Deuteronomy 18:11

וְחֹבֵ֖ר חָ֑בֶר וְשֹׁאֵ֥ל אוֹב֙ וְיִדְּעֹנִ֔י וְדֹרֵ֖שׁ אֶל הַמֵּתִֽים

Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.

Connections

Leviticus 19:31

אַל-תִּפְנוּ אֶל-הָֽאֹבֹת וְאֶל-הַיִּדְּעֹנִים אַל-תְּבַקְשׁוּ לְטָמְאָה בָהֶם אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃

Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.

1 Samuel 28:11

וַתֹּאמֶר הָֽאִשָּׁה אֶת-מִי אַֽעֲלֶה-לָּךְ וַיֹּאמֶר אֶת-שְׁמוּאֵל הַֽעֲלִי-לִֽי׃

Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.

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Deuteronomy 18:11

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Niqqud

Cantillation

Masoretic Phrasing

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.

וְחֹבֵ֖ר Tipeha — a lesser break חָ֑בֶר Etnahta — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וְשֹׁאֵ֥ל אוֹב֙ Pashta — a lesser break וְיִדְּעֹנִ֔י Zaqef Qatan — a strong break וְדֹרֵ֖שׁ Tipeha — a lesser break אֶל הַמֵּתִֽים Silluq — end of the verse

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Word Parts

וְ חֹבֵ֖ר

וְ

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

חֹבֵ֖ר

Root word joined, together, coupled, couple, up, …

Dictionary form: חָבַר · haw-BAHR

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar C/Vqrmsa

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

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

Verb Chart

Full verb chart

In English

In the KJV here: or a charmer

and couple ×2 and he coupled ×2 were joined ×2 and coupled ×1 and he joined ×1 and thou shalt couple ×1 because thou hast joined thyself ×1 charming ×1

More options

join — Most versatile; suits physical or relational union.

unite — Emphasizes merging into one; good for covenantal contexts.

ally — Prefer for political or military alliance contexts.

bind together — Highlights the act of fastening; good for tabernacle construction.

associate — Fits relational or social contexts; more neutral register.

enchant — Use only for magical/charm contexts (e.g. spellcasting).

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB2513 H2266

[חָבַר] verb unite (usually intransitive), be joined, tie a magic knot or spell, charm (Late Hebrew id.; Ethiopic yet Assyrian [abâru], ubburu bind, ban (of spells), êbru, friend, and many derivatives, Dl^{W 51 ff.}; Aramaic חַבֵּר and many derivatives; compare Phoenician noun חבר associate) —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine plural חָֽבְרוּ Gen 14:3 Participle active masculine חֹבֵר Deut 18:11,חוֺבֵר Ps 58:6 feminine pluralחֹבְרֹת Exod 26:3 (twice in verse) + 2t. + Ezek 1:9 (compare below), חוֺבְרוֺת Ezek 1:11 Passive participle construct חֲבוּר Hos 4:17 (yet. see below); —

1. unite, be joined:
a. of allies, followed by אֶלֹֿ location Gen 14:3, construction pregnant = came as allies unto; passive participle figurative חֲבוּר עֲצַבִּים אֶפְרָ֖יִם Hos 4:17 Ephraim is joined to idols (but We reads חבר, see חבֵר 2 d, and compare חֲבֵרָיו Isa 44:11, חֲבֶרְתְּךָ Mal 2:14).
b. of one thing reaching to, touching another; wings of Ezekiel's living creatures followed by אֶלֿ of thing, Ezek 1:9 (strike out ᵐ5 B Co, but see Sm); compare אישׁ ׳ח, vEzek 1:11, i.e. joining each one (transitive), < ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Co אשׁה ׳ח אלאֿחותה (as vEzek 1:9), united each to the other; so of curtains of tabernacle, followed by אֶלֿ of thing Exod 26:3 (twice in verse); absolute joined together, of shoulderpieces of ephod Exod 28:7 (all P; compare also Pu`al).

2. tie magic knots, charm (RS^{JPh xiv. 1885,123} thinks meaning charm is derived from nectere verba, and compare Arabic , narrative); only with accusative of congnate meaning with verb חָ֑בֶר ׳ה Deut 18:11 (in a long series of kindred phrases), specifically of charming serpents Ps 58:6 (|| מְלַחֲשִׁים). Pi`el Perfect 3 masculine singular חִבַּר Exod 36:10 2 masculine singular וְחִבַּרְתָּ֫ Exod 26:6 + 2 t.; Imperfect וַיְחַבֵּר Exod 36:10 + 2 t.; suffix וַיְחַבְּרֵהוּ 2Chr 20:36 Infinitive construct לְחַבֵּר Exod 36:18 —

1. make an ally of unite one with, only ויחברהו עִמּוֺ 2Chr 20:36 and he united him with himself, followed by Infinitive purpose.

