Job 13:25

הֶעָלֶ֣ה נִדָּ֣ף תַּעֲר֑וֹץ וְאֶת קַ֖שׁ יָבֵ֣שׁ תִּרְדֹּֽף
Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

הֶ עָלֶ֣ה
הֶ
Prefix — question marker turns the sentence into a question
עָלֶ֣ה
Root word leaf, branches, branch, leaves
Dictionary form: עָלֶה · aw-LEH

הֶ
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 "?".

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: a leaf
branches ×3 and the leaf ×2 leaf ×2 whose leaf ×2 a leaf ×1 and branches ×1 as a branch ×1 as a leaf ×1
More options
leaf — Most common rendering; singular of foliage on a plant.
foliage — Collective sense; good when referring to many leaves.
leaves — Natural plural form; use when context is clearly plural.
branch — Use when context emphasizes a stem or shoot, not leaf.
greenery — Evokes lush, living vegetation; vivid in poetic texts.
frond — Specific to palm or large-leafed plants; precise botanical register.

BDB6069 H5929

BDB6068 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6070

עָלֶה noun masculine leaf, leafage (see עלה Qal 4; — ׳ע Lev 26:36 +; construct עֲלֵה Gen 3:7; Gen 8:11 suffix עָלֵהוּ Jer 17:8 +; plural construct עֲלֵי Neh 8:15 +; suffix עֶלֶהָ Isa 1:30 — leaf, leafage, of various trees Gen 3:7; Gen 8:11; Neh 8:15 (5 t. in verse); green Jer 17:8, flourishing Prov 11:28 but usually fading Isa 1:30; Isa 34:4; Isa 64:5; Jer 8:13; Ezek 47:12; Ps 1:3 driven leaf Lev 26:36; Job 13:25 עלה לִתְרוּפָה leaf for healing Ezek 47:12.

leaf, branches, branch, leaves
ʿāle
a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage
  • leaf, leafage

נִדָּ֣ף
נִדָּ֣ף
Root word away, down, driven, fro, shaken, …
Dictionary form: נָדַף · naw-DAHP

Verb — Niphal, Participle Active, masculine singular, absolute state passive or reflexive — "it was done" / "he did it to himself" ongoing action — try "___ing" or "one who ___s"

In the KJV here: driven to and fro
and as driven ×1 be driven away ×1 driven to and fro ×1 driveth away ×1 is driven away ×1 of a shaken ×1 so drive them away ×1 thrusteth him down ×1
More options
scatter — Broadly useful for wind dispersing objects or people.
drive away — Modernizes KJV; implies forceful expulsion by wind.
blow away — Natural, vivid image of wind carrying something off.
toss about — Emphasizes back-and-forth, restless motion.
sweep away — Suggests irresistible, overwhelming force of wind.
whirl away — Conveys spinning, chaotic dispersal; poetic contexts.

BDB5005 H5086

BDB5004 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5006

[נָדַף] verb drive, drive asunder ( Late Hebrew id., spread, be diffused, disseminated (of odour); Arabic strike, beat, especially bow-string with mallet, to clean cotton; also play the lyre; Aramaic נְדַף = Late Hebrew; Ethiopic throw, hurl); —

Qal Imperfect suffix יִדְּפֶנּוּ Job 32:13 (jussive); 3 feminine singular suffix תִּדְּפֶנּוּ Ps 1:4 2 masculine singular תִּנְדֹּף Ps 68:3 — drive about, chaff, subject wind Ps 1:4 wicked, subject God Ps 68:3 (כְּהִנְדֹּף עָשָׁן, see below); compare Job 32:13 (= defeat, anguish).

