Nehemiah 2:4

Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

וַ יֹּ֤אמֶר
וַ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
יֹּ֤אמֶר
Root word said, saying, saith, say, spake, …
Dictionary form: אָמַר · aw-MAHR

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: said
said ×947 saying ×718 and said ×688 saith ×527 and he said ×343 then said ×139 say ×122 and say ×119
More options
say — Most versatile; fits nearly any context or register.
declare — Emphasizes formal or authoritative pronouncement.
tell — Prefer when communication to an audience is stressed.
speak — Highlights the act of oral expression itself.
command — Use when the utterance carries directive force.
think — Fits internal or reflective speech contexts.

BDB557 H559

BDB556 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB558

אָמַר5287 verb utter, say (MI, Phoenician אמר, Aramaic אֲמַר, Ethiopic I. 2 shew, declare, Arabic command; perhaps √ אמר originally = be or make prominent, hence Hithpa`el below, אָמִיר; Sabean אמר lofty, epithet of king JHMordtmZMG 1876, 37; compare DlPr 28 who thinks original meaning hell, sichtbar sein, whence Assyrian amâru, see, & shew, declare, say) — Qal Perfect ׳א Gen 3:1 +, etc.; Imperfect יאֹמַר Gen 31:8 +; וַיּאֹ֫מֶר Gen 1:3 +; וַיּאֹמַ֑ר Gen 14:19 +; in Job always וַיּאֹ֑מַר Job 3:2 +; 3 feminine singular תּאֹמַר Gen 21:12 +; תּאֹמֵר֑ Prov 1:21 1 singular אֹמַר Gen 22:2 +; אוֺמְרָה Ps 42:10 וָאֹמַר Gen 20:13 +; וָאוֺמַר Neh 2:7; Neh 2:17; Neh 2:20 3 masculine plural יאֹמְדוּ Exod 4:1 + etc.; suffix יֹמְרוּךָ Ps 139:20 2 masculine plural תֹּמְדוּ 2Sam 19:14 ( compare i. p. 385); Imperative (אֱמָרֿ) אֱמֹר Gen 45:17 +, etc.; Infinitive absolute אָמוֺר Exod 21:5 +; construct אֱמֹר Ezek 25:8 +; (הַ)אֲמֹר Job 34:18 but read הָאֹמֵר ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Di, or better הֶאָמֹר Infinitive absolute with ה interrogative compare Ew :§ 328 d; suffix אָמְרִי Josh 6:10 +; אֲמָרְכֶם Jer 23:38 אֱמָרְכֶם Mal 1:7 +; לֵאמֹר Gen 1:22 +, etc.; Participle active אֹמֵר Gen 32:10 +, etc.; passive הֶאָמוּר Mic 2:7, but this grammatically indefensible, read הֶאָמוֺר, Infinitive absolute with ה interrogative, see DrExpositor, April, 1887, 263.

1. Say (subject God Gen 3:1 + or man Gen 32:5, serpent Gen 3:1, ass Num 22:28, horse יאֹמַר הֶאָח Job 39:25 etc.; inanimate things, personified Job 28:14 compare vJob 28:22 etc.; so in allegory or fable Judg 9:8; 2Kgs 14:9 etc.; especially in narration, וַיּאֹמֶר etc., Gen 4:6 + very often): mostly followed by thing said, either substantive Jer 14:17 (c. clause app.) Deut 27:16f.; Judg 12:6 pronoun Gen 44:16; 2Kgs 20:14 +; or (usually) clause Gen 1:3; Gen 3:1; Gen 37:20 + often (oratio recta [direct speech]); with adverb thus, so Gen 32:5; Num 20:14; 1Kgs 20:3; 1Kgs 20:5 + often; especially ׳כֹּה אָמַר י Exod 5:1; Exod 7:17; Exod 8:1; Exod 8:20; 1Chr 17:4 + often; the person addressed usually introduced by אֶל Gen 3:1; Gen 15:7; Gen 22:7; Lev 21:1; 2Sam 3:7; 1Kgs 12:5; 1Kgs 12:23, or לְ Gen 3:13; Gen 4:15; 1Sam 20:2; 2Sam 2:21; 1Kgs 14:2 + often; rarer combinations are, בְּאָזְנֵי ׳א Isa 49:20 (compare Isa 5:9 & see דבר); לִפְנֵי ׳א Ezek 