Judges 5:22

אָ֥ז הָֽלְמ֖וּ עִקְּבֵי ס֑וּס מִֽדַּהֲר֖וֹת דַּֽהֲר֥וֹת אַבִּירָֽיו
Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

אָ֥ז
אָ֥ז
Adverb then, time, since, beginning, even, …
Dictionary form: אָז · awdz

Adverb

In the KJV here: then
then ×88 was then ×6 and then ×3 that then ×3 from the beginning ×2 him then ×2 since ×2 and i then ×1
More options
then — Default choice for sequential or temporal 'then'.
at that time — More explicit; useful when context needs clarity.
since — Prefer when marking a starting point extending to now.
from that point on — Emphasizes ongoing duration from a past moment.
formerly — Good for retrospective or 'in earlier times' contexts.
in those days — Slightly narrative; suits historical or story passages.

BDB254 H227

BDB253 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB255

אָז adverb (compare , also Biblical Aramaic אֱדַיִן properly a substantive = time; see מֵאָז) at that time, then, whether expressing duration, or inception (= thereupon).

1. strictly temporal:
  a. of past time: — without a verb Gen 12:6; Gen 13:7; Josh 14:11; 2Sam 23:14 with a perfect Gen 4:26; Exod 4:26; Josh 10:33; Judg 8:3; Judg 13:21; Jer 22:15 אָז טוֺב לוֺ then was it well to him (compare vJer 22:16; Hos 2:9); more usually (especially when = thereupon) with an imperfect (see Dr§ 27) Exod 15:1; Num 21:17; Josh 8:30; Josh 10:12; Josh 22:1; 1Kgs 3:16; 1Kgs 8:1; 1Kgs 9:11 (see DrIntr.192) and elsewhere.
  b. of future time (usually where some emphasis is intended), with imperfect Isa 35:5; Isa 35:6; Isa 60:5; Mic 3:4, rather differently Lev 26:41; 1Sam 20:12 rarely with perfect 2Sam 5:24b (will have gone forth) Isa 33:23: with an accompanying logical force, implying the fulfilment of a condition, then = if or when this has been done (with the imperfect) Gen 24:41; Exod 12:44; Exod 12:48; Deut 29:19; Josh 1:8; 1Sam 6:3; Isa 58:8; Isa 58:9; Jer 11:15 Hi Ke Ps 19:14; Ps 51:21; Prov 3:23; Job 11:15; Job 13:20; Job 22:26.
  c. in poetry אז is sometimes used to throw emphasis on a particular feature of the description Gen 49:4; Exod 15:15; Judg 5:8; Judg 5:11; Judg 5:13; Judg 5:19; Judg 5:22; Isa 33:23; Isa 41:1; Hab 1:11; Ps 2:5; Ps 96:12.
  d. it points back with emphasis to an infinitive with בּ 2Sam 5:24 a Ps 126:2 (twice in verse); Job 28:27; Job 33:16 to בַּיּוֺם הַהוּא (anomalously) 1Chr 16:7.
2. expressing logical sequence strictlyd: in the apodosis: — after אם (rare) for sake of special emphasis Isa 58:14; Prov 2:5; Job 9:31 = in that case, after לוּ or לוּלֵא 2Sam 2:27 hadst thou not spoken, כִּי אָז surely then had the people, etc. 2Sam 19:7; Ps 119:92 after אחלי 2Kgs 5:3; Ps 119:6 after a suppressed protasis 2Kgs 13:19; Job 3:13 יָשַׁנְתִּי אָז יָנוּחַ לִי I had slept, then were there rest for me; Josh 22:31 (strangely) = now, as things are; Eccl 2:15 = that being so. (122 t., besides מאז and מןאֿז. Seldom used except where some special emphasis is de-sired. 'Then' of AV RV more commonly repre-sents וְ, especially in the apodosis.)

then, time, since, beginning, even, …
ʾāz
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
  • then, at that time
    • temporal expressions
      • then (past)
        • "then, if...then (future)"earlier
      logical expressions
      • in that case
        • "that (being so)

הָֽלְמ֖וּ
הָֽלְמ֖וּ
Root word down, smote, overcome, smite, beaten, …
Dictionary form: הָלַם · haw-LAHM

Verb — Qal, Perfect (Qatal), third person plural simple action — "he did" completed action — try "he ___ed" or "he has ___ed" the built-in subject is "they"

In the KJV here: broken
and with the hammer she smote ×1 broken ×1 have broken down ×1 him that smote ×1 of them that are overcome ×1 on beating down ×1 smite ×1 they break down ×1
More options
strike — Broad, everyday word; fits most violent blow contexts.
smash — Emphasizes forceful, destructive impact; good for demolition.
hammer — Mirrors the instrument; vivid when a tool or weapon is explicit.
beat down — Captures repeated or overwhelming force; good for siege imagery.
shatter — Highlights complete breaking apart; suits structural destruction.
crush — Stresses total defeat or overwhelming power over an opponent.

BDB2179 H1986

BDB2178 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2180

[הָלַם] verb smite, hammer, strike down (compare Phoenician מהלם below below מַהֲלֻמוֺת); —

Qal Perfect 3 feminine singular וְהָֽלְמָה consecutive Judg 5:26 3 plural הָֽלְמוּ Judg 5:22; Isa 16:8 suffix הֲלָמוּנִי Prov 23:25 Imperfect 3 masculine singular suffix יֶהֶלְמֵנִי Ps 141:5 3 masculine plural יַהֲלֹמ֑וּן Ps 74:6 Participle active ה֫וֺלָם פָּ֑עַם Isa 41:7 (compare Ges«GKC:29»§ 29, 3 b); passive construct הֲלוּמֵי Isa 28:1 — smite (with hammer), followed by accusative of person Judg 5:26 (fatally; || מָחַק, מָחַץ); also figurative of correction, discipline Ps 141:5 (|| הוֺכִּיחַ); of intoxicating, wine גֶּפֶן שִׂבְמָה בַּעֲלֵי גוֺיִם הָֽלְמוּ שְׂרוּקֶּיהָ Isa 16:8 the vine of Sibma, its choice branches smote down lords of nations (so Hi De Che Brd Di and others, RVm; lords subject according to Ges Ew and others AV RV); also הֲלוּמֵי יַיִן smitten down by wine Isa 28:1 compare further Prov 23:35 followed by accusative of thing ה֫וֺלָםפָּֿ֑עְם Isa 41:7 one striking an anvil; smite down, or strike off Ps 74:6 (object פִתּוּחִים carved work); also absolute of horse' hoofs Judg 5:22. — On וַהֲלֹם 1Sam 14:16 see הֲלֹם.

down, smote, overcome, smite, beaten, …
hālam
to strike down; by implication, to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband
  • (Qal) to smite, strike, hammer, strike down

עִקְּבֵי
עִקְּבֵי
Root word heel, footsteps, heels, last, steps, …
Dictionary form: עָקֵב · aw-KABE

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

and their liers in wait ×1 and thy footsteps ×1 and thy heels ×1 at the last ×1 by the footsteps ×1 heel ×1 heels ×1 him by the heel ×1
More options
heel — Primary literal meaning; best for bodily/physical contexts.
footstep — Use for tracks or traces left behind.
rear guard — Fits military or ambush contexts well.
track — Concrete image of a path or trail followed.
end — Captures the figurative 'last/conclusion' sense.
ambush — Use where 'liers in wait' appears in the source.

BDB6309 H6119

BDB6308 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6310

I. עָקֵב noun masculine heel, footprint, hinderpart (Arabic heel, figurative end (of a month), mark, sign, trace; Aramaic עִקְבָּא, hell, footprint, figurative trace, mark (compare Wisdom 2:4 ᵑ6 Eccl 13:26 HCT ᵑ6), also end, extremity); — ׳ע absolute Gen 3:15 +, construct עֲקֵב Gen 25:26, plural construct עִקָבֵי Song 1:8, עִקְּבֵי Gen 49:17; Judg 5:22, עִקְּבוֺת Ps 77:20; Ps 89:52, etc.; —
  a. heel, of man, Gen 25:26 וְיָדוֺ אֹחֶזֶת בַּעֲקֵב אָחִיו, as object of attack from behind, Gen 3:15 וְאַתָּה תְּשׁוּפֶנּוּ עָקֵב, Job 18:9 פַּח ׳יאֹחֵז בְּע, Jer 13:22 נֶחְמְסוּ עֲקֵבָ֑יִךְ are treated violently, i.e. are rudely exposed (|| נִגְלוּ שׁוּלַיִךְ); as instrument of attack, Ps 41:10 ׳הִגְדִּיל עָלַי עָ hath made great the heel against me, i.e. given me insidiously a great fall (figurative for taken some cruel advantage of me; compare ὑποσκελίζω); of an animal, Gen 49:17 הַנּשֵׁח עִקְּבֵי סוּם, Judg 5:22
  b. mark of heel, footprint, Song 1:8 צְאִילָֿח בְּעִקְבֵי הַצּאֹן, Ps 56:7 יִשְׁמְרוּ עֲקֵבַי they mark my footprints, i.e. watch me insidiously wherever I go Ps 89:52 אֲשֶׁר ֵ˜הרְפוּ עִקְּבוֺת מְשִׁיחֶ֑ךָ i.e. followed him mockingly, of ׳י (figurative) Ps 77:20 עִקְּבוֺתֶיךָ לֹא נוֺדָ֑עוּ thy footprints were not known (the waters closing over them). c hinder-part, rear (of a troop of men), Gen 49:19 וְהוּא יָגוּב עָקֵב׃ (read עֲקֵבָם ׃ אָשֵׁר) he will troop on their rear, Josh 8:13 עֲקֵבָם (compare Di).

heel, footsteps, heels, last, steps, …
ʿāqēb
a heel (as protuberant); hence, a track; figuratively, the rear (of an army)
  • heel, rear, footprint, hinder part, hoof, rear of a troop, footstep
    • heel
      • "mark of heel, footprint"hinder part, rear

ס֑וּס
ס֑וּס
Root word horses, horse, horseback, crane, horsehoofs
Dictionary form: סוּס · soos

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: were the horsehoofs
horses ×33 the horse ×10 the horses ×7 their horses ×7 of horses ×6 horse ×5 and the horse ×4 of the horse ×4
More options
horse — Standard modern singular; works in nearly all contexts.
steed — Elevated register; suits poetry or royal/military scenes.
warhorse — Emphasizes military use; good for battle narratives.
mount — Highlights riding function; useful in cavalry or travel contexts.
chariot horse — Specifies harnessed role when chariots are in view.

BDB5534 H5483

BDB5533 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5535

I. סוּס noun [masculine] swallow or swift (cypselus, TristrFFP 82 ff.) (ᵑ7 סוּסָיָא Isa 38:14); — as twittering Isa 38:14 (in simile); ᵐ5 χελιδών, ᵑ9 pullus hirundinis;; so Jer 8:7 Kt (Qr סִיס wrongly; perhaps to distinguish from following, so Gie), ᵐ5 id., ᵑ9 hirundo.

BDB5535 H5483

BDB5534 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5536

II. סוּס138 noun masculineExod 15:1 horse (Late Hebrew סוּס, סוּסָה Aramaic סוּסְיָא Mandean סוסיא, Sinaitic id., Lzb328; Assyrian sisû (sisû ?) DlHWB 506; Tel Amarna su-u[su] WklTA.191, 24; probably foreign word compare NöM 147 ErmanÄgypten 649; English tr. 490); — ׳ס absolute 1Kgs 20:20 +; construct Exod 15:19 +; plural סוּסִים Gen 47:17 +, סֻסִים 2Sam 15:1 construct סוּסֵי 2Kgs 2:11 suffix סוּסַי 1Kgs 22:4; 2Kgs 3:7. סוּסֶיךָ Mic 5:9 + 4t., סוּסָיו Isa 5:28 +, סוּסֵיכֶס Amos 4:10, סוּסֵיהֶם Josh 11:6+; — horse:

1. non-Israel; chariot-horses of Canaanites Judg 5:22 (compare vJudg 5:28; Judg 4:3; Judg 4:13 ׳עִקְבֵי ס; ׳ס collective, as often), Josh 11:4; Josh 11:6; Josh 11:9 (JE); horses as property of Egyptians Gen 47:17; Exod 9:3 (both J), compare Zech 14:15 merchandise of Tyre Ezek 27:14 chariot-horses of Egypt [compare Hom11.ix.384], Exod 14:9; Exod 14:23 (Psalms), Exod 15:1; Exod 15:21 (poem), vExod 15:19 (Psalms; on all see Di), Deut 11:4; Isa 31:1; Isa 31:3; Jer 46:4; Jer 46:9; Ezek 17:15 of Aram 1Kgs 20:1 + 11 t. Kings (1Kgs 20:20 ridden, for flight), Assyrians Isa 5:28 + 3 t., Chaldeans Jer 4:13 + 6 t.; other nations Nah 3:2; Jer 50:42 + 5 t.; as ridden 1Kgs 20:20 (see above), Jer 8:23; Ezek 38:4; Ezek 38:15 + 13 t. (late).
2. in Israel; chariot-horses of Absalom 2Sam 15:1, especially of Solomon, and later, 1Kgs 5:6; 1Kgs 5:8; 1Kgs 10:25; 1Kgs 10:28; 1Kgs 10:29, and || Chronicles; 1Kgs 18:5 and .(as war-equipment) 1Kgs 22:4; 2Kgs 3:7; 2Kgs 9:33; 2Kgs 10:2; Prov 21:31 סוּסֵי אֵשׁ 2Kgs 2:11 (Elijah), compare 2Kgs 6:17 consecration to sun 2Kgs 23:11 (compare RSSemitic 275; 2nd ed. 293); sign of luxury and apostasy Amos 4:10; Hos 1:7; Hos 14:4; Isa 2:7; Mic 5:9; Zech 9:10, compare Deut 17:6; Deut 17:16, but see Zech 14:20 in vision Zech 6:2 (twice in verse); Zech 6:3 (twice in verse); Zech 6:6 ridden 2Kgs 9:18; 2Kgs 9:19; 2Kgs 18:23 = Isa 36:8; Amos 2:15 + 4 t. Isaiah Jeremiah; in vision Zech 1:8 (twice in verse); ׳שַׁעַר הַס Jer 31:40; Neh 3:28, compare 2Kgs 11:16 = 2Chr 23:15 belongings of returned exiles Ezra 2:56 = Neh 7:68 van d. H. (omitted by Masora Baer Ginsb q. v.); description of horse Job 39:19 in various simile and figurative Amos 6:12; Jer 5:8; Jer 8:6; Jer 12:5; Ezek 23:20; Isa 63:13; Joel 2:4; Prov 27:3; Ps 32:9; Ps 147:10.
3. chariot-horses of ׳י Hab 3:15 (figurative of clouds), compare Zech 10:3. — compare also חֲצַר סוּסִים, and פָּרָשׁ, רֶכֶשׁ .

horses, horse, horseback, crane, horsehoofs
sûs
a swallow (from its rapid flight)
  • swallow, swift
    • "horse
    • chariot horses

מִֽ דַּהֲר֖וֹת
מִֽ
Prefix — preposition from, out of
דַּהֲר֖וֹת
Root word pransings
Dictionary form: דַּהֲהַר · da-huh-HAHR

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

In the KJV here: by the means of the pransings
by the means of the pransings ×1 the pransings ×1
More options
galloping — Most natural modern term for rapid horse movement.
prancing — Modernized KJV form; retains the showy, high-stepping nuance.
charging — Emphasizes forceful, aggressive forward motion of horses.
thundering hoofbeats — Vivid, poetic; suits dramatic or literary contexts.
stamping — Highlights the ground-pounding, rhythmic aspect of hooves.

BDB1856 H1726

BDB1855 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1857

[דַּהֲרָה] noun feminine rushing, dashing, of riders — Plural construct דַּהֲרוֺת דַּהֲרוֺת אַבִּירָיו Judg 5:22 repetition for intensity, furious dashing.

pransings
dahăhar
a gallop
  • dashing, rushing, galloping

דַּֽהֲר֥וֹת
דַּֽהֲר֥וֹת
Root word pransings
Dictionary form: דַּהֲהַר · da-huh-HAHR

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

In the KJV here: the pransings
by the means of the pransings ×1 the pransings ×1
More options
galloping — Most natural modern term for rapid horse movement.
prancing — Modernized KJV form; retains the showy, high-stepping nuance.
charging — Emphasizes forceful, aggressive forward motion of horses.
thundering hoofbeats — Vivid, poetic; suits dramatic or literary contexts.
stamping — Highlights the ground-pounding, rhythmic aspect of hooves.

BDB1856 H1726

BDB1855 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1857

[דַּהֲרָה] noun feminine rushing, dashing, of riders — Plural construct דַּהֲרוֺת דַּהֲרוֺת אַבִּירָיו Judg 5:22 repetition for intensity, furious dashing.

pransings
dahăhar
a gallop
  • dashing, rushing, galloping

אַבִּירָֽי ו
אַבִּירָֽי
Root word bulls, mighty, ones, stouthearted, strong, …
ו
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Dictionary form: אַבִּיר · ab-BEER

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

In the KJV here: of their mighty ones
also the mighty ×1 and the mighty ×1 angels ×1 are thy valiant ×1 as bulls ×1 like a valiant ×1 me strong ×1 me ye stouthearted ×1
More options
mighty — Broadest rendering; suits warriors, animals, or God.
powerful — Good modern alternative when 'mighty' feels archaic in context.
strong — Emphasizes physical or inherent strength over status.
valiant — Highlights courageous, battle-ready connotation for warriors.
bull — Use when the referent is literally a bovine animal.
heavenly being — Rare; use only when context clearly indicates angels or divine figures.

BDB76 H47

BDB75 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB77

אַבִּיר adjective mighty, valiant — ׳א Job 34:20 + Isa 10:13 Kt (Qr כַּבִּיר); construct id. 1Sam 21:8 plural אַכִּירִים Job 24:22 +; — mighty (always = substantive & in poetry except 1Sam 21:8).

1. men Job 24:22 (= violent) Job 34:20; 1Sam 21:8 (read הָרָצִים ׳א Gr Dr, compare 1Sam 22:17 but LagProbebibel אֹבִיל הָעֲיָרִים see Id.BN 45; Klo גִּבּוֺר), Lam 1:15 אַבִּירֵי לֵב stout of heart Isa 46:12 (= obstinate) Ps 76:6.
2. angels Ps 78:25 (compare Ps 103:20).
3. animals; bull, simile of king of Assyrian Isa 10:13 (read כְּאַבִּיר & see Di); elsewhere plural; metaphor for enemies אַבִּירֵי בָשָׁן) Ps 22:13 (|| פּרים); for princes Ps 68:31 for Edomites Isa 34:7 hence even as sacrificial Ps 50:13 (|| עַתּוּדִים); of horses Jer 8:16; Jer 47:3; Jer 50:11.
**Judg 5:22; Jer 46:15 (but Jer 46:15 many MSS. ᵐ5 Aq Symm Theod ᵑ9 many moderns read אַבִּירֶ֑ךָ thy bull, i.e. Apis).

אַבְרָהָם see אַבְרָם below II. אבה.

bulls, mighty, ones, stouthearted, strong, …
ʾabbîr
a valiant one
  • mighty, valiant
    • of men
      • "of angels"of animals"(metaphorically)
      • of enemies
        • "of princes"of sacrificial objects
      obstinate (figuratively)

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.
אָ֥ז הָֽלְמ֖וּ Tipeha — a lesser break עִקְּבֵי ס֑וּס Etnahta — the verse's main pause — take a breath here מִֽדַּהֲר֖וֹת Tipeha — a lesser break דַּֽהֲר֥וֹת אַבִּירָֽיו Silluq — end of the verse

אָז הָֽלְמוּ עִקְּבֵי-סוּס מִֽדַּהֲרוֹת דַּֽהֲרוֹת אַבִּירָֽיו׃
22
Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones.
Cross References

Jeremiah 47:4

עַל-הַיּוֹם הַבָּא לִשְׁדוֹד אֶת-כָּל-פְּלִשְׁתִּים לְהַכְרִית לְצֹר וּלְצִידוֹן כֹּל שָׂרִיד עֹזֵר כִּֽי-שֹׁדֵד יְהוָה אֶת-פְּלִשְׁתִּים שְׁאֵרִית אִי כַפְתּֽוֹר׃
4
Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.

Psalms 20:7

אֵלֶּה בָרֶכֶב וְאֵלֶּה בַסּוּסִים וַאֲנַחְנוּ׀ בְּשֵׁם-יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ נַזְכִּֽיר׃
7
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Psalms 147:10

לֹא בִגְבוּרַת הַסּוּס יֶחְפָּץ לֹֽא-בְשׁוֹקֵי הָאִישׁ יִרְצֶֽה׃
10
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.

Micah 4:13

קוּמִי וָדוֹשִׁי בַת-צִיּוֹן כִּֽי-קַרְנֵךְ אָשִׂים בַּרְזֶל וּפַרְסֹתַיִךְ אָשִׂים נְחוּשָׁה וַהֲדִקּוֹת עַמִּים רַבִּים וְהַחֲרַמְתִּי לַֽיהוָה בִּצְעָם וְחֵילָם לַאֲדוֹן כָּל-הָאָֽרֶץ׃
13
Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.

Isaiah 5:28

אֲשֶׁר חִצָּיו שְׁנוּנִים וְכָל-קַשְּׁתֹתָיו דְּרֻכוֹת פַּרְסוֹת סוּסָיו כַּצַּר נֶחְשָׁבוּ וְגַלְגִּלָּיו כַּסּוּפָֽה׃
28
Whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses' hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind:

Psalms 33:17

שֶׁקֶר הַסּוּס לִתְשׁוּעָה וּבְרֹב חֵילוֹ לֹא יְמַלֵּֽט׃
17
An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
Judges 5:21
Read Judges 5
Judges 5:23