Job 38:37

מִֽי יְסַפֵּ֣ר שְׁחָקִ֣ים בְּחָכְמָ֑ה וְנִבְלֵ֥י שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם מִ֣י יַשְׁכִּֽיב

Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven,

Connections

מוֹנֶה מִסְפָּר לַכּוֹכָבִים לְכֻלָּם שֵׁמוֹת יִקְרָֽא׃

He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.

וַיּוֹצֵא אֹתוֹ הַחוּצָה וַיֹּאמֶר הַבֶּט-נָא הַשָּׁמַיְמָה וּסְפֹר הַכּוֹכָבִים אִם-תּוּכַל לִסְפֹּר אֹתָם וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ כֹּה יִֽהְיֶה זַרְעֶֽךָ׃

And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

Genesis 8:1

וַיִּזְכֹּר אֱלֹהִים אֶת-נֹחַ וְאֵת כָּל-הַֽחַיָּה וְאֶת-כָּל-הַבְּהֵמָה אֲשֶׁר אִתּוֹ בַּתֵּבָה וַיַּֽעֲבֵר אֱלֹהִים רוּחַ עַל-הָאָרֶץ וַיָּשֹׁכּוּ הַמָּֽיִם׃

And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;

Genesis 9:15

וְזָֽכַרְתִּי אֶת-בְּרִיתִי אֲשֶׁר בֵּינִי וּבֵינֵיכֶם וּבֵין כָּל-נֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה בְּכָל-בָּשָׂר וְלֹֽא-יִֽהְיֶה עוֹד הַמַּיִם לְמַבּוּל לְשַׁחֵת כָּל-בָּשָֽׂר׃

And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.

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Job 38:37

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Cantillation

Masoretic Phrasing

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.

מִֽי יְסַפֵּ֣ר שְׁחָקִ֣ים בְּחָכְמָ֑ה Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וְנִבְלֵ֥י שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם Revia Mugrash — a lesser break מִ֣י יַשְׁכִּֽיב Silluq — end of the verse

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Word Parts

מִֽי

Particle turns the sentence into a question

Dictionary form: מִי · mee

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Ti

Particle — Interrogative

מִֽי	Speech Particle Type Interrogative

In English

In the KJV here: who

who ×209 and who ×30 whom ×29 what ×14 and what ×10 or who ×10 whose ×10 but who ×6

More options

who — Standard interrogative or relative; broadest usage.

whoever — Prefer for indefinite or universal reference (whosoever).

whom — Use in object position for formal or written registers.

whose — Use when indicating possession or attribution.

anyone who — Emphasizes indefinite, inclusive scope.

which one — Use when selecting among a defined set of options.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB4615 H4310

מִי₄₂₃ pronoun interrogative who? of persons, as מָה (q. v.) of things (Ethiopic but only = What ? and How ? Assyrian mî, me (rare) Jäger^{BAS. ii. 277}, the usual Semitic form for Who? has n, namely Assyrian mannu, manu (Dl^{HWB 419}), Ethiopic man¥, Aramaic Arabic , Vulgar Arabic min, m£n, from a form resembling which, by rejection of n, probably Hebrew מִי: W^{SG 123 f.}): — who ? (τίς; quis ?) Gen 3:11 הִגִּיד לְךָ מִי who told thee ? Gen 24:65 מִי הָאִישׁ הַלָּזֶה who is this man ? Gen 27:18 מי אתה בני who art thou, my son ? Num 22:9; Judg 1:1; Judg 6:29; Judg 15:6; Judg 18:3; Judg 20:18; 2Sam 1:8 + often; Ruth 3:9 מִי אָ֑תְּ who art thou, (feminine) ? Isa 51:12 of more than one, מִי אֵלָּה who are these ? Gen 33:5; Gen 48:8; Isa 60:8 מי אתם 2Kgs 10:13 once, more explicitly, מִי זָמִי הַהֹלְכִים Exod 10:8 = as who ? (i.e. in what condition, or capacity), Amos 7:2 יעקב מי יקום vAmos 7:5; Isa 51:19 מִי אֲנַחֲמֵךְ (but Vrss Che Lag Brd Du ׳מִי יְ, as || מִי יָנוּד), Ruth 3:16 (Be Ke Kö^{iii. 388}). Note in particular:
a. מִי is rarely used of things, and usually where persons are understood or implied: Gen 33:8 מי לך כלהֿמחנה הזה who (or what) to thee is all this camp ? Deut 4:7; Judg 9:28 שְׁכֶם מִי who is Shechem (i.e. the Shechemites) ? Mic 1:5 מִיפֶֿשַׁע יַעֲקֹב הֲלֹא שֹׁמְרוֺן, v^b Song 3:6; Judg 13:17 מִי שְׁמֶ֑ךָ ( but מה Gen 32:28; Exod 3:13: with מי compare מַן in Aramaic Ezra 5:4 Genesis, Exodus ll. cc. ᵑ7; and see Nö^{M. p. 341}). On 1Sam 18:18, see II. חַי
b. in the genitive, בַּתמִֿי אַתְּ whose daughter art thou ? Gen 24:23; Gen 24:47; 1Sam 12:3 (3 t. in verse); 1Sam 17:55; Jer 44:28; Job 26:4; Job 33:28 after various prepositions, as אַחֲרֵי מִי 1Sam 24:15 (twice in verse); אֶלמִֿי 1Sam 6:20; 2Kgs 9:5 +; בְּמִי by whom ? 1Kgs 20:14, לְמִי₂₀ to whom ? whose ? Gen 32:18 לְמִי אַתָּה, Gen 38:25; Prov 20:20 (6 t.) +; מִמִּי Ezek 32:19; Ps 27:1 (twice in verse); עַלמִֿי 2Kgs 18:20; 2Kgs 19:22; Isa 57:4 +; אֶתמִֿי (so always in accusative), 1Sam 12:3 (twice in verse); 1Sam 28:11; Isa 6:8 = with whom ? Job 12:3.
c. in an indirect question, as Gen 21:26; Gen 43:22 לא ידענו מי שׂם we do not know who put, etc., Deut 21:1; Ps 39:7; Josh 24:15 בַּחֲרוּ ֗֗֗ אֶתמִֿי תַעֲבֹד֑וּן choose whom ye will serve, after ראה 1Sam 14:17, שׁאל 1Sam 17:56, הגיד 1Kgs 1:20, הודיע v1Kgs 1:27.
d. ׳מי ב who among ... ? 1Sam 22:14; Isa 36:20; Isa 43:9; Isa 48:14 (בהם) Isa 42:23; Isa 50:10; Hag 2:3 ( all בכם); מי מן who of ... ? Judg 21:8; 2Kgs 6:11; Isa 50:1.
e. strengthened and emphatic forms of interrogative:
(a) מי זה (see זה 4 b), מי הוא (see הוא 4 b β), הוא זה מי Ps 24:10; Jer 30:21; Esth 7:5 (see ibid.);
(b) אֶחָד מִי what single one ... ? Judg 21:8, compare 2Sam 7:23 ( = 1Chr 17:21). feminine various rhetorical uses ( often repeated in || clause, as Ps 15:1; Ps 18:32; Isa 28:9; Isa 29:15): — (a) followed by imperfect it expresses a wish ( the question implying a desire that the person asked for were present ), 2Sam 15:4 מִי יְשִׂמֵנִי שֹׁפֵט who will set me judge ? i.e. would that some one would make me judge ! 2Sam 23:15 מִי יַשְׁקֵנִי מַיִם = O that one would give me to drink, etc. ! compare Num 11:4; Num 11:18; Mal 1:10; Ps 4:7; Ps 60:11; Ps 94:16; Isa 42:23, and very often in the phrase מִי יִתֵּן who will give? i.e. would that there were. . . ! as Num 11:29 נביאים ׳ומי יתן כל עם י = and would that all ׳י's people were prophets! Deut 28:67 מי יתן ערב = would it were even! Judg 9:29 + (see נָתַן). (b) it expresses contempt (who ? implying the answer no one at all), Exod 5:2 ׳אשׁר אשׁמע בקולו מי י who is ׳י that I should listen to his voice ? Judg 9:28 מִי אֲבִימֶלֶךְ וּמִי שְׁכֶם כִּי נַעַבְדֶנּוּ, vJudg 9:38; 1Sam 17:26 who is this Philistine that he should have reproached, etc.? 1Sam 25:10 מי דוד ומי בן ישׁי Isa 28:9; Job 26:4; Prov 30:9 ׳מי י; or modesty (real or assumed), Exod 3:11 מִי אָנֹכִי כִּי אֵלֵךְ אֶלפַּֿרְעֹה 1Sam 18:18 ומי חיי מי אנכי who am I, and who is my clan (חַיִּי), that I should be the king's son-in-law ? 2Sam 7:18; 1Chr 29:14; 2Chr 2:5 or surprise, Isa 44:10; Isa 49:21. (c) in impassioned prose, and especially in poetry, implying the answer few or none, it is equivalent to a rhetorical negative, Deut 9:2 מִי יִתְיַצֵּב לִפְנֵי בְנֵי עֲנָק who can stand, etc.? Deut 30:12 מִי יַעֲלֶהלָּֿנוּ הַשָּׁמַיְמָה vDeut 30:13; 1Sam 4:8 ׳מִי יַצִּילֵנוּ וג, 1Sam 6:20; 1Sam 22:14; 1Sam 26:9; 1Sam 26:15; 2Sam 16:10 מי יאמר who shall (or can) say ? Job 9:12; Prov 20:9; Eccl 8:4 with the perfect (of experience), who has ever . . . ? Num 23:10; Deut 5:23; Isa 36:20; Isa 66:8 (twice in verse); Jer 18:13 מִי שָׁמַע כָּאֵלֶּה, Jer 23:18 (ᵑ0), Jer 30:21; Job 4:7; Job 9:4 מִי הִקְשָׁה אֵלָיו וַיִּשְׁלָ֑ם, Job 41:3; Prov 30:4; Lam 3:37 in poetry, very often, as Gen 49:9 מִי יְקִימֶנּוּ וּכְלָבִיא who can rouse him up ? (i.e. no one), Exod 15:11 (twice in verse) מִי כָמוֺךָ (so Ps 35:10 and elsewhere), Num 24:9; Num 24:23; 1Sam 2:25 מי יתפלל לו who shall intercede for him ? (i.e. no one), Isa 1:12; Isa 10:3; Isa 40:13; Isa 40:14; Isa 40:18; Isa 41:26; Isa 42:19; Isa 43:9; Isa 48:14; Isa 50:1; Isa 53:1 מִי הֶאֱמִין לִשְׁמֻעָתֵנוּ (i.e. few or none), etc.; Ps 18:32 ׳מִי אֱלוֺהַּ מִבַּלְעֲדֵי י, Ps 76:8; Ps 89:7; Ps 130:3; Job 21:31; Job 34:29; Jer 17:9; Joel 2:11; Mal 3:2 מִי לֹא ֗֗֗ Amos 3:8; Jer 10:7; Job 12:9 (compare Job 25:3; Nah 3:19); (יְשִׁיבֶנָּה) מִי יְשִׁיבֶנּוּ who shall (can) turn it back ? Job 9:12; Job 11:10; Job 23:13; Isa 14:27; Isa 43:13; Jer 2:24 implying the answer, no one but God, Isa 40:12; Isa 41:2; Isa 35:6; Isa 35:25, etc.; defiantly, Isa 50:9 מִי הוּא יַרְשִׁיעֵנִי, Jer 21:13; Jer 49:4 מִי יָבוֺא אֵלַי, vJer 49:19; Obad 1:3; Ps 12:5 מִי אָדוֺן לָנוּ, Ps 59:8; Ps 64:6; Job 9:19 מִי יוֺעִידֵנִי וְאִם לְמִשְׁפָּט, Job 13:19 מִי הוּא יָרִיב עִמָּדִי who is he that will contend with me ? Job 17:3; Job 41:2. Notice in examples of this kind the frequent order of words: Prov 20:6 ואישׁ אמוּנים מי ימצא, Prov 24:22 יודע ופיד שׁניהם מי, Prov 31:10; Nah 1:6 לפני זעמו מי יעמד, Ps 147:17 קֹרָתוֺ מי יעמד לפני, Job 4:2 וַעְצֹר בְּמִלִּין מִי יוּכ֑ל, Job 26:14; Job 38:37; Job 39:5; Job 41:5; Job 41:6; Ps 6:6 בִּשְׁאוֺל מִי יוֺדֶהלָּֿ֑ךְ, Ps 19:13 and with the nom. pendens, Jer 2:24 תַּאֲנָתָהּ מִי יְשִׁיבֶנָּה, Prov 18:14; Job 17:15 וְתִקְוָתִי מִי יְשׁוּרֶנָּה, Job 38:29 וּכְפֹר שָׁמַיִם מִי יְלָדוֺ.
(d) מִי יוֺדֵעַ who knoweth ? (Ps 90:11; Prov 24:22), followed by a verbal clause, becomes (compare nescio an) = it may be, perchance, 2Sam 12:22 ׳מִי יוֺדֵעַ יְחָנֵּנִי י (Qr וְחַנַּנִי), Joel 2:14 ( = Jonah 3:9) מי יודע ישׁוב ונחם, Esth 4:14 יודע אם מי.
(e) especially in poetry, a question with מי, to which the answer follows, is an effective mode of affirming a fact, or introducing a description: Ps 15:1 (twice in verse) (see vPs 15:2); Ps 24:3; Ps 24:8; Ps 24:10; Isa 23:8 מי יעץ ׳זאת וג (Isa 23:9 the answ., יְעָצָהּ ׳צ ׳י), Isa 33:14 (see vIsa 33:15f.), Isa 37:23; Isa 41:2; Isa 41:4; Isa 60:8; Isa 63:1; Jer 46:7; Song 3:6, compare Song 6:10; Song 8:3 answered by הֲלֹא Exod 4:11; Isa 42:24; Isa 45:21; Mic 1:5 (twice in verse).
g. מִי may sometimes be rendered whosoever, though, as the examples will shew, it does not really mean it: Exod 24:14 מי בעל דברים יִגַּשׁ אליהם, literally Who hath a cause ? let him draw nigh unto them, i.e. whoso hath a cause, let him, etc., Isa 50:8b מִי בַעַל מִשְׁפָּטִי יִגַּשׁ אֵלַי, Isa 54:15; Judg 7:3 מִי יָרֵא וְחָרֵד יָשֹׁב ׳וג who is fearful and trembling ? let him return, Prov 9:4; Prov 9:16 מִיפֶֿ֖תִי יָסֻר הֵגָּה, Ezra 1:3 (compare with וְ in apodosis Jer 9:11; Hos 14:10; Ps 107:43; Zech 4:10 is dubious, on account of anomalous tense and construction); so with מי האישׁ אשׁר ֗֗֗ Deut 20:5; Deut 20:6; Deut 20:7; Judg 10:18, compare Ps 25:12. With 1 person in apodosis, Exod 32:33 חָטָא לִי אֶמְחֶגּוּ מִסִּפְרִי מִי אֲשֶׁר, Jer 49:19 ( = Jer 50:44) אֵלָיהָ אֶפְקֹד וּמִי בָחוּר and who is chosen? I will appoint him over her! Isa 50:8a; with an imperative in the apodosis Exod 32:24 (against accents; see Ra) התפרקו למי זהב who hath gold ? break it off you! Gen 19:12; 1Sam 11:12, compare Ps 34:13f.; without a verb, Exod 32:26 אלי ׳מי לי who is on J.'s side ? (let him come) to me! so 2Sam 20:11 (מי אשׁר); Eccl 5:9; Eccl 9:4 (מי אשׁר).
h. once, following a verb (compare מָה 3), any one, 2Sam 18:12 שִׁמְרוּמִֿי בַּנַּעַר באבשׁלום Have a care, whosoever ye be, of, etc. (but ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9 Bu לִי; compare v2Sam 18:5).

BDB9669 H4479 H4310

מַן (so Gi, with most MSS., supported by Syriac , Arabic ; see K^{§ 22, 1}), מָן (Baer: see on Dan 3:6), interrogative pronoun who? (Old Aramaic, Nabataean, Palmyrene מן Lzb³¹² Cooke¹⁸⁸), ᵑ7 מן, Syriac , Ethiopic Arabic W^{CG 123:} Biblical Hebrew מִי); —

1. who? Ezra 5:3; Ezra 5:9 strengthened by הוּא, Dan 3:15 וּמַןהֿוּא אֱלָהּ דִּי who is the God who . . . ? (compare Syriac contracted from , and מַנּוּ in the Syriacizing ᵑ7 to Proverbs: also Biblical Hebrew מִי הוּא, הוּא 4 b β); so in the plural Ezra 5:4 מִןאִֿנוּן שְׁמָהָת what (literally who: compare מִי 1 a, and Gen 32:28; Exod 3:13 ᵑ7) are the names of . . .?

2. מַןדּֿי whosoever (literally who is there that . . .? see Biblical Hebrew מִי g) Dan 3:6; Dan 3:11 מִןדִּֿי לָא יִפֵּל, Dan 4:14 וּלְמִן דִּי יִצְבֵּא יִתְּנִנַּהּ to whomsoever he willeth, he giveth it, v.Dan 4:22 v.Dan 4:29; Dan 5:21 (so Nabataean מן די, Cooke^{241, 325 ff.}; ᵑ7 מַן דְּ; Syriac ; compare Egyptian Aramaic S-C^{Pap. K 7, 12} ולמן זי צבית תנתן).

Strong's Definition H4310

who, whom, what, whose, which, …

mî

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

Variations 12 forms of this word

Translations 71 English renderings

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Word Parts

יְסַפֵּ֣ר

Root word scribe, told, declare, tell, numbered, …

Dictionary form: סָפַר · saw-PAHR

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Vpi3ms

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

יְסַפֵּר

Speech Verb Stem Piel Type Imperfect (Yiqtol) Person Third Person Gender Masculine Number Singular

Verb Chart

Full verb chart

In English

In the KJV here: can number

the scribe ×31 and told ×8 declare ×5 scribe ×5 and declare ×3 be numbered ×3 i will declare ×3 scribes ×3

More options

tell — Broad, everyday choice for oral reporting or narrating.

recount — Implies fuller, sequential retelling of events or stories.

declare — More formal or solemn proclamation; suits poetic or liturgical contexts.

count — Use when the numerical sense of enumeration is primary.

proclaim — Emphasizes public announcement; strong rhetorical register.

scribe — For the nominal sense — a professional writer or record-keeper.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB5695 H5608

סָפַר₁₀₇ verb count, Pi`el recount, relate (probably ancient denominative from סֵפֶר; Late Hebrew = Biblical Hebrew; Ethiopic measure Di⁴⁰⁴); —

Qal₂₇ Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳ס 2Sam 24:10, 2 masculine singular סָפַרְתָּה Ps 56:9, וְסָפַרְתָּ֫ Lev 25:8, etc.; Imperfect יִסְפֹּר Ps 87:6 + Job 38:37 where read probably יִסְפֹּר (Bu) for ᵑ0 יְסַפֵּר, יִסְפּוֺר Job 31:4, וַיִּסְפֹּר 2Chr 2:1; 2Chr 2:16, suffix וַיִּסְפְּרֵם Ezra 1:8 2 masculine singular תִּסְפֹּר Job 39:2, תִּסְפּוֺר Job 14:16, תִּסְפָּרֿ Deut 16:9, etc.; Imperative masculine singular סְפֹר Gen 15:5 masculine plural סִפְרוּ 1Chr 21:2; Ps 48:13 Infinitive construct לִסְפֹּר Gen 15:5 + 2 t.; Participle סֹפֵר Isa 33:18 (twice in verse) (see also סֹפֵר
n. below); —

1. count things, to learn their number, with accusative, Gen 15:5 (twice in verse) (J) 2Sam 24:10 + 10 t. (+ accusative of congnate meaning with verb 2Chr 2:16); accusative omitted Gen 41:49 (E); + ל (dativus commodi [dative of benefit] or ethicus [of interest]), Lev 15:13; Lev 15:28; Lev 23:15; Lev 25:8 (all PH), Deut 16:9; Ezek 44:26; Ezra 1:8; Ps 87:6; Isa 33:8 (absolute), vIsa 33:18 (but text suspicious, conjectures in Du Che^Hpt).

2. number = take account of, carefully observe and consider, reckon: צְעָדַי תִּסְפּוֺר Job 14:16 of my steps thou takest account, so Job 31:4 see also Job 38:37 (compare above); נֹדִי סָפַרַתַּה Ps 56:9 my wandering hast thou reckoned, taken into account (Che reads סִפַּרְתִּי after ᵐ5).

Niph`al Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִסָּפֵר Hos 2:1 + 4 t.; 3 masculine plural יִסָּֽפְרוּ 1Kgs 8:5; 2Chr 5:6, וַיִּסָּֽפְרוּ 1Chr 23:3 — be counted, numbered usually with negative, to indicate multitude, מֵרֹב ׳לֹא יִסּ Gen 16:10 (J) it is not to be counted, for multitude, so Gen 32:13 (J), 1Kgs 3:8 (|| יִמָּנֶה לֹא), 1Kgs 8:5 (+ id.), 2Chr 5:6 (+ id.); compare Hos 2:1 (+ יִמַּד לֹאֿ), Jer 33:22 (|| לֹא יִמַּד); positively, only וַיִּסָּֽפְרוּ הַלְּוִיִּם 1Chr 23:3.

Pi`el₆₇ Perfect 1 singular סִפַּ֫רְתִּי Ps 119:26, סִפַּ֑רְתִּי vPs 119:13 3 plural סִפְּרוּ Judg 6:13 + 3 t.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יְסַפֵּר Job 38:37 +, 1 singular אֲסַפֵּר Ps 22:18 +; cohortative אֲסַפֵּ֑רָה Job 15:7 1 plural וַנְּסַפֶּרֿ Exod 10:2, etc.; Imperative סַפֵּר Isa 43:26, etc.; Infinitive construct (לְ) סַפֵּר Ps 50:16 + 5 t.; Participle מְסַפֵּר Judg 7:13; 2Kgs 8:5 plural מְסַפְּרִים Ps 19:2; Ps 78:4 — recount, rehearse, declare:

1. recount something (accusative) to (לְ person) Judg 6:13; Judg 7:13; Gen 24:66 (J), 1Sam 11:5 + 18 t. (of rehearsing glorious deeds of ׳י Ps 44:2; Ps 73:28; Ps 78:3; Ps 78:4; Ps 79:13); with accusative + בְּ local Ezek 12:16, elsewhere of rehearsing name or praise of ׳י Exod 9:16 (J) Ps 9:15; Ps 96:3 = 1Chr 16:24; Ps 102:22; Jer 51:10 with accusative alone Ps 9:2; Ps 19:2; Ps 119:13 (+ בְּ instrumental), Ps 145:6 + 8 t. Psalms + Isa 43:21, all of rehearsing praise of ׳י; compare עָֽצְמוּ מִסַּפֵּר Ps 40:6 they are too great to rehearse with accusative also Jer 23:28; Jer 23:32; Job 15:17; Job 28:27; Ps 119:26 accusative omitted Isa 43:26, with לְ person Gen 40:8 (E) + 6 t., with אֶלֿ person Gen 37:10 (E), with בְּאָזְנֵי Exod 10:2 with כְּמוֺ (q. v.) Ps 73:15 with אֶלֿ concerning Ps 2:7, compare Ps 69:27 ( ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Ew Ol Gr Bi Che Bae add; in that case read יֹסִ֑פוּ); with עַלֿ concerning + לְ person Joel 1:3.

2. apparently, in weakened sense, talk Ps 59:13; Ps 64:6 (with ל concerning), Ps 73:15 (with כְּמוֺ).

3. count exactly, accurately אֲסַפֵּר כָּלעַֿצְמוֺתָ֑י Ps 22:18 I can count exactly all my bones (in wasted body). — Ps 40:6 see below 1, Job 38:37 read יִסְפֹּר.

Pu`al be recounted, related, rehearsed: Perfect 3 masculine singular סֻפַּר לְ Isa 52:15 Imperfect 3 masculine singular יְסֻפַּר לְ Job 37:20 (clause as subject), + לְ concerning Ps 22:31 with בְּ local Ps 88:12 absolute יְסֻפָּ֑ר Hab 1:5.

BDB5696 H5608

סֹפֵר, סוֺפֵר noun masculine^{Ps 45:2} enumerator, muster-officer, secretary, scribe (properly participle of סָפַר; Aramaic סַפְרָא, id. compare doctus, literatus; O Aramaic ספרא id., Lzb³³⁰ Cook⁸⁵; Phoenician ספר Lzb³³⁰); — absolute סֹפֵר Judg 5:14 +, סוֺפֵר 2Sam 8:17 +; construct סֹפֵר 2Kgs 12:11 + 2 t., + Jer 52:25 (Gie GFM read ׳הַסּ as || 2Kgs 25:19); plural סֹפְרִים 1Kgs 4:3; Jer 8:8, ׳סוֺ 1Chr 2:55; 1Chr 34:13 construct סֹפְרֵי Esth 3:12; Esth 8:9 —

1. a. enumerator, muster-officer in description of leaders of Israel ׳משְׁכִים בְּשֵׁבֶט ס Judg 5:14.
b. king's official = secretary 2Sam 8:17 = 2Sam 20:25 = 1Chr 18:16; 2Kgs 18:18; 2Kgs 18:37 = Isa 36:3; Isa 36:22 Solomon had two 1Kgs 4:3 (in all these distinguished from מַזְכִּיר); also 2Kgs 19:2 = Isa 37:2; Jer 36:10; Jer 36:12, compare ׳לִשְׁכַּת הַסּ vJer 36:12 vJer 36:20 vJer 36:21, ׳בֵּית הַסּ Jer 37:15; Jer 37:20 acting as treasurer and paymaster 2Kgs 12:11 = 2Chr 24:11, — compare Zadok Neh 13:13 — 2Kgs 22:3; 2Kgs 22:8; 2Kgs 22:9; 2Kgs 22:10; 2Kgs 22:12 = 2Chr 34:15; 2Chr 34:18; 2Chr 34:20; 1Chr 24:6 (Levite); שַׂר הַצָּבָא ׳הַסּ 2Kgs 25:19 = Jer 52:25 (si vera lectio in Kings) implies military authority (but ׳שַׂר הַצּ perhaps gloss GFM^{Judg 5:14}); Ew Sta and others read (as Jeremiah) scribe of general.
c. in Persia, secretaries who wrote out (king's) decrees, according to Esth 3:12; Esth 8:9.
d. 2Chr 26:11 uses ׳ס for muster-officer; 1Chr 2:55 mentions families of סוֺפְרִים; 2Chr 34:13 knows ׳ס as Levites; ׳ס 1Chr 27:32 = man of learning.

2. professional class of learned men, 'scribes' able to read and write Jer 36:26; Jer 36:32 with writing implements, ׳מָהִיר עֵט ס Ps 45:2, ׳קֶסֶת הַסּ Ezek 9:2; Ezek 9:3, ׳תַּעַר הַסּ Jer 36:23 especially learned in the law, and assuming to issue its precepts, עֵט שֶׁקֶר סֹפְרִים Jer 8:8.

3. specifically of Ezra, at once priest (כֹּהֵן) and learned in the law (סֹפֵר), Ezra 7:11, ׳בְרֵי מִצְוֺת י Di ׳ס vEzra 7:11 [compare Aramaic vEzra 7:12 vEzra 7:21], מָהִיר בְּתוֺרֵת משֶׁה ׳ס vEzra 7:6; Neh 8:1; Neh 8:4; Neh 8:9; Neh 8:13; Neh 12:26; Neh 12:36.

BDB9740 H5613 H5608

[סָפֵר] noun masculine secretary, scribe (ᵑ7 Syriac; Biblical Hebrew סֹפֵר); — emphatic סָֽפְרָא the secretary, Persian official, Ezra 4:8; Ezra 4:9; Ezra 4:17; Ezra 4:23 construct סָפַר the scribe Ezra 7:12; Ezra 7:21, of Ezra as learned in God's law.

Strong's Definition H5608

scribe, told, declare, tell, numbered, …

sāpar

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebrate

(v) to count, recount, relate

(Qal)

to count (things)

to recount (something), rehearse

enumerator, muster-officer, secretary

Variations 75 forms of this word

Translations 94 English renderings

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Word Parts

שְׁחָקִ֣ים

Root word clouds, skies, sky, heaven, dust

Dictionary form: שַׁחַק · sha-HAHK

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Ncmpa

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

שְׁחָקִים

Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Plural State Absolute

In English

In the KJV here: the clouds

the clouds ×8 is in the clouds ×2 of the skies ×2 the skies ×2 and let the skies ×1 and the clouds ×1 as the small dust ×1 in heaven ×1

More options

sky — Broad, everyday term; suits most poetic contexts.

cloud — Use when the imagery focuses on cloud masses.

heaven — Elevated register; fits liturgical or divine contexts.

skies — Plural; evokes expanse, good for cosmic/hymnic passages.

dust — Rare sense; only when fine-particle imagery is explicit.

atmosphere — Neutral, modern; emphasizes the physical expanse above.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB8602 H7834

שַׁ֫חַק noun masculine^{Prov 9:20} dust, cloud (as fine, thin); — ׳שׁ absolute Ps 89:7; Ps 89:38, construct Isa 40:15 plural שְׁחָקִים Deut 33:25 +; —

1. fine dust, מאֹזְנַיִם ׳שׁ Isa 40:15 (simile of insignificance).

2. (thin) cloud, usually plural (often || שָׁמַיִם), Deut 33:26 (poem), Isa 45:8; Jer 51:9; Job 35:5; Job 36:28; Job 37:21; Job 38:37; Ps 36:6; Ps 57:11; Ps 68:35; Ps 77:18; Ps 78:23; Ps 108:5 opposed to תְּהוֺם Prov 3:20; Prov 8:28 ׳עָבֵי שׁ 2Sam 22:12 = Ps 18:12 = heavens, sky Job 37:18 (with חִרְקִיעַ), and (singular) Ps 89:7; Ps 89:38.

שִׁחֹר see שִׁיחוֺר.

Strong's Definition H7834

clouds, skies, sky, heaven, dust

šaḥaq

a powder (as beaten small); by analogy, a thin vapor; by extension, the firmament

dust, cloud

fine dust

Variations 9 forms of this word

Translations 11 English renderings

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Word Parts

וְ נִבְלֵ֥י

וְ

Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)

נִבְלֵ֥י

Root word psalteries, psaltery, bottle, bottles, viol, …

Dictionary form: נֶבֶל · neh-BEL

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar C/Ncmpc

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

וְ	Speech Conjunction
נִבְלֵי	Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Plural State Construct

In English

In the KJV here: the bottles

with psalteries ×6 psalteries ×3 and a bottle ×2 and psalteries ×2 bottle ×2 of thy viols ×2 psaltery ×2 the psaltery ×2

More options

harp — Best modern equivalent for the ancient stringed instrument.

lyre — Preferred in many modern Bible translations for this instrument.

jug — Use when נֶבֶל refers to a clay or ceramic vessel.

jar — Slightly more formal vessel sense; good for storage containers.

flask — Use for smaller, portable liquid-carrying vessels.

stringed instrument — Broader term when exact instrument type is uncertain.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB4948 H5035

I. נֵ֫בֶל noun masculine^{Jer 13:12}

1. skin-bottle, skin;

2. jar, pitcher; — נֵ֫בֶלabsolute 1Sam 10:5 +; construct v1Sam 10:3 + (on נֶכֶל see Baer^{1Sam 1:24}); —

1. skin of wine, נֵ֫בֶל יַיִן 1Sam 1:24; 1Sam 10:3; 2Sam 16:1, compare also Jer 13:12 (twice in verse); plural נִבְלֵי יַיִן 1Sam 25:18 : figurative נִבְלֵי שָׁמַיִם Job 38:37 i.e. clouds (|| שְׁחָקִים).

2. earthen jar, pitcher: figurative of connections of Eliakim כְּלֵי נְבָלִים Isa 22:24 נִבְלֵיהֶם יְנַפֵּ֑צוּ Jer 48:12 (|| כֵּלִים יָרִיקוּ) in figure of Moab (compare Ps 2:9); נִבְלֵיתֶֿרֶשׂ Lam 4:2 simile of men of Judah (|| מַעֲשֵׂה יְדֵי יוֺצֵר); simile of destruction of Judah, שֵׁבֶר נֵ֫כֶל יוֺצְרִים Isa 30:14.

BDB4949 H5035

II. נֵ֫בֶל, נֶ֫בֶל noun masculine^{Ps 57:9} a musical instrument, either a portable harp, or a lute, guitar (with bulging resonance-body at lower end); (perhaps = 1. נֵבֶל, and then shape seems to favour lute; perhaps independent word, e.g. Egyptian loan-word, compare nfr, lute, We^{Hpt 222}); — absolute נֵ֫בֶל 1Sam 10:5 + 3 t., נֶ֫בֶל Ps 71:22 + 3 t.; נָ֑בֶל Amos 6:5 + 2 t.; plural נְבָלִים 2Sam 6:5 + 4 t.; suffix נְבָלֶיךָ Amos 5:23; Isa 14:11 — harp (or lute), played at feasts and religious ceremonies, probably less simple, cheap and common than כִּנּוֺר (q. v.; often named with ׳נ): — as mark of luxury, revelry Amos 5:23; Amos 6:5; Amos 14:11, so Amos 5:12 (תֹּף חָלִיל ׳כִנּוֺר נ), also (not in bad sense) 1Kgs 10:12 played by wandering band of prophets 1Sam 10:5 (list as Isa 5:12); in worship 2Sam 6:5 elsewhere only Psalms, Chronicles, always in worship: Ps 57:9; Ps 81:3; Ps 92:4; Ps 108:3; Ps 150:3 כְּלִי נֶבֶל Ps 71:22 עָשׂוֺר ׳נ a harp with ten strings Ps 33:2; Ps 144:9; 1Chr 13:8; 1Chr 15:16; 1Chr 15:20; 1Chr 15:28; 1Chr 16:5 (כְּלֵי נְבָלִים), 1Chr 25:1; 1Chr 25:6; 2Chr 5:12; 2Chr 9:11; 2Chr 20:28; 2Chr 29:25; Neh 12:27. — compare further Benz^{Archaeology 273 ff.} Now^{Archaeology i..273 ff.} Dr^{Amos 234 ff.} We^{Hpt 222 ff}.

Strong's Definition H5035

psalteries, psaltery, bottle, bottles, viol, …

nebel

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); hence, a vase (as similar in shape when full)

a skin-bag, jar, pitcher

skin-bottle, skin

Variations 20 forms of this word

Translations 24 English renderings

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Word Parts

שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם

Root word heaven, heavens, air

Dictionary form: שָׁמַיִם · shaw-ma-YIM

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Ncmpa

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

שָׁמַיִם

Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Plural State Absolute

In English

In the KJV here: of heaven

heaven ×76 of heaven ×74 the heavens ×50 the heaven ×22 of the heaven ×20 of the air ×19 from heaven ×15 in heaven ×15

More options

sky — Best for atmospheric or visible dome contexts.

heavens — Modernized plural; suits poetic or cosmic scope.

heaven — Theological or divine dwelling; singular register.

atmosphere — Technical/scientific contexts; birds, weather, air.

cosmos — Emphasizes vast, ordered universe; rare but vivid.

firmament — Retains ancient cosmological feel; use sparingly.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB8792 H8064

[שָׁמַי]noun masculine^{Deut 33:28} only plural שָׁמַ֫יִם₄₂₁ (Sta^{§324 a}) heavens, sky (Late Hebrew id.; Assyrian šamû plural šamê, šamûtu, also šamâmu, compare Phoenician שמם; Sabean סמה Hom^{Chr 46, 124}; Arabic Ethiopic Aramaic שְׁמַיָּא ; Palmyrene, Nabataean שמ(י)ן in proper name (compounded with בעל) Lzb¹⁵³ GACooke⁴⁵; on plural form see Ba^{ZMG xiii (1888), 341 f.}); — absolute ׳שׁ Gen 1:1 +, מָ֑יִם- Gen 2:4 +; הַשָּׁמַ֫יְמָה Exod 9:8 +; construct שְׁמֵי Deut 10:14 + 9 t.; suffix שָׁמֶיךָ Ps 8:4 +2 t., שָׁמָיו Deut 33:28, שְׁמֵיכֶם Lev 26:19, with verb plural, Hos 2:23 —

1. a. visible heavens, sky, where stars, etc., are Judg 5:20; Gen 15:5 (J), Deut 4:19; Gen 1:14; Gen 1:15; Gen 1:17 (P), hence ׳כּוֺכְבֵי הַשּׁ Gen 22:17 (JE) = 9 t. (usually as countless), ׳(כָּלֿ) צְבָא הַשּׁ Deut 4:19; Jer 8:2 + ( ׳צ 1 c; rarely of angels, ׳צ 1 b; before which fowl fly Gen 1:20 (P), compare Deut 4:17; Jer 8:7; Prov 30:19, ׳עוֺף הַשּׁ Gen 2:19 (J), Gen 1:19 (P) + (עוֺף 1), ׳צִפֹּר שׁ Ps 8:9, ׳נִשְׁרֵי שׁ Lam 4:19 as רָקִיע (q. v.) Gen 1:8 (P), Ps 19:2, with waters beneath and above Gen 1:9 (P, compare vGen 1:7), Ps 148:4, darkened with clouds 1Kgs 18:45, cleared by wind Job 26:13 whence comes rain Gen 8:2 (J), Judg 5:4; Deut 11:11 +, and dew Gen 27:28 (J), vGen 27:39 (E), Deut 33:28 (poem) +. compare ׳בִּרְכֹת שׁ Gen 49:25 (poem in J), ׳מֶגֶר שׁ Deut 33:13 (poem), but also (destructive) fire 2Kgs 1:10 (twice in verse); Job 1:16 + (see also 2 a below); ׳הֹבְרֵישׁ Isa 47:13, i.e. astrologers, compare ׳אוֺתוֺתהַשּׁ Jer 10:2 as high Gen 11:4 (J), Amos (:2 (opposed to שְׁאוֺל), vGen 11:6 (opposed to אֶרֶץ) +, ׳עַדלֵֿב הַשּׁ Deut 4:11as over all the earth, ׳תַּחַת (כָּלֿ)הַשּׁ Gen 6:17; Gen 7:19 (both P), Deut 2:25; Eccl 1:13 ׳מִתַּחַת וגו (of extermination) Exod 17:14 (E), Deut 7:24; Deut 9:14 +; specifically of Israel, שָׁמֶיךָ Deut 28:23, שְׁמֵיכֶם Lev 26:19 (H); וּבֵין הָאָרֶץ ׳בֵּין הַשּׁ 2Sam 18:9 (hung from tree), 1Chr 21:16 (of angel), compare Ezek 8:3 (Ezekiel in vision), Zech 5:9 (flying ephah); וְעַדקְֿצֵה ׳מִקְּצֵה הַשּׁ ׳הַשּׁ of limits of horizon Deut 4:32, compare Deut 30:4; Neh 1:9; Ps 19:7 as made by God Jer 51:15 (opposed to תֵּבֵל), Ps 8:4 + enduring Deut 11:21; Job 14:12; Ps 89:30 especiallyוְ(הָ)אָרֶץ ׳(הַ)שּׁ = universe (compare in Sabean, SabDenkm^{No.41.42, l.3}) Deut 3:24; Gen 1:1 (P) + (especially Deuteronomy, Isa², Psalms), + הַיָם Exod 20:11; Hag 2:6, etc., + מַיִם מִתַּחַת לָאָרֶץ Exod 20:4= Deut 5:8,.compare Prov 30:4, etc.; opposed to תְּהוֺם Prov 8:27 (+ אֶרֶץ vProv 8:29) חֲרָשִׁים וְהָאָרֶץ חֲרָשָׁה ׳שׁ as part of future glory Isa 65:17; Isa 66:22.
b. phrases are: ׳אֲרֻבּוֺת הַשּׁ (letting rain through) Gen 7:11; Gen 8:2 (P), Mal 3:10 (figurative), compare ׳בַּשּׁ ׳א ׳הֲיַעֲשֶׂה י 2Kgs 7:2; 2Kgs 7:19, so ׳דַּלְתֵי שׁ Ps 78:23 (for manna), compare ׳דְָּגַן שׁ, vPs 78:24, ׳לֶחֶם שׁ Ps 105:40 ׳מוֺסְדוֺת הַשּׁ 2Sam 22:8 (|| הָאָרֶץ; in || Ps 18:8 חָרִים ׳מ), ׳עַמּוּרֵי שׁ Job 26:11, ׳חוּג שׁ Job 22:14 towards the sky is הַשָּׁמַ֫יְמָה Josh 8:20(J), Exod 9:8; Exod 9:10 (P), Job 2:12; Judg 13:20; Judg 20:40; 2Chr 6:13 עַלהַֿשָּׁמַיִם Exod 9:22; Exod 9:23; Exod 10:21; Exod 10:22(all E), ׳אֶלשֿׁ Deut 32:40 (poem), Dan 12:7, ׳שׁ alone 1Kgs 8:22; 1Kgs 8:54; Job 35:5; Prov 23:5.

2. a. as abode of God (׳י) 1Kgs 8:30; 1Kgs 8:32 + often, where he sits enthroned Ps 2:3; Isa 66:1, etc., compare ׳רֹכֵבשׁ Deut 33:26(poem), Ps 68:34, whence he rains brimstone Gen 19:24 (J), bread Exod 16:4 (E), compare Neh 9:15, casts hailstones Josh 11:11 (E), talks with Israel Exod 20:22 (E; Gi vExod 20:19) +, compare Gen 21:17; Gen 22:11; Gen 22:15 (E), looks down Deut 26:15 +, hears his people Ps 20:7+ 10 t. Chronicles, etc.; he thunders ׳בַּשּׁ 1Sam 2:10; Ps 18:14,|| ׳מִןשֿׁ 2Sam 22:14 he bends (נטה) ׳שׁ to come down v2Sam 22:10= Ps 18:10, compare Ps 144:5 and (rend) Isa 63:19 ׳נִפְּתְּחוּ הַשּׁ Ezek 1:1 in vision of God, compare ׳שַׁעַר הַשּׁ Gen 28:17 (E; + בֵּית אֱלֹהִים); though even ׳שְׁמֵי הַשּׁ the highest heuvens cannot hold him Deut 10:14; 1Kgs 8:27 2 Chron 6:18, 2Chr 2:5; Neh 9:6; Ps 148:4, שְׁמֵי שְׁמֵיקֶֿדֶם Ps 68:34 he is called ׳אֱלֹהֵי הַשּׁ (post-exilic title) Ezra 1:2 = 2Chr 36:23 + 11 t. Ezra Nehemiah; Jonah 1:9 (compare Aramaic, Dan 2:18; Dan 2:19; Dan 2:37; Dan 2:44 in Gen 24:7 add with ᵐ5 וֵאלֹהֵי הָאָרֶץ, as vGen 24:3), ׳אֵלהַֿשׁ Ps 136:26 his sword is ׳בַּשׁ Isa 34:5, but also his חֶסֶד Ps 36:6, צֶדֶק Ps 85:12, אֱמוּנָח Ps 89:3, his word fixed Ps 119:89. — ׳שׁ are שָׁמָיו (of Israel) Deut 33:28 (poem), שְׁמֵיכֶם Lev 26:19 שָׁמֶיךָ Ps 8:4; Ps 144:5, ׳שְׁמֵי י Lam 3:66, קָדְשׁוֺ ׳שׁ Ps 20:7.
b. Elijah taken up ׳הַשּׁ in whirlwind 2Kgs 2:1, compare v2Kgs 2:11.

3. ׳הַשּׁ personified in various relations Isa 1:2; Jer 2:12; Job 15:15; Ps 19:2; Ps 50:6 = Ps 97:6; Ps 89:6; Ps 148:4.

4. מְלֶכֶת ׳הַשּׁ see ׳מ p. 573.

I, II. שַׁמָּה see שׁמם. שָׂ֫מָּה see שָׁם.

BDB9965 H8064 H8065

[שְׁמַ֫יִן] noun masculine plural heavens (Biblical Hebrew [שָׁמַי], שָׁמַיִם, √ שׁמה); — always emphatic שְׁמַיָּא:

1. visible sky Jer 10:11; Dan 4:8; Dan 4:10; Dan 4:17; Dan 4:19; Dan 4:20; Dan 4:27; Dan 4:28 ׳עוֺף שׁ Dan 2:38 ׳צִפֲּרֵי שׁ Dan 4:9; Dan 4:18 ׳טַל שׁ v.Dan 4:12 v.Dan 4:20 v.Dan 4:22 v.Dan 4:30; Dan 5:21 ׳רוּחֵי שׁ Dan 7:2 winds of the sky; ׳עֲנָנֵי שׁ vDan 7:13 heavens + earth = universe Jer 10:11, where God shews signs Dan 6:28.

2.heavens as abode of God Dan 2:28; Dan 4:31, hence, figurative, as ruling v.Dan 4:23 (׳שׁ sometimes = God in Late Hebrew, J, Aramaic, D^{Worte Jesu 179; Eng.Tr.218 f.}); as abode of angels v.Dan 4:32 (Dr); elsewhere in phrase ׳אֱלָהּ שׁ Dan 2:18; Dan 2:19; Dan 2:37; Dan 2:44; Ezra 5:11; Ezra 5:12; Ezra 6:9; Ezra 6:10; Ezra 7:12; Ezra 7:21; Ezra 7:23 (twice in verse), ׳מֶלֶךְ שׁ Dan 4:34, ׳מָרֵא שׁ Dan 5:23.

Strong's Definition H8064

heaven, heavens, air

šāmayim

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve)

heaven, heavens, sky

visible heavens, sky

as abode of the stars

Variations 35 forms of this word

Translations 70 English renderings

Heaven

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Word Parts

מִ֣י

Particle turns the sentence into a question

Dictionary form: מִי · mee

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Ti

Particle — Interrogative

מִי	Speech Particle Type Interrogative

In English

In the KJV here: or who

who ×209 and who ×30 whom ×29 what ×14 and what ×10 or who ×10 whose ×10 but who ×6

More options

who — Standard interrogative or relative; broadest usage.

whoever — Prefer for indefinite or universal reference (whosoever).

whom — Use in object position for formal or written registers.

whose — Use when indicating possession or attribution.

anyone who — Emphasizes indefinite, inclusive scope.

which one — Use when selecting among a defined set of options.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB4615 H4310

BDB9669 H4479 H4310

Strong's Definition H4310

who, whom, what, whose, which, …

mî

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

Variations 12 forms of this word

Translations 71 English renderings

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Word Parts

יַשְׁכִּֽיב

Root word down, lie, slept, lay, lieth, …

Dictionary form: שָׁכַב · shaw-KAHB

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Vhi3ms

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)"

יַשְׁכִּֽיב

Speech Verb Stem Hiphil Type Imperfect (Yiqtol) Person Third Person Gender Masculine Number Singular

Verb Chart

Full verb chart

In English

In the KJV here: can stay

slept ×36 lay ×11 lie ×11 and lay ×10 and laid ×6 and lie ×5 lie down ×5 be he that lieth ×4

More options

lie down — Most natural everyday phrase; fits narrative and command contexts.

sleep — Use when rest or overnight lodging is the focus.

rest — Softer register; suits poetic or death-as-sleep imagery.

go to bed — Colloquial; good for domestic or intimate narrative scenes.

have sex with — Use only when the euphemistic sexual sense is explicit.

be laid — Passive voice; fits contexts of burial or a corpse lying in place.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB8655 H7901

שָׁכַב (Lag^{BN 63}) verb lie down (Late Hebrew = Biblical Hebrew; שכב Eccl 47:23 (in death), משכב bed Eccl 40:5, = death bed Eccl 46:19 Phoenician שכב, משכב (see ׳מ

1. below), Lzb³⁷⁵; Ethiopic lie, Aramaic שְׁכַב, ; Nabataean משכבא couch; Arabic only pour out (water, tears), be poured out (compare Hiph`il below, and Lag^{BN 63})); —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳שׁ Gen 26:10 +, etc.; Imperfect יִשְׁכַּב Gen 30:15 +, 3 masculine plural יִשְׁכְּבֻן 1Sam 2:22, יִשְׁכָּב֑וּן Josh 2:8; Job 30:17, etc.; Imperative masculine singular שְׁכַב 2Sam 13:5; Ezek 4:4, שִׁכְבָה Gen 39:7; Gen 39:12, etc.; Infinitive absolute שָׁכֹב Lev 15:24 construct שְׁכַב 1Kgs 1:21 +, suffix שָׁכְבוֺ Ruth 3:4, שִׁכְבָהּ Gen 19:33; Gen 19:35, שָׁכְבְּךָ Deut 6:7 + 2 t.; Participle שֹׁכֵב Gen 28:13 +, feminine שֹׁכֶ֫בֶת Mic 7:5; Ruth 3:8, etc.; —

1. lie down (sometimes opposed to קוּם, הֵקִיץ):
a. Judg 5:27 (prostrated by blow, + כָּרַע, נָפַל).
b. to sleep, Gen 19:4 (J), Gen 28:11 (E), 1Sam 3:5; Deut 7:7; Prov 6:22 + often; read וַיִּשְׁכַּב also (for וַיַּשְׁכֵּם) 1Sam 9:26 ᵐ5 Th We Dr and modern; ׳שׁ + יָשֵׁן sleep 1Kgs 19:5; Ps 3:6; Ps 4:9, compare Prov 3:24 (twice in verse), + נִרְדָּם Jonah 1:5 = be lying 1Sam 3:2; 1Sam 3:3; 1Sam 26:5 (all בְּ local), v1Sam 26:7; 1Sam 4:5 (accusative of congnate meaning with verb noon-repose), 2Sam 13:8, compare שֹׁכֵב בְּלֶביָֿם Prov 23:34, of two lying (together, for warmth) Eccl 4:11 + be sleeping 1Sam 26:7 = keep lying, with עַד Judg 16:3; 1Sam 3:15; Ruth 3:13; Prov 6:9 emphasis on resting, Lev 26:6 (H), Job 11:18 token of mourning, וְשָׁכַב אָ֑רְצָה (וְלָן) 2Sam 12:16, compare 2Sam 13:21, בַּשָּׂק ׳שׁ 1Kgs 21:27, בֵּין שְׁפַתָּ֑יִם ׳שׁ Ps 68:14 (of indolence?); figurative of prostration by disease Ps 41:9 among foes Ps 57:5 of humiliation Jer 3:25 with עַל of thing: land Gen 28:13 (J), usually bed 2Sam 13:5; 1Kgs 21:4; Lev 15:4; Lev 15:24; Lev 15:26, compare vLev 15:20, for midday repose 2Sam 4:7.
c. lie on (עַל) one's side Ezek 4:4 (twice in verse); Ezek 4:6; Ezek 4:9 (symbolic).
d. lie, עַל person 1Kgs 3:19 (fatally), 2Kgs 4:34 (to revive).
e. lie בְּחֵיק, of lamb (i.e. be cherished) 2Sam 12:3, of woman Mic 7:5 (intimacy), 1Kgs 1:2 (vital warmth); lie down for copulation Gen 19:33; Gen 19:35 (of woman, see

3. below; both opposed to קוּם).

2. = lodge (for night), (שָׁ֫מָּהׅ ׳שׁ Josh 2:1 (E), 2Kgs 4:11, compare 2Kgs 9:16 (yet perhaps = lie ill), Lev 14:47 (בְּ local).

3. of sexual relations, lie with: subject man, with עִם Gen 30:15; Gen 30:16; Gen 39:7; Gen 39:12; Gen 39:14 (J), Exod 22:13 (E), Deut 22:22 + 8 t. Deuteronomy; 2Sam 11:4; 2Sam 11:11; 2Sam 12:11; 2Sam 12:24; Lev 15:33 with אֶת feminine with (ᵑ0 אֹתָהּ, etc., originally אִתָּהּ, etc., see Dr^{2Sam 13:14 and II.} אֵת, p. 85:a above), Gen 26:10; Gen 34:2; Gen 34:7; Gen 35:22 (all J), 1Sam 2:22 (omitted by ᵐ5 and modern), 2Sam 13:14; Ezek 23:8 (figurative), Lev 15:24 (שָׁכֹב יִשְׁכַּב), Num 5:19, also (with accusative of congnate meaning with verb שִׁכְבַתזֶֿרַע) vNum 5:13; Lev 15:18; Lev 19:20 with accusative (suffix) feminine Deut 28:30 Kt (see [ שָׁגֵל]); with אֵצֶל feminine Gen 39:10 (J); with אֵת of a man (sodomy), Lev 18:22; Lev 20:13 (both H; with accusative of congnate meaning with verb מִשְׁכְּבֵי אִשָּׁה); with עִםבְּֿהֵמָה Deut 27:21; Lev 22:18 (H); subject woman, with עִם of a man Gen 19:32; Gen 19:34; Gen 19:35 (J) 2Sam 13:11 אֵת of a man Gen 19:33; Gen 19:34 (compare 1 e above).

4. a. lie down in death, Isa 14:8; Isa 43:17 (opposed to קוּם), Ezek 31:18; Ezek 32:27; Ezek 32:28; Ezek 32:29; Ezek 32:30; Job 14:12 (opposed to קוּם, הֵקִיץ), וְאֶשְׁקוֺט ׳שׁ Job 3:12 be lying (dead) Isa 51:20; Lam 2:21.
b. especially in phrase עִם אֲבוֺתָיו ׳שׁ lie down with his fathers, of kings 1Kgs 1:21; 1Kgs 2:10 + 35 t. Kings Chronicles, compare Gen 47:30 (J) Deut 31:16, and (with אֵת) 2Sam 7:12
c. in grave, בְּבֵיתוֺ Isa 14:18 (opposed to מִקִּבְרְךָ), שֹׁכְבֵי קֶבֶר Ps 88:6 לֶעָפָר Job 7:21, ׳עַלעֿ Job 20:11; Job 21:26 in sh®°ôl Ezek 32:21 in Gehenna (?) Isa 50:11.

5. figurative = relax: Job 30:17 my gnawing pains do not sleep; = have rest, לִבּוֺ ׳לֹא שׁ Eccl 2:23. Niph`al Pu`al = be lain with (sexually; subject woman), only as Qr for Kt [שָׁגֵל] Niph`al Pu`al q. v. Hiph`il lay, Perfect 3 feminine singular הִשְׁכִּיבָה with accusative puer. + בְּחֵיק 1Kgs 3:20, so Imperfect 3 feminine singular suffix וַתַּשְׁכִּיבֵהוּ v1Kgs 3:20, compare (עַלמִֿטָּה) 1Kgs 17:19; 2Kgs 4:21 Infinitive absolute הַשְׁכֵּב אוֺתָם אַ֫רְצָה 2Sam 8:2 making them lie down on ground; Imperfect also lay בַּמִּשְׁכָּב 2Chr 16:14 (of burial); נִבְלֵי שָׁמַיִם מִי יַשְׁכִּיב Job 38:37 i.e. tip them so that contents may flow out (compare Arabic above). Hoph`al Participle מֻשְׁכָּב 2Kgs 4:32 laid עַלמִֿטָּה; Perfect consecutive וְהֻשְׁכַּב Ezek 32:32 shall be laid (in death), with בְּתוֺךְ and אֵת person (with); so Imperative masculine singular הָשְׁכְּבָה vEzek 32:19 (with אֵת person only).

BDB8674 H7925 H7901

[שָׁכַם] verb Hiph`il denominative start, rise, early (properly load backs of beasts for day's journey); — Perfect 3 masculine singular consecutive וְהִשְׁכִּים 2Sam 15:2; Job 1:5, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular וַיַּשְׁכֵּם Gen 19:27 +, 2 masculine singular תְּשְׁכִּים Judg 9:33, etc.; Imperative הַשְׁכֵּם Exod 8:16 +; Infinitive absolute הַשְׁכֵּם Jer 7:25 +, כֵּים- Jer 44:4; Prov 27:14, erroneous אַשְׁכֵּים Jer 25:3 (Ges^{«GKC:53»§ 53} K); Participle מַשְׁכִּים Hos 6:4 +, etc., — rise early, make an early start, of journey (Hexateuch only J E); לְדַרְכְּכֶם Judg 19:9 (+ מָחָר), compare Song 7:13 + verb of going Gen 19:2 (J), standing 2Sam 15:2 (compare Dr), encamping Judg 7:1, etc.; + infinitive 1Sam 15:12 (compare Dr), 1Sam 29:11; 2Kgs 6:15 (לָקוּם), מַשְׁכִּימֵי קוּם Ps 127:3 (opposed to מְאַחֲרֵי שֶׁבֶת); usually with בַּבֹּקֶר Gen 19:27 (J; אֶלהַֿמָּקוֺם), 1Sam 29:10 (twice in verse) + 27 t., + (hyperbole) שֵׁכָר ׳מַשְׁכִּימֵי בַבּ יִרְדֹּ֑פוּ Isa 5:11 (|| מְאַחֲרֵי בֵנֶּשֶׁף); with מִמָּחֳרָת Exod 32:6 (E), Judg 6:28 + 3 t.; with בַּעֲלוֺת הַשַּׁחַר Josh 6:15 (J), 1Sam 19:26 וַיְמַהֲרוּ וַיַּשְׁכִּימוּ וַיֵּצְאוּ Josh 8:14 (J) they made a quick and early start; and went out; Infinitive absolute (Ges^{«GKC:113s»§ 113s}) as adverb וְהַעֲרֵב ׳הַשׁ 1Sam 17:16 at early morning and at evening; especially of ׳י, in Jeremiah: ׳הַשׁ וְדַבֵּר = speaking early and often Jer 7:13; Jer 35:14 and (of Jeremiah) Jer 25:3, compare Jer 11:7; Jer 32:33 often וְשָׁלוֺחַ ׳הַשׁ = sending early and often Jer 7:25; Jer 24:4; Jer 26:5; Jer 29:19; Jer 35:14; Jer 44:4, also 2Chr 36:15 so verb finite הִשְׁכִּימוּ הִשְׁחִיתוּ, Zeph 3:7 = with eagerness they corrupted (Ges^{«GKC:120g»§ 120g}); participle הֹלֵךְ ׳כַּטַּל מַשְׁ Hos 6:4 like the dew departing early, Hos 13:3 (Ges^ib.). — 1Sam 9:26 read וַיִּשְׁכַּב, see שׁכב

BDB9948 H4904 H7901

שׁכב (√ of following; Biblical Hebrew שָׁכַב, מִשְׁכָּב).

Strong's Definition H7901

down, lie, slept, lay, lieth, …

šākab

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

to lie down

(Qal)

to lie, lie down, lie on

Variations 76 forms of this word

Translations 102 English renderings

Job 38:36

Read Job 38

Job 38:38

בְּ	Speech Preposition
חָכְמָה	Speech Noun Type Common Gender Feminine Number Singular State Absolute