent, hence Hithpa`el below, אָמִיר; Sabean אמר lofty, epithet of king JHMordtmZMG 1876, 37; compare DlPr 28 who thinks original meaning hell, sichtbar sein, whence Assyrian amâru, see, & shew, declare, say) — Qal Perfect ׳א Gen 3:1 +, etc.; Imperfect יאֹמַר Gen 31:8 +; וַיּאֹ֫מֶר Gen 1:3 +; וַיּאֹמַ֑ר Gen 14:19 +; in Job always וַיּאֹ֑מַר Job 3:2 +; 3 feminine singular תּאֹמַר Gen 21:12 +; תּאֹמֵר֑ Prov 1:21 1 singular אֹמַר Gen 22:2 +; אוֺמְרָה Ps 42:10 וָאֹמַר Gen 20:13 +; וָאוֺמַר Neh 2:7; Neh 2:17; Neh 2:20 3 masculine plural יאֹמְדוּ Exod 4:1 + etc.; suffix יֹמְרוּךָ Ps 139:20 2 masculine plural תֹּמְדוּ 2Sam 19:14 ( compare i. p. 385); Imperative (אֱמָרֿ) אֱמֹר Gen 45:17 +, etc.; Infinitive absolute אָמוֺר Exod 21:5 +; construct אֱמֹר Ezek 25:8 +; (הַ)אֲמֹר Job 34:18 but read הָאֹמֵר ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Di, or better הֶאָמֹר Infinitive absolute with ה interrogative compare Ew :§ 328 d; suffix אָמְרִי Josh 6:10 +; אֲמָרְכֶם Jer 23:38 אֱמָרְכֶם Mal 1:7 +; לֵאמֹר Gen 1:22 +, etc.; Participle active אֹמֵר Gen 32:10 +, etc.; passive הֶאָמוּר Mic 2:7, but this grammatically indefensible, read הֶאָמוֺר, Infinitive absolute with ה interrogative, see DrExpositor, April, 1887, 263.

1. Say (subject God Gen 3:1 + or man Gen 32:5, serpent Gen 3:1, ass Num 22:28, horse יאֹמַר הֶאָח Job 39:25 etc.; inanimate things, personified Job 28:14 compare vJob 28:22 etc.; so in allegory or fable Judg 9:8; 2Kgs 14:9 etc.; especially in narration, וַיּאֹמֶר etc., Gen 4:6 + very often): mostly followed by thing said, either substantive Jer 14:17 (c. clause app.) Deut 27:16f.; Judg 12:6 pronoun Gen 44:16; 2Kgs 20:14 +; or (usually) clause Gen 1:3; Gen 3:1; Gen 37:20 + often (oratio recta [direct speech]); with adverb thus, so Gen 32:5; Num 20:14; 1Kgs 20:3; 1Kgs 20:5 + often; especially ׳כֹּה אָמַר י Exod 5:1; Exod 7:17; Exod 8:1; Exod 8:20; 1Chr 17:4 + often; the person addressed usually introduced by אֶל Gen 3:1; Gen 15:7; Gen 22:7; Lev 21:1; 2Sam 3:7; 1Kgs 12:5; 1Kgs 12:23, or לְ Gen 3:13; Gen 4:15; 1Sam 20:2; 2Sam 2:21; 1Kgs 14:2 + often; rarer combinations are, בְּאָזְנֵי ׳א Isa 49:20 (compare Isa 5:9 & see דבר); לִפְנֵי ׳א Ezek 28:9 לְעֵינֵי ׳א Deut 31:7; Josh 10:12; Jer 28:11 בְּ ׳א Joel 2:17; Ps 126:2, where בְּ local; in all cases usually followed by direct object of words said, Exod 19:25 being very singular; Gen 4:8 the object-clause has probably fallen out, compare Vrss Di; = mention, name, designate Gen 22:2; Gen 22:3; Gen 43:27; Gen 43:29; Exod 32:13; Num 14:40; 1Sam 10:16; 1Sam 16:3; 2Sam 6:22; Neh 6:19 compare Ps 139:20 יֹמְרוּךָ לִמְזִמָּה speak of thee for falsehood (but many, as Hup Pe Dy Che, read יַמְרוּךָ); = tell, declare, proclaim, (followed by direct object only) Ps 40:11; Ezek 13:7 in reply to question = answer Exod 12:27; Josh 4:7; 1Kgs 9:9; Jer 5:19; Jer 22:9. The object spoken of may be referred to by אֶל 2Kgs 19:32; Jer 22:18; Jer 27:19, or לְ Gen 20:13 אִמְרִי לִֹי say of me, etc. Deut 33:9; Judg 9:54; Isa 5:20; Ps 3:3; Ps 71:10, very rarely by a simple accusative Isa 3:10 (where read probably for אִמְרוּ, אַשְׁרֵי), except after אֲשֶׁר where the words used follow (compare אֲשֶׁר 4 d) Gen 3:17; Num 10:29; Num 14:31; Deut 28:68; Judg 7:4; 1Sam 9:17; 1Sam 9:23b 1Kgs 8:29; Lam 4:20 compare Num 21:16; 2Kgs 17:12; 2Kgs 21:4, & (two extreme cases) Isa 8:12; Lam 2:15 (see DrSm i. 24, 5); ֶ˜האָמוּר Mic 2:7 read infinitive absolute with ה interrogative הֶאָמוֺר (see above) shall one say ? shall it be said ? After another verb of saying, introducing thing said: Deut 21:7; Deut 25:9; Deut 27:15; Song 2:10 +, even after אמר Gen 22:7; Lev 21:1; Jer 34:2; Esth 7:5 +; especially infinitive לֵאמֹר, after דבר Gen 8:15, צוה Gen 2:16, ענה Gen 44:16, ברך Gen 1:22, נשׁבע Gen 24:7, נדר Gen 28:20, etc.; after אמר 2Sam 3:18; 1Kgs 12:23; Ruth 4:4; 1Chr 21:18 +; after שׁלח 2Chr 35:21, שׁוּב Gen 32:7 compare also Gen 28:6; Gen 9:5; Gen 13:8; Gen 17:4; Deut 13:7; Judg 8:15; 1Sam 23:2; 1Kgs 13:3; Jer 32:3; Jer 37:9 +; also when subject of לֵאמֹר differs from that of pre-ceding clause Gen 31:1; Gen 38:13; Gen 38:24 etc.; after שׁמע Isa 37:9 = 2Kgs 19:9.

2. Say in the heart (= think) בלבב ׳א Deut 8:17 compare 1Kgs 12:26; Ps 10:6; Ps 10:11; Ps 10:13; Ps 14:1; Ps 35:25; Isa 14:13; Isa 47:8; Isa 47:10; Isa 49:21; Eccl 2:1; Eccl 2:15; Eccl 3:17; Eccl 3:18 לִלְבָבָם ׳א Hos 7:2 אֶללִֿבּוֺ ׳א Gen 8:21 said unto his heart (to himself), subject ׳י, compare 1Sam 27:1 אָֽמְרָה נַפֲשִׁי Lam 3:24 thence ׳א alone Gen 20:11; Gen 26:9; Num 24:11; Ruth 4:4; 1Sam 20:26; 2Sam 5:6; 2Sam 12:22; 2Kgs 5:11 followed by clause with כִּי Judg 15:2 in particular = desire מַהתּֿאֹמַר נַפְשְׁךָ 1Sam 20:4 compare Esth 2:13 followed by infinitive = purpose, Exod 2:14 thinkest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian ? Josh 22:33; 1Sam 30:6; 1Kgs 5:19; 2Chr 28:10; 2Chr 28:13 expect 2Sam 21:16 he expected to slay David 2Chr 13:8; 2Chr 32:1.

3. Promise (followed by infinitive) 1Chr 27:23; 2Chr 21:7; Esth 4:7 (id. + ל of person) 2Kgs 8:19; Neh 9:15 (followed by accusative of direct object + ל of person + infinitive of purpose) Neh 9:23.

