Exodus 7:12

For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

וַ יַּשְׁלִ֙יכוּ֙
וַ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
יַּשְׁלִ֙יכוּ֙
Root word cast, out, down, away, forth, …
Dictionary form: שָׁלַךְ · shaw-LAHK

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 plural causative — "he made (someone) do" story-telling past — try "and he ___ed" the built-in subject is "they"

In the KJV here: for they cast down
and cast ×26 cast ×10 and he cast ×5 will i cast out ×3 cast away ×2 cast down ×2 cast out ×2 he had cast them out ×2
More options
throw — Broad, everyday word; best default choice.
toss — Casual register; lighter or careless throwing action.
hurl — Emphasizes force or violence; good for battle contexts.
fling — Suggests sudden, forceful, or emotional action.
cast away — Modernizes KJV; stresses rejection or disposal.
discard — Highlights permanent removal or rejection; no physical arc implied.

BDB8725 H7993

BDB8724 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8726

[שָׁלַךְ]125 verb Hiph`il112 throw, fling, cast (Phoenician שלד in compare proper name, meaning dubious; Arabic is travel (or cause to travel) along a road, cause to enter); — Perfect 3 masculine singular הִשְׁלִיךְ Amos 8:3 +; 2 masculine singular suffix consecutive וְהִשְׁלַכְּתּוֺ Jer 51:63 2 feminine plural consecutive וְהִשְׁלַכְתֶּ֫נָה Amos 4:3, etc.; Imperfect יַשְׁלִיךְ Isa 2:20, וַיַּשְׁלֵךְ Judg 9:17 +, etc.; Imperative masculine singular הַשְׁלֵךְ Exod 7:9; Ps 55:23, feminine singular הַשְׁלִיכִי Jer 7:29, etc.; Infinitive absolute הַשְׁלֵךְ Jer 22:19; Jer 36:23 construct הַשְׁלִיךְ Eccl 3:5; Eccl 3:6, etc.; Participle מֵשְׁלְיךְ Mic 2:5; Ps 147:17, etc.; —

1. usually human subject, throw, cast:
  a. accusative of thing, with many preposition: e.g. אָל location 2Kgs 23:12; Ezek 5:4; Zech 5:8 (twice in verse) +, also (accusative of thing omitted) Exod 15:25 (J), Num 19:6 (P) +; ב loc, Exod 32:24 (E), Ezek 7:19 +; rarely ל location 2Chr 30:14 and (accusative omitted) 2Chr 24:10 עַל location 2Kgs 23:6, ָ  ה locative Exod 4:3 (twice in verse), שָׁ֫מָּה Judg 8:25; 2Kgs 6:6 (accusative omitted), etc.; especially of casting dead bodies, אֶל location Josh 8:29 (J), Josh 10:27 (J), + 3 t., ב location Amos 8:3; 2Kgs 9:25; 2Kgs 9:26. 2Kgs 13:21, מֵהָֽלְאָה לְ Jer 22:19 accusative of thing + אֶל person 1Kgs 19:19; 2Sam 20:22 (accusative omitted); accusative of thing with עַל person Nah 3:6; Judg 9:53; 2Sam 11:21 ( + מֵעַל), etc.; accusative of thing + מִיָּד Exod 32:19 (E), compare Deut 9:17 (מֵעַל); + ל of animal Exod 22:30 (E), Isa 2:20, etc.
  b. with accusative of person, אֶל of pit Gen 37:22 (E), Jer 38:6; Jer 38:9, ב of pit Gen 37:20 (E), with ה locative vGen 37:24 (E; pit), Exod 1:22 (J), compare Amos 4:3 (si vera lectio); תַּחַת location Gen 21:15 (E); accusative ׳י, figurative, with אַחֲרֵי גַוֶּךָ֑ 1Kgs 14:9 (of apostasy), Ezek 23:35, so ׳י's law Neh 9:26, words (אַחֲרֵי person reflexive) Ps 50:17.
  c. throw away, accusative of thing Judg 15:17 (מִיָּדוֺ), 2Kgs 7:15; Ezek 20:7; Ezek 20:8; Ps 2:3 (מִן reflexive), Eccl 3:5 (opposed to = כָּנַס); accusative omitted Jer 7:29; Joel 1:7 (of locusts); absolute Eccl 3:6 (opposed to שָׁמַר); accusative of transgression Ezek 18:31 (figurative; מֵעַל reflexive).
  d. cast off, shed, blossom (like flower) Job 15:33.
  e. cast down (late), subject goat, accusative ram, Dan 8:7 (אַ֫רְצָה) little horn, accusative אֱמֶת vDan 8:12 (id.); accusative of person (literal) 2Chr 25:12 (מִן local), Job 18:7 his (own) counsel felleth him; so probably Jer 9:18 they have overthrown our dwellings (Du reads Hoph`al). feminine figurative, Ps 55:23 cast ׳עליֿ thy lot.
2. ׳י subject:
  a. cast, accusative of thing, + עַל person Josh 10:11 (E), Job 27:22 (accusative of thing omitted); sandal upon Edom Ps 60:10 = Ps 108:10 (sign of possession); ice (no preposition) Ps 147:17.
  b. accusative of person + ב location 2Kgs 2:16 (subject ׳רוּחַ י), Neh 9:11; Jonah 2:4 ( + accusative of location); + אַ֫רְצָה Ezek 28:17 (figurative); אֶל location (of exile) Deut 29:27 especially of ׳י's rejecting men, accusative of person + מֵעַל פָּנָיו 2Kgs 13:23; 2Kgs 24:20, compare 2Kgs 17:20; Jer 7:15 (twice in verse); Jer 52:3, also Ps 51:13 and (without מִן) Ps 71:9 casting sins (accusative) אַחֲרֵי גֵּוְךָ Isa 38:17, ב location Mic 7:19.
  c. cast down, honour of Israel + accusative of location, מִן local, Lam 2:1 accusative of person Ps 102:11 (opposed to נָשָׂא).
3. phrases: הִשׁי גּוֺרָל Josh 18:8; Josh 18:10 (RD) cast lots ל in behalf of; חֶבֶל בְגוֺרָל ׳מַשׁ Mic 2:5 (see גּוֺרָל 3, I. חֶבֶל 2); ׳בַּיְאוֺר חַכָּה מַשׁ Isa 19:8 i.e. fishermen; וַיַּשְׁלֵח נַפְשׁוֺ מִנֶּגֶד Judg 9:17, see נֶגֶד 2 c; טָ֑רֶף ׳מִשּׁנָּיו אַשׁ Job 29:17 out of his teeth I cast the prey. Hoph`al Perfect 3 masculine singular הֻשְׁלַח Dan 8:11 2 masculine singular הָשְׁלַכְתָּ Isa 14:19, etc.; Imperfect 2 feminine singular וַתֻּשְׁלְכִי Ezek 16:5 3 masculine plural יֻשְׁלָ֑כוּ Isa 34:3 Participle מֻשְׁלָח 2Sam 20:21, etc.; —
1. be thrown, cast, accusative of head, אֶל person + בְּעַד of wall 2Sam 20:21 carcass, ב location 1Kgs 13:24; 1Kgs 13:25; 1Kgs 13:28; Jer 14:16 לַחֹרֶב Jer 36:30.
2. be cast forth, out, absolute of dead Isa 34:3 מִן of grave Isa 14:19 אֶלפְּֿנֵי הַשָּׁדֶה Ezek 16:5 (Jerusalem personified as infant); עַלהָֿאָרֶץ Jer 22:28 (of exile).
3. be cast down, לָאָרֶץ Ezek 19:12 (Israel, figurative of vine); absolute of sanctuary Dan 8:11.
4. metaphor, be cast, על of ׳י Ps 22:11 (i.e. on his protection).

cast, out, down, away, forth, …
šālak
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
  • to throw, cast, hurl, fling
    • (Hiphil)
      • to throw, cast, throw away, cast off, shed, cast down
      • "to cast (lots) (figuratively)
      (Hophal)
      • to be thrown, be cast
      • "to be cast forth or out"to be cast down"to be cast (metaphorically)

אִ֣ישׁ
אִ֣ישׁ
Root word man, men, one, husband, mans, …
Dictionary form: אִישׁ · eesh

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: every man
man ×241 men ×209 a man ×163 every man ×120 the men ×118 the man ×107 every one ×81 one ×57
More options
man — Default singular; covers most direct references to an adult male.
person — Gender-neutral; prefer when context stresses individuality over sex.
husband — Use specifically in marriage or household relationship contexts.
someone — Indefinite pronoun; suits partitive or existential constructions.
everyone — Distributive sense; fits 'each/every man' idioms.
fellow — Informal register; good for relational or contemptuous contexts.

BDB389 H376 H381 H382

BDB388 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB390

אִישׁ2166 noun masculine man ( = vir) (MI, SI, Phoenician אש, perhaps also Sabean אסם compare Prätl.c, but DHMZMG 1883, 330) — ׳א absolute Gen 2:23 +; construct Gen 25:27 +; suffix אִישִׁי Gen 29:32 +, etc.; plural אִישִׁים Ps 141:4 + 2 t. (Phoenician אשם); usually אֲנָשִׁים Gen 12:20 +, from √ אנשׁ q. v.; construct אַנְשֵׁי Judg 6:27 +; suffix אֲנָשַׁי 1Sam 23:12 etc.; — man, opposed to woman Gen 2:23; Gen 2:24; Lev 20:27; Num 5:6; Deut 17:2f; Josh 6:21; Josh 8:25; Jer 40:7, emphasis on sexual distinction & relation Gen 19:8; Gen 24:16; Gen 38:25; Exod 22:15; Lev 15:16 (שִׁכְבַת זָרַ֑ע) vLev 15:18 (וְאִשָּׁה ׳זֿ׳אֲשֶׁר יִשְׁכַּב אִישׁ אֹתָהּ שׁ) Lev 20:10 f; Num 5:13f; Deut 22:22f; Isa 4:1 +; thence = husband, especially with suffix Gen 3:6; Gen 3:16; Gen 16:3; Gen 29:32; Gen 29:34; Lev 21:7; Num 30:7f; Deut 28:56; Judg 13:8f; Ruth 1:3f; 1Sam 25:19; Jer 29:6; Ezek 16:45 +; figurative of ׳י as husband of Israel אִישִׁי Hos 2:18 (opposed to בַּעְלִּי); man as procreator, father Eccl 6:3 of male child Gen 4:1 compare זֶרַע אֲנָשִׁים 1Sam 1:11 man, opposed to beast Exod 11:7; Lev 20:15 (compare אָדָם); compare figurative Ps 22:7 but also of male of animals Gen 7:2 (twice in verse) (אִישׁ וְאִשְׁתּוֺ); man, opposed to God Gen 32:29; Num 23:19 לֹא אִישׁ אֵל וִיכַזֵּב (|| וּבֶןאָֿדָם וְיִתְנֶחָ֑ם); Job 9:32; Job 32:13; Hos 11:9 compare Isa 31:8; Job 12:10 (רוּחַ כָּלבְּֿשַׂר אִישׁ); hence in phrases to denote ordinary, customary, common שֵׁבֶט אֲנָשִׁים 2Sam 7:14 (|| נִגְעֵי בְּנֵי אָדָם); לֶחֶם אֲנָשִׁים Ezek 24:17; Ezek 24:22 [

**אֲנָשִׁים Ezek 24:17; Ezek 24:22 is textual error; We (apparently Sm) אֲנֻשִׁים; ToyHpt אוֺנִים (Hos 9:4).] (compare Isa 8:1); אַמַּתאִֿישׁ Deut 3:11 but also contracted אָדָם Ps 49:3; Ps 62:10 man, as valiant 1Sam 4:9 (twice in verse) (וִהְיוּ לַאֲנָשִׁים) so 1Kgs 2:2 compare 1Sam 26:15 so אִישׁ חַיִל 1Sam 31:12; 2Sam 24:9; 1Kgs 1:42 +; also אִישׁ מִלְחָמָה Num 31:49; Deut 2:14; Deut 2:16; Josh 5:4; Josh 5:6 +; even of ׳י Exod 15:3 יהוה אִישׁ מִלְחָמָה; often prefixed to other nouns in apposition אָדוֺן ׳א Gen 42:30; Gen 42:33, שַׂר וְשֹׁפֵט ׳א Exod 2:14, כֹּהֵן ׳א Lev 21:9, סָרִיס ׳א Jer 38:7 particular before adjective, of a people אִישׁ מִצְרִי Gen 39:1; Exod 2:11; Exod 2:19 compare Gen 37:28; Gen 38:1; Gen 38:2; Gen 39:14; 1Sam 17:12; 1Sam 30:11; 1Sam 30:13 +; a man as resident in, or belonging to a place or people Num 25:6; Judg 10:1 + (so Phoenician); usually plural אַנְשֵׁי יִשְׂרָאֵל 1Sam 7:11; 1Sam 31:7 (twice in verse) compare Josh 7:4; Josh 7:5 +; also singularcollective Deut 27:14; Josh 9:6; Josh 9:7; Judg 20:11; 1Sam 11:8 (see Dr) +; 2Sam 10:6; 2Sam 10:8 (טוֺב ׳א); (so MI10; MI13); men = retainers, followers, soldiers 1Sam 18:27; 1Sam 23:3 f 1Sam 24:3; 1Sam 25:13 + compare Deut 33:8 singular collective see Di; אִישׁ אֱלֹהִים man of God = prophet Deut 33:1; Josh 14:6; 1Sam 9:6f; 1Kgs 12:13f + (see אלהים); in phrase followed by abstract אִישׁ חַיִל, מִלְחָמָה ׳א see above; שֵׂיבָה ׳א Deut 32:25, הַדָּמִים ׳א 2Sam 16:7 compare see 8, הַבְּלִיַּעַל ׳א 2Sam 16:7, מָוֶת ׳א 1Kgs 2:26, חָמָס ׳א Ps 140:12; Prov 3:31 +; followed by word of occupation, etc. שָׂדֶה׳א Gen 25:27, הָאֲדָמָה׳א Gen 9:20 (compare Zech 13:5), ׳א הַבֵּנַיִם champion 1Sam 17:4 (compare Dr) v1Sam 17:23, בְּשׂרָה ׳א 2Sam 18:20, אִישׁ עֲצָתוֺ his counsellor Isa 40:13, compare אִישׁ חֶרְמִי 1Kgs 20:42, רֵעִים ׳א Prov 18:24 often distributive = each, every Gen 9:5; Gen 10:5; Gen 40:5 (twice in verse); Exod 12:3 +; including women Job 42:11; 1Chr 16:3 וַיְחַלֵּק לְכָלאִֿישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל מֵאִישׁ וְעַד אִשָּׁה לְאִישׁ כִּכַּרלֶֿחֶם; of inanimate things 1Kgs 7:30; 1Kgs 7:36 also אִישׁ אִישׁ Exod 36:4; Num 4:19; Num 4:49; Ezek 14:4; Ezek 14:7 +; any one Exod 34:3 (twice in verse); Exod 34:24 +; also אִישׁ אִישׁ Lev 15:2; Lev 22:4; Lev 22:18 +; of gods 2Kgs 18:33 = Isa 36:18 one...another וְהִרְגוּ אִישֿׁ אֶתאָֿחִיו וְאִישׁ אֶתרֵֿעֵהוּ וְאִישׁ אֶתקְֿרֹבוֺExod 32:27, אִישׁ ֗֗֗ אָחִיו Deut 1:16; Mic 7:2 (see אָח), אִישׁרֵ֗֗֗עֵהוּ Gen 11:3; Gen 11:7 + (see רֵעַ) of inanimate things Gen 15:10.