2. unite, join (transitive), only Exodus (P), of tabernacle, object the curtains, followed by accusative + אֶלֿ of thing Exod 26:6; Exod 36:10 (twice in verse); Exod 36:13. followed by accusative only Exod 26:9; Exod 36:16 object אתהֿאהל join the tent together, Exod 26:11; Exod 36:18. Pu`al Perfect 3 masculine singular חֻבָּ֑ר Exod 39:4, וְחֻבָּ֑ר consec Exod 28:7 (but see below) 3 feminine singular שֶׁחֻבְּרָהֿ Ps 122:3 Imperfect 3 masculine singular יְחֻבַּר Eccl 9:4 Qr (Kt יבחרsee below); suffix הַיְחָבְרְךָ Ps 94:20 (Kö^{i. 257 f.}; Ges Ew Bö De and others as Qal; —

1.a. be allied with thee (suffix reference to ׳י) Ps 94:20
b. be united to = be one of, אל כלֿ ׳מי אשׁר יְח הַחַיִּם whoever is united to all the living (Kt יבחר is meaningless).

2. be joined together, of ephod ׳עַלשְֿׁנֵי קְצוֺותָ֯ו ח Exod 39:4 by its two edges was it joined together; compare || Exod 28:7 (where ᵑ0 אֶלשְֿׁנֵי קְצוֺתיו וְחֻבָּ֑ר < ᵐ5 ⅏ which read ׳ק ׳עַלשֿׁ יְחֻבָּ֑ר); לָֿהּ׳עִיר שֶׁח Ps 122:3 joined together for itself i.e. compactly built (of Jerusalem). Hiph`il Imperfect 1 singular אַחְבִּ֫ירָה עליכם בְּמִלִּים Job 16:4 I could make a joining with words (i.e. join words together RV VB) against you. Hithpa`el (late) Perfect אֶתְחַבֵּר (Ges^{«GKC:54»§ 54} 1 n.) 2Chr 20:35 Imperfect יִתְחַבָּ֑רוּ Dan 11:6 Infinitive suffix הִתְחַבֶּרְךָ 2Chr 20:37 Aramaic form הִתְחַבְּרוּת Dan 11:23 (Ges^{«GKC:54»§ 54}, 3 R. 1) — join oneself to, make an alliance with, followed byעִם person 2Chr 20:35; 2Chr 20:37, followed by אֶלֿ person Dan 11:23 reciprocal league together (absolute) Dan 11:6.

BDB9504 H2266 H2269

[חֲבַר] noun masculine fellow, comrade (ᵑ7 Syriac; see Biblical Hebrew); — plural suffix חַבְרוֺ֫הִי Dan 2:13. D^17. D¹⁸.

Strong's Definition H2266

joined, together, coupled, couple, up, …

ḥābar

to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate

to unite, join, bind together, be joined, be coupled, be in league, heap up, have fellowship with, be compact, be a charmer

(Qal)

to unite, be joined

to unite with, make an ally of

to be allied with, be united

Variations 20 forms of this word

Translations 25 English renderings

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Word Parts

חָ֑בֶר

Root word enchantments, wide, company

Dictionary form: חֶבֶר · heh-BER

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Ncmsa

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

חָבֶר

Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Singular State Absolute

In English

and in a wide ×1 in a wide ×1 of thine enchantments ×1 so the company ×1 with thine enchantments ×1

More options

company — Best for social/group contexts; most broadly applicable.

alliance — Prefer when the group is formally bound together.

band — Informal grouping; good for military or wandering groups.

spell — Use in magical/occult contexts instead of 'enchantment'.

charm — Softer magical nuance; suits ritual or poetic passages.

incantation — Technical term for spoken magical formula; scholarly register.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB2514 H2267

חֶ֫בֶר noun [masculine] company, association, spell — absolute חָ֑בֶר Deut 18:11 + 2 t.; construct חֶבֶר Hos 6:9 plural חֲבָרִים Ps 58:6, suffix חֲבָרַיִךְ Isa 47:9; Isa 47:11 —

1. company, band of (bad) priests Hos 6:9.

2. association, society (abstract), only in בֵּית חָ֑בֶר Prov 21:9 = Prov 25:24 house of association, i. e. shared with a contentious woman (house in common, see RVm VB).

3. spell :
a. as accusative of congnate meaning with verb with חָבַר (q. v.) Deut 18:11; Ps 58:6.
b. alone, of Babylonian magic Isa 47:9; Isa 47:11 (see Len Chald. Magic [1878]; Magie u. Wahrsage-kunst 1878; Scholz^{G-tzendienst u. Zauberwesen, 1877. 80 ff.} Say^{TBA iii. 145 ff and Rel,. Bab 396 ff., 440 ff.}).

