Lamentations 3:12

דָּרַ֤ךְ קַשְׁתּוֹ֙ וַיַּצִּיבֵ֔נִי כַּמַּטָּרָ֖א לַחֵֽץ

He hath bent his bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow.

Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

דָּרַ֤ךְ

Root word tread, bend, bent, trodden, treadeth, …

Dictionary form: דָּרַךְ · daw-RAHK

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

In the KJV here: he hath bent

he hath bent ×3 and bend ×2 and tread ×2 and treadeth ×2 bend ×2 have trodden ×2 shall tread ×2 shalt tread ×2

More options

tread — Most versatile rendering; suits walking on or pressing down.

bend (a bow) — Use when the object is a bow being drawn.

march — Preferred when military or purposeful movement is in view.

trample — Emphasizes force or dominance; good for conquest contexts.

thresh — Use specifically for treading grain at harvest.

draw (a bow) — Natural modern idiom for the archery sense.

BDB2009 H1869

דָּרַךְ verb tread, march (Aramaic דְּרַךְ, ; Late Hebrew Hiph`il lead, conduct; Arabic IV. reach, overtake; Ethiopic be rough, serve (from calcavit, Di); threshold, vestibule) —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular דָּרַךְ Num 24:17 + 6 t.; 3 feminine singular דָּֽרְכָה Josh 14:9 2 masculine singular דָּרַכְתָּ Hab 3:15 1 singular דָּרַכְתִּי Isa 63:3; Zech 9:13 plural דָּֽרְכוּ Job 22:15 + 3 t.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִדְרֹךְ Mic 5:4 + 6 t. + ידרך Jer 51:3 (כתיב ולא קוי); 3 feminine singular תִּדְרֹךְ Deut 11:24; Josh 1:3 2 masculine singular תִּדְרֹךְ Deut 33:29 + 2 t.; 2 feminine singular תִּדְרְכִי Judg 5:21 1 singular suffix וְאֶדְרְכֵם Isa 63:3 3 masculine plural יִדְרְכוּ 1Sam 5:5, יִדְרְכוּן Ps 11:2, וַיִּדְרְכוּ Judg 9:27 2 masculine plural תִּדְרְכוּ Deut 11:25 Participle active דֹּרֵךְ Amos 4:13 + 5 t.; דּוֺרֵךְ Job 9:8 דֹּרְכִים Jer 25:30; Neh 13:15 דֹּרְכֵי Jer 46:9 + 5 t.; passive feminine דְּרוּכָה Isa 21:15 דְּרֻכוֺת Isa 5:28 —

1. tread, march, march forth, absolute, תִּדְרְכִי נַפְשִׁי עֹז Judg 5:21 compare דָּרַךְ כּוֺכָב מִיַּעֲקֹב Num 24:17 (poem) a star hath marched forth from Jacob.

2. tread upon (land), followed by בְּ Deut 1:36; Deut 11:25 (subject person), Josh 14:9 (subject רֶגֶל) compare Deut 11:24 = Josh 1:3 (subject כַּף רַגְלְכֶם); tread in a path, followed by בְּ Isa 59:8 (figurative of mode of life); tread in (on) the sea, followed by בְּ Hab 3:15 (but text dubious compare VB); of an invader יִדְרֹךְ בְּאַרְמְנוֺתֵינוּ Mic 5:4 (|| יָבוֺא בְּאַרְצֵנוּ); בִּגְבולֵינוּ ׳יִד v.Mic 5:5 (|| id.); followed by עַל 1Sam 5:5 (עַלמִֿפְתַּן דָּגוֺן); Ps 91:3 (עַלשַֿׁחַל וָפֶתֶן); especially (poetry) עַלבָּֿמֳו֯תֵי אֶרֶץ Mic 1:3, of ׳י, so Amos 4:13, & (עַלבָּֿמֳתֵי יָ֑ם) Job 9:8 of Israel treading on heights of enemies, i.e. subduing them Deut 33:29. Once followed by accusative (אֲשֶׁר reference אֹרַח) Job 22:15. In technical senses

3. tread wine- (or oil-) press, followed by accusative יְקָבִים Job 24:11 (|| יַצְהִירוּ), גִּתּוֺת Neh 13:15 followed by accusative of thing pressed עֲנָבִים ׳ד Amos 9:13 also of product תִּדְרֹךְזַֿיִת ֗֗֗ וְתִירוֺשׁ Mic 6:15 יַיִן בַּיְקָבִים לֹא יִדְרֹךְ הַדֹּרֵךְ Isa 16:10 followed by בְּגַת Isa 63:2 (in simile); absolute Jer 25:30 (simile) Jer 48:33 figurative of judgment Isa 63:3 followed by accusative פּוּרָה winepress, subject ׳י, compare vIsa 63:3 וְאֶדְרְכֵם בְּאַפִּי (|| רמס), i.e. tread them down; so גַּת דָּרַךְ אֲדֹנָי לִבְתוּלַת בַּתיְֿהוּדָהLam 1:15.

4. tread (i.e. bend) the bow, followed by accusative קֶשֶׁת Jer 51:8 (אֶליִֿדְרֹךְ יד֯רך הַדֹּרֵךְ קַשְׁתּוֺ); figurative of assaults of wicked Ps 11:2; Ps 37:14, of judgments of ׳י Ps 7:18; Lam 2:4; Lam 3:12 also figurative of Judah as bow in hand of ׳י, כִּי דָרַכְתִּי לִי יְהוּדָה Zech 9:13 (|| קֶשֶׁת מִלֵּאתִי אֶפְרַיִם); twice in like meaning with object חֵץ arrow Ps 58:8 (but on text compare Che^{critical note}.) Ps 64:4 דֹּרְכֵי קֶשֶׁת = bow-benders, archers Jer 50:14; Jer 50:29; 1Chr 5:18; 1Chr 8:40; 2Chr 14:7 קֶשֶׁת דְּרוּכָה bent bow Isa 21:15 קַשְׁתֹֿתָיו דְּרֻכוֺת Isa 5:28. Hiph`il Perfect וְהִדְרִיךְ Isa 11:15 suffix הִדְרִיכָהּ Jer 51:33 (where many Infinitive construct) compare RS^{J Ph xvi. (1888) 72}; 1 singular suffix הִדְרַכְתִּיךָ Prov 4:11 3 plural suffix הִדְרִיכֻ֑הוּ Judg 20:43, הִדְרִיכוּהוּ Job 28:8 Imperfect יַדְרֵךְ Ps 25:9, suffix יַדְרִכֵנִי Hab 3:19 וַיַּדְרִיכֵם Ps 107:7 1 singular suffix אַדְרִיכֵם Isa 42:16 וַיַּדְרְכוּ Jer 9:2 (compare Ges^{«GKC:53»§ 53}, 3, R 4); Imperative masculine singular suffix הַדְרִיכֵנִי Ps 25:5; Ps 119:35 Infinitive construct see above; Participle suffix מַדְרִיכְךָ Isa 48:17 —

1. tread, tread down, of treading down enemy in battle Judg 20:43 of treading a path Job 28:8 levelling threshing-floor Jer 51:33 (all followed by suffix).

2. tread (bend) the bow (= Qal 4), only figurative וַיַּדְרְכוּ אֶתלְֿשׁוֺנָם קַשְׁתָּם שֶׁקֶר Jer 9:2 and they have bent their tongue as their bow in falsehood.

3. causative, cause to tread or march, lead, returning exiles Isa 11:15 (subject ׳י; no object expressed); compare וַיַּדְרִיכֵם בְּדֶרֶךְ יְשָׁרָה Ps 107:7 and he led them in a straight way; see also Isa 42:16 (|| הוֺלִיךְ); with a moral application הִדְרַכְתִּיךָ בְּמַעְגְּלֵייֿשֶׁר Prov 4:11 compare Ps 119:35 הַדְרִיכֵנִי בִּנְתִיב מִצְוֺתֶיךָ lead me in the path of thy commandments; Ps 25:5 בַּאֲמִתֶּ֑ךָ || (לַמְּדֵנִיׅ compare vPs 25:9 יְלַמֵּד דַּרְכּוֺ) בַּמִּשְׁפָּט, Isa 48:17 בְּדֶרֶךְ תֵּלֵךְ || (לְהוֺעִל מְלַמֶּדְךָׅ; once of giving security & triumph עַלבָּֿמוֺתַי יַדְרִכֵנִי Hab 3:19 upon mine heights he maketh me tread (compare Qal 2).

tread, bend, bent, trodden, treadeth, …

dārak

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

to tread, bend, lead, march

(Qal)

to tread, march, march forth

to tread, tread down

קַשְׁת ּוֹ֙

קַשְׁת

Root word bow, bows, archers, bowmen, archer

ּוֹ֙

Suffix — pronoun his / him / it

Dictionary form: קֶשֶׁת · keh-SHET

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

In the KJV here: his bow

the bow ×14 bow ×6 his bow ×6 a bow ×2 and their bows ×2 bows ×2 of the bow ×2 so that a bow ×2

More options

bow — Most direct equivalent; fits nearly every context.

archer's bow — Clarifies the weapon's purpose in ambiguous passages.

bowman — Use when the lemma refers to the person, not the weapon.

longbow — Emphasizes a large, powerful bow in warrior contexts.

archery — Suits collective or abstract references to the practice.

rainbow — Use in Genesis 9 and similar cosmological contexts.

BDB7653 H7198

קֶ֫שֶׁת noun feminine^{Gen 9:14} (apparently masculine 2Sam 1:22 but see Albr^{ZAW xvi (1896) 91}) bow (originally √ perhaps קושׁ, meaning unknown; Late Hebrew id.; Assyrian ‡aštu; Ethiopic Arabic plural , etc.; ᵑ7 and (קַשְׁתָּא and (ט for ת after ק P) קוּשְׁטָא (rare), all bow, קַשָּׁתָא bowman; Syriac bow, bowman; Old Aramaic קשת bow, Mandean כשטא (Frä²⁰⁶); Palmyrene קשטא bowman); — absolute ׳ק Hos 1:7 +, קָ֑שֶׁת Jer 46:9 +; constructקֶ֫שֶׁת Hos 1:5 +; suffix קַשְׁתִּי Gen 48:22 + ,etc.; plural absolute קְשָׁתוֺת 2Chr 26:14 +; suffix קַשְּׁתֹתָיו (Ges^{«GKC:20h»§ 20h}) Isa 5:28, קַשְּׁתוֺתָם Jer 51:56; Ps 37:15, קַשְּׁתֹתֵיהֶם Neh 4:7 (קַשְׁתֹּתָיו etc., van d. H. [except Ps 37:15]); —

1. bow:
a. for hunting Gen 27:3 (J; + תְּלְי)
b. battle: + (or ||) חֶרֶב Gen 48:22; Josh 24:12 (both E), Hos 1:7; Hos 2:20; 1Sam 18:4 (+ חְַגֹרוֺ), 2Sam 1:22; 2Kgs 6:22; Isa 41:2; Neh 4:7 (+ רָמְחֵיהֶם), Zech 9:13 (figurative of Judah as ׳י's bow), Ps 37:15 (figurative) Ps 44:7 (+ or || חֶרֶב also below) ;+ (or ||) חִצִּים Isa 7:24; 2Kgs 13:15 (twice in verse); Ezek 39:3; Ezek 39:9; 1Chr 12:2a; compare ׳רִשְׁפֵי ק Ps 76:4 = arrow (+ מָנֵן וְחֶרֶב) so ׳בֶּן ק Job 41:20 (compare Lam 3:13; Job 5:7); + חֲנִית Ps 46:10, + כִּידוֺן Jer 6:23; Jer 50:42 + varius weapons Neh 4:10; 2Chr 26:14 alone Isa 13:18 (context corrupt), Isa 22:3; Jer 51:56; Hab 3:9 (of ׳י as warrior); מִלְחָמָה ׳ק Zech 9:10; Zech 10:4 in simile רְמִיָּה ׳כְּק like a bow of deception Hos 7:16; Ps 78:57 (i.e. one that misses its aim; al. slack bow).
c. ׳ק collective = bow (-men), archers Isa 21:17.
d. phrases are: ׳הַמּרִים אֲנָשִׁים בַּקּ 1Sam 31:3 archers, bowmen (but dubious; Dr Kit Löhr translates, ׳הַמּ ׳א; We Bu strike out ׳א as || 1Chr 10:3 HPS Now strike out ׳בַּקּ ׳א), ׳הַמּוֺרִים בַּקּ 1Chr 10:3 ׳מְטַחֲוֵי ק Gen 21:16 (see [טָתָה], ׳רמֵה ק Jer 4:29, compare perhaps Gen 21:21 see קִשָּׁת, || ׳נשְׁקֵי ק (see II.נָשַׁק) 1Chr 12:2b 2Chr 17:17, ׳רוֺמֵי ק ׳נוֺ Ps 78:9 ׳תֹּפֵשׁ הַקּ Amos 2:15 one grasping the bow, (see Jer 46:9 below) see also ׳מִלֵּא יָדוֺ בַקּ 2Kgs 9:24, ׳הַרְכֵּב יָֽדְךָ עַלהַֿקּ 2Kgs 13:16 ׳דָּרַח ק bend (literally tread) the bow, Isa 5:28 (participle passive), Isa 21:15 (id.; || חֶרֶב) Jer 50:14; Jer 50:29; Jer 51:3; 1Chr 5:18; 1Chr 8:40; 2Chr 14:7; Ps 37:14 (|| חֶרֶב), in figure Ps 11:2 (|| חֵץ), and, of God, Lam 2:4; Lam 3:12; Ps 7:13 (|| הֶרֶב); ׳תֹּפְשֵׂי דֹּרְכֵי ק Jer 46:9 compare(figurative) וַיַּדְרְכוֺ אֶתלְֿשׁוֺנָם קַשְׁתָּם Jer 9:2 also נְחוּשָׁה וְנִחֲתָה ׳ק Ps 18:35 = 2Sam 22:35 (readוְנִחֲתָה for וְנִחַת) ׳מָשַׁח בַּקּdraw the bow 1Kgs 22:34 = 2Chr 18:33; Isa 66:19.
e. bow (passing over into) figurative of might Gen 49:24 (poem), 1Sam 2:4; Hos 1:5; Jer 49:35; Job 29:20 (compare Ps 37:15,
b. above) feminine נְחוּשָׁה ׳ק fig of divine judgment Job 20:24 (|| נֵשֶׁק בַּרְזֶל)

2. rainbow: אֲשַׁר יִהְיֶה בֶעָנָן בְּיוֺם הַנֶּשֶׁם ׳כְּמַרְאֵה הַקּ Ezek 1:28; Gen 9:13; Gen 9:14; Gen 9:16 (P). — קָ֑שֶׁה וַיּאֹמֶר לְלַמֵּד בְּנֵייְֿהוּדָה 2Sam 1:18 is corrupt; ᵐ5 al. omits; We Now think misplaced gloss on v2Sam 1:6 see further HPS.

bow, bows, archers, bowmen, archer

qešet

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

bow (for hunting, battle)

וַ יַּצִּיבֵ ֔נִי

וַ

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

יַּצִּיבֵ

Root word stood, set, stand, up, officers, …

֔נִי

Suffix — pronoun my / me

Dictionary form: נָצַב · naw-TSAHB

וַ

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

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

In the KJV here: and set

stood ×5 officers ×4 stand ×4 and set ×3 he stood ×3 standing ×3 that stood ×3 and set up ×2

More options

stand — Core meaning; use for stationary or upright posture.

take a stand — Emphatic; implies deliberate positioning or confrontation.

be stationed — Best for guards, officers, or assigned posts.

be set up — Use for erected objects, pillars, or monuments.

be appointed — Fits administrative or official contexts (officers, deputies).

be established — For permanent or authoritative placement or decree.

BDB2218 H5324

הֻצַּב Nah 2:8 dubious; perhaps textual error; see נצב.

הַצָּלָה see below נצל.

BDB5316 H5324

נָצַב verb Niph`al take one's stand, stand (Late Hebrew נִצָּב id. (rare), הַצָּבָה noun taking a stand; Phoenician (Punic) נצב, מנצבת, מצבת monument Lzb³²⁵; Nabataean, Palmyrene נצב set up; Zinjirli id., statue, all Lzb³²⁵ Cook⁸²; Palmyrene מצבא image, Nabataean נצב id., DHM^{VOJ viii (1894), 12}, compare Lzb^l.c.; perhaps Assyrian naƒâbu Tel Amarna, Wkl^{TA 24*b}; Aramaic נְצַב, ; Arabic set up, erect, sign, mark, way-mark; Sabean נצב cippus CIS^{iv. 23} SabDenkm⁹⁵ DHM^{ZMG xxx (1876), 115 f.} Derenb^{Jas, 1883, Aug.-Sept. 244}; Minaean מצב statue (= מנצב HOM^{Südar. Chrest. 128}); —

Niph`al Perfect 3 feminine singular נִצְּבָה Ps 45:10, נִצָּ֫בָה Gen 37:7; Prov 8:2 2 masculine singular וְנִצַּבְתָּ֫ Exod 7:15 + 2 t.; 3 plural נִצְּבוּ Exod 15:8, וְנִצְּבוּ consecutive Exod 33:8 Participle נִצָּב Gen 24:13 +, feminine נִצָּבָה Zech 11:16 נִצֶּ֫בֶת 1Sam 1:26 masculine plural נִצָּבִים Exod 5:20 +; feminine plural נִצָּבוֺת 1Sam 1:26 —

1. a. station oneself, take one's stand, for definite purpose, with עַל location (by, on) Gen 24:13; Gen 24:43; Gen 28:13; Exod 7:15; Exod 33:21; Exod 34:2 (all J), Exod 17:9; Exod 18:14 (E), Num 23:6; Num 23:17 (JE); Amos 7:7; Amos 9:1; Prov 8:2 of ׳י Isa 3:13 taketh his stand to plead; with ב location Exod 5:20; Ps 82:1 (of God), compare Num 22:23; Num 22:31; Num 22:34 עִמְּכָה ׳נ 1Sam 1:26 ׳לִפְנֵי י Deut 29:9 with פֶתַח Num 16:27 (JE), Judg 18:16; Judg 18:17 absolute Lam 2:4 (on text see Löhr).
b. stand = be stationed (by appointment, or in fulfilment of duty), with עַל person (sitting or lying) Gen 45:1; 1Sam 4:20; 1Sam 22:6; 1Sam 22:7; 1Sam 22:17 לְַמִֿשְׁמַרְתַּי ׳נ Isa 21:8 stand at my watchman's post (|| עֹמֵד); לִמִינְךָ Ps 45:10 absolute 2Sam 13:31.
c. take an upright position, stand, ׳יָקוּמוּ וְנ Exod 33:8 (E; + פֶּתַח location), compare Gen 37:7 (E; of sheaf); of waters, כְמוֺנֵֿד ׳נ Exod 15:8 (song).

2. be stationed = appointed over (על), 1Sam 22:9; Ruth 2:5; Ruth 2:6 with Samuel presiding over (על) them 1Sam 19:20. Hence

3. Participle as substantive deputy, prefect (as appointed, deputed), only 1Kgs 4:5; 1Kgs 4:7; 1Kgs 5:7; 1Kgs 5:30; 1Kgs 9:23; 2Chr 8:10 (all of Solomon's officers; so also 2Chr 8:10 Qr, < Kt נציב), 1Kgs 22:48 (of Edom).

4. stand firm, figurative כָּלאָֿדָם נִצָּב Ps 39:6 every man, (even) the firm-standing, is wholly vanity (but expression strange, and text dubious); בַּשָּׁמָ֑יִם ׳נ Ps 119:89 (of ׳י's word); that which stands firm Zech 11:16 (Israel under figure of sheep), but dubious; We GASm leave untranslated; Now proposes הַנַּחֲלָה diseased.

Hiph`il Perfect הִצִּיב 1Kgs 16:34 2 masculine singular הִצַּבְתָּ Gen 21:29; Ps 74:17 3 masculine plural הִצִּ֫יבוּ Jer 5:26 Imperfect יַצִּיב Josh 6:26, יַצֵּב Deut 32:8 (dubious; in poetry for ׳וַיּ Ew^{§ 233a} Di; rhythmical shortening Ges^{«GKC:109k»§ 109k}; read יַצִּב Dr Da^{Synt. p. 94}), וַיַּצֶּבֿ 2Sam 18:18 suffix וַיַּצִּיבֵ֫נוּ Lam 3:12 Imperative feminine singular הַצִּ֫יבִי Jer 31:21 Infinitive construct הַצִּיב 1Sam 13:21; 1Chr 18:3 Participle מַצִּיב 1Sam 15:12 (but read הִצִּיב ᵐ5 We Dr Bu Kit HPS): —

1. station, set: with accusative, ewes Gen 21:28; Gen 28:29 (E; לְבַד apart), trap Jer 5:26 figurative set me before thee (לְפָנֶיךָ) Ps 41:13 set me as a target Lam 3:12.

2. set up, erect pillar (מַצֵּבָה) Gen 35:14; Gen 35:20 (E), 2Sam 18:18, + אֲשֵׁרִים 2Kgs 17:10 altar Gen 33:20 (E), stone-heap 2Sam 18:17 monument (יַד) 1Sam 15:12 city-gates (with ב), Josh 6:26 (JE) = 1Kgs 16:34.

3. cause to stand erect, waters, כְּמוֺנֵֿד Ps 78:13 (compare Qal Exod 15:8).

4. fix, establish boundary (subject ׳י) Deut 32:8; Ps 74:17; Prov 15:15 dominion (יַדׅ 1Chr 18:3 (of king). — 1Sam 13:21 is dubious; AV sharpen, RV set; Kit 'gerade machen'; Klo נִצַּב substantive, see below; compare HPS.

Hoph`al Perfect 3 masculine singular הֻצַּב Nah 2:8 it is fixed, determined (Kl Or), but very dubious; perhaps proper name, or epithet, of queen, compare We Now GASm, q. v.; Participle סֻלָּם נֻצּב אַ֫רְצָה Gen 28:12 (E) a ladder set up on the earth; ׳אֵלוֺן מ Judg 9:6, read אֵלוֺן הַמַּצֵּבָה GFM, see below — compare also יצב Hithpa`el

BDB5324 H4676 H4678 H5324

מַצֵּבָה, מַצֶּ֫בֶת noun feminine pillar, maƒƒ¢b¹, stump; — absolute מַצֵּבָה Hos 3:4 +,מַצֶּ֫בֶת 2Sam 18:18 a (read ׳הַמּ ᵐ5 Dr Bu Kit), v2Sam 18:18 b Isa 6:13, construct מַצְּבַת 2Kgs 3:2; 2Kgs 10:27, מַצֶּ֫בֶת Gen 35:14; Gen 35:20 suffix מַצַּבְתָּהּ Isa 6:13 plural absolute מַצֵּבוֺת 1Kgs 14:28, construct מַצְּבוֺת 2Kgs 10:26, etc.; —

1. a. pillar, as monument, personal memorial 2Sam 18:18 (twice in verse).
b. a stone, set up (שׂים, הציב), and anointed as memorial of divine appearance Gen 28:18; Gen 28:22; Gen 31:13 (all E), Gen 35:14 (J); so also Gen 33:20 (E), where insert ׳מ, or read ׳מ for ᵑ0 מִזְבֵּחַ (We Di Now^{Archaeology ii.18}), set up (שׂים), הרים, חציב in token of an agreement Gen 31:45; Gen 31:51; Gen 31:52 (twice in verse) (all E); over grave Gen 35:20 (twice in verse)
c. especially of sacred stones or pillars in connection with altar, erected (בנה) by Moses Exod 24:4 (E; 12 pillars), Hos 3:4; Hos 10:1; Hos 10:2; Isa 19:19 conjecture also 2Kgs 12:10 for ᵑ0 מִזְבֵּחַ Sta^{ZAW v (1885), 296} Now^{Archaeology l.c.}, but dubious, see Benz^{on the passage}; (usually + אֲשֵׁרִים etc.): of Canaanites Exod 23:24 (E), Exod 34:13 (J), Deut 7:5; Deut 12:3 compare הַבַּלְַ ׳מ 2Kgs 3:2; 2Kgs 10:26; 2Kgs 10:27 Tyre, עֻזֵּךְ ׳מ, Ezek 26:11, of obelisks of Heliopolis in Egypt; condemned for Israel by Deuteronomic code, and Deuteronomist redaction of Kings: Deut 16:22; 2Kgs 14:23; 2Kgs 17:10; 2Kgs 18:4; 2Kgs 23:14; 2Chr 14:2; 2Chr 31:1 compare Mic 5:12; Lev 26:1 (H). — On maƒƒ¢b¹ see further Now^{Archaeology ii.18 f.} Benz^{Archaeology 380 f.} Dr^{Deut 16:21f.} We^{Skizzen iii.99,165} RS^{Sem.i.184 ff. 437.f; 2d ed. 204 ff. 456 f.; K. 50}.

**On this see also Lagrange^{Études Bibl. 197 ff.} and review by Bau^{ZMG lvii (1903), 830}; also GFM^{EB MASSEBAH} Sta^{Bib. Theol. i. § 55} OCWhitehouse^{Hast. DB PILLAR}. — Judg 9:6 see [ נָצַב]

Hoph`al 2. stock, stump of tree Isa 6:13 a (in simile), so vIsa 6:13 b (figurative; but probably strike out as gloss).

BDB9716 H5324 H5326

[נִצְבָּה] noun feminine firmness (see Biblical Hebrew נצב); — emphatic נִצְבְּתָא Dan 2:41.

stood, set, stand, up, officers, …

nāṣab

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish

(Niphal)

to station oneself, take one's stand

to station, set

כַּ מַּטָּרָ֖א

כַּ

Prefix — preposition like, as + "the" (the article is absorbed into the prefix)

מַּטָּרָ֖א

Root word prison, mark

Dictionary form: מַטָּרָא · maht-taw-RAW

כַּ

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

Noun — Common, feminine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: me as a mark

of the prison ×12 at a mark ×1 for his mark ×1 in the prison ×1 me as a mark ×1

More options

prison — Best for custodial/detention contexts; most common use.

guardhouse — Suggests a military-style detention facility.

target — Use when the word means something aimed at; vivid imagery.

mark — Slightly more abstract than 'target'; poetic or figurative contexts.

custody — Abstract/institutional tone; fits legal or administrative settings.

lockup — Informal register; use sparingly for colloquial translations.

BDB5175 H4307

מַטָּרָה and (Lam 3:12) מַטָּרָא

noun feminine 1. guard, ward, prison Neh 3:25.

2. target, mark (as kept in the eye, watched, compare נָצַר Prov 23:26, and σκόπος (watcher, mark) from σκέπτομαι; perhaps Nabataean [רתא]מט Lzb³²³); — always absolute: —

1. guard, ward, prison, usually ׳חֲצַר הַמּ court of gaurd (see I. ׳חָצֵ) Jer 32:2; Jer 32:8; Jer 32:12; Jer 33:1; Jer 37:21 (twice in verse); Jer 38:6; Jer 38:13; Jer 38:28; Jer 39:14; Jer 39:15 ׳שַׁעַר הַמּ Neh 12:39.

2. target, mark Job 16:12 (figurative of ׳י's chastisement), כַּמַּטָּרָא לַחֵץ Lam 3:12 (simile id.); literally only 1Sam 20:20.

prison, mark

maṭṭārāʾ

a jail (as a guard-house); also an aim (as being closely watched)

guard, ward, prison, mark, target

guard, ward, prison

לַ חֵֽץ

לַ

Prefix — preposition to, for + "the" (the article is absorbed into the prefix)

חֵֽץ

Root word arrows, arrow, dart, shaft, staff, …

Dictionary form: חֵץ · hayts

לַ

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

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: for the arrow

arrows ×8 the arrows ×7 and arrows ×3 thine arrows ×3 an arrow ×2 his arrows ×2 a dart ×1 and shooting arrows ×1

More options

arrow — Default singular; fits most narrative and poetic contexts.

shaft — Emphasizes the physical rod/projectile; good for literal descriptions.

dart — Smaller, thrown projectile; suits swift or surprise imagery.

bolt — Vivid, forceful alternative; suits divine-judgment or lightning imagery.

missile — Broad modern term; use when weapon type is secondary.

BDB3043 H2671

חֵץ noun masculine^{1Sam 20:20} arrow, mostly in poetry and prophets (compare חֵצִי above below חצה) — absolute ׳ח Ps 91:5 + 9 t. + 1Sam 17:7 Kt (Qr עֵץ q. v.); construct id. 2Kgs 1; 2Kgs 3:17; 2Kgs 13:17 suffix חִצִּי Job 34:6, חִצּוֺ Ps 58:8; Zech 9:14, חִצָּם Ps 11:2; Ps 64:4 Plural חִצִּים Gen 49:23 + 17 t. + 1Sam 20:38 Qr (Kt חֵ֫צִי q. v.) + 2Sam 22:15 (< חִצָּיו || Ps 18:15); construct חִצֵּת Job 6:4; Ps 120:4 + Ezek 5:16 (Co חִצַּי compare ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Hi); חִצַּי Deut 32:23; Deut 32:42 (Ezek 5:16 see above), חִצֶּיךָ Ps 38:3 + 4 t.; חִצָּיו Isa 5:28 + 5 t.; — arrow:

1. literally, shot from bow by hand 1Sam 20:20; 1Sam 20:21 (twice in verse); 1Sam 20:22 (ᵐ5 We singular, i.e. הַחֵצִי, in v1Sam 20:21 v1Sam 20:22, see also Dr) v1Sam 20:36 v1Sam 20:38 Qr 2Kgs 19:32 = Isa 37:33; Isa 5:28; Isa 7:24; Jer 50:9; Jer 50:14; Jer 51:11; Ezek 39:3; Ezek 39:9; 1Chr 12:2 shot from engine of war 2Chr 26:15 used in divination Ezek 21:26 compare 2Kgs 13:15 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 13:17 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 13:18 בַּעֲלֵי חִצִּים = archers Gen 49:23.

2. figurative of Israel's weapons Num 24:8, of the (Messianic) king Ps 45:6, of Yahweh's judgments Deut 32:23; Deut 32:42; Job 6:4 (compare חִצִּי = my wound Job 34:6), Ps 7:14; Ps 38:3; Ps 58:8 (but on text compare Che^{critical note}.) Ps 64:8; Ps 120:4 (? compare Che); further Prov 7:23; Lam 3:12; Ezek 5:16 in theoph. Ps 18:15 = 2Sam 22:15, compare Hab 3:11; Zech 9:14; Ps 144:6 of wicked men's violence Ps 11:2 compare Ps 91:5, under figure of lion's teeth Ps 57:5 their words Ps 64:4 compare Prov 25:18; Jer 9:8 simile, of strength and efficiency derived from one's children, Ps 127:4 of a deceiver's words Prov 26:18 metaphor of servant of ׳בָּרוּר י ׳ח Isa 49:2. — In 1Sam 17:7 read עֵץ (for חֵץ) as Qr and || 2Sam 21:19 = the shaft; see עֵץ; so Klo Dr.

arrows, arrow, dart, shaft, staff, …

ḥēṣ

properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of God) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear

arrow

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.

דָּרַ֤ךְ קַשְׁתּוֹ֙ Pashta — a lesser break וַיַּצִּיבֵ֔נִי Zaqef Qatan — a strong break כַּמַּטָּרָ֖א Tipeha — a lesser break לַחֵֽץ Silluq — end of the verse

דָּרַךְ קַשְׁתּוֹ וַיַּצִּיבֵנִי כַּמַּטָּרָא לַחֵֽץ׃

He hath bent his bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow.

Cross References

Psalms 38:2

כִּֽי-חִצֶּיךָ נִחֲתוּ בִי וַתִּנְחַת עָלַי יָדֶֽךָ׃

For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.

Job 7:20

חָטָאתִי מָה אֶפְעַל׀ לָךְ נֹצֵר הָאָדָם לָמָה שַׂמְתַּנִי לְמִפְגָּע לָךְ וָאֶהְיֶה עָלַי לְמַשָּֽׂא׃

I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?

Psalms 7:12

אִם-לֹא יָשׁוּב חַרְבּוֹ יִלְטוֹשׁ קַשְׁתּוֹ דָרַךְ וַֽיְכוֹנְנֶֽהָ׃

If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.

Job 6:4

כִּי חִצֵּי שַׁדַּי עִמָּדִי אֲשֶׁר חֲמָתָם שֹׁתָה רוּחִי בִּֽעוּתֵי אֱלוֹהַּ יַֽעַרְכֽוּנִי׃

For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.

Lamentations 2:4

דָּרַךְ קַשְׁתּוֹ כְּאוֹיֵב נִצָּב יְמִינוֹ כְּצָר וַֽיַּהֲרֹג כֹּל מַחֲמַדֵּי-עָיִן בְּאֹהֶל בַּת-צִיּוֹן שָׁפַךְ כָּאֵשׁ חֲמָתֽוֹ׃

He hath bent his bow like an enemy: he stood with his right hand as an adversary, and slew all that were pleasant to the eye in the tabernacle of the daughter of Zion: he poured out his fury like fire.

Job 16:12

שָׁלֵו הָיִיתִי׀ וַֽיְפַרְפְּרֵנִי וְאָחַז בְּעָרְפִּי וַֽיְפַצְפְּצֵנִי וַיְקִימֵנִי לוֹ לְמַטָּרָֽה׃

I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark.

Lamentations 3:11

Read Lamentations 3

Lamentations 3:13

Lamentations 3:12

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Vqp3ms

Verb Chart

English Options

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H1869

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Ncfsc/Sp3ms

English Options

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H7198

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar C/Vhw3ms/Sp1cs

Verb Chart

English Options

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H5324

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Rd/Ncfsa

English Options

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H4307

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Rd/Ncmsa

English Options

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H2671

Masoretic Phrasing

KJV