man, men, one, husband, mans, …
ʾîš
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
  • man
    • man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
    • "husband"human being, person (in contrast to God)"servant"mankind"champion"great man
    whosoever"each (adjective)

מַטֵּ ֔הוּ
מַטֵּ
Root word tribe, rod, tribes, staff, rods, …
֔הוּ
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Dictionary form: מַטֶּה · maht-TEH

Noun — Common, masculine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: his rod
of the tribe ×59 and out of the tribe ×27 tribe ×17 of the tribes ×12 of them even of the tribe ×12 out of the tribe ×10 the rod ×8 rod ×7
More options
tribe — Best for the social/political grouping sense
clan — Useful when emphasizing kinship over political structure
staff — For a walking stick or symbol of authority
rod — Prefer for discipline, judgment, or miraculous use
scepter — When the rod signals royal or divine authority
stick — Neutral, everyday object with no special connotation

BDB5156 H4294

BDB5155 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5157

מַטֶּה251 noun masculineExod 4:17 (feminine Mic 6:9 according to ᵑ0, but dubious, see below)

1. staff, rod, shaft.
2. branch.
3. tribe (Eccl 48:2 staff, Eccl 45:6; Eccl 45:25 tribe); — absolute ׳מ Gen 38:25 +; construct מַטַּה Exod 4:20 +; suffix מַטְּךָ Gen 38:18 + 5 t., מַטֶּ֑ךָ Exod 8:1, מַטֵּ֫הוּ Isa 10:24 + 10 t.; plural מַטּוֺת 1Kgs 8:1 +, etc.; suffix מַטּוֺחָם Exod 7:12; Num 17:21 also מַטָּיו Hab 3:14 (but read מַטֶּיךָ or — Grמַטֹּתֶיךָ); —
1. (compare מַקֵּל, שֵׁבֶט) staff of traveller Gen 38:18; Gen 38:25 (J); in general Isa 10:15 (simile; || שֵׁבֶט); from staff as support comes figurative מַטֵּהלֶֿחֶם staff of bread (food supply) Ezek 4:16; Ezek 5:16; Ezek 14:13; Lev 26:26; Ps 105:16 of staff or rod, Moses as shepherd Exod 4:2; Exod 4:4; Exod 7:15 (J), Exod 4:17; Exod 7:17; Exod 7:20; Exod 9:23; Exod 10:13; Exod 17:5 (all E); compare also Isa 10:26; Exod 14:16; Num 20:8; Num 20:9; Num 20:11 (all P); called הָאֱלֹהִים ׳מ Exod 4:20; Exod 17:9 (both E), because of miraculous power connected with it; compare mirac. rod of Aaron Exod 7:9; Exod 7:10; Exod 7:12; Exod 7:19; Exod 8:1; Exod 8:12; Exod 8:13 (all P), and of Egyptian magicians Exod 7:12 (twice in verse) (P); compare Aaron's rod that budded Num 17:18; Num 17:21; Num 17:23; Num 17:25 (compare RSSemitic i. 180; 2d ed. 197); carried even by warrior 1Sam 14:27; 1Sam 14:43 מַטֵּה שִׁכְמוֺ Isa 9:3 i.e. rod that strikes his shoulder, task-master's rod (|| שֵׁבֶט הַנֹּגֵשׂ בּוֺ), compare Isa 10:5 and vIsa 10:24; Isa 14:5 (|| שֵׁבֶט), all figurative of oppression; מַטֵּה מוּסָדָה Isa 30:32 appointed rod (of punishment); compare ׳מ Ezek 7:10; Ezek 7:11 (but text obscure, Co — q. v. — sceptre), also Mic 6:9 according to ᵑ0, but see below 3; used in beating out (חבט) fennel Isa 28:27 staff as badge of leader or ruler מַטֵּהעֹֿז Jer 48:17 (|| מַקֵּל), compare Ps 110:2 so Num 17:17 (4 t. in verse) + 10 t. Num 17 apparently shafts, i.e. arrows or spears, Hab 3:9; Hab 3:14 (compare Now Da GASm).
2. branch of vine Ezek 19:11; Ezek 19:12; Ezek 19:14 (twice in verse).
3. tribe (183 t.), originally company led by chief with staff: specifically of tribes of Israel in both singular and plural, 1Kgs 7:14; 1Kgs 8:1 = 2Chr 5:2; Exod 31:2 + 5 t. Exodus; Lev 24:11; Num 1:4 + 89 t. Numbers; Josh 7:1 + 56 t. Joshua (all P); 1Chr 6:45 + 21 t. 1Chr 6; 1Chr 12:31 probably also Mic 6:9 (vocative; so ᵐ5 We Now GASm). — compare שֵׁבֶט, and on relation of these two words for tribe Hebrew usage DrJPhoenician xi. (1882), 213 f.

tribe, rod, tribes, staff, rods, …
maṭṭe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance), or walking (a staff; figuratively, a support of life, e.g., bread)
  • staff, branch, tribe
    • staff, rod, shaft
    • "branch (of vine)"tribe
      • company led by chief with staff (originally)

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

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

BDB2100 H3068 H3069 H1961 H430 H589 H2022 H6635

BDB2099 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2101

יהוהc. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה proper name, of deity Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel — (

1. ᵑ0 יְהוָֺהC518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהוִֺה305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים), in the combinations אדני יהוה & יהוה אדני (see אֲדֹנֶי), and with preposition בַּיהוָֺה, לַיהוָֺה, מֵיהוָֺה (Qr בַּאדֹנָי, לַאדֹנָי, מֵאדֹנָי), do not give the original form. ᵐ5 and other Vrss follow the Qr. On the basis of Exod 20:7; Lev 24:11 יהוה was regarded as a nomen ineffabile (see Philode Vita Mosis iii. 519, 529), called by the Jews הַשֵּׁם and by the Samaritans שׁימא. The pronunciation Jehovah was unknown until 1520, when it was introduced by Galatinus; but it was contested by Le Mercier, J. Drusius, and L. Capellus, as against grammatical and historical propriety (compare § 88). The traditional Ἰαβέ of Theodoret and Epiphanius, the יָֿהוּ, יְהוֺֿ of compound proper name and the contracted form יָהּ all favour יַהְוֶךְ (compare יַהֲלֹמ֑וּן Ps 74:6 תַּהֲרוּ Isa 33:11), see LagSym i.14 BaudStudien i.179 ff.; DrStud.Bib.i.1 ff. For Jeve see StaZAW 1881, 346 Deib.1882, 173 f. & Gn. Excurs. ii.
2. on literature of interpretations see NesEg.67 Drl.c. — Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph`il of היה (=היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver (compare חַוָּה Gen 3:20) Schr HSch; giver of existence, creator, Kue Tiele; he who brings to pass (so already Le Clerc),performer of his promises, Lag, NesEg.88 (but NesEg.91 inclines to Qal as RSBrit. & For. Ev. Rev see below); or from היה he who causes to fall, rain or lightning RSOTJC.ed.1, 423; om.ed.2, 245, compare WeSkizzen iii.175; 'Fäller,' destroying foes, StaG.i.429 (dubiously). But most take it as Qal of הוה (= היה); the one who is: i.e. the absolute and unchangeable one, Ri; the existing, ever living, as self-consistent and unchangeable, Di; or the one ever coming into manifestation as the God of redemption, De Oehl; compare also RSBrit. & For. Ev. Rev. 1876, he will be it, i.e all that his servants look for (compare Ewinfr), he will approve himself (give evidence of being, assert his being Drl.c.17)).
**Theories of non-Hebrew or non-Semitic origin, opposed (in their older forms) by BauRel. i. 181 ff. (see especially 230); DlPa 162 ff. claimed Babylonian origin for יהו, against this Kuenational Religions, etc., Note iv (Eng. Trans. 329 ff.) JastrJBL xiil {1894}, 103 f. compare HptBAS i. 170 N; DlBabel u. Bibel, 46 f., 73 f. makes same claim for יהוה, against this see especially HirschZAW xxiil {1903}, 355 ff. ZimKATS. 465 ff.; SpiegelbZMG:liii {1899}, 633 ff. proposes (improbable) Egyptian etymology for יהוה; further discussions see in KöEB NAMES, § 112 and n.3. 'Jehovah' found in Jacob (? Johannes) Wessel († 1480), according to SchwThLZ, 1905, col. 612.

I. יהוה is not used by E in Genesis, but is given Exod 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb, and is explained thus : אֶהְיֶה עִמָּ֑ךְ I shall be with thee (Exod 3:12), which is then implied in אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה I shall be the one who will be it vExod 3:14a (i.e: with thee vExod 3:12) and then compressed into אֶהְיֶה vExod 3:14b (i.e. with thee vExod 3:12), which then is given in the nominal form יהוה He who will be it vExod 3:15 (i.e. with thee vExod 3:12). compare EwBTh ii. 337, 338 RSl.c., Proph. 385 ff. Other interpretations are: I am he who I am, i.e. it is no concern of yours (Le Clerc LagPsalt.Hieron.156); I am (this is my name), inasmuch as I am (אֲשֶׁר = כִּי; AE JDMich WeJD Th xxi, 540 = compare Hexateuch 72); Di and others I am who I am, he who is essentially unnameable, inexplicable, — E uses יהוה sparingly by the side of אלהים and האלהים in his subsequent narrative. The Ephraimitic writers in Judges Samuel Kings use it in similar proportions. P abstains from the use of יהוה until he gives an account of its revelation to Moses Exod 6:3 but subsequently uses it freely. He gives no explanation of its meaning. He represents that אֵל שַׁדַּי was the God of the patriarchs. J uses יהוה from the beginning of his narrative, possibly explaining it, Gen 21:83 by אל עולם, the evergreen tamarisk being a symbol of the ever-living God; compare De Gen 21:33. Elsewhere יהוה is the common divine name in pre-exilic writers, but in post-exilic writers gradually falls into disuse, and is supplanted by אלהים and אדני. In Job it is used 31 t. in prose parts, and Job 12:9 (a proverb); not elsewhere in the poem. Chronicles apart from his sources prefers אלהים and האלהים. Daniel uses יהוה only in chap. 9 (7 t.); Ecclesiastes not at all. In the Elohistic group of Psalm 42-83 it is used 39 t. (see אלהים) . It occurs as the name of Israel's God MI18. It is doubtful whether it was used by other branches of the Shemitic family, compare COT Gen 2:4b DlPa 158 ff. DrStud. Bib. i. 7 ff.

II. 1. יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D;
  a. with אֱלֹהֶיךָ in the Ten Words Exod 20:2-12 (5 t.) = Deut 5:6-16 in the law of worship of J E, Exod 23:19; Exod 34:24; Exod 34:26 in D 234 t.; Josh 1:9; Josh 1:17; Josh 9:9; Josh 9:24 (D2); elsewhere Gen 27:20; Exod 15:26 (JE), Judg 6:26 Samuel & Kings 20 t.; 1Chr 11:2; 1Chr 22:11; 1Chr 22:12; 2Chr 9:8 (twice in verse); 2Chr 16:7; Isa 7:11; Isa 37:4 (twice in verse); Isa 41:13; Isa 43:3; Isa 51:15; Isa 55:5; Jer 40:2 + (3t.); Hos 12:10; Hos 13:4; Hos 14:2; Amos 9:15; Ps 81:11.
  b. with אֱלֹהֵיכֶם in D 46 t.; D2 28 t.; H 15 t.; P 15 t.; elsewhere Exod 23:25 (E); Exod 8:24; Exod 10:8; Exod 10:16; Exod 10:17 (JE); Judg 6:10; 1Sam 12:12; 1Sam 12:14; 2Kgs 17:39; 2Kgs 23:21; 1Chr 22:18 + (10 t. Chronicles) Ps 76:12; Jer 13:16 + (5 t.) Ezek 20:5; Ezek 20:7; Ezek 20:19; Ezek 20:20; Joel 2:13 + (6 t.) Zech 6:15.
  c. with אֱלֹהֵינוּ in D 23 t.; in D2 5 t.; Exod 8:6 (JE) Exod 3:18; Exod 5:3; Exod 8:22; Exod 8:23; Exod 10:25; Exod 10:26 (E) Judg 11:24; 1Sam 7:8; 1Kgs 8:57; 1Kgs 8:59; 1Kgs 8:61; 1Kgs 8:65; 2Kgs 18:22; 2Kgs 19:10 = Isa 36:7; Isa 37:20; 1Chr 13:2 + (15 t. Chronicles) Mic 4:5; Mic 7:17; Isa 26:13; Jer 3:22 + (17 t.) Ps 20:8; Ps 90:17 (?;Baer אֲדנָֹי); Ps 94:23; Ps 99:5; Ps 99:8; Ps 99:9 (twice in verse); Ps 105:7; Ps 106:47; Ps 113:5; Ps 122:9; Ps 123:2; Dan 9:10; Dan 9:13; Dan 9:14.
  d. with אֱלֹהֵיהֶם Exod 10:7 (J) Exod 29:46 (twice in verse); Lev 26:44 (P) Judg 3:7; Judg 8:34; 1Sam 12:9; 1Kgs 9:9; 2Kgs 17:7; 2Kgs 17:9; 2Kgs 17:14; 2Kgs 17:16; 2Kgs 17:19; 2Kgs 18:12; 2Chr 31:6; 2Chr 33:17; 2Chr 34:33; Neh 9:3 (twice in verse); Neh 9:4; Jer 3:21; Jer 22:9; Jer 30:9; Jer 43:1 (twice in verse); Jer 50:4; Ezek 28:26; Ezek 34:30; Ezek 39:22; Ezek 39:28; Hos 1:7; Hos 3:5; Hos 7:10; Zeph 2:7; Hag 1:12 (twice in verse); Zech 9:16; Zech 10:6.
  e. with אֱלֹהָיו Num 23:21 (E) Exod 32:11 (J) Lev 4:22 (P) Deut 17:19; Deut 18:7; 1Sam 30:6; 1Kgs 5:17; 1Kgs 11:4; 1Kgs 15:3; 1Kgs 15:4; 1Kgs 2:11; 1Kgs 16:2; 1Kgs 2:1 + 13 t. Chronicles; Mic 5:3; Jer 7:28; Ps 33:12; Ps 144:15; Ps 146:5; Jonah 2:2. feminine with אֱלֹהַי Num 22:18 (JE) Deut 4:5; Deut 18:16; Deut 26:14; Josh 14:8; Josh 14:9; 2Sam 24:24; 1Kgs 3:7; 1Kgs 5:18; 1Kgs 5:19; 1Kgs 8:28; 1Kgs 17:20; 1Kgs 17:21; 1Chr 21:17; 1Chr 22:7; 2Chr 2:3; 2Chr 6:19; 2Chr 9:5; Ps 7:2; Ps 7:4; Ps 13:4; Ps 18:29; Ps 30:3; Ps 30:13; Ps 35:24; Ps 40:6; Ps 104:1; Ps 109:26; Isa 25:1; Jer 31:18; Dan 9:4; Dan 9:20; Jonah 2:7; Hab 1:12; Zech 11:4; Zech 13:9; Zech 14:5.
  g. with אֱלֹהַיִךְ Isa 60:9; Jer 2:17; Jer 2:19; Jer 3:13; Mic 7:10; Zeph 3:17.
  h. with אלהים, probably always due to later editors, or to a Qr which has crept into the text Gen 2:4b — Gen 3:23 (J, 20 t. either אלהים inserted by RP as Di De; or יהוה inserted by J in an older source); Exod 9:30 (J, but not in ᵐ5 ; Samaritan אדני יהוה; possibly ᵑ0 from earlier Qr, & from later Qr); 2Sam 7:22; 2Sam 7:25 (ᵐ5 אדני יהוה and 1Chr 17:20-23 only יהוה); 1Chr 17:16; 1Chr 17:17 (but 2Sam 7:18; 2Sam 7:19 אדני יהוה) 1Chr 28:20; 1Chr 29:1; 2Chr 1:9; 2Chr 6:41 (twice in verse); 2Chr 6:42; 2Chr 26:18 (but in the original Ps 132:8 stood יהוה (so ), or else no divine name); Ps 72:18 (the late doxology) Ps 84:12 (but it makes the line too long); Jonah 4:6. For the combinations with other divine names see those names.
2. the phrase אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy: —
  a. after אמר either alone Exod 6:2; Exod 6:29 (P) or before relative and other clauses: Gen 28:13 (J) Gen 15:7 (R) Exod 6:6 (P) with אלהיכם Judg 6:10; Ezek 20:5.
  b. after ידע כי (α) Exod 7:17; Exod 8:18; Exod 10:2 (J); Exod 7:5; Exod 14:4; Exod 14:18 (P); 1Kgs 20:13; 1Kgs 20:28; Jer 24:7; Ezek 6:7 + 48 t. Ezekiel; (β) with אלהיכם Exod 6:7; Exod 16:12; Deut 29:5 (P) Exod 20:20; Joel 4:17 (γ) with אלהיהם Exod 29:46 (P) Ezek 28:26; Ezek 34:30; Ezek 39:22; Ezek 39:28 (δ) before relative and other clauses Isa 45:3; Isa 49:23; Isa 49:26; Isa 60:16; Ezek 7:9; Ezek 17:24; Ezek 21:10; Ezek 22:22; Ezek 35:12; Ezek 36:36 (ε) with various forms of קדשׁ Exod 31:13 (P) Ezek 20:12; Ezek 37:28; Ezek 39:7 (ζ) with דברתי Ezek 5:13; Ezek 17:21, compare ׳יֵדְעוּ אשׁר אני י Ezek 20:26.
  c. after כִּי in various combinations Lev 11:44; Lev 11:45; Num 35:34 (P), Lev 20:7; Lev 20:26; Lev 21:8; Lev 21:15; Lev 21:23; Lev 22:16; Lev 24:22; Lev 25:17; Lev 26:1; Lev 26:44 (all H); Exod 15:26 (R) Isa 41:13; Isa 43:3; Isa 61:8; Jer 9:23; Ezek 12:25; Ezek 21:4; Zech 10:6; Mal 3:6.
  d. emphatic Exod 6:8; Exod 12:12; Lev 26:2; Lev 26:45; Num 3:13; Num 3:41; Num 3:45 (all P); Lev 18:5; Lev 18:6; Lev 18:21; Lev 19:12; Lev 19:14; Lev 19:16; Lev 19:18; Lev 19:28; Lev 19:30; Lev 19:32; Lev 19:37; Lev 21:12; Lev 22:2; Lev 22:3; Lev 22:8; Lev 22:30; Lev 22:31; Lev 22:33 (all H) Isa 43:15 with אלהיהם Exod 29:46 with אלהיךָ Isa 48:17 with אלהיכם Lev 23:43; Lev 25:38; Lev 25:55; Num 10:10; Num 15:41 (twice in verse) (P) Lev 18:2; Lev 18:4; Lev 18:30; Lev 19:2; Lev 19:3; Lev 19:4; Lev 19:10; Lev 19:25; Lev 19:31; Lev 19:34; Lev 19:36; Lev 20:24; Lev 23:22; Lev 26:13 (all H) Ezek 20:7; Ezek 20:19; Joel 2:27 with מְקַדֵּשׁ Lev 20:8; Lev 22:9; Lev 22:32 (H), with דברתי Num 14:35 (P) Ezek 5:15 + (11 t. Ezekiel); with clauses Isa 27:3; Isa 41:4; Isa 41:17; Isa 42:6; Isa 42:8; Isa 45:5; Isa 45:6; Isa 45:7; Isa 45:8; Isa 45:18; Isa 45:19; Isa 45:21; Isa 60:22; Jer 17:10; Jer 32:27; Ezek 14:4; Ezek 14:7; Ezek 14:9; Ezek 34:24 אָנֹכִי יהוה is used in the Ten Words Exod 20:2; Exod 20:5 = Deut 5:6; Deut 5:9 cited Ps 81:11; Hos 12:10; Hos 13:4 elsewhere only Exod 4:11 (J) Isa 43:11; Isa 44:24; Isa 51:15.
3. יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh יהוה יראה Gen 22:14 (J); יהוה נסי Exod 17:15 (E) יהוה שׁלים Judg 6:24 יהוה צדקנו Jer 33:16 (compare Jer 23:6 where it is applied to the Messiah); יהוה שָׁ֑מָּה Ezek 48:35. — On combinations such as ׳הַר י, צְבָאוֺת ׳י etc., see הַר, צָבָא, etc.

Note. — BonkZAW 1891, 126 ff. seems to shew that as prefix, in compare proper name, יְהוֺ is the oldest and the latest form and that יוֺ is intermediate, belonging to the earlier post-exilic period until the time of Chronicles; occasional copyists' mistakes being taken into the account.


BDB2145 H1961

BDB2144 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2146

הָיָה3570 verb fall out, come to pass, become, be (SI1; SI6 היה, ib3 הית; parallel form of הוה, Arabic , Aramaic הֲוָא, ; see הָוָה above) —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular הָיָה Gen 3:1 +; וְהָיָה consecutive Gen 4:14 +; 3 feminine singular הָֽיְתָה Gen 1:2 +; הָיָ֑תָה Isa 14:24 + 3 t.; וְהָֽיְתָה consecutive Gen 9:13 +; והית2Kgs 9:37 Kt (Qr וְהָֽיְתָה); 2 masculine singular הָיִיתָ Deut 5:15 +; 1 singular הָיִיתִיGen 31:40 3 plural הָיוּ Gen 6:4 +; 2 masculine plural הֱיִיתֶ ם Exod 22:20 +; וִהְיִיתֶם consecutive Gen 3:5 +; 1 plural הָיִינוּIsa 1:9 +; etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִהְיֶה Gen 1:29 +; jussive יְהִיGen 1:3 +; יֶהִ֑י Ezek 16:15 וִיהִיGen 1:6 +; וַיְהִי Gen 1:3 +; וַיֶּ֑הִי Ps 33:9; Ezek 16:19 3 feminine singular תִּהְיֶה Gen 21:30 +; 1 singular אֶהְיֶה Exod 3:12 +; וָאֶהְיֶה2Sam 7:6 + 9 t.; וָאֱהִי Judg 18:4 + 12 t.; 3 masculine plural יִהְיוּ Gen 6:19 +; 3 feminine plural תִּהְיֶינָהIsa 16:2 + 19 t.; תִּהְיֶין֣Gen 41:36 + 11 t.; וְתִהְיֶנָה Jer 18:21; Jer 48:6 וַתִּהְיֶינָה 2Sam 20:3 + 6 t.; וַתִּהְיֶיןָGen 26:35; 1Sam 25:43 וַתִּהְיֶנָה 1Chr 7:15 2 masculine plural תִהְיוּ Gen 34:15 +; תִהְיוּן Exod 22:20 1 plural נִהְיֶה Gen 38:23 +; וַנִּהְיֶה2Sam 11:23; Jer 44:17 וַנְּהִי Num 13:33; Isa 64:5, etc.; Imperative masculine singular הֱיֵה Exod 18:19 +; feminine singular הֲיִיGen 24:60 masculine plural הֱיוּExod 19:15; Num 16:16, וִהְיוּ 1Sam 4:9 + 6 t.; Infinitive absolute הָיוֺ Gen 18:18 + 3 t.; הָיֹה 1Kgs 13:32; Ezek 1:3 construct הֱיוֺת Gen 2:18 +, so read probably also for הֱיֵה Ezek 21:15 compare Sm i. p. 600 f. (Co em. היהלֿה to הָהֵל shine, glitter); with prefix בִּהְיוֺת Exod 5:13 +, בִּהְיֹת Exod 19:16 +; לִהְיוֺת Gen 10:8 +, לִהְיֹת Exod 23:1 +; suffix הֱיוֺתִי Jonah 4:2 הֱיוֺתְךָ Judg 18:19 (twice in verse); לִהְיֹתְךָ Deut 26:10, etc.; Participle feminine הוֺיָה Exod 9:3.

I. 1. a. Fall out, happen מֶההָֿיָה הַדָּבָר 1Sam 4:16 how has the matter fallen out, (gone, turned out) ? so 2Sam 1:4 מֶההָֿיָה לוֺ Exod 32:1; Exod 32:23 (both J E) what has happened to him? compare 1Sam 10:12 מִקְרֶה הוּא הָיָה לָנוּ 1Sam 6:9 a chance it is that has befallen us; also וַיְהִילֿוֺ כֵּן 2Kgs 7:20 and so it happened to him, compare וַיְהִיכֵֿן below
  b. occur, take place, come about, come to pass:גְדוֺלָה הָֽיְתָה בָּעָם מַגֵּפָה 1Sam 4:17 a great slaughter has taken place among the people, compare 2Sam 17:9 וַתְּהִי הַמִּלְחָמָה בְּיַעַר אֶפְרַיִם 2Sam 18:6 and the battle took place in the wood of Ephraim (on אפרים compare Klo Dr); Josh 22:17 (P; of plague); תְּהִי נָא אָלָה Gen 26:28 (J) let an oath take place (be taken) so Judg 21:5 compare 2Kgs 17:7 (si vera lectio), Ezek 16:34 especially late, 2Chr 29:36; 2Chr 32:31; Eccl 1:9; Eccl 1:10; Eccl 3:22; Eccl 8:7; Eccl 10:14 etc.; often of fulfilment of prediction, command, expectation, etc.: — כֵּן הָיָה Gen 41:3 (E) so it came to pass, 2Sam 13:25, וַיְהִיכֵֿן Judg 6:38; 2Kgs 15:12; Isa 29:5, & especially וַיְהִיכֵֿן Gen 1:7; Gen 1:9; Gen 1:11; Gen 1:15; Gen 1:24; Gen 1:30 (all P) +; יְהִי כִדְבָרֶ֑ךָ Gen 30:34 let it be as thou sayest, Zech 6:15, see also לֹא תָקוּם וְלֹא יִהְיֶה Isa 7:7 it shall not arise (be realized) & shall not come about, Isa 14:34 (so often בּוֺא q. v. 2 c, p. 98 above)
2. especially & very often, come about, come to pass followed by substantive (subject) clause almost always + modifying (usually temporal) clause or phrase:
  a. ( I) וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.) followed by
   (a) Imperfect consecutive: a. with Infinitive with כְּ temporal Gen 12:14; Gen 19:17 (both J) + 75 t. + Esth 3:4 Qr (Hexateuch chiefly J, — so always Genesis, — & J E; P only Exod 16:10, D only Deut 5:20; Deut 31:24; Josh 5:1; Josh 9:1 27 t. in Kings), — somewhat different is 2Kgs 7:18 β. with Infinitive with בְּ Gen 4:8; Gen 11:2 (both J) + 29 t. + Esth 3:4 Kt (in Hexateuch 10 t. J E; 3 t. P, Gen 19:29; Exod 34:29; Num 17:7 not in D); γ. with בְּ followed by temporal noun (יוֺם, בֹּקֶר, etc.) Gen 21:22 (E) Gen 26:32 (J) + 45 t. (Hes 14 t. J E; 3 t. P, Exod 6:28; Exod 16:13; Num 7:1 not D); δ. לְ temporal 1Sam 1:20; 2Sam 13:23; 1Kgs 20:26; 1Chr 20:1 ε. כְּ temporal Gen 39:11; 1Sam 25:38 ζ. מִן temporal namely: מֵאָז Gen 39:5, מִיּוֺם 1Sam 7:2 compare 1Sam 30:25, מִיָּמִים Judg 11:4; Judg 15:1, מִקֵּץ Gen 4:3; Gen 8:6 + 6 t., מִקְצֵה Josh 3:2; 2Kgs 8:3; Ezek 3:16, especially מִמָּחֳרָת Gen 19:34; Exod 18:13 + 11 t.; η. כַּאֲשֶׁר temporal Gen 12:11 (J) Gen 20:13 (E) + 31 t. (Hexateuch 13 t. J E, Deut 2:16, not P), characteristic of Nehemiah's memoris, Neh 3:33; Neh 4:1; Neh 4:6; Neh 4:9; Neh 6:1; Neh 6:16; Neh 7:1; Neh 13:19 θ. with כִּי temporal Gen 6:1 (J) Exod 3:21 (E) + 14 t. + Judg 16:25 Kt; ι. אַחֲרֵי temporal Gen 22:20 (J) + 13 t., אַחַר Gen 39:7; Job 42:7, אַחֲרֵיכֵֿן Judg 16:14 + 6 t.; κ. followed by עַד temporal 1Sam 14:19 (on which compare Dr); compare עַדכֹּֿה וְעַדכֹּֿה 1Kgs 18:45 λ. with combinations; as בְּ with temporal noun + בְּ Infinitive Gen 34:25; Exod 19:16; 1Sam 25:37 בְּ Infinitive + כְּ Infinitive Josh 3:14 double preposition כְּמִשְּׁלשׁ חֳדָשִׁים Gen 38:24 מִקְצֵה + אַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר Josh 9:16 מִיָּמִים + id. Josh 23:1 μ. other unusual constructions under this head are: those where temporal idea is expressed by a circumstantial clause Isa 22:7; 1Kgs 13:20; 2Kgs 8:21 (Dr§ 165, & Οβς.) = 2Chr 21:9 those with indefinite כֹּל 1Sam 10:11; 2Sam 2:23; 2Sam 15:2, or with participle = rel. clause 1Sam 11:1 (on all see Dr§ 78 n. & Sm); quite unique is 1Kgs 16:31, with הֲנָקֵל ׳לָכְתּוֺ וגוin place of temporal clause
   (b) וַיְהִי sometimes followed by simple Perfect, with a negative Gen 39:10 (with כְּ Infinitive), Exod 13:17 (with בְּ Infinitive) 2Kgs 12:7; 2Kgs 17:25 (both with בְּ temporal); & without negative, Gen 8:13 (P) Gen 14:1 +, usually with בְּ temporal (38 t.), Hexateuch chiefly P; rarely with other preposition & adverb as above; note especially מִדֵּי followed by Infinitive 1Sam 18:30; 2Chr 12:11 sometimes the subject of following Perfect precedes it with וְ, as Gen 22:1; Gen 41:1; 1Sam 18:19; 1Sam 30:1; 2Kgs 2:9; 2Kgs 4:40 +; note especially 2Sam 17:27 where several subject & also several objects precede the Perfect (compare Dr); in these cases temporal modifier is occasionally a circumstantial clause 2Sam 13:30; 1Kgs 8:10; 2Kgs 19:37 = Isa 37:38 rarely subject precedes Perfect without וְ 1Kgs 11:4; 1Kgs 21:1, compare subject preceding Participle without וְ Neh 4:10 in 2Chr 8:1 the object (with וְ) precedes what is apparently the principal verb
   (c) וַיְהִי followed by וְהִנֵּה Gen 24:15 (J; טֶרֶם in temporal clause), Gen 29:25 (E), Gen 38:27 (J, both בְּ temporal) vGen 38:29 (כְּ Participle), 1Sam 13:10 (כְּ Infinitive); also 2Sam 1:2; 2Sam 13:36; 2Sam 15:32 (circumstantial clause) 2Kgs 2:11 (id.), 2Kgs 3:20; 2Kgs 13:21 (circumstantial clause).
   (d) rarely וַיְהִי (in this sense) followed by other constructions: אָז יִתֵּן 1Kgs 9:10 (with מִקְצֵה); Imperfect frequentative 1Kgs 14:28 (with מִדֵּיבּֿאֹ), 2Kgs 4:8 (with מִדֵּי עָבְרוֺ) Jer 36:23 (with כְּ Infinitive); Perfect consecutive frequentative 2Chr 24:11 (with בְּ temporal). (2) rarely also Perfect with וְ conjunctive וְהָיָה (compare Dr§ 183) followed by Imperfect consecutive as subject clause: 1Sam 1:12 (c. several circumstantial clause), 1Sam 10:9 (with כְּ Infinitive) 2Kgs 3:15 (id.), 1Sam 17:48 (with כִּי), Jer 37:11 (with בְּ Infinitive), Amos 7:2 (with אִם temporal); also Jer 3:9 (apparently with מִן causative, but obscure); 1Sam 13:22 (with בְּ temporal) is followed by וְלֹא & Perfect as well as Imperfect consecutive
  b. less often וְהָיָה Perfect consecutive and it shall come to pass, or frequentative,came to pass (repeatedly, etc.) usually
   (a) followed by simple Imperfect (c. 100 t.): a. with בְּ temporal Deut 21:16; Deut 25:19 + 37 t., (especially בַּיּוֺם הַהוּא Hos 2:18; Hos 2:33; Isa 7:18; Isa 7:21; Isa 7:23 + 21 t.); β. with בְּ local Ezek 47:23; Zech 13:8 compare also Hos 2:1 (בִּמְקוֺם אֲשֶׁר, but perhaps = instead of, compare VB); γ. with indefinite rel. clause, or its equivalents (כֹּל indefinite, etc.), compare Dr§ 121, Obs. 1: Gen 4:14; Num 17:20; Deut 12:11; Deut 18:19; Josh 7:14; Josh 7:15; Judg 7:4; 1Sam 2:36; 1Sam 17:25; 2Sam 15:35; 1Kgs 19:17; 1Kgs 20:6; Isa 4:3; Isa 24:18; Nah 3:7; Jer 27:8; Jer 42:4; Ezek 47:9; Zech 14:17; Joel 3:5 δ. with כַּאֲשֶׁר Num 33:56; Deut 28:63; Josh 23:15; Judg 7:17; Isa 29:8; Jer 31:28; Zech 8:13 ε. less often with other modifying phrase: כְּ Infinitive Exod 33:8; Exod 33:9 (both frequentative), Josh 3:13; Josh 8:8; Jer 25:12; Jer 51:63 בְּ Infinitive Gen 9:14 (P) 2Kgs 4:10; Ezek 44:17 אִם of condition Deut 20:11 (+ vDeut 20:11 Dr§ 118 n.), also Josh 22:18, where the arrangement is peculiar, & the condition is expressed without אִם (compare Dr§ 155); לְ temporal Deut 23:12 מִקֵּץ Isa 23:17 טֶרֶם Isa 65:24 מִדֵּי חֹדֶשׁ בְּחָדְשׁוֺ Isa 66:23, etc.
   (b) וְהָיָה followed by Perfect consecutive (c. 85 t.): α. most often + clause with כִּי temporal Gen 12:12; Gen 46:33 (both J) Exod 1:10 (E) Deut 11:29; Isa 8:21 + 25 t.; β. with אִם Exod 4:8; Exod 4:9; Num 15:24; Deut 11:13 + 14 t.; also Gen 38:9; Num 21:9 (both frequentative); γ. with בְּ temporal Gen 30:41 (frequentative) Gen 47:24 (but compare Ol Di) Exod 16:5 + 11 t.; δ. with indefinite rel. clause or equivalent (Dr§ 121 Obs. 1): Gen 24:14; Num 10:32 (Dr§ 118 n.) Num 21:18; Deut 21:3; Judg 11:31; Judg 19:30; Zech 14:16 ε. occasionally with other modifying phrase: כַּאֲשֶׁר Gen 27:40 +; כְּ Infinitive Gen 44:31 +; בְּ Infinitive Exod 33:22 +; מִקֵּץ 2Sam 14:26 עֵקֶב causative Deut 7:12 also
   (c) followed by וְלֹא + simple Imperfect Exod 3:21 (with כִּי temporal).
   (d) וְהָיָה followed by Imperative (very rare) Deut 6:10 (with כִּי temporal), 1Sam 10:7 (with כִּי), compare 1Sam 29:10, compare Perfect consecutive in command 1Sam 3:9 (with אִם).
   (e) וְהָיָה followed by simple Perfect (also very rare) Deut 8:19 (with אִם).
   (f) וְהָיָה followed by clause without verb: Gen 24:43; Josh 2:19; 1Kgs 18:24 (all with indefinite rel. modifier, or equivalents, see
   (a) γ,
   (b) δ, above).
   (g) וְהָיָה (ו conjunctive) followed by Imperfect consecutive see
  a.
   (e) above

II. Come into being, become:

1. a. absolute, in lively narrative, arise, appear, come וַתְּהִי צְעָקָה גְדֹלָהExod 12:80 (J) and there arose a great cry in Egypt; וַיְהִיקֿוֺל Ezek 1:25 (strike out Co compare Da), Ezek 37:7 (strike out קוֺל ᵐ5 Co); כִּי הָֽיְתָה הָֽרְוָחָה Exod 8:11 (J) Pharaoh saw that respite had come; Mic 7:4 now shall come their confusion (|| בוא); also of concrete objects וְהָֽיְתָה הַקֶּשֶׁת בֶּעָנָן Gen 9:16 (P) and the bow shall appear in the clouds (|| וְנִרְאֲתָה) וְרִמָּה לֹא הָֽיְתָה בּוֺ Exod 16:24 (P) and worms did not appear in it; of condition or action begun & continuing, as: famine Gen 12:10; Gen 26:1 (twice in verse) (all J), Gen 41:54 (E), Ruth 1:1; 2Sam 21:1; 2Kgs 6:25 strife Gen 13:7; Gen 13:8 (J), Hab 1:3 (|| מָדוֺן יִשָּׂא); often of action of the elements, as the coming of hail Exod 9:18; Exod 9:24; Exod 9:26 (all J), thunder & lighting, etc., Exod 19:16 (E), rain 1Kgs 18:45, storm Jonah 1:4 especially of creative fiats יְהִי אוֺר וַיְהִי אוֺר Gen 1:3 let light appear, and light appeared, compare vGen 1:5 vGen 1:8 vGen 1:13 vGen 1:19 vGen 1:23 vGen 1:31 (all P); also arise, come on the stage or scene, וְאַחֲרָיו הָיָה שַׁמְגַּר Judg 3:31 and after him arose Shamgar (= וַיָּקָם Judg 10:1); further וַעֲלָטָה הָיָה Gen 15:17 (JE) and darkness came on; הַבֹּקֶר הָיָה Exod 10:13 (J) the morning came, Exod 19:16 (E); וַיְהִי הַיּוֺם 1Sam 1:4 and the day came, when (see Dr), 1Sam 14:1; 2Kgs 4:8; 2Kgs 4:11; 2Kgs 4:18; Job 1:6; Job 1:18; Job 2:1.
  b. followed by preposition: בְּ, וְיָדֵנוּ אַלתְּֿהִיבֿוֺ Gen 37:27 (J) but our hand, let it not come upon him, of hand of ׳יּ 1Sam 5:9; 1Sam 7:13; 1Sam 12:15 + (all in hostile sense); בְּכָלשֲֶֿֿׁר יֶשׁלֿוֺ ׳וַיְהִי בִּרְכַּת י Gen 39:5 (J) and the blessing of ׳י came into (on) all that he had; but also of plague Exod 12:13 (P); followed by עַל, וּמֵי הַמַּבּוּל הָיוּ עַלהָֿאָרֶץ Gen 7:10 (J) that the waters of the flood came upon the earth; עָלַי הָיוּ כֻלָּ֑נָה Gen 42:36 (E) Gen 9:2 (P) fear shall come upon, compare Gen 35:25 (P) 2Chr 14:13; 2Chr 17:19; 2Chr 20:29 +; of wrath Josh 22:20; 1Kgs 3:27 so of Saul's evil spirit from God 1Sam 16:16; 1Sam 16:23; 1Sam 19:9 (אֶל); but followed by עַל also in good sense ׳וַתְּהִי עָלָיו רוּחַ י conferring strength & efficiency Judg 3:10; Judg 11:29 (היה = צלח Judg 14:6 + often), compare Num 24:2 (JE) of prophetic power; (on ׳וַתְּהִי לָיו יַד י 2Kgs 3:15; Ezek 3:22 and the like, see יָד); יַד אֱלֹהֵינוּ הָֽיְתָה עָלֵינוּ Ezra 8:31, so Ps 80:18 even וַתְּהִי עַלרֿאֹשׁ דָּוִד 2Sam 12:30 and it (the crown, עֲטֶרֶת) came (i.e. was put, set) on David's head; with a different meaning וַנִּהְיֶה עֲלֵיהֶם עַדפֶּֿתַח הַשָּׁ֑עַר 2Sam 11:23 and we were close upon them even to the gateway (compare We Dr); come, go, follow (followed by אַחֲרֵי) i.e. take the side of, adhere to, Exod 23:2 (JE) 1Sam 12:14; 2Sam 2:10; 1Kgs 12:20; 1Kgs 16:21 followed by לְ of blessings Gen 49:26 (poem); of judgement, punishment Jer 40:3 especially ויהי דבר֗֗֗ אֶל and the word of ... came unto: word of Samuel 1Sam 4:1 usually word of God (or ׳י) Gen 15:1; 1Sam 15:10 +; constantly in prophets: Hos 1:1; Mic 1:1 etc.; especially Jeremiah & Ezekiel: Jer 1:4; Jer 1:11; Jer 1:13; Jer 2:1; Jer 13:8 +; Ezek 3:16; Ezek 6:1; Ezek 7:1; Ezek 11:14; Ezek 11:17; Ezek 11:21; Ezek 11:26; Ezek 12:1; Ezek 12:8 +; so also absolute הָיָה הַמַּשָּׂא הַזֶּה Isa 14:28 in the death-year of king Ahaz came this utterance; also followed by מִן; מַלְכֵי עַמִּים מִמֶּנָּה יִהְיוּ Gen 17:16 (P), וּקְהַל גּוֺיִם יִהְיֶה מִמֶּ֑ךָּ Gen 35:11 (P), וְהָיָה אַדִּירוֺ מִמֶּנּוּ Jer 30:21 (|| מִקִּרְבּוֺ יֵצֵא); הַכֹּל הָיָה מִןהֶֿעָפָר וְהַכֹּל שָׁב אֶל הֶעָפָר Eccl 3:20 all came from the dust, & all return unto the dust; וַיְהִי קֶצֶף גָּדוֺל מֵאֵת צְבָאוֺת ׳י Zech 7:12.
2. become :
  a. followed by predicate noun (to be viewed as implicit accusative Dr§ 161, 3 n., according to the Arabic usage WAG ii, § 41. 44. 74): הִוא הָֽיְתָה אֵם כָּלחָֿ֑י Gen 3:20 (J) it was she that became the mother of all living; וַיְהִי הֶבֶל רֹעֵה צאֹן וְקַיִן הָיָה עֹבֵד אֲדָמָהGen 4:2 (J) and Abel became a shepherd of flocks, while Cain became a tiller of ground; 2Sam 8:14; Mic 2:11 + often
  b. followed by predicate adjective Gen 38:7; Exod 36:13 +; compare Gen 37:20 let us see what his dream will become (turn out to be, signify);
  c. become like (כְּ), וִהְיִיתֶם כֵּאלֹהִים Gen 3:5 and ye shall become like gods compare vGen 3:22, Num 11:1 (JE), Hos 2:1; Hos 7:11; Isa 9:18; 1Kgs 7:8; Zech 9:7 +; compare Gen 15:5 so (כֹּה) shall thy seed become; specifically of likeness in punishment Isa 1:9; 1Sam 17:36 +; also with כְּ repeated וְהָיָה כָעָם כַּכֹּהֵן Hos 4:9 and the people shall become like the priest (literally, and the like of the people shall become the like of the priest), so especially Isa 24:2 (6 pairs of words as above); וְהָיָה כַצַּדִּיק כָּרָשָׁע Gen 18:25 (J), see כְּ. b + c Gen 27:32 his hands had become like the hands of Esau his brother, hairy.
  d. followed by predicate + לְ person וּתְהִי אִשָּׁה לְבֶןאֲֿדֹנֶיךָ Gen 24:51 (J) and let her become wife to the son of thy lord, 1Sam 16:21; 1Kgs 11:25; Ps 89:42; 1Chr 18:6 +; = be instituted, estanblished, וְהָיָה לָהֶםחָקעֿוֺלָם Exod 30:21 (P) and it shall be established for them as a perpetual ordinance (compare f below).
  e. followed by לְ predicate: וַיְהִי הָאָדָם לְנֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה Gen 2:7 (J) and the man became a living soul; וְהָיָה לְאַרְבָּעָה רָאשִׁיםGen 2:10 (J) and it became four heads; גַּםהֿוּא יִהְיֶהלְֿעָם Gen 48:19 (J) he too shall become a people; וִהְיוּ לַאֲנָשִׁים 1Sam 4:9 and become (shew yourselves to be) men (|| הִתְחַזְּקוּ; compare with double לְ, f below); Zeph 1:13; Ezek 17:6; Ezek 47:12; Job 16:8 עלמֶלֶךְ עַלכָּֿלהָֿאָרֶץ ׳וְהָיָה י Zech 14:9 וַיְהִי לְמַס עֹבֵד Gen 49:15; Josh 16:10 so often; also in sense of turn into, be changed so as to become, וַיְהִי לְנָחָשׁExod 4:3 and it became a serpent, vExod 4:4; Exod 7:10; Isa 1:22; Deut 26:5 +; figurative וַיְהִי לְמָ֑יִם Josh 7:5 and it (their heart) turned to water, so וְהוּא הָיָה לְאֶבֶן 1Sam 25:37 or, serve as וְהָיוּ לִמְאוֺרֹת Gen 1:15 (P) and they shall become (fulfil the function of, serve as) luminaries, compare vGen 1:14 וְהָיָה לְאוֺת בְּרִית Gen 9:13; Gen 17:11 (both P). feminine often with לְ predicate + לְ person: וַתְּהִי לָהֶם הַלְּבֵנָה לְאָ֑בֶןGen 11:3 (J) and the bricks became (served as) stone for them; וַתְּהִי לִי לְאִשָּׁה Gen 20:12 (E) compare Gen 24:67 (J) +, וַתִּהְיֶינָה מַחְלָה וְחָגְלָה ֗֗֗ לַבְנֵי דֹדֵיהֶן לְנָשִׁים Num 36:11 וְהָיָה לְךָ וְלָהֶם לְאָכְלָה Num 6:21 (P), Exod 2:10; Exod 15:2; Judg 8:27 לִי לֵאלֹהִים ׳וְהָיָה י Gen 28:21 (E); אֲנִי אֶהְיֶה לוֺ לְאָב וְהוּא יִהְיֶהלִֿי לְבֵן 1Chr 17:3 +; = shew or prove oneself as הֱיֵהלִֿי לְבֶןחַֿיִל 1Sam 18:17 shew thyself for me a valiant man (compare 1Sam 4:9 e above); = be instituted, established (compare e above) וְהָיָה לְאַהֲרֹן וּלְבָנָיו לְחָקעֿוֺלָם Exod 29:28 and it shall be instituted for Aaron and his sons as a perpetual ordinance; compare vExod 29:9; Lev 10:15 וְהָֽיְתָה לִהְיֹת לָהֶם מָשְׁחָתָם לִכְהֻנַּת עוֺלָם לְדֹרֹתָם Exod 40:15 (all P).
  g. with עַל and לְ 1Sam 22:2 וַיְהִי עֲלֵיהֶם לְשָׂר and he became over them prince.
  h. sometimes with לְ person only = become the property of, come into the possession of ׳וַיְהִילֿוֺ צאֹןוּֿבָקָר וְגו Gen 12:15 (J), and he came to have flocks and herds etc., Gen 26:14; Gen 30:43 לֹא לוֺ יִהְיֶה הַזָּ֑רַע Gen 38:9 not his should the seed become; ׳וְהָיָה לי Judg 11:31 it shall become Yah-weh's; Deut 10:9; Josh 13:29; 1Kgs 10:26; 1Kgs 11:3 + often; so of a woman, as wife תְּהִינָֿא לְךָ Judg 15:2 pray let her become thine, compare also וַתְּהִי אֵשֶׁת שִׁמְשׁוֺן לְמֵרֵעֵהוּ Judg 14:20, Hos 3:3; Ruth 1:13; Lev 21:3; Deut 24:2; Jer 3:1; Ezek 16:8 (and also + לְאִשָּׁה, לְנָשִׁים see f above)III. Be (often with subordinate idea of becoming); —
1. exist, be in existence (i.e. originally have come into existence), כָּלהַֿיּמִים אֲשֶׁר הָיָה 1Sam 1:28 all the days which he shall have been (lived, = חַי Gen 5:5 etc., DrSm), Job 3:16; Isa 23:13 often with בְּ local וְכֹל שִׂיחַ הַשָּׂדֶה טֶרֶם יִהְיֶה בָאָרֶץ Gen 2:5 (J) and there was not yet in the earth any shrub of the field; ׳וּבְאֵלֶּה לֹא הָיָה אִישׁ וגו Num 26:64 (P) and among them there was not a man to be found, etc.; also וְלֹא הָיָה כַּיּוֺם הַהוּא לְפָנָיו וְאַחֲרָיו Josh 10:14 (JE) & there hath not been a day like that before it nor since. compare 2Sam 14:25; 2Sam 1:5; 2Sam 21:25; 2Sam 23:25; +; somewhat weaker, in the frequently introductory clause וַיְהִי אִישׁ now there was a man Judg 13:2; 1Sam 1:1; 1Sam 9:1; Num 9:6 (P), Job 1:1 +; on אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה Exod 3:14 see יהוֺה.
2. abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) וַיְהִי משֶׁה בָּהָר Exod 24:18 and Moses remainded in the mount forty days, etc., so Exod 34:28 (both J E), Judg 17:4; Judg 17:12; 1Sam 6:1; 1Kgs 11:20; 2Kgs 11:3 = 2Chr 22:12 +; also Lev 22:27; Lev 25:28 (both H), etc.; followed by עַד temporal remain until Deut 22:2; 1Kgs 11:40; 2Kgs 15:5; 2Chr 5:9; 2Chr 26:21; Dan 1:21 etc.; compare הוּא יִהְיֶה לְעוֺלָם Eccl 3:14 so also of space followed by עַד extend unto, as far as, Josh 19:10: of net beneath altar, Exod 27:5 shall reach as far as (עַד) the middle of the altar.
3. with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated stand, lie; בִּהְיוֺתָם בַּשָּׂדֶה Gen 4:8 (J) when they were in the field, הַמָּקוֺם אֲשֶׁרהָֿיָה שָׁם אָהֳלֹה בַּתְּחִלָּה Gen 13:3 (J) the place where his tent had stood at first; וְהָאָרֶץ תִּהְיֶה לִפְנֵיכֶם Gen 34:10 and the land, it lieth before you; compare Josh 19:1; Judg 7:1; Judg 7:8; Mic 5:6; Mic 5:7 followed by עַל be, be found or situated upon Isa 30:25 and there shall be upon every high mountain etc., streams, water-courses; Ezek 37:27 and my dwelling-place shall be over them; figurative of guilt דָּמִים וְהָיָה עָלָיךָ Deut 19:10 and blood (-guilt) be upon thee.
4. as copula, joining subject & predicate: —
  a. followed by predicate adjective וַיִּהְיוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם עֲרוּמִּים Gen 2:25, וְהַנָּחָשׁ הָיָה עָרוּם Gen 3:1, בִּהְיוֺתָם כֹּאֲבִים Gen 34:25, וַיְהִי יוֺסֵף יְפֵהתֹֿאַר Gen 39:6; Deut 23:15; Josh 19:9; Judg 11:1; Job 1:1; Job 1:3b 2Chr 7:21.
  b. followed by predicate noun Gen 1:2; Gen 9:18; Gen 25:3; Gen 36:14; Gen 40:13; 1Sam 17:34; 1Sam 17:42; 2Sam 8:10; 2Sam 20:25; 1Kgs 10:6; 2Kgs 3:4; 2Kgs 5:1 (twice in verse); 1Chr 9:20; 1Chr 11:20; 1Chr 18:10; 1Chr 26:10; 2Chr 13:7 כִּי לֹאהָֿיָה מֶלֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵל 2Chr 18:32 (|| 1Kgs 22:33 כִּילֹֿאמֶֿלֶךְ ישׂראל הוּא) +; often of age: וַיְהִי אַבְרָם בֶּןתִּֿשְׁעִים שָׁנָה וְתֵשַׁע שָׁנִים Gen 17:1 (P) 2Kgs 8:17; 2Kgs 14:2; 2Kgs 15:2; 2Kgs 15:33; 2Kgs 18:2; 2Chr 21:20; 2Chr 27:8 +; followed by predicate Infinitive absolute (very anomal.) וְהַמַּיִם הָיוּ הָלוֺךְ וְחָסוֺר Gen 8:5 = amount to, come to, in enumeration of days of life number of people, amounts of money, etc.: Gen 5:4; Gen 5:5; Gen 5:8; Gen 5:11; Gen 5:14; Gen 9:29; Gen 11:32; Gen 23:1 +; Exod 38:24; Num 1:46, etc.
  c. followed by adverb & adverbial phrase: לֹאטֿוֺב הֱיוֺת הָאָדָם לְבַדּוֺGen 2:18 (J) it is not good that the man be alone; חָדַל לִהְיוֺת לְשָׂרָה אֹרַה כַּנָּשִׁים Gen 18:11 (J).
  d. followed by preposition: (a) be with, accompany with עִם, subject most often ׳י or אלהים with added idea of protection, aid Gen 26:3; Gen 31:3; Gen 39:10; Gen 48:21; Josh 1:3; Josh 6:27; Judg 1:19; Judg 2:18; 1Sam 3:19; 1Sam 18:12; 1Sam 20:13; 1Kgs 1:37; 1Chr 11:13; 2Chr 17:3 followed by עִמָּדִי Gen 28:20; Gen 31:5; Gen 35:3 followed by עִם, human subject, of accompaniment וְהָיָההַכֹּהֵןבֶּןאַֿהֲרֹן עִםהַֿלְוִיִּם Neh 10:39; 1Chr 11:12, read also in || 2Sam 23:9 (Th We Dr); = be on the side of 1Kgs 1:8 with עִם also = be near הָיָה עִםגֹּֿרֶן האורנה ׳וּמַלְאַךְ י 2Sam 24:16 (compare Dr); also 2Sam 13:20 implying sexual intercourse, so Gen 39:10 (perhaps gloss, compare Di); peculiar uses with עִם are: וּדְבַראַֿבְנֵר הָיָה עִםזִֿקְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל 2Sam 3:17 and the speech of A. had been with the elders of Israel, compare 1Kgs 1:7 וַיְהִי עִםלְֿבַב דָּוִד אָבִּי לִבְנוֺת 1Kgs 8:17 and it was with (i.e. in) the heart of David my father to build, = 2Chr 6:7 compare 1Kgs 8:18 (twice in verse); 1Chr 22:7; 2Chr 6:8 (twice in verse); 2Chr 24:4 also 1Kgs 10:2 = 2Chr 9:1
   (b) be with, followed by אֶת, subject ׳י, אלהים, Gen 21:20; Gen 39:2; Gen 39:21 but also with human subject וּבָנָיוּ הָיוּ אֶתמִֿקְנֵהוּ Gen 34:5, compare 1Sam 29:8 +;
   (c) followed by לְ of possessor כֶּרֶם הָיָה לִידִדִי Isa 5:1 all vineyard had my beloved, Gen 30:30 compare Exod 20:3 = Deut 5:7; Judg 18:27; 1Sam 9:2; 1Kgs 5:6 + often (compare I. 2 d, f, h);
   (d) followed by לְ + other preposition: of boundary וַיְהִי לָהֶם הַגְּבוּל מֵעֲרוֺעֵרJosh 13:16, compare וַיְהִי גְבוּלָם מִמַּחֲנַיִם vJosh 13:30 וַוְהִי לָהֶם הַגְּבוּל לִפְאַת צָפנַָה מִיַּרְדֵּן Josh 18:12, etc.;
   (e) followed by בְּ be among, or of, Amos 1:1 who was one of the herdsmen, 1Kgs 2:7 let them be among those eating, Prov 22:26; Prov 23:20.
5. periphrastic conjug.:
  a. היה + participle, of continuous state, or condition, sometimes, especially late (compare Late Hebrew), of habit, with וַיְהִי also of beginning and continuance (compare Dr§ 135, (5)): participle active Gen 39:22 (J), Exod 3:1 (E), 1Sam 2:11; 1Sam 7:10; 1Sam 18:9 (compare Dr) v1Sam 18:14 v1Sam 18:29; 2Sam 8:15 = 1Chr 18:14. Deut 28:29; Isa 30:20; 1Kgs 5:1; 1Kgs 5:15; 1Kgs 5:24; 2Kgs 6:5; 2Kgs 9:14; 2Chr 9:26; Ezra 4:4; Neh 1:4; Neh 2:13; Dan 1:16 +; Gen 1:6 (P); ׳הָיָה יָרֵא אֶתיֿ 1Kgs 18:3; 2Kgs 4:1; 2Chr 26:1 passive participle Josh 10:26; 1Kgs 13:24; 1Kgs 22:35 וְהַמֶּלֶךְ הָיָה מָעֳמָד בַּמֶּרְכָּבָה (|| 2Chr 18:34 הָיָה מַעֲמִיד), Isa 2:2 = Mic 4:1, וְהָיָה סָגוּר Ezek 44:2, נַעֲשֶׂה ׳ה Neh 5:18, ׳וְאָהוּב לֵאלֹהָיו ה Neh 13:26 — on 2Sam 13:32 compare Dr.
  b. followed by Infinitive with לְ (Dr§ 208, 204): וְהָיָה לְבָעֵר Isa 5:5 and it shall be to burn (is to be, is destined to be burned) etc.; לָבוֺא וַיְהִי הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ Gen 15:12 and the sun was about to set; וַיְהִי הַשַּׁעַר לִסְגּוֺר Josh 2:5 and the gate was about to be shut; but also וַיְהִי לִדְרשׁ אֱלֹהִים 2Chr 26:5 (nearly = וַיְהִי + Participle) Niph`al Perfect נִהְיָה 1Kgs 1:27 + 6 t. + Mic 2:4 (compare below near the end); 3 feminine singular נִהָיְתָה Judg 19:30 + 5 t., נִהְיָ֑תָה Exod 11:6; Jer 48:19 וְנִהְיָ֑תָה consecutive Ezek 39:8 + Ezek 21:12 (strike out B Manuscripts ᵐ5 Co); 2 masculine singular נִהְיֵיתָ Deut 27:9 1 singular ךּנהִךְייךתי Dan 8:27 Participle feminine singular נִהְיָה Prov 13:19
1. either, be done, be brought about, or occur, come to pass: in the strong expressions וְכָמֹהוּ לֹא תֹסִף אֲשֶׁר כָּמֹהוּ ׳לֹא נ Exod 11:6 (J) a cry such as hath not occurred (been raised), and will not be again, compare Deut 4:32 (be done; || נִשְׁמַע), & Judg 19:30 (|| נִרְאֲתָה); — but simply intransitive Joel 2:2; Dan 12:1 & apparently Ezek 21:12 (|| בָּאָ֫ה; on text, however, see above) Ezek 39:8 (|| id.); — also אֵיכָה נִהְיְתָה הָרָעָה הַזֹּאת Judg 20:3 how hath this wickedness been done ? compare vJudg 20:12; Jer 5:30; Jer 48:19 also Neh 6:8 with לֹא, existence denied ׳לֹא נ Zech 8:10 (|| אֵינֶ֑נָּה); in all the above (except Joel 2:2; Dan 12:1 & Ezek 21:12; Ezek 39:8) personal agency is clearly implied; it is expressed ׳מֵאֵת אֲדֹנִי הַמֶּלֶץ נ הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה 1Kgs 1:27, so of divine agency (מֵאִתִּי) 1 K i1Kgs 12:24 = 2Chr 11:4 further be attained, secured, of wages Zech 8:10 (with לֹא, || אֵינֶ֑נָּה); תַּאֲוָּה נִהְיָה Prov 13:19 a desire come to pass, realized.
2. be done, finished, gone, only Daniel וּשְׁנָתוֺ נִהְיְתָה עָלָיו Dan 2:1 and his sleep was finished upon him, i.e. left him (compare Aramaic Dan 6:19); נִהְיֵיתִי Dan 8:27 I came to an end, was exhausted (si vera lectio, strike out ᵐ5; || נֶחֱלֵיתִי); נִהְיָה, in וְנָהָה נְהִי נִהְיָה Mic 2:4, is dubious; it is done, over, the ruin is come Rob-Ges Ew Hi Ca Che L RVm;? < omit as dittograph StaZAW 1886, 122 f. compare JBL1890, 74.77.


BDB9470 H1934 H1961

BDB9469 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9471

הֲוָא, הֲוָּה71 verb come to pass, become, be (Biblical Hebrew הָיָה); —

Pe`al Perfect 3 masculine singular הֲוָה Dan 4:26 +, הֲוָא Dan 5:19 +; 2 masculine singular הֲוַיְתָ Dan 2:31; Dan 2:34, 1 singular הֲוֵית Dan 4:1 +; 3 masculine plural הֲווֺ Dan 2:35 +; Imperfect 3 masculine singular לֶהֱוֵא (K§ 47, l) b) Dr§ 204 Obs. M 215 ff.; in Jewish-Aramaic as jussive D§ 61, lc) Dan 2:20 +; 3 feminine singular תֶּהֱוֵה Dan 4:24 +, אֵ֯ Ezra 6:8 +, 3 masculine plural לֶהֱוֺן Ezra 6:10 + 6 t., 3 feminine plural לֶהֶוְיָן Dan 5:17 Imperative masculine plural הֱווֺ Ezra 4:22, הֲזוֺ Ezra 6:6
1. come to pass Dan 2:28; Dan 2:29 (twice in verse); Dan 2:45.
2. come into being, arise Ezra 7:23 become, come to be, with predicate noun Dan 4:24; Dan 5:29 and ( = represent) Dan 7:23 with כְּ like Dan 2:35 a, with ל predicate vDan 2:35 b, with adjective predicate Ezra 6:6, with adverb phrase Ezra 5:5; Dan 4:22 often periphrastic, with participle: ׳יְדִיעַ לה let become known Dan 3:18; Ezra 4:12; Ezra 4:13; Ezra 5:8 let it be given Ezra 6:8; Ezra 6:9, also Ezra 7:26; Dan 2:20.
3. be, as copula, with adjective predication Dan 2:40; Dan 2:42; Dan 7:19 so very often in periphrastic conjugation with participle, צָבֵא ׳ה wish Dan 5:19 (4 t. in verse), ׳חָזֵה ה behold Dan 2:31; Dan 2:34; Dan 7:2; Dan 7:4; Dan 7:6 +, etc.

be, pass, was, were, came, …
hāyâ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
  • to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out
    • (Qal)
      • to occur
        • to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass
        • "to come about, come to pass
        to come into being, become
        • to arise, appear, come
        • "to become
          • to become
          • "to become like"to be instituted, be established
        to be
        • to exist, be in existence
        • "to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)"to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)"to accompany, be with
      (Niphal)
      • to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about
      • "to be done, be finished, be gone

לְ תַנִּינִ֑ם
לְ
Prefix — preposition to, for
תַנִּינִ֑ם
Root word dragons, dragon, serpent, whale, whales, …
Dictionary form: תַּנִּין · tahn-NEEN

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

In the KJV here: serpents
of dragons ×6 the dragon ×3 a serpent ×2 for dragons ×2 a whale ×1 and dragons ×1 and the dragon ×1 art as a whale ×1
More options
sea monster — Best for cosmic/mythological contexts; vivid and contemporary.
serpent — Prefer for rod-turning narratives (Exodus); modernizes KJV directly.
dragon — Modernizes KJV; fits poetic/apocalyptic passages well.
leviathan — Use when a named mythic creature is clearly intended.
great creature — Neutral choice when species identification is uncertain.
monster — Broad, informal; suits chaotic or threatening imagery.

BDB9211 H8577

BDB9210 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB9212

תַּנִּין (erroneous תַּנִּים) noun masculineEzek 29:3 serpent, dragon, sea-monster (Late Hebrew id. (rare); Arabic , loan-word from Aramaic תַּנִּינָא, Frä123; Ethiopic ); — absolute ׳ת Exod 7:9 +, יִ֯ם Ezek 29:3; Ezek 32:2 (by confusion with plural of [תַּן]); plural תַּנִּינַם Gen 1:21, etc.; —

1. serpent, Deut 32:33 (venomous), Ps 91:13 (|| פֶּתֶן), Exod 7:9; Exod 7:10; Exod 7:12 (P).
2. dragon, as devourer (simile) Jer 51:34 ׳עֵין הַתּ Neh 2:13, near Jerusalem
3. sea- (or river-) monster, Gen 1:21 (P); figurative Job 7:12; Ps 74:13 (i.e. Egyptains), Isa 27:1; Isa 51:9 (|| רַהַב, mythological personification of chaos); in summons to praise ׳י Ps 148:7 (|| תְּהֹמוֺת). — See CheEncy. Bib. DRAGON GunkSeh-pfung 69 ff. BartonJAOS xv. 1 (1891). 23 f.; personified of water-spout RSSemitic i. 161; 2nd ed. 176; compare Greek fish-name θύννος LewyFremdw. 15.

dragons, dragon, serpent, whale, whales, …
tannîn
a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal
  • dragon, serpent, sea monster
    • dragon or dinosaur
    • "sea or river monster"serpent, venomous snake

וַ יִּבְלַ֥ע
וַ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
יִּבְלַ֥ע
Root word up, destroy, down, swallowed, devoured, …
Dictionary form: בָּלַע · baw-LA

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: swallowed up
and devoured ×2 and swallowed them up ×2 devoureth ×2 he hath swallowed up ×2 and destroy ×1 and he will destroy ×1 and swallow them up ×1 and swallowed them up together ×1
More options
swallow — Most direct modern equivalent; best for literal contexts.
devour — Vivid, aggressive consumption; suits predatory or violent imagery.
engulf — Implies total overwhelming; good for floods, chaos, or disaster.
consume — Broader destruction; fits fire, war, or abstract ruin.
destroy — Emphasizes end result over the act; suits judicial or divine judgment.
swallow up — Retains idiomatic completeness; use when totality must be stressed.

BDB1147 H1104

BDB1146 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1148

בָּלַע verb swallow down, swallow up, engulf (idea of quickness, suddenness) (Late Hebrew id., Arabic swallow, Ethiopic eat, Aramaic בְּלַע, ; Assyrian bêlû, Pi`el destroy ZimBP 27) —

Qal Perfect בָּלַע Job 20:15, suffix בְּלָעַנִי Jer 51:34 (Qr, compare ᵐ5 Kt נוּ-); 3 feminine singular בָּֽלְעָה Num 16:30 3 plural suffix בְּלָעוּנוּ Ps 124:3 Imperfect יִבְלָ֑ע Job 20:18, וַיִּבְלַע Exod 7:12, suffix יִבְלָעֶנָּה Isa 28:4 3 feminine singular וַתִּבְלַע Num 16:32 + 2 t.; suffix תִּבְלָעֵנִי Ps 69:16, תִּבְלָעֵנוּ Num 16:34, וַתִּבְלָעֵם Deut 11:6, תִּבְלָעֵמוֺ Exod 15:12 3 masculine plural suffix יִבְלָעֻהוּ Hos 8:7 3 feminine plural וַתִּבְלַעְנָה Gen 41:7, וַתִּבְלַעְןָ Gen 41:24 1 plural suffix נִבְלָעֵם Prov 1:12 Infinitive לִבְלֹעַ Jonah 2:1 suffix בִּלְעִי Job 7:19
1. swallow down, with accusative Job 7:19; Isa 28:4, subject דָּג Jonah 2:1 subject שִׁבֳּלִים Gen 41:7; Gen 41:24 מַטֶּה Exod 7:12.
2. swallow up, engulf, subject אֶרֶץ Exod 15:12; Num 16:30; Num 16:32; Num 16:34; Num 26:10; Deut 11:6; Ps 106:17 figurative of greed Job 20:15 (object חַיִל; opposed to קיא vomit); of violence, extortion Prov 1:12 (כִּשְׁאוֺל); of devastation by enemy Hos 8:7; Jer 51:34; Ps 124:3 over-whelming by calamity Ps 69:16 (subject מצולה); of full enjoyment, profit Job 20:18 (no object) Niph`al Perfect נִבְלַע Hos 8:8, נִבְלְעוּ Isa 28:7swallowed up, i.e. devastated Hos 8:8 engulfed by wine (yet compare Pi`el Isa 3:12) Isa 28:7 (מןהֿיין ׳נ, || שָׁגוּ בַשֵּׁכָר). Pi`el Perfect בִּלַּע Isa 25:8 + 3 t.; וּבִלַּע consecutive Isa 25:7 3 plural בִּלֵּ֑עוּ Isa 3:12 1 plural בִּלָּ֑עְנוּ Lam 2:16, suffix בִּלַּעֲנוּהוּ Ps 35:25 Imperfect יְבַלַּעֿ Prov 19:28, suffix 3 masculine singular יְבַלְּעֶנּוּ Job 8:18; Prov 21:20 יְבַלְּעֵם Ps 21:10 3 feminine singular suffix 3 masculine singular תְּבַלְּעֶנּוּ Eccl 10:12 2 masculine singular תְּבַלַּע 2Sam 20:19, suffix וַתְּבַלְּעֵנִי Job 10:8 1 singular אֲבַלַּע 2Sam 20:20, אֲבַלֵּ֑עַ Isa 19:3 Imperative בַּלַּע Ps 55:10 Infinitive בַּלַּע Num 4:20; Hab 1:13, בַּלֵּ֑עַ Lam 2:8, suffix בַּלְּעוֺ Job 2:3 Participle suffix מְבַלְּעָ֑יִךְ Isa 49:19
1. swallow Num 4:20 (כְּבַלַּע as a swallowing = for an instant); elsewhere
2. swallow up, engulf, usually with accusative,
  a. figurative of destruction, ruin, Isa 3:12 (object דֶּרֶךְ); (Ba from a √ II. בלע confound, compare Di; see also Isa 9:15; Isa 19:3; Isa 28:7; Ps 55:10; Ps 107:27); subject ׳י Lam 2:2; Lam 2:5 (twice in verse); Lam 2:8; Job 2:3; Job 10:8; Ps 21:10 (|| אכל), Isa 19:3 (object עֵצָה), i.e. confuse, confound; so Ps 55:10 בַּלַּע אֲדֹנָי פַּלַּג לְשׁוֺנָם confuse, Lord, divide their speech (compare בלל Gen 11:7; Gen 11:9 & see De Che); subject wicked men, enemies Ps 35:25; Isa 49:19 compare Lam 2:16 (absolute) Hab 1:13 object reflexive in sense Eccl 10:12 = annihilate Isa 25:7; Isa 25:8
  b. literally = destroy 2Sam 20:19; 2Sam 20:20 (|| הִשְׁחִית); indefinite subject Job 8:18 ממקמו ׳יב;
  c. figurative for greedily (seize, adopt) practise Prov 19:28, for extravagance, squandering Prov 21:20. Pu`al Imperfect יְבֻלַּע 2Sam 17:16, יְבֻלָּ֑ע Job 37:20 Participle מְבֻלָּעִים Isa 9:15be swallowed up, i.e. destroyed Job 37:20 compare פֶּןיְֿבֻלַּע לַמֶּלֶךְ 2Sam 17:16 (impersonal); ruined Isa 9:15 (yet compare below Pi`el) Hithpa`el Imperfect 3 feminine singular תִּתְבַּלָּ֑ע Ps 107:27 (subject חכמה) their wisdom is all gone, 'they are at their wit's end' (compare below Pi`el)

up, destroy, down, swallowed, devoured, …
bālaʿ
to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy
  • to swallow down, swallow up, engulf, eat up
    • (Qal)
      • to swallow down
      • "to swallow up, engulf
      (Niphal) to be swallowed up"(Piel)
      • to swallow
      • "to swallow up, engulf"squandering (figuratively)
      (Pual) to be swallowed up"(Hithpael) to be ended

מַטֵּֽה
מַטֵּֽה
Root word tribe, rod, tribes, staff, rods, …
Dictionary form: מַטֶּה · maht-TEH

Noun — Common, masculine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: rod
of the tribe ×59 and out of the tribe ×27 tribe ×17 of the tribes ×12 of them even of the tribe ×12 out of the tribe ×10 the rod ×8 rod ×7
More options
tribe — Best for the social/political grouping sense
clan — Useful when emphasizing kinship over political structure
staff — For a walking stick or symbol of authority
rod — Prefer for discipline, judgment, or miraculous use
scepter — When the rod signals royal or divine authority
stick — Neutral, everyday object with no special connotation

BDB5156 H4294

BDB5155 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5157

מַטֶּה251 noun masculineExod 4:17 (feminine Mic 6:9 according to ᵑ0, but dubious, see below)

1. staff, rod, shaft.
2. branch.
3. tribe (Eccl 48:2 staff, Eccl 45:6; Eccl 45:25 tribe); — absolute ׳מ Gen 38:25 +; construct מַטַּה Exod 4:20 +; suffix מַטְּךָ Gen 38:18 + 5 t., מַטֶּ֑ךָ Exod 8:1, מַטֵּ֫הוּ Isa 10:24 + 10 t.; plural מַטּוֺת 1Kgs 8:1 +, etc.; suffix מַטּוֺחָם Exod 7:12; Num 17:21 also מַטָּיו Hab 3:14 (but read מַטֶּיךָ or — Grמַטֹּתֶיךָ); —
1. (compare מַקֵּל, שֵׁבֶט) staff of traveller Gen 38:18; Gen 38:25 (J); in general Isa 10:15 (simile; || שֵׁבֶט); from staff as support comes figurative מַטֵּהלֶֿחֶם staff of bread (food supply) Ezek 4:16; Ezek 5:16; Ezek 14:13; Lev 26:26; Ps 105:16 of staff or rod, Moses as shepherd Exod 4:2; Exod 4:4; Exod 7:15 (J), Exod 4:17; Exod 7:17; Exod 7:20; Exod 9:23; Exod 10:13; Exod 17:5 (all E); compare also Isa 10:26; Exod 14:16; Num 20:8; Num 20:9; Num 20:11 (all P); called הָאֱלֹהִים ׳מ Exod 4:20; Exod 17:9 (both E), because of miraculous power connected with it; compare mirac. rod of Aaron Exod 7:9; Exod 7:10; Exod 7:12; Exod 7:19; Exod 8:1; Exod 8:12; Exod 8:13 (all P), and of Egyptian magicians Exod 7:12 (twice in verse) (P); compare Aaron's rod that budded Num 17:18; Num 17:21; Num 17:23; Num 17:25 (compare RSSemitic i. 180; 2d ed. 197); carried even by warrior 1Sam 14:27; 1Sam 14:43 מַטֵּה שִׁכְמוֺ Isa 9:3 i.e. rod that strikes his shoulder, task-master's rod (|| שֵׁבֶט הַנֹּגֵשׂ בּוֺ), compare Isa 10:5 and vIsa 10:24; Isa 14:5 (|| שֵׁבֶט), all figurative of oppression; מַטֵּה מוּסָדָה Isa 30:32 appointed rod (of punishment); compare ׳מ Ezek 7:10; Ezek 7:11 (but text obscure, Co — q. v. — sceptre), also Mic 6:9 according to ᵑ0, but see below 3; used in beating out (חבט) fennel Isa 28:27 staff as badge of leader or ruler מַטֵּהעֹֿז Jer 48:17 (|| מַקֵּל), compare Ps 110:2 so Num 17:17 (4 t. in verse) + 10 t. Num 17 apparently shafts, i.e. arrows or spears, Hab 3:9; Hab 3:14 (compare Now Da GASm).
2. branch of vine Ezek 19:11; Ezek 19:12; Ezek 19:14 (twice in verse).
3. tribe (183 t.), originally company led by chief with staff: specifically of tribes of Israel in both singular and plural, 1Kgs 7:14; 1Kgs 8:1 = 2Chr 5:2; Exod 31:2 + 5 t. Exodus; Lev 24:11; Num 1:4 + 89 t. Numbers; Josh 7:1 + 56 t. Joshua (all P); 1Chr 6:45 + 21 t. 1Chr 6; 1Chr 12:31 probably also Mic 6:9 (vocative; so ᵐ5 We Now GASm). — compare שֵׁבֶט, and on relation of these two words for tribe Hebrew usage DrJPhoenician xi. (1882), 213 f.

tribe, rod, tribes, staff, rods, …
maṭṭe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance), or walking (a staff; figuratively, a support of life, e.g., bread)
  • staff, branch, tribe
    • staff, rod, shaft
    • "branch (of vine)"tribe
      • company led by chief with staff (originally)

אַהֲרֹ֖ן
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
Root word a name — transliterate it ("But aarons")
Dictionary form: אַהֲרוֹן · ah-huh-RONE

Noun — Proper Name

In the KJV here: but aarons
and aaron ×103 aaron ×102 of aaron ×67 aarons ×18 for aaron ×9 and aarons ×5 and when aaron ×4 unto aaron ×4
More options
Aaron — Standard modern English rendering of this proper name.
Aaron's — Possessive form; use for attributive or genitive contexts.
Aaronites — Collective/gentile form for descendants or clan of Aaron.

BDB162 H175

BDB161 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB163

אַהֲרֹן346 proper name, masculine Aaron, elder brother of Moses Exod 7:7 the priest Exod 31:10 +; mentioned Exod 4:14; Exod 15:20; Exod 17:10; Exod 24:1; Exod 28:29 + (115 t. Exodus); Lev 8:12; Lev 8:23 + (80 t. Leviticus); Num 20:24 f Num 33:39 + (101 t. Numbers); 1Chr 5:29 +; Mic 6:4 (only here in prophets) Ps 77:21; Ps 105:26 called הַכֹּהֵן Exod 31:10; Exod 35:19; Exod 39:41; Lev 7:34 +, see Ps 99:6 בְּכֹהֲנָיו ׳משֶׁה וא; also הַכֹּהֵן ׳בּןאֿ Exod 38:21; Num 3:32 + (all P) called קְדוֺשׁ יהוה Ps 106:16 often named with his sons Lev 2:3; Lev 2:10; Lev 6:2 +; ׳בְּנֵי א in strict sense Exod 28:1; Exod 28:4; Exod 28:40 + often; הַכֹּהֲנִים ׳בְּנֵי א Lev 1:5 + Num 3:3; Num 10:8; Josh 21:19; 1Chr 6:42 of temple-priests in gen'l, as descendants of A., 2Chr 26:18; 2Chr 29:21; 2Chr 31:19; 2Chr 35:14 (twice in verse), see also 2Chr 13:9; 2Chr 13:10 & compare ׳הַכֹּהֵן בֶּןאֿ Neh 10:39 so ׳בֵּית א Ps 115:10; Ps 115:12; Ps 118:3; Ps 135:19 אַהֲרֹן alone (= ׳בֵּית א) 1Chr 12:28 compare 1Chr 27:17.

aaron, aarons, aaronites
ʾahărôn
light bringer
Aharon, the brother of Moses
  • brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest

אֶת
אֶת
Particle points to the object of the verb — leave untranslated
Dictionary form: אֵת · ate

Particle — Direct Object Marker

and ×240 of ×109 him ×107 them ×73 with ×72 from ×64 you ×61 me ×54
More options
[direct object marker — untranslated] — Most common use; marks definite direct object, no English equivalent.
with — Use when אֵת expresses accompaniment or association.
from — Use when context implies source or separation.
along with — Emphasizes inclusion or togetherness in a list.
together with — Slightly more formal; stresses joint participation.
among — Use when indicating presence within a group.

BDB853 H853

BDB852 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB854

I. אֵת, with makk. אֶתֿ, with suffix אֹתִי; ˜אֹתְךָ, ˜אֹתְכָה Num 22:33, אֹתָ֑ךְ, אֹתָ֑כָה Exod 29:35, feminine אֹתָךְ; אֹתוֺ etc.; 2 plural אֶתְכֶם, once ˜אוֺתְכֶם Josh 23:15 3 masculine plural regularly אֹתָם, rarely אֶתְהֶם Gen 32:1; Exod 18:20; Num 21:3; Ezek 34:12; 1Chr 6:50, once ˜אוֺתְהֶם Ezek 23:45 3 feminine plural, on the contrary, regularly אֶתְהֶן (13 t.), once אֹתָן Ezek 16:54 (also ˜אוֺתְהֶן Ezek 23:47, אֹתָ֖נָה Exod 35:26, אוֺתָ֖נָה Ezek 34:21); forms with cholem also often written plene: — the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite (Moabite id., Phoenician אית i.e. אִיַּת (Schrödp. 213 f.); Aramaic יָת frequently in ᵑ7; Syriac very rare as mark of accusative (for which is preferred), but used often in the sense of substance οὐσία, also in that of self, e.g. per se, reapse, sibi ipsi, PS1640 f., Samaritan ; Arabic , only used with suffix, when it is desired to emphasize the pronoun, e.g. Qor 1:4 WAG i. § 189. [Ethiopic uses k£y¹ similarly, Di§ 150 a; but it is dubious if this is etymologically akin.] The primitive form will have been 'iwyath, originally a substantive with following genitive, Olp. 432; whether ultimately a parallel development with אוֺת sign from √ אוה is uncertain: Ol WAG i. § 188 LagM i. 226 affirm, ZMG 1886, 738 doubts. In Hebrew the ground-form is אוֺת; the forms with ¢, e being abbreviated. In post Biblical Hebrew, used in combination with another preposition: thus בְּאוֺתוֺ הַיּוֺם = Bibl. בַּיּוֺם הַהוּא, בְּאוֺתָהּ הַשָּׁעָה; or as a nomin., e.g. אוֺתוֺ הָאִישׁ = Bibl. הָאִישׁ הַהוּא).

1. As mark of the accusative prefixed to substantives defined either by the article (or כֹּל), or by a genitive or pronominal affix, or in virtue of being proper names:
  a. with transitive verbs, Gen 1:1; Gen 1:16; Gen 1:29; Gen 1:30; Gen 2:11; Gen 4:1; Gen 4:2; Gen 9:3 (אֶתֿ˜כֹּל׃) etc. Similarly אֶתמִֿי whom (in particular), Josh 24:15; 1Sam 12:3; 1Sam 28:11; Isa 6:8 and elsewhere (but never אֶתמָֿה); also with זֶה Gen 29:33; Gen 44:29; 1Sam 21:16; 1Kgs 22:27 +, זֹאת Gen 29:27; 2Sam 13:27 +, אֵלֶּה Gen 46:18; Lev 11:18; Isa 49:21 +. So pretty uniformly in prose; but in poetry את is commonly dispensed with. By the use of את with the pronominal affix, a pronoun can at once, if required, be placed in a position of emphasis; let the order of words from this point of view be carefully noticed in the following passages: Gen 7:1; Gen 24:14; Gen 37:4; Lev 10:17; Lev 11:33; Num 22:32 thee I had slain, and her I had kept alive, Deut 4:14; Deut 6:13; Deut 6:23; Deut 13:5; Judg 14:3 אוֺתָהּ קַח לִי take for me her, 1Sam 14:35; 1Sam 15:1; 1Sam 18:17; 1Sam 21:10 אִםאֹֿתָהּ תִּקַּחלְֿךָ קָ֔ח if thou wilt take that, take it, 1Kgs 1:35; 1Kgs 14:9; Isa 43:22; Isa 57:11; Jer 9:2. So הַאוֺתִי Jer 5:22; Jer 7:19. It also sometimes enables the reflexive sense to be expressed (elsewhere נַפְשָׁם) Jer 7:19; Ezek 34:2. Rarely with a substantive which is undefined (Ew§ 277 d 2 Ges«GKC:117»§ 117, 1, R. 2), as Exod 21:28; Num 21:9; Lev 20:14; 1Sam 24:6 (but see Dr) 2Sam 4:11; 2Sam 18:18; 2Sam 23:21 or which, though definite, is without the article, Gen 21:30; 2Sam 15:16; Lev 26:5; 1Sam 9:3 (so Num 16:15) Isa 33:19; Isa 41:7; Ezek 43:10 (for further examples see Ew 1.c.)
  b. with a passive verb (Ges«GKC:121»§ 121. 1 Ew§ 295 b) conceived as expressing neutrally the action in question, and construed accordingly with an accusative of that which is its real object: examples occur with tolerable frequency from Gen 4:18 (J) וַיִּוָּלֵד לַחֲנוֺךְ אֶתעֿירָד, Gen 17:5 (P), לֹא יִקָּרֵא עוֺד אֶתשִֿׁמְךָ אַ˜ברָם there shall not be called (=one shall not call) thy name Abram, Gen 21:5 (E), Gen 27:42; 2Sam 21:11; 1Kgs 18:13; Hos 10:6 etc., to Jer 35:18; Jer 38:4; Jer 50:20; Ezek 16:4; Ezek 16:5; Esth 2:13 (compare DrJPh xi. 227 f.): also with passive verbs of filling (Ew§ 281 b), as Exod 1:7 +.
  c. with neuter verbs or expressions, especially such as involve the idea of regarding, or treating, appy. by a construction κατὰ σύνεσιν (rare), Josh 22:17; 2Sam 11:25; Neh 9:32 (compare 1Sam 20:13 Dr). Once after אֵין, Hag 2:17 אֵין אֶתְכֶם אֵלַיָֽ.
  d. poet. (si vera lectio), after an abstract noun used with a verbal force, Hab 3:13 (Amos 4:11; Isa 13:19; Jer 50:40 מַהְפֵּכָה exerts a verbal force, like the Arabic nom. verbi [see WAG i. § 196, 43]; and Num 10:2; Ezek 17:9 לְמַסַּע, לְמַשְׂאוֺת are Aramaizing infinitives: compare Ew§ 239 a).

2. את marks an accusative in other relations than that of direct object to a verb:
  a. with verbs of motion (very rare) Num 13:17; Deut 1:19; Deut 2:7 (to 'walk the wilderness'); denoting the goal Judg 19:18; Ezek 21:25 (Ew§ 281 d, n., 282 a 1).
  b. denoting time (duration), also very rare: Exod 13:7; Lev 25:22; Deut 9:25.
  c. expressing the accus. of limitation (rare): Gen 17:11; Gen 17:14; 1Kgs 15:23.

3. Chiefly in an inferior or later style, אֵת (or וְאֵת) is used irregularly, partly (α), as it would seem, to give greater definiteness (so especially וְאֵת) at the mention of a new subject (when it may sometimes be rendered as regards), or through the influence of a neighbouring verb (a construct κατὰ σύνεσιν), or by an anacoluthon, partly (β) as resuming loosely some other preposition Thus (α) Exod 1:14; Num 3:26; Num 3:46; Num 5:10 (with הָיָה: so Ezek 35:10) Num 18:21b Deut 11:2 (anacoluthon), Deut 14:13; Josh 17:11; Judg 20:44; Judg 20:46 (contr. vJudg 20:25 vJudg 20:35) 1Sam 17:34 (see Dr) 1Sam 26:16; 2Sam 21:22; 2Kgs 6:5; Isa 53:8 (probably), Isa 57:12; Jer 23:33 (but read rather with ᵐ5 ᵑ9 אַתֶּם הַמַּשָּׂא) Jer 27:8; Jer 36:22; Jer 38:16 Kt, Jer 45:4 b Ezek 16:22; Ezek 17:21; Ezek 20:16; Ezek 29:4 b Ezek 43:7 (ᵐ5 Co prefix הֲרָאִיתָ) Ezek 44:3; Zech 8:17; Eccl 4:3; Dan 9:13; Neh 9:19; Neh 9:34; 1Chr 2:9; 2Chr 31:17. In 1Sam 30:23; Hag 2:5 probably some such word as remember is to be understood. (β) Jer 38:9; Ezek 14:22 b Ezek 37:19 b Zech 12:10 סָבִיב אֵת 1Kgs 6:5; Ezek 43:17 strangely (in 1 Kings ᵐ5 omits the clause: so StaZAW 1883, 135). — In 1Kgs 11:1 וְ is merely and also, and especially (see וְ); v1Kgs 11:25 is corrupt (read with ᵐ5 זֹאת הָרָעָה אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה הֲדָד); Ezek 47:17; Ezek 47:18; Ezek 47:19 read similarly for ואת, זֹאת: see vEzek 47:20. — For some particulars as to the use of את, see A. M. WilsonHebraica. vi. 139 ff. 212 ff. (who, however, confuses it sometimes with II. אֵת). For denoting the pronominal object of a verb, את with suffix preponderates relatively much above the verbal affix in P, as compared with J E Deuteronomy Judges Samuel Kings (see GieZAW 1881, 258 f.), — partly, probably, on account of the greater distinctness and precision which P loves.


BDB9600 H853 H3487

BDB9599 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9601

יָת mark of accusative (= Biblical Hebrew I. אֵת; Palmyrene ית; ZinjirliHad. 28 with suffix ותה; Nabataean, Palmyrene with suffix יתה (Lzb263 Cooke170; compare RÉS468); ᵑ7 Samaritan יָת; Syriac (rare)); — Dan 3:12 דִּי מַנִּיתָ יָָֽתְהוֺן whom thou hast appointed.

with, from, of, and, by, …
ʾēt
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
  • sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative

מַטֹּתָֽ ם
מַטֹּתָֽ
Root word tribe, rod, tribes, staff, rods, …
ם
Suffix — pronoun their / them
Dictionary form: מַטֶּה · maht-TEH

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

In the KJV here: their rods
of the tribe ×59 and out of the tribe ×27 tribe ×17 of the tribes ×12 of them even of the tribe ×12 out of the tribe ×10 the rod ×8 rod ×7
More options
tribe — Best for the social/political grouping sense
clan — Useful when emphasizing kinship over political structure
staff — For a walking stick or symbol of authority
rod — Prefer for discipline, judgment, or miraculous use
scepter — When the rod signals royal or divine authority
stick — Neutral, everyday object with no special connotation

BDB5156 H4294

BDB5155 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5157

מַטֶּה251 noun masculineExod 4:17 (feminine Mic 6:9 according to ᵑ0, but dubious, see below)

1. staff, rod, shaft.
2. branch.
3. tribe (Eccl 48:2 staff, Eccl 45:6; Eccl 45:25 tribe); — absolute ׳מ Gen 38:25 +; construct מַטַּה Exod 4:20 +; suffix מַטְּךָ Gen 38:18 + 5 t., מַטֶּ֑ךָ Exod 8:1, מַטֵּ֫הוּ Isa 10:24 + 10 t.; plural מַטּוֺת 1Kgs 8:1 +, etc.; suffix מַטּוֺחָם Exod 7:12; Num 17:21 also מַטָּיו Hab 3:14 (but read מַטֶּיךָ or — Grמַטֹּתֶיךָ); —
1. (compare מַקֵּל, שֵׁבֶט) staff of traveller Gen 38:18; Gen 38:25 (J); in general Isa 10:15 (simile; || שֵׁבֶט); from staff as support comes figurative מַטֵּהלֶֿחֶם staff of bread (food supply) Ezek 4:16; Ezek 5:16; Ezek 14:13; Lev 26:26; Ps 105:16 of staff or rod, Moses as shepherd Exod 4:2; Exod 4:4; Exod 7:15 (J), Exod 4:17; Exod 7:17; Exod 7:20; Exod 9:23; Exod 10:13; Exod 17:5 (all E); compare also Isa 10:26; Exod 14:16; Num 20:8; Num 20:9; Num 20:11 (all P); called הָאֱלֹהִים ׳מ Exod 4:20; Exod 17:9 (both E), because of miraculous power connected with it; compare mirac. rod of Aaron Exod 7:9; Exod 7:10; Exod 7:12; Exod 7:19; Exod 8:1; Exod 8:12; Exod 8:13 (all P), and of Egyptian magicians Exod 7:12 (twice in verse) (P); compare Aaron's rod that budded Num 17:18; Num 17:21; Num 17:23; Num 17:25 (compare RSSemitic i. 180; 2d ed. 197); carried even by warrior 1Sam 14:27; 1Sam 14:43 מַטֵּה שִׁכְמוֺ Isa 9:3 i.e. rod that strikes his shoulder, task-master's rod (|| שֵׁבֶט הַנֹּגֵשׂ בּוֺ), compare Isa 10:5 and vIsa 10:24; Isa 14:5 (|| שֵׁבֶט), all figurative of oppression; מַטֵּה מוּסָדָה Isa 30:32 appointed rod (of punishment); compare ׳מ Ezek 7:10; Ezek 7:11 (but text obscure, Co — q. v. — sceptre), also Mic 6:9 according to ᵑ0, but see below 3; used in beating out (חבט) fennel Isa 28:27 staff as badge of leader or ruler מַטֵּהעֹֿז Jer 48:17 (|| מַקֵּל), compare Ps 110:2 so Num 17:17 (4 t. in verse) + 10 t. Num 17 apparently shafts, i.e. arrows or spears, Hab 3:9; Hab 3:14 (compare Now Da GASm).
2. branch of vine Ezek 19:11; Ezek 19:12; Ezek 19:14 (twice in verse).
3. tribe (183 t.), originally company led by chief with staff: specifically of tribes of Israel in both singular and plural, 1Kgs 7:14; 1Kgs 8:1 = 2Chr 5:2; Exod 31:2 + 5 t. Exodus; Lev 24:11; Num 1:4 + 89 t. Numbers; Josh 7:1 + 56 t. Joshua (all P); 1Chr 6:45 + 21 t. 1Chr 6; 1Chr 12:31 probably also Mic 6:9 (vocative; so ᵐ5 We Now GASm). — compare שֵׁבֶט, and on relation of these two words for tribe Hebrew usage DrJPhoenician xi. (1882), 213 f.

tribe, rod, tribes, staff, rods, …
maṭṭe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance), or walking (a staff; figuratively, a support of life, e.g., bread)
  • staff, branch, tribe
    • staff, rod, shaft
    • "branch (of vine)"tribe
      • company led by chief with staff (originally)

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.
וַיַּשְׁלִ֙יכוּ֙ Pashta — a lesser break אִ֣ישׁ מַטֵּ֔הוּ Zaqef Qatan — a strong break וַיִּֽהְי֖וּ Tipeha — a lesser break לְתַנִּינִ֑ם Etnahta — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וַיִּבְלַ֥ע מַטֵּֽה אַהֲרֹ֖ן Tipeha — a lesser break אֶת מַטֹּתָֽם Silluq — end of the verse

וַיַּשְׁלִיכוּ אִישׁ מַטֵּהוּ וַיִּֽהְיוּ לְתַנִּינִם וַיִּבְלַע מַטֵּֽה-אַהֲרֹן אֶת-מַטֹּתָֽם׃
12
For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.
Cross References

1 John 4:4

ὑμεῖς ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστε τεκνία καὶ νενικήκατε αὐτούς· ὅτι μείζων ἐστὶν ἐν ὑμῖν ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ
4
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Exodus 9:11

וְלֹֽא-יָכְלוּ הַֽחַרְטֻמִּים לַֽעֲמֹד לִפְנֵי מֹשֶׁה מִפְּנֵי הַשְּׁחִין כִּֽי-הָיָה הַשְּׁחִין בַּֽחֲרְטֻמִּם וּבְכָל-מִצְרָֽיִם׃
11
And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians.

Exodus 8:18

וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ-כֵן הַֽחַרְטֻמִּים בְּלָֽטֵיהֶם לְהוֹצִיא אֶת-הַכִּנִּים וְלֹא יָכֹלוּ וַתְּהִי הַכִּנָּם בָּֽאָדָם וּבַבְּהֵמָֽה׃
18
And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.

Acts 19:19

ἱκανοὶ δὲ τῶν τὰ περίεργα πραξάντων συνενέγκαντες τὰς βίβλους κατέκαιον ἐνώπιον πάντων· καὶ συνεψήφισαν τὰς τιμὰς αὐτῶν καὶ εὗρον ἀργυρίου μυριάδας πέντε
19
Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

Acts 13:8

ἀνθίστατο δὲ αὐτοῖς Ἐλύμας μάγος οὕτως γὰρ μεθερμηνεύεται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ ζητῶν διαστρέψαι τὸν ἀνθύπατον ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως
8
But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his by name interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

Acts 8:9

Ἀνὴρ δέ τις ὀνόματι Σίμων προϋπῆρχεν ἐν τῇ πόλει μαγεύων καὶ ἐξιστῶν τὸ ἔθνος τῆς Σαμαρείας λέγων εἶναί τινα ἑαυτὸν μέγαν
9
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: