Esther 4:10

וַתֹּ֤אמֶר אֶסְתֵּר֙ לַֽהֲתָ֔ךְ וַתְּצַוֵּ֖הוּ אֶֽל מָרְדֳּכָֽי

Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;

Copy verses

Esther 4:10

Text only

Niqqud

Cantillation

Masoretic Phrasing

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

וַתֹּ֤אמֶר אֶסְתֵּר֙ Pashta — a lesser break לַֽהֲתָ֔ךְ Zaqef Qatan — a strong break וַתְּצַוֵּ֖הוּ Tipeha — a lesser break אֶֽל מָרְדֳּכָֽי Silluq — end of the verse

Search every verse

Word Parts

וַ תֹּ֤אמֶר

וַ

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

תֹּ֤אמֶר

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

Dictionary form: אָמַר · aw-MAHR

Vowels & Accents

וַ

Vav-consecutive (wayyiqtol) The וַ prefix — vav with patach plus a doubling dagesh in the next letter — flips this verb into story-telling past: translate "and (he) ___ed", not "will ___".

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar C/Vqw3fs

Verb — Qal, Sequential Imperfect (Wayyiqtol), third person feminine singular simple action — "he did" story-telling past — try "and he ___ed" the built-in subject is "she (or it)"

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

Verb Chart

Full verb chart

In English

In the KJV here: again spake

said ×947 saying ×718 and said ×688 saith ×527 and he said ×343 then said ×139 say ×122 and say ×119

More options

say — Most versatile; fits nearly any context or register.

declare — Emphasizes formal or authoritative pronouncement.

tell — Prefer when communication to an audience is stressed.

speak — Highlights the act of oral expression itself.

command — Use when the utterance carries directive force.

think — Fits internal or reflective speech contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB557 H559

אָמַר₅₂₈₇ verb utter, say (MI, Phoenician אמר, Aramaic אֲמַר, Ethiopic I. 2 shew, declare, Arabic command; perhaps √ אמר originally = be or make prominent, hence Hithpa`el below, אָמִיר; Sabean אמר lofty, epithet of king JHMordtm^{ZMG 1876, 37}; compare Dl^{Pr 28} who thinks original meaning hell, sichtbar sein, whence Assyrian amâru, see, & shew, declare, say) — Qal Perfect ׳א Gen 3:1 +, etc.; Imperfect יאֹמַר Gen 31:8 +; וַיּאֹ֫מֶר Gen 1:3 +; וַיּאֹמַ֑ר Gen 14:19 +; in Job always וַיּאֹ֑מַר Job 3:2 +; 3 feminine singular תּאֹמַר Gen 21:12 +; תּאֹמֵר֑ Prov 1:21 1 singular אֹמַר Gen 22:2 +; אוֺמְרָה Ps 42:10 וָאֹמַר Gen 20:13 +; וָאוֺמַר Neh 2:7; Neh 2:17; Neh 2:20 3 masculine plural יאֹמְדוּ Exod 4:1 + etc.; suffix יֹמְרוּךָ Ps 139:20 2 masculine plural תֹּמְדוּ 2Sam 19:14 ( compare Kö^{i. p. 385}); Imperative (אֱמָרֿ) אֱמֹר Gen 45:17 +, etc.; Infinitive absolute אָמוֺר Exod 21:5 +; construct אֱמֹר Ezek 25:8 +; (הַ)אֲמֹר Job 34:18 but read הָאֹמֵר ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Di, or better הֶאָמֹר Infinitive absolute with ה interrogative compare Ew :§ 328 d; suffix אָמְרִי Josh 6:10 +; אֲמָרְכֶם Jer 23:38 אֱמָרְכֶם Mal 1:7 +; לֵאמֹר Gen 1:22 +, etc.; Participle active אֹמֵר Gen 32:10 +, etc.; passive הֶאָמוּר Mic 2:7, but this grammatically indefensible, read הֶאָמוֺר, Infinitive absolute with ה interrogative, see Dr^{Expositor, April, 1887, 263}.

