1 Samuel 3:9 — Hebrew Word by Word

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Word Parts

וַ יֹּ֨אמֶר

וַ

Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)

יֹּ֨אמֶר

Root word said, saying, saith, say, spake, …

Dictionary form: אָמַר · aw-MAHR

Vowels & Accents

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 ___".

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar C/Vqw3ms

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)"

וַ	Speech Conjunction
יֹּאמֶר	Speech Verb Stem Qal Type Sequential Imperfect (Wayyiqtol) Person Third Person Gender Masculine Number Singular

Verb Chart

Full verb chart

In English

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB557 H559

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 JHMordtm^{ZMG 1876, 37}; compare Dl^{Pr 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 Kö^{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 Dr^{Expositor, 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 Dr^{Sm 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; Ges^Comm. so De Che Kö^{i. 457 f.} (from [ימר] exchange Thes Hi Kn Ew Di; but see ימר, מור).

BDB9309 H560 H559

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].

Strong's Definition H559

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

Variations 175 forms of this word

Translations 575 English renderings

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Word Parts

עֵלִ֣י

Root word a name — transliterate it ("Therefore eli")

Dictionary form: עֵלִי · ay-LEE

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Np

Noun — Proper Name

עֵלִי

Speech Noun Type Proper Name

In English

In the KJV here: therefore eli

eli ×13 of eli ×7 now eli ×3 and eli ×2 then eli ×2 therefore eli ×2 and when eli ×1 me and eli ×1

More options

Eli — Standard proper name; use in all narrative contexts.

the priest Eli — Clarifies role when first introducing the character.

Eli the high priest — Specifies office for readers unfamiliar with the narrative.

old Eli — Suitable when age or frailty is contextually emphasized.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB6071 H5941

עֵלִי proper name, masculine Eli, priest at Shiloh 1Sam 1:3 ( + v1Sam 1:3 ᵐ5 Th Klo HPS), v1Sam 1:9 v1Sam 1:12 + 28 t. 1-4 + 1Sam 14:3; 1Kgs 2:27 Ηλει.

Strong's Definition H5941

eli, elis

ʿēlî

ascension

Eli, an Israelite highpriest

descendant of Aaron through Ithamar and high priest and judge of Israel when Samuel entered service as a child

Variations 4 forms of this word

Translations 10 English renderings

Eli High priest and judge of Israel at Shiloh

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Word Parts

לִ שְׁמוּאֵל֮

לִ

Prefix — preposition to, for

שְׁמוּאֵל֮

Root word a name — transliterate it ("Unto samuel")

Dictionary form: שְׁמוּאֵל · sheh-moo-ALE

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar R/Np

Noun — Proper Name

לִ	Speech Preposition
שְׁמוּאֵל	Speech Noun Type Proper Name

In English

In the KJV here: unto samuel

samuel ×53 and samuel ×50 of samuel ×7 then samuel ×7 so samuel ×4 and when samuel ×3 and as samuel ×2 now samuel ×2

More options

Samuel — Standard modern English rendering of this proper name.

Shemuel — Use when emphasizing the Hebrew original or non-Israelite bearer.

Samuel (Shemuel) — First occurrence; introduces both forms for clarity.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB8779 H8050

שְׁמוּאֵל₁₄₀ proper name, masculine Samuel (= name of El Thes and others (or, his name is El Hom^{Heb.Trad.98f.} Wkl^{KAT 3. 225} Now 181, 20), compare פּנוּאֵל, רְעוּאֵל; see Dr^{181, 20}; Prät^{ZMG 1903, 777 ff.} caritative from יִשְׁמָעֵאל; Palmyrene שמואל Lzb³⁷⁷; see further Gie^{AT Schätzung d. Gottesn. (1901), 102 ff.}); —

1. great prophet, 11th cent. B.C., σαμουηλ: 1Sam 1:20 (name explained as if from שָׁאַל), 1Sam 1:18; 1Sam 1:21; 1Sam 1:26 + 125 t. 1 Samuel; 1Chr 6:13; 1Chr 6:18; 1Chr 9:22; 1Chr 11:3; 1Chr 26:28; 1Chr 29:29; 1Chr 2:18; Ps 99:6.

2. in Simeon, Num 34:30 (P), σαλαμιηλ.

3. in Issachar 1Chr 7:2, (I) σαμουηλ.

Strong's Definition H8050

samuel, shemuel

šĕmûʾēl

his name is El

Shemuel, the name of three Israelites

son of Elkanah by his wife Hannah and judge or prophet of Israel during the days of Saul and David

Variations 5 forms of this word

Translations 19 English renderings

Samuel The Prophet; The Seer Shemuel Son of Tola, a leader of Issachar Shemuel Simeonite leader for land allotment

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Word Parts

לֵ֣ךְ

Root word go, went, walk, walked, walking, …

Dictionary form: יָלַךְ · yaw-LAHK

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Vqv2ms

Verb — Qal, Imperative, second person masculine singular simple action — "he did" a command — try "___!" the built-in subject is "you"

לֵךְ	Speech Verb Stem Qal Type Imperative Person Second Person Gender Masculine Number Singular

Verb Chart

Full verb chart

In English

In the KJV here: go

and he went ×2 go ×2 went ×2 and gat ×1 and he went on ×1 as he went ×1 come ×1 for he walked ×1

More options

go — Most versatile; suits narrative, command, and description.

walk — Emphasizes manner or ongoing movement, not just destination.

travel — Suits longer or more purposeful journeys.

move — Neutral; good when direction matters more than manner.

proceed — Formal register; implies continuation toward a goal.

set out — Highlights the moment of departure or beginning of journey.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB2162 H1980 H3212

הָלַךְ₁₅₄₅ verb go, come, walk (MI ואהלך, לך; SI וילכו; Late Hebrew הִלֵּךְ (rare), Aramaic הֲלַךְ, הַךְ (also Biblical Aramaic), oftener הַלֵּיךְ Pa`el, , Palmyrene Ithpe`el אתילכא Vog^{No. 15, 1. 4}; Assyrian alâku Dl^w; also Arabic perish) —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳ה Gen 26:26 +; הָלָ֑ךְ 2Sam 8:6 +; 3 plural הָֽלְכוּ Gen 14:24 +; (הֶ)הָֽלְכוּא Josh 10:24 (Ges^{«GKC:23»§ 23}, 3; 138, 3 b Kö^{i. 414 f.}), etc.; Imperfect rarely
a. 3 masculine singular יִהֲלֹךְ Jer 9:3 + 4 t. Job, Psalms; וַיַּהֲלֹךְ Job 14:20 3 feminine singular תִּהֲלַךְ Ps 73:9 וַתִּהֲלַךְ Exod 9:23 (Ew^{§ 138 b} Ges^{«GKC:69»§ 69}, R. 8 Kö^{i. 415}); 1 singular אֶהֱלֹךְ Exod 16:22; Exod 23:8 (compare M 1:14; M 1:15); יִהֲלֹ֑כוּ Job 41:11 usually
b. (629 t.) as if from ילך (ולך; see Hiph`il Ges^{«GKC:69»§ 69}, 2 R. 8 Kö^{i. 414 ff.} Prät^{ZAW 1882, 310 ff.}; compare also יָלַד etc.) 3 masculine singular יֵלֵךְ Exod 10:24 +; יֵלֵ֑ךְ Eccl 5:15 +; וְיֵלַ֑ךְ Job 27:21 יֵלֶךְֿ Exod 34:9 +; וַיֵּלֶךְ Gen 12:4 (twice in verse) + 210 t., וַיֵּלַ֑ךְ Gen 24:61 + 6 t.; 3 feminine singular תֵּלֵךְ Gen 24:39 תֵּלֵ֑ךְ Ps 97:3 וַתֵּ֫לֶךְ Gen 7:18 +; 2 masculine singular תֵּלֵךְ etc. Gen 3:14 +; 2 feminine singular תֵּלְכִי etc. Judg 4:8 (twice in verse) +; 1 singular אֵלֵךְ Exod 3:11 +; וָאֵלֵךְ Judg 19:18 +; וָאֵלַ֑ךְ Job 19:10 אֵלְכָה Gen 45:28 +, אֵילְכָה Mic 1:8 3 masculine plural יֵלְכו Exod 5:7 +; יֵלֵכ֑וּן Ps 89:31 + 2 t.; וַיֵּלְכוּ Gen 9:23 (וילכו also SI⁴) +; 3 feminine plural תֵּלַכְנָה Judg 11:40 +; 2 masculine plural תֵּלְכוּ Gen 42:38 +; תֵּלְכוּן Deut 6:14 תֵּלֵכ֑וּן Exod 3:21; Isa 52:12 2 feminine plural תֵּלַכְנָה Ruth 1:11 1 plural נֵלֵךְ Exod 8:23 +; וַנֵּ֫לֶךְ Deut 1:19, etc.; Imperative rarely
a. הֲלוֺךְ Prov 13:20 (Kt.; Qr הֹלֵךְ, compare De Now); masculine plural הִלְכוּ Jer 51:10 usually
b. (241 t.) masculine singular לֵךְ Gen 26:16 + (לך also MI¹⁴), לֶךְֿ Gen 27:9 +; לְכָה Gen 19:32 +; לְךָ Num 23:13; Judg 19:13; 2Chr 25:17 לֵ֑כָה 1Sam 23:17 feminine singular לְכִי Judg 9:10 +; masculine plural לְכוּ Gen 37:20 +; feminine plural לֵ֫כְנָה Ruth 1:8, לֵ֫כְןָ Ruth 1:12, etc.; Infinitive absolute הָלוֺךְ Gen 8:3 +; הָלֹךְ Gen 31:30 +; construct rarely
a. הֲלֹךְ Exod 3:19 + 4 t.; הֲלָךְֿ Eccl 6:9 usually
b. (129 t.) לֶ֫כֶת Mic 6:8 +; לָ֑כֶת Prov 15:21 +2 t.; suffix לֶכְתִּי 1Kgs 2:8 לֶכְתָּם 2Sam 17:21 + 7 t. (6 Ezekiel); לֶכְתָּן Ezek 1:9; Ezek 1:12; Ezek 1:17, etc.; Participle הֹלֵךְ Gen 18:16 +; הוֺלֵךְ Gen 15:2 +; feminine הֹלְכָה Jer 3:6 הֹלֶכֶת Gen 32:21 + 2 t.+ הֹלָכֶתי 2Kgs 4:23 plural הֹלְכִים Exod 33:15 +, etc.; construct הֹלְכֵי Judg 5:6 + 3 t.; feminine plural הֹלְכֹת etc. Exod 2:5 + 3 t.; — found in all documents of Hexateuch, especially J E (240 t.; D 65 t., P 30 t. + H 14 t.); —

I. literal

1. of persons,
a. go, proceed, move, walk Gen 22:6; Gen 22:8; Exod 17:5; Amos 3:3; Zeph 1:17 + often; of cherubim Ezek 10:16 = living creatures Ezek 1:9; Ezek 1:12; Ezek 1:19; Ezek 1:20; Ezek 1:21; Ezek 1:24 opposed to sitting(ישׁב) Deut 6:7; Deut 11:19 (both with בַּדֶּרֶךְ); || running (רוץ) Prov 4:12; Isa 40:31, compare also 2Chr 30:6 distinguished from riding, driving Gen 24:65 (J; followed by בַּשָּׂדֶה לִקְרָאתֵנוּ), Judg 5:10 (עַלהַֿדֶּרֶךְ), Isa 41:3 (בְּרַגְלָיו), compare Eccl 5:1 (followed by אֶל), Eccl 10:7 (followed by עַלהָֿאָרֶץ); on usage with preposition see below; but also || וַיִּרְכַּב 1Kgs 13:13; 1Kgs 18:45 compare 2Kgs 9:16 וַיֵּלֶךְ רֹכֵב הַסּוּס v2Kgs 9:18 (followed by לִקְרָאתוֺ); נְהַג וָלֵךְוַ֗֗֗תֵּלָךְ וַתָּבאֹ 2Kgs 4:24 drive and go forward. . . and she went, and came.
b. depart, go away: Gen 18:33 (J), and ׳י departed, Gen 34:17 (P) then we will take our daughter and depart; compare 1Sam 14:3; 1Sam 15:27; Exod 3:19 (J), Exod 12:28 (P) 2Kgs 5:25 +; go, go out (to a specific duty etc.): of Samuel 1Sam 7:16, Barak Judg 4:8 (twice in verse); go out, forth (opposed to שׁוּב) Ruth 1:21 +; = go into exile (without modifier) 1Chr 5:41 compare Jer 22:10 (הֹלֵךְ of one going into exile; opposed to death); see further אֲשֶׁר הָֽלְכוּ שָׁם Ezek 37:21.
c. less often where English idiom requires or prefers come, (approach, arrive), verb in Hebrew being referred to starting point; mostly with preposition (on usage with preposition in general see below): — לְכָה אֵלַי 1Sam 17:44 so in prayer to ׳י, וּלְכָה לִישֻׁעָ֫תָה לָ֫נוּ Ps 80:3 also in Yahweh's exhortations to Israel: Isa 55:1 (לַמַּיִם), vIsa 55:3 (אֵלַי); come to, arrive at a land (ָ ה locative) Gen 29:1 come unto (אֶל) a people Ruth 2:11 but compare especially (without preposition) Imperative followed by another Imperative, etc., see below 5 f, & particular cases like Num 22:6; Num 22:11; Num 22:17; Num 23:7 (twice in verse); Isa 55:1 (twice in verse) etc., where actual summons to approach the speaker.
d. with modifiers : (I) a. of space traversed: אֵת כָּלהַֿמִּדְבָּר Deut 1:19 (compare I. אֵת 2), כָּלהַֿבִּתְרוֺן 2Sam 2:29 especially with accusative דֶּרֶךְ way, Gen 35:3 (E) Num 20:17(JE) Deut 1:31; 2Sam 4:7; 1Kgs 13:12 (twice in verse); Jer 52:7 compare וְלֹא תָשׁוּב בַּדֶּרֶךְ אֲשֶׁר הָלָ֑כְתָּ 1Kgs 13:9 הֹלֵךְ דֶּרֶךְ = traveler Isa 35:8 followed by אֳרָחוֺת Judg 5:6 (song), participle construct הֹלְכֵי נְתִיבוֺת vJudg 5:6 goers of paths (wayfarers); c, accusative דֶּרֶךְ = journey Prov 7:19 β. with accusative of time Deut 2:14; 2Sam 2:32, compare Josh 5:6; Josh 14:10 also, with combination of ideas of space & time דֶּרֶךְ שְׁלשֶׁת יָמִים Exod 3:18 (+ בַּמִּדְבָּר see below) compare Exod 5:3; Exod 8:23; Exod 15:22 (all J E), Num 33:8 (P) 1Kgs 19:4. (2) with preposition: a. followed by בְּ of space (territory, country, etc.) in which בַּמִּדְבָּר Judg 11:16; Judg 11:18 compare וַיֵּלֶךְ בַּבַּיִת אַחַת הֵנָּה וְאַחַת הֵנָּה 2Kgs 4:35 and he walked in the house once hither, once thither; especially + accusative of time or distance (compare above) Josh 5:6; Josh 14:10 (both D) 1Kgs 19:4 בָּֽעֲרָבָה 2Sam 2:29 compare בַּיַּבָּשָׁה Exod 14:29 = Exod 15:19 (P ?); בְּתוֺךְ הָעֵמֶק Josh 8:13 (JE); followed by בְּ of way, path בְּדֶרֶךְ 1Kgs 18:6 (twice in verse) ׳בַּדּ Num 21:22 (JE) Josh 24:17 (E) Deut 1:33; Deut 2:27; Judg 18:6; 1Sam 28:22 לֹא תָשׁוּב לָלֶכֶת בַּדֶּרֶךְ אֲשֶׁר הָלַכְתָּ בָּהּ 1Kgs 13:17 (הָלַךְ of both going & coming); so often figurative, compare below II. 3; walk in the streets בִּרְחֹבֹת Lam 4:18, walk by the way ׳בַּדּ (opposed to יָשַׁב sit) Deut 6:7; Deut 11:19 β. followed by עַל, go or walk on (by) עַליַֿד הַיְאֹר Exod 2:5 עַלהַֿדֶּרֶךְ 1Sam 9:6 (i.e. set out, start, upon compare Dr); construct followed by לְ Judg 5:10. (3) go to, unto: a. followed by accusative, in general בְּכָלאֲֿשֶׁר תֵּלֵךְ Gen 28:15 (J) whithersoever thou goest Josh 1:7; Josh 1:9 (D), compare 2Sam 7:9; 2Sam 8:6; 2Sam 8:14 = 1Chr 17:8; 1Chr 18:6; 1Chr 18:13 more definitely, to a land, with or without ארץ Judg 1:26; Judg 21:21; Jer 37:12 so figurative Hos 7:11 resort to (accusative) Asshur (|| קרא); to a city 1Sam 11:14; 1Sam 11:15; 1Sam 23:5; 1Kgs 2:8; 1Kgs 11:24; 1Kgs 12:1; 1Kgs 14:2; 1Kgs 14:4; 2Kgs 9:1; 1Chr 11:4; 2Chr 8:3; Ezra 8:31 to a house בַּיִת 2Sam 13:7; 2Sam 13:8, house of ׳י Ps 122:1 a field, Gen 27:5 (J; + Infinitive of purpose); valley of salt 2Chr 25:11. β. followed by ָ ה locative, אַ֫רְצָה Gen 11:31; Gen 12:5, פַּדֶּ֫נָת אֲרָם Gen 28:2; Gen 28:5; Gen 28:7 (all P) compare Gen 29:1 (E) Num 32:39 (JE) 2Sam 14:23 of city Gen 18:22; Gen 28:10 (both J) Judg 9:1; 1Sam 15:34; 1Sam 16:13; 1Sam 19:22; 2Sam 15:9; 1Kgs 3:4; 1Kgs 18:45; 2Chr 10:1 of river Euphrates Jer 13:4; Jer 13:6; Jer 13:7 of a wood 1Sam 23:16 a mountain Josh 2:16 (JE); compare also אָ֫נָה הָֽלְכוּ whither have they gone Gen 16:8; Gen 32:18; Josh 2:5 (all J E) compare Neh 2:16; Song 6:1; Judg 19:17, אָ֫נֶה וָאָ֫נָה 1Kgs 2:42 (but also ׳אָן ה 1Sam 10:14); שָׁ֫מָּה Jer 40:4 but also שָׁם 1Sam 9:6; Jer 45:5 הֵ֫נָּה 2Kgs 4:35. γ. with preposition:
(a) most often followed by אֶלֿ unto,, e.g., unto the place, הַמָּקוֺם, Gen 22:3 (E) Gen 30:25 (J), etc.; of land Gen 22:2 (E) Gen 24:4; Gen 24:10 (J) Gen 36:6 (P) Josh 22:9 (D), etc.; of city Gen 22:19 (E) 1Sam 9:10; Jonah 3:3, etc.; of house Gen 24:38 (J) Eccl 7:2 (twice in verse); house of God Eccl 4:17 of people Exod 19:10 (E) etc.; in other designations of place, Josh 8:9 (JE), Ezra 10:6; Ruth 2:9,.etc., also followed by אֶל = against, of military expedition: Judg 1:10 against Canaanites; a city Judg 9:1; 1Kgs 22:15 = 2Chr 18:5; 2Chr 18:14 also followed by אֶל of individual persons Gen 26:1; Gen 26:26 (both J), Gen 41:55 (E) 2Kgs 6:22; 2Kgs 6:23; 2Kgs 22:14 = 2Chr 34:22; Jer 41:14 +; once with implicit coire cum femina Amos.Jer 2:7 (compare בּוֺא 1 e, p. 98); see especially לַהֲלֹךְ אֶלאֵֿל בַּמִּשְׁפָּט Job 34:23 of judicial inquiry by God; come unto the speaker Num 22:16; Num 22:37 ( both J E), unto the one addressed Isa 60:14.
(b) rarely followed by עַלֿ unto (Jeremiah Kings Ezekiel) with בַּיִת 1Kgs 20:43, שָׂדֶה 1Kgs 2:26 (+ accusative of location), compare עַלכָּֿל אֲשֶׂר Jer 1:7, עַלאֲֿשֶׁר יִהְיֶה שָׁם Ezek 1:12 (of the רוּחַ; compare אֶלאֲֿשֶׁר יִהְיֶה שָׁ֫מָּה vEzek 1:20); also וַאֲנִיִ הוֺלֵךְ עַלֹ אֲשֶׁראֲֿנִי הוֺלֵךְ 2Sam 15:20 = I am going I know not where compare Lag^{Psalt. Hieron. 1874, 156 f.} Dr^Sm; see further Jer 3:6 (followed by both עַל & אֶל; on confusion of אֶל and לְַ see these words); followed by עַל against city 1Kgs 22:6, king 2Chr 22:5.
(c) followed by עַד as far as, unto, place עַדכֹּֿה Gen 22:5 (E), compare 1Kgs 12:30 (וַיֵּלְכוּ הָעָם לִפְנֵי הָאֶחָד עַד דָּ֑ן), 2Kgs 6:2; 2Kgs 10:25; 2Kgs 7:15 compare 2Chr 26:8 persons 1Sam 9:9.
(d) followed by לְ, to a land 1Kgs 10:13 etc.; a city 2Chr 8:17 a mountain 1Chr 4:42 a bamah 2Chr 1:3 compare לִמְבוֺא גְדֹר 1Chr 4:39 & see below; also before proper name of person Gen 24:56 (J); further לַמִּלְחָמָה Ezek 7:14 לְסִבְלֹתיכֶם Exod 5:4 (J) go to your burdens compare Isa 60:3, וְהַתּוֺדָה הַשֵׁנִית הַהוֺלֶכֶת לְמוֺאל Neh 12:38 the second thanksgiving choir, that went the opposite way; frequently לְדַרְכּוֺ etc., go (to, on) one's way Gen 19:2 (J) Gen 32:2 (E) Num 24:25; Josh 2:16 (both J E) Judg 18:26; 1Sam 1:18; 1Sam 26:25 +; לְמַסָּעָיו Gen 13:3 (J); compare הַהוֺלֵךְ לְמֶרְחֲבֵיאֶֿדֶץ Hab 1:6 that marcheth through the breath of the land (of invader); note especially in sense of depart to, go away to, almost = return to; וְהָלַכְתָּ לְאֹהָלָיךָ Deut 16:7 and thou shalt go (back) to thy tents, so Judg 19:6; Judg 20:8; 1Kgs 8:66; 1Kgs 12:16 = 2Chr 10:16 לְבֵיתוֺ 1Sam 10:26 compare 1Sam 14:8; 1Sam 23:18; 1Kgs 14:12; 1Chr 16:43 לִמְקוֺמוֺ 1Sam 2:20 (compare VB Dr) 1Sam 14:46 see also go away or off to 1Chr 4:42; 2Chr 8:17.
(e) followed by בְּ into בַּשָּׂדֶה Num 22:23 (of Balsam's ass); especially in בּשְּׁבִי ׳ה go into captivity Amos 9:4; Nah 3:10; Deut 28:41; Jer 20:6; Jer 22:22; Jer 30:16; Lam 1:18 (= שְׁבִי ׳ה vLam 1:5) compare Ezek 30:17; Ezek 30:18; Isa 46:2; Isa 48:11 בַּגּוֺלָה׳ה Jer 48:11; Ezek 25:3 see also בַּכְּלִמָּה ׳ה Isa 45:16 בַּמִּלְתָמָה ׳ה 1Sam 17:13 בַּקְּרָ֑ב ׳ה 2Sam 17:11 (but see Dr). (4) go from, depart from, followed by מִן, e.g. 1Kgs 2:41, etc., מִשָּׁם Gen 42:26 (E) 1Kgs 19:19 compare אָנָה אֵלֵךְ מֵרוּחֶ֑ךָ Ps 139:7 note especially הָלַךְ מֵעֵינָיו ׳וּמַלְאַךְ י Judg 6:21 compare 1Sam 14:17 (מֵעִמָנוּ), Hos 9:6 (מִשֹּׁד, from destruction; also followed by מֵאֵת of divorced woman Jer 3:1 (מֵאִתּוֺ), compare also Gen 26:31 (J), Josh 22:9 (?P) מֵאֵצֶל 1Kgs 20:36. (5) with preposition denoting other relations: — a. אֵת of accompaniment, אִתִּי ׳ה (on warlike expedition) Gen 14:24 compare 2Sam 15:11; Josh 10:24; Judg 1:3 (followed by בְּ into), Judg 7:4 (twice in verse), see also 1Sam 23:23; 2Sam 16:17 +. β. עִם Judg 4:8 (twice in verse); Judg 4:9 (twice in verse); Judg 7:4; Judg 11:8; 1Sam 30:22 (twice in verse); 2Sam 19:26; Num 22:13; Num 22:14 (JE) +. γ. בְּ with (compare בְּ III. 1, p. 89), especially Exod 10:9, compare Hos 5:6 ׳בְּצאֹנָם וּבִבְּקָרָם יֵלְכוּ לְבַקֵּשׁ אֶתיֿ, of vain sacrifices; 2Chr 30:6 the runners went with (בְּ) letters. δ בְּקֶרֶב in the midst of, Exod 34:9 (JE). ε. לִפְנֵי in front of, before, before Cyrus Isa 45:2, (compare of fire & pestilence, below 3); of ׳י going before Israel Exod 13:21; Num 14:14, compare also Exod 23:23; Exod 32:34 & (in meaning) Exod 33:14 (פָּנַי יֵלֵ֑כוּ), vExod 33:15, Isa 52:12, with which camp. לְפָנֶיךָ צִדְקֶ֑ךָ ׳וה Isa 58:8 of other gods Exod 32:1; Exod 32:23 (all J E); לְנֶגְדֶּ֑ךָ Gen 33:12 (J).

**לִפְנֵי ׳ה also (less often) = go (and present oneself) before a deity or shrine 1Kgs 12:30; 1Chr 21:30 (compare בוא לפני Exod 28:30, קִדֵּם פְּנֵי Ps 95:2). ζ. with אַחַר go after, follow, persons Gen 37:17 (J) 2Kgs 7:15 אַחֲרֵי Gen 24:5; Gen 24:8; Gen 24:39; Gen 24:61 (all J), Josh 3:3 (D), Num 16:25 (JE) +; compare also II. 3 d (going after false gods, etc.); מֵאַחֲרֵיהֶם Exod 14:19 (J). η. לְ with sense of dativus ethicus [dative of interest]: וַיֵּלֶךְ לוֺ אֶלאַֿרְצוֺ Exod 18:27 (E) and he gat him (betook himself) to his country; אֵ֫לֶךְ לִי אֶל Song 4:6 I will get me unto; וְנֵלְכָהלָֿנוּ 1Sam 26:11 and let us be gone, compare v1Sam 26:12, Song 2:11 (of rain compare infr, 3); Imperative in same construction: לֶךְלְֿךָאֶל Gen 22:2 (E) get thee unto, לְכוּ לָכֶם לְאָהֳלֵיכֶם Josh 22:4 (D) also לֶךְלְֿךָ מִן Gen 12:1 (J), & לְכִילָֿךְ Song 2:10; Song 2:13 get thee away, come away. θ adverbial phrases of manner with preposition:
(a) בְּ, בְּשָׁלוֺם ׳ה go in peace Gen 26:31(J) 1Sam 29:7; 2Sam 3:21; 2Sam 3:22; 2Sam 3:23; 2Sam 15:9 בְּכֹהַ הָאֲכִילָה הַהִיא ׳ה 1Kgs 19:8, בְּחֵמָה ׳ה 2Kgs 5:12 compare also 1Sam 17:39; Isa 52:12 בְּסַעֲרוֺת תֵּימָן ׳וְה Zech 9:14 of ׳י, and he shall go in (or with) storms of the south; בְּ pretii, הַהֹלְכִים בְּנַפְשׁוֺתָם 2Sam 23:17 who went at risk of their life (otherwise in || 1Chr 11:19); compare
(b) אֶל, אֶלנַֿפְשׁוֺ ׳ה 1Kgs 19:3 he went for his life. (c) לְ, לְרַגְלָהּ ׳ה 1Sam 25:42 go according to her foot, i.e. follow, attend her; לֵךְ לְשָׁלוֺם go to, for (in) peace Exod 4:18 (E) Judg 18:6; 1Sam 1:17; 1Sam 20:13; 1Sam 20:42; 2Kgs 5:19 וְהֹלְכִים לְתֻמָּם 2Sam 15:11. κ. with adjective or noun, agreeing with subject of verb, in accusative (Ges^{«GKC:118»§ 118}.5), sometimes where Latin & English use an attributive or appositive: walk barefoot 2Sam 15:30 walk naked and barefoot Isa 20:3 (with accusative of duration); ׳וַתֵּלַכְנָה נְטֻו֯וֺת גָּרוֺן רגו Isa 3:16 compare 1Kgs 8:66 also לֹא תֵלֵךְ רָכִיל בְּעַמֶּ֑ךָ Lev 19:16 (H) thou shalt not walk as a slanderer among thy people, Jer 9:3, הוֺלֵךְ רָכִיל Prov 11:13; Prov 20:19 and even הֹלְכֵי רָכִיל Jer 6:28 (yet רכיל possibly abstract, ׳ר ׳ה walk in slander); with adverb accusative, construed more generally (Ges^{«GKC:118»§ 118}, 5.c., Ew^{§ 279 c}); ye shall not walk loftily (רוֺמָה) Mic 2:3 they shall come bending (שְׁחוֺחַ) Isa 60:14 and Agag came delicately (מַעֲדַנֹּת) 1Sam 15:32 compare also Lev 26:23 (II. 3b) Exod 3:21; 2Sam 17:18.

2. Also of animals, in similar meanings and combinations: הָלַךְ Nah 2:12 walk about, prowl (lions, figurative of rulers of Assyria); Prov 30:29 (see vProv 30:30 vProv 30:31, of three beasts & a king); walk, go, move ׳בִּמְסִלָּה אַחַת ה 1Sam 6:12 (of cows bringing ark), horses in Zechariah's vision Zech 6:7 וַיְבַקְשׁוּ לָלֶכֶת לְהִתְהַלֵךְ בָּאָרֶץ; of beasts & birds Jer 9:9, compare Jer 50:3 both man & beast, they are fled, they are gone; of flocks and herbs (מִקְנֶה) יֵלֵךְ עִמָּנוּ Exod 10:26 they shall go with us; מֵהר אֶלגִּֿבְעָה ׳ה Jer 50:6 they have gone from mountain to hill (Israel under figure of wandering sheep); in 1Sam 14:26 read probably הָלַךְ for הֵלֶךְ q. v.; especially in laws of clean & unclean Lev 11:20; Lev 11:21 every swarming winged thing that goeth on (הַהֹלֵךְעַל) all fours compare vLev 11:27 vLev 11:42 also vLev 11:27 everything that goeth on its paws, & vLev 11:42 everything that goeth on (its) belly, (all P), so of serpent Gen 3:14 on thy belly (עַלגְּֿחֹנְךָ) shalt thou go (J), compare also Jer 46:22 קוֺלָהּ כַּנָּחָשׁ יֵלֵךְ; (where apparently rel. clause, her voice like the serpent that moves, i.e. like the rustling sound of a gliding serpent, compare VB); locusts Josh 2:7 (אִישׁ בִּדְרָכָיו), vJosh 2:8 (גֶּבֶר בִּמְסִלָּתוֺ).

3. in like manner of inanimate things, as: the ark (הַתֵּבָה) Gen 7:18 (P; followed by עַלפְּֿנֵי הַמָּ֑יִם); ships 1Kgs 22:49 (followed by ָ ה locative) = 2Chr 20:36 (followed by accusative of limit), compare 2Chr 9:21 (followed by accusative) 2Chr 20:37 (אֶל); of אֳנִישַֿׁיִט Isa 33:21 lsgalley with oarsrs (followed by בְּ of place in which); wheels (in Ezekiel's vision) Ezek 1:17 (twice in verse); Ezek 1:19; Ezek 1:21; Ezek 10:11 (4 t. in verse); moon Job 31:26 wind Ps 78:39; Eccl 1:6 (twice in verse); of streams (הַנְחָלִים) = flow אֶלהַֿיָּם Eccl 1:7 compare אֶלמְֿקוֺם שֶׁהַנְחָלִים הֹלְכִים שָׁם הֵם שָׁבִים לָלֶכֶת vEccl 1:7 unto the place whither the streams flow, thither they flow again; also אֲפִיקִים, followed by מַיִם as accusative of that with which, Joel 4:18 || of hills flowing חָלָב, with milk; compare further figurative כָּלבִּֿרְכַּיִם תֵּלַכְנָה מַיִם Ezek 7:17; Ezek 21:12 all knees shall flow down in water, i.e. be as weak as water; נְהָרוֺת Ezek 31:4 (followed by סָבִיב); וְהָלַךְ עַלכָּֿלגְּֿדוֺתָיו Isa 8:7 i.e. overflow (|| עָלָה עַלכָּֿלאֲֿפִיקָיו) compare Josh 4:18 (JE); so of water (as SI⁴) Isa 8:6; 1Kgs 18:35 (הַמַּיִם סָבִיב לַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַוַיֵּלְכוּ), Ps 105:41 (ָהלְכוּ בַּצִיּוֺת נָהָר, they flowed through dry regions as a river); (on Infinitive absolute used of waters of flood, Gen 8:3; Gen 8:5, compare below 4 c (4), (5)); of the sea הַיָּם הוֺלֵךְ וְסֹעֵר Jonah 1:11; Jonah 1:13 was going on and being stormy = was growing more and more stormy (compare below 4 d); of wine (יַיִן) Song 7:10 that goeth down, for my beloved, smoothly (smile); also of lighting go, dart (בָּרָק) Job 38:35, so אֵשׁ Exod 9:23 (E) וַתִּהֲלַךְ אֵשׁ אָ֑רְצָה and fire darted to earth (on form, here & Ps 73:9 below, as intensive, of rapid motion, compare Thes Ew^{§ 138 b} Kö^{i. 415}); אֵשׁ לְפָנָיו תֵּלֵךְ Ps 97:3 of torches, in figure of violent breathing of crocodile יַהֲלֹ֑כוּ מִפִּיו לַפִּידִים Job 41:11 of sword אַחֲרַיִךְ תֵּ֫לֶךְ חָ֑רֶב % Jer 48:2, of arrow בָּרָק Job 20:25 drawn from a wound; of pestilence דֶּבֶר (personified) Ps 91:6 (בָּאֹפֶל), Hab 3:5 (לְפָנָיו); of fame שָׁמְעוֺ הוֺלֵךְ בְּכָלהַֿמְּדִינוֺת Esth 9:4 of the tongue (bad sense) וּלְשׁוֺנָם תִּהֲלַךְ בָּאָרֶץ Ps 73:9 (compare Exod 9:23 above; || שַׁתּוּ בַשָׁמַיִם פִּיהֶם); of sound of trumpet Exod 19:19 (Participle compare infra 4 d); of letters אִגְּרוֺת Neh 6:17 (followed by עַל, unto); of dew (טַל, || עֲנַןבֹּֿקֶר) simile of Israel's חסֶד Hos 6:4 compare Hos 13:3 like dew that passeth away; so of עָנָן Job 7:9 עָנָן וַיֵּלַ֑ךְכָּלָה; of rain הַגֶּשֶׁם חָלַף הָלַךְ לוֺ Song 2:11 the rain is over, it hath taken itself away; of ark of ׳) י׳אֲרוֺן י 1Sam 6:8 depart (compare also 5 d); of shadow on dial go forward 2Kgs 20:9 (opposed to שׁוּב; || נָטָה v2Kgs 20:20 & יַרַד Isa 38:8); grow, of wicked under figure of tress, יֵלְכוּ גַּםעָֿשׂוּ פֶּ֑רִי Jer 12:2 compare יֵלְכוּ יוֺנְקוֺתָיו Hos 14:3 his branches shall spread, said of Israel under figure of tree; of name (= fame) 2Chr 26:8 (followed by עַדלְֿבֹא מִעצרַיִם); also of a thing that does not actually move; וְהָלַךְ הַגְּבוּל אֶל Josh 17:7 and the boundary went unto etc., compare Josh 16:8 (followed by מִן & ָ ה locative); — in 2Kgs 13:21 and it (the dead body) went i.e. was let down into the grave, read וַיֵּלְכוּ for וַיֵּלֶךְ ᵐ5^L Th Klo, and they went away.

4. The Infinitive absolute is often used
a. as in other verbs, quite independently (Ges^{«GKC:113»§ 113}, 1): הֲגָנֹב ֗֗֗ וְהָלֹךְ אַחֲרִי אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים ... Jer 7:9 (series of 6 Infinitive absolute) (are there) stealing, murdering, and adultery and false swearing and incense-burning to the Baal, and going after other gods...? as object, וְלֹאאָֿבוּ בִדְרָכָיו הָלוֺךְ Isa 42:24 and they desired not walking in his ways; as apposition of object, Jer 23:14 I have seen ... an abominable thing, committing adultery and walking in lies (נָאוֺף וְהָלוֺךְ בַּשֶּׁקֶר); compare וַיַּעַשׂ כֵּן הָלוֺךְ עָרוֺם וְיָחֵף Isa 20:2 and he did so, a walking naked and barefoot, where also two adverb. accusative modifying the Infinitive absolute (Ges^{«GKC:113»§ 113}, 2).
b. to intensify meaning of finite form of הָלַךְ (Ges^{«GKC:118»§ 118}, 3): (1) before finite verb הָלוֺךְ אֵלֵךְ עִמָּךְ Judg 4:9 I will surely go with thee, compare Jer 37:9 הָלֹךְ הָלַכְתָּ Gen 31:30 concessive, thou art indeed gone, הָעֵצִים הָּלוֺךְ חָֽלְכוּ Judg 9:8 introductory, the trees went forth on a time to anoint them a king. (2) after finite verb וַיֵּלֶךְ הָלוֺךְ 2Sam 3:24 and he is actually gone! (a grave impurdence to permit it!), ׳נֵלְכָה הָלוֺךְ לְחַלּוֺת אֶתפְּֿנֵי י Zech 8:21 let us by all means go to seek the favour of ׳י
c. most noteworthy is the joining of the Infinitive absolute (I) with a following Infinitive absolute denoting a simulaneous action or process, and so emphasizing duration or continuance: a. both Infinitives preceding the finite verb, הָלוֺךְ וְטָפֹף תֵּלַכְנָהIsa 3:16 a going and atripping they go, i.e. they keep tripping as they go; so הָלוֺךְ וּבָכוֺ יֵלֵ֑כוּ Jer 50:4 continually weeping they shall go; β. one Infinitive before, & one after the finite verb הָלוֺךְ יֵלֵךְ וּבָבֹה Ps 126:6 continually may one go weeping γ. elsewhere both after finite verb Josh 6:9 the rearguard was going (הֹלֵךְ) after the ark, continually blowing on the trumpets (הָלוֺךְ וְתָקוֺעַ בַּשּׁוֺפָרוֺת), compare vJosh 6:13 (where הָו֯לֹךְ cf, below; both J E), וַיֵּלֶךְ ֗֗֗ הָלוֺךְ וּבָכוֺ 2Sam 3:16, of cows ץָהלְכוּ הָלוֺךְ וְגָעוֺ 1Sam 6:12 they went continually lowing, וַיֵּלֶךְ הָלוֺךְ וְאָבֹל Judg 14:9 and he went on, eating as he went; הֹלְכִים הָלוֺךְ וְדַבֵּר 2Kgs 2:11 they were going on, talking as they went; in הֹלֵךְ הָלךְ וּבֹכֶה Jer 41:6, the participle בֹּכֶה is peculiar, read perhaps בָּכֹה, and for הֹלֵךְ read הֹלְכִים ᵐ5 Hi compare Gf. (2) with a following finite verb with ו consecutive (rare): הֹלְכִים הָלוֺךְ וְתקְעוּ Josh 6:13 (JE) they were going along continually blowing on the trumpets; וַתַּלֶךְ הָלוֺךְ וְזָעָ֑קָה 2Sam 13:19 and she went, crying out as she went; הֹלֵךְ הָ֗֗֗לוֺךְ וִיְקַלֵּל 2Sam 16:13 he went along . . . cursing as he went; so 1Sam 19:23 and he went on, prophesying as he went, until he came, etc. (3) in cases where finite verb is followed by Infinitive absolute + adjective denoting progress, advance: וַיֵּלֶךְ חָלוֺךְ וְקָרֵב 2Sam 18:25 and he came continually nearer (nearer & nearer); elsewhere with idea of actual motion lost from finite verb: וַיֵּלֶךְ הָלוֺךְ וָרָ֑ב 1Sam 14:19 and he tumult kept growing greater and greater; so וְגָדוֺל וַיֵּלֶךְ דָּוִד הָלוֺךְ 2Sam 5:10 = 1Chr 11:9 compare Judg 4:24 and the hand of the sons of Israel kept growing more and more severe (וַתֵּלָךְ ֗֗֗ הָלוֺךְ וְקָשָׁה) upon Jabin; note especially וַיִּגְּדּל הָאִישׁ וַיֵּלֶךְ הָלוֺךְ וְגָדֵל עַדבִּֿיֿ גָדַל מְאֹד Gen 26:13 (J) and the man grew great and kept on growing greater and greater until etc. (גָּדֵל particular adjective ). (4) twice, where finite verb is not הלך, but another verb denoting motion: וַיָּשֻׁבוּ הַמַּיִם ֗֗֗ הָלוֺךְ וָשׁוֺב Gen 8:3 (J) and he waters retired continually more and more; וַיִסַּע אַבְּרָם הָלוֺךְ וְנָסוֺעַ הַנֶּ֫גְבָּה Gen 12:9 (J) and Abram journeyed on continually further toward the south country. (5) quite by itself is Gen 8:5 (P) וְהַמַּיִם הָיוּ הָלוֺךְ וְחָסוֺר and he waters, they continually diminished (were a going and a diminishin; the Infinitive absolute being predicate). (6) 13 t. the Infinitive absolute = Imperative & is followed by Perfect consecutive (chiefly in Jeremiah): הָלוֺךְ וְדִבַּרְתָּ֫ 2Sam 24:12 go and speak, so Jer 35:2 וְאָמַרְתָּ֫ ׳ה go and say, Isa 38:5; Jer 28:13; Jer 34:2; Jer 35:13; Jer 39:16 וְקָרָאתָ ׳ה Jer 2:2; Jer 3:12 also וְרָחַצְתָּ֫ ׳ה 2Kgs 5:10 go and wash, וְקָנִיתָ׳ה Jer 13:1; Jer 19:1 go and buy, וְעָמַדְתָּ֫ ׳ה Jer 17:19 go and stand.
d. akin to the use of Infinitive absolute are some instances of Participle הֹלֵךְ + adjective (or participle): וַיֵּלֶךְ הַפְּלִשְׁתִּי הֹלֵךְ וְקָרֵב 1Sam 17:41 and the Philistine came continually nearer (compare 2Sam 18:25 above); in other cases as predicate, with same idea of growing, increasing: וְדָוִד הֹלֵךְ וְחָזֵק וּבֵית שָׁאוּל הֹלְכִים וְדַלִּים 2Sam 3:1 and David was growing stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul were growing weaker and weaker, compare 2Chr 17:12; Esth 9:4 (of individuals), 2Sam 15:12 (of people); + 2 adjective וְהַנַּעַד שְׁמוּאֵל הֹלֵךְ וְגָדֵל וָטוֺב 1Sam 2:26 compare (with different order) of wind, Eccl 1:6 goeth (הוֺלֵךְ)toward the south, and turneth about (סוֺבֵב) unto the north, the wind turneth about and about continually (סוֺבֵב סֹבֵב הוֺלֵךְ הָרוּחַ); of sea הַיָּם הוֺלֵךְ וְסֹעֵרJonah 1:11; Jonah 1:13 the sea was growing more and more stormy; also וַיְהִי קוֺל הַ שֹּׁפָר חוֺלֵךְ וְחָזֵק מְאֹד Exod 19:19 and the sound of the trumpet kept growing louder and louder; & in metaphor אֹרַח צַדִּיקִים כְּאוֺר נֹ֑גַהּ הוֺלֵךְ וָאוֺר עַדנְֿכוֺן הַיּוֺם Prov 4:18 the path of just men is like a shining light, growing lighter and lighter until the full day.

5. In combination with other verbal forms:
a. followed by Infinitive of purpose (with לְ) Gen 25:22; Gen 31:19; Gen 37:25 (all J E) Num 14:38 (P) Num 24:1 (JE), Judg 8:1; Judg 9:8; Judg 9:9; Judg 9:11; Judg 9:13 + often; especially לִקְרַאת ׳הּ go to meet Josh 9:11 (JE), 2Sam 19:16; 1Kgs 18:16 (twice in verse) +; sometimes with hostile sense 1Sam 23:28; 1Kgs 20:27; 2Kgs 23:29 also לָּשּׁובּ ׳הּ go to return, Exod 4:21 (RV go back), compare also שּׁובּ לָּלֶּכֶּתּ return again Eccl 1:7; Eccl 5:14 לָּבּוֺֿ ׳הּ go to come (enter etc.) Jer 41:17 compare 2Chr 26:8.
b. followed by finite verb go and do so and so: Gen 22:13; Gen 27:14; Exod 2:8; Exod 4:27; Exod 4:29 (all J E), Deut 13:7; Deut 13:14; Deut 17:3; Deut 24:2; = Mic 4:2; Jer 11:12 + often; וַיֵּלֶךְ וַּיָשָּׁבּ Exod 4:18 (E), יֵלֵךְ וְיָשֹׁב Deut 20:5; Deut 20:6; Deut 20:7; Deut 20:8, וַיֵּלְכוּ וַיָּשׁוּבוּ Judg 21:23 compare Hos 2:9; Hos 5:15 וַיָּבוֺא ׳ה went & came Num 13:26 (P), Ruth 2:3; 1Sam 22:5; 2Sam 11:22; 2Kgs 4:25 notably וַיֵּלֶךְ וַיִּשְׁלַךְ 2Kgs 3:7 and he went and sent.
c. following other verbs: וַיָּקֻמוּ וַיֵּלְכוּ Gen 22:19 (E) compare Gen 24:10 (J) Gen 43:8 (J) Num 16:25 (JE) Judg 4:9 נִסְעָה וְנֵלֵ֑כָה Gen 33:12 (J).
d. especially as result of action expressed in preceding verb, such as verb of sending, etc.: וַיְשַׁלַּח אֶתאֶֿחָיו וַיֵּלֵ֑כוּ Gen 45:24 (E) compare Josh 1:16 (D) 1Sam 6:8; Job 38:35 also יִשָּׁאֵהוּ קָדִים וְיֵלַ֑ךְ Job 27:21 an east wind shall carry him off, and he shall depart; וַיְ גָָֽרֲשֵׁהוּ וַיֵּלַ֑ךְ Ps 34:1 (title). (compare depart also of inanimate things

3. above)
e. in longer series: וַיֵּלֶךְ וִיִּבְרַח וַיִּמָּלֵט 1Sam 19:12 וַיִּסַּע וַיֵּלֶךְ וַיָשָׁב֗֗֗ וַיֵּשֶׁב 2Kgs 19:36 = Isa 37:37 compare Num 24:25 (JE); וַיָּקָם וַיֵּלֶךְ וַיָּבאֹ Judg 19:10 also וַיָּקָם וַיָּבאֹ וַיֵּלֶךְ 2Kgs 10:12. feminine oft; in Imperative foll by 2nd Imperative or equivalent, (1) לֵךְ קַחלִֿי Gen 27:13 (J) go, bring me (them), compare Hos 1:2 לְכוּ רְעוּ Gen 29:7 (J) go, feed (them), compare Gen 37:14; Gen 42:19; Exod 4:19 + (in all approximately 57 t.; only J E D in Hexateuch); but also (2) weakened to mere introductory word (as also above passim: especially 2Kgs 3:7 etc.), go to, or come, do (let us do) so & so; לְכָה נִכְרְתָה בְרִית Gen 31:44 come, let us make a compact, compare נַשְׁקֶה לְכָה Gen 19:32 (where subject feminine); לְכוּ וְנֵלְכָה 1Sam 9:9 come, and let us go, so v1Sam 9:10, 1Sam 11:14; Isa 2:3 = Mic 4:2, compare Zech 6:7 +; even לֵךְ בּאֹ וְאֶשְׁלְחָה 2Kgs 5:5 go to, come, and let me send, compare Isa 22:15; Isa 26:20; Ezek 3:4; Ezek 3:11 further Judg 19:11; Judg 19:13; 1Sam 9:5; 1Kgs 1:12; Ps 34:5 + (in all approximately 49 t.; only J E in Hexateuch). (3) apparently intermediate, and shewing transition from (1) to (2) are: לָךְרֵֿד Exod 19:24; Exod 32:7 compare Judg 18:2 לְכוּ סֻרוּ רְדוּ 1Sam 15:6 לֵךְ עֲלֵה מִוֶּךְ Exod 33:1 לְכוּ וְהִתְהלְּכוּ בָּאָרֶץ Josh 18:8 & לְכוּ בּאֹוּ אַרְצָה Gen 47:17 compare 1Sam 22:5; 1Kgs 1:13; 2Kgs 7:9 see further לֵכְנָה שֹׁבְנָה Ruth 1:8 & שֹׁבְנָה לֵכְןָ vRuth 1:12 also 2Sam 3:16; 1Kgs 19:15; 1Kgs 19:20 + (in all approximately 36 t.)

II. Figurative; the most common uses follow; in most the origin in a literal meaning is evident:

1. pass away, die; in phrases denoting or implying death (compare Arabic perish); וְהִנֵּה אָנֹכִּי הוֺלֵךְ הַיּוֺם בְּדֶרֶךְ בָּלהָֿאָרֶץ Josh 23:14 (D) lo, I am going to-day the way of all the eath compare 1Kgs 2:2 perhaps also Gen 15:2 (JE) I pass away childless, but possibly below 2 below; also 2Sam 12:23 I am going (אֲנִי הֹלֵךְ) to him 2Sam 12:23 so of mankind דּוֺרהֹלֵךְ וְדוֺר בָּא Eccl 1:4 more explicitly, הַּכֹּל הוֺלֵךְ אֶלמָֿקוֺם אֶחָ֑ד הַכֹּל הָיֶה מִן הֶעָפָר וְהַכֹּל שָׁב אֶלהֶֿעָפָר Eccl 3:20 compare Eccl 6:6 also בִּשְׁאוֺל אֲשֶׁר אַתָּה הֹלֵךְ שָׁ֑מָּה Eccl 9:10, & אֶלבֵּֿית עוֺלָמוֺ הֹלֵךְ הָאָדָם Eccl 12:5 compare בְּטֶדֶם אֵלֵךְ וְאֵינֶנִּי Ps 39:14 before I depart and be not; so according to some 2Chr 21:20 but compare below 3 a (2); once with weaker sense followed by infinitive, חִנֵּה אָנֹכִי הוֺךֵלךְ לָמוּת Gen 25:32 (J).

2. live ('walk'), in general (compare Pi`el Hithpa`el) (usually in poetry, with modifying words): צַלְמָוֶת כִּיאֵֿלֵךְ בְּנֵיא Ps 23:4 though I walk in a valley of deep darkness; compare Ps 138:7 & אֵ֫לֶךְ השֶׁךְ Job 29:8 קֹדֵר אֵלֵךְ Ps 42:10 חֲשֵׁכִים ׳ה Isa 50:10, see also Ezek 3:14 perhaps also Gen 15:2 compare 1 above; יֵלְכוּ מֵחַיִל אֶלחָֿ֑יִל Ps 84:8 they go from strength to strength; יֵלֶךְ בֶּטַח הוֺלֵךְ בַּתֹּם Prov 10:9 especially

3. of moral and religious life; יְיַשֶּׁרלָֿ֑כֶת Prov 15:21 he maketh straight to walk (walketh straight, upright); particular
a. walk in (בְּ) ways (counsels, statutes, etc.), (1) in good sense: (α) בְּדֶרֶךְ תָּמִים ׳ה Ps 101:6, compare Isa 30:21; Jer 6:16; 1Kgs 8:36 = 2Chr 6:27 (β) in (בְּ) ways of ׳י especially D: Deut 8:6 (|| לְיִרְאָה אֹתוֺ) compare Deut 10:12; Deut 11:22 (|| ׳לְאַהֲבָה אֶתיֿ etc.), Deut 28:9 (|| ׳שָׁמַר מִצְוֺת י); see also Deut 13:15 +; 1Kgs 11:33 (followed by לַעֲשׂוֺת), v1Kgs 11:38 (followed by וְעָשִׂיתָ) 2Kgs 21:22; Ps 119:3; Ps 128:1 בְּאֹרְחֹתָיו Isa 2:3 = Mic 4:2 further (followed by דֶּרֶךְ) Judg 2:17 (γ) in commandments of ׳י 2Chr 17:4 (δ) in his law(s) (תּוֺרָה) Exod 16:4; Exod 16:14 (J) 2Kgs 10:31; Jer 9:12; Jer 44:23 (+ בְּחֻקֹּת & בְּעֵדְוֺת), 2Chr 6:16; Dan 9:10, compare Neh 10:30 (of אֱלֹהִים); (ε) in his ordinances, statutes (חֻקּוֺת) Lev 26:3; 1Kgs 6:12; Jer 44:10; Jer 44:23 (see above), Ezek 5:6; Ezek 5:7; Ezek 11:20; Ezek 18:9; Ezek 18:17; Ezek 20:13; Ezek 20:16; Ezek 20:19; Ezek 20:21, compare בְּחֻקּוֺת חַיִּים Ezek 33:15 also בְּחֻקֵּי 1Kgs 8:61; Ezek 11:12; Ezek 36:27 (ζ) in his judgments (מִשְׁפָּטִים) Ps 89:31; Ezek 37:24 (η) ordinances of David 1Kgs 3:3, compare also below; (φ) in way(s) of good man 1Sam 8:3; 1Sam 8:5; 2Chr 21:12, of David 2Chr 11:17; 2Chr 34:2, of David & Solomon 2Chr 17:3. (2) in bad sense, (α) in (evil) ways with בְּ 2Kgs 21:21; Ezek 16:47; Ezek 23:31; 2Chr 22:3 compare also (probably) 2Chr 21:20 חֶמְדָּה וַיֵּלֶךְ בְּלאֹ and he lived undesirably (compare ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Kmp Öttli); > others he departed (died) unregretted, so AV RV; (β) followed by accusative 2Kgs 21:21; Jer 18:15 (נְתִיבוֺת ׳ה); (γ) with adverb. accusative הּוֺלֵךְ עִקְּשׁוּת פֶּה Prov 6:12 one walking in perversity (falseness) of mouth (compare צְדָקוֺת Isa 33:15); (δ) in (בְּ)ordinances, statutes (חֻקּוֺת) of bad men Lev 18:3; Lev 20:23 (both H) 2Kgs 17:8; 2Kgs 17:19; Ezek 20:18 (בְּחוּקֵּי).
b. walk with (אֶת, עִם) i.e. associate, be familiar with: בְּשָׁלוֺם אִתִּי ׳וּבְמִישׁוֺר ה Mal 2:6 in peace and uprightness he walked with me (׳י); הַצְנֵעַ לֶכֶת עִםאֲֿלֹהֶיךָ Mic 6:8 but also of people at variance with ׳י וַהֲלְכְתֶּם עִמִּי קֶ֑רִי Lev 26:23 compare vLev 26:27 vLev 26:40 & of ׳י at variance with people וְהָלַכְתִּי ֗֗֗ עִמָּכֶם בְּקֶ֑רִי vLev 26:24 compare vLev 26:28 (all H); with men, אֶתהֲּֿכָמִיםLev 13:20 עִם אַנְשֵׁי רֶשַׁע Job 34:8 compare walk with (עִם) vanity Job 31:5.
c. walk before ׳י (׳לִפְנֵי י; with בֶּאֱמֶת, בְּכָללִֿבָּם etc.) 1Kgs 2:4; 1Kgs 3:6; 1Kgs 8:23; 1Kgs 8:25; 1Kgs 9:4; 2Chr 6:16; 2Chr 7:17 compare ׳קְדֹרַנִּית מִפְּנֵי י׳ה Mal 3:14 walk before the living (i.e. walk aright before them) Eccl 6:8.
d. walk, go, after (אַהֲּדֵי) (1) ׳י Deut 13:5; 1Kgs 14:8; Jer 2:2; Hos 11:10 +; (2) other gods, Judg 2:12 especially D: Deut 4:3; Deut 6:14; Deut 8:19; Deut 13:3; Deut 28:14; Deut 7:6; Deut 8:2; Deut 11:10; Deut 16:11; Deut 25:6 +; compare go & serve other gods Josh 23:16; Deut 13:7; Deut 13:14; Deut 17:3; Deut 29:17 (compare Deut 28:14 above); (3) things which do not profit Jer 2:8 (4) vanity Hos 5:11 (reading שָׁוְא compare VB); see also Amos 2:4.
e. walk in (1) one's integrity, etc., בְּתֻמִּי Ps 26:11 compare Ps 84:12; Prov 10:9, see also תָּמִים ׳ה Ps 15:2, הֹלְכֵי תֹם Prov 2:7 (2) bad sense, in (בְּ) sin 1Kgs 15:3; 1Kgs 15:26; 1Kgs 15:34; 1Kgs 16:2; 1Kgs 16:26; 2Kgs 13:6; 2Kgs 13:11 + (especially of wicked kings); (evil) counsel 2Chr 22:5 compare Ps 1:1. feminine (1) לֵב as subject, (a) = thoughts, לֹא לִבִּי הָלַךְ 2Kgs 5:26 did not my thoughts go forth; (β) evil inclination, Job 31:7 אֶללֵֿב שִׁקּוּצֵיהֶם ֗֗֗ לִבָּם הֹלֵךְ Ezek 11:21 followed by אַהֲרֵי גִלּוּלֵיהֶם Ezek 20:16, אַחֲרֵי בִצְעָם Ezek 33:31 (2) נֶפֶשׁ = desire, טוֺב מַרְאֵה עֵינַיִם מֵהֲלָךְנֶֿפֶשׁ Eccl 6:9 better is sight of the eyes than outgoing of desire

4. other figurative uses: depart from מִפְּנֵי Hos 11:2 (from prophets as God's messengers; opposed to קָרָא); go into, הָֽלְכוּ בַכְּלִמָּה Isa 45:16 they have gone into confusion (judgment on idol-makers); etc. Niph`al Perfect 1 singular כְּצֵל כִּנְטוֺתוֺ נֶהֱלָ֑כְּתִּי Ps 109:23 like a shadow when it stretches out I am gone (compare היה Niph`al) Pi`el (chiefly in poetry & late) Perfect הִלַּכְּתִּי Job 30:28; Ps 131:1 הִלָּ֑כְּתִּי Ps 38:7 3 plural הִלְּכוּ Job 24:10; Lam 5:18 Imperfect יְהַלֵךְ Ezek 18:9 + 2 t.; וַיְהַלֵּךְ 1Kgs 21:27 1 singular אֲהַלֵךְ Ps 86:11 + 2 t.; 3 masculine plural יְהַלֵּ֑כוּ Hab 3:11 + 2 t.; יְהַלֵּכ֑וּן Ps 89:16 + 2 t.; 1 plural נְהַלֵךְ Ps 55:15; Isa 59:9 Imperative הַלֵךְ Eccl 11:9 Participle מְהַלֵךְ Prov 6:11; Ps 104:3 מְהַלְּכִים Eccl 4:15 —

1. walk in or with a throng followed by בְּ local: נְהַלֵךְ בְּרָ֑גֶשׁ ׳בְּבֵית א Ps 55:15 walk, tread on coals עַלהַֿגֶּחָלִים Prov 6:28 of idols Ps 115:7 they do not walk, have not the power of walking (compare יִצְעָ֑דוּ Jer 10:5); of one tramping, formidable, simile of poverty וּבָאכִֿמְהַלֵּךְ רֵאשֶׁ֑ךָ Prov 6:11, — a highwayman according to Ges Ew Hi Now, compare ᵐ5; || מַחְסֹרְךָ כְּאִישׁ מָנֵן compare also Hithpa`el Prov 24:34); of ׳י walking (in majesty), marching, לְַכַּֿנְפֵי רוּחַ Ps 104:3 on the wings of the wind; of righteousness, personified, צֶדֶק לְפָנָיו יְהַלֵךְ Ps 85:14 of wisdom בְּאֹרַה צְדָקָה אֲהַלֵךְ Prov 8:20 in the path of righteousness do I walk (stedfastly, unswervingly); of animals, go about, prowl, עַל הַרצִֿיּוֺן שֶׁח֯שָּׁמֵם שׁוּעָלִים הִלְּכוּ ב֑וֺ (Qr שֶּׁשָּׁמֵם) Lam 5:18, of ships, in (stately) movement Ps 104:26 of springs Ps 104:10 between mountains they go (run, flow); of arrows Hab 3:11 at the light of thine arrows that go (fly, shoot; compare Hithpa`el Ps 77:18).

2. also of walking about = living הַמְֿהַלְּכִים תַּחַת הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ Eccl 4:15 עָרוֺם הִלְּכוּ בְּלִי לְבוּשׁ Job 24:10 nacked they keep going about (frequently), without clothing; so of going about as mourner קֹדֵר הִלַּכְּתִּי Job 30:28; Ps 38:7 (compare Qal Ps 42:10); בַּאֲפֵלוֺת נְהַלֵךְ Isa 59:9 in darkness we walk (of distress); on the other hand בְּאוֺר פָּנֶיךָ יְהַלֵּכ֑וּן Ps 89:16 (of blessedness & prosperity).

3. depart, go entirely away (מִן) מִמְּקוֺם קָדוֺשׁ יְהַלֵּ֑כוּ Eccl 8:10 from the holy place they must depart (on text compare VB; || וְיִשְׁתַּכְּחוּ בָעִיר).

4. figurative of mode of life, action, etc.: of particular path of one's life בְּאֹרַחזֿוּ אֲהַלֵךְ Ps 142:4 specifically in good sense וַיְהַלֵּךְ אַ֑ט 1Kgs 21:27 and he (Ahad) walked softly (as a penitent); oftener with בְּ of path in which: בִּדְרָכַי יְהַלֵּ֑כוּ Ps 81:14 that in my ways they would walk ! compare Ps 86:11 (בַּאֲמִתֶּ֑ךָ), Ezek 18:9 (בְּחֻקּוֺתַי); in bad or doubtful sensse וְהַלֵךְ בְּדַרְכֵי לִבְּךָ וּבְמַרְאֵי עֵינֶי֑ךָ Eccl 11:9 compare also לֹא הִלַּכְּתּי בִּגְדֹלֹת Ps 131:1 I do not walk (move, tread) among great things (|| וּבְנִפְלָאוֺת מִמֶּנִּי; figurative of humility, compare also v^a). Hithpa`el Perfect הִתְהַלָּךְֿ Gen 6:9; 1Sam 30:31 וְהִתְהַלֵךְ consecutive Exod 21:19; 1Sam 2:35 2 masculine singular הִתְהַלָּ֑כְתָּ Ezek 28:14; Job 38:16 1 singular הִתְהַלַּכְּתִּי Gen 24:40 + 5 t., etc.; Imperfect יִתְהַלֵךְ Prov 23:31 יִתְהַלָּ֑ךְ Job 18:8; Job 22:14 1 singular אֶתְהַלֵּךְ Ps 43:2 + 2 t.; וְאֶתְהַלְּכָה Ps 119:45 3 masculine plural יִתְהַלְּכוּ 1Sam 2:30 + 2 t.; וַיִּתְהַלְּכוּ Judg 21:24 + 3 t.; יִתְהַלָּ֑כוּ 1Sam 23:13 + 3 t.; יִתְהַלָּכ֑וּן Ps 12:9 3 feminine plural וַתִּתְהַלַּכְנָה Zech 6:7, etc.; Imperative הִתְהַלַּךְ Gen 13:17; Gen 17:1 הִתְהַלְּכוּ Josh 18:8; Zech 6:7 Infinitive (לְ)הִתְהַלֵּךְ Ps 56:14 + 4 t.; suffix הִתְהַלֶּכְךָ Prov 6:22 Participle מִתְהַלֵּךְ Gen 3:8 + 7 t.; feminine singular מִתְהַלֶּכֶת Ezek 1:13 masculine plural מִתְהַלְּכִים 1Sam 25:27 — walk, walk about, move to and fro:

1. literal
a. traverse, in this direction and that, Gen 13:17 (J; בָּאָרֶץ) Josh 18:4 (JE), vJosh 18:8 (id.; ׳בָּאָרֶץ לְכוּ וְהִתְה compare Job 1:7 = Job 2:2 (both || שׁוּט) Zech 1:10; Zech 1:11 similarly also 1Chr 21:4 of fiery appearance in Ezekiel's vision בֵּין הַחַיּוֺת ׳מִתְה Ezek 1:13 of horses in Zechariah's vision Zech 6:7 (בָּאָרֶץ ׳לָלֶכֶת לְהִתְ), vZech 6:7 (׳לְכוּ הִתְהַלְּכוּ בָּא), vZech 6:7 go in different directions מִשָּׁם בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל ֗֗֗ אִישׁ לְשִׁבְטוֺ ׳וַיִּתְה Judg 21:24 (|| וַיֵּצְאוּ מִשָּׁם etc.); so of lightning flashes as arrows of ׳י Ps 77:18 went hither & thither; of water running off different ways Ps 58:8 (simile of vanishing of wicked).
b. walk, walk about הִתְהַלֵךְ בַּחוּץ עַלמִֿשְׁעַנְתּוֺ Exod 21:19 (JE) i.e. leaning upon his staff; Prov 6:22 (distinguished from שָׁבַב, חֵקִיץ); 2Sam 11:2 (עַלגַֿנּ בֵּית הַמֶּלָךְ); וּבְחֵקֶר תְּהוֺם הִתְהֵלָּ֑כְתָּ Job 38:16 and in the farthest ground of the deep hast thou walked ? בְּתוֺךְ אַבְנֵיאֵֿשׁ הִתְהַלָּ֑כְתָּ Ezek 28:14 so also of ׳י walking on earth, in anthropomorphic conception אֱלֹהִים מִתְהַלֵךְ ׳קוֺל י בַּגָּן Gen 3:8 (J) the sound of ׳י Elohim walking about in the garden; of God (El) וְחוּג שָׁמַיִם יִתְהַלָּ֑ךְ Job 22:14 and the vault of heaven he walketh; walk about in front of (לִפְנֵי) Esth 2:11 attend, follow, of retainers הַמִּתְהַלְּכִים בְּרַגְלֵי אֲדֹנִי 1Sam 25:27 wander, of Israel מִגּוֺי אֶלגּֿוֺי Ps 105:13 = 1Chr 16:20 rove about, of David and his band אֲשֶׁרהִֿתְהַלֶּךְשָֿׁם 1Sam 30:31 וַיִּתְהַלְּכוּ בַּאֲשֶׁר יִתְּהָלָּ֑כוּ 1Sam 23:13 (on this phrase compare Lag^{Psalt. Hleron. 1874, 156 f.} Dr^Sm); walk about, prowl, of Jehoiachin under figure of lion, ׳וַיִתְה בְּתוֺךְאֲֿרָיוֺת Ezek 19:6 compare also וּבָאמִֿתְהַלֵךְ רֵישֶׁ֑ךָ Prov 24:34 and thy poverty cometh marching (compare Pi`el Prov 6:11); glide, flow of wine בְּמֵישָׁרִים ׳יִתְה Prov 23:31 glideth down smoothly (VB; compare Qal 3 Song 7:10); note especially the following, where emphasis lies not on verb, but on an auxiliary word; these cases form the natural transition to the figurative use: — Ps 12:9 on every side wicked men are walking; בְּצֶלֶם יִתְהָלֶּךְאִֿישׁ Ps 39:7 in appearance (semblance, literally image compare Che^{critical note}.) walketh a man; also לָמָּה קֹדֵר אֶתְהַלֵךְ Ps 43:2 (compare Qal Ps 42:10, Pi`el Ps 38:7; Job 30:28).

2. figurative walk about = live; the king before (לִפְּנֵי) his people 1Sam 12:2, so of Samuel v1Sam 12:2 of priest 1Sam 2:35 (לִפְנֵי מְשִׁיחִי); of friendly intercourse with (אֶת) men 1Sam 25:15 compare כְּרֵעַ כְּאָחלִֿי הִתְהַלָּ֑כְתִּי Ps 35:14 of man's relation to God: especially followed by לִפְנֵי, לְפָנָי וֶהְיֵהתָמִים ׳ה Gen 17:1 (P) walk before me (live constantly in my presence) and (so) be perfect, compare Gen 24:40 (J), Gen 48:15 (E); לְפָנֶיךָ בֶּאֱמֶת וּבְלֵבָכ שָׁלֵם ׳ה 2Kgs 20:3 = Isa 38:3 as token of divine favour יִתְהַלְּכוּ לְפָנַי עַדעֿוֺלָם 1Sam 2:20 (see especially Dr, on sense here & elsewhere); Ps 116:9 בְּאַרְצוֺת הַחַיִּים ׳אֶתְּהַלֵּךְ לִפְנֵי י, Ps 56:14 (בְּאוֺר הַחַיִּים); בִּשְׁמוֺ ׳יִתְה Zech 10:12 they shall walk in his name; with אֶת, of Enoch and Noah אֶתהָֿאֱלֹחִים ׳ה Gen 5:22; Gen 5:24; Gen 6:9 (denoting intimacy, fellowship: all P); further בַּאֲמִתֶּ֑ךָ ׳ה Ps 26:3 I have walked in thy faithfulness; בְּתֻמּוֺ ׳מִתְה צַדִּיק Prov 20:7 he that walketh justly in his (own) integrity; בְּתָםלְֿבָבִי בְּקֶרֶב בֵּיתִּי ׳אֶתְה Ps 101:2 compare also Ps 119:45 and let me walk in a large place (untrammelled, undismayed); of the wicked מִתְהַלֵּךְ בַּאֲשָׁמָיו Ps 68:22 onegoing on in his guilty deeds; ׳בַּחֲשֵׁכָה יִתְה Ps 82:5 they walk in darkness (|| לֹא יָָֽדְעוּ וְלֹא יָבִינוּ); of their exposure ׳עַלשְֿׁבָכָה יִתְה Job 18:8 he walketh on net-work, (snare, compare שׂבכה; || שֻׁלַּח בְּרֶשֶׁת בְּרַגְלָיו); especially of ׳י as accompanying Israel בְּקֶרֶב מַחֲנֶךָ ׳מִתְח Deut 23:15 walk in the midst, etc., בְּתוֺכְכֶם Lev 26:12; 2Sam 7:7 wherever (בְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר) I have walked with (among בְּ) all (the sons of) Israel = 1Chr 17:6 as inhabiting a tent, on the march, וָּאֶהְיֶה מִתְהַלֵּךְ בְּאֹהֶל וּבְמִשְׁכָּ֑ן 2Sam 7:6 and I was walking in a tent and in a tabernacle. Hiph`il Perfect 3 masculine singular הוֺלִיךְ (as if from ילך, i.e. a verb פו֞, compare references below Qal Imperfect above) 2Kgs 24:15 suffix הוֺלִיכְךָ Deut 8:2, וְהוֺלִיכוֺ consecutive Prov 16:29, etc.; Imperfect יוֺלִיךְ Eccl 10:20, יוֺלִךְ Jer 32:5 jussive יוֺלֵךְ Deut 28:36 שֶׁיֹּלֵךְ Eccl 5:14 וַיּוֺ֫לֶךְ Exod 14:21 וַיֹּ֫לֶךְ 2Kgs 6:19 + 2 t.; וַיֹּלַ֖ךְ Lam 3:2 suffix וִיּוֺלִכֵּ נִי Ezek 40:24; Ezek 43:1; Ezek 47:6 1 singular אוֺלִיךְ 2Sam 13:13; Ezek 32:14, cohortative וְאוֺלִיכָה 2Kgs 6:19, וָאוֺלֵךְ Amos 2:10 + 3 t., etc.; Imperative הוֺלֵךְ Num 17:11 feminine singular הֵילִיכִי Exod 2:9 (Bö^{ii. 461, § 1103};; but read probably הוֺלִיכִי Ol^{§ 256, b} Ges^{«GKC:69»§ 69}, 2, R 8); masculine plural הֹלִיכוּ 2Kgs 17:27 Infinitive suffix לְהֹלִיכוֺ 2Chr 36:6 Participle מוֺלִיךְ Jer 2:6 + 4 t.; suffix מוֺלִיכְךָ Deut 8:15, מוֺלִכֵךְ Jer 2:17 מוֺלִיכָם Isa 63:13 feminine plural מוֺלִכוֺת Zech 5:10 —

1. lead, bring: followed by accusative usually of person;
a. with בְּ of space or region through which, Deut 8:15 (Israel in wilderness) Jer 2:6; Ps 136:16, so also Isa 48:21 בַּדָּ֑רֶךְ Jer 2:17 compare Josh 24:3 (E), Isa 63:13; Ps 106:9 also figurative Isa 42:16 and I will lead (the) blind in a way (בְּדֶרֶךְ) they know not;
b. with accusative of person, בְּ of space + accusative of time וָאוֺלֵךְ אֶתְכֶם אַרְבָּעִים שָׁנָה בַּמִּדְבָּר Deut 29:4 so Amos 2:10 (followed by Infinitive of purpose with לְ).
c. followed by accusative of person + accusative of way, road, Deut 8:2, compare דֶּרֶךְ הַדָּרוֺם Ezek 40:24 (accusative of direction).
d. followed by accusative of person + accusative of place or condition to which אֶתנְֿשֵׁי הַמֶּלֶךְ ֗֗֗ הוֺלִיךְ גּוֺלָה 2Kgs 24:15 the women of the king, etc., he led into exile (מִירוּשָׁלְם בָבֶ֑לָה); so also, of exile וְהוֺלַכְּתִּיהָ הַמִּדְבָּר Hos 2:16 בָּבֶל Jer 32:5 compare of Yahwesh's chastisement, Lam 3:2 me hath he driven and brought, into darkness and not into light; followed by accusative of person + אֶלגֿוֺי ׃אל etc. Deut 28:36 (of exile); אֶלנַֿחֲלֵימַֿיִם Jer 31:9 אֶלהַֿשַּׁעַר Ezek 43:1 אֶלהָֿעֵדָה Num 17:11 (P; implicit object being censer); אֶל of person 2Kgs 6:19; Jer 52:26, עַל in || 2Kgs 25:20 עַל also 1Kgs 1:38 וַיֹּלִכוּ אֹתוֺ עַלגִּֿיחוֺן (see below עַל 7 c β).
e. followed by accusative of person + ָ ה locative: שֹׁמְרֹ֫נָה 2Kgs 6:19 בָּבֶּ֫לָה 2Chr 33:11; 2Chr 36:6 (compare 2Kgs 24:15 above); compare שָׁ֫מָּה 2Kgs 17:27.

2. lead away followed by accusative of person + apposition; מוֺלִיךְ יוֺעֲצִים שׁוֺלָ֑ל Job 12:17 he (׳י) leadeth away counsellors despoiled compare vJob 12:19 of Yahweh's judgment on the wicked Ps 125:5 ׳י will lead them away with (אֶת) the workers of iniquity.

3. carry, bring: with object helpless, or inanimate:
a. + accusative of location, Josiah to Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַם) 2Chr 35:24 (וַיְבִיאֻהוּ in || 2Kgs 23:30); compare Zech 5:10 whither are these carrying the ephah? אָ֫נָה אוֺלִיךְ אֶתחֶֿרְפָּתִי 2Sam 13:13.
b. carry, take, take away, חֵילִיכִי אֶתהַֿיֶּלֶד Exod 2:9 (E; on form compare above); also carry away בְּיָדוֺ, in his hand, Eccl 5:14 of the spread of a careless speech Eccl 10:20 fowl of the heavens shall carry the voice (|| בַּעַל ה֯כְּנָפַיִם יַגֵּיד דָּבָר).

4. figurative, of influence on character: with accusative of person + בְּ into: Prov 16:29 and he will lead him into a way

that is not good (i.e. sinful).

5. a. cause to walk, go, men (i.e. עַמִּי יִשְׂרָאֵל) on (עַל) the mountains of Israel Ezek 36:12 (|| וִירֵשׁוּךָ, וְהָיִיתָ לָהֶם לְנַחֲלָה); compare וָאוֺלֵךְ אֶתְכֶם קוֺמֲמִיּוּת Lev 26:13 and I caused you to walk upright (figurative; opposed to being bowed down by a yoke); Isa 63:12 that caused his glorious arm to go at (לְ) the right hand of Moses.
b. cause to flow, run Ezek 32:14 and rivers like oil will I cause to flow.
c. cause to depart, retire, go back, ׳י, the sea, Exod 14:21 (בְּ instrumental, בְּרוּחַ קָדִים).

Strong's Definition H3212

go, went, walk, walked, walking, …

yālak

to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)

to go, walk, come

(Qal)

to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away

Variations 16 forms of this word

Translations 25 English renderings

Search every verse

Word Parts

שְׁכָב֒

Root word down, lie, slept, lay, lieth, …

Dictionary form: שָׁכַב · shaw-KAHB

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Vqv2ms

Verb — Qal, Imperative, second person masculine singular simple action — "he did" a command — try "___!" the built-in subject is "you"

שְׁכָב

Speech Verb Stem Qal Type Imperative Person Second Person Gender Masculine Number Singular

Verb Chart

Full verb chart

In English

In the KJV here: lie down

slept ×36 lay ×11 lie ×11 and lay ×10 and laid ×6 and lie ×5 lie down ×5 be he that lieth ×4

More options

lie down — Most natural everyday phrase; fits narrative and command contexts.

sleep — Use when rest or overnight lodging is the focus.

rest — Softer register; suits poetic or death-as-sleep imagery.

go to bed — Colloquial; good for domestic or intimate narrative scenes.

have sex with — Use only when the euphemistic sexual sense is explicit.

be laid — Passive voice; fits contexts of burial or a corpse lying in place.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB8655 H7901

שָׁכַב (Lag^{BN 63}) verb lie down (Late Hebrew = Biblical Hebrew; שכב Eccl 47:23 (in death), משכב bed Eccl 40:5, = death bed Eccl 46:19 Phoenician שכב, משכב (see ׳מ

1. below), Lzb³⁷⁵; Ethiopic lie, Aramaic שְׁכַב, ; Nabataean משכבא couch; Arabic only pour out (water, tears), be poured out (compare Hiph`il below, and Lag^{BN 63})); —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳שׁ Gen 26:10 +, etc.; Imperfect יִשְׁכַּב Gen 30:15 +, 3 masculine plural יִשְׁכְּבֻן 1Sam 2:22, יִשְׁכָּב֑וּן Josh 2:8; Job 30:17, etc.; Imperative masculine singular שְׁכַב 2Sam 13:5; Ezek 4:4, שִׁכְבָה Gen 39:7; Gen 39:12, etc.; Infinitive absolute שָׁכֹב Lev 15:24 construct שְׁכַב 1Kgs 1:21 +, suffix שָׁכְבוֺ Ruth 3:4, שִׁכְבָהּ Gen 19:33; Gen 19:35, שָׁכְבְּךָ Deut 6:7 + 2 t.; Participle שֹׁכֵב Gen 28:13 +, feminine שֹׁכֶ֫בֶת Mic 7:5; Ruth 3:8, etc.; —

1. lie down (sometimes opposed to קוּם, הֵקִיץ):
a. Judg 5:27 (prostrated by blow, + כָּרַע, נָפַל).
b. to sleep, Gen 19:4 (J), Gen 28:11 (E), 1Sam 3:5; Deut 7:7; Prov 6:22 + often; read וַיִּשְׁכַּב also (for וַיַּשְׁכֵּם) 1Sam 9:26 ᵐ5 Th We Dr and modern; ׳שׁ + יָשֵׁן sleep 1Kgs 19:5; Ps 3:6; Ps 4:9, compare Prov 3:24 (twice in verse), + נִרְדָּם Jonah 1:5 = be lying 1Sam 3:2; 1Sam 3:3; 1Sam 26:5 (all בְּ local), v1Sam 26:7; 1Sam 4:5 (accusative of congnate meaning with verb noon-repose), 2Sam 13:8, compare שֹׁכֵב בְּלֶביָֿם Prov 23:34, of two lying (together, for warmth) Eccl 4:11 + be sleeping 1Sam 26:7 = keep lying, with עַד Judg 16:3; 1Sam 3:15; Ruth 3:13; Prov 6:9 emphasis on resting, Lev 26:6 (H), Job 11:18 token of mourning, וְשָׁכַב אָ֑רְצָה (וְלָן) 2Sam 12:16, compare 2Sam 13:21, בַּשָּׂק ׳שׁ 1Kgs 21:27, בֵּין שְׁפַתָּ֑יִם ׳שׁ Ps 68:14 (of indolence?); figurative of prostration by disease Ps 41:9 among foes Ps 57:5 of humiliation Jer 3:25 with עַל of thing: land Gen 28:13 (J), usually bed 2Sam 13:5; 1Kgs 21:4; Lev 15:4; Lev 15:24; Lev 15:26, compare vLev 15:20, for midday repose 2Sam 4:7.
c. lie on (עַל) one's side Ezek 4:4 (twice in verse); Ezek 4:6; Ezek 4:9 (symbolic).
d. lie, עַל person 1Kgs 3:19 (fatally), 2Kgs 4:34 (to revive).
e. lie בְּחֵיק, of lamb (i.e. be cherished) 2Sam 12:3, of woman Mic 7:5 (intimacy), 1Kgs 1:2 (vital warmth); lie down for copulation Gen 19:33; Gen 19:35 (of woman, see

3. below; both opposed to קוּם).

2. = lodge (for night), (שָׁ֫מָּהׅ ׳שׁ Josh 2:1 (E), 2Kgs 4:11, compare 2Kgs 9:16 (yet perhaps = lie ill), Lev 14:47 (בְּ local).

3. of sexual relations, lie with: subject man, with עִם Gen 30:15; Gen 30:16; Gen 39:7; Gen 39:12; Gen 39:14 (J), Exod 22:13 (E), Deut 22:22 + 8 t. Deuteronomy; 2Sam 11:4; 2Sam 11:11; 2Sam 12:11; 2Sam 12:24; Lev 15:33 with אֶת feminine with (ᵑ0 אֹתָהּ, etc., originally אִתָּהּ, etc., see Dr^{2Sam 13:14 and II.} אֵת, p. 85:a above), Gen 26:10; Gen 34:2; Gen 34:7; Gen 35:22 (all J), 1Sam 2:22 (omitted by ᵐ5 and modern), 2Sam 13:14; Ezek 23:8 (figurative), Lev 15:24 (שָׁכֹב יִשְׁכַּב), Num 5:19, also (with accusative of congnate meaning with verb שִׁכְבַתזֶֿרַע) vNum 5:13; Lev 15:18; Lev 19:20 with accusative (suffix) feminine Deut 28:30 Kt (see [ שָׁגֵל]); with אֵצֶל feminine Gen 39:10 (J); with אֵת of a man (sodomy), Lev 18:22; Lev 20:13 (both H; with accusative of congnate meaning with verb מִשְׁכְּבֵי אִשָּׁה); with עִםבְּֿהֵמָה Deut 27:21; Lev 22:18 (H); subject woman, with עִם of a man Gen 19:32; Gen 19:34; Gen 19:35 (J) 2Sam 13:11 אֵת of a man Gen 19:33; Gen 19:34 (compare 1 e above).

4. a. lie down in death, Isa 14:8; Isa 43:17 (opposed to קוּם), Ezek 31:18; Ezek 32:27; Ezek 32:28; Ezek 32:29; Ezek 32:30; Job 14:12 (opposed to קוּם, הֵקִיץ), וְאֶשְׁקוֺט ׳שׁ Job 3:12 be lying (dead) Isa 51:20; Lam 2:21.
b. especially in phrase עִם אֲבוֺתָיו ׳שׁ lie down with his fathers, of kings 1Kgs 1:21; 1Kgs 2:10 + 35 t. Kings Chronicles, compare Gen 47:30 (J) Deut 31:16, and (with אֵת) 2Sam 7:12
c. in grave, בְּבֵיתוֺ Isa 14:18 (opposed to מִקִּבְרְךָ), שֹׁכְבֵי קֶבֶר Ps 88:6 לֶעָפָר Job 7:21, ׳עַלעֿ Job 20:11; Job 21:26 in sh®°ôl Ezek 32:21 in Gehenna (?) Isa 50:11.

5. figurative = relax: Job 30:17 my gnawing pains do not sleep; = have rest, לִבּוֺ ׳לֹא שׁ Eccl 2:23. Niph`al Pu`al = be lain with (sexually; subject woman), only as Qr for Kt [שָׁגֵל] Niph`al Pu`al q. v. Hiph`il lay, Perfect 3 feminine singular הִשְׁכִּיבָה with accusative puer. + בְּחֵיק 1Kgs 3:20, so Imperfect 3 feminine singular suffix וַתַּשְׁכִּיבֵהוּ v1Kgs 3:20, compare (עַלמִֿטָּה) 1Kgs 17:19; 2Kgs 4:21 Infinitive absolute הַשְׁכֵּב אוֺתָם אַ֫רְצָה 2Sam 8:2 making them lie down on ground; Imperfect also lay בַּמִּשְׁכָּב 2Chr 16:14 (of burial); נִבְלֵי שָׁמַיִם מִי יַשְׁכִּיב Job 38:37 i.e. tip them so that contents may flow out (compare Arabic above). Hoph`al Participle מֻשְׁכָּב 2Kgs 4:32 laid עַלמִֿטָּה; Perfect consecutive וְהֻשְׁכַּב Ezek 32:32 shall be laid (in death), with בְּתוֺךְ and אֵת person (with); so Imperative masculine singular הָשְׁכְּבָה vEzek 32:19 (with אֵת person only).

BDB8674 H7925 H7901

[שָׁכַם] verb Hiph`il denominative start, rise, early (properly load backs of beasts for day's journey); — Perfect 3 masculine singular consecutive וְהִשְׁכִּים 2Sam 15:2; Job 1:5, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular וַיַּשְׁכֵּם Gen 19:27 +, 2 masculine singular תְּשְׁכִּים Judg 9:33, etc.; Imperative הַשְׁכֵּם Exod 8:16 +; Infinitive absolute הַשְׁכֵּם Jer 7:25 +, כֵּים- Jer 44:4; Prov 27:14, erroneous אַשְׁכֵּים Jer 25:3 (Ges^{«GKC:53»§ 53} K); Participle מַשְׁכִּים Hos 6:4 +, etc., — rise early, make an early start, of journey (Hexateuch only J E); לְדַרְכְּכֶם Judg 19:9 (+ מָחָר), compare Song 7:13 + verb of going Gen 19:2 (J), standing 2Sam 15:2 (compare Dr), encamping Judg 7:1, etc.; + infinitive 1Sam 15:12 (compare Dr), 1Sam 29:11; 2Kgs 6:15 (לָקוּם), מַשְׁכִּימֵי קוּם Ps 127:3 (opposed to מְאַחֲרֵי שֶׁבֶת); usually with בַּבֹּקֶר Gen 19:27 (J; אֶלהַֿמָּקוֺם), 1Sam 29:10 (twice in verse) + 27 t., + (hyperbole) שֵׁכָר ׳מַשְׁכִּימֵי בַבּ יִרְדֹּ֑פוּ Isa 5:11 (|| מְאַחֲרֵי בֵנֶּשֶׁף); with מִמָּחֳרָת Exod 32:6 (E), Judg 6:28 + 3 t.; with בַּעֲלוֺת הַשַּׁחַר Josh 6:15 (J), 1Sam 19:26 וַיְמַהֲרוּ וַיַּשְׁכִּימוּ וַיֵּצְאוּ Josh 8:14 (J) they made a quick and early start; and went out; Infinitive absolute (Ges^{«GKC:113s»§ 113s}) as adverb וְהַעֲרֵב ׳הַשׁ 1Sam 17:16 at early morning and at evening; especially of ׳י, in Jeremiah: ׳הַשׁ וְדַבֵּר = speaking early and often Jer 7:13; Jer 35:14 and (of Jeremiah) Jer 25:3, compare Jer 11:7; Jer 32:33 often וְשָׁלוֺחַ ׳הַשׁ = sending early and often Jer 7:25; Jer 24:4; Jer 26:5; Jer 29:19; Jer 35:14; Jer 44:4, also 2Chr 36:15 so verb finite הִשְׁכִּימוּ הִשְׁחִיתוּ, Zeph 3:7 = with eagerness they corrupted (Ges^{«GKC:120g»§ 120g}); participle הֹלֵךְ ׳כַּטַּל מַשְׁ Hos 6:4 like the dew departing early, Hos 13:3 (Ges^ib.). — 1Sam 9:26 read וַיִּשְׁכַּב, see שׁכב

BDB9948 H4904 H7901

שׁכב (√ of following; Biblical Hebrew שָׁכַב, מִשְׁכָּב).

Strong's Definition H7901

down, lie, slept, lay, lieth, …

šākab

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

to lie down

(Qal)

to lie, lie down, lie on

Variations 76 forms of this word

Translations 102 English renderings

Search every verse

Word Parts

וְ הָיָה֙

וְ

Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)

הָיָה֙

Root word be, pass, was, were, came, …

Dictionary form: הָיָה · haw-YAW

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar C/Vqq3ms

Verb — Qal, Sequential Perfect (Weqatal), third person masculine singular simple action — "he did" carries the story forward — try "and he will ___" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

וְ	Speech Conjunction
הָיָה	Speech Verb Stem Qal Type Sequential Perfect (Weqatal) Person Third Person Gender Masculine Number Singular

Verb Chart

Full verb chart

In English

In the KJV here: and it shall be

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB2100 H3068 H3069 H1961 H430 H589 H2022 H6635

יהוה_{c. 6823} i.e. יַהְוֶה proper name, of deity Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel — (

1. ᵑ0 יְהוָֺה^C518 (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 Philo^{de 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 Bö^{§ 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 Lag^{Sym i.14} Baud^{Studien i.179 ff.}; Dr^{Stud.Bib.i.1 ff.} For Jeve see Sta^{ZAW 1881, 346} De^{ib.1882, 173 f. & Gn. Excurs. ii.}

2. on literature of interpretations see Nes^Eg.67 Dr^{l.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, Nes^Eg.88 (but Nes^{Eg.91 inclines to Qal as} RS^{Brit. & For. Ev. Rev} see below); or from היה he who causes to fall, rain or lightning RS^{OTJC.ed.1, 423; om.ed.2, 245}, compare We^{Skizzen iii.175}; 'Fäller,' destroying foes, Sta^G.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 RS^{Brit. & For. Ev. Rev. 1876}, he will be it, i.e all that his servants look for (compare Ew^infr), he will approve himself (give evidence of being, assert his being Dr^l.c.17)).

**Theories of non-Hebrew or non-Semitic origin, opposed (in their older forms) by Bau^{Rel. i. 181 ff. (see especially 230)}; Dl^{Pa 162 ff.} claimed Babylonian origin for יהו, against this Kue^{national Religions, etc., Note iv (Eng. Trans. 329 ff.)} Jastr^{JBL xiil {1894}, 103 f.} compare Hpt^{BAS i. 170 N}; Dl^{Babel u. Bibel, 46 f., 73 f.} makes same claim for יהוה, against this see especially Hirsch^{ZAW xxiil {1903}, 355 ff.} Zim^{KATS. 465 ff.}; Spiegelb^{ZMG:liii {1899}, 633 ff.} proposes (improbable) Egyptian etymology for יהוה; further discussions see in Kö^{EB NAMES, § 112 and n.3}. 'Jehovah' found in Jacob (? Johannes) Wessel († 1480), according to Schw^{ThLZ, 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 Ew^{BTh ii. 337, 338} RS^{l.c., Proph. 385 ff.} Other interpretations are: I am he who I am, i.e. it is no concern of yours (Le Clerc Lag^{Psalt.Hieron.156}); I am (this is my name), inasmuch as I am (אֲשֶׁר = כִּי; AE JDMich We^JD 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 Dl^{Pa 158 ff.} Dr^{Stud. 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 R^P 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 ℌ), 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. — Bonk^{ZAW 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

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 Kö^{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 W^{AG 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., Dr^Sm), 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 Sta^{ZAW 1886, 122 f.} compare JBL^{1890, 74.77}.

BDB9470 H1934 H1961

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.} Nö^{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.

Strong's Definition H1961

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 arise, appear, come

to become

to exist, be in existence

to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about

Variations 205 forms of this word

Translations 723 English renderings

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Word Parts

אִם

Conjunction if, or, though, surely, not, …

Dictionary form: אִם · im

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar C

Conjunction

אִם	Speech Conjunction

In English

In the KJV here: if

if ×322 and if ×128 but if ×69 or ×48 surely ×29 though ×25 whether ×19 when ×16

More options

if — Default conditional; most broadly applicable rendering.

whether — Use for indirect questions or double alternatives.

though — Concessive force; signals contrast or surprise.

when — Temporal nuance; condition treated as certain to occur.

unless — Negative conditional; equivalent to 'if not'.

surely — Emphatic/oath context; asserts strong certainty.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB2204 H2005 H518 H2006

II. הֵן₁₀₀ (הֶןֿ Num 23:9; Num 23:24; Job 8:19; Job 8:20; Job 13:1; Job 26:14; Job 33:6; Job 33:12; Job 33:29; Job 36:5; Job 36:22; Job 36:26 הֵןֿ Job 13:15; Job 36:30; Job 41:1 +) demonstrative adverb or interjection lo! behold (on etymology see הִנֵּה), less widely used than הִנֵּה, and in prose mostly confined to calling attention to some fact upon which action is to be taken, or a conclusion based;
a. Gen 3:22 הֵן הָאָדָם הָיָה behold the man is become as one of us, & now lest, etc., Gen 4:14 behold, thou hast driven me forth etc., Gen 11:6; Gen 15:3; Gen 19:34; Gen 27:11; Gen 29:7; Gen 30:34 (nearly = yea), Exod 5:5; Exod 6:12; Exod 6:30; Lev 10:18; Lev 10:19; Num 17:27; Deut 5:21 (in prose only in Pentateuch (23 t.) and Ezek 18:4 in this usage); in poetry, used more freely, but chiefly in Isa² & Job, — Num 23:9; Num 23:24 (Balaam) Isa 23:13; Isa 32:1; Isa 33:7; Ps 51:7; Ps 51:8; Ps 68:34; Ps 78:20; Ps 139:4; Prov 11:31 (stating the premiss to a conclusion introduced by אַף כִּי, q. v.), Prov 24:12: elsewhere (except in senses b, c) only in Isa² (23 t.) & Job (31 t), as Isa 40:15 (twice in verse); Isa 41:11; Isa 41:24; Isa 41:29; Isa 50:1; Isa 50:2; Isa 50:9 (twice in verse); Isa 50:11; Job 4:18; Job 15:15; Job 25:5 (in these three passages before אַף or אַף כִּי), Job 9:1; Job 9:12 etc. (see above).
b. as a hypothetical particle, propounding a possibility, if (so Late Hebrew, Biblical Aramaic, Mandean, Palmyrene (ZMG 1888, 404); on the contrary Syriac , Palestinian ᵑ7 אִין, also Palmyrene (ib. p. 415), Arabic with א), a special application or development of the use a: Exod 4:1 והן לא יאמינו לי and behold ( = and suppose) they will not believe me ? etc., Lev 25:20 and if (וְכִי) ye say, What shall we eat the 7th year ? הֵן לֹא נִזְרַע behold, we shall not sow etc. (i.e. supposing we do not sow), Isa 54:15; Job 40:23; 2Chr 7:13 (twice in verse) (2Chr 7:13 b וְאִם); stating the ground on which a question is based, Exod 8:22 (וְלֹא = הֲלֹא), Jer 3:1; Hag 2:12 (see הֵן Aramaic b).
c. if, whether, in an indirect question, Jer 2:10 רְאוּ הֵן הָֽיְתָה כָּזֹאת (but Gr הֲנִהְיְתָה); compare אִם 2 b, and הֵן Aramaic

3.

BDB3995 H3588 H518

כִּי conjunction that, for, when (Moabite id,: Phoenician כ. Probably from the same demonstrative basis found in here, and in certain pronouns, as Aramaic דֵּךְ this (W^{SG 110 f.}); perhaps also ultimately akin with that, in order that, and then, enclitic, like Latin nam in quisnam?) —

1. that (ὅτι, German dass):
a. prefixed to sentences depending on an active verb, and occupying to it the place of an accusative: so constantly, after verbs of seeing, as Gen 1:10 וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים כִּי טוֺב and God saw that it was good, Gen 3:6; Gen 6:2; Gen 6:5; Gen 12:14 + often, hearing Gen 14:14; Gen 29:33, knowing Gen 22:12; Gen 24:14, telling Gen 3:11; Gen 12:18, repenting Gen 6:6; Gen 6:7, swearing Gen 22:16; Jer 22:5, believing Exod 4:5; Lam 4:12, remembering Ps 78:35, forgetting Job 39:15 אָמַר = command (late; in early Hebrew the words said are quoted) Job 36:10; Job 36:24 (זְכֹר in a command) Job 37:20 b 1Chr 21:18 (contrast 2Sam 24:18) etc.; טוֺב כּי it is good that ... 2Sam 18:2 + (usually the infinitive with, as Gen 2:18 see ibid.); Gen 37:26 מַהבֶּֿצַע כִּי נַהֲרֹג what profit that we should slay (imperfect)...? Mal 3:14 what proft כִּי שָׁמַרְנוּ that we have kept (perfect)...? Job 22:3 הַחֵפֶץ לְשַׁדַּי כִּי is it pleasure to Shaddai that...? after a pronoun, as Ps 41:12 by this I know that thou hast pleasure in me, that my enemy cannot triumph over me, Ps 42:5 these things will I remember...that (or how) I used to go, etc., Ps 56:10 this I know that God is for me Job 13:16 (הוא). And with כִּי repeated pleonastic after an intervening clause 2Sam 19:7; Jer 26:15 +; כִּי ֗֗֗ וְכִי Gen 3:6; Gen 29:12; Exod 4:31; Josh 2:9; Josh 8:21; Josh 10:1; 1Sam 31:7; 2Sam 5:12; 1Kgs 11:21; Jer 40:7; Jer 40:11 לֵאמֹר ֗֗֗ וְכִי Gen 45:26; Judg 10:10.
b. כִּי often introduces the direct narration (like , , and the Greek ὅτι recitativum, e.g. Luke 4:21), in which case it cannot be represented in English (except by inverted commas), Gen 21:30; Gen 29:33 and she said, ׳כִּי שׁמע י Yahweh hath heard, etc.; Exod 3:12 = Judg 6:16 and he said, כִּי אֶהְיֶה עִמָּ֑ךְ I will be with thee, Josh 2:24; 1Sam 2:16 (see Dr) 1Sam 10:19 and ye have said to him, כִּי מֶלָךְ תָּשִׂים עָלֵינוּ Thou shalt set a king over us, 2Sam 11:23; 1Kgs 1:13; 1Kgs 20:5; Ruth 1:10, compare Ruth 2:21 (but in reply to a question כִּי may = because, see below 3; and so also in sentences giving the explanation of a proper name, Gen 26:22; Gen 29:32 (but De surely: see below), Exod 2:10 (compare Gen 4:25; Gen 41:51; Gen 41:52); in כִּי מָה, introducing an expostulation, 1Sam 29:8; 1Kgs 11:22; 2Kgs 8:13, it gives the reason for a suppressed 'Why do you say this?').
c. especially after an oath חַי אָ֫נִי, ׳חַי י etc., introducing the fact sworn to, Gen 42:16 by the life of Pharaoh, כִּי מְרַגְּלִים אַתֶּם (I say) that ye are spies; but though Hebrew usage probably gave it an asseverative force, English idiom does not require it to be expressed: Num 14:22; 1Sam 20:3 as ׳י liveth, כִּי כְפֶשַׂע בֵּינִי וּבֵין הַמָּוֶת there is but a step between me and death! 1Sam 26:16; 1Sam 29:6; Isa 49:18 +; 1Sam 14:44 כֹּהיַֿעֲשֶׂה אֱלֹהִים וְכֹה יוֺסִיף כִּי מוֺת תָּמוּת thus may God do and more also: thou shalt surely die! 2Sam 3:35; 1Kgs 2:23; Ruth 1:17 and elsewhere — Note that כִּי when thus used is often repeated after an intervening clause, in order that its force may be fully preserved: Gen 1:39 כִּי מוֺת יָמוּת (אִםיֶֿשְׁנוֺ בְּיוֺנָתָן בְּנִי) כִּי ׳חַי י 1Sam 25:34; 2Sam 2:27 ׳כִּי אָז וג (לוּלֵא דִּבַּרְתָּ) כִּי, 2Sam 3:9; 2Sam 15:21 Qr 1Kgs 1:30; Jer 22:24.
d. כִּי is used sometimes with advs. and interjs. to add force or distinctness to the affirmation which follows:
(a) so especially in אַף כִּי (see אַף); הֲכִי is it that . . .? (as a neutral interrogative) 2Sam 9:1, (expecting a negative answer) Gen 29:15 is it that thou art my brother, and shalt (therefore) serve me for nothing? Job 6:22 is it that I have said, Give unto me? expressing surprise Gen 27:36 is it that he is called Jacob, and has (hence) supplanted me twice? 2Sam 23:19 an affirm. answer is required (which would imply הֲלֹא כִי): read probably with the || 1Chr 11:25 הִנּוֺ be-hold, he, etc.; אִםלֹֿא כִּי Deut 32:30 were it not that .. .; אָמְנָם כִּי Job 12:2 of a truth (is it) that ye are the people, etc.; אַךְ כִּי 1Sam 8:9 אֶפֶם כִּי Num 13:28 +; גַּם כִּי Ruth 2:21 הֲלֹא כִי 1Sam 10:1 (but see ᵐ5 Dr), 2Sam 13:28 הִנֵּה כִי Ps 128:4 compare Ps 118:10 כִּי אֲמִיַלם ׳בְּשֵׁם י in the name of ׳י (is it) that — or (I say) that — I will mow them down; Job 39:27 doth the vulture mount up at thy command, וְכִי יָרִים קִנּוֺ and (is it) that it (so) makes high its nest? Isa 36:19 have the gods of the nations delivered each his land etc.? . . . וְכִי הִצִּילוּ i.e. (Hi) and (is it) that they have delivered Samaria out of my hand? > (Ew^{§ 354 c} De Di) and that they have delivered Samaria out of my hand! = how much less (אַף כִּי) have they, etc.! (|| 2Kgs 18:34 כִּי alone, perhaps conformed by error to v2Kgs 18:35; 2Chr 32:15 אַף כִּי, which however does not decide the sense of the original וְכִי). 1Chr 29:14 וְכִי מִי read ומי or כי מי
(b) in introducing the apodosis, especially in כִּי עַתָּה (chiefly after לוּלֵא) indeed then . . ., Gen 31:42; Gen 43:10 for unless we had tarried כִּי עַתָּה שַׁבְנוּ surely then we had returned twice, Num 22:33 (read לוּלֵי for אוּלַי); so 1Sam 14:30 ᵐ5 (after לוּא), and 1Sam 13:13 Hi We (לֻא for לֹא); after אִם Job 8:6 surely then he will awake over thee, etc. (But elsewhere כִּי עַתָּה is simply for now, Gen 29:32; Job 7:21 +; or for then = for in that case, Exod 9:15; Num 22:29; Job 3:13; Job 6:3 +). It is dubious whether כִּי אָז has the same sense: for 2Sam 2:27; 2Sam 19:7 the כִּי in כִּי אָז may be merely resumptive of the כִּי recitation preceding (see a, c). Rare otherwise: Exod 22:22 if thou afflict him כִּי אִםצָֿעֹק יִצְעַק 'tis that (= indeed), if he cries unto me, I will hear him, Isa 7:9 if ye believe not כִּי לֹא תֵאֵָמנוּ ׃ indeed ye will not be established.
e. there seem also to be other cases in which כִּי, standing alone, has an intensive force, introducing a statement with emphasis, yea, surely, certainly (German ja — a lighter particle than these English words): see in AV RV Exod 18:11; Num 23:23; 1Sam 17:25; 1Sam 20:26; 2Kgs 23:22; Isa 32:13; Isa 60:9; Jer 22:22; Jer 31:19; Hos 6:9; Hos 8:6; Hos 9:12; Hos 10:3; Amos 3:7; Ps 76:11; Ps 77:12 (Ew Che), Prov 30:2 (but not if construed as RVm), Eccl 4:16; Eccl 7:7; Eccl 7:20; Job 28:1 +; Lam 3:22 (ᵑ6 ᵑ7 Ew Th Öttli) the mercies of ׳י, surely they are not consumed (read probably תַמּוּ or תָֽמְמוּ for תמנו), Ruth 3:12 כִּי אָמְנָם yea, indeed. But it is doubtful whether כִּי has this force in all the passages for which scholars have had recourse to it, and whether in some it is not simply = for. De^{Prov 30:1} would restrict the usage to cases in which a suppressed clause may be understood. feminine that, expressing consecution, especially after a question implying surprise or deprecation: followed by perf., Gen 20:9 what have I sinned against thee כִּי הֵבֵאתָ עָלַי that thou hast brought upon me? 1Sam 22:8; Isa 22:1 what aileth thee, that thou art gone up, etc.? vIsa 22:16; Isa 36:5; Isa 52:5; Mic 4:9; Hab 2:18 followed by participle Judg 14:3; 1Sam 20:1; 1Kgs 18:9 how have I sinned that thou art giving, etc.? 2Kgs 5:7; Ezek 24:19 usually followed by imperfect Exod 3:11 who am I כִּי אֵלֵךְ that I should go, etc.? Exod 16:7; Judg 8:6; Judg 9:28; 2Kgs 8:13; Isa 7:13; Isa 29:16 (also perfect), Ps 8:5 what is man כִּי תִזְכְּרֶנּוּ? Job 3:12 or why the breasts כִּי אִינָָֽק ׃ that I should suck? Job 6:11 מַהכֹּֿחִי כִּי אִַיַחֵל, Job 7:12; Job 7:17; Job 10:5f.; Job 13:25f.; Job 15:12f; Job 15:14; Job 16:3; Job 21:15 +; after a negative, Gen 40:15 here also I have done nothing כִּי שָׂמוּ that they should have placed me in the dungeon, Ps 44:19f. our heart has not turned backward, etc. כִּי דִכִּיתָנוּ that thou shouldst have crushed us, etc., Isa 43:22 not me hast thou called on, כִּי יָגַעְתָּ בִּי that thou shouldst have wearied thyself with me, Hos 1:6 (see RV), Job 41:2; Ruth 1:12 I am too old to have an husband כִּי אָמַרְתִּי that I should have said, etc. (compare Ew^{§ 337 a}; Dr^{§ 39} δ).
g. added to preps. כִּי converts them, like אֲשֶׁר, into conjs. ..., as יַעַן כִּי because that...: see below יַעַן, עַד, עַל, עֵקֶב, תַּחַת.

2. a. Of time, when, of the past וַיְהִי כִּי Gen 6:1 (compare Bu^{Urg. 6}), Gen 26:8; Gen 27:1; 2Sam 6:13; 2Sam 7:1; 2Sam 19:26 + (כַּאֲשֶׁר and especially כְּ with infinitive, are more frequently); וְהָיָה כִּי (simple וְ) 1Sam 1:12; 1Sam 17:48; Josh 22:7; Judg 2:18; Judg 12:5 והיה כי יאמרו and it would be, whenever (frequently) they said, Jer 44:19 (participle), Hos 11:1; Ps 32:3 כי החרשׁתי when I was silent, Job 31:21; Job 31:26; Job 31:29 of present (usually with imperfect) as Exod 18:16 כִּי יִהְיֶה לָהֶם דָּבָר when they have a matter, 1Sam 24:20; Isa 1:12; Isa 30:21; Jer 14:12; Zech 7:5; Zech 7:6; Mal 1:8; Ps 49:19 and men praise thee כִּי תֵיטִיב לָ֑ךְ when thou doest well to thyself, Ps 102:1; Ps 127:5 +, with perfect Ezek 3:19-21; Ezek 33:9; Prov 11:15; Prov 23:22 especially of future, as Gen 4:12 כִּי תַעֲבֹד אֶתהָֿאֲדָמָה when thou shalt till the ground it shall not, etc., Gen 24:41; Gen 30:33; Gen 31:49; Gen 32:18; Exod 7:9 when Pharaoh shall speak unto you, Deut 4:25; Deut 6:20 +; in phrase (׳תאֹמַר וג) וְכִי תאֹמְרוּ Lev 25:20; Deut 18:21; Isa 8:19; Isa 36:7; Jer 13:22 and especially in ... וְהָיָה כִּי Gen 12:12; Gen 46:33; Deut 6:10; Deut 15:16; 1Sam 10:7; 1Sam 25:30; Isa 8:21; Isa 10:12 + often; with perfect Isa 16:12; 1Chr 17:11 (altered from imperfect 2Sam 7:12); with participle (unusual) Num 33:51; Num 34:2; Deut 11:31; Deut 18:9.
b. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usually represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם: — (mostly with imperfect) Gen 38:16; Num 5:20; Num 10:32; Deut 6:25; Deut 7:17; Deut 28:2; Deut 28:13; 1Sam 20:13; 2Sam 19:8; 2Kgs 4:29; 2Kgs 18:22; Jer 38:15; Prov 4:8; Job 7:13 (כי אמרתי when I say), Job 19:28 often in laws, as Exod 21:14; Exod 21:33; Exod 21:35; Exod 21:37; Exod 22:4; Exod 22:5 etc., Deut 13:13; Deut 14:24; Deut 15:7; Deut 15:12; Deut 17:2; Deut 18:6; Deut 18:21 etc.; sometimes, in particular, to state a principle broadly, after which special cases are introduced by אִם, as Exod 21:2 when (כִּי) thou buyest a Hebrew servant, he shall serve thee six years, after which vExod 21:3-5 follow four special cases with אִם if: so Exod 21:7 (כי), vExod 21:8-11 (אם); vExod 21:18 (כי), vExod 21:19 (אם); vExod 21:20 (כי), vExod 21:21 (אם); vExod 21:22 f; vExod 21:28-32; Lev 1:2 (כי), vLev 1:3 vLev 1:10 (אם) Lev 4:2; Lev 4:3; Lev 4:13; Lev 4:27; Lev 4:32; Lev 13:2ff. Num 30:3ff. +; though this distinction is not uniformly observed, contrast e.g. Exod 21:5 with Deut 15:16; Num 5:19 and vNum 5:20. —

N.B. with כִּי = when or if, the subject is often prefixed for distinctness and emphasis: 1Kgs 8:37 רָעָב ׳כִּייִֿהְיֶה בָאָרֶץ דֶּבֶר כִּי יִהְיֶה וג, Isa 28:18; Mic 5:4 אַשּׁוּר כִּייָֿבאֹ בְאַרְצֵנוּ, Ps 62:11; Ezek 3:19 (וְאַתָּה), Ezek 14:9; Ezek 14:13; Ezek 18:5; Ezek 18:18; Ezek 18:21; Ezek 33:6 (compare vEzek 33:2); and especially in laws of P, as כִּי ֗֗֗ אָדָם Lev 1:2; Lev 13:2, ... נֶפֶשׁ כִּי Lev 2:1; Lev 4:2; Lev 5:1; Lev 5:4; Lev 5:15, similarly Lev 15:2; Lev 15:16; Lev 15:19; Lev 15:25; Lev 22:12; Lev 22:13; Lev 22:14 etc., rather differently Num 5:20.
c. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though: —
(a) with imperfect Jer 4:30 (3 t. in verse); Jer 14:12; Jer 49:16 כִּיתַֿגְבִּיהַּ כַּנֶּשֶׁר קִנֶּ֑ךָ though thou make high like the vulture thy nest, I will bring thee down thence, Jer 51:53; Hos 13:15; Zech 8:6; Ps 37:24; Ps 49:19f. though in his lifetime he bless himself ... he shall come, etc., perhaps also Jer 46:23 Ew (but Hi Gf Ke for), Jer 50:11 Ew Ke (Hi yea); and strengthened by גַּם, גַּם כִּי Isa 1:5; Ps 23:4 (compare Dr^{§ 143});
(b) with perf. (rare) Mic 7:8 כִּי נָפַלְתִּי קָ֑מְתִּי though I have fallen, I rise, Nah 1:10 (si vera 1.), Ps 21:12 (Hi Ew Now), Ps 119:88 (Ew De).

3. Because, since ὅτι —
a. Gen 3:14 because thou hast done this, cursed art thou, etc., vGen 3:17; Gen 18:20; Gen 17:20 the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah — because it is great ... (subject prefixed for emphasis: compare 2

N.B.) Isa 28:15 in answer to a question, Gen 27:20; Exod 1:19; Exod 18:15; 2Sam 19:43 +. Enunciating the conditions under which a future action is conceived as possible (German indem) Lev 22:9; Deut 4:29 כי תדרשׁנו, Deut 12:20 (see Dr), vDeut 12:25 vDeut 12:28; Deut 13:19; Deut 14:24; Deut 16:15; Deut 19:6; Deut 19:9 +, 1Kgs 8:35 (compare v1Kgs 8:33 אֲשֶׁר), v1Kgs 8:36 כִּי תוֺרֵם, Prov 4:8b.
b. more commonly the causal sentence follows, as Gen 2:3 and God blessed the seventh day ׳כִּי בוֺ שָׁבַת וג because on it he rested, etc., Gen 4:25 etc., in which case it may often be rendered for, Gen 2:5; Gen 2:28; Gen 3:20; Gen 5:24; Gen 6:7; Gen 6:12; Gen 6:13; Ps 6:3 heal me כִּי נִבְהֲלוּ עֲצָמָ֑י for my bones are vexed, Ps 10:14; Ps 25:16; Ps 27:10 + very often specifically after verbs expressive of mental emotions, as rejoicing Isa 14:29; Ps 58:11, being angry Gen 31:35; Gen 45:5, fearing Gen 43:18; Ps 49:17 etc. Iron. 1Kgs 18:27 for he is a god etc. (4 t.); Prov 30:4; Job 38:5 כִּי תֵדָ֑ע for or since thou knowest. With subject prefixed Ps 128:2. Repeated (with anacoluthon) Isa 49:19.
c. the causal relation expressed by כִּי is sometimes subtle, especially in poetry, and not apparent without careful study of a passage. Thus sometimes it justifies a statement or description by pointing to a pregnant fact which involves it, as Isa 3:8a Job 6:21 (ground of the comparison vJob 6:15-20), Job 14:16 (For...: ground of the wishes expressed vJob 14:13-15), Job 16:22 (ground of vJob 16:20f.) Job 30:26 (For ...), or by pointing to a general truth which it exemplifies Job 5:6 (reason why complaining vJob 5:2-5 is foolish), Job 15:34; Job 23:14 sometimes it is explicative, justifying a statement by unfolding the particulars which establish or exemplify it 2Sam 5:7; 2Sam 7:8; Isa 9:4; Isa 10:8-11; Isa 13:10 (development of vIsa 13:9a); Isa 32:6 f. (developing the characters of the נָבָל and כִּילַי, and so explaining why they will no longer be esteemed vIsa 32:5); Job 11:16ff. (explicit of vJob 11:15b), Job 18:8 ff. (justifying vJob 18:7), Job 22:26 ff. (justifying vJob 22:25); elsewhere the cause is expressed indirectly or figuratively Isa 2:6 (reason why invitation vIsa 2:5 is needed), Isa 5:10 (sterility of the soil the cause of the desolation vIsa 5:9), Isa 18:5; Isa 28:8 (proof of the intoxication vIsa 28:7), Isa 31:7 (reason for the exhortation vIsa 31:6: the certainty that the folly of idolatry will soon be recognized), Job 7:21 (for soon it will be too late to pardon), Job 27:8-10 (Job wishes his enemy the lot of the wicked, because this is so hopeless); or כִּי relates not to the see which immediately precedes or follows, but to several, as Isa 7:16f. (Isa 7:17 specially the ground of the people being reduced to simple fare vIsa 7:15), Isa 21:6ff. (ground of the statements vIsa 21:1-5), Job 4:5 (ground of vJob 4:2), Job 14:7-12 (Job 14:10-12 specially the ground for the appeal in vJob 14:6), Job 23:10-13 (ground why God cannot be found vJob 23:8f.), Ps 73:21 (ground not of vPs 73:20, but of the general train of thought vPs 73:2); similarly Gen 4:24; Deut 18:14; Jer 30:11 the reason lies not in the words immediately after כִּי, but in the second part of the sentence; or, on the other hand, it may state the reason for a particular word, Isa 28:20 (justifying 'nought but terror' vIsa 28:19), Job 23:17 (God's hostility vJob 23:16 the cause of his misery, not the calamity as such). Sometimes also כִּי, in a poetic orrhetorical style, gives the reason for a thought not expressed but implied, especially the answer to a question; Isa 28:11 (the mockeries of vIsa 28:10 have a meaning) 'for with men of strange lips, etc. he will speak unto this people,' who will retort the mockeries, charged with a new and terrible meaning, upon those who uttered them (Isa 28:13); = (no,) for Isa 28:28 (see RVm), Job 22:2b no, he that is wise is profitable to himself, Job 31:18; Job 39:14 (see vJob 39:13b), Ps 44:24 (he cannot do this, vPs 44:23) for for thy sake are we killed, etc., Ps 130:4 no, with thee is forgiveness; = (yes,) for Isa 49:25 (see the question vIsa 49:24), Isa 66:8.
d. כִּי ֗֗֗ כִּי ἀσυνδέτως sometimes introduce the proximate and ultimate cause respectively, Gen 3:19; Gen 26:7; Gen 43:32; Gen 47:20; Exod 23:33 for [else] thou wilt serve their gods, for it will be a snare to thee, Isa 2:6 (twice in verse); Isa 3:8 (twice in verse); Isa 6:5a, b; Isa 10:22f.; Job 6:3f.; Job 8:8; Job 8:9 (twice in verse); Job 24:17 (twice in verse); Job 29:11f.; sometimes they introduce two co-ordinate causes (where we should insert and), Exod 23:21; Exod 23:22; Isa 6:5b,c I am undone, because I am of unclean lips..., because mine eyes have seen ׳י of hosts, Isa 15:5 (twice in verse); Isa 15:6 (twice in verse); Isa 15:8; Isa 15:9; Zeph 3:8f.; Job 15:25; Job 15:27; Job 20:19f.; Job 31:11f. But כִּי ֗֗֗ וְכִי also occurs, Gen 33:11; Num 5:20 (if), Josh 7:15; Judg 6:30; 1Sam 19:4; 1Sam 22:17; 1Kgs 2:26; Isa 65:16 +.
e. after a negative כִּי for becomes = but (German sondern): Gen 17:15 thou shalt not call her name Sarai, כִּי שָׂרָה שְׁמָהּ for (= but) Sarah shall be her name, Gen 24:3f.; Gen 45:8; Exod 1:19; Exod 16:8 not against us are your murmurings, ׳כי עליֿ for (they are) against ׳י = but against ׳י, Deut 21:17; 1Sam 6:3 (אַל), 1Sam 27:1 (see Dr), 1Kgs 21:17; Isa 10:7; Isa 28:27; Isa 29:23; Isa 30:5; Ps 44:8; Ps 118:17 + often; so in לא כי nay, for = nay, but, as Gen 18:15 לֹא כִּי צָחָֽקְתְּ nay, but thou didst laugh, Gen 19:2; Gen 42:12; Josh 5:14; 1Sam 2:16 MSS ᵐ5 (see Dr), 1Sam 12:12; 2Sam 16:18; 2Sam 24:24; 1Kgs 2:30; 1Kgs 3:22; 1Kgs 11:22; Isa 30:16 nay, but we will flee upon horses.

Note. — כִּי is sometimes of difficult and uncertain interpretation, and in some of the passages quoted a different explanation is tenable. Authorities especially read the Hebrew differently, when the choice is between for and yea. E.g. Isa 8:23 Ges Ew^{§ 330 b} doch (no, but); Hi Di for (taking vIsa 8:22 as RVm); Ch surely: Isa 15:1 Ges Ew Hi Di surely; De for: Isa 39:8 Ges Hi De surely; Di for (explanation of טוֺב): Ezek 11:16 Hi Ke Co surely; Ew Sm because. — In Exod 20:25 the tense of וַתְּחַלֲלֶהָ makes it probably that כֹּי is for (Dr^{§ 153}). Job 22:29 is taken with least violence to usage (גַּאֲוָה) as Hi When they humble thee, and thou sayest (= complainest) Pride! he will save, etc. כִּי אִםֿ (the אִם always followed by makkeph, except Gen 15:4; Num 35:33; Neh 2:2, where כִּיאִֿם is read by the Mass.: Fr^{MM 241}) —

1. each particle retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
a. that if Jer 26:15 after an oath (כִּי not translated: see כִּי 1 c) if 1Sam 14:39; Jer 22:24, surely not (אִם 1 b 2) 2Sam 3:35; 1Sam 25:34 (כִּי being resumptive of the כִּי before לוּלֵי: see כִּי 1 c); Exod 22:22 (in apodosis) indeed if . . . (see כִּי 1 d).
b. for if Exod 8:17; Exod 9:2; Exod 10:4; +, for though Isa 10:22; Jer 37:20; Amos 5:22, but if Jer 7:5.

2. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause —
a. limiting the preceding clause, except (after a negative, or an oath, or question, the equivalent of a negative) — the most usual term for expressing this idea: followed by verb Gen 32:27 I will not let thee go; כִּי אִםבֵּֿרַכְתָּֽנִי literally but (כִּי 3 e) if thou bless me (that is, I will let thee go), i.e., subordinating the second clause to the first, 'I will not let thee go, except thou bless me;' Lev 22:6 he shall not eat of the holy things כִּי אִםרָֿחַץ except he have washed his flesh, Isa 65:6; Amos 3:7; Ruth 3:18; Lam 5:21f. (Ew Näg Ke Che Öttli), turn thou us unto thee, etc., unless thou have utterly rejected us, (and) art very wroth with us (= Or hast thou utterly rejected us? etc. Ew Öttli); followed by a noun, except, but, Gen 28:17 this is nothing ׳כִּי אִםבֵּֿית הָאֱ but the house of God, Gen 32:9 he withholds from me nothing כִּי אִםאֿוֺתָךְ except thee, Lev 21:2; Num 14:30 (after אִם), Num 26:65 (compare Num 32:12 בִּלְתִּי), Josh 14:4; 1Sam 30:17; 1Sam 30:22; 2Sam 12:3 אֵין כֹּל כִּי אִםֿ (so 2Kgs 4:2), 2Kgs 19:29; 1Kgs 17:1 (after אִם), 1Kgs 22:31; 2Kgs 5:15; 2Kgs 9:35; 2Kgs 13:7; Jer 22:17; Jer 44:14 +; after אַל, 2Chr 23:6 followed by an adverb clause, Gen 42:15; Num 35:33; 2Sam 3:13 (but כִּי אִם and לִפְנֵי are mutually exclusive: read probably with ᵐ5 כִּי אִםהֵֿבֵיאתָ); after an interrogative Isa 42:19 who is blind כִּי אִםעַֿבְדִּי but my servant ? (who is blind in comparison with him ?), Deut 10:12; Mic 6:8; Eccl 5:10; 2Chr 2:5.
b. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic (compare אִם 1 c), so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but (= a slightly strengthened כִּי), Gen 15:4 this man shall not be thy heir; ׳כִּי אִםאֲֿשֶׁר וג but one that shall come forth from thy own bowels, he shall be thy heir (compare 1Kgs 8:19), 1Kgs 32:29 thy name shall no more be called Jacob כִּי אִםיִֿשְׂרָאֵל but Israel (compare כִּי alone 1Kgs 17:15), 1Kgs 47:18 we will not hide it from my lord, but the money . . . is all made over to, etc., Exod 12:9 not boiled in water, but roast with fire, Deut 7:5; Deut 12:5; Deut 16:6; Josh 23:8; 1Sam 2:15 he will not take of thee boiled flesh כִּי אִםחָֽֿי׃ but raw, 1Sam 8:19 לֹא כִּי אִםמֶֿלֶךְ יִהְיֶה עָלֵינוּ nay, but a king shall be over us (compare כי alone, 1Sam 10:19; 1Sam 12:12), 1Sam 21:5; 2Sam 5:6; 1Kgs 18:18; 2Kgs 10:23 (פֶּן), Isa 33:21; Isa 55:10; Isa 55:11; Isa 59:2; Jer 3:10; Jer 7:32; Jer 9:23; Jer 16:15; Jer 20:3; Jer 44:10; Ps 1:2; Ps 1:4; Prov 23:17 (אַל) Psalm +; with the principal verb repeated (as Gen 15:4; 1Kgs 8:19), Lev 21:14; Ezek 44:22; Num 10:30; 2Kgs 23:23; Jer 39:12 Kt (Qr omit אִם), compare Jer 7:23. Occasionally in colloquial language, the negative, it seems, is left to be understood: 1Sam 26:10 as ׳י liveth, (by no means,) כִּי אִם but ׳י shall smite him, 2Sam 13:33 Kt (by no means,) but Amnon alone is dead (Qr omits אִם). Followed by imperative Isa 65:18; Ezek 12:23; Jer 39:12; 2Chr 25:8. Sometimes also, though rarely (and not certainly), כִּי אִם appears to have the force of only even without a previous negative: Gen 40:14 כִּי אִםזְֿכַרְתָּנִי אִתְּךָ only have (?) me in remembrance with thyself (but read perhaps אַךְ for כִּי; see Dr^{§ 119} δ n., the use of a bare perfect, without לוּ, or even waw consecutive, to express a wish or command is unexampled), Num 24:22 כִּי אִםֿ יִהְיֶה לְבָעֵר קָֽיִן׃ only, nevertheless, the Kenite shall be for extermination (compare Di), Job 42:8 (De Di) כִּי אִםפָּֿנָיו אֶשָּׂא
c. after an oath כִּי אִם appears to = a strengthened כִּי (compare בִּלְתִּי אִם, אִם ׃עַד אִם 1 c), introducing the fact sworn to (see כִּי 1 c): 2Kgs 5:20 as ׳י liveth, כִּי אִםרַֿצְתִּי surely I will run (perfect of certitude) after him, etc., Jer 51:14 (Ges Hi Gf RV) surley I will fill thee with men (namely, assailants), etc. (but Ew Ke Ch treat the particles as separate (כִּי as כִּי 1 c): though I have filled thee with men —; i.e. increased thy population, — yet shall they — the assailants — lift up the shout against thee), 2Sam 15:21 Kt (Qr omits אִם); after an assever. particle Ruth 3:12 Kt וְעַתָּה כִּי אָמְנָם כִּי אִם גּוֺאֵל אָנֹכִי and now, yea indeed, surely I am thy kinsman (Qr omits אִם); the oath being understood, Judg 15:7 if ye do thus, כִּי אִםנִֿקַּמְתִּי surely (Ges hercle) I will avenge myself, 1Sam 21:6 כִּי אִםאִֿשָּׁה עֲצֻרָה לָנוּ of a truth women have been kept from us, etc., 1Kgs 20:6 surely tomorrow I will send, etc., Prov 23:18 (see De) surely there is a reward; perhaps also Job 42:8.

BDB511 H518

אִם conjunction (= Aramaic if [and in , אֶלָּא = if not, except], Arabic if [and in = if not, except], Ethiopic (§mma) if = מָה + אִם ( + ) [and in (allâ) if not, but], Assyrian umma; also in Arabic 'An?' = , compare הַאִם: see Nö^{M p. 208, ZMG 1886, p. 739}; W^{AG i. § 367 e})

**ᵑ7^{Onk Jon} אִם, ᵑ7^Hag אין.

1. hypothetical particle if.
a. construction (see more fully Dr^{§ 136-138, 143} Friedrich^{Die Hebr. Condit. sätze 1884}): (1) with imperfect (continued by perfects & waw consecutive; apodosis usually begins with perfect & waw consecutive or bare imperfect; or, if necessary, with imperative or jussive)
(a) of future time: Gen 18:26 אִםאֶֿמְצָא if I shall find 50 righteous in Sodom, וְנָשָׂאתִי I will pardon, etc., Gen 24:8; Gen 32:9; Deut 1:52 b 1Kgs 6:12; Ps 89:31; Gen 42:37; Judg 13:16; 1Kgs 1:52 a Ps 132:12.
(b) of past time (rare, but classical): Gen 31:8 אִם יאֹמַר if everhe said . . . וְיָָֽלְדִוּ then they used to bear, etc., Exod 40:37 & in the protestations Job 31:7; Job 31:13; Job 31:16; Job 31:25 etc. (alternating with pff., see below, & with jussives in apodosis)
(c) assuming a purely imaginary case (with imperfect in both clauses, like the double optative in Greek), if, though: Gen 13:16 so that אִםיֿוּכַל if a man were able to number the stars, thy seed also יִמָּנֶה might be numbered, Num 22:18; Isa 1:18 כַּשָּׁנִים יַלְבִּינוּ ׳אִםיִֿהְיוּ ח though your sins were as scarlet, they should become white as snow, Amos 9:2-4 אִםיַֿחְתְּרוּ though they were to dig into Sheôl, from thence תִּקָּחֵם would my hand fetch them, Ps 27:3; Ps 139:8 +. (2) with participle (expressing either a present process, or an approaching future: apodosis as 1 a) Gen 24:42; Gen 24:49; Judg 6:36; Judg 9:15; Judg 11:9 אִם מְשִׁיבִים אַתֶּם if ye are going to bring me back . . . ׳וְנָתַן י then ׳י will, etc.; similarly with יֵשׁ or אֵין Gen 44:26; Exod 22:2; 1Sam 20:8; 1Sam 23:23 & with no explicit copula Deut 22:2; Deut 25:2; Lev 1:3; Lev 1:14, etc. (3) with perfect
(a) of future or present time (continued by perfects & waw consecutive: apodosis as 1 a) Gen 43:9 אִםלֹֿא הֲבִיאֹתִיו אֵלֶיךָ וְהִצַּגְתִּיו לְפָנֶיךָ if I do not bring him back (si eum non reduxero) and set him before thee, I will be guilty for ever, Gen 47:6 if thou knowest that there are men of worth among them וְשַׂמְתָּם then make them, etc., Judg 16:17; 2Sam 15:33; 2Kgs 7:4; Ps 41:7; Ps 94:18; Job 7:4; Job 9:30f. Job 10:14 אִם חָטָאתִי וּשְׁמַרְתָּ֑נִי if I sin, thou watchest me. On אִםנָֿא Gen 18:3 and elsewhere see נָא.
(b) of past time, whether
(a) in actual fact, or (β) in an assumed case (the perfect is here continued by the imperfect and waw consecutive; apodosis begins as before).
(a) Judg 9:16-19 אִם ֗֗֗ עֲשִׂיתֶם if ye have done honestly וַתַּמְלִיכוּ and have made Abimelech king . . ., 1Sam 26:19 especially in protestations, as Ps 7:4 אִם עָשִׂיתִי זאת if I have done this . . ., let the enemy pursue my soul, etc. Jer 33:25f.; Job 31:5f; Job 31:9, etc.
(b) Num 5:27 if she have defiled herself וַתִּמְעֹל and been faithless, וּבָאוּ then shall they come, etc., Num 15:24; Num 35:22-24.
(c) with bare perfect in apodosis, in sense of If ... had ..., only Deut 32:30 אִםלֹֿא כִּי were it not that ..., Ps 73:15. (לוּ is more usual in such cases.) (4) with infinitive once (si vera 1.) Job 9:27 אִם אָמְרִי = if I say (literally if (there is) my saying). — Note that the verb following אִם is often strengthened by the infinitive absolute, as Exod 15:26; Exod 19:5; Exod 21:5; Exod 22:3; Exod 22:12; Exod 22:16; Exod 22:22; Judg 11:30; Judg 14:12; Judg 16:11 etc.; compare Dr^{Sm i. 20, 6}.

b. Special uses: (1) repeated ... אִם אִם whether ... or (sive ... sive) Exod 19:13; Deut 18:3; 2Sam 15:21 similarly אִם ֗֗֗ וְאִם Gen 31:52; Jer 42:6; Ezek 2:5; Eccl 11:3; Eccl 12:14 (compare ... , ... PS²⁵⁰; ... & ... ).(2) After an oath (expressed, or merely implied) אִם (the formula of imprecation being omitted) becomes an emphatic negative, and אִםלֹֿא an emphatic affirmative: 2Sam 11:11 by thy life אִםאֶֿעֱשֶׂה אֶתהַֿדָּבָר הַזֶּה (may God bring all manner of evil upon me) if I do this thing! = surely I will not do this thing! (compare the full phrases in 1Sam 3:17; 2Kgs 6:31) Gen 14:23; Gen 42:15; Num 14:23; 1Sam 3:14; 1Sam 19:6; 2Kgs 2:2; 2Kgs 3:14 & often; Isa 22:14; Ps 89:36; Ps 95:11; Job 6:28 אִםלֹֿא Num 14:28; Josh 14:9; 1Kgs 20:23; 2Kgs 9:26; Isa 5:9; Isa 14:24; Jer 15:11; Jer 49:20; Job 1:11 + especially Ezekiel; after a negative clause, emphasizing a contrasted idea, Gen 24:38 (where the explanation by Aramaic אֶלָּא is not supported by Hebrew usage), compare Jer 22:6. Repeated, אִם ֗֗֗ וְאִם 2Sam 20:20; 2Kgs 3:14; Isa 62:8; Jer 38:16; Ezek 14:16. In adjurations (with 2nd or 3rd person) = that not Gen 21:23; Gen 26:29; Gen 31:50; 1Sam 24:22; 1Kgs 1:51; Song 2:7; Song 3:5 +. Of past or present time: 1Sam 25:34 as ׳י liveth (I say) that, unless thou hadst hastened ..., כִּי אִם נוֺתַר that surely there had not been left ...! 1Sam 17:55 as thy soul liveth אִםיָֿדַעְתִּי if I Know it! 1Kgs 17:12; 1Kgs 18:10 — both אִםיֵֿשׁ (כִּי here merely introduces the fact sworn to, & need not be translated; so 2Sam 3:35: see כִּי); Ps 121:2 אִםלֹֿא (after a negative clause: compare above Gen 24:38). compare Str^{§ 90}.(3) Part, of wishing, if but ...! oh that ...! (rare) Ps 81:9 If thou wouldest hearken to me! Ps 95:7; Ps 139:19; Prov 24:11. compare Exod 32:32. With an imperative (si vera lectio) Job 34:16 וְאִםִֿבּינָה; and with an anacoluthon, Gen 23:13 (P) אִםאַֿתָּה לוּ שְׁמָעֵנִי if thou! — oh that thou wouldst hear me!(4) Nearly = when — with the perfect:
(a) of past, Gen 38:9; Num 21:9 וְהָיָה אִםנָֿשַׁךְ ֗֗֗ וְרָאָה and it used to be, if or when a serpent had bitten a man, that he would look, etc., Judg 6:3; Ps 78:34 (see Dr^{§ 136} δ Obs.); Amos 7:2.
(b) of present or future, Isa 4:4 אִם רָחַץ when the Lord shall have washed, Isa 24:13; Isa 28:25 compare Num 36:4 (with the imperfect)
c. Compounded with other particles: —
(a) בִּלְתִּי אִם except if, except, Gen 47:18; Judg 7:14; Amos 3:3; Amos 3:4. (β) הֲלוֺא אִם 2Kgs 20:19 (for which Isa 39:7 has sim-ply כִּי), perhaps Is it not (good), if ...? (De Di). (γ) כִּיאִֿם, q. v. (δ) עַד אִם Gen 24:19; Gen 24:33; Isa 30:17; Ruth 2:21, & עַד אֲשֶׁר אִם Gen 28:15; Num 32:17; Isa 6:11, until, properly until if or when. (ε) רַק אִם if only (see below רַק). אִםלֹֿא in Ezek 3:6b is very difficult. The Vrss render If I had sent, etc., implying לֻא for אִםלֹֿא (for Ew's אִםלֻֿא = אִלּוּ, q. v., is precarious): Ges Hi Co 'but (אִםלֹֿא after a negative, compare above Gen 24:38; Ps 131:2) unto them (Israel) have I sent thee: they can understand thee' (but understand is a dubious rendering of שָׁמַע אֶל).

2. Interrogative particle a. in direct question:
(a) alone (not frequently and usually = Num? expecting the answer No, especially in a rhet. style): Gen 38:17; 1Kgs 1:27; Judg 5:8 מָגֵן אִםיֵֿרָאֶה וָרֹמַח was there a shield to be seen or a spear ...?Isa 29:16 and repeated Amos 3:6; Jer 48:27; Job 6:12.
(b) more frequently in disjunctive interrogation:
(a) הֲ ֗֗֗ אִם, expressing a real alternative Josh 5:13 הֲלָנוּ אַתָּה אִםלְֿצָרֵינוּ art thou for us, or for our enemies? Judg 9:2; 1Kgs 22:6; 1Kgs 22:15: more often expressing a merely formal alternative, especially in poetry (a rhetorical Num?) Gen 37:8; Num 11:12; Num 11:22; Judg 11:25b 2Sam 19:36; Isa 10:15; Isa 66:8; Jer 3:5; Hab 3:8; Ps 77:10; Ps 78:20; Job 4:17; Job 6:5; Job 6:6; Job 10:4; Job 10:5; Job 11:7 etc. (β) הֲ ֗֗֗ וְאִם (rarer than הֲ ֗֗֗ אִם, but similar in use) 2Sam 24:13 (a real alt.); Isa 49:24; Isa 50:2; Jer 5:9 (Jer 5:29 אִם) Jer 14:22; Joel 1:2; Joel 4:4; Job 8:3; Job 11:2; Job 21:4; Job 22:3; Job 34:17; Job 40:8f. (formal); Gen 17:17 P (with an anacoluthon) shall a child ...? וְאִםשָֿׂרָה הֲבַתתִּֿשְׁעִים שָׁנָה תֵּלֵד or Sarah, — shall she that is 90 years old bear? Prov 27:24 (וְאִם after negative clause),
b. in oblique interrogation, if, whether:
(a) alone, after verbs of seeing, inquiring, etc. 2Kgs 1:2; Jer 5:1; Jer 30:6; Mal 3:10; Ps 139:24; Song 7:13; Lam 1:12; Ezra 2:59 once מִי יוֺדֵעַ אִם who knoweth if ...? i.e. (like haud scio an) perhaps Esth 4:14 (older synonym מִי יוֺדֵעַ alone: see 2Sam 12:22; Joel 2:14; Jonah 3:9).
(b) disjunctively הֲ ֗֗֗ אִם Gen 27:21; Num 13:18-20 so אִם ֗֗֗ וְאִם Josh 24:15.
c. compounded with הֲ, הַאִם Num 17:28 הַאִם תַּמְנוּ לִגְוֺעַ probably an emphatic Num? Shall we ever have finished dying? Job 6:13 difficult: perhaps Is it that my help is not in me? (a forcible means of expressing that that which might be thought impossible is nevertheless the case); Hi as an aposiop., If my help is not in me (am I still to wait) ? (The view that הַאִם = הֲלֹא nonne? is inconsistent with the fact that אִם in a question has regularly the force of Num?)

אֵם see אמם. Below

אַמָּה, אֻמָּה see אמם.

BDB9477 H2005 H2006 H518 H3861

הֵן conjunction if, whether (Biblical Hebrew הֵן, q. v.: Zenjirli, Egyptian Aramaic (S-C^{Pap. A 7} +), Palmyrene, Nabataean הן, Mandean הין if [ᵑ7^{Onk Jon} use אם, ᵑ7^Jer אין, Syriac ]); —

1. if, Dan 2:6; Dan 3:15; Dan 3:17; Dan 4:24; Dan 5:16; Dan 5:17, הֵן לָא ֗֗֗ Dan 2:5; Dan 2:9; Dan 3:15 vDan 3:18 הֵן לָ֔א if not.

2. repeated, הֵן ֗֗֗ הֵן sive ... sive, whether ... or (compare Biblical Hebrew אִם, 1 b 1), Ezra 7:26 (so Palmyrene^{Tariff ii.c.19}).

3. in indirect question, whether (compare אִם, 2 b), Ezra 5:17b יִתְבַּקַּר ֗֗֗ הֵן אִיתַי ֗֗֗ . — See also לָהֵן. p. 50, 243, 1099

הַסִּק etc., see סלק Haph`el

BDB9640 H3809 H3861 H518 H2006 H3808 H3588

II. לָהֵן conjunction except, but (from לָא and הֵן 'not if' (compare Hebrew אם לא Gen 24:38); so Nabataean and Egyptian Aramaic להן Cooke^{217, 219, 241} S-C^{Pap. C 6, 7} +; lâinnî, however Soc^{Arab. Dial.} see Marokko 44, Anm. 103; ᵑ7 אִילָּהֵין Gen 32:28; Gen 43:3 and elsewhere); —

1. after a negative (= Biblical Hebrew כִּי אִם, q. v.):
a. except Dan 2:11; Dan 3:28; Dan 6:6; Dan 6:8.
b. but (German sondern) Dan 2:30.

2. without a negative: however, but Ezra 5:12.

Strong's Definition H518

if, or, though, surely, not, …

ʾim

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

if

conditional clauses

of possible situations

no, not

Variations 8 forms of this word

Translations 138 English renderings

Search every verse

Word Parts

יִקְרָ֣א

Root word called, call, cried, cry, read, …

Dictionary form: קָרָא · kaw-RAW

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Vqi3ms

Verb — Qal, Imperfect (Yiqtol), third person masculine singular simple action — "he did" not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

יִקְרָא

Speech Verb Stem Qal Type Imperfect (Yiqtol) Person Third Person Gender Masculine Number Singular

Verb Chart

Full verb chart

In English

In the KJV here: he call

called ×80 and called ×71 and he called ×30 call ×30 is called ×15 and she called ×14 was called ×11 and cried ×10

More options

call — Core, most versatile rendering; suits direct address or summons.

cry out — Prefer when urgency, distress, or loud exclamation is in view.

proclaim — Best for public, authoritative announcements or heralds.

read aloud — Use when the text specifies reading a scroll or document.

name — Ideal for the act of giving a name to a person or place.

invite — Suits contexts of summoning guests or extending a formal invitation.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB7550 H7121

I. קָרָא₇₂₄ verb call, proclaim, read (Late Hebrew id., read aloud, read; Phoenician קרא call; Arabic read aloud, recite (the '†or°¹n'), the †or°a¹n; Aramaic קְלרא, call, etc., so Old Aramaic קרא, Nabatean id., Palmyrene id., קרה); —

Qal₆₅₅ Perfect ׳ק Gen 11:9 +, 3 feminine singular consecutive וְקָרָזת Isa 7:14 (Ges^{«GKC:74g»§ 74g}); 2 masculine singular קָרָאתָ Judg 12:1 +, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִקְרָא Gen 2:19 +; suffix יִקְרְאוֺ Jer 23:6, אֵהוּ- Isa 41:2 +; 1 singular אֶקְרָא Deut 32:3 +, וָאֶקְרָאֶר 1Sam 28:15 (Ges^{«GKC:48d»§ 48d} Nes^{Marg. 15}); 3 feminine plural וַתִּקְרֶאנָה Ruth 4:17 (twice in verse), וַתִּקְרֶאןָ Num 25:2 2 feminine plural תִּקְרֶאנָה Ruth 1:20; Ruth 1:21, etc.; Imperative masculine singular קְרָא Judg 7:3 +, suffix קְרָאֵנִי Ps 50:15, etc.; Infinitive construct קְרָא 1Sam 3:6 +, קְראֹות (Baer אֹת-) Judg 8:1 (Ges^{«GKC:74h»§ 74h}); suffix קָרְאִי Ps 4:2 +, etc.; Participle active קוֺרֵא Amos 5:8 +, קֹרֵא Jer 1:15 +; plural קֹרִאים Ps 99:6 (Ges^{«GKC:74i»§§ 74i}; «GKC:75oo»75oo); passive קָרוּא Esth 5:12 plural קְרוּאִים 1Sam 9:22; Ezek 23:23, קְרֻאִים 1Sam 9:13 +; construct קְרוּאֵי Num 1:16 Qr (Kt קריאי), Num 26:9 Kt (Qr קְרִיאֵי, see קָרִיא); —

1. a. call, cry, utter a loud sound, Judg 9:7; 2Sam 18:25 (in v2Sam 18:28 read וַיִּקְרַב We, confirmed by ᵐ5^L so Dr and all recent Comm.), Jer 4:6; Dan 8:16 (all + אמר), 2Kgs 7:11 (on text see Kit Benz), Isa 6:4 for help Gen 39:15; Gen 39:18 (J); of pleading in court Isa 59:4 (ב of manner); explicitly בְּקוֺל גְּדוֺל Gen 39:14 (J), 1Kgs 18:27; 1Kgs 18:28; 2Kgs 18:28 = Isa 36:13 = 2Chr 32:18, קוֺל גָּדוֺל Ezek 9:1 (+ בְּאָצְנֵי); with אַחֲרֵי person 1Sam 20:37 (+ אָמַר), 1Sam 24:8 (Gi; v.1Sam 24:9 van d. H. Baer; + לֵאמֹר), Jer 12:6.
b. call cry, object in oratio recta [direct speech] Judg 7:20; 1Sam 3:4 (read שְׁמוּאֵל שְׁמוּאֵל; ᵐ5 Th We Dr Kit Bu HPS), v1Sam 3:6 (compare ᵐ5), v1Sam 3:8 (against accents), v1Sam 3:10 (see שְׁמוּאֵל), 1Sam 20:38; 2Sam 20:16; 2Kgs 11:14; Jer 20:8; Lev 13:45 = utter, speak Jer 36:18 of command Gen 45:1 (E).

2. a. call unto some one: אֶל person (often + אָמַר; sometimes with מִן local), Gen 3:9; Gen 19:5; Exod 3:4; Isa 6:3 + often; with עַל (for אֶל) of satyrs Isa 34:14 (so Vrss Ges Che^Comm. and others > recent Comm. from II. קָרָא or קָרָה which (in Qal) always take accusative); unto (אֶלׅ ׳י (God), in praise Ps 66:17; 1Chr 4:10, usually for help, Judg 15:18; 1Sam 12:17; 1Sam 12:18; Hos 7:7 + Hos 3:5; Hos 4:4 +, + עַל person against Deut 15:9; Deut 24:15 to (לׅ ׳י (God) Job 14:14; Ps 57:3; Ps 141:1 to (ל) a servant (for service) 2Kgs 4:36; Job 19:16, so (אֶל) 2Sam 1:15 call to (ל) one Jer 3:4 (+ oratio recta [direct speech]), Lam 4:15 (id.), Prov 2:3 (לְבִינָה); subject ׳י Mic 6:9; Jer 35:17.
b. cry for help, absolute, (in poetry and late) Zech 7:13; Isa 58:9; Isa 65:24; Job 5:1; Job 9:16; Prov 21:13; Ps 4:2; Ps 20:10 + 10 t. Psalms (Ps 147:9 of young ravens); בֵּאָזְנֵי Ezek 8:18.
c. ׳בְּשֵׁם י ׳ק call with name of ׳י (i.e. use it in invocation): Gen 4:26; Gen 12:8; 2Kgs 5:11; Jer 10:25 = Ps 79:6 + 16 t. (1Kgs 18:24 of specific appeal to ׳י to display his power), + Isa 65:1 (see Pu`al); with name of Baal 1Kgs 18:24; 1Kgs 18:25; 1Kgs 18:26.
d. late, with accusative dei Isa 43:22; Ps 14:4 + 4 t. Psalms; absolute Ps 116:2.

3. proclaim:
a. with accusative of thing procl. Amos 4:5; Gen 41:43; Deut 15:2; Jer 31:6; Lev 25:10 +; צוֺם ׳ק proclaim a fast 1Kgs 21:9; 1Kgs 21:12; Jer 36:9 +, ׳מוֺעֲדֵי י ׳ק Lev 23:2; Lev 23:4 ׳ק followed by oratio recta [direct speech] Exod 34:6, etc.; followed by ל person Jer 34:8; Jer 34:15; Jer 34:17 (twice in verse); Isa 61:1, עַל person (against, concerning) 1Kgs 13:4; 1Kgs 13:32; Jer 49:29; Lam 1:15 proclaim peace to (ל person) Judg 21:13 compare אֵלֶיהָ לְשָׁלוֺם ׳ק Deut 20:10 ׳ק with accusative of congnate meaning with verb מִקְרָא Isa 1:13, הַקְּרִיאָה Jonah 3:2 (+ אֶל).
b. ׳שֵׁם י ׳ק Deut 32:3; Ps 99:6 so (earlier) ׳בְשֵׁם י ׳ק Exod 33:19; Exod 34:5 (JE); compare בְּשֵׁם יַעֲקֹב ׳ק Isa 44:5 (but read יִקָּרֵא, Lo Che and most).
c. עֲלֵי׳בֵּשׁ ׳ק Ps 49:12 proclaim (with) name over landed estates, claim possession (Hup Bae); proclaim one's own name Ruth 4:11 = become famous; passive participle proclaimed, i.e. renowned Ezek 23:23.
d. absolute make proclamation (sometimes + אָמַר, לֵאמֹר) Judg 7:3; Jer 2:2 (בְּאָוְנֵי) Zech 1:14; Zech 1:17; Jonah 3:4; Isa 40:3; Isa 40:6 +, with עַל concerning Neh 6:7, against 1Kgs 13:2; Jonah 1:3.

4. a. read aloud, often בְּאָוְבֵי, less often לפְנֵי, with ב of roll, book Jer 36:6; Jer 36:8; Jer 36:14; Neh 8:3; Neh 8:8; Neh 9:3; 2Chr 34:18, + accusative of words Jer 36:8; Jer 36:10 object omitted Exod 24:7 (E) Jer 36:15 with acc of roll, book vJer 36:15 vJer 36:21; Jer 51:63; 2Kgs 22:10; 2Chr 34:24, of letter (סֵפֶר), writing 2Kgs 5:7; Isa 29:11; Isa 29:12; Jer 29:29, columns of manuscript Jer 36:23 with accusative of words Josh 8:34; Josh 8:35; Jer 36:6; Jer 51:61; 2Kgs 23:2 = 2Chr 34:30, compare Deut 31:11.
b. read, to oneself, in (ב) a roll, book, Deut 17:19; Neh 8:18, so of vision written on tablets Hab 2:2 with accusative of letter (סֵפֶר) 2Kgs 19:14 = Isa 37:14, book 2Kgs 22:8 absolute Isa 34:16.
c. read, for hear read, 2Kgs 22:16.

5. summon: usually
a. with ל person: Gen 12:18; Gen 20:8; Gen 20:9; Num 22:5; Num 22:20; Num 22:37; Judg 8:1; 1Sam 3:5; 1Sam 3:6; 1Sam 3:8 (twice in verse) + often (c. 100 t.), + ל reflexive 1Kgs 1:28; 1Kgs 1:32, + אֶל location Exod 19:20, + אֶל person 2Sam 9:2, + infinitive purpose Josh 24:9; Judg 12:1; Judg 14:16; 1Sam 28:15, + מִן local Hos 11:1; Judg 4:6 + בִּשְׁמֶ֑ךָ Isa 45:4 summon by thy name; specifically summon = invite (especially to feast) Exod 34:15; Judg 14:15 ( + infinitive purpose) 1Sam 16:3 ( + בַּזָּבַ֑ח, read probably ׳לַזּ see HPS), v1Sam 16:5 ( + ׳לַזּ), 1Kgs 19:26 + (c. 17 t.).
b. with אֶל person Exod 10:24; Josh 4:4; Josh 10:24; 1Kgs 13:21 + (c. 20 t.); אֶל person + ל person (different persons in same relation) Exod 8:21; Jer 42:8 = call for (demand to see), with אֶל person 2Kgs 18:18 with ל of thing = demand, require Prov 18:6 compare Prov 27:16 (probably corrupt, see Toy).
c. with accusative of person Gen 41:8; Gen 41:14; Exod 2:7 ( + ל person), vExod 2:7; Amos 5:16 ( + אֶל of thing), Isa 13:3 (ל of thing), 1Sam 3:16; 1Sam 22:11 + (c. 33 t.), insert וַיַקְרָא in this sense also 2Sam 15:12 ᵐ5^L We Dr and most; + infinitive purpose Num 24:10, מִמִּוְרָח עַיִט ׳ק Isa 46:11 in weakened sense (to bring response, or bring person near) Song 5:6 specifically invite, 1Sam 9:24 (but corrupt, see especially HPS), 1Kgs 1:9 (also + ל, MT), v1Kgs 1:10; 1Kgs 12:20 (+ אֶל location), Deut 33:19 (accusative of location); אֲנִי קָרוּא לָהּ Esth 5:12, passive participle elsewhere plural, invited ones, guests 1Sam 9:13; 1Sam 9:22; 2Sam 15:11; 1Kgs 1:41; 1Kgs 1:49; Zeph 1:7; Prov 9:18 invite or summon (accusative of person) for help, succour, Hos 7:11 usually object ׳י (in poetry and late) Jer 29:12; 2Sam 22:4; 2Sam 22:7 = Ps 18:4; Ps 18:7; Isa 55:6; Lam 3:57; Job 27:10; Ps 50:15; Ps 86:5 + 8 t. Psalms, accusative ׳שֵׁם י Lam 3:55 accusative חכמה Prov 1:28.
d. absolute call, summon Amos 7:4 (+ ל of thing), Isa 22:12 (id.), 1Sam 3:5; 1Sam 3:6; Zech 7:13 ׳י (God) Isa 52:2; Isa 65:12; Isa 66:4; Job 13:22; Job 14:15, קְרוּאֵי הָעֵדָה Num 1:17 Qr (Kt קְרִיאֵי), Num 26:9 Kt (Qr קְרִיאֵי!)
e. call and commission, appoint, accusative of person, Isa 48:15; Isa 49:1, + בְּשֵׁם by name, specifically, Exod 31:2; Exod 35:30; Isa 43:1; Isa 45:3. feminine call and endow (with privilege) Isa 51:2; Isa 54:5; Isa 55:5.

6. call=name:
a. (early and most common usage), call one's name (שֵׁם) so and so, 2 accusative: of person Gen 3:20; Gen 4:25; Gen 4:26; Gen 5:2; Gen 5:3; Gen 5:29 + 34 t. Genesis; Exod 2:10; Exod 2:22; Hos 1:4; Hos 1:6; Hos 1:9; Isa 7:14; Isa 8:3; Isa 9:5 + 10 t. (Jer 46:17 read קִרְאוּ שֵׁם ᵐ5 Gie and others); of places, etc., Gen 4:17; Gen 11:9 + 17 t. Genesis; Judg 1:17; Judg 1:26; Judg 2:5; Judg 15:19; Judg 18:29 + 21 t.
b. with accusative of appellation ony, Ezek 39:11.
c. accusative of person or location + accusative appellative Hos 2:18; Deut 3:14; Jer 23:6; Isa 58:5; Num 32:41.
d. accusative of person + clause Ps 89:27.
e. = give name to, accusative appellation + ל person (location, or thing): (1) person Hos 2:18; Gen 35:18; 1Sam 4:21; Jer 3:19; Jer 30:17; Jer 33:16 + 9 t.; (2) location, or thing, Judg 18:12; 2Sam 2:16; 2Sam 5:9; 2Sam 6:8; Josh 22:34 (name lost, ᵑ6 Hebrew Manuscripts Ins. עֵד; compare Di Steuern), Gen 1:5 (twice in verse); Gen 1:8; Gen 2:19 (twice in verse); Exod 33:7 + 30 t. + Job 17:14 (ל + sentence including name). feminine with בְּשֵׁם + ל Isa 40:26, compare Isa 65:11 (שֵׁם אַחֵר), Ps 147:4 (שֵׁמוֺת), Ruth 4:17 (שֵׁם + לֵאמֹר), Gen 2:20; Gen 26:18 (twice in verse) (all with שֵׁם).
g. with ל of thing + עַלאשֵׁם 2Sam 18:16.
h. call by ב names the names (accusative) of cities Num 32:38 call to (ב) city, + appelll., + בִּשְׁמוֺ v 42.
i. call cities (accusative) בְּשֵׁם, i.e, specify them, Josh 21:9; 1Chr 6:50 (בְּשֵׁמוֺת). Niph`al Perfect 3 masculine singular נִקְרָא Jer 4:20 +, 1 singular נִקְרֵאתִי Esth 4:11, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִקָּרֵא Gen 2:23 +, וַיִּקָּרֵא Ezek 20:29 +, etc.; Participle נִקְרָא Isa 43:7; Jer 44:26 plural נִקְרָאִים Isa 48:1; Esth 6:1 —

1. reflexive, ׳מֵעִיר הַקֹּדֶשׁ נִק Isa 48:2 from the holy city they call themselves.

2. passive be called:
a. be proclaimed (compare Qal 3), of ׳שֵׁם י Jer 44:26 (בְּפֶה instrumental); of man's name = be famous Ruth 4:14 = be announced Jer 4:20.
b. be read aloud compare Qal 4): impersonal with ב of book, + בְּאָוְנֵי Neh 13:1 subject records Esth 6:1 (לפְנֵי).
c. be summoned (compare Qal 5: Isa 31:4 (עַל against); Esth 3:12; Esth 4:11 (twice in verse); 8: 9; + בְּשֵׁם, i.e. specifically, Esth 2:14,
d. be named (compare

Qal 6.): (I) appell. subject + ל person Gen 2:23 to her shall be called 'woman', 1Sam 9:9; Isa 32:5; Isa 62:4; Isa 62:12; Prov 16:21 + ל location 2Sam 18:18; Isa 1:26; Isa 35:8; Jer 19:6. (2) ׳וְנִקְרָא שְׁמוֺ ונו Deut 25:10, so Gen 35:10; Dan 10:1; Ezek 20:29 (of place); אֶתשִֿׁמְךָ Ezek 20:29. (3) ׳וגו ׳וְנִקְרְאָה יְרוּשׁ Zech 8:3, so land Deut 3:18, temple Isa 56:7. (4) especially עַל ׳נִקְרָא שֵׁם י, denoting ownership, of person Jer 15:16, people Deut 28:10; Jer 14:9; Amos 9:12; Isa 63:19; 2Chr 7:14, ark 2Sam 6:2 (strike out 2nd שֵׁם ᵐ5 We Dr and others), = 1Chr 13:6 (adding עָלָיו Oettli Kau; > Kit^Hpt שְׁמוֺ שָׁם), temple 1Kgs 8:43 = 2Chr 6:33; Jer 7:10; Jer 7:11; Jer 7:14; Jer 7:30; Jer 32:34; Jer 34:15, city Jer 25:29; Dan 9:18, city + people vDan 9:19 so name of man 2Sam 12:28, as given to his wife Isa 4:1 (5) be called עַל שֵׁם, i.e. reckoned to, Gen 48:6; Isa 54:5; Isa 61:6 עַלאשֵׁבֶט 1Chr 23:14, compare Ezra 2:61 = Neh 7:63. (6) be called בְּשֵׁם Isa 43:7; Isa 48:1. (7) ךְָָ זָ֑רַע ׳בְּיִצְתָק יִקּ Gen 21:12, i.e. in (through) ׳יִצ shall seed be reckoned to three; וְיִקָּרֵא בָהֶם שְׁמִי Gen 48:16 through them shall my name be called, i.e. perpetuated. (8) be named = menationed, of person Isa 14:20 (9) subject שֵׁם Eccl 6:10, i.e. thing is known. Pu`al (Ezekiel and Isa²) Perfect 3 masculine singular קֹרָא be called, subject appell. + ל person or of thing = be named, Isa 48:8; Ezek 10:13 (׳קוֺ); וְקֹרָא consecutive Isa 58:12; Isa 61:3; Isa 62:2 (שֵׁם חָדָשׁ); גּוֺי לאֹ קֹרָא בִּשְׁמִי Isa 65:1 (< קָרָא or קֹרֵא [Qal 2 c], Vrss Lo Ew Che Di and others); be called and privileged (compare Qal 5 f); Participle מְקרָאִי ׳יִש Isa 48:12.

BDB9869 H7123 H7121

[קְרָא] verb call, read out, aloud (see Biblical Hebrew I. קרא); —

Pe`al Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִקְרֵה Dan 5:7, 1 singular אֶקְרֵא vDan 5:17 3 masculine plural יִקְרוֺן vDan 5:15 Infinitive לְמִקְרֵא vDan 5:8 vDan 5:16 Participle active קָרֵא Dan 3:4 +; —

1. call, proclaim, בְּהַיִל: Dan 3:4; Dan 4:11; Dan 5:7

2. read out, aloud, accusative כְּתָבָא Dan 5:7; Dan 5:8; Dan 5:15; Dan 5:16; Dan 5:17 (ל person). Pe`îl (W^{CG 225}) Perfect 3 masculine singular קֱרִי Ezra 4:18; Ezra 4:23 it was read, קֳדָם person Hithpe`el be summoned, Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִתְקְרֵי Dan 5:12.

Strong's Definition H7121

called, call, cried, cry, read, …

qārāʾ

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim

(Qal)

to call, cry, utter a loud sound

to call oneself

Variations 136 forms of this word

Translations 276 English renderings

Search every verse

Word Parts

אֵלֶ֔י ךָ

אֵלֶ֔י

Preposition unto, to, into, upon, against, …

ךָ

Suffix — pronoun your / you (one man)

Dictionary form: אֵל · ale

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar R/Sp2ms

Preposition

אֵלֶי	Speech Preposition
ךָ	Speech Suffix Type Pronominal Person Second Person Gender Masculine Number Singular

In English

unto ×2370 to ×907 into ×230 upon ×112 against ×104 and to ×103 in ×63 unto him ×58

More options

to — Default directional/dative preposition; broadest everyday use.

toward — Emphasizes movement or orientation in a direction.

into — Stress entry or transition; spatial or metaphorical penetration.

against — Adversarial or oppositional context; hostility or pressure.

upon — Contact or imposition on a surface or person.

concerning — Topical/referential; use when the sense is 'about' or 'regarding'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB420 H413

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), in poetry אֱלֵי (compare עֲלֵי, עֲדֵי), but only in Job ( 1Sam 3:22; 1Sam 5:26; 1Sam 15:22; 1Sam 29:19), with suffix אֵלַי, אֵלֶיךָ, אֵלַיִךְ, etc. אֵלֵינוּ, אֲלֵיכֶם & (5 t.) אֲלֵכֶם, אֲלֵיהֶם & אֲלֵהֶם (both very often); once אֵלֵימוֺ Ps 2:5, אֲלֵיהֶן, once אֲלֵהֶן Exod 1:19 (Assyrian ilî, Arabic ), preposition denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).

1. of motion to or unto a person or place Gen 2:19; Gen 2:22; Gen 3:19; Gen 8:9; Gen 14:22; Gen 16:9 etc., after every kind of verb expressing motion (בּוֺא, הָלַךְ, יָצָא etc.) So with נָתַן to give (though ל is here more common) Gen 21:14; Gen 35:4; Deut 13:2 +; מָכַר to sell Deut 37:36, etc. Metaph. Jer 2:19 וְלֹא פַחְדָּתִי אֵלַיִךְ and that my fear (cometh) not unto thee (compare Job 31:23). — Peculiarly Gen 6:16 אֶל אַמָּה unto the length of a cubit, etc. And metaphor in the phrase אֶלֿ(אֱלֵיֿ)גִּיל unto exultation Hos 9:11; Job 3:22. Once, exceptionally (si vera 1.) = even: Job 5:5 וְאֶלמִֿצִּגִּים יִקָּחֵהוּ and even out of thorns he taketh it. Sometimes pregnant, as Isa 66:17; Jer 41:7 זָנָה אֶל commit whoredom (by going) to Num 25:1; Ezek 16:26; Ezek 16:28; Ezek 16:29 דָּרֵשׁ אֶל seek (by resorting) to one (that is, for oracles) Deut 18:11; Isa 8:19; Isa 11:10 +; חָבַר אֶל join together (& come) unto Gen 14:3 הִשְׁכִּים אֶל rise early (and go) to Gen 19:27; Gen 24:11 הִבְרִיח אֶל made to kneel down at; Gen 47:18 תַּם אֶל i.e. has been made over to; פָּחַד אֶל to come in fear to Hos 3:5; Mic 7:17. Opposite is מִן, as מִןהַֿקָּצֶה אֶלהַֿקָּצֶה from end to end Exod 26:28 מִפֶּה אֶלפֶּֿה Ezra 9:11 (synonym 2Kgs 21:16 פֶּה לָפֶה). And of time (rare) מֵעֵת אֶלעֵֿת 1Chr 9:25 מִיּוֺם אֶליֿוֺם Num 30:15 (P) 1Chr 16:23 (in the || Ps 96:2 מִיּוֺם לְיוֺם).

2. Where the limit is actually entered, into, Gen 6:18 and thou shalt enter into the ark Gen 7:1; Gen 19:3; Gen 41:21; Gen 42:17 & so after verbs of throwing, casting, putting Gen 37:22 (הִשְׁלִיךְ) Gen 39:20 וַיִּתְּנֵהוּ אֶלבֵּֿית הַסֹּהַר put him into the prison house, Exod 28:30 (Lev 8:8) Deut 23:25 so after קָבַר to bury Gen 23:19; Gen 25:9; Gen 49:29 שָׂחַט to squeeze Gen 40:11 מָחָה to blot out Num 5:23, etc.; metaphor Gen 6:6 was pained into or unto his heart, שָׂם אֶללֵֿב, הֵשִׁיב to place, bring. into ( = lay to) heart Deut 4:39; 2Sam 19:20 and elsewhere In connection with a number or multitude into which something enters, in among: 1Sam 10:22 behold he had hid himself אֶלהַֿכֵּלִים in among the baggage, Jer 4:3 sow not אֶלקֹֿצִים in among thorns.

3. Of direction towards anything:
(a) of physical acts or states, as Gen 30:40 נָתַן פְּנֵי הַצּאֹן אֶל, Gen 39:7 נָשָׂא עֵינָיו אֶל, Exod 25:20; Num 6:26, נָשָׂא פָנָיו אֶל (2Kgs 9:32 differently), 2Kgs 24:1 שָׁת פָּנָיו אֶל, Josh 8:18; Ps 28:2; 1Kgs 8:29; 1Kgs 8:30 (to pray towards) v1Kgs 8:38 pregnantly חָרֵד אֶל to tremble (turning) to Gen 42:28, תָּמַהּ אֶל to, wonder (turning) towards Gen 43:33; Isa 13:8, פָּחַד אֶל Jer 36:16: without a verb פָּנִים אֶלפָּֿנִים face to face Gen 32:31 +; פֶּה אֶלפֶּֿה Num 12:8 כִּיאֵֿינֶנּוּ אֵלַי Gen 31:5 the face of Laban, that he is not toward me; ׳אֶלפֿ ׳עֵינֵי י the eyes of ׳י are towards . . . Ps 34:16 (compare Ps 33:18).
(b) with words such as אָמַרto say to Gen 3:1 + often, דִּבֶּר Gen 8:15 + often, קָרָא Gen 19:5, הִחְפַּלֵּל Gen 20:17 etc., שָׁמַע to hearken to Gen 16:11, הִלֵּל to praise to Gen 12:15 (compare Ezek 13:19 חִלֵּל אֶל to profane to), הִזְכִּיר Ezek 40:14.
(c) with words expressing the direction of the mind, as קִוָּה to wait Ps 27:14 +; יִחַל to hope Isa 51:5 נָשָׂא נֶפֶשׁ אֶל to lift up the soul (i.e. set the desire) towards Deut 24:15; Ps 25:1 שָׂם לֵב אֶל, שָׁת to set the heart (mind) to Exod 9:21 and elsewhere; לָמַד אֶל to accustom oneself to Jer 10:2 חָרֵד אֶל to shew fear towards 2Kgs 4:13; Gen 43:30; Deut 28:32 and thy eyes כָּלוֺת אֲלֵיהֶם failing (with longing) towards them, Lam 4:17; Isa 63:15; 2Sam 3:8; 1Kgs 14:13; Ps 40:6 alone, as predicate, directed or disposed towards, Gen 3:16; Gen 4:7; 2Kgs 6:11 who of ours is towards (i.e. favours) the king of Syria? Hos 3:3 וְגַםאֲֿנִי אֵלָֽיִח׃ Ezek 36:9; Hag 2:17; Jer 15:1 (אֵין נַפְשִׁי אֶל).

4. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against: Gen 4:8 אֶלהֶֿבֶל ׳וַיָּקָם קand Cain rose up against Abel (so 1Sam 24:8) 1Sam 22:12; Exod 14:5; Num 32:14 with נִקְבַּץ Josh 10:6, הָלַךְ Judg 1:10; Judg 20:30 with בָּא of calamity, etc., coming to or upon any one Gen 42:21; Judg 9:57; 1Sam 2:34; 1Kgs 14:10 +; Isa 2:4; Isa 3:8 their tongue and doings are ׳אֶליֿ Isa 32:6 (לְדַבֵּר אֶל) Hos 7:15 (compare Nah 1:9) Hos 12:5 וַיָּשַׂר אֶלמַֿלְאָךְ and he strove against the angel. Here also belongs in particular the phrase הִנְנִי אֶל ֗֗֗ Behold I am against (thee, you, etc.) Nah 2:14; Nah 3:5; Jer 21:13 (Jer 23:30-32 על) Jer 50:31; Jer 51:25; Ezek 13:8; Ezek 13:20; Ezek 21:8; Ezek 29:10; Ezek 30:22; Ezek 34:10; Ezek 35:3; Ezek 38:3; Ezek 39:1 (Ezek 5:8; Ezek 26:3; Ezek 28:22; Ezek 29:3 על: on Ezek 36:9 see above)

5. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to, as Lev 18:18 thou shalt not take אִשָּׁה אֶל אֲחוֺתָהּ a woman to, in addition to, her sister, Josh 13:22 (|| Num 31:8 על); 1Sam 14:34 at eat אֶלהַֿחָם together with the blood (1Sam 14:32 & generally עַל); 1Kgs 10:7 הוֺסִיף אֶל (generally עַל); Jer 25:26; Ezek 7:26 שְׁמוּעָה אֶל שְׁמוּעָה || (עלׅ; Ezek 44:7; Lam 3:41 let us lift up לְבָבֵנוּ אֶלכַּֿפָּ֑יִם our hearts together with the hands (compare , Qor 4:2; W^{AG ii. § 51 c}).

6. Metaphor in regard to, concerning, on account of : thus הִתְאַבֵּל to mourn concerning 1Sam 15:35 הִנָּחֵם to repent as regards 2Sam 24:16 דָּרַשׁ to inquire 1Kgs 14:5 הִתְפַּלֵּל to pray with regard to 1Sam 1:27; 2Kgs 19:20 צָעַק to cry 2Kgs 8:3 (2Kgs 8:5 על); נֶעֳצַב be pained 1Sam 20:34 נִחַם to comfort 2Sam 10:2 more generally 1Kgs 16:13; 1Kgs 21:22 אֶלנֶֿפֶשׁ on account of, for the sake of, one's life 1Kgs 19:3; 2Kgs 7:7 (Gen 19:17 על). (עַל is more common in this sense.) And specially with verbs of saying, narrating, telling, etc. with regard to, as אָמַר Gen 20:2; Isa 29:22; Isa 37:21; Isa 37:33 +; דִּבֶּר 2Sam 7:19; Jer 40:16 b; סִפֵּר Ps 2:7; Ps 69:27 צִוָּה Isa 23:11 שָׁמַע Ezek 19:4 הַשְּׁמוּעָה אֶל the report regarding. . . 1Sam 4:19. (Not frequently, ext. in the case of אָמַר.)

7. Of rule or standard, according to (rare): אֶלפִּֿי ֗֗֗ according to the command of, Josh 15:13; Josh 17:4; Josh 21:3 (generally עַלפִּֿי); אֶלנָֿבוֺן according to what is fixed = of a certainty 1Sam 23:23; 1Sam 26:4 (see Dr): perhaps Ps 5:1; Ps 80:1 (Ps 45:1 עַל).

8. Expressing presence at a spot, against; at, by, not merely after verbs expressing or implying motion (compare 1, Gen 24:11), as Josh 11:5 and they came and encamped together אֶלמֵֿי מֵרוֺם at the waters of Merom, 1Sam 5:4 cut off (and fallen) on to the threshold, 2Sam 2:23 and elsewhere and smote him אֶלהַֿחֹמֶשׁ in or on the belly, Deut 33:28; Exod 29:12; Lev 4:7 but also in other cases, as Josh 5:3 and he circumcised the Israelites אֶל against, at the hill of the foreskins, Josh 22:11 have built an altar אֶל גְּלִילוֺת הַיַּרְדֵּן by the districts of Jordan, Judg 12:6 & 2Sam 18:4 אֶליַֿד at the side of (elsewhere לְיַד, עַל יַד), 1Kgs 13:20 as they were sitting אֶלהַֿשֻּׁלְחָן at the table, 2Kgs 11:14 אֶלהַֿמֶּלֶךְ by the king, Jer 41:12 and found him by the great waters, etc., Jer 46:10 אֶלנְֿהַר פְּרָת by the Euphrates, Ezek 3:15; Ezek 11:11; Ezek 17:8; Ezek 31:7; Ezek 40:18; Ezek 43:3; Ezek 47:7; Ezek 48:12.

9. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to: thus אֶלאַֿחֲרֵי 2Sam 5:23; 2Kgs 9:18; 2Kgs 9:19 סֹב אֶלאַֿחֲרַי turn to behind me, Zech 6:5 (where אֶל is pleonastic, probably due to clerical error; note יצא אל before & after); אֶלבֵּֿין in between Ezek 31:10; Ezek 31:14 אֵלבֵּֿינוֺת similarly Ezek 10:2 ׳אֶלמִֿבֵּית לְ to (the part) within (see below בַּיִת), in within Lev 16:15; 2Kgs 11:15 || have her forth in within the ranks; אֶלמֿוּל see מוּל; ׳אֶלמִֿנֶּגֶב לְ unto the south of Josh 15:3 ׳אֶלמִֿחוּץ לְ to the outside of Lev 4:12; Lev 4:21 +; אֶלנֹֿכַח to the front of Num 19:4 אֶלתַּֿחַת Judg 6:19; 1Kgs 8:6 and elsewhere (see below תַּחַת).

Note I. — In Gen 20:13 אֶלכָּֿלהַֿמָּקוֺם אֲשֶׁר נָבוֺא ׳שָׁמָּה אִמְרִילִֿי וג; Num 33:54 ׳אֶלאֲֿשֶׁר וג; Prov 17:8 (compare Deut 16:6); — אֶל appears to be used by a species of attraction; the idea of motion involved in the relative clause influencing illogically the beginning of the sentence and causing אֶל to be used instead of בְּ. In Deut 31:14 אֵלֵיהֶם, as pointed, can only be from אַיִל III or IV (q. v.); if the word be taken as the Pronoun with suffix (Hi Ke), אֲלֵיהֶם must be read.

Note 2. — There is a tendency in Hebrew, especially manifest in Samuel Kings Jeremiah Ezekiel, to use אֶל in the sense of עַל; sometimes אֶל being used exceptionally in a phrase or construction which regularly, and in accusative with analogy, has עַל; sometimes, the two prepositions interchanging, apparently without discrimination, in the same or parallel sentences. Thus
(a) Josh 5:14 וִיִּפֹּל אֶלפָּֿנָיו; 1Sam 13:13 אֶתמַֿמְלַכְתְּךָ אֶליִֿשְׂרָאֵל ׳הֵקִים י; 1Sam 14:34 (see below 5); 1Sam 17:3 עֹמְדִים אֶלהָֿהָר (contractee עַל Deut 11:29); Deut 19:16; 2Sam 6:3; 2Sam 20:23 (contracted 2Sam 8:16) 1Kgs 13:29; 1Kgs 18:46 (contracted 2Kgs 3:15 על) Jer 35:15; Ezek 7:18.
(b) Judg 6:37 and upon (עַל) all the earth let there be dryness, vJudg 6:39 let there be dryness on (אֶל) the fleece; 1Sam 14:10 come up עָלֵינוּ, v1Sam 14:12 come up אֵלֵינוּ; 1Sam 16; 1Sam 18:10 צָלַח אֶל, 1Sam 10:6 and elsewhere צָלַח עַל; 1Sam 25:17 evil is determined אֶלאֲֿדֹנֵינוּ וְעַל כָּלבֵּֿיתוֺ; v1Sam 25:25; 1Sam 27:10; 2Sam 2:9 וַיַּמְלִכֵהוּ אֶל וְ֗֗֗אֶל וְ֗֗֗אֶל וְ֗֗֗עַל וְ֗֗֗עַל וְ֗֗֗עַל; 2Sam 3:29 יָחֻלוּ עַל ֗֗֗ וְאֶל ֗֗֗ 2Kgs 8:3 & 5; 2Kgs 3; Jer 19:15; Jer 25:2; Jer 26:15 ye lay innocent blood עֲלֵיכֶם וְאֶלהָֿעִיר הַזּאֹת; Jer 27:19; Jer 28:8; Jer 33:14; Jer 34:7; Jer 36:31; Jer 37:13; Jer 37:14; Ezek 18:6; Ezek 18:11 & 15; Ezek 21:12 etc. Ps 79:6 (Jer 10:25 על twice). It is probably that this interchange, at least in many cases, is not original, but due to transcribers.

[Note]

Conversely, though not with the same frequency, עַל occurs where analogy would lead us to expect אֶל, or even in juxtaposition with אֶל, as 1Sam 1:10 הִתְפַּלֵּל עַל to pray to (1Sam 1:26 אֶל); v1Sam 1:13; 1Sam 25:25 אֶלעַ֗֗֗ל; 1Kgs 20:43 וַיֵּלֶךְ עַלבֵּֿיתוֺ (1Kgs 21:4 אֶל); Isa 22:15; Jer 11:2; Jer 23:35; Jer 31:12. compare Dr^{Sm i. 13, 13}; ii. 8, 7; 15, 4.

Strong's Definition H413

unto, to, into, upon, against, …

ʾēl

near, with or among; often in general, to

to, toward, unto (of motion)

in among

Variations 46 forms of this word

Translations 329 English renderings

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Word Parts

וְ אָֽמַרְתָּ֙

וְ

Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)

אָֽמַרְתָּ֙

Root word said, saying, saith, say, spake, …

Dictionary form: אָמַר · aw-MAHR

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar C/Vqq2ms

Verb — Qal, Sequential Perfect (Weqatal), second person masculine singular simple action — "he did" carries the story forward — try "and he will ___" the built-in subject is "you"

וְ	Speech Conjunction
אָֽמַרְתָּ	Speech Verb Stem Qal Type Sequential Perfect (Weqatal) Person Second Person Gender Masculine Number Singular

Verb Chart

Full verb chart

In English

In the KJV here: thee that thou shalt say

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB557 H559

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 JHMordtm^{ZMG 1876, 37}; compare Dl^{Pr 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 Kö^{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 Dr^{Expositor, 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 Dr^{Sm 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; Ges^Comm. so De Che Kö^{i. 457 f.} (from [ימר] exchange Thes Hi Kn Ew Di; but see ימר, מור).

BDB9309 H560 H559

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].

Strong's Definition H559

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

Variations 175 forms of this word

Translations 575 English renderings

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Word Parts

דַּבֵּ֣ר

Root word spake, speak, spoken, said, speaking, …

Dictionary form: דָבַר · daw-BAHR

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Vpv2ms

Verb — Piel, Imperative, second person masculine singular intensive — "he really / thoroughly did" a command — try "___!" the built-in subject is "you"

דַּבֵּר

Speech Verb Stem Piel Type Imperative Person Second Person Gender Masculine Number Singular

Verb Chart

Full verb chart

In English

In the KJV here: speak

spake ×193 speak ×100 hath spoken ×39 he spake ×29 and spake ×27 have spoken ×26 to speak ×20 and speak ×18

More options

speak — Most versatile modern rendering; fits nearly all contexts.

say — Prefer for short, direct speech or quotation introductions.

tell — Use when emphasis is on conveying information to someone.

declare — Suits formal, public, or solemn proclamations.

talk — More conversational; good for dialogue or extended exchange.

announce — Best when the speech is a public or official pronouncement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB1815 H1696

[דָּבַר]₁₁₄₂ verb speak (original meaning dubious; range in order Thes is conjectural and not comprehensive enough; treiben MV does not explain Arabic or Hebrew usage, but only Aramaic A meaning go away, sustained by Arabic go away with it, would best explain the four branches of usage: — (1) Arabic depart, perish, IV. retreat, figurative retrograde, decline; passing away, death; Assyrian dabâru, Pi`el drive away, Bez^{Orient. Diplom, Vocab.}, Dibbara, pest-god, Hpt. in KAT^{2. 500}, דֶּבֶר pestilence. (2) Arabic follow behind, in time, place, or station; part behind, back, דְּבִיר hindmost chamber of temple. (3) Syriac lead, guide, cattle, sheep, government, take a wife, = Aramaic דְּבַר; Syriac , Aramaic דַּבָּר leader; Syriac , Aramaic דַּבָּרָא guidance; Syriac , Aramaic דַּבְרָא, Hebrew דֹּבֶר; Syriac , Aramaic מַדְבְּרָא, Hebrew מִדְבָּר pasture, wilderness; Arabic , Syriac , Aramaic דַּבַּרְתָא, Hebrew דְּבוֺרָה swarm of bees, may be in this line, as led by their queen, so Thes. (4) Arabic consider the end or issue (of an affair), relate (a story or tradition); consider, plan against; Phoenician דבר speak; Hebrew דִּבֶּר etc. Synonym of אָמַר say, as Aramaic מַלֵּל with אֲמַר; Greek λαλεῖν, λέγειν; Lat loqui, dicere; German reden, sagen) —

Qal₄₁ only infinitive (once ?) & participle: Infinitive suffix בְּדָבְרֶ֑ךָ (by attraction to בְּשָׁפְטֶ֑ךָ for usual Piel) Ps 51:6 Participle דֹּבֵר Exod 6:29 + 30 t.; plural דֹּבְרִים Num 36:5; Ps 109:20 construct דֹּבְרֵי Ps 5:7 + 3 t.; feminine דֹּבְרוֺת Num 27:7; Ps 31:19 passive דָּבֻר Prov 25:11 — speak, absolute Num 27:7; Num 32:27; Num 36:5 (P) Ps 51:6 (?); דָּבָר דָּבֻר word spoken Prov 25:11 with accusative of thing דֹּבֵר דָּבָר speaking a word Job 2:13 אמת Ps 15:2, תמים Amos 5:10, (מ)ישׁרים Prov 16:13; Isa 33:15, צדק Isa 45:19, שׁלום Esth 10:3; Ps 28:3, שׁקר(יםׅ Ps 63:12; Ps 101:7; Jer 40:16, כזב Ps 5:7; Ps 58:4, רע Ps 109:20, נבלה Isa 9:16, הַוַּת נפשׁו Mic 7:3 with אֶל of person, unto Gen 16:13 (J) Exod 6:29 (P) Jer 38:20; Jer 40:16; Dan 10:11; Jonah 3:2 בְּאָזְנֵי in the ears of Deut 5:1; Jer 28:7 עַל concerning, about Ps 31:19; Ps 109:20; Jer 32:42 (sometimes rendered against, but dubious); עִם with Ps 28:3 הַמַּלְאָךְ הַדֹּבֵר בִּי the angel that spake with me (as a prophet, an instrument of communicating with Israel) Zech 1:9; Zech 1:13; Zech 1:14; Zech 2:2; Zech 2:7; Zech 4:1; Zech 4:4; Zech 4:5; Zech 5:5; Zech 5:10; Zech 6:4 (see preposition בְּ III. 2 Ew^{§ 217 f.} (3)). Niph`al₄ Perfect נִדְבְּרוּ Mal 3:16, נִדְבָּ֑רוּ Ps 119:23, נִדְבַּרְנוּ Mal 3:13 Participle הַנִּדְבָּרִים Ezek 33:30 reciprocal sense, speak with one another, talk, absolute Mal 3:16 with בְּ, against Ps 119:23; Ezek 33:30 with עַל, concerning, about Mal 3:13 (RV against, see Ew^{§ 217 i}.) Pi`el₁₀₈₉ Perfect דִּבֶּר Gen 12:4 +, דִּבֵּ֑ר Gen 21:1 + (on דִּבֶּ֑ר Exod 12:25; Deut 26:19 see Bö^{§ 1021 d} (1) Kö^{i, 188}); Imperfect יְדַבֵּר Gen 44:7 +, יְדַבֶּרֿ Gen 44:18 +; תְּדַבְּרוּן Gen 32:20, תְּדַבֵּר֑וּן Ps 58:2 Imperative דַּבֵּר Gen 24:38 +, דַּבֶּרֿ Exod 11:2 +; Infinitive דַּבֵּר Gen 24:50 +, דַּבֶּרֿ Isa 59:13 +; Participle מְדַבֵּר Gen 27:6 +; feminine מְדַבֶּרֶת 1Sam 1:13 +; — (הַדִּבֵּר Jer 5:13, infinitive Ki⁴⁸, probably Ol^{§ 182 e} Kö^{§ 23 (5)}, perhaps MV; but more probably a noun, as Ges^{«GKC:52»§ 52} (2), Anm. 3 Ew^{§ 156 a}, dubious perfect as Sta^{§ 222}; בְּיוֺם דִּבֶּר Exod 6:28; Num 3:1; Deut 4:15 תְּחִלַּת דִּבֶּרֿ Hos 1:2, infinitive Ki⁴⁸ Bö^{§ 987} (7) Kö^{§ 23} (5); but more probably perfect, as Ges^{«GKC:52»§ 52} (2). Anm. 3); — speak,

1. absolute Deut 18:17 + (throughout the literature) usually with לֵאמֹר, less frequently וַיּאֹמֶר: 2Kgs 18:28 +, compare the phrases ) דברתי׳אני (י Ezek 5:13 + 18 t. Ezekiel; דבר ׳כי י Isa 1:2; Isa 21:17; Isa 22:25; Isa 24:3; Isa 25:8; Jer 13:15; Joel 4:8; Obad 1:18 דבר ׳כי פי י Isa 1:20; Isa 40:5; Isa 58:14; Mic 4:4 פי ידבר Ps 49:4 (י)דבר פי Ps 66:14; Ps 145:21 השׁכם ודבר Jer 7:13; Jer 25:3; Jer 35:14 עוד זה מדבר Job 1:16; Job 1:17; Job 1:18.

2. with accusative of thing, very frequently, ׳ד את הדברים האלה Exod 20:1; Deut 5:19 +; לָמָּה תְּדַבֵּר עוֺד דְּבָרֶיךָ why speakest thou any more of thy affairs ? 2Sam 19:30 עַד אִםדִּֿבַּרְתִּי דְּבָרָ֑י until I have told my errand Gen 24:33 seldom followed by דָּבָר indefinite; as דָּבָר ׳ד Isa 58:13 speak a (mere, empty) word; so probably also דְּבָרִים ׳ד Hos 10:4 with other nouns, e.g. דבר קשׁות spake rough words Gen 42:7; Gen 42:30 (E); גבהה ׳ד proud words 1Sam 2:3 טבות friendly words Jer 12:6 טוב 1Sam 19:4; 1Kgs 22:13; Esth 7:9 שׁקר Isa 59:3 +, כזב Dan 11:27, אמת Jer 9:4 +, שׁוא Ps 12:3 +; דבר שׁיר utter, sing a song Judg 5:12 משׁל 1Kgs 5:12 יְהוּדִית the Jewish language Neh 13:24 סרה rebellion Deut 13:6; Jer 28:16; Jer 29:32.

3. with persons:
a. rarely accusative יָָֽכְלוּ דַבְּרוֺ לְשָׁלֹם they could [not] speak unto him peaceably Gen 37:4 (J; but Ew^{§ 282 a} about him); וַיְדַבֵּר ֗֗֗ אֹתָם Num 26:3 (P, but text corrupt see Di; not satisfactory explanation yet given, possibly read אִתָּם see d).
b. most frequently with אֶל throughout the literature: Gen 8:15 +; compare phrases אֶל משֶׁה לֵאמֹר ׳וַיְדַבֵּר י Exod 6:10 + 87 t. P; but אל משׁה לך ׳וידבּר י Exod 32:7; Exod 33:1 (JE); דבּר אל אהרן Lev 6:18 + 8 t. (P); ישׂראל דבר אל בני Exod 6:9 + 38 t. (P); elsewhere, Exod 19:6 (E) Deut 1:3; Deut 4:45 (D); אל (כל) העדה ׳ד Exod 12:3; Lev 19:2; Num 16:24; Num 16:26 (P); אל לב ׳ד speak unto one's heart Gen 24:45, i.e. to oneself, compare also על לִבָּהּ ׳ד 1Sam 1:13, see 5 below; אל is used inexactly for על 1Sam 3:12; 1Kgs 16:12; Isa 16:13; Jer 27:13; Jer 30:4; Jer 33:14; Jer 36:7; Jer 36:31; Jer 40:2; Jer 50:1; Jer 51:12; Jer 51:62 where it is rendered concerning or against.
c. with לְ speak to 1Kgs 2:19; Ezek 32:21; Dan 2:4 ליהוה speak, sing to Yahweh words of a song Josh 10:12 (D) 2Sam 22:1 (= Ps 18:1 title); in D, דבר ל promise to, in phrases ) ל׳כאשׁר דבר(י Deut 1:11; Deut 1:21; Deut 6:3; Deut 9:3; Deut 10:9; Deut 11:25; Deut 12:20; Deut 15:6; Deut 18:2; Deut 26:18; Deut 27:3; Deut 29:12; Josh 13:14; Josh 13:33; Josh 22:4; Josh 23:5; Josh 23:10 (all D); אשׁר דבר ל Deut 9:28; 1Kgs 8:24; 1Kgs 8:25; 1Kgs 8:26 (= 2Chr 6:15; 2Chr 6:16; 2Chr 6:17). — דבר ל Gen 24:7; Gen 28:15; Gen 49:28; Exod 32:34 (J) Josh 9:21 (P) Judg 14:7; 2Sam 23:3; Isa 30:10; Zech 9:10 usually rendered speak to, but often rather promise to. הֲיֵשׁ לְדַבֶּרלָֿךְ אֶלהַֿמֶּלֶךְ is it possible to speak for thee unto the king ? 2Kgs 4:13 (by attraction to לַעֲשׂוֺת לָךְ).
d. with אֵת speak with Gen 17:3; Gen 17:22; Gen 17:23; Gen 21:2; Gen 23:8; Gen 34:6; Gen 34:8; Gen 35:13; Gen 35:15; Exod 25:22; Exod 31:18; Exod 34:29; Exod 34:33; Exod 34:34; Exod 34:35; Num 3:1; Num 7:89; Josh 22:15; Josh 22:21 (all P) Gen 35:14; Gen 41:9; Gen 42:7; Gen 45:15; Josh 17:14 (all E) Deut 5:21 sources of Samuel Kings Chronicles, 2Sam 3:27; 2Sam 7:7 = 1Chr 17:6; 1Kgs 8:15 = 2Chr 6:4; 1Kgs 22:24 = 2Chr 18:23; 2Chr 10:10 ( = אל 1Kgs 12:10) Jer 5:5; Jer 7:22; Jer 9:7; Jer 35:2; Jer 38:25; Jer 3:22; Jer 3:24; Jer 3:27; Jer 14:4; Jer 20:3; Jer 44:5; compare phrases דבר חד את אחד speak one with another Ezek 33:30 דבר משׁפטים את speak judgments with, usually = give judgment against, (not Jer 12:1), Jer 1:16; Jer 4:12; Jer 12:1; Jer 39:5; Jer 52:9 (= 2Kgs 25:6); דבר טבות את speak kindly with 2Kgs 25:28 = Jer 52:32.
e. with עִם speak with, (not P), Gen 29:9; Gen 31:24; Gen 31:29; Exod 19:9; Exod 20:19 (twice in verse); Exod 20:22; Exod 33:9; Num 11:17; Num 22:19; Josh 24:27 (all J E) Deut 5:4; Deut 9:10; Judg 6:17; 1Sam 9:25 (ᵐ5 Th We Dr וַיִּרְבְּדוּ לְ spread a couch for) 1Sam 17:23; 2Sam 13:22; 1Kgs 1:14; 1Kgs 1:22; 2Kgs 6:33; 2Kgs 18:26; 2Chr 9:1 (= אֶל 1Kgs 10:2) Neh 9:18; Esth 6:14; Jer 32:4; Dan 8:18; Dan 9:22; Dan 10:11; Dan 10:15; Dan 10:17; Dan 10:19; Hos 12:5 דִּבַּרְתִּי אֲנִי עִם לִבִּי I spake, communed with my heart Eccl 1:16. feminine לִפְנֵי before, in the presence of Exod 6:12; Num 36:1 (P) Judg 11:11; 1Kgs 3:22; Esth 8:3.

4. with בְּ
a. instrumental, דבר בְּ speak with, by, or by means of a person (see above Qal near the end) Num 12:2 (twice in verse); Num 12:6; Num 12:8 (E) 2Sam 23:2 (compare Dr), 1Kgs 22:28 = 2Chr 18:27; Hab 2:1 בְּשֵׁם דִּבֶּר speak in the name of Exod 5:23 (J) Deut 18:19; Deut 18:20 (twice in verse); Deut 18:22; 1Chr 21:19; Jer 20:9; Jer 26:16; Jer 29:23; Jer 44:16; Dan 9:6; Zech 13:3 ביד by the hand of Num 17:5; Num 27:23; (P) 1Sam 28:17; 1Kgs 8:53 + 13 t. Kings, 2Chr 10:15 (= 1Kgs 12:15) Isa 20:2; Jer 37:2; Jer 50:1; Ezek 38:17.
b. local (figurative), בְּאָזְנֵי in the ears of Gen 20:8 (E) Exod 11:2; Deut 32:44 (J) Gen 23:16; Num 14:28; Josh 20:4 (P) Deut 31:28; Deut 31:30; Judg 9:2; Judg 9:3; 1Sam 8:21; 1Sam 11:4; 1Sam 25:24; 2Sam 3:19 (twice in verse); Jer 26:15; Prov 23:9 בלב דבר speak in the heart Eccl 2:15.
c. of the object, speak of, about (preposition בְּ IV. e Ew^{§ 217 f}, (2)) Deut 6:7; Deut 11:19; 1Sam 19:3; 1Sam 19:4; Ps 119:46; Ps 122:8 propose for (a wife) 1Sam 25:39 (compare Song 8:8).
d. of hostility, against (Ew^{§ 217 f}, (1)) Num 12:1; Num 12:8; Num 21:5; Num 21:7 (E) Job 19:18; Ps 50:20; Ps 78:19.
e. of price, בְּנַפְשׁוֺ at the cost of his life 1Kgs 2:23 (see בְּ III. 3).

5. with עַל, of the object concerning or about which one speaks Gen 18:19; Num 10:29 (J) Josh 23:14 (D) Judg 9:3; 1Sam 25:30; 1Kgs 2:4; 1Kgs 2:27; 1Kgs 5:13 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 14:2; 1Kgs 22:23 (= 2Chr 18:22), 2Kgs 10:10; 2Kgs 19:21 = Isa 37:22; 1Chr 22:11; 2Chr 23:3; Jer 1:16; Jer 18:7; Jer 18:8; Jer 18:9; Jer 42:19. It may have this sense in most if not all of the following, where RV renders 1Kgs 2:18; 1Kgs 2:19; Esth 7:9; Jer 18:20 for; 2Chr 32:16; Neh 6:12; Jer 11:17; Jer 16:10; Jer 25:13; Jer 26:13; Jer 26:19; Jer 35:17; Ezek 36:5; Dan 9:12; Dan 11:36; Hos 7:13; Amos 3:1 against; and 1Kgs 9:5; 2Kgs 22:19; Jer 10:1; Jer 19:15 unto (על is used for אל unto 2Chr 32:19; Jer 6:10; Jer 25:2; Jer 26:2; Hos 12:11); compare the phrase דבר על לב speak upon the heart, speak kindly, comfort Gen 34:3; Gen 50:21 (E) Judg 19:3; Ruth 2:13; 1Sam 1:13 (seemingly from context על for אל, to her heart, to herself, see Dr), 2Sam 19:8; 2Chr 30:22; 2Chr 32:6; Isa 40:2; Hos 2:16.

6. with infin. דבר לעשׂות promise to do Exod 32:14 (J) Deut 1:14; Ezek 6:10; Jonah 3:10 דבר לתת promise to give Deut 19:8 דבר למחות threaten to blot out 2Kgs 14:27 compare דבר להזהיר i.e. so as to warn Ezek 3:18; Ezek 33:8.

Note. — וַתָּקָם וַתְּדַבֵּר אֶתכָּֿלזֶֿרַע הַמַּמְלָכָה 2Chr 22:10 ᵐ5 ἀπώλεσε, ᵑ9 interfecit, scribal error for וַתְּאַבֵּד 2Kgs 11:1. Other explanations: plot against, waylay (Arabic ) Thes MV; pronounce sentence, elliptical וַתְּדַבֵּר מִשְׁפָּטִים Ges^Hdw Rob; but compare VB. —

Pu`al Imperfect בַּיּוֺם שֶׁיְּדֻבַּרבָּֿהּ in the day when she may be spoken for Song 8:8 (see Pi`el 4 c); Participle נִכְבָּדוֺת מְדֻבָּר בָּךְ glorious things are being spoken in thee (RV Pe MV of thee) Ps 87:3. Hithpa`el Participle מִדַּבֵּר = מִתְדַּבֵּר with accusative מִדַּבֵּר הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה speaking this word 2Sam 14:13 ׳שָׁמַע (אֵת הַקּוֺל) מִדַּבֵּר אֶל heard (the voice, or) one speaking unto Num 7:89 (P) Ezek 2:2; Ezek 43:6 (Di Num 7:89 would read מְדַבֵּר after ᵐ5; the meaning not appreciably different from Piel; the Hithpa`el difficult to reconcile with אֶל). Hiph`il Imperfect וַיַּדְבֵּר עַמִּים תַּחְתָּי Ps 18:48 (2Sam 22:48 has וּמֹרִיד for rare וַיַּדְבֵּר), יַדְבֵּר עַמִּים תַּחְתֵּינוּ Ps 47:4 either (compare Aramaic דַּבַּר) leads subject (so Ges coegit, De Now), or (compare Arabic turn the back, retreat) puts to flight, figurative for subdues (so Hi).

Strong's Definition H1696

spake, speak, spoken, said, speaking, …

dābar

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

(Qal) to speak

to speak

Variations 148 forms of this word

Translations 333 English renderings

Search every verse

Word Parts

יְהוָ֔ה

Root word a name — transliterate it ("Lord")

Dictionary form: יְהֹוָה · yeh-hoh-WAW

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Np

Noun — Proper Name

יְהוָה

Speech Noun Type Proper Name

In English

In the KJV here: lord

the lord ×2811 of the lord ×1522 and the lord ×457 unto the lord ×342 o lord ×222 am the lord ×158 lord ×67 to the lord ×60

More options

the LORD — Standard modern Bible convention; small-caps signal the divine name.

YHWH — Preserves the Hebrew tetragrammaton; used in scholarly translations.

Yahweh — Reconstructed pronunciation; preferred in academic and some modern versions.

the Lord — General rendering when small-caps convention is unavailable.

God — Use only where context clearly equates YHWH with generic deity.

the Eternal — Captures timeless-existence nuance; used in some progressive translations.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB2100 H3068 H3069 H1961 H430 H589 H2022 H6635

יהוה_{c. 6823} i.e. יַהְוֶה proper name, of deity Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel — (

1. ᵑ0 יְהוָֺה^C518 (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 Philo^{de 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 Bö^{§ 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 Lag^{Sym i.14} Baud^{Studien i.179 ff.}; Dr^{Stud.Bib.i.1 ff.} For Jeve see Sta^{ZAW 1881, 346} De^{ib.1882, 173 f. & Gn. Excurs. ii.}

2. on literature of interpretations see Nes^Eg.67 Dr^{l.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, Nes^Eg.88 (but Nes^{Eg.91 inclines to Qal as} RS^{Brit. & For. Ev. Rev} see below); or from היה he who causes to fall, rain or lightning RS^{OTJC.ed.1, 423; om.ed.2, 245}, compare We^{Skizzen iii.175}; 'Fäller,' destroying foes, Sta^G.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 RS^{Brit. & For. Ev. Rev. 1876}, he will be it, i.e all that his servants look for (compare Ew^infr), he will approve himself (give evidence of being, assert his being Dr^l.c.17)).

**Theories of non-Hebrew or non-Semitic origin, opposed (in their older forms) by Bau^{Rel. i. 181 ff. (see especially 230)}; Dl^{Pa 162 ff.} claimed Babylonian origin for יהו, against this Kue^{national Religions, etc., Note iv (Eng. Trans. 329 ff.)} Jastr^{JBL xiil {1894}, 103 f.} compare Hpt^{BAS i. 170 N}; Dl^{Babel u. Bibel, 46 f., 73 f.} makes same claim for יהוה, against this see especially Hirsch^{ZAW xxiil {1903}, 355 ff.} Zim^{KATS. 465 ff.}; Spiegelb^{ZMG:liii {1899}, 633 ff.} proposes (improbable) Egyptian etymology for יהוה; further discussions see in Kö^{EB NAMES, § 112 and n.3}. 'Jehovah' found in Jacob (? Johannes) Wessel († 1480), according to Schw^{ThLZ, 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 Ew^{BTh ii. 337, 338} RS^{l.c., Proph. 385 ff.} Other interpretations are: I am he who I am, i.e. it is no concern of yours (Le Clerc Lag^{Psalt.Hieron.156}); I am (this is my name), inasmuch as I am (אֲשֶׁר = כִּי; AE JDMich We^JD 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 Dl^{Pa 158 ff.} Dr^{Stud. 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 R^P 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 ℌ), 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. — Bonk^{ZAW 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.

BDB3475 H3068

׳יְהוֺ proper name compounded with, see below יהוה above.

BDB3483 H3068 H3069

יהוה proper name, of deity, see below הוה.

BDB3489 H3068 H3097

׳יו = ׳יְהוֺ proper name compounded with, see below יהוה above: — namely יוֺאָב, יוֺאָח, יוֺאָחָז, יוֺאֵל, יוֺאָשׁ, יוֺיָכִין, יוֺיָקִים, יוֺיָרִיב, יוֺעֵד, יוֺעָשׁ, יוֺקִים, יוֺרָם, יוֺתָם, etc.

Strong's Definition H3068

lord, lords, god, jehovah, jehovah-jireh, …

yĕhōwâ

the existing One

(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God

the proper name of the one true God

unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of H0136

Variations 44 forms of this word

Translations 243 English renderings

Yahweh Creator

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Word Parts

כִּ֥י

Conjunction for, that, because, but, when, …

Dictionary form: כִּי · kee

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar C

Conjunction

כִּי	Speech Conjunction

In English

In the KJV here: for

for ×2058 that ×621 because ×373 but ×221 when ×190 if ×94 and if ×49 though ×39

More options

because — Causal; explains the reason for a preceding statement.

that — Complementary/content clause; introduces indirect speech or thought.

since — Causal with a presupposed background fact.

when — Temporal; use where כִּי marks time rather than cause.

if — Conditional; use in hypothetical or legal-style clauses.

although — Concessive; acknowledges a contrasting reality.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB3937 H3587 H3588

כִּי noun [masculine] burning, branding (for form, compare רִי from רָוָה, אִי, צִי, עִי: Kö^{ii. 1. 64}) — only כִּי תַּחַת יֹ֑פִי Isa 3:24 branding instead of beauty, in judgment on women of Jerusalem.

BDB3995 H3588 H518

כִּי conjunction that, for, when (Moabite id,: Phoenician כ. Probably from the same demonstrative basis found in here, and in certain pronouns, as Aramaic דֵּךְ this (W^{SG 110 f.}); perhaps also ultimately akin with that, in order that, and then, enclitic, like Latin nam in quisnam?) —

1. that (ὅτι, German dass):
a. prefixed to sentences depending on an active verb, and occupying to it the place of an accusative: so constantly, after verbs of seeing, as Gen 1:10 וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים כִּי טוֺב and God saw that it was good, Gen 3:6; Gen 6:2; Gen 6:5; Gen 12:14 + often, hearing Gen 14:14; Gen 29:33, knowing Gen 22:12; Gen 24:14, telling Gen 3:11; Gen 12:18, repenting Gen 6:6; Gen 6:7, swearing Gen 22:16; Jer 22:5, believing Exod 4:5; Lam 4:12, remembering Ps 78:35, forgetting Job 39:15 אָמַר = command (late; in early Hebrew the words said are quoted) Job 36:10; Job 36:24 (זְכֹר in a command) Job 37:20 b 1Chr 21:18 (contrast 2Sam 24:18) etc.; טוֺב כּי it is good that ... 2Sam 18:2 + (usually the infinitive with, as Gen 2:18 see ibid.); Gen 37:26 מַהבֶּֿצַע כִּי נַהֲרֹג what profit that we should slay (imperfect)...? Mal 3:14 what proft כִּי שָׁמַרְנוּ that we have kept (perfect)...? Job 22:3 הַחֵפֶץ לְשַׁדַּי כִּי is it pleasure to Shaddai that...? after a pronoun, as Ps 41:12 by this I know that thou hast pleasure in me, that my enemy cannot triumph over me, Ps 42:5 these things will I remember...that (or how) I used to go, etc., Ps 56:10 this I know that God is for me Job 13:16 (הוא). And with כִּי repeated pleonastic after an intervening clause 2Sam 19:7; Jer 26:15 +; כִּי ֗֗֗ וְכִי Gen 3:6; Gen 29:12; Exod 4:31; Josh 2:9; Josh 8:21; Josh 10:1; 1Sam 31:7; 2Sam 5:12; 1Kgs 11:21; Jer 40:7; Jer 40:11 לֵאמֹר ֗֗֗ וְכִי Gen 45:26; Judg 10:10.
b. כִּי often introduces the direct narration (like , , and the Greek ὅτι recitativum, e.g. Luke 4:21), in which case it cannot be represented in English (except by inverted commas), Gen 21:30; Gen 29:33 and she said, ׳כִּי שׁמע י Yahweh hath heard, etc.; Exod 3:12 = Judg 6:16 and he said, כִּי אֶהְיֶה עִמָּ֑ךְ I will be with thee, Josh 2:24; 1Sam 2:16 (see Dr) 1Sam 10:19 and ye have said to him, כִּי מֶלָךְ תָּשִׂים עָלֵינוּ Thou shalt set a king over us, 2Sam 11:23; 1Kgs 1:13; 1Kgs 20:5; Ruth 1:10, compare Ruth 2:21 (but in reply to a question כִּי may = because, see below 3; and so also in sentences giving the explanation of a proper name, Gen 26:22; Gen 29:32 (but De surely: see below), Exod 2:10 (compare Gen 4:25; Gen 41:51; Gen 41:52); in כִּי מָה, introducing an expostulation, 1Sam 29:8; 1Kgs 11:22; 2Kgs 8:13, it gives the reason for a suppressed 'Why do you say this?').
c. especially after an oath חַי אָ֫נִי, ׳חַי י etc., introducing the fact sworn to, Gen 42:16 by the life of Pharaoh, כִּי מְרַגְּלִים אַתֶּם (I say) that ye are spies; but though Hebrew usage probably gave it an asseverative force, English idiom does not require it to be expressed: Num 14:22; 1Sam 20:3 as ׳י liveth, כִּי כְפֶשַׂע בֵּינִי וּבֵין הַמָּוֶת there is but a step between me and death! 1Sam 26:16; 1Sam 29:6; Isa 49:18 +; 1Sam 14:44 כֹּהיַֿעֲשֶׂה אֱלֹהִים וְכֹה יוֺסִיף כִּי מוֺת תָּמוּת thus may God do and more also: thou shalt surely die! 2Sam 3:35; 1Kgs 2:23; Ruth 1:17 and elsewhere — Note that כִּי when thus used is often repeated after an intervening clause, in order that its force may be fully preserved: Gen 1:39 כִּי מוֺת יָמוּת (אִםיֶֿשְׁנוֺ בְּיוֺנָתָן בְּנִי) כִּי ׳חַי י 1Sam 25:34; 2Sam 2:27 ׳כִּי אָז וג (לוּלֵא דִּבַּרְתָּ) כִּי, 2Sam 3:9; 2Sam 15:21 Qr 1Kgs 1:30; Jer 22:24.
d. כִּי is used sometimes with advs. and interjs. to add force or distinctness to the affirmation which follows:
(a) so especially in אַף כִּי (see אַף); הֲכִי is it that . . .? (as a neutral interrogative) 2Sam 9:1, (expecting a negative answer) Gen 29:15 is it that thou art my brother, and shalt (therefore) serve me for nothing? Job 6:22 is it that I have said, Give unto me? expressing surprise Gen 27:36 is it that he is called Jacob, and has (hence) supplanted me twice? 2Sam 23:19 an affirm. answer is required (which would imply הֲלֹא כִי): read probably with the || 1Chr 11:25 הִנּוֺ be-hold, he, etc.; אִםלֹֿא כִּי Deut 32:30 were it not that .. .; אָמְנָם כִּי Job 12:2 of a truth (is it) that ye are the people, etc.; אַךְ כִּי 1Sam 8:9 אֶפֶם כִּי Num 13:28 +; גַּם כִּי Ruth 2:21 הֲלֹא כִי 1Sam 10:1 (but see ᵐ5 Dr), 2Sam 13:28 הִנֵּה כִי Ps 128:4 compare Ps 118:10 כִּי אֲמִיַלם ׳בְּשֵׁם י in the name of ׳י (is it) that — or (I say) that — I will mow them down; Job 39:27 doth the vulture mount up at thy command, וְכִי יָרִים קִנּוֺ and (is it) that it (so) makes high its nest? Isa 36:19 have the gods of the nations delivered each his land etc.? . . . וְכִי הִצִּילוּ i.e. (Hi) and (is it) that they have delivered Samaria out of my hand? > (Ew^{§ 354 c} De Di) and that they have delivered Samaria out of my hand! = how much less (אַף כִּי) have they, etc.! (|| 2Kgs 18:34 כִּי alone, perhaps conformed by error to v2Kgs 18:35; 2Chr 32:15 אַף כִּי, which however does not decide the sense of the original וְכִי). 1Chr 29:14 וְכִי מִי read ומי or כי מי
(b) in introducing the apodosis, especially in כִּי עַתָּה (chiefly after לוּלֵא) indeed then . . ., Gen 31:42; Gen 43:10 for unless we had tarried כִּי עַתָּה שַׁבְנוּ surely then we had returned twice, Num 22:33 (read לוּלֵי for אוּלַי); so 1Sam 14:30 ᵐ5 (after לוּא), and 1Sam 13:13 Hi We (לֻא for לֹא); after אִם Job 8:6 surely then he will awake over thee, etc. (But elsewhere כִּי עַתָּה is simply for now, Gen 29:32; Job 7:21 +; or for then = for in that case, Exod 9:15; Num 22:29; Job 3:13; Job 6:3 +). It is dubious whether כִּי אָז has the same sense: for 2Sam 2:27; 2Sam 19:7 the כִּי in כִּי אָז may be merely resumptive of the כִּי recitation preceding (see a, c). Rare otherwise: Exod 22:22 if thou afflict him כִּי אִםצָֿעֹק יִצְעַק 'tis that (= indeed), if he cries unto me, I will hear him, Isa 7:9 if ye believe not כִּי לֹא תֵאֵָמנוּ ׃ indeed ye will not be established.
e. there seem also to be other cases in which כִּי, standing alone, has an intensive force, introducing a statement with emphasis, yea, surely, certainly (German ja — a lighter particle than these English words): see in AV RV Exod 18:11; Num 23:23; 1Sam 17:25; 1Sam 20:26; 2Kgs 23:22; Isa 32:13; Isa 60:9; Jer 22:22; Jer 31:19; Hos 6:9; Hos 8:6; Hos 9:12; Hos 10:3; Amos 3:7; Ps 76:11; Ps 77:12 (Ew Che), Prov 30:2 (but not if construed as RVm), Eccl 4:16; Eccl 7:7; Eccl 7:20; Job 28:1 +; Lam 3:22 (ᵑ6 ᵑ7 Ew Th Öttli) the mercies of ׳י, surely they are not consumed (read probably תַמּוּ or תָֽמְמוּ for תמנו), Ruth 3:12 כִּי אָמְנָם yea, indeed. But it is doubtful whether כִּי has this force in all the passages for which scholars have had recourse to it, and whether in some it is not simply = for. De^{Prov 30:1} would restrict the usage to cases in which a suppressed clause may be understood. feminine that, expressing consecution, especially after a question implying surprise or deprecation: followed by perf., Gen 20:9 what have I sinned against thee כִּי הֵבֵאתָ עָלַי that thou hast brought upon me? 1Sam 22:8; Isa 22:1 what aileth thee, that thou art gone up, etc.? vIsa 22:16; Isa 36:5; Isa 52:5; Mic 4:9; Hab 2:18 followed by participle Judg 14:3; 1Sam 20:1; 1Kgs 18:9 how have I sinned that thou art giving, etc.? 2Kgs 5:7; Ezek 24:19 usually followed by imperfect Exod 3:11 who am I כִּי אֵלֵךְ that I should go, etc.? Exod 16:7; Judg 8:6; Judg 9:28; 2Kgs 8:13; Isa 7:13; Isa 29:16 (also perfect), Ps 8:5 what is man כִּי תִזְכְּרֶנּוּ? Job 3:12 or why the breasts כִּי אִינָָֽק ׃ that I should suck? Job 6:11 מַהכֹּֿחִי כִּי אִַיַחֵל, Job 7:12; Job 7:17; Job 10:5f.; Job 13:25f.; Job 15:12f; Job 15:14; Job 16:3; Job 21:15 +; after a negative, Gen 40:15 here also I have done nothing כִּי שָׂמוּ that they should have placed me in the dungeon, Ps 44:19f. our heart has not turned backward, etc. כִּי דִכִּיתָנוּ that thou shouldst have crushed us, etc., Isa 43:22 not me hast thou called on, כִּי יָגַעְתָּ בִּי that thou shouldst have wearied thyself with me, Hos 1:6 (see RV), Job 41:2; Ruth 1:12 I am too old to have an husband כִּי אָמַרְתִּי that I should have said, etc. (compare Ew^{§ 337 a}; Dr^{§ 39} δ).
g. added to preps. כִּי converts them, like אֲשֶׁר, into conjs. ..., as יַעַן כִּי because that...: see below יַעַן, עַד, עַל, עֵקֶב, תַּחַת.

2. a. Of time, when, of the past וַיְהִי כִּי Gen 6:1 (compare Bu^{Urg. 6}), Gen 26:8; Gen 27:1; 2Sam 6:13; 2Sam 7:1; 2Sam 19:26 + (כַּאֲשֶׁר and especially כְּ with infinitive, are more frequently); וְהָיָה כִּי (simple וְ) 1Sam 1:12; 1Sam 17:48; Josh 22:7; Judg 2:18; Judg 12:5 והיה כי יאמרו and it would be, whenever (frequently) they said, Jer 44:19 (participle), Hos 11:1; Ps 32:3 כי החרשׁתי when I was silent, Job 31:21; Job 31:26; Job 31:29 of present (usually with imperfect) as Exod 18:16 כִּי יִהְיֶה לָהֶם דָּבָר when they have a matter, 1Sam 24:20; Isa 1:12; Isa 30:21; Jer 14:12; Zech 7:5; Zech 7:6; Mal 1:8; Ps 49:19 and men praise thee כִּי תֵיטִיב לָ֑ךְ when thou doest well to thyself, Ps 102:1; Ps 127:5 +, with perfect Ezek 3:19-21; Ezek 33:9; Prov 11:15; Prov 23:22 especially of future, as Gen 4:12 כִּי תַעֲבֹד אֶתהָֿאֲדָמָה when thou shalt till the ground it shall not, etc., Gen 24:41; Gen 30:33; Gen 31:49; Gen 32:18; Exod 7:9 when Pharaoh shall speak unto you, Deut 4:25; Deut 6:20 +; in phrase (׳תאֹמַר וג) וְכִי תאֹמְרוּ Lev 25:20; Deut 18:21; Isa 8:19; Isa 36:7; Jer 13:22 and especially in ... וְהָיָה כִּי Gen 12:12; Gen 46:33; Deut 6:10; Deut 15:16; 1Sam 10:7; 1Sam 25:30; Isa 8:21; Isa 10:12 + often; with perfect Isa 16:12; 1Chr 17:11 (altered from imperfect 2Sam 7:12); with participle (unusual) Num 33:51; Num 34:2; Deut 11:31; Deut 18:9.
b. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usually represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם: — (mostly with imperfect) Gen 38:16; Num 5:20; Num 10:32; Deut 6:25; Deut 7:17; Deut 28:2; Deut 28:13; 1Sam 20:13; 2Sam 19:8; 2Kgs 4:29; 2Kgs 18:22; Jer 38:15; Prov 4:8; Job 7:13 (כי אמרתי when I say), Job 19:28 often in laws, as Exod 21:14; Exod 21:33; Exod 21:35; Exod 21:37; Exod 22:4; Exod 22:5 etc., Deut 13:13; Deut 14:24; Deut 15:7; Deut 15:12; Deut 17:2; Deut 18:6; Deut 18:21 etc.; sometimes, in particular, to state a principle broadly, after which special cases are introduced by אִם, as Exod 21:2 when (כִּי) thou buyest a Hebrew servant, he shall serve thee six years, after which vExod 21:3-5 follow four special cases with אִם if: so Exod 21:7 (כי), vExod 21:8-11 (אם); vExod 21:18 (כי), vExod 21:19 (אם); vExod 21:20 (כי), vExod 21:21 (אם); vExod 21:22 f; vExod 21:28-32; Lev 1:2 (כי), vLev 1:3 vLev 1:10 (אם) Lev 4:2; Lev 4:3; Lev 4:13; Lev 4:27; Lev 4:32; Lev 13:2ff. Num 30:3ff. +; though this distinction is not uniformly observed, contrast e.g. Exod 21:5 with Deut 15:16; Num 5:19 and vNum 5:20. —

N.B. with כִּי = when or if, the subject is often prefixed for distinctness and emphasis: 1Kgs 8:37 רָעָב ׳כִּייִֿהְיֶה בָאָרֶץ דֶּבֶר כִּי יִהְיֶה וג, Isa 28:18; Mic 5:4 אַשּׁוּר כִּייָֿבאֹ בְאַרְצֵנוּ, Ps 62:11; Ezek 3:19 (וְאַתָּה), Ezek 14:9; Ezek 14:13; Ezek 18:5; Ezek 18:18; Ezek 18:21; Ezek 33:6 (compare vEzek 33:2); and especially in laws of P, as כִּי ֗֗֗ אָדָם Lev 1:2; Lev 13:2, ... נֶפֶשׁ כִּי Lev 2:1; Lev 4:2; Lev 5:1; Lev 5:4; Lev 5:15, similarly Lev 15:2; Lev 15:16; Lev 15:19; Lev 15:25; Lev 22:12; Lev 22:13; Lev 22:14 etc., rather differently Num 5:20.
c. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though: —
(a) with imperfect Jer 4:30 (3 t. in verse); Jer 14:12; Jer 49:16 כִּיתַֿגְבִּיהַּ כַּנֶּשֶׁר קִנֶּ֑ךָ though thou make high like the vulture thy nest, I will bring thee down thence, Jer 51:53; Hos 13:15; Zech 8:6; Ps 37:24; Ps 49:19f. though in his lifetime he bless himself ... he shall come, etc., perhaps also Jer 46:23 Ew (but Hi Gf Ke for), Jer 50:11 Ew Ke (Hi yea); and strengthened by גַּם, גַּם כִּי Isa 1:5; Ps 23:4 (compare Dr^{§ 143});
(b) with perf. (rare) Mic 7:8 כִּי נָפַלְתִּי קָ֑מְתִּי though I have fallen, I rise, Nah 1:10 (si vera 1.), Ps 21:12 (Hi Ew Now), Ps 119:88 (Ew De).

3. Because, since ὅτι —
a. Gen 3:14 because thou hast done this, cursed art thou, etc., vGen 3:17; Gen 18:20; Gen 17:20 the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah — because it is great ... (subject prefixed for emphasis: compare 2

N.B.) Isa 28:15 in answer to a question, Gen 27:20; Exod 1:19; Exod 18:15; 2Sam 19:43 +. Enunciating the conditions under which a future action is conceived as possible (German indem) Lev 22:9; Deut 4:29 כי תדרשׁנו, Deut 12:20 (see Dr), vDeut 12:25 vDeut 12:28; Deut 13:19; Deut 14:24; Deut 16:15; Deut 19:6; Deut 19:9 +, 1Kgs 8:35 (compare v1Kgs 8:33 אֲשֶׁר), v1Kgs 8:36 כִּי תוֺרֵם, Prov 4:8b.
b. more commonly the causal sentence follows, as Gen 2:3 and God blessed the seventh day ׳כִּי בוֺ שָׁבַת וג because on it he rested, etc., Gen 4:25 etc., in which case it may often be rendered for, Gen 2:5; Gen 2:28; Gen 3:20; Gen 5:24; Gen 6:7; Gen 6:12; Gen 6:13; Ps 6:3 heal me כִּי נִבְהֲלוּ עֲצָמָ֑י for my bones are vexed, Ps 10:14; Ps 25:16; Ps 27:10 + very often specifically after verbs expressive of mental emotions, as rejoicing Isa 14:29; Ps 58:11, being angry Gen 31:35; Gen 45:5, fearing Gen 43:18; Ps 49:17 etc. Iron. 1Kgs 18:27 for he is a god etc. (4 t.); Prov 30:4; Job 38:5 כִּי תֵדָ֑ע for or since thou knowest. With subject prefixed Ps 128:2. Repeated (with anacoluthon) Isa 49:19.
c. the causal relation expressed by כִּי is sometimes subtle, especially in poetry, and not apparent without careful study of a passage. Thus sometimes it justifies a statement or description by pointing to a pregnant fact which involves it, as Isa 3:8a Job 6:21 (ground of the comparison vJob 6:15-20), Job 14:16 (For...: ground of the wishes expressed vJob 14:13-15), Job 16:22 (ground of vJob 16:20f.) Job 30:26 (For ...), or by pointing to a general truth which it exemplifies Job 5:6 (reason why complaining vJob 5:2-5 is foolish), Job 15:34; Job 23:14 sometimes it is explicative, justifying a statement by unfolding the particulars which establish or exemplify it 2Sam 5:7; 2Sam 7:8; Isa 9:4; Isa 10:8-11; Isa 13:10 (development of vIsa 13:9a); Isa 32:6 f. (developing the characters of the נָבָל and כִּילַי, and so explaining why they will no longer be esteemed vIsa 32:5); Job 11:16ff. (explicit of vJob 11:15b), Job 18:8 ff. (justifying vJob 18:7), Job 22:26 ff. (justifying vJob 22:25); elsewhere the cause is expressed indirectly or figuratively Isa 2:6 (reason why invitation vIsa 2:5 is needed), Isa 5:10 (sterility of the soil the cause of the desolation vIsa 5:9), Isa 18:5; Isa 28:8 (proof of the intoxication vIsa 28:7), Isa 31:7 (reason for the exhortation vIsa 31:6: the certainty that the folly of idolatry will soon be recognized), Job 7:21 (for soon it will be too late to pardon), Job 27:8-10 (Job wishes his enemy the lot of the wicked, because this is so hopeless); or כִּי relates not to the see which immediately precedes or follows, but to several, as Isa 7:16f. (Isa 7:17 specially the ground of the people being reduced to simple fare vIsa 7:15), Isa 21:6ff. (ground of the statements vIsa 21:1-5), Job 4:5 (ground of vJob 4:2), Job 14:7-12 (Job 14:10-12 specially the ground for the appeal in vJob 14:6), Job 23:10-13 (ground why God cannot be found vJob 23:8f.), Ps 73:21 (ground not of vPs 73:20, but of the general train of thought vPs 73:2); similarly Gen 4:24; Deut 18:14; Jer 30:11 the reason lies not in the words immediately after כִּי, but in the second part of the sentence; or, on the other hand, it may state the reason for a particular word, Isa 28:20 (justifying 'nought but terror' vIsa 28:19), Job 23:17 (God's hostility vJob 23:16 the cause of his misery, not the calamity as such). Sometimes also כִּי, in a poetic orrhetorical style, gives the reason for a thought not expressed but implied, especially the answer to a question; Isa 28:11 (the mockeries of vIsa 28:10 have a meaning) 'for with men of strange lips, etc. he will speak unto this people,' who will retort the mockeries, charged with a new and terrible meaning, upon those who uttered them (Isa 28:13); = (no,) for Isa 28:28 (see RVm), Job 22:2b no, he that is wise is profitable to himself, Job 31:18; Job 39:14 (see vJob 39:13b), Ps 44:24 (he cannot do this, vPs 44:23) for for thy sake are we killed, etc., Ps 130:4 no, with thee is forgiveness; = (yes,) for Isa 49:25 (see the question vIsa 49:24), Isa 66:8.
d. כִּי ֗֗֗ כִּי ἀσυνδέτως sometimes introduce the proximate and ultimate cause respectively, Gen 3:19; Gen 26:7; Gen 43:32; Gen 47:20; Exod 23:33 for [else] thou wilt serve their gods, for it will be a snare to thee, Isa 2:6 (twice in verse); Isa 3:8 (twice in verse); Isa 6:5a, b; Isa 10:22f.; Job 6:3f.; Job 8:8; Job 8:9 (twice in verse); Job 24:17 (twice in verse); Job 29:11f.; sometimes they introduce two co-ordinate causes (where we should insert and), Exod 23:21; Exod 23:22; Isa 6:5b,c I am undone, because I am of unclean lips..., because mine eyes have seen ׳י of hosts, Isa 15:5 (twice in verse); Isa 15:6 (twice in verse); Isa 15:8; Isa 15:9; Zeph 3:8f.; Job 15:25; Job 15:27; Job 20:19f.; Job 31:11f. But כִּי ֗֗֗ וְכִי also occurs, Gen 33:11; Num 5:20 (if), Josh 7:15; Judg 6:30; 1Sam 19:4; 1Sam 22:17; 1Kgs 2:26; Isa 65:16 +.
e. after a negative כִּי for becomes = but (German sondern): Gen 17:15 thou shalt not call her name Sarai, כִּי שָׂרָה שְׁמָהּ for (= but) Sarah shall be her name, Gen 24:3f.; Gen 45:8; Exod 1:19; Exod 16:8 not against us are your murmurings, ׳כי עליֿ for (they are) against ׳י = but against ׳י, Deut 21:17; 1Sam 6:3 (אַל), 1Sam 27:1 (see Dr), 1Kgs 21:17; Isa 10:7; Isa 28:27; Isa 29:23; Isa 30:5; Ps 44:8; Ps 118:17 + often; so in לא כי nay, for = nay, but, as Gen 18:15 לֹא כִּי צָחָֽקְתְּ nay, but thou didst laugh, Gen 19:2; Gen 42:12; Josh 5:14; 1Sam 2:16 MSS ᵐ5 (see Dr), 1Sam 12:12; 2Sam 16:18; 2Sam 24:24; 1Kgs 2:30; 1Kgs 3:22; 1Kgs 11:22; Isa 30:16 nay, but we will flee upon horses.

Note. — כִּי is sometimes of difficult and uncertain interpretation, and in some of the passages quoted a different explanation is tenable. Authorities especially read the Hebrew differently, when the choice is between for and yea. E.g. Isa 8:23 Ges Ew^{§ 330 b} doch (no, but); Hi Di for (taking vIsa 8:22 as RVm); Ch surely: Isa 15:1 Ges Ew Hi Di surely; De for: Isa 39:8 Ges Hi De surely; Di for (explanation of טוֺב): Ezek 11:16 Hi Ke Co surely; Ew Sm because. — In Exod 20:25 the tense of וַתְּחַלֲלֶהָ makes it probably that כֹּי is for (Dr^{§ 153}). Job 22:29 is taken with least violence to usage (גַּאֲוָה) as Hi When they humble thee, and thou sayest (= complainest) Pride! he will save, etc. כִּי אִםֿ (the אִם always followed by makkeph, except Gen 15:4; Num 35:33; Neh 2:2, where כִּיאִֿם is read by the Mass.: Fr^{MM 241}) —

1. each particle retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
a. that if Jer 26:15 after an oath (כִּי not translated: see כִּי 1 c) if 1Sam 14:39; Jer 22:24, surely not (אִם 1 b 2) 2Sam 3:35; 1Sam 25:34 (כִּי being resumptive of the כִּי before לוּלֵי: see כִּי 1 c); Exod 22:22 (in apodosis) indeed if . . . (see כִּי 1 d).
b. for if Exod 8:17; Exod 9:2; Exod 10:4; +, for though Isa 10:22; Jer 37:20; Amos 5:22, but if Jer 7:5.

2. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause —
a. limiting the preceding clause, except (after a negative, or an oath, or question, the equivalent of a negative) — the most usual term for expressing this idea: followed by verb Gen 32:27 I will not let thee go; כִּי אִםבֵּֿרַכְתָּֽנִי literally but (כִּי 3 e) if thou bless me (that is, I will let thee go), i.e., subordinating the second clause to the first, 'I will not let thee go, except thou bless me;' Lev 22:6 he shall not eat of the holy things כִּי אִםרָֿחַץ except he have washed his flesh, Isa 65:6; Amos 3:7; Ruth 3:18; Lam 5:21f. (Ew Näg Ke Che Öttli), turn thou us unto thee, etc., unless thou have utterly rejected us, (and) art very wroth with us (= Or hast thou utterly rejected us? etc. Ew Öttli); followed by a noun, except, but, Gen 28:17 this is nothing ׳כִּי אִםבֵּֿית הָאֱ but the house of God, Gen 32:9 he withholds from me nothing כִּי אִםאֿוֺתָךְ except thee, Lev 21:2; Num 14:30 (after אִם), Num 26:65 (compare Num 32:12 בִּלְתִּי), Josh 14:4; 1Sam 30:17; 1Sam 30:22; 2Sam 12:3 אֵין כֹּל כִּי אִםֿ (so 2Kgs 4:2), 2Kgs 19:29; 1Kgs 17:1 (after אִם), 1Kgs 22:31; 2Kgs 5:15; 2Kgs 9:35; 2Kgs 13:7; Jer 22:17; Jer 44:14 +; after אַל, 2Chr 23:6 followed by an adverb clause, Gen 42:15; Num 35:33; 2Sam 3:13 (but כִּי אִם and לִפְנֵי are mutually exclusive: read probably with ᵐ5 כִּי אִםהֵֿבֵיאתָ); after an interrogative Isa 42:19 who is blind כִּי אִםעַֿבְדִּי but my servant ? (who is blind in comparison with him ?), Deut 10:12; Mic 6:8; Eccl 5:10; 2Chr 2:5.
b. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic (compare אִם 1 c), so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but (= a slightly strengthened כִּי), Gen 15:4 this man shall not be thy heir; ׳כִּי אִםאֲֿשֶׁר וג but one that shall come forth from thy own bowels, he shall be thy heir (compare 1Kgs 8:19), 1Kgs 32:29 thy name shall no more be called Jacob כִּי אִםיִֿשְׂרָאֵל but Israel (compare כִּי alone 1Kgs 17:15), 1Kgs 47:18 we will not hide it from my lord, but the money . . . is all made over to, etc., Exod 12:9 not boiled in water, but roast with fire, Deut 7:5; Deut 12:5; Deut 16:6; Josh 23:8; 1Sam 2:15 he will not take of thee boiled flesh כִּי אִםחָֽֿי׃ but raw, 1Sam 8:19 לֹא כִּי אִםמֶֿלֶךְ יִהְיֶה עָלֵינוּ nay, but a king shall be over us (compare כי alone, 1Sam 10:19; 1Sam 12:12), 1Sam 21:5; 2Sam 5:6; 1Kgs 18:18; 2Kgs 10:23 (פֶּן), Isa 33:21; Isa 55:10; Isa 55:11; Isa 59:2; Jer 3:10; Jer 7:32; Jer 9:23; Jer 16:15; Jer 20:3; Jer 44:10; Ps 1:2; Ps 1:4; Prov 23:17 (אַל) Psalm +; with the principal verb repeated (as Gen 15:4; 1Kgs 8:19), Lev 21:14; Ezek 44:22; Num 10:30; 2Kgs 23:23; Jer 39:12 Kt (Qr omit אִם), compare Jer 7:23. Occasionally in colloquial language, the negative, it seems, is left to be understood: 1Sam 26:10 as ׳י liveth, (by no means,) כִּי אִם but ׳י shall smite him, 2Sam 13:33 Kt (by no means,) but Amnon alone is dead (Qr omits אִם). Followed by imperative Isa 65:18; Ezek 12:23; Jer 39:12; 2Chr 25:8. Sometimes also, though rarely (and not certainly), כִּי אִם appears to have the force of only even without a previous negative: Gen 40:14 כִּי אִםזְֿכַרְתָּנִי אִתְּךָ only have (?) me in remembrance with thyself (but read perhaps אַךְ for כִּי; see Dr^{§ 119} δ n., the use of a bare perfect, without לוּ, or even waw consecutive, to express a wish or command is unexampled), Num 24:22 כִּי אִםֿ יִהְיֶה לְבָעֵר קָֽיִן׃ only, nevertheless, the Kenite shall be for extermination (compare Di), Job 42:8 (De Di) כִּי אִםפָּֿנָיו אֶשָּׂא
c. after an oath כִּי אִם appears to = a strengthened כִּי (compare בִּלְתִּי אִם, אִם ׃עַד אִם 1 c), introducing the fact sworn to (see כִּי 1 c): 2Kgs 5:20 as ׳י liveth, כִּי אִםרַֿצְתִּי surely I will run (perfect of certitude) after him, etc., Jer 51:14 (Ges Hi Gf RV) surley I will fill thee with men (namely, assailants), etc. (but Ew Ke Ch treat the particles as separate (כִּי as כִּי 1 c): though I have filled thee with men —; i.e. increased thy population, — yet shall they — the assailants — lift up the shout against thee), 2Sam 15:21 Kt (Qr omits אִם); after an assever. particle Ruth 3:12 Kt וְעַתָּה כִּי אָמְנָם כִּי אִם גּוֺאֵל אָנֹכִי and now, yea indeed, surely I am thy kinsman (Qr omits אִם); the oath being understood, Judg 15:7 if ye do thus, כִּי אִםנִֿקַּמְתִּי surely (Ges hercle) I will avenge myself, 1Sam 21:6 כִּי אִםאִֿשָּׁה עֲצֻרָה לָנוּ of a truth women have been kept from us, etc., 1Kgs 20:6 surely tomorrow I will send, etc., Prov 23:18 (see De) surely there is a reward; perhaps also Job 42:8.

BDB3996 H3588 H5921 H3651

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as, a peculiar phrase found Gen 18:5; Gen 19:8; Gen 33:10; Gen 38:26; Num 10:31; Num 14:43; Judg 6:22; 2Sam 18:20 Qr (rightly), Jer 29:28; Jer 38:4 — literally for therefore, emphasizing the ground pleonastically (Ew^{§ 353 a} ). The original force of the phrase is traceable in some of the passages in which it occurs, as Gen 18:5 let me fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort your heart; כִּיעַֿלכֵּֿן עֲבַרְתֶּם עַל עַבְדְּכֶם for therefore (that is, to partake of such hospitality) are ye come to your servant, Num 14:43 the Amalekite and the Canaanite are there, and ye will fall by the sword, כִּיעַֿלכֵּֿן שַׁבְתֶּם for therefore (to encounter such a fate) have ye turned back from ׳י etc.: but in process of time the distinct sense of its component parts was no doubt gradually obscured, and it thus came to be used conventionally, as a mere particle of causation, even where there was no preceding statement to which עַל כֵּן therefore could be explicitly referred. אֲשֶׁר עַל כֵּן appears to be used similarly (compare אֲשֶׁר 8 c) Job 34:27.

BDB6199 H6258 H2088 H2009 H5704 H3588

עַתָּ֫ה₄₃₅ (also Ezek 23:43; Ps 74:6 עת Kt, Qr עַתָּה), עָ֑֫תָּה Gen 32:5 +, adverb of time, now (properly accusative of [`int],עֵת (Kö^{ii. 260}), at the time, in particular of the present time, i.e. now; compare German zur Zeit, Arabic at the time, i.e. now); — now:

1. a. Gen 12:19 ועתה הנה אשׁתך and now, behold thy wife, Gen 22:12 כי עתח ידעתי now, I know (so Exod 18:11; Judg 17:13; 1Kgs 17:24 [עַתָּה זֶה], Ps 20:7), Gen 26:22; Gen 26:29; Gen 27:36; Gen 31:13; Gen 31:28, etc., Exod 5:5 הך רבים עתה עם הארץ; whether in opposed to past time, as Gen 32:11; Josh 14:11 כְּכֹחִי אָז וּכְכֹחִי עָ֑תָּה, Judg 11:8; 1Kgs 12:4; Isa 1:21 ועתה מרצחים, Isa 16:14; Hos 2:9 כִּי טוֺב לִי אָז מַעָ֑תָּה, Hos 13:2, Job 30:1 +, or to future, as Num 24:17 אֶרְאֶנּוּ ולא עתה, Judg 8:6 חֲכַף עַתָּהכְּֿיָדֶ֑ךָ ׳זֶבַח וצ, 1Sam 2:16 כִּי עַתָּה תִּתֵּן; = after all Num 22:38; Judg 8:2 = now at last 2Sam 24:16; 1Kgs 19:4; 2Kgs 19:25; Hos 7:2; Jer 4:12 and in the phrase מעתה ועד עולם Isa 9:6; Isa 59:21; (see below), Ps 113:2; Ps 115:18; Ps 121:8; Ps 125:2; Ps 131:3.
b. of the imminent or impending future: Gen 19:9 עַתָּה נָרַע לְךָ מַהֶם. Gen 29:32 כי עתה יאהבני אישׁי, vGen 29:34; Exod 6:1 עתה תראה, Num 11:23; Num 22:4; 2Sam 20:6; Isa 33:10 (Ps 12:6), Isa 43:19; Isa 49:19; Amos 6:7 לכן עתה יִגְלוּ, Isa 49:19; Mic 7:4; Mic 7:10; Dan 10:20 and especially ἀσυνδέτως in Hosea, introducing a punishment, Hos 4:16 ׳וגו ׳עתה יִרְעֵם י Hos 5:7; Hos 8:8; Hos 8:13 (Jer 14:10), Jer 10:2.
c. of a time ideally present (= then, from our point of view): Isa 29:22 לא עתה יבושׁ יעקב, v^b Hos 10:3; Mic 4:9; Mic 4:10; Mic 4:11; Mic 4:14; Mic 5:3.
d. describing a present state = as things are: 1Sam 8:5 thou art old, etc., עתה שִׂימָה לנו מלך, 1Sam 9:6; 1Sam 13:12; 1Sam 14:30; 1Sam 25:7b; 1Sam 27:1 now I shall be swept away one day, etc., 2Kgs 18:20; 2Kgs 18:25; Job 6:21; Job 14:16; Job 16:7.
e. with an Imperative, as an encouragement, implying that the time has come for the exhortation or advice to be followed, Gen 31:13 עתה קים צא, Exod 18:19 עתה שְׁמַע בקולי, Num 22:11; Deut 2:13; 1Sam 30:8.

2. Phrases:
a. עַתָּה זֶה (זְה 4 h) 1Kgs 17:24; 2Kgs 5:22.
b. ועתה and, now, or now, therefore (וְ 4), drawing a conclusion, especially (compare 1 e) a practical one, from what has been stated: Gen 3:22 and now (since man has once been disobedient), lest he put forth his hand, etc., Gen 20:7; Gen 20:23 וְעַתָּה הִשָּֽׁבְעָה לִי הֵ֫נָּה, Gen 27:3; Gen 27:8 ועתה בני שְׁמַע בקולי, Gen 30:30; Gen 31:16; Gen 31:44; Gen 37:20 + often, Isa 5:3; Isa 5:5; Ps 2:10; Gen 11:6 ׳ועתה לאֹיִֿבָּצֵר מֵהֶם וגו, Gen 31:30; Gen 45:8; 2Sam 19:11; Ps 39:8 ועתה מַהקִּֿזִּיתִי אֲדֹנָי, Isa 52:5,
c. וְעַתָּה הִנֵּה stating the ground on which some conclusion or action is to be based, Exod 3:9; Josh 14:10 (twice in verse); 1Sam 12:2; 1Sam 24:21; 1Kgs 1:18; Jer 40:4 (with ועתה usually repeated afer the הנה-clause).
d. גם עתה Gen 44:10; 1Sam 12:16; 1Kgs 14:14; Joel 2:12; Job 16:19.
e. מֵעַתָּה from now, henceforth, Jer 3:4; Isa 48:6; Dan 10:17 (according to some, here = from just now), 2Chr 16:9 מעתה ועד עוּלּסּ, see above 1 a end. feminine עַדעַֿתָּה until now, Gen 32:5, ׳וֶאֵחַר עדעֿ, Deut 12:9 ׳אל הנחלה לא באתם עד ע (opposed to the future), 2Kgs 13:23 especially after clause with מִן, 2Kgs 46:34 ׳מִנְּעוּרֵינוּ וְעַדעֿ (2Sam 19:8; Ezek 4:14), Exod 9:18; 2Kgs 8:6; Ruth 2:7.
g. כִּי עַתָּה for in this case, in our idiom, for them (עתה pointing to a condition assumed as a possible contingency: compare Dr^{§ 141, 142}); (a) Exod 9:15 כי עתה ׳שׁלחתי וגו for then (if the intention expressed in vExod 9:14 had not existed) I should have put forth my hand, etc., Num 22:29 כי עתה הֲרַגְתִּיךְ, 1Sam 13:13; Job 3:13 followed by imperfect Job 6:3 for then (if it were weighed, vJob 6:2) it would be heavier, etc., Job 13:19 for then would I be silent and die; (b) after a protasis, surely then Gen 31:42 + (see כִּי 1 d b, p. 472). — Note. Read כְּמוֺ עַתָּ) (ᵐ5 ᵑ9) as now, for כְּמוֺ עֵת Ezek 16:57, עַתָּ נִשְׁבַּרְתְּ (ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9) now art thou broken ! for עֵת נִשְׁבֶּרֶת Ezek 27:34, and probably עַתָּ בָּא (Hi We Kö Now, compare ᵐ5 ᵑ6) for עֶתבּֿאֹ Hag 1:2 also עַתָּה for אַתָּה 1Kgs 1:20, and אַתָּה for עַתָּה v1Kgs 1:18b 2Sam 18:3.

BDB6202 H3282 H834 H3588

יַעַן₉₆ properly substantive, purpose, intention, but always used as preposition or conjunction, on account of, because (for יַעֲנֶה, of the form יִצְהָר etc., Sta^{§ 259} Kö^{ii. 403}; compare mean, intend): —

1. as preposition, rarely with a substantive, Ezek 5:9 יַעַן תּוֺעֲבוֺתֵיכֶם, Hag 1:9 יַעַן מָה, vHag 1:9 יַעַן בֵּיתִי; with a participle Ezek 36:13 יען אמרים because of men saying to you (but read probablyאָמְרָם, Co Toy Berthol); frequently with infinitive with, 1Kgs 21:20 יַעַן הִתְמַכֶּרְךָ on account of thy having sold thyself, Amos 5:11; Isa 30:12; Isa 37:29 (= 2Kgs 19:28) יַעֵן הִתְרַגֶּזְךָ אֵלַי, Jer 5:14; Jer 7:13; Jer 23:38; Jer 48:7, and often. (c. 18 t.) in Ezek., as Jer 5:7 (read יַעַן הַמְרֹתְכֶם), Jer 13:8; Jer 13:22; Jer 25:3; Jer 25:6; Jer 25:8; Jer 25:12.

2. As conjunction:
a. יַעַן אֲשֶׁר (32 t.), usually with perfect, as Gen 22:16 יען אשׁר עשׂית זאת because that thou hast done this, Deut 1:36 (Josh 14:14), Judg 2:20; 1Sam 30:22; 1Kgs 3:11; 1Kgs 8:18; Jer 19:4; Jer 25:8; Jer 29:23 (not Isaiah) +; with imperfect (in frequent. sense) Ezek 44:12.
b. יַען כִּי, Num 11:20 ׳יַעַן כִּי מְאַסְתֶּם אֶתיֿ, 1Kgs 13:21; 1Kgs 21:29; Isa 3:16; Isa 7:5; Isa 8:6; Isa 29:13.
c. יַעַן alone (23 t.), with perfect Num 20:12 יַעַן לֹא הֶאֱמַנְתֶּם בִּי, 1Sam 15:23; 1Kgs 14:13; 1Kgs 20:42; 2Kgs 22:19; Hos 8:1; Isa 61:1; Isa 65:12; Isa 66:4 with imperfect (frequently) Ezek 34:21 of the future Ezek 12:12 because he shall not see, etc., (but ᵐ5 Co Kau Berthol לְמַעַן אשׁר לא יֵרָאֶה לָעַיִן): usually the verb follows immediately, but Ezek. sometimes puts the object first for emphasis, Ezek 5:11 יַעַן אֶתמִֿקְדָּשִׁי טִמֵּאתָ, Ezek 20:16; Ezek 20:24; Ezek 36:6, compare Ezek 34:21.

3. יַעַן וּבְיַעַן, q.d. because and by the cause (that), followed by perhaps, Lev 26:43 (H) יען וביען בְּמִשְׁפָּטַי מָאָ֔סוּ, Ezek 13:10 יַעַן בְּיַעַז followed by infinitive, Ezek 36:3. (In all, reckoning יען (ו)ביען once each, 93 t., of which 20 are in 1-2 Kings, 11 in Jeremiah, 38 in Ezekiel; and only 9 in Genesis—2Samuel.)

BDB9640 H3809 H3861 H518 H2006 H3808 H3588

II. לָהֵן conjunction except, but (from לָא and הֵן 'not if' (compare Hebrew אם לא Gen 24:38); so Nabataean and Egyptian Aramaic להן Cooke^{217, 219, 241} S-C^{Pap. C 6, 7} +; lâinnî, however Soc^{Arab. Dial.} see Marokko 44, Anm. 103; ᵑ7 אִילָּהֵין Gen 32:28; Gen 43:3 and elsewhere); —

1. after a negative (= Biblical Hebrew כִּי אִם, q. v.):
a. except Dan 2:11; Dan 3:28; Dan 6:6; Dan 6:8.
b. but (German sondern) Dan 2:30.

2. without a negative: however, but Ezra 5:12.

Strong's Definition H3588

for, that, because, but, when, …

kî

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

that

yea, indeed

when, if, though (with a concessive force)

Variations 14 forms of this word

Translations 302 English renderings

Search every verse

Word Parts

שֹׁמֵ֖עַ

Root word heard, hear, hearken, hearkened, obey, …

Dictionary form: שָׁמַע · shaw-MA

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Vqrmsa

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

שֹׁמֵעַ

Speech Verb Stem Qal Type Participle Active Gender Masculine Number Singular State Absolute

Verb Chart

Full verb chart

In English

In the KJV here: heareth

hear ×182 heard ×140 hearken ×67 hearkened ×35 and hear ×28 obey ×18 to hear ×18 i have heard ×17

More options

hear — Most natural default; covers auditory perception broadly.

listen — Implies attentiveness; prefer when active attention is stressed.

obey — Use when compliance or submission to a command is in view.

heed — Blends listening and obeying; good for warnings or instructions.

pay attention — Emphatic register; suits solemn or urgent calls to listen.

understand — Use when comprehension, not just audition, is the focus.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB8819 H8085

שָׁמַע₁₁₅₉ verb hear (Late Hebrew id.; Phoenician שמע Lzb³⁷⁸; Assyrian šemû; Arabic ; Sabean סמע mostly in derivatives, especially epithet of divinity סמע he who hears Hom^{Chr 124} Fell^{ZMG liv (1900), 250, 252} DHM^{Hofmus. No. 10, 1. 1}; Ethiopic Aramaic שְׁמַע, , Old Aramaic שמע Lzb³⁷⁸; compare also משמעת MI²⁸ obedience); —

Qal₁₀₅₂ Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳שׁ Gen 24:52 +, שָׁמֵ֑עַ Jer 36:13 + 3 t.; 2 feminine singular שָׁמַ֫עַתְּ 1Kgs 1:11 + 2 t.; 3 plural שָׁמֵ֑עוּ Judg 2:17 +, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִשְׁמַע Exod 6:30 +, 1 singular cohortative אֶשְׁמְעָה Num 9:8, וָאֶשְׁמְָעָה (on ְָ֯ compare Ges^{«GKC:10h»§ 10h}; Ol^{§ 65 c question} reading) Dan 8:13 2 masculine plural תִּשְׁמְע֔וּן Deut 8:20 +, תִּשְׁמָע֔וּן Deut 1:17, etc.; Imperative masculine singular שְׁמַע Amos 7:16 +, שִׁמְעָךְ Job 32:10 + (especially Psalms), שְׁמָ֨עָךְ֨ Dan 9:19 feminine plural שְׁמַעְנָה Isa 32:9; Jer 9:19, שְׁמַ֫עַן Gen 4:23 (Ges^{«GKC:46f»§ 46f}), etc.; Infinitive absolute שָׁמוֺעַ Isa 6:9 +; construct שְׁמֹעַ 1Sam 15:22 +; suffix שָׁמְעו Deut 29:18 +, שָׁמְעָתוֺ Isa 30:19 (Gen 18:10 + etc.; —

1. subject human person (or thing personified):
a. hear (perceive by ear), accusative of thing, especially קוֺל Gen 3:10 (J) + 46 t., דבר(יםׅ Amos 8:11 + 50 t., etc.; accusative חָכְמָה i.e. wise sayings 1Kgs 5:14 + 4 t.; so any utterance or sound (approximately 150 t. in all) + (object omitted) Deut 4:33 + 32 t. + (temporal clause) 1Sam 14:27 + 6 t.; very rarely with ב, ׳בְּסוֺד י ׳שׁ Job 15:8 with object clause, ׳כִּ Exod 4:31 + 52 t. + Isa 39:1b (read ׳כִּי שׁ ᵐ5 ᵑ7 || 2Kgs 20:12), אֶתאֲֿשֶׁר Josh 2:10; Josh 5:1 (both R^D), מַהֹֿ֯ Judg 7:11 +3 t.; without connect. אֹתָהּ ׳שׁ עָשִׂיתִי 2Kgs 19:25 = Isa 37:26 singular oratio recta [direct speech] Isa 40:28; Zech 8:23.
b. accusative of person + מְדַבֵּר hear one speaking Gen 27:6 (J), Jer 26:7; Dan 8:13, so בֹּכֶה Num 11:10 (J), נִבָּא Jer 20:1 מְקַלְלֶ֑ךָ Eccl 7:21 occas. pears. omitted, דֹּבְרִים Gen 37:17 (JE), אֶתמִֿדַּבֵּר Ezek 2:2; Ezek 43:6 (see דבר Hithpa`el); accusative of person only Dan 12:7.
c. with לֵאמֹר only, hear say = hear it said, 1Sam 13:4; 2Sam 19:3; Deut 13:13; Josh 22:11 (P), 1Kgs 16:16 + עַל person concerning Gen 41:15 (E), Isa 37:9 אֶל person id. 2Kgs 19:9.
d. hear of, concerning: (1) accusative of thing, אֵת(כָּלֿ)אֲשֶׁר Exod 18:1; 2Kgs 19:11 + 5 t., דבר(יםׅ 1Sam 3:11 + 4 t., רָעָה Jer 19:3 + 5 t., etc.; כַּאֲשֶׁר 1Sam 23:11; Ps 48:9, כָּואֹת Isa 66:8 hear of anything like this, כָּאֵלֶּךְ Jer 18:13 accusative, etc., omitted Judg 9:46 + 43 t.; (2) less often accusative of person Job 42:5, אֶל person Ezek 19:4, person omitted Deut 9:2 with ב person hear exultantly of their fate Ps 92:12 (probably imitated from || הִכִּיט בְּ v^a; see especially ראךְ 8 a (6)).
e. hear, absolute, = have power to hear, 2Sam 19:36 (with בְּקוֺל ), Isa 21:3; Isa 32:3; Prov 20:12; Zech 7:11 in simile Ps 38:15 with negative of idols Deut 4:28; Ps 115:6 figurative (spiritual power) Jer 5:21; Deut 29:8; Ezek 12:2; Isa 42:20. — Prov 21:28 is probably corrupt, see Toy. feminine hear with attention, interest, listen to (sometimes || חֶאֱןין), חִקְשִׁיב accusative דבר(יםׅ (54 t.) Amos 4:1 +, especially ׳דבר(י) י Num 12:6 (JE) + 45 t.; אִמְרָה Isa 28:23, קוֺל vIsa 28:23, זאֹת Mic 3:9, etc.; often absolute Judg 5:3 + 57 t., + (negative) Ps 38:14 pay no attention; absolute לֵב שֹׁמֵעַ 1Kgs 3:9, אִישׁ שֹׁטֵעַ Prov 21:28.
g. understand (language), שָׂפָחךְ Gen 11:7 (J), Isa 33:19, לָשׁוֺן Deut 28:49, דְּבָרִין Ezek 3:6, מַהיְּֿדַבֵּר Jer 5:15, no accusative Gen 42:23 (E), 2Kgs 18:26 = Isa 36:11.
h. specif of hearing a (judicial) casre, דָּבָר Deut 1:17, compare vDeut 1:17 accusative omitted בֵּין person vDeut 1:16, of ׳י Judg 11:10 with מִשְׁפָּט 1Kgs 3:11 הִטּוֺב וְהָרֵע ׳לשׁ 2Sam 14:17, וְשֹׁמֵע אֵין לְךָ 2Sam 15:3, compare Job 31:35.
i. with accusative of person in polite address, hear us (me)! Gen 23:6; Gen 23:8; Gen 23:11; Gen 23:13; Gen 23:15 (all P), 1Chr 28:2; 2Chr 13:4; 2Chr 15:2; 2Chr 20:20
j. listen, give heed (sometimes || הִקְשִׁיב), absolute, Gen 42:21 (E) + 18: t., + (usually || הִטָּה אֹ׃ון), Jer 7:13 + 14 t. Jeremiah, + (opposed to חָדַל) Ezek 2:5 + 3 t. Ezekiel; + שִׂים עַללֵֿב Mal 2:2 hear + do Deut 5:24; 2Kgs 18:12, etc.; = consent, agree, Gen 37:27 (J), grant request Judg 11:17 with ל person (mostly late) Judg 19:25; 1Sam 30:24; Job 15:17 + 16 t., ׳לי Hos 9:17; Lev 26:14; Lev 26:18; Lev 26:21; Lev 26:27 ׳לְדִבְרֵי י 1Sam 15:1, לְעֵצָה Prov 12:15.
k. with אֶל person + listen to, yield to Gen 49:2; Judg 2:17 + 69 t. (׳אֶליֿ 15 t., especially Jer 7:26 + 10 t. Jeremiah), עַל person 2Kgs 20:13 אֶלדִּֿבְרֵי etc., Deut 18:19; Jer 29:10 + 14 t., עַלדִּֿבְרֵי etc., 2Kgs 22:13 + 3 t.; very rarely accusative of thing 1Sam 24:10 (Gi v.1Sam 24:9).

1. לְקוֺל ׳שׁ = id., obey, Gen 3:17 (J) + 11 t. + (׳לְקוֺל י) Judg 2:20; Exod 15:26 (JE). masculine very often, בְּקוֺל ׳שׁ = obey 1Sam 8:7 + 25 t., + ׳שׁ ׳בְּקוֺל י (׳י's word, etc.) Deut 4:30; Jer 3:13 + 65 t. (Deut 18 t., Jer 18 t.). noun obey, with accusative דבר(יםׅ Josh 1:18 + 2 t. + (׳י ׳ד) Jer 11:3 + 5 t. Jeremiah; 1Kgs 12:24 = 2Chr 11:4, etc.; accusative of person Exod 6:12 (P), 2Chr 28:11.
o. absolutebe obedient (especially to ׳י) Isa 1:19; Mic 5:14; Jer 12:17 + 4 t. Jeremiah + 7 t.

2. ׳י (God) subject:
a. accusative קוֺל, דברים, etc., Gen 21:17 (E), 2Kgs 19:4 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 19:16, usually with favour implied Num 20:16; Deut 33:7 +, so especially accusative תְּפִלָּה, תְּחנָּה, etc., 1Kgs 8:45; Ps 6:10 +.
b. object clause כִּי Gen 29:33 (J).
c. no object (32 t.) Isa 59:2; Jer 22:21, usually hear and foregive, help, etc 1Kgs 8:30; 1Kgs 8:32; Isa 30:19 +; hear be angry Ps 78:59, compare Ps 55:20.
d. = be able to hear Isa 59:1; Ps 94:9.
e. בְּקוֺל ׳שׁ = hear (and grant) Gen 30:6 (J) + 6 t. femininehear and answer, with אֶל of city, etc., Gen 21:7; Gen 16:11; 1Kgs 8:28 + 8 t.; with אֶל person Deut 3:36 + 12 t.
g. with לְ of utterance Jer 18:19; Ps 61:6 ל person Josh 24:10 (E).
h. hear, accusative of person + מִתְנוֺדֵד Jer 31:18 favourably, with accusative of person Mic 7:7 + 3 t., so, + ל concerning, Gen 17:20 (P); object omitted 2Kgs 22:19; Ps 22:23 + 3 t. + Ps 34:7; Ps 34:18 (hear and deliver); with temporal clause Jer 11:14 Niph`al₄₂ Perfect 3 masculine singular נִשְׁמַע Gen 45:16 +, etc; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִשָּׁמַע Exod 23:13 +, יִשָּׁמֵ֑עַ 1Sam 1:13, etc.; Infinitive construct הִשָּׁמַל Esth 2:8 Participle feminine נִשְׁמַ֫עַת Jer 51:46, etc.; —

1. be heard, of voice, sound, etc., 1Sam 1:13; 1Kgs 6:7; Job 26:14 (or 1 plural Qal Imperfect?); of a resort, ֗֗֗ לֵאמֹר ׳נִשׁ Gen 45:16 (E); subject clause, ׳כִּ, Neh 6:1 (ל person), compare clauseוְהַיְהוּדִים חשְׁבִים Neh 6:6 vNeh 6:7 be reported, כַּדְּבָרִיס הָאֵלֶּה (לַמֶּלֶחׅ); be heard, לִפְנֵי אֱםהֶיךָ Dan 10:12.

2. be heard of, כָּמֹהוּ Deut 4:32.

3. be regarded, obeyed, Eccl 9:17 in 2Sam 22:45 = Ps 18:45 it is be obedient (לִיׅ, si vera lectio (read perhaps Qal. compare Now).

4. בְּקוֺלָם ׳וַיִישּׁ 2Chr 30:27 = (favourable) hearing was granted to their voice Pi`el Imperfect 3 masculine singular וַיְשַׁמַּע 1Sam 15:4 he caused the people (accusative) to hear and respond, i.e. he assembled them), so 1Sam 23:8 (see Hiph`il 1 c). Hiph`il₆₃ Perfect 3 masculine singular הִשְׁמִיעַ 1Kgs 15:22 +, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular suffix יַשְׁמִעֵנִי Deut 30:12; Deut 30:13 2 masculine singular jussive תַּשְׁמַע Judg 18:23, etc.; Imperative masculine singular suffix הִשְׁמִיעֵנִי Ps 143:8 feminine singular suffix הַשְׁמִיעִנִי Song 2:14; Song 8:13, etc.; Infinitive construct לַשְׁמִעַ Ps 26:7 (Ges^{«GKC:53q»§ 53q}); Participle מַשְׁמִיעַ Jer 4:15 +, etc.; —

1. of man:
a. cause to hear accusative of person + of thing Deut 30:12; Deut 30:13; Song 2:14; Song 8:13 + 4 t.; object of thing omitted (= make proclamation to) 1Kgs 15:22 object person omitted Jer 5:20 +; accusative שָׁלוֺם Isa 52:7; Nah 2:1 i.e. proclaimpeace; אָוֶֺן Jer 4:15 (מִן local); קוֺל ׳הַשׁ utter a sound Josh 6:10 (J; || הֵרִיעַ), compare Judg 18:25 (קוֺלְךָ, + עִמָּנוּ), Isa 42:2; Isa 58:4 קוֺל תְּהִלָּתוֺ ׳הִשׁ Ps 66:8 בְּקוֺל תּוֺדָה Ps 26:7.
b. absolute as musical term, sound aloud, בִּמְצִלְתַּיִם לְהִשְׁמִיעַ 1Chr 15:19 (perhaps to mark the time, Gr^{Ps 67} De compare 1Chr 16:5 also Ps 150:5 בְּצִלְצְלֵי שָׁ֑מַע), מַשְׁמִיעִים 1Chr 15:16; 1Chr 15:28; 1Chr 16:42, קוֺל אֶחָד ׳לְהַשׁ 2Chr 5:13 i.e. probably in unison (Prince^{EB iii, 3241}), Neh 12:42.
c. absolute make proclamation (often || הִגִּיד), Amos 3:9; Amos 4:5; Isa 41:26; Jer 4:5 + 6 t. Jeremiah
d. הַשְׁמִיעוּ, accusative of person + אֶל location = summon Jer 50:29, עַל location Jer 51:27 (compare Pi`el).

2. ׳י subject:
a. cause to hear, accusative of person and thing Deut 4:10; Deut 4:36 (מִן local), 2Kgs 7:6 + 4 t.; accusative of person omitted Isa 30:30 + 3 t.; accusative of thing omitted Isa 44:8; Isa 48:5.
b. = tell, accusative of person + כָּזאֹת Judg 13:23 accusative of person only, Isa 42:9 accusative of thing only, Isa 48:3; Ezek 36:15 (אֵלַיִךְ).
c. absolute, make proclamation Isa 43:12; Isa 62:11 (אֶל location).

BDB9967 H8085 H8086

שְׁמַע verb hear (see Biblical Hebrew); —

Pe`al Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳שׁ Dan 6:15 1 singular שִׁמְעֵת Dan 5:14; Dan 5:16 Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִשְׁמַע Dan 3:10, 2 m. pl. תִּשְׁמְעוּן Dan 3:5; Dan 3:15 Participle active שָֽׁמְעִין Dan 3:7; Dan 5:23 — hear: = have sense of hearing Dan 5:23 with accusative of sound Dan 3:5; Dan 3:7; Dan 3:10; Dan 3:15, word Dan 6:15 with clause דִּי + עַל person concerning, Dan 5:14; Dan 5:16. Hithpe`el shew oneself obedient: Imperfect 3 masculine plural יִשְׁתַּמְעוּן Dan 7:27, with ל person (probably).

Strong's Definition H8085

heard, hear, hearken, hearkened, obey, …

šāmaʿ

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

(v) to hear, listen to, obey

(Qal)

to hear (perceive by ear)

to consent, agree

to be heard (of voice or sound)

to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound

Variations 232 forms of this word

Translations 378 English renderings

Search every verse

Word Parts

עַבְדֶּ ֑ךָ

עַבְדֶּ

Root word servants, servant, bondmen, manservant, bondage, …

֑ךָ

Suffix — pronoun your / you (one man)

Dictionary form: עֶבֶד · eh-BED

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Ncmsc/Sp2ms

Noun — Common, masculine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

עַבְדֶּ	Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Singular State Construct
ךָ	Speech Suffix Type Pronominal Person Second Person Gender Masculine Number Singular

In English

In the KJV here: thy servant

thy servant ×90 his servants ×68 thy servants ×56 servants ×53 my servant ×40 the servant ×40 his servant ×30 and his servants ×22

More options

servant — Broadest, most neutral choice for most contexts.

slave — Emphasizes legal ownership; use when bondage is explicit.

attendant — Highlights personal service to a superior; courtly contexts.

subject — Good for political/royal contexts; stresses subordination.

worker — Downplays social status; use cautiously, may be too weak.

bondservant — Retains covenantal nuance; useful in theological passages.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB5735 H5650

I. עֶ֫בֶד₇₉₉ noun masculine slave, servant (on formation Lag^{BN 77}); — ׳ע Gen 9:25 +, עָ֑בֶד Gen 44:10 +; suffix עַבְדִּי Gen 26:24 +; עַבְדְּךָ Gen 19:19 +; עַבְדֶּ֫ךָ Gen 18:3 +; plural עֲבָדִים Gen 9:25 +, עַבְדֵי Gen 21:25 +, suffix עֲבָדַי Lev 25:42 +, עַבְדֵיכֶם Josh 9:11 +, etc.; —

1. slave, servant of household Gen 39:17; Gen 39:19; Gen 41:12; Gen 50:2; Exod 21:2 +; man-servant, || אמה Exod 20:10; Lev 25:6; Deut 5:14; Job 31:13 +; || שׁפחה Gen 12:16; Gen 32:6; Jer 34:11; Isa 14:2 +; + אדון Deut 23:16; Isa 24:2; Mal 1:6 +; מִקְנַת כֶּסֶף Exod 12:44 or יְלִיד בַּיִת Jer 2:14 עֶבֶד עֲבָדִים servant of servants, humblest servant, Gen 9:25 בֵּית עֲבָדִים house of slaves, especially Israel in Egypt Exod 13:3; Exod 13:14 (D ?) Deut 5:6; Deut 6:12; Deut 7:8; Deut 8:14; Deut 13:6; Deut 13:11; Josh 24:17; Judg 6:8; Jer 34:13; Mic 6:4 וזכרת כי עבד היית מצרים ב(ארץׅ and thou shalt remember that thou wast a slave in (the land of) Egypt Deut 5:15; Deut 15:15; Deut 16:12; Deut 24:18; Deut 24:22 king of Babylon is slave to ׳י Jer 25:9; Jer 27:6; Jer 43:10 the borrower to the lender Prov 22:7 figurative of beast Job 40:28 of things Gen 47:19.

2. Subjects, of chief Gen 26:15; Gen 26:19; Gen 26:25; Gen 26:32; Gen 27:37; Gen 32:17 (twice in verse) +; of king Gen 21:25; Exod 7:28; Exod 7:29; 1Kgs 9:27; Deut 29:1 +; vassal kings 2Sam 10:19 tributary nations 2Sam 8:2; 2Sam 8:6; 2Sam 8:14 = 1Chr 18:2; 1Chr 18:6; 1Chr 18:13 specifically officers of king 1Sam 19:1; 1Sam 21:8; 2Sam 11:13; Prov 14:35 +; עַבְדֵי פַרְעֹה Gen 40:20; Gen 41:10 שָׁאוּל ׳ע 1Sam 16:17; 1Sam 18:22; 1Sam 28:7 הַמֶּלֶךְ ׳ע 1Kgs 1:47; Esth 3:3 +; עֶבֶד הַמֶּלֶךְ 2Kgs 22:12 = 2Chr 34:20 (a court offical); opposed to שַׂר Prov 19:10; Eccl 10:7 מֶלֶךְ Prov 30:22 ambassadors Num 22:18; 2Sam 10:2 soldiers of army 1Sam 17:8; 1Sam 25:10; 2Sam 2:12, + officers of army 1Sam 29:3; 1Kgs 11:26; 2Kgs 25:8; Isa 36:9.

3. Servants, worshippers, of God: עַבְדֵי יהוה 2Kgs 9:7; 2Kgs 10:23; Isa 54:17, compare Gen 50:17; Isa 56:6 עֲבָדָיו Deut 32:36 = Ps 135:14; Isa 65:15; Isa 66:14; Ps 34:23; Ps 69:37; Neh 2:20 || עַמּוֺ Ps 105:25 compare Deut 32:43 עֲבָּדַי Isa 65:8; Isa 65:9; Isa 65:13 (twice in verse); Isa 69:13; Isa 69:14 עֲבָדֶיךָ 1Kgs 8:23; Isa 63:17 (|| שִׁבְטֵי נחלתך), Ps 89:51; Ps 90:13; Ps 90:16; Ps 102:15; Ps 102:29; Ps 119:91; Ps 79:2; Ps 79:10 (|| חֲסִידֶיךָ); delivered from Egypt Lev 25:42; Lev 25:55 (twice in verse); Lev 26:13 (P); עַבְדְּךָ Ps 119:125; Ps 143:2, || בֶּןאֲֿמָתֶ֑ךָ Ps 86:16; Ps 116:16 (twice in verse); specifically angels Job 4:18 and ancient worthies, patriarchs Exod 32:13 (J) Deut 9:27 Abraham Gen 26:24 (J) Ps 105:6; Ps 105:42 Isaac Gen 24:14 (J); Jacob, Israel Ezek 28:25; Ezek 37:25; 1Chr 16:13 Moses Exod 14:31; Josh 18:7 (J) Num 12:7; Num 12:8 (E) Deut 34:5 (?) Josh 1:1; Josh 1:2; Josh 1:7; Josh 1:13; Josh 1:15; Josh 8:31; Josh 8:33; Josh 9:24; Josh 11:12; Josh 11:15; Josh 12:6 (twice in verse); Josh 13:8; Josh 14:7; Josh 22:2; Josh 22:4; Josh 22:5 (all D), 1Kgs 8:53; 1Kgs 8:56; 2Kgs 18:12; 2Kgs 21:8; 1Chr 6:34; 2Chr 1:3; 2Chr 24:6; 2Chr 24:9; Neh 1:8; Neh 9:14; Neh 10:30; Ps 105:26; Mal 3:22; Dan 9:11 Joshua Josh 24:29 (E) Judg 2:8 Caleb Num 14:24 (J); Job Job 1:8; Job 2:3; Job 42:7; Job 42:8 (3 t. in verse); David 2Sam 3:18; 2Sam 7:5; 2Sam 7:8; 2Sam 7:26 + 27 t.; Hezekiah 2Chr 32:16 Zerubbabel Hag 2:23 Eliakim Isa 22:20. — The צֶמַח Zech 3:8 compare Zech 6:12 is also servant of ׳י as Messianic builder of temple (see Br^{MP 442 ff}).

4. Servant of ׳י, in a special sense: of Levitical singers using benedictions in temple Ps 113:1; Ps 134:1; Ps 135:1 usually of prophets, עֲבָדַי הַנְּבִיאִים my servants the prophets 2Kgs 9:7; 2Kgs 17:13; Jer 7:25; Jer 26:5; Jer 29:19; Jer 35:15; Jer 44:4; Ezek 38:17; Zech 1:6 עֲבָדָיו הַנְּבִיאִים 2Kgs 17:23; 2Kgs 21:10; 2Kgs 24:2; Jer 25:4; Amos 3:7; Dan 9:10 עֲבָדֶיךָ הנביאים Ezra 9:11; Dan 9:6 specifically Ahia 1Kgs 14:18; 1Kgs 15:29 Elijah 2Kgs 9:36; 2Kgs 10:10 Jonah 2Kgs 14:25 Isaiah Isa 20:3 עַבְדּוֺ, || מלאכיו Isa 44:26 as one calling to fear ׳י Isa 50:10.

5. Israel as a people is servant of ׳׃י יִשְׂרָאֵל Isa 41:8; Isa 41:9; Isa 44:21 (twice in verse); Isa 49:3; Ps 136:22 יעקב Isa 44:1; Isa 44:2; Isa 45:4; Isa 48:20; Isa 46:27; Isa 47:28 עַבְדִּי = עֶבֶד יהוה, || מַלְאָכִי, as having a mission to the nations Isa 42:19 (twice in verse); and chosen as witness of ׳י Isa 43:10. But there is also an ideal servant chosen and endowed with the divine Spirit to be a covenant of Israel and a light of the nations Isa 42:1 (compare vIsa 42:2-6); formed to bring back Jacob, raise up the tribes, and become salvation to the end of the earth Isa 49:5; Isa 49:6; Isa 49:7 bearing the sins of all as a lamb and a trespass-offering, and yet prospering and justifying many as interposing martyr Isa 52:13; Isa 53:11: many understand of ideal Israel, contrasted with the actual; al. of personified || with Zion the wife and mother, distinguished from unworthy Israel as Zion from her apostate children; al. of ideal prophetic writer; al. of ideal prophetic person; al. (especially in Isa 53) of an actual prophecy known to writer and his readers; [in any case it is Messianic, see Matt 8:16; Matt 8:17; Matt 12:16-21; Luke 4:17-22; Phil 2:5-11]; see De^{Isa ii. 174} Da^{Expos. 1884, 358 ff.} Di Du Che and others on Isa 42; Isa 53, Dr^{Is 168 ff.} Br^{MP 345 ff.}, also Gie^{Beitr. 146 ff.} Berthol^{Isa 53}.

6. In polite address of equals or superiors the Hebrews used עַבְדְּךָ thy servant = 1 person singular, I, Gen 18:3; 1Sam 20:7; 1Sam 20:8 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 8:13 +; עֲבָדֶיךָ thy servants = we Gen 42:11; Isa 36:11 also עַבְדּוֺ his servant = I, 1Sam 26:18; 1Sam 26:19; 2Sam 14:22; 2Sam 24:21 +; also in addressing God, especially in prayer Exod 4:10; Num 11:11; Judg 15:18; 1Sam 3:9; 1Sam 3:10; 1Sam 25:39; 2Sam 24:10; Ps 19:12; Ps 19:14; Ps 27:9; Ps 31:17; Ps 35:27; Ps 69:18; Ps 109:28; Ps 143:2 +.

7. Phrases are: עבד (היה), with לְ person, become servant to Gen 9:26; Gen 9:27; Gen 44:10; Gen 44:16; Gen 44:17; Gen 44:33; Gen 47:19; Gen 47:26 (J) Deut 6:21; Deut 15:17; 2Sam 8:14; 2Kgs 17:3; 2Kgs 24:1; 1Chr 18:2; 1Chr 18:6; 1Chr 18:13; 2Chr 10:7; Prov 11:29; Prov 12:9; Prov 22:7 היה לעבד, with לְ person, Gen 44:9 (J) Gen 50:18 (E) 1Sam 8:17; 1Sam 17:9 (twice in verse); 1Sam 27:12; 2Sam 8:2; 2Sam 8:6; Jer 34:16 כבשׁ לעבדים 2Chr 28:10; Neh 5:5; Jer 34:11 ׳לקח לע Gen 43:18 (J) 2Kgs 4:1; Job 40:28.

BDB9746 H5649 H5650

[עֲבַד D^p.105, or עֲבֵד K^{§ 54, 3.} γ)] noun masculine slave, servant (Biblical Hebrew עֶ֫בֶד); — construct עֲבֵד Dan 6:21 servant of God; plural suffix of king, עבדיך Kt (K^{§ 53 Anm. b})), עַבְדָּךְ Qr Ezra 4:11, עַבְדָךְ Qr Dan 2:4 suffix of God, עַבְד֫וֺתִי, Dan 3:26; Dan 3:28; Ezra 5:11, of king Dan 2:7.

Strong's Definition H5650

servants, servant, bondmen, manservant, bondage, …

ʿebed

a servant

slave, servant

slave, servant, man-servant

Variations 91 forms of this word

Translations 176 English renderings

Servant

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Word Parts

וַ יֵּ֣לֶךְ

וַ

Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)

יֵּ֣לֶךְ

Root word go, went, walk, walked, walking, …

Dictionary form: יָלַךְ · yaw-LAHK

Vowels & Accents

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 ___".

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar C/Vqw3ms

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)"

וַ	Speech Conjunction
יֵּלֶךְ	Speech Verb Stem Qal Type Sequential Imperfect (Wayyiqtol) Person Third Person Gender Masculine Number Singular

Verb Chart

Full verb chart

In English

In the KJV here: went