Deuteronomy 33:6

Let Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

יְחִ֥י
יְחִ֥י
Root word live, lived, alive, save, quicken, …
Dictionary form: חָיָה · haw-YAW

Verb — Qal, Jussive, third person masculine singular simple action — "he did" a wish or command — try "let him ___" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

In the KJV here: live
live ×35 and lived ×31 shall live ×12 and live ×11 god save ×8 lived ×8 quicken ×8 he shall surely ×7
More options
live — Core rendering; broad and natural in most contexts.
survive — Prefer when life is threatened or at stake.
revive — Use for restoration from near-death or weakness.
recover — Good for healing from illness or injury contexts.
keep alive — Highlights preservation; suits causative (Hiphil) forms.
spare — Fits contexts of being saved from death by another's action.

BDB2592 H2421

BDB2591 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2593

I. חוה (Phoenician חוא live = Hebrew חָיָה q. v.)


BDB2715 H2421 H2425

BDB2714 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2716

חָיָה283 verb live (Late Hebrew Phoenician id.; Arabic , ; Sabean חיו MordtZMG 1876, 28; Ethiopic Aramaic , חֲיָא; Palmyrene חיי life, life-time, Vog32, 74) —

Qal203 Perfect חָיָה Eccl 6:6 + 4 t.; יְ֯חָיָה Jer 21:9; Jer 38:2 חַי Gen 5:5 + 23 t. (this and the following form are treated as עע֞, the original weakness of the stem final י admitting of either לה֞ or עע֞, Ges«GKC:76»§ 76 (2) g); וְחֵי Lev 25:36 (§ 1181); 3 feminine singular חָֽיְתָה Gen 12:13; Jer 38:17 וָחָ֑יָה Exod 1:16 (for חַיָּה § 1123 (3), Samaritan חיתה); 2 masculine singular חָיִיתָ Deut 30:16, חָיִתָה Jer 38:17 3 masculine plural חָיוּ Num 14:38, וְחָיוּ consecutive Num 4:19 + Zech 10:9 (where read Pi`el וְחִיּוּ StaZAW i. 1881, 22 so ᵐ5); וִחְיִיתֶם Ezek 37:5 + 2 t.; Imperfect יִחְיֶה Gen 17:18 + 27 t.; יְחִי Deut 33:6 + 10 t.; וִיחִי Ps 49:10 + 2 t.; וְיֶחִ֑י Isa 38:21, וַיְחִי Gen 5:3 + 37 t.; וַיֶּחִ֑י Deut 4:33 + 4 t.; 3 feminine singular תִּחְיֶה Josh 6:17, תְּחִי Gen 19:20 + 5 t.; 2 masculine singular תִּחְיֶה Gen 27:40 + 7 t.; 2 feminine singular תִּחְיִי 2Kgs 4:7 1 singular אֶחְיֶה 2Kgs 1:2 + 8 t.; 3 masculine plural יִחְיוּ Josh 9:21 + 8 t.; 3 feminine plural תִּחְיֶינָה Ezek 13:19; Ezek 37:3 2 masculine plural תִּחְיוּ Deut 4:1 + 2 t.; תִּחְיוּן Deut 5:30; Deut 8:1 1 plural נִחְיֶה 2Kgs 7:4 + 7 t.; Imperative וֶחְיֵה Gen 20:7; Prov 4:4, וֶחְיֶ֯ה Prov 7:2 feminine singular חֲיִי Ezek 16:6 (twice in verse); masculine plural וִחְיוּ Gen 42:18 + 7 t.; Infinitive absolute חָיֹה 2Kgs 8:10 + 6 t.; חָיוֺ Ezek 3:21 + 3 t.; construct לִחְיוֺת Ezek 33:12, suffix חֲיוֺתָם Josh 5:8
1. live:
  a. have life, Gen 31:32 (E), Exod 33:20 (J), Num 4:19 (P), Deut 30:16 +; also in phrase וַיְחִי and he lived (so many years) with accusative of time, Gen 5:3-30 (16 t.) Gen 9:28; Gen 11:11-26 (14 t.) Gen 47:28 (all P), Gen 50:22 (E), 2Kgs 14:17 = 2Chr 25:25; Job 42:16.
  b. continue in life, remain alive Gen 20:7 (E), Lev 25:36; 2Sam 12:22 +; also נפשׁ ׳ח live, of the soul or the self Gen 12:13; Gen 19:20 (J), 1Kgs 20:32; Ps 119:175; Jer 38:2; Jer 38:17; Jer 38:20; Isa 55:3 וְחַי הַיָּ֑לֶד and the boy may live 2Sam 12:22 לִפְנֵי ׳ח live in the presence of Gen 17:18 (P) Hos 6:2 ׳ב ׳ח live among Lam 4:20.