Strong's Definition H2267

enchantments, wide, company

ḥeber

a society; also a spell

association, company, band

Variations 6 forms of this word

Translations 5 English renderings

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Word Parts

וְ שֹׁאֵ֥ל

וְ

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

שֹׁאֵ֥ל

Root word asked, ask, inquired, inquire, lent, …

Dictionary form: שָׁאַל · shaw-AL

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar C/Vqrmsa

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

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

Verb Chart

Full verb chart

In English

In the KJV here: or a consulter

ask ×22 asked ×12 inquired ×10 and asked ×4 and he asked ×3 asketh ×3 borrow ×3 hast asked ×3

More options

ask — Most versatile; fits direct questions and requests.

inquire — Slightly more formal; suits investigative or official contexts.

request — Emphasizes a polite or formal petition to someone.

consult — Prefer when seeking divine or expert guidance.

borrow — Specialized sense; use when object is to be returned.

beg — Marks urgency or desperation in the asking.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB8367 H7592

שָׁאַל verb ask, inquire (Late Hebrew id.; Assyrian ša°âlu, Arabic , Ethiopic Sabean מסאל request petition, Hom^Chrest.124 Levy-Os^{ZMG xix(1865), 165}; Aramaic , שְׁאֵיל; Old Aramaic Zinjirli שאל Ldzb³⁷¹, Nabataean Hiph`il lend Id^ib.; — on ׳שׁ compare Jastr^{JBL xix (1900), 82 ff.}); —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular׳שׁ Judg 5:25 +, שָׁאָ֑ל Judg 8:26 +2 t.; consecutive וְשָׁ֫אַל לוֺ Num 27:21 suffix וּשְׁאֵלְךָ consecutive Gen 32:18 (Ges^{«GKC:64f»§ 64f}), וּשְׁאֵלֵךְ consecutive Judg 4:20 1 singular suffix שְׁאִלְתִּיו 1Sam 1:20, שְׁאִלְתִּיהוּ Judg 13:16 3 plural suffix שְׁאֵלוּנוּ Ps 137:3 2 masculine plural שְׁאֶלְתֶּם 1Sam 12:13 (strike out ᵐ5 Th We Dr and most), Job 21:29, וּשְׁאֶלָתֶּםֿ consecutive 1Sam 25:5, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִשְׁאַל Exod 22:13 + ,etc.; Imperative שְׁאַל Isa 7:11 +, שְׁאָלוּנִי Isa 45:11 ( < תִּשְׁאְֵלוּנִי Weir Che and others), etc.; Infinitive absolute שָׁאוֺל Gen 43:7 +; construct לִשְׁאֹל Judg 1:14 +, etc.; Participle active שֹׁאֵל 2Sam 3:13 +, feminine singular שֹׁאֶלֶת 1Kgs 2:20; 1Kgs 2:22, masculine plural הַשֹּׁאֲלִים 1Sam 8:10 passive שָׁאוּל 1Sam 1:28; 2Kgs 6:5 —

1. a. ask, ask for, accusative of thing (or person) Judg 5:25; Judg 8:26; 1Kgs 3:10; Ps 122:6 (= pray for) +; אֶתנַֿפְשׁוֺ לָמוּת ׳שׁ 1Kgs 19:4; Jonah 4:8, i. e. pray for death, but Job 31:30 demand the life of another בְּאָלָה by a curse; with ל person 1Kgs 2:22 (twice in verse) + (ל person reflexive) 1Sam 12:17; 1Sam 12:19 +; with מִן person Judg 8:24 (accusative of congnate meaning with verb), Ezra 8:22; Zech 10:1+; followed by infinitive 1Kgs 3:11 followed by clause מָה אֶתֶּןלָֽֿךְ׃ ׳שׁ 1Kgs 3:5 = 2Chr 1:7, compare 2Kgs 2:9 with accusative + מֵאֵת person 1Sam 8:10; Ps 27:4(from ׳י) +; + מֵעִם person Isa 7:11 (from ׳י) +; with accusative of person (from whom) + of thing Ps 137:3 accusative omitted Isa 7:12; 1Sam 12:20; 1Kgs 2:20, with מִן person Ps 2:8 absolute Mic 7:3; Ps 105:40 (of prayer); הִקְשִׁיתָ לִשְׁאוֺל 2Kgs 2:10, i.e. thou hast asked for a difficult thing. — 1Sam 2:20 see Hiph`il b. specifically ask as a favour, for temporary use, i.e. borrow (compare לָוָה, as matter of business, see Bu^{1Sam 1:28}), Exod 22:13 (E; accusative of thing + מֵעִם person), 2Kgs 4:3 (accusative of thing + מִן of source + ל person reflexive), 2Kgs 6:5 (passive participle absolute); so also (according to many), with accusative of thing Exod 3:22( + מִן person), Exod 11:2; Exod 12:35 (both + מֵאֵת person; all E), — it is, however, not clear that there was any pretext of mere temporary use; passive participle ׳שָׁאוּל לי 1Sam 1:28 (lent, granted,) made over to ׳י (in effect passive of Hiph`il, q. v.).
c. in weakened sense, seek, desire (late), with accusative 2Chr 11:23; Eccl 2:10 (subject עֵינַי); Prov 20:4 in harvest he shall look [for a crop], וָאָ֑יִן and there shall be none.