Niph`al Perfect נִדַּף Isa 19:7 Infinitive. כְּהִנְדֹּף Ps 68:3 (see Köi. 306 f); Participle נִדָּף Lev 26:36 + 3 t.; — be driven, driven about (especially by wind) Ps 68:3, see above (like a driving [Che drift] of smoke); of breath (הֶבֶל) figurative of deceitful gain Prov 21:6 (ᵐ5 Hi Ew רֹדֵף; see De Now); of withered plant Isa 19:7 (where subject עָרוֺת, מִוְרָע i.e. place; whence Che transitive ׳נ vanish; but reference probably to plant-life in these places, see Di); of leaf Lev 26:36 (as making slight sound), Job 13:25 (figurative of sufferer, || קַשׁ יָבֵשׁ), of chaff (קַשׁ) Isa 41:2 (simile of bow of hostile kings || עָפָר).

away, down, driven, fro, shaken, …
nādap
to shove asunder, i.e., disperse
  • to drive, drive away, drive asunder
    • (Qal) to drive about
      • "(Niphal) to be driven, be driven about

תַּעֲר֑וֹץ
תַּעֲר֑וֹץ
Root word afraid, dread, fear, terribly, terrified, …
Dictionary form: עָרַץ · aw-RAHTS

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

In the KJV here: wilt thou break
be afraid ×2 to shake terribly ×2 and shall fear ×1 be affrighted ×1 be not afraid ×1 be ye terrified ×1 be your dread ×1 did i fear ×1
More options
dread — Best default; conveys deep, weighty fear.
terrify — Use when the subject causes terror in others.
stand in awe of — Softer register; suits reverence-tinged fear.
tremble before — Emphasizes physical, visceral response to threat.
intimidate — Good when oppressive social power is implied.
be struck with terror — Vivid; reserve for heightened dramatic contexts.

BDB6408 H6206

BDB6407 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6409

[עָרַץ] verb cause to tremble, tremble (in terror, or awe) (compare Arabic quiver, flicker; Syriac come upon suddenly or violently, PS under the word passim; compare Egyptian ±u-ra-¼-au(t), they terrified (= ערצו) WMMAs.u.Eur.76); —

Qal Imperfect 2 masculine singular תַּעֲרֹץ Deut 7:21 +; 2 feminine singular תַּעֲר֑וֺצִי Isa 47:12 1 singular אֶעֱרוֺץ Job 31:34, etc.; Infinitive construct עֲרֹץ Isa 2:19 +; —
1. cause to tremble (i.e. strike with awe) with accusative הָאָרֶץ Isa 2:19; Isa 2:21 (subject ׳י; insert probably also vIsa 2:10); הֶעָלֶה נִדָּף ׳תַּע Job 13:25 wilt thou strike with awe the driven leaf ? absolute cause trembling = inspire awe Isa 47:12 (of Babylonian ), Ps 10:18.
2. intransitive tremble, feel dread (D), Deut 1:29; Deut 7:21; Deut 20:3; Deut 31:6; Josh 1:9 with accusative Job 31:34 because I stood in awe of the great multitude. Niph`al Participle אֵל נַעֲרָץ Ps 89:8 El, terrible in the company of the holy ones (|| נוֺרָא).
Hiph`il 1. regard, or treat, with awe, as awful: 2 masculine plural וְלֹא תַעֲרִ֑יצוּ Isa 8:12 (accusative מוֺרָאוֺ); 3 masculine plural יַעֲרִ֑יצוּ Isa 29:23 accusative ׳אֶתאֱֿלֹהֵי יִשׂ.
2. inspire with awe (compare Qal 2); — Participle suffix הוּא מַעֲִ˜רצְכֶם Isa 8:13 he shall be your awe-inspirer.

afraid, dread, fear, terribly, terrified, …
ʿāraṣ
to awe or (intransitive) to dread; hence, to harass
  • to tremble, dread, fear, oppress, prevail, break, be terrified, cause to tremble
    • (Qal)
      • to cause to tremble, terrify
      (Niphal) to be awesome, be terrible
      • to tremble, feel dread
      (Hiphil)
      • to regard or treat with awe, regard or treat as awful
        • "to inspire with awe, terrify

וְ אֶת
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
אֶת
Particle points to the object of the verb — leave untranslated
Dictionary form: אֵת · ate

Particle — Direct Object Marker

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

BDB853 H853

BDB852 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB854

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

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

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

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

BDB9600 H853 H3487

BDB9599 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9601

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

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

קַ֖שׁ
קַ֖שׁ
Root word stubble
Dictionary form: קַשׁ · kahsh

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: stubble
stubble ×5 as stubble ×3 the stubble ×2 as the stubble ×1 for stubble ×1 them as stubble ×1 them as the stubble ×1 them away as stubble ×1
More options
stubble — Most direct modern equivalent; broadly understood.
chaff — Emphasizes light, windblown worthlessness; poetic contexts.
straw — Concrete material sense; suits agricultural or labor passages.
dry stalks — Descriptive and literal; clarifies the physical image.
husks — Highlights hollow, discarded remains after harvest.

BDB7614 H7179 H3368

BDB7613 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7615

קַר adjective cool; — construct (figurative) וְקַררֿוּחַ Prov 17:27 (Kt) cool of spirit, i.e. calm, self-possessed (Qr יְקַרֿ); plural קָרִים of water Jer 18:14; Prov 25:25.

BDB7650 H7179

BDB7649 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7651

קַשׁ noun masculineNah 1:10 stubble, chaff; — absolute ׳ק Exod 5:12 +, קַ֑שׁ Exod 15:7 — literal as accusative of congnate meaning with verb ׳לְקשֵׁשׁ ק לַתֶּבֶן Exod 5:12 (J); in simile, as inflammable, Exod 15:7; Isa 5:24; Isa 47:14; Nah 1:10; Joel 2:5, so in metaphor Isa 33:11; Obad 1:18; Mal 3:19 in simile, as driven by wind Isa 40:24; Isa 41:2; Jer 13:24; Ps 83:14 figurative of the worthless Job 13:25, of harmless trifles Job 41:20; Job 41:21.

stubble
qaš
straw (as dry)
  • stubble, chaff

יָבֵ֣שׁ
יָבֵ֣שׁ
Root word dry, away, dried
Dictionary form: יָבֵשׁ · yaw-BAYSH

Adjective — masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: the dry
dry ×3 am a dry ×1 and have made the dry ×1 is dried away ×1 or dried ×1 the dry ×1 them o ye dry ×1
More options
dry — Most versatile; suits land, bones, plants, or conditions.
dried up — Emphasizes a process of drying; good for water sources.
withered — Best for vegetation, branches, or organic decay.
parched — Conveys intense, scorching dryness; strong poetic register.
desiccated — Clinical/formal; suits scholarly or technical contexts.
shriveled — Vivid image of shrinking; ideal for flesh, plants, or limbs.

BDB3411 H3002

BDB3410 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3412

II. יָבֵשׁ verbal adjective or Participle dry, dried, so, masculine singular absolute Nah 1:10 + 4 t.; feminine singular יְבֵשָׁה Num 11:6 masculine plural (וִ)יבֵשִׁים Num 6:3 feminine plural יְבֵשׁוֺת Ezek 37:2; Ezek 37:4 —

1. dried, literal only עֲנָבִים יְבֵשִׁיס Num 6:3 dried grapes (P; opposed to לַחִים ׳ְ); figurative נַפְשֵׁנוּ יְבֵשָׁה Num 11:6 (JE) our soul (i.e. our appetite) is dried up, namely, for want of fresh, juicy meat.
2. dry, of chaff, קַשׁ Nah 1:10 in simile of Ninevites under impending judgment; compare in figure of Job, Job 13:25 of tree Ezek 17:24 (figurative of Davidic house; opposed to עֵץ לָ֑ךְ), Ezek 21:3 (in prediction of Judah's devastation by Babylon, opposed to id.); Isa 56:3 figurative of eunuch; of the bonesin Ezekiel's vision Ezek 37:2; Ezek 37:4.

dry, away, dried
yābēš
dry
  • dry
    • "dried

תִּרְדֹּֽף
תִּרְדֹּֽף
Root word pursued, pursue, persecute, follow, chased, …
Dictionary form: רָדַף · raw-DAHP

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

In the KJV here: and wilt thou pursue
pursued ×15 and pursued ×8 pursue ×7 persecute ×4 the pursuers ×4 to pursue ×4 and chased ×3 pursueth ×3
More options
pursue — Neutral, versatile; fits military and figurative contexts.
chase — More vivid, physical urgency; good for flight/battle scenes.
hunt down — Implies relentless, predatory tracking of a target.
persecute — Prefer for sustained, hostile oppression of a person or group.
go after — Colloquial; softer tone, suits non-hostile following contexts.
hound — Figurative intensity; good for oppressor-victim imagery.

BDB7775 H7291

BDB7774 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7776

רָדַף141 verb pursue, chase, persecute (Late Hebrew id., Aramaic רְדַף, ; Arabic ; Sabean רדף id., SabDenkmNo. 7, 1. 2); —

Qal128 Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳ר Judg 4:16 +; 1 singular וְרָדַפְתִּ֫י Jer 29:18, etc.; Imperfect יִרְדֹּף Deut 19:6 +, ִ˜ירַדֹּף Ps 7:6 (apparently to give choice of Qal or Pi, Ki JHMich Bae and others; Ges«GKC:63n»§ 63n explanation as developed from יִרֲדֹף, compare Ol§ 236 e, and, further, Köi. 160), suffix יִרְ דְָּפֶ֑ךָ Ezek 35:6 (twice in verse), etc.; Imperative masculine singular רְדֹף Gen 44:4 +, suffix רָדְפֵהוּ Ps 34:15 masculine plural רִדְפוּ Judg 3:28 +; Infinitive construct רָדְפִף Josh 8:16 +, מִרְדֹף 1Sam 23:28; 2Sam 18:16, suffix רָדְפִי Ps 38:21 Qr, רדופי Kt, etc.; Participle רֹדֵף Judg 4:22 +, plural רֹדְפִים Judg 8:4 +; —
1. a. pursue (sometimes + הִשִּׂיג): literal with אַחֲרֵי person, in order to overtake Gen 44:4 (J), 2Kgs 5:21 especially with hostile purpose Gen 31:23 (+ הִדְבִּיק), Gen 35:5; Josh 24:6 (all E), Josh 2:5; Josh 2:7 (twice in verse); Josh 8:16 (twice in verse); Josh 8:17; Josh 10:19 (JE), Deut 11:4; Deut 19:6; Josh 20:5 (all D), Exod 14:4; Exod 14:8; Exod 14:9 (P), Judg 1:6; 2Sam 20:6; 2Sam 20:7; 2Sam 20:10; 2Sam 20:13; 2Kgs 9:27 + 17 t., + 2Kgs 25:5 (אַחַר), + Judg 4:16 (אַחֲרֵי הָרֶכֶב); + רִדְפוּ אַחֲרֵי Judg 3:28 = follow me (as leader; but this meaning not elsewhere; read רְדוּ ᵐ5 Kit GFM).
  b. literal, with accusative of person, put to flight, chase (defeated foe; sometimes with הִשִּׁיג): Amos 1:11; Hos 8:3; Deut 32:30 (poem; || הֵנִיס), Deut 28:22; Deut 28:45; Josh 23:10 (D), Lev 26:8 (twice in verse) (H); וְרָדַף אֹתָם קוֺל עָלֶה נִדָּף vLev 26:36 a (H); Josh 7:5; Josh 8:24; Josh 10:10; Josh 11:8 (all J E), Gen 14:15; Deut 1:44; Judg 4:22; Isa 41:3 + 13 t. + Judg 7:25 (read אֶתֿ for אֶלֿ, ᵐ5 ᵑ9 ᵑ7 GFM Bu Now).
  c. literal, accusative omitted Judg 8:4; 1Sam 30:8 (+ הִשִּׂיג), v1Sam 30:10; Gen 14:14; Exod 14:23 (P), Exod 15:9 (poem; + הִשִּׂיג), Lev 26:36 b. 37 (H), Prov 28:1 especially participle plural ׳הָר the pursuers Josh 2:16 (twice in verse); Josh 2:22 (twice in verse); Neh 9:11; Isa 30:16, so הָרֹדֵף Josh 8:20; Lam 1:6.
  d. chase, hunt, partridge (קֹרֵא) 1Sam 26:20 (in simile; || בִּקֵּשׁ).
  e. pursue, in figure, Jer 20:11; Lam 4:19, רִדְפוּ וְתִפְשׂוּהוּ Ps 71:11, compare Lam 1:3; Ps 7:6 (+ הִשִּׂיג; see above); especially subject ׳י, pursue (figurative of punishment, judgment), with accusative of person Jer 29:18 (בַּחֶרֶב), Lam 3:43 and (בְּאַף) vLam 3:66, Ps 83:16 (בְּסַעֲרֶ֑ךָ); אֶתקַֿשׁ יָבֵשׁ תִּרְדֹּף Job 13:25 (|| תַּעַרוֺץ); רֹדְפָם, of ׳מַלְאַךְ י, Ps 35:6. feminine figurative persecute, harass, with accusative of person Deut 30:7; Job 19:22 (כְּמוֺאֵֿל), Ps 69:27; Ps 109:16; Ps 119:86; Ps 119:161 with accusative נַפְשִׁי Ps 143:3, with accusative נֲדִבָתִי Job 30:15 (but subject obscure; read perhaps תֵּרָדֵף Bu; Du תִּנָּדֵף); with ל person Job 19:28 participle as substantive Jer 15:15; Jer 17:18; Ps 7:2; Ps 31:16 (|| אוֺיְבַי; We מְרַדְּפָ֑י for וַרֹדְפָ֑י), Ps 35:3; Ps 119:84; Ps 119:157 (+ צָרַי), Ps 142:7.
  g. pursue, dog, subject דָּם, with accusative of person Ezek 35:6 (twice in verse) (del va ᵐ5 Co Toy Krae); in good sense, attend closely upon, טוֺב וָחֶסֶד יִרְדְּפוּנִי Ps 23:6.
2. figurative follow after, aim to secure: in bad sense, with accusative שַׁלְמֹנִים Isa 1:23, שֵׁכָר Isa 5:11, קָדִים ׳ר Hos 12:2, רֹדְפֵי זִמָּה Ps 119:150 good sense, with infinitive ׳לְדַעַת אֶתיֿ Hos 6:3, with accusative צֶדֶק Deut 16:20; Isa 51:1 (|| ׳מְבַקְשֵׁי י), צְדָקָה וָחָ֑סֶד Prov 21:21, שָׁלוֺם Ps 34:15 (|| בַּוֵּשׁ), טוֺב Ps 38:21. Niph`al passive: Perfect 1 plural עַלצַֿוָּארֵנוּ נִרְדָּ֑פְנוּ Lam 5:5 upon our neck (i.e. closely) we are pursued (improbable, compare Bu); perhaps Imperfect 3 feminine singular תֵּרָדֵף Job 30:15 Bu (for תִּרְדֹּף); Participle ׳א יְבַקֵּשׁ אֶתנִֿרְדָּ֑ף Eccl 3:15 God seeketh the pursued (i.e. what has disappeared, is past, but dubious). Pi`el Perfect 3 feminine singular consecutive וְרִדְּפָה Hos 2:9 Imperfect 3 masculine singular יְרַדֶּףֿ Nah 1:8 (Ps 7:6 see Qal); 3 feminine singular תְּרַדֵּף Prov 13:21 Participle מְרֵדֵּףֿ Prov 11:19 +; — pursue ardently, with accusative of person Hos 2:9 (in figurative); figurative also חשֶׁךְ ׳יְר Nah 1:8 (GunkZAW xiii (1893), 230, plausibly, יֶהְדֹּף), compare Prov 13:31 elsewhere participle, in Proverbs: aim (eagerly) to secure, with accusative רָעָה Prov 11:19, רֵיקִים Prov 12:11; Prov 28:19, אֲמָרִים Prov 19:7 (meaning dubious, see Toy); in good sense, צְדָקָה Prov 15:9. Pu`al Perfect 3 masculine singular consecutive וְרֻדַּף כְמֹץ הָרִים Isa 17:13 it shall be chased away like chaff of the mountains (|| וְנָס). Hiph`il Perfect 3 masculine singular suffix הִרְּדִיפֻהוּ Judg 20:43 usually they chased him (Benjamin, collective), but strange after כִתְּרוּ surrounded (still stranger after כתתו or כרתו ᵐ5), and why Hiph`il? GFM conjecture dittograph of הִדְרִיכֻהוּ following; the reverse conjectured by Bu Now.