  c. sustain life, live on or upon (על), of the animal life, by the sword Gen 27:40 (J), by bread Deut 8:3 elsewhere in pregnant sense of fulness of life in divine favour, sustained by (על) everything that issueth out of the mouth of ׳י Deut 8:3 his promises (?) Isa 38:16 of wicked man, by repentance Ezek 33:19 with בְּ by the statutes and judgments of ׳י if a man do them, Lev 18:5 (H) Ezek 20:11; Ezek 20:13; Ezek 20:21; Ezek 20:25; Neh 9:29 צַדִּיק בֶּאֱמוּנָתוֺ יִחְיֶה a righteous man by his faithfulness shall live Hab 2:4.
  d. live (prosperously) יְחִי הַמֶּלֶך may the king live 1Sam 10:24; 2Sam 16:16 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 1:25; 1Kgs 1:31; 1Kgs 1:34; 1Kgs 1:39; 2Kgs 11:12; 2Chr 23:11 יְחִי לְבַבְכֶם Ps 22:27; Ps 69:33 המלך לעולם יחיה Neh 2:3.
2. be quickened, revive:
  a. from sickness Num 21:8; Num 21:9; Josh 5:8 (E) 2Kgs 1:2; 2Kgs 8:8; 2Kgs 8:9; 2Kgs 8:10; 2Kgs 8:14; 2Kgs 20:1; 2Kgs 20:7 = Isa 38:1; Isa 38:9; Isa 38:21.
  b. from discouragement of the spirit Gen 45:27 (E).
  c. from faintness Judg 15:19.
  d. from death 2Kgs 13:21; Job 14:14; Isa 26:14; Isa 26:19 by return of נפשׁ 1Kgs 17:22, of רוּהַ Ezek 37:3; Ezek 37:5; Ezek 37:6; Ezek 37:9; Ezek 37:10; Ezek 37:14 (and so Judg 15:19 c). Pi`el Perfect 3 masculine singular חִיָּה Ps 22:30 3 feminine singular suffix חִיָּ֑תְנִי Ps 119:50 2 masculine singular suffix חִיִּיתַנִי Ps 30:4 חִיִּיתָ֑נִי Paslm Ps 119:93 3 plural חִיּוּ Judg 21:14, הַחִיִּיתֶם Num 31:15 Imperfect יְחַיֶּה 1Sam 27:9 +, etc.; Imperative suffix חַיֵּנִי Ps 119:25 + 8 t., חַיֵּיהוּ Hab 3:2 Infinitive construct חַיּוֺת Gen 7:3; Ezek 13:19 suffix חַיֹּתֵנוּ Deut 6:24 +, etc.; Participle מְחַיֶּה Neh 9:6; 1Sam 2:6
1. preserve alive, let live Exod 1:17; Exod 1:18; Exod 1:22; Exod 22:17; Josh 9:15 (JE), Gen 12:12 (J), Num 31:15 (P), Deut 6:24; Deut 20:16; Judg 21:14; 1Sam 27:9; 1Sam 27:11; 1Kgs 18:5; 2Kgs 7:4; Jer 49:11; Ezek 3:18; Hab 3:2; Job 36:6; Ps 30:4; Ps 33:19; Ps 41:3; Ps 138:7 נפשׁ ׳ח preserve oneself alive Ps 22:30; Ezek 18:27, or preserve persons alive Ezek 13:18; Ezek 13:19, or preserve life 1Kgs 20:31 זרע ׳ח preserve seed alive Gen 7:3; Gen 19:32; Gen 19:34 (J); keep in existence heaven and earth Neh 9:6 nourish, young cow Isa 7:21, lamb 2Sam 12:3.
2. give life, to man when created Job 33:4.
3. quicken, revive, refresh:
  a. restore to life, the dead 1Sam 2:6; Deut 32:39; Hos 6:2 the dying Ps 71:20.
  b. cause to grow, grain Hos 14:8.
  c. restore, a ruined city 1Chr 11:8, stones destroyed by fire Neh 3:34.
  d. revive, the people of ׳י by ׳י himself with fulness of life in his favour Ps 80:19; Ps 85:7; Ps 119:25; Ps 119:37; Ps 119:40; Ps 119:50; Ps 119:88; Ps 119:93; Ps 119:107; Ps 119:149; Ps 119:154; Ps 119:156; Ps 119:159; Ps 143:11; Eccl 7:12. Hiph`il Perfect הֶחֱיָה Josh 6:25 + 5 t.; 2 masculine singular suffix הֶחֱיִתָנוּ Gen 47:25 1 singular הֶחֱיֵיתִי Num 22:33, הַחֲיִתֶם Josh 2:13; Judg 8:19 Imperative suffix הַחֲיֵינִי Isa 38:16 הַחֲיוּ Num 31:18 Infinitive absolute הַחֲיֵה Josh 9:20 construct הַחֲיוֺת Gen 6:20 + 6 t.; הַחֲיֹת Gen 6:19; Gen 50:20 suffix הַחֲיֹתוֺ Ezek 13:22
1. preserve alive, let live Gen 45:7; Gen 50:20 (E), Gen 47:25; Num 22:33; Josh 2:13; Josh 6:25 (all J), Josh 14:10 (D); Gen 6:19; Gen 6:20; Num 31:18; Josh 9:20 (P), Judg 8:19; 2Sam 8:2; Ezek 13:22 with נפשׁ Gen 19:19 (J).
2. quicken, revive:
  a. restore to health, a leper 2Kgs 5:7, Hezekiah Isa 38:16.
  b. revive the לֵב and רוּחַ Isa 57:15 (twice in verse).
  c. restore to life, the dead 2Kgs 8:1; 2Kgs 8:5 (3 t. in verse).


