Job 12:23

מַשְׂגִּ֣יא לַ֭גּוֹיִם וַֽיְאַבְּדֵ֑ם שֹׁטֵ֥חַ לַ֝גּוֹיִ֗ם וַיַּנְחֵֽם
He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

מַשְׂגִּ֣יא
מַשְׂגִּ֣יא
Root word increaseth, magnify
Dictionary form: שָׂגָא · saw-ɡAW

Verb — Hiphil, Participle Active, masculine singular, absolute state causative — "he made (someone) do" ongoing action — try "___ing" or "one who ___s"

In the KJV here: he increaseth
he increaseth ×1 thou magnify ×1
More options
increase — Most neutral; fits growth in quantity or power.
grow great — Captures elevation in status or prominence.
magnify — Suits contexts of exalting God or a person's renown.
exalt — Prefer for deliberate, honorific elevation of status.
become mighty — Emphasizes strength or dominance gained over time.

BDB8160 H7679

BDB8159 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8161

[שָׂגָא] verb grow, grow great (√ only in Job; Aramaism; compare Aramaic סְגִי, סְגָא, , all increase, grow great; Old Aramaic, Biblical Aramaic, Palmyrene שג(י)א adjective much); —

Qal Imperfect 3 masculine singular metaplastic יִשְׂגֶּא Job 8:11 (of plant; metaplastic from Ges«GKC:75oo»§ 75oo; > van d. H. יִשְׂגֶּה).
Hiph`il 1. make great, participle מַשְׂגִּיא לַגּוֺיִם Job 12:23 he maketh the nations great (see ל 3 b).
2. magnify, laud, 2 masculine singular תַּשְׂגִּיא פעלו Job 36:24 that thou magnify his work; — see שׂגה.

BDB9912 H7680 H7679

BDB9911 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9913

[שְׂגָא] verb grow great (ᵑ7 ׳ס, Syriac ; see Biblical Hebrew שׂגא (Aramaism in Job); —

Pe`al Imperfect 3 masculine singular, יִשְׂגֵּא, of injury Ezra 4:22 ׳שְׁלָֽמְכוֺןיִשְׂ Dan 3:31; Dan 6:26.

increaseth, magnify
śāgāʾ
to grow, i.e., (causatively) to enlarge, (figuratively) laud
  • to increase, grow, magnify, grow great
    • (Hiphil)
      • to make great
        • "to magnify, laud

לַ ֭גּוֹיִם
לַ
Prefix — preposition to, for + "the" (the article is absorbed into the prefix)
֭גּוֹיִם
Root word nations, heathen, nation, gentiles, people, …
Dictionary form: גּוֹי · ɡoy

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

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

וַֽ יְאַבְּדֵ ֑ם
וַֽ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
יְאַבְּדֵ
Root word perish, destroy, destroyed, perished, lost, …
֑ם
Suffix — pronoun their / them
Dictionary form: אָבַד · aw-BAHD

וַ
Vav-consecutive (wayyiqtol) The וַ prefix — vav with patach — flips this verb into story-telling past: translate "and (he) ___ed", not "will ___".

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

In the KJV here: and destroyeth
shall perish ×19 perish ×14 and destroy ×7 is perished ×5 to destroy ×5 and destroyed ×4 and to destroy ×4 perished ×4
More options
perish — Modernized from KJV; best for natural death or ruin.
be destroyed — Passive sense; prefer when an agent causes the end.
be lost — Suits stray animals, people, or things gone missing.
be ruined — Good for contexts of collapse, decay, or total loss.
be wiped out — Vivid; suits judgment or warfare contexts.
vanish — Emphasizes disappearance; fits poetic or metaphorical uses.

BDB6 H6 H8

BDB5 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7

אָבַד verb perish (MI אבד, Assyrian abâtu DlW 184 Aramaic אֲבַד, ). —

Qal Perfect ׳א Num 21:30 +; אָֽבְדוּ Ps 10:16 + (+ Ezek 6:3 ᵐ5 Co) etc.; Imperfect יאֹבַד Job 3:3; Jer 4:9 יאֹבֵ֑דּ Job 20:7 + 2 t.; 3 feminine singular תּאֹבַד Deut 22:3 + 4 t.; תּאֹבֵ֑ד Job 8:13 + 3 t.; יאֹבְדוּ Judg 5:31 + 3 t.; יאֹבֵ֑דוּ Job 4:9 +; 3 feminine plural וַתּאֹבַדְנָה 1Sam 9:3 תּאֹבֵדוּן Deut 4:26 +; נאֹבֵ֑ד Jonah 1:6; Jonah 3:9 נאֹבְדָה Jonah 1:14, etc.; Infinitive absolute אָבדֹ Deut 4:26 + 2 t.; construct אֲבדֹ Deut 7:20; Prov 11:10 אֲבָדְךָ Deut 28:20 אָבְדֶ֑ךָ Deut 28:22 אֲבָדְכֶם Josh 23:13 אָבְדָם Obad 1:12; Prov 28:28 Participle אוֺבֵד Deut 26:5 + 7:t.; construct אֹבַד Deut 32:28 (before ע ? see Di. Bö§ 378); etc.
1. perish, die, of individuals (mostly late) Num 17:27 (|| נוע & (v.Num 17:28) מות, (also Deut 26:5 ? compare below) Jonah 1:6; Jonah 1:14; Job 31:19 compare Job 29:13; Prov 31:6; Esth 4:14; Esth 4:16 (twice in verse); Mic 4:9; Jer 40:15 compare Isa 57:1; Prov 11:10; Prov 28:28; Eccl 7:15; Ps 119:92 emphasis on mortality Job 4:20; Ps 146:4; Eccl 9:6 Saul & Jonathan, under figure of weapons 2Sam 1:27 lion Job 4:11 caravan Job 6:18 (compare Di); compare מִןהָֿאָרֶץ חָסִיד ׳א Mic 7:2, מֶלֶח מֵעַזָּה ׳וא Zech 9:5 perish, be exterminated (judgment for sin), of Israel Lev 26:38; Deut 8:19 (twice in verse); Deut 8:20; Deut 28:20; Deut 20:22; Deut 30:18 (twice in verse); Jer 27:10; Jer 27:15 compare Jer 6:21; Obad 1:12 compare Ps 80:17; Isa 27:13 other nations Deut 7:20; Jer 10:15; Jer 51:18; Ps 2:12; Ps 10:16; Ps 83:18 compare Ps 9:4; Amos 1:8; Isa 41:11; Isa 60:12 compare Jonah 3:9 see also Exod 10:7; Num 21:29; Num 21:30 (JE) Jer 48:46 house of Ahab 2Kgs 9:8 wicked in general Judg 5:31; Job 4:9 compare vJob 4:7, Ps 37:20; Ps 49:11; Ps 68:3 (|| simile of melting wax), Ps 73:27; Ps 92:10 also Prov 19:9; Prov 21:18 ׳לָנֶצַח א Job 20:7 compare ׳דֶּרֶח רְשָׁעִים א Ps 1:6 followed by מֵעַל הָאָ֑רֶץ (of annihilation of Israel) Deut 4:26 (twice in verse); Deut 11:17; Josh 23:13; Josh 23:16 (D); followed by מִתּוֺח הַקָּהָל (of Korah's company) Num 16:33 (JE); perish, be ruined, destroyed, of inanimate things, e.g. land Jer 9:11 (|| נִצְּתָה כַמִּדְבָּר compare Jer 48:8 harvest Joel 1:11 Jonah's gourd Jonah 4:10 riches Jer 48:36; Eccl 5:13 vessel Ps 31:13 houses Amos 3:15 (so often Assyrian Dlw); city Ezek 26:17 (but strike out ᵐ5 Co); compare bamôth Ezek 6:3 ᵐ5 Co; heavens & earth Ps 102:27.
2. figurative perish, vanish, subject memory Job 18:17; Ps 9:7 name Ps 41:6 (i.e. be forgotten); vigour Job 30:2 wisdom Isa 29:14 compare אֹבַד עֵצוֺת Deut 32:28 אֱמוּנָה Jer 7:28 (|| נִכְרְתָה); חָזוֺן Ezek 12:22 יוֺם Job 3:3 (i.e. be blotted out); לֵב Jer 4:9 (i.e. courage fail); תִּקְוָה Ps 9:19; Prov 10:28; Prov 11:7; Ezek 19:5; Ezek 37:11; Job 8:13 so תַּאֲוָה Ps 112:10 (i.e. comes to naught); תּוֺחֶלֶת Prov 11:7, followed by מִן + agent Lam 3:18 עֵצָה + תּוֺרָה followed by מן + persons negligent Jer 18:18; Ezek 7:26, compare Jer 49:7 especially מָנוֺס מִןֿ ׳א (i.e. they could not escape) Amos 2:14; Jer 25:35; Job 11:20; Ps 142:5.
3. be lost, strayed, asses 1Sam 9:3; 1Sam 9:20 sheep Jer 50:6; Ezek 34:4; Ezek 34:16; Ps 119:176 (figurative of erring men); perhaps Deut 26:5. Pi`el causative of Qal. — Perfect אִבַּד 2Kgs 21:3 + 2 t.; suffix וְאִבֶּדְךָ Co Ezek 28:16 compare below; אִבַּדְתִּי Jer 15:7 וְאִבַּדְתִּ֫י Ezek 6:3 (ᵐ5 Co וְאָֽבְּדוּ) etc.; Imperfect יְאַבֵּד Eccl 9:18 וִיאַבֵּד Eccl 7:7; Zeph 2:13 1 singular suffix וָאַבֶּדְךָ Ezek 28:16 (for ׳וָאֲאַבּ Ew§ 72 c Ol§ 79 a Kö I:338 Ges«GKC:68»§ 68 fin; but Co 3 masculine singular; see also Co Ezek 38:14); תְּאַבְּדוּן Deut 12:2 etc.; Infinitive absolute אַבֵּד Deut 12:2 + 3 t.; construct id. Ezek 22:27 + etc.; Participle מְאַבְּדִים Jer 23:1.
1. cause to perish, destroy, kill, object person (mostly late) 2Kgs 11:1; Esth 3:9; Esth 4:7; Esth 8:5; Esth 9:24 || הרג Esth 9:6; Esth 9:12 || הרג + השׁמיד Esth 3:13; Esth 7:4; Esth 8:11 || המם Esth 9:24 compare Ps 119:95 object נְפָשׁוֺת Ezek 22:17 (strike out ᵐ5 Co); in judgment, subject ׳י Ps 5:7 compare Prov 1:32 followed by מִתּוֺח Ezek 28:16 object a people 2Kgs 13:7; 2Kgs 19:18 = Isa 37:19; Job 12:13 in judgment Deut 11:4; Jer 12:17; Jer 15:7; Zeph 2:13; Ps 9:6 compare Ps 21:11 object inanimate things especially idols, bamôth etc., Num 33:52 (twice in verse); (J) Deut 12:2 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 21:3; Ezek 6:3 (but compare ᵐ5 Co above); bars of Zion Lam 2:9 (|| שִׁבַּר).
2. figurative cause to vanish, blot out, do away with names of idols Deut 12:3 voice of Babylon Jer 51:55 memory of dead Isa 26:14 substance Prov 29:3 understanding Eccl 7:7 good ( טוֺבָה q. v.) Eccl 9:18.
3. cause to stray, lose; object Israel under figure of flock Jer 23:1 (|| הֵפִיץ); absolute Eccl 3:6 (|| בִּקֵּשׁ). Hiph`il Perfect וְהֶאֱבִּיד Num 24:19 הֶאֱבַ֑דְתָּ Job 14:19 etc.; Imperfect אֹבִידָה Jer 46:8 (Ges«GKC:68»§ 68, 2 R. 1). Infinitive construct הַאֲבִיד 2Kgs 10:19 + etc.; Participle מַאֲבִיד Deut 8:20.
1. destroy, put to death, in judgment, (subject ׳י) object person Lev 23:30 (followed by מִקֶּרֶב עַמָּהּ; || כָּרַת vLev 23:29); Jer 49:38 (followed by מִשָּׁם); Obad 1:8 (followed by מֵאֱדוֺם); object nation, Ammon Ezek 25:7 (followed by מןהֿארצות; || כָּרַת), compare vEzek 25:16 Canaanites Deut 8:20 (followed by מִפְּנֵיכֶם); Canaan = Philistines Zeph 2:5 (|| כָּרַת); especially Israel Deut 28:51; Deut 28:63 (|| הִשְׁמִיד), compare Josh 7:7 also absolute Jer 18:7 (|| לִנְתוֺשׁ וְלִנְתוֺץ); = Jer 1:10 (+ וְלַהֲרוֺס) = Jer 31:28 (+ וּלְהָרֵעַ); animals Ezek 32:13 (followed by מֵעַל מַיִם רַבִּים); compare Deut 7:10; Ps 143:12 (|| הִצְמִית); (human subject), object servants of Baal 2Kgs 10:19, object nation Deut 9:3, compare Num 24:19 (E; followed by מֵעִיר); 2Kgs 24:2 compare Jer 46:8 object inanimate, chariots Mic 5:9 idols Ezek 30:13 (strike out B Co).
2. figurative, object name of kings Deut 7:24 (followed by מִתַּחַת הַשָּׁמַיִם); hope Job 14:19 voice of mirth etc. Jer 25:10 (compare Jer 51:55 Pi`el above)

BDB9265 H6 H7

BDB9264 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9266

[אֲבַד] verb perish (Biblical Hebrew); —

Pe`al mpl. 3 masculine plural יֵאבַ֫דוּ (not וּן- see K§ 26, 1) Jer 10:11 they shall persish, pass away. Haph`el (Old Aramaic האבד Lzb205 Cooke189) destoy: Imperfect 2 masculine singular אַלתְּֿהוֺבֵד (K§ 41 c) Dan 2:24(c.ל person); 3 masculine plural יְהוֺבְדוּן vDan 2:18(indefinite subject; accusative of person); Infinitive לְהוֺבָדָא vDan 2:12 vDan 2:24 (both with ל person), דָה- Dan 7:26 (absolute). Hoph`al (K§ 41 c WCG 225) be destroyed: Perfect 3 masculine singular הוּבַד Dan 7:11.

perish, destroy, destroyed, perished, lost, …
ʾābad
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
  • perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed
    • (Qal)
      • perish, die, be exterminated
        • "vanish (figuratively)"be lost, strayed
      (Piel)
      • to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate
        • "to blot out (figuratively), do away with (figuratively), cause to vanish (figuratively)"cause to stray, lose
      (Hiphil)
      • to destroy, put to death
        • of divine judgment
        object name of kings (figuratively)

שֹׁטֵ֥חַ
שֹׁטֵ֥חַ
Root word spread, abroad, enlargeth, out
Dictionary form: שָׁטַח · shaw-TA

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

In the KJV here: them he enlargeth
and spread ×1 and they shall spread ×1 and they spread ×1 them all abroad ×1 them he enlargeth ×1 upon thee i have stretched out ×1
More options
spread out — Most natural modern equivalent; broadly applicable.
stretch out — Emphasizes extension across a surface or area.
lay out — Practical, flat-surface sense; good for physical objects.
scatter — Implies dispersal over a wide area; looser distribution.
expand — Suits abstract or territorial enlargement contexts.
unfurl — Vivid, slightly elevated register; best for cloth or wings.

BDB8622 H7849

BDB8621 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8623

[שָׁטַח] verb spread, spread abroad (Late Hebrew id.; Arabic spread out; so Ethiopic Aramaic שְּׁטַח ); —

Qal Perfect 3 plural suffix consecutive לַשֶּׁמֶשׁ וּטָחוּם Jer 8:2 they shall spread them abroad, etc., accusative of many separate things, so Imperfect 3 feminine singular וַקתִּשְׁטַךְ 2Sam 17:19 (עַל location; distinguished from פָּרַשׂ spread covering); 3 masculine plural + infinitive absolute וַיִּשְׁטְחוּ לָהֶם שָׁטוֺחַ Num 11:32 (J) they spread (that is, the quails) for themselves all abroad round about the camp (i.e. to dry them; ᵑ9 siccaverunt; compare Di Gray); Participle שֹׁטֵחַ לַנּוֺיִם Job 12:23 expanding the nations (compare ל 3 b). Pi`el Perfect 1 singular שִׁטַּחְתִּי אֵלֶיךָ כַפָּ֑י Ps 88:10 I have spread out unto thee my palms.

spread, abroad, enlargeth, out
šāṭaḥ
to expand
  • to spread, spread abroad, stretch out
    • (Qal)
      • to spread
        • "spreading, expanding (participle)
      (Piel) to spread out

לַ ֝גּוֹיִ֗ם
לַ
Prefix — preposition to, for + "the" (the article is absorbed into the prefix)
֝גּוֹיִ֗ם
Root word nations, heathen, nation, gentiles, people, …
Dictionary form: גּוֹי · ɡoy

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

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

וַ יַּנְחֵֽ ם
וַ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
יַּנְחֵֽ
Root word lead, led, guide, guided, bringeth, …
ם
Suffix — pronoun their / them
Dictionary form: נָחָה · naw-HAW

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

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

In the KJV here: and straiteneth them again
lead ×7 shall guide ×2 to lead ×2 will lead ×2 also he led ×1 and govern ×1 and guided ×1 and he brought ×1
More options
guide — Best default; implies intentional direction along a path.
lead — Slightly more active; good for journeys or exodus contexts.
direct — Emphasizes purposeful routing; suits wisdom or divine contexts.
conduct — Formal register; useful for escorting or official processions.
shepherd — Pastoral metaphor; fits Psalms and care-oriented passages.
steer — Contemporary idiom; good for navigational or strategic guidance.

BDB5106 H5148

BDB5105 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5107

[נָחָה] verb lead, guide (Arabic go in direction of, turn (eyes) toward); —

Qal Perfect suffix נָחַ֫נִי Gen 24:27 + 2 t.; וְנָָֽחֲךָ Isa 58:11 נָחָם Exod 13:17 2 masculine singular נָחִ֫יתָ Exod 15:13; Ps 77:21 Imperative נְחֵה Exod 32:34 suffix נְחֵנִי Ps 5:9 + 2 t.; — lead, bring, followed by accusative of person, subject man Exod 32:34 (followed by אֶלֿ), compare Ps 60:11; Ps 108:11 (both followed by עַדֿ; || הוביל); usually subject ׳י Gen 24:27 (J; also followed by בַּדֶּרֶךְ + accusative of location), Exod 13:17 (E; followed by דֶּרֶךְ), Exod 15:13 (song; || נהל), Ps 77:21 figurative of guidance in prosperity and righteousness Ps 5:9 (|| הושׁר דרך), Ps 27:11 (followed by בְּאֹרַה; || הורה דרך), Ps 139:24 (followed by בדרך עולם); compare Isa 58:11. Hiph`il Perfect suffix הִנְחַ֫נִי Gen 24:48 2 masculine singular suffix הִנְחִתָם Neh 9:12 Imperfect suffix יַנְחֵ֫נִי Num 23:7; Ps 23:3 יַנְחֶ֫נּוּ Deut 32:12; Prov 18:16 3 feminine singular תַּנְחֶה Prov 6:22, etc.; Infinitive construct suffix לְהַנְחֹתָּם Neh 9:19 לַנְחֹתָם Exod 13:21 — lead, guide (= Qal) followed by accusative of person Num 23:7 (J E; + מִן). — 1Sam 22:4 (+ אֶתפְּֿנֵי), 1Kgs 10:26; 2Kgs 18:11 see below נוח Hiph`il B. — of guiding= treating kindly (the helpless) Job 31:18, of guiding constellations Job 38:32 (|| הוציא); usually subject ׳י Gen 24:48 (J; followed by בַּדֶּרֶךְ) Deut 32:12; Ps 78:14. Ps 78:53. Ps 78:72 (Israel as flock; || רעה); Isa 57:18; Ps 107:30 (followed by אֶלֿ); compare of pillar of cloud Exod 13:21 (J), Neh 9:12; Neh 9:19 also Job 12:23
**read properly וַיַּנִּחֵ֥֥ and leaves them (Jer 14:9) (|| שׁטח), Ps 67:5 especially in path of blessing Ps 23:3; Ps 31:4 (|| נהל), Ps 61:3 (followed by בְּ), Ps 73:24 compare Ps 43:3; Ps 139:10 (|| אחז), Ps 143:10 (followed by בְּ); also of instruction, etc., Prov 6:22; Prov 11:3; Prov 18:16 (followed by לִפְנֵי).

lead, led, guide, guided, bringeth, …
nāḥâ
to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)
  • to lead, guide
    • (Qal) to lead, bring
      • "(Hiphil) to lead, guide

This book is chanted to the poetic accent system (used only in Job, Psalms, and Proverbs). Each group below ends at one of its pausing accents — translate a group as one unit.
מַשְׂגִּ֣יא לַ֭גּוֹיִם Dechi — a lesser break וַֽיְאַבְּדֵ֑ם Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here שֹׁטֵ֥חַ לַ֝גּוֹיִ֗ם Revia Mugrash — a lesser break וַיַּנְחֵֽם Silluq — end of the verse

מַשְׂגִּיא לַגּוֹיִם וַֽיְאַבְּדֵם שֹׁטֵחַ לַגּוֹיִם וַיַּנְחֵֽם׃
23
He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again.
Cross References

Isaiah 9:3

הִרְבִּיתָ הַגּוֹי ‫(לא)‬ לוֹ הִגְדַּלְתָּ הַשִּׂמְחָה שָׂמְחוּ לְפָנֶיךָ כְּשִׂמְחַת בַּקָּצִיר כַּאֲשֶׁר יָגִילוּ בְּחַלְּקָם שָׁלָֽל׃
3
Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

Isaiah 26:15

יָסַפְתָּ לַגּוֹי יְהוָה יָסַפְתָּ לַגּוֹי נִכְבָּדְתָּ רִחַקְתָּ כָּל-קַצְוֵי-אָֽרֶץ׃
15
Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased the nation: thou art glorified: thou hadst removed it far unto all the ends of the earth.

Isaiah 60:22

הַקָּטֹן יִֽהְיֶה לָאֶלֶף וְהַצָּעִיר לְגוֹי עָצוּם אֲנִי יְהוָה בְּעִתָּהּ אֲחִישֶֽׁנָּה׃
22
A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.

Psalms 107:38

וַיְבָרֲכֵם וַיִּרְבּוּ מְאֹד וּבְהֶמְתָּם לֹא יַמְעִֽיט׃
38
He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.

Exodus 1:20

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

Jeremiah 30:19

וְיָצָא מֵהֶם תּוֹדָה וְקוֹל מְשַׂחֲקִים וְהִרְבִּתִים וְלֹא יִמְעָטוּ וְהִכְבַּדְתִּים וְלֹא יִצְעָֽרוּ׃
19
And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.

Jeremiah 33:22

אֲשֶׁר לֹֽא-יִסָּפֵר צְבָא הַשָּׁמַיִם וְלֹא יִמַּד חוֹל הַיָּם כֵּן אַרְבֶּה אֶת-זֶרַע דָּוִד עַבְדִּי וְאֶת-הַלְוִיִּם מְשָׁרְתֵי אֹתִֽי׃
22
As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.

Isaiah 51:2

הַבִּיטוּ אֶל-אַבְרָהָם אֲבִיכֶם וְאֶל-שָׂרָה תְּחוֹלֶלְכֶם כִּי-אֶחָד קְרָאתִיו וַאֲבָרְכֵהוּ וְאַרְבֵּֽהוּ׃
2
Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.

Zechariah 10:8

אֶשְׁרְקָה לָהֶם וַאֲקַבְּצֵם כִּי פְדִיתִים וְרָבוּ כְּמוֹ רָבֽוּ׃
8
I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased.

Isaiah 27:6

הַבָּאִים יַשְׁרֵשׁ יַֽעֲקֹב יָצִיץ וּפָרַח יִשְׂרָאֵל וּמָלְאוּ פְנֵי-תֵבֵל תְּנוּבָֽה׃
6
He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.

Exodus 1:7

וּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל פָּרוּ וַֽיִּשְׁרְצוּ וַיִּרְבּוּ וַיַּֽעַצְמוּ בִּמְאֹד מְאֹד וַתִּמָּלֵא הָאָרֶץ אֹתָֽם׃
7
And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.
Job 12:22
Read Job 12
Job 12:24