4. Command (especially late) followed by אֶלֿ of per-son addressed, Num 15:38; 1Chr 21:18 followed by ל Josh 11:9; 2Sam 16:11; 2Kgs 4:24; Job 9:7; Ps 106:34 (see below אֲשֶׁר 8 e); followed by infinitive 1Sam 24:11; 1Chr 21:17; 2Chr 1:18; 2Chr 29:27; 2Chr 29:30; 2Chr 31:11; 2Chr 35:21; Esth 1:17; Esth 4:13; Esth 4:15; Esth 6:1; Esth 9:14 followed by infinitive + ל of pers, 2Chr 14:3; 2Chr 29:21; 2Chr 31:4; followed by accusative direct object 2Chr 29:24 the king commanded the burnt-offering and the sin-offering, compare 1Kgs 5:20; Esth 2:15 followed by clause with אשׁר = that Neh 13:19 id. + ל of person vNeh 13:22 followed by clause with כִּי Job 36:10 absolute 1Sam 16:16 (read however probably יאמרו for יאמר, compare Dr); also Ps 105:31; Ps 105:34; Ps 107:25; 1Chr 14:12; 2Chr 24:8; Neh 13:9; Neh 13:19 (all followed by verb consecutive); command by letter עִםהַֿסֵּפֶר ׳א Esth 9:25 (followed by imperfect); appoint, assign לוֺ ׳לֶחֶם א 1Kgs 11:18 = threaten followed by infinitive Deut 9:25; Ps 106:23. Niph`al Perfect נֶאֱמַר Dan 8:26 Imperfect יֵאָמֵר Gen 22:14 +; יֵאָ֫מֶר לוֺ Isa 4:3 יֵאָמַ֑ר Gen 10:9 +; וַיֵּאָמַ֑ר Josh 2:2 be said, told Gen 10:9; Gen 22:14; Ps 87:5; Jer 4:11; Jer 16:14 (all absolute, indefinite subject, of current saying); so said in a book Num 21:14 be related, told, of vision Dan 8:26 said, told to (followed by ל indirect object) Josh 2:2; Hos 2:1 (twice in verse); Zeph 3:16 either so, or told concerning Num 23:23; Ezek 13:12 (אֶלֿ); יֵאָמֵר לָכֶם = ye shall be called (it shall be said to you) Isa 61:6 (|| תִּקָּרְאוּ), compare Isa 4:3; Isa 19:18; Isa 32:5 (|| יִקָּרֵא ל) Isa 62:4 (twice in verse); hence be called, of Tophet לֹאיֵֿאָמֵר עוֺד הַתֹּפֶת Jer 7:32 subject שֵׁם Gen 32:29; Job 34:31 כִּי אֶלאֵֿל הֶאָמַר, Rabb (compare AV) treat הֵאָמַר as Niph`al Infinitive for לְהֵאָמֵר, but against grammar; the form as it stands is Qal Perfect, אֶלאֵֿל being prefixed to the interrogative for emphasis (compare Jer 22:15; Jer 23:26; Neh 13:27), see Dr§ 9 Di and others; Hoffm., however, reads הֵאָמֵר infinitive absolute = imperative 'so must one speak (it be spoken) to God.' Hiph`il Perfect avow, avouch Deut 26:17 הֶאֱמַרְתָּ הַיּוֺם לִהְיוֺת לְךָ לֵאלֹהִים ׳אֶתיֿ; vDeut 26:18 ׳וי הֶאֱמִירְךָ היום להיות לוֺ לְעַם (literally cause to declare, i.e. through agency of Moses; on this & other interpretations see Di). Hithpa`el Imperfect יִתְאַמְּרוּ Ps 94:4 subject כָּלפֹּֿעֲלֵי אָ֑וֶן act proudly, boast (|| יַבִּיעוּ יְדַבְּרוּ עָתָק probably also 2 masculine plural תִּתְיַמָּ֑רוּ Isa 61:6 (in good sense, followed by בְּ of thing gloried in) ᵑ6 ᵑ9 ᵑ7 & compare ᵐ5; GesComm. so De Che i. 457 f. (from [ימר] exchange Thes Hi Kn Ew Di; but see ימר, מור).


BDB9309 H560 H559

BDB9308 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9310

אֲמַר71 verb say, tell, command (Biblical Hebrew אָמַר); —

Pe Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳א Dan 2:12 +, אֲמַ֑ר Dan 7:1 3 feminine singular אֲמֶ֫רֶר Dan 5:10 (K§ 38, 1 a); 1 singular אַמְרֵת Dan 4:5 1 plural אֲאַ֫רְנָא Dan 5:4; Dan 5:9, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יֵאמַר (K§ 41) Dan 2:7 +; 2 masculine plural תֵּאמְרוּן Jer 10:11, etc.; Imperative masculine singular אֱמַר Jer 2:4 +; masculine plural אֱמַרוּ Jer 2:9 Infinitive לְמֵאמַר vJer 2:9, לְמֵמַ֑ר Ezra 5:11 (K§ 41 a); Participle אְמַר Dan 2:5 + often, plural אָֽמְרִין Dan 3:4; Ezra 5:3 +; —
1. say (often in phrase answer and say): followed by oratio recta [direct speech] (only), Dan 2:7; Dan 2:10 + 13 t. Daniel; Ezra 5:11 + ל person Dan 2:5; Dan 3:14 + 14 t. Daniel [plural with indefinite subject for passive Dan 4:28], Ezra 5:15 + קְָדָס person Dan 2:9; Dan 5:17; Dan 6:13; Dan 6:14 + כֵּן Dan 4:11; Dan 7:23, כֵּן with ל person Ezra 5:8; Dan 2:24; Dan 2:25; Dan 6:7, compare Dan 7:5 + כְּנֵמָא with ל person Ezra 5:4; Ezra 5:9 + כִּדְנָךְ with ל person Jer 10:11 followed by accusative of thing + עַל person against whom Dan 3:29.
2. relate, tell: followed by accusative of thing Dan 4:6; Dan 4:15; Dan 7:1, + ל person Dan 2:4; Dan 2:9; Dan 2:7; Dan 7:16 (accusative of thing omitted), + קְָדָם person Dan 2:36; Dan 4:4; Dan 4:5.
3. command: followed by infinitive Dan 2:12; Dan 2:46 + 6 t. Daniel; followed by finite verb Dan 5:29; Dan 6:17; Dan 6:23 followed by ל person + or. rect. Dan 3:4 [pl. with indefinite subject, for passive, K§ 76 e, so Dan 4:23].

said, saying, saith, say, spake, …
ʾāmar
to say (used with great latitude)
  • to say, speak, utter
    • (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
    • "(Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called"(Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly"(Hiphil) to avow, to avouch

הַ מֶּ֖לֶךְ
הַ
Prefix — article the
מֶּ֖לֶךְ
Root word king, kings, royal
Dictionary form: מֶלֶךְ · meh-LEK

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: and the king
the king ×712 king ×501 and the king ×198 the kings ×192 of the kings ×104 of the king ×98 kings ×64 and king ×33
More options
king — Most natural modern equivalent; universally understood.
monarch — Formal register; suits literary or elevated prose.
ruler — Broader term; useful when royal rank is less central.
sovereign — Emphasizes supreme authority; good in legal or theological contexts.
royal — Adjectival use; fits compound nouns like 'royal court'.

