Habakkuk 1:17

Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations?
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

הַ ֥עַל
הַ
Prefix — question marker turns the sentence into a question
֥עַל
Preposition upon, against, over, in, for, …
Dictionary form: עַל · al

הַ
Question marker This opening ה is not "the" — pointed הֲ (not הַ with a doubling dagesh) it turns the sentence into a question. Read the clause with a "?".

Preposition

In the KJV here: shall they therefore
upon ×1122 against ×378 over ×273 for ×229 in ×225 on ×187 by ×148 unto ×137
More options
on — Best default; spatial or metaphorical contact with a surface.
over — Prefer for authority, covering, or movement across.
about — Use for topics, concerns, or matters relating to something.
against — Use for hostility, opposition, or transgression.
concerning — Formal register; suits legal or prophetic discourse.
because of — Causal sense; when עַל introduces a reason.

BDB3996 H3588 H5921 H3651

BDB3995 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3997

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as, a peculiar phrase found Gen 18:5; Gen 19:8; Gen 33:10; Gen 38:26; Num 10:31; Num 14:43; Judg 6:22; 2Sam 18:20 Qr (rightly), Jer 29:28; Jer 38:4 — literally for therefore, emphasizing the ground pleonastically (Ew§ 353 a ). The original force of the phrase is traceable in some of the passages in which it occurs, as Gen 18:5 let me fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort your heart; כִּיעַֿלכֵּֿן עֲבַרְתֶּם עַל עַבְדְּכֶם for therefore (that is, to partake of such hospitality) are ye come to your servant, Num 14:43 the Amalekite and the Canaanite are there, and ye will fall by the sword, כִּיעַֿלכֵּֿן שַׁבְתֶּם for therefore (to encounter such a fate) have ye turned back from ׳י etc.: but in process of time the distinct sense of its component parts was no doubt gradually obscured, and it thus came to be used conventionally, as a mere particle of causation, even where there was no preceding statement to which עַל כֵּן therefore could be explicitly referred. אֲשֶׁר עַל כֵּן appears to be used similarly (compare אֲשֶׁר 8 c) Job 34:27.


BDB6085 H5920 H5921

BDB6084 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6086

עַל, עָ֑ל (compare ii. 261 f.) I. substantive height (poetry) Hos 7:16 יָשׁוּבוּ לֹא עָֹל they return (but) not upwards (i.e. not God-wards), Hos 11:7 וְאֶלעַֿל יִקְרָאֻהוּ they (the prophets) call it (the people) upwards, (but) none striveth to rise; as adverb accusative, 2Sam 23:1 the man הֻ֣קַּם עָ֔ל (that) is raised up on high. With מִן, מֵעָ֑ל, (ה)שׁמים מֵעָ֑ל (the) heavens above Gen 27:39; Gen 49:25; Ps 50:4 (opposed to מִתַּחַת Exod 20:4. In prose מִמַּעַל).

II. As preposition upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against (SI4.6; Moabite, Aramaic id.; Phoenician על, and עלת; Palmyrene, Nabataean על; Sabean עלי, Arabic ); — abbreviated from עֲלֵי (compare אֱלֵי, עֲדֵי), which is preserved in poetry, Gen 49:17 (twice in verse); Gen 49:22 (twice in verse); Num 24:6 (twice in verse); Deut 32:2 (twice in verse); Isa 18:4; Jer 8:18; Mic 5:6; Lam 4:5; 1Kgs 20:41 Qr, Job 7:1 Qr + 10 t. Psalms, 3 t. Proverbs, 15 t. Job; with suffix עָלַי; עָלֶיךָ, עָלַיִךְ ( Ps 116:7 the Aramaizing form עָלָ֑יְכִי); עָלָיו, Psalm 1Sam 2:10 עָלָו, עָלֶיהָ; 1 plural עָלֵינוּ; 2 masculine plural עֲלֵיכֶם, Exod 12:13 עֲלֵכֶם, 2 feminine plural עֲלֵיכֶן Ezek 23:49 3 masculine plural עֲלֵיהֶם, 13 t. in Pentateuch עֲלֵהֶם Gen 45:15, etc. (ii. 305), in poetry עָלֵ֫ימוֺ Deut 22:23 + 11 t. Psalms, Job (perhaps sometimes, Ges«GKC:103i»§ 103i, N.); 3 feminine plural עֲלֵיהֶן, Lev 3:4; Lev 3:10; Lev 3:15 עֲלֵהֶן (on the apparently plur. form of עֲלֵי, עָלַי etc., see ii. 309 ff., and compare below עַד).

1. Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed; as עלהֿארץ upon the earth Gen 1:11; Gen 1:26; Gen 7:6, etc., Ps 110:6 על ארץ רבה over a wide country; על האדמה upon the ground Ezek 20:12 + often, Amos 7:12 עַל אֲדָמָה טְמֵאָה, Isa 14:2 ׳על אדמת י, Ps 137:4 עַל אַדְמַת נֵכָר (אֲרָמָה being properly ground, soil, is construed regularly with על, באדמה being very rare), more definitely על פני האדמה Gen 6:1; Num 12:3 + often; על מקום Lev 14:28; Jer 45:5 (uncommon: usually בְּ); Deut 17:20; Isa 9:6 על מַמְלַכְתּוֺ upon his realm, 2Chr 1:1 על בָּֽתִּים very strangely Hos 11:11 (read וַהֲשִׁבֹתִים with ᵐ5 : see 7 c α β); constantly after such verbs as נוח, ישׁב, רכב, etc., Gen 8:4; Exod 11:5 כתב על to write (idiomatic) on a book or other surface, Josh 10:13, etc.; יצא על go forth over Gen 41:45; Zech 5:3; Ps 81:6 with נִשְׁעַן, נִסְמַךְ, בָּטַח (figurative), to lean or trust upon: Gen 3:14 to go עַל גְּחֹנְךָ upon thy belly, Gen 32:32 to limp עַל יְרֵכוֺ upon his thigh, 1Sam 14:13; Ezek 37:10; Judg 15:8 to smite שׁוֺק עַל יָרֵךְ leg upon thigh, i.e. so that the scattered limbs fall one upon another, Amos 3:15. And with reference not a horizontal surface but to a side, Lev 1:5 + זָרַק עַל to pour against the altar, 1Kgs 6:5; 1Kgs 6:18 to build against the temple, Josh 10:27, etc. Figurative Exod 23:13 let it not be heard עַל פִּיךָ upon thy mouth (in our idiom, upon thy lips, as Prov 22:18), Ps 15:3 לֹא רָגַל עַל לְשֹׁנוֺ he slandereth not (i.e. prepares not slander) upon his tongue, 2Sam 23:2 וּמִלָּתוֺ עַל לְשׁוֺנִי, Prov 16:23; Prov 16:27; Prov 31:26; Eccl 5:1 compare עַל שְׂפָתַיִם נָשָׂא or עַל פֶּה Ps 16:4; Ps 50:16; Ezek 36:3b.

Specially
  a.
   (a) of clothing, etc., which any one wears, Gen 37:23 the tunic אשׁר עליו which was upon him, Josh 9:5; 1Kgs 11:30; Ruth 3:15 +; Gen 24:30; Gen 38:30; 2Sam 13:18, of a sword 2Sam 20:8; Song 3:8 so הָיָה עַל Lev 16:4; Deut 22:5; Ezek 44:18; 1Chr 15:27; 1Chr 18:7 (|| 2Sam 8:7 אֶל); compare לֹא יַעֲלֶה עָלֶיךָ Lev 19:19; Ezek 44:17, and with הֶעֱלָה, below, 7 b.


   (b) With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it ('upon' referred to a side) : see גָּנַן, כָּסָה, סָכַךְ, עָטָה Neh 2:8 יד אלהי הטובה עלי, compare vNeh 2:18; Ezra 7:6; Ezra 7:9; Ezra 8:18; Ezra 8:22; Ezra 8:31; Exod 27:21 the veil that is over (i.e. before) the testimony, 1Sam 25:16 חוֺמָה הָיוּ עָלֵינוּ they were a wall about us; סָגַר עַל to shut in (or down) upon Exod 14:13; Job 12:14; Ezek 13:5; Job 13:27; Job 26:9; Job 36:30 he spreadeth his light עָלָיו about him.


  b. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him, Isa 1:14 הָיוּ עָלַי לָטֹרַח they are a cumbrance upon me, Job 7:20 I am a burden עָלַי upon myself, 2Sam 15:33 (compare with אֶל 2Sam 19:36); כָּבַד עֶל to be heavy upon Exod 5:9 and elsewhere (see כָּבַד); of sin, calamity, etc. Isa 53:5; Ezek 33:10; Ps 88:8; Job 21:9; 2Chr 15:5; 2Chr 28:13; Eccl 6:1; Eccl 8:6 (compare 5 a β); Lev 7:20 וְטֻמְאָתוֺ עָלָיו Lev 22:3: idiomatically, Gen 48:7 מֵתָה עָלַי רָחֵל Rachel died upon me (i.e. to my sorrow), Gen 33:13 וְהַבָּקָר עָלוֺת עָלַי are giving suck upon me (i.e. as a. care to me), Num 11:13 יִבְכּוּ עָלַי they weep upon me (vexing me), Judg 14:16; Judg 14:17; Judg 19:2 (see Be), 1Sam 21:6 to play the mad man upon me, Jer 12:11.
  c. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him, as שָׂם עַל to lay upon, Exod 5:8; Exod 21:22; Exod 21:30 (שָׁת), Exod 22:4, compare Gen 47:26; 2Chr 35:25 with other verbs, Job 38:10; Deut 24:5; Deut 26:6; 2Kgs 15:20; 2Kgs 18:14; 2Kgs 23:33; Neh 10:33 (twice in verse); Esth 1:8; Esth 9:21; Esth 9:27; Esth 9:31 with צִוָּה enjoin upon Gen 2:16 + often, כתב prescribe to 2Kgs 22:13; Ps 40:8, נטשׁ cast upon 1Sam 17:20 (1Sam 17:22 על יד), נתן על יד (figurative) Gen 42:37; 2Kgs 12:12; 2Kgs 22:5, compare 1Kgs 14:27, עזב Ps 10:14, גלל Ps 37:5, השׁליך Ps 55:23, פקד Job 34:13 and elsewhere; Gen 30:28 נָקְבָה שְׂכָֽרְךָ עָלַי fix thy wages upon me (name thy wages to me), Gen 34:12 הַרְבּוּ עָלַי מְאֹד מֹהַר וּמַתָּן multiply upon me, etc., 2Sam 19:39 (pregnantly) whatsoever thou choosest (and layest) upon me; without a verb, Judg 19:20 רַק כָּלמַֿחְסֹערךָ עָלָ֑י only let all thy wants be upon me, Ezra 10:4; Ps 56:13 עָלַי נְדָרֶיךָ thy vows are upon me (i.e. I owe them: compare Num 30:7; Num 30:9; Num 30:15), Prov 7:14 זִבְחֵי שְׁלָמִים עָלָ֑י peace-offerings were upon me (= were due from me); perhaps Ps 62:1; Ps 77:1 (to the charge of); with an infinitive 2Sam 18:11 וְעָלַי לָתֵת and it would have been incumbent on me to give, etc., 1Kgs 4:7; Ezra 10:12 (accents [Baer], RVm), Neh 13:3, compare Zech 12:2 (Ew RVm); Num 7:9 (P) the service of ... was upon them, Ezek 45:17, so especially late 1Chr 9:27; 1Chr 9:33; 1Chr 23:31; 2Chr 2:3 לעולם זאת על ישׂראל 2Chr 8:15; 2Chr 24:9; Ezra 7:11; Neh 11:23; Isa 9:5 and the government is upon, his shoulder (compare Isa 22:22), 2Chr 25:3; Ps 7:11 ׳מָֽגִנִּי עַלאֿ my shield rests upon God (he has undertaken my defence), Ps 62:8 עלאֿלהים יִשְׁעִי וּכְבֹדִי.


  d. על is used idiomatically to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him: Ps 42:6 why art thou cast down, O my soul, וַתֶּהֱמִי עָלַי and disquieted upon me? vPs 42:7 my soul upon me is cast down, vPs 42:12; Ps 43:5; Lam 3:20; Ps 131:2 כְּגָמֻל עֲלֵי אִמּוֺ כַּגָּמוּל עָלַי נַפְשִׁי is my soul upon me; Ps 142:4 בְּהִתְעַטֵף עָלַי רוּחִי when my spirit faints upon me, Ps 143:4; Jonah 2:8; Jer 8:18 עָלַי לִבִּי דַרוָָּֽי ׃ my heart upon me is sick, Job 14:22 (twice in verse) (compare Di), Hos 11:8 נהפך עלי לבי my heart is turned (altered) upon me, 1Sam 17:32; 1Sam 25:36; Neh 5:7 וַיִמָּלֵךְ לִבִּי עָלַי and my heart took counsel upon me: compare Ps 42:5 I will pour out my soul upon me, Job 30:16; Job 10:1 אעזבה עלי שׂיחי I will let loose my complaint upon me. (Thes apud me, mecum. The rend. 'within me' alters entirely the point of view of the Hebrew expression, and is incorrect.) Denoting with some emphasis the subject of an experience, Job 30:2 עלימו אבד כָּ֑לַךְ, Dan 2:1 his sleep נִהְיְתָה עָלָיו was done with upon him (compare Aramaic Dan 6:19 נַדַּת עֲלוֺהִי), Dan 10:8 וְהוֺדִי נֶהְפַּךְ עָלַי (compare Dan 5:9; Dan 7:28): also, rather differently, Lev 18:18b Jer 49:20 אִם לֹא יַשִׁים עֲלֵיהֶם נְוֵהֶם, Mic 7:13; Ps 90:17b; Ps 7:9 according to my perfectness upon me, Ezek 18:20; Ezek 22:3; 2Chr 36:8.


  e. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support; compare Isa 3:1, and Ζῆν ἐπί τινος), Deut 8:3 עַלהַֿלֶּחֶם, Isa 38:16 (compare Hi), Gen 27:40 על חרבך תחיה upon ( = by) thy sword thou shalt live (compare Kazwiniii. 17 ap. Tu), Ezek 33:19, compare vEzek 33:26. feminine Of the ground, or basis, on which a thing is done, as Gen 24:9 על הדבר הזה, Lev 17:12 if he offers it עַל תּוֺדָה on the ground of a thanks-giving, Num 6:21 עַל נִזְרוֺ, vb Ezek 16:15; Ezek 28:17; Dan 8:25 עַל שִׂכְלוֺ, Dan 9:18 עַל צדקותינו, (with this use is extended so as to denote explicitly on condition of). Hence
   (a) the basis being conceived as regulative, על comes to denote the norm or standard (compare German 'auf die Art' WAG ii. § 59 i): the transition may be seen in a passage like Exod 24:8 the covenant which ׳י made with you on the basis of (על), or in agreement with, all these words (compare על פי Exod 34:27), Num 35:24 האלה על המשׁפטים, Deut 17:11; Jer 30:18 the palace shall sit (i.e. be inhabited: see ישׁב) עַל מִשְׁפָּטוֺ in accordance with its manner, Ps 94:20 who frames mischief עֲלֵיחֹֿק in accordance with a law, ... על פי according to the mouth (i.e. command, Gen 45:21 + oft, evidence Deut 17:6; Deut 19:15, sentence Deut 21:5) of . . .; עַל שֵׁם ֗֗֗֗ according to the name of . . . (mostly with call, be called) Gen 48:6; Exod 28:21; 2Sam 18:18 +, compare 1Chr 23:14; Exod 6:26; Exod 12:51 על צִבְאֹתָם according to their hosts (usually לְ), Num 1:18 על משׁפחתם (usually לְ) vNum 1:52; Num 2:2; Num 2:34; Num 7:3 (|| ל), Deut 18:8 (probably); עַל יְדֵי according to the hands (direction) of Jer 5:31; Jer 33:13 al.; Ps 110:4 ׳עַל דִּבְרָתִי מ after the manner of M.; Prov 25:11 (probably) a word spoken עַל אָעפנָיו in accordance with its circumstances = appositely; of the tune according to which a song is to be sung (RV. set to) Ps 6:1 (1Chr 15:21), Ps 8:1; Ps 9:1; Ps 12:1; Ps 45:1; Ps 46:1 (1Chr 15:20) עַלעֲֿלָמוֺת (perhaps, however, in the manner of maidens = for 'sopranos'), Ps 53:1; Ps 56:1; Ps 60:1; Ps 69:1; Ps 81:1; Ps 84:1; Ps 88:1 (compare in Syriac ).


   (b) The basis being conceived as involving the ground, על denotes the cause or reason, on account of, because of, Gen 20:3 lo thou shalt die עַל הָאִשָּׁה on account of the woman, Gen 21:12; Gen 26:7; Gen 26:9; Gen 27:41; Gen 42:21; Lev 4:3; Lev 4:28; Lev 5:18; Lev 19:17; Lev 26:18; Lev 26:24; Lev 26:28; Deut 9:18; Deut 24:16 fathers shall not be put to death עלבֿנים on account of children, Deut 31:18; Josh 9:20; Jer 1:16; Jer 5:9; Ezek 18:26 עליהם (|| Ezek 33:18 בָּהֶם), Prov 28:21; Ps 39:12; Ps 50:8 + often; Ps 44:23 עָלֶיךָ הֹרַגְנוּ on thy account are we slain all the day, Ps 69:8; Jer 15:15 in the phrases דְּבַר עַ֗֗֗ל, עַל אוֺדוֺת, עַל זֹאת and עַל זֶה on this account, עַל מָה on what account ? עַלכֵּֿן = therefore (see דָּבָר, אוֺדָה, etc.); before an infinitive, as Exod 17:7 ׳וְעַל נַסּוֺתָם אֶתיֿ and on, account of their trying ׳י, Amos 1:3 עַל דּוּשָׁם on account of their threshing = because they threshed, vAmos 1:6 vAmos 1:9 vAmos 1:11 vAmos 1:13, etc., Jer 2:35 עַל אָמְרֵךְ because of thy saying, Jer 9:12; Jer 16:18 +; and as a conjunction both with and without אֲשֶׁר or כִּי (see below III). And so often of the ground or cause of fear, grief, delight, or other emotions, e.g. Exod 18:9; Exod 32:14 (נִחַם repent: so often), 1Sam 4:13; 1Sam 30:6; 2Sam 1:26; 2Sam 3:8; 1Kgs 21:4; 2Kgs 6:11; Jer 10:19; Amos 6:6.


   (c) Somewhat more strongly, on behalf of, for the sake of, Gen 19:17 escape על נפשׁך forthy life; Judg 9:17; 2Kgs 10:3 נִלְחֵם עַל (usually ל); 1Kgs 2:18 I will speak on thy behalf to the king, v1Kgs 2:19 (2Kgs 4:13 לְ); Esth 4:16; Esth 4:8; Esth 7:7; Esth 8:11; Esth 9:16; Dan 12:1 על עמד stand up (in late Hebrew) on behalf of; התפלל על intercede for (usually בעד) Job 42:8; Neh 1:6; 2Chr 30:18; 2Chr 29:21; Ezra 8:35 and very often with כִּפֶּר (q. v.) make atonement for. (Not very common with other verbs.)


   (d) Sometimes it acquires almost a final force, for; Exod 12:4; Exod 29:36; Exod 30:16; Deut 27:13 there shall stand עַלהַֿקְּלָלָה (|| vDeut 27:12 לְבָרֵךְ), Ps 89:4 עַלמַֿהשָּֿׁוְא בָּרָאתָ כָלעֿבּנֵיאָֿדָם unto what vanity hast thou created, etc.! Prov 29:5b 2Chr 23:18; Eccl 3:17.


   (e) Of a condition, or attendant circumstances (rare; so , WAG ii § 59 e): Ps 50:5 זָ֑בַח׃ עֲלֵי upon, with sacrifice, Ps 92:4 ׳עֲלי עָשׂוֺר וגו with a ten-stringed instrument, with a harp, with sounding music on a lyre; עַל רִיב upon occasion of a law-suit Exod 23:2; Ezek 44:24, עַל יוֺם טוֺב 1Sam 25:8 (compare at a time of. . . Qor 28:14), Neh 12:22 (? read עַד BeRy), Isa 18:4 כְּחֹם צַח עֲלֵי אוֺר at time of sunshine, Isa 64:11 עַל אֵלֶּה, Jer 8:18 עֲלֵי יָגוֺן at time of sorrow, Jer 16:7 (but Gie עַל אָבֵל to): with abstract substantives to form a periphrase for adverbs, Lev 5:22 and swear עַל שֶׁקֶר upon falseness = falsely, Jer 6:14 = Jer 8:11 to heal a wound עַל נְקַלָּה lightly, easily, Ps 31:24 עַל יֶתֶר = abundantly, Isa 60:7 עַל רָצוֺן = acceptably (compare = with delight).


   (f) It hence acquires the force of in spite of, notwithstanding (so , WAG ii. § 59 h), Job 10:7 עַל דַּעְתְּךָ in spite of thy knowing, Job 34:6 משׁפטי על notwithstanding my right I am to be a liar (Di De Da RV: otherwise Hi RVm). compare below, III c b.


   (g) Upon, concerning, with verbs of speaking, as דִּבֶּר Judg 9:3; 1Kgs 5:13, אָמַר, Jer 16:3; Jer 27:19 (|| אל) Jer 33:4, hearing Gen 41:15 שָׁמַעְתִּי עָלֶיךָ I have heard concerning thee, saying, etc., 1Kgs 10:6; Isa 37:9 (|| 2Kgs 19:9 אל), disputing Gen 26:11, telling 1Sam 27:11; Joel 1:3, commanding 2Sam 14:8; 1Kgs 11:10, being vexed 1Kgs 21:4; 2Kgs 6:11, crying 2Kgs 8:5, confessing Ps 32:5; Neh 1:6 of the object of a prophecy or vision 1Kgs 22:8; Isa 1:1; Isa 2:1 and often with similar verbs.


   (h) In a somewhat weaker sense, in the matter of, as regards, Gen 41:32 וְעַל הִשָּׁנוֺת הַחֲלוֺם, Exod 22:8; Ruth 4:7; Lev 5:22; Lev 5:26; Dan 9:14b Neh 9:33 חָטָא עַל Lev 4:14 (|| בָּהּ vLev 4:23, cognate accusative vLev 4:28), Lev 5:5; Num 6:11; Neh 13:26 עַלדְּֿבַר ֗֗֗ in the matter of, Num 25:18; Num 31:16.

2. It expresses excess (synonym מִן q. v.); Gen 48:22 I give thee שְׁכֶם אַחַר עַל אַחֶיךָ one shoulder (ridge) above thy brethren, Exod 16:5 מִשְׁנֶה על double above or beyond, Num 3:46; Deut 25:3 stripes עַלאֵֿלֶּה beyond these, Josh 3:15 Jordan מָלֵא עַל was full over all its banks (compare Josh 4:18; Isa 8:7b הלך על, עלה) Ps 138:2; Eccl 1:16; Dan 1:20 עֶשֶׂר יָדוֺת עַל ten times above (compare in Aramaic Dan 3:19, and Qor 37:153), Ezra 1:6 לְבַר עַל = beside (see בַּד); Ps 16:2 (si vera lectio) טוֺבָתִי בַל עָלֶיךָ my welfare is not beyond thee, i.e. does not lie outside thee. — Of time, Lev 15:25 if she has an issue עַל נִדָּתָהּ beyond her time of impurity (compare Isa 32:10, 4 b).

3. It denotes elevation or pre-eminence, as עליון על high (figurative) above, Deut 26:19 al., Deut 28:43 יעלה עליך will go up above thee, compare Prov 31:29; Ps 57:6; Ps 57:12 be thou exalted above the heavens, Ps 89:8; Ps 95:3; Ps 96:4, etc., Neh 9:5 with words (q. v.) such as גכר, גדל, חזק, נשׂא (Ni. Pi`el Hithpa`el), עזז, and especially those denoting rule or superintendence, as מלך, הפקיד; so with שָׁת, היה, נתן, Gen 41:33; Gen 41:40; Gen 41:43 שׂם; 1Sam 18:5 with פָּקִיד, שַׂר, מֶלֶךְ, etc., Gen 41:34; Exod 1:11; Exod 18:21, etc.; absolute 2Sam 8:16 Joab was עלהֿצבא over the host, 2Sam 20:23 b. v2Sam 20:24; 1Kgs 4:4-6; 1Kgs 5:30; Num 10:14ff.; 1Chr 9:23; 1Chr 9:26ff. 1Chr 27:25ff.; 2Chr 30:17; 2Chr 31:12 אֲשֶׁר עַל בֵּיתוֺ of Joseph's steward Gen 43:16; Gen 43:19; Gen 44:1; Gen 44:4 and in the official titles אֲשֶׁר עַלהַֿבַּיִת = the Governor of the Palace Isa 22:15 and elsewhere (see כַּיִת 6); אֲשֶׁר עַלהַֿמַּם the overseer of the forced labour 1Kgs 12:18 אשׁר עלהֿעיר the governor of the city 2Kgs 10:5, אשׁר על המלתחה v2Kgs 10:22.

4. It expresses addition (compare ἐπὶ in Greek, e.g.ἐπὶ τούτοις); namely
  a. introducing the complement of a verb, as with יָסַף to add upon or to, Ps 61:7 + often (see יָסַף), שָׁת to put to Gen 30:40, נִלְוָה to be joined to Num 18:24; Isa 14:1 (also with אֶל), נָפַל: to fall to, i.e. desert to, Jer 21:9 +, עכר to pass over to Exod 30:13; Exod 30:14; Isa 45:14 (compare Isa 60:5); also Hab 2:16 תִּסֹּב כּוֺם עַל Lam 4:21; Esth 4:7 נֶחְשַׁב to be reckoned to Lev 25:31; 2Sam 4:2, היה על Num 36:12; Ps 69:28 תְּנָה עָוֺן עַל עֲוֺנָם, Isa 56:8 עוֺר אֲקַבֵּץ עָלָיו I will yet gather (others) unto him.


  b. Used absolutely, as Gen 28:9 he took Mahalath עַל נָשָׁיו in addition to his (other) wives, Gen 31:50 (compare אל Lev 18:18), Num 31:8 עַל חַלְלֵיהֶם in addition to their slain (|| Josh 13:22 אֶל), Deut 23:14; Ezek 16:37; Ezek 16:43; Ezek 25:10; Isa 32:10 יָמִים עַל שָׁנָה days upon, in addition to, a year, 2Chr 31:15 יָמִים עַל יָמִים, Ezek 7:26 הֹוָה עַל הֹוָה תָבוֺא (|| אל), Jer 4:20 (if נִקְרָא = be proclaimed), Job 16:14 יִפְרְצֵנִי פֶרֶץ עַלפְּֿנֵיפָֿ֑רֶץ (compare LagM iii. 112; also Iliad 14:130 ἕλκος ἐφ’ ἕλκει, Odyssey 7:120f; Qoran 31:13). So often in laws of P (compare c), Lev 7:12 he shall offer עַלזֶֿבַת הַתּוֺרָה in addition to the sacrifice of thanksgiving, etc., vLev 7:13 b Num 6:20; Num 15:9; Num 28:10; Num 28:15; Num 28:24 (compare מִלְּבַר vNum 28:31; Num 29:6), Num 35:6; Ezek 16:43 (Hi Sm RV: compare Ezek 44:7 אל).


  c. Hence by an easy transition it denotes together with, with, Exod 35:22 men together with (עַל) women, Job 38:32 וְעַיִשׁ עַלבָּֿנֶיהָ תַנְחֵם and the Bear with her children, wilt thou lead them? 1Kgs 15:20; Jer 3:18 the house of Israel with the house of Judah, Mic 5:2 (Ca Ke Kue; but al. as 7 c a), Gen 32:12 lest he come and smite me, אֵם עַל בָּנִים the mother with the children (compare Hos 10:14; Deut 22:6); and as a techn. term in the regulations for sacrifice, especially with אכל, Exod 12:8, יאֹכְלֻהוּ עַלמְֿדֹרִים together with bitter herbs they shall eat it, vExod 12:9 his head with (על) his legs, etc., Num 9:11; Deut 16:3 לֹאתֿאֹכַל עָלָיו חָמֵץ (compare Exod 23:18; Exod 34:25), vExod 34:3 in the phrase אכל על הדם to eat with the blood 1Sam 14:32; 1Sam 14:33 (1Sam 14:34 אל), Lev 19:26; Ezek 33:25 (compare in Greek e.g. ἐπὶ τῷ σίτῳ πίνειν ὕδωρ); see also Lev 2:2; Lev 2:16; Lev 3:4 (so vLev 3:10 vLev 3:15; Lev 4:9; Lev 7:4), Lev 4:11; Lev 7:13a, Lev 7:30; Lev 10:15; Lev 14:31; Lev 23:18; Lev 23:20; Num 6:17; Num 19:5; 1Chr 7:4.

5. It expresses the idea of being suspended, or extended, over anything, without however being in contact with it, above, over: Gen 1:20 let fowl fly over the earth, Gen 19:23 השׁמשׁ יצא על had come forth upon the earth (compare זרח על Exod 22:2 +; בא על go down [set] upon Deut 24:15; Mic 3:6; Job 25:3), Num 10:34; Num 14:14 and thy cloud stood עליהם over them, Deut 28:23 the heavens עלרֿאשׁך above overthy head, Isa 4:5; Isa 60:1; Isa 60:2; Zeph 2:11; Zech 9:14; Ps 7:8 over it return thou on high, Job 29:3 בְּהִלּוֺ נֵרוֺ עֲלֵי ראֹשִׁי (compare דעך לְ be extinguished over, Job 18:6), Song 2:4 his banner over me: figurative of protection Deut 32:38; Ps 68:35: with verbs of motion (expressed or implied), נשׁקף על to incline over 1Sam 13:18 +, ידו על נטה) Exod 14:16; Isa 23:11 + (compare Ps 21:12), הניף על to swing over Isa 11:15; Isa 19:16 השׁמיע על to proclaim over Jer 4:16; Amos 3:9, compare Num 10:10; 2Chr 13:12, שׁם על נקרא a name to be called over 2Sam 12:28 + (see קרא).

6. From the sense of inclining or impending over, על comes to denote contiguity or proximity, English by (or sometimes on): —
  a. in designating localities, especially those beside water, Gen 14:16 עַלהַֿמִּדְבָּר by the wilderness, Gen 16:17 עַל עֵין הַמַּיִם by the spring of water, Gen 24:13; Gen 24:30; Gen 29:2 three flocks lying עָלֶיהָ by it (the well), Gen 41:1; Num 3:26; Num 13:29 עלהֿים by the sea, Num 22:5; Num 24:6 gardens עֲלֵי נָהָר. Deut 3:12; Deut 33:8; Judg 5:19; 1Sam 1:9 ׳על מזוזת היכל י (Ezek 46:2), 1Sam 4:1; 2Kgs 2:7 and they stood עלהֿירדן by the Jordan, 2Kgs 25:4; Isa 19:7; Isa 38:20; Ps 1:3 planted by water-courses, Jer 17:2; Jer 17:8; Job 30:4; Job 31:9 על פתח by the entrance, Prov 14:19, + often; על הדרך by the way Gen 38:21; 1Sam 24:4; Ezek 48:24ff. על גבולו adjoining his border; עבר על to pass by a place 1Kgs 9:18; Jer 18:16 +, figurative עבר על פשׁע to pass by transgression, i.e. to overlook it, Mic 7:18 and elsewhere: על יְמִין ֗֗֗ on the right of ... Ps 110:5 +, עַליַד ֗֗֗ , עַל יֶרֶךְ ֗֗֗ , עַל כֶּתֶף ֗֗֗ on the side of ... (see these words): less frequently (except as c) with reference to persons, Num 2:5 וְהַחֹנִים עָלָיו and those encamping next him, vNum 2:12 vNum 2:20 vNum 2:27; Num 6:9 וכי ימות מת עליו, 2Kgs 11:11 by the king round about (compare Num 3:26 above), ׳עבר על פ Gen 18:5; 2Kgs 4:9 +.


  b. 2Sam 9:7; 2Sam 9:10 to eat bread ׳עַל שֻׁלְחַן פּ at any one's table, Exod 16:3 when we sat עַלסִֿיר הַבָּשָׂר, 1Sam 20:24 Kt to sit עַלהַֿלֶּחֶם at meat; 1Sam 25:13; 1Sam 30:24 to remain עַלהַֿכֵּלִים; Prov 23:30 to tarry long עלהֿיין at (or over) the wine, Job 39:9 עַלאֲֿבוֶּ˜סךָ ׃ at thy crib: compare הַיּוֺשֵׁב עַל הַמִּשְׁפָּט Isa 28:6.


  c. Idiomatically, with עָמַד and נִצַּב to stand by (literally over, — originally no doubt with reference to one supposed to be seated), Gen 18:2 three men נִצָּבִים עָלָיו standing by him, vGen 18:8 and he עֹמֵד עליו standing by him under the tree, Gen 24:30 by the camels, Gen 28:13; 1Sam 4:20; 2Sam 1:9; 2Sam 12:17; 2Sam 20:11; 2Sam 20:12; Amos 7:7 especially of persons standing about a superior, as servants or courtiers, Gen 45:1; Judg 3:19; 1Sam 22:6; 1Sam 22:7; 1Sam 22:17, of persons surrounding a judge Exod 18:13; Exod 18:14, of ׳י's heavenly ministers, 1Kgs 22:19 (compare Isa 6:2 ממעל לו), Zech 4:16, and with התיצב Zech 6:5; Job 1:6; Job 2:1 also of one standing by (properly leaning over) an altar or sacrifice Num 23:3; Num 23:6; 1Kgs 13:1 (compare 7 b) Amos 9:1 of an Ashérah by an altar Judg 6:25; Judg 6:28 (compare אֵצֶל Deut 16:21).

7. In connection with verbs of motion (actual or figurative): —
  a. of motion from a higher place downwards, down upon: thus
   (a) המטיר על to rain upon Gen 2:5; Gen 19:24, ירד על Gen 15:11, יצק על to pour upon Gen 28:18, ׳נפל על צוארי פ Gen 33:4, נפל על פניו to fall on his (own) face Gen 17:3; Gen 17:17, שׂם על to put upon, Gen 21:14; Gen 22:6; Gen 22:9; Gen 24:47 (Gen 24:22 Sam Di), נתן על כף to place on the hand of ... Gen 40:11; Gen 40:21, השׁליך על 2Sam 20:12, etc.; compare Job 29:22 וְעָלֵימוֺ תִּטֹּף מִלָּתִי, Mic 3:5; Nah 3:12.


   (b) In different figurative connections, as of sleep falling upon one, Gen 2:21; Gen 15:12 of fear Gen 9:2; 1Sam 11:7 (see פַּחַד, חֲרָרָה, אֵימָה); of good or bad fortune, especially the latter, coming upon one, as with בוא and הביא, Gen 27:12; Deut 28:2 (in good sense), vDeut 28:15, Jer 5:12; Jer 19:3 (רעה, as often); of retribution, reproach, the Divine wrath, etc., with different verbs (הביא, נתן, ירד, חול, היה, etc.), as Gen 20:9; Num 12:11 חטאה; Gen 42:36 עַלַי הָיוּ כֻלָּנָה upon me are they all; Num 18:5 + (היה קֶצֶף על); Deut 19:10 דם (compare אל 2Sam 21:2 ᵐ5 We Dr), Judg 9:24; 1Kgs 2:32; 2Sam 16:8; Hos 12:15; 2Sam 3:29; 2Sam 15:14; 1Sam 11:2 חרפה; Jer 14:16; Jer 26:15 דם נקי (|| אל), Jonah 1:14; Ezek 7:3; Ezek 7:4; Ezek 7:8; Ezek 23:40; Ezek 36:29; Ps 7:17; Ps 94:2; Ps 94:23; Ps 109:5 וישׂימו עלי רעה תחת טובה (lay upon me: but Hu וישיבו, Prov 17:13), Prov 140:11 שָׁפַךְ חֵמָה על Ezek 7:8 + often; without a verb, Gen 16:5 חֲמָסִי עָלֶיךָ my wrong be upon thee, Jer 51:35 (|| אל); Gen 27:13 עלי קללתך; Gen 38:29 (accents, RVm); 2Sam 1:16 דמיך על ראשׁך; 2Sam 14:9 עָלַי הֶעָוֺן; Isa 24:17; Jer 48:43; Jer 50:27; Ezek 13:3 הוֺי על ֗֗֗ ; Ps 55:16 Kt.; of a blessing, Exod 32:29; Ps 3:9, a curse Deut 30:7, mercies (probably conceived specifically as descending from heaven) Ps 33:22; Ps 86:13; Ps 90:17; Ps 103:17 (with גבר be mighty over or upon, vPs 33:11; Ps 117:2), Ps 116:12; Ps 145:9; Ezra 3:11, שׁלום Ps 125:6; Ps 128:6; 1Chr 22:9.


   (c) Introducing the object upon which an action, or emotion, especially if accompanied by a gesture, is conceived as being directed (but with some of these words, especially when they refer to an event, rather than a person, as Exod 18:9, על is to be explained from 1 f b). Thus with verbs denoting the manifestation of joy or grief, as שׂושׂ to rejoice over, גיל, שׂמח, התענג, התפאר, שׂחק, אבל, ספד, שׁמם, בכה Judg 11:37 +, נשׂא (משׁל) קינה to take up a lament, or proverb, over (see these words); probably also in הִנָּבֵא על prophecy over Ezek 11:4; Ezek 13:17 +; with חוּס, חָמַל, רִחַם to shew compassion on (compare 1Kgs 3:26 [Gen 43:30 אל], Song 5:4 [Jer 31:20 ל]); with שׁמר, שׁקד, הֵעִיר (Job 8:6) to guard or watch over; with יעץ to counsel upon Isa 14:26 +, חשׁב to devise (usually in bad sense, Jer 29:11 in good), דִּבֶּר (רעה Jer 11:17 +, טובה Jer 18:20; Jer 32:42), הֵקִים דָּבָר Jer 29:10. Of more distinctly phys. acts, with בכה to weep on Gen 45:14; Gen 45:15 +, שׁרק to hiss, ספק or תקע כף to clap the hand, הִכָּה כף Ezek 22:13 (|| אל); Isa 5:30 to growl over, Isa 31:4; Ezek 36:2; Job 30:5 הִתְוַדָּה to confess over (the goat), Lev 16:21; Exod 30:10a (probably); Deut 21:6; Job 6:27; Job 40:30.


  b. From a lower place upwards, up upon, up to, as עלה על to go up upon: Exod 20:26; 1Sam 2:28; 1Kgs 12:33b 2Kgs 16:12b 2Chr 1:6 (an altar, i.e. to a ledge beside it; compare 2Kgs 23:9, and ירד Lev 9:22; 1Kgs 1:53); Judg 9:51; Isa 14:14; Isa 40:9, etc.; to come up upon (in different connections) Exod 10:12; Lev 16:9 (figurative), Lev 19:19; 1Sam 1:11; 1Sam 6:7; 1Kgs 10:16; 1Kgs 10:17 figurative עלה על לב Isa 65:17 + (see לב, לבב, 3 d); in Hiph`il 1Kgs 20:33 וַיַּעֲלֵהוּ עַל הַמֶּרְכָּבָה, Amos 8:10 (compare 1 a a), 2Sam 1:24; Ezek 37:6; Ps 137:6 (figurative), 2Chr 3:5; 2Chr 3:14 (= ornamented with); Deut 28:61 (compare Exod 15:26 b); 2Chr 20:34 the history of Jehu which הֹעֲלָח עַל was brought up upon (i.e. inserted in) the book of, etc. (compare 2Chr 32:32 and כתב על above 1); compare נטה יד עלהֿשׁמים up to heaven Exod 9:22; Exod 10:21; Exod 17:16.


  c. Expressing direction towards (not common, except in sense against: see below) —
   (a) with verbs of motion, properly of a person (or thing) moving to another so as either to stand above, or rest upon, it (compare PuseyMin. Pr. 333), Exod 34:12 הארץ אשׁר אתה בא עליה (simile, of a land, or place, Exod 18:23; Num 11:12; 1Kgs 2:26 עֲנָתֹת לֵךָ עַלשָֿׂדֶיךָ, Ezek 32:9; Jer 3:18 b Jer 16:13; Jer 22:26, and after שׁוּב or הֵשִׁיב Jer 16:15; Jer 22:27; Jer 23:3; Jer 24:6 [but אֶל Jer 27:22; Jer 30:3 al.], Ezek 29:14; Gen 40:13 וֶהֱשִׁיבְךָ עלכַּֿנָּ֑ךָ, Gen 41:13; Gen 30:33 כִּי תָבאֹ עַל שְׂכָרִי to view my hire; בא על נפשׁ מֵת to enter in upon or beside a corpse; בא על אשׁה Gen 19:31; Deut 25:5 (usually אל); Josh 3:16 מַיִם יֹרְדִים עַל יָם, Ezek 47:8; 1Kgs 18:12 יִשָּֽׂאֲךָ עַלאֲֿשֶׁר לֹאאֵֿדָ֑ע, Ps 19:7; 2Kgs 16:12; 2Chr 20:24; Isa 53:1 upon whom (coming from above) was ׳י's arm revealed? Isa 62:10 העמים הרימו נֵס על over towards (but Isa 49:22 אל): but often it is dubious if this force is perceptible; and in general על in such cases seems to be used merely as a synonym — perhaps as a slightly more graphic synonym — of אֶל (compare p. 41); in the later language, also, it may be due partly to the influence of Aramaic, which does not use אֶל; thus
   (a) with a personal object, with assemble or be assembled, Exod 32:1; 2Sam 17:11; 1Kgs 8:5; 1Kgs 11:24; 2Kgs 22:20 (2Chr 34:28 and usually אל), 2Chr 13:7, עלה Gen 38:12; Josh 2:8; 1Sam 14:10 (1Sam 14:9 v1Sam 14:12 אל), עבר 1Sam 14:4 (1Sam 14:1 אל), בא 2Sam 15:4 (see Dr) 1Chr 12:23f., יצא 2Kgs 24:12, הוליך 2Kgs 25:20, נגע Judg 20:34; Judg 20:41 (compare Isa 6:7; Jer 1:9), נס Isa 10:3, הלך Isa 22:15 (אל ֗֗֗ על), נשׂא Isa 30:6, שׁלח 2Kgs 18:27 (על ֗֗֗ אל ֗֗֗ על: || Isa 36:12 אל ֗֗֗ אל ֗֗֗ על), Jer 26:15; Jer 29:31; 1Chr 13:2; 2Chr 28:16; 2Chr 30:1; 2Chr 32:9; 2Chr 32:31; 2Chr 36:15; Neh 6:3, נגשׁ Ezek 9:6, שׁב, השׁיב Neh 4:6; Mal 3:24 (see c), followed by ׳על י 2Chr 15:4; 2Chr 30:9, התיצּב 2Chr 11:13 letters going ׳על פ Neh 2:7; Neh 6:17 a (v:b אל). (β) of places, Gen 24:49; 2Sam 2:19 + על ימין to the right; with הלך 1Sam 2:11; 1Kgs 20:43 עלבֿיתו (1Kgs 21:4 אל), 2Sam 15:20 ואני הולך על אשׁר אני הולך, Jer 1:7; Ezek 1:20 (Ezek 1:12 אל), הוליך 1Kgs 1:38 (1Kgs 1:33 אל), נהר Mic 4:1 (|| Isa 2:2 אל), Jer 31:12 (אל ֗֗֗ על), נגשׁ Ezek 44:13 (|| אל), עלה 1Sam 24:23; 2Sam 19:1; 1Kgs 6:8 (|| אל), Ezek 41:7, בא Jer 14:3; Jer 51:51, (על הר) הביא Isa 66:20 (Isa 56:7 אל), ירד Jer 36:12, הִטָּה Prov 21:1, הסיר 2Sam 6:10 (|| 1Chr 13:13 אל), נתן Isa 29:12 (Isa 29:11 אל) Mic 1:14; Mic 3:5; Gen 42:37, השׁיב, שׁב, Num 33:7; Jer 11:10 (figurative, עַל עֲוֺנוֺת), Ps 35:13; Job 34:15 (Gen 3:19 אל), Prov 26:11; Eccl 1:6; 1Kgs 17:21; 1Kgs 17:22 (compare 1Sam 30:12 אל), השׁתחוה Lev 26:11 (probably), Isa 60:14 pregnantly Isa 24:22 אֻסְּפוּ עַל בּוֺר be collected (and delivered) into a dungeon: compare חוּשׁ עַל Job 31:5 (figurative), also to requite עַלחֵֿיק Isa 65:6; Isa 65:7 Kt. (Jer 32:18; Ps 79:12 אל). After נראה appear, Ps 90:16 (אל ֗֗֗ על). And as far as, unto (nearly = יַד) Gen 49:13 וְיַרְכָתוֺעַל צִידוֺן, Josh 2:7; Josh 18:13; Josh 19:12; Jer 31:39; Ezek 47:18; Ezek 48:21; Ezek 48:28; Ps 48:11; 1Chr 5:16.


   (b) With אמר say to, 2Kgs 22:8; Jer 18:11 (אל ֗֗֗ על), Jer 22:6; Jer 23:2; Jer 23:35 (על ֗֗֗ אל), Jer 36:29; Jer 44:20 (אל ֗֗֗ על), דבר 1Sam 1:13 (Gen 24:45 אל), 1Kgs 9:5; Hos 12:11; Jer 6:10; Jer 10:1; Jer 11:2 (אל ֗֗֗ על), speak to Jer 25:2 (על ֗֗֗ אל), Jer 26:2, compare Esth 1:17, ׳היה דבר י Jer 25:1; 1Chr 22:8 compare 1Chr 11:10, ענה 2Sam 19:43, קרא Isa 34:14; 2Chr 32:18, שִׁוַּע Ps 18:42, הֵרַע 1Kgs 17:20, שֹׁרֵר, שָׁר sing Prov 25:20; Job 33:27, החליק Prov 29:5 ( Ps 36:3 אל), התפלל 1Sam 1:10, כתב 2Chr 30:1; Ezra 4:7; Esth 8:8, שׁמע 2Kgs 20:13 ( = Isa 39:2), Isa 22:13; Jer 23:16; Jer 26:5; Jer 35:18; Hag 1:12 see also הקשׁיב, האזין, הבין, התבונן, השׂכיל.


   (c) Expressing (or implying) the direction of the mind, 2Sam 14:1 לב המלך על אבשׁלם; Mal 3:24; Ezra 6:22; Song 7:11 וְעָלַי תְּשׁוּקָתוֺ (Gen 3:16; Gen 4:7 אל); שָׂם לִבּוֺ על Job 1:8 (Job 2:3 אל), 1Sam 25:25 (אל ֗֗֗ על); Jer 22:17 thy eyes and thy heart are only (set) upon (על) ..., 1Chr 12:17; 1Kgs 1:20; 2Chr 20:12 עֵינֵינוּ כִּי עָלֶיךָ (elsewhere אל), 1Kgs 2:15 עָלַי שָׂמוּ פניהם, Ps 146:5 ׳שִׂבְרוֺ על י; Isa 10:25 וְאַפִּי עלתַּֿבְלִיתָם be (directed) towards their destruction, Jer 32:31 (Gf Ew compare RV); compare שׁעה על look to (trustfully) Isa 17:7; Isa 31:1. (The uses a, b, c are all exceptional: אל would be regularly employed.)


   (d) With the force of over and towards (compare 5 and 7 a b, end): Ps 65:5 נוֺרָא עֲלִילָה עַל; to shine, etc. on, Ps 31:17 הָאִירָה פָנֶיךָ עַל (Num 6:25 אל); רָאָה עַל Exod 5:21 הוֺפִיעַ עַל Job 10:3 וְשַׂמְתִּי עֵינִי עַל Amos 9:4 + (compare Job 14:3; Job 24:3; Job 34:21); הִשְׁקִיף עַל look out over Ps 14:3 +.


  d. In a hostile sense, upon, against: so very often, after every kind of verb expressing or implying attack, as בא Gen 34:25; Gen 34:27, נֶאֱסַף vGen 34:30, קצף to be angry Gen 40:2, לון to murmur Exod 15:24 עמד stand up Lev 19:16 +, קָם rise up Deut 19:11; Amos 7:9, נלחם Deut 20:10, חנה 1Sam 11:1; Ps 27:3, עלה 2Kgs 17:3, חרה אף Zech 10:3 (usually בְּ), שׁפך סללה Isa 37:33, צוּר besiege Deut 20:12, חשׁב to devise Gen 50:20; Jer 11:19, דִּבֶּר Deut 13:6 +, etc.: add Job 16:4 (twice in verse); Job 16:9; Job 16:10; Job 16:13; Job 19:12; Job 21:27; Job 30:12, etc.; היה על 2Sam 11:23; Num 31:3: הִנְנִי לַיִךְ (see אֶל 4); note also Judg 9:31; Judg 20:5: without a verb Isa 9:20; Judg 16:12 פלשׁתים עליך the Philistines are upon thee, Judg 20:9 עָלֶיהָ בְּגוֺרָל Against it by lot !

8. By writers of the silver age, על is sometimes used with the force of a dative, 1Chr 13:2 אִם עֲלֵיבֶם טוֺב (in classical Hebrew בְּעֵינֵיכֶם) if it seems good to you, אִם עַל הַמֶּלֶךְ טוֺב Neh 2:5; Neh 2:7; Esth 1:19; Esth 3:9; Esth 5:4; Esth 5:8; Esth 7:3; Esth 8:5; Esth 9:13 (compare in Aramaic Ezra 5:17; Ezra 7:18); עַל שָׁפַר Ps 16:6 (compare in Aramaic Dan 4:24); עָרַב עַל Ps 104:34 (elsewhere לְ); רַע לְ Eccl 2:17 (see De; compare בְּאֵשׁ עַל Dan 6:15): compare Job 22:2 סָכַן על be profitable to, Job 33:23 also גָּמַל עַל (in both good and bad sense: see גמל), Neh 5:19 עשׂה על, Neh 9:30 משׁך על prolong (mercy) to; הִטָּה חֶסֶד עַל Ezra 7:28; Ezra 9:9 (Gen 39:21 אל): 1Sam 20:8 read probably עם for על. compare Mishna חביב על, dear to; סני על hateful to; Syriac , , pleasant, acceptable to. — compare in general the uses of , WAG ii. § 59.

9. With other particles: — עַל אַחֲרֵי Ezek 41:15 עַל בֵּין Ezek 19:11 (compare אל Ezek 31:10; Ezek 31:14); עַל לִפְנֵי Ezek 40:15 עַל מֵעַל Ezek 41:17 (text dubious), vEzek 41:20 עַל עֵבֶר Exod 25:37 (compare אל Ezek 1:9; Ezek 1:12); עַלבָּֿ֫כָה Esth 9:26. — On עַליַֿד, עַליְֿדֵי, עַל פִּי, עַלפְּֿנֵי, see יָד, פֶּה, פָּנִים.

III. As conjunction: a. עַל אֲשֶׁר because that . . . (compare above, II 1 f b), Exod 32:35 and ׳י plagued the people על אשׁר עשׂו because they had made, etc., Num 20:24; Deut 29:24 (in answer to על מה: so 1Kgs 9:9; Jer 16:11; Jer 22:9), Jer 32:51 (twice in verse); 1Sam 24:6; 2Sam 3:30; 2Sam 6:8; 2Sam 8:10; 2Sam 12:6; Ps 119:49 +.

b. עַל כִּי similar in meaning, but less frequent: Deut 31:17; Judg 3:12; Jer 4:28; Mal 2:14; Ps 139:14.


  c. עַל alone:
   (a) because, Gen 31:20 (E) עַל בְּלִי הִגִּיד, Ps 119:136 עַל לֹא.
   (b) notwithstanding that (above, 1 f f), although, Isa 53:9 חָמָס עָשָׂה עַל לֹא although he did no violence, Job 16:7 עַל לֹא חָמָס בְּכַפָּ֑י.

IV. Compounds: —

1. with כְּ (rare and late),
  a. as concerning, as upon Ps 119:14 כְּעַל כָּלהֿוֺן, 2Chr 32:19.
  b. (pleon. for כְּ), Isa 59:18 כְּעַל גְּמֻלוֺת כְּעַל יְשַׁלֵּם the like of their deeds is the like of (that which) he will repay (כְּעַל repeated on the analogue of כְּ Num 15:15; Hos 4:9: see כְּ) = according to their deeds is (that which) he will repay, Isa 63:7 according to.

2. מֵעַל304 from upon, from over, from by — used with much delicacy of application in many different connections, corresponding mostly with the different senses of על. Thus
  a. from upon idiomatically, when removal, motion, etc., from a surface is involved, as מעל האדמה, מעל פני האדמה from upon (the face of) the ground, usually with expel, destroy, perish, etc. Gen 4:14; Gen 6:7; Gen 7:4; Exod 32:12; Deut 6:15; Deut 28:21; Deut 28:63 + often, especially Jeremiah and compiler of Kings; to be lifted up הארץ מעל Gen 7:17; Ezek 1:19; Ezek 1:21 +, to return or be dried (of water) מעל הארץ Gen 8:3; Gen 8:7; Gen 8:11; Gen 8:13 to roll a stone מֵעַל פִּי הַבְּאֵד Gen 29:3 of the cloud departing האהל מעל Num 9:17; Num 12:10, compare Neh 9:19 to rise up הַכִּסֵּא מֵעַל Judg 3:20; 1Kgs 2:4, מֵעַל מִשְׁכָּבוֺ 2Sam 11:2 to alight מֵעַל הַגָּמָל (נָפַלׅ Gen 24:64 (compare Josh 15:18 צנח, 1Sam 25:23 ירד), ירד מֵעַל הַמֶּרְכָּבָה Judg 4:15; 2Kgs 5:21 (נפל); to take מֵעַל ראֹשׁ Gen 40:19; 2Sam 12:30, מֵעַל הַמִּזְבֵּחַ Lev 16:12; Num 17:11; Isa 6:6 to see מֵעַל הַגָּנ 2Sam 11:2 to shoot מֵעַל הַחוֺמָה v2Sam 11:20 v2Sam 11:24 to speak מֵעַל הַכַּפֹּרֶת Exod 25:22; Num 7:89 to cast down מֵעַל יָדַיִם Deut 9:17; Lev 8:28 (כַּפַּיִם); to break, remove, etc., a yoke (צוארך) מעל שׁכמך Gen 27:40; Isa 10:27; Jer 28:10; Jer 28:11 to wipe tears מֵעַל כָּלפָּֿנִים Isa 25:8 to take a bandage מעל עיניו 1Kgs 20:41 (compare על v1Kgs 20:38); often of putting off a garment or ornament., as Gen 38:14; Gen 38:19 וַתָּסַר צְעִיפָהּ מֵעָלֶיהָ, Exod 33:5 הוֺרֵד עֶדְיְךָ מֵעָלֶיךָ, a sandal Exod 3:5; Josh 5:15, a ring מֵעַל יָדוֺ Gen 41:42 to seek (דרשׁ), or hear, words מֵעַל הַסֵּפֶר Isa 34:16; Jer 36:11 (compare כתב על ספד above); pregnantly with בָּלָה to wear away (and fall) from off, Deut 8:4; Deut 29:4, compare of the bones or skin in disease Job 30:17 עֲצָמַי נִקַּר מֵעָלָ֑י are pierced (and drop) from off me, vJob 30:30 עוֺרִי שָׁחַר מעלי is black (and falls) from off me; figurative 1Sam 1:11 הָסִירִי יֵינֵךְ מֵעָלַיִךְ remove thy wine from off thee; Num 14:9 סָר צִלָּם מֵעֲלֵיהֶם; Judg 16:19; Judg 16:20 סר מעליו ׳י (with allusion to the hair, as the seat of Samson's strength), 1Sam 16:23 (compare על in v1Sam 16:16).


  b. Of relief from a burden or trouble: as of a plague, stroke, rod, etc., removed from (resting) on one, Exod 10:17 וְיָסֵר מֵעָלַי אֶתהַֿמָּוֶת הַזֶּה, Num 21:7; Num 25:8 ׳וַתֵּעָצַר הַמַּגֵּפָה מֵעַל ישׂר 2Sam 24:21; 2Sam 24:25), Ps 39:11 הָסֵר מֵעָלַי נִגְעֶ֑ךָ, Job 9:34; Job 13:21; Joel 2:20 of reproach Josh 5:9; Isa 25:8; Ps 119:22, iniquity Ezek 18:31; Zech 3:4, bloodguiltiness, 1Kgs 2:31, wrath Judg 8:3; Num 25:11; Prov 24:18, murmurings Num 17:21; Num 17:25 הֵקֵל מֵעַל to lighten from upon one Exod 18:22 +; Amos 5:23 הָסֵר מֵעָלַיהֲמוֺן שִׁירֶיךָ; pregnantly Jonah 1:11; Jonah 1:12 that the sea יִשְׁתֹּק מֵעָלֵינוּ may be calm from off us; to remove, etc., מֵעַל פָּנַי (see פָּנִים); 1Sam 6:20 to whom shall he go up מֵעָלֵינוּ — not merely 'from us,' but — from upon us (relieving us of his presence), so often of an army retiring from a country or raising a siege, 2Sam 10:14 ויָּשָׁב יוֺאָב מֵעַל בְּנֵי עַמּוֺן, 2Sam 20:21 וְאֵעלכָה מֵעַל הָעִיר, v2Sam 20:22 Ki 2Sam 3:27; 2Sam 18:14, especially with עָלָה, נַעֲלָה 1Kgs 15:19; Jer 21:2; Jer 37:5; Jer 37:11 +; 2Sam 19:10 David fled מעל אבשׁלום from Absalom (whom his presence had encumbered), Neh 13:28 וָאַבְרִיחֵהוּ מֵעָלַי, compare Gen 13:11; Gen 25:6; Num 20:21 מֵעָלָיו ׳וַיֵּט ישׂר, 2Chr 20:10; Exod 10:28 לֵךְ מֵעָלַי (contemptuously; be no more obnoxious to me), similarly 2Sam 13:17 שׁלחונֿא אתזֿאת מעלי (Amnon of Tamar).


  c. From beside (compare על 6 c), in different nuances: Gen 17:22 God went up מעל אברהם from beside A., Gen 35:13; Gen 18:3 אל נא תעבר מעל עבדך (compare על vGen 18:5), Gen 42:24; Num 16:25; Num 16:27; 1Kgs 1:53 to come down מֵעַל הַמִּזְבֵּחַ (compare על 1Kgs 13:1 6 c and 7 b); from attendance on Gen 45:1 (compare על ib.), Judg 3:19 וְיֵּצְאוּ מֵעָלָיו כָּלהָֿעֹמְדִים עָלָיו 1Sam 17:15 (see Dr), 2Sam 13:9, compare1 Sam 2Sam 13:8; 2Sam 13:11; 2Kgs 25:5 (Jer 36:21 read עַל, מ being dittograph), compare 2Chr 35:15 from attachment to, ׳רָחַק מֵעַל י Jer 2:5; Ezek 11:15; Ezek 44:10, compare Ezek 8:6, ׳סָר מֵעַל י Jer 32:40; Ezek 6:9, ׳תָּעָה מֵעַל י Ezek 44:10; Ezek 44:15, compare Ezek 14:5; Deut 13:11 also סָר מֵעַל חַטּאֹות 2Kgs 10:31; 2Kgs 15:18 (usually מֵחטאות), compare Ezek 14:6; Ezek 23:18 from companionship with, Job 19:13 אַחַי מֵעַלַי הִרְחִיק; from accompanying protectingly 1Sam 28:15 וֵאלֹהִים סָר מֵעַלַי, v1Sam 28:16 (compare על Ps 110:5 and see Dr); from adhesion to 2Kgs 17:21 קָרַע ישׂראל מֵעַל בֵּית תָּוִד, Isa 7:17; Isa 56:6 יַבְדִּילַנִי מֵעַל עַמּוֺ ׳י, Hos 9:1 זָנִיתָ מֵעַל אֱלֹהֶיךָ.


  d. In late Hebrew, = עַל above: 2Kgs 25:28 נָתַן ׳כִּסְאוֺ מֵעַל כִּסֵּא וגו (|| Jer 52:32 more class. מִמַּעַל לְ), Esth 3:1; Ps 108:5 גדול מעל שׁמים (|| Ps 57:11 עַד), Ps 148:4; Eccl 5:7 גָּבֹהַּ מֵעַל גָּבֹהַּ שֹׁמֵר, Neh 3:28; Neh 8:5; 2Chr 34:4 לְמַעְלָה מֵעֲלֵיהֶם on high above them; Ezek 41:17; Ezek 41:20. — Prov 14:14 read with De Now Str וּמִמַּעֲלָלָיו.


  e. מֵעַל לְ (chiefly late, and pleonastic for עַל, or else = the more class. synonym מִמַּעַל לְ): (a) Gen 1:7 מֵעַל לָרָקִיעַ (Ezek 1:26 ׳מִמַּעַל לְ), Ezek 1:25 (text dubious; see Commentaries), 1Sam 17:39; Jonah 4:6; Mal 1:5 upon, over the border (territory) of Israel (so Köhl Ke: but Hi Ew We beyond, 2Chr 13:4 upon, mount Zemaraim, 2Chr 24:20. (b) beside 2Chr 26:19 מֵעַל לְמִזְבַּח הַקְּטֹרֶת; Neh 12:31 (twice in verse); Neh 12:37; Neh 12:38 (twice in verse); Neh 12:39 dubious: BeRy (in all) off the side of (מִן 6) = at a little distance from; Ke in vNeh 12:31 vNeh 12:38a upon, in vNeh 12:37 vNeh 12:38b; vNeh 12:39 by the side of (an ... vorüber).


BDB6111 H4192 H5921 H5961

BDB6110 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6112

עֲלָמוֺת, עַלמֿוּת etc., see עַלְמָה below II. עלם. below


BDB9768 H5922 H5921

BDB9767 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9769

עַל preposition upon, over, on account of, above, to, against (Biblical Hebrew and general Aramaic id.); — suffix 1 singular עֲלַי; 2 masculine singular עליך Kt (so Egyptian Aramaic, CookeNo. 77, A 5, 6, B 8, S-CPap. A 3, B 5 +), עֲלָךְ, Qr (ᵑ7 עֲלַךְ, Dalm§ 47, 2) Dan 3:12 + 6 t. Daniel; Ezra 7:18 3 masculine singular עֲלוֺהִי (so Nabataean, Palmyrene; Egyptian Aramaic עלוי S-CA 6 +) Dan 3:28 +, עֲלֹהִי Ezra 6:11 3 feminine singular עליה Kt (so Egyptian Aramaic, S-CD 24), עֲלַהּ Qr (so ᵑ7) Dan 4:14; Dan 5:21 1 plural עֲלֵינָא Ezra 4:12, עֲלֵ֑ינָא Ezra 4:18; Ezra 5:17 Baer (Gi עֲלֶ֑ינָא); 3 masculine plural עֲלֵיהֹם (so Nabataean, CISii. 226; Egyptian Aramaic, S-CPap. F 5, 8+) Ezra 7:24, עֲלֵיהוֺן Ezra 5:1; Ezra 5:3

1. a. upon, Dan 2:10; Dan 2:28; Dan 2:46; Dan 5:5; Dan 5:7; Dan 6:11 + often, Dan 4:26 עַלהֵֿיכַל מַלְכוּתָא (2Sam 11:2); to be established עַל מַלְכוּתִי 2Sam 4:33 (compare 2Chr 1:1 Biblical Hebrew II. 1) to lay an impost upon, Ezra 7:24 to trust on, Dan 3:28 after a verb of motion, מְטָא עַל to come upon, Dan 4:21; Dan 4:25 of times, to pass over, Dan 4:13; Dan 4:20; Dan 4:22; Dan 4:29; Ezra 5:1 בְּשֻׁם אֱלָהּ יִשְׂרָאֵל עֲלֵיהוֺן i.e. (named) over them.
  b. idiomatic (as in Biblical Hebrew; see II. 1 d) of the person who is the subject of an emotion or experience, Dan 5:9 וְזִיוֺתִי שָׁנַיִן עֲלוֺהִי were changed upon him, Dan 7:28; Dan 6:19 וְשִׁנְּתֵהּ נַדַּת עֲלוֺהִי (compare Dan 2:1).
  c. on accusative of (Biblical Hebrew 1 f b), Dan 3:16 פִּתְגָּם עַלדְּֿנָה. So in עַלדְּֿנָה on this accusative Ezra 4:15; Ezra 4:22; Ezra 5:17, עַלמָֿה wherefore ? Dan 2:15 and עַל דִּבְרַת דִּי (see ׳דְּ).
  d. on behalf of (ib. 1 f c), Ezra 6:17.
  e. regarding, concerning (ib. 1 f g), Dan 2:18; Dan 5:14; Dan 5:29; Dan 6:6; Dan 6:13; Ezra 7:14 + often
2. over, with verbs of ruling, appointing, etc., Dan 2:48; Dan 2:49; Dan 3:12; Dan 4:14 +, Ezra 4:20; Ezra 6:18.
3. in a comparative sense, above, beyond, Dan 3:19; Dan 6:4.
4. expressing direction:
  a. to, of a person, after a verb of motion (compare Biblical Hebrew 7 c a a), Dan 2:24; Dan 4:31; Dan 4:33; Dan 6:7; Dan 6:16; Ezra 4:12; Ezra 4:23 + often; after to send (a letter, etc.) Ezra 4:11; Ezra 4:17; Ezra 4:18; Ezra 5:6 +, write Ezra 4:7, prophesy Ezra 5:1 of the direction of the mind (ib. 7c c), Dan 3:12; Dan 6:14 (twice in verse); Dan 6:15 compare Ezra 5:5 הֲוַת עַל ׳וְעֵין אֱל (compare Jer 40:4 and אֶל Ps 34:16).
  b. against, Dan 3:19; Dan 3:29; Dan 5:23; Dan 6:5; Dan 6:6 +; Ezra 4:8; Ezra 7:23.
5. in such phrases as שְׁפַר עַל, טְאֵב (to be) good or acceptable to (as in Syriac and late Hebrew: see Biblical Hebrew 8), Ezra 5:17 אִם עַל מַלְכָּא טָב, Ezra 7:18 (twice in verse); Dan 4:24 (יִשְׁפַּר), Dan 6:15 (בְּאֵשׁ), v.Dan 6:24 (טְאֵב). — compare the synopsis of meanings in Lzb340.

upon, against, over, in, for, …
ʿal
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
  • (prep) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
    • upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
    • "above, beyond, over (of excess)"above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)"upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)"over (of suspension or extension)"by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)"down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to,, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)"to (as a dative)
    (conj) because that, because, notwithstanding, although

כֵּ֖ן
כֵּ֖ן
Particle this / that
Dictionary form: כֵּן · kane

Particle — Demonstrative

so ×204 therefore ×192 wherefore ×24 and so ×22 thus ×17 that ×12 this ×8 even so ×7
More options
so — Most natural, versatile connector; fits most contexts.
therefore — Signals logical consequence; good for formal or legal texts.
thus — Slightly more formal; suits narrative or prophetic register.
in this way — Clarifies manner or method when 'so' is ambiguous.
for this reason — Emphasizes causality more explicitly than 'therefore'.
likewise — Use when expressing similarity or parallel action.

BDB3945 H3651 H3653 H3654

BDB3944 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3946

I. כֵּן adjective right, veritable, honest (properly firm, upright; Syriac recte PS1662) — absolute כֵּן Exod 10:29 + (on possibly construct see 2 near the end); plural כֵּנִים Gen 42:11; Gen 42:19; Gen 42:31; Gen 42:33; Gen 42:34

1. right, usually indecl., often as substantive a right thing, especially with vbb. dicendi Exod 10:29 (J) כֵּן דִּבַּרְתָּ, Num 27:7 כֵּן דֹּבְרֹת, Num 36:5 (both P); כֵּן יַאֲרִיךְ Prov 28:2 (the) right (i.e. order and justice) shall last long (see De Now VB); = adverb aright, of pronunciation Judg 12:6 also with verb agendi Eccl 8:10 (on Isa 33:23 see III. כֵּן below כנן); right well Ps 65:10 (Che; al. = so); with לֹא, as adjective, not right דְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר לֹאכֵֿן 2Kgs 17:9 things which were not right (verb agendi); of heart of a fool Prov 15:7; Jer 23:10 as substantive = what is not right, upright Jer 8:6 with verb agendi לֹאכֵֿן 2Kgs 7:9 that which is not right we are doing, Jer 48:30 b.
2. veritable, true, כֵּןצְֿדָקָה Prov 11:19 the veritable of righteousness = true righteousness; Isa 16:6 = Jer 48:30 a may be either their boastings are not true or (Thes Che Di Du Gr Gie and others) the untruth of their boastings (לֹאכֵֿן as compound construct); absolute, in assent to something already said, Right! Correct! True! Josh 2:4.
3. plural concrete honest (men) Gen 42:11; Gen 42:19; Gen 42:31; Gen 42:33; Gen 42:34 (all E). — II. כֵּן thus, so, see below; III. כֵּן place, base, see below כנן; IV. [כֵּן], כִּנִּם, כִּנָּם, see below כנן.


BDB3996 H3588 H5921 H3651

BDB3995 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3997

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as, a peculiar phrase found Gen 18:5; Gen 19:8; Gen 33:10; Gen 38:26; Num 10:31; Num 14:43; Judg 6:22; 2Sam 18:20 Qr (rightly), Jer 29:28; Jer 38:4 — literally for therefore, emphasizing the ground pleonastically (Ew§ 353 a ). The original force of the phrase is traceable in some of the passages in which it occurs, as Gen 18:5 let me fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort your heart; כִּיעַֿלכֵּֿן עֲבַרְתֶּם עַל עַבְדְּכֶם for therefore (that is, to partake of such hospitality) are ye come to your servant, Num 14:43 the Amalekite and the Canaanite are there, and ye will fall by the sword, כִּיעַֿלכֵּֿן שַׁבְתֶּם for therefore (to encounter such a fate) have ye turned back from ׳י etc.: but in process of time the distinct sense of its component parts was no doubt gradually obscured, and it thus came to be used conventionally, as a mere particle of causation, even where there was no preceding statement to which עַל כֵּן therefore could be explicitly referred. אֲשֶׁר עַל כֵּן appears to be used similarly (compare אֲשֶׁר 8 c) Job 34:27.


BDB4076 H3651

BDB4075 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4077

I. כֵּן adverb so (PH. Late Hebrew ᵑ7 id.; Syriac is then, Arabic , , but: probably from the demonstrative √ ka, found in כִּי etc., ii. 1, 254); (הִיא) כֶּןהֿוּא Gen 44:10 + 4 t.: — so (i.e. usually, as has been described or commanded, with reference to what has preceded), mostly of manner, but sometimes also of quantity, quality, or degree:

1. a. Judg 5:31 כן יאבדו so perish thy enemies, Job 5:27 הִיאכֶּןֿ, Job 8:13 כן ארחות כל שׁכחי אל, Prov 6:29; Prov 8:13; 2Sam 16:23; Isa 36:6; Isa 47:15 כן היו לך, Num 13:33 וכן היינו בעיניהם; Num 9:16 כָן יהיה תמיד Exod 10:14 (twice in verse) לא היה כן ארבה׳כמהו וג (i. e. in such numbers), 1Kgs 10:12 כן עצי אלמגים לא בא, v1Kgs 10:20; 2Chr 1:12 (twice in verse), Judg 21:14 להם כןולא מצאו and they did not suffice for them so (namely in such numbers of them as there were); 1Kgs 6:26 וכן הכרוב השׁני, Ezek 41:7 ׳וכן ל Exod 27:11; 1Kgs 10:29; Ezek 40:16; 2Chr 35:12, compare 1Chr 23:30 ׳כן ל Exod 25:33 (compare Exod 26:24), Josh 21:40.
  b. the force of כֵּן has sometimes to be elicited from the context : 1Kgs 2:7 כי כן קרבו אלי (that is, with kindness such as that enjoined in va), 1Kgs 20:40 כן משׁפטך, Jer 14:10 לנועכן אהבו (i.e. not less than ׳י has withdrawn from them vJer 14:9, Gf Ke; Gie proposes אָכֵן), Ps 61:9 שִׁמְךָכֵּן אֲזַמְּרָה (Hi כְּצִדְקְךָ, implied in vJer 14:6-8), Ps 63:3 חֲזִיתִךָכֵּן בַּקֹּדֶשׁ (that is, with the longings of vPs 63:2), vPs 63:5 אֲבָרֶכְךָ בְחַיָּיכֵּן (that is כְּרֹב חַסְדְּךָ vPs 63:4), Ps 65:10 כִּי כֵן תְּכִינֶהָ (i.e. so generously, vPs 65:10), Ps 90:12 לִמְנוֺת יָמֵינוּ כֵּן הוֺדַע (Hi ׳כְּיִרְאַת י vPs 90:11), Ps 127:2 כֵּן יִתֵּן לִידִידוֺ שֵׁנָא (that is, as abundantly; but Che אָכֵן), Prov 24:14 (see vProv 24:13), Isa 52:14 כֵּן מִשְׁחַת מֵאִישׁ מַרְאֵהוּ (sufficiently to justify שׁממו עליך רבים).
  c. כן occurs frequently in particular phrases, as
   (a) with הָיָה, especially ויהי כן and it was so Gen 1:7; Gen 1:9; Gen 1:11 +, 2Kgs 2:10 if thou seest me taken from thee יהילֿך כן let it be to thee so (that is, as thou desirest), 2Kgs 7:20, with עשׂה (especially וַיַּעַשׂ, וַיַּעֲשׂוּ) Gen 29:28; Gen 42:20; Gen 45:21 + often, Judg 7:16 וְכֵן תַּעֲשׂוּמִמֶּנִּי תִּרְאוּ, + ׳ל Gen 42:25 ויעשׂ להם כן, Exod 22:29; Exod 23:11 ׳כן תעשׂה ל, Deut 22:3; 2Sam 12:31; 1Kgs 11:8 (compare 1Kgs 6:33; 1Kgs 7:18); Gen 29:26 לא יֵעָשֶׂה כן במקומנו, Gen 34:7; 2Sam 13:12 rarer usages, דִּבֶּר כֵּן Exod 6:9, אמר כן 1Kgs 22:8, כֵּן אמרתם Ezek 11:5; Ezek 33:10, ׳אָמֵן כֵּן יאֹמַר י 1Kgs 1:36 (compare Jer 28:6), וגם שׁאול אבי יֹדֵעַ כֵּן 1Sam 23:17 אָהֵב כֵּן (idiomatic) to love (it) so, Jer 5:31; Amos 4:5
   (b) Gen 50:3 ימלאו ימי החנֻטים כי כן (compare Judg 14:10; 2Sam 13:18; Esth 2:12);
   (c) alone, אִם כֵּן if it be so Gen 25:22; Gen 43:11 כִּיכֵֿןוַיִּרְאוּ 1Sam 5:7, יָדַעְתִּי כִּיכֵֿן Job 9:2
   (d) לא כן not so (namely as has been described or implied), with a substantive Num 12:7 לא כן עבדי משׁה, 2Sam 20:21; 2Sam 23:5; Ps 1:4; Job 9:35b כילֿאכֿן אנכי עמדי not so am I with myself (i.e. I am not conscious of being one who would fear him, va), with a verb Deut 18:14 ואתה ׳לא כן נתן לך י (not so, — namely as implied in va), 2Sam 18:14; Isa 10:7 לא כן יְדַמֶּה, לא כן יחשׁב, absolute Gen 48:18 לא כן אבי, Exod 10:11.

2. Often, to emphasize the agreement, in answer to כְּ, and כַּאֲשֶׁר: namely
  a. כְּ ֗֗֗ כֵּן,
   (a) Gen 44:10 = Josh 2:21 כדבריכם כֶּןהֿוּא according to your words, so be it, 1Sam 25:25 כי כשׁמו כֶּןהֿוּא, Ps 48:11; Prov 23:7 כֶּןהֿוּא (after conjunction כְּמוֺ), Ezek 42:11 כְּאָרְכָּן כֵּן רָחְבָּן;
   (b) Lev 27:12 כְּעֶרְכְּךָ כֵּן יִהְיֶה, 2Sam 13:35; Num 8:4; Num 9:14; Num 15:20; Deut 8:20; Judg 11:10, so after כְּפִי Num 6:21
   (c) כְּכֹל ֗֗֗ כֵּן ֗֗֗ 1Sam 8:8; 2Sam 7:17; Jer 42:5
   (d) in similes,
   (a) 2Sam 14:17 כן ׳אדני המלךכמלאך הא, Jer 18:6; Ps 123:2; Ps 127:4; Prov 10:26; Prov 26:8; Prov 26:19; Prov 27:8; Prov 27:19; Song 2:2; Song 2:3 (β) Joel 2:4 כְּפָרָשִׁים כֵּן יְרוּצוּן, Isa 31:5; Isa 38:14; Ps 103:15; Prov 26:1; Prov 26:2 (γ) Ps 42:2 כאיל תערג ֗֗֗ כן׳נפשׁי וג like the hind which etc., Ps 83:16; Isa 61:11; Isa 63:14; Job 7:3, so after כמו Isa 26:17 (δ) Jer 2:26 גַּנָּב ֗֗֗ כֵּן הוֺבִישׁוּכְּבשֶׁת, Jer 6:7; Jer 34:5 (read כְּמשׂרפות), Ezek 22:22 (compare vEzek 22:20), Ezek 23:44; Ezek 34:12 compare (of degree) Ezek 35:15 (omitted by ᵐ5 Co), Hos 4:7 כְּרֻבָּם כֵּן חָָֽטְאוּ לִי. Of time (un-common) 1Sam 9:13 כְּבֹאֲכֶם הָעִיר כֵּן תִּמְצְאוּן אֹתוֺ.
  b. Ezra 10:12 כן כדבריך עלינו לעשׂות.
  c. ֗֗֗ כֵּן ֗֗֗ כַּאֲשֶׁר,
   (a) Exod 7:6 כן עשׂו ׳כאשׁר צוה י, Exod 12:28; Exod 12:50; Exod 39:43 (compare Exod 27:8), Num 8:22 (compare Num 5:4), Num 17:26; Num 36:10; Josh 14:5 (all P); Gen 41:13 כאשׁר פתר כן היה, Josh 10:1; Josh 10:39; Josh 11:15; Judg 1:7; Judg 15:11b Ps 48:9
   (b) (frequently) Num 2:17 כֵּן יִסָּ֑עוּכאשׁר יַחֲנוּ, Exod 1:12 (of degree = the more . . . the more) כַּאֲשֶׁר יְעַנּוּ אֹתוֺ כֵּן יִרְבֶּה וְכֵן יִפְרֹץ;
   (c) Gen 6:22 אשׁר צוה אתו אלהים כן עשׂהככל, Exod 39:32; Exod 39:42; Exod 40:16; Num 1:54; Num 2:34; Num 8:20; Num 9:5 (all P), compare Exod 25:9 (וְכֵן), simil. 2Sam 9:11; 2Kgs 16:11, compare Josh 1:17; Jer 42:20
   (d) Exod 27:8 הֶרְאָה אתך כן יעשׂוכאשׁר, 2Sam 16:19; 1Kgs 2:38; Isa 20:4; Isa 52:14f.; with the same verb repeated Lev 24:19; Lev 24:20; Deut 28:63 כאשׁר שׂשׂ ֗֗֗ כן ישׂישׂ, Josh 23:15; 1Sam 15:33; 1Sam 26:24; 1Kgs 1:37; Isa 10:11; Jer 5:19; Jer 31:28; Jer 32:42; Jer 42:18; Ezek 12:11; Ezek 20:36; Zech 7:13; Prov 24:29; Num 14:28 אעשׂהאם לא כאשׁר דברתם כן, Isa 14:24, so after הלא Isa 10:11, after asseverative כי 2Sam 3:9; 1Kgs 1:30 so ֗֗֗ כֵּן ׳כָּלעֻֿמַּת שֶׁ Eccl 5:15
   (e) Judg 7:17b כאשׁר אעשׂה כן תעשׂון, Lev 27:14; Num 15:14, compare Jer 39:12
   (f) in similes, Deut 12:22; Deut 22:26; Amos 3:12; Isa 65:8; Jer 13:11.
  d. כן כאשׁר ֗֗֗ ,
   (a) Exod 7:10 ׳ויעשׂו כן כאשׁר צוה י, vExod 7:20; Josh 4:8; 2Sam 5:25; Ezek 12:7, compare Gen 50:12; Num 8:3 iron. Amos 5:14 אתּכם כאשׁר ׳אמרתם יהי כן י, Exod 10:10
   (b) Gen 18:5 כן תעשׂה כאשׁר דברת, Neh 5:12. — Occasionally in poetry כאשׁר is not expressed : Isa 54:9 (De), Isa 55:9; Jer 3:20; Job 7:9; Hos 11:2 קראו להם כן הלכו מפניהם (of degree: so = in the same proportion), Ps 48:6 המה ראו כן תמהו (i.e. in the same measure that they saw); Jer 33:22 (according to many, but dubious; read probably כאשׁר Gie) it is represented by אשׁר (so Isa 54:9 Hi Ew Di): Judg 5:15 כ is not expressed. — Nah 1:12 is probably corrupt; Zech 11:11 for כן עניי read כְּנַעֲנֵי. — כֹּה, כָּכָה, כָּזֹאת are synonyms, but differ considerably in usage.

3. With prepositions: —
  a. אַחַרכֵּֿן, אַחֲרֵיכֵֿן, מֵאַחֲרֵיכֵֿן, literally after so, i.e. afterwards: see אַחַר.
  b. בְּכֵן (late), literally in such circumstances, i.e. thereupon, then, Eccl 8:10; Esth 4:16 (ᵑ7 בְּכֵין often for אָז; e.g. Exod 15:1 SyrJerusalem = τότε).
  c. כֵּןכְּמוֺֿ Isa 51:6, according to some, like so, i.e. (Vrss Rabb) in like manner, or (De) like this (accompanied by a contemptuous gesture) = like a mere nothing: but see IV. כֵּן.
  d. לָכֵן200 according to such conditions, that being so, therefore Num 16:11; 1Sam 27:6; Ps 16:9; Ps 73:6; Ps 73:10 especially in prophets, where it often introduces, after statement of the grounds, a divine declaration or command: Judg 10:13; 2Kgs 1:6; Amos 4:12; Isa 5:13; Isa 5:14; Isa 5:24; Isa 7:14; Isa 10:16; Isa 16:7; Isa 27:9; Jer 6:15; Jer 8:10 etc.; ׳לכן כה אמר י 2Kgs 21:12; Isa 10:24; Isa 28:16; Isa 29:22; Isa 30:12; Isa 37:33; Jer 5:14; Jer 6:21 + often; followed by נאם האדון Isa 1:24 ׳נאם י 1Sam 2:30; Jer 2:9 ׳לכן הנה ימים באים נאם י Jer 7:32; Jer 16:14; Jer 19:6 +; ׳לכן חי אני נאם י Ezek 5:11; Ezek 35:6; Ezek 35:11; Zeph 2:9 הנני ֗֗֗ לכן 1Kgs 14:10; Hos 2:8; Hos 2:16; Isa 29:14; Jer 16:21; Ezek 16:37; Ezek 22:19 b Ezek 25:4; Ezek 25:7; Ezek 25:9 +; לכן אֱמֹר Exod 6:6; Num 25:12 (both P), Ezek 11:16; Ezek 11:17; Ezek 14:6; Ezek 20:30; Ezek 33:25; Ezek 36:22 לָכֵן דַּבֵּר Ezek 14:4; Ezek 20:27 לָכֵן הִנָּכֵא Ezek 11:4; Ezek 36:3; Ezek 36:6; Ezek 37:12; Ezek 38:14 . . . . לָכֵן שִׁמְעוּ Isa 28:14; Isa 51:21; Jer 6:18; Jer 44:26 +. In answer to יען, Num 20:12 (P), 1Kgs 14:10; 2Kgs 1:16; 2Kgs 21:12; 2Kgs 22:20; Isa 29:14; Isa 30:13; Jer 19:6 +, Ezek 5:8; Ezek 13:23 +; so, once, וְלָכֵן Isa 8:7 to כי Isa 28:16; Jer 35:17 על Jer 9:14 אם Jer 23:38; Jer 42:15. Special usages: —
   (a) idiomatic, in conversation, in reply to an objection, to state the ground upon which the answer is made; Gen 4:15 therefore — this being so — whoso killeth Cain, etc., Gen 30:15; Judg 8:7; Judg 11:8; 1Sam 28:2; 1Kgs 22:19; Job 20:2 (ᵐ5 in Genesis Kings Job, not perceiving the idiom, renders οὐχοὕτως (as though לאכֿן): so also strangely, elsewhere, as 1Sam 3:14; 2Kgs 1:4; 2Kgs 1:6; 2Kgs 21:12).
   (b) inferring the cause from the effect, or developing what is logically involved in a statement, Isa 26:14b (compare De) therefore thou hast visited and destroyed them (not a consequence of va 'the dead rise not,' but the development of what is implicit in it), Isa 61:7; Jer 2:33; Jer 5:2 (because namely אין אמונה vJer 5:1), Job 34:25; Job 42:3. — Zech 11:7 read לִכְנַעֲנֵי הַצּאֹן.
  e. עַדכֵּֿן hitherto (of time), as yet Neh 2:16. feminine עַלכֵּֿן145 upon ground of such conditions, therefore (introducing, more generally than לָכֵן, the statement of a fact, rather than a declaration: never used in the phrases noted under לָכֵן), Gen 20:6; Gen 42:21; Exod 5:8; Exod 5:17; Exod 16:29; Exod 20:11; 1Sam 20:29; 1Sam 28:18; 2Sam 7:22; 2Sam 7:27; 1Kgs 20:23; Isa 5:25; Isa 9:16; Isa 13:7; Isa 13:13; Isa 15:4; Isa 15:7; Isa 16:9; Isa 16:11; Isa 17:10; Isa 21:3; Isa 10:21; Isa 12:8; Isa 20:11; Isa 31:3; Isa 31:20; Isa 22:4; Isa 31:5 etc., Ps 1:5; Ps 42:7; Ps 45:3 c (the poet's inference from va. b), vPs 1:8; Ps 110:7; Job 6:3; Job 9:22; Job 17:4; Job 20:21 etc., Song 1:3 and regularly where the origin of a name, or custom, or proverb is assigned, Gen 2:24 ׳עלכֿן יעזב אישׁ וג, Gen 10:9 יֵאָמַ֔רעלכֿן, Gen 11:9 עלכֿן קרא שׁמה בבל, Gen 16:14; Gen 19:22; Gen 21:31; Gen 25:30; Gen 26:33; Gen 29:34; Gen 29:35; Gen 30:6; Gen 32:33; Gen 47:22; Exod 13:15; Exod 15:23; Num 18:24; Num 21:14; Num 21:27; Deut 10:9 (compare Deut 15:11; Deut 15:15; Deut 19:7; Deut 24:18; Deut 24:22), Josh 7:26; Josh 14:14; Judg 15:19; Judg 18:12; 1Sam 5:5; 1Sam 10:12; 1Sam 23:28 (? read so 1Sam 27:6) 2Sam 5:8; 2Sam 5:20 etc.; הַעַלכֵּֿן Hab 1:17. — Esth 9:26 the 2nd על כן (unless dittograph) points unusually onwards to האגרתעל כל דברי on this account, on account, namely, etc.


BDB4077 H3651 H3653 H3654

BDB4076 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4078

II. כֵּן see כון; III. כֵּן see I. כנן; IV. כֵּן see II. כנן. p. 467, below


BDB9613 H3651 H3652

BDB9612 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9614

adverb thus, as follows (Biblical Hebrew כֵּן; ᵑ7 כֵּן, Syriac ); — usually with אֲמַר (אָמַ, etc.; compare Egyptian Aramaic CISii. 149 A 1, B-C 3 RÉS492 B 5), Dan 2:24 וְכֵן אֲמַרלֵֿהּ, vDan 2:25; Dan 4:11; Dan 6:7; Dan 7:5; Dan 7:23; Ezra 5:3; Ezra 6:2 וְכֵןכְּֿ תִיב בְּגַוַּהּ.

so, therefore, wherefore, thus, that, …
kēn
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner, time and relation; often with other particles)
  • (adv) so, therefore, thus
    • thus, so
    • "just so"therefore"so...as (paired with adv)"then"forasmuch as (in phrase)"(with prep)
      • therefore, this being so (specifically)
      • "hitherto"therefore, on this ground (generally)"afterwards"in such case
    (adj) right, just, honest, true, veritable
    • right, just, honest
    • "correct"true, veritable"true!, right!, correct! (in assent)

יָרִ֣יק
יָרִ֣יק
Root word out, empty, draw, emptied, forth, …
Dictionary form: רוּק · rook

Verb — Hiphil, Imperfect (Yiqtol), third person masculine singular causative — "he made (someone) do" not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

In the KJV here: empty
and i will draw out ×3 and they shall draw ×2 empty ×2 and pour you out ×1 and shall empty ×1 and will draw out ×1 been emptied ×1 draw out ×1
More options
empty — Core meaning; best for vessels or containers being emptied.
pour out — Use when liquid or contents flow from a container.
draw out — Preferred for drawing a sword or weapon from its sheath.
unsheathe — Vivid, specific to sword/blade contexts.
drain — Good for fully depleting a container or resource.
cast out — Use when expelling or scattering people or things forcefully.

BDB7912 H7324

BDB7911 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7913

[רִיק] verb Hiph`il make empty, empty out (Arabic () pour out, forth, intransitive (of water, blood, etc.); Aramaic רִיק empty, pour, in derivatives; Assyrian rê‡u, empty); — Perfect 1 singular הֲרִי֫קֹתִיLev 26:33; Mal 3:10 3 plural חֵרִיקוּ Ezek 28:7; Ezek 30:11 Imperfect 3 masculine singular יָרִיק Hab 1:17, וַיָּ֫רֶק Gen 14:14 (but see below); Imperative masculine singular הָרֵק Ps 35:8 Infinitive construct הָרִיק Isa 32:6 Participle plural מְרִיקִים Gen 42:35; Zech 4:12

1. empty vessels Gen 42:35 (E) Jer 48:12 keep empty, לְחֶרִיק נֶפֶשׁ רָעֵב Isa 32:6 (i.e. keep hungry).
2. pour out or down, rain Mal 3:10; Eccl 11:3, oil Zech 4:12.
3. empty out (i.e. draw) sword (compare Assyrian kakkê ittabbaku [passive], DlHWB 699 b) Exod 15:9 (poem), Lev 26:33 (H), Ezek 5:2; Ezek 5:12; Ezek 12:14; Ezek 28:7; Ezek 30:11 probably also Hab 1:17 (חרבו for חרמוֺ Gie We Now); of lance Ps 35:3 compare (several.) וירק חניכיו Gen 14:14 (R) led forth, < Samaritan וַיָּ֫דֶק (Aramaic דּוּק Aph`el look) i.e. mustered ᵐ5 compare Di and others, ויפקּד Ball. — In Ps 18:43 ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Hup-Now Bae read אֲדִקֵּם; so || 2Sam 22:43 MT; but De Dr < אֲרִיקֵם (see דקק). Hoph`al be emptied out from vessel : Perfect 3 masculine singular הוּרק Jer 48:11 Imperfect 2 masculine singular תּוּרַק Song 1:3 (al. 3 feminine singular; of ointment, in simile); compare also Amos 6:6, where Oort מוּרְקֵּי for מִזְרְקֵי.

out, empty, draw, emptied, forth, …
rûq
to pour out (literally or figuratively), i.e., empty
  • to make empty, empty out
    • (Hiphil)
      • to empty, keep empty or hungry
      • "to pour out or down"to empty out
      (Hophal) to be emptied out

חֶרְמ ֑וֹ
חֶרְמ
Root word thing, net, nets, accursed, curse, …
֑וֹ
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Dictionary form: חֵרֶם · hay-REM

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

In the KJV here: their net
the accursed thing ×5 devoted ×3 accursed ×2 devoted thing ×2 in the accursed thing ×2 nets ×2 a curse ×1 a cursed thing ×1
More options
ban — Widely used in modern scholarship for sacred exclusion.
devoted thing — Modernized KJV; retains cultic sense of consecrated destruction.
sacred destruction — Emphasizes irreversible, religiously mandated annihilation.
curse — Prefer when context stresses divine judgment or condemnation.
net — Use only in literal, fishing or hunting contexts.
thing under the ban — Explicit and clear for audiences unfamiliar with technical terms.

BDB3128 H2764

BDB3127 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3129

I. חֵ֫רֶם noun masculineLev 27:28

1. devoted thing.
2. devotion, ban; — ׳ח absolute Josh 6:17 + 24 t. (most read חֶרֶם Zech 14:11, Baer חֵרֶם); חֶ֑רֶם Josh 7:1 suffix חֶרְמִי 1Kgs 20:42; Isa 34:5thing devoted to ׳י:
1. thing hostile to theocracy, and therefore (in the strictest application) to be either destroyed, or, in the case of certain objects (e.g. silver and gold, vessels of brass and iron Josh 6:19; Josh 6:24), set apart to sacred uses; especially
  a. of a Canaan. city, as Jericho, including all inhabitants (except Rahab's family) and spoil Josh 6:17; Josh 6:18 (twice in verse); Josh 7:1; Josh 7:11; Josh 7:15 Achan by taking מִןהַֿחֵרֶם made (camp of) Israel ׳ח Josh 7:12 compare Josh 6:18, and became himself ׳ח, and was stoned and, with his family and possessions, including the spoil, was burnt Josh 7:1; Josh 7:11; Josh 7:12; Josh 7:13 (twice in verse) (all J E except Josh 7:1 P; compare vJosh 7:15 vJosh 7:24 vJosh 7:25); ׳מָעַל מַעַל בַּח committed unfaithfulness in the matter of the devoted thing is term for the sin Josh 7:1; Josh 22:20 (both P), compare ׳מָעַל בַּח 1Chr 2:7 Saul and Israel spared Agag king of Amalek and ׳רֵאשִׁית הַח i.e. of the spoil (sheep and oxen), which should have been utterly destroyed 1Sam 15:21 (compare v1Sam 15:3 v1Sam 15:8 Saul rejected by ׳י for this v1Sam 15:11 v1Sam 15:26); so an idolatrous city in Israel should become ׳ח, with all its contents, and be utterly destroyed Deut 13:17 (compare v.Deut 13:13 v.Deut 13:15 v.Deut 13:16).
  b. of individuals, one having relic of Canaanit. god in his house should become ׳ח, the relic being ׳ח Deut 7:26 (twice in verse); every human being who became ׳ח should be killed Lev 27:29 (twice in verse) (P; see Di).
2. apparently (so Di) anything devoted to sanctuary under specially stringent conditions Lev 27:28 (see Di; and compare Ezra 10:8); a field consecrated to ׳י becomes under certain conditions ׳כִּשְׂדֵה הַח Lev 27:21 every ׳ח is קֹדֶשׁ קָֽדָשִׁים ליהוה vLev 27:28, and no ׳ח that a manmay devote, whether man, beast or field, may be sold or redeemed vLev 27:28 every such ׳ח (as in case of metals and metal objects Josh 6:17; Josh 6:19) went to Aaron and his sons Num 18:14 (P), to Zadokite priests Ezek 44:29.
3. devotion, ban, involving destruction; אִישׁ חֶרְמִי 1Kgs 20:42 man under my (׳י's) ban (of Benhadad); עַם חֶרְמִי Isa 34:5 (of Edom); ׳נתן לַח Isa 43:28 figurative of ׳י's giving over Judah to Chaldaea; ׳ח not to be in future Zech 14:11 ׳פֶּןאָֿבוֺא וְהִכֵּיתִי אֶתהָֿאָרֶץ ח Mal 3:24 smite the land with a ban, i.e. utterly destroy it.


