Deuteronomy 5:10

וְ עֹ֤֥שֶׂה

וְ

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

עֹ֤֥שֶׂה

Root word do, made, done, did, make, …

Dictionary form: עָשָׂה · aw-SAW

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

In the KJV here: and shewing

did ×123 do ×108 made ×86 to do ×85 and do ×61 he did ×59 and he made ×54 and thou shalt make ×45

More options

do — Broadest default; fits commands, descriptions, and narrative.

make — Prefer when the result is a crafted or constructed object.

perform — Good for rituals, duties, vows, or formal acts.

carry out — Emphasizes completing a directive or plan.

execute — Suits legal, judicial, or administrative actions.

accomplish — Highlights successful completion of a goal.

BDB6428 H6213

I. עָשָׂה₂₆₂₂ verb do, make (Late Hebrew = Biblical Hebrew; MI^{23, 26} עשתי, l.³; l.⁹ ואעש, l.²⁴ Imperative עשו; Old Hebrew proper name עשיו, אלעשה, מעשיהו; not Aramaic, and not certainly found in South Semitic languages; on Sabean see especially DHM^{SB Berl. Akkadian 1886, 849}); —

Qal₂₅₂₄ Perfect 3 masculine singular Gen 3:1 +, suffix עָשָׂהוּ Hos 8:6 +; 3 feminine singular עָֽשְׂתָה Deut 22:21 +, וְעָשָׂת consecutive Lev 25:21 2 masculine singular עָשִׂיתָ Gen 3:14 +, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יַעֲשֶׂה Gen 18:25 +, וַיַּעֲשֶׂה 1Kgs 16:25 + 3 t., וַיַּעַשׂ Isa 5:2 +; יַעֲשֵׂה Isa 64:3, 2 masculine singular תַּעֲשֶׂה 1Sam 10:8, תַּעֲשֵׂה Gen 26:29; Josh 7:9, jussive (with אַל) תַּעַשׂ Gen 22:12 +, תַּעֲשֵׂה 2Sam 13:12; Jer 40:16 Qr (Kt תַּעַשׂ); 1 singular אֶעֱשֶׂה Gen 2:18 +, וָאֶעֱשֶׂה Ezek 20:14; Dan 8:27, וָאַעַשׂ Deut 10:3 + 4 t. Ezekiel; etc.; Imperative masculine singular עֲשֵׂה Judg 10:15 +; feminine singular עֲשִׂי Jer 6:26 +, etc.; Infinitive absolute עָשׂה Jer 44:17 +; עָשׂוֺ Jer 7:5 + 2 t. (Jer 4:18 van d. H. עָשׂוּ); construct עֲשׂוֺת Gen 2:4 +, עֲשׂה Gen 50:20 + 2 t., עֲשׂוֺ Gen 31:28, suffix עֲשׂתוֺ Gen 41:32 +, עֲשׂהוּ Exod 18:18, etc.; Participle active עשֶֹׁה Isa 5:5 +, suffix הָעשֹׁוֺ Job 40:19 (but see below); plural עשִֹׁים Gen 24:49 +; suffix עשָֹׁ֑י Job 35:10 (yet see Ges^{«GKC:124k»§ 124k}), etc.; passive עָשׂוּי Exod 3:16 +, הֶעָשׂוּ Job 41:25 (Ges^{«GKC:75k»§ 75k}); feminine עֲשׂוּיָה Ezek 21:20 +, etc.; —

I. 1. do (1560 + t.):
a. (1) with accusative active Gen 3:14 (J) Gen 20:10 (E) + often; do right in eyes of ׳י 2Kgs 12:3; 2Kgs 14:13 +, evil 2Kgs 8:18; 2Kgs 8:27 + (compare I. עַיִן 3 c); do God's commands, statutes, etc., Deut 16:12; Deut 30:8; Num 15:39 (P); חַיִל ׳ע 1Sam 14:48 + do might, i.e. mightily, valiantly; Prov 31:39 do efficiency, i.e. efficiently; = commit (offence) Lev 20:13 (H), Deut 20:18 followed by מִן particle, וְעָשָׂה מֵאַחַת מֵהֵנָּה Lev 4:2 and shall do a single one of them (things prohibited; see מִן 3 b
(d)), compare ׳וְעָשׂוּ אַחַת מִכָּלמִֿצְוֺת י vLev 4:13 vLev 4:22; Lev 5:17 (all P); do = perform a work, with accusative of congnate meaning with verb מַעֲשֶׂה Exod 18:20; Exod 23:12 (E), also (׳י subject) Deut 11:7; Dan 9:14; Eccl 3:11 with accusative מְלָאכָה Gen 2:2 (twice in verse) (J), Exod 20:9; Exod 20:10 = Deut 9:13 (10 Words); with accusative דְּרָכֶיךָ Isa 58:13 מְלוּכָה עַל ׳ע 1Kgs 21:7 = exercise sovereignty over; of ׳י performing signs (אֹתֹת) Josh 24:17 (E), Num 14:11; Num 14:22 (JE), Deut 11:3, so Moses Exod 4:17 and (מֹפְתִים) vExod 4:21. (2) do something to one (ל person) Gen 20:9 (E), Judg 9:56 +; with עַל reflexive Jer 26:19 do evil against ourselves; especially ׳י subject, with לְ, do good to Exod 18:9 (E), 2Kgs 8:66, or evil Gen 42:28 (E); in phrase so may God do to me, etc. 1Sam 3:17; 2Kgs 6:31 + (see יסף

Hiph`il 1.). (3) do something for one (ל person) Gen 30:31; 1Kgs 11:8 +, direct object omitted 1Sam 20:4 + ל of thing Judg 21:7; Judg 21:16 what shall we do for them, for wives ? with עַל person Neh 5:19 with dativus ethicus [dative of interest] (ל) 1Sam 10:7 with לְ, of ׳י doing kindness for 1Sam 22:3 executing vengeance for Judg 11:36 (+ מִן of enemy); ׳י doing a sign (אוֺת) for Judg 6:17 (elsewhere נָתַן אוֺת לְ), compare עֲשֵׂהעִֿמִּי אוֺת לְטוֺבָה Ps 86:17. (4) do something (in relation or intercourse) wilth (אֵת person), ׳י subject Deut 1:30 all that he did with you, Deut 10:21 (compare Ps 86:17 above), human subject 2Chr 24:24 (object שְׁפָטִים), Ruth 2:11. (5) seldom with ב, usually of executing judgment upon 1Sam 28:18; Isa 48:14, more generally Esth 1:15 what shall we do with the queen ? also, subject ׳י, Ezek 25:11; Ezek 28:26; Ps 149:7; Ps 149:9; Num 33:4 (on false gods); in good sense, ׳חֲסָדִים בּ ׳ע Neh 13:14. (6) of ׳י doing the justice (מִשְׁפַּט) of any one, i.e. maintaining his cause 1Kgs 8:45; 1Kgs 8:49; Ps 9:5. (7) with adverb do thus, כֹּה, Josh 6:14 (JE), according to, כְּ Gen 6:22 (P), Gen 18:21 (J), 1Kgs 2:6 accusative as, כַּאֲשֶׁר Gen 27:19 (J); Exod 1:17 (E) +; with בְּ of manner, Judg 9:16a, Ezek 8:18; Ezek 25:15.
b. work for (ל of thing) Gen 30:30 (J); with ל person 1Sam 14:6; Ezek 29:20 (for ׳י); work in (ב) gold or other material 1Kgs 7:14; 2Chr 2:6; 2Chr 2:13; Exod 31:4; Exod 31:5; Exod 35:32 (all P); with בָּהּ (i.e. בָּעֲבֹדָה) Exod 5:9 (J) in toil; work with (עִם) God 1Sam 14:45, so probably of God's working with (אֵת) Moses and Aaron 1Sam 12:6 (usually appoint); with אֵת with (of person in whose company, in whose field Ruth 2:19 (twice in verse) (gleaning); work בְּחֵפֶץ כַּפֶּיהָ Prov 31:13 without preposition Exod 36:1; Neh 3:28.

2. deal with, with עִם, 2Chr 2:2; Dan 1:13 (כַּאֲשֶׁר accusative as); with אֵת, Ezek 20:44; Ps 109:21; Ezek 22:14; Zeph 3:19 (perhaps; Gr Now insert כָּלָה, see II 1 g), + כְּ Jer 21:2, + בְּ of manner Ezek 23:25; Ezek 23:29 with לְ person + בְּ Ezek 25:12 with בְּ person, Jer 18:23; Dan 11:7, + כְּ according to Neh 9:24; Esth 3:11.

3. often in phrase, do kindness (חֶסֶד) with: with (עִמָּדִ) עִם Gen 19:19; Gen 24:12; Gen 12:14 (J), Judg 1:24; Judg 8:35; 1Sam 15:6; 2Sam 2:5; 2Sam 10:2 = 1Chr 19:2 +; with עַל, 1Sam 20:8 (but read עִם Vrss We Dr and others); absolute, Ps 109:16 object חֶסֶד + אֱמֶת, with עִם, Josh 2:14 (JE) Judg 9:19; 2Sam 2:6 with אֵת with, Gen 24:49; Gen 32:11; Gen 47:29 (all J); with לְ, Exod 20:6 = Deut 5:10; 2Sam 22:51 = Ps 18:51 so טוֺב ׳ע, with עִם, Gen 26:29 (J), compare Judg 8:35; Judg 9:16 with אֵת with, 1Sam 24:19; 2Sam 2:6.

4. absolute act, act with effect, especially of ׳י, 1Kgs 8:32; 1Kgs 8:39; Jer 14:7; Ezek 20:9; Ezek 20:14; Ezek 20:22; Ps 22:32; Ps 37:5; Ps 52:11; Dan 9:19 of men 2Chr 31:21; Dan 8:12; Dan 8:24; Dan 11:28; Dan 11:30; Dan 11:32 with ל of person Ezek 31:11.

II. 1. make (670 + t.):
a. with object concrete, ark Gen 8:6, altar Gen 13:4, idols Judg 18:24; Judg 18:31 +, etc.
b. often of God's making (creating) Gen 3:1 (J), Gen 1:7; Gen 1:16; Gen 1:25 (P), Neh 9:6; Job 9:9; Prov 8:26; 2Chr 2:11; Ps 95:5 +; making man Ps 100:3; Ps 119:73 (made by God's hands), in the womb Job 31:15 (twice in verse); making, constituting, nation Deut 26:19; Deut 32:6; Deut 32:15 participle suffix עשֵֹׁהוּ his Maker Isa 17:7; Prov 14:31; Prov 17:5 (הָעשֹׁוֺ Job 40:19 is improbable, most read הֶעָשָׂוּי, with various interpretation of following words); עשֶֹׁךָ Isa 51:13, עשֵֹׁנִי Job 32:23 (Ginsb; vJob 32:22 van d. H. Baer), עשֵֹׁנוּ Ps 95:6 so apparently plural participle עשָֹׁ֑י Job 35:10, עשַֹׁיִךְ Isa 54:5 (Ges^{«GKC:124k»§ 124k} explanation as sg.).
c. make something, with לְ reflexive, make for thee Exod 20:4; Deut 9:12; Deut 10:1 +, for (ל) another 1Sam 2:19; 2Sam 7:11; 1Kgs 2:24 +; object מִשְׁתֶּה banquet Gen 40:20; Esth 5:4, also (no ל) Gen 29:22 (E) Judg 14:10; Esth 5:5; Esth 5:12 and (figurative, ׳י subject) Isa 25:6 with ל of thing, Deut 22:8 with ל of animal Gen 33:17 (J).
d. make a name (שֵׁם) for oneself (ל) 2Sam 7:9; 1Chr 17:8, also (no ל) 2Sam 8:13 a new heart for oneself (ל) Ezek 18:31.
e. make war with (אֶת) Gen 14:2; Josh 11:18 (D); with עִם, Deut 20:12; Deut 20:20; 1Chr 5:10; 1Chr 5:19 absolute 1Chr 22:8 with ל reflexive Prov 24:6 participle עשֵֹׁה מִלְחָמָה 2Chr 11:1; 2Chr 26:11; 2Chr 26:13 make peace, with ל person Josh 9:15 (J); אִתִּי בְרָכָה ׳ע 2Kgs 18:31 make an agreement with me. feminine with ב, ׳פֶּרֶץ בּ ׳ע Judg 21:15 ׳י brought a catastrophe upon (compare פרץ).
g. with 2 accusative, make something out of (accusative mater.) Exod 25:18; Exod 28:13; Exod 37:17; Exod 37:24; Song 3:10; Deut 10:3 +; make something into something (Ges^{«GKC:117ii»§ 117ii}) Hos 8:4; Gen 27:9; Judg 17:4; Num 11:8; Num 17:3; Ps 104:4 make something כָּלָה, i. e. utterly destroy it Nah 1:8; Zeph 1:18; Ezek 20:17; Neh 9:31 c. passive participle as 2nd accusative Exod 38:7 they made it נְבוּב לֻחֹת hollow with boards, Exod 39:9 but also with accusative + לְ, Hos 2:10 gold they made into (ל) the Baal, Judg 8:27; Exod 27:3 (P), Deut 9:14; Jer 37:15; Ezek 4:9; Isa 44:17; Isa 44:19 make something for (ל person), + מִן of material Song 3:9.

2. produce, yield: of grain, yielding meal Hos 8:7 (twice in verse), vineyard, grapes Isa 5:2 (twice in verse); Isa 5:4 (twice in verse); Isa 5:10, tree, fruit 2Kgs 19:30 = Isa 37:31; Hos 9:16; Jer 12:2; Jer 17:8; Ezek 17:23 (all figurative), Gen 1:11; Gen 1:12 (P); branches Job 14:9 and (figurative) Ezek 17:8 land, fruit Lev 25:21 compare Hab 3:17, absolute Gen 41:47 of seed Isa 5:10, vine, shoots Ezek 17:6 (figurative); of cows, yielding milk Isa 7:22 hippop. producing fat Job 15:27.

3. prepare, especially of dressing and cooking food, Gen 18:7; Gen 18:8; Judg 6:19; Judg 13:5; 1Sam 25:18 (passive), 2Sam 12:4 (twice in verse); Gen 27:14; Gen 27:17; Gen 27:31; 2Sam 13:5; 2Sam 13:7; 1Kgs 17:12; Exod 12:39 (+ ל reflexive); a bullock for sacrifice (see below) 1Kgs 18:23; 1Kgs 18:25; 1Kgs 18:26 כְּלֵי גוֺלָה Ezek 12:3 (+ ל reflexive); a chamber Neh 13:7 prepare to build (+ ל person and infinitive).

4. make offering, e.g. עוֺלָה Judg 13:16; Jer 33:18; Lev 16:24, עוֺלָה וָזֶבַח 2Kgs 5:17 (+ ל of deity), הַחַטָּאת Lev 14:19, אִשֶּׁה Num 15:3; Num 15:14, various offerings 1Kgs 8:64; Lev 9:22; Ezek 45:17; Ezek 46:2 +; + ׳לי to ׳י Lev 17:9 +; also with accusative of thing sacrificed (perhaps originally prepare or provide, see above) Ezek 43:25 (twice in verse); Ezek 46:15; Lev 14:30; Lev 15:15; Lev 15:30; Lev 16:9; Num 6:11; Num 6:17; Ps 66:15 (+ ל of deity) +; absolute = offer sacrifice Exod 10:25 (E + ׳לי), to (ל) heathen gods 2Kgs 17:32.

5. attend to, put in order: pare (the nails) Deut 21:12 wash (feet) 2Sam 19:25 trim (beard) v.2Sam 19:25 (compare French faire la barbe, German die Haare machen).

6. observe, celebrate, religious festival, e.g. passover Exod 12:48; Num 9:4; Num 9:6; Num 9:13; Josh 5:10, also (+ ׳לי) Exod 12:48; Num 9:10; Num 9:14 (all P), Deut 16:1 +; sabbath Exod 31:16; Deut 5:15 feast of weeks Deut 16:10, booths Deut 16:13, Purim Esth 9:21; Esth 9:27, etc.

7. acquire property of various kinds (compare 'make money') Gen 12:5; Gen 31:5 (J), Isa 15:7; Jer 17:11; Jer 48:36; Deut 8:18; Ezek 22:18; Ezek 28:4 (twice in verse); Ezek 38:12; 2Chr 32:29; Eccl 2:8 + ל reflexive Deut 8:17; 2Sam 15:1; 1Kgs 1:5 of fruits from vineyards, etc. Ps 107:37.

8. appoint priests 1Kgs 12:31; 1Kgs 13:33; 2Chr 2:17 (all + מִן source), a feast 1Kgs 12:32; 1Kgs 12:33 (+ ל person); ordain a sacrifice Num 28:6, a festal day Ps 118:24 institute, אוֺב וְיִדְּעֹנִי ghost and familiar spirit 2Kgs 21:6 = 2Chr 33:6 (compare Dr^{Deut 18:11}).

9. bring about, of ׳י's effecting a deliverance Exod 14:13 (לָכֶם), 1Sam 11:13; 2Sam 23:10 (insert also || 1Chr 11:13 Dr), v1Chr 11:12 cause, followed by clause with שֶׁ Eccl 3:14.

10. use, לִמְלַאכְתּוֺ ׳וְע 1Sam 8:16 passive Exod 38:24.

11. spend, pass, days of life Eccl 6:12. Niph`al₉₇ Perfect 3 masculine singular נַעֲשָׂה Judg 16:11 +; 3 feminine singular נֶעֶשְׂתָה 2Sam 17:23 +, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יֵעָשֶׂה Gen 29:26 +, 3 feminine singular with ו subordinate וְתֵעָשׂ Esth 5:6; Esth 7:2; Esth 9:12 (Ges^{«GKC:109»§ 109} f.), etc.; Infinitive construct הֵעָשׂוֺת Esth 9:1; Esth 9:14, etc., Participle נַעֲשֶׂה Neh 5:18, etc.; —

1. be done (passive of Qal I 1):
a. subject מְלָאכָה Judg 16:11 (with ב instrumental), Neh 6:16 (with מֵאֵת אֱלֹהִים ), vNeh 6:9; Exod 12:16 + 4 t.; subject omitted Ezek 44:14, indefinite Esth 4:1 with כֵּן Esth 9:14 be done, כַּתּוֺרָה Ezra 10:3 be committed, of offence, Deut 13:15; Num 15:24; Eccl 4:1 + 3 t.; with negative not (yet) done, i.e. future Isa 46:10 be accomplished, performed, fulfilled Ezek 12:35; Ezek 12:38; Dan 11:36; Esth 5:5; Esth 7:2; Esth 9:12 be executed, carried out, of sentence Eccl 8:11, decree Esth 9:1 be followed, of counsel 2Sam 17:28 nearly = occur Eccl 1:9 (twice in verse); Eccl 1:13; Eccl 9:3; Eccl 9:6, subject מַעֲשֶׂה Eccl 1:14; Eccl 2:17; Eccl 4:3; Eccl 8:9; Eccl 8:17, subject הֶבֶל vEccl 8:14, עִנְיָן vEccl 8:15.
b. Imperfect with negative, is (are) not done, not according to usage, of flagrant offences Gen 20:9 (E), Gen 29:26 (with כֵּן), Gen 34:7 (both J), 2Sam 13:12 (כֵּן); hence (P) not to be done, forbidden by ׳י Lev 4:2; Lev 4:13; Lev 4:22; Lev 4:27; Lev 5:17.
c. be done to, with ל of animal 1Sam 11:7 (כֹּה); ל person Exod 2:4 (E) Exod 21:31 (E; כַּמִּשְׁפָּט), Isa 3:11; Jer 5:13 (כֹּה), Lev 24:19 (H; כֵּן), Num 15:34 (P) + 8 t.; be done for, ל person Judg 11:37; Esth 6:3, עִם person vEsth 6:3 ל of thing Num 15:11 (כָּכָה).
d. be done upon, against (ב) Dan 9:12.

2. (passive of Qal II):
a. be made, of conr. things 1Kgs 10:20 = 2Chr 9:19 (throne), Jer 3:16 (ark), 2Kgs 12:14; Ezek 43:18; Exod 25:31; Num 4:36 (P); with accusative mat; Lev 2:7.
b. be produced from (מִן) vine Num 6:4.
c. be prepared, of food Exod 12:16; Lev 6:14; Lev 7:9 (all P), Neh 5:18 (twice in verse).
d. be offered, מִנְחָה Lev 2:8; Lev 2:11, kid Num 28:15; Num 28:24.
e. be observed, passover 2Kgs 24:22; 2Kgs 24:23 (ל of deity) = 2Chr 35:18; 2Chr 35:19 Purim Esth 9:28. feminine be used + ל of thing Lev 7:24 (P); Lev 13:51 (P) Ezek 15:5 (twice in verse). Pu`al Perfect 1 singular עֻשֵּׂיתִי Ps 139:15 I was made.

BDB6436 H6213

II. [עָשָׂה] verb Pi`el press, squeeze (Late Hebrew עִשָּׂה Pi`el compel; ᵑ7 עַסִּי Pa`el crush, gnash (teeth); compare Arabic compress a woman); — Perfect 3 plural עִשּׂוּ דַּדֵּי בְּתוּלִים Ezek 23:3; Ezek 23:8 (unchaste act); Infinitive construct בַּעֲשׂוֺתדַּ֗֗֗דַּיִךְ vEzek 23:21 read Pi`el בְּעַשּׂוֺת (Ew Co Toy, and others).

do, made, done, did, make, …

ʿāśâ

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

to do, fashion, accomplish, make

(Qal)

to do, work, make, produce

to do

to make

to be done

חֶ֖֙סֶד֙

Root word mercy, kindness, lovingkindness, mercies, goodness, …

Dictionary form: חֵסֵד · hay-SADE

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: mercy

his mercy ×45 mercy ×28 kindness ×21 thy lovingkindness ×8 and mercy ×7 thy mercy ×7 of thy mercy ×6 kindly ×5

More options

faithful love — Most scholarly modern default; captures covenant loyalty dimension.

steadfast love — Common in academic translations (RSV, NRSV); emphasizes reliability.

loving kindness — Two-word modernization of KJV compound; warm, devotional register.

mercy — Prefer when context stresses pardon or compassion over covenant.

kindness — Best for interpersonal, non-theological contexts (e.g. Ruth).

loyalty — Use when covenant obligation is the primary emphasis.

BDB2965 H2617

חֶ֫סֶד: 247 noun masculine^{2Sam 16:17} goodness, kindness; — absolute ׳ח Gen 24:12 + 85 t.; חָ֑סֶד Gen 39:21 + 12 t.; construct חֶסֶד 1Sam 20:14 + 8 t.; suffix חַסְדִּי Ps 59:18 + 120 t. suffixes; plural חֲסָדִים Gen 32:11 construct חַסֵדֵי Isa 55:3 + 5 t. (Baer^{Jes p. 79} Ges^{«GKC:93»§ 93}, R, 1. F.); suffix חֲסָדַי Neh 13:14 + 10t. suffixes; (not in H or P). I. of man:

1. kindness of men towards men, in doing favours and benefits 1Sam 20:15; 2Sam 16:17; Ps 141:5; Prov 19:22; Prov 20:6 יהוה ׳ח 1Sam 20:14 the kindness of ׳י (such as he shews, Thes MV; that sworn to by oath to Yahweh Mich Dathe; shewn out of reverence to Yahweh Th Ke); compare אלהים ׳ח 2Sam 9:3 ׳תּוֺרַתאח Prov 31:26 instruction in kindness, kindly instruction עָשָׂה חֶסֶד עִמָּדִי do or shew kindness (in dealing) with me Gen 20:13; Gen 40:14 (E), 1Sam 20:14; 2Sam 10:2 (עִמִּי in || 1Chr 19:2); with עִם Gen 21:23 (E), Gen 24:12; Gen 24:14; Josh 2:12 (twice in verse); Judg 1:24 (J), Judg 8:35; 1Sam 15:6; 1Sam 2:5; 1Sam 3:8; 1Sam 9:1; 1Sam 9:3a = 1Chr 19:2a, 1Chr 19:2b 2Chr 24:22 with עַל 1Sam 20:8 with לְ 1Kgs 2:7 לפני ׳נשׂא ח obtain kindness before Esth 2:9; Esth 2:17 ׳היטיב ח Ruth 3:10.

2. kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable), mercy Prov 20:28; Job 6:14 אישׁ חסד merciful man Prov 11:17 (opposed to אַכְזָרִי); ׳מַלְכֵּי ח merciful kings 1Kgs 20:31 ׳עשׂה ח Ps 109:16 in this sense usually with other attributes (see also below II.

2.); || אמת Hos 4:1; Isa 16:5 ואמת ׳ח Prov 3:3; Prov 14:22; Prov 16:6; Prov 20:28 ואמת ׳עשׂה ח Gen 24:49; Gen 47:29; Josh 2:14 (J; RV gives thse under 1); || צדקה Hos 10:12 ׳צדקה וח Prov 21:21 || משׁפט Mic 6:8 ומשׁפט ׳ח Hos 12:7 || חוֺנֵן Ps 109:12 ורחמים ׳ח Zech 7:9; Dan 1:9. — (On Hos 6:4; Hos 6:6 see 3 below)

3. (rarely) affection if Israel to ׳י love to God, piety: נְעוּרַיִךְ ׳ח Jer 2:2 priety of thy youth (|| love of thine espousals to Yahweh); possibly also חַסְדְּכֶם כַּעֲנַןבֹּֿקֶר Hos 6:4 your piety is like a morning cloud (fleeting), and כִּי חֶסֶד חָפַצְתִּי וְלאֹזָֿ֑בַח Hos 6:6 for piety I delight in and not in peace-offering (|| דעת אלהים, compare 1Sam 15:22); — so Wü Now Hi (1Sam 15:4) Che; Ke Hi (1Sam 15:6) al. below 2 (or 1); — נַנְשֵׁי חֶסֶד men of piety Isa 57:1 (|| צַדִּיק); plural pious acts 2Chr 32:32; 2Chr 35:26; Neh 13:14.

4. lovely appearance: כָּלחַֿסְדּוֺ כְּצִיץ הַשָֹּׁדֶה Isa 40:6 all its loveliness as the flower of the field (so Thes Hi De Che Di and others; but δόξα ᵐ5 1Pet 1:24 & gloria ᵑ9 favour an original reading הוֺדוֺ Lo or כְּבֹדוֺ Ew, see Br^{MP 375}; Du הֲדָרוֺ). II. of God: kindness, lovingkindness in condescendig to the needs of his creatures. He is חַסְדָּם their goodness favour Jonah 2:9 חַסְדִּי Ps 144:2 אֱלֹהֵי חַסְדִּי God of my kindness Ps 59:18 in vPs 59:11 read אֱלֹהַי חַסְדּוֺ my God with his kindness ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Ew Hup De Pe Che Bae; his is the kindness Ps 62:13 it is with him Ps 130:7 he delights in it Mic 7:18.

1. specifically lovingkindness:
a. in redemption from enemies and troubles Gen 19:19; Gen 39:21 (J), Exod 15:13 (song), Jer 31:3; Ezra 7:28; Ezra 9:9; Ps 21:8; Ps 31:17; Ps 31:22; Ps 32:10; Ps 33:22; Ps 36:8; Ps 36:11; Ps 42:9; Ps 44:27; Ps 48:10; Ps 59:17; Ps 66:20; Ps 85:8; Ps 90:14; Ps 94:18; Ps 107:8; Ps 107:15; Ps 107:21; Ps 107:31; Ps 143:8; Ps 143:12; Job 37:13; Ruth 1:8; Ruth 2:20 men should trust in it Ps 13:6; Ps 52:10 rejoice in it Ps 31:8 hope in it Ps 33:18; Ps 147:11.
b. in preservation of life from death Ps 6:5; Ps 86:13; Job 10:12.
c. in quickening of spiritual life Ps 109:26; Ps 119:41; Ps 119:76; Ps 119:88; Ps 119:124; Ps 119:149; Ps 119:159.
d. in redemption from sin Ps 25:7; Ps 51:3.
e. in keeping the covenants, with Abraham Mic 7:20 with Moses and Israel שׁמר הַבְּרִית וְ(הַ)חֶסֶד keep-eth the covenant and the lovingkindness Deut 7:9; Deut 7:12; 1Kgs 8:23 = 2Chr 6:14; Neh 1:5; Neh 9:32; Dan 9:4 with David and his dynasty 2Sam 7:15 = 1Chr 17:13; 2Sam 22:51 = Ps 18:51, 1Kgs 3:6 (twice in verse) = 2Chr 1:8; Ps 89:29; Ps 89:34 with the wife Zion Isa 54:10.

2. חֶסֶד is grouped with other divine attributes: חסד ואמת kindness (lovingkindness) and fidelity Gen 24:27 (J), Ps 25:10; Ps 41:11; Ps 40:12; Ps 57:4; Ps 61:8; Ps 85:11; Ps 89:15; Ps 115:1; Ps 138:2 ואמת עם ׳עשׂה ח 2Sam 2:6; 2Sam 15:20 (ᵐ5, see Dr); with אֶתֿ Gen 24:49 ואמת ׳רַב ח Exod 34:6 (JE), Ps 86:15 also || אמת Mic 7:20; Ps 26:3; Ps 117:2 || אֱמוּנָה Ps 88:12; Ps 89:3; Ps 92:3 ׳אמונה וח Ps 89:25 ואמונה ׳ח Ps 98:3 || רחמים Ps 77:9 ורחמים ׳ח Jer 16:5; Hos 2:21; Ps 103:4 ומשׁפט ׳ח Jer 9:23; Ps 101:1 || צדקה Ps 36:11 ׳טוב וח Ps 23:6.

3. the kindness of God is
a. abundant: רַבחֶֿסֶד abundant, plenteous in kindness (goodness) Num 14:18 (J), Neh 9:17 (Qr), Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Ps 86:5; Ps 103:8 (compare Exod 34:6 J E; Ps 86:15); רֹב חַסְדְּךָ Neh 13:22; Ps 5:8; Ps 69:14; Ps 106:7 (ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Aq Targan, to be preferred to ᵑ0 חֲסָדֶיךָ); רֹב חֲסָדָו֯ Lam 3:32; Ps 106:45 (Kt ᵐ5 in both to be preferred).
b. great in extent: ׳נֹּדֶל חִ greatness of thy mercy Num 14:19 (J); ׳נְּדָו֯וֺלחֿ Ps 145:8 it is kept for thousands Exod 34:7 (JE), Jer 32:18, especially of those connected with lovers of ׳י, Exod 20:6 = Deut 5:10 for 1000 generations Deut 7:9 it is great as the heavens Ps 57:11; Ps 103:11, compare Ps 36:6; Ps 108:5 the earth is full of it Ps 33:5; Ps 119:64.
c. everlasting: לעולם חסדוֺ Jer 33:11; 1Chr 16:34; 1Chr 16:41; 2Chr 5:13; 2Chr 7:3; 2Chr 7:6; 2Chr 20:21; Ezra 3:11; Ps 100:5; Ps 106:1; Ps 107:1; Ps 118:1; Ps 118:2; Ps 118:3; Ps 118:4; Ps 118:29; Ps 136:1 (26 t.); חסדךָ לעולם Ps 138:8 מעולם ׳ח ועד עולם Ps 103:17 עולם ׳ח Isa 54:8 אל כּל ׳ח היום Ps 52:3.
d. good: כִּיטֿוֺב חַסְדְּךָ Ps 69:17; Ps 109:21 כי טוב חסדךָ מחיים Ps 63:4.

4. plural mercies, deeds of kindness, the historic displays of lovingkindness to Israel: shewn to Jacob Gen 32:11 (R); but mostly late Isa 63:7; Ps 25:6; Ps 89:2 כְּרֹב חסִדיו Isa 63:7, see 3 a; promised in the Davidic covenant Psalm Isa 89:50 חַסְדֵי דָוִיד mercies to David Isa 55:3; 2Chr 6:42 mercies in general Lam 3:22; Ps 17:7; Ps 107:43f. — חֶסֶד in proper name, masculine ׳בןחֿ see below בֵּן. On Lev 20:17; Prov 14:34 see חֶסֶד below II. חסד.

BDB2970 H2617

II. חֶ֫סֶד noun masculine shame, reproach, only absolute: — הוּא ׳ח Lev 20:17 (H) it is a shame (shameful thing); לְאֻמִּים חַטָּאת ׳ח Prov 14:34 sin is a reproach to peoples.

mercy, kindness, lovingkindness, mercies, goodness, …

ḥēsēd

kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

goodness, kindness, faithfulness

לַֽ אֲלָפִים

לַֽ

Prefix — preposition to, for + "the" (the article is absorbed into the prefix)

אֲלָפִים

Root word thousand, thousands, hundred, two

Dictionary form: אֶלֶף · eh-LEP

לַ

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

Adjective — Cardinal Number, both plural, absolute state plural — usually add "-s"; a number (one, two, three, …)

In the KJV here: unto thousands

thousand ×332 a thousand ×56 two thousand ×18 of thousands ×13 and a thousand ×9 over thousands ×6 and two thousand ×5 of the thousands ×4

More options

thousand — Standard modern rendering; suits most contexts.

thousands — Use for plural forms or large collective quantities.

unit of a thousand — Clarifies exact numeric sense in technical passages.

contingent — Military/tribal subdivision; prefer in census or battle lists.

clan — Social unit sense; fits tribal-organization contexts.

troop — Informal military grouping; vivid in narrative battle scenes.

BDB504 H503 H505

II. אֶ֫לֶף noun masculine^{Judg 6:15} thousand (אלף MI, SI, Sabean DHM^{ZMG 1875, 615}; Arabic , Aramaic , אֲלַף, אלפיא) — ׳) א׳(אָ֑ Gen 20:16 +; suffix אַלְפִּי Judg 6:15 dual אַלְפַּיִם Num 4:36 +; plural אֲלָפִים Exod 18:21 +; construct אַלְפֵי Exod 32:28 +; אֲלָפֶיךָ Deut 7:13 + 2 t.; אֲלָפָיו Qr 1Sam 18:7 + 2 t. (Kt פֿו) — a thousand.

1. numeral:
a. used with noun alone; mostly before noun Num 35:4; Josh 7:3; Neh 3:13; 1Chr 18:4 +; after noun (late) 1Chr 12:35 + 6 t. Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah; בָּאַפָּה ׳א Num 35:5 (4 t. in verse); Ezek 47:3 (strike out Co); the noun always plural when preceding, sometimes when following, 1Sam 25:2; 1Kgs 3:4; 2Kgs 18:23 = Isa 36:8; 2Chr 30:24; Ps 90:4; Job 42:12; Eccl 6:6 elsewhere singular אישׁ Judg 9:49; Judg 15:15; Judg 15:16; Josh 7:3 +; אַמָּה Num 35:4 + (so SI); דּוֺר Deut 7:9 +, compare 1Chr 18:4; 1Chr 19:6; 2Kgs 15:19; Job 42:12; Song 4:4; Isa 7:23, noun sometimes collective; ׳א plural construct Mic 6:7; Ps 119:72; Gen 24:60 noun not expressed (or not fully) Gen 20:16; Num 31:5; Num 31:6 +; distributive אֶלֶף ֗֗֗ אֶלֶף Num 31:4 multiplicative Deut 1:11 פְּעָמִים ׳א; indefinite for great number (plural) Exod 20:6; Exod 34:7; Deut 5:10; Jer 32:18, (singular) Deut 32:30; Eccl 6:6 +.
b. ׳א + other number usually precedes it Exod 38:25 + often; but following רִבּוֺא Ezra 2:64 + 2 t.; it follows also smaller number Num 3:50; 1Kgs 5:12 (so SI); the noun following in singular Exod 28:25 + 8 t.; plural 2Sam 8:4 + 2 t.; noun precedes, in plural (late) Dan 12:12 + 2 t.; noun not expressed Exod 38:28 + often
c. ׳א X other number always following Exod 12:37 +; usual order is no. X ׳א + additional no. (if any) + noun (if expressed) Num 31:52; Judg 20:35 compare Exod 12:37; 2Kgs 3:4 (twice in verse) +; less often noun + no. X ׳א Num 31:33; 1Kgs 8:63 +; (other combinations see Exod 38:26; Num 26:51; Num 31:32; Ezek 48:30; 1Chr 29:7 etc.); ׳א usually singular Num 11:21 +; except after units, where plural absolute Num 1:46; Judg 20:34 + (so MI); seldom plural construct Exod 32:28; Judg 4:10; Job 1:3 (twice in verse); (noun mostly singular when following Judg 4:10; 1Kgs 12:21+, yet plural Josh 4:13; 1Sam 13:5 +; when preceding it is plural 1Chr 5:21 +, or collective Num 31:33; 1Sam 25:2; 1Kgs 8:63; 2Chr 7:5 +); אֶלֶף אֲלָפִים 1Chr 21:5; 1Chr 22:14; 2Chr 14:8 אַלְפֵי שִׁנְאָן Ps 68:18, compare שִׁנְאָן; בְּהַרֲרֵי אָ֑לֶף Ps 50:10, read אֵל compare Ps 36:7, Ol Bi Che; yet see Hup De. —

Note. 10,000 = עֲשֶׂרֶת אֲלָפִים etc. Judg 1:4; Judg 3:29; 1Kgs 5:28; 1Chr 29:7 +; less often רִבּוֺ, רְבָבָה etc. q. v.

2. a thousand, a company of 1000 men, as united under one superior, or leader, hence ׳(שָׂרֵי) שַׂר א Exod 18:21; Exod 18:25 compare Num 31:14 +; compare יִשְׂרָאֵל ׳רָאשֵׁי א Num 1:16; Num 10:4; Josh 22:21; Josh 22:30 & see below; compare also 1Sam 29:2 especially family, etc. Judg 6:15; 1Sam 10:19 (|| שֵׁבֶט & compare מִשְׁפַּחַת v1Sam 10:21); compare Mic 5:2 — Num 10:36 (רִבְבוֺת אַלְפֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל) Num 31:5; Josh 22:14; 1Sam 23:23 apparently shew transition to this technical use. **[אָלַף] verb denominative Hiph`il Ps 144:13 מַאֲלִיפוֺת producing thousands (subject צאֹן).

BDB9305 H505 H506

אֲלַ֑ף noun masculine 1,000 (= Biblical Hebrew II. אֶ֫לֶף); — absolute ׳א (noun person precedes) Dan 5:1 noun omitted, emphatic אַלְפָּא vDan 5:1 the thousand (just mentioned); construct + plural absolute אֶ֫לֶף אֲלָפִ֯ים Dan 7:10 a thousand thousands (< Qr אַלְפִין K^{§ 51, 2}).

thousand, thousands, hundred, two

ʾelep

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

a thousand

as numeral

as a company of men under one leader, troops

לְ אֹֽהֲבַ ֖י

לְ

Prefix — preposition to, for

אֹֽהֲבַ

Root word love, loved, loveth, lovers, friends, …

֖י

Suffix — pronoun my / me

Dictionary form: אָהַב · aw-HAHB

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

In the KJV here: of them that love

loveth ×17 loved ×10 love ×8 he loved ×7 i love ×7 to love ×7 thy lovers ×6 and love ×5

More options

love — Most versatile; suits emotional, covenantal, and divine contexts.

cherish — Warmer, tender nuance; good for intimate or familial bonds.

adore — Conveys deep devotion; strong emotional or worshipful register.

be fond of — Lighter affection; fits preferences or less intense attachments.

be devoted to — Emphasizes loyalty; suits covenantal or faithful-love contexts.

delight in — Highlights pleasure or enjoyment; good when desire is implied.

BDB143 H157

אָהֵב₂₁₆ verb love —

Qal Perfect אָהֵ֑ב Gen 27:9 + 7 t; אָשֵהבּ Gen 27:14 אָהַב Gen 37:3 + 3 t.; אֲֵהבָךָ Deut 15:16 3 feminine singular אָֽהֲבָה Song 1:7 +, etc.; Imperfect (הָֿ֑ב) יֶאֱהַב Prov 3:12 +; 1 singular אֵהָ֑ב Prov 8:17 (compare Ew^{§ 192 d} Ges^{«GKC:68»§ 68}. 1); וָָֽאֹהַ֖ב Mal 1:2 וָאֹהֲבֵהוּ Hos 11:1 אֹהֲבֵם Hos 14:5 וָאֹהֲבֵם Ps 119:167 2 masculine plural תְּאֵהֲבוּ Prov 1:22 (compare Kö^{I p. 394} Ges^{«GKC:63»§ 63} R 2); תֶּאֱהָ֑בוּ Zech 8:17 תָּאֱהָבוּן Ps 4:3 Imperative אֱהַבֿ Hos 3:1 אֱהָבֶהָ Prov 4:6 אֶהֱבוּ Ps 31:24; Amos 5:15 אֱהָ֑בוּ Zech 8:19 Infinitive construct אֱהֹב Eccl 3:8 אַהֲבָה Deut 10:12 +; אֲהֲבַת Mic 6:8 + etc.; compare also below
n. אהבה below; Participle אֹהֵב (אוֺהֵב) Deut 10:18 + 26 t.; feminine construct אֲהֻבַת Hos 3:1 is probably active compare Ba^{NB 174 ff}; suffix אֹהֲבִי Isa 41:8 etc.; feminine אֹהֶ֫בֶת Gen 25:28 אֹהַ֫בְתִּי Hos 10:11 etc.; Passive participle אָהוּב Neh 13:26 אֲהוּבָה Deut 21:15 (twice in verse); Deut 21:16. — love (mostly with accusative, followed by לְ + object Lev 19:18; Lev 19:34; 2Chr 19:2 (late), followed by בְּ Eccl 5:9 absolute Eccl 3:8 & see below), (affection both pure & impure, divine & human); —

1. human love to human object; absolute, opposed to hate שָׂנֵא Eccl 3:8 of love to son Gen 22:2; Gen 25:28; Gen 37:3; Gen 37:4; Gen 44:20 (JE) Prov 13:24 so also 2Sam 13:21 ᵐ5 Ew Th We, compare Dr, of David's loving Amnon; never to parent, but mother-in-law Ruth 4:15 of man's love to woman; wife Gen 24:67; Gen 29:20; Gen 29:30 (compare vGen 29:18):32 (JE), also Deut 21:15 (twice in verse); Deut 21:16; Judg 14:16; 1Sam 1:5; 2Chr 11:21; Esth 2:17; Hos 3:1; Eccl 9:9 but also Gen 34:3 (J) Judg 16:4; Judg 16:15; 2Sam 13:1; 2Sam 13:4; 2Sam 13:15 (where of carnal desire) 1Kgs 11:1 compare v1Kgs 11:2; Hos 3:1 רֵעַ ׳א loving a paramour, see Ba^{NB 176}; woman's love to man 1Sam 18:20 (so v1Sam 18:28 ᵑ0, but read וְבִי כָליִֿשְׂרָאֵל אֹהֵב אֹתוֺ ᵐ5 We Dr) Song 1:3; Song 1:4; Song 1:7; Song 3:1; Song 3:2; Song 3:3; Song 3:4 (5 t. subject נַפְשִׁי); compare also figurative of adulterous Judah Jer 2:25; Isa 57:8; Ezek 16:37 of love of slave to master Exod 21:5 (JE) Deut 15:16 inferior to superior 1Sam 18:22 compare v1Sam 18:16 love to neighbour Lev 19:18 (וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֺ֑ךָ), partic to stranger Lev 19:34 (both P), Deut 10:18; Deut 10:19 love of friend to friend 1Sam 16:21; 1Sam 18:1; 1Sam 18:3; 1Sam 20:17 (twice in verse); Job 19:19; Prov 17:1 compare 2Sam 19:7 (twice in verse); 2Chr 19:2 see also Prov 9:8; Prov 16:13 compare Prov 15:12 see especially Participle below

2. less often of appetite, object food, Gen 27:7; Gen 27:9; Gen 27:14 (JE); drink Hos 3:1; Prov 21:17 husbandry 2Chr 26:10 compare figurative of Ephraim Hos 10:11 followed by infinitive; length of life Ps 34:13 of cupidity Hos 9:1; 1Sam 1:23; Eccl 5:9 (twice in verse); of love of sleep Prov 20:13 compare figurative of sluggish watchmen (followed by infinitive) Isa 56:10 also with object abstract wisdom (personified), knowledge, righteousness, etc. Prov 4:6; Prov 8:17; Prov 8:21; Prov 12:1; Prov 22:11; Prov 29:3; Amos 5:15; Mic 6:8 (infinitive || infinitives) Zech 8:19, compare Prov 19:8 קֹנֶה לֵב אֹהֵב נַפְשׁוֺ; object folly, evil, etc., Mic 3:2; Mic 4:3; Ps 11:5; Ps 52:5; Ps 52:6; Ps 109:17; Prov 1:22; Prov 8:36; Prov 17:19 (twice in verse), compare Prov 18:21; Zech 8:17, compare כֵּן ׳א Amos 4:5; Jer 5:3, followed by Infinitive Hos 12:8; Jer 14:10, especially of idolatry Hos 4:13 (where strike out הֵבוּ compare Kö^{1. p. 395}) Jer 8:2.

3. love to God Exod 20:6 (JE) elsewhere Hexateuch only Deut 5:10; Deut 6:5; Deut 7:9 + 9 t. Deuteronomy + Josh 22:5; Josh 23:11 also Judg 5:31; 1Kgs 3:3; Neh 1:5; Dan 9:4 especially in (late) Ps 31:24; Ps 116:1; Ps 145:20, but usually followed by name, law, etc. of ׳י Ps 5:12; Ps 26:8; Ps 40:17; Ps 69:37; Ps 70:5; Ps 97:10; Ps 119:47 + 11 t. Ps 119 compare Isa 56:6 compare also of love to Jerusalem Isa 66:10; Ps 122:6.

4. especially Participle אֹהֵב =
(a) lover, Lam 1:2 (figurative of Jerusalem);
(b) friend Hiram of David 1Kgs 5:15, compare Jer 20:4; Jer 20:6; Esth 5:10; Esth 5:14; Esth 6:13; Ps 38:12 (|| רֵעַ) so Ps 88:19, Prov 14:20 also Prov 18:24; Prov 27:6 Abraham of God Isa 41:8; 2Chr 20:7.

5. of divine love
(a) to individual men Deut 4:37; 2Sam 12:24; Prov 3:12; Prov 15:9; Ps 146:8; Neh 13:26
(b) to people Israel, etc. Deut 7:8; Deut 7:13; Deut 23:6; Hos 3:1; Hos 9:15; Hos 11:1; Hos 14:5; 1Kgs 10:9; 2Chr 2:10; 2Chr 9:8; 2Chr 48:14; (3 t. in verse); Ps 47:5 to Jerusalem Ps 78:68; Ps 87:2
(c) to righteousness, etc. Ps 11:7; Ps 33:5; Ps 37:28; Ps 45:8; Ps 99:4; Isa 61:8; Mal 2:11. Niph`al Participle plural הַנֶּאֱהָבִים 2Sam 1:23 lovely, loveable of Saul & Jonath. (|| הַנְּעִימִם). Pi`el Participle plural suffix (בָֿ֑י) מְאַהֲבַי Hos 2:7 + 3 t.; (בָֿ֑יִח) מְאַהֲבַיִח Jer 22:20 + 6 t.; מְאַהֲבֶיהָ Hos 2:9 + 4 t.

1. friends Zech 13:6

2. lovers in figure of adulterous Israel Hos 2:7; Hos 2:9; Hos 2:12; Hos 2:14; Hos 2:15; Ezek 23:5; Ezek 23:9 Judah Jer 22:20; Jer 22:22; Jer 30:14; Lam 1:19; Ezek 16:33; Ezek 16:36; Ezek 16:37; Ezek 23:22.

love, loved, loveth, lovers, friends, …

ʾāhab

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

to love

(Qal)

human love for another, includes family, and sexual

lover (participle)

to individual men

lovely (participle)

friends

וּ לְ שֹֽׁמְרֵ֥י

וּ

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

לְ

Prefix — preposition to, for

שֹֽׁמְרֵ֥י

Root word keep, kept, observe, heed, keepeth, …

Dictionary form: שָׁמַר · shaw-MAHR

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

In the KJV here: me and keep

keep ×28 kept ×24 and keep ×23 to keep ×23 take heed ×16 and to keep ×7 observe ×7 ye shall keep ×6

More options

keep — Most versatile rendering; suits commands and ongoing obligations.

observe — Best for law/covenant contexts: observe the sabbath.

guard — Physical or protective watching over something or someone.

watch over — Caring, attentive oversight; warm, pastoral register.

heed — Prefer when the nuance is careful attention or warning.

preserve — Suits divine protection contexts: God preserves his people.

BDB8848 H8104

I. שָׁמַר₄₆₅ verb keep, watch, preserve (Late Hebrew id.; Phoenician שמר in proper name and (Punic) = watchman; Tel Amarna šimiru is perhaps overseer (Canaanism), Wkl^{No. 80, i. 23}; Mandean סמירא preserved Nö^{M 46}; compare Arabic converse by night, stay awake (see Lag^{BN 105}); Ba^{NB 175 f.; ES 43} infers from eyelid (compare [שְׁמֻרָה] below), and Arabic support, aid, protect (l = r), that two √ √ are combined in Hebrew; but proof insufficient); —

Qal₄₂₅ Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳שׁ Gen 37:11 +, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִשְׁמֹר 1Sam 2:9 +, יִשְׁמָרֿ Jer 5:24 +, suffix 3 masculine singular יִשְׁמְרֶנּוּ Exod 21:29; Exod 21:36 3 feminine singular suffix תִּשְׁמוּרֵ֑ם Prov 14:3 (read תִּשְׁמְרוּם, see Ges^{«GKC:47g»§ 47g} Toy), etc.; Imperative masculine singular שְׁמֹר Job 2:6 +, שָׁמְרָה 1Chr 29:18 +; masculine plural שִׁמְרוּ Josh 6:18 +, etc.; Infinitive absolute שָׁמוֺר Deut 5:12 +; construct שְׁמֹר Gen 3:24 +, suffix שָׁמְרָהּ Gen 2:15, etc.; Participle active שֹׁמֵר 1Sam 1:12 +, etc.; passive שָׁמוּר Eccl 5:12 (1Sam 9:24 see below), etc.; — [Synon. I. נָצַר, נָטַר, q. v.]:

1. a. keep, have charge of, garden Gen 2:15 (J), ark 1Sam 7:1, property in trust Exod 22:6; Exod 22:9 (E), compare 1Sam 25:31 tend flock Gen 30:31 (E), compare Zech 3:7; Num 3:8 (P); so perhaps (object omitted) Hos 12:13 (where ׳שׁ chosen for parallelism Now Marti and others); Participle הֲשֹׁמֵר אָחִי אָנֹ֑כִי Gen 4:9 (J), ׳שׁ of sheep 1Sam 17:20, הַכֵּלִים ׳שׁ v1Sam 17:22, הַכְּגָדִים ׳שׁ 2Kgs 22:14; 2Chr 34:22, הַנָּשִׁים ׳שׁ Esth 2:3; Esth 2:8; Esth 2:15, compare vEsth 2:14, etc.
b. keep, guard, captives Josh 10:18 (J), 1Kgs 20:39, דֶּרֶךְ Gen 3:24 (J); keep watch and ward, אֶל person for whom 1Sam 26:15 (Ps 59:10 see 3 end), עַל person vPs 59:16; Prov 6:22 בַּנַּעַר 2Sam 18:12 have a care of (read לִי for מִי ᵐ5 and modern); in hostile sense, אֶל הָעִיר (in siege) 2Sam 11:16, חַטָאתִי עַל Job 14:16 (but read תַּעֲבֹר with ᵐ5 Ew Di Du and others [not Hi Bu]); absolute with מֵעַל Eccl 5:7 watcheth above, etc.; keep one's mouth, be prudent of speech Prov 21:33, compare Mic 7:5 keep = protect, save, one's life, נֶפֶשׁ Prov 13:3; Prov 16:17; Prov 19:16; Prov 22:5, another's Job 2:6 in Proverbs, accusative of person, subject wisdom, Job 4:6 she shall preserve thee, compare (+ מִן of evil) Job 6:24; Job 7:5 especially Participle watch, watchman, of city Isa 21:11 (twice in verse); Isa 21:12; Isa 62:5 (figurative), Song 3:3; Song 5:7 (twice in verse); Ps 127:1 הַמֶּלֶף ׳שׁ (in temple) Jer 35:4 + (see סַף), פֶּית הַמֶּלֶךְ ׳הַפּ 1Kgs 14:27 = 2Chr 12:10, הַשְּׁעָרִים ׳שׁ Neh 13:22, שֹׁמְרֵי הַבַּיִת (figurative) Eccl 12:3 ׳שׁ הַבַּיִתךֵסעוֺה ךֵהת פךֵךֵכ (of David's concubines) 2Sam 15:16; 2Sam 16:21; 2Sam 20:3 שֹׁמֵר הַכֵּלִים 1Sam 17:22, הַבְּגָדִים ׳שׁ 2Kgs 22:14, חַפַּרְדֵּס ׳שׁ Neh 2:8, הַנָּשִׁים ׳שׁ Esth 2:3; Esth 2:14; Esth 2:15, שֹׁמְרִים absolute Judg 7:19; Jer 51:12.
c. hence watch for, wait for, accusative of person 1Sam 19:11 (to kill him), compare Ps 59:1 (title; accusative הַבַּיִת); with יֲקֵכַי Ps 56:7 = dog my steps, Ps 71:10; Jer 20:10 = watch (suspiciously) Job 10:14; Job 13:27; Job 33:11 absolute הַשֹּׁעמרִים Judg 1:24 wait for, נֶשֶׁף Job 24:15, לַבֹּקֶר Ps 130:6 (twice in verse).
d. watch, observe, accusative of thing 1Sam 1:12; Eccl 11:4; Job 39:1; Jer 8:7 (of birds), with intelligence Isa 42:20; Ps 107:43 accusative of person Ps 37:37 (|| ראה), Zech 11:11 accusative of sin Ps 31:7; Ps 130:3 accusative of thing, for the purpose of avoiding, Ps 17:4.

2. a. keep, retain, of storing up (food) Gen 41:35 (E); absolute Eccl 3:6 (opposed to הִשְׁלִיךְ); treasure up (in memory) Gen 37:11 (E), compare Mal 2:7; 1Chr 29:18; Prov 4:21 (בְּתוֺךְ לְבָבֶ֑ךְ), Prov 22:18 (כְּבִטֱנ֑ךָ); retain wrath Amos 1:11 (read שָׁמֶר לָנֶצַח We Now GASm Marti; see also נָטַר 1) + (anger omitted) Jer 3:5 (|| נטר).
b. keep within bounds, restrain, object שׁוֺר Exod 21:29; Exod 21:36 (E); with accusative hand, מִן of evil Isa 56:2 figurative keep thy foot, with temporal clause Eccl 4:17 לְֿפִי מַחְסוֺם׳אֶשׁ Ps 39:2 (ᵐ5 Du and others אָשִׁימָה); apparently reflexive (= Niph`al), Josh 6:18 (+ מִןהַֿחֵרֶס), possibly sc. גַפְשְׁכֶם Di.

3. a. observe, celebrate, accusative of festival, etc., Exod 23:15 (E), Exod 34:18 (J), Exod 12:17 of day vExod 12:17 (P), of month Deut 16:1.
b. keep Sabbath Deut 5:12; Lev 19:3; Lev 19:30; Lev 26:2 (all H), Exod 31:13; Exod 31:14; Exod 31:16 (P), Isa 56:4, also (+ מֵחַלְּלוֺ) vIsa 56:2 vIsa 56:6.
c. of other obligations: keep convenant Ezek 17:14, especially convenant of ׳י Deut 29:8; 1Kgs 11:11 + 5 t., ׳שְׁבֻעַת י 1Kgs 2:43, perform vow Deut 23:24 keep commands Jer 35:18; Ezek 20:18 especially מִצָוֺת, תֻקִּים, יֲבֹדָה, etc., of ׳י (sometimes || נצר), Exod 20:6 = Deut 5:10; Amos 2:4; 1Kgs 2:3; Ps 119:8; Ps 119:17; Ps 119:34 + very often (c. 120 t.); ׳דֶּרֶח י ׳שׁ Gen 18:19 (J) + 4 t., ׳דַּרְכֵי י 2Sam 22:22 = Ps 18:22, ׳י ׳ד omitted Judg 2:22 b; אָרְחוֺת צַדַּיקִים ׳שׁ Prov 2:20 (|| תֵּלֵח תְּלֵח בְּדֶרֶח טוֺבֹים), ׳שׁ דְּרָכַי (ways of wisdom) Prov 8:32 (Ps 17:4 see 1 d); keep discharge an office, כְּהֻנָּה Num 3:10; Num 18:7 (both P), absolute 2Chr 5:11 a function or duty, especially מִשְׁמֶרֶת ׳שׁ Lev 8:35; Num 1:53 + approximately 32 t. (see ׳מ below); accusative of obligation often omitted, especially D (and R^D) keep and do Deut 4:6; Deut 7:12 + 8 t.; to do Deut 5:1; Deut 5:29 + 16 t. D + 3 t., etc.
d. observe = follow dictates of (prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom) Hos 12:7 (חֶסֶד וּמִשְׁפָּט), Isa 56:1; Prov 4:4; Prov 5:2; Prov 7:1; Prov 7:2 bad sense, observe vanities Ps 31:7. — Doubtful are: לִשְׁמֹר absolute Hos 4:10, very strange (conjectures in We Now Marti); שָׁמוּר 1Sam 9:24, HPS אֵחַרְנוּ, compare Now Bu^Comm.; Ps 59:10 read עֻוִּי אֵלֶיךָ אֲזַמֵּ֑רָה (as vPs 59:18, ᵑ6 Che Bae).

4. sometimes ׳י subject:
a. keep, preserve, protect, accusative of person, + ב of way, etc., Gen 28:15; Gen 28:20 (J), Exod 23:20 (E; of מַלְאָח), Ps 91:11 (׳מ), Josh 24:17 (E); accusative of person (or נפשׁ) only: 1Sam 30:23; Jer 31:9; Num 6:24 (P), Job 29:2; Ps 16:1 + 10 t. Psalms; + מִן Ps 121:7 + 2 t.; accusative רַהְּלַי 1Sam 2:9, compare Prov 3:26 (מִן); Participle שֹׁמְרֶ֑ךָ Ps 121:3; Ps 121:5, compare vPs 121:4, etc.; accusative of city Ps 127:1.
b. with accusative בְּרִית, ל person Deut 7:12, + חֶסֶד vDeut 7:7 + 5 t., אֱמֶת לְעוֺלָם ׳הַשּׁ Ps 146:6 הַשְּׁבֻעָה Deut 7:8, etc.; passive of covenant (׳י agent) עֲרוּכָה בַכֹּל וּשְׁמֻרָה 2Sam 23:5 (legal terminology, Dr).

5. keep, reserve, weeks of harvest Jer 5:24 (ל person). Niph`al₃₆ Perfect 3 masculine singular נִשְׁמַד 2Sam 20:10, etc.; Imperfect 3 feminine singular תִּשָּׁמֵד Judg 13:13 2 masculine plural תִּשָּׁמַ֑רוּ Exod 23:13 Imperative masculine singular תִּשָּׁמֵד Isa 7:4 הִדָמשּׁ֫מֶר (לְךָׅ Gen 24:6 +; feminine singular הִשָּֽׁמְרִי Judg 13:4, etc.; —

1. be on one's guard, with בַּחֶרֶב 2Sam 20:10 by reason of the sword, i.e. against it; with ב temporal 1Sam 19:2, שָׁם 2Kgs 6:10 take heed Exod 23:13 (E) Deut 2:4 with מִן person Exod 23:21 (E), Jer 9:3 מִן of thing Judg 13:13; Deut 23:10 מִן infinitive take care not to, etc. Gen 31:29 (E), 2Kgs 6:9 infinitive without מִן Exod 19:12 (J), but read probably מֵעֲלוֺת; followed by פֶּן lest Gen 24:6 (J) + 11 t. (especially Deuteronomy); with (וְ)אַל jussive Exod 10:23 (J), Judg 13:4; Job 36:21, with Imperative coordinate Isa 7:4. — Very often Imperative (24 t.), especially in phrase הִשָּׁמֶרלְֿךָ (12 t.), הִשָּֽׁטְרוּ לָכֶם (3 t.); + לְנַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם Deut 4:15; Josh 23:11 (R^D; + infinitive); + ׳בְּנַפ Jer 17:21 apparently ב pret. on peril of your life (compare ב III. 3 a), so perhaps also בְּרוּחֲכֶם Mal 2:15; Mal 2:16 (We Now).

2. keep oneself, refrain, abstain, מֵאִשָּׁה 1Sam 21:5.

3. be kept, guarded, Hos 12:14 (compare ׳שׁ of Jacob v.Hos 12:13); be preserved (by ׳י) Ps 37:28 (לִיוֺלָם), but read probably עַוָּלִים (לְעוֺלָם) נִשְׁמָ֑דוּ Hup-Ri (Now) Che Bae Du Dr. Pi`el Participle plural מְשַׁמְּרִים הַבְלֵישָֿׁוְא Jonah 2:9 those paying regard to false vanities (compare Qal Ps 31:7). Hithpa`el Imperfect 1 singular וָאֶשְׁתַּסֵּר מֵעֲוֺנַי Ps 18:24 I kept myself from, etc. = 2Sam 22:24 (verb cohortative); 3 masculine singular וְיִשְׁתַּמֵּר חֻקּוֺת עָמְרִי Mic 6:16, but read וְתִשְׁמֹר thou keepest, observest, We Now GASm.

keep, kept, observe, heed, keepeth, …

šāmar

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

to keep, guard, observe, give heed

(Qal)

to keep, have charge of

watch, watchman (participle)

to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware

מצות ו

מצות

Root word commandments, commandment, precepts, commanded, law, …

ו

Suffix — pronoun his / him / it

Dictionary form: מִצְוָה · mits-WAW

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

the commandments ×26 his commandments ×23 my commandments ×23 thy commandments ×19 the commandment ×12 commandment ×10 according to the commandment ×7 commandments ×7

More options

command — Broad, neutral; works in most narrative and legal contexts.

commandment — Modernized KJV form; still natural in religious/covenant contexts.

directive — Slightly formal; suits administrative or royal decrees.

instruction — Softer register; emphasizes teaching over obligation.

ordinance — Legal/cultic contexts; implies established, binding rule.

precept — Formal/literary tone; highlights moral or ethical dimension.

BDB6980 H4687

מִצְוָה₁₈₁ noun feminine commandment; — ׳מ Prov 6:23 +; construct מִצְוִת Josh 22:3 +; suffix מִצְוָתְךָ Deut 26:13; Ps 119:96 מִצְוָתוֺ Num 15:81 plural מִצְוֺת absolute Lev 26:14 +(מִצְווֺת Neh 9:14); construct Neh 4:2 +; suffix מִצְוֺתַי Gen 26:5 +, etc.; — not used before D and Jeremiah; in Jeremiah only of man's commands; not Ezekiel nor Minor Prophets, except Malachi; —

1. commandment, of man: king, 1Kgs 2:43; 2Kgs 18:36 = Isa 36:21; 2Chr 8:15 + 14 t.; אב ׳מ Jer 35:14; Jer 35:16; Jer 35:18; Prov 6:20 אנשׁים ׳מ Isa 29:13 plural only Jer 35:18; Prov 10:8; Neh 10:33 המצוה, the order (title of property) Jer 32:11.

2. of God:
a. singular the commandment, code of law: 2Chr 8:13; Ezra 10:3; Ps 19:9 especially of D ׳שׁמר המ Deut 8:1; Deut 8:2 + 5 t. D; ׳עשׂח המ Deut 6:25; Deut 15:5 אשׁר צוּה ׳(ה)מ) Deut 26:13; Deut 30:11; Deut 31:5 ׳סוּר מִן המ Deut 17:20 הֵפַר ׳מ Num 15:31 (P); || תּוֺרָה Exod 24:12 (R^D) Josh 22:5 (D) 2Chr 14:3; 2Chr 31:21 +חֻקִּים, מִשְׁפָּטִים Deut 5:28; Deut 6:1 +.
b. plural of commands of D and later codes with 2 plural (ye shall, shall not; Br^{Hex. new ed., 246 ff.}), Lev 4:2 + 5 t. P, Isa 48:18 + 25 t. (late; especially Ps 119:20 t.); ׳שׁמר מ Exod 20:6 (R) Lev 22:31 (H) Deut 4:2 + 10 t. D, 1Kgs 14:8; 2Kgs 18:6 + 5 t.; ׳עשׂה מ Lev 26:14 (H) + 5 t.; ׳שׁמע מ Deut 11:13 + 4 t.; אשׁר צוּה ׳המ Lev 27:34 (H); ׳עבר מ Deut 26:13; 2Chr 24:20 ׳עזב מ 1Kgs 18:18; 2Kgs 17:16; Ezra 9:10 ׳הפר מ Ezra 9:14 in combinations, especially by Redactors and late writers; order various: (1) with חֻקִּים Exod 15:26 (R^D) Deut 4:40; Ezra 7:11 +; ׳ח + משׁפטים Deut 26:17; 1Kgs 8:58; Neh 1:7; Neh 10:30 + משׁפטים, תורות Neh 9:18 + תורה Neh 9:14 + עדוֺת Deut 6:17; 1Chr 29:19; 2Chr 34:31. (2) with חֻקּוֺת Lev 26:3 (H) Deut 6:2; Deut 10:13 + 9t.; ׳ח + משׁפטים Lev 26:15; Deut 8:11; Deut 11:1; Deut 30:16; 1Kgs 6:12 + תורה, משׁפטים Ps 89:32, + משׁפטים, עֵדְוֺת 1Kgs 2:3 + תּוֺרוֺת Gen 26:5 (R^D); +עדוֺת 2Kgs 23:3. (3) with משׁפטים Num 36:13 (P) 1Chr 28:7; Neh 9:29; Dan 9:5 with תורות Exod 16:28 (R), with ערות Neh 9:34.
c. of special commands of God 1Sam 13:13; 1Kgs 13:21; 2Chr 29:25; Neh 13:5; Mal 2:1; Mal 2:4; Job 23:12.

3. commandment, singular, of code of wisdom Prov 19:16, || תורה Prov 6:23, || דבר Prov 13:13 plural of special commands Prov 2:1; Prov 3:1; Prov 4:4; Prov 7:1; Prov 7:2.

commandments, commandment, precepts, commanded, law, …

miṣwâ

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the Law)

commandment

commandment (of man)

מִצְוֺתָֽ י

מִצְוֺתָֽ

Root word commandments, commandment, precepts, commanded, law, …

י

Suffix — pronoun my / me

Dictionary form: מִצְוָה · mits-WAW

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

In the KJV here: my commandments

the commandments ×26 his commandments ×23 my commandments ×23 thy commandments ×19 the commandment ×12 commandment ×10 according to the commandment ×7 commandments ×7

More options

command — Broad, neutral; works in most narrative and legal contexts.

commandment — Modernized KJV form; still natural in religious/covenant contexts.

directive — Slightly formal; suits administrative or royal decrees.

instruction — Softer register; emphasizes teaching over obligation.

ordinance — Legal/cultic contexts; implies established, binding rule.

precept — Formal/literary tone; highlights moral or ethical dimension.

BDB6980 H4687

מִצְוָה₁₈₁ noun feminine commandment; — ׳מ Prov 6:23 +; construct מִצְוִת Josh 22:3 +; suffix מִצְוָתְךָ Deut 26:13; Ps 119:96 מִצְוָתוֺ Num 15:81 plural מִצְוֺת absolute Lev 26:14 +(מִצְווֺת Neh 9:14); construct Neh 4:2 +; suffix מִצְוֺתַי Gen 26:5 +, etc.; — not used before D and Jeremiah; in Jeremiah only of man's commands; not Ezekiel nor Minor Prophets, except Malachi; —

1. commandment, of man: king, 1Kgs 2:43; 2Kgs 18:36 = Isa 36:21; 2Chr 8:15 + 14 t.; אב ׳מ Jer 35:14; Jer 35:16; Jer 35:18; Prov 6:20 אנשׁים ׳מ Isa 29:13 plural only Jer 35:18; Prov 10:8; Neh 10:33 המצוה, the order (title of property) Jer 32:11.

2. of God:
a. singular the commandment, code of law: 2Chr 8:13; Ezra 10:3; Ps 19:9 especially of D ׳שׁמר המ Deut 8:1; Deut 8:2 + 5 t. D; ׳עשׂח המ Deut 6:25; Deut 15:5 אשׁר צוּה ׳(ה)מ) Deut 26:13; Deut 30:11; Deut 31:5 ׳סוּר מִן המ Deut 17:20 הֵפַר ׳מ Num 15:31 (P); || תּוֺרָה Exod 24:12 (R^D) Josh 22:5 (D) 2Chr 14:3; 2Chr 31:21 +חֻקִּים, מִשְׁפָּטִים Deut 5:28; Deut 6:1 +.
b. plural of commands of D and later codes with 2 plural (ye shall, shall not; Br^{Hex. new ed., 246 ff.}), Lev 4:2 + 5 t. P, Isa 48:18 + 25 t. (late; especially Ps 119:20 t.); ׳שׁמר מ Exod 20:6 (R) Lev 22:31 (H) Deut 4:2 + 10 t. D, 1Kgs 14:8; 2Kgs 18:6 + 5 t.; ׳עשׂה מ Lev 26:14 (H) + 5 t.; ׳שׁמע מ Deut 11:13 + 4 t.; אשׁר צוּה ׳המ Lev 27:34 (H); ׳עבר מ Deut 26:13; 2Chr 24:20 ׳עזב מ 1Kgs 18:18; 2Kgs 17:16; Ezra 9:10 ׳הפר מ Ezra 9:14 in combinations, especially by Redactors and late writers; order various: (1) with חֻקִּים Exod 15:26 (R^D) Deut 4:40; Ezra 7:11 +; ׳ח + משׁפטים Deut 26:17; 1Kgs 8:58; Neh 1:7; Neh 10:30 + משׁפטים, תורות Neh 9:18 + תורה Neh 9:14 + עדוֺת Deut 6:17; 1Chr 29:19; 2Chr 34:31. (2) with חֻקּוֺת Lev 26:3 (H) Deut 6:2; Deut 10:13 + 9t.; ׳ח + משׁפטים Lev 26:15; Deut 8:11; Deut 11:1; Deut 30:16; 1Kgs 6:12 + תורה, משׁפטים Ps 89:32, + משׁפטים, עֵדְוֺת 1Kgs 2:3 + תּוֺרוֺת Gen 26:5 (R^D); +עדוֺת 2Kgs 23:3. (3) with משׁפטים Num 36:13 (P) 1Chr 28:7; Neh 9:29; Dan 9:5 with תורות Exod 16:28 (R), with ערות Neh 9:34.
c. of special commands of God 1Sam 13:13; 1Kgs 13:21; 2Chr 29:25; Neh 13:5; Mal 2:1; Mal 2:4; Job 23:12.

3. commandment, singular, of code of wisdom Prov 19:16, || תורה Prov 6:23, || דבר Prov 13:13 plural of special commands Prov 2:1; Prov 3:1; Prov 4:4; Prov 7:1; Prov 7:2.

commandments, commandment, precepts, commanded, law, …

miṣwâ

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the Law)

commandment

commandment (of man)

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar C/Vqrmsa

Verb Chart

English Options

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H6213

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Ncmsa

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Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H2617

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Rd/Acbpa

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Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H505

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar R/Vqrmpc/Sp1cs

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Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H157

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar C/R/Vqrmpc

Verb Chart

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Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H8104

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Ncfpc/Sp3ms

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Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H4687

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Ncfpc/Sp1cs

English Options

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H4687

Masoretic Phrasing

KJV