BDB9521 H2418 H2421

BDB9520 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9522

[חֲיָא] verb live (see Biblical Hebrew תָיָה); —

Pe`al Imperative לְעָֽלְמִין חֱיִי live for ever! Dan 2:4; Dan 3:9; Dan 5:10; Dan 6:7; Dan 6:22. Hiph`il Participle מַחֵא (K§ 11. 3 b) γ) HptKmp. Dn. 28) Dan 5:19 let live.

live, lived, alive, save, quicken, …
ḥāyâ
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
  • to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health
    • (Qal)
      • to live
        • to have life
        • "to continue in life, remain alive"to sustain life, to live on or upon"to live (prosperously)
        to revive, be quickened
        • from sickness
        • "from discouragement"from faintness"from death
      (Piel)
      • to preserve alive, let live
      • "to give life"to quicken, revive, refresh
        • to restore to life
        • "to cause to grow"to restore"to revive
      (Hiphil)
      • to preserve alive, let live
      • "to quicken, revive
        • to restore (to health)
        • "to revive"to restore to life

רְאוּבֵ֖ן
רְאוּבֵ֖ן
Root word a name — transliterate it ("Let reuben")
Dictionary form: רְאוּבֵן · reh-oo-BANE

Noun — Proper Name

In the KJV here: let reuben
of reuben ×50 reuben ×16 and reuben ×1 as reuben ×1 i say of reuben ×1 let reuben ×1 portion for reuben ×1 you of the tribe of reuben ×1
More options
Reuben — Standard modern spelling; use in nearly all contexts.
Ruben — Alternate spelling used in some modern Bible translations.
the tribe of Reuben — Use when referring to the tribal group collectively.
the Reubenites — Refers to members or descendants of Reuben's tribe.

BDB7671 H7205

BDB7670 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7672

רְאוּבֵן71 proper name, masculine Reuben, Ρουβην[ιν] (be-hold a son! but Gen 29:32 makes = רָאָה בְּעָנְיִי (!); JosAnt. «JOSEPHUS:Antiquities 1:19»i. 19, 7 and others Ρουβηλος, ᵑ6 , ׳ר then perhaps = Arabic , lion, compare Di); —

1. eldest son of Jacob and Leah Gen 29:32; Gen 30:14 + 11 t. Genesis; Exod 1:2; 1Chr 2:1 as head of family or clan Exod 6:14 (twice in verse); Num 1:20; Num 26:5 (all P), 1Chr 5:1; 1Chr 5:3, compare ׳בְּנֵי אֱלִיאָב בֶּןרְֿא Deut 11:6.
2. as name of clan or tribe Judg 5:15; Judg 5:16; Deut 27:13; Josh 18:7 ( +גָּד; both D), Deut 33:6 (poem), Ezek 48:6; Ezek 48:7; Ezek 48:31; Num 1:5 (P); so ׳מַטֵּה ר Num 1:21; Num 13:4; Josh 20:8; Josh 21:7 (all P), 1Chr 6:48; 1Chr 6:63, ׳מַחֲנֵה ר Num 2:10; Num 2:16; Num 10:18 (all P); ׳בְּנֵי ר, as tribe, Num 16: l b Num 32:37 (both J E), Num 2:10; Num 7:20; Num 26:5; Josh 13:23 (twice in verse) (all P), also (+ Gad and often Manasseh) Num 32:1; Num 32:2; Num 32:6; Num 32:25 (JE), Josh 4:12 (D), Num 32:29; Num 32:31; Num 32:33; Josh 22:9 + 11 t. 22 (all P), compare 1Chr 5:18 ׳בֶּןרֿ as tribe Josh 15:6; Josh 18:7 (both P), מַטֵּה ׳בְנֵיֿ ר Josh 13:15 (P).

