Lamentations 4:9

They that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

טוֹבִ֤ים
טוֹבִ֤ים
Root word good, better, well, goodness, goodly, …
Dictionary form: טוֹב · tobe

Adjective — masculine plural, absolute state plural — usually add "-s"

In the KJV here: better
good ×127 the good ×26 better ×25 is good ×22 is better ×21 a good ×13 well ×12 for good ×11
More options
good — Default all-purpose rendering; works in most contexts.
fine — Lighter register; suits quality, appearance, or craftsmanship.
pleasant — Emphasises enjoyment or sensory appeal.
beautiful — Prefer when describing physical attractiveness or appearance.
prosperous — Use when tob refers to welfare, wealth, or flourishing.
favorable — Suits attitudes, conditions, or outcomes seen as advantageous.

BDB3305 H2896

BDB3304 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3306

II. טוֺב adjective pleasant, agreeable, good (see LagBN 26; Aramaic טַב, Palmyrene טב VogNo. 81, טבא VogNo. 75) — masculine ׳ט Gen 2:12 + 22 t., טוֺבָם Mic 7:4 feminine טוֺבָה Esth 8:5 + 50 t., טֹבָה Deut 6:18 + 2 t.; construct טוֺבַת Gen 26:7 + 6 t., טֹבַת Gen 24:16 plural טוֺבִים Jer 44:17 + 28 t.; טֹבִים Gen 27:9 + 4 t.; construct טוֺבֵי Dan 1:4 + 2 t.; plural טוֺבוֺת Esth 2:2, טֹבוֺת Jer 24:2 + 6 t., טֹבֹת Gen 6:2 + 4 t.; —

1. pleasant, agreeable to the senses:
  a. to the sight, fair, of daughters of men Gen 6:2 (J); of a son Exod 2:2 (E), 1Sam 9:2; 1Kgs 20:3, young men (but read herds ᵐ5 Th We Klo Dr Bu) 1Sam 8:16 מראיהם their appearance Dan 1:15, טֹבַת מראה Gen 24:16; Gen 26:7 (both J), 2Sam 11:2; Esth 1:11; Esth 2:3; Esth 2:7 טוב ראי 1Sam 16:12 טוב תאר 1Kgs 1:6 טובַת חן Nah 3:4 טוֺבוֺת מראה Esth 2:2 טוֺבֵי מראה Dan 1:4 טוב לעינים Eccl 11:7 טובה בעיניו fair in his eyes Esth 8:5 of mantle Josh 7:21 (J); goodly houses Isa 5:9; Deut 8:12 cities Deut 6:10 situation of city 2Kgs 2:19.
  b. to the taste, good, sweet, agreeable for eating למאכל Gen 2:9; Gen 3:6 (both J); ears of grain Gen 41:5; Gen 41:22; Gen 41:24; Gen 41:26 (E); figs Jer 24:2; Jer 24:3 (twice in verse); Jer 24:5 honey Prov 24:13 כְּיֵין הטוב Song 7:10 as wine of the best sort (Hi reads כַּיַּיִן); תְּנוּבָתִי הַטּוֺבָּה Judg 9:11 my sweet fruit (|| מָתְקִי).
  c. to the smell, sweet-scented, of ointment Song 1:3 קנה הטוב Jer 6:20 the fragrant cane.
  d. of pleasant shadow of tree Hos 4:13.
2. pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity, and so agreeable, pleasing, well:
  a. of time: יום טוב good day, festal day 1Sam 25:8; Esth 8:17; Esth 9:19; Esth 9:22 of feasts Zech 8:19 prosperous years Gen 41:35 (E).
  b. of place, טוב בית הנשׁים Esth 2:9 the best part of the women's house; לוֺ ׳בַּטּ Deut 23:17, בְּעֵינֵי ׳בַּטּ Gen 20:15 (see c f below)
  c. of persons, (אתה) טוב בעיני pleasing in the eyes of 1Sam 29:6 (twice in verse); 1Sam 29:9 ׳טוב בעיני י Mal 2:17 (compare verb 4, and f below); later לִפְנֵי Eccl 2:26 (twice in verse); Eccl 7:26 inserted in 1Sam 29:10 ᵐ5 We Dr; compare עם ׳ט 1Sam 2:26.
  d. of word or message, בְּשׂוֺרָה טוֺבָה 2Sam 18:27 good tidings; ׳שְׁמוּעָה ט good report 1Sam 2:24; Prov 15:30; Prov 25:25 דבר בעתו Prov 15:23 a word in its season; דבר טוב Prov 12:25 an agreeable word (maketh the heart glad); דבר טוב Ps 45:2 a good theme.
  e. of other things, דֶּרֶךְ טובה 1Sam 24:20 a pleasant, prosperous journey; מנחה כי טוב Gen 49:15 (poem); of unity of brethren מה טוב ומה נעים Ps 133:1 how good and how pleasant it is! טוב לְ (יהיה) it shall be well for Eccl 2:3; Eccl 6:12; Eccl 8:12; Eccl 8:13 (compare verb 3); הֲטוֺב כִּי Job 13:9 will it be advantageous that (see 5). feminine עשׂה הטוב בעיני do what is pleasing in the eyes of Gen 16:5 (J), Judg 19:24; 1Sam 1:23; 1Sam 3:18; 1Sam 14:40 2 Sam 10:12> = 1Chr 19:13; 2Sam 19:19; 2Sam 19:28; 2Sam 19:39; 2Kgs 10:5; 2Kgs 20:3 = Isa 38:3; 1Chr 21:23 = 2Sam 24:22 where object of העלה; ׳עשׂה (כ) (כל) (ה)טוב בע Gen 19:8 (J), Judg 10:15; 1Sam 11:10; 1Sam 14:36; Esth 3:11 (כ)הטוב עשׂה ׳ו(כ)הישׁר בע) Deut 12:28; Josh 9:25 (D), 2Chr 14:1; Jer 26:14, compare Esth 8:8 nouns reversed Deut 6:18 עשׂה הטוֺב והישׁר לפני 2Chr 31:20 ׳טוב בע in other combinations Num 36:6 (P), Jer 40:4 ראה הטוב והישׁר 2Kgs 10:3 ׳דבּר ט 1Kgs 22:13 = 2Chr 18:12; Num 10:29 (J), 1Sam 19:4; Esth 7:9 דבּר מטוב עדרֿע speak either good or bad Gen 31:24; Gen 31:29 (E); למרע ועד טוב 2Sam 13:22 רע או טוב Gen 24:50 (J); ׳התנבא ט 1Kgs 22:8; 1Kgs 22:18 = 2Chr 18:17 compare 1Kgs 22:13 = 2Chr 18:12.
3. good, excellent of its kind:
  a. of the several creations, וירא אלהים כי טוֺב and God saw that it was good, excellent Gen 1:4; Gen 1:10; Gen 1:12; Gen 1:18; Gen 1:21; Gen 1:25 (P); טוֺב מאר כל אשׁר עשׂה והנּה Gen 1:31 (P) God saw all that he had made, and behold it was very excellent. So
  b. of land, soil, fruitful, fertile: ארץ Exod 3:8; Num 13:19 (both J), Num 14:7 (P), Deut 1:25; Deut 1:35; Deut 3:25; Deut 4:21; Deut 4:22; Deut 6:18; Deut 8:7; Deut 8:10; Deut 9:6; Deut 11:17; Josh 23:16 (D), Judg 18:9; 1Chr 28:8 אדמה 1Kgs 14:15; Josh 23:13; Josh 23:15 (D); הר Deut 3:25 חלקה 2Kgs 3:19; 2Kgs 3:25 שׂדה Ezek 17:8 נָוֶה Ezek 34:14 מרעה 1Chr 4:40; Ezek 34:14; Ezek 34:18.
  c. of vegetation, choice, fruitful זֵיתִים 1Sam 8:14 עץ 2Kgs 3:19; 2Kgs 3:25; Ezek 31:16 שׁמן טוב 2Kgs 20:13 precious oil = Isa 39:2; Ps 133:2; Eccl 7:1 of seed, אם שׁניהם טובים Eccl 11:6 whether both of them will be fruitful.
  d. of animals, fat בקר Gen 18:7 (J); עזים Gen 27:9 (J); פרות Gen 41:26 (E); יָרֵךְ Ezek 24:4.
  e. of minerals, fine, pure זהב Gen 2:12 (J), 2Chr 3:5; 2Chr 3:8 כֶּתֶם Lam 4:1 brass Ezra 8:27, soldering Isa 41:7.
4. good, rich, valuable in estimation:
  a. in quantity, שׂיבה טובה good old age Gen 15:15 (R), Gen 25:8 (P), Judg 8:32; 1Chr 29:28 dowry Gen 30:20 (E; many sons); treasury Deut 28:12 (from which ׳י sends blessings).
  b. in price, goodly, valuable: of the estimation put upon house, beast, and tithe Lev 27:10 (twice in verse); Lev 27:12; Lev 27:14; Lev 27:33 (H); profit Prov 31:18 hire Eccl 4:9 מחמדי הטבים Joel 4:5 my goodly precious things.
5. good, appropriate, becoming, טוב אשׁר Eccl 7:18 (compare Eccl 5:4 below); טובה חכמה עם נחלה Eccl 7:11 wisdom is good with an inheritance (other transitive see in VB); || יָפֶה Eccl 5:17 with עֵצָה 2Sam 17:7; 2Sam 17:14 good advice; טוב פתר Gen 40:16 (E) that he interpreted well; טוב הדבר (לא) Exod 18:17 (E) the thing is (not) good, wise, so Deut 1:14; 1Sam 26:16 טוב (ה)דבר the word is good, is well said 1Sam 9:10; 1Kgs 2:38; 1Kgs 2:42; 1Kgs 18:24; 2Kgs 20:19 = Isa 39:8, for which abbreviated טוב well! good! exclamation Ruth 3:13; 1Sam 20:7; 2Sam 3:13; 1Kgs 2:18 followed by כּי it is good that 2Sam 18:3; Ruth 2:22; Lam 3:27; Job 10:3 (compare Job 13:9 2 e); with infinitive Gen 2:18 (J), Ps 73:28; Ps 92:2; Ps 147:1; Prov 25:27 (compare below 10); with וְ (strangely) ׳טוֺב וְיָחִיל וגו Lam 3:26 it is good that one wait (see דּוּמָם, יָחִיל); בלא דעת נֶפֶשׁ לא טוב Prov 19:2 that a soul be without knowledge is not good.
6. with מִן comparative = better, followed by infinitive Gen 29:19 (E), Exod 14:12 (J), Ps 118:8; Ps 118:9; Prov 16:19; Prov 25:7; Eccl 6:9; Eccl 7:2 infinitive omitted Prov 21:9; Prov 21:19; Prov 25:24 מן omitted Num 14:3 (J; comparative only implied); with מן person Judg 15:2; Ruth 4:15; 1Sam 1:8; 1Sam 9:2; 1Sam 15:28; 1Kgs 2:32; 1Kgs 19:4; 2Chr 21:13; Prov 12:9; Prov 16:32; Prov 19:1; Prov 19:22; Prov 27:10; Prov 28:6; Lam 4:9; Esth 1:19; Eccl 4:3; Eccl 4:9; Eccl 4:13; Eccl 6:3; Eccl 7:5; Eccl 7:8 with מן of thing Judg 8:2; 1Sam 15:22; 2Sam 17:14; 1Kgs 21:2; 2Kgs 5:12; Hos 2:9; Amos 6:2; Isa 56:5; Jonah 4:3; Jonah 4:8; Ps 37:16; Ps 63:4; Ps 84:11; Ps 119:72; Prov 3:14; Prov 8:11; Prov 8:19; Prov 15:16; Prov 15:17; Prov 16:8; Prov 16:16; Prov 17:1; Prov 22:1; Prov 27:5; Song 1:2; Eccl 4:6; Eccl 7:1; Eccl 7:3; Eccl 7:8; Eccl 7:10; Eccl 9:4; Eccl 9:16; Eccl 9:18 followed by -מִשֶּׁ Eccl 5:4 מַהטּֿוֺב ֗֗֗ הֲ ֗֗֗ אִם is it better ... or ? Judg 9:2 הֲטוב ֗֗֗ אוֺ Judg 18:19 אין -טוב שֶׁ Eccl 2:24 (read -מִשֶּׁ see Commentaries); אין טוב מאשׁר Eccl 3:22 אין טוב כִי אִם Eccl 3:12; Eccl 8:15 so 1Sam 27:1 ᵐ5 We Dr Klo Kit Bu (ᵑ0 only כי with Imperfect)
7. of man's sensuous nature, glad, happy, prosperous: טוב לב merry, glad heart Prov 15:15; Esth 5:9; Eccl 9:7 טוֺבֵי לב 1Kgs 8:65 = 2Chr 7:10 טובים וַנּהיה Jer 44:17 we were prosperous; similarly Ps 112:5.
8. of man's intellectual nature, שֵׂכֶל טוֺב good understanding 2Chr 30:22; Ps 111:10; Prov 3:4; Prov 13:15 טוֺבַת שֶׂכֶל 1Sam 25:3.
9. good, kind, benign:
  a. of men, themselves 1Sam 25:15; 2Sam 18:27; 2Chr 10:7 the eye Prov 22:9 דברים טובים kind words 1Kgs 12:7 = 2Chr 10:7.
  b. of God, himself Nah 1:7; 2Chr 30:18; Ps 86:5 כי טוב for he is good, kind Ps 34:9; Ps 100:5; Ps 135:3; Jer 33:11 כי טוב כי לעולם חסדוֺ 1Chr 16:34; 2Chr 5:13; 2Chr 7:3; Ezra 3:11; Ps 106:1; Ps 107:1; Ps 118:1; Ps 118:29; Ps 136:1 טוב לְ kind to Ps 73:1; Ps 145:9; Lam 3:25 יד (ה)טובה על Ezra 7:9; Ezra 8:18; Neh 2:8; Neh 2:18 רוחךָ (ה)טובה Neh 9:20; Ps 143:10 שׁמךָ כי טוב Ps 52:11; Ps 54:8 כּי טוב חסדךָ Ps 69:17; Ps 109:21 הדבר(ים) הטוב(יםׅ the good, kind word(s) spoken in promise Josh 21:43; Josh 23:14; Josh 23:15 (D), 1Kgs 8:56; Jer 29:10; Jer 33:14; Zech 1:13.
10. good (ethical), right: מה טוב || what Yahweh requires Mic 6:8, || משׁפט Job 34:4:
  a. of man himself || ישׁר Mic 7:4 אישׁ טוב Prov 14:14 (ה)טוב(יםׅ = (the) good 2Chr 19:11; Ps 125:4; Prov 2:28; Prov 12:2; Prov 13:22; Prov 14:19; Prov 15:3; Eccl 9:2 (twice in verse); man's deeds דברים 2Chr 2:12; 2Chr 19:3 מעשׂה 1Sam 19:4; Eccl 12:14 מעללים Ezek 36:31 דֶּרֶךְ הטובה והישׂרה 1Sam 12:23 the good and right way; (הַ)דֶּרֶךְ (ה)טוב(הׅ (the) good way 1Kgs 8:36 = 2Chr 6:27; Isa 65:2; Jer 6:16; Ps 36:5; Prov 16:29 דבריךָ טובים ונכחים 2Sam 15:3 good and right is thy case; דבר טוב good thing 1Kgs 14:13 לא טוב הדבר Neh 5:9 אשׂר לא טוב עשׂה Ezek 18:18 so of מאזני מרמה etc., Prov 20:23 לא טובc. infinitive (see 5 it is not good or right to: ענושׁ לצדּיק Prov 17:26 פני רשׁע שׂאת Prov 18:5 הכּר פנים Prov 28:21; Prov 24:23 (בל טוב).
  b. of God טוב אתה ומטיב Ps 119:68 טוב וישׁר יהוה Ps 25:8 משׁפטיך טובים Ps 119:39 his commands מצות Neh 9:13 חקים Ezek 20:25 (לא טובים); לקח טוב Prov 4:2 מפי עליון לא תצא הרעות והטוב Lam 3:38.


BDB3306 H2896

BDB3305 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3307

III. טוֺב noun masculineJer 17:6 (compare טוֺבָה noun feminine) a good thing. benefit, welfare: — ׳ט Gen 26:29 + 134 t.; —

1. welfare, prosperity, happiness: || שָׁלוֺם Isa 52:7; Jer 8:15; Jer 14:19 אם טוב ואם רע Jer 42:6 whether prosperity or adversity; יבוא טוב Jer 17:6 prosperity cometh; ׳שׂמח בט Deut 26:11; 2Chr 6:41 ׳ראה בט Eccl 2:1; Jer 29:32 object of ראה Ps 4:7; Ps 34:13; Eccl 2:24; Eccl 3:13; Job 7:7 of דרשׁ Esth 10:3 of בקשׁ Ps 122:9 מנע Ps 84:12; Jer 5:25 נתן Ps 85:13 קוה Job 30:26 מצא Prov 16:20; Prov 17:20; Prov 18:22; Prov 19:8 נחל Prov 28:10 חסר Ps 34:11 בשׂר 1Kgs 1:42; Isa 52:7 ׳חול לט Mic 1:12 ׳חכמה וט 1Kgs 10:7 טוב וחסד Ps 23:6 בטוב in prosperity Ps 25:13; Job 21:13; Job 36:11; Eccl 7:14 מטוב because of prosperity Zech 1:17 afar from happiness Ps 39:3 כטוב Hos 10:1 לטוב Deut 30:9; Jer 15:11 לטוב לָנוּ Deut 6:24 for good to us, = for our good, Deut 10:13 (לְךָ), Jer 32:39 (לָהֶם; compare לרע ל Jer 7:6; Jer 25:7).
2. good things, (collective) ברכ(ו)ת ׳ט blessing of good things Ps 21:4; Prov 24:25 מִלֵּא ׳בָתֵּיהֶם ט Job 22:18 filled their houses with good things; object of שׂבע Job 104:28; Prov 12:14 מלא Ps 107:9 אכל Prov 13:2; Isa 55:2 לקח Hos 14:3 ׳השׂביע בט Ps 103:5 goods, possessions 1Sam 15:9.
3. good = benefit: גְּמָלַתְהוּ טוֺב וְלֹארָֿע Prov 31:12 she doeth him good and not evil; תַּאֲוַת צַדִּיקִים אַךְטֿוֺב Prov 11:23 the desire of the righteous is only good; object of קבּל Job 2:10 מנע Prov 3:27 שׁחר Prov 11:27 שׁלּם Prov 13:21 עשׂה Gen 26:29 (J), Ps 119:65 היטיב Num 10:32 (J); ׳ערב לט Ps 119:122 ׳חֹרְשֵׁי ט Prov 14:22 who devise good.
4. moral good, ידע טוב ורע Gen 2:9; Gen 2:17; Gen 3:5; Gen 3:22 (J), Deut 1:39 בין טוב לרע 2Sam 19:36 in antithesis with רע elsewhere Deut 30:15; 2Sam 14:17; 1Kgs 3:9; Isa 5:20 (twice in verse); Isa 7:15; Isa 7:16; Amos 5:14; Amos 5:15; Mic 3:2; Ps 34:15; Ps 37:27; Ps 52:5 ׳זנח ט Hos 8:3 cast off good; עשׂה טוֺב do good Ps 14:1; Ps 14:3 = Ps 53:2; Ps 53:4; Ps 37:3; Eccl 7:20, in Eccl 3:12 this meaning seems less fitting; read perhaps ׳לִרְאוֺת ט (Gr, see also De) and tr. to 1; ׳רדף ט Ps 38:21 pursue good; ׳מַעְגַּלטֿ Prov 2:9 path of good.


BDB3309 H2896

BDB3308 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3310

טוֺבָה noun feminine welfare, benefit, good things, good; — absolute ׳ט Deut 28:11 + 54 t.; construct טוֺבַת Ps 106:5 suffix טוֺבָתִי Ps 16:2 etc. + 4 t. suffixes; plural טוֺבוֺת Jer 12:6 טֹבוֺת 2Kgs 25:28; Jer 52:32 suffix טוֺבֹתָיו Neh 6:19

1. welfare, prosperity, happiness: || שׁלום Deut 23:7; Jer 33:9; Ezra 9:12; Lam 3:17 יוֺם טובה Eccl 7:14 day of prosperity; טוֺבָתִי בַּלעָֿלָיךָ Ps 16:2 is not my welfare dependent upon thee? ׳תְּבוֺאָֽתְךָ ט Job 22:21 prosperity shall come to thee; לטובה Gen 50:20 (E), Deut 28:11; Deut 30:9; 2Chr 18:7; Jer 14:11 לרעה ולא לטובה Amos 9:4; Jer 21:10; Jer 39:16; Jer 44:27 object of verb בקּשׁ Neh 2:10 הביא Jer 32:42 ראה Job 9:25; Eccl 5:17; Eccl 6:6 אבּד Eccl 9:18 ׳ראה בט Ps 106:5 ׳חסר מט Eccl 4:8 object of אכל figurative Job 21:25 = taste happiness; of שׂבע Eccl 6:3 after נחם על Jer 18:10.
2. good things (collective):
  a. of good words, object of דבּר 1Sam 25:30; 2Sam 7:28 = 1Chr 17:26; Jer 18:20 plural דבּר טובות Jer 12:6; Jer 52:32 = 2Kgs 25:28.
  b. of material possessions ׳ברבות הט Eccl 5:10 when good things increase.
3. bounty, good שְׁנַת טוֺבָתֶ֑ךָ Ps 65:12 year of thy bounty (harvest bestowed by God), so also טובתך Ps 68:11 עשׂה ׳(ה)ט Exod 18:9 (E), Num 24:13 (JE), Judg 8:35; Judg 9:16; 1Sam 24:19; 2Sam 2:6; 1Kgs 8:66 = 2Chr 7:10; 2Chr 24:16; Jer 33:9 object of נמל 1Sam 24:18 שׁלּם 1Sam 24:20 רעה תחת טובה Gen 44:4 (J), 1Sam 25:21; Ps 35:12; Ps 38:21; Ps 109:5; Prov 17:13; Jer 18:20 תחת קללה ׳ט 2Sam 16:12 ׳זכר לי לט remember it for me for good Neh 5:19; Neh 13:31 לטובה Ezra 8:22; Neh 2:18; Jer 24:5; Jer 24:6; Ps 86:17 plural טוֺבֹתָיו Neh 6:19 his benefits (i.e. good deeds of Tobiah).


BDB9554 H2869 H2896

BDB9553 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9555

טָב adjective good; — absolute ׳ט Dan 2:32 pure gold; = pleasing to (עַל person) Ezra 5:17 (compare Ezra 6:18, Biblical Hebrew טוֺב 5).

good, better, well, goodness, goodly, …
ṭôb
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well)
  • (adj) good, pleasant, agreeable
    • pleasant, agreeable (to the senses)
    • "pleasant (to the higher nature)"good, excellent (of its kind)"good, rich, valuable in estimation"good, appropriate, becoming"better (comparative)"glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature)"good understanding (of man's intellectual nature)"good, kind, benign"good, right (ethical)
    (n m) a good thing, benefit, welfare
    • welfare, prosperity, happiness
    • "good things (collective)"good, benefit"moral good
    (n f) welfare, benefit, good things
    • welfare, prosperity, happiness
    • "good things (collective)"bounty

הָיוּ֙
הָיוּ֙
Root word be, pass, was, were, came, …
Dictionary form: הָיָה · haw-YAW

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: are
and it came to pass ×336 shall be ×333 was ×233 be ×174 came ×133 were ×117 and it shall come to pass ×97 and it shall be ×92
More options
be — Default copula; suits timeless or stative contexts.
become — Prefer when a change of state or transformation is implied.
happen — Fits narrative events; modernizes 'come to pass'.
occur — Formal register; good for reported events or incidents.
exist — Emphasizes being or presence rather than action.
take place — Idiomatic for scheduled or unfolding events.

BDB2100 H3068 H3069 H1961 H430 H589 H2022 H6635

BDB2099 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2101

יהוהc. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה proper name, of deity Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel — (

1. ᵑ0 יְהוָֺהC518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהוִֺה305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים), in the combinations אדני יהוה & יהוה אדני (see אֲדֹנֶי), and with preposition בַּיהוָֺה, לַיהוָֺה, מֵיהוָֺה (Qr בַּאדֹנָי, לַאדֹנָי, מֵאדֹנָי), do not give the original form. ᵐ5 and other Vrss follow the Qr. On the basis of Exod 20:7; Lev 24:11 יהוה was regarded as a nomen ineffabile (see Philode Vita Mosis iii. 519, 529), called by the Jews הַשֵּׁם and by the Samaritans שׁימא. The pronunciation Jehovah was unknown until 1520, when it was introduced by Galatinus; but it was contested by Le Mercier, J. Drusius, and L. Capellus, as against grammatical and historical propriety (compare § 88). The traditional Ἰαβέ of Theodoret and Epiphanius, the יָֿהוּ, יְהוֺֿ of compound proper name and the contracted form יָהּ all favour יַהְוֶךְ (compare יַהֲלֹמ֑וּן Ps 74:6 תַּהֲרוּ Isa 33:11), see LagSym i.14 BaudStudien i.179 ff.; DrStud.Bib.i.1 ff. For Jeve see StaZAW 1881, 346 Deib.1882, 173 f. & Gn. Excurs. ii.
2. on literature of interpretations see NesEg.67 Drl.c. — Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph`il of היה (=היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver (compare חַוָּה Gen 3:20) Schr HSch; giver of existence, creator, Kue Tiele; he who brings to pass (so already Le Clerc),performer of his promises, Lag, NesEg.88 (but NesEg.91 inclines to Qal as RSBrit. & For. Ev. Rev see below); or from היה he who causes to fall, rain or lightning RSOTJC.ed.1, 423; om.ed.2, 245, compare WeSkizzen iii.175; 'Fäller,' destroying foes, StaG.i.429 (dubiously). But most take it as Qal of הוה (= היה); the one who is: i.e. the absolute and unchangeable one, Ri; the existing, ever living, as self-consistent and unchangeable, Di; or the one ever coming into manifestation as the God of redemption, De Oehl; compare also RSBrit. & For. Ev. Rev. 1876, he will be it, i.e all that his servants look for (compare Ewinfr), he will approve himself (give evidence of being, assert his being Drl.c.17)).
**Theories of non-Hebrew or non-Semitic origin, opposed (in their older forms) by BauRel. i. 181 ff. (see especially 230); DlPa 162 ff. claimed Babylonian origin for יהו, against this Kuenational Religions, etc., Note iv (Eng. Trans. 329 ff.) JastrJBL xiil {1894}, 103 f. compare HptBAS i. 170 N; DlBabel u. Bibel, 46 f., 73 f. makes same claim for יהוה, against this see especially HirschZAW xxiil {1903}, 355 ff. ZimKATS. 465 ff.; SpiegelbZMG:liii {1899}, 633 ff. proposes (improbable) Egyptian etymology for יהוה; further discussions see in KöEB NAMES, § 112 and n.3. 'Jehovah' found in Jacob (? Johannes) Wessel († 1480), according to SchwThLZ, 1905, col. 612.

I. יהוה is not used by E in Genesis, but is given Exod 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb, and is explained thus : אֶהְיֶה עִמָּ֑ךְ I shall be with thee (Exod 3:12), which is then implied in אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה I shall be the one who will be it vExod 3:14a (i.e: with thee vExod 3:12) and then compressed into אֶהְיֶה vExod 3:14b (i.e. with thee vExod 3:12), which then is given in the nominal form יהוה He who will be it vExod 3:15 (i.e. with thee vExod 3:12). compare EwBTh ii. 337, 338 RSl.c., Proph. 385 ff. Other interpretations are: I am he who I am, i.e. it is no concern of yours (Le Clerc LagPsalt.Hieron.156); I am (this is my name), inasmuch as I am (אֲשֶׁר = כִּי; AE JDMich WeJD Th xxi, 540 = compare Hexateuch 72); Di and others I am who I am, he who is essentially unnameable, inexplicable, — E uses יהוה sparingly by the side of אלהים and האלהים in his subsequent narrative. The Ephraimitic writers in Judges Samuel Kings use it in similar proportions. P abstains from the use of יהוה until he gives an account of its revelation to Moses Exod 6:3 but subsequently uses it freely. He gives no explanation of its meaning. He represents that אֵל שַׁדַּי was the God of the patriarchs. J uses יהוה from the beginning of his narrative, possibly explaining it, Gen 21:83 by אל עולם, the evergreen tamarisk being a symbol of the ever-living God; compare De Gen 21:33. Elsewhere יהוה is the common divine name in pre-exilic writers, but in post-exilic writers gradually falls into disuse, and is supplanted by אלהים and אדני. In Job it is used 31 t. in prose parts, and Job 12:9 (a proverb); not elsewhere in the poem. Chronicles apart from his sources prefers אלהים and האלהים. Daniel uses יהוה only in chap. 9 (7 t.); Ecclesiastes not at all. In the Elohistic group of Psalm 42-83 it is used 39 t. (see אלהים) . It occurs as the name of Israel's God MI18. It is doubtful whether it was used by other branches of the Shemitic family, compare COT Gen 2:4b DlPa 158 ff. DrStud. Bib. i. 7 ff.

II. 1. יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D;
  a. with אֱלֹהֶיךָ in the Ten Words Exod 20:2-12 (5 t.) = Deut 5:6-16 in the law of worship of J E, Exod 23:19; Exod 34:24; Exod 34:26 in D 234 t.; Josh 1:9; Josh 1:17; Josh 9:9; Josh 9:24 (D2); elsewhere Gen 27:20; Exod 15:26 (JE), Judg 6:26 Samuel & Kings 20 t.; 1Chr 11:2; 1Chr 22:11; 1Chr 22:12; 2Chr 9:8 (twice in verse); 2Chr 16:7; Isa 7:11; Isa 37:4 (twice in verse); Isa 41:13; Isa 43:3; Isa 51:15; Isa 55:5; Jer 40:2 + (3t.); Hos 12:10; Hos 13:4; Hos 14:2; Amos 9:15; Ps 81:11.
  b. with אֱלֹהֵיכֶם in D 46 t.; D2 28 t.; H 15 t.; P 15 t.; elsewhere Exod 23:25 (E); Exod 8:24; Exod 10:8; Exod 10:16; Exod 10:17 (JE); Judg 6:10; 1Sam 12:12; 1Sam 12:14; 2Kgs 17:39; 2Kgs 23:21; 1Chr 22:18 + (10 t. Chronicles) Ps 76:12; Jer 13:16 + (5 t.) Ezek 20:5; Ezek 20:7; Ezek 20:19; Ezek 20:20; Joel 2:13 + (6 t.) Zech 6:15.
  c. with אֱלֹהֵינוּ in D 23 t.; in D2 5 t.; Exod 8:6 (JE) Exod 3:18; Exod 5:3; Exod 8:22; Exod 8:23; Exod 10:25; Exod 10:26 (E) Judg 11:24; 1Sam 7:8; 1Kgs 8:57; 1Kgs 8:59; 1Kgs 8:61; 1Kgs 8:65; 2Kgs 18:22; 2Kgs 19:10 = Isa 36:7; Isa 37:20; 1Chr 13:2 + (15 t. Chronicles) Mic 4:5; Mic 7:17; Isa 26:13; Jer 3:22 + (17 t.) Ps 20:8; Ps 90:17 (?;Baer אֲדנָֹי); Ps 94:23; Ps 99:5; Ps 99:8; Ps 99:9 (twice in verse); Ps 105:7; Ps 106:47; Ps 113:5; Ps 122:9; Ps 123:2; Dan 9:10; Dan 9:13; Dan 9:14.
  d. with אֱלֹהֵיהֶם Exod 10:7 (J) Exod 29:46 (twice in verse); Lev 26:44 (P) Judg 3:7; Judg 8:34; 1Sam 12:9; 1Kgs 9:9; 2Kgs 17:7; 2Kgs 17:9; 2Kgs 17:14; 2Kgs 17:16; 2Kgs 17:19; 2Kgs 18:12; 2Chr 31:6; 2Chr 33:17; 2Chr 34:33; Neh 9:3 (twice in verse); Neh 9:4; Jer 3:21; Jer 22:9; Jer 30:9; Jer 43:1 (twice in verse); Jer 50:4; Ezek 28:26; Ezek 34:30; Ezek 39:22; Ezek 39:28; Hos 1:7; Hos 3:5; Hos 7:10; Zeph 2:7; Hag 1:12 (twice in verse); Zech 9:16; Zech 10:6.
  e. with אֱלֹהָיו Num 23:21 (E) Exod 32:11 (J) Lev 4:22 (P) Deut 17:19; Deut 18:7; 1Sam 30:6; 1Kgs 5:17; 1Kgs 11:4; 1Kgs 15:3; 1Kgs 15:4; 1Kgs 2:11; 1Kgs 16:2; 1Kgs 2:1 + 13 t. Chronicles; Mic 5:3; Jer 7:28; Ps 33:12; Ps 144:15; Ps 146:5; Jonah 2:2. feminine with אֱלֹהַי Num 22:18 (JE) Deut 4:5; Deut 18:16; Deut 26:14; Josh 14:8; Josh 14:9; 2Sam 24:24; 1Kgs 3:7; 1Kgs 5:18; 1Kgs 5:19; 1Kgs 8:28; 1Kgs 17:20; 1Kgs 17:21; 1Chr 21:17; 1Chr 22:7; 2Chr 2:3; 2Chr 6:19; 2Chr 9:5; Ps 7:2; Ps 7:4; Ps 13:4; Ps 18:29; Ps 30:3; Ps 30:13; Ps 35:24; Ps 40:6; Ps 104:1; Ps 109:26; Isa 25:1; Jer 31:18; Dan 9:4; Dan 9:20; Jonah 2:7; Hab 1:12; Zech 11:4; Zech 13:9; Zech 14:5.
  g. with אֱלֹהַיִךְ Isa 60:9; Jer 2:17; Jer 2:19; Jer 3:13; Mic 7:10; Zeph 3:17.
  h. with אלהים, probably always due to later editors, or to a Qr which has crept into the text Gen 2:4b — Gen 3:23 (J, 20 t. either אלהים inserted by RP as Di De; or יהוה inserted by J in an older source); Exod 9:30 (J, but not in ᵐ5 ; Samaritan אדני יהוה; possibly ᵑ0 from earlier Qr, & from later Qr); 2Sam 7:22; 2Sam 7:25 (ᵐ5 אדני יהוה and 1Chr 17:20-23 only יהוה); 1Chr 17:16; 1Chr 17:17 (but 2Sam 7:18; 2Sam 7:19 אדני יהוה) 1Chr 28:20; 1Chr 29:1; 2Chr 1:9; 2Chr 6:41 (twice in verse); 2Chr 6:42; 2Chr 26:18 (but in the original Ps 132:8 stood יהוה (so ), or else no divine name); Ps 72:18 (the late doxology) Ps 84:12 (but it makes the line too long); Jonah 4:6. For the combinations with other divine names see those names.
2. the phrase אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy: —
  a. after אמר either alone Exod 6:2; Exod 6:29 (P) or before relative and other clauses: Gen 28:13 (J) Gen 15:7 (R) Exod 6:6 (P) with אלהיכם Judg 6:10; Ezek 20:5.
  b. after ידע כי (α) Exod 7:17; Exod 8:18; Exod 10:2 (J); Exod 7:5; Exod 14:4; Exod 14:18 (P); 1Kgs 20:13; 1Kgs 20:28; Jer 24:7; Ezek 6:7 + 48 t. Ezekiel; (β) with אלהיכם Exod 6:7; Exod 16:12; Deut 29:5 (P) Exod 20:20; Joel 4:17 (γ) with אלהיהם Exod 29:46 (P) Ezek 28:26; Ezek 34:30; Ezek 39:22; Ezek 39:28 (δ) before relative and other clauses Isa 45:3; Isa 49:23; Isa 49:26; Isa 60:16; Ezek 7:9; Ezek 17:24; Ezek 21:10; Ezek 22:22; Ezek 35:12; Ezek 36:36 (ε) with various forms of קדשׁ Exod 31:13 (P) Ezek 20:12; Ezek 37:28; Ezek 39:7 (ζ) with דברתי Ezek 5:13; Ezek 17:21, compare ׳יֵדְעוּ אשׁר אני י Ezek 20:26.
  c. after כִּי in various combinations Lev 11:44; Lev 11:45; Num 35:34 (P), Lev 20:7; Lev 20:26; Lev 21:8; Lev 21:15; Lev 21:23; Lev 22:16; Lev 24:22; Lev 25:17; Lev 26:1; Lev 26:44 (all H); Exod 15:26 (R) Isa 41:13; Isa 43:3; Isa 61:8; Jer 9:23; Ezek 12:25; Ezek 21:4; Zech 10:6; Mal 3:6.
  d. emphatic Exod 6:8; Exod 12:12; Lev 26:2; Lev 26:45; Num 3:13; Num 3:41; Num 3:45 (all P); Lev 18:5; Lev 18:6; Lev 18:21; Lev 19:12; Lev 19:14; Lev 19:16; Lev 19:18; Lev 19:28; Lev 19:30; Lev 19:32; Lev 19:37; Lev 21:12; Lev 22:2; Lev 22:3; Lev 22:8; Lev 22:30; Lev 22:31; Lev 22:33 (all H) Isa 43:15 with אלהיהם Exod 29:46 with אלהיךָ Isa 48:17 with אלהיכם Lev 23:43; Lev 25:38; Lev 25:55; Num 10:10; Num 15:41 (twice in verse) (P) Lev 18:2; Lev 18:4; Lev 18:30; Lev 19:2; Lev 19:3; Lev 19:4; Lev 19:10; Lev 19:25; Lev 19:31; Lev 19:34; Lev 19:36; Lev 20:24; Lev 23:22; Lev 26:13 (all H) Ezek 20:7; Ezek 20:19; Joel 2:27 with מְקַדֵּשׁ Lev 20:8; Lev 22:9; Lev 22:32 (H), with דברתי Num 14:35 (P) Ezek 5:15 + (11 t. Ezekiel); with clauses Isa 27:3; Isa 41:4; Isa 41:17; Isa 42:6; Isa 42:8; Isa 45:5; Isa 45:6; Isa 45:7; Isa 45:8; Isa 45:18; Isa 45:19; Isa 45:21; Isa 60:22; Jer 17:10; Jer 32:27; Ezek 14:4; Ezek 14:7; Ezek 14:9; Ezek 34:24 אָנֹכִי יהוה is used in the Ten Words Exod 20:2; Exod 20:5 = Deut 5:6; Deut 5:9 cited Ps 81:11; Hos 12:10; Hos 13:4 elsewhere only Exod 4:11 (J) Isa 43:11; Isa 44:24; Isa 51:15.
3. יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh יהוה יראה Gen 22:14 (J); יהוה נסי Exod 17:15 (E) יהוה שׁלים Judg 6:24 יהוה צדקנו Jer 33:16 (compare Jer 23:6 where it is applied to the Messiah); יהוה שָׁ֑מָּה Ezek 48:35. — On combinations such as ׳הַר י, צְבָאוֺת ׳י etc., see הַר, צָבָא, etc.

Note. — BonkZAW 1891, 126 ff. seems to shew that as prefix, in compare proper name, יְהוֺ is the oldest and the latest form and that יוֺ is intermediate, belonging to the earlier post-exilic period until the time of Chronicles; occasional copyists' mistakes being taken into the account.


BDB2145 H1961

BDB2144 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2146

הָיָה3570 verb fall out, come to pass, become, be (SI1; SI6 היה, ib3 הית; parallel form of הוה, Arabic , Aramaic הֲוָא, ; see הָוָה above) —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular הָיָה Gen 3:1 +; וְהָיָה consecutive Gen 4:14 +; 3 feminine singular הָֽיְתָה Gen 1:2 +; הָיָ֑תָה Isa 14:24 + 3 t.; וְהָֽיְתָה consecutive Gen 9:13 +; והית2Kgs 9:37 Kt (Qr וְהָֽיְתָה); 2 masculine singular הָיִיתָ Deut 5:15 +; 1 singular הָיִיתִיGen 31:40 3 plural הָיוּ Gen 6:4 +; 2 masculine plural הֱיִיתֶ ם Exod 22:20 +; וִהְיִיתֶם consecutive Gen 3:5 +; 1 plural הָיִינוּIsa 1:9 +; etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִהְיֶה Gen 1:29 +; jussive יְהִיGen 1:3 +; יֶהִ֑י Ezek 16:15 וִיהִיGen 1:6 +; וַיְהִי Gen 1:3 +; וַיֶּ֑הִי Ps 33:9; Ezek 16:19 3 feminine singular תִּהְיֶה Gen 21:30 +; 1 singular אֶהְיֶה Exod 3:12 +; וָאֶהְיֶה2Sam 7:6 + 9 t.; וָאֱהִי Judg 18:4 + 12 t.; 3 masculine plural יִהְיוּ Gen 6:19 +; 3 feminine plural תִּהְיֶינָהIsa 16:2 + 19 t.; תִּהְיֶין֣Gen 41:36 + 11 t.; וְתִהְיֶנָה Jer 18:21; Jer 48:6 וַתִּהְיֶינָה 2Sam 20:3 + 6 t.; וַתִּהְיֶיןָGen 26:35; 1Sam 25:43 וַתִּהְיֶנָה 1Chr 7:15 2 masculine plural תִהְיוּ Gen 34:15 +; תִהְיוּן Exod 22:20 1 plural נִהְיֶה Gen 38:23 +; וַנִּהְיֶה2Sam 11:23; Jer 44:17 וַנְּהִי Num 13:33; Isa 64:5, etc.; Imperative masculine singular הֱיֵה Exod 18:19 +; feminine singular הֲיִיGen 24:60 masculine plural הֱיוּExod 19:15; Num 16:16, וִהְיוּ 1Sam 4:9 + 6 t.; Infinitive absolute הָיוֺ Gen 18:18 + 3 t.; הָיֹה 1Kgs 13:32; Ezek 1:3 construct הֱיוֺת Gen 2:18 +, so read probably also for הֱיֵה Ezek 21:15 compare Sm i. p. 600 f. (Co em. היהלֿה to הָהֵל shine, glitter); with prefix בִּהְיוֺת Exod 5:13 +, בִּהְיֹת Exod 19:16 +; לִהְיוֺת Gen 10:8 +, לִהְיֹת Exod 23:1 +; suffix הֱיוֺתִי Jonah 4:2 הֱיוֺתְךָ Judg 18:19 (twice in verse); לִהְיֹתְךָ Deut 26:10, etc.; Participle feminine הוֺיָה Exod 9:3.

I. 1. a. Fall out, happen מֶההָֿיָה הַדָּבָר 1Sam 4:16 how has the matter fallen out, (gone, turned out) ? so 2Sam 1:4 מֶההָֿיָה לוֺ Exod 32:1; Exod 32:23 (both J E) what has happened to him? compare 1Sam 10:12 מִקְרֶה הוּא הָיָה לָנוּ 1Sam 6:9 a chance it is that has befallen us; also וַיְהִילֿוֺ כֵּן 2Kgs 7:20 and so it happened to him, compare וַיְהִיכֵֿן below
  b. occur, take place, come about, come to pass:גְדוֺלָה הָֽיְתָה בָּעָם מַגֵּפָה 1Sam 4:17 a great slaughter has taken place among the people, compare 2Sam 17:9 וַתְּהִי הַמִּלְחָמָה בְּיַעַר אֶפְרַיִם 2Sam 18:6 and the battle took place in the wood of Ephraim (on אפרים compare Klo Dr); Josh 22:17 (P; of plague); תְּהִי נָא אָלָה Gen 26:28 (J) let an oath take place (be taken) so Judg 21:5 compare 2Kgs 17:7 (si vera lectio), Ezek 16:34 especially late, 2Chr 29:36; 2Chr 32:31; Eccl 1:9; Eccl 1:10; Eccl 3:22; Eccl 8:7; Eccl 10:14 etc.; often of fulfilment of prediction, command, expectation, etc.: — כֵּן הָיָה Gen 41:3 (E) so it came to pass, 2Sam 13:25, וַיְהִיכֵֿן Judg 6:38; 2Kgs 15:12; Isa 29:5, & especially וַיְהִיכֵֿן Gen 1:7; Gen 1:9; Gen 1:11; Gen 1:15; Gen 1:24; Gen 1:30 (all P) +; יְהִי כִדְבָרֶ֑ךָ Gen 30:34 let it be as thou sayest, Zech 6:15, see also לֹא תָקוּם וְלֹא יִהְיֶה Isa 7:7 it shall not arise (be realized) & shall not come about, Isa 14:34 (so often בּוֺא q. v. 2 c, p. 98 above)
2. especially & very often, come about, come to pass followed by substantive (subject) clause almost always + modifying (usually temporal) clause or phrase:
  a. ( I) וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.) followed by
   (a) Imperfect consecutive: a. with Infinitive with כְּ temporal Gen 12:14; Gen 19:17 (both J) + 75 t. + Esth 3:4 Qr (Hexateuch chiefly J, — so always Genesis, — & J E; P only Exod 16:10, D only Deut 5:20; Deut 31:24; Josh 5:1; Josh 9:1 27 t. in Kings), — somewhat different is 2Kgs 7:18 β. with Infinitive with בְּ Gen 4:8; Gen 11:2 (both J) + 29 t. + Esth 3:4 Kt (in Hexateuch 10 t. J E; 3 t. P, Gen 19:29; Exod 34:29; Num 17:7 not in D); γ. with בְּ followed by temporal noun (יוֺם, בֹּקֶר, etc.) Gen 21:22 (E) Gen 26:32 (J) + 45 t. (Hes 14 t. J E; 3 t. P, Exod 6:28; Exod 16:13; Num 7:1 not D); δ. לְ temporal 1Sam 1:20; 2Sam 13:23; 1Kgs 20:26; 1Chr 20:1 ε. כְּ temporal Gen 39:11; 1Sam 25:38 ζ. מִן temporal namely: מֵאָז Gen 39:5, מִיּוֺם 1Sam 7:2 compare 1Sam 30:25, מִיָּמִים Judg 11:4; Judg 15:1, מִקֵּץ Gen 4:3; Gen 8:6 + 6 t., מִקְצֵה Josh 3:2; 2Kgs 8:3; Ezek 3:16, especially מִמָּחֳרָת Gen 19:34; Exod 18:13 + 11 t.; η. כַּאֲשֶׁר temporal Gen 12:11 (J) Gen 20:13 (E) + 31 t. (Hexateuch 13 t. J E, Deut 2:16, not P), characteristic of Nehemiah's memoris, Neh 3:33; Neh 4:1; Neh 4:6; Neh 4:9; Neh 6:1; Neh 6:16; Neh 7:1; Neh 13:19 θ. with כִּי temporal Gen 6:1 (J) Exod 3:21 (E) + 14 t. + Judg 16:25 Kt; ι. אַחֲרֵי temporal Gen 22:20 (J) + 13 t., אַחַר Gen 39:7; Job 42:7, אַחֲרֵיכֵֿן Judg 16:14 + 6 t.; κ. followed by עַד temporal 1Sam 14:19 (on which compare Dr); compare עַדכֹּֿה וְעַדכֹּֿה 1Kgs 18:45 λ. with combinations; as בְּ with temporal noun + בְּ Infinitive Gen 34:25; Exod 19:16; 1Sam 25:37 בְּ Infinitive + כְּ Infinitive Josh 3:14 double preposition כְּמִשְּׁלשׁ חֳדָשִׁים Gen 38:24 מִקְצֵה + אַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר Josh 9:16 מִיָּמִים + id. Josh 23:1 μ. other unusual constructions under this head are: those where temporal idea is expressed by a circumstantial clause Isa 22:7; 1Kgs 13:20; 2Kgs 8:21 (Dr§ 165, & Οβς.) = 2Chr 21:9 those with indefinite כֹּל 1Sam 10:11; 2Sam 2:23; 2Sam 15:2, or with participle = rel. clause 1Sam 11:1 (on all see Dr§ 78 n. & Sm); quite unique is 1Kgs 16:31, with הֲנָקֵל ׳לָכְתּוֺ וגוin place of temporal clause
   (b) וַיְהִי sometimes followed by simple Perfect, with a negative Gen 39:10 (with כְּ Infinitive), Exod 13:17 (with בְּ Infinitive) 2Kgs 12:7; 2Kgs 17:25 (both with בְּ temporal); & without negative, Gen 8:13 (P) Gen 14:1 +, usually with בְּ temporal (38 t.), Hexateuch chiefly P; rarely with other preposition & adverb as above; note especially מִדֵּי followed by Infinitive 1Sam 18:30; 2Chr 12:11 sometimes the subject of following Perfect precedes it with וְ, as Gen 22:1; Gen 41:1; 1Sam 18:19; 1Sam 30:1; 2Kgs 2:9; 2Kgs 4:40 +; note especially 2Sam 17:27 where several subject & also several objects precede the Perfect (compare Dr); in these cases temporal modifier is occasionally a circumstantial clause 2Sam 13:30; 1Kgs 8:10; 2Kgs 19:37 = Isa 37:38 rarely subject precedes Perfect without וְ 1Kgs 11:4; 1Kgs 21:1, compare subject preceding Participle without וְ Neh 4:10 in 2Chr 8:1 the object (with וְ) precedes what is apparently the principal verb
   (c) וַיְהִי followed by וְהִנֵּה Gen 24:15 (J; טֶרֶם in temporal clause), Gen 29:25 (E), Gen 38:27 (J, both בְּ temporal) vGen 38:29 (כְּ Participle), 1Sam 13:10 (כְּ Infinitive); also 2Sam 1:2; 2Sam 13:36; 2Sam 15:32 (circumstantial clause) 2Kgs 2:11 (id.), 2Kgs 3:20; 2Kgs 13:21 (circumstantial clause).
   (d) rarely וַיְהִי (in this sense) followed by other constructions: אָז יִתֵּן 1Kgs 9:10 (with מִקְצֵה); Imperfect frequentative 1Kgs 14:28 (with מִדֵּיבּֿאֹ), 2Kgs 4:8 (with מִדֵּי עָבְרוֺ) Jer 36:23 (with כְּ Infinitive); Perfect consecutive frequentative 2Chr 24:11 (with בְּ temporal). (2) rarely also Perfect with וְ conjunctive וְהָיָה (compare Dr§ 183) followed by Imperfect consecutive as subject clause: 1Sam 1:12 (c. several circumstantial clause), 1Sam 10:9 (with כְּ Infinitive) 2Kgs 3:15 (id.), 1Sam 17:48 (with כִּי), Jer 37:11 (with בְּ Infinitive), Amos 7:2 (with אִם temporal); also Jer 3:9 (apparently with מִן causative, but obscure); 1Sam 13:22 (with בְּ temporal) is followed by וְלֹא & Perfect as well as Imperfect consecutive
  b. less often וְהָיָה Perfect consecutive and it shall come to pass, or frequentative,came to pass (repeatedly, etc.) usually
   (a) followed by simple Imperfect (c. 100 t.): a. with בְּ temporal Deut 21:16; Deut 25:19 + 37 t., (especially בַּיּוֺם הַהוּא Hos 2:18; Hos 2:33; Isa 7:18; Isa 7:21; Isa 7:23 + 21 t.); β. with בְּ local Ezek 47:23; Zech 13:8 compare also Hos 2:1 (בִּמְקוֺם אֲשֶׁר, but perhaps = instead of, compare VB); γ. with indefinite rel. clause, or its equivalents (כֹּל indefinite, etc.), compare Dr§ 121, Obs. 1: Gen 4:14; Num 17:20; Deut 12:11; Deut 18:19; Josh 7:14; Josh 7:15; Judg 7:4; 1Sam 2:36; 1Sam 17:25; 2Sam 15:35; 1Kgs 19:17; 1Kgs 20:6; Isa 4:3; Isa 24:18; Nah 3:7; Jer 27:8; Jer 42:4; Ezek 47:9; Zech 14:17; Joel 3:5 δ. with כַּאֲשֶׁר Num 33:56; Deut 28:63; Josh 23:15; Judg 7:17; Isa 29:8; Jer 31:28; Zech 8:13 ε. less often with other modifying phrase: כְּ Infinitive Exod 33:8; Exod 33:9 (both frequentative), Josh 3:13; Josh 8:8; Jer 25:12; Jer 51:63 בְּ Infinitive Gen 9:14 (P) 2Kgs 4:10; Ezek 44:17 אִם of condition Deut 20:11 (+ vDeut 20:11 Dr§ 118 n.), also Josh 22:18, where the arrangement is peculiar, & the condition is expressed without אִם (compare Dr§ 155); לְ temporal Deut 23:12 מִקֵּץ Isa 23:17 טֶרֶם Isa 65:24 מִדֵּי חֹדֶשׁ בְּחָדְשׁוֺ Isa 66:23, etc.
   (b) וְהָיָה followed by Perfect consecutive (c. 85 t.): α. most often + clause with כִּי temporal Gen 12:12; Gen 46:33 (both J) Exod 1:10 (E) Deut 11:29; Isa 8:21 + 25 t.; β. with אִם Exod 4:8; Exod 4:9; Num 15:24; Deut 11:13 + 14 t.; also Gen 38:9; Num 21:9 (both frequentative); γ. with בְּ temporal Gen 30:41 (frequentative) Gen 47:24 (but compare Ol Di) Exod 16:5 + 11 t.; δ. with indefinite rel. clause or equivalent (Dr§ 121 Obs. 1): Gen 24:14; Num 10:32 (Dr§ 118 n.) Num 21:18; Deut 21:3; Judg 11:31; Judg 19:30; Zech 14:16 ε. occasionally with other modifying phrase: כַּאֲשֶׁר Gen 27:40 +; כְּ Infinitive Gen 44:31 +; בְּ Infinitive Exod 33:22 +; מִקֵּץ 2Sam 14:26 עֵקֶב causative Deut 7:12 also
   (c) followed by וְלֹא + simple Imperfect Exod 3:21 (with כִּי temporal).
   (d) וְהָיָה followed by Imperative (very rare) Deut 6:10 (with כִּי temporal), 1Sam 10:7 (with כִּי), compare 1Sam 29:10, compare Perfect consecutive in command 1Sam 3:9 (with אִם).
   (e) וְהָיָה followed by simple Perfect (also very rare) Deut 8:19 (with אִם).
   (f) וְהָיָה followed by clause without verb: Gen 24:43; Josh 2:19; 1Kgs 18:24 (all with indefinite rel. modifier, or equivalents, see
   (a) γ,
   (b) δ, above).
   (g) וְהָיָה (ו conjunctive) followed by Imperfect consecutive see
  a.
   (e) above

II. Come into being, become:

1. a. absolute, in lively narrative, arise, appear, come וַתְּהִי צְעָקָה גְדֹלָהExod 12:80 (J) and there arose a great cry in Egypt; וַיְהִיקֿוֺל Ezek 1:25 (strike out Co compare Da), Ezek 37:7 (strike out קוֺל ᵐ5 Co); כִּי הָֽיְתָה הָֽרְוָחָה Exod 8:11 (J) Pharaoh saw that respite had come; Mic 7:4 now shall come their confusion (|| בוא); also of concrete objects וְהָֽיְתָה הַקֶּשֶׁת בֶּעָנָן Gen 9:16 (P) and the bow shall appear in the clouds (|| וְנִרְאֲתָה) וְרִמָּה לֹא הָֽיְתָה בּוֺ Exod 16:24 (P) and worms did not appear in it; of condition or action begun & continuing, as: famine Gen 12:10; Gen 26:1 (twice in verse) (all J), Gen 41:54 (E), Ruth 1:1; 2Sam 21:1; 2Kgs 6:25 strife Gen 13:7; Gen 13:8 (J), Hab 1:3 (|| מָדוֺן יִשָּׂא); often of action of the elements, as the coming of hail Exod 9:18; Exod 9:24; Exod 9:26 (all J), thunder & lighting, etc., Exod 19:16 (E), rain 1Kgs 18:45, storm Jonah 1:4 especially of creative fiats יְהִי אוֺר וַיְהִי אוֺר Gen 1:3 let light appear, and light appeared, compare vGen 1:5 vGen 1:8 vGen 1:13 vGen 1:19 vGen 1:23 vGen 1:31 (all P); also arise, come on the stage or scene, וְאַחֲרָיו הָיָה שַׁמְגַּר Judg 3:31 and after him arose Shamgar (= וַיָּקָם Judg 10:1); further וַעֲלָטָה הָיָה Gen 15:17 (JE) and darkness came on; הַבֹּקֶר הָיָה Exod 10:13 (J) the morning came, Exod 19:16 (E); וַיְהִי הַיּוֺם 1Sam 1:4 and the day came, when (see Dr), 1Sam 14:1; 2Kgs 4:8; 2Kgs 4:11; 2Kgs 4:18; Job 1:6; Job 1:18; Job 2:1.
  b. followed by preposition: בְּ, וְיָדֵנוּ אַלתְּֿהִיבֿוֺ Gen 37:27 (J) but our hand, let it not come upon him, of hand of ׳יּ 1Sam 5:9; 1Sam 7:13; 1Sam 12:15 + (all in hostile sense); בְּכָלשֲֶֿֿׁר יֶשׁלֿוֺ ׳וַיְהִי בִּרְכַּת י Gen 39:5 (J) and the blessing of ׳י came into (on) all that he had; but also of plague Exod 12:13 (P); followed by עַל, וּמֵי הַמַּבּוּל הָיוּ עַלהָֿאָרֶץ Gen 7:10 (J) that the waters of the flood came upon the earth; עָלַי הָיוּ כֻלָּ֑נָה Gen 42:36 (E) Gen 9:2 (P) fear shall come upon, compare Gen 35:25 (P) 2Chr 14:13; 2Chr 17:19; 2Chr 20:29 +; of wrath Josh 22:20; 1Kgs 3:27 so of Saul's evil spirit from God 1Sam 16:16; 1Sam 16:23; 1Sam 19:9 (אֶל); but followed by עַל also in good sense ׳וַתְּהִי עָלָיו רוּחַ י conferring strength & efficiency Judg 3:10; Judg 11:29 (היה = צלח Judg 14:6 + often), compare Num 24:2 (JE) of prophetic power; (on ׳וַתְּהִי לָיו יַד י 2Kgs 3:15; Ezek 3:22 and the like, see יָד); יַד אֱלֹהֵינוּ הָֽיְתָה עָלֵינוּ Ezra 8:31, so Ps 80:18 even וַתְּהִי עַלרֿאֹשׁ דָּוִד 2Sam 12:30 and it (the crown, עֲטֶרֶת) came (i.e. was put, set) on David's head; with a different meaning וַנִּהְיֶה עֲלֵיהֶם עַדפֶּֿתַח הַשָּׁ֑עַר 2Sam 11:23 and we were close upon them even to the gateway (compare We Dr); come, go, follow (followed by אַחֲרֵי) i.e. take the side of, adhere to, Exod 23:2 (JE) 1Sam 12:14; 2Sam 2:10; 1Kgs 12:20; 1Kgs 16:21 followed by לְ of blessings Gen 49:26 (poem); of judgement, punishment Jer 40:3 especially ויהי דבר֗֗֗ אֶל and the word of ... came unto: word of Samuel 1Sam 4:1 usually word of God (or ׳י) Gen 15:1; 1Sam 15:10 +; constantly in prophets: Hos 1:1; Mic 1:1 etc.; especially Jeremiah & Ezekiel: Jer 1:4; Jer 1:11; Jer 1:13; Jer 2:1; Jer 13:8 +; Ezek 3:16; Ezek 6:1; Ezek 7:1; Ezek 11:14; Ezek 11:17; Ezek 11:21; Ezek 11:26; Ezek 12:1; Ezek 12:8 +; so also absolute הָיָה הַמַּשָּׂא הַזֶּה Isa 14:28 in the death-year of king Ahaz came this utterance; also followed by מִן; מַלְכֵי עַמִּים מִמֶּנָּה יִהְיוּ Gen 17:16 (P), וּקְהַל גּוֺיִם יִהְיֶה מִמֶּ֑ךָּ Gen 35:11 (P), וְהָיָה אַדִּירוֺ מִמֶּנּוּ Jer 30:21 (|| מִקִּרְבּוֺ יֵצֵא); הַכֹּל הָיָה מִןהֶֿעָפָר וְהַכֹּל שָׁב אֶל הֶעָפָר Eccl 3:20 all came from the dust, & all return unto the dust; וַיְהִי קֶצֶף גָּדוֺל מֵאֵת צְבָאוֺת ׳י Zech 7:12.
2. become :
  a. followed by predicate noun (to be viewed as implicit accusative Dr§ 161, 3 n., according to the Arabic usage WAG ii, § 41. 44. 74): הִוא הָֽיְתָה אֵם כָּלחָֿ֑י Gen 3:20 (J) it was she that became the mother of all living; וַיְהִי הֶבֶל רֹעֵה צאֹן וְקַיִן הָיָה עֹבֵד אֲדָמָהGen 4:2 (J) and Abel became a shepherd of flocks, while Cain became a tiller of ground; 2Sam 8:14; Mic 2:11 + often
  b. followed by predicate adjective Gen 38:7; Exod 36:13 +; compare Gen 37:20 let us see what his dream will become (turn out to be, signify);
  c. become like (כְּ), וִהְיִיתֶם כֵּאלֹהִים Gen 3:5 and ye shall become like gods compare vGen 3:22, Num 11:1 (JE), Hos 2:1; Hos 7:11; Isa 9:18; 1Kgs 7:8; Zech 9:7 +; compare Gen 15:5 so (כֹּה) shall thy seed become; specifically of likeness in punishment Isa 1:9; 1Sam 17:36 +; also with כְּ repeated וְהָיָה כָעָם כַּכֹּהֵן Hos 4:9 and the people shall become like the priest (literally, and the like of the people shall become the like of the priest), so especially Isa 24:2 (6 pairs of words as above); וְהָיָה כַצַּדִּיק כָּרָשָׁע Gen 18:25 (J), see כְּ. b + c Gen 27:32 his hands had become like the hands of Esau his brother, hairy.
  d. followed by predicate + לְ person וּתְהִי אִשָּׁה לְבֶןאֲֿדֹנֶיךָ Gen 24:51 (J) and let her become wife to the son of thy lord, 1Sam 16:21; 1Kgs 11:25; Ps 89:42; 1Chr 18:6 +; = be instituted, estanblished, וְהָיָה לָהֶםחָקעֿוֺלָם Exod 30:21 (P) and it shall be established for them as a perpetual ordinance (compare f below).
  e. followed by לְ predicate: וַיְהִי הָאָדָם לְנֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה Gen 2:7 (J) and the man became a living soul; וְהָיָה לְאַרְבָּעָה רָאשִׁיםGen 2:10 (J) and it became four heads; גַּםהֿוּא יִהְיֶהלְֿעָם Gen 48:19 (J) he too shall become a people; וִהְיוּ לַאֲנָשִׁים 1Sam 4:9 and become (shew yourselves to be) men (|| הִתְחַזְּקוּ; compare with double לְ, f below); Zeph 1:13; Ezek 17:6; Ezek 47:12; Job 16:8 עלמֶלֶךְ עַלכָּֿלהָֿאָרֶץ ׳וְהָיָה י Zech 14:9 וַיְהִי לְמַס עֹבֵד Gen 49:15; Josh 16:10 so often; also in sense of turn into, be changed so as to become, וַיְהִי לְנָחָשׁExod 4:3 and it became a serpent, vExod 4:4; Exod 7:10; Isa 1:22; Deut 26:5 +; figurative וַיְהִי לְמָ֑יִם Josh 7:5 and it (their heart) turned to water, so וְהוּא הָיָה לְאֶבֶן 1Sam 25:37 or, serve as וְהָיוּ לִמְאוֺרֹת Gen 1:15 (P) and they shall become (fulfil the function of, serve as) luminaries, compare vGen 1:14 וְהָיָה לְאוֺת בְּרִית Gen 9:13; Gen 17:11 (both P). feminine often with לְ predicate + לְ person: וַתְּהִי לָהֶם הַלְּבֵנָה לְאָ֑בֶןGen 11:3 (J) and the bricks became (served as) stone for them; וַתְּהִי לִי לְאִשָּׁה Gen 20:12 (E) compare Gen 24:67 (J) +, וַתִּהְיֶינָה מַחְלָה וְחָגְלָה ֗֗֗ לַבְנֵי דֹדֵיהֶן לְנָשִׁים Num 36:11 וְהָיָה לְךָ וְלָהֶם לְאָכְלָה Num 6:21 (P), Exod 2:10; Exod 15:2; Judg 8:27 לִי לֵאלֹהִים ׳וְהָיָה י Gen 28:21 (E); אֲנִי אֶהְיֶה לוֺ לְאָב וְהוּא יִהְיֶהלִֿי לְבֵן 1Chr 17:3 +; = shew or prove oneself as הֱיֵהלִֿי לְבֶןחַֿיִל 1Sam 18:17 shew thyself for me a valiant man (compare 1Sam 4:9 e above); = be instituted, established (compare e above) וְהָיָה לְאַהֲרֹן וּלְבָנָיו לְחָקעֿוֺלָם Exod 29:28 and it shall be instituted for Aaron and his sons as a perpetual ordinance; compare vExod 29:9; Lev 10:15 וְהָֽיְתָה לִהְיֹת לָהֶם מָשְׁחָתָם לִכְהֻנַּת עוֺלָם לְדֹרֹתָם Exod 40:15 (all P).
  g. with עַל and לְ 1Sam 22:2 וַיְהִי עֲלֵיהֶם לְשָׂר and he became over them prince.
  h. sometimes with לְ person only = become the property of, come into the possession of ׳וַיְהִילֿוֺ צאֹןוּֿבָקָר וְגו Gen 12:15 (J), and he came to have flocks and herds etc., Gen 26:14; Gen 30:43 לֹא לוֺ יִהְיֶה הַזָּ֑רַע Gen 38:9 not his should the seed become; ׳וְהָיָה לי Judg 11:31 it shall become Yah-weh's; Deut 10:9; Josh 13:29; 1Kgs 10:26; 1Kgs 11:3 + often; so of a woman, as wife תְּהִינָֿא לְךָ Judg 15:2 pray let her become thine, compare also וַתְּהִי אֵשֶׁת שִׁמְשׁוֺן לְמֵרֵעֵהוּ Judg 14:20, Hos 3:3; Ruth 1:13; Lev 21:3; Deut 24:2; Jer 3:1; Ezek 16:8 (and also + לְאִשָּׁה, לְנָשִׁים see f above)III. Be (often with subordinate idea of becoming); —
1. exist, be in existence (i.e. originally have come into existence), כָּלהַֿיּמִים אֲשֶׁר הָיָה 1Sam 1:28 all the days which he shall have been (lived, = חַי Gen 5:5 etc., DrSm), Job 3:16; Isa 23:13 often with בְּ local וְכֹל שִׂיחַ הַשָּׂדֶה טֶרֶם יִהְיֶה בָאָרֶץ Gen 2:5 (J) and there was not yet in the earth any shrub of the field; ׳וּבְאֵלֶּה לֹא הָיָה אִישׁ וגו Num 26:64 (P) and among them there was not a man to be found, etc.; also וְלֹא הָיָה כַּיּוֺם הַהוּא לְפָנָיו וְאַחֲרָיו Josh 10:14 (JE) & there hath not been a day like that before it nor since. compare 2Sam 14:25; 2Sam 1:5; 2Sam 21:25; 2Sam 23:25; +; somewhat weaker, in the frequently introductory clause וַיְהִי אִישׁ now there was a man Judg 13:2; 1Sam 1:1; 1Sam 9:1; Num 9:6 (P), Job 1:1 +; on אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה Exod 3:14 see יהוֺה.
2. abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) וַיְהִי משֶׁה בָּהָר Exod 24:18 and Moses remainded in the mount forty days, etc., so Exod 34:28 (both J E), Judg 17:4; Judg 17:12; 1Sam 6:1; 1Kgs 11:20; 2Kgs 11:3 = 2Chr 22:12 +; also Lev 22:27; Lev 25:28 (both H), etc.; followed by עַד temporal remain until Deut 22:2; 1Kgs 11:40; 2Kgs 15:5; 2Chr 5:9; 2Chr 26:21; Dan 1:21 etc.; compare הוּא יִהְיֶה לְעוֺלָם Eccl 3:14 so also of space followed by עַד extend unto, as far as, Josh 19:10: of net beneath altar, Exod 27:5 shall reach as far as (עַד) the middle of the altar.
3. with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated stand, lie; בִּהְיוֺתָם בַּשָּׂדֶה Gen 4:8 (J) when they were in the field, הַמָּקוֺם אֲשֶׁרהָֿיָה שָׁם אָהֳלֹה בַּתְּחִלָּה Gen 13:3 (J) the place where his tent had stood at first; וְהָאָרֶץ תִּהְיֶה לִפְנֵיכֶם Gen 34:10 and the land, it lieth before you; compare Josh 19:1; Judg 7:1; Judg 7:8; Mic 5:6; Mic 5:7 followed by עַל be, be found or situated upon Isa 30:25 and there shall be upon every high mountain etc., streams, water-courses; Ezek 37:27 and my dwelling-place shall be over them; figurative of guilt דָּמִים וְהָיָה עָלָיךָ Deut 19:10 and blood (-guilt) be upon thee.
4. as copula, joining subject & predicate: —
  a. followed by predicate adjective וַיִּהְיוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם עֲרוּמִּים Gen 2:25, וְהַנָּחָשׁ הָיָה עָרוּם Gen 3:1, בִּהְיוֺתָם כֹּאֲבִים Gen 34:25, וַיְהִי יוֺסֵף יְפֵהתֹֿאַר Gen 39:6; Deut 23:15; Josh 19:9; Judg 11:1; Job 1:1; Job 1:3b 2Chr 7:21.
  b. followed by predicate noun Gen 1:2; Gen 9:18; Gen 25:3; Gen 36:14; Gen 40:13; 1Sam 17:34; 1Sam 17:42; 2Sam 8:10; 2Sam 20:25; 1Kgs 10:6; 2Kgs 3:4; 2Kgs 5:1 (twice in verse); 1Chr 9:20; 1Chr 11:20; 1Chr 18:10; 1Chr 26:10; 2Chr 13:7 כִּי לֹאהָֿיָה מֶלֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵל 2Chr 18:32 (|| 1Kgs 22:33 כִּילֹֿאמֶֿלֶךְ ישׂראל הוּא) +; often of age: וַיְהִי אַבְרָם בֶּןתִּֿשְׁעִים שָׁנָה וְתֵשַׁע שָׁנִים Gen 17:1 (P) 2Kgs 8:17; 2Kgs 14:2; 2Kgs 15:2; 2Kgs 15:33; 2Kgs 18:2; 2Chr 21:20; 2Chr 27:8 +; followed by predicate Infinitive absolute (very anomal.) וְהַמַּיִם הָיוּ הָלוֺךְ וְחָסוֺר Gen 8:5 = amount to, come to, in enumeration of days of life number of people, amounts of money, etc.: Gen 5:4; Gen 5:5; Gen 5:8; Gen 5:11; Gen 5:14; Gen 9:29; Gen 11:32; Gen 23:1 +; Exod 38:24; Num 1:46, etc.
  c. followed by adverb & adverbial phrase: לֹאטֿוֺב הֱיוֺת הָאָדָם לְבַדּוֺGen 2:18 (J) it is not good that the man be alone; חָדַל לִהְיוֺת לְשָׂרָה אֹרַה כַּנָּשִׁים Gen 18:11 (J).
  d. followed by preposition: (a) be with, accompany with עִם, subject most often ׳י or אלהים with added idea of protection, aid Gen 26:3; Gen 31:3; Gen 39:10; Gen 48:21; Josh 1:3; Josh 6:27; Judg 1:19; Judg 2:18; 1Sam 3:19; 1Sam 18:12; 1Sam 20:13; 1Kgs 1:37; 1Chr 11:13; 2Chr 17:3 followed by עִמָּדִי Gen 28:20; Gen 31:5; Gen 35:3 followed by עִם, human subject, of accompaniment וְהָיָההַכֹּהֵןבֶּןאַֿהֲרֹן עִםהַֿלְוִיִּם Neh 10:39; 1Chr 11:12, read also in || 2Sam 23:9 (Th We Dr); = be on the side of 1Kgs 1:8 with עִם also = be near הָיָה עִםגֹּֿרֶן האורנה ׳וּמַלְאַךְ י 2Sam 24:16 (compare Dr); also 2Sam 13:20 implying sexual intercourse, so Gen 39:10 (perhaps gloss, compare Di); peculiar uses with עִם are: וּדְבַראַֿבְנֵר הָיָה עִםזִֿקְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל 2Sam 3:17 and the speech of A. had been with the elders of Israel, compare 1Kgs 1:7 וַיְהִי עִםלְֿבַב דָּוִד אָבִּי לִבְנוֺת 1Kgs 8:17 and it was with (i.e. in) the heart of David my father to build, = 2Chr 6:7 compare 1Kgs 8:18 (twice in verse); 1Chr 22:7; 2Chr 6:8 (twice in verse); 2Chr 24:4 also 1Kgs 10:2 = 2Chr 9:1
   (b) be with, followed by אֶת, subject ׳י, אלהים, Gen 21:20; Gen 39:2; Gen 39:21 but also with human subject וּבָנָיוּ הָיוּ אֶתמִֿקְנֵהוּ Gen 34:5, compare 1Sam 29:8 +;
   (c) followed by לְ of possessor כֶּרֶם הָיָה לִידִדִי Isa 5:1 all vineyard had my beloved, Gen 30:30 compare Exod 20:3 = Deut 5:7; Judg 18:27; 1Sam 9:2; 1Kgs 5:6 + often (compare I. 2 d, f, h);
   (d) followed by לְ + other preposition: of boundary וַיְהִי לָהֶם הַגְּבוּל מֵעֲרוֺעֵרJosh 13:16, compare וַיְהִי גְבוּלָם מִמַּחֲנַיִם vJosh 13:30 וַוְהִי לָהֶם הַגְּבוּל לִפְאַת צָפנַָה מִיַּרְדֵּן Josh 18:12, etc.;
   (e) followed by בְּ be among, or of, Amos 1:1 who was one of the herdsmen, 1Kgs 2:7 let them be among those eating, Prov 22:26; Prov 23:20.
5. periphrastic conjug.:
  a. היה + participle, of continuous state, or condition, sometimes, especially late (compare Late Hebrew), of habit, with וַיְהִי also of beginning and continuance (compare Dr§ 135, (5)): participle active Gen 39:22 (J), Exod 3:1 (E), 1Sam 2:11; 1Sam 7:10; 1Sam 18:9 (compare Dr) v1Sam 18:14 v1Sam 18:29; 2Sam 8:15 = 1Chr 18:14. Deut 28:29; Isa 30:20; 1Kgs 5:1; 1Kgs 5:15; 1Kgs 5:24; 2Kgs 6:5; 2Kgs 9:14; 2Chr 9:26; Ezra 4:4; Neh 1:4; Neh 2:13; Dan 1:16 +; Gen 1:6 (P); ׳הָיָה יָרֵא אֶתיֿ 1Kgs 18:3; 2Kgs 4:1; 2Chr 26:1 passive participle Josh 10:26; 1Kgs 13:24; 1Kgs 22:35 וְהַמֶּלֶךְ הָיָה מָעֳמָד בַּמֶּרְכָּבָה (|| 2Chr 18:34 הָיָה מַעֲמִיד), Isa 2:2 = Mic 4:1, וְהָיָה סָגוּר Ezek 44:2, נַעֲשֶׂה ׳ה Neh 5:18, ׳וְאָהוּב לֵאלֹהָיו ה Neh 13:26 — on 2Sam 13:32 compare Dr.
  b. followed by Infinitive with לְ (Dr§ 208, 204): וְהָיָה לְבָעֵר Isa 5:5 and it shall be to burn (is to be, is destined to be burned) etc.; לָבוֺא וַיְהִי הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ Gen 15:12 and the sun was about to set; וַיְהִי הַשַּׁעַר לִסְגּוֺר Josh 2:5 and the gate was about to be shut; but also וַיְהִי לִדְרשׁ אֱלֹהִים 2Chr 26:5 (nearly = וַיְהִי + Participle) Niph`al Perfect נִהְיָה 1Kgs 1:27 + 6 t. + Mic 2:4 (compare below near the end); 3 feminine singular נִהָיְתָה Judg 19:30 + 5 t., נִהְיָ֑תָה Exod 11:6; Jer 48:19 וְנִהְיָ֑תָה consecutive Ezek 39:8 + Ezek 21:12 (strike out B Manuscripts ᵐ5 Co); 2 masculine singular נִהְיֵיתָ Deut 27:9 1 singular ךּנהִךְייךתי Dan 8:27 Participle feminine singular נִהְיָה Prov 13:19
1. either, be done, be brought about, or occur, come to pass: in the strong expressions וְכָמֹהוּ לֹא תֹסִף אֲשֶׁר כָּמֹהוּ ׳לֹא נ Exod 11:6 (J) a cry such as hath not occurred (been raised), and will not be again, compare Deut 4:32 (be done; || נִשְׁמַע), & Judg 19:30 (|| נִרְאֲתָה); — but simply intransitive Joel 2:2; Dan 12:1 & apparently Ezek 21:12 (|| בָּאָ֫ה; on text, however, see above) Ezek 39:8 (|| id.); — also אֵיכָה נִהְיְתָה הָרָעָה הַזֹּאת Judg 20:3 how hath this wickedness been done ? compare vJudg 20:12; Jer 5:30; Jer 48:19 also Neh 6:8 with לֹא, existence denied ׳לֹא נ Zech 8:10 (|| אֵינֶ֑נָּה); in all the above (except Joel 2:2; Dan 12:1 & Ezek 21:12; Ezek 39:8) personal agency is clearly implied; it is expressed ׳מֵאֵת אֲדֹנִי הַמֶּלֶץ נ הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה 1Kgs 1:27, so of divine agency (מֵאִתִּי) 1 K i1Kgs 12:24 = 2Chr 11:4 further be attained, secured, of wages Zech 8:10 (with לֹא, || אֵינֶ֑נָּה); תַּאֲוָּה נִהְיָה Prov 13:19 a desire come to pass, realized.
2. be done, finished, gone, only Daniel וּשְׁנָתוֺ נִהְיְתָה עָלָיו Dan 2:1 and his sleep was finished upon him, i.e. left him (compare Aramaic Dan 6:19); נִהְיֵיתִי Dan 8:27 I came to an end, was exhausted (si vera lectio, strike out ᵐ5; || נֶחֱלֵיתִי); נִהְיָה, in וְנָהָה נְהִי נִהְיָה Mic 2:4, is dubious; it is done, over, the ruin is come Rob-Ges Ew Hi Ca Che L RVm;? < omit as dittograph StaZAW 1886, 122 f. compare JBL1890, 74.77.


BDB9470 H1934 H1961

BDB9469 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9471

הֲוָא, הֲוָּה71 verb come to pass, become, be (Biblical Hebrew הָיָה); —

Pe`al Perfect 3 masculine singular הֲוָה Dan 4:26 +, הֲוָא Dan 5:19 +; 2 masculine singular הֲוַיְתָ Dan 2:31; Dan 2:34, 1 singular הֲוֵית Dan 4:1 +; 3 masculine plural הֲווֺ Dan 2:35 +; Imperfect 3 masculine singular לֶהֱוֵא (K§ 47, l) b) Dr§ 204 Obs. M 215 ff.; in Jewish-Aramaic as jussive D§ 61, lc) Dan 2:20 +; 3 feminine singular תֶּהֱוֵה Dan 4:24 +, אֵ֯ Ezra 6:8 +, 3 masculine plural לֶהֱוֺן Ezra 6:10 + 6 t., 3 feminine plural לֶהֶוְיָן Dan 5:17 Imperative masculine plural הֱווֺ Ezra 4:22, הֲזוֺ Ezra 6:6
1. come to pass Dan 2:28; Dan 2:29 (twice in verse); Dan 2:45.
2. come into being, arise Ezra 7:23 become, come to be, with predicate noun Dan 4:24; Dan 5:29 and ( = represent) Dan 7:23 with כְּ like Dan 2:35 a, with ל predicate vDan 2:35 b, with adjective predicate Ezra 6:6, with adverb phrase Ezra 5:5; Dan 4:22 often periphrastic, with participle: ׳יְדִיעַ לה let become known Dan 3:18; Ezra 4:12; Ezra 4:13; Ezra 5:8 let it be given Ezra 6:8; Ezra 6:9, also Ezra 7:26; Dan 2:20.
3. be, as copula, with adjective predication Dan 2:40; Dan 2:42; Dan 7:19 so very often in periphrastic conjugation with participle, צָבֵא ׳ה wish Dan 5:19 (4 t. in verse), ׳חָזֵה ה behold Dan 2:31; Dan 2:34; Dan 7:2; Dan 7:4; Dan 7:6 +, etc.

be, pass, was, were, came, …
hāyâ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
  • to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out
    • (Qal)
      • to occur
        • to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass
        • "to come about, come to pass
        to come into being, become
        • to arise, appear, come
        • "to become
          • to become
          • "to become like"to be instituted, be established
        to be
        • to exist, be in existence
        • "to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)"to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)"to accompany, be with
      (Niphal)
      • to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about
      • "to be done, be finished, be gone

חַלְלֵי
חַלְלֵי
Root word slain, wounded, slew, profane, kill, …
Dictionary form: חָלָל · haw-LAWL

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

In the KJV here: they that be slain
slain ×12 the slain ×11 of the slain ×5 and the slain ×3 of them slain ×3 of them that are slain ×3 them that be slain ×3 your slain ×3
More options
slaughtered — Strong rendering for battlefield or mass killing contexts.
killed — Broad, neutral; works across most violent-death contexts.
fallen — Evokes those who died in battle; slightly poetic register.
the dead — Collective noun sense; useful when referring to corpses in bulk.
mortally wounded — Captures the 'wounded to death' nuance of the root.
desecrated — For the 'profane / defiled' semantic strand of the lemma.

BDB2778 H2491

BDB2777 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2779

I. חָלָל90 noun masculine pierced, ׳ח absolute Deut 21:1 + 25 t.; construct חֲלַל Num 19:16 plural חֲלָלִים Num 23:24 + 28 t.; construct חַלְלֵי Isa 22:2 + 21 t.; suffix חֲלָלֶיךָ Ps 69:27, etc. + 11 t. suffixes; —

1. pierced, fatally wounded Ps 69:27; Jer 51:52; Ezek 26:15; Ezek 30:24; Lam 2:12. Elsewhere
2. slain Num 19:18; Num 31:8; Num 31:19 (P), etc.; singular collective 2Sam 23:8; 2Sam 23:18 = 1Chr 11:11; 1Chr 11:20; Ezek 6:7; Ezek 30:11, etc., but usually plural 1Sam 17:52 (RV wounded) Jer 51:49, etc.; חַלְלֵי חֶרֶב Isa 22:2; Jer 14:18; Ezek 31:17; Ezek 31:18; Ezek 32:20; Ezek 32:21; Ezek 32:25; Ezek 32:28; Ezek 32:29; Ezek 32:30; Ezek 32:31; Ezek 32:32; Zeph 2:12; Lam 4:9 חַלְלֵי רעב Lam 4:9 חַלְלֵי יהוה Isa 66:16; Jer 25:33.


BDB2786 H2491

BDB2785 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2787

II. חָלָל adjective profaned; — חָלָל רָשָׁע (read construct חֲלַל SS) profaned, dishonoured wicked one Ezek 21:30 (so AV Thes MV SS Co Or; but RV H" deadly wounded, Ew Sm fallen, slain); plural construct חַלְלֵי רְשָׁעִים Ezek 21:34 feminine singular חֲלָלָה of woman sexually dishonoured Lev 21:7; Lev 21:14 (H; || זָנָה).

slain, wounded, slew, profane, kill, …
ḥālāl
pierced (especially to death)
  • (n m) slain, fatally wounded, pierced
    • pierced, fatally wounded
    • "slain
    (adj) profane (e.g., a harlot)

חֶ֔רֶב
חֶ֔רֶב
Root word sword, swords, dagger, knives, knife, …
Dictionary form: חֶרֶב · heh-REB

Noun — Common, feminine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: with the sword
by the sword ×59 the sword ×55 of the sword ×46 with the sword ×37 sword ×30 a sword ×25 his sword ×12 and the sword ×10
More options
sword — Standard rendering; best for military and judicial contexts.
blade — Vivid, poetic alternative emphasizing the cutting edge.
dagger — Prefer when a shorter, personal weapon is implied.
knife — Use for domestic or ritual cutting tools, not battle.
weapon — Broad; good when the specific implement is secondary.
slaughter — Metonymic; fits idioms like 'fall to the sword'.

BDB3095 H2719

BDB3094 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3096

חֶ֫רֶב411 noun feminineIsa 21:15 sword (as weapon; Aramaic חַרְבָּא, , Zinjirli חרב; Arabic dart, javelin) — absolute חֶ֫רֶב Gen 3:24 +; חָ֑רֶב Exod 17:13 +; construct חֶ֫רֶב Deut 33:29 +; suffix חַרְבִּי Exod 15:9 + 13 t.; חַרְבְּךָ Gen 27:40 + 7 t.; חֵרְבֶּ֑ךָ 1Sam 17:33; Ps 17:13 חַרְבּוֺ Num 22:23 + 24 t.; חַרְבְּכֶם Jer 2:30; Ezek 33:26 חַרְבָּם Ps 37:15; Ps 44:4 plural חֲרָבוֺת Isa 21:15 + 5 t.; construct חַרְבוֺת Josh 5:2 + 2 t.; suffix חַרְבוֺתָיו Ezek 26:9 חַרְבוֺתָם Isa 2:4 + 5 t.; חַרְבֹתֵיהֶם Mic 4:3 + 2 t.; —

1. a. sword, as weapon of war Gen 48:22 (E), Judg 7:14; Judg 7:20; 1Sam 21:9, and so in all periods; two-edged (short) sword וְלָהּ שְׁנֵי פֵיוֺ֖ת גֹּמֶד אָרְכָּהּ ׳ח Judg 3:16, compare פִּיּוֺת ׳ח Prov 5:4 (in simile), פִּיפִיּוֺת ׳ח Ps 149:6 see also ׳צוּר ח edge of sword Ps 89:44.
  b. gird on sword = ׳חָגַר הח 1Sam 17:39; 1Sam 25:13 (3 t. in verse); Ps 45:4 (׳הח ׳ח עַל יָרֵך), שִׂים על ירך Exod 32:27, compare especially 2Sam 20:8.
  c. draw the sword ׳הֵרִיק הח Exod 15:9; Lev 26:33; Ezek 5:2; Ezek 5:12; Ezek 12:14; Ezek 28:7, ׳הוציא הח Ezek 21:8; Ezek 21:10, ׳פתח הח Ps 37:14; Ezek 21:33, נטשׁ Isa 21:15 (Gr Che לטשׁ see below); usually ׳שׁלף הח Num 22:23; Num 22:31; Josh 5:13; Judg 3:22; Judg 8:10; Judg 8:20; Judg 9:54; 1Sam 17:51; 1Sam 31:4 = 1Chr 10:4; 1Chr 21:16, and as characteristic of warriors ׳שֹׁלֵף ח Judg 20:2; Judg 20:15; Judg 20:17; Judg 20:25; Judg 20:35; Judg 20:46; 2Sam 24:9; 2Kgs 3:26; 1Chr 21:5 (twice in verse); ׳וַתִּדְבַּק יָדוֺ אֶלהַֿח 2Sam 23:10, insert also in || 1Chr 11:13 (Dr).
  d. whet, sharpen the sword ׳לטשׁ הח Ps 7:13 (compare Isa 21:15 above), but also שׁנן Deut 32:41 compare Ps 64:4, הוּחַדָּה Ezek 21:14; Ezek 21:16.
  e. put up the sword into the sheath אֶלנְֿדָנָהּ ׳הֵשִׁיב הח 1Chr 21:27 (sheath of sword is elsewhere תַּעַר 1Sam 7:51; 2Sam 20:8; Jer 47:6; Ezek 21:8). feminine slay with sword הרג ׳בח Josh 10:11; Josh 13:22 +; in ימותו אנשׁים 1Sam 2:33, insert בְּחֶרֶב before אנשׁים ᵐ5 We Dr; rarely ׳הכה בח Josh 11:10; 2Kgs 19:37 = Isa 37:38 very often ׳הִכָּה לְפִיחֿ smite according to the mouth of the sword i.e. as the sword can devour (2Sam 2:26; 2Sam 11:25) = without quarter Num 21:24 (E) Deut 13:16 a Deut 20:13; Josh 11:11; Josh 11:12; Josh 11:14 (all D) Judg 18:27; Judg 21:10; 1Kgs 10:25; Job 1:15; Job 1:17 also with העיר as sole object Josh 8:24; Josh 10:28; Josh 10:30; Josh 10:32; Josh 10:35; Josh 10:37, compare vJosh 10:39; Josh 19:47; Judg 1:8; Judg 1:25; Judg 20:37; 1Sam 22:19 (twice in verse); 2Sam 15:14 ׳הרג לפיחֿ Gen 34:26 (J); ׳החרים לפיחֿ Deut 13:16b (including הָעִיר in object), Josh 6:21; 1Sam 15:8, ׳חלשׁ לפיחֿ Exod 17:13 (E); ׳נפל לפיחֿ Josh 8:24; Judg 4:16 ׳ל֗֗֗פיחֿ׳וַיָּהָם י Judg 4:15 — (׳לפיחֿ is chiefly in Joshua and Judges (21 t.), in Hexateuch only J E D; but Job post-exilic).
  g. ׳אכלה הח etc., of the sword as devouring:תּאֹכֵל חַרְבִּי בָשָׂר Deut 32:42 (poetry), 2Sam 2:26; 2Sam 11:25; 2Sam 18:8; Isa 1:10; Jer 2:30; Jer 46:10; Jer 46:14; Nah 2:14.
  h. slain by sword is ׳חֲלַלחִֿ Num 19:16 (P) and frequently Ezekiel, ׳חַלְלֵיחֿ Ezek 31:17; Ezek 31:18; Ezek 32:21; Ezek 32:25; Ezek 32:28; Ezek 32:29; Ezek 32:30; Ezek 32:32; Ezek 35:8 ׳מְחֻלְלֵי ח vEzek 35:26 < Co ׳חלליחֿ (on text of Ezek 32:20; Ezek 32:22; Ezek 32:31 see Co).
  i. ׳שְׁבֻיוֺת ח Gen 31:26 are captives of (taken by) sword.
  j. sword frequently agent of ׳י Judg 7:20; Isa 34:6; Jer 12:12; Jer 47:6 etc., — so Deut 28:22, but read חֹרֶב see below I. חרב (compare on other hand 1Sam 17:47); note especially Gen 3:24 ׳לַהַט הח הַמִּתְהַפֶּכֶת; in poetry ׳לַהַכ ח Nah 3:3, ׳בְּרַק ח Deut 32:41.
  k. ׳ח figurative of tongue Ps 57:5 compare Ps 59:8 figurative of violence war, etc., Gen 27:40 in simile Prov 5:4 (of grievous end of dealings with strange women).
2. knife צֻרִים ׳ח flint knives for use in circumcision Josh 5:2; Josh 5:3 (see WeSkizzen iii, 166); Ezek 5:1; Ezek 5:2 חַדָּה תַּעַר ׳ח הַגַּלָּבִים (according to Co use of sword as razor is significant).
3. of tools used in hewing stone חַרְבְּךָ הֵנַפְתָּ עליה Exod 20:25 ׳יִתֹּץ בח Ezek 26:9, according to most = tools, axes, 'steel' (Co ' Eisen '), but possibly swords as implement ready to hand; 2Chr 34:6 Qr בְּחַרְבֹתֵיהֶם with their tools; read perhaps בְּחָרְבֹתֵיהֶם in their ruins, Be, who compare Ps 109:10 see חָרְבָּה below II. חרב (ᵐ5 ᵑ9 omit חרב).

sword, swords, dagger, knives, knife, …
ḥereb
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
  • sword, knife
    • sword
    • "knife"tools for cutting stone

מֵֽ חַלְלֵ֖י
מֵֽ
Prefix — preposition from, out of
חַלְלֵ֖י
Root word slain, wounded, slew, profane, kill, …
Dictionary form: חָלָל · haw-LAWL

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

In the KJV here: than they that be slain
slain ×12 the slain ×11 of the slain ×5 and the slain ×3 of them slain ×3 of them that are slain ×3 them that be slain ×3 your slain ×3
More options
slaughtered — Strong rendering for battlefield or mass killing contexts.
killed — Broad, neutral; works across most violent-death contexts.
fallen — Evokes those who died in battle; slightly poetic register.
the dead — Collective noun sense; useful when referring to corpses in bulk.
mortally wounded — Captures the 'wounded to death' nuance of the root.
desecrated — For the 'profane / defiled' semantic strand of the lemma.

BDB2778 H2491

BDB2777 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2779

I. חָלָל90 noun masculine pierced, ׳ח absolute Deut 21:1 + 25 t.; construct חֲלַל Num 19:16 plural חֲלָלִים Num 23:24 + 28 t.; construct חַלְלֵי Isa 22:2 + 21 t.; suffix חֲלָלֶיךָ Ps 69:27, etc. + 11 t. suffixes; —

1. pierced, fatally wounded Ps 69:27; Jer 51:52; Ezek 26:15; Ezek 30:24; Lam 2:12. Elsewhere
2. slain Num 19:18; Num 31:8; Num 31:19 (P), etc.; singular collective 2Sam 23:8; 2Sam 23:18 = 1Chr 11:11; 1Chr 11:20; Ezek 6:7; Ezek 30:11, etc., but usually plural 1Sam 17:52 (RV wounded) Jer 51:49, etc.; חַלְלֵי חֶרֶב Isa 22:2; Jer 14:18; Ezek 31:17; Ezek 31:18; Ezek 32:20; Ezek 32:21; Ezek 32:25; Ezek 32:28; Ezek 32:29; Ezek 32:30; Ezek 32:31; Ezek 32:32; Zeph 2:12; Lam 4:9 חַלְלֵי רעב Lam 4:9 חַלְלֵי יהוה Isa 66:16; Jer 25:33.


BDB2786 H2491

BDB2785 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2787

II. חָלָל adjective profaned; — חָלָל רָשָׁע (read construct חֲלַל SS) profaned, dishonoured wicked one Ezek 21:30 (so AV Thes MV SS Co Or; but RV H" deadly wounded, Ew Sm fallen, slain); plural construct חַלְלֵי רְשָׁעִים Ezek 21:34 feminine singular חֲלָלָה of woman sexually dishonoured Lev 21:7; Lev 21:14 (H; || זָנָה).

slain, wounded, slew, profane, kill, …
ḥālāl
pierced (especially to death)
  • (n m) slain, fatally wounded, pierced
    • pierced, fatally wounded
    • "slain
    (adj) profane (e.g., a harlot)

רָעָ֑ב
רָעָ֑ב
Root word famine, hunger, dearth, famished
Dictionary form: רָעָב · raw-AWB

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: with hunger
the famine ×14 famine ×13 a famine ×7 and by the famine ×7 and the famine ×7 by the famine ×7 of famine ×6 with hunger ×4
More options
famine — Best for widespread, prolonged food crisis affecting populations.
hunger — More personal or immediate; suits individual suffering contexts.
starvation — Emphasizes severity; use when death or extreme deprivation is implied.
food shortage — Neutral, modern register; good for less acute or early-stage scarcity.
scarcity — Broader lack; fits contexts of general deprivation beyond just food.
dearth — Retain only if formal register is needed; otherwise prefer 'shortage'.

BDB7988 H7458

BDB7987 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7989

רָעָב101 noun masculineGen 26:1 famine, hunger; — absolute ׳ר Gen 12:10 +; suffix רְעָבָם Neh 9:15

1. famine (in land, nation or city), Gen 12:10; Gen 26:1; Gen 41:30; Gen 41:31; Exod 16:3; 2Sam 21:1; 2Sam 24:13 = 2Kgs 4:38; 2Kgs 6:25 +; ׳שְׁנֵי( הָ)ר Gen 41:27; Gen 41:30; Gen 41:36, ׳שְׁנַת ר vGen 41:50, but also ׳שָׁנִים ר [שָׁלוֺשׁ] שֶׁבַע 2Sam 24:13 (on gender see AlbrZAW xvi (1896), 103) = 1Chr 21:12 with חזק (be) severe Gen 47:56; Gen 47:57; 1Kgs 18:2; 1Kgs 25:3 = Jer 52:6, חזק עַל Gen 47:20 with כָּבֵד Gen 12:10; Gen 47:4; Gen 47:13 גָּדוֺל 2Kgs 6:25 ׳זַלְעֲפוֺת ר Lam 5:10 ׳מְזֵי ר Deut 32:24 + Isa 5:13 (see [מָזֶה]), ׳תַּחֲלוּאֵי ר Jer 14:18, ׳חַלֲלֵי ר Lam 5:10, ׳אֲסֻפֵי ר Ezek 34:29 ׳חִצֵּי הָר Ezek 5:16 as scourge of ׳י (+ חֶרֶב, דֶּבֶר, etc.; especially Jeremiah, Ezekiel), Jer 5:12; Jer 11:22; Jer 14:12; Jer 21:7; Jer 21:9; Ezek 5:2; Ezek 6:11; Ezek 6:12 +, etc.; figurative of lack of ׳י's word Amos 8:11.
2. hunger, of individual Jer 32:9; Deut 28:48 (+ צָמָא, etc.), 2Chr 32:11 (+ id.).

famine, hunger, dearth, famished
rāʿāb
hunger (more or less extensive)
  • famine, hunger
    • famine (in land, nation)
      • of Jehovah's word (figuratively)
      hunger (of individuals)

Breakdown unavailable for this word. Dictionary form: הֵם · hame

Noun — masculine plural plural — usually add "-s"

In the KJV here: for these
they ×204 and they ×49 in those ×34 are they ×33 these ×15 but they ×12 them ×10 those ×8
More options
they — Default third-person plural pronoun; broadest usage.
them — Use when serving as object of verb or preposition.
those — Demonstrative use; points to a specific group or set.
these — Demonstrative, near reference; contrasts with distant group.
who — Relative pronoun use; links back to a preceding noun.
themselves — Reflexive or emphatic contexts stressing the subject.

BDB2087 H1931 H1992 H2007

BDB2086 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2088

הוּא masculine הִיא feminine (plural masculine הֵ֫מָּה, הֵם; feminine הֵ֫נָּה, הֵן [the latter only with prefixes]; see these words), pronoun of the 3rd person singular, he, she, used also (in both genders) for the neuter it, Latin is, ea, id. (The א is not orthographic merely, but radical, being written on Moabite and Phoenician inscriptions, though dropped in some of the later dialects. [In Hebrew only Jer 29:23 Kt, and in the proper name אֱלִיהוּ.] Moabite (MI6; 27) and Phoenician (often) הא; Aramaic of Zinjirli הא, once הו (DHMInschr. von Sendschirli 55); ᵑ7 הוּא, הִיא Syriac , ; Arabic , (for h¥°a, h£°a, WSG 104); Ethiopic we°§t¥, ye°§t£; perhaps also Assyrian šû, šî, himself, herself suffix šu, ši; compare demonstrative šuatu, šiati (see KraeBAS. i. 383 & references, WSG 98, 105 Dl§ 55b, 57). In the Pentateuch, הוא is of common gender, the feminine form הִיא occurring only 11 times, namely Gen 14:2; Gen 20:5; Gen 38:25 (see Masora here), Lev 11:39; Lev 13:10; Lev 13:21; Lev 16:31; Lev 20:17; Lev 21:9; Num 5:13; Num 5:14. The punctuators, however, sought to assimilate the usage of the Pentateuch to that of the rest of the OT, and accordingly wherever הוא was construed as a feminine pointed it הִוא (as a Qr perpetuum). Outside the Pentateuch the same Qr occurs 1Kgs 17:15; Isa 30:33; Job 31:11a — probably for the sake of removing gramm. anomalies: five instances of the converse change, namely of היא to be read as הוּא, occur for a similar reason, 1Kgs 17:15 (וַתּאֹכַל הוּאוָֿהִיא to be read as וַתּאֹכַל הִיאוָֿהוּא, on account of the feminine verb) Ps 73:16; Job 31:11b (כי הוא זמה והיא עָוֺן פלילים to be read as כי היא זמה והוא עון פלילים), Eccl 5:8; 1Chr 29:16. The origin of the peculiarity in the Pentateuch is uncertain. It can hardly be a real archaism : for the fact that arab., Aramaic, & Ethiopic have distinct forms for masculine & feminine shews that both must have formed part of the original Semitic stock, and consequently of Hebrew as well, from its earliest existence as an independent language. Nor is the peculiarity confined to the Pentateuch: in the Manuscript of the Later Prophets, of A.D. , now at St. Petersburg, published in facsimile by Strack (1876), the feminine occurs written הוא (see the passages cited in the Adnotationes Criticae, p. 026). In Phoenician both masculine and feminine are alike written הא (CIS i. 1Chr 1:9 מלך צדק הא, 1Chr 1:13 מלאכת הא, 1Chr 3:10 אדם הא, 1Chr 1:11 ממלכת הא, 1Chr 93:2; 1Chr 94:2), though naturally this would be read as hu° or hi° as occasion required. Hence, as ᵐ5 shews that in the older Hebrew MSS. the scriptio plena was not yet generally introduced, it is probably that originally הא was written for both genders in Hebrew likewise, and that the epicene הוא in the Pentateuch originated at a comparatively late epoch in the transmission of the text — perhaps in connection with the assumption, which is partly borne out by facts (compare DeZKWL 1880, pp. 393-399), that in the older language feminine forms were more sparingly used than subsequently.)

In usage הוּא (feminine הִיא; plural הֵ֫מָּה, הֵם, ׃ הֵ֫נָּה see הֵ֫מָּה) is

1. an emphatic he (she, it, they), sometimes equivalent to himself (herself, itself, themselves), or (especially with the article) that (those):
  a. Gen 3:15 הוא ישׁופך ראשׁ he (ᵐ5 αὐτὸς) shall bruise thee as to the head (opposed to the following אתה thou), vGen 3:20 for she (and no one else) was the mother of all living (so often in causal sentences, where some emphasis on the subject is desirable as Judg 14:3; Ps 24:2; Ps 25:15; Ps 33:9; Ps 91:3; Ps 103:14; Ps 148:5; Job 5:18; Job 11:11; Job 28:24; Jer 5:5; Jer 34:7b Hos 6:1; Hos 11:10 : Dr1Sam 14:18), 1Sam 4:20 Adah bare Jabal הוא היה אבי ישׁב אהלים he (ἐκεῖνος) was the father of tent-dwellers, v1Sam 4:21; 1Sam 10:8 he began to be a mighty one in the earth, 1Sam 20:5 (αὐτός), Judg 13:5; Isa 32:7; Isa 33:22; 2Kgs 14:7; 2Kgs 14:22; 2Kgs 14:25; Hos 10:2 he — the unseen observer of their thoughts and deeds (Che), Hos 13:15 b (he, the foe figured by the east wind). (For its use thus in circumstantial clauses see Dr§ 157, 160, 168, 169.) And where the predicate is a substantive or participle, Gen 2:11 הוּא הַסֹּבֵב ֗֗֗ that is the one which encompasseth etc., vGen 2:13 vGen 2:14; Gen 10:12 that is the great city. So in the explanatory notices, Gen 14:3 הוּא יָם הַמֶּלַת that is the salt sea, vGen 14:8 הוּאצֹֿעַר that is Zoar, Gen 36:1 + often
  b. pointing back to the subj. and contrasting it with something else : Gen 4:4 הבל גסהֿוא Abel, he also ... vGen 4:26; Gen 10:21; Gen 20:5 וְהִיאגַֿםהִֿוא and she, herself also said, Exod 1:10 + often
  c. appended alone to a verb (more rarely, but always with intentional emphasis), Exod 4:14 I know כי דבר ידבר הוא that he can speak, vExod 4:16; 1Sam 22:18 ויפגע הוא בכהנים and he (though none else would do it) smote the priests, 1Sam 23:22 for one hath told me, עָרֹם יַעְרִם הוּא He can deal subtilly, Ezek 12:12 (peculiarly), compare Dr§ 160 n.: very rarely indeed to a noun Num 18:23 הַלֵּוִי הוּא Isa 7:14 הוא ׳י, Esth 9:1 (הֵמָּה) being probably all the examples in the OT.
  d. Gen 13:1 and Abram came up out of Egypt, הוּא וְאִשְׁתּוֺ himself and his wife, and all that he had, Gen 14:15 הוּא וַעֲבָדָיו he and his servants, Gen 19:30 so very often
  e. prefixed to a noun (very rare, and mostly late), Exod 12:42b Ezek 3:8 & Ezek 33:8 הוּא רָשָׁע : to proper names Exod 6:27 הוא משׁה ואהרן, 1Chr 26:26 that Shelomoth, 1Chr 27:6; 2Chr 28:22; 2Chr 32:12 (different from 2Kgs 18:22), v2Kgs 18:30; 2Kgs 33:23; Ezra 7:6: compare הֵם Neh 10:38 (compare in Syriac , § 227): compare Ps 87:5; 1Sam 20:29.

2. It resumes the subject with emphasis:
  a. when the predicate is a verb (especially if it be separated from its subject by an intervening clause), Gen 15:4 but one that shall come forth out of thine own bowels, הוּא יִירָשֶׁ֑ךָ he shall be thy heir, Gen 3:12 the woman whom thou gavest to be with me, הוא נתנה לי she gave to me, Gen 24:7; Gen 44:17 etc. Judg 7:4; 2Sam 14:19 (throwing stress on יוֺאָב) 1Chr 11:20; Isa 33:15-16; Isa 34:16; Isa 38:19; Isa 47:10; Isa 59:16; Isa 63:5; Hos 7:8 often in Proverbs, as Hos 10:18; Hos 10:22; Hos 10:24; Hos 11:28; Hos 13:13; Hos 19:21; Hos 22:9; Hos 24:12; 1Sam 1:13 (see Dr), Ps 68:36.
  b. when the predicate is a noun, Gen 2:14 and the fourth river, הוּא פְרָת it was the Euphrates, vGen 2:19; Gen 9:18; Gen 15:2; Gen 42:6 הַשַּׁלִּיט וְיוֺסֵף הוּא and Joseph, he was the ruler etc.: in sentences of the type הוּא הָאֱלֹהִים ׳י, הוּא הַנִּלְחָם ׳י לָכֶם, הוּא נַחֲלָ˜תְךָ ׳י, Deut 3:22; Deut 4:35; Deut 7:9; Deut 10:9; Josh 13:14; Josh 13:33; Isa 9:14; Isa 33:6; (in these cases, to avoid stiffness, it is convenient often to drop the pronoun in translating, as 'And the fourth river was the Euphrates:' the pronoun, however, though it then corresponds to the substantive verb in English, does not really express it, the copula, as the examples shew, being in fact understood. Sts. in AV the pronoun is retained for emphasis, as Deuteronomy ll. cc.) So
  c. after אֲשֶׁר in an affirmative sentence, Gen 9:3 all creeping things אֲשֶׁר הוּאחַֿי which are living, Lev 11:39; Num 9:13; Num 14:8; Num 35:31 אֲשֶׁר הוּא רָשָׁע לָמוּת who is guilty of death, Deut 20:20; 1Sam 10:19; Hag 1:9 and elsewhere (On 2, compare Dr§ 199, with Obs.)

3. Where, however, the pron. follows the predicate, its position gives it the minimum of emphasis, and it expresses (or resumes) the subject as unobtrusively as possible: thus
  a. Gen 12:18 why didst thou not tell me כי אשׁתך הוא that she was thy wife ? Gen 20:13; Gen 21:13 כי זרעך הוא for he is thy seed, Gen 31:20 because he told him not כִּי בֹרֵחַ הוּא, Gen 37:3 + often (the opposite order rare and emphatic: Gen 24:65; Deut 4:6; Deut 30:20; Josh 10:2; 1Kgs 2:22; 1Kgs 3:4; 1Kgs 21:2; Hos 2:4; Ps 45:12).
  b. resuming the subject, Gen 31:16 all the wealth which God hath taken etc., לנו הוא ולבנינו it is ours and our children's, vGen 31:43 and all that thou seest, לי הוא it is mine (or, omitting the pronoun, as not required in our idiom, simply) is mine, Gen 41:26 חלום פרעה אחד הוא the dream of Pharaoh is one, Gen 48:5 (לי הם), Exod 3:5 for the place where on thou standest, אַדְמַת קֹדֶשׁ הוּא it is holy ground, Num 13:32; Num 21:26; Deut 1:17; Josh 5:15; Josh 6:19; Job 3:19 + often; Gen 23:15 ארץ ֗֗֗ מַההִֿוא, so Ps 39:5; Isa 41:22 (הֵנָּה); הֵמָּה .... אַתֶּם (unusual) Zeph 2:12. (In all such cases the predicate is not referred directly to the subject, but, the subject being made a casus pendens, it is resumed by the pronoun, and the predicate thus referred to it indirectly. By this means the sentence is lightened and relieved, especially if the subject consist of many words: in Gen 31:16 for instance, the direct form of predicate כִּי לָנוּ וּלְבָנֵינוּ כָּלהָֿעשֶׁר אֲשֶׁר הִצִּיל אֱלֹהִים מֵאָבִינוּ would have been heavy and inelegant.) So
  c. after אֲשֶׁר in a negative sentence, Gen 7:2; Gen 17:12 אֲשֶׁר לאֹ מִזַּרְעֲךָ הוּא which is not of thy seed, Num 17:5; Deut 17:5; 1Kgs 8:41 (compareהֵמָּה 3 c).
  d. peculiarly, as the subject of לֹא, Jer 5:12 לוֺא הוּא He is not; and as embracing its predicate in itself, Isa 18:2; Isa 18:7 a nation terrible מִןהֿוּא (= מַאֲשֶׁר הוּא) from (the time that) it was, Nah 2:9 מִימֵי הִיא from the days that (stative construct Ges«GKC:130»§ 130. 4) as it was, 2Kgs 7:7 they left the camp כַּאֲשֶׁר הִיא as it was (compare כַּאֲשֶׁר הֵמָּה v2Kgs 7:10). (On 3, compare Dr§ 198, with Obs.)

4. It anticipates (as it seems) the subject namely
  a. (rare) Song 6:9 אַהַת הִיא יוֺנָתִי תַמָּתִי one is she, my dove my perfect one, Lev 25:11; Ezek 11:15; Ezek 21:16; Lam 1:18 ׳צַדִּיק הוּא י (often so in Late Hebrew); EC Lam 6:10 וְנוֺדָע אֲשֶׁר הוּא אָדָם and that which he, even man, is, is known (De Now); compare 1Sam 6:19 מִקְרֶה הוּא הָיָה לָנוּ an accident is it, (that) hath befallen us. (compare הֵמָּה 4 a.)
  b. after pronouns — (α) 2Sam 7:28 אַתָּה הוּא הָאֱלֹהִים Thou art he — God, Ps 44:5 אתה הוא מלבי thou art he — my king, Isa 37:16; Isa 43:25 (אנכי), Isa 51:9; Isa 51:10; Isa 51:12; Isa 52:6; Jer 14:22; Jer 29:23 Kt +; compare Jer 49:12 וְאַתָּה הוּא נָקֹה תִנָּקֶה and art thou he (that) shall be unpunished ? (with change of person κατά σύνεσιν, compare Judg 13:11; 1Chr 21:17; Ezek 38:17.) So Ew§ 297 b Müll§ 499. But others, as GesThes Roo§ 563 DeIsa 37:16; Ps 44. 5, treat הוא as emphasizing the pronoun, 'Thou, he, art God' i.e. Thou and none else art God; 'Thou (emphatic) art my king.'. (β) מִי הוּא, followed by a participle or substantive Gen 27:33; Ps 24:10 מִי הוּא זֶה מֶלֶךְ הַכָּבוֺד who is he, then — the king of glory ? (according to others, as before, 'Who (emphatic), then, is the king of glory ?'); followed by a verb Isa 50:9 מִי הוּא יַרְשִׁיעֵנִי who is he (that) will condemn me ? (others 'Who (emphatic) will condemn me ?') Job 4:7; Job 13:19; Job 17:3; Job 41:2; Jer 30:21 (so with הֵנָּה Gen 21:29, הֵמָּה Zech 1:9; Zech 4:5). (γ) זֶההֿוּא 1Chr 22:1 EC 1Chr 1:17 (frequently in Late Hebrew, where the two words coalesce into one זֶהוּ) . On the analogous אֵלֶּה הֵם ֗֗֗ ), see הֵמָּה 4 b (γ). (compare Dr§ 200, 201)

5. As an emphatic predicate, of God, 'I am He,' i.e. I am He Who is (opposed to unreal gods, named in context, or to transitory world), the Unseen, yet Omni-present, and Self-consistent, Ruler of the world, Deut 32:39 אֲנִי אֲנִי הוּא I, I am he, and beside me there is no God, Isa 41:4 (see Che) Isa 43:10; Isa 43:13 even from to-day I am he, Isa 46:4; Isa 48:12; Ps 102:28 (see Che) thou art he, and thy years have no end (ᵐ5 usually ἐγώ εἰμι : in Psalms σὺ δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς εἶ). So also, according to many, Job 3:19, but is הוא a mere predicate of identity ? see rather 3b.

6. In a neuter sense, that, it (of an action, occurrence, matter, etc.) —
  a. Josh 2:21 כְּדִבְרֵיכֶם כֶּןהֿוּא according to your words, so be it; Gen 42:14 הוא אשׁר דברתי that is what I said, Exod 16:23; Lev 10:3; 2Kgs 9:36; Job 8:19 הן הוא משׂושׂ דרכו lo that (what has just been described) is the joy of his way, Job 13:16; Job 15:9; Job 31:28; Prov 7:23; Eccl 2:1; Eccl 3:22; Eccl 9:9; Esth 9:1b; similarly the feminine הִיא, Judg 14:4 they knew not היא ׳כי מי that it was from ׳י, Num 14:41; Josh 10:13; Isa 14:24; Ps 77:10 חַלּוֺתִי הִיא it (this perplexity) is my sickness, Job 9:22; Prov 18:13; Jer 22:16; 2Chr 25:20; Eccl 3:13 reference to זאת Amos 7:6; Ps 118:23; Job 5:27, זִּה Eccl 2:24. (Where there is a predicate, the gender of this usually regulates the choice of m. or f.: hence הִוא Gen 34:14; Exod 8:15; Num 15:25 (Eccl 5:5) Deut 4:6 +.)
  b. affirming the presence or existence of something (rare) : 2Kgs 18:36 = Isa 36:21 כִּי מִצְוַת הַמֶּלֶךְ הִיא for it was the king's command, saying etc., 1Sam 20:33 (text dubious), Jer 50:15; Jer 50:25; Jer 51:6; Jer 51:11; Mic 2:3, perhaps Job 32:8. p. 241.
7. With the art. הַהוּא, הַהִיא, הָהֵ֫מָּה, הָהֵם, הָהֵ֫נָּה: so regularly when joined to a substantive defined itself by the article: Gen 2:12 הָאָרֶץ הַהִוא that land, Gen 19:35 ובלילה ההוא and in that night, Gen 21:22 בָּעֵת הַהִוא at that time, Deut 1:19 המדבר הגדול והנורא ההוא. Only four times does there occur the anomalous construction בַּלַּיְלָה הוּא Gen 19:33; Gen 30:16; Gen 32:23; 1Sam 19:10.


BDB2188 H1992 H2004 H3860 H3861

BDB2187 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2189

הֵ֫מָּה and הֵם (without appreciable distinction in usage, except probably in so far as the longer or shorter from was better adapted to the rhythm of particular sentences: on the whole הֵמָּה (alone) is somewhat more frequently than הֵם, הָהֵם on the contrary is said regularly, הָהֵמָּה occurring only 12 t., namely Num 9:7 (P), Jer 14:15; Zech 14:15, and in the phrase בַּ(הַ)מִָים הָהֵמָּה 2Kgs 18:4; Jer 3:16; Jer 3:18; Jer 5:18; Jer 50:4; Joel 3:2; Joel 4:1; Zech 8:23; Neh 13:15, though בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם is much more common) pronoun 3 plural masculine (הֵמָּה used incorrectly for the feminine Zech 5:10; Ruth 1:22; Song 6:8), feminine הֵ֫נָּה [Late Hebrew also הֵן, which occurs however in Biblical Hebrew only after a prefix: see below 8], pronoun 3 plural they (Biblical Aramaic הִמּוֺ, q. v.; , ; Ethiopic (one form) 'em¥n-t¥, em¹n-t¥; compare also for the dissyllabic form, the suffix -œm¥ [feminine -œn]; perhaps also Assyrian suffix šunu, šina [ni], compare references below הוּא). In usage not different in genl. from הוּא, הִיא (which see, under the corresponding headings, for fuller explanations), thus: —

1. a. Gen 6:4; Exod 5:7 הֵם יֵָֽלְכוּ let them (emphatic) go and gather straw, Num 31:16; Isa 24:14; Hos 4:14; Hos 7:3 etc.; after כִּי Jer 5:5; Jer 34:7. (For the use in circumstantial clauses see Dr§ 160, 169.)
  b. Judg 1:22 ויעלו ֗֗֗ גַם הֵם, Deut 2:11 (אַף הֵם), Deut 3:20; Josh 9:4; Ezek 30:17.
  c. Exod 18:22 every small matter יִשְׁפְּטוּהֵֿם let them judge themselves, vExod 18:26; Jer 15:19; Jer 17:18; Ps 109:28; Esth 9:1.
  d. Gen 33:6; Gen 44:3; Judg 6:5 etc.
  e. compare Neh 10:38.

2. a. (Resuming the subject with emphasis) Gen 14:24 (note accents), Deut 1:39; Ps 23:4; Ps 27:2 (accents), Ps 37:9; Ps 107:24; Ezek 36:7; Ezek 44:15.
  b. Isa 30:7; Ezek 27:13; Ezek 27:17; Ezek 27:21 compare Isa 44:11.
  c. Num 14:27 a Jer 27:9; Ezek 43:19 אֲשֶׁר הֵם מִזֶּרַע צָדוֺק, Eccl 4:2; Neh 2:13.
**הֵמָּה כִּדְוֵי לַחֻמִי Job 6:7 read perhaps ׳וַהֲמָה וגו (or זָָֽהֲמָה) it is loathesome (√ זהס).

3. a. Gen 3:7; Exod 5:8 כִּי נִרְפִּים הֵם for they are idle, Exod 14:3; Exod 15:23; Exod 29:33 etc. (the opposite order rare: Num 11:16; Isa 61:9, compare DePs 94:11).
  b. Gen 34:21; Gen 34:23; Gen 41:26; Gen 48:5 שׁני בניך ֗֗֗ לִי הֵם thy two sons . . ., they are mine, Exod 32:16 + often: Isa 41:22 הָרִאשֹׁנוֺת מָה הֵנָּה, Isa 49:21 אֵלֶּה אֵיפֹה הֵם these — where were they? Zeph 2:12 after אַתֶּם, peculiarly (compare Dr§ 198 Obs. 2).
  c. Deut 20:15 אֲשֶׁר לֹאמֵֿעָרֵי הַגֹּויִם הָאֵלֶּה הֵנָּה, Judg 19:12; 1Kgs 9:20.
  d. 2Kgs 7:10 כַּאֲשֶׁר הֵמָּה. (Prov 19:7 Kt לֹאהֵֿמָּה is probably corrupt: see Commentaries)

4. a. Prov 30:24 אַרְבָּעָה הֵם קְטַנֵּיאָֿ֑רֶץ four things are they, the little ones of the earth, vProv 30:29 (compare before a rel. clause vProv 30:15 vProv 30:18; Prov 6:16) Song 6:8; Isa 51:19 שְׁתַּיִם הֵנָּה קֹרְאֹתַיִךְ, 1Chr 9:26 (see הוא 4 a).
  b. (β) Gen 21:29 מָה הֵנָּה שֶׁבַע ֗֗֗ literally What are they — these seven sheep? Zech 1:9; Zech 4:5. (γ) אֵלֶּה ֗֗֗ הֵם Gen 25:16 (= 1Chr 1:36) Lev 23:2; Num 3:20; Num 3:21; Num 3:27; Num 3:33; 1Sam 4:8; 1Chr 8:6; 1Chr 12:15 (see Dr § 201, 3).

6. a. In a neuter sense (rare), Job 6:7 הֵמָּה כִּדְוֵי לַחמִי they (i.e. such sufferings as mine) are as loathsomeness in my meat, Jer 7:4 ׳הֵיכַל י הֵמָּה they (i.e. these buildings) are the temple of ׳י; and in the feminine, Lev 5:22 of all that a man doeth to sin בָּהֵנָּה therein, 1Chr 21:10 מֵהֵנָּה (|| 2Sam 24:12 מֵהֶם); 2Sam 12:8; Job 23:14 כָּהֵנָּה things such as these.

7. With art. הָהֵם, Gen 6:4; Exod 2:11; Num 14:38 + often; הָהֵמָּה 12 t. (see above); הָהֵנָּה 1Sam 17:28.


[Note]

N.B.Ezek 8:6 Kt מָהֵם stands for מָה הֵם (so Qr), compare מַזֶּה for מַהזֶּֿה Exod 4:2; 2Kgs 9:18 עַדהֵֿם is irregular for עֲדֵיהֶם; 2Sam 4:6 ׳וְהֵנָּה וג is textual error for ׳וְהִנֵּה שֹׁעֶרֶת הַבַּיִת סֹקְלָה חִטִּים וג see We Dr (ᵐ5 & RVm).

8. With preps. (in lieu of the normal, and more usual, forms with suffixes בָּהֶם, לָהֶם, מֵהֶם etc. [כָּהֶם & כָּהֶן, however, each once only, כְּמוֺהֶם thrice: see כְּ]) —
  a.בָּהֵמָּה Exod 30:4; Exod 36:1 (both P), Hab 1:16 כָּהֵמָּה Jer 36:32 לְהֵמָּה Jer 14:16 מֵהֵמָּה Jer 10:2; Eccl 12:12.
  b. כָּהֵם 2Sam 24:3 Yahweh add to the people כָּהֵם וְכָהֵם מֵאָה פְעָמִים the like of themselves and the like of themselves 100 times, = 1Chr 21:3 (but כָּהֵם here only once, compare Deut 1:11 בָּכֶם), 2Chr 9:11; Eccl 9:12.
  c. בָּהֵנָּה Lev 5:22 (P) Num 13:19 (JE) Jer 5:17: כָּהֵנָּה Gen 41:19; 2Sam 12:8 וְאֹסִפָה לְךָ כָּהֵנָּה וְכָהֵנָּה, Job 23:14: לָהֵנָּה Ezek 1:5; Ezek 1:23 (twice in verse); Ezek 42:9; Zech 5:9: מֵהֵנָּה Lev 4:2 (P) Isa 34:16; Jer 5:6; Ezek 16:51; Ezek 42:5; Ps 34:21; 1Chr 21:10 (|| 2Sam 24:12 מֵהֶם).
  d. בָּהֵן Gen 19:29 (P) Gen 30:26; Gen 30:37; Exod 25:29; Exod 37:16 (both P) Lev 10:1; Lev 11:21; Lev 14:40; Num 10:3; Num 16:7 (all P) Deut 28:52; Jer 4:29; Jer 48:9; Jer 51:43 (twice in verse) (בָּהֶן thrice only); כָּהֵן Ezek 18:14 (editions; Baer כָּהֶן); לָהֵן ( = therefore) Ruth 1:13 (twice in verse) (also Biblical Aramaic); מֵהֵן Ezek 16:47; Ezek 16:52 (editions; Baer מֵהֶן). With the exception of כָּחֵנָּה, these forms are found mostly in P and writers not earlier than Jeremiah; b and d, however, depend solely on the punctuation.)


BDB9475 H1994 H1992

BDB9474 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9476

הִמּוֺ9 (Ezra), הִמּוֺן3 (Daniel), pronoun 3 plural they, them (= Biblical Hebrew הֵם, הֵמָּה, q. v., but the more original forms. Egyptian Aramaic המו CIS145 B 4 (Cooke207),149 A 1, S-CPap. C 7, 10 +; not ᵑ7 Syriac, which use אִנּוּן , , instead; Arabic , . The n in הִמּוֺן, as in דֵּין, אִלֵּין, by the side of זֶה, אֵלֶּה, ; M 86 WCG 106); — they, them:
  a. as nominative Ezra 5:11 אֲבַחְנָא הִמּוֺ עַבְדוֺהִי we are his servants (construction as in Syriac, § 312 D Matt 5:13, K§ 87. 3).
  b. as accusative (in Biblical Aramaic, as in Syriac, there being no verbal suffix of 3 plural; so Egyptian Aramaic Cooke76 B 4, S-CPap. E 5 +), En 2:34 והדקת הִמּוֺ and crushed them, v35; 3:22; Ezra 4:10; Ezra 4:23; Ezra 5:5; Ezra 5:12; Ezra 5:14 (twice in verse); Ezra 5:15; Ezra 7:17. — compare אִנּוּן.

they, those, these, them, who, …
hēm
they (only used when emphatic)
  • they, these, the same, who

יָז֙וּבוּ֙
יָז֙וּבוּ֙
Root word issue, floweth, flowing, out, run, …
Dictionary form: זוּב · dzoob

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: pine away
that floweth ×10 flowing ×6 that hath the issue ×4 gushed out ×3 floweth ×2 a running issue ×1 an issue ×1 and of him that hath ×1
More options
flow — Broadest, most natural modern rendering for liquid movement.
discharge — Medical/bodily context; preferred in Leviticus purity laws.
gush — Emphasizes sudden or forceful outpouring of liquid.
seep — Suggests slow, continuous oozing; good for chronic bodily flow.
run — Informal; suits water or liquid flowing freely over land.
ooze — Viscous or slow flow; vivid in bodily-fluid passages.

BDB2301 H2100

BDB2300 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2302

[זוּב] verb flow, gush (Late Hebrew id., Aramaic דּוּב, דִּיב, , all used often in sense 4 below; Arabic (medial ) melt, dissolve, flow) — only Qal Imperfect יָזוּב Lev 15:25 etc.; Participle זָב Jer 49:9f. זָבָ֫ה Lev 15:19 etc.; —

1. flow, gush (poetry), of water from the smitten rock Ps 78:20 (|| שָׁטַף), Ps 105:41 (|| הָלַךְ), Isa 48:21 (|| נָזַל).
2. Participle frequently in (אֶרֶץ) זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבַשׁ, always of promised land, Exod 3:8; Exod 3:17; Exod 13:5 (all J) Exod 33:3; Num 13:27; Num 14:8; Num 16:13; Num 16:14 (all J E) Deut 6:3; Deut 11:9; Deut 26:9; Deut 26:15; Deut 27:3; Deut 31:20; Josh 5:6 (D) Lev 20:24 (H) Jer 11:5; Jer 32:22; Ezek 20:6; Ezek 20:15 (in last two insert ארץ ᵐ5 Co); זָב עִמְקֵךְ Jer 49:4 (fertile valley of Ammon).
3. figurative flow away = pine away (from hunger) Lam 4:9.
4. flow, of issue from woman (all P), Lev 15:25 יָזוּב זוֺב דָּמָהּ (see ווֺב); especially have an issue (flux, gleet), of woman Lev 15:25 and Lev 15:19 (תִּהְיֶה זָבָה); usually of man, 2Sam 3:29 (|| מְצֹרָע); elsewhere P, Lev 15:2 זָב מִבִּשָׂרוֺ; with cognate accusative Lev 15:33 ordinarily Participle זָב one that has an issue Lev 15:4; Lev 15:6; Lev 15:7; Lev 15:8; Lev 15:9; Lev 15:11; Lev 15:12; Lev 15:13; Lev 15:32 (all P), Lev 22:4 (H; || צָרוּעַ); also Num 5:2 (P; || id.)

issue, floweth, flowing, out, run, …
zûb
to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow
  • to flow, gush, issue, discharge
    • (Qal)
      • to flow, gush
      • "to die, pine away (figuratively)"to flow (of issue from woman), have an issue, flux"flowing (participle)

מְדֻקָּרִ֔ים
מְדֻקָּרִ֔ים
Root word through, thrust, wounded, pierced
Dictionary form: דָּקַר · daw-KAHR

Verb — Pual, Participle Passive, masculine plural, absolute state intensive passive — "it was thoroughly done" a settled state — try "___ed"

In the KJV here: stricken through
and thrust me through ×3 and they that are thrust through ×1 and thrust ×1 but wounded ×1 him shall thrust him through ×1 shall be thrust through ×1 stricken through ×1 they have pierced ×1
More options
pierce — Most versatile; suits weapons, sharp objects, poetic use.
run through — Vivid; best for sword or spear in battle narrative.
stab — Blunt, close-range violence; good for prose action scenes.
impale — Emphasizes full penetration; suits gruesome or emphatic contexts.
thrust through — Captures forceful motion; slightly more formal register.
skewer — Most visceral; use sparingly for heightened dramatic effect.

BDB1996 H1856

BDB1995 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1997

[דָּקַר] verb pierce, pierce through (Late Hebrew id., Aramaic דְּקַר, ) —

Qal Perfect 3 plural דָּקָ֑רוּ Zech 12:10 suffix וּדְקָרֻנִי consecutive 1Sam 31:4, וּדְקָרֻהוּ consecutive Zech 13:3 Imperfect וַיִּדְקֹר Num 25:8, וַיִּדְקְרֵהוּ Judg 9:54pierce, run through (always with accusative): as retributive act, Israelite and Midianite woman Num 25:8 false prophet Zech 13:3 but also as speedy death Judg 9:54 (Abimelech); 1Sam 31:4 a (Saul) = 1Chr 10:4, also 1Sam 31:4b (but strike out Be We after 1Chr 10:4 & so ᵐ5L 1Sam 31:4 b), see also Zech 12:10 (compare John 19:37). Niph`al Imperfect יִדָּקֵר be pierced through, slain Isa 13:15 (in conquest of Babylonian by Medes). Pu`al Participle plural מְדֻקָּרִים pierced, riddled, (i.e. desperately wounded) warriors, Jer 37:10, slain Jer 51:4 (|| חללים); by hunger Lam 4:9 (|| חַלְלֵי רָעָב).

through, thrust, wounded, pierced
dāqar
to stab; by analogy, to starve; figuratively, to revile
  • to pierce, thrust through, pierce through
    • (Qal) to pierce, run through
    • "(Niphal) to be pierced through"(Pual) pierced, riddled (participle)

מִ תְּנוּבֹ֖ת
מִ
Prefix — preposition from, out of
תְּנוּבֹ֖ת
Root word fruit, increase, fruits
Dictionary form: תְּנוּבָה · teh-noo-BAW

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

In the KJV here: for want of the fruits
and the increase ×1 for want of the fruits ×1 fruit ×1 the increase ×1 with fruit ×1
More options
produce — Broad, natural term for crops or agricultural yield.
harvest — Emphasizes the gathered result of seasonal growth.
yield — Formal/economic register; good for quantitative contexts.
fruit — Retains KJV wording but modernized; literal or figurative use.
increase — Highlights growth or abundance; slightly formal register.
crop — Concrete and colloquial; best for agricultural narrative passages.

BDB5034 H8570

BDB5033 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5035

תְּנוּבָה noun feminine fruit, produce; — absolute Isa 27:6 construct תְּנוּבֵת Ezek 36:30 תְּנוּבָתִי Judg 9:11 plural תְּנוּבֹת Deut 32:13, וֺת- Lam 4:9 especially שָׂדַי ׳ת fruit, produce, of field Deut 32:13; Lam 4:9 compare הַשָּׂדֶה ׳ת Ezek 36:30 (|| פרי העץ); of fig-tree Judg 9:11 metaphor of Israel וּמָֽלְאוּ ׳פְנֵיתֵֿבֵל ת Isa 27:6 (|| ׳יַשְׁרֵשׁ יעקב יציץ ופרח ישׂ).

fruit, increase, fruits
tĕnûbâ
produce
  • fruit, produce

שָׂדָֽי
שָׂדָֽי
Root word field, fields, country, wild, land, …
Dictionary form: שָׂדֶה · saw-DEH

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: of the field
of the field ×79 in the field ×49 the field ×28 field ×17 into the field ×10 fields ×7 in the country ×6 the fields ×5
More options
field — Most versatile; fits agricultural and open-land contexts.
land — Prefer when ownership or territory is emphasized.
countryside — Good for contrast with city or settled areas.
open country — Highlights exposure and wildness beyond villages.
farmland — Use when cultivated or agricultural sense is primary.
wilderness — Only when context stresses remoteness or danger.

BDB8170 H7704

BDB8169 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8171

שָׂדַי noun masculinePs 96:12 field, land (rare original form of שָׂדֶה (q. v. below), only in poetry); — absolute ׳שׂ Jer 4:17, שָׂדָ֑י Hos 10:4 +; —

1. cultivated field Hos 12:12, also Hos 10:4 (si vera lectio, but see Now), yielding food Deut 32:13; Lam 4:9 ׳שֹׁמְרֵי שׂ Jer 4:17 keepers, watchmen of a field.
2. home of wild beasts: ׳בְּהֵמוֺת שׂ Ps 8:8; Joel 2:22, ׳חַיְתוֺ שׂ Isa 56:9; Ps 104:11, ׳זִזִ שׂ Ps 50:11; Ps 80:14.
3. plain, opposite mountain, Jer 18:14 (but dubious, Co Du שִׂרְיֹן).
4. land, opposed to sea, Ps 96:12 (compare שָׂדֶה 3; || תֵּבֵל Ps 98:7).


BDB8171 H7704

BDB8170 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8172

שָׂדֶה318 noun masculineLev 27:24 id. (ordinary contracted form Ges«GKC:84a»§ 84 a f); — absolute ׳שׂ Gen 2:5 (twice in verse) +; construct שְׂדֵה Gen 14:7 +; suffix שָׂדִי Jer 32:7; Jer 32:8, שָֽׂדְךָ Deut 11:15 +, שָׂדֶ֑ךָ Deut 24:19; Lev 25:3, etc.; plural שָׂדוֺת 1Sam 22:7 +, construct שְׂדוֺת Neh 12:29 also שְׂדֵי 2Sam 1:21; Isa 32:12; Ruth 1:1 + 8 t. (some might be singular = שְׂדֵה compare BaZMG xlii (1888), 351 SS Buhl; note, e.g. שְׂדֵי Ruth 1:6a, = שְׂדֵה vb Ruth 4:3 but see ii. 1, 77); suffix שְׂדֹתֶיהָ Neh 11:30, etc.; also שָׂדֶיךָ 1Kgs 2:26, שָׂדֵינוּ Mic 2:4

1. open field, country:
  a. pasture-land Gen 29:2; Gen 30:16; Exod 9:3 (all J), Deut 11:15; 1Sam 11:5 + 10 t. J, JE.
  b. unfrequented Gen 24:63; Gen 24:65, exposed to violence Gen 4:8 (J), 2Sam 14:6; Deut 21:1; Deut 22:25; Deut 22:27, to wild beasts Exod 22:30 (E), Ezek 33:27.
  c. specifically home of beasts: 2Sam 17:8; Jer 14:5 especially phrase ׳חַיַּת הַשּׂ Gen 2:19; Gen 2:20; Gen 3:1; Gen 3:14 (all J) of beasts in general, and, of wild beasts, Exod 23:11; Exod 23:29 (E), Hos 2:14; Hos 2:20; Hos 4:3; Hos 13:8; (H), Job 5:23 (|| חַיַּת הָאָרֶץ), + 16 t.; ׳בֶּהֱמַת הַשּׂ 1Sam 17:44 compare Joel 1:20 ׳אַיְלוֺת הַשּׂ Song 2:7; Song 3:5, compare ׳הַצְּבָיִם אֲשֶׁר בַּשּׂ 2Sam 2:18 hunting-ground Gen 25:29; Gen 27:3; Gen 27:5 (all J E), compare ׳אִישׁ שׂ Gen 25:27 (J E; || אִישׁ יֹדֵעַ צַיִד).
  d. yielding plants and trees: Gen 25:27 (JE), Gen 30:14 (J), Exod 10:5 (JE), 2Kgs 4:39; Ezek 21:2; Ezek 39:10 especially phrase ׳עֵשֶׂב הַשּׂ Gen 2:5; Gen 3:18 (both J), + 6 t. + ׳בַּשּׂ ׳ע Zech 10:1 ׳שִׂיח הַשּׂ Gen 2:5, ׳גֶּפֶן שׂ 2Kgs 4:39, ׳פַּקֻּעֹת שׂ V:39, ׳צִיץ הַשּׂ Isa 40:15; Ps 103:15, ׳צֶמַח הַשּׂ Ezek 16:7 ׳עֵץ הַשּׂ (4 t. עֲצֵי) Exod 9:25 (JE), Deut 20:19; Lev 26:4 (H) Isa 55:12 + 8 t.; 2Sam 1:21 see תְּרוּמָה, √ רום.
  e. stony, ׳אַבְנֵי הַשּׂ Job 5:23. feminine open country, outside of walled city Judg 9:32; Judg 9:42; Judg 9:43; Judg 9:44; Judg 19:16; 1Sam 19:3; 1Sam 20:5; 1Sam 20:11 (twice in verse); 1Sam 20:24; 1Sam 20:35; 2Kgs 7:12; Mic 4:10 as battle-ground Josh 8:24 (J), 2Sam 10:8 = 1Chr 19:9; 2Sam 11:23; 2Sam 18:6, outside of military camp 1Sam 4:2; 1Sam 14:15 opposed to city (in formula) 1Kgs 14:11; 1Kgs 16:4; 1Kgs 21:24; Jer 14:18; Ezek 7:15 שְׂדֵה אֶרֶץ Lev 25:31 as site of small town, country-town 1Sam 27:5 (opposed to royal city), compare 1Chr 27:25 of high places, ׳גְּבָעוֺת בַּשּׂ Jer 13:27 quite general, 1Sam 30:11; Jer 40:7; Jer 40:13 including road Judg 20:31; 1Kgs 11:29; Jer 6:25 distinguished from road Num 22:23 (JE), 2Sam 20:12 outside houses and courtyards Exod 8:9 (P), 1Sam 25:15 ׳בַּשּׂ nearly = outdoors Exod 1:14 (P), Judg 13:9 of surface of country or ground, ׳בַּשּׂ Exod 16:25 (J E; = עַלפְּֿנֵי הַמִּדְבָּר V:14), compare 1Sam 14:25 so ׳(אֶל) לְַפְּֿנֵי הַשּׂ 2Kgs 9:37; Jer 9:22; Ezek 29:5 (|| הַמִּדְבָּ֫רָה), Ezek 32:4; Ezek 39:5 same phrase opposed to house, comfort, etc., 2Sam 11:11; Ezek 16:5, opposed to city Lev 14:7; Lev 14:53, opposed to tent Num 19:16 (all P), opposed to tent of meeting Lev 17:5 (H).
  g. = expanse of country, opposed to mountain, in phrase ׳מְרוֺמֵי שׂ Judg 5:18 ׳הֲרָרִי בַּשּׂ Jer 17:3 (of Jerusalem) is dubious; compare ׳לְעִי הַשּׂ Mic 1:6 (Jer 18:14 see שָׂדַי).
2. definite portion of ground, field, land:
  a. cultivated ground Gen 37:7 (E), Gen 47:24 (J; זֶרַע הַשָּׂדֶה), Exod 22:4 (3 t. in verse); Exod 22:5 (E), Lev 27:16; Lev 27:17 (P), Mic 3:12 (in simile) Ruth 2:2 + 47 t., + שְׂדֵי תְרוּמוֺת 2Sam 1:21, זָֿ֑רַע׳שׂ Ezek 17:5, שָׂדֶה טוֺב V:8 good soil.
  b. as private property, Mic 5:2; Mic 5:4; Isa 5:8 (twice in verse); Gen 47:20 (J), Gen 23:9; Gen 23:11; Gen 23:13 (P) + 50 t., + 2Chr 26:23 (as burial-place); also ׳חֶלְקַת (הַ)שּׂ, see חֶלְקָה; and צֹפִים ׳שׂ, see צפה.
  c. city-land, adjacent to city (town) and subject to its control: Gen 41:48 (E), Lev 25:34 (P), Josh 21:12 (P) = 1Chr 6:41; Neh 11:25; Neh 11:30; Neh 12:29; Neh 12:44 specifically of Zoan Ps 78:12; Ps 78:43.
  d. territory of nation, tribe: Gen 32:4; Num 21:20 (both J E), Judg 5:4; Ruth 1:1; Ruth 1:2; Gen 14:7 + 13 t. + ׳שְׂדֵה נִחֲלַת יִשׂ Judg 20:6.
  e. territory of king, 2Sam 9:7; 2Sam 13:30.
3. land, opposed to sea, 1Chr 16:32 (opposed to הַיָּם; = שָׂדַי Ps 96:12), perhaps also mainland Ezek 26:6; Ezek 26:8 (Co Krae Toy and others; not Sm).


שִׂדִּים see שׂדד. שְׂדֵרָה see סדר above,

field, fields, country, wild, land, …
śāde
a field (as flat)
  • field, land
    • cultivated field
    • "of home of wild beasts"plain (opposed to mountain)"land (opposed to sea)

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.
טוֹבִ֤ים הָיוּ֙ Pashta — a lesser break חַלְלֵי חֶ֔רֶב Zaqef Qatan — a strong break מֵֽחַלְלֵ֖י Tipeha — a lesser break רָעָ֑ב Etnahta — the verse's main pause — take a breath here שֶׁ֣הֵ֤ם יָז֙וּבוּ֙ Pashta — a lesser break מְדֻקָּרִ֔ים Zaqef Qatan — a strong break מִתְּנוּבֹ֖ת Tipeha — a lesser break שָׂדָֽי Silluq — end of the verse

טוֹבִים הָיוּ חַלְלֵי-חֶרֶב מֵֽחַלְלֵי רָעָב שֶׁהֵם יָזוּבוּ מְדֻקָּרִים מִתְּנוּבֹת שָׂדָֽי׃
9
They that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field.
Cross References

Jeremiah 16:4

מְמוֹתֵי תַחֲלֻאִים יָמֻתוּ לֹא יִסָּֽפְדוּ וְלֹא יִקָּבֵרוּ לְדֹמֶן עַל-פְּנֵי הָאֲדָמָה יִֽהְיוּ וּבַחֶרֶב וּבָֽרָעָב יִכְלוּ וְהָיְתָה נִבְלָתָם לְמַאֲכָל לְעוֹף הַשָּׁמַיִם וּלְבֶהֱמַת הָאָֽרֶץ׃
4
They shall die of grievous deaths; they shall not be lamented; neither shall they be buried; but they shall be as dung upon the face of the earth: and they shall be consumed by the sword, and by famine; and their carcases shall be meat for the fowls of heaven, and for the beasts of the earth.

Ezekiel 24:23

וּפְאֵרֵכֶם עַל-רָאשֵׁיכֶם וְנַֽעֲלֵיכֶם בְּרַגְלֵיכֶם לֹא תִסְפְּדוּ וְלֹא תִבְכּוּ וּנְמַקֹּתֶם בַּעֲוֹנֹתֵיכֶם וּנְהַמְתֶּם אִישׁ אֶל-אָחִֽיו׃
23
And your tires shall be upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another.

Leviticus 26:39

וְהַנִּשְׁאָרִים בָּכֶם יִמַּקּוּ בַּֽעֲוֹנָם בְּאַרְצֹת אֹֽיְבֵיכֶם וְאַף בַּֽעֲוֹנֹת אֲבֹתָם אִתָּם יִמָּֽקּוּ׃
39
And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies' lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them.

Ezekiel 33:10

וְאַתָּה בֶן-אָדָם אֱמֹר אֶל-בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל כֵּן אֲמַרְתֶּם לֵאמֹר כִּֽי-פְשָׁעֵינוּ וְחַטֹּאתֵינוּ עָלֵינוּ וּבָם אֲנַחְנוּ נְמַקִּים וְאֵיךְ נִֽחְיֶֽה׃
10
Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?