1. Say (subject God Gen 3:1 + or man Gen 32:5, serpent Gen 3:1, ass Num 22:28, horse יאֹמַר הֶאָח Job 39:25 etc.; inanimate things, personified Job 28:14 compare vJob 28:22 etc.; so in allegory or fable Judg 9:8; 2Kgs 14:9 etc.; especially in narration, וַיּאֹמֶר etc., Gen 4:6 + very often): mostly followed by thing said, either substantive Jer 14:17 (c. clause app.) Deut 27:16f.; Judg 12:6 pronoun Gen 44:16; 2Kgs 20:14 +; or (usually) clause Gen 1:3; Gen 3:1; Gen 37:20 + often (oratio recta [direct speech]); with adverb thus, so Gen 32:5; Num 20:14; 1Kgs 20:3; 1Kgs 20:5 + often; especially ׳כֹּה אָמַר י Exod 5:1; Exod 7:17; Exod 8:1; Exod 8:20; 1Chr 17:4 + often; the person addressed usually introduced by אֶל Gen 3:1; Gen 15:7; Gen 22:7; Lev 21:1; 2Sam 3:7; 1Kgs 12:5; 1Kgs 12:23, or לְ Gen 3:13; Gen 4:15; 1Sam 20:2; 2Sam 2:21; 1Kgs 14:2 + often; rarer combinations are, בְּאָזְנֵי ׳א Isa 49:20 (compare Isa 5:9 & see דבר); לִפְנֵי ׳א Ezek 28:9 לְעֵינֵי ׳א Deut 31:7; Josh 10:12; Jer 28:11 בְּ ׳א Joel 2:17; Ps 126:2, where בְּ local; in all cases usually followed by direct object of words said, Exod 19:25 being very singular; Gen 4:8 the object-clause has probably fallen out, compare Vrss Di; = mention, name, designate Gen 22:2; Gen 22:3; Gen 43:27; Gen 43:29; Exod 32:13; Num 14:40; 1Sam 10:16; 1Sam 16:3; 2Sam 6:22; Neh 6:19 compare Ps 139:20 יֹמְרוּךָ לִמְזִמָּה speak of thee for falsehood (but many, as Hup Pe Dy Che, read יַמְרוּךָ); = tell, declare, proclaim, (followed by direct object only) Ps 40:11; Ezek 13:7 in reply to question = answer Exod 12:27; Josh 4:7; 1Kgs 9:9; Jer 5:19; Jer 22:9. The object spoken of may be referred to by אֶל 2Kgs 19:32; Jer 22:18; Jer 27:19, or לְ Gen 20:13 אִמְרִי לִֹי say of me, etc. Deut 33:9; Judg 9:54; Isa 5:20; Ps 3:3; Ps 71:10, very rarely by a simple accusative Isa 3:10 (where read probably for אִמְרוּ, אַשְׁרֵי), except after אֲשֶׁר where the words used follow (compare אֲשֶׁר 4 d) Gen 3:17; Num 10:29; Num 14:31; Deut 28:68; Judg 7:4; 1Sam 9:17; 1Sam 9:23b 1Kgs 8:29; Lam 4:20 compare Num 21:16; 2Kgs 17:12; 2Kgs 21:4, & (two extreme cases) Isa 8:12; Lam 2:15 (see Dr^{Sm i. 24, 5}); ֶהאָמוּר Mic 2:7 read infinitive absolute with ה interrogative הֶאָמוֺר (see above) shall one say ? shall it be said ? After another verb of saying, introducing thing said: Deut 21:7; Deut 25:9; Deut 27:15; Song 2:10 +, even after אמר Gen 22:7; Lev 21:1; Jer 34:2; Esth 7:5 +; especially infinitive לֵאמֹר, after דבר Gen 8:15, צוה Gen 2:16, ענה Gen 44:16, ברך Gen 1:22, נשׁבע Gen 24:7, נדר Gen 28:20, etc.; after אמר 2Sam 3:18; 1Kgs 12:23; Ruth 4:4; 1Chr 21:18 +; after שׁלח 2Chr 35:21, שׁוּב Gen 32:7 compare also Gen 28:6; Gen 9:5; Gen 13:8; Gen 17:4; Deut 13:7; Judg 8:15; 1Sam 23:2; 1Kgs 13:3; Jer 32:3; Jer 37:9 +; also when subject of לֵאמֹר differs from that of pre-ceding clause Gen 31:1; Gen 38:13; Gen 38:24 etc.; after שׁמע Isa 37:9 = 2Kgs 19:9.

2. Say in the heart (= think) בלבב ׳א Deut 8:17 compare 1Kgs 12:26; Ps 10:6; Ps 10:11; Ps 10:13; Ps 14:1; Ps 35:25; Isa 14:13; Isa 47:8; Isa 47:10; Isa 49:21; Eccl 2:1; Eccl 2:15; Eccl 3:17; Eccl 3:18 לִלְבָבָם ׳א Hos 7:2 אֶללִֿבּוֺ ׳א Gen 8:21 said unto his heart (to himself), subject ׳י, compare 1Sam 27:1 אָֽמְרָה נַפֲשִׁי Lam 3:24 thence ׳א alone Gen 20:11; Gen 26:9; Num 24:11; Ruth 4:4; 1Sam 20:26; 2Sam 5:6; 2Sam 12:22; 2Kgs 5:11 followed by clause with כִּי Judg 15:2 in particular = desire מַהתּֿאֹמַר נַפְשְׁךָ 1Sam 20:4 compare Esth 2:13 followed by infinitive = purpose, Exod 2:14 thinkest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian ? Josh 22:33; 1Sam 30:6; 1Kgs 5:19; 2Chr 28:10; 2Chr 28:13 expect 2Sam 21:16 he expected to slay David 2Chr 13:8; 2Chr 32:1.

3. Promise (followed by infinitive) 1Chr 27:23; 2Chr 21:7; Esth 4:7 (id. + ל of person) 2Kgs 8:19; Neh 9:15 (followed by accusative of direct object + ל of person + infinitive of purpose) Neh 9:23.

4. Command (especially late) followed by אֶלֿ of per-son addressed, Num 15:38; 1Chr 21:18 followed by ל Josh 11:9; 2Sam 16:11; 2Kgs 4:24; Job 9:7; Ps 106:34 (see below אֲשֶׁר 8 e); followed by infinitive 1Sam 24:11; 1Chr 21:17; 2Chr 1:18; 2Chr 29:27; 2Chr 29:30; 2Chr 31:11; 2Chr 35:21; Esth 1:17; Esth 4:13; Esth 4:15; Esth 6:1; Esth 9:14 followed by infinitive + ל of pers, 2Chr 14:3; 2Chr 29:21; 2Chr 31:4; followed by accusative direct object 2Chr 29:24 the king commanded the burnt-offering and the sin-offering, compare 1Kgs 5:20; Esth 2:15 followed by clause with אשׁר = that Neh 13:19 id. + ל of person vNeh 13:22 followed by clause with כִּי Job 36:10 absolute 1Sam 16:16 (read however probably יאמרו for יאמר, compare Dr); also Ps 105:31; Ps 105:34; Ps 107:25; 1Chr 14:12; 2Chr 24:8; Neh 13:9; Neh 13:19 (all followed by verb consecutive); command by letter עִםהַֿסֵּפֶר ׳א Esth 9:25 (followed by imperfect); appoint, assign לוֺ ׳לֶחֶם א 1Kgs 11:18 = threaten followed by infinitive Deut 9:25; Ps 106:23. Niph`al Perfect נֶאֱמַר Dan 8:26 Imperfect יֵאָמֵר Gen 22:14 +; יֵאָ֫מֶר לוֺ Isa 4:3 יֵאָמַ֑ר Gen 10:9 +; וַיֵּאָמַ֑ר Josh 2:2 be said, told Gen 10:9; Gen 22:14; Ps 87:5; Jer 4:11; Jer 16:14 (all absolute, indefinite subject, of current saying); so said in a book Num 21:14 be related, told, of vision Dan 8:26 said, told to (followed by ל indirect object) Josh 2:2; Hos 2:1 (twice in verse); Zeph 3:16 either so, or told concerning Num 23:23; Ezek 13:12 (אֶלֿ); יֵאָמֵר לָכֶם = ye shall be called (it shall be said to you) Isa 61:6 (|| תִּקָּרְאוּ), compare Isa 4:3; Isa 19:18; Isa 32:5 (|| יִקָּרֵא ל) Isa 62:4 (twice in verse); hence be called, of Tophet לֹאיֵֿאָמֵר עוֺד הַתֹּפֶת Jer 7:32 subject שֵׁם Gen 32:29; Job 34:31 כִּי אֶלאֵֿל הֶאָמַר, Rabb (compare AV) treat הֵאָמַר as Niph`al Infinitive for לְהֵאָמֵר, but against grammar; the form as it stands is Qal Perfect, אֶלאֵֿל being prefixed to the interrogative for emphasis (compare Jer 22:15; Jer 23:26; Neh 13:27), see Dr^{§ 9} Di and others; Hoffm., however, reads הֵאָמֵר infinitive absolute = imperative 'so must one speak (it be spoken) to God.' Hiph`il Perfect avow, avouch Deut 26:17 הֶאֱמַרְתָּ הַיּוֺם לִהְיוֺת לְךָ לֵאלֹהִים ׳אֶתיֿ; vDeut 26:18 ׳וי הֶאֱמִירְךָ היום להיות לוֺ לְעַם (literally cause to declare, i.e. through agency of Moses; on this & other interpretations see Di). Hithpa`el Imperfect יִתְאַמְּרוּ Ps 94:4 subject כָּלפֹּֿעֲלֵי אָ֑וֶן act proudly, boast (|| יַבִּיעוּ יְדַבְּרוּ עָתָק probably also 2 masculine plural תִּתְיַמָּ֑רוּ Isa 61:6 (in good sense, followed by בְּ of thing gloried in) ᵑ6 ᵑ9 ᵑ7 & compare ᵐ5; Ges^Comm. so De Che Kö^{i. 457 f.} (from [ימר] exchange Thes Hi Kn Ew Di; but see ימר, מור).

BDB9309 H560 H559

אֲמַר₇₁ verb say, tell, command (Biblical Hebrew אָמַר); —

Pe Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳א Dan 2:12 +, אֲמַ֑ר Dan 7:1 3 feminine singular אֲמֶ֫רֶר Dan 5:10 (K^{§ 38, 1 a}); 1 singular אַמְרֵת Dan 4:5 1 plural אֲאַ֫רְנָא Dan 5:4; Dan 5:9, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יֵאמַר (K^{§ 41}) Dan 2:7 +; 2 masculine plural תֵּאמְרוּן Jer 10:11, etc.; Imperative masculine singular אֱמַר Jer 2:4 +; masculine plural אֱמַרוּ Jer 2:9 Infinitive לְמֵאמַר vJer 2:9, לְמֵמַ֑ר Ezra 5:11 (K^{§ 41 a}); Participle אְמַר Dan 2:5 + often, plural אָֽמְרִין Dan 3:4; Ezra 5:3 +; —

1. say (often in phrase answer and say): followed by oratio recta [direct speech] (only), Dan 2:7; Dan 2:10 + 13 t. Daniel; Ezra 5:11 + ל person Dan 2:5; Dan 3:14 + 14 t. Daniel [plural with indefinite subject for passive Dan 4:28], Ezra 5:15 + קְָדָס person Dan 2:9; Dan 5:17; Dan 6:13; Dan 6:14 + כֵּן Dan 4:11; Dan 7:23, כֵּן with ל person Ezra 5:8; Dan 2:24; Dan 2:25; Dan 6:7, compare Dan 7:5 + כְּנֵמָא with ל person Ezra 5:4; Ezra 5:9 + כִּדְנָךְ with ל person Jer 10:11 followed by accusative of thing + עַל person against whom Dan 3:29.

2. relate, tell: followed by accusative of thing Dan 4:6; Dan 4:15; Dan 7:1, + ל person Dan 2:4; Dan 2:9; Dan 2:7; Dan 7:16 (accusative of thing omitted), + קְָדָם person Dan 2:36; Dan 4:4; Dan 4:5.

3. command: followed by infinitive Dan 2:12; Dan 2:46 + 6 t. Daniel; followed by finite verb Dan 5:29; Dan 6:17; Dan 6:23 followed by ל person + or. rect. Dan 3:4 [pl. with indefinite subject, for passive, K^{§ 76 e}, so Dan 4:23].

Strong's Definition H559

said, saying, saith, say, spake, …

ʾāmar

to say (used with great latitude)

to say, speak, utter

(Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend

Variations 175 forms of this word

Translations 575 English renderings

Search every verse

Word Parts

אֶסְתֵּר֙

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

Dictionary form: אֶסְתֵּר · es-TARE

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Np

Noun — Proper Name

אֶסְתֵּר

Speech Noun Type Proper Name

In English

In the KJV here: esther

esther ×33 unto esther ×7 and esther ×4 esthers ×3 then esther ×2 to esther ×2 of esther ×1 so esther ×1

More options

Esther — Standard modern spelling of this proper name.

Esther's — Possessive form; use for genitive contexts.

Queen Esther — Use when royal title adds clarity or emphasis.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB647 H635

אֶסְתֵּר proper name, feminine Esther (Persian stâra, star) — daughter of Abihail, cousin and adopted daughter of Mordecai, of tribe of Benjamin; made queen in Vashti's place by Ahasuerus; her Jewish name הֲדַסָּת q. v. Esth 2:7; Esth 2:8; Esth 2:10; Esth 2:11; Esth 2:15 (twice in verse); Esth 2:16; Esth 2:17 + 47 t. Esther.

Strong's Definition H635

esther, esthers

ʾestēr

star

Ester, the Jewish heroine

the queen of Persia, heroine of the book of Esther—daughter of Abihail, cousin and adopted daughter of Mordecai, of the tribe of Benjamin, made queen by king Ahasuerus to replace divorced queen, Vashti.

Variations 5 forms of this word

Translations 10 English renderings

Esther Jewish queen of Persia; saved her people from genocide.

Search every verse

Word Parts

לַ ֽהֲתָ֔ךְ

לַ

Prefix — preposition to, for

ֽהֲתָ֔ךְ

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

Dictionary form: הֲתָךְ · huh-TOKE

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar R/Np

Noun — Proper Name

לַ	Speech Preposition
הֲתָךְ	Speech Noun Type Proper Name

In English

In the KJV here: unto hatach

hatach ×2 for hatach ×1 unto hatach ×1

More options

Hathach — Standard modern spelling used in contemporary Bible translations.

Hatach — Closer transliteration; used in some modern critical editions.

the king's attendant — Descriptive rendering when the proper name needs clarification.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB2243 H2047

הֲתָךְ proper name, masculine a Persian official at court of Ahasuerus Esth 4:5; Esth 4:6; Esth 4:9; Esth 4:10.

Strong's Definition H2047

hatach

hătok

verily

Hathak, a Persian eunuch

a eunuch in the court of Ahasuerus

Variations 2 forms of this word

Translations 3 English renderings

Hathach A eunuch in the court of King Ahasuerus.

Search every verse

Word Parts

וַ תְּצַוֵּ ֖הוּ

וַ

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

תְּצַוֵּ

Root word commanded, command, charged, charge, commandment, …

֖הוּ

Suffix — pronoun his / him / it

Dictionary form: צָוָה · tsaw-WAW

Vowels & Accents

וַ

Vav-consecutive (wayyiqtol) The וַ prefix — vav with patach plus a doubling dagesh in the next letter — flips this verb into story-telling past: translate "and (he) ___ed", not "will ___".

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar C/Vpw3fs/Sp3ms

Verb — Piel, Sequential Imperfect (Wayyiqtol), third person feminine singular intensive — "he really / thoroughly did" story-telling past — try "and he ___ed" the built-in subject is "she (or it)"

וַ	Speech Conjunction
תְּצַוֵּ	Speech Verb Stem Piel Type Sequential Imperfect (Wayyiqtol) Person Third Person Gender Feminine Number Singular
הוּ	Speech Suffix Type Pronominal Person Third Person Gender Masculine Number Singular

Verb Chart

Full verb chart

In English

In the KJV here: and gave him commandment

commanded ×152 command ×42 had commanded ×27 i commanded ×24 hath commanded ×20 he commanded ×13 i have commanded ×12 command thee ×8

More options

command — Most direct; suits authoritative, formal, or divine speech.

instruct — Softer register; good for teaching or guidance contexts.

order — Direct and contemporary; fits military or official contexts.

charge — Modernizes KJV 'charged'; implies solemn commissioning or duty.

direct — Neutral tone; useful when emphasis is on guidance over authority.

appoint — Best when the act establishes a role, task, or arrangement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB6978 H6680

[צָוָה]₄₈₅ verb Pi`el lay charge (upon), give charge (to), charge, command, order (Ba^{ZMG xii (1887), 641} Gerber^{124 op.} Arabic combine, II. enjoin, IV. charge; injunction, command; Thes compare Syriac , heap up (stones), , stone-heap, Arabic guide-stone, compare Schulth⁵⁷; Gerber makes Hebrew verbdenominative from מִצְוָה but verb is much earlier); — Perfect 3 masculine singular צִוָּה Gen 6:22 +; suffix צִוַּנִי Deut 4:5 +; צִוְּךָ Deut 4:23 +; צִוָּהוּ Gen 7:5 +, etc.; 1 singular צִוִּיתִי Exod 29:35 + 29 t., צִוֵּיתִי Lev 8:31 + 4 t., etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יְצַוֶּה Gen 18:19 + 8 t.; יְצַו Deut 28:8 וַיְצַו Gen 2:16 +; suffix וִיצַוְּךָ 1Chr 22:12, etc.; 1s. וָאֲצִוֶּה Ezra 8:17 Qr (> Kt ואוצאה); 3 masculine plural וַיְצַזּוּ Gen 50:16 +, etc.; Infinitive construct צַוֹּת 2Sam 18:5 +, etc.; Imperative masculine singular צַוֵּה Josh 4:16 + 2t.; צַו Lev 6:2 + 9 t.; masculine plural צַוּוּ Josh 1:11; Josh 4:3 Participle מְצַוֶּה Num 32:23 +; construct מְצַוֵּה Isa 55:4, etc.; feminine מְצַוָּה Gen 27:8 —

1. a. lay charge upon, with עַל person, Gen 2:16 (J) Gen 28:6 (P) 1Kgs 2:43; 1Kgs 11:11; Amos 2:12; Jer 35:6 + 6t.; עַל of thing, עַל הֶעָבִים אֲצַוֶּה מֵהַמְטִיר Isa 5:6, compare Job 36:32, עַלתָֿגָב ׳צ 2Chr 7:13.
b. give charge to, command to with לְ person Exod 1:22 (E) 1Sam 20:29; 1Chr 22:17; Isa 13:3; Jer 32:23; Ps 105:8 לָנוּ משֶׁה ׳תּוֺרָה צ Deut 33:4, compare Neh 9:14 צַו לְבֵיתֶ֑ךָ 2Kgs 20:1 give charge to thy household (in preparation for death) = Isa 38:1 (compare Late Hebrew, B.Bath.^{151 b}, צַוָּאָה 'verbal will' Id^{147 a}).
c. give charge uno, with אֶל person Exod 16:34 (P), 1Kgs 11:10 וַיְצַו אֶלכֵּֿיתוֺ 2Sam 17:23 (compare
b.).
d. give charge over, appoint, with accusative of person + עַל of thing, Neh 7:2; 1Chr 22:12, (לִהְיוֺת) נָנִיד עַל ׳צ appoint one (to be) ruler over 2Sam 6:21; 1Kgs 1:35 with לנגיד 1Sam 13:14; 1Sam 25:30 שׁפטים על 2Sam 7:11 = 1Chr 17:10 with infinitive (no על), לִרְעוֺת עמי 2Sam 7:7 = 1Chr 17:6 וְצִוִּיתָה אֹתוֺ לְעֵינֵיהֶם Num 27:19 (P) and thou shalt install him in their sight, compare vNum 27:23 (P).
e. give one charge, command (often עַל concerning), Gen 12:20 (J), Num 8:22 (P), 2Sam 14:8; 2Sam 18:5; Jer 7:22; Jer 39:11; Isa 45:12 (AV RV Che Ry^Kau; > Ges Ew Di Du and others as d), Isa 10:6 (al. against), Nah 1:14 (al. id.); with לְ Num 9:8; Num 32:38 (P), Ps 91:11; Lam 1:17; Esth 3:2 with אֶל Isa 23:11; Jer 47:7.

2. charge, command:
a. with accusative of person + thing, often, especially of the law: Deuteronomic phrases are אשׁר אנכי מצוךָ Exod 34:11 (J), Deut 4:40; Deut 6:2; Deut 6:6 + 18 t. Deuteronomy, compare Deut 15:15 אשׁר אנכי מצוה אתכם Deut 4:2 (twice in verse) + 9 t. Deuteronomy; הַדֶּרֶךְ ׳אשׁר צ Deut 13:6; Deut 13:6; Exod 32:8 (E) Deut 5:30; Deut 9:12; Deut 9:16; Deut 11:28; Deut 31:29.
b. with accusative of person + object clause, e.g., Infinitive Gen 50:2+; ו consecutive Perfect Gen 18:19 (J), Num 35:2 (P); ו consecutive Imperfect 2Sam 4:12; 1Kgs 2:46 weak ו with Imperfect Exod 27:20 (P) Josh 4:16 Imperative Josh 1:9; 1Sam 18:22.
c. accusative of person, accusative of thing omitted, Exod 18:23 (E) Gen 49:33 (P) +; object given after לֵאמֹר Gen 26:11; Gen 32:15; Gen 32:20; Lev 6:2 +; וַיּאֹמֶר etc., Gen 28:1; Gen 49:29 +.
d. accusative of thing, accusative of person omitted, לעולם בריתוֺ ׳צ Ps 111:9 וֶה הַדָּבָר ׳י ׳אֲשֶׁר צ, Exod 16:16; Exod 16:32; Exod 35:4; Lev 8:5; Lev 9:6; Lev 17:2; Num 30:2; Num 36:6 (P); object clause, Lev 8:34 (P), Lev 13:54 (P); Gen 42:25 (E), 1Kgs 5:20; Judg 4:6.
e. absolute Gen 50:16 (E), Lam 3:37.

3. charge, command, accusative of person in phrase ׳כַּאֲשֶׁר צ Exod 23:15 (E) Gen 7:9 (P) +; ׳ככל אשׁר צ Gen 7:5 (J) Exod 29:35 (P) +; משֶׁה ׳י ׳כאשׁר צ Exod 12:28; Exod 12:50; Exod 39:1; Exod 39:5 + 37 t. P; משׁה ׳י ׳ככל אשׁר צ Exod 39:32; Exod 39:42 + 5t. P; ׳לכל אשׁר צ Josh 1:18; Josh 22:2; Jer 35:8 accusative of person omitted ׳כאשׁר צ Exod 7:10; Num 32:25 (P) +; ׳ככל אשׁר צ 2Kgs 11:9 = 2Chr 23:8 +; ׳לכל אשׁר צ Exod 36:1 (P).

4. charge, with command to others, commission,
a. accusative of person +אֶל person (sometimes + accusative of thing) Exod 6:13; Exod 25:22; Lev 27:34 (P) Deut 1:3; Jer 27:4; Esth 4:10 accusative of person omitted Gen 50:16 (E) Esth 3:12; Esth 8:9.
b. בְּיַד of agent, + אֶל, Num 15:23; Num 36:13 (P); אֶל omitted Lev 8:36 (P), Ezra 9:11; Neh 8:14.
c. accusative of person + עַל for אֶל Ezra 8:17; 1Chr 22:13; Mal 3:22; Esth 4:5.
d. with accusative of thing, כִּרְכָתִי לְ ׳וצ Lev 25:21 (P) and I will command my blessing to you, with אִתְּךָ Deut 28:8, compare Ps 133:3 חסדוֺ ׳צ Ps 42:9, בֹּקֶר Job 38:12, נָחָשׁ, חֶרֶב Amos 9:3; Amos 9:4.

5. command, appoint, ordain, of divine act: in creation Isa 45:12; Ps 33:9; Ps 148:5, providence 2Sam 17:4; Amos 6:11; Amos 9:9; Job 37:12; Ps 78:23; Isa 34:16, redemption Ps 7:7; Ps 44:5; Ps 68:29; Ps 71:3 so of idol Isa 48:5 (|| עשׂה). Pu`al Perfect 3 masculine singular צֻוָּה Num 3:16; Num 36:2 2 masculine singular צֻוֵּיתָה Gen 45:19, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יְצֻוֶּה Exod 34:34 — be commanded, i.e. receive command, subject person, Gen 45:19 (E), with בְּ by whom Num 36:2 (P); ׳אשׁר צ Exod 34:34 (P), ׳כִּיכֵֿן צ Lev 8:35; Lev 10:13 (P), ׳כאשׁר צ Num 3:16 (P) Ezek 12:7; Ezek 24:18; Ezek 37:7.

Strong's Definition H6680

commanded, command, charged, charge, commandment, …

ṣāwâ

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order

(Piel)

to lay charge upon

Variations 92 forms of this word

Translations 133 English renderings

Search every verse

Word Parts

אֶֽל

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

Dictionary form: אֵל · ale

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar R

Preposition

אֶֽל	Speech Preposition

In English

In the KJV here: unto

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

More options

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

toward — Emphasizes movement or orientation in a direction.

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

against — Adversarial or oppositional context; hostility or pressure.

upon — Contact or imposition on a surface or person.

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB420 H413

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Note]

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

Strong's Definition H413

unto, to, into, upon, against, …

ʾēl

near, with or among; often in general, to

to, toward, unto (of motion)

in among

Variations 46 forms of this word

Translations 329 English renderings

Search every verse

Word Parts

מָרְדֳּכָֽי

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

Dictionary form: מׇרְדְּכַי · more-deh-KAI

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Np

Noun — Proper Name

מָרְדֳּכָֽי

Speech Noun Type Proper Name

In English

In the KJV here: mordecai

mordecai ×35 and mordecai ×5 to mordecai ×4 of mordecai ×3 for mordecai ×2 mordecais ×2 and to mordecai ×1 but mordecai ×1

More options

Mordecai — Standard modern spelling; use in nearly all contexts.

Mardochai — Traditional variant found in some Bible translations.

Mordecai's — Possessive form when indicating ownership or association.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB4805 H4782

מָרְּדֳּכַי (van d. H. מָרְדְּכַי) proper name, masculine Mordecai (perhaps from n.div. Marduk (מְרֹרַךְ), Zim^{ZAW xi.161 ff.}; compare further Wild (citing Jensen)^{Comm. Est. 173 f.}); — ׳מ Ezra 2:2; Esth 2:5 +; מָרְדֳּכָ֑י Esth 2:22 +; —

1. companion of Zerubbabel, according to Ezra 2:2 = Neh 7:7. ᵐ5 Μαραθχαιος, Μαρδοχαιος, etc:

2. cousin and adoptive father of Esther Esth 2:5; Esth 2:7; Esth 2:10 + 55 t. Esther. ᵐ5 Μαρδοχαιος.

מֻרְדָּף see רדף, רדה.

Strong's Definition H4782

mordecai, mordecais

mordĕkay

little man, worshipper of Mars

Mordecai, an Israelite

cousin and adoptive father of queen Esther; son of Jair of the tribe of Benjamin; deliverer under Divine providence of the children of Israel from the destruction plotted by Haman the chief minister of Ahasuerus; institutor of the feast of Purim

Variations 9 forms of this word

Translations 15 English renderings

Mordecai Son of Jair Mordecai A leader who returned from Babylonian exile.

Esther 4:9

Read Esther 4

Esther 4:11