reuben
rĕʾûbēn
behold a son
Reuben, a son of Jacob
  • the eldest son of Jacob by Leah
  • "the tribe descended from Reuben"the territory inhabited by the tribe of Reuben

וְ אַל
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
אַל
Particle not
Dictionary form: אַל · al

Particle — Negative

In the KJV here: and not
not ×238 neither ×59 let not ×44 be not ×26 nor ×23 ye not ×18 no ×17 me not ×15
More options
do not — Most natural modern negative imperative; broadly applicable.
never — Use when the prohibition carries a sense of absolute refusal.
nor — Coordinating negative; links parallel prohibitions or negations.
no — Emphatic short-form negative; fits exclamatory or abrupt contexts.
and do not — Connects a negative command to a preceding clause smoothly.
must not — Stronger deontic force; stresses obligation to refrain.

BDB419 H408

BDB418 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB420

II. אַל adverb of negation (so Phoenician e.g. CISi.3,4.5.8, Biblical Aramaic, Sabean (DHMZMG 1875, 596), and in the Ethiopic albo, is not), denying however, not objectively as a fact (like לֹא οὐ), but subjectively as a wish (like μή), expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition:
  a.
   (a) with a verb, which is then always an imperfect (never an imperative), by preference in the cohortative or jussive mood, where this is in use, and may be of any person or number; Gen 15:1 and often אַלתִּֿירָא fear not! Gen 22:12 אַלתִּֿשְׁלַח יָָֽדְךָ put not forth thy hand, Gen 37:27 וְיָדֵנוּ אַלתְּֿהִיבֿוֺ and let not our hand be upon him, Gen 21:16 אַלאֶֿרְאֶה let me not look upon the death of the lad! Ps 25:2 אַלאֵֿבוֺשָׁה let me not be ashamed; with 1 plural (rare) 2Sam 13:25; Jer 18:18; Jonah 1:14. In an imprecation: Gen 49:4 אַלתּֿוֺתַר have not thou the excellency! Ps 109:12; Job 3:4; Job 3:6. Sometimes strengthened by נָא : Gen 13:8; Gen 18:3 and elsewhere
   (b) without a verb, (α) 2Sam 1:21 let (there be) not dew & not rain upon you! Isa 62:6; Ps 83:1. (β) used absolutely, in deprecation Gen 19:18; 2Sam 13:16 (see below אוֺדָה) 2Kgs 3:13; 2Kgs 4:16; 2Kgs 6:27 (see RVm: but possibly to be explained by Dr§ 152 iii; so Th Ke: hardly as Ew§ 355 b) Ruth 1:13 אַל בְּנֹתַי Nay, my daughters, compare Judg 19:23 (γ) after a preceding imperative Amos 5:14; Joel 2:13; Prov 8:10, a jussive Prov 27:2, an infinitive absolute Prov 27:2. (χ) in poetry אַל sometimes expresses vividly the emotion or sympathy of the poet (see Dr§ 56-8); Isa 2:9 וְאַלתִּֿשָּׂא לָהֶם and forgive them not! (with a touch of passion), Ps 41:3; Prov 3:25; Job 5:22; Ps 34:6 (but ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Ew Che here read וּפְנֵיכֶם, probably rightly); Ps 50:3 a may our God come וְאַלֿ יֶ֫חֱשָרשׁ and not be silent! (the psalmist identifying himself with a spectator of the scene vPs 50:2; Ps 50:3 b-c) Ps 121:3 (contrast vPs 121:4 לֹא) Jer 46:6 +.
  b. once Prov 12:28 joined closely to a substantive (compare לֹא 2 b) to express with emphasis its negation: In the way of righteousness is life, and in the pathway therecf אַלמָֿוֶת there is no-death! i.e. immortality.
  c. once Job 24:25 used in poetry as a substantive, And bring my words לְאַל to nought!

N.B. 1Sam 27:10 אַלפְּֿשַׁטְתֶּם הַיּוֺם, אַל with the perfect is against all analogy; and either אֶלמִֿי (with ᵐ5. ᵑ9), or better אָן whither? (with ᵑ6 ᵑ7 : see 1Sam 10:14) must be read.


