Exodus 1:20

Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

וַ יֵּ֥יטֶב
וַ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
יֵּ֥יטֶב
Root word well, good, pleased, merry, amend, …
Dictionary form: יָטַב · yaw-TAHB

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 ___".

Verb — Hiphil, Sequential Imperfect (Wayyiqtol), third person masculine singular causative — "he made (someone) do" story-telling past — try "and he ___ed" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

In the KJV here: therefore dealt well
do good ×6 and pleased ×5 it may be well ×5 it may go well ×4 well ×4 amend ×3 and it shall be well with you ×2 be merry ×2
More options
do well — Most versatile rendering; covers acting rightly or skillfully.
go well — Prefer for outcomes or situations turning out favorably.
make good — Suits contexts of improvement or correcting a wrong.
please — Use when the subject brings satisfaction to another party.
rejoice — Fits merry/cheerful contexts where emotion is foregrounded.
act rightly — Moral register; emphasizes ethical correctness of an action.

BDB3528 H3190 H2895

BDB3527 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3529

[יָטַב] verb be good, well, glad, pleasing (Aramaic יְטַב Zinjirli יטב DHMSendsch. 57) —

Qal (Perfect not in use, see טוֺב verb) Imperfect יִיטַב Gen 12:13 + 34 t., יִטַב 1Sam 24:5 + 3 t.; תִּיטַב Esth 2:4 + 2 t.; תֵּיטְבִי (incorrect for תִּיטְבִי Ges«GKC:70»§ 70 R) Nah 3:8 plural יִיטְבוּ Gen 34:18 for Infinitive and Participle see טוֺב
1. be glad, joyful, לֵב Judg 18:20; Judg 19:6; Judg 19:9; 1Kgs 21:7; Ruth 3:7; Eccl 7:3.
2. be well placed, הֲתֵיטְבִי מִנּאֹ אָמוֺן Nah 3:8 art thou better placed than No of Amon?
3. impersonal with לְ, be well for or with, go well with Gen 12:13 (J), Gen 40:14 (E), Deut 4:40; Deut 5:16; Deut 5:26; Deut 6:3; Deut 6:18; Deut 12:25; Deut 12:28; Deut 22:7; 2Kgs 25:24; Ruth 3:1; Jer 7:23; Jer 38:20; Jer 40:9; Jer 42:6.
4. be pleasing בְּעֵינֵי Gen 34:18 (J), Gen 41:37; Gen 45:16 (E), Deut 1:23; Lev 10:19; Lev 10:20; Josh 22:30; Josh 22:33 (P), 1Sam 18:5; 1Sam 24:5; 2Sam 3:36; 2Sam 18:4; 1Kgs 3:10; Esth 1:21; Esth 2:4 (twice in verse); Esth 2:9 with לְ, be pleasing to, Ps 69:32 with לִפְנֵי (late) Neh 2:5; Neh 2:6; Esth 5:14. Hiph`il Perfect הֵיטִיב Gen 12:16; Josh 24:20 הֵיטִב 1Sam 25:31 suffix הֵיטִ֑בְךָ Deut 30:5 הֵיטַבְתָּ Jer 1:12 הֵיטַבְתְּ Ruth 3:10, etc.; וְהִֵ˜טבֹתִ֫י Ezek 36:11 (for הֵיטַבְתִּי as if from טוב Ges«GKC:70»§ 70R); Imperfect יֵיטִיב Num 10:32 + 3 t.; יֵיטִב Prov 15:13 + 2 t.; יְיֵטִיב Job 24:21 (Ges«GKC:70»§ 70R); יֵיטֵיב 1Kgs 1:47 (Ges«GKC:70»§ 70R); וַיִּ֫יטֶב Exod 1:20 suffix וִיטִיבְךָ Eccl 11:9, etc.; Imperative הֵיטִ֫יבָה Ps 51:20 הֵיטִ֫יבִי Isa 23:16, etc.; Infinitive absolute הֵיטֵיב Jer 7:5; Jer 10:5 הֵיטֵב Gen 32:13 + 10 t.; Infinitive construct הֵיטִיב Lev 5:4 + 7 t.; הֵטִיב Jer 32:41 suffix הֵיטִיבִי Jer 32:40, etc.; Participle מֵיטִיב 1Sam 16:17 מֵטִיב Ps 119:68 מֵטִב Ezek 33:32, etc.; —
1. make glad, rejoice לֵב Judg 19:22 פנים Prov 15:13 the person Eccl 11:9.
2. do good to, deal well with, a person usually with preposition: with לְ, Exod 1:20; Josh 24:20 (both E), Gen 12:16; Num 10:29; Num 10:32 (all J), Judg 17:13; 1Sam 25:31; Ps 49:19; Ps 125:4 with עִם, Gen 32:10; Gen 32:13 (twice in verse); Num 10:32 (all J), Mic 2:7 with accusative Deut 8:16; Deut 28:63; Deut 30:5; 1Sam 2:32; Jer 18:10; Jer 32:40; Jer 32:41; Zech 8:15; Job 24:21; Ps 51:20 absolute Ezek 36:11 opposed to הֵרַע (in prov. phrase, cannot do good or ill, = cannot do anything at all; test of deity) Zeph 1:12; Isa 41:23; Jer 10:5.
3. do well or thoroughly: הֵטִיבוּ (כל)אשׁר דבּרוּ they have done well (all) that they have spoken Deut 5:25; Deut 18:17 על הרע כפים להיטיב Mic 7:3 their hands are upon the evil to do it well,i.e.diligently, thoroughly, literally make (it) good, with play on הרע; especially as auxil. followed by infinitive; דעת ׳היט Prov 15:2 = know well; לראות Jer 1:12 see well; (לְ)נַגֵּן play well, skilfully 1Sam 16:17; Isa 23:16; Ezek 33:32; Ps 33:3 compare participle construct followed by substantive מֵטִבֵי צָ֑עַד Prov 30:29 marching well, in a stately manner, so מֵיטִבֵי לֶכֶת vProv 30:29 infinitive absolute הֵיטֵיב as adverb = thoroughly, with verbs: כתת Deut 9:21, שׁאל Deut 13:15, דרשׁ Deut 17:4; Deut 19:18, באר Deut 27:8, שׁבּר 2Kgs 11:18.
4. make a thing good, right, beautiful: with accusative of thing: the head 2Kgs 9:30 dress, trim: a lamp Exod 30:7 (P); מַצֵּבוֺת Hos 10:1 גֵּהָה Prov 17:22 a glad heart maketh a good cure; followed by מִן comparative, object שֵׁם 1Kgs 1:47 ( = make it more glorious then); חֶסֶד Ruth 3:10 followed by דֶּרֶךְ = course of life or action Jer 2:33 (in order to win love); amend one's ways and doings Jer 7:3; Jer 18:11; Jer 26:13; Jer 35:15 ׳הֵיטֵיב תֵּיטִיבוּ אתדֿ Jer 7:5.
5. do well, right, ethically, absolute:
  a. of men, Gen 4:7 (twice in verse) (J), Lev 5:4 (P), Ps 36:4; Isa 1:17; Jer 4:22; Jer 13:23.
  b. of God, טוֺב מֵטִיב good and doing good Ps 119:68 so infinitive absolute as adverb הַהֵיטֵב חָרָה לך Jonah 4:4; Jonah 4:9 art thou rightly angry ? followed by לי vJonah 4:9. In כִּייֵֿיטִב אֶלאָֿבִי 1Sam 20:13 verb is apparently intransitive, = Qal, if it be pleasing unto my father, but Hiph`il not elsewhere in this sense; point rather יִיטַב; on this and on following אֶתֿ see We Dr.

well, good, pleased, merry, amend, …
yāṭab
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
  • to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad
    • (Qal)
      • to be glad, be joyful
      • "to be well placed"to be well for, be well with, go well with"to be pleasing, be pleasing to
      (Hiphil)
      • to make glad, rejoice
      • "to do good to, deal well with"to do well, do thoroughly"to make a thing good or right or beautiful"to do well, do right

אֱלֹהִ֖ים
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
Root word god, gods, judges, great, goddess, …
Dictionary form: אֱלֹהִים · eh-loh-HEEM

Noun — Common, masculine plural, absolute state plural — usually add "-s"

In the KJV here: god
god ×587 thy god ×320 of god ×316 your god ×162 our god ×116 the god ×110 gods ×95 their god ×62
More options
God — Preferred for the God of Israel; singular context.
gods — Use for polytheistic or plural divine beings.
deity — Neutral, academic tone; suits comparative religion contexts.
divine being — Emphasizes nature over identity; good for ambiguous referents.
judge — Use when context is legal or judicial authority.
mighty one — Captures intensifying plural; rare angelic or hero contexts.

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.


BDB2170 H1984 H430 H3050

BDB2169 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2171

II. [הָלַל] verb be boastful, Pi`el praise (Arabic shout, both in joy & (if conjecture of RS be right, see citation below) in terror; especially II. in formula of worship; Syriac Pa`el cecinit, laudavit; compare Late Hebrew הִלּוּל praise, הַלֵּל id., Hallel (Psalm 113-118); Aramaic הִילּוּלָא marriage-song, &c.; on Assyrian alâlu, shout for joy, rejoice see LyonSargontexte 66 (Cylinder. 1. 36) also WincklerSargontexte 134, 1. 194; 156. 1. 149 KB44. 1. 36; 80. 1. 194; all variations of cry aloud, compare ZMG 1887, 723 RSSemitic 411; perhaps originally break through, or out (in a cry), compare WeSkizzen iii. 107 ff., especially 109; compare also (according to PrätBAS i. 369 f.) Ethiopic implore (compare Amharic, Tigrinya), & swear) —

Qal Imperfect 2 masculine plural תָּהֹ֑לּוּ Ps 75:5 Participle הוֺלֲלִים Ps 5:6 + 2 t.; — be boastful אַלתָּֿהֹ֑לּוּ Ps 75:5 (|| אַלֿ (תָּרִימוּקָ֑רֶן); Participle boastful ones, boasters Ps 5:6 (|| פֹּעֲלֵי אָוֶן); Ps 73:3; Ps 75:5 (both || רְשָׁעִים). Pi`el Perfect הִלֵּל Ps 10:3, 1 singular suffix הִלַּלְתִּיךָ Ps 119:164 3 masculine plural וְהִלֲלן consecutive Isa 62:9, suffix הִלֲלוּךָ Isa 64:10. etc.; Imperfect יְהַלֶּלֿ Ps 63:6; Ps 102:19 suffix יְהַלֶּלְךָ Prov 27:2, יְהַלֲלֶ֑ךָּ Isa 38:18, וַיְהַלֲלָהּ Prov 31:38: 1 singular אֲהַלֵּל Ps 56:5 + 2 t., cohortative אֲהַלֲלָה Ps 69:31 + 2 t., etc.; Imperative feminine singular הַלֲלִי Ps 146:1; Ps 147:12 masculine plural הַלְלוּ Ps 104:35 + 30 t. Psalm + Jer 20:13; Jer 31:7 suffix הַלֲלוּ֫הוּ Ps 22:24 + 15 t. Psalms; Infinitive absolute הַלֵּל 1Chr 16:36 construct הַלֵּל 2Sam 14:25 + 16 t. Chronicles; Participle plural מְהַלֲלִים 1Chr 23:5 + 4 t. Chronicles; —
1. praise man or woman, accusative וַיְהַלֲלוּ אֹתָהּ אֶלפַּֿרְעֹה Gen 12:15 (J) and they praised her to Pharaoh, compare Prov 27:2; Prov 31:28; Prov 31:31; Song 6:9 וְהַמְהַלֲלִים אֶתהַֿמֶּלָךְ 2Chr 23:12 and those praising (shouting acclamations to) the king; see also לְהַלֵּל מְאֹד 2Sam 14:25 (of Absalom's beauty); in bas sense עֹזְבֵי תוֺרָה יְהַלֲלוּ רָשָׁע Prov 28:4 deserters of law praise a wicked man.
2. usually praise אֱלֹהִים, ׳י etc.;
  a. followed by accusative of heathen god Judg 16:24.
  b. object ׳(אֱלֹהִים) י; Ps 119:164 (עַל on account of), subject heaven, earth, seas, etc., Ps 69:35 תְּחִי נַפְשִׁי ותְהַלֲלֶךָּ Ps 119:175 in summons to all creatures to praise Ps 148:5; Ps 148:13; Isa 38:18 לֹא שְׁאוֺל תּוֺדֶךָּ מָוֶת יְהַלֲלֶ֑ךָּ (compare Ps 115:17); often of Public worship in sanctuary, Isa 62:9 (thanks giving in sanctuary after harvest), compare Isa 64:10; Ps 22:23 (|| אֲסַפְּרָה שִׁמְךָ), vPs 22:27; Ps 35:18; Ps 109:30 (both || אוֺדְךָ) Ps 107:32 (|| יְרוֺמֲמוּהוּ) Ps 84:5, see also Ps 146:2 (|| ׳אֲזַמְּרָה לֵא) Ps 149:3 (with בְּ instrumental; || יְזַמְּרוּ לוֺ); also object ׳שֵׁם י (in some cases of public worship) Ps 74:21; Ps 148:5; Joel 2:26 (thanksgiving after harvest); שֵׁםאֱֿלֹהִים בְּשִׁיר Ps 69:31 (|| וִאֲגַדְּלֶנּוּ בְתוֺדָה), Ps 145:2 (|| אֲבָֽרֲכֶ֑ךָּ); further, Ps 56:5 בֵּאלֹהִים אֲהַלֵּל דְּבָרוֺ, also vPs 56:11 + vPs 56:11b ׳ביהוה וגו, but compare Hup Che on 11:b as editorial addition; object not expressed אֶתעַֿמְּךָ ׳הַשְׁמִיעוּ הַלֲלוּ וְאִמְרוּ הוֺשַׁע י Jer 31:7, וְשִׂפְתֵי רְנָנוֺת יְהַלֶּלפִּֿי Ps 63:6.
  c. use of Imperative deserves special notice: הַלֲלוּהוּ Ps 22:24 (|| כַּבְּדוּהוּ; of temple-worship compare vPs 22:23 vPs 22:25); also in summons to angles, sun, moon, etc. (all created things) to praise ׳י Ps 148:2 (twice in verse); Ps 148:3 (twice in verse); Ps 148:4; Ps 150:1 of temple-worship Ps 150:2 (בְּ on account of) vPs 150:2 (כְּ), vPs 150:3 vPs 150:3 vPs 150:4 vPs 150:4 vPs 150:5 vPs 150:5 (all with בְּ instrumental); further Jer 20:13 (|| ׳שִׁירוּ לי), ׳הַלֲלוּ אֶתיֿ Ps 117:1 (addressed to nations, || שַׁבְּחוּהוּ), Ps 148:7 (created things), חַלֲלִי אֱלֹהַיִךְ צִיּוֺן Ps 147:12 (|| שַׁבְּחִי יְרוּשָׁלַםִ ׳אֶתיֿ).
  d. note especially: praise ye yah! הַלֲלויָֿהּ Ps 135:3, liturgical (|| זַמְּרוּ לִשְׁמוֺ); elsewhere always one word see BaerPsalm p.115, & always at beginning or end of Psalm (chiefly late), apparently liturgical; הַלֲלוּיָהֿ֑ Ps 104:35 (|| ׳בָּֽרְכִי נַפְשִׁי אֶתיֿ), elsewhere ׃הַלֲלוּיָהּ (I) at beginning Ps 106:1; Ps 111:1 (both || הודה) Ps 112:1; Ps 113:1 (|| הַלֲלוּ & ׳אֶתשֵֿׁם י ׳ה), Ps 135:1 (|| id.), Ps 146:1 (|| ׳הַלֲלִי נַפְשִׁי אֶתיֿ), Ps 147:1 (followed by זַמְּרָה in clause with כִּי), Ps 148:1 (|| ׳הַלֲלוּ אֶתיֿ, הַלֲלוּהוּ), Ps 149:1 (|| ׳שִׁירוּ לי), Ps 150:1 (|| הַלֲלוּאֵֿל, הַלֲלוּהוּ); (2) at end Ps 104:35 (above), Ps 105:45; Ps 106:48; Ps 113:9; Ps 115:18 (|| נְבָרֵךְ יָהּ), Ps 116:19; Ps 117:2; Ps 135:21 (|| ׳בָּרוּךְ י) Ps 146:10; Ps 147:20; Ps 148:14; Ps 149:9; Ps 150:6 (|| כֹּל הַנְּשָׁמָה תְּהַלֵּל יָהּ); add to these (not liturgical) יְהַלֶּליָֿהּ Ps 102:19, כֹּל נְשָׁמָה תְּהַלֵּל יָהּ Ps 150:6, לֹא הַמֵּתִים יְהַלֲלויָֿהּ Ps 115:17.
  e. also followed by ליהוה, in Chronicles, of technical Levitical function (compare LagOr.ii.16 ff., who limits this technical הלל to priests, using חֲצֹצְרוֺת, for a signal to the people; see e.g. Neh 12:24 compare vNeh 12:27), 1Chr 16:4 (with instrumental music, compare בִּכְלֵי כְבָלִים וּבְכִנֹּרוֺת & בַּמְצִלְתַּיִ ם, all v1Chr 16:5, and Neh 12:27) 1Chr 23:30; 1Chr 25:3 (all || הוֺדוֺת); exercised (apparently) by both priests and Levites Ezra 3:11 (|| הֹדוֺת) compare vEzra 3:11 by Levites 2Chr 20:19 (בְּקֹל גָּדוֺל), 2Chr 29:30 (בְּדִבְרֵי דָוִיד) in which the people also joined 1Chr 16:36 also 2Chr 5:13 (בַּחֲצֹצְרוֺת וּבִמְצִלְתַּיִם וּבִכְלֵי הַשִּׁיר compare also v2Chr 5:12 || הֹדוֺת, v2Chr 5:13 apparently of Levites & priests), בַּכֵּלִים ׳מְהַלֲלִים לי 1Chr 23:5 (Levites) compare 2Chr 30:21 (Levites & priests ׳בִּכְלֵי עֹז לי); followed by לְשֵׁם תִּפְאַרְתֶּ֑ךָ 1Chr 29:13 (|| מוֺדִים; David speaks in name of people); followed by לְהַדְרַתקֹֿ֑דֶשׁ 2Chr 20:11 (before the army; || ׳מְשֹׁרֲרִים לי; probably of Levites, compare v2Chr 20:19). feminine followed by accusative ׳י Ezra 3:10 (priests & Levites: עַליְֿדֵי דָּוִיד), Neh 5:13 (people).
  g. other forms, with like technical sense, but absolute: לְהַלֵּל לְהוֺדוֺת בְּמִצְוַת דָּוִיד Neh 12:24 (Levites) compare 1Chr 23:5; 2Chr 8:14; 2Chr 29:30 (עַדלְֿשִׂמְחָה) 2Chr 31:2 (apparently priests & Levites; ׳בְּשַׁעֲדֵי מַחֲנוֺת י; || לְשָׁרֵת וּלְהֹוֺדוֺת); see also מוֺדִיעִים לְהַלֵּל 2Chr 23:13 (|| מְשׁוֺרֲרִים בִּכְלֵי הַשִּׁיר בְּהַלֵּל דָּוִיד בְּיָדָם ). 2Chr 7:6 (|| הֹדוֺת ליהוּה)
3. apparently boast, male one's boast compare Qal 2 (followed by בְּ in, of), בֵּאלֹהִים Ps 44:9 (|| שִׁמְךָ לְעוֺלָם נוֺדֶה); so according to most, in bad sense, רָשָׁע עַלתַּֿאֲוַת נַפְשׁוֺ ׳ה Ps 10:3 a wicked man boasteth of the desire of his soul, but Che praiseth (׳י) for (i.e. in a mercenary spirit). Pu`al Perfect 3 plural הוּלָּ֑לוּ Ps 78:63 Imperfect יְהֻלַּלֿ Prov 12:8 Participle מְהֻלָּל 2Sam 22:4 + 6 t.; feminine הַהֻלָּ֑לָה Ezek 26:17 (compare Ol§ 250 c Sta§ 220, 617 b; ᵑ0, however, accents as Perfect, regarding הַ as = relative, see sta:§ 176 c Ges«GKC:52»§ 52. 2, R. 6); — be praised,
1. human subject be praised, commended Prov 12:18 (opposed to יִהְיֶה לָבוּז); of maidens, praised, celebrated (in song) Ps 78:63 participle (see above) of city, renowned Ezek 26:17.
2. of ׳י only participle = gerundive, to be praised, worthy of praise 2Sam 22:4 = Ps 18:4 מְאֹד ׳וּמְה ׳גָּדוֺל י Ps 48:2; Ps 96:4 = 1Chr 16:25; Ps 145:3 so ׳שֵׁם י ׳מְה Ps 113:3. Hithpa. Imperfect יִתְהַלֵּל 1Kgs 20:11 + 5 t.; יִתְהַלָּ֑ל Prov 20:14 3 feminine singular תִּתְּהַלֵּל Ps 34:3, תִּתְּהַלָּ֑ל Prov 31:30 2 masculine singular תִּתְהַלֵּל Ps 52:3; Prov 27:1 תִּתְהַלָּ֑ל Isa 41:16 2 feminine singular תִּתְהַלֲלִי Jer 49:4 3 masculine plural יִתְהַלֲלוּ Ps 64:11; Isa 45:25 יִתְהַלָּ֑לוּ Isa 49:7; Jer 4:2 Imperative masculine plural הִתְהַלֲלוּ 1Chr 16:10; Ps 105:3 Infinitive לְהִתְהַלֵּל Ps 106:5 Participle מִתְהַלֵּל Prov 25:14; Jer 9:23 plural מִתְהַלֲלִים Ps 97:7glory, boast, make one's boast:
1. of self-confident boasting, absolute 1Kgs 20:11 compare Prov 20:14 followed by בְּ of ground of boast Jer 9:22 (3 t. in verse); Jer 49:4; Ps 49:7; Ps 52:3; Prov 25:14, אַלתִּֿתְהַלֵּל בְּיוֺם מָחָר Prov 27:1 of glorying in idols הַמִּתְהַלֲלִים בָּאֱלִלִים Ps 97:7.
2. of glorying, making one's boast in (בְּ, on the ground of) ׳תִּתְהַלֵּל ׃י ׳בי נַפְשִׁי Ps 34:3, compare Isa 45:25; Jer 4:2 (|| וְהִתְבָּֽרְכוּ בוֺ); followed by בִּקְדוֺשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל Isa 41:16 see also Ps 105:3 = 1Chr 16:10 followed by ) בְּשֵׁם קָדְשׁוֺ || ׳(יִשְׂמַה לֵב מְבַקְשֵׁי י, compare further Jer 9:23 less often absolute Jer 9:23; Ps 63:12; Ps 64:11; followed by עִםנַֿחֲלָתֶ֑ךָ together with thine heritage (|| לִשְׂמֹהַ בְּשִׂמְהַת גּוֶֺ י֑ךָ).
3. once, late = passive be praised, commended, of God-fearing woman Prov 31:30. Po`el Imperfect יְהוֺלֵל Isa 44:25 + 2 t.; — make into a fool, make fool of, object שֹׁפְטִים Job 12:17 (subject ׳י; || מוֺלִיךְ יוֺעֲצִים שׁוֺלָ֑ל); object קֹסְמִים Isa 44:25 (subject ׳י || מֵפֵר אֹתוֺת בַּדִּים; object הָכָם Eccl 7:7 (subject הָעשֶׁק; || וִיאַבֵּד אֶתלֵֿב מַתָּנָה). Po`al Participle לִשְׂהוֺק אָמַרְתִּי מְהוֺלָ֑ל Eccl 2:2 of laughter I said, It is mad (folly); מְהוֺלָלַי Ps 102:9 those mad against me (|| אוֺיְבָ֑י). Hithpo`el Imperfect וַיִּתְהֹלֵל 1Sam 21:14 3 masculine plural יִתְהֹלֲלוּ Jer 51:7, יִתְהוֺלֲלוּ Nah 2:5, יִתְהֹלֶ֑לוּ Jer 50:38 Imperative masculine plural הִתְהֹלֲלוּ Jer 49:9, הִתְהֹלָ֑לוּ Jer 25:16act madly, or like a madman, וַיִּתְהֹלֵל בְּיָדָם 1Sam 21:14 (of David) and he acted like a madman in their hands; of idolatrous worship by Chaldeans ׳וּבָאֵימִים יִתְה Jer 50:38 of nations, as drunken men, figurative of terror at Yahweh's judgements, Jer 25:16 (|| הִתְגֹּעֲשׁוּ) Jer 51:7 also of madly driving & jolting chariots Nah 2:5; Jer 46:9.


BDB430 H430

BDB429 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB431

אֱלֹהִים2570 noun masculine plural (feminine 1Kgs 11:33 on number of occurrences of אֵל, אֱלוֺהַּ, אֱלֹהִים compare also Nesl. c,)

1. plural in number.
  a. rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power: האלהים Exod 21:6 (Onk ᵑ6, but τὸ κριτήριον τοῦ Θεοῦ ᵐ5) Exod 22:7; Exod 22:8 אלהים Exod 22:8; Exod 22:27 (ᵑ7 Ra AE Ew RVm; but gods, ᵐ5 Josephus Philo AV; God, Di RV; all Covt. code of E) compare 1Sam 2:25 see Dr.; Judg 5:8 (Ew, but gods ᵐ5; God ᵑ6 BarHebr.; יהוה ᵑ9 Be) Ps 82:1; Ps 82:6 (De Ew Pe; but angels Bl Hup) Ps 138:1 (ᵑ6 ᵑ7 Rab Ki De; but angels ᵐ5 Calv; God, Ew; gods, Hup Pe Che).
  b. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels Ps 8:6 (De Che Br; but angels ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ7 Ew; God, RV and most moderns) Gen 1:27 (if with Philo ᵑ7 Jerome De Che we interpret נעשה as God's consultation with angels; compare Job 38:7).
  c. angels Psalm Job 97:7 (ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Calv; but gods, Hup De Pe Che); compare בני (ה)אלהים = (the) sons of God, or sons of gods = angels Job 1:6; Job 2:1; Job 38:7; Gen 6:2; Gen 6:4 (J; so ᵐ5 Books of Enoch & Jubilees Philo Jude vJude 1:6; 2Pet 2:4 JosAnt. «JOSEPHUS:Antiquities 1:3»i. 3. 1, most ancient fathers and modern critics; against usage are sons of princes, mighty men, Onk and Rab.; sons of God, the pious, Theod Chrys Jerome Augustine Luther Calv Hengst; ᵐ5L read οἱ υιὁὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ), compare בני אלים.
  d. gods האלהים Exod 18:11; Exod 22:19 (E) 1Sam 4:8; 2Chr 2:4; Ps 86:8 אלהי האלהים the God of gods, supreme God Deut 10:17; Ps 136:2 אלהים Exod 32:1; Exod 32:23 (JE) Judg 9:13 אלהים אחרים other gods Exod 20:3; Exod 23:13; Josh 24:2; Josh 24:16 (E) Deut 31:18; Deut 31:20 (JE) Deut 5:7 + (17 t. in D, not P) Judg 2:12; Judg 2:17; Judg 2:19; Judg 10:13; 1Sam 8:8; 1Sam 26:19; 1Kgs 9:6; 1Kgs 9:9 (= 2Chr 7:19; 2Chr 7:22) 2Chr 11:4; 2Chr 11:10; 2Chr 14:9; 2Kgs 5:17; 2Kgs 17:35; 2Kgs 17:37; 2Kgs 17:38; 2Kgs 22:17 (= 2Chr 34:25) 2Chr 28:25; Jer 1:16 + (18 t. Jeremiah) Hos 3:1 אלהי (ה)נכר foreign gods Gen 35:2; Gen 35:4; Josh 24:20; Josh 24:23 (E) Deut 31:16 (JE) Judg 10:16; 1Sam 7:3; 2Chr 33:15; Jer 5:19 נחור ׳א Gen 31:53 (E); מצרים ׳א Exod 12:12 (P) Jer 43:12; Jer 43:13 האמרי ׳א Josh 24:15 (E) Judg 6:10 ארם ׳א etc. Judg 10:6 אלהים מעשה ידי Deut 4:28 הגוים ׳א gods of the nations 2Kgs 18:33; 2Kgs 19:12; Deut 29:17; 2Chr 32:17; 2Chr 32:19; Isa 36:18; Isa 37:12 העמים ׳א Deut 6:14; Deut 13:8; Judg 2:12; Ps 96:5; 1Chr 5:25; 1Chr 16:26; 2Chr 32:13; 2Chr 32:14 כסף ׳א Exod 20:23 (E); זהב ׳א Exod 20:23 (E) Exod 32:31 (JE); מַסֵּכָה ׳א Exod 34:17 (J) Lev 19:4 (H).

2. Plural intensive.
  a. god or goddess, always with suffix 1Sam 5:7 (Dagon), Judg 11:24 (Chemosh), 1Kgs 18:24 (Baal), Judg 9:27; Dan 1:2 (twice in verse); or construct לעשתרת מואב ׳צדנים לכמוש א ׳א to Ashtoreth goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh god of Moab, etc. 1Kgs 11:33 הארץ ׳א god of the land 2Kgs 17:26 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 17:27, and so the Syrians suppose that Yahweh is a mountain-god and not a god of valleys 1Kgs 20:28.
  b. godlike one Exod 4:16 (J; Moses in relation to Aaron), Exod 7:1 (P; in relation to Pharaoh), 1Sam 28:13 (the shade of Samuel), Ps 45:7 (the Messianic king, O God, ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Jerome, most scholars ancient and modern, but thy throne is God's = God's throne AE Ki Thea Ew Hup, compare 1Chr 28:5).
  c. works of God, or things specially belonging to him (see אֵל 5) הר אלהים Ps 68:16; Ezek 28:14; Ezek 28:16 אש אלהים Job 1:16 גן (ה)אלהים Ezek 28:13; Ezek 31:8; Ezek 31:9.
  d. God (see 3 & 4).

3. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God, הוא האלהים ׳י Yahweh is (the) God Deut 4:35; Deut 4:39; Deut 7:9; 1Kgs 8:60; 1Kgs 18:39 (twice in verse); 2Chr 33:13 הוא האלהים Isa 45:18 האלהים ׳י Josh 22:34 (P ?) 1Kgs 18:21; 1Kgs 18:24; 2Chr 32:16 אתה הוא האלהים 2Sam 7:28; 1Kgs 18:37; 2Kgs 19:15; 1Chr 17:26; Isa 37:16; Neh 9:7 האלהים as subject or object is used in E 33 t., Chronicles 38 t., Eccl 31 t., Jonah 5 t., elsewhere Gen 5:22; Gen 5:24; Gen 6:9; Gen 6:11 (sources of P) Gen 17:18 (P) Josh 22:34 (P ?) Gen 44:16 (J) Deut 4:35; Deut 4:39; Deut 7:9; Judg 6:36; Judg 6:39; Judg 7:14; Judg 10:14; Judg 16:28; Judg 21:2; 1Sam 10:3; 1Sam 10:7; 1Sam 14:36; 2Sam 2:27; 2Sam 6:7; 2Sam 7:28; 2Sam 12:16; 1Kgs 8:60; 1Kgs 18:21; 1Kgs 18:24 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 18:37; 1Kgs 18:39 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 19:15 (Ephr) Job 2:10; Jer 11:12; Isa 37:16; Isa 45:18; Ps 108:14; Dan 1:9; Dan 1:17 הקדוש ׳הא ׳י 1Sam 6:20 הגדול ׳הא ׳י Neh 8:6 אשר ׳בירושלם הא Ezra 1:3 אדני האלהים Dan 9:3 in many phrases, as איש האלהים the man of God, acting under divine authority and influence: =
   (a) angel Judg 13:6; Judg 13:8,
   (b) prophet (the term coming into use in the Northern kingdom in the age of Elijah 1Sam 9:9-10, compare אִישׁ הָרוּחַ Hos 9:7): of Moses Deut 33:1; Josh 14:6 (E) 1Chr 23:14; 2Chr 30:16; Ezra 3:2; Ps 90:1 of Samuel 1Sam 9:6-10 of David 2Chr 8:14; Neh 12:24; Neh 12:36 Shemaiah 1Kgs 12:22 (= 2Chr 11:2); Elijah, Elisha, and others of their time 1Kgs 13:1-31; 1Kgs 17:18-24; 1Kgs 20:28; 2Kgs 1:9-13; 2Kgs 4:7-42; 2Kgs 5:8-20; 2Kgs 6:6-15; 2Kgs 7:2-9; 2Kgs 8:2-11; 2Kgs 13:19; 2Kgs 23:16-17 (Ephr) 2Chr 25:7; 2Chr 25:9 unnamed prophet 1Sam 2:27 Hanan Jer 35:4 a later title of prophet was עֶבֶד האלהים the servant of God, used of Moses 1Chr 6:34; 2Chr 24:9; Neh 10:30; Dan 9:11. בית האלהים the house of God, Judg 18:31, especially late, Chronicles (52 t.) Eccl 4:17; Dan 1:2 ׳בית י ׳הא 1Chr 22:1 ארון (ברית) האלהים the ark (of the covenant) of God Judg 20:27; 1Sam 4:1-5:12; 1Sam 14; 2Sam 6:1-7:29; 2Sam 15 (23 t.); 1Chr 13; 1Chr 15; 1Chr 16; 2Chr 1:4 (13 t.); מטה האלהים the rod of God Exod 4:20; Exod 17:9 (E); הר האלהים the mount of God (Horeb) Exod 3:1; Exod 4:27; Exod 18:5; Exod 24:13 (E) 1Kgs 19:8 (Ephr); מלאך האלהים the (theophanic) angel of God Gen 31:11; Exod 14:19 (E) Judg 6:20; Judg 13:6; Judg 13:9; 2Sam 14:17; 2Sam 14:20; 2Sam 19:28 in other combinations Exod 18:16; Num 23:27 (E) Judg 20:2; 1Sam 4:8; 1Sam 5:11; 1Sam 10:5; 2Sam 16:23; 1Kgs 12:22; 1Chr 21:7 + (14 t.) Ps 87:3; Eccl 9:1.

4. אֱלֹהִים = God אֱלֹהִים אֱמֶת ׳י = Yahweh is God in truth Jer 10:10.
  a. אלהים (as subject object direct or indirect) is used by P (50 t. in story of creation and deluge, elsewhere 28 t.), by E (91 t.), J chiefly in poetic sources Gen 3:1; Gen 3:3; Gen 3:5 (twice in verse); Gen 9:27; Gen 39:9; Deut 32:17; Deut 32:39, by D (11 t.) Judges (21 t.) Samuel (50 t.) Kings (29 t.) Chronicles (45 t.); in Psalm 42-86 (180 t. often by editorial change for an original יהוה), elsewhere Ps 3:3; Ps 5:11; Ps 7:11; Ps 7:12; Ps 9:18; Ps 10:4; Ps 10:13; Ps 14:1; Ps 14:2; Ps 14:5; Ps 25:22; Ps 36:2; Ps 36:8; Ps 77:14; Ps 100:3; Ps 108:2; Ps 108:6; Ps 108:8; Ps 108:12 (twice in verse); Ps 149:9; Job 5:8; Job 20:29; Job 28:23; Job 32:2; Job 34:9 (& in Prologue 6 t.) Prov 2:5; Prov 3:4; Prov 25:2 Ecclesiastes (7 t.) Hosea (5 t.); Amos 4:11 (כמהפכת אלתים את סדם as God overthrew Sodom = Jer 50:40 = Isa 13:19) Zech 8:23; Zech 12:8; Mic 3:7 (but אליהם ᵐ5 ᵑ6) Isa 35:4 Isa2 (9 t.); Jer 10:10 Ezekiel (13 t.); Malachi (5 t.); Jonah (4 t.); the phrase לאלהים ׳היה ל Gen 28:21 (ER) Gen 17:7; Gen 17:8; Exod 6:7; Exod 29:45; Lev 11:45; Lev 22:33; Lev 25:38; Lev 26:12; Lev 26:45; Num 15:41 (P); Deut 26:17; Deut 29:13; 2Sam 7:24 (= 1Chr 17:22); Zech 8:8 Jeremiah (6 t.); Ezekiel (6 t.); אלהים צדיק righteous God Ps 7:10 קדשים ׳א holy God Josh 24:19 (E); חיים ׳א living God Deut 5:23; 1Sam 17:26; 1Sam 17:36; Jer 10:10; Jer 23:36 חי ׳א 2Kgs 19:4; 2Kgs 19:16 (= Isa 37:4; Isa 37:17). For the phrases ׳יהוה א, צבאות ׳א ׳י, צבאות ׳א, ׳י ׳אל א, ׳יה א, ׳צבאות א ׳י, אלתי ׳י, צבאות, ׳אדני א see יהוה, יה, צבאות & אדני.
  b. construct אֱלֹהֵי
   (a) with persons אֱלֹהֵי אַבְרָהָם = God of Abraham, a phrase of J, Gen 26:24; Gen 28:13; Gen 31:53, elsewhere Ps 47:10; 1Kgs 18:36; 1Chr 29:18; 2Chr 30:6 אדני אברהם ׳א Gen 24:12; Gen 24:27; Gen 24:42; Gen 24:48 (J); אלהי אב father's God (various suffix & names), a phrase of E, Gen 31:5; Gen 31:29; Gen 31:42; Gen 46:3; Gen 50:17; Exod 3:6; Exod 3:13; Exod 3:15; Exod 3:16; Exod 15:2; Exod 18:4; Josh 18:3, elsewhere Gen 32:10; Gen 43:23 (J) Exod 4:5 (J ?) Deuteronomy (8 t.); Judg 2:12; 2Kgs 21:22 Chronicles (31 t.); Dan 11:37 אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל Israel's God, phrase of E, Gen 33:20; Exod 5:1; Exod 24:10; Exod 32:27; Josh 8:30; Josh 14:14; Josh 22:16; Josh 24:2; Josh 24:23, elsewhere Exod 34:23; Josh 7:13; Josh 7:19; Josh 7:20 (JE) Num 16:9; Josh 9:18; Josh 9:19; Josh 22:24; Josh 10:40; Josh 10:42; Josh 13:14; Josh 13:33 (R see Di Josh 7:13) Judg 4:6; Judg 5:3; Judg 5:5; Judg 6:8; Judg 11:21; Judg 11:23; Judg 21:3; 1Sam 1:17 + (20 t.) Kings (26 t.) Chronicles (45 t.); Ps 41:14; Ps 106:48 (doxology) Ps 59:6; Ps 69:7; Isa 17:6; Isa 21:10; Isa 21:17; Isa 29:23 Isa3, Isa 24:15; Isa 37:16; Isa 37:21 Isa2, Isa 41:17 + (6 t.); Jer 35:17 + (48 t.); Ezek 8:4 + (7 t.); Zeph 2:9; Mal 2:16; Ruth 2:12 מערכות ישראל ׳א God of the battle array of Israel 1Sam 17:45 ׳א יַעֲקֹב 2Sam 23:1 (poetry) Ps 20:2; Ps 46:8; Ps 46:12; Ps 75:10; Ps 76:7; Ps 81:2; Ps 81:5; Ps 84:9; Ps 94:7; Isa 2:3 (= Mic 4:2); העבריים ׳א God of the Hebrews Exod 3:18; Exod 5:3; Exod 7:16; Exod 9:1; Exod 9:13 (JE); it is used with other proper names, Nahor Gen 31:53 (E), Shem Gen 9:26 (J), David 2Kgs 20:5; 2Chr 21:12; 2Chr 34:3; Isa 38:5, Hezekiah 2Chr 32:17, Elijah 2Kgs 2:14 ארני המלך ׳א the God of my lord the king 1Kgs 1:36. (β) with nouns of attributes or relationships, קֶרֶם ׳א ancient God Deut 33:27 עולם ׳א everlasting God Isa 40:28 אֱמֶת ׳א true God 2Chr 15:3 אָמֵן ׳א Isa 65:16 (see אָמֵן); משפט ׳א Isa 30:18; Mal 2:17 מרום ׳א Mic 6:6 כָל בָשָׂר ׳א God of all flesh Jer 32:27 compare ׳א הרוחות לכל בשר Num 16:22; Num 27:16 (P); השמים ׳א God of heaven Gen 24:7 (JR) 2Chr 36:23; Ezra 1:2; Neh 1:4; Neh 1:5; Neh 2:4; Neh 2:20 compare כל הארץ ׳א Isa 54:5 ׳השמים וא ׳א ׳י הארץ Gen 24:3 (JR); מִקָּרֹב ׳א a God at hand opposed to מֵרָחֹק ׳א Jer 23:23, ישועתי ׳א, יִשְׁעִי ׳א God of my salvation Ps 18:47 (= 2Sam 22:47) Ps 24:5; Ps 25:5; Ps 27:9; Ps 65:6; Ps 79:9; Ps 85:5; Isa 17:10; Mic 7:7; Hab 3:18; 1Chr 16:35 ישועתי ׳א Ps 88:2 תשועתי ׳א Ps 51:16 צִדְקִי ׳א God of righteousness Ps 4:2 חַסְדִּי ׳א Ps 59:11; Ps 59:18 צוּרִי ׳א God who is my rock 2Sam 22:3 (compare Ps 18:3); מָעוּזִּי֯ ׳א God who is my stronghold Ps 43:2 תְהִלָּתִי ׳א God who is my praise Ps 109:1.
  c. with suffix in P (22 t. including phrase ויראת מאלהיך) Lev 19:14; Lev 19:32; Lev 25:17; Lev 25:36; Lev 25:43 (H) Exod 8:21; Josh 24:27 (E) Deut 32:37 (poetry) Josh 9:23 (JE) Deut 10:21; Deut 31:17; Judg 10:10; Judg 16:23; Judg 16:24; 1Sam 10:19; 2Sam 10:12; 2Sam 22:32 + (4 t. poetry) 1Kgs 12:28; 1Kgs 20:23; 2Kgs 19:10 Chronicles (83 t.); Psalms (62 t.); Prov 2:17; Prov 30:9; Ruth 1:15; Ruth 1:16 (twice in verse); Isa 1:10; Isa 7:13; Isa 8:19; Isa 8:21 Isa2 (29 t.); Jer 5:4; Jer 5:5; Jer 23:36; Jer 51:5; Ezek 34:31 Daniel (5 t.); Hosea (12 t.); Amos 2:8; Amos 4:12; Joel 1:13 (twice in verse); Joel 1:16; Joel 2:17; Mic 6:8; Mic 7:7; Jonah 1:5; Jonah 1:6; Zeph 3:2; Nah 1:14; Zech 9:7; Zech 12:5 אלהים with suffix is also used with יהוה several hundred times (see יהוה).

god, gods, judges, great, goddess, …
ʾĕlōhîm
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
  • (plural)
    • rulers, judges
    • "divine ones"angels"gods
    (plural intensive—singular meaning)
    • god, goddess
    • "godlike one"works or special possessions of God"the (true) God"God

לַֽ מְיַלְּדֹ֑ת
לַֽ
Prefix — preposition to, for + "the" (the article is absorbed into the prefix)
מְיַלְּדֹ֑ת
Root word begat, bare, born, forth, bear, …
Dictionary form: יָלַד · yaw-LAHD

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

Verb — Piel, Participle Active, feminine plural, absolute state intensive — "he really / thoroughly did" ongoing action — try "___ing" or "one who ___s"

In the KJV here: with the midwives
begat ×112 and begat ×38 bare ×34 and bare ×32 he begat ×17 were born ×16 and she bare ×15 she bare ×9
More options
give birth — Most natural modern phrase; prefer for maternal contexts.
be born — Passive sense; use when subject receives the action.
father — Paternal/generative sense; concise in genealogical lists.
beget — Formal/theological register; suits covenantal genealogies.
bear — Slightly elevated but still current; good for poetic texts.
bring into the world — Emphatic and vivid; use for narrative birth scenes.

BDB3542 H3205

BDB3541 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3543

יָלַד497 verb bear, bring forth, beget (Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic יְלִיד, יְלֵיד, ; Arabic bear, bring forth, so Ethiopic Assyrian alâdu, COTGloss) —

Qal Perfect יָלַד Gen 4:18 (3 t. in verse) + 16 t.; יָלָ֑ד Jer 17:11 וְיָלַד consecutive Ps 7:15 suffix יְלָֽדְךָ Deut 32:18 2 masculine singular suffix ילדתני Jer 2:27 Kt; Qr יְלִדְתָּנוּ (i. 410 Ges«GKC:70»§ 70, 2. R. 4); 1 singular suffix יְלִדְתִּ֫יךָ Ps 2:7 יְלִדְתִּ֫יהוּ Num 11:12, etc.; Imperfect יֵלֶד(יֹוםׅ Prov 27:1 3 feminine singular תֵּלֵד Gen 17:17 + 6 t.; וַתֵּ֫לֶד Gen 4:1 + 61 t.; 2 feminine singular תֵּלְדִי Gen 3:16 אֵלֵד Gen 18:13 וָאֵלֵד 1Kgs 3:17 יֵ˜לְדוּ Isa 65:23 3 feminine plural תֵּלַדְנָה Jer 29:6 וַתֵּלַדְנָה Ezek 23:4 וַתֵּלַדְןָ Gen 30:39, etc.; Infinitive absolute יָלֹד Job 15:35 construct לֵדָה Hos 9:11 + 3 t.; לֶ֫דֶת Gen 4:2 + 10 t.; לָלַת 1Sam 4:19 (i, 402, but probably text error Dr); suffix לִדְתִּי 1Kgs 3:18, etc.; Participle active יֹלֵד Prov 17:21; Jer 30:6, etc.; feminine יוֺלֵדָה Hos 13:13 + 12 t.; יֹלֶ֫דֶת Gen 17:19 + 4 t.; יֹלַדְתְּ Gen 16:11 + 2 t. (i. 404 f.; perhaps יֹלֶדֶת intended by Kt, compare Sta§ 213 b); suffix Prov 23:25 יוֺלַדְתּוֺ Prov 17:25 etc.; plural יֹלְדוֺת Jer 16:3 Passive participle יָלוּד 1Kgs 3:26; 1Kgs 3:27 construct יְלוּד Job 14:1 + 2 t.; plural יְלוּדִים 1Chr 14:4
1. bear, bring froth:
  a. (a mother a child,) so commonly, approximately 208 t.; followed by accusative Gen 3:16; Gen 4:1 & constantly; accusative omitted Gen 6:2 etc. = be delivered of a child, 1Kgs 3:17; 1Kgs 3:18; 2Kgs 19:3 = Isa 37:3 (in proverb with negative, i.e. human power exhausted); of animals Gen 30:39; Gen 31:8 (twice in verse); Jer 14:5; Jer 17:11 (bird laying eggs, or hatching out young), Ezek 31:6; Job 39:1; Job 39:2 but also of whole process of labour (compare חול) וַתְּקַשׁ בְּלִדְתָּהּ Gen 35:16 compare vGen 35:17, Gen 38:27; Gen 38:28, compare 1Sam 14:19; Jer 31:18; Mic 5:2 (of a man, as preposterous, Jer 30:6, compare Moses as mother of Israel Num 11:12).
  b. hence in simile of distress Mic 4:9; Mic 4:10; Isa 13:8; Isa 21:3; Isa 42:14; Jer 6:24; Jer 13:21; Jer 22:23; Jer 30:6; Jer 49:24; Jer 50:43; Ps 48:7, compare Hos 13:13 ילד עלבֿרכים (StaZAW 1886, 143 ff.) Gen 30:3; Gen 50:23 (compare Job 3:12).
  c. figurative of wicked וְהָרָה עָמָל וְיָלַד שָׁ֑קֶר Ps 7:15 compare Job 15:35 also Isa 33:11 of Israelites, bringing froth wind (of vain efforts for deliverance) Isa 26:18 כְּפֹר שָׁמַיִם מִי יְלָדוֺ Job 38:29 of Tyre as mother of her inhabitants Isa 23:4 of Jerusalem Isa 51:18; Isa 54:1; Isa 66:7; Isa 66:8; Ezek 16:20 Israel bearing disloyal children Hos 5:7 Jerusalem and Samaria, as Oholibah and Oholah Ezek 23:37 of Babylon Jer 50:12 of a day, as producing events לֹאתֵֿדַע מַה יֵּ֫לֶד יוֺם Prov 27:1 perhaps of God (figurative of rock צוּר), as mother of Israel bringing forth with labour Deut 32:18 yet see
2. 2. less often beget:
  a. literal, approximately 22 t., always with accusative; in Hexateuch a mark of J; Gen 4:18 (3 t. in verse); Gen 10:8; Gen 10:13; Gen 10:15; Gen 10:24 (twice in verse); Gen 10:26 = 1Chr 1:10; 1Chr 1:11; 1Chr 1:13; 1Chr 1:18 (twice in verse); 1Chr 1:20, Gen 22:23; Gen 25:3 (Deut 32:18 & Num 11:12 E are dubious; P uses Hiph`il), elsewhere Prov 17:21; Prov 23:23; Prov 23:24; Dan 11:6.
  b. beget, figurative Ps 2:7 of ׳י's formally installing king into theocratic rights.
3. Zech 13:3 (twice in verse), of both parents (literally); Passive participle 3 t. = child 1Kgs 3:26; 1Kgs 3:27 where mother is named, 1Chr 14:4 where father named. Niph`al Perfect נוֺלַד 1Chr 2:3 + 6 t. + הנּוֺלַדֿ Gen 21:3 according to points, but read Participle (see Di); נוּ֯לְּדוּ Gen 3:5; Gen 20:8 (compare Ol§ 70, 2, R. 5); Imperfect יִוָּלֵד Gen 17:17 + 4 t.; יִוָּ֑לֶד Isa 66:8 וַיִּוָּלֵד Gen 4:18 + 2 t., etc.; Infinitive הִוָּ֑לֶד Gen 21:5 הִוָָּֽלְדוֺ Eccl 7:1 הִוָּ˜לְדָהּ Hos 2:5 Participle נוֺלָד 1Kgs 13:2 + 3 t. (Gen 21:3 see above); נוֺלָדִים Gen 48:5; 1Chr 7:21be born: of human beings, followed by לְ (born to such and such a man), Gen 4:18; Gen 10:1; Gen 17:17; Gen 21:3; Gen 21:5; Gen 46:20; Gen 48:5; Num 26:60; Deut 23:9; 2Sam 3:2 (Qr), 2Sam 5:13; 2Sam 14:27; 1Chr 2:3; 1Chr 2:9; 1Chr 3:1; 1Chr 3:4; 1Chr 3:5; 1Chr 20:6; 1Chr 20:8; 1Chr 22:9; 1Chr 26:6; Job 1:2 compare 1Kgs 13:2 without לְ, Job 3:3; Job 38:21; Ps 78:6; 1Chr 7:21; Eccl 7:1 (טוֺב שֵׁם מִשֶּׁמֶן טוֺב וְיוֺם הַמָּוֶת מִיּוֺם הִוָָּֽלְ˜דוֺ׃); metaphor of Israel (under figure of unfaithful wife) Hos 2:5 of nation, גּוֺי, Isa 66:8 people, עַם, Ps 22:32 of animals Lev 22:27; Deut 15:19 Participle כָּלנָֿשִׁים וְהַנּוֺלָד מֵהֶם Ezra 10:3 with predicate or appositive on which emphasis rests, רָ֑שׁ ׳נ Eccl 4:14 he was born poor; אֹהֵב הָרֵ֑ע וְאָח לְצָרָה יִוָּלֵד Prov 17:17 עַיִר פרא אדם יִוָּלֵד Job 11:12; Job 15:7. Pi`el Infinitive יַלֶּדְכֶן Exod 1:16 Participle absolute מְיַלֶּדֶת Gen 35:17 + 2 t.; plural absolute מְיִלְּדוֺת Exod 1:15 + 5 t. in Exod 1cause (or help) to bring forth, namely, assist or tend as midwife Exod 1:16 followed by accusative; elsewhere only Participle feminine as substantive = midwife; Gen 35:17 (E), Gen 38:28 (J), Exod 1:15; Exod 1:17; Exod 1:18; Exod 1:19 (twice in verse); Exod 1:20; Exod 1:21 (E). Pu`al Perfect יֻלַּד Gen 4:26 + 13 t.; יוּלַּד Judg 18:29 יֻלָּד֨ Gen 41:50 יוּלָּ֑ד Job 5:7 יֻלְּדוּ Gen 6:1 + 4 t. + 2Sam 3:2 Kt (Qr וַיִּוָָּֽלְדוּ); יֻלָּ֑דוּ Ps 90:2, etc.; Participle (? compare i. 433; Ges«GKC:52»§ 52, 2, R. 6) הַיוּלָּד Judg 13:8 (ii. p. 244 passive Qal); i. q. Niph`al be born, followed by לְ of father Gen 4:26; Gen 6:1; Gen 10:21; Gen 10:25; Gen 24:15 (all J), Gen 41:50 (E), Gen 35:26; Gen 36:5; Gen 46:22; Gen 46:27 (all P), Judg 18:29; 2Sam 3:2; 2Sam 3:5; 2Sam 21:20; 2Sam 21:22; 1Chr 1:19; Jer 20:15 followed by לְ before grandmother's name Ruth 4:17 compare לָ֫נוּ Isa 9:5 followed by לְ of purpose, destiny, אדם לעמל יוּלָּד֑ Job 5:7 יֻלְּדוּ עַלבִּֿרְכֵי יוֺסֵף Gen 50:23 (E; ׳בִּימֵי יו, cit. Di) denoting recognition of children as his; no preposition Jer 20:14; Jer 22:26, compare Judg 13:8 (see above); figurative of foreigners incorporated in spiritual Zion Ps 87:4; Ps 87:5; Ps 87:6 of production of mountains Ps 90:2. Hiph`il Perfect הוֺלִיד Gen 11:27 +; הוֺלִד Num 26:58 הֹלִיד 1Chr 2:36 +; suffix וְהוֺלִידָהּ consecutive Isa 55:10 הוֺלַדְ֫תָּ Gen 48:6, etc.; Imperfect יוֺלִיד Gen 17:20; Eccl 6:3 וַיּ֫וֺלֶד Gen 5:3 +; 2 masculine singular תּוֺלִיד Deut 4:25 + 4 t.; אוֺלִיד Isa 66:9 Imperative הוֺלִי֫דוּ Jer 29:6 Infinitive absolute הוֺלֵיד Isa 59:4 construct suffix הוֺלִידוֺ Gen 5:4 + 16 t.; Participle מוֺלִיד Isa 66:9 מוֺלִדִים Jer 16:3
1. beget (a father a child) Gen 5:3; Gen 5:4 (twice in verse) + 56 t. in Genesis; Lev 25:45; Num 26:29; Num 26:58 (all these P, see below Qal) + Deut 4:25; Deut 28:41 (see Di), 1Chr 2:10 (twice in verse); 1Chr 2:11 (twice in verse) + 84 t. Chronicles; Ruth 4:18 + 8 t., Judg 11:1; 2Kgs 20:18 = Isa 39:7; Jer 29:6; Ezek 18:10; Ezek 18:14; Ezek 47:22; Eccl 5:13; Eccl 6:3, compare Isa 45:10 also Jer 16:3 אֲבוֺתָם הַמּוֺלִדִים אוֺתָם, compare frequently Assyr. abu banu§a, e.g. VR Jer 1:8 figurative of producing dewdrops Job 38:28 of causing the earth to bear grain Isa 55:10, causing Zion to bring forth Isa 66:9.
2. bear, only figurative Isa 59:4 (|| הָרוֺ), of wicked, bringing forth iniquity (this favoured by context others, beget). Hoph`al Infinitive חֻלֶּ֫דֶת Gen 40:20; Ezek 16:5 הוּלֶּ֫דֶת Ezek 16:4 (Co as foregoing); only אֶתֿ ׳יוֺם ה Gen 40:20; Ezek 16:4; Ezek 16:5 day of one's being born = birthday. Hithpa`el Imperfect וַיִּתְיִלְּדוּ Num 1:18 denominative from תולדת declared their pedigree (see Di).

begat, bare, born, forth, bear, …
yālad
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
  • to bear, bring forth, beget, gender, travail
    • (Qal)
      • to bear, bring forth
        • of child birth
        • "of distress (simile)"of wicked (behavior)
        to beget
      (Niphal) to be born"(Piel)
      • to cause or help to bring forth
      • "to assist or tend as a midwife"midwife (participle)
      (Pual) to be born"(Hiphil)
      • to beget (a child)
      • "to bear (figurative for wicked bringing forth iniquity)
      (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive)"(Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)

וַ יִּ֧רֶב
וַ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
יִּ֧רֶב
Root word multiply, much, multiplied, many, increase, …
Dictionary form: רָבָה · raw-BAW

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 ___".

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

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

BDB7707 H7235

BDB7706 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7708

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

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


BDB7714 H7235

BDB7713 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7715

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


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


BDB9883 H7236 H7235

BDB9882 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9884

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

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

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

הָ עָ֛ם
הָ
Prefix — article the
עָ֛ם
Root word people, nations, nation, peoples, folk, …
Dictionary form: עַם · am

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: the people
the people ×572 people ×220 of the people ×150 my people ×113 and the people ×110 his people ×78 thy people ×58 of my people ×50
More options
people — Most versatile rendering; fits collective and singular contexts.
nation — Emphasizes ethnic or political identity as a unified group.
community — Highlights shared belonging; good for social or covenant contexts.
population — Neutral, demographic tone; useful for census or mass-movement passages.
folk — Informal, grassroots feel; suits ordinary or rural settings.
crowd — Best for gathered assemblies rather than an ongoing social group.

BDB6144 H5971 H5993

BDB6143 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6145

I. עַם, עָם1840 noun masculineGen 11:6 (see below) people (Late Hebrew id., plebeian, common man; ᵑ7 עַמָּא people, plural peoples, tribes, etc.; Syriac ; Arabic see above; original meaning probably those united, connected, related, compare WeGGN 1893, 480); — absolute עַם Gen 11:6 +, עָם Judg 9:36 +, הָעָם Josh 8:11 +; construct עַם Num 21:29 +; suffix עַמִּי Exod 3:7 +, עַמְּךָ Exod 22:27 +, etc.; plural עַמִּים Isa 2:3 +, עֲמָמִים (compare Biblical Aramaic) Neh 9:22 construct עַמֵּי 1Kgs 8:43 +, עַמְמֵי Neh 9:24 plural with suffix see II. עַם; — (Thes cites following as feminine וְחָטָאת עַמֶּ֑ךָ Exod 5:16 [but corrupt and unintellig.; read perhaps ׳וְחַטָאתָ לְע, so ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Di]; Judg 18:7 [but ישֶׁבֶת must agree with lost word city, or the like, see GFM]; Jer 8:5 [but read שׁוֺבַב for שׁוֺבְבָה Gie]); —

1. a people, nation (sometimes || גּוֺי), collective noun (singular Exod 21:8; Josh 17:14; Josh 17:15; Josh 17:17; 2Sam 17:29 + often, or plural Exod 20:15; Exod 24:2; Jer 5:31 + often, or both in same clause Exod 1:20; 2Sam 13:24): עַם אֶחָד = all mankind Gen 11:6 (J); peoples in general Gen 27:29 (J; || לְאֻמִּים), Exod 19:5 (E), Deut 2:25; Deut 4:6 + often Deuteronomy; Neh 13:24 + often; קְהַל עַמִּים Gen 28:3 (P) an assembly (multitude) of peoples, Gen 48:4 (P), Ezek 23:24; Ezek 32:3 (+ רַבִּים); one's own people Jer 46:16; Ps 45:11; Ruth 1:10; Ruth 1:15; Ruth 1:16 (twice in verse) + (on עַמִּי נָדִיב Song 6:12 see especially Bu); particular peoples, Egypt Gen 41:40 (E), Exod 1:22 (E), Neh 9:10 +; עַםאֲֿרָם Amos 1:5 עַםכְּֿמוֺשׁ (i.e. Moab) Num 21:29 (JE), Jer 48:46 but especially Israel Exod 1:20 (E) + often; ׳עַםבְּֿנֵי יִשׂ vExod 1:9 (J); called יהוה ׳ע Num 11:29 (E), 1Sam 2:24 +, and (by ׳י) עַמִּי Exod 3:7; Exod 5:1 (J) + often (all periods); קְהַל עַםהָֿאֱלֹהִים Judg 20:2, עַםהַֿקָּהָל Lev 16:33 (P), קְהַל עָם Ps 107:32 especially הָעָם הַזֶּה (often in contempt or disgust) Num 11:1; Num 11:12; Num 11:13 +; figurative of ants Prov 30:25, the shaphan vProv 30:26, locusts Joel 2:2, compare לְעַם לְצִיִּים Ps 74:14 (where read לְעַם צִיִּים Hup-Now). — On Judg 1:16 see עֲמָלֵקִי.
2. = smaller units, e.g.
  a. inhabitants of a city Gen 19:4 (J), 1Sam 9:12; 1Sam 9:13; Jer 29:16; Jer 29:25; 2Chr 31:4 + (Jer 8:5 strike out ׳יְרוּוּשׁ ᵐ5 Gie Co Rothst).
  b. inhabitants of a locality Jer 37:12 [apparently not = tribe, Deut 33:3 read עַמּוֺ ᵐ5 Di Dr, Hos 10:14; Judg 5:8; Judg 5:14 read בְּעָרֶיךָ We Now; see below ד].
  c. retainers, followers Gen 14:16; Gen 32:8; Gen 33:15; Gen 35:6; Judg 3:18; Judg 8:5; 2Sam 15:17; Jer 41:13; Jer 41:14 +.
  d. people bearing arms 1Sam 11:11; 1Kgs 20:10 +; כָּבֵד ׳ע Num 20:20 (JE), i.e. a powerful force; עַם הַצָּבָא Num 31:32 (P), הַמִּלְחָמָה ׳ע Josh 8:1; Josh 8:3; Josh 8:11; Josh 10:7; Josh 11:7 (all J E); so probably Judg 5:8 a (fighting) band; perhaps also vJudg 5:14 (read singular ? see GFM Bu).
3. = common people Jer 21:7; Jer 22:4; Lev 4:27 (opposed to ruler vLev 4:22), Neh 5:1 (opposed to יְהוּדִים), Neh 7:5 (opposed to rulers).
4. people in general, persons Gen 50:20 (E), so apparently ׳כָּלהָֿעָם אֲשֶׁר וגו Exod 33:16 (J), Num 11:34 (J), Josh 5:5 (twice in verse) (D), Judg 9:36 (as singular), vJudg 9:37 (as plural), Jer 36:9 persons labouring 1Kgs 9:23 superior persons Job 12:2 (iron.); עַם עוֺלָם Ezek 26:30 people of long ago (now in Sh®°ôl).
5. phrases are:
  a. (עַמָּהּ, עַמִּי, עַמְּךָ) בְּנֵי עַמּוֺ members of one's people, compatriots, fellow-countrymen, etc. Num 22:5 (E), Gen 23:11 (P) Lev 19:18 (H), Judg 14:16; Judg 14:17; Ezek 33:2; Ezek 33:12 +.
  b. בְּנֵי הָעָם = common people (see 3) 2Kgs 23:6; Jer 26:23 +; people in general שַׁעַר בְּנֵי הָעָם Jer 17:19 i.e. public gate 2Chr 35:5; 2Chr 35:12.
  c. עַם הָאָרֶץ the people at large, as a body 2Kgs 11:14; 2Kgs 11:18; 2Kgs 11:19; 2Kgs 11:20; 2Kgs 15:5; 2Kgs 16:15; 2Kgs 21:24 (twice in verse) +, Jer 37:2; Jer 44:21; Lev 20:2 (H), Gen 23:7; Gen 23:12; Gen 23:13 (P); common people Jer 34:19, compare ׳הא ׳דַּלַּת ע 2Kgs 24:14 distinguished from prince Ezek 45:22; Ezek 46:3; Ezek 46:9, from priests Hag 2:4; Zech 7:5 = Canaanites Num 14:9 (JE), compare עַמֵּי הָאָרֶץ 1Chr 5:25 mixed post-exile population Ezra 4:4.
  d. עַמֵּי הָאָרֶץ usually peoples of the earth Josh 4:24 (D), 2Chr 32:19 +; of heathen peoples about and in Palestine after exile Ezra 10:2; Ezra 10:11 traders Neh 10:31 עַמֵּי הָאֲרָצוֺת Neh 9:30; Neh 10:29; 2Chr 32:13.
  e. מִשְׁפְּחוֺת עַמִּים Ps 96:7 = 1Chr 16:28 (compare Ps 22:28). feminine בַּתעַֿמִּי = people personified Isa 22:4; Jer 4:11 + 7 t. Jeremiah + Jer 6:14 (van d. H.; omit בַּת Baer Gi), Lam 2:11; Lam 3:48; Lam 4:3; Lam 4:6; Lam 4:10 בְּתוּלַת בַּתעַֿמִּי Jer 14:17.
  g. designations of Israel are: עַםקָֿרוֺשׁ Deut 7:6 + 3 t., קְדוֺשִׁים ׳ע Dan 8:24, (ה)קֹדֶשׁ ׳ע Isa 62:12; Isa 63:18; Dan 12:7 סְגֻלָּה ׳ע Deut 7:6; Deut 14:2; Deut 26:18.
  h. of foreign (non-Israel) peoples: ׳ע נָכְרִי Exod 21:8 (E), אַחֵר ׳ע Deut 28:32, and especially from language, עִמְקֵי שָׂפָה ׳ע Ezek 3:5 compare vEzek 3:6, כִּלְשׁוֺן עַם וָעָם Neh 13:24 compare Esth 1:22 (twice in verse); Esth 3:12, לֹעֵג ׳ע Ps 114:1.
  i. עַם עֶבְרָתִי Isa 10:6, חֶרְמִי ׳ע Isa 34:11, מִֿבְחָרָיו׳ע Dan 11:15, עַמֵּי תּוֺעֵבוֺת הָאֵלֶּה Ezra 9:14 לֹא עַם בִּינוֺת Isa 27:11. — For עַםעֿוֺלָם Isa 44:7 read (אֹתִיּוֺת) (מִי הִשְׁמִי)עַ מֵעוֺלָם Oort Du Kit CheHpt compare PerlesAnal. 40, 64.


BDB6147 H5971

BDB6146 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6148

II. [עַם] noun [masculine] kinsman

**later development of I. עַם RSK 58; 2nd ed. 72. (on father's side) (Arabic paternal uncle, etc., see I. עמם; compare perhaps Tel Amarna ammu, kinsmen (?); on Nabataean עם ancestor compare Lzb151, 499; see also especially NesEg 187, ZAW xvi (1896), 322f. Krenkelib. viii (1888), 280-84); — suffix עַמִּי in בֶּןעַֿמִּי (q. v.), and proper name following; elsewhere plural suffix עַמֶּיךָ Num 27:13; Num 31:2 (Lev 19:16 read עַמְּךָ ᵐ5 ), + (possibly) עֲמָָמֶיךָ Judg 5:14 עַמָּיו Gen 25:8 + 15 t., עַמֶּיהָ Gen 17:14 + 3 t.; read עַמֶּי (for ᵑ0 עַמִּי, I. עַם; compare Krenkell.c. 281) Gen 49:29 and perhaps Judg 14:3 (compare Lev 21:14); according to Buhl Kit also 2Kgs 4:13father's kinsmen: וַיֵּאָסֵף אֶלעַֿמָּיו Gen 25:8 (of joining kinsmen in Sh®°ôl), so vGen 25:17; Gen 35:29; Gen 49:33; Num 20:24; Deut 32:50, compare Gen 49:29 (see above), Num 27:13; Num 31:2; Deut 32:50 (all P); וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ מֵעַמֶּיהָ Gen 17:4 (severed from living kinsmen), so Lev 7:20; Lev 7:21; Lev 7:23; Lev 7:27; Lev 19:8; Lev 23:29; Num 9:13, מִקֶּרֶב עַמֶּיהָ Exod 31:14, compare Exod 30:33; Exod 30:38; Lev 17:9 (all PH); מֵעַמָּיו יִקַּח אִשָּׁה Lev 21:14 (H), and perhaps Judg 14:3 (simile I. עַם: [םָ֯, הָּ֯] מִקֶּרֶב עַמּוֺ Lev 17:4; Lev 17:10; Lev 18:29+); other combinations Judg 5:14 (si vera lectio read perhaps בְּעַמֶּ֑ךָ, see I. עַם 2 d ), Lev 21:1; Lev 21:4; Lev 21:15 (H), Ezek 18:18 and (perhaps) 2Kgs 4:13. — בֶּןעַֿמִּי perhaps = son of my kinsman; on proper name with עַם see GrayProp. N. 41 ff.


BDB9776 H5971 H5972

BDB9775 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9777

עַם noun masculineEzra 6:12 people (see Biblical Hebrew I. עמם, עַם); — ׳ע absolute Dan 2:44; Dan 3:29; Ezra 6:12, construct Dan 7:27 emphatic עַמָּה Ezra 5:12, עַמָּא Ezra 7:13; Ezra 7:16; Ezra 7:25 plural emphatic עַמֲמַיָּא (K§§ 15d); 55, 5 a)) Dan 3:4; Dan 3:7 (twice in verse); Dan 3:31; Dan 5:19; Dan 6:26; Dan 7:14.

people, nations, nation, peoples, folk, …
ʿam
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
  • nation, people
    • people, nation
    • "persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
    kinsman, kindred

וַ יַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ
וַ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
יַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ
Root word increased, mighty, strong, more, shutteth, …
Dictionary form: עָצַם · aw-TSAHM

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 ___".

Verb — Qal, Sequential Imperfect (Wayyiqtol), third person masculine plural simple action — "he did" story-telling past — try "and he ___ed" the built-in subject is "they"

In the KJV here: and waxed mighty
are increased ×2 were increased ×2 and hath closed ×1 and made them stronger ×1 and mighty ×1 and shall become strong ×1 and shutteth ×1 and they are strong ×1
More options
be strong — Most general sense; suits most contexts.
grow powerful — Emphasizes increase or rise in power over time.
become mighty — Suits military or heroic contexts; slightly elevated register.
multiply — Prefer when the sense is numerical increase or growth.
be vast — Good for abstract or cosmic scale, e.g. Psalm 40:5.
shut tight — Use only where the physical sense of closing applies.

BDB6291 H6105

BDB6290 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6292

I. [עָצֹם, compare LagBN 31], עָצַם verb be vast, mighty, numerous (Late Hebrew Nithp. contend strenuously, and in derivatives; Phoenician in עצמת mighty deeds, עצמם bones; Arabic be great in bone, or anything, , bones; Ethiopic : id.; Aramaic עִטְמָא, thigh): —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular וְעָצַם consecutive Dan 8:24; Dan 11:23 2 masculine singular עָצַמְתָּ Gen 26:16 3 plural עָֽצְמוּ Isa 31:1 +, עָצֵ֑מוּ Ps 38:20 Imperfect 3 masculine plural וַיַּעַצְמוּ Exod 1:7; Exod 1:20 Infinitive construct עָצְמַת Isa 47:9 suffix עָצְמוֺ Dan 8:8
1. be mighty, Gen 26:16 (J; with מִן compare), Dan 8:8; Dan 8:24; Dan 11:23.
2. be numerous, || דַבּוּ etc., Isa 31:1, בְּעָצְמַת חֲבָרַיִח מְאֹד Isa 47:9, Jer 5:6; Jer 30:14; Jer 30:15; Exod 1:7 (P), vExod 1:20 (J), Ps 38:20; Ps 69:5 with מִן compare Jer 15:8; Ps 40:6; Ps 40:13 alone Ps 139:17. Hiph`il make strong, Imperfect 3 masculine singular: suffix וַיַּעֲצִימֵחוּ Ps 105:24 + מִן compare


BDB6299 H6105 H6095

BDB6298 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6300

II. [עָצַם] verb shut the eyes (Late Hebrew Hiph`il; possibly connection with Syriac = id., Arabic , IV (on = see ZMG xxxii (1878), 406); Late Hebrew עִמֵּץ close eyes of dead; compare BaES 5f.); —

Qal Participle וְעֹצֵם עֵינָיו מִן Isa 33:15 shutteth his eyes from seeing Pi`el Imperfect 3 masculine singular וַיְעַצֵּם אֶתעֵֿינֵיכֶם Isa 29:10 he hath tightly shut your eyes (compare I. עצה).

increased, mighty, strong, more, shutteth, …
ʿāṣam
to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones
  • to be vast, be numerous, be mighty
    • (Qal)
      • to be mighty
      • "to be numerous
      (Hiphil) to make strong, make mighty
    to shut (the eyes), close (the eyes)
    • (Qal) to shut (the eyes)
    • "(Piel) to shut tightly (the eyes)

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

Adverb

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

BDB4483 H3966

BDB4482 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4484

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

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

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

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.
וַיֵּ֥יטֶב אֱלֹהִ֖ים Tipeha — a lesser break לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֑ת Etnahta — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וַיִּ֧רֶב הָעָ֛ם Tevir — a lesser break וַיַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ Tipeha — a lesser break מְאֹֽד Silluq — end of the verse

וַיֵּיטֶב אֱלֹהִים לַֽמְיַלְּדֹת וַיִּרֶב הָעָם וַיַּֽעַצְמוּ מְאֹֽד׃
20
Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
Cross References

Ecclesiastes 8:12

אֲשֶׁר חֹטֶא עֹשֶׂה רָע מְאַת וּמַאֲרִיךְ לוֹ כִּי גַּם-יוֹדֵעַ אָנִי אֲשֶׁר יִהְיֶה-טּוֹב לְיִרְאֵי הָאֱלֹהִים אֲשֶׁר יִֽירְאוּ מִלְּפָנָֽיו׃
12
Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:

Isaiah 3:10

אִמְרוּ צַדִּיק כִּי-טוֹב כִּֽי-פְרִי מַעַלְלֵיהֶם יֹאכֵֽלוּ׃
10
Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

Proverbs 11:18

רָשָׁע עֹשֶׂה פְעֻלַּת-שָׁקֶר וְזֹרֵעַ צְדָקָה שֶׂכֶר אֱמֶֽת׃
18
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

Psalms 111:5

טֶרֶף נָתַן לִֽירֵאָיו יִזְכֹּר לְעוֹלָם בְּרִיתֽוֹ׃
5
He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

Exodus 1:12

וְכַֽאֲשֶׁר יְעַנּוּ אֹתוֹ כֵּן יִרְבֶּה וְכֵן יִפְרֹץ וַיָּקֻצוּ מִפְּנֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
12
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

Hebrews 6:10

οὐ γὰρ ἄδικος θεὸς ἐπιλαθέσθαι τοῦ ἔργου ὑμῶν καὶ τοῦ κόπου τῆς ἀγάπης ἡς ἐνεδείξασθε εἰς τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ διακονήσαντες τοῖς ἁγίοις καὶ διακονοῦντες
10
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Psalms 103:11

כִּי כִגְבֹהַּ שָׁמַיִם עַל-הָאָרֶץ גָּבַר חַסְדּוֹ עַל-יְרֵאָֽיו׃
11
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

Psalms 41:1

אַשְׁרֵי מַשְׂכִּיל אֶל-דָּל בְּיוֹם רָעָה יְֽמַלְּטֵהוּ יְהוָֽה׃
1
Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

Luke 1:50

καὶ τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ εἰς γενεὰς γενεῶν τοῖς φοβουμένοις αὐτόν
50
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

Matthew 25:40

καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς βασιλεὺς ἐρεῖ αὐτοῖς Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ἐφ' ὅσον ἐποιήσατε ἑνὶ τούτων τῶν ἀδελφῶν μου τῶν ἐλαχίστων ἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε
40
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Matthew 10:42

καὶ ὃς ἐὰν ποτίσῃ ἕνα τῶν μικρῶν τούτων ποτήριον ψυχροῦ μόνον εἰς ὄνομα μαθητοῦ ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν οὐ μὴ ἀπολέσῃ τὸν μισθὸν αὐτοῦ
42
And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Psalms 61:5

כִּֽי-אַתָּה אֱלֹהִים שָׁמַעְתָּ לִנְדָרָי נָתַתָּ יְרֻשַּׁת יִרְאֵי שְׁמֶֽךָ׃
5
For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

Psalms 85:9

אַךְ קָרוֹב לִירֵאָיו יִשְׁעוֹ לִשְׁכֹּן כָּבוֹד בְּאַרְצֵֽנוּ׃
9
Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.

Exodus 1:7

וּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל פָּרוּ וַֽיִּשְׁרְצוּ וַיִּרְבּוּ וַיַּֽעַצְמוּ בִּמְאֹד מְאֹד וַתִּמָּלֵא הָאָרֶץ אֹתָֽם׃
7
And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.

Psalms 145:19

רְצוֹן-יְרֵאָיו יַעֲשֶׂה וְֽאֶת-שַׁוְעָתָם יִשְׁמַע וְיוֹשִׁיעֵֽם׃
19
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

Proverbs 19:17

מַלְוֵה יְהוָה חוֹנֵֽן דָּל וּגְמֻלוֹ יְשַׁלֶּם-לֽוֹ׃
17
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.