Job 24:3

They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow's ox for a pledge.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

חֲמ֣וֹר
חֲמ֣וֹר
Root word ass, asses, asss
Dictionary form: חֲמוֹר · huh-MORE

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

In the KJV here: the ass
the ass ×8 an ass ×7 ass ×7 asses ×7 of an ass ×6 and asses ×5 his ass ×5 and the ass ×4
More options
donkey — Most natural modern English word; universally understood.
burro — Informal/regional; suits pastoral or Southwestern cultural contexts.
pack animal — Functional emphasis; useful when the beast-of-burden role is primary.
mule — Use cautiously — technically a hybrid, but common in casual modern speech.

BDB2893 H2543 H2565

BDB2892 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2894

I. חֲמוֺר noun [masculine] heap, absolute ׳ח with dual חֲמֹרָתָ֑יִם (Baer ׳חְִמֹרֹת), as if from חֲמֹרָה; — בִּלְחִי הַחֲמוֺר חֲמוֺר חֲמֹרָתָ֑יִם Judg 15:16 with the ass's jawbone, a heap, two heaps, i.e. so many slain.


חֲמֹרֹתָ֑יִם see I. חֲמוֺר. above


BDB2895 H2543

BDB2894 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2896

II. חֲמוֺר noun masculineGen 45:23 (he)-ass (Late Hebrew id. (sometimes female, but this regularly חֲמוֺרָה); Aramaic הֲמָרָא Arabic , Palmyrene חמרא ReckendZMG 1888, 404; as imêru, SchrCot Gloss; — name from reddish colour) — absolute חֲמוֺר Gen 22:5 + 43 t.; חֲמֹר Exod 13:13; Deut 22:10 construct חֲמוֺר Exod 23:5 + 4 t.; הֲמֹר Gen 49:14 suffix חֲמֹרְךָ Deut 5:14; Deut 28:31 חֲמֹרֶ֑ךָ Exod 23:12 חֲמֹרוֺ Gen 22:3 + 8 t.; plural חֲמוֺרִים Judg 19:10 + 9 t.; חֲמֹרִים Gen 12:16 + 16 t.; suffix חֲמוֺרֵינוּ Judg 19:19 חֲמֹרֵינוּ Gen 43:18 חֲמוֺרֵיכֶם 1Sam 8:16 חֲמֹרֵיהֶם Gen 34:28 + 4 t.; חֲמוֺרֵיהֶם Josh 9:4ass (he-ass; אתון = she-ass) found in all periods (collective only Gen 32:6; Isa 21:7); —

1. as (valuable) property, with oxen, sheep, camels, slaves, etc. Gen 12:16; Gen 24:35; Gen 30:48; Gen 47:17; Exod 9:3 (all J) Exod 20:17 (E), Exod 21:33; Exod 22:8 (twice in verse); Exod 22:9; Exod 23:4; Exod 23:5; Exod 23:12; Num 16:15; Josh 6:21; Josh 7:24 (all J E); note also Exod 13:13 = Exod 34:20 (J E; firstlings belong to ׳י); Gen 36:24; Num 31:28; Num 31:30; Num 31:34; Num 31:39; Num 31:45 (all P); Deut 5:14; Deut 5:18; Deut 22:3; Deut 22:4; Judg 6:4; 1Sam 8:16; 1Sam 12:3; 1Sam 15:3; 1Sam 22:19; 1Sam 27:9; 1Chr 5:21; Ezra 2:67 = Neh 7:68 (Baer), Zech 14:15 collective Gen 32:5 (J; || שׁוֺר), צאֹן, עֶבֶד, שִׁפְחָה, but plural (similar ||) Gen 34:28 (P), Gen 47:17 (J); compare also יְתוֺמִים ׳ח Job 24:3 the orphans' ass (|| שׁוֺר אַלְמָנָה); as knowing its master's crib Isa 1:3 (|| שׁוֺר); found in camp 2Kgs 7:7; 2Kgs 7:10 (both || סוּסִים); as harnessed ׳מֶתֶג לַה Prov 26:3 (|| סוּס).
2. used for riding :
  a. by women Exod 4:20 (J), Josh 15:18 (JE) = Judg 1:14; 1Sam 25:20; 1Sam 25:23; 1Sam 25:42, compare 2Chr 28:15.
  b. by men 2Sam 16:2; 2Sam 17:23; 2Sam 19:27; 1Kgs 2:40; 1Kgs 13:13 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 13:23; 1Kgs 13:24; 1Kgs 13:27; 1Kgs 13:28 (twice in verse); Isa 21:7; Zech 9:9.
  c. צֶמֶד חמורים a pair of asses 2Sam 16:1 (for burdens and for riding); for man and woman Judg 19:3; Judg 19:10; Judg 19:19; Judg 19:21 carrying dead body vJudg 19:28, compare ׳ח 1Kgs 13:29.
3. beast of burden Gen 22:3; Gen 22:5 (compare vGen 22:6), Gen 42:26; Gen 42:27; Gen 45:23 (all E) Gen 43:18; Gen 43:24; Gen 44:3; Gen 44:13 (all J), Josh 9:4 (JE), 1Sam 25:18; 1Chr 12:41; Neh 13:15(compare also ׳צֶמֶד ח 2Sam 16:1 above); metaphor of Issachar נָּ֑רֶם ׳ח Gen 49:14 (poem), an ass of (strong) bones.לֶחֶם ׳ח 1Sam 16:20 read probably חֲמִשָּׁה five, or better עֲשָׂרָה ten, see We Dr.
4. used in tillage Isa 32:20 not to be used in ploughing with an ox (שׁוֺר) Deut 22:10.
5. parts of body of ass mentioned are: ׳לְחִי ח Judg 15:15; Judg 15:16 jawbone, Samson's weapon; ׳ראֹשׁ ח 2Kgs 6:25 eaten in famine; ׳בְּשַׂר ה Ezek 23:20 genital organ of ass (contemptuous simile)
6. ׳קְבוּרַת ה Jer 22:19 burial of an ass, in figure of ignominious treatment of a corpse.

ass, asses, asss
ḥămôr
a male ass (from its dun red)
  • (he)ass

יְתוֹמִ֣ים
יְתוֹמִ֣ים
Root word fatherless, children, orphans, child
Dictionary form: יָתוֹם · yaw-TOME

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

In the KJV here: of the fatherless
the fatherless ×13 of the fatherless ×7 and the fatherless ×6 fatherless ×3 for the fatherless ×3 and fatherless ×1 his fatherless children ×1 in thee the fatherless ×1
More options
orphan — Most direct modern equivalent; broadly understood.
fatherless child — Emphasizes paternal loss; useful in poetic or legal contexts.
parentless child — More inclusive; good when full parental loss is implied.
vulnerable child — Captures social helplessness; suits advocacy or wisdom passages.
bereaved child — Highlights grief dimension; fits lament or prophetic rhetoric.

BDB3844 H3490

BDB3843 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3845

יָתוֺם noun [masculine] orphan (Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic יַתְמָא, ; Phoenician יתם; Arabic pupil, orphan) — יָתוֺם Exod 22:21 + 29 t.; plural יְתוֺמִים v.Exod 22:23 + 8 t.; suffix יְתֹמֶיךָ Jer 49:11 יְתֹמָיו Isa 9:16 לִיתוֺמָיו Ps 109:12orphan, i.e. fatherless (|| אַלְמָנָה) Exod 22:23; Ps 109:9; Lam 5:3 (|| אַין אָב); Job 24:9; Ps 109:12 probably also Exod 22:21; Deut 10:18; Deut 14:29; Deut 16:11; Deut 16:14; Deut 24:17; Deut 24:19; Deut 24:20; Deut 24:21; Deut 26:12; Deut 26:13; Deut 27:19; Ps 94:6; Ps 146:9; Jer 7:6; Jer 22:3; Zech 7:10; Mal 3:5 (in all these, mentioned as helpless, exposed to injury, || אַלְמָנָה and גֵּר); similarly, || אַלְמָנָה Job 22:9; Job 24:3; Job 29:12; Job 31:17; Ps 68:6; Isa 1:17; Isa 1:23; Isa 9:16; Isa 10:2; without אלמנה Hos 14:4; Job 6:27; Job 31:21; Ps 10:14; Ps 10:18; Prov 23:10; Jer 5:28 (in no case clear that both parents are dead).

fatherless, children, orphans, child
yātôm
a bereaved person
  • an orphan, fatherless

יִנְהָ֑גוּ
יִנְהָ֑גוּ
Root word away, lead, drave, brought, forth, …
Dictionary form: נָהַג · naw-HAHɡ

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

In the KJV here: they drive away
drave ×2 shall lead ×2 and brought away ×1 and guided ×1 and he carried away ×1 and he led ×1 and led forth ×1 brought ×1
More options
lead — Best general choice for guiding people or animals.
drive — Preferred when compelling movement of livestock or captives.
guide — Emphasizes direction and care rather than compulsion.
conduct — Formal register; suits official or ceremonial leading.
shepherd — Metaphorical; highlights pastoral or protective nuance.
carry off — Stresses forced removal, ideal in exile or raid contexts.

BDB5008 H5090

BDB5007 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5009

I. נָהַג verb drive, conduct (Late Hebrew conduct oneself, behave, be accustomed; Arabic go along the road, keep to the road; Aramaic נְהַג lead); —

Qal Perfect ׳נ Lam 3:2 נָָֽהֲגוּ 1Sam 30:20 Imperfect יִנְהַג Isa 20:4, etc.; Imperative נְהַג 2Kgs 4:24 Participle active נֹהֵג Isa 11:6 + 2 t., etc.; passive נְהוּגִים Isa 60:11
1. drive, flocks Exod 3:1 compare (in predict.) Isa 11:6 (followed by בְּ); figurative, object Joseph, Ps 80:2 (simile of flock); hence, object human being, lead on, Song 8:2 (|| הֵבִיא אֶלֿ)); also figurative, subject ׳י, Lam 3:2 (|| הוֺלִיךְ); passive participle of kings led in procession Isa 60:11 compare Di (rather than as captives, Che, as earlier usage; || הֵבִיא); drive away, off, (object מִקְנֶה) Gen 31:18 ( of Jacob, going by stealth); usually as booty (object flocks and herds) 1Sam 23:5, חמור יתומים ינהגו Job 24:3 (unjustly); compare 1Sam 30:2 (twice in verse) (read וַיִּנְהֲגוּ We Dr Kit Bu, compare Th, not HPS q. v. ), v1Sam 30:22 (no object expressed but really captives || הָלַךְ), Isa 20:4 drive an ass for riding 2Kgs 4:24 (|| הָלַךְ); a cart (עֲגָלָה) 2Sam 6:3 = 1Chr 13:7 (where ׳בָּע); absolute of driving chariot 2Kgs 9:20 lead out an army to battle (late) 1Chr 20:12; 1Chr 25:11.
2. figurative וְלִבִּי נֹהֵג בַּחָכְמָה Eccl 2:3 my heart behaving itself in wisdom (compare Late Hebrew above). Pi`el Perfect נִהַג Exod 10:3 נִהַ֫גְתָּ Isa 63:14 Imperfect יְנַהֵג Deut 4:27, etc.; —
1. drive away, lead off, followed by accusative, daughters of Laban Gen 31:26 (|| גָּנַב); of ׳י, leading off people into exile, followed by שָׁ֫מָּה Deut 4:27 (|| הֵפִיץ), Deut 28:37 (|| הוֺלִיךְ).
2. lead on, guide, followed by accusative, subject ׳י Ps 78:52 (כַּעֵ֫דֶר || הִסִּיעַ כַּצּאֹן); Isa 49:10 (|| נִהֵל, compare Ps 23:2); Isa 63:14; Isa 48:15 guide on, a wind, Exod 10:13 (followed by בָּאָרֶץ), Ps 78:26 (|| הִסִּיעַ).
3. cause to drive (compare Qal, 2Kgs 9:20) Exod 14:25 (J E; subject ׳י, see Di)


BDB5010 H5090

BDB5009 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5011

II. [נָהַג] verb Pi`el moan, lament (Arabic be out of breath, pant, breathe heavily; Aramaic sigh, groan); —

Pi`el Participle feminine plural מְנַהֲגוֺה Nah 2:8 (כְּקוֺל יוֺנִים ).

away, lead, drave, brought, forth, …
nāhag
to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), i.e., lead, carry away; reflexively, to proceed (i.e., impel or guide oneself)
  • to drive, lead, guide, conduct
    • (Qal)
      • to drive, lead on, drive away, drive off
      • "to behave itself (figuratively) (of heart)
      (Piel)
      • to drive away, lead off
      • "to lead on, guide, guide on"to cause to drive
    (Piel) to moan, lament

יַ֝חְבְּל֗וּ
יַ֝חְבְּל֗וּ
Root word destroy, pledge, take, destroyed, forth, …
Dictionary form: חָבַל · haw-BAHL

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

In the KJV here: they take
and take a pledge ×3 to destroy ×3 shall be destroyed ×2 take ×2 and destroy ×1 brought thee forth ×1 corruptly ×1 he travaileth ×1
More options
destroy — Best for contexts of ruin or devastation.
take as pledge — Preferred in legal/economic lending contexts.
ruin — Slightly softer than destroy; suits moral corruption contexts.
corrupt — Use when the sense is moral or spiritual degradation.
seize as collateral — Modern financial register; precise for debt passages.
writhe in labor — Rare; use only when childbirth imagery is explicit.

BDB2497 H2254

BDB2496 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2498

I. [חָבַל] verb bind, pledge (Arabic bind; compare Aramaic , travail; חֲבַל pledge (but rare and dubious); especially cord, field, חַבְלָא cord, , חֶבְלָא pain, especially of travail; Sabean חבל border-territory, or field, SabDenkm48.49; Ethiopic ZimBP 93 n., compare Assyrian na—balu, rope, snare (but = )) —

Qal Perfect חָבָ֑ל Ezek 18:16 Imperfect יַחֲבֹל Deut 24:6 2 masculine singular תַּחֲבֹל Deut 24:17 תַּחְבֹּל Ezek 22:25; Job 22:6 יַחְבְּלוּ Job 24:3 יַחְבֹּ֑לוּ Job 24:9 Imperative suffix חַבְלֵהוּ Prov 20:16; Prov 27:13 Infinitive absolute חָבֹל Exod 22:25 Participle active חֹבֵל Deut 24:6, compare חֹבְלִים Zech 11:7; Zech 11:14 (name of מַקֵּל); passive חֲבֻלִים Amos 2:8
1. bind, only in חֹבְלִים, name of one of Zechariah's symbolic staves, Zech 11:7; Zech 11:14 symbolic of fraternity. Especially
2. bind by taking a pledge of, hold by a pledge, followed by accusative of person Prov 20:16; Prov 27:13; Job 22:6 take or hold in pledge, followed by accusative of thing Exod 22:25 ( J E), Deut 24:6 (twice in verse); Deut 24:17; Job 24:3 followed by accusative of congnate meaning with verb חֲבֹל Ezek 18:16 עַלעָֿנִי יַחְבֹּ֑לוּ Job 24:9 probably pregnant (see Di) take pledges (getting power) over the poor; בְּגָדִים חֲבֻלִים Amos 2:8 garments taken in pledge. Niph`al Imperfect יֵחָ֫בֶל לוֺ Prov 13:13 becometh pledged to it (i.e. pledged to pay the penalty, opposed to יְשֻׁלָּ֑ם), so Ew Hi De Now Str RVm VB. > below II. חָבַל q. v. Pi`el Perfect 3 feminine singular חִבְּלָה Song 8:5 חִבְּלַתְךָ Song 8:5 Imperfect יְחַבֶּלֿ Ps 7:15writhe, twist, hence travail; of mother Song 8:5 (twice in verse) (with accusative of child; || יְלָדָ֑תְךָ); metaphor of wicked man יְחַבֶּלאָֿ֑וֶן וְהָרָה עָמָל וְיָלַד שָֽׁקֶר ׃ Ps 7:15.


BDB2506 H2254

BDB2505 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2507

II. חָבַל verb act (ruinously) corruptly (Late Hebrew id. wound, injure; Arabic corrupt or render unsound (the mind, a limb, etc.), be deranged (in mind); Assyrian —abâlu, injure, VR62, 11; Aramaic , חַבֵּל corrupt, ruin; Ethiopic be arrogant, audacious; Sabean חֿבל DHMEpigr. Denkm. 48; compare Palmyrene חבל mortuus VogNo. 161 and often) —

Qal Perfect 1 plural חָבַלְנוּ Neh 1:7 Imperfect 1 singular אֶחְבֹּל Job 34:31 Infinitive construct (used as absolute) Neh 1:7act corruptly against, חֲבֹל חבלנו לְ Neh 1:7 absolute Job 34:31. Niph`al Imperfect יֵחָ֫בֶל לוֺ Prov 13:13 shall be ruined (לְ reflexive), Thes Rob-Ges AV RV, but < I. חָבַל (q. v.) Pi`el ruin, destroy: Perfect 3 masculine singular consecutive וְחִבֵּל את מעשׂה ידיך Eccl 5:5, subject God. Imperfect 3 feminine singular תְּחַבֵּל וְחֶבֶל נִמְרָץ Mic 2:10 that destroyeth, even with sore destruction; but read rather ׳נ ׳תְּחֻבְּלוּ ח ye shall be destroyed with etc., so ᵐ5 Roo Che. Infinitive construct לְחַבֵּל with accusative, the poor Isa 32:7, the land Isa 13:5 absolute Isa 54:16 compare Participle plural מְחַבְּלִים Song 2:15 with accusative of foxes ruining vineyards. Pu`al Perfect 3 masculine singular וְחֻבַּל consecutive Isa 10:27 of yoke, be ruined, broken, si vera lectio; RSJPh xiii. 1885, p. 62 proposes יחדל, compare also Checritical note.; and remark by Di Du; 3 feminine singular חֻבָּ֑לָה Job 17:1 my spirit is broken (|| יָמַי נִזְעָ֑כוּ); Imperfect 2 masculine plural תְּחֻבְּלוּ Mic 2:10 (emendation: see above)


BDB9501 H2255 H2254

BDB9500 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9502

ח

[חֲבַל] verb Pa`el destroy, hurt (see Biblical Hebrew II. חבל); — Perfect 3 masculine plural suffix חַבְּלוּנִי Dan 6:23 (of lions); Imperative masculine plural suffix חַבְּלוּהִי Dan 4:20 (suffix of tree); Infinitive לְחַבָּלָה Ezra 6:12 (accusative of temple). Hithpa. be destroyed: Imperfect 3 feminine singular תִּתְחַבַּל Dan 2:44; Dan 6:27; Dan 7:14 (בַּ֑ל-; all of kingdom of God).

destroy, pledge, take, destroyed, forth, …
ḥābal
to wind tightly (as a rope), i.e., to bind; specifically, by a pledge; figuratively, to pervert, destroy; also to writhe in pain (especially of parturition)
  • to bind
    • (Qal)
      • to bind
    to take a pledge, lay to pledge
    • (Qal) to hold by a pledge, take in pledge, hold in pledge
    • "(Niphal) to give a pledge, become pledged
    to destroy, spoil, deal corruptly, offend
    • (Qal) to spoil, corrupt, offend
    • "(Niphal) to be ruined"(Piel) to destroy, ruin"(Pual) to be ruined, be broken
    to bring forth, travail
    • (Piel) to writhe, twist, travail

שׁ֣וֹר
שׁ֣וֹר
Root word ox, bullock, oxen, cow, bullocks, …
Dictionary form: שׁוֹר · shore

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

In the KJV here: ox for a pledge
ox ×11 the ox ×8 an ox ×7 his ox ×4 oxen ×4 of the ox ×3 bullock ×2 it be ox ×2
More options
ox — Most direct equivalent; preferred in legal and narrative contexts.
bull — Emphasizes the male animal; useful when sex is relevant.
cattle — Collective use when the text implies a herd or group.
bovine — Technical/formal register; suits legal or zoological passages.
steer — Castrated male; use only when that nuance is contextually clear.
cow — Female reading; rare but valid when context implies a female animal.

BDB8568 H7794

BDB8567 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8569

שׁוֺר78 noun masculineNeh 5:18 a head of cattle, bullock, ox, etc. (often + חֲמוֺר, שֶׂה, etc.); — ׳שׁ absolute Isa 1:3 +, construct Exod 21:35 +, suffix שׁוֺרוֺ Exod 20:17 +, etc.; plural שְׁוָרִים Hos 12:2 — usually a single head of cattle, without emphasis on sex (opposed to בָּקָר collective Exod 21:37; Num 7:3): as property, spoil of war, etc. Exod 20:17 (E; Gi vExod 20:14) = Deut 5:18, compare Deut 5:14; Exod 21:33 (E) || Deut 22:4; Exod 21:37 (twice in verse) (|| בָּקָר of five head), Exod 22:3; Exod 22:8; Exod 22:9; Exod 22:29; Exod 23:12 (all E), Deut 22:1; Gen 49:6 (poem in J), Deut 28:31; Judg 6:4; 1Sam 12:3; Job 24:3 as licking up (לָחַךְ) grass Num 22:4 (J), feeding Ps 106:20 (in reference to golden calf), compare Isa 7:25; Isa 32:30 lowing Job 6:5 as intelligent Isa 1:3, vicious (goring נָגַח) Exod 21:28 (3 t. in verse) + 11 t. Exod 21 (E); used in ploughing Deut 22:10, threshing Deut 25:4, compare Prov 14:4 drawing wagon Num 7:3 (P; opposed to בָּקָר collective); ׳פְּנֵי שׁ Ezek 1:10 specifically of male Job 21:10 (opposed to פָּרָה), of female Lev 22:28 (H), perhaps also Num 18:17 (P), apparently generic Deut 15:19; Deut 33:17 (poem, figurative); rarely collective Gen 32:6 (+ צאֹן), Exod 34:19 — compare Lev 27:26 (P) — Josh 6:21; Josh 7:24 (all J), 1Sam 15:3; 1Sam 22:19 as slaughtered Prov 7:22, for food 1Sam 14:34 (twice in verse) (but vb read (אֶתֿ)אֲשֶׁר with ᵐ5 Th We Dr and others), 1Kgs 1:19; 1Kgs 1:25; Deut 14:4; Lev 17:3 (H), compare Neh 5:18 (אֶחָד ׳שׁ), Prov 15:17 for sacrifice Judg 6:25 (׳פַּרהַֿשּׁ, text strange, compare GFM), Ps 69:32 (שׁוֺר פָּר, but join פָּר to vb Bae), 2Sam 6:13; Hos 12:12; Lev 9:4; Lev 9:18 (P), Lev 22:23; Lev 22:27 (H), Num 15:11 (P), Deut 17:1; Deut 18:3, compare Lev 7:23; Lev 9:19 מִשּׁוֺר זֶבַח Lev 4:10 (P); illicit sacrifice Isa 66:3.


BDB9997 H7794 H8450

BDB9996 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9998

[תּוֺר] noun masculine bullock (ᵑ7 Syriac; Biblical Hebrew שׁוֺר, √ III. שׁור); — plural absolute תּוֺרִין, for sacrifice Ezra 6:9; Ezra 6:17 as eating grass Dan 4:22; Dan 4:29; Dan 4:30; Dan 5:21.

ox, bullock, oxen, cow, bullocks, …
šôr
a bullock (as a traveller)
  • ox, bull, a head of cattle
    • for plowing, for food, as sacrifice

אַלְמָנָֽה
אַלְמָנָֽה
Root word widow, widows, houses, palaces
Dictionary form: אַלְמָנָה · al-maw-NAW

Noun — Common, feminine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: the widows
a widow ×8 and the widow ×6 the widow ×5 and for the widow ×3 and widow ×3 of the widow ×3 widows ×3 as a widow ×2
More options
widow — Standard modern term; broadly suitable in nearly all contexts.
widowed woman — Emphasizes status explicitly; useful in legal or social contexts.
bereaved wife — Highlights the loss dimension; suits lament or poetic passages.
woman without a husband — Descriptive and culturally transparent for modern readers.
desolate woman — Captures rare metaphorical or architectural uses (e.g., empty palaces).

BDB497 H490

BDB496 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB498

אַלְמָנָה54 noun feminine widow (Mishna id., Assyrian almattu Dl in ZimBP 114) — ׳א Gen 38:11 +; no construct; plural אַלְמָנוֺת Exod 22:23 +; plural suffix אַלְמְנוֺתָיו Job 27:18, etc. — widow 1Kgs 17:20 ׳אִשָּׁה אַ 2Sam 14:5 (|| וַיָּ֫מָת אִישִׁי) 1Kgs 7:14; 1Kgs 11:26; 1Kgs 17:9; 1Kgs 17:10; Gen 38:11 (J; living in father's house) compare Lev 22:13 (H; || גְּרוּשָׁה); Lev 21:14 (H), where widow forbidden as wife of high priest, like גְּרוּשָׁה, חֲלָלָה, זֹנָה compare Ezek 44:22 (3 t. in verse) (id. of all priests, except widow of priest); Num 30:10 (P; of widow's vow, || גְּרוּשָׁה); נְשֵׁיכֶם אַלְמָנוֺת = ye shall be slain Exod 22:23 (|| בְּנֵיכֶם יְתֹמִים) compare Ps 109:9; Jer 15:8; Jer 18:21; Ezek 22:25, also Lam 5:3 (simile); of those snatched away by pestilence אַלְמְנוֺתָיו לֹא תִבְכֶּינָה Job 27:15 by sword, id., Ps 78:64 ᵐ5 We read אַלְמָנוֺת חַיּוֺת 2Sam 20:3 (see אַלְמָנוּת below) of imprisoned concubines; figurative of Jerusalem Lam 1:1 Babylon Isa 47:8 especially widow as helpless, exposed to oppression & harsh treatment (often || יָתוֺם, & גֵּר); Isa 1:23; Isa 10:2; Job 22:9; Job 24:3; Job 31:16; Ps 94:6; Mal 3:5 harshness forbidden, & care for them enjoined Exod 22:21 (E) Deut 14:29; Deut 16:11; Deut 16:14; Deut 24:17; Deut 24:19; Deut 24:20; Deut 24:21; Deut 26:12; Deut 26:13; Deut 27:19; Isa 1:17; Jer 7:6; Jer 22:3; Zech 7:10, compare Job 29:13 under especially care of God Deut 10:18; Jer 49:11; Prov 15:25; Ps 68:6; Ps 146:9 once of severity of judgment in not sparing widow Isa 9:16. (׳אַל Isa 13:22 see below אַרְמוֺן; Ezek 19:7 see ib. & also below מעון.)

widow, widows, houses, palaces
ʾalmānâ
a widow; also a desolate place
  • widow

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.
חֲמ֣וֹר יְתוֹמִ֣ים יִנְהָ֑גוּ Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here יַ֝חְבְּל֗וּ Revia Mugrash — a lesser break שׁ֣וֹר אַלְמָנָֽה Silluq — end of the verse

חֲמוֹר יְתוֹמִים יִנְהָגוּ יַחְבְּלוּ שׁוֹר אַלְמָנָֽה׃
3
They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow's ox for a pledge.
Cross References

Deuteronomy 24:6

לֹֽא-יַחֲבֹל רֵחַיִם וָרָכֶב כִּי-נֶפֶשׁ הוּא חֹבֵֽל׃
6
No man shall take the nether or the upper millstone to pledge: for he taketh a man's life to pledge.

1 Samuel 12:3

הִנְנִי עֲנוּ בִי נֶגֶד יְהוָה וְנֶגֶד מְשִׁיחוֹ אֶת-שׁוֹר׀ מִי לָקַחְתִּי וַֽחֲמוֹר מִי לָקַחְתִּי וְאֶת-מִי עָשַׁקְתִּי אֶת-מִי רַצּוֹתִי וּמִיַּד-מִי לָקַחְתִּי כֹפֶר וְאַעְלִים עֵינַי בּוֹ וְאָשִׁיב לָכֶֽם׃
3
Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.

Job 31:16

אִם-אֶמְנַע מֵחֵפֶץ דַּלִּים וְעֵינֵי אַלְמָנָה אֲכַלֶּֽה׃
16
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;

Job 22:6

כִּֽי-תַחְבֹּל אַחֶיךָ חִנָּם וּבִגְדֵי עֲרוּמִּים תַּפְשִֽׁיט׃
6
For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing.

Deuteronomy 24:17

לֹא תַטֶּה מִשְׁפַּט גֵּר יָתוֹם וְלֹא תַֽחֲבֹל בֶּגֶד אַלְמָנָֽה׃
17
Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge:

Deuteronomy 24:10

כִּֽי-תַשֶּׁה בְרֵֽעֲךָ מַשַּׁאת מְאוּמָה לֹֽא-תָבֹא אֶל-בֵּיתוֹ לַֽעֲבֹט עֲבֹטֽוֹ׃
10
When thou dost lend thy brother any thing, thou shalt not go into his house to fetch his pledge.