BDB4669 H4428 H4429

BDB4668 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4670

I. מֶ֫לֶךְ2513 noun masculine king (Late Hebrew id.; MI1, 5, 10, 18, 23 מלך; Neh 1:4 המלכן; Phoenician מלך; Zinjirli מלך DHMSendsch. 60; Assyrian maliku, malku, prince (Assyrian šarru = king); Arabic king (original Hebrew *מַלִח inferred, LagBN 73 BaNB § 112 WMMAs. u. Europ.76); Sabean מלכן SabDenkmNo. 1; construct מלך, plural אמלך CISiv 37; compare Ethiopic God (and l.c.); Aramaic , מְלֵיךְ; Palmyrene מלך מלכא VogNo. 28; Nabataean מלכא EutNab. 1); — ׳מ absolute Gen 14:7 + (insert also 2Sam 13:17 ᵐ5 Th We Dr Kit Bu, and v2Sam 13:34 ᵐ5 We Dr Kit Bu); in p. always מֶ֑לֶךְ Gen 49:20 + 238 t. (so also proper name in מֶלֶךְ-); construct Gen 14:1 +; suffix מַלְכִּי 2Sam 19:44 + 6 t., etc.; plural מְלָכִים Gen 14:9 +; מְלָכִין Prov 31:3 construct מַלְכֵי Gen 17:16 +; suffix מְלָכֶיהָ Isa 7:16 + 3 t.; מַלְכֵיהֶם Deut 7:24 + 16 t., etc.; —

1. king: of Egypt Gen 39:20f.; Exod 1:8f.; Deut 11:3; 1Kgs 3:1 of Mesopotamia, Shinar, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, etc. Judg 3:8; Judg 3:10; Gen 14:1f.; 2Kgs 15:19; 2Kgs 15:20; 2Kgs 15:29; 2Kgs 17:3f.; 2Kgs 18:13f.; 2Kgs 24:1; 2Kgs 24:11f.; Ezra 1:1f.; Ezra 4:3f.; Esth 1:2 +, 1Kgs 11:18; 1Kgs 11:40; 1Kgs 14:25; 2Kgs 17:4f.; 2Kgs 23:29 +; of Canaan, Philistia, Edom, Moab, etc. (often of single city): Gen 14:2f.; vGen 14:18; Gen 20:2; Gen 26:1; Gen 26:8; Gen 36:31; Num 20:14; Num 21:1f.; Num 22:4; Num 22:10; Deut 1:4; Deut 3:1f.; Josh 2:2 (often in Joshua), Judg 1:7; Judg 5:19; Judg 8:5; Judg 8:12; Judg 11:12f.; 2Kgs 3:4f. +; of Aram, Hamath, etc. 2Sam 8:3f. v2Sam 8:9; 1Kgs 15:18; 1Kgs 20:1f.; 1Kgs 22:3; 2Kgs 5:1f.; 2Kgs 8:7f.; v2Kgs 8:29; 2Kgs 9:14; 2Kgs 9:15; 2Kgs 15:37; 2Kgs 16:5f. +; of Tyre, etc. 2Sam 5:11; 1Kgs 5:15; 1Kgs 9:11; 1Kgs 9:16+, etc.; especially of Israel (undivided, and of both divisions) Gen 36:31; Num 23:21; Num 24:7; Deut 17:14f.; Judg 17:6; Judg 18:1; Judg 19:1; Judg 21:25; 1Sam 2:10; 1Sam 8:5f.; 2Sam 2:4f.; 1Kgs 1:33; 1Kgs 1:34f. + very often; compare also Judg 9:5. — 2Sam 18:29b strike out ׳הַמּ We Klo Dr Kit Bu. Note that in early books המלך דוד is nearly always said; in late books usually המלך ׳שׁלמה וגו) דוד; compare Aramaic כּוֺרֶשׁ מַלְכָּא, etc.
2. of Davidic king, as under divine protection, 1Sam 2:10 (|| מְשִׁיחוֺ), Ps 2:6; Ps 18:51; Ps 89:19; Ps 61:7, compare Ps 99:4 so in (Messianic) prediction Hos 3:5; Isa 32:1; Jer 23:5; Ezek 37:22; Ezek 37:24; Zech 9:9.
3. used of ׳י as king of Israel 1Sam 12:12 in poetry Deut 33:5 compare Ps 5:3; Ps 10:16; Ps 29:10; Ps 44:5; Ps 48:3; Ps 68:25; Ps 74:12; Ps 84:4; Ps 145:1; Ps 149:2; Isa 41:21; Isa 43:15; Isa 44:6; Zeph 3:15 מֶלֶךְ הַכָּבוֺד Ps 24:7; Ps 24:8; Ps 24:9; Ps 24:10 (twice in verse); universal king Ps 47:3; Ps 47:8; Ps 95:3; Ps 98:6; Jer 10:7; Jer 10:10, compare Jer 46:18; Jer 48:15; Jer 51:57; Zech 14:9; Zech 14:16; Zech 14:17; Mal 1:14 of false god Amos 5:26.
4. in fable, king of trees Judg 9:8; Judg 9:15 figurative of crocodile Job 41:26 אֵין לָאַרְבֶּה ׳מ Prov 30:27 of death, מֶלֶךְ בַּלָּהוֺת Job 18:14.
5. combinations are: —
  a. הַגָּדוֺל ׳הַמּ 2Kgs 18:19; 2Kgs 18:28 = Isa 36:4; Isa 36:13 (of Assyrian king: compare Assyrian šarru rabu); גָּדוֺל ׳מ Eccl 9:14 (indefinite); of ׳י Mal 1:14, עַלכֿלאֿלהים ׳ג ׳מ Ps 95:3 ׳מ עוֺלָם Jer 10:10 (of ׳י); מְלָכִים ׳מ Ezek 26:7 (king of Babylon)
  b. יְחִי הַמֶּלֶךְ 1Sam 10:24; 2Sam 16:16 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 1:34; 1Kgs 1:39; 2Kgs 11:12; 2Chr 23:11 מֶלֶךְ בירושׁלם Eccl 1:1, compare Eccl 15:26; 2Sam 5:2; 1Kgs 14:2; 1Chr 29:25; 2Sam 2:11 (׳בחברון עלהֿיה מ) 1Kgs 11:37; 2Chr 28:4; Eccl 1:12.
  c. following a verb (one or two accusative) על ׳שִׂים מ Deut 17:14; Deut 17:15 (twice in verse); 1Sam 10:19 ׳שִׂים לָנוּ מ 1Sam 8:5 ׳שִׂים לְמ 1Kgs 10:9 לְ ׳נָתַן מ 1Sam 8:6; Hos 13:10; Hos 13:11 נָתַן עַל 1Sam 12:13; 2Chr 2:10; Neh 9:37; Neh 13:26 הִמְלִיךְ לְמֶלֶךְ Judg 9:6; 1Sam 15:11 על ׳הִמְלִיךְ מ 1Sam 12:1 לְ ׳הִמְלִיךְ מ 1Sam 8:22 ׳מָשַׁח מ עַל Judg 9:8 ׳מָשַׁח לְמ 1Kgs 1:45 עַל ׳מָשַׁךְ לְמ Judg 9:15; 1Sam 15:1; 1Sam 15:17; 2Sam 2:4; 2Sam 5:3; 2Sam 5:12; 2Sam 12:7; 1Kgs 1:34; 1Chr 11:3; 1Chr 14:8 יִהְיֶה על ׳מ 1Sam 8:19 על ׳בִּקֵּשׁ למ 2Sam 3:17 ׳הֵכִין לְמ על 2Sam 5:12; 1Chr 14:2 על ׳הֵקִים מ 1Kgs 14:14; Deut 28:36 ׳תַּחַת וגו ׳לְמ ׳יָשַׁב עַלכִּֿסֵּא י 1Chr 29:23, compare Prov 20:8 אלהיך ׳לְי ׳נָתַן עַלכִּֿסֵּא לְמ 2Chr 9:8.
  d. מַעֲדַנֵּימֶֿלךְ Gen 49:20 royal dainties, figurative; ׳מִשְׁתֵּה הַמּ 1Sam 25:36 royal feast (in simile); ׳אֶבֶן הַמּ 2Sam 14:26 king's weight; ׳יַדהַֿמּ 1Kgs 10:13 royal bounty (in simile); ׳גִּזֵּי הַמּ Amos 7:1 king's mowings; ׳מִקְדַּשׁ מ Amos 7:13 royal sanctuary; עֲטֶרֶת מַלְכָּם 2Sam 12:30 crown of their king = 1Chr 20:2 (but read מִלְכֹּם ᵐ5 We Klo Dr Kit Kau — not Bu KitChr. Hpt); compare also בַּיִת, עֵמֶק, גַּן, שָׁוֵה, etc. — proper name אבימלך, אחימלך, אלימלך, מלך, נתן, מלך, עבד, see below אב, אח, etc.


BDB4674 H4432 H1322 H4428

BDB4673 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4675

מֹ֫לֶךְ proper name, of a divinity Molech (ᵐ5 Μολοχ, ᵑ9 Moloch) (= מֶלֶךְ i.e. (divine) King, with vowels of בּשֶׁת to denote abhorrence, HoffmZAW iii. 1883, 124 RSSemitic i. 353; 2nd ed. 372; compare HoffmGG Abh. xxxvi. 1890 a (May, 1889), 25; Phoenician proper name, of divinity מלך Milk, in proper names compare Bloch, DrDt.222 f.); — with article ׳הַמּ: — the god to whom Israel sacrificed children with fire (in valley of Hinnom); ׳העביר בָּנֵשׁ לַ מּ 2Kgs 23:10 ׳העביר לַמּ Jer 32:35 (|| הַבַּעַל), Lev 18:21 (H); ׳נתן לַמּ Lev 20:2; Lev 20:3; Lev 20:4 (H); more generally ׳לִזְנוֺת אַחֲרֵי הַמּ vLev 20:5 (H). In 1Kgs 11:7 read probably מִלְכֹּם, q. v.


BDB4684 H4442 H6664 H4428

BDB4683 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4685

מַלְכִּיצֶֿ֫דֶק proper name, masculine king of שָׁלֵם (q. v.), (my king is ‚ede‡) — Gen 14:18. Ps 110:4. ᵐ5 Μελχισεδεκ.


BDB4685 H4443 H4428 H7311

BDB4684 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4686

מַלְכִּירָם proper name, masculine son of Jeconiah (= Jehoiakin) (my king (= Yahweh) is high, compare GrayProp. N. 146 f.; Phoenician proper name מלכרם); — 1Chr 3:18. ᵐ5 Μελχ(ε)ιραμ.


BDB4686 H4428 H4444 H7769

BDB4685 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4687

מַלְכִישׁוּעַ proper name, masculine son of Saul my king (= ׳י) is opulence, compare GrayProp. N. 147); — 1Sam 14:49; 1Sam 31:2; 1Chr 8:33; 1Chr 9:39; 1Chr 10:2 (in Chronicles מַלְכִּישֿׁוּעַ). ᵐ5 Μελχεισα, Μελχεσουε, etc.

king, kings, royal
melek
a king
  • king

מַה
מַה
Particle turns the sentence into a question
Dictionary form: מָה · maw

Particle — Interrogative

In the KJV here: what wouldest
what ×268 why ×81 wherefore ×64 how ×44 and what ×35 wherein ×12 and why ×10 him what ×9
More options
what — Default interrogative; fits most direct questions.
why — Use when context implies reason or motive.
how — Use when manner or degree is in view.
for what reason — Formal alternative to 'why'; clarifies rhetorical force.
wherein — Replaces archaic form; for 'in what respect'.
whatever — Use for indefinite or relative pronoun contexts.

BDB4521 H1767 H4078 H4100

BDB4520 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4522

מַדַּי (i.e. מַהדַּֿי) 2Chr 30:3, see מה 1 e.


מִדֵּי see דַּי.


מִדְיָן, מְדִינָה see דין.


מִדְיָנִים see I. מדון. מְדֹכָה see דוך.


מַדְמֵן, I, II. מַדְמֵנָה, מַדְמַנָּה see דמן.


מְדָן see דין. מְדָנִים see מדון, מִדְיָנִי.


מַדַּע, מֹדַע, מֹדַ֫עַת see ידע.


[מַדְקָרָה], plural construct מַדְקְרוֺת see דקר.


מַדְרֵגָה see דרג. מְדֻרָה see דור.


[מִדְרָךְ] see דרך. [מִדְרָשׁ] see דרשׁ.


[מְדֻשָׁה] see דושׁ.


BDB4522 H4100 H4078

BDB4521 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4523

מָה, rarely מָהֿ (e.g. Gen 31:43; Josh 22:16; Judg 8:1), מַהֿ, מַהּ , מֶה, מַּ  ( Exod 4:2; Isa 3:15; Mal 1:13; 1Chr 15:13; 2Chr 30:3), מָ (only in מָהֵם Ezek 8:6 Kt., Qr. מָה הֵם) — on the distinction in the use of these forms, see Ges«GKC:37»§ 37

pronoun interrogative and indefinite what? how? aught; used of things, as מִי of persons (Aramaic , מָא, Arabic ; probably apocope from a longer form with n or nt, Assyrian minû (DlHWB 417 f.), Ethiopic ment; compare WCG 123 ff. K?:ii. 368): —
1. interrogative what ?
  a. in a direct question, before either verbs or nouns Gen 4:10 מֶה עשׂית what hast thou done ? Gen 15:2 מהתֿתןלֿי what wilt thou give me ? Exod 3:13 מַהשְּֿׁמוֺ, Exod 12:26; Exod 13:14 and so very often: מַההִֿיא Zech 5:6 מה אלה Zech 1:9 מָה אַתָּה רֹאֶה Jer 1:11; Amos 7:8 +; Jl Amos 4:14 מה אתם לי; Judg 18:8 מה אתם see Commentaries, vJudg 18:24 מה לי עוד what have I still ? Isa 21:11 מהמֿלילה what (= how much) of the night (is past) ? = as what ? (qualem ?) Hag 2:3 (compare מִי Amos 7:2); to express surprise, Job 9:12 who shall say to him, מה תעשׂה what doest thou ? Job 22:13; Eccl 8:4; Isa 45:9; Isa 45:10 followed by כִּי, Gen 20:10 מה ראית כי עשׂית what hadst thou in view, that thou hast done, etc.? Gen 31:36; Exod 16:7 וְנַחְנוּ מָה כִּי and what are we, that . . .? Exod 32:21; Num 22:28; Hab 2:18, etc. Note in particular —
   (a) מָה is followed sometimes by a substantive in apposition (against Arabic usage, which does not permit this: WAG. ii. § 170), so that it becomes virtually an adjective: מַהבֶּֿצַע what profit . . .? Gen 37:26; Ps 30:10; Mal 3:14; Isa 40:8 מַהדְּֿמוּת, Mal 1:13; Ps 89:48 זְכָראֲֿנִי מֶה חָ֑לֶד (inverted for חֶלֶד אָ֑נִי מַה) remember (of) what (short) duration I am, Eccl 1:3; Eccl 5:10; Eccl 5:15; Eccl 6:8; Eccl 6:11 (Da§ 8, R. 2 K?:iii. 23 f.); as exclamation, Ps 89:48b Job 26:14. And with the substantive idiomatically at the end (in Arabic preceded then by : WAG. ii. § 49. 7), 1Sam 26:18 ומַהבֿידי רעה and what is there in my hand, evil ? 1Sam 20:10 (see 3), 2Sam 19:29; 2Sam 24:13; 2Sam 1:16; מהמֿצאו אבותיכם בי עָוֶל, Eccl 11:2; Esth 6:3.
   (b) מַהזֶּֿה what now ? 1Sam 10:11, contracted מַזֶּה Exod 4:2 (זֶה 4 c); Gen 3:13 מַהזּֿאֹת עָשִׂיתָ; Gen 12:18; Gen 29:25 מַהזּֿאֹת עָשִׂיתָה לִּי; similarly Gen 26:10; Gen 42:28 +, either what, now, hast thou done ? or what is this that thou hast done ? (see זֶה 4 d).
   (c) לְּךָ מַהֿ what to thee ? i.e. what aileth thee ? or what dost thou want ? Gen 21:17 מַהלָּֿךְ הָגָר; Josh 15:18; 2Sam 14:5; 1Kgs 1:16; 2Kgs 6:28; Ezek 18:2 (accents); followed by כִּי, Judg 18:23 מהלֿך כי נזעקת, Gen 20:9 (compare 1Sam 11:5 לעם כי יבכו מה), Isa 22:1 מַהלָּֿךְ כִּי עָלִיתְ (compare τί παθὼν, τοῦτο ποιεῖς;), Ps 114:5 without כִּי Isa 3:15 (compare Qor 57:8; 57:10); with a participle, Jonah 1:6 what is it to thee as a sleeper ? (accusative: Da§ 70 a cites Qor 74:50), Ezek 18:2 (if אתם be treated as strengthening לכם).
   (d) פֹה (לִי) מַהלְּֿךָ = what hast thou (have I) here ? Judg 18:3; 1Kgs 19:9; Isa 22:16; Isa 52:5.
   (e) in the genitive, Jer 8:9 וְחָכְמַתמֶֿה לָהֶם, and wisdom of what (= what kind of wisdom) is theirs ? Num 23:3 (see below 3).
  b. often in an indirect question, as after ראה, Gen 2:19 to see מהיֿקראלֿו what he would call it, Gen 37:20 וְנִרְאֶה מהיֿהיו חלֹמֹתיו to what his dreams will come, Num 13:19f.; Hab 2:1 הִכִּיר Gen 31:32 ידע Gen 39:8; Exod 2:4 לדעת מהיֵּֿעָשֶׂה לו, Exod 16:15; Exod 32:1; Job 34:4 שׁמע Num 9:8 ׳וְאשׁמעה מהיֿצוה י (compare Ps 85:9), 2Sam 17:5 פֹּרַשׁ Num 15:34 שׁאל 1Kgs 3:5; 2Kgs 2:9 הֵבִין Job 6:24; Job 23:5: Num 13:18 מה היא וראיתם את הארץ, Ps 39:5; Isa 41:22 הראשׁנות מָה הֵנָּה הַגִּידוּ. — In some such cases it approximates in meaning to the simple rel., as Jer 7:17; Jer 33:24; Mic 6:5; Mic 6:8; Job 34:33.
  c. = of what kind ? (German was für ein ... ?), with an insinuation of blame, or reproach, or contempt: Gen 37:10 מה החלום הזה what is this dream which thou hast dreamt? Gen 44:15; Josh 22:16; Judg 8:1; Judg 15:11; Judg 20:12; 1Sam 29:3 מָה הָעִבְרִים האלה, 1Kgs 9:13 מה העדים האלה אשׁר נתתה לי, 2Kgs 9:22; 2Kgs 18:19.
  d. מה is often used in questions to which the answer little, or nothing, is expected, and it thus becomes equivalent to a rhetorical negative (compare הֲ b, מִי f c):
   (a) Gen 23:15 land worth 400 shekels..., מה היא what is it ? (i.e. it is something quite insignificant), Gen 27:37; Judg 8:3 עשׂות ככם ומהיֿכלתי, Judg 14:18; Hos 9:5; Hos 10:3; Ps 30:10; Ps 56:5; Job 15:9; Job 16:6; Job 21:21; Job 22:13; Job 22:17; Lam 2:13; Song 5:9 מַהאדּוֺדֵךְ מִדּוֺד what is thy beloved (more) than a(nother) beloved ? || לא, 1Kgs 12:16 מַהלָּֿנוּ חֵלֶק בְּדָוֺד וְלֹאנַֿחֲלָה בְּבֶן יִשַׁי (2Sam 20:1 ׳אֵיןלָֿנוּ חֵלֶק וג), Job 16:6.
   (b) followed by כִּי (כִּי 1 f), Gen 20:9; Gen 37:26 מַהבֶּֿצַע כִּי נַהֲרֹג what profit (is it) that we should slay him ? Exod 16:7; Num 16:11; Hab 2:18; 2Kgs 8:13 what is thy servant, the dog, that he should do, etc.? and often in poetry, as Ps 8:5 מָה אנושׁ כי תזכרנו what is man that thou rememberest him ? Job 6:11 מַהכֹּֿחִי כִּי אֲיַחֵל, vJob 6:11 b Job 7:17; Job 15:12f; Job 15:14; Job 16:3; Job 21:15 + (compare ׳מִ f b). Hence,
   (c) in the formula of repudiation, or emphatic denial, (וְלָכֶם) מַהלִּֿי וָלָךְ what is there (common) to me and to thee ? i.e. what have I to do with thee ? Judg 11:12; 2Sam 16:10 מה לי ולכם, 2Sam 19:23; 1Kgs 17:18; 2Kgs 3:13; 2Chr 35:21 compare Josh 22:24; 2Kgs 9:18; 2Kgs 9:19 rather differently, without וְ, Jer 2:18 ׳מה לך לדרך מ what is there to thee with reference to the way to Egypt ? Hos 14:9 מַהאלּוֺ לַעֲצַבִּים, compare Ps 50:16 (לְסַפֵּר); with את, Jer 23:28 מַהלַֿתֶּבֶן אֶתהַֿבָּר beside (or in comparison with) the wheat ? compare τί ἐμοὶ(ἡμῖν)καὶ σοί; Matt 8:29; Mark 5:7; John 2:4 and Arabic
  e. = whatsoever (compare מִי g):
   (a) Judg 9:48 ראיתם עשׂיתי מהרו עשׂו כמוני מה אתם, literally what do you see (that) I have done ? hasten, and do like me (= whatever ye see, etc.), 2Sam 21:4 אעשׂה לכם מה אתם אמרים, Job 6:24 with the apodosis introduced by וְ, 1Sam 20:4 מה תאמר נפשׁך ואעשׂה לך; Esth 5:3 בַּקָּשָׁתֵךְ ֗֗֗ וְיִנָּתֵן לָךְ מַהֿ, vEsth 5:6; Esth 7:2; Esth 9:12 hence in the late and strange idiom of Chronicles, it sinks twice almost to the rel. what, 1Chr 15:13 כי לְמַבָּרִאשׁוֺנָה לא אתם because ye were not (employed) for what was at first (on the former occasion), J. etc., 2Chr 30:3 לְמַדַּי according to what was sufficient (= in sufficient numbers), compare Esth 9:26.
   (b) -מַהשֶּֿׁ (late: frequently in Mishna, etc.), whatever, what (compare מִי אֲשֶׁר, מִי
  g. end): Eccl 1:9 מַהשֶּֿׁהָיָה הוּא שֶׁיִּהְיֶה, literally what is that which hath been ? it is that which shall be (= whatever hath been, it is that which shall be), vEccl 1:9; Eccl 3:15; Eccl 3:22; Eccl 6:10; Eccl 7:24; Eccl 8:7; Eccl 10:14.
2. Used adverbially:
  a. as an interrogative:
   (a) how ? especially in expressing what is regarded as an impossibility, Gen 44:16 מַהנִּֿצְטַדָּ֑ק how shall we justify ourselves ? Num 23:8 (twice in verse); 1Sam 10:27 מַהיּֿשִׁעֵנוּ זֶה, 2Kgs 4:43; Job 9:2; Job 25:4 (twice in verse); Job 31:1 I made a covenant with my eyes, ׳וּמָה אֶתְבּוֺנֵן עַל ב and how should I look upon a maid ? (ᵐ5 οὐ, ᵑ9 non), Prov 20:24 דַּרְכּוֺ וְאָדָם מַהיָּֿבִין; in an indirect question, Exod 10:26; Ps 39:5 ֵ˜אדְעָה מֶהחָֿדֵל אָ֑נִי; מַהזֶּֿה, how, now ? (in surprise), Gen 27:20 מַהזֶּֿה מִהַרְתָּ לִמְצאֹ בְּנִי, Judg 18:24; 1Kgs 21:5; 2Kgs 1:5.
   (b) why ? Exod 14:15 אֵלַי מַה תִּצְעַק, Exod 17:2 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 6:33; 2Kgs 7:3; Ps 42:6 מַהתִּֿשְׁתּוֺחֲחִי עלי, Job 15:12 +; Song 8:4 I adjure you מַהתָּֿעִירוּ וּמַהתְּֿעוֺרֲרוּ, why will ye stir up, etc.? (i.e. do not: || אִם Song 2:7; Song 3:5). — The transition from the interrogative to the negative, to which in Hebrew there is an approximate (see above: especially 1Kgs 12:16; Job 31:1; Song 8:4), is in Arabic complete, being there used constantly in the sense of not (compare WalkerHebraica. xii. 244 ff.; iii, 478).
  b. as an exclamation, how ...! with adjectives and verbs, Gen 28:17 מַהנּֿוֺרָא הַמָּקוֺם הַזֶּה how dreadful is this place! Gen 38:29; Num 24:5 מַהטֹּֿבוּ אֹהָלֶיךָ, Isa 52:7; Ps 3:2 מה רבו, Ps 8:2 מה אדיר, Ps 21:2; Ps 36:8, etc., Song 4:10 (twice in verse); Song 7:2 ironically, 2Sam 6:20; Jer 2:33; Jer 2:36; Job 26:2; Job 26:3.
3. indefinite pronoun anything, aught, Num 23:3 וּדְבַרמַֿהיַּֿרְאֵנִי וְהִגַּדְתִּי לָ֑ךְ and he will shew me the matter of aught, and I will tell thee (= if he shew me... I will, etc., Dr§ 149), 1Sam 19:3 וְרָאִיתִי מָה וִהִגַּדְתִּי לָ֑ךְ = and if I see aught, I will, etc., 1Sam 20:10 אוֺ מַהיַּֿעַנִךָ אָבִיךָ קָשָׁה if perchance thy father shall answer thee aught that is harsh (order, 1 a a), 2Sam 18:22 וִיהִימָֿה אָרוּצָהנָּֿא but let there happen what may (literally aught), I will run, v2Sam 18:23 (compare Job 13:13 וְיַעֲבֹר עָלַי מָה), vJob 13:29 וְלֹא יָדַעְתִּי מָה (compare Prov 9:13), Prov 25:8. compare iii. § 65.
4. With prepositions:
  a. בַּמָּה9, בַּמֶּה19 wherein ? Exod 22:26; Judg 16:5; 1Sam 14:38 (indirect question; We בְּמִי); and so according to the various senses of בְּ: whereby ? Gen 15:8; Exod 33:16; Mal 1:2; Mal 1:6; Mal 1:7; Mal 2:17; Mal 3:7-8 wherewith ? 1Sam 6:2; 2Sam 21:3; Mic 6:6 by what means ? Judg 16:5 וּבַמֶּה נוּכַל לוֺ; at what (worth) ? Isa 2:22 for what ? 2Chr 7:21 (|| 1Kgs 9:8 עלמֿה).
  b. יַעַן מֶה Hag 1:9 because of what ?
  c. כַּמָּה, כַּמֶּה, properly the like of what ? (Arabic , Syriac ); hence
   (a) how much ? how many ? ׳כַּמָּה יְמֵי וגו Gen 47:8; 2Sam 19:35; Ps 119:84; Job 13:23 עַד כַּמֶּה פְעָמִים 1Kgs 22:16 (= 2Chr 18:15); כַּמָּה how often ? Job 21:17 (i.e. how seldom !); in an indirect question, how much ? Zech 2:6 (twice in verse). As an exclamation, Zech 7:3 as I have done זֶה כַמֶּה שָׁנִים now (זֶה 4 i), how many years ! Ps 78:40 כַּמָּה how often !
   (b) for how long ? Ps 35:17 כמה תראה, Job 7:19.
  d. לָ֫מָּה, לָמָ֫ה (לָמָ֫ה mostly before the gutturals א, ה, ע and ׳י [i.e. אֲדֹנָי], but twice besides, Ps 42:10; Ps 43:2 לָ֫מָּה also occurs before guttural, in five places noted by Masoretes on Ps 43:2, namely 1Sam 28:15; 2Sam 2:22; 2Sam 14:31; Ps 49:6; Jer 15:18, and before ךְ Gen 4:6; 2Sam 14:13; 2Sam 24:3; Eccl 2:15), לָ֫מָה Job 7:20, לָ֫מֶה 1Sam 1:8 (3 t. in verse), for what reason ? why? Gen 4:6 למה חרה לך why art thou angry ? Gen 24:31, etc.; often strengthened by זֶה (זֶה 4 e), Gen 18:13; Gen 32:30 (= Judg 13:18) למה זה תשׁאל לשׁמי, Judg 33:15; Exod 2:20; Exod 5:22; Exod 17:3, etc., Jer 6:20; Jer 20:18 +; Gen 25:22 זה אנכי אם כן למהֿ if so, why, then, am I ? (why do I continue to live ?); = to what purpose (followed by לִ person), Gen 27:46 למה לי חיים, Isa 1:11; Jer 6:20; Amos 5:18 למה זה ׳לכם יום י, Job 30:2 in an indirect question, 1Sam 6:3; Dan 10:20. Note especially
   (a) in expostulations, Gen 12:18 למה לא הגדת לי why didst thou not tell me, etc. ? vGen 12:19; Gen 29:25; Gen 31:27; Gen 42:1; Gen 43:6; 1Sam 21:15; 1Sam 22:13; 1Sam 24:10; Ps 22:2; Ps 44:24; Ps 44:25; Ps 74:1; Ps 74:11 + often;
   (b) with an imperfect, often deprecating, or introducing rhetorically, the reason why something should, or should not, be done, why should . . .? 1Sam 19:5; 1Sam 19:17; 1Sam 20:8 but to thy father (emphatic) למה זה תביאני, why shouldst thou bring me ? 1Sam 20:32 מה עשׂה למה יומת why should he be put to death ? 2Sam 13:26; 2Sam 16:9; 2Sam 20:19; 2Kgs 14:10, etc.: in such cases, it approximates in meaning to lest (compare Phoenician CISi. 2, 21 יסגרינם אלנם לָםָ ne tradant eos dii), and is in ᵐ5 often rendered by μήποτε, as Gen 27:45 למה אשׁכל why should I be bereaved, etc. ? Exod 32:12 יאמרו מצרים למה Neh 6:3; Ps 79:10; Ps 115:2; Eccl 7:16, μή, Jer 40:15, ἵνα μή, Gen 47:19; 2Sam 2:22; 2Chr 25:16; Eccl 5:5; Eccl 7:17, or ὅπως μή, Joel 2:17 (in 1Sam 19:17; 2Sam 13:26, paraph. by εἰ μή); and, connected with the foregoing sentence by אשׁר, or שֶׁ, in late, or dialect., Hebrew it actually has that meaning, Dan 1:10 אֲשֶׁר לָמָּה יִרְאֶה lest he see, Song 1:7 שַׁלָּמָ֫ה אֶהְיֶה lest I become (so in Aramaic לְמָה דִּי Ezra 7:23, דִּילְמָא ᵑ7, Syriac , both regularly = lest).
  e. עַדמָֿה (Ps 4:3 עַדמֶֿה) until when ? how long ? Num 24:22 (aposiop.), Ps 4:3; Ps 79:5; Ps 89:47 in indirect question, Ps 74:9 (compare עד אנה, עד מתי). feminine עַלמָֿה, and עַלמֶֿה, upon what ? Job 38:6; 2Chr 32:10 upon what ground ? wherefore ? Num 22:32 עַלמָֿה הִכִּיתָ אֶתאֲֿתֹנְךָ, Deut 29:23 (compare 1Kgs 9:8; Jer 22:8), Isa 1:5; Jer 8:14; Jer 9:11; Jer 16:10; Ezek 21:12; Ps 10:13; Job 13:14 (probably dittograph from vJob 13:13); עלמֿהזֿה Neh 2:4. In an indirect question, Job 10:2 הוֺדִיעֻנִי עַל מַהתְּֿרִיבֻנִי, Esth 4:5 לָדַעַת מַהזֶּֿה וְעַלמַֿהוֶּֿה.


BDB8356 H834 H7945 H4100

BDB8355 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8357

שֶׁ, also ( Gen 6:3 [? see 4 a], Judg 5:7 (twice in verse); Song 1:7; Job 19:29 [?]) שַּׁ , שָׁ in שָׁאַתָּה Judg 6:17, and שְׁ in שְׁהוּא Eccl 2:22, שְׁהֵם Eccl 3:18 (elsewhere before guttural שֶׁ, as שֶׁאֲנִי Song 1:6; Eccl 2:18, שֶׁאֵין Ps 146:3, שֶׁהֵם Song 6:5; Lam 4:9, שֶׁעַל Judg 7:12; Judg 8:26, שֶׁרּאֹשִׁי Song 5:2), relative particle who, which, that, etc. (constantly in Late Hebrew; Aramaic of Nerab, Ldzb371, 445; Assyrian sha; Phoenician אש (regularly), also sometimes ש (Ldzb227 f.): according to Ges Ew§ 181 b Olp. 439 Sta§ 176 e, abbreviated from אֲשֶׁר; more probably (Sperling [see אֲשֶׁר], ii. 323 f.) an original demonstrative particle), synonym with אֲשֶׁר, but in usage limited to late Hebrew, and passages with north Palestinian colouring, namely Judg 5:7 (twice in verse) [אֲשֶׁר vJudg 5:27], Judg 6:17; Judg 7:12; Judg 8:26; 2Kgs 6:11 (see 4 c), Jonah 1:7; Jonah 1:12; Jonah 4:10 [אֲשֶׁר 11 t.], Ps 122:3; Ps 122:4; Ps 123:2; Ps 124:1; Ps 124:2; Ps 124:6; Ps 129:6; Ps 129:7; Ps 133:2; Ps 133:3; Ps 135:2; Ps 135:8; Ps 135:10; Ps 136:23; Ps 137:8; Ps 137:9; Ps 144:15; Ps 146:3; Ps 146:5; Lam 2:15; Lam 2:16; Lam 4:9; Lam 5:18; Ezra 8:20; 1Chr 5:20; 1Chr 27:27 Canticles (uniformly, except in title Song 1:1); Ecclesiastes (68 t.; אֲשֶׁא 89 t.); also (dubious) Gen 6:3; Gen 49:10 (שֶׁלֹּה ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ7), Job 19:29 and in the proper name (q. v.) מִישָׁאֵל and מְתוּשָׁאֵל. — In usage, שֶּׁ  is in the main parallel with אֲשֶׁר, namely

1. as pronoun who, which, whom, Judg 7:12 כַּהוֺל שֶׁעַל שְׂפַת הַיָּם (compare חוֺל c), Ps 122:3; Ps 124:6 etc.; him whom, that which, etc., Song 1:7; Song 3:1; 1Chr 27:27; Eccl 1:11; Eccl 6:3 וְרַב שֶׁיִּהְיוּ יְמֵי חַיָּיו and much (verb) is that which his days amount to (Hi De and others), vEccl 6:10 הוּא שֶּׁ  that which Eccl 1:9 (twice in verse); in the genitive, אַשְׁרֵי שֶּׁ  Ps 137:8; Ps 137:9; Ps 146:5. — On מַהשֶּּֿׁ  in Eccl = whatever, what, see מָה 1 e b.
2. as a connecting link; = where (compare אֲשֶׁר p. 81, and 4 b β), מְקוֺם שֶּׁ  Eccl 1:7; Eccl 11:3 (compare מְקוֺם אֲשֶׁר Gen 39:20 +: Ges«GKC:130c»§ 130c), whither Ps 122:4 (שֶׁשָּׁם ֗֗֗ ), when Song 8:8; Eccl 12:3 בַּיּוֺם שֶּׁ  (compare ib. 4 b a).
3.as a conjunction (compare אֲשֶׁר 8); —
  a. that, after רָאָה Eccl 2:13; Eccl 3:18, יָרַע Eccl 1:17; Eccl 2:14; Eccl 9:5; Job 19:19 (?), דִּבֶּר Eccl 2:15, אָמַר Eccl 8:14, עָשָׂה אוֺת Judg 6:17 as subject of sentence, Eccl 3:13; Eccl 5:15 also in the phrases, (a) what is ... that ? Song 5:9 (usually כִּי; see מָךְ 1 d b), מֶה הָיָה שֶּׁ  how comes it that ... ? Eccl 7:10
   (b) Song 3:4 כִּמְעַט שֶׁעָבַרְתּת מֵהֶם hardly (was it) that (German kaum dass) I had passed, etc., Eccl 7:14 עַל דִּדבְרַת שֶׁלּאֹ יִמְצָא to the intent that ..., Eccl 5:15 כָּלעֻֿמַּת שֶׁבֶּא exactly as ..., Eccl 12:9 תֵר שֶׁ besides that, עַד שֶּׁ  (עַד ּ Judg 5:7) until that Ps 123:2; Song 2:7; Song 2:17 + (see III. עַד II 1 a a and b; compare Late Hebrew Yoma Song 5:1), while Song 1:12 (ib. 2 d); עָשָׂהשֶּׁ  to make or cause that ..., Eccl 3:14 (compare Ezek 36:27).
  b. involving a reason (compare אֲשֶׁר 8 c), because, since, Song 1:6 (twice in verse); Song 5:2; Eccl 2:18 b. Hence שֵׁלָּמָה Song 1:7 since why ? = lest (see מָה 4 d b).
4. compounds:
  a. בְּשֶּׁ , i. q. בַּאֲשֶׁר c (p. 84a) in that, seeing that, Eccl 2:16 also (according to ᵑ0 ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Hu De) Gen 6:3 בְּשַׁגַּם הוּא בָשָׂר because that he also is flesh; but see שָׁגַג.
  b. ˜כּשֶּׁ , i. q. כַּאֲשֶׁר p. 455: — (a) according as Eccl 5:14; Eccl 12:7 (b) when (so often in Late Hebrew, as Ab Eccl 1:8 (3 t. in verse); Eccl 1:14) Eccl 9:12; Eccl 10:3.
  c. מִשֶּּׁ , i. q. מֵאֲשֶׁר a (p. 84:a), 2Kgs 6:12 מִי מִשֶּׁלָּנוּ who of those that are ours ? (but Klo KmpKau Benz מְגַלֵּנוּ who betrays us ? compare ᵐ5); Eccl 5:4 than that (compare מֵאֲשֶׁר Eccl 3:22), + Eccl 2:24 (read מִשֶּׁיּאֹכַל with Ew De, etc.; compare Eccl 3:22).
  d. שֶׁל, like אֲשֶׁרלְ (אֲשֶׁר 7 b), a mark of the genitive: thrice, adding slight emphasis to the suffix, Song 1:6 = Song 8:12 כַּרְמִי שֶׁלִּי my vineyard (literally my vineyard, which is mine), Song 3:7 מִטָּתוֺ שֶׁלִּשְׁלֹמֹה (so often in Late Hebrew, but without any special emphasis, as Aboth Song 1:12 הֲוֵי מתלמידיווּ שׁלאֿהרן be of Aaron's disciples, Song 2:1 שְׂכָרָן שֶׁלמִֿצְוֺת, vSong 2:2; Song 3:2 הֲוֵי מתפלל בשׁלומהּ שׁלמֿלכות; compare in Syriac, as Luke 6:42 my words, § 225). And with בְּ, בְּשֶׁל literally through that which belongs to or concerns, pleonastic for on account of (a late, unidiomatic translation of Aramaic בְּרִיל, from בְּ, דִּי, and לְ, as in Onk Gen 12:13 בדילי on my account, Gen 30:27; Gen 39:5 בְּדִיל יוֺסֵף, בְּדִיל מָא on account of what ? Judg 8:1; 2Sam 9:1; 1Kgs 11:12; 1Kgs 11:39, etc.), Jonah 1:7 בְּשֶׁלְּמִי on account of whom ? (|| vJonah 1:8 בַּאֲשֶׁר לְמִי; probably a gloss), vJonah 1:12 בְּשֶׁלִּי an account of me (ᵑ7 בְּדִיל מַן, בְּדִילִי); Eccl 8:17 בְּשֶׁל אֲשֶׁר יַעֲמֹל הָאָדָם לְבַקֵּשׁ on account of (the fact) that (= seeing that) man labours, etc. (unidiomatic translation of Aramaic בְּדִיל דְּ because that, as Gen 6:3 בְּדִיל דְּאִינוּן בִּסְרָא, Gen 39:9 בְּרִיל דְּאַתְּ אִיתְּתֵיהּ [for Hebrew בַּאֲשֶׁר אַתְּ אִשְׁתּוֺ]; Palmyrene בדיל די Ldzb233, — in Tariff Gen 1:4 (CookeN. Semitic Inscr. 320) = ἐπειδή).


[שֹׁא] see [ שׁוֺא].


BDB9652 H3964 H4101 H4100

BDB9651 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9653

מָה (מָא Ezra 6:8) pronoun interrogative and indefinite what? (Biblical Hebrew מָה; Nabataean מה; Zinjirli מ; ᵑ7 מא; Syriac ; Arabic : compare WCG 124 f.); —

1. what ? Dan 4:32 מה עבדת.
2. whatever, what (compare Biblical Hebrew 1 b end) Dan 2:22 ידע מח בחשׁוכא knoweth what is in darkness, Ezra 6:9: so מָה דִּי (compare דִּי 1 b: so Nabataean; Palmyrene מא די, מדי, Lzb306 Cooke320, 332) Dan 2:28; Dan 2:29 (twice in verse); Dan 2:45; Ezra 6:8 למא די תעבדון with regard to what ye shall do, Ezra 7:18 (= whatsoever).
3. with prefixes:
  a. כְּמָה how! Dan 3:33 (twice in verse).
  b. לְמָה why? (compare Biblical Hebrew לָמָּה) Ezra 4:22 be not slack herein: why should damage grow, etc., virtually = lest damage grow (ᵐ5 μή ποτε), Ezra 7:23 די למה להוא קצף for why should there be wrath ? = lest [ᵐ5 μή ποτε] there be wrath (compare ᵑ7 דִּילְמָא, Syriac lest: and see מָה 4 d b, p. 554:a).
  c. עלמֿה wherefore? Dan 2:15.

what, why, wherefore, how, wherein, …
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and even relatively, that which); often used with prefixes in various adverbial or conjunctive senses
  • (interr pron) what, how, of what kind
    • (interrogative)
      • what?
      • "of what kind"what? (rhetorical)"whatsoever, whatever, what
      (adverb)
      • how, how now
      • "why"how! (exclamation)
      (with prep)
      • wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means?
      • "because of what?"the like of what?
        • how much?, how many?, how often?
        • "for how long?
        for what reason?, why?, to what purpose?"until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron
    anything, aught, what may

לָּֽ ךְ
לָּֽ
Preposition to, for
ךְ
Suffix — pronoun your / you (one woman)

Preposition

In the KJV here: thou
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.
וַתִּקֹּ֣ד בַּת שֶׁ֔בַע Zaqef Qatan — a strong break וַתִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ Tipeha — a lesser break לַמֶּ֑לֶךְ Etnahta — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וַיֹּ֥אמֶר הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ Tipeha — a lesser break מַה לָּֽךְ Silluq — end of the verse

וַתִּקֹּד בַּת-שֶׁבַע וַתִּשְׁתַּחוּ לַמֶּלֶךְ וַיֹּאמֶר הַמֶּלֶךְ מַה-לָּֽךְ׃
16
And Bath-sheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?
Cross References

1 Samuel 20:41

הַנַּעַר בָּא וְדָוִד קָם מֵאֵצֶל הַנֶּגֶב וַיִּפֹּל לְאַפָּיו אַרְצָה וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ שָׁלֹשׁ פְּעָמִים וַֽיִּשְּׁקוּ׀ אִישׁ אֶת-רֵעֵהוּ וַיִּבְכּוּ אִישׁ אֶת-רֵעֵהוּ עַד-דָּוִד הִגְדִּֽיל׃
41
And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.

1 Samuel 24:8

וַיָּקָם דָּוִד אַֽחֲרֵי-כֵן וַיֵּצֵא ‫(מן)‬ ‫(מֵֽהַמְּעָרָה)‬ וַיִּקְרָא וַיִּקְרָא אַֽחֲרֵי-שָׁאוּל לֵאמֹר אֲדֹנִי הַמֶּלֶךְ וַיַּבֵּט שָׁאוּל אַֽחֲרָיו וַיִּקֹּד דָּוִד אַפַּיִם אַרְצָה וַיִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ׃
8
David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.

1 Samuel 25:23

וַתֵּרֶא אֲבִיגַיִל אֶת-דָּוִד וַתְּמַהֵר וַתֵּרֶד מֵעַל הַֽחֲמוֹר וַתִּפֹּל לְאַפֵּי דָוִד עַל-פָּנֶיהָ וַתִּשְׁתַּחוּ אָֽרֶץ׃
23
And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,

1 Kings 2:20

וַתֹּאמֶר שְׁאֵלָה אַחַת קְטַנָּה אָֽנֹכִי שֹׁאֶלֶת מֵֽאִתָּךְ אַל-תָּשֶׁב אֶת-פָּנָי וַיֹּֽאמֶר-לָהּ הַמֶּלֶךְ שַֽׁאֲלִי אִמִּי כִּי לֹֽא-אָשִׁיב אֶת-פָּנָֽיִךְ׃
20
Then she said, I desire of thee; one small petition I pray thee, say nay. me not And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for not I will say nay. thee

Esther 7:2

וַיֹּאמֶר הַמֶּלֶךְ לְאֶסְתֵּר גַּם בַּיּוֹם הַשֵּׁנִי בְּמִשְׁתֵּה הַיַּיִן מַה-שְּׁאֵֽלָתֵךְ אֶסְתֵּר הַמַּלְכָּה וְתִנָּתֵֽן לָךְ וּמַה-בַּקָּֽשָׁתֵךְ עַד-חֲצִי הַמַּלְכוּת וְתֵעָֽשׂ׃
2
And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.

1 Kings 1:23

וַיַּגִּידוּ לַמֶּלֶךְ לֵאמֹר הִנֵּה נָתָן הַנָּבִיא וַיָּבֹא לִפְנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ לַמֶּלֶךְ עַל-אַפָּיו אָֽרְצָה׃
23
And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.

Matthew 20:32

καὶ στὰς Ἰησοῦς ἐφώνησεν αὐτοὺς καὶ εἶπεν Τί θέλετε ποιήσω ὑμῖν
32
And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?

Matthew 20:21

δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῇ Τί θέλεις λέγει αὐτῷ Εἰπὲ ἵνα καθίσωσιν οὗτοι οἱ δύο υἱοί μου εἷς ἐκ δεξιῶν σου καὶ εἷς ἐξ εὐωνύμων ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ σου
21
And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.