BDB9298 H409 H408

BDB9297 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9299

אַל adverb of prohibition, do not . . ., let not . . ., followed by imperfect ( = Biblical Hebrew I. אַל; Zenjirli אל (Had22. 23. 29) Cooke160 f.; compare Pahlavi (GGA, 1884, 1016); not ᵑ7 Syriac); — Dan 2:24 אַלֹתְּֿהוֺבֵד, Dan 4:16; Dan 5:10.

not, neither, no, nor, nay, …
ʾal
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
  • not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference)
    • do not, let not (with a verb)
    • "let there not be (with a verb understood)"not, no (with substantive)"nothing (as substantive)

יָמֹ֑ת
יָמֹ֑ת
Root word die, died, dead, death, surely, …
Dictionary form: מוּת · moot

Verb — Qal, Jussive, third person masculine singular simple action — "he did" a wish or command — try "let him ___" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

In the KJV here: die
die ×66 died ×63 be put to death ×33 shall die ×33 was dead ×28 and died ×26 and he died ×17 dead ×16
More options
die — Most direct rendering; suits most narrative and legal contexts.
perish — Slightly more elevated; good for poetic or lament passages.
be put to death — Use for judicial or commanded execution contexts.
be killed — Passive; fits violent or caused-death scenarios.
lose one's life — Idiomatic; natural in dialogue or reflective speech.
face death — Vivid; suits warnings or imminent-death situations.

BDB4561 H4191

BDB4560 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4562

מוּת verb die (Late Hebrew id. (rare); Assyrian mâtu DlHWB 395, Arabic , Ethiopic , Aramaic מוּת, מִית, ; Nabataean מות EutNab 14, 6; Zinjirli מת DHMSendsch. Glossary); —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular מֵת Gen 42:38 +; 3 feminine singular מֵ֫תָה Gen 35:18 +; 2 masculine singular מַתֶּה Ezek 28:8 1 singular וָמַ֑תִּי Gen 19:19 3 masculine plural מֵ֫תוּ Gen 7:22 +; 1 plural מַתְנוּ Num 14:2; 2Kgs 7:4 מָ֑תְנוּ Num 14:9 +; Imperfect יָמוּת Gen 38:11 +; יָמֹ֑ת Deut 33:6 +; וַיָּ֫מָת Gen 11:28 +; 1 singular אָמוּת Gen 26:9 +; אָמֻת 2Sam 19:38 אָמוּ֫תָה Gen 46:30 3 masculine plural יָמ֫וּתוּ 1Sam 2:23 +; יְמֻתוּן Num 16:29 3 feminine plural תְּמוּתֶ֫נָה Ezek 13:19 (Ges«GKC:72»§ 72, 5) +; Imperative מֻת Deut 32:50; Job 2:9 Infinitive absolute מוֺת Gen 2:17 +; construct מוּת Gen 25:32 +; suffix מוּתִי 2Sam 19:1 מֻתָן 2Sam 20:3, etc.; Participle מֵת Gen 20:3 +; suffix מֵתִי Gen 23:4 +; feminine singular מֵתָה Gen 30:1; Zech 11:9 plural מֵתִים Exod 12:33 +; construct מֵתֵי Isa 22:2 +; suffix מֵתֶיךָ Isa 26:19
1. die, of natural or other causes:
  a. (1) of man, וַיִּגְוִע וַיָּמָת and he expired and died Gen 25:8 ( + בְּשֵׂיבֶה טוֺבָה, see below), vGen 25:17; Gen 35:29 (P); וַיָּמָת וַיִּקָּבֵר Judg 10:2; Judg 10:5; Judg 8:32; Judg 12:7; Judg 12:10; Judg 12:12; Judg 12:15; 2Sam 17:23 וימלך תַּחְתָּיו וימת and he died and — reigned in his stead Gen 36:33; Gen 36:34; Gen 36:35; Gen 36:36; Gen 36:37; Gen 36:38; Gen 36:39 (P), 2Sam 10:1 = 1Chr 19:1; 2Kgs 1:17; 2Kgs 8:15; 2Kgs 13:24; 1Chr 1:44; 1Chr 1:45; 1Chr 1:46; 1Chr 1:47; 1Chr 1:48; 1Chr 1:49; 1Chr 1:50 וימת בְּשֵׂיבָה טוֺבָה and he died in a good old age 1Chr 29:28 (+ Gen 25:8, see above); as the result of smiting הכה Exod 21:18; Exod 21:20; Exod 21:22 (E); + במלחמה Deut 20:5; Deut 20:6; Deut 20:7; 2Sam 19:11 בַּחֶרֶב Jer 11:22 ברעב vJer 11:22 מפני הדעב Jer 38:9 בְּדֶבֶר Jer 21:6 באבן Num 35:17; Num 35:23 (P); בַּמַּגֵּפָה Num 14:37; Num 17:14; Num 25:9 (P). (2) figurative of wisdom, תָּמוּת חָכְמָה עִמָּכֶם Job 12:22 of courage, וַיָּמָת לִבּוֺ בְּקִרְבּוֺ and his heart died within him 1Sam 25:37. — 2Sam 2:31 strike out מֵ֑תוּ We Dr Kit Bu, compare ᵐ5.
  b. of animals Lev 11:39 cattle Gen 33:13 (J), fish Exod 7:18 (E), frogs Exod 8:9 (J), lion Eccl 9:4, worm Isa 66:24 כֶּלֶב מֵת, dead dog (in proverb) 1Sam 24:15; 2Sam 9:8; 2Sam 16:9.
  c. a tree Job 14:8.
  d. זִבְחֵי מֵתִים Ps 106:28 sacrifices to the dead (idols).
2. die as a penalty = be put to death:
  a. by human authority Gen 42:20; Exod 10:28; Exod 21:14 (E), Gen 44:9; Josh 2:14 (J), Lev 20:20 (H), Num 35:12; Num 35:30 (twice in verse) (P), especially D, Deut 17:2; Deut 17:6; Deut 18:20; Deut 19:12; Deut 22:22; Deut 22:25; Deut 24:7; Judg 6:30; 1Sam 14:43; 1Sam 14:45 (twice in verse); 1Sam 19:24; Jer 38:24 מוֺת יָּמּוּת, die = be put to a violent death ( > AV RV surely die), 1Sam 14:39; 1Sam 14:44; 1Sam 22:16; 1Kgs 2:37; 1Kgs 2:42 (all Judaic), Jer 26:8, all of capital punishment; 2Kgs 8:10 (Ehpraimitic source) cf assassination; מוֺת יוּמַת be put to a violent death, in the codes of Exod 21:12; Exod 21:15; Exod 21:16; Exod 21:17; Exod 22:18 (E), Lev 20:2; Lev 20:9; Lev 20:10; Lev 20:11; Lev 20:12; Lev 20:13; Lev 20:15; Lev 20:16; Lev 20:27; Lev 24:16; Lev 24:17 (H), Exod 31:14; Exod 31:15; Num 15:35; Num 35:16; Num 35:17; Num 35:18; Num 35:21; Num 35:31; Lev 27:29 (P; never in D; D uses verb, either Qal or Hiph`il, without infinitive absolute); it is used in narratives Gen 26:11 (J), Exod 19:12 (E), Judg 21:5. ׳מ is preceded by רגם Num 15:36 (P), Deut 21:21; 1Kgs 12:18 = 2Chr 10:18; 1Kgs 21:13 סקל Deut 13:11; Deut 17:5; Deut 22:21; Deut 22:24; Deut 1:10; Deut 1:13; Deut 1:14; Deut 1:15 פגע 1Kgs 2:25; 1Kgs 2:46 רמס 2Kgs 7:17; 2Kgs 7:20 בְּיַד גֹּאֵל Josh 20:9 (P).
  b. inflicted by God, Gen 20:3; Gen 20:19; Josh 10:11 (E), Gen 3:3; Gen 38:11; Exod 11:5; Exod 12:36 (J), Exod 28:35; Exod 30:20 (twice in verse); Lev 8:35; Lev 10:2; Lev 10:6; Lev 10:7; Lev 10:9; Lev 16:1; Lev 16:2; Lev 16:13; Num 3:4; Num 4:19; Num 4:20; Num 14:35; Num 17:14; Num 17:28; Num 17:35; Num 18:3; Num 18:32; Num 26:11; Num 26:61 (P), Deut 5:22 (twice in verse); Deut 18:16; Judg 6:23; 1Sam 5:12; 1Sam 12:19; 1Sam 25:17; 1Sam 25:38; 1Sam 25:39; 2Sam 6:7; 2Sam 12:13; 1Kgs 19:4; 2Kgs 14:6 = 2Chr 25:4; 1Chr 24:2; 2Chr 13:20; 2Kgs 19:35 = Isa 37:36; Ezek 3:20; Ezek 18:4; Ezek 18:20; Ezek 18:21; Ezek 18:28; Ezek 33:15 מוֺת יָמוּת Gen 2:17; Gen 3:4 (J), Gen 20:7 (E), Judg 13:21; Judg 13:22; 2Sam 12:14; 2Sam 14:14; 2Kgs 1:4; 2Kgs 1:6; 2Kgs 1:16 (all Judaic), Num 26:65 (P), Ezek 3:18; Ezek 33:8; Ezek 33:14 מוֺת יוּמַת Ezek 18:13, ביד יהוה Exod 16:3 (P); בחטא Lev 22:9 (H), Num 27:3 (P), 2Kgs 14:6 = 2Chr 25:4 לשׂאת חטא למות Num 18:22 (P); בחטאת Ezek 3:20; Ezek 18:24 בטמאה Lev 15:21 (P); ביון Jer 31:30; Ezek 3:18; Ezek 3:19; Ezek 18:17; Ezek 18:18; Ezek 33:8; Ezek 33:9 לא ישׂאו עון זמתו Exod 28:43; Num 4:15 (P); בעול Ezek 18:26; Ezek 33:13; Ezek 33:18 על עול Ezek 18:26 במעל 1Chr 10:13.
  c. die, perish, of a nation by divine judgment, Moab Amos 2:2, Ephraim Hos 13:1 בית ישׂראל Ezek 18:31; Ezek 33:1.
  d. die prematurely, by neglect of wise moral conduct Prov 5:23; Prov 10:21; Prov 15:10; Prov 19:16; Prov 23:13 EC Prov 7:17. —

Note. On (לַבֵּן) עַלמֿוּת Ps 9:1; Ps 48:15 see עַלְמָה below II. עלם.

Po`lel. Perfect 3 masculine singular suffix מוֺתְתַנִי Jer 20:17 1 singular מֹתַתִּי 2Sam 1:16 Imperfect 3 masculine singular suffix יְמֹתְתֵהוּ 1Sam 17:51 3 feminine singular תְּמוֺתֵת Ps 34:22 1 singular suffix אֲמֹתְתֵהוּ 2Sam 1:10 Imperative suffix מוֺתְתֵנִי Judg 9:54 מֹתְתֵנִי 2Sam 1:9 infinitive מוֺתֵת Ps 109:16 Participle מְמוֺתֵת 1Sam 14:13kill, put to death, despetch (intensive), absolute 1Sam 14:13, elsewhere with accusative Judg 9:54; 1Sam 17:51; 2Sam 1:9; 2Sam 1:10; 2Sam 1:16; Jer 20:17; Ps 34:22; Ps 109:16.

Hiph`il Perfect 3 masculine singular הֵמִית Judg 16:30 +; suffix וֶהֱמִתָ֑נִי 2Sam 14:32 הֱמִיתָם Jer 41:8 3 feminine singular sf . הֱמִיתָ֑תְהוּ 2Chr 22:11 2 masculine singular הֵמַתָּה Num 14:15 1 singular suffix הֲמִיתִּיו (read הֲמִתִּיו) 1Sam 17:35 3 masculine plural הֵמִיתוּ 1Sam 30:2 +, etc.; Imperfect יָמִית Num 35:19 +; וַיָּ֫מֶת Gen 38:10 +; suffix יְמִיתֵהוּ 1Kgs 13:24 +; יְמִתֶנּוּ Num 35:19 +; Imperative suffix הֲמִיתֵנִי 1Sam 20:8 plural הָמִיתוּ 1Sam 22:17 Infinitive absolute הָמֵת 2Kgs 11:15 +; construct הָמִית Lev 20:4 +; Participle מֵמִית 1Sam 2:6 pl, מְמִיתִים 2Kgs 17:26; Job 33:22 מְמִתִים Jer 26:15kill, put to death

1. absolute Job 9:23, elsewhere with accusative, subject man,
  a. of killing men in personal combat, or in war, often preceded by הכּה smite Josh 10:26; Josh 11:17; Josh 17:50 +; of destroying a city 2Sam 20:19 (|| השׁחית v2Sam 20:20).
  b. by authority, especially in capital punishment Exod 1:16 (E), Lev 20:4 (H), Num 35:19 (twice in verse); Num 35:21 (P), Deut 9:10; Deut 17:7; Judg 20:13; 1Sam 11:12; 1Sam 28:9; 2Sam 14:7; 2Sam 14:32; 2Sam 21:4; 1Kgs 2:26; 1Kgs 2:34; 1Kgs 11:40; 1Kgs 19:17 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 14:6 = 2Chr 25:4; Isa 11:4; Jer 26:15; Jer 26:21; Jer 26:24; Jer 38:15; Jer 38:16; Jer 38:25; Esth 4:11 בַּחֶרֶב 1Kgs 1:51; 1Kgs 2:8; 2Kgs 11:20 = 2Chr 23:21 הָמֵת יָמִית Judg 15:13; 1Kgs 3:26; 1Kgs 3:27; Jer 26:19; Jer 38:15.
2. subject God, by inflicting penalty, absolute Deut 32:39; 1Sam 2:6; 2Kgs 5:7, elsewhere with accusative Gen 18:25; Gen 38:7; Gen 38:10; Exod 4:24; Num 14:15 (J), Deut 9:28; Judg 13:23; 1Sam 2:25; 1Sam 5:10; 1Sam 5:11; 1Chr 2:3; 1Chr 10:14; Isa 65:15; Hos 9:16 ברעב Isa 14:30 בצמא Hos 2:5 of killing fish Ps 105:29 מְמִיתִים Job 33:22 executioners, angels of death.
3. of animals killing men, e.g. ox Exod 21:29 (E), lion 1Kgs 13:24; 1Kgs 13:26; 2Kgs 17:26.
4. bring to a premature death Prov 19:18; Prov 21:25.

Hoph`al Perfect הוּמָ֑ת 2Kgs 11:2 +; 3 masculine plural הֻמְתוּ 2Sam 21:9 Imperfect יוּמַת Lev 20:10 +; יוּמָ֑ת Gen 26:11 +; Participle מוּמָת 1Sam 19:11, plural מוּמָתִים 2Kgs 11:2 (Qr), 2Chr 22:11be killed, put to death:

1. by conspiracy 2Kgs 11:2 (twice in verse) = 2Chr 22:11; 2Kgs 11:8; 2Kgs 11:15; 2Kgs 11:16; 2Chr 23:7; 2Chr 23:14.
2. by capital punishment Exod 21:29 (E), Exod 35:2; Num 1:15; Num 3:10; Num 3:38; Num 18:7 (P), Lev 19:20; Lev 24:16; Lev 24:21 (H), Deut 13:6; Deut 17:6 (twice in verse); Deut 21:22; Deut 24:16 (3 t. in verse) = 2Kgs 14:6 (twice in verse), Josh 1:18 (all D) Judg 6:31; 1Sam 11:13; 1Sam 19:6; 1Sam 19:11; 1Sam 20:32; 2Sam 19:22; 2Sam 19:23; 2Sam 21:9; 2Sam 1:24; 2Sam 2:13; , and the phrase מוֺת יוּמת (see Qal 2a).
3. by divine infliction, in the phrase מות יוּמת (see Qal 2b).
4. die prematurely Prov 19:16.


BDB9653 H4191 H4193

BDB9652 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9654

מוֺת noun [masculine] death (ᵑ7 Syriac; see Biblical Hebrew); — absolute Ezra 7:26.


מָזוֺן see זון.

die, died, dead, death, surely, …
mût
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
  • to die, kill, have one executed
    • (Qal)
      • to die
      • "to die (as penalty), be put to death"to die, perish (of a nation)"to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct)
      (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch"(Hiphil) to kill, put to death"(Hophal)
      • to be killed, be put to death
        • to die prematurely

וִ יהִ֥י
וִ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
יהִ֥י
Root word be, pass, was, were, came, …
Dictionary form: הָיָה · haw-YAW

Verb — Qal, Jussive, third person masculine singular simple action — "he did" a wish or command — try "let him ___" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

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

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

מְתָ֖י ו
מְתָ֖י
Root word men, few, friends, number, persons, …
ו
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Dictionary form: מַת · maht

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

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

BDB4890 H4962 H4974

BDB4889 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4891

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

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


BDB9194 H4974 H4962

BDB9193 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB9195

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


תֵּמָן, תֵּמָנִי see תֵּימָן below ימן.


תִּמְנָה, תִּמְנָ֫תָה, תִּמְנִי, תִּמְנַת see מנה.


תִּמְנָע see מָנַע. תֶּ֫מֶס see מסס.

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

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

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

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

BDB5700 H4557

BDB5699 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5701

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

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

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

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.
יְחִ֥י רְאוּבֵ֖ן Tipeha — a lesser break וְאַל יָמֹ֑ת Etnahta — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וִיהִ֥י מְתָ֖יו Tipeha — a lesser break מִסְפָּֽר Silluq — end of the verse

יְחִי רְאוּבֵן וְאַל-יָמֹת וִיהִי מְתָיו מִסְפָּֽר׃
6
Let Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few.
Cross References

Numbers 32:31

וַיַּֽעֲנוּ בְנֵי-גָד וּבְנֵי רְאוּבֵן לֵאמֹר אֵת אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה אֶל-עֲבָדֶיךָ כֵּן נַֽעֲשֶֽׂה׃
31
And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do.

Genesis 49:8

יְהוּדָה אַתָּה יוֹדוּךָ אַחֶיךָ יָֽדְךָ בְּעֹרֶף אֹֽיְבֶיךָ יִשְׁתַּחֲוּוּ לְךָ בְּנֵי אָבִֽיךָ׃
8
Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.

Joshua 22:1

אָז יִקְרָא יְהוֹשֻׁעַ לָרֽאוּבֵנִי וְלַגָּדִי וְלַֽחֲצִי מַטֵּה מְנַשֶּֽׁה׃
1
Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh,

Genesis 49:3

רְאוּבֵן בְּכֹרִי אַתָּה כֹּחִי וְרֵאשִׁית אוֹנִי יֶתֶר שְׂאֵת וְיֶתֶר עָֽז׃
3
Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: