2 Samuel 12:2

The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

לְ עָשִׁ֗יר
לְ
Prefix — preposition to, for
עָשִׁ֗יר
Root word rich, mans, men
Dictionary form: עָשִׁיר · aw-SHEER

Adjective — masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: the rich
the rich ×8 rich ×3 but the rich ×2 the rich mans ×2 and the rich ×1 be rich ×1 even the rich ×1 of the rich ×1
More options
wealthy — Most natural modern synonym; broad everyday register.
rich — Modernized KJV core; still current and widely understood.
affluent — Slightly formal; suits narrative or legal prose contexts.
prosperous — Emphasizes ongoing success, not just accumulated wealth.
well-off — Colloquial; good for accessible or informal translations.
person of means — Periphrastic; highlights social standing over raw wealth.

BDB6464 H6223

BDB6463 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6465

עָשִׁיר23 adjective and noun rich; — absolute ׳ע Exod 30:15 + 19 t.; plural absolute עֲשִׁירִים Eccl 10:6 construct עֲשִׁירֵי Ps 45:13 suffix עֲשִׁירֶיהָ Mic 6:12

adjective masculine 2Sam 12:1; 2Sam 12:4 (opposed to רָאשׁ), Ruth 3:10 (opposed to רַּל); usually noun masculine the rich, opposed to רַּל, Prov 10:15 + 3 t.; opposed to רָשׁ 2Sam 12:2; Prov 14:20 + 4 t.; opposed to אֶבְיוֺן Ps 49:3 alone Jer 9:22; Mic 6:12 + 5 t., + עֲשִׁירֵי עָם Ps 45:13 ׳ע Isa 53:9 is probably corrupt, compare || רְשָׁעִים; Ry Di-Kit עשֵֹׁי רַע; Krochm Gr CheHpt conjecture רְשָׁעִים for ׳ע and פּשְׁעִים for ׳ר.

rich, mans, men
ʿāšîr
rich, whether literal or figurative (noble)
  • (adj) rich, wealthy
  • "(n) the rich, the wealthy, rich man

הָיָ֛ה
הָיָ֛ה
Root word be, pass, was, were, came, …
Dictionary form: הָיָה · haw-YAW

Verb — Qal, Perfect (Qatal), third person masculine singular simple action — "he did" completed action — try "he ___ed" or "he has ___ed" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

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

BDB2100 H3068 H3069 H1961 H430 H589 H2022 H6635

BDB2099 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2101

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

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

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

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

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


BDB2145 H1961

BDB2144 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2146

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

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

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

II. Come into being, become:

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


BDB9470 H1934 H1961

BDB9469 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9471

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

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

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

צֹ֥אן
צֹ֥אן
Root word sheep, flock, flocks, cattle, lamb
Dictionary form: צֹאן · tsone

Noun — Common, both singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: flocks
sheep ×37 the flock ×27 the sheep ×15 of the flock ×14 the flocks ×13 and sheep ×8 my flock ×8 of thy sheep ×6
More options
flock — Best general term; suits collective pastoral contexts.
sheep — Use when individual animals or species are in focus.
herd — Prefer when size or movement of the group is emphasized.
flock of sheep — Explicit compound; good for clarity in ambiguous contexts.
flock of goats — Use when context specifies goats within the broader term.
livestock — Broadest rendering; suits economic or property contexts.

BDB6901 H6629

BDB6900 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6902

צאֹן273 collective noun feminineGen 30:36 (possibly masculine vGen 30:39 a +, Synt. § 247 g, but dubious, vGen 30:39b with verb feminine plural, as usually; in 1Sam 15:14 join הַוֶּה with קוֺל; see further AlbrZAW xv (1895), 316 ff.) small cattle, sheep and goats, flock, flocks; — ׳צ absolute Gen 4:2 +; construct Gen 29:9 +; suffix צאֹנוֺ Gen 4:4 +; צאֹנֵנוּ Exod 10:9, צאֹונֵוּ Ps 144:13 as plural צאֹנֵינוֺ Neh 10:37 van d. H. Gi (not Baer; very late, si vera lectio), etc.; —

1. literally
  a. small cattle, usually of sheep and goats in one flock (RobBR i. 477) Gen 30:31; Gen 30:32 +; sheep specified also Gen 21:28 (׳כִּבְשׂת הַצּ), Gen 31:28 (׳אֵילֵי צ) +; sheep only 1Sam 25:2 (+עִוִּים); goats specified Gen 27:9; Jer 50:8 ׳צ as yielding (1) animals for food Amos 6:4 (בָּרִים), 1Sam 14:32; 2Sam 12:4; Neh 5:18 +; מַאְַבָל ׳צ Ps 44:12 (in simile); (2) wool Gen 31:19 + (see [ גָּזַז], גֵּז); (3) milk, ׳חֲלֵב צ Deut 32:14 (? goats' milk, compare Prov 27:27); (4) sacrificial victims Gen 4:4 (J), Lev 1:2; Lev 1:10; Lev 3:6; Num 15:3 (all P), Num 22:40 (E), Deut 12:6; Deut 12:17; Deut 12:21 + often; so צאֹן קָדָשִׁים Ezek 36:38 a, compare בְקָרֵינוּ וְצאֹנֵינוּ בְּכוֺרֵי Neh 10:37 in general as property (often + בָּקָר, etc.) Gen 12:16; Gen 13:5; Gen 24:35; Job 1:3; Job 42:12 + often (see also II. [עַשְׁתָּרוֺת]); gift Gen 20:14; Gen 21:27; Gen 38:17 (goat), Deut 15:14; 2Chr 17:11 booty 1Sam 15:9; 1Sam 15:15 + .
  b. ׳צ sometimes of a definite number of animals (i.e. as plural of שֶׂה, etc.): two Isa 7:21, four Exod 21:37 (larger numbers see 1Sam 25:2; 1Sam 25:5; 1Sam 25:18; Num 31:32; Num 31:36; Neh 5:18; Job 1:3; Job 42:12 above). — See also בֵּן 7 b; גְּדֵרָה, מִכְלָה, מַרְבֵּץ, נָוֶה, עֵדֶר; כֶלֶב, רֹצֶה, שַׁצֵר.
2. simile of multitude Ezek 36:37; Ezek 36:38, compare Ps 107:41 of children Job 21:11 of dead, with death as shepherd Ps 49:15 of (shepherdless) Israel Num 27:17; 1Kgs 22:17 = 2Chr 18:16; Zech 10:2; Zech 13:7, wandering in sin Isa 53:6 of Israel led by ׳י Ps 77:21; Ps 78:52; Ps 80:2, compare Zech 9:16 (on text see We Now); Ezek 34:12 of Israel in distress, טִבְחָת ׳כְּצ Ps 44:23, compare (of wicked) לְטִבְתָה ׳צ Jer 12:3 of scattered Babylonian Isa 13:14.
3. metaphor of multitude, אָרָם ׳צ Ezek 36:38 of Israel 2Sam 24:17 = 1Chr 21:17; Jer 23:1; Jer 23:2; Jer 23:3; Ezek 24:5, and especially sustained figurative Ezek 34:2; Ezek 34:3 + 17 t. 34, also Zech 11:7; Zech 11:17 אֹבְדוֺת ׳צ Jer 50:6, תִּפְאַרְתֵךְ ׳צ Jer 13:20 of Israel under ׳י's care, (וֺ-, יִ֯) מַרְעִיתֶ֑ךָד ׳צ Ps 74:1; Ps 79:13; Ps 100:3; Ezek 34:31, also יָדוֺ ׳צ Ps 95:7(|| מַרְעִיתוֺעַםֿ; read perhaps מַרְעִיתוֺ ׳צ, צַם יָדוֺ, so Che and others); נַחֲלָתֶךָ ׳צ Mic 7:14 also in combinations: ׳אַדִּירֵי הַצֵּ Jer 25:34; Jer 25:35; Jer 25:36, חַהֲרֵגָה ׳צ Zech 11:4; Zech 11:7 (compare Ps 44:23), ׳עֲנִיֵּי הַצּ vPs 44:7 vPs 44:11 (all of Israel); of Edom ׳צְעִירֵי הַ צּ Jer 49:20; Jer 50:45.

sheep, flock, flocks, cattle, lamb
ṣōn
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
  • small cattle, sheep, sheep and goats, flock, flocks
    • small cattle (usually of sheep and goats)
    • "of multitude (simile)"of multitude (metaphor)

וּ בָקָ֖ר
וּ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
בָקָ֖ר
Root word oxen, herds, young, herd, beeves, …
Dictionary form: בָּקָר · baw-KAWR

Noun — Common, both singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: and herds
oxen ×32 young ×19 and oxen ×12 of oxen ×7 and herds ×6 the herd ×6 the oxen ×6 and their herds ×4
More options
cattle — Broad collective term; best default for general contexts.
herd — Emphasizes the group collectively; good for pastoral scenes.
livestock — Modern agri-economic register; suitable for census or trade passages.
ox — Singular animal; use when context specifies one draft animal.
cow — Prefer when context specifies female bovines explicitly.
bull — Use for sacrificial or breeding contexts with male animals.

BDB1291 H1241

BDB1290 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1292

בָּקָר182 noun masculine1Kgs 5:3 + (feminineGen 33:16; Job 1:14 compare Deut 32:14; 2Sam 17:29) cattle, herd, ox (Arabic , Aramaic בַּקְרָא, בַּקְרְתָא, (compare also HomNS 222 ff.); name from ploughing, so Thes LagBN 51 and others) — absolute ׳בּ Gen 12:16 +; construct בְּקַר Num 7:88 suffix בְּקָֽרְךָ Gen 45:10 +; בְּקָרֶ֑ךָ Exod 20:24; Jer 5:17 בְּקָרוֺ 1Sam 11:7; 2Sam 12:4 בְּקַרְכֶם Deut 12:6 בְּקָרָם Jer 3:24 +; plural בְּקָרִים Amos 6:12 (al. read בקר ים) 2Chr 4:3 (but read פְּקָעִים see || 1Kgs 7:24 below); suffix בְּקָרֵינוּ Neh 10:37 read בקריכם for בחוריכם 1Sam 8:16 ᵐ5 We Dr; —

1. mostly coll.
  a. cattle, generic (never plural in form) Gen 12:6; Gen 13:5; Gen 20:14; Gen 21:27; Gen 24:35; Lev 1:2; Deut 8:13; 1Sam 11:5; Hos 5:6; Joel 1:18; 1Chr 27:29 (twice in verse) + often (frequently || צאֹן); as grazing, 1Chr 27:29 +; in simile ׳כַּבּ Job 40:15; Isa 11:7; Isa 65:25 as lowing (׳קוֺל הַבּ) 1Sam 15:14 מִקְנֵה בָקָרpossession of (i.e. property in) cattle Gen 6:14; Gen 47:17 (both J); ׳עֶדְרֵי ב Joel 1:18 herds of cattle; especially בֶּןבָּֿקָר son of cattle (i.e. belonging to the בקר), to denote a single ox, calf, etc.; as used for food Gen 18:7 compare vGen 18:8 (J); — in these probably = calf (see also 1Sam 14:32 בָּקָר וּבְנֵי בָקָר); usually for sacrifice (Hexateuch only P) Num 15:8; Num 15:9 ׳בֶּןהַֿבּ Lev 1:5 appositive עֵגֶל Lev 9:2 — compare עֶגְלַת בָּקָר Deut 21:3; 1Sam 16:2; Isa 7:21 — mostly appositive פַּר Exod 29:1 + 27 t.; also plural פָּרִים בני בקר Num 28:11; Num 28:19; Num 28:27; Num 29:13; Num 29:17 (on all these compare בֵּן); also indefinite cattle, oxen, of a number not specified Num 7:87; Num 7:88 (in both enumerated as פָּרִים); Num 22:40; 1Sam 14:32; 1Sam 15:21; 1Kgs 1:9; 1Kgs 7:29 (twice in verse) (here of graven work) 1Kgs 8:5; 1Chr 12:40; 2Chr 5:6; 2Chr 18:2; Isa 22:13; Ps 66:15 also as beasts of burden 1Chr 12:40.
  b. a particulur herd of cattle Gen 18:7 (J); compare plural בְּקָרֵינוּ, our herds, only Neh 10:37.
2. more individually, head of cattle, — yet always of more than one (Hexateuch mostly P; plural only Amos 6:12 + 2Chr 4:3 see above); of two Num 7:17 + 11 t. Num 7 compare also ׳צֶמֶד ב yoke (pair) of oxen 1Sam 11:7 compare v1Sam 11:7, 1Kgs 19:21 compare v1Kgs 19:21 (ploughing, compare v1Kgs 19:19); also 2Sam 6:6 = 1Chr 13:9 (drawing a cart, compare Num 1:7f.), 2Sam 24:22 = 1Chr 21:33, 2Sam 24:22; 2Sam 24:24; 1Kgs 19:20; Amos 6:12 (plural); 500 yoke of oxen Job 1:3 compare vJob 1:14 1000 yoke Job 42:12 further, of four Num 7:7 five Exod 21:37 (תַּחַת הַשּׁוֺר); seven 2Chr 29:22 (|| פָּרִים v2Chr 29:21); eight Num 7:8 ten 1Kgs 5:3 twelve Num 7:3 (singly called שׁוֺר) compare vNum 7:6 of the twelve brazen bulls beneath the sea in Solomon's temple 1Kgs 7:25; 1Kgs 7:44 = 2Chr 4:4; 2Chr 4:15 compare 2Kgs 16:17; 2Chr 4:3 (דְּמוּת בְּקָרִים) v2Chr 4:3 (but read in both פְּקָעִים, as || 1Kgs 7:24 compare Be Öttli) v1Kgs 7:4; Jer 52:20 of twenty 1Kgs 5:3 seventy 2Chr 29:32 hundreds or thousands 1Kgs 8:63 = 2Chr 7:5; 2Chr 15:11; 2Chr 29:33; 2Chr 35:7; 2Chr 35:8; 2Chr 35:9 (compare v2Chr 35:12), & Num 31:33; Num 31:38; Num 31:44 . Note חֶמְאַת בָּקָר Deut 32:14 (poem), ׳שְׁפוֺת ב 2Sam 17:29, ׳כְּלִי הַבּ 2Sam 24:22; 1Kgs 19:21, מַלְמַד ׳הַבּ Judg 3:31, ׳צְפִו֯עֵי הַבּ Ezek 4:15 (opposed to גֶּלֲלֵי הָאָדָם).

oxen, herds, young, herd, beeves, …
bāqār
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
  • cattle, herd, oxen, ox
    • cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form—coll)
    • "herd (particular one)"head of cattle (individually)

הַרְבֵּ֥ה
הַרְבֵּ֥ה
Root word multiply, much, multiplied, many, increase, …
Dictionary form: רָבָה · raw-BAW

Verb — Hiphil, Infinitive Absolute, absolute state causative — "he made (someone) do" adds emphasis — try "surely ___"

In the KJV here: many
much ×19 and multiply ×13 many ×11 multiply ×7 and multiplied ×6 increase ×5 and i will multiply ×4 and multiply thee ×3
More options
multiply — Core meaning; best for commands or promises of growth.
increase — Slightly more formal; suits gradual or ongoing growth.
grow numerous — Vivid for population or quantity expanding over time.
abound — Highlights abundance; good for non-numeric or richness contexts.
proliferate — Modern, slightly technical; suits rapid or widespread increase.
be plentiful — Stative nuance; use when describing an existing large quantity.

BDB7707 H7235

BDB7706 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7708

I. [רָבָה]225 verb be, or become, much, many, great (Late Hebrew id.; Assyrian rabû, be great, grow; Arabic Aramaic רְבָא; , , all grow, increase); —

Qal59, Perfect 3 feminine singular רָֽבְתָה 1Sam 14:30 2 masculine singular וְרָבִ֫יתָ consecutive Deut 30:16 3 plural רָבוּ Ezra 9:6 +, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִרְבֶּה Deut 8:13 +, jussive יִ֫רֶב Gen 1:22 + 2Chr 24:27 Qr (< ורב Kt, see רֹב
1.), וַיִּ֫רֶב Exod 1:20 3 feminine singular תִּרְבֶּה Deut 7:22; Dan 12:4, וַתֵּ֫רֶב Gen 43:34; 1Kgs 5:10 3 masculine plural יִרְבּוּ Deut 11:31 +, יִרְבּוּן Ps 139:18, יִרְבְּיֻן Deut 8:13 etc.; Imperative masculine singular וּרְבֵה Gen 35:11 Infinitive construct רְבוֺת Exod 11:9 +; — Participle רֹבֶה see II. רבה; —
1. become many, numerous:
  a. of people, Exod 1:10; Exod 1:12 (J), vExod 1:20 (E), Deut 6:3; Deut 8:1; Deut 30:16; Zech 10:8; 1Chr 5:23 רָבוּ לְמָ֑עְלָה 1Chr 23:17 especially + פרה be fruitful and multiply Jer 3:16; Jer 23:3 (figurative of flock), Gen 47:27b (P), Exod 1:7 (P), Ps 107:38 also (of man and beast) Ezek 36:11 of children Job 27:14 צַדִּיקִים Prov 28:28, ׳בִּרְבוֺת צ Prov 29:2 (Toy רְדוֺת rule, || מְשֹׁל ),רְשָׁעִים ׳בר vProv 29:16 (Toy id.).
  b. of animals Deut 7:22 (+ עַל person), Deut 8:13; 1Chr 5:9 + פרה Gen 1:22; Gen 8:17 (both P; compare Ezek 36:11 above).
  c. of things Deut 8:13 (twice in verse); Ezek 31:5; Exod 11:9 (P), Eccl 5:10 of sins Ezra 9:6 (+ לְמַ֫עְלָה), Prov 29:16 + מִן compare Ps 16:4; Ps 139:18 of days Gen 38:12 (J), Deut 11:21; 1Sam 7:2; Prov 9:11, years of life Prov 4:10 of waters Gen 7:17 (J), vGen 7:18 (P).
2. a. be great: (I) of things Gen 43:24 (J; + מִן compare), 1Sam 14:30 of way = be long Deut 19:6 and (מִן compare person) Deut 14:24 be too long for; of wisdom 1Kgs 5:10 (מִן compare). (2) of person, יִרְבֶּה אֱלֹהִים מֵאֱנוֺשׁ Job 33:12 i.e. is too great for (De and others); has loftier, nobler thoughts (Di Bu), but no ||.
  b. grow great (Aramaism): (I) of person, = grow up Ezek 16:7 ( + גָּדַל), Job 39:4. (2) of glory Ps 49:17, knowledge Dan 12:4. — 2Chr 24:27 see above Pi:4., make large, increase; — Imperative masculine singularרַבֶּה צְבָאֲךָ Judg 9:29 enlarge thy host; Perfect 2 masculine singular רִבִּיתָ בִּמְחִירֵיהֶם Ps 44:13 thou hast not made great with their price (set a high price; so Ew De Che and others); or increased (that is, thy wealth) by their price (Hup Bae); = bring up, rear (children) Lam 2:22 (+ טפּח), whelps Ezek 19:2 (in figurative). Hiph`il162 Perfect 3 masculine singular הִרְבָּה Hos 8:11 +, suffix וְהִרְבְּךָֹ consecutive Deut 30:5 2 masculine singular הִרְבִּיתָ Isa 9:2 +, 1 singular הִרְבֵּיתִי Hos 2:10 +, etc.; Imperfect יַרְבֶּה Hos 12:2 +, וַ֫יֶּרֶב 2Sam 18:8; Lam 2:5 etc.; Imperative masculine singular הַרְבֵּה Ezek 24:10, הֶ֫רֶב Judg 20:38 + Ps 51:4 Qr (הרבה Kt, Infinitive absolute), etc.; feminine singular הַרְבִּי Isa 23:16, masculine plural הַרְבּוּ Amos 4:4; Gen 34:12 Infinitive absolute הַרְבֵּה Gen 15:1 +, הַרְבָּה (BaNB 90, 91) Gen 3:16; Gen 16:10; Gen 22:17 construct הַרְבּוֺת Deut 28:63 + (2Sam 14:11 Kt הרבית; Amos 4:9; Prov 25:27 see below); Participle מַרְבֶּה Exod 16:17 +, construct מַרְבֵּה Lev 11:42, etc.; —
1. make much, or many:
  a. object person (or a people), multiply, increase Gen 16:10; Gen 17:20; Isa 9:2 +; Ezek 36:10 (+ עַל person), vEzek 36:11 (man and beast; + id.); Deut 30:5 (+ מִן compare person); + פרה Hiph`il Gen 28:3; Gen 48:4 (both P); הִרְבָּה כּוֺשֵׁל Jer 46:16 = he made many stumble; = have many 1Chr 7:4; 1Chr 8:40; 1Chr 23:11.
  b. object animals Deut 17:16 (twice in verse) (compare Ezek 36:11 above).
  c. object things Hos 2:10; Hos 8:11; Hos 8:14; +; הַרְבּוּ עָלַי מְאֹד מֹהַר וּמַתָּן Gen 34:12 opposed to הִמְעִיט Lev 26:16; Num 26:54; Num 33:54 object words Eccl 10:14 (see Job 34:37 below 2), compare Isa 1:15; Job 40:27, הַרְבִּי שִׂיר Isa 23:16 object days Job 29:18 (like sand); = use many (medicines) Jer 46:11 have many (feet) Lev 11:42 bring abundantly 2Chr 31:5 yield abundantly Neh 9:37 with ל of object Hos 10:1 (ל 3 a); object omitted Hab 2:6; Prov 22:16, also (opposed to מעט [usually Hiph`il]) Exod 16:17; Exod 16:18; Exod 30:15; Num 35:8 (all P), Prov 13:11.
  d. (1) followed by infinitive, make much to do, do much in respect of, = do much, abundantly; greatly, often, etc. (Dr181, 12): הַרְבּוּ לִפְשֹׁעַ Amos 4:4 = transgress greatly, so Ezra 10:13, compare 2Kgs 21:6 = 2Chr 33:6 further, Isa 55:7; Exod 36:5; 2Chr 36:14; Ps 78:38, also 2Sam 14:11 (Kt מהרבית, Qr מֵהַרְבַּת, read probably מֵהַרְבוֺת Drreff. Ges«GKC:75»§ 75 ff. Th Löhr); + מִן compare 2Sam 18:8; 1Sam 1:12 = pray a long time; Judg 20:38 strike out הֶרֶב as dittograph of הארב Be Bu GFM. (2) followed by finite verb (Drsm Ges«GKC:120g»§ 120g), אַלֿ תַּרְבּוּ תְדַבְּרוּ 1Sam 2:3 i.e. talk not so much; compare Ps 51:4. e the Infinitive absolute (Ol§ 191 b ii. 1, 555 Ges«GKC:75»§ 75 ff.) is used: (1) הַרְבָּה אַרְבֶּה I will greatly increase Gen 3:16; Gen 16:10; Gen 22:17 (all J; Ges«GKC:113n»§ 113n); (2) וְהַרְבֵּה carrying on infinitive construct Ezek 21:20 (3) הַרְבֵּה as adverb (c. verbs and [Eccl 7:16] adjective ), greatly, exceedingly, etc., especially מְאֹד ׳ה Gen 41:49 (E), 1Sam 26:21; 2Sam 12:30 = I Chron 2Sam 20:2, Josh 13:1 (D), 2Kgs 21:16; Neh 2:2 perhaps also 1Kgs 5:9. 1Kgs 10:10 (both with נָתַן), v1Kgs 10:11 (with הֵבִיא), Jer 40:12 (with אָסַף), 2Chr 14:12 (with נָשָׂא); הַרְבֵּה alone 2Kgs 10:8 (opposed to מְעָ֑ט), Neh 3:33; Eccl 1:16; Eccl 5:19; Eccl 7:16; Eccl 7:17; Ps 51:4 Kt (Qr הֶרֶב Imperative); (4) as adjective attributive (Synt.:§ 318 e ), מְאֹד ׳ח Deut 3:5; Josh 22:8 (D; || רַבמְֿאֹד ), 2Sam 8:8 (רַבָּה מְאֹד in || 1Chr 18:18), 1Chr 12:2; Isa 30:33; 2Chr 32:27 so הַרְבֵּה alone Neh 4:4; Neh 4:13 (+ רְחָבָה), Ezra 10:1 (preceding n., compare 1. רַב), Eccl 2:7; Eccl 5:6; Eccl 5:16 (reading כעס as n., Ew De Hi-Now and others), Eccl 6:11; Eccl 9:18; Eccl 11:8a Eccl 12:9; Eccl 12:12 (twice in verse),הַרְבּוֺת alone Prov 25:27 (Toy reads הַרְבֵּה); חִרְבֵּה מְאֹד as predicate Gen 15:1 (J; Samaritan אַרְבֶּה), Eccl 11:8b Ps 130:7 (adverb Bae); (5) הַרְבֵּה as concrete noun (Synt.:§ 318 a) 2Sam 14; Jer 42:2 (בֶּה- van d. H.), with מִן compare, 2Chr 25:9; Jonah 4:11 as object (or adverb), opposed to מְעַט Hag 1:6; Hag 1:9; Eccl 5:11 late in adverb phrase (לְהַרְבֵּה (מְאֹדׅ) Neh 5:18; 2Chr 11:12; 2Chr 16:8 הַרְבּוֺת as noun Amos 4:9 (read probably הֶחֱרַבְתַּי We Now).
2. make great, object person 2Sam 22:36 = Ps 18:36 enlarge border 1Chr 4:10 perhaps also Job 34:37 make words great, presumptuous, against God (לְאֵל; so BuhlLex; most make many words, 1 c).


BDB7714 H7235

BDB7713 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7715

II. [רָבָה] verb shoot (compare II. רָבַב, I. רָמָה); — only Qal Participle רֹבֶה קַשָּׁ֑ת Gen 21:20 < רֹבֵה קָ֑שֶׁת, Kn Di and others, but read probably ׳דֹמֵה ק Ol Ball, one shooting the bow.


רַבָּה, רִבּוֺ(אׅ, רַבִּית, רְבִיבִים, see רבב.


BDB9883 H7236 H7235

BDB9882 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9884

רְבָה verb grow great (ᵑ7 Syriac; see Biblical Hebrew I. רבה); —

Pe`al Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳ר Dan 4:8 +; 3 feminine singular רְבָת v.Dan 4:19 2 masculine singular רְבַיְתָ Kt ( > רְבַת Qr K§ 47, Beisp. 1)a)) v.Dan 4:19grow tall and large, of tree Dan 4:8; Dan 4:17 grow long, of hair v.Dan 4:30 figurative grow great, of king v.Dan 4:19, increase, of greatness v.Dan 4:19. Pa`el make great: Perfect 3 masculine singular רַבִּי Dan 2:48 with ל accusative of person

multiply, much, multiplied, many, increase, …
rābâ
to increase (in whatever respect)
  • be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous
    • (Qal)
      • to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things)
      • "to be or grow great
      (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many"(Hiphil)
      • to make much, make many, have many
        • to multiply, increase
        • "to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly"to increase greatly or exceedingly
        to make great, enlarge, do much
    (Qal) to shoot

מְאֹֽד
מְאֹֽד
Adverb very, greatly, sore, exceeding, great, …
Dictionary form: מְאֹד · meh-ODE

Adverb

In the KJV here: exceeding
very ×28 greatly ×25 was very ×20 a very ×14 exceeding ×8 exceedingly ×7 with a very ×7 and greatly ×6
More options
very — Most versatile; fits nearly any context naturally.
greatly — Best for verbs and actions; emphasizes degree of intensity.
extremely — Stronger than 'very'; good for heightened emotional contexts.
exceedingly — Modernizes KJV form; suits solemn or emphatic passages.
utterly — Use when totality or completeness is the focus.
intensely — Fits inner states like desire, love, or anguish.

BDB4483 H3966

BDB4482 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4484

מְאֹד noun masculine muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly (compare Assyrian mu'du, abundance, HomZMG 1878, 711 ('treasures ana mu'di, in abundance') DlHWB 399): —

1. force, might, Deut 6:5 וּבְכָלמְֿאֹדֶ֑ךָ and with all thy might; hence 2Kgs 23:25.
2. in different idioms (298 t.) to express the idea of exceedingly, greatly, very (whether of magnitude or degree):
  a. (so mostly) as adverb accusative, qualifying both adjectives and obs., Gen 1:31 טוֺב מְאֹד good exceedingly, Gen 4:5 וַיִּחַד לְקַיִן מְאֹד and Cain was wroth exceedingly, Gen 7:18 מְאֹד וַיִּרְבּוּ הַמַּיִם וַיִּגְבְּרוּ, Gen 12:14; Gen 13:2 בַּמִּקְנֶה מְאֹד כָּבֵד וְאַבְרָם, vGen 13:13 מאד ׳חַטָּאִים לי, Gen 18:20; Gen 19:3; Gen 19:9; Gen 21:11; Gen 24:16; Gen 24:35, + often, Ps 46:2 נִמְצָא מְאֹד עֶזְרָה בְצָרוֺת as a help in troubles, to be found (= present) exceedingly; with an infinitive Isa 47:9 בְּעָצְמַת חֲבָרַיִח מְאֹד despite of thy spells being very numerous, Josh 9:13 מֵרֹב הַדֶּרֶךְ מְאֹד, 1Kgs 7:47 הַרְבֵּה מְאֹד Gen 15:1; Gen 41:49; Deut 3:5 +, for which in the later language is found לָרֹב מְאֹד Zech 14:14; 2Chr 4:18; 2Chr 9:9 (in 1Kgs 10:10 הַרְבֵּה מְאֹד); 2Chr 24:24; 2Chr 30:13, and even לְהַרְבֵּה מְאֹד 2Chr 11:12; 2Chr 16:8. מְאֹד is not usually separated from the word it qualifies by more than one or two words (as Gen 20:8 האנשׁים מאד וייראו, Num 11:10 מאד ׳ויחר אף י); see, however, Deut 30:14; Judg 12:2; 2Sam 12:5; 1Kgs 11:19; Ps 31:12. It precedes its verb, Ps 47:10 מְאֹד נַעֲלָה (hence Ps 97:9), Ps 92:6.
  b. עַדמְֿאֹד up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly, Gen 27:33 חֲדָדָה גְּדֹלָה ׳עַדמֿ, vGen 27:34; 1Sam 11:15 ׳וישׂמח ֗֗֗ עד מ, 1Sam 25:36 וְהוּא ׳שִׁכֹּר עַדמֿ, 2Sam 2:17; 1Kgs 1:4; Isa 64:8 (compare Lam 5:22), vLam 5:11; Ps 38:7; Ps 38:9; Ps 119:8; Ps 119:43; Ps 119:51; Ps 119:107; Dan 8:8; Dan 11:25.
  c. עַדלִֿמְאֹד (see עַד לְ) 2Chr 16:14.
  d. duplicated (Ges«GKC:113k»§ 113k), Gen 7:19 ׳מ ׳וְהַמַּיִם גָָּֽבְרוּ מ, Gen 30:43; Num 14:7; 1Kgs 7:47; 2Kgs 10:4; Ezek 37:10.
  e. בִּמְאֹד מְאֹד literally with muchness, muchness, Gen 17:2; Gen 17:6; Gen 17:20; Exod 1:7 (all P), Ezek 9:9; Ezek 16:13.

very, greatly, sore, exceeding, great, …
mĕʾōd
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or superlative; especially when repeated)
  • (adv) exceedingly, much
  • "(subst) might, force, abundance"(n m) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly
    • force, might
    • "exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree)
      • exceedingly
      • "up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly"with muchness, muchness

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.
לְעָשִׁ֗יר Revia — a lesser break הָיָ֛ה Tevir — a lesser break צֹ֥אן וּבָקָ֖ר Tipeha — a lesser break הַרְבֵּ֥ה מְאֹֽד Silluq — end of the verse

לְעָשִׁיר הָיָה צֹאן וּבָקָר הַרְבֵּה מְאֹֽד׃
2
The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:
Cross References

2 Samuel 12:8

וָֽאֶתְּנָה לְךָ אֶת-בֵּית אֲדֹנֶיךָ וְאֶת-נְשֵׁי אֲדֹנֶיךָ בְּחֵיקֶךָ וָֽאֶתְּנָה לְךָ אֶת-בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל וִֽיהוּדָה וְאִם-מְעָט וְאֹסִפָה לְּךָ כָּהֵנָּה וְכָהֵֽנָּה׃
8
And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.

2 Samuel 3:2

‫(וילדו)‬ וַיִּוָּלְדוּ לְדָוִד בָּנִים בְּחֶבְרוֹן וַיְהִי בְכוֹרוֹ אַמְנוֹן לַֽאֲחִינֹעַם הַיִּזְרְעֵאלִֽת׃
2
And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;

2 Samuel 15:16

וַיֵּצֵא הַמֶּלֶךְ וְכָל-בֵּיתוֹ בְּרַגְלָיו וַיַּֽעֲזֹב הַמֶּלֶךְ אֵת עֶשֶׂר נָשִׁים פִּֽלַגְשִׁים לִשְׁמֹר הַבָּֽיִת׃
16
And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.

Job 1:3

וַיְהִי מִקְנֵהוּ שִֽׁבְעַת אַלְפֵי-צֹאן וּשְׁלֹשֶׁת אַלְפֵי גְמַלִּים וַֽחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת צֶֽמֶד-בָּקָר וַֽחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת אֲתוֹנוֹת וַֽעֲבֻדָּה רַבָּה מְאֹד וַֽיְהִי הָאִישׁ הַהוּא גָּדוֹל מִכָּל-בְּנֵי-קֶֽדֶם׃
3
His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.

2 Samuel 5:13

וַיִּקַּח דָּוִד עוֹד פִּֽלַגְשִׁים וְנָשִׁים מִירוּשָׁלִַם אַֽחֲרֵי בֹּאוֹ מֵֽחֶבְרוֹן וַיִּוָּלְדוּ עוֹד לְדָוִד בָּנִים וּבָנֽוֹת׃
13
And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.