BDB3134 H2764

BDB3133 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3135

II. חֵ֫רֶם noun masculine net (as something perforated; compare Arabic perforated work, Fl in NHWBii, 208; Late Hebrew חֵרֶם net; Phoenician חרם maker of nets) — absolute ׳ח Mic 7:2 suffix חֶרְמִי Ezek 32:3, חֶרְמוֺ Hab 1:15; Hab 1:16; Hab 1:17 plural חֲרָמִים Eccl 7:26; Ezek 26:5; Ezek 26:14; Ezek 47:10hunter's net Mic 7:2; Eccl 7:26 fisherman's net Ezek 26:5; Ezek 26:14; Ezek 32:3; Ezek 47:10; Hab 1:15; Hab 1:16; Hab 1:17.

thing, net, nets, accursed, curse, …
ḥērem
physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination
  • a thing devoted, thing dedicated, ban, devotion
  • "a net, thing perforated"have been utterly destroyed, (appointed to) utter destruction

וְ תָמִ֛יד
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
תָמִ֛יד
Root word continually, continual, daily, always, alway, …
Dictionary form: תָּמִיד · taw-MEED

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: continually
continually ×39 the continual ×12 always ×5 alway ×3 and for the continual ×3 and the continual ×2 and the daily ×2 for a continual ×2
More options
continually — Modernized KJV; best for ongoing, uninterrupted action.
always — Natural in narrative and wisdom contexts.
regularly — Prefer for scheduled ritual or liturgical settings.
perpetually — Emphasizes endless duration; suits legal or covenantal texts.
constant — Adjectival use; fits 'the constant offering' constructions.
without ceasing — Stronger emphasis on unbroken continuity.

BDB4540 H8548

BDB4539 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4541

תָּמִיד noun masculineDan 12:11 continuity (perhaps originally extent; Late Hebrew as Biblical Hebrew, Ecclus תמיד Eccl 45:14); — ׳ת always absolute; —

1. earliest and oftenest as adverb, continually:
  a. of going on without interruption = continuously, Hos 12:7; Jer 6:7; Nah 3:19; Isa 21:8; Isa 49:16; Isa 51:13 (+ כָּלהַֿיּוֺם), Isa 52:5 (+ id.), Isa 60:11 (|| יַוֺמָם וָלַיְלָח, Isa 62:6 (+ כָּלהַֿיּוֺם וְכָלהַֿלַּיְלָה), Isa 65:3; Obad 1:16; Hab 1:17; Deut 11:12; 1Kgs 10:8 = 2Chr 9:7; 1Chr 16:11; 1Chr 16:37 especially (sometimes hyperbole) in Psalms : Ps 16:8; Ps 25:15; Ps 34:2 (|| בְּכָלעֵֿת), Ps 35:27 compare Ps 40:17; Ps 70:5; Ps 38:18; Ps 40:12; Ps 50:8; Ps 51:5; Ps 69:24; Ps 71:6; Ps 71:14; Ps 72:15; Ps 73:23; Ps 74:23; Ps 105:4; Ps 109:15; Ps 109:19; Ps 119:44 (+ וֶָ˜עך׃ לְעוֺלָם), vPs 40:109; (so also Ps 16:5, for ᵑ0 תומי, Bi Che; תּוֺסיף Ol Bae); Prov 5:19 (|| בִּכָלעֵֿת), Prov 6:21; Prov 15:15; Prov 28:14 also Ezek 38:8 (strike out ᵑ6 Co ToyHpt. Berthol), Lev 6:6 (P; of fire, || לֹא תִכְבֶּה), and Lev 46:14 (but ׳חֻקַּת תּ ᵐ5 Co Berthol); also in ritual, Lev 24:8 (H), compare Exod 25:30 (P; shew-bread), Lev 24:2; Lev 24:3; Lev 24:4 (H), compare Exod 27:20 (P; of lamp), Exod 28:29; Exod 28:30; Exod 28:38.
  b. of regular repetition: meals 2Sam 9:7; 2Sam 9:10; 2Sam 9:13; 2Kgs 25:29 = Jer 52:33 journeys 2Kgs 4:19 compare Num 9:16; Ps 71:3 of ritual: sacrifice, לַיּוֺם תָּמִיד Exod 29:38 compare 1Chr 16:40; 1Chr 23:31; 2Chr 24:14.
2. as substantive:
  a. of uninterrupted continuity, ׳אַנְשֵׁי ת Ezek 39:14 men of continuity, i.e. men continually employed for the purpose; ׳לֶחֶם הַתּ Num 4:7 the bread of continuity, i.e. the bread that is always there, so ׳מַעֲרֶכֶת ת 2Chr 2:3, and perhaps ׳חֲצֹצְרוֺת ת 1Chr 16:6.
  b. of regular repetition ׳אֲרֻחַת מ 2Kgs 25:30, i.e. a regular allowance, = Jer 52:34 especially of ritual: ׳קְטֹרֶת ת Exod 30:8 (P); most often ׳עֹלַת ת Ezek 46:15 (every morning), Exod 29:42 (morning and evening, so) Num 28:6; Ezra 3:5, so read also Num 28:3 (Di) for ᵑ0 ׳עוֺלָה ת (לַיּוֺם); ׳עֹלַת הַת Num 28:10; Num 28:15; Num 28:23; Num 28:24; Num 28:31; Num 29:6; Num 29:11; Num 29:16; Num 29:19; Num 29:22; Num 29:25; Num 29:28; Num 29:31; Num 29:34; Num 29:38 Neh Neh 10:35 rarely ׳מִנְחַת ת Num 4:16 (P), Neh 10:34 as appositive, ׳מִנְחָה ת Lev 6:13 meal-offering as a regular observance (compare Ges«GKC:131»§ 131, 2 (b) DaSynt.§ 29 (b); on text see Di, NowArchaeology ii. 124 f.), (and Num 28:3 ᵑ0, but see above)
  c. (late) ׳הַת alone = daily (morning and evening) burnt-offering (NowArchaeology ii. 222 f.) Dan 8:11; Dan 8:12; Dan 8:13; Dan 11:31; Dan 12:11 (so Talmud, even in plural תְּמִידִין).

continually, continual, daily, always, alway, …
tāmîd
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the regular (daily) sacrifice
  • continuity, perpetuity, to stretch
    • continually, continuously (as adverb)
    • "continuity (subst)

לַ הֲרֹ֥ג
לַ
Prefix — preposition to, for
הֲרֹ֥ג
Root word slew, slay, slain, kill, killed, …
Dictionary form: הָרַג · haw-RAHɡ

Verb — Qal, Infinitive Construct, construct state simple action — "he did" try "to ___" or "___ing"

In the KJV here: to slay
and slew ×18 slew ×15 slay ×6 to slay ×6 and slain ×4 and they slew ×4 they slew ×4 to kill ×3
More options
kill — Broadest, most neutral modern rendering; prefer for general use.
slay — Modernized KJV form; suits poetic or elevated literary contexts.
put to death — Emphasizes deliberate, often authorized execution.
strike down — Vivid; highlights the violent physical act of killing.
murder — Use only when unlawful, intentional killing is clearly implied.
massacre — Best for large-scale or brutal collective killing.

BDB2223 H2026

BDB2222 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2224

הָרַג verb kill, slay (Late Hebrew id., ואהרג MI (1 singular Imperfect consecutive); Arabic fall into war, conflict, disorder, slaughter; Sabean הרג fight Os4, l. 17, kill SabDenkm24. 25) —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳ה Judg 9:24 + 4 t., הָרָ֑ג 2Sam 14:7 + 2 t., וְהָרַג consecutive Isa 27:1 suffix וַהֲרָגָ֑נִי consecutive 1Sam 16:2 + 2 t.; הֲרָגוֺ Gen 4:25 etc.; Imperfect יַהֲרֹג Ps 10:8 + 4 t.; יַהֲרָגֿ Job 5:2 וַיַּהֲרֹג Exod 13:15 + 14 t.; suffix יַהַרְגֵנִי Gen 4:14 1 singular אֶהֱרוֺג Amos 2:3, אֶהֱרֹג Amos 9:1 cohortative וְאַהַרְגָה Gen 27:41 suffix וָאֶהֶרְגֵהוּ 2Sam 4:10; 2Kgs 10:9 3 masculine plural יַהֲרֹ֑גוּ Ps 94:6; Ezek 23:47 וַיַּהַרְגוּ Gen 34:25 + 4 t.; suffix יַהַרְגֻנִי Gen 26:7, etc.; Imperative הֲרֹג Judg 8:20 suffix הָרְגֵנִי Num 11:15 plural הִרְגוּ Num 25:5 + 2 t.; הֲרֹ֑גוּ Num 31:17 Infinitive absolute הָרֹג Num 11:15 + 2 t.; הָרוֺג Esth 9:16 construct הֲרֹג Exod 2:15 + 11 t.; הֲרוֺג Eccl 3:8; Esth 7:4 suffix הָרְגֵנִי Exod 2:14 הָרְגֵנוּ Exod 5:21 הֲרָגְךָ 1Sam 24:11 הָרְגֶ֑ךָ Gen 27:42 + 2 t.; הָרְגוֺ Exod 21:14 Participle active הֹרֵג Gen 4:15 + 4 t.; הוֺרֵג Ezek 21:16 הֹרְגֶ֑ךָ Ezek 28:9 הֹרְגִים Jer 4:31; 2Kgs 17:25 passive הֲרוּגִים Isa 10:4 + 2 t.; הֲרֻגִים Isa 14:19 construct הֲרֻגֵי Jer 18:21 הֲרוּגָיו Isa 27:7 הֲרוּגֶיהָ Isa 26:21 הֲרֻגֶיהָ Prov 7:26
1. a. kill, slay, implying ruthless violence, especially private violence Gen 4:8; Gen 4:14; Gen 4:15; Gen 4:23; Gen 4:25; Gen 12:12 (all J), Gen 20:11 (E) Gen 26:7; Gen 27:41; Gen 27:42; Gen 34:25; Gen 34:26; Gen 37:20; Gen 37:26 (all J), Gen 49:6 (poem in J), Exod 2:14 (twice in verse); Exod 2:15 (E), Exod 5:21 (J) Exod 21:14; Exod 23:7 (both J E), Num 31:19 (P) Judg 9:5; Judg 9:18; Judg 9:24 (twice in verse); Judg 9:56; Judg 16:2; Judg 20:5; 1Sam 16:2; 1Sam 22:21; 1Sam 24:11; 1Sam 24:12; 1Sam 24:18; 2Sam 3:30; 2Sam 4:10; 2Sam 4:11; 2Sam 4:12; 2Sam 12:9; 2Sam 14:7; 2Sam 23:21; 1Kgs 2:5; 1Kgs 2:32; 1Kgs 18:12; 1Kgs 18:13; 1Kgs 18:14; 1Kgs 19:1; 1Kgs 19:10; 1Kgs 19:14; 2Kgs 9:31; 2Kgs 10:9; 1Chr 7:21; 1Chr 11:23; 2Chr 21:4; 2Chr 21:13; 2Chr 22:8; 2Chr 24:23; 2Chr 24:25; 2Chr 25:3; Neh 4:5; Neh 6:10 (twice in verse); Zech 11:5; Ps 10:8; Ps 94:6 (|| רִצֵּחַ); compare Judg 8:18; Judg 8:19; Judg 8:20; Judg 8:21; Judg 9:54; 1Kgs 12:27; Isa 14:20; 2Chr 22:1; Neh 9:26 so of massacre of Jews planned by Haman Esth 3:13; Esth 7:4 (both לְהַשְׁמִיד לַהֲרֹג וּלְאַבֵּד), and of slaughter of Jews' enemies in defence and revenge Esth 8:11 (same combination) Esth 9:6; Esth 9:10; Esth 9:12; Esth 9:15; Esth 9:16 compare vEsth 9:11 (passive participle the slain).
  b. hence of wholesale slaughter after battle Num 31:7; Num 31:8 (twice in verse); Num 31:17 (twice in verse) (all P), Josh 8:24; Josh 10:11 (both J E), Josh 13:22 (P), Judg 7:25 (twice in verse); Judg 8:17; Judg 9:45; 2Sam 10:18; 1Kgs 9:16; 1Kgs 11:24; 2Kgs 8:12; 1Chr 19:18; 2Chr 28:6; 2Chr 28:7; 2Chr 28:9; 2Chr 36:17; Ezek 26:8; Ezek 26:11, compare Judg 9:26 passive participle the slain Isa 10:4; Isa 14:19 compare Ezek 23:10; Ezek 23:47; Ezek 37:9; Jer 18:21 הֲרֻגֵי מָוֶת (|| מֻכֵּיחֶֿרֶב); further Hos 9:13; Hab 1:17; Jer 4:31; Ezek 21:16; Ezek 28:9 also of slaughter in a revolt 2Kgs 11:8 = 2Chr 23:17.
2. of God's slaying in judgment (stern and inscrutable), Gen 20:4 (E), Exod 4:23; Exod 13:15; Exod 22:23 (all J E), Amos 2:3; Amos 4:10; Amos 9:1; Amos 9:4; Lam 2:4; Lam 2:21; Lam 3:43; Ps 59:12; Ps 78:31; Ps 78:34; Ps 135:10; Ps 136:18 compare Num 11:15 (twice in verse) (JE), Num 22:33 (J), (passive the slain, so Isa 27:7), Jer 15:3 figurative הֲרַגְתִּים בְּאִמְרֵיפִֿ֑י Hos 6:5 (|| בַּנְּבִיאִים חָצַבְתִּי).
3. rarely of judicial killing by men (at God's command), Exod 32:27 (JE), Lev 20:15; Lev 20:16 (H), Num 25:5 (JE), Deut 13:10 (twice in verse) compare Ezek 9:6 תַּהַרְגוּ לְמַשְׁחִית.
4. of killing beasts, Num 22:29 (J; Balaam's ass), Lev 20:15 compare above, Isa 22:13 (oxen; || שָׁחֹט), הִתַּנִּין אֲשֶׁר בַּיָּ֑ם Isa 27:1 also of killing vines, by hail Ps 78:47.
5. of killing by beasts: lions 2Kgs 17:25, viper Job 20:16.
6. quite general is עֵת לַהֲרוֺג וְעֵת לִרְפּוֺא Eccl 3:3.
7. destroy, ruin לֶאֱוִיל יַהֲרָגכָּֿ֑עַשׂ וּפֹתֶה תָּמִית קִנְאָה Job 5:2 מְשׁוּבַת פְּתָיִם תַּהַרְגֵם וְשַׁלְוַת כְּ סִילִים תְּאַבְּדֵם Prov 1:32 also of those ruined by shameless woman Prov 7:26. — Regular construction is with accusative; object sometimes omitted, as Lam 2:21 used absolute Hos 9:13; Jer 4:31; Jer 15:3; Lam 3:43; Ezek 21:16; Eccl 3:3 followed by בְּ slay among, i.e. some of, 2Kgs 17:25; 2Chr 28:6; 2Chr 28:9; Ps 78:31 followed by מִן (part of), + accusative, 1Chr 19:18 followed by direct object with לְ 2Sam 3:30; Job 5:2; Ps 135:11 = Ps 136:19; Ps 136:20 (but in last 3 first object is accusative). Niph`al Imperfect
1. passive of Qal 1 a, יֵהָרֵג Lam 2:20 shall priest and prophet be slain in the sanctuary?
2. passive of Qal 1 b, 3 feminine plural תֵּהָרַגְנָה Ezek 26:6 also Ezek 26:15 בֵּהָרֵג הֶרֶג ( = בְּהֵהָרֵג), but ᵐ5 Co בַּהֲרֹג חֶרֶב. Pu`al Perfect 3 masculine singular הֹרָ֑ג Isa 27:7 be slain (passive of Qal 1 b); compare 1 plural הֹרַגְנוּ Ps 44:23 (|| נֶחְשַׁבְּנוּ כְּצאֹן טִבְחָה).

slew, slay, slain, kill, killed, …
hārag
to smite with deadly intent
  • to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand
    • (Qal)
      • to kill, slay
      • "to destroy, ruin
      (Niphal) to be killed"(Pual) to be killed, be slain

גּוֹיִ֖ם
גּוֹיִ֖ם
Root word nations, heathen, nation, gentiles, people, …
Dictionary form: גּוֹי · ɡoy

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

In the KJV here: the nations
nations ×93 the nations ×67 nation ×47 the heathen ×43 of the heathen ×35 among the heathen ×32 of the nations ×29 a nation ×25
More options
nation — Most general; fits political or ethnic groupings broadly.
people — Emphasizes collective identity; good for poetic contexts.
Gentile — Use when contrasting non-Israelites with Israel specifically.
foreign nation — Highlights otherness; useful in prophetic or legal texts.
ethnic group — Modern academic tone; suits sociological or descriptive passages.
pagan — Carries religious outsider nuance; use cautiously, context-dependent.

BDB1551 H1471

BDB1550 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1552

גּוֺי561 noun masculineGen 12:2 nation, people (Late Hebrew id. Gentiles, Phoenician גו community, , Sabean גו id., DHMZMG 1883, 348) — ׳ג Gen 12:2 + 121 t.; suffix 1 singular גּוֺיִ Zeph 2:9, גּוֺיֶ֑ךָ Ps 106:5, גּוֺיֵךְ Kt Ezek 36:13; Ezek 36:14; Ezek 36:15 (Qr wrongly גּוֺיַיִךְ compare Co, who strike out vEzek 36:15); plural גּוֺיִם Gen 10:5 + 410 t. + Qr Gen 25:23; Ps 79:10 (Kt גיים) + 6 t. Ezekiel (variant reading emended Co); construct גּוֺיֵי Gen 18:18 + 8 t., גּוֺיֵ 2Chr 32:13; Ezra 6:21 (compare Baer's notes); suffix גּוֺיֵהֶם Gen 10:5; Gen 10:20; Gen 10:31; Gen 10:32

1. nation, people Gen 10:5 (twice in verse); Gen 10:20; Gen 10:31; Gen 10:32 (twice in verse) (all P) +; Isa 2:2; Isa 2:4 (twice in verse) = Mic 4:2; Mic 4:3 (twice in verse); Job 12:23 (twice in verse); Job 34:29 ; Prov 14:34 כֹּל גּוֺיֵי הָאָרֶץ Gen 18:18; Gen 22:18; Gen 26:4 (all J); Deut 28:1.
  a. specifically of descendants of Abraham, גּוֺי גָּדוֺל Gen 12:2 compare Gen 18:18 (both J), גּוֺיִם Gen 17:6, הֲמוֺן גּוֺיִם Gen 17:4; Gen 17:15 (all P); of Sarah גּוֺיִם Gen 17:16 (P); of Ishmael גּוֺי Gen 21:13, גָּוֺי גָּדוֺל vGen 21:18 (both E), גּוֺי גָּדוֺל Gen 17:20 (P); of Jacob גּוֺי וּקְהַל גּוֺיִם Gen 35:11 (P), גּוֺי גָּדוֺל Gen 46:3 (E); of Ephraim ׳מְלֹא הַגּ Gen 48:19 (J); of Moses גּוֺי גָּדוֺל Exod 32:10 (J) compare Num 14:12 (J) Deut 9:14 of Jacob and Esau as two nations Gen 25:23 (J).
  b. definitely of Israel Exod 19:6 (קָדוֺשׁ ׳גּ) Exod 33:13 (both J E), Deut 4:6 (הַגּוֺי הַגָּדוֺל הַזֶּה, said by heathen compare vDeut 4:7 vDeut 4:8) see also vDeut 4:34, Deut 26:5 compare Ps 33:12; Ps 83:5 (said by enemies) Jer 31:36; Jer 33:24; Ezek 37:22 in narrative Josh 3:17; Josh 4:1; Josh 5:8 (JE), vJosh 5:6 (D), Josh 10:13 (in poetry, no article); of Israel and Judah as two nations Ezek 35:10 (said by heathen) Ezek 37:22 of Judah Isa 26:2; Isa 26:15 (twice in verse); compare Isa 58:2; Isa 60:22; Mic 4:7 once my people Zeph 2:9 (|| עַם); thy people Ps 106:5 (i.e. of ׳י), compare also Ezek 36:13; Ezek 36:14 (read Kt); especially of Israel and (or) Judah as sinful, rebellious Deut 32:28; Judg 2:20; Isa 1:4; Isa 10:6; Jer 5:9; Jer 5:29; Jer 7:28; Jer 9:8; Jer 12:17; (strike out ᵐ5 Co) Hag 2:14; Mal 3:9. — Note. This definite reference to Israel and (or) Judah is comparatively rare; in Hexateuch not P (yet see Gen 17:4; Gen 17:5; Gen 17:6; Gen 17:16; Gen 35:11 P); seldom in exile & post-exile prophets; not Chronicles —
  c. usually of non-Hebrew peoples Exod 9:24; Exod 34:10 (JE) Lev 25:44 (H) Num 14:15 (J) Deut 15:6 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 5:11; 1Chr 14:17; 1Chr 16:20; Isa 11:10; Isa 11:12 + often; opposed to Israel as ׳עם י 2Sam 7:23; 1Chr 17:21 (twice in verse) etc., see עם, compare also Num 23:9 note especially גְּלִיל הַגּוֺיִם Isa 8:23 circle or district of the nations (see גָּלִיל); also ׳חֲרשֶׁת הַגּ Judg 4:2; Judg 4:13; Judg 4:16 Charosheth of the nations, & מֶלֶךְ גּוֺיִם לְגִלְגָּ֖ל Josh 12:23 king of nations (peoples, tribes) belonging to Gilgal (ᵐ5 Di to the district, i.e 'Galilee'); especially of these peoples as heathen: idolatrous Lev 8:24; Lev 8:28 (P) Lev 20:23 (H) 1Kgs 14:24; 2Kgs 17:8; 2Kgs 17:11; 2Kgs 17:15; 2Kgs 17:26; 2Kgs 17:29 (twice in verse); 2Chr 28:3; 2Chr 32:13 +, Ezra 6:21; Ezek 5:6 +; hostile Gen 15:14 (J) Lev 26:33; Lev 26:38; Lev 26:45 (H) Deut 4:27; Deut 9:4; Deut 9:5; Deut 18:9; 1Chr 16:35; Jer 5:15; Ezek 4:13 + often Jeremiah Ezekiel, etc.; in simile Ezek 20:32; Ezek 25:8 sometimes || עַם Ps 33:10; Ps 33:12; Isa 11:10; Jer 6:18, see also Isa 2:2; Isa 2:4 compare with Mic 4:1; Mic 4:3.
2. figurative of swarm of locusts Joel 1:6 of all species of beasts Zeph 2:14.
3. גּוֺיִם Gen 14:1; Gen 14:9 probably mutilated proper name see below


BDB1554 H1471

BDB1553 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1555

גּוֺיִם proper name, of a people Gen 14:1; Gen 14:9, in phrase תִּדְעָל מֶלֶךְ גּוֺיִם Tid`al king of Goim; probably a Babylonian (Elamitic, etc.) name corrupted; H. Rawlinson proposes Gutî a people northeast of Babylonia COT on Gen 14:1 also KGF258 and elsewhere; compare also DlPa 233 f.


גול see גיל.


BDB3195 H2800 H1471

BDB3194 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3196

II. חֲר֫שֶׁת proper name, of a location only in combination ׳ח הַגּוֺיִם, „arosheth of the nations (see גּוֺי), Judg 4:2; Judg 4:13; Judg 4:16 perhaps modern el-„arit¾îye, on right bank of lower Kishon, see ThomsonLand and Book; Central Palestine, 1883, 215 ff. BdPal 241 Be Bla CookeHist. Deb. 3 GASmGeog. 393.


חֲרָשִׁים see חָרָשׁ and גַּיְא; also II. חֶרֶשׁ. above &

nations, heathen, nation, gentiles, people, …
gôy
a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
  • (n m) nation, people
    • nation, people
      • usually of non-Hebrew people
      • "of descendants of Abraham"of Israel
      of swarm of locusts, other animals (figuratively)"(n pr m) Goyim

לֹ֥א
לֹ֥א
Particle not
Dictionary form: לֹא · loh

Particle — Negative

In the KJV here: and not
not ×882 neither ×399 no ×282 nor ×215 shall not ×205 thou shalt not ×116 is not ×102 and not ×86
More options
not — Default negation; fits nearly every context.
no — Use before nouns or as a standalone negative.
never — Emphasizes total or timeless negation.
nor — Use in paired or continued negative clauses.
neither — Use when negating two elements together.
none — Negates a noun or quantity; no one/nothing.

BDB4266 H3808

BDB4265 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4267

לֹא or לוֺא adverb not (Arabic , Aramaic לָא, , Sabean לא, Ass. ; not in Ethiopic: compare ii. 1. 236 WalkerAJSL 1896, 237 ff.) — לוֺא, according to Masora (FrMM 248), 35 t., besides בְּלוֺא 6 t., and הֲלוֺא, the orthography of which varies much (ib.p. 251), e.g. in Samuel always הֲלוֺא, in Chronicles always הֲלֹא, on the whole הֲלוֺא 141 t., הֲלֹא 128 t.; twice, according to Masora, written לו (Qr לֹא), 1Sam 2:16; 1Sam 20:2, once לה Deut 3:11 Kt: — not — denying objectively, like οὐ (not μὴ = אַל): —

1. in predication:
  a. with a verb; so most frequently, and nearly always
   (a) with the finite tenses, whether perfect (Gen 2:5 b Gen 4:5 etc.) or imperfect (Gen 3:4; Gen 8:21; Gen 8:22 etc.); in short circumstantial clauses, as Gen 44:4 לא הרחיקו, Isa 40:20 לֹא יִמּוֺט, and with a final force Isa 41:7; Exod 28:32 (see Ges«GKC:156»§ 156. 3 R. b, c Dr§ 162). Governing two closely connected verbs (Dr§ 115, לא) Exod 28:43 וְלֹא יִשְׂאוּ עָוֺן וָמֵתוּ, Lev 19:12; Lev 19:29b Deut 7:25; Deut 7:26; Deut 19:10; Deut 22:1 and elsewhere; and two parallel clauses (Ges«GKC:152»§ 152. 3) Isa 23:4b Ps 9:19; Ps 44:19; Job 3:1 and elsewhere With the imperfect, especially with 2 person, לֹא often expresses (not, like אַל, a deprecation, do not . . ., let not . . ., but) a prohibition, as Gen 2:17 לֹא תאֹכַל מִמֶּנּוּ thou shall not eat of it, Gen 3:1; Gen 3:3; Exod 20:3 לֹאיִֿהְיֶה לְךָ there shall not be to thee, etc., vExod 20:13 לא תגנב, etc. With the coh. and jussive moods (which are negatived regularly by אַל), it occurs only exceptionally (Ges«GKC:109»§ 109. 1 b R. 1), Gen 24:8; 1Sam 14:36; 2Sam 17:12; 2Sam 18:14; 1Kgs 2:6; Ezek 48:14.
   (b) with the infinitive (which is negatived by בִּלְתִּי, q. v.), only once, in בְּלֹא (4 a), and with לְ, in the sense of cannot, or must not; Judg 1:19 כי לא להורישׁ for it was not (possible) to dispossess, etc. Amos 6:10 לא ׳להזכיר בשׁם י, 1Chr 5:1; 1Chr 15:2 (Dr§ 202. 2); compare Aramaic לָא Dan 6:9; Ezra 6:8. On its use with the participle, see b c.
   (c) לא always negates properly the word immediately following: hence, in a verbal sentence, where this is not the verb, some special stress rests upon it, Gen 32:29 לֹא יַעֲקֹב ׳יֵאָמֵר עוֺד וג not Jacob shall thy name be called any more, but Israel, Gen 45:8 לֹא אַתֶּם שְׁלַחְתֶּם אֹתִי Not ye (in our idiom: It is not ye who) have sent me hither, but God, Exod 16:8; 1Sam 8:7 כִּי לֹא ׳אֹתְךָ מָאָסוּ כִּי אֹתִי וג, Ps 115:17 without a following correcting clause, Gen 38:9; Num 16:29 שְׁלָחָנִי׃ ׳לֹא י Not ׳י (but another) hath sent me, Deut 32:27 לֹא פָּעַל זֹאת ׳י, 1Chr 17:4; Deut 8:9; Isa 28:28 לא לנצח ֗֗֗ not for ever (but only for a while) . . . (so Isa 57:16; Ps 9:19; Ps 49:18; Ps 103:9 but Isa 13:20 לא תשׁב לנצח is, will not be inhabited for ever), Isa 43:22; Job 13:16; Job 32:9 hence rhetorically, insinuating something very different, not named, 2Kgs 6:10 not once, and not twice (but repeatedly), Ezra 10:13; Jer 4:11 a wind לֹא לְזָרוֺת וְלוֺא לְהַָ˜בר׃ not to winnow, and not to cleanse (but to exterminate), Isa 45:13; Isa 48:1b Josh 24:12; Dan 11:20; Dan 11:29; Job 34:20 לֹא בְיָד (but by a Divine agency: compare Dan 2:34 also Job 20:26 אֵשׁ לֹא נֻפָּ֑ךְ fire not blown upon [but kindled from heaven], Lam 4:6 and אין Isa 47:14).
   (d) standing alone:
   (a) אִםלֹֿא if not, Gen 18:21 וְאִםלֹֿא אֵדָֽעָה׃, Gen 29:49; Gen 42:16; Job 9:24; Job 24:25 (β) הֲאִ֗֗֗םלֿא, or not, Gen 24:21 waiting to know דַּרְכּוֺ אִםלֹֿא ׳הַהִצְלִיחַ י, Gen 27:21; Gen 37:32; Exod 16:4; Num 11:23; Deut 8:2; Judg 2:22 (compare אִם אַיִן, אַיִן 2 d β, δ). In answer to a question or request, to deny, or decline, Nay, : Judg 12:5 ויאמר לא, Hag 2:12 לא אדני Gen 23:11; Gen 42:10; 1Sam 1:15 +; often followed by כי, for . . . = but . . ., Gen 18:15 ויאמר לֹא כִּי צָחָ֑קְתְּ, Gen 19:2; Josh 5:14; Josh 24:21; 1Sam 2:16 Qr (see Dr), 1Sam 10:19 (ᵐ5 MSS), 2Sam 16:18; 2Sam 24:24; 1Kgs 3:22 (twice in verse) +; Job 23:6 (strangely). (compare, in deprecation, אַל.)
   (e) with an interrogative force, which however does not lie in לא as such, but (as in other cases) in the contrast with a preceding clause, or in the tone of voice (compare וְ 1 f; Ew§ 324 a Ges«GKC:150»§ 150. 1 Dr1Sam 11:12): Jonah 4:11 ׳אַתָּה חַסְתָּוַ֗֗֗אֲנִי לֹא אָחוּס וג, Job 2:10; Job 22:11; Exod 8:22; 2Kgs 5:26; Jer 49:9 (|| Obad 1:5 הֲלוֺא), Mal 2:15; Lam 3:38 and in passages, exegesis or text. doubtful (see Commentaries), 1Sam 20:14; 2Sam 23:5 (but see Bu), Hos 10:9 (Ew We), Hos 11:5 (Ew), Job 14:16b (but ᵐ5 Ew Di תַעֲבֹר), Lam 1:12 (Ew Ke), Lam 3:36 (Ke ).
  b. with adjectives and substantive:
   (a) Gen 2:18 לֹא טוֺב הֱֶיוֺת הָאָדָם לְבַדֹּו not good is man's being alone, Exod 18:17 + often
   (b) Exod 4:16 לֹא אִישׁ דְּבָרִים אָנֹכִי, Amos 7:14 לא נביא אנכי, Num 23:9 לֹא אִישׁ אֵל וִיכַזֵּב, Deut 17:15 (see אשׁר
2. b) Deut 20:20; Deut 32:47; 1Sam 15:29; 2Sam 18:20 לֹא אִישׁ בְּשׂרָה אַתָּה הַיּוֺם, 2Sam 21:2; 1Kgs 22:33; 2Kgs 6:19 לא זִה הדרך, Mic 2:10; Isa 27:11; Hos 8:6 והמה לא אלהים Jer 2:11; Jer 16:20; 2Kgs 19:18; 1Kgs 19:11 (twice in verse) לֹא ׳בָרַעַשׁ י, Deut 30:12; Deut 30:13; Job 15:9; Job 28:14 לֹא בִי הִיא (|| אֵין עִמָּדִי)s, Ps 74:9; Jer 5:10 המה ׳לוא לי, Jer 10:16; Deut 32:21 בָּנִים לֹא אֵמוּן בָּם, Jer 10:14; Hab 1:14; Job 16:17; Job 38:26 מִדְבָּר לֹא אָדָם בּוֺ; 1Kgs 22:17 לֹא אֲדֹנִים לָאֵלֶּה, Jer 49:31; Ps 22:3 וְלֹא דוּמִיָּה לִי, Job 18:17; Job 18:19; Job 29:12 ולא עֹזֵר לו, Job 30:13; Job 33:9; Jer 2:19 וְלֹא פַחְדָּתִי אֵלַיִךְ and (that) my terror reached not unto thee, Job 21:9 absolute Gen 29:7 לֹאעֵֿתִ הֵאָסֵף הַמִּקְנֶה (Hag 1:2), Num 20:5; 2Kgs 4:23 לא חדשׁ ולא שׁבת, Isa 44:9; Jer 5:12 ויאמרו לוא הוא, Job 9:32; Job 22:16; Job 36:26; Job 41:2; Prov 19:7 (si vera lectio) מְרַדֵּף אֲמָרִים לֹאהֵֿמָּה words which are not, which are nought.
   (c) with the participle לֹא is rare, a finite verb being usually preferred (Exod 34:7 וְנַקִּה לֹא יְנַקֶּה: Ew§ 320 c Dr§ 162): 2Sam 3:34 יָדֶיךָ לֹא אֲסֻרוֺת, Ezek 4:14; Ezek 22:24; Deut 28:61; Ps 38:15 כְּאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר לֹא שֹׁמֵעַ who is not hearing, Job 12:3; Job 13:2 לֹא נֹפֵל אָנֹכִי מִכֶּם, Zeph 3:5 (very anomalous); 1Kgs 10:21 לא is probably textual error In וְהוּא לֹא שׂנֵא לוֺ or לא שׂנא הוא לו, Deut 4:42; Deut 19:4; Deut 19:6; Josh 20:5 (compare אֹיֵב Num 35:23), שׂנֵא is best construed as a substantive, he being a not-hater to him afore-time. — In most of the cases under b, c, אין could have been employed; but the negation by לֹא is more pointed and forcible.

2. Not in predication:
  a. coupled to an adjective to negative it, like the Greek ἀ‐, but usually by way of litotes: Hos 13:13 בן לאחֿכם an unwise son, Ps 36:5 דֶּרֶךְ לֹא טוֺב a way not good, Ps 43:1 גוי לא חסיד, Prov 16:29; Prov 30:25; Prov 30:26; Ezek 20:25; 2Chr 30:17 : Isa 16:14 לוֺא כַבִּיר, compare Isa 10:7 לֹא מְעַט.
  b. with a participle Jer 2:2 ארץ לא זרועה, Jer 18:15 (the finite verb is more common: see Isa 62:12 עִיר לֹא נֱעֶזָ֫בָה (compare Isa 54:11), Jer 6:8 אֶרֶץ לוֺא נוֺשָׁ֫בָה, Jer 15:18; Jer 22:6; Jer 31:18; Zeph 2:1).
  c. Gen 15:13 בארץ לא להם, Jer 5:19; Hab 1:6 מִשְׁכָּנוֺת לֹאלֿוֺ, Prov 26:17 רִיב לֹאלֿוֺ.
  d. with a substantive, in poetry, forming a kind of compound, expressing pointedly its antithesis or negation (German un- is sometimes used similarly): Deut 32:5(?). 17. 21 a they made me jealous בְּלֹא אֵל with a not-God (with what in no respect deserved the name of God), vb בְּלֹא עָם i.e. with an unorganized horde, Amos 6:13 הַשְּׂמֵחִים לְלֹא דָבָר i.e. at a thing which is not, an unreality (of their boasted strength), Isa 10:15 כְּהָרִים מַטֶּה לֹא עֵץ like a rod's lifting up what is no wood (but the agent wielding it), Isa 31:8 חרב לא אישׁ, חרב לא אדם, Isa 55:2 בלוא לחם for what is not bread, בלוא לשׂבעה for what is not for satiety, Jer 5:7 וַיּשָּֽׁבְעוּ בְּלֹא אֱלֹהִים by not-gods, in late prose 2Chr 13:9 כֹּהֵן לְלֹא אֱלֹהִים; Ps 44:13 תִּמְכֹּר עַמְּךָ בְּלֹאהֿוֺן for no-value (i.e. cheaply), Prov 13:23; Job 10:12 צלמות וְלֹא סְדָרִים darkness and disorder; so לֹאעַֿמִּי Hos 1:9; Hos 2:25: still more pregnantly Job 26:2 a מֶהעָֿזַרְתָּ לְלֹאכֹֿחַ (poetic for לאשׁר אין לו כח) the powerless, vJob 26:2b; vJob 26:3a (Ew§ 286 g Ges«GKC:152»§ 152. 1 n.), Job 39:16 הִקְשִׁיחַ בָּנֶיהָ לְלֹא לָהּ useth hardly her young ones (making them) into none of hers; and even Hab 2:6 הַמַּרְבֶּה לֹאלֿוֺ what is not his own (compare Job 18:15 מִבְּלִי לוֺ). compare with a verb, and ellipse of אשׁר, Isa 65:1 לְלֹא שָׁאָ֑לוּ to those who have not asked, vb Jer 2:8 אַחֲרִי לֹא יוֺעִילוּ, vJer 2:11b; also לֹא רֻחָ֫מָה Hos 1:6; Hos 1:8; Hos 2:25, and probably Job 31:31 לֹא נִשְׂבָּ֑ע (perfect in p.) one not satisfied.
  e. in circumstantial clauses (Dr§ 164), in poetry and rare: qualifying a substantive, 2Sam 23:4 בֹּקֶר לֹא עָבוֺת a morning without clouds, Job 12:24 בְּתֹהוּ לֹא דֶרֶךְ in a pathless waste, Job 38:26a; and a verb Job 34:24 יָרֹעַ כַּבִּרִים לֹא חֵקֶר without inquiry, Ps 59:4 לא פשׁעי ולא חטאתי (compare vPs 59:4 בלי עון), in late prose, twice, 1Chr 2:30; 1Chr 2:32 וימת לא בנים (אֵין and בְּלִי, q. v., are more usual in such cases).

3. Once (according to many MSS), as a substantive, Job 6:21 כִּיעַֿתָּה הֱיִיתֶם לֹא for now are ye become nothing, Hi De (compare Dan 4:32 (Aramaic) כְּלָה חֲשִׁיבִין, ᵑ7 here כְּלָא הֲוֵיתוּן, and אַל Job 24:25); but reading fluctuates (Orientals לֹא, Qr לו, Westerns, Baer (see pp. 37, 56) לוֺ ['now are ye become that,' namely the נַחַל אַכְזָב of vJob 24:15]; but even לוֺ yields a forced sense; and text is probably wrong: Mich Ew Ol Sgf Bu כֵּןלִ֗֗֗י (ᵐ5 ᵑ6 also read לִי); Di כִּילְ֗֗֗אָ֑יִן. compare ii. 1. 236 f.
4. With prefixes: —
  a. בְּלֹא31 (chiefly in poetry or late), according to the varying significance of בְּ:
   (a) usually with not = without, Jer 22:13 בונה ביתו בלאֿ צדק without justice (|| בלא משׁפט; so Ezek 22:29; Prov 16:8), Isa 55:1 (twice in verse); Prov 19:2; Job 8:11 הֲיִגְאֶהגֹּֿמֶא בְּלֹא בִצָּה without mire || כלי מים, Job 30:28 בְּלֹא חַמָּה (=not through the sun), Lam 1:6 וילכו בלאכֿח, Num 35:22 בְּלֹא אֵיבָה ֗֗֗ בְּלֹא צְדִיָּה, vNum 35:23 (followed by infinitive) בְּלֹא רְאוֺת, 2Chr 21:20; Eccl 10:11; Ps 17:1 תְּפִלָּתִי בְּלֹא שִׂפְתֵי מִרְמָה; used more freely in Chronicles, 1Chr 12:18 בְּלֹא חָמָס בְּכַפָּֽי׃, v.1Chr 12:34 בְּלֹא לֵב וָלֵב, 2Chr 30:18 בְּלֹא כַכָּתוּב. With ellipse of rel., Lam 4:14 בְּלֹא יוּכְלוּ יִגְּעוּ without (that) men are able to touch, etc.
   (b) of time, in not, i.e. outside of, Lev 15:25 בלא עֶתנִֿדָּתָהּ, before Job 15:32 בלאיֿומו, Eccl 7:17 בְּלֹא עִתֶּךְ׃.
   (c) where לֹא belongs to the following word, and is only accidentally preceded by ב (see above 2 d), Deut 32:21 (twice in verse); Jer 5:7; Prov 13:23 בלא משׁפט through injustice; with בְּ pretii, Ps 44:13; Isa 55:2 (twice in verse); Jer 2:11 בְּלוֺא יוֺעִיל for (that which) profiteth not.


  b. הֲלֹא nonne ? Gen 4:7 + often Inviting, as it does, an affirmative answer, it is often used,
   (a) especially in conversation, for pointing to a fact in such a way as to arouse the interest of the person addressed, or to win his assent: Gen 13:19 Is not the whole land before thee ? Gen 19:20; Gen 20:5; Gen 27:36; Gen 29:25; Exod 4:11 Who maketh dumb or deaf, etc. Do not I ? Exod 33:16; Judg 4:6; Judg 4:14; Judg 8:2; Judg 9:28; Judg 9:38; 1Sam 9:20; 1Sam 9:21; 1Sam 15:17 etc.; with a verb in 1 person, Josh 1:9 הלא צויתיך, Judg 6:14 הלא שׁלחתיך, 1Sam 20:30; 2Sam 19:23; Ruth 2:9: similarly in a poetical or rhetorical style, Judg 5:30 הלא ימצאו יחלקו שׁלל, Isa 8:19; Isa 10:8; Isa 10:9; Isa 10:11; Isa 28:25; Isa 29:17; Isa 40:21; Isa 40:23; Isa 42:24; Isa 43:19 etc., Job 4:6; Job 4:21; Job 7:1; Job 10:10; Job 10:20, etc. (β) it has a tendency to become little more than an affirm. particle, declaring with some rhetorical emphasis what is, or might be, well known: Deut 3:11 הֲלֹה הִיא בְרַבַּת בְּנֵי עַמּוֺן, Deut 11:30; 1Sam 21:12 הלוא ׳זה דוד וג (compare 1Sam 29:3; 1Sam 29:5; 2Sam 11:3), 2Sam 23:19; 2Sam 26:1; 2Sam 15:35 it is thus nearly = הִנֵּה (ᵐ5 sometimes represents it by ιδου, as Josh 1:9; Judg 6:14; Ruth 2:9; 2Sam 15:35); so especially in the phrase of the compiler of Kings, And the rest of the acts of . . ., הֲלֹא הֵם (הֵמָּה) כְּתוּבִים are they not written in, etc. ? 1Kgs 11:41; 1Kgs 14:29 + often (with which there interchanges הִנָּם כְּתוּבִים 1Kgs 14:19; 2Kgs 15:11; 2Kgs 15:26; 2Kgs 15:31, which is generally used by the Chronicles, 2Chr 16:11; 2Chr 20:34, etc.), Josh 10:13 (compare 2Sam 1:18 הִנֵּה), 1Kgs 8:53 ᵐ5, Esth 10:2; Ps 56:14 (strangely: contr. Ps 116:8). — הֲלֹא הִנֵּה Hab 2:13; 2Chr 25:26 (הִנָּם). — On Judg 14:15, see הֲ 1 end.


  c. וָלֹ֕א and not=and if not, 2Sam 13:26; 2Kgs 5:17. compare וָּיֵשׁ.
  d. כְּלוֺא Obad 1:16 והיו כלוא היו, poetic for כאשׁר, as though they had not been.


  e. לְלֹא without, literally in the condition of no . . . 2Chr 15:3 (compare לְאֵין, also in Chronicles). Elsewhere לא belongs to the following word, Amos 6:13; 2Chr 13:9; Isa 65:1 (twice in verse); Job 26:2; Job 26:3; Job 39:16 (see above 2 d).

Note. — Fifteen times, according to Masora (see DePs 100. 3 FrMM 247 StrProl. Cr. 84), לא is written by error for לוֺ, namely Exod 21:8; Lev 11:21; Lev 25:30; 1Sam 2:3; 2Sam 16:18; 2Kgs 8:10; Isa 9:2; Isa 63:9; Ps 100:3; Ps 139:16; Job 13:15; Job 41:4; Prov 19:7; Prov 26:2; Ezra 4:2 (always with Qr לוֺ). The passages must be considered each upon its own merits: in some לוֺ yields a preferable sense; but this is not the case in all. There is the same קרי (rightly) on Isa 49:5; 1Chr 11:20 but these were not considered to rest upon equal authority, and are hence not reckoned with the fifteen. — In Judg 21:22 (see GFM), 1Sam 13:13; 1Sam 20:14 (twice in verse), and in Job 9:33 לֹא יֵשׁ, read probably לֻא for לֹא.


BDB4344 H3808

BDB4343 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4345

לוֺ (Kt 1Sam 2:16; 1Sam 20:2), לוֺא, see לֹא.


BDB9632 H3808 H3809

BDB9631 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9633

לָא (לָה Dan 4:32) adverb not (Biblical Hebrew לא; Aramaic of Têma, Egyptian, etc., לא; Nerab ל (Lzb301 CookG1. 67); ᵑ7 לָא; Syriac ); — not Jer 10:11; Dan 2:5; Dan 2:9; Dan 2:10, etc.; before a participle (so rarely in Biblical Hebrew, 1 b c), Dan 2:27; Dan 2:43; Dan 3:16; Dan 4:4; Dan 4:6; Dan 4:15 +, so v.Dan 4:32 וְכָלדָּֿאְרֵי אַרְעָא כְּלָה חֲשׁיבִין; are as men not accounted of (so Bev Behrm Marti, compare Isa 53:8 ᵑ7 בסירין ולא חשׁיבין; > most 'accounted as nothing,' for which no analogy, yet compare Ps 39:6 ᵑ7); followed by אִיתַי, see אִיתַי. With infinitive and לְ Dan 6:9 דִּי לָא לִהַשְׁנָיָה which it is not to alter = which is not to be altered (compare v.Dan 6:16), Ezra 6:8 (K§ 67, 1 Dr§ 202, 2.; compare Isa 35:6 ᵑ7, DAramaic Dialektproben, p. 1). With interr. הֲלָא Dan 3:24; Dan 4:27; Dan 6:13.


BDB9640 H3809 H3861 H518 H2006 H3808 H3588

BDB9639 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9641

II. לָהֵן conjunction except, but (from לָא and הֵן 'not if' (compare Hebrew אם לא Gen 24:38); so Nabataean and Egyptian Aramaic להן Cooke217, 219, 241 S-CPap. C 6, 7 +; lâinnî, however SocArab. Dial. see Marokko 44, Anm. 103; ᵑ7 אִילָּהֵין Gen 32:28; Gen 43:3 and elsewhere); —

1. after a negative (= Biblical Hebrew כִּי אִם, q. v.):
  a. except Dan 2:11; Dan 3:28; Dan 6:6; Dan 6:8.
  b. but (German sondern) Dan 2:30.
2. without a negative: however, but Ezra 5:12.

not, no, neither, nor, none, …
lōʾ
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
  • not, no
    • not (with verb—absolute prohibition)
    • "not (with modifier—negation)"nothing (subst)"without (with particle)"before (of time)

יַחְמֽוֹל
יַחְמֽוֹל
Root word pity, spare, compassion, pitied, spared, …
Dictionary form: חָמַל · haw-MAHL

Verb — Qal, Imperfect (Yiqtol), third person masculine singular simple action — "he did" not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

In the KJV here: spare
spare ×6 pitied ×4 pity ×4 will i have pity ×4 spared ×3 and had no compassion ×1 and he spared ×1 and i will spare ×1
More options
spare — Best for contexts of withholding harm or punishment.
have pity — Modernizes KJV; emphasizes emotional compassion toward suffering.
show compassion — Highlights relational warmth; suits divine or pastoral contexts.
show mercy — Stronger moral/legal tone; good for covenantal settings.
feel sorry for — Colloquial; suits narrative prose over poetry or law.
have compassion — Slightly more formal than 'feel sorry for'; broad applicability.

BDB2857 H2550

BDB2856 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2858

חָמַל verb spare (Arabic ; is bear, become responsible; Aramaic comportavit, congessit); —

Qal Perfect ׳ח 1Sam 15:15 + 3 t.; חָמָ֑ל 2Sam 12:6; Lam 2:17 חָמָ֑לְתָּ Lam 2:21; Lam 3:43 וְחָמַלְתִּ֫י Mal 3:17 Imperfect יַחְמֹל Job 16:13 + 6 t.; יַחְמוֺל Job 6:10 + 3 t.; וַיַּחְמֹל 1Sam 15:9 + 3 t.; 3 feminine singular וַתַּחְמֹל Exod 2:6 2 masculine singular תַּחְמֹל Deut 13:9; 1Sam 15:3 אֶחְמֹל Ezek 8:18; Ezek 9:10 אֶחְמוֺל Jer 13:14 + 4 t.; וָאֶחְמֹל Ezek 36:21 יַחְמֹ֑לוּ Isa 9:18 תַּחְמְלוּ Jer 50:14; Jer 51:3 תַּחְמֹ֑לוּ Ezek 9:5 Infinitive construct חֻמְלָה Ezek 16:5 (Ges«GKC:45»§ 45, 1. b); — spare, have compassion, with על Exod 2:6 (E), 1Sam 15:3; 1Sam 15:9; 1Sam 15:15; 1Sam 23:21; 2Sam 21:7; 2Chr 36:15; 2Chr 36:17; Jer 15:5; Ezek 16:5; Ezek 36:21; Job 20:13; Zech 11:5; Zech 11:6; Mal 3:17 (twice in verse); Joel 2:18; Deut 13:9 (|| חוס followed by על), Jer 21:7 (|| חוס followed by על + רחם), Ezek 9:10 (|| חוס followed by עלaccording to ᵑ6 ᵑ7 Co); followed by אֶלֿ Jer 51:3; Isa 9:18 note poetic אֶלחֵֿץ ׳אַלתַּֿחְ = spare no arrow Jer 50:14 followed by Infinitive 2Sam 12:4 absolute 2Sam 12:6; Isa 30:14; Lam 2:17; Lam 2:21, also vLam 2:2 where apparently followed by accusative, Lam 3:43; Job 6:10; Job 16:13; Job 27:22; Prov 6:34; Hab 1:17 || חוס Ezek 5:11; Ezek 7:4 (strike out Co as doubl. of vEzek 7:9), Ezek 7:9; Ezek 8:18; Ezek 9:5; Jer 13:14 (|| אחוס and ארחם).

pity, spare, compassion, pitied, spared, …
ḥāmal
to commiserate; by implication, to spare
  • (Qal) to spare, pity, have compassion on

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.
הַ֥עַל כֵּ֖ן Tipeha — a lesser break יָרִ֣יק חֶרְמ֑וֹ Etnahta — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וְתָמִ֛יד Tevir — a lesser break לַהֲרֹ֥ג גּוֹיִ֖ם Tipeha — a lesser break לֹ֥א יַחְמֽוֹל Silluq — end of the verse

הַעַל כֵּן יָרִיק חֶרְמוֹ וְתָמִיד לַהֲרֹג גּוֹיִם לֹא יַחְמֽוֹל׃
17
Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations?
Cross References

Habakkuk 1:9

כֻּלֹּה לְחָמָס יָבוֹא מְגַמַּת פְּנֵיהֶם קָדִימָה וַיֶּאֱסֹף כַּחוֹל שֶֽׁבִי׃
9
They shall come all for violence: their faces shall sup up as the east wind, and they shall gather the captivity as the sand.

Isaiah 14:16

רֹאֶיךָ אֵלֶיךָ יַשְׁגִּיחוּ אֵלֶיךָ יִתְבּוֹנָנוּ הֲזֶה הָאִישׁ מַרְגִּיז הָאָרֶץ מַרְעִישׁ מַמְלָכֽוֹת׃
16
They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;

Isaiah 14:6

מַכֶּה עַמִּים בְּעֶבְרָה מַכַּת בִּלְתִּי סָרָה רֹדֶה בָאַף גּוֹיִם מֻרְדָּף בְּלִי חָשָֽׂךְ׃
6
He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth.

Habakkuk 2:5

וְאַף כִּֽי-הַיַּיִן בּוֹגֵד גֶּבֶר יָהִיר וְלֹא יִנְוֶה אֲשֶׁר הִרְחִיב כִּשְׁאוֹל נַפְשׁוֹ וְהוּא כַמָּוֶת וְלֹא יִשְׂבָּע וַיֶּאֱסֹף אֵלָיו כָּל-הַגּוֹיִם וַיִּקְבֹּץ אֵלָיו כָּל-הָעַמִּֽים׃
5
Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:

Habakkuk 2:17

כִּי חֲמַס לְבָנוֹן יְכַסֶּךָּ וְשֹׁד בְּהֵמוֹת יְחִיתַן מִדְּמֵי אָדָם וַחֲמַס-אֶרֶץ קִרְיָה וְכָל-יֹשְׁבֵי בָֽהּ׃
17
For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.

Jeremiah 52:1

בֶּן-עֶשְׂרִים וְאַחַת שָׁנָה צִדְקִיָּהוּ בְמָלְכוֹ וְאַחַת עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָה מָלַךְ בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָם וְשֵׁם אִמּוֹ ‫(חמיטל)‬ חֲמוּטַל בַּֽת-יִרְמְיָהוּ מִלִּבְנָֽה׃
1
Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.

Jeremiah 46:1

אֲשֶׁר הָיָה דְבַר-יְהוָה אֶל-יִרְמְיָהוּ הַנָּבִיא עַל-הַגּוֹיִֽם׃
1
The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;

Ezekiel 25:1

וַיְהִי דְבַר-יְהוָה אֵלַי לֵאמֹֽר׃
1
The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,

Jeremiah 25:9

הִנְנִי שֹׁלֵחַ וְלָקַחְתִּי אֶת-כָּל-מִשְׁפְּחוֹת צָפוֹן נְאֻם-יְהוָה וְאֶל-נְבֽוּכַדְרֶאצַּר מֶֽלֶךְ-בָּבֶל עַבְדִּי וַהֲבִאֹתִים עַל-הָאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת וְעַל-יֹשְׁבֶיהָ וְעַל כָּל-הַגּוֹיִם הָאֵלֶּה סָבִיב וְהַחֲרַמְתִּים וְשַׂמְתִּים לְשַׁמָּה וְלִשְׁרֵקָה וּלְחָרְבוֹת עוֹלָֽם׃
9
Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.

Isaiah 19:8

וְאָנוּ הַדַּיָּגִים וְאָבְלוּ כָּל-מַשְׁלִיכֵי בַיְאוֹר חַכָּה וּפֹרְשֵׂי מִכְמֹרֶת עַל-פְּנֵי-מַיִם אֻמְלָֽלוּ׃
8
The fishers also shall mourn, and all they that cast angle into the brooks shall lament, and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish.