Nahum 3:16

הִרְבֵּית֙ רֹֽכְלַ֔יִךְ מִכּוֹכְבֵ֖י הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם יֶ֥לֶק פָּשַׁ֖ט וַיָּעֹֽף
Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven: the cankerworm spoileth, and flieth away.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

הִרְבֵּית֙
הִרְבֵּית֙
Root word multiply, much, multiplied, many, increase, …
Dictionary form: רָבָה · raw-BAW

Verb — Hiphil, Perfect (Qatal), second person feminine singular causative — "he made (someone) do" completed action — try "he ___ed" or "he has ___ed" the built-in subject is "you"

In the KJV here: thou hast multiplied
much ×19 and multiply ×13 many ×11 multiply ×7 and multiplied ×6 increase ×5 and i will multiply ×4 and multiply thee ×3
More options
multiply — Core meaning; best for commands or promises of growth.
increase — Slightly more formal; suits gradual or ongoing growth.
grow numerous — Vivid for population or quantity expanding over time.
abound — Highlights abundance; good for non-numeric or richness contexts.
proliferate — Modern, slightly technical; suits rapid or widespread increase.
be plentiful — Stative nuance; use when describing an existing large quantity.

BDB7707 H7235

BDB7706 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7708

I. [רָבָה]225 verb be, or become, much, many, great (Late Hebrew id.; Assyrian rabû, be great, grow; Arabic Aramaic רְבָא; , , all grow, increase); —

Qal59, Perfect 3 feminine singular רָֽבְתָה 1Sam 14:30 2 masculine singular וְרָבִ֫יתָ consecutive Deut 30:16 3 plural רָבוּ Ezra 9:6 +, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִרְבֶּה Deut 8:13 +, jussive יִ֫רֶב Gen 1:22 + 2Chr 24:27 Qr (< ורב Kt, see רֹב
1.), וַיִּ֫רֶב Exod 1:20 3 feminine singular תִּרְבֶּה Deut 7:22; Dan 12:4, וַתֵּ֫רֶב Gen 43:34; 1Kgs 5:10 3 masculine plural יִרְבּוּ Deut 11:31 +, יִרְבּוּן Ps 139:18, יִרְבְּיֻן Deut 8:13 etc.; Imperative masculine singular וּרְבֵה Gen 35:11 Infinitive construct רְבוֺת Exod 11:9 +; — Participle רֹבֶה see II. רבה; —
1. become many, numerous:
  a. of people, Exod 1:10; Exod 1:12 (J), vExod 1:20 (E), Deut 6:3; Deut 8:1; Deut 30:16; Zech 10:8; 1Chr 5:23 רָבוּ לְמָ֑עְלָה 1Chr 23:17 especially + פרה be fruitful and multiply Jer 3:16; Jer 23:3 (figurative of flock), Gen 47:27b (P), Exod 1:7 (P), Ps 107:38 also (of man and beast) Ezek 36:11 of children Job 27:14 צַדִּיקִים Prov 28:28, ׳בִּרְבוֺת צ Prov 29:2 (Toy רְדוֺת rule, || מְשֹׁל ),רְשָׁעִים ׳בר vProv 29:16 (Toy id.).
  b. of animals Deut 7:22 (+ עַל person), Deut 8:13; 1Chr 5:9 + פרה Gen 1:22; Gen 8:17 (both P; compare Ezek 36:11 above).
  c. of things Deut 8:13 (twice in verse); Ezek 31:5; Exod 11:9 (P), Eccl 5:10 of sins Ezra 9:6 (+ לְמַ֫עְלָה), Prov 29:16 + מִן compare Ps 16:4; Ps 139:18 of days Gen 38:12 (J), Deut 11:21; 1Sam 7:2; Prov 9:11, years of life Prov 4:10 of waters Gen 7:17 (J), vGen 7:18 (P).
2. a. be great: (I) of things Gen 43:24 (J; + מִן compare), 1Sam 14:30 of way = be long Deut 19:6 and (מִן compare person) Deut 14:24 be too long for; of wisdom 1Kgs 5:10 (מִן compare). (2) of person, יִרְבֶּה אֱלֹהִים מֵאֱנוֺשׁ Job 33:12 i.e. is too great for (De and others); has loftier, nobler thoughts (Di Bu), but no ||.
  b. grow great (Aramaism): (I) of person, = grow up Ezek 16:7 ( + גָּדַל), Job 39:4. (2) of glory Ps 49:17, knowledge Dan 12:4. — 2Chr 24:27 see above Pi:4., make large, increase; — Imperative masculine singularרַבֶּה צְבָאֲךָ Judg 9:29 enlarge thy host; Perfect 2 masculine singular רִבִּיתָ בִּמְחִירֵיהֶם Ps 44:13 thou hast not made great with their price (set a high price; so Ew De Che and others); or increased (that is, thy wealth) by their price (Hup Bae); = bring up, rear (children) Lam 2:22 (+ טפּח), whelps Ezek 19:2 (in figurative). Hiph`il162 Perfect 3 masculine singular הִרְבָּה Hos 8:11 +, suffix וְהִרְבְּךָֹ consecutive Deut 30:5 2 masculine singular הִרְבִּיתָ Isa 9:2 +, 1 singular הִרְבֵּיתִי Hos 2:10 +, etc.; Imperfect יַרְבֶּה Hos 12:2 +, וַ֫יֶּרֶב 2Sam 18:8; Lam 2:5 etc.; Imperative masculine singular הַרְבֵּה Ezek 24:10, הֶ֫רֶב Judg 20:38 + Ps 51:4 Qr (הרבה Kt, Infinitive absolute), etc.; feminine singular הַרְבִּי Isa 23:16, masculine plural הַרְבּוּ Amos 4:4; Gen 34:12 Infinitive absolute הַרְבֵּה Gen 15:1 +, הַרְבָּה (BaNB 90, 91) Gen 3:16; Gen 16:10; Gen 22:17 construct הַרְבּוֺת Deut 28:63 + (2Sam 14:11 Kt הרבית; Amos 4:9; Prov 25:27 see below); Participle מַרְבֶּה Exod 16:17 +, construct מַרְבֵּה Lev 11:42, etc.; —
1. make much, or many:
  a. object person (or a people), multiply, increase Gen 16:10; Gen 17:20; Isa 9:2 +; Ezek 36:10 (+ עַל person), vEzek 36:11 (man and beast; + id.); Deut 30:5 (+ מִן compare person); + פרה Hiph`il Gen 28:3; Gen 48:4 (both P); הִרְבָּה כּוֺשֵׁל Jer 46:16 = he made many stumble; = have many 1Chr 7:4; 1Chr 8:40; 1Chr 23:11.
  b. object animals Deut 17:16 (twice in verse) (compare Ezek 36:11 above).
  c. object things Hos 2:10; Hos 8:11; Hos 8:14; +; הַרְבּוּ עָלַי מְאֹד מֹהַר וּמַתָּן Gen 34:12 opposed to הִמְעִיט Lev 26:16; Num 26:54; Num 33:54 object words Eccl 10:14 (see Job 34:37 below 2), compare Isa 1:15; Job 40:27, הַרְבִּי שִׂיר Isa 23:16 object days Job 29:18 (like sand); = use many (medicines) Jer 46:11 have many (feet) Lev 11:42 bring abundantly 2Chr 31:5 yield abundantly Neh 9:37 with ל of object Hos 10:1 (ל 3 a); object omitted Hab 2:6; Prov 22:16, also (opposed to מעט [usually Hiph`il]) Exod 16:17; Exod 16:18; Exod 30:15; Num 35:8 (all P), Prov 13:11.
  d. (1) followed by infinitive, make much to do, do much in respect of, = do much, abundantly; greatly, often, etc. (Dr181, 12): הַרְבּוּ לִפְשֹׁעַ Amos 4:4 = transgress greatly, so Ezra 10:13, compare 2Kgs 21:6 = 2Chr 33:6 further, Isa 55:7; Exod 36:5; 2Chr 36:14; Ps 78:38, also 2Sam 14:11 (Kt מהרבית, Qr מֵהַרְבַּת, read probably מֵהַרְבוֺת Drreff. Ges«GKC:75»§ 75 ff. Th Löhr); + מִן compare 2Sam 18:8; 1Sam 1:12 = pray a long time; Judg 20:38 strike out הֶרֶב as dittograph of הארב Be Bu GFM. (2) followed by finite verb (Drsm Ges«GKC:120g»§ 120g), אַלֿ תַּרְבּוּ תְדַבְּרוּ 1Sam 2:3 i.e. talk not so much; compare Ps 51:4. e the Infinitive absolute (Ol§ 191 b Köii. 1, 555 Ges«GKC:75»§ 75 ff.) is used: (1) הַרְבָּה אַרְבֶּה I will greatly increase Gen 3:16; Gen 16:10; Gen 22:17 (all J; Ges«GKC:113n»§ 113n); (2) וְהַרְבֵּה carrying on infinitive construct Ezek 21:20 (3) הַרְבֵּה as adverb (c. verbs and [Eccl 7:16] adjective ), greatly, exceedingly, etc., especially מְאֹד ׳ה Gen 41:49 (E), 1Sam 26:21; 2Sam 12:30 = I Chron 2Sam 20:2, Josh 13:1 (D), 2Kgs 21:16; Neh 2:2 perhaps also 1Kgs 5:9. 1Kgs 10:10 (both with נָתַן), v1Kgs 10:11 (with הֵבִיא), Jer 40:12 (with אָסַף), 2Chr 14:12 (with נָשָׂא); הַרְבֵּה alone 2Kgs 10:8 (opposed to מְעָ֑ט), Neh 3:33; Eccl 1:16; Eccl 5:19; Eccl 7:16; Eccl 7:17; Ps 51:4 Kt (Qr הֶרֶב Imperative); (4) as adjective attributive (KöSynt.:§ 318 e ), מְאֹד ׳ח Deut 3:5; Josh 22:8 (D; || רַבמְֿאֹד ), 2Sam 8:8 (רַבָּה מְאֹד in || 1Chr 18:18), 1Chr 12:2; Isa 30:33; 2Chr 32:27 so הַרְבֵּה alone Neh 4:4; Neh 4:13 (+ רְחָבָה), Ezra 10:1 (preceding n., compare 1. רַב), Eccl 2:7; Eccl 5:6; Eccl 5:16 (reading כעס as n., Ew De Hi-Now and others), Eccl 6:11; Eccl 9:18; Eccl 11:8a Eccl 12:9; Eccl 12:12 (twice in verse),הַרְבּוֺת alone Prov 25:27 (Toy reads הַרְבֵּה); חִרְבֵּה מְאֹד as predicate Gen 15:1 (J; Samaritan אַרְבֶּה), Eccl 11:8b Ps 130:7 (adverb Bae); (5) הַרְבֵּה as concrete noun (KöSynt.:§ 318 a) 2Sam 14; Jer 42:2 (בֶּה- van d. H.), with מִן compare, 2Chr 25:9; Jonah 4:11 as object (or adverb), opposed to מְעַט Hag 1:6; Hag 1:9; Eccl 5:11 late in adverb phrase (לְהַרְבֵּה (מְאֹדׅ) Neh 5:18; 2Chr 11:12; 2Chr 16:8 הַרְבּוֺת as noun Amos 4:9 (read probably הֶחֱרַבְתַּי We Now).
2. make great, object person 2Sam 22:36 = Ps 18:36 enlarge border 1Chr 4:10 perhaps also Job 34:37 make words great, presumptuous, against God (לְאֵל; so BuhlLex; most make many words, 1 c).

BDB7714 H7235

BDB7713 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7715

II. [רָבָה] verb shoot (compare II. רָבַב, I. רָמָה); — only Qal Participle רֹבֶה קַשָּׁ֑ת Gen 21:20 < רֹבֵה קָ֑שֶׁת, Kn Di and others, but read probably ׳דֹמֵה ק Ol Ball, one shooting the bow.

רַבָּה, רִבּוֺ(אׅ, רַבִּית, רְבִיבִים, see רבב.

BDB9883 H7236 H7235

BDB9882 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9884

רְבָה verb grow great (ᵑ7 Syriac; see Biblical Hebrew I. רבה); —

Pe`al Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳ר Dan 4:8 +; 3 feminine singular רְבָת v.Dan 4:19 2 masculine singular רְבַיְתָ Kt ( > רְבַת Qr K§ 47, Beisp. 1)a)) v.Dan 4:19 — grow tall and large, of tree Dan 4:8; Dan 4:17 grow long, of hair v.Dan 4:30 figurative grow great, of king v.Dan 4:19, increase, of greatness v.Dan 4:19. Pa`el make great: Perfect 3 masculine singular רַבִּי Dan 2:48 with ל accusative of person

multiply, much, multiplied, many, increase, …
rābâ
to increase (in whatever respect)
  • be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous
    • (Qal)
      • to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things)
        • "to be or grow great
      (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many"(Hiphil)
      • to make much, make many, have many
        • to multiply, increase
          • "to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly"to increase greatly or exceedingly
        to make great, enlarge, do much
    (Qal) to shoot

רֹֽכְלַ֔יִ ךְ
רֹֽכְלַ֔יִ
Root word merchants, merchant
ךְ
Suffix — pronoun your / you (one woman)
Dictionary form: רָכַל · raw-KAHL

Verb — Qal, Participle Active, masculine plural, construct state simple action — "he did" ongoing action — try "___ing" or "one who ___s"

In the KJV here: thy merchants
were thy merchants ×6 the merchants ×2 and of the merchants ×1 and the merchants ×1 of merchants ×1 of the merchant ×1 of the spice merchants ×1 so the merchants ×1
More options
merchant — Most versatile; suits general commercial contexts.
trader — Neutral, contemporary alternative to 'merchant'.
dealer — Good for specific commodity trade contexts.
tradesperson — Gender-inclusive; useful in modern translations.
traveling merchant — Highlights itinerant, peddling nuance of root.
vendor — Best for marketplace or retail-focused passages.

BDB7932 H7402

BDB7931 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7933

[רָכַל] verb probably go about, from one to another (for trade or gossip) (? connected with רגל; compare Arabic kick a horse, to make him go [? properly use the foot, compare ?]; Late Hebrew רוֺכֵל, Aramaic רוֺכְלָא, trader, Late Hebrew רְכִילוּת slander [compare calumniator, from go about, Qor 2:19 and elsewhere]); —

Qal Participle רוֺכֵל Song 3:6 feminine singular construct רֹכֶ֫לֶת Ezek 27:3, suffix רֹכַלְתֵךְ vEzek 27:20 vEzek 27:23 masculine plural רֹכְלִים 1Kgs 10:15 +, etc.; — as substantive = trafficker, trader: usually plural, Nah 3:16; Ezek 17:4 (׳עִיר ר), Ezek 27:13; Ezek 27:15; Ezek 27:17; Ezek 27:22 (twice in verse); Ezek 27:23a (< strike out Toy Krae), vEzek 27:24; Neh 3:31; Neh 3:32; Neh 13:20 ( + מֹרֵי כָלמִֿמְכָּר); ׳מִסְחַר הָר 1Kgs 10:15 (text dubious; compare ׳מ p.695); singular figurative of Tyre, רֹכֶלֶת הָעַמִּים אֶלאִֿיִּים רַכִּים Ezek 27:8, of a people vEzek 27:20 vEzek 27:23b (plural MezHarran 34 Krae, see also כִּלְמֶד); singular of person only אַבְקַת רוֺכֵל Song 3:6.

merchants, merchant
rākal
to travel for trading
  • to go about (meaning dubious)
    • (Qal) trafficker, trader (participle) (subst)

מִ כּוֹכְבֵ֖י
מִ
Prefix — preposition from, out of
כּוֹכְבֵ֖י
Root word stars, star
Dictionary form: כּוֹכָב · koh-KAWB

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

In the KJV here: above the stars
the stars ×9 as the stars of ×4 and the stars ×3 as the stars ×3 of the stars ×2 stars ×2 a star ×1 above the stars ×1
More options
star — Default choice; works in nearly every context.
celestial body — More formal or scientific register.
heavenly light — Poetic contexts emphasizing luminosity or wonder.
night light — Vivid, accessible rendering for general audiences.

BDB3881 H3556

BDB3880 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3882

כּוֺכָב noun masculineGen 15:5 star (Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic כּוֺכְבָא, כּוֺכַבְתָּא , , feminine form specifically of planet Venus, see also WeSkizzen iii. 36, 38; Arabic generally of single stars and probably Aramaic loan-word, WeSkizzen iii. 173; Ethiopic ; probably for *כבכב see Mahri kubkob, kobkib, etc., MaltzanZMG 1873, 227 and Assyrian kakkabu DlHWB 336; Punic κακαβουμ (Dioscorides), name of a plant, probably from shape of seed-cup, BlauZMG xxvii, 1873, 529; on formation compare NöM § 109 BaNB § 138. 1) — ׳כ absolute Num 24:17 construct כּוֺכַב Amos 5:26 plural כּוֺכָבִים Gen 1:16 + 19 t.; construct כּוֺכְבֵי (כֹּכְבֵי) Gen 22:17 + 13 t.; כֹּכְבֵיהֶם Ezek 32:7 — singular only אֱלֹהֵיכֶם ׳כ Amos 5:26 (where, however, ׳כ is probably a gloss, so GFM Dec. 19, 1890, and now We; see further כִּיּוּן); and מִיַּעֲקֹב ׳כ Num 24:12 (J E; || שֵׁבֶט בישׂראל, metaphor of future ruler); elsewhere plural stars, || sun and moon (compare also below) Gen 1:16 (P) Ps 136:9 (to rule the night, compare Gen 1:16), Jer 31:35; Gen 37:9 (E), Joseph's dream (׳אַחַד עָשָׂר כ = 11 brethren); Deut 4:19 object of idolatrous worship (compare below); observed in augury ׳הַחֹזִים בַּכּ Isa 47:13 (of Babylon); Eccl 12:2 (|| (also) light; figurative of brightness of youth); || sun Job 9:7 || moon Ps 8:4 sign of evening Neh 4:15 (׳מֵעֲלוֺת הַשַּׁחַר עַד צֵאת הַכּ) compare כּוֺכְבֵי נִשְׁכּוֺ Job 3:9 (apparently sign of dawn); numbered by God Ps 147:4 simile of abundant posterity, Gen 15:5; Gen 22:17; Gen 26:4; Exod 32:13 (all J E); of Israel Deut 1:10; Deut 10:22; Deut 28:62; 1Chr 27:32; Neh 9:23 of number of merchants of Nineveh Nah 3:16 as lofty, Job 22:12 so in figure of haughty nations Obad 1:4; Isa 14:13 compare symbolic vision of Daniel (|| צָבָא, צְבָא הַשָּׁמַיִם) Dan 8:10 simile of brightness of righteous Dan 12:3 not pure (זַכּוּ) before God Job 25:5 (|| moon); darkened in Yahweh's judgment Joel 2:10; Joel 4:15; Ezek 32:7 (|| sun and moon; so) Isa 13:10 (|| also כְּסִילֵיהֶם); personified: as fighting Judg 5:20 shouting Job 38:7 (בְּרָןיַֿחַד כּוֺכְבֵי בֹקֶר, || בְּנֵי אֱלֹחִים); praising Ps 148:3 (כּוֺכְבֵי אוֺר, || sun and moon). — On stars in Arabic mythology see WeSkizzen iii. 173 f.

stars, star
kôkāb
a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince
  • star
    • of Messiah, brothers, youth, numerous progeny, personification, God's omniscience (figuratively)

הַ שָּׁמָ֑יִם
הַ
Prefix — article the
שָּׁמָ֑יִם
Root word heaven, heavens, air
Dictionary form: שָׁמַיִם · shaw-ma-YIM

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

In the KJV here: of heaven
heaven ×76 of heaven ×74 the heavens ×50 the heaven ×22 of the heaven ×20 of the air ×19 from heaven ×15 in heaven ×15
More options
sky — Best for atmospheric or visible dome contexts.
heavens — Modernized plural; suits poetic or cosmic scope.
heaven — Theological or divine dwelling; singular register.
atmosphere — Technical/scientific contexts; birds, weather, air.
cosmos — Emphasizes vast, ordered universe; rare but vivid.
firmament — Retains ancient cosmological feel; use sparingly.

BDB8792 H8064

BDB8791 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8793

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

1. a. visible heavens, sky, where stars, etc., are Judg 5:20; Gen 15:5 (J), Deut 4:19; Gen 1:14; Gen 1:15; Gen 1:17 (P), hence ׳כּוֺכְבֵי הַשּׁ Gen 22:17 (JE) = 9 t. (usually as countless), ׳(כָּלֿ) צְבָא הַשּׁ Deut 4:19; Jer 8:2 + ( ׳צ 1 c; rarely of angels, ׳צ 1 b; before which fowl fly Gen 1:20 (P), compare Deut 4:17; Jer 8:7; Prov 30:19, ׳עוֺף הַשּׁ Gen 2:19 (J), Gen 1:19 (P) + (עוֺף 1), ׳צִפֹּר שׁ Ps 8:9, ׳נִשְׁרֵי שׁ Lam 4:19 as רָקִיע (q. v.) Gen 1:8 (P), Ps 19:2, with waters beneath and above Gen 1:9 (P, compare vGen 1:7), Ps 148:4, darkened with clouds 1Kgs 18:45, cleared by wind Job 26:13 whence comes rain Gen 8:2 (J), Judg 5:4; Deut 11:11 +, and dew Gen 27:28 (J), vGen 27:39 (E), Deut 33:28 (poem) +. compare ׳בִּרְכֹת שׁ Gen 49:25 (poem in J), ׳מֶגֶר שׁ Deut 33:13 (poem), but also (destructive) fire 2Kgs 1:10 (twice in verse); Job 1:16 + (see also 2 a below); ׳הֹבְרֵישׁ Isa 47:13, i.e. astrologers, compare ׳אוֺתוֺתהַשּׁ Jer 10:2 as high Gen 11:4 (J), Amos (:2 (opposed to שְׁאוֺל), vGen 11:6 (opposed to אֶרֶץ) +, ׳עַדלֵֿב הַשּׁ Deut 4:11as over all the earth, ׳תַּחַת (כָּלֿ)הַשּׁ Gen 6:17; Gen 7:19 (both P), Deut 2:25; Eccl 1:13 ׳מִתַּחַת וגו (of extermination) Exod 17:14 (E), Deut 7:24; Deut 9:14 +; specifically of Israel, שָׁמֶיךָ Deut 28:23, שְׁמֵיכֶם Lev 26:19 (H); וּבֵין הָאָרֶץ ׳בֵּין הַשּׁ 2Sam 18:9 (hung from tree), 1Chr 21:16 (of angel), compare Ezek 8:3 (Ezekiel in vision), Zech 5:9 (flying ephah); וְעַדקְֿצֵה ׳מִקְּצֵה הַשּׁ ׳הַשּׁ of limits of horizon Deut 4:32, compare Deut 30:4; Neh 1:9; Ps 19:7 as made by God Jer 51:15 (opposed to תֵּבֵל), Ps 8:4 + enduring Deut 11:21; Job 14:12; Ps 89:30 especiallyוְ(הָ)אָרֶץ ׳(הַ)שּׁ = universe (compare in Sabean, SabDenkmNo.41.42, l.3) Deut 3:24; Gen 1:1 (P) + (especially Deuteronomy, Isa2, Psalms), + הַיָם Exod 20:11; Hag 2:6, etc., + מַיִם מִתַּחַת לָאָרֶץ Exod 20:4= Deut 5:8,.compare Prov 30:4, etc.; opposed to תְּהוֺם Prov 8:27 (+ אֶרֶץ vProv 8:29) חֲרָשִׁים וְהָאָרֶץ חֲרָשָׁה ׳שׁ as part of future glory Isa 65:17; Isa 66:22.
  b. phrases are: ׳אֲרֻבּוֺת הַשּׁ (letting rain through) Gen 7:11; Gen 8:2 (P), Mal 3:10 (figurative), compare ׳בַּשּׁ ׳א ׳הֲיַעֲשֶׂה י 2Kgs 7:2; 2Kgs 7:19, so ׳דַּלְתֵי שׁ Ps 78:23 (for manna), compare ׳דְָּגַן שׁ, vPs 78:24, ׳לֶחֶם שׁ Ps 105:40 ׳מוֺסְדוֺת הַשּׁ 2Sam 22:8 (|| הָאָרֶץ; in || Ps 18:8 חָרִים ׳מ), ׳עַמּוּרֵי שׁ Job 26:11, ׳חוּג שׁ Job 22:14 towards the sky is הַשָּׁמַ֫יְמָה Josh 8:20(J), Exod 9:8; Exod 9:10 (P), Job 2:12; Judg 13:20; Judg 20:40; 2Chr 6:13 עַלהַֿשָּׁמַיִם Exod 9:22; Exod 9:23; Exod 10:21; Exod 10:22(all E), ׳אֶלשֿׁ Deut 32:40 (poem), Dan 12:7, ׳שׁ alone 1Kgs 8:22; 1Kgs 8:54; Job 35:5; Prov 23:5.
2. a. as abode of God (׳י) 1Kgs 8:30; 1Kgs 8:32 + often, where he sits enthroned Ps 2:3; Isa 66:1, etc., compare ׳רֹכֵבשׁ Deut 33:26(poem), Ps 68:34, whence he rains brimstone Gen 19:24 (J), bread Exod 16:4 (E), compare Neh 9:15, casts hailstones Josh 11:11 (E), talks with Israel Exod 20:22 (E; Gi vExod 20:19) +, compare Gen 21:17; Gen 22:11; Gen 22:15 (E), looks down Deut 26:15 +, hears his people Ps 20:7+ 10 t. Chronicles, etc.; he thunders ׳בַּשּׁ 1Sam 2:10; Ps 18:14,|| ׳מִןשֿׁ 2Sam 22:14 he bends (נטה) ׳שׁ to come down v2Sam 22:10= Ps 18:10, compare Ps 144:5 and (rend) Isa 63:19 ׳נִפְּתְּחוּ הַשּׁ Ezek 1:1 in vision of God, compare ׳שַׁעַר הַשּׁ Gen 28:17 (E; + בֵּית אֱלֹהִים); though even ׳שְׁמֵי הַשּׁ the highest heuvens cannot hold him Deut 10:14; 1Kgs 8:27 2 Chron 6:18, 2Chr 2:5; Neh 9:6; Ps 148:4, שְׁמֵי שְׁמֵיקֶֿדֶם Ps 68:34 he is called ׳אֱלֹהֵי הַשּׁ (post-exilic title) Ezra 1:2 = 2Chr 36:23 + 11 t. Ezra Nehemiah; Jonah 1:9 (compare Aramaic, Dan 2:18; Dan 2:19; Dan 2:37; Dan 2:44 in Gen 24:7 add with ᵐ5 וֵאלֹהֵי הָאָרֶץ, as vGen 24:3), ׳אֵלהַֿשׁ Ps 136:26 his sword is ׳בַּשׁ Isa 34:5, but also his חֶסֶד Ps 36:6, צֶדֶק Ps 85:12, אֱמוּנָח Ps 89:3, his word fixed Ps 119:89. — ׳שׁ are שָׁמָיו (of Israel) Deut 33:28 (poem), שְׁמֵיכֶם Lev 26:19 שָׁמֶיךָ Ps 8:4; Ps 144:5, ׳שְׁמֵי י Lam 3:66, קָדְשׁוֺ ׳שׁ Ps 20:7.
  b. Elijah taken up ׳הַשּׁ in whirlwind 2Kgs 2:1, compare v2Kgs 2:11.
3. ׳הַשּׁ personified in various relations Isa 1:2; Jer 2:12; Job 15:15; Ps 19:2; Ps 50:6 = Ps 97:6; Ps 89:6; Ps 148:4.
4. מְלֶכֶת ׳הַשּׁ see ׳מ p. 573.

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

BDB9965 H8064 H8065

BDB9964 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9966

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

1. visible sky Jer 10:11; Dan 4:8; Dan 4:10; Dan 4:17; Dan 4:19; Dan 4:20; Dan 4:27; Dan 4:28 ׳עוֺף שׁ Dan 2:38 ׳צִפֲּרֵי שׁ Dan 4:9; Dan 4:18 ׳טַל שׁ v.Dan 4:12 v.Dan 4:20 v.Dan 4:22 v.Dan 4:30; Dan 5:21 ׳רוּחֵי שׁ Dan 7:2 winds of the sky; ׳עֲנָנֵי שׁ vDan 7:13 heavens + earth = universe Jer 10:11, where God shews signs Dan 6:28.
2.heavens as abode of God Dan 2:28; Dan 4:31, hence, figurative, as ruling v.Dan 4:23 (׳שׁ sometimes = God in Late Hebrew, J, Aramaic, DWorte Jesu 179; Eng.Tr.218 f.); as abode of angels v.Dan 4:32 (Dr); elsewhere in phrase ׳אֱלָהּ שׁ Dan 2:18; Dan 2:19; Dan 2:37; Dan 2:44; Ezra 5:11; Ezra 5:12; Ezra 6:9; Ezra 6:10; Ezra 7:12; Ezra 7:21; Ezra 7:23 (twice in verse), ׳מֶלֶךְ שׁ Dan 4:34, ׳מָרֵא שׁ Dan 5:23.

heaven, heavens, air
šāmayim
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve)
  • heaven, heavens, sky
    • visible heavens, sky
      • as abode of the stars
        • "as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc
      Heaven (as the abode of God)

יֶ֥לֶק
יֶ֥לֶק
Root word cankerworm, caterpillers
Dictionary form: יֶלֶק · yeh-LEK

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: the cankerworm
the cankerworm ×2 and caterpillers ×1 and that which the cankerworm ×1 as the cankerworm ×1 as with caterpillers ×1 caterpillers ×1 hath the cankerworm ×1 like the cankerworm ×1
More options
locust — Broad, recognizable term; fits most poetic and prose contexts.
young locust — Highlights a juvenile or swarming stage of the insect.
hopping locust — Emphasizes movement; useful in plague or judgment imagery.
caterpillar — Modernizes the KJV 'caterpillers'; acceptable in agricultural devastation contexts.
stripping insect — Functional description; clarifies the locust's destructive feeding action.
swarming locust — Stresses the mass, plague-like nature; vivid in prophetic texts.

BDB3562 H3218

BDB3561 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3563

יֶ֫לֶק noun masculineNah 3:16 a kind of locust, absolute יֶלֶק Nah 3:16 + 5 t.; יָ֑לֶק Joel 1:4 + 2 t.; — always collective:
  a. as devouring || גָּזָם, אַרְבֶּה, חָסִיל, Joel 1:4 (twice in verse); Joel 2:25 || אַרְבֶּה Ps 105:34 (of Egyptian plague), compare Nah 3:15 a (but strike out We).
  b. in simile of multitude of men Nah 3:15b Jer 51:14 of horses vJer 51:27 (יֶלֶק סָמָר).
  c. in simile of scattering and disappearing Nah 3:16.

יַלְקוּט see לקט.

cankerworm, caterpillers
yeleq
a devourer; specifically, the young locust
  • young locust (early stage of development)
    • caterpillar (as devouring)

פָּשַׁ֖ט
פָּשַׁ֖ט
Root word off, strip, stripped, invaded, flay, …
Dictionary form: פָּשַׁט · paw-SHAHT

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

In the KJV here: spoileth
to strip ×2 also had invaded ×1 and fell ×1 and flay ×1 and he shall flay ×1 and he shall put off ×1 and invaded ×1 and put off ×1
More options
strip — Core meaning; removing garments or coverings.
raid — Best for military incursions into enemy territory.
flay — Specifically for skinning sacrificial or slaughtered animals.
rush — Captures sudden, violent forward movement or assault.
remove — Neutral option when stripping clothing is in view.
spread out — For contexts of extending or stretching something flat.

BDB6848 H6584

BDB6847 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6849

פָּשַׁט verb strip off, make a dash, raid (compare Assyrian pašât‰u, expunge, obliterate; Late Hebrew פָּשַׁט Aramaic פְּשַׁט, , are stretch out, extend, make plain, so Arabic ); —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳פ Hos 7:1 +, 2 masculine singular וּפָשַׁטְדָמתּ֫ Judg 9:33, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular וַיִפְשַׁט 1Sam 19:24 3 masculine plural יִפְשֹׁ֑טוּ Ezek 26:1, etc.; Imperative masculine singular פְּשֹׁ֫טָה Isa 32:11 Participle plural פּשְׁטִים Neh 4:17 —
1. strip off, put off, one's garment (accusative) 1Sam 19:24; Ezek 26:16; Lev 6:4 (opposed to לָבַשׁ), Lev 16:23 (id.; both P), Neh 4:17; Song 5:3 accusative omitted Isa 32:11 of locusts Nah 3:16 stripping off (sheaths of wings, compare Da Dr Amos.85).
2. put off (one's shelter), i.e. make a dash (from a sheltered place), with אֶל Judg 20:37, absolute Judg 9:44 especially of marauding foray Hos 7:1, c עַל against Judg 9:33; Judg 9:44; 1Sam 23:27; 1Sam 30:14 (insert עַל compare ᵐ5 We Dr al), Job 1:17 c אֶל 1Sam 27:8; 1Sam 30:1, with בְּ 1Chr 14:9; 1Chr 14:13; 2Chr 25:13; 2Chr 28:18 in 1Sam 27:10 read אָן (for אַלֿ) We Dr and others Pi`el infinitive constructלְפַשֵּׁט, with accusative of person 1Sam 31:8 to strip the slain = 1Chr 10:8 absolute only to strip (that is, the slain) 2Sam 23:10 (insert also || 1Chr 11:13 Dr). Hiph`il Perfect 3 masculine singular הִפְשִׁיט Job 19:9 3 masculine plural suffix וְהִפְשִׁיטוךְ Ezek 23:26 etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular וַיַּפְשֵׁט Num 20:28 1 singular suffix אַפְשִׁיטֶנָּה Hos 2:5 2 masculine plural תַּפְשִׁט֑וּן Mic 2:8, etc.; Imperative הַפְשֵׁט Num 20:26 Infinitive construct הַפְשִׁיט 2Chr 29:34 Participle plural מַפְשִׁיטִים 2Chr 35:11 —
1. strip one of garment (2 accusative) Gen 37:23 (E), Num 20:26; Num 20:28 (opposed to הִלְבִּישׁ>), Ezek 16:39; Ezek 23:26 a. accusative of person alone 1Chr 10:9; Hos 2:5 strip her (suffix) naked (עֲרֻמָּה).
2. strip off, accusativeכֵּלָיו1Sam 31:9, clothing Job 22:6 with accusative אֶדֶר + מִטּוּל Mic 2:8 with accusative עוֺר + מֵעַל Mic 3:3, compare (accusative כְּבוֺדִי) Job 19:9.
3. flay, with accusative הָעֹלָה Lev 1:6; 2Chr 29:4 accusative omitted 2Chr 35:11. Hithpa`el Imperfect 3 masculine singular וַיִּתְפַּשֵּׁט 1Sam 18:4 he stripped himself of his garment (accusative).

off, strip, stripped, invaded, flay, …
pāšaṭ
to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)
  • to strip, invade, strip off, make a dash, raid, spread out
    • (Qal)
      • to strip off, put off
        • "to put off (one's shelter), make a dash
      (Piel) to strip"(Hiphil)
      • to strip of
        • "to strip off"to flay
      (Hithpael) to strip oneself of

וַ יָּעֹֽף
וַ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
יָּעֹֽף
Root word fly, flying, away, faint, flieth, …
Dictionary form: עוּף · oop

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

Verb — Qal, Sequential Imperfect (Wayyiqtol), third person masculine singular simple action — "he did" story-telling past — try "and he ___ed" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

In the KJV here: and flieth away
a flying ×2 and did fly ×2 and fiery flying ×1 and flieth away ×1 and we fly away ×1 and weary ×1 but they shall fly ×1 by flying ×1
More options
fly — Core meaning; broadest and most versatile choice.
soar — Emphasizes swift, effortless upward flight.
dart away — Suggests sudden, rapid departure or escape.
flit — Light, quick movement; good for poetic or vivid contexts.
grow faint — Captures the secondary 'weary/faint' sense of the lemma.
swoop — Implies swift, diving motion; useful for bird or attack imagery.

BDB5894 H5774

BDB5893 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5895

I. עוּף verb fly (Late Hebrew id., (rare) flicker, flutter, עוֺף fowl; Aramaic עוֺפָא, id.; Ethiopic id.; Arabic augury, from birds (compare WeHeid. 2, 202), fortune, , practice augury, augur; also , fly about, of birds); —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine plural וְעָפוּ consecutive Isa 11:14 Imperfect 3 masculine singular יָעוּף Job 20:8; Ps 91:5 + Prov 23:5b Qr (> Kt ועוף [van d. H.], or ועיף [Ginsb]); וַיָּעֹ֑ף 2Sam 22:11 = Ps 18:11; Nah 3:16, וַיָּ֫עָף Isa 6:6 3 feminine singular (הֲ)תָעוּף Prov 23:5 a Kt (see below); 3 feminine plural תְּעוּפֶינָה Isa 60:8, etc.; Infinitive construct עוּף Job 5:7; Prov 26:2 Participle feminine singular עָפָה Zech 5:1; Zech 5:2 plural עָפוֺת Isa 31:5 —
1. a. fly, of birds Deut 4:17, specifically of swallow (in simile) Prov 26:2 (|| נוּד); of seraph Isa 6:6 (compare
Po`1.); ׳י riding (רכב) on cherub 2Sam 22:11 = Ps 18:11 roll (in vision) Zech 5:1; Zech 5:2 arrow Ps 91:5 of swift army Isa 11:14 (under figure of bird, followed by בְּכָתֵף) Hab 1:8 (simile of vulture); figurative of ships (like cloud, or doves) Isa 60:8 בְּנֵירֶֿשֶׁף יַגְבִּיהוּ עוּף Job 5:7 make high to fly, i.e. make their flight high, soar aloft (simile of irresistible tendency).
  b. hover (protectingly) Isa 31:5 (birds, simile of ׳י; on sense compare Deut 32:11).
2. fly away, to a distance, Ps 55:7 (figurative; || אַרְחִיק נְדֹד vPs 55:8); = vanish, of locusts Nah 1:16 (figurative); כְּנֶשֶׁר יָעוּף הַשָּׁמַיִם Prov 23:5b (Qr) simile of riches (see Toy); of wicked Job 20:8 (כַּחֲלוֺם); end of life, in general, וַנָּעֻ֑פָה Ps 90:10. — הֲתָעוּף Prov 23:5 a Kt, do thine eyes fly (light) upon it ? (הֲתָעִיף Hiph`il Qr dost thou cause thine eyes to fly, etc. ?) is difficult, and line perhaps not original (see Toy).
Po`l. 1. fly about, to and fro; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יְעוֺפֵף of birds Gen 1:20 (P); seraphim Isa 6:2 Participle שָׂרָף מְעוֺפֵף flying fiery serpent Isa 14:29; Isa 30:6.
2. cause to fly to and fro, brandish, Infinitive construct suffix בְּעוֺפְפִי חַרְבִּי Ezek 32:10 when I brandish my sword before them. Hithpo`el Imperfect 3 masculine singular כָּעוֺף יִתְעוֺפֵף כְּבוֺדָם Hos 9:11 like a bird their glory shall fly away. Hiph`il Imperfect 2 masculine singular Qr, see Qal near the end

BDB5897 H5774

BDB5896 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5898

II. [עוּף], I. [עִיף] verb be dark; — only Qal Imperfect 2 masculine singular תָּעֻ֫פָה Job 11:17 (though) it be dark, but read probably תְּעֻפָה, substantive, see below

BDB6033 H5774 H5888

BDB6032 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6034

II. [עִיף] verb be faint (compare Syriac 3, PS2835; || form of יעף q. v.; occurrences dubious); —

Qal Perfect 3 feminine singular עָֽיְפָה נַפְשִׁי לְ Jer 4:31 (? read עֲיֵפָה); Imperfect 3 masculine singular וַיָּ֫עַף Judg 4:21 (< וְיָעֵף GFM Bu), 1Sam 14:28 (strike out We Bu Kit Löhr, emendation HPS), v1Sam 14:31 (read וַיִּעַף [√ יעף] Buhl HPS), 2Sam 21:15 (corrupt, HPS; for Philistine name We Dr Bu Kit).

BDB9756 H5774 H5776

BDB9755 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9757

עוֺף noun [masculine] fowl (see Biblical Hebrew, √ I. עוּף); — ׳ע absolute Dan 7:6 wings of a fowl; construct Dan 2:38 collective

fly, flying, away, faint, flieth, …
ʿûp
to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)
  • (v) to fly, fly about, fly away
    • (Qal)
      • to fly, hover
        • "to fly away
      (Hiphil) to cause to fly, light upon"(Polel)
      • to fly about or to and fro
        • "to cause to fly to and fro, brandish
      (Hithpolel) to fly away
    (Qal) to cover, be dark"(n f) gloom

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.
הִרְבֵּית֙ Pashta — a lesser break רֹֽכְלַ֔יִךְ Zaqef Qatan — a strong break מִכּוֹכְבֵ֖י Tipeha — a lesser break הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם Etnahta — the verse's main pause — take a breath here יֶ֥לֶק פָּשַׁ֖ט Tipeha — a lesser break וַיָּעֹֽף Silluq — end of the verse

הִרְבֵּית רֹֽכְלַיִךְ מִכּוֹכְבֵי הַשָּׁמָיִם יֶלֶק פָּשַׁט וַיָּעֹֽף׃
16
Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven: the cankerworm spoileth, and flieth away.
Cross References

Genesis 22:17

כִּֽי-בָרֵךְ אֲבָֽרֶכְךָ וְהַרְבָּה אַרְבֶּה אֶֽת-זַרְעֲךָ כְּכֽוֹכְבֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם וְכַחוֹל אֲשֶׁר עַל-שְׂפַת הַיָּם וְיִרַשׁ זַרְעֲךָ אֵת שַׁעַר אֹֽיְבָֽיו׃
17
That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

Genesis 15:5

וַיּוֹצֵא אֹתוֹ הַחוּצָה וַיֹּאמֶר הַבֶּט-נָא הַשָּׁמַיְמָה וּסְפֹר הַכּוֹכָבִים אִם-תּוּכַל לִסְפֹּר אֹתָם וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ כֹּה יִֽהְיֶה זַרְעֶֽךָ׃
5
And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

Jeremiah 33:22

אֲשֶׁר לֹֽא-יִסָּפֵר צְבָא הַשָּׁמַיִם וְלֹא יִמַּד חוֹל הַיָּם כֵּן אַרְבֶּה אֶת-זֶרַע דָּוִד עַבְדִּי וְאֶת-הַלְוִיִּם מְשָׁרְתֵי אֹתִֽי׃
22
As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.

Nehemiah 9:23

וּבְנֵיהֶם הִרְבִּיתָ כְּכֹֽכְבֵי הַשָּׁמָיִם וַתְּבִיאֵם אֶל-הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר-אָמַרְתָּ לַאֲבֹֽתֵיהֶם לָבוֹא לָרָֽשֶׁת׃
23
Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it.
Nahum 3:15
Read Nahum 3
Nahum 3:17