BDB7776 H4783 H7291

BDB7775 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7777

מֻרְדָּף noun [masculine] persecution (si vera lectio) (formed like Hoph`al Participle); — Isa 14:6, but ᵑ7 Thes and most מִרְדַּת q. v.

pursued, pursue, persecute, follow, chased, …
rādap
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
  • to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after
    • (Qal)
      • to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon
        • "to persecute, harass (figuratively)"to follow after, aim to secure (figuratively)"to run after (a bribe) (figuratively)
      (Niphal)
      • to be pursued
        • "one pursued (participle)
      (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue"(Pual) to be pursued, be chased away"(Hiphil) to pursue, chase

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.
הֶעָלֶ֣ה נִדָּ֣ף תַּעֲר֑וֹץ Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וְאֶת קַ֖שׁ יָבֵ֣שׁ תִּרְדֹּֽף Silluq — end of the verse

הֶעָלֶה נִדָּף תַּעֲרוֹץ וְאֶת-קַשׁ יָבֵשׁ תִּרְדֹּֽף׃
25
Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?
Cross References

Job 21:18

יִהְיוּ כְּתֶבֶן לִפְנֵי-רוּחַ וּכְמֹץ גְּנָבַתּוּ סוּפָֽה׃
18
They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.

Leviticus 26:36

וְהַנִּשְׁאָרִים בָּכֶם וְהֵבֵאתִי מֹרֶךְ בִּלְבָבָם בְּאַרְצֹת אֹֽיְבֵיהֶם וְרָדַף אֹתָם קוֹל עָלֶה נִדָּף וְנָסוּ מְנֻֽסַת-חֶרֶב וְנָֽפְלוּ וְאֵין רֹדֵֽף׃
36
And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

Matthew 12:20

κάλαμον συντετριμμένον οὐ κατεάξει καὶ λίνον τυφόμενον οὐ σβέσει ἕως ἂν ἐκβάλῃ εἰς νῖκος τὴν κρίσιν
20
A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

1 Samuel 24:14

אַֽחֲרֵי מִי יָצָא מֶלֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵל אַֽחֲרֵי מִי אַתָּה רֹדֵף אַֽחֲרֵי כֶּלֶב מֵת אַֽחֲרֵי פַּרְעֹשׁ אֶחָֽד׃
14
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.

Job 14:3

אַף-עַל-זֶה פָּקַחְתָּ עֵינֶךָ וְאֹתִי תָבִיא בְמִשְׁפָּט עִמָּֽךְ׃
3
And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee?

Isaiah 17:13

לְאֻמִּים כִּשְׁאוֹן מַיִם רַבִּים יִשָּׁאוּן וְגָעַר בּוֹ וְנָס מִמֶּרְחָק וְרֻדַּף כְּמֹץ הָרִים לִפְנֵי-רוּחַ וּכְגַלְגַּל לִפְנֵי סוּפָֽה׃
13
The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.
Job 13:24
Read Job 13
Job 13:26