2. a. inquire of, with accusative of person + לֵאמֹר before inquiry Gen 32:18 (E), Gen 44:19 (J) +; with וְאָמַר Judg 4:20, וַיּאִמֶר, etc., Gen 24:47(J), Jer 37:13 followed by וְאָמַר without accusative of person Gen 32:30 (J), compare 1Sam 19:22, followed by לֵאמֹר Josh 4:6 (JE); with accusative of person + עַל of thing Neh 1:2 עַל of thing alone, Eccl 7:10 ( + מֵחָכְמָה, i. e. prompted by wisdom); with accusative of person + of thing (about which) 2Sam 14:18; Isa 45:11 + 4 t.; accusative of person + indirect question Judg 13:6 with accusative of person only, Judg 8:14; 1Sam 25:8; Deut 32:7 +, inquire of beasts (accusative) Job 12:7 with accusative of thing only, Jer 50:5 with ל person = accusative 2Kgs 8:6 (Kö^{Synt. § 289 h}); with ל of thing about which Gen 26:7 (J), Gen 32:30 (J), Judg 13:18; 2Sam 11:7; Jer 6:16; Job 8:8, also ( + לאמר before the inquiry) Gen 43:7 (J), and (followed by direct question) Deut 4:32 with ל person about whom, Gen 43:27 (J), compare phrase of greeting, אִישׁ לְרֵעֵהוּ לְשָׁלוֺם ׳שׁ Exod 18:7 (E) ask each for (or about) his fellow as to welfare, compare Judg 18:15; 1Sam 10:4; 1Sam 17:22; 1Sam 25:5; 1Sam 30:21 [read וַיִּשְׁאֲלוּ לוֺ ᵐ5 ᵑ6 We Dr HPS Bu] 2Sam 8:10; Jer 15:5; 1Chr 18:10 followed by direct question only, 1Sam 17:56; Jer 18:13 (with ב location), followed by indirect question only (c.אִם) Jer 30:6 אֶתפִּֿי ׳שׁ ׳פ Gen 24:57(J); absolute make inquiry Deut 13:15 ( + דָּרַשׁ, חָקַר).
b. inquire of, consult, deity, oracle, etc. (Jastr^{JBL xix (1900) 88 ff.}), followed by accusative ׳פִּי י Josh 9:14 (JE), Isa 30:2 ׳י Isa 65:1 (|| בִּקֵּשׁ); elsewhere in Hexateuch only (accusative omitted), Num 27:21 (P; with ל person for whom, + ב instrumental), compare Josh 19:50 also אוֺב ׳שׁ Deut 18:11 (participle as substantive; Jäger^{BAS ii. 292} compare Assyrian maššaku ša šâ°ili, i. e. skin-vessel of the oracle-seeker, compare Jastr^{JBL xix (1900), 96 ff.}); with accusative of human agent 1Sam 28:16; Jer 38:14; Jer 38:27 usually (ancient usage, chiefly Judges, Samuel) לֵאמֹר ׳בי ׳שׁ (בְּ perhaps originally local, so GFM, or instrumental), Judg 1:1; Judg 20:23; 1Sam 23:2; 1Sam 30:8; 2Sam 2:1; 2Sam 5:19 = 1Chr 14:10 לֵאמֹר omitted 1Sam 10:22 (followed by direct question), 1Sam 22:10 (ל person for whom), 1Sam 23:4; 1Sam 28:6; 2Sam 5:23 = 1Chr 14:14; Judg 20:27 בֵּאלֹהִים ׳שׁ Judg 18:5; Judg 20:18; 1Sam 14:37 (followed by direct question), also (ל person for whom), 1Sam 22:13; 1Sam 22:15 ׳שׁ ׳בִּדְבַר הָא 2Sam 16:23 likewise בְּעֵצוֺ ׳שׁ Hos 4:12 (i.e. his idol), בַּתְּרָפִים Ezek 21:26, בָּאוֺב 1Chr 10:13 perhaps = receive as oracle Deut 18:16 (׳מֵעִם י, Jastr^l.c. Niph`al ask for oneself (Ges^{«GKC:51e»§ 51e}), specifically ask leave of absence, with מִן person: Perfect 3 masculine singular + Infinitive absolute נִשְׁאֹל נִשְׁאַל 1Sam 20:6 (followed by infinitive), v1Sam 20:28 (followed by עַד; ? insert ל infinitive HPS); Perfect 1 singular נִשְׁאַלְתִּי מִןהַֿמֶּלֶךְ Neh 13:6 (absolute).

Pi`el 1. inquire carefully: Imperfect 3 masculine plural + Qal Infinitive absolute שָׁאוֺל יְשָֽׁאֲלוּ 2Sam 20:18 (Bu proposes Qal Imperfect יִשְׁאֲלוּ), with ב location; on following context see We Dr HPS Bu.

2. beg, practise beggary, ,Perfect 3 plural וְשִׁאֵ֑לוּ (consecutive) Ps 109:10. Hiph`il (properly let one ask [successfully], give, or lend, on request, then) grant, make over to (as a favour, with or without request): Perfect 1 singular suffix הִשְׁאִלְתִּהוּ ׳לי 1Sam 1:28 I have made him over to ׳י (compare Dr HPS Bu and Qal Passive participle, ib.); perhaps also read 3 feminine singular ׳הִשְׁאִילָה לי 1Sam 2:20 (whom) she hath made over to ׳י (for ׳שָׁאַל לי) Bu HPS (after ᵐ5. in part; other conjectures in Dr); Imperfect 3 masculine plural suffix of thing וַיַּשְׁאִלוּם Exod 12:36 (E) and they handed them over.

BDB9922 H7592 H7593

שׁ

שְׁאֵל verb ask (see Biblical Hebrew); —

Pe`al Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳שׁ Dan 2:10 plural שְׁאֵ֫לְנָא Ezra 5:9; Ezra 5:10 Imperfect 3 masculine singular suffix יִשְׁאֲלֶנְכוֺ Ezra 7:21 Participle active שָׁאֵל Dan 2:11; Dan 2:27 —

1. ask for, request, accusative of thing Dan 2:10 (ל person), vDan 2:11 vDan 2:27; Ezra 7:21 (suffix person).

2. inquire about, for, accusative of thing Ezra 5:9 (ל person); followed by oratio recta [direct speech] vEzra 5:10 (id.).

Strong's Definition H7592

asked, ask, inquired, inquire, lent, …

šāʾal

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

to ask, enquire, borrow, beg

(Qal)

to ask, ask for

to enquire, enquire carefully

to be given on request

Variations 82 forms of this word

Translations 97 English renderings

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Word Parts

אוֹב֙

Root word spirits, spirit, bottles

Dictionary form: אוֹב · obe

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Ncmsa

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

אוֹב	Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Singular State Absolute

In English

In the KJV here: with familiar spirits

a familiar spirit ×4 them that have familiar spirits ×3 with familiar spirits ×2 as of one that hath a familiar spirit ×1 bottles ×1 counsel of one that had a familiar spirit ×1 such as have familiar spirits ×1 the workers with familiar spirits ×1

More options

spirit of the dead — Clear modern phrase for a conjured ghost or shade.

medium — Refers to the person who channels the spirit; context-dependent.

ghost — Informal; suits narrative or poetic passages vividly.

ancestral spirit — Highlights the ancient belief that the dead were consulted.

necromantic spirit — Technical; suits legal or cultic prohibition texts.

wineskin — Use only where the literal 'bottle/skin' sense is required.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB166 H178

אוֺב noun masculine^{Job 32:19} skin-bottle, necromancer, etc. — absolute ׳א Lev 20:27 + 8 t.; plural אֹבוֺת Lev 19:31 + 7 t. —

1. skin-bottle, only plural אֹבוֺת חֲדָשִׁים new (wine-) skins Job 32:19.

2. necromancer, in phrase אוֺב אוֺ יִדְּעֹנִי necromancer or wizard Lev 20:27 (H; usually translated 'a man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit or that is a wizard' RV; but better a man or a woman, if there should be among them, a necromancer or wizard; no sufficient reason for exceptional use of phrase here); וְיִדְּעֹנִי ׳א Deut 18:11; 2Chr 33:6 = 2Kgs 21:6 (where וידענים ׳א); הָאֹבוֺת וְהַיִּדְּעֹנִים Lev 19:31; Lev 20:6 (H) 1Sam 28:3; 1Sam 28:9; 2Kgs 23:24; Isa 8:19 (where repres. as chirping & muttering, in practice of their art of seeking dead for instruction, probably ventriloquism, & so ᵐ5) Isa 19:3.

3. ghost, Isa 29:4 וְהָיָה כְּאוֺב מֵאֶרֶץ קוֺלֵח וּמֵעָפָר אִמְרָתֵח תְּצַפְצֵף and thy voice shall be as a ghost from the ground and from the dust thy speech shall chirp (so Ge MV Ew De Che and others, but chirping might be of necromancer, as Isa 8:19).

4. necromancy אֵשֶׁת בַּעֲלַתאֿוֺב a woman who was mistress of necromancy 1Sam 28:7 (twice in verse); (> RS^{JPh xiv, 127 f makes} אוֺב primarily a subterranean spirit, and significant.

2. only an abbreviation of ׳בעלתא etc.); קסם בּאוֺב divine by necromancy 1Sam 28:8, which seems to be interpretation of 1Chr 10:13 ׳שׁאל בא inquire by necromancy. (In these three examples אוֺב is usually interpreted as ghost or familiar spirit conceived as dwelling in necromancer; but this apparently not the ancient conception.)

Strong's Definition H178

spirits, spirit, bottles

ʾôb

properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)

water skin bottle

necromancer, one who evokes the dead

Variations 7 forms of this word

Translations 11 English renderings

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Word Parts

וְ יִדְּעֹנִ֔י

וְ

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

יִדְּעֹנִ֔י

Root word wizards, wizard

Dictionary form: יִדְּעֹנִי · yid-deh-oh-NEE

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar C/Ncmsa

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

וְ	Speech Conjunction
יִדְּעֹנִי	Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Singular State Absolute

In English

In the KJV here: or a wizard

and the wizards ×3 wizards ×3 and with wizards ×1 and wizards ×1 or a wizard ×1 that is a wizard ×1 the wizards ×1

More options

medium — Common modern term for one who contacts spirits.

spiritist — Precise religious/legal register; favored in modern Bible versions.

spirit-diviner — Highlights the divination aspect explicitly.

occultist — Broader term; use when exact practice is less important.

conjurer — Emphasizes the act of summoning; slightly informal.

necromancer — Stresses contact with the dead; pair carefully with אוֹב.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB3463 H3049

יִדְּעֹנִי noun masculine familiar spirit (properly either as knowing, wise (acquainted with secrets of unseen world), Ew vielwisserisch; or as intimate acquaintance of soothsayer, see RS^{JPh xiv. 1885. 127}) — absolute יִדְּעֹנִי Deut 18:11 + 2 t.; plural יִדְּעֹנִים 1Sam 28:3 + 6 t.; הַיִּדְּעֹנִי מִן 1Sam 28:9, read הַיִּדְּעֹנִים מִן (see ᵐ5 Th We Klo Dr); familiar spirit, always || אוֺב, אֹבוֺת 1Sam 28:3; 1Sam 28:9; Isa 8:19; Isa 19:3; 2Kgs 21:6 (עשׂה אוֺב; || נִחֵשׁ, עוֺנֵן) = 2Chr 33:6; 2Kgs 23:24; Lev 19:31; Lev 20:6; Lev 20:27 (all H; on last two compare Acts 16:16 and Dr^{Deut 18:11}), Deut 18:11(|| אוֺב + דֹּרֵשׁ אֶלהַֿמֵּתִים).

Strong's Definition H3049

wizards, wizard

yiddĕʿōnî

properly, a knowing one; specifically, a conjurer; (by impl) a ghost

a knower, one who has a familiar spirit

a familiar spirit, soothsayer, necromancer (metonymy)

Variations 7 forms of this word

Translations 7 English renderings

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Word Parts

וְ דֹרֵ֖שׁ

וְ

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

דֹרֵ֖שׁ

Root word seek, inquire, sought, inquired, require, …

Dictionary form: דָּרַשׁ · daw-RAHSH

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar C/Vqrmsa

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

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

Verb Chart

Full verb chart

In English

In the KJV here: or a necromancer

seek ×13 to seek ×13 to inquire ×10 inquire ×4 sought ×4 will i require ×4 and seek ×3 and inquire ×2

More options

seek — Most versatile; suits active pursuit of God or wisdom.

inquire — Prefer when consulting an oracle, priest, or prophet.

search — Emphasizes thorough, investigative effort.

require — Best for contexts of divine accountability or demand.

consult — Fits formal religious or official inquiry settings.

care for — Use when the sense is concern or attentiveness toward someone.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB2008 H1875

דַּרְיוֺשׁ Ezra 10:16 see דרשׁ.

BDB2024 H1875

דָּרַשׁ₁₆₂ verb resort to, seek (compare Arabic rub over, efface (a site), tread (wheat), figurative read repeatedly, study; beat (a path), discuss, Pa`el practise in; Late Hebrew search out (a meaning), expound) —

Qal Perfect 1Chr 10:14 Imperfect יִדְרשׁ Ps 10:4 +, אֶדְרְשָׁה 1Sam 28:7, נִדְרְשָׁה 1Kgs 22:7 +, יִדְרְשׁוּן Isa 55:2 Imperative דְּרָשֿׁ 1Kgs 22:5 +; Infinitive absolute דָּרשׁ Lev 10:16; Deut 23:22 construct דְּרשׁ Deut 22:2 + לִדְרָשֿׁ Ezek 14:7, לְדַרְיוֺשׁ (scribal error for לִדְרוֺשׁ Ew^{§ 239a} Ol^{§ 245 g}) Ezra 10:16 Participle דֹּרֵשׁ Deut 11:12 + 10 t., דּוֺרֵשׁ 1Chr 28:9 + 3 t.; passive דְּרוּשִׁים Ps 111:2, דְּרוּשָׁה Isa 62:12 synonym בקשׁ; —

1. (tread a place,) resort to, frequent, with religious object, with accusative of location Amos 5:5; 2Chr 1:5, לְ local Deut 12:5.

2. seek, consult, inquire of:
a. accusative ׳י, אֱלֹהִים Gen 25:22 (J) Exod 18:15 (E) 1Sam 9:9; 1Kgs 22:8; 2Kgs 3:11; 2Kgs 8:8; 2Kgs 22:13; 2Kgs 22:18; 1Chr 15:13; 1Chr 21:30; 2Chr 18:7; 2Chr 34:21; Ps 24:6; Ps 78:34; Jer 21:2; Jer 37:7; Ezek 20:1; Ezek 20:3 the ark of God 1Chr 13:3 word of Yahweh 1Kgs 22:5 (= 2Chr 18:4) compare 1Kgs 14:5 with בְּ Yahweh 1Chr 10:14; 2Chr 34:26; Ezek 14:7 his word 2Kgs 1:16 with אֶל, אֶלאֵֿל Job 5:8 their God Isa 8:19, Messianic king Isa 11:10 ׳מֵעַלסֵֿפֶר י out of the book of ׳י Isa 34:16 (in gloss, according to Che^{JQ Jan. 1892, 332}); with מֵאוֺתוֺ of a ׳נָבִיא לי 1Kgs 22:7 (= 2Chr 18:6) compare (above) v2Chr 18:8; 2Kgs 3:11 and 1Kgs 14:5 (מֵעִמְּךָ).
b. heathen gods and necromancers, הַדֹּרֵשׁ the inquirer Ezek 14:10 with בְּ, בַּעֲלַת אוֺב 1Sam 28:7, בָּאוֺב 1Chr 10:13, בְּבַעַל זְבוּב 2Kgs 1:2; 2Kgs 1:3; 2Kgs 1:6; 2Kgs 1:16 with אֶל, אֶלהָֿאֹבוֺת Isa 8:19, אֶלהַֿמֵּתִים Deut 18:11, אֶלהָֿאֱלִילִים Isa 19:3.

3. seek deity in prayer and worship:
a. the true God (compare בקשׁ 3) ׳דרשׁ י Deut 4:29; Hos 10:12; Amos 5:4; Amos 5:6; Isa 9:12; Isa 31:1; Isa 55:6; Isa 58:2; Isa 65:10; Isa 29:13; Isa 1:11 (= Ps 105:4) Ps 28:9; 2Chr 12:14; 2Chr 14:3; 2Chr 14:6; 2Chr 15:2; 2Chr 15:12; 2Chr 16:12; 2Chr 22:9; 2Chr 26:5; Ps 9:11; Ps 22:27; Ps 34:5; Ps 34:11; Ps 119:2; Ps 119:10 דרשׁ (ה)אלהים 2Chr 19:3; 2Chr 26:5; 2Chr 30:19; Ps 14:2 (= Ps 53:3) Ps 69:33 ׳אֲדֹנָי ד Ps 77:3 with לְ, only in Chronicler, ליהוה 1Chr 22:19; 2Chr 15:13; 2Chr 20:3; Ezra 6:21 לאלהים 2Chr 17:4; 2Chr 31:21; 2Chr 34:3; Ezra 4:2 Dr^{Intr. 503} finds in Chronicles weakened meaning, revere.
b. seek heathen deities, with accusative Jer 8:2; 2Chr 25:15; 2Chr 25:20 with לְ, Deut 12:30; 2Chr 17:3.

4. a. seek, with idea of demanding, require (בקשׁ is seek, simply), with accusative lost sheep Deut 22:2; Ezek 34:6; Ezek 34:8; Ezek 34:11 goat Lev 10:16 (twice in verse) (P); with אחר, after green fodder Job 39:8.
b. inquire, investigate (a matter), absolute Judg 6:29; Deut 13:15; Deut 17:4; Deut 17:9; Deut 19:18 with accusative כָּללְֿבָבוֺת ׳דּוֺרֵשׁ י all hearts Yahweh searches 1Chr 28:9 לִדְרשׁ הַמּוֺפֵת to inquire into the wonder 2Chr 32:31 with לְ, to inquire about 2Sam 11:3; Job 10:6 followed by עַל person + infinitive 2Chr 24:6 apply to the Levites to bring, etc., compare 2Chr 31:9 (עַל both person and thing).

5. ask for, require, demand, with accusative of thing Ezek 20:40 + מִן person Deut 23:22; Mic 6:8 exact, often with collateral idea of avenging, מֵעִם Deut 18:19, so with מִיַּד Ezek 34:10, דָּרַשׁ דָּם מִיַּד Gen 9:5 (P) Ezek 33:6 accusative only, דֹּרֵשׁ דמים Ps 9:13, רִשְׁעוֺ ׳ד Ps 10:15 absolute vPs 10:4 vPs 10:13; 2Chr 24:22.

6. seek with application, study, follow, practise, absolute by wisdom Eccl 1:13 with accusative מִשְׁפָּט ׳ד study or practise justice Isa 1:17; Isa 16:5 ׳מַעֲשֵׂי י Ps 111:2 טוֺב וְאַלרַֿע Amos 5:14 commands of God Ps 119:45; Ps 119:94; Ps 119:155; 1Chr 28:8 the law Ear 1Chr 7:10 שׁלום ׳ד seek or study the peace, welfare of any one Deut 23:7; Jer 29:7; Ezra 9:12, לשׁלום Jer 38:4, טוב ׳ד Esth 10:3, רעה ׳ד Prov 11:27; Ps 38:13 (compare בקשׁ 2, where this use is more common).

7. seek with care, care for, ארץ אשׁר יהוה אלהיך דֹּרֵשׁ אתהּ land which Yahweh thy God careth for Deut 11:12 אַליִֿדְרְשֵׁהוּ אֱלוֺהַּ let not Eloah care for it Job 3:4 ׳אוֺתָךְ לֹא יִד Jer 30:14 דָּֽרְשָׁה צֶמֶר Prov 31:13 with לְ Jer 30:17 אֵין דּוֺרֵשׁ לְנַפְשִׁי no one careth for me Ps 142:5 but in both these לְ perhaps belongs to אֵין, compare || אֵין לִי מַכִּיר Ps 142:5, also Lam 4:4 etc.; דְּרוּשָׁה cared for (of Jerusalem) Isa 62:12. Niph`al Perfect נִדְרָ֑שׁ Gen 42:22, נִדְרַשְׁתִּי Isa 65:1, נִדְרָ֑שׁוּ 1Chr 26:31 Imperfect אִדָּרֵשׁ Ezek 14:3; Ezek 20:3; Ezek 20:31; Ezek 20:31; Ezek 36:37 Infinitive absolute הַאִדָּרשׁ Ezek 14:3 (for ההדרשׁ); —

1. let oneself be inquired of, consulted, only of God Ezek 14:3 (twice in verse); Ezek 20:3; Ezek 20:31; Ezek 20:31; Ezek 36:37; Isa 65:1.

2. be sought out 1Chr 26:31.

3. be required, of blood (compare Qal 5) Gen 42:22 (E).

Note. — וְדָרְשׁוּ מֵחָרְבוֺתֵיהֶם and beg out of their desolate places Ps 109:10 (Ki and others wed©ršu, see Baer); many MSS. read דָּֽרְשׁוּ, so most interpretations; ᵐ5 Hup Bi Che read גֹּרְשׁוּ be driven from.

Strong's Definition H1875

seek, inquire, sought, inquired, require, …

dāraš

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require

(Qal)

to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place)

of God

to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God)

Variations 87 forms of this word

Translations 106 English renderings

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Word Parts

אֶל

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

Dictionary form: אֵל · ale

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar R

Preposition

אֶל	Speech Preposition

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

Deuteronomy 18:10

Read Deuteronomy 18

Deuteronomy 18:12

הַ	Speech Particle Type Definite Article
מֵּתִֽים	Speech Verb Stem Qal Type Participle Active Gender Masculine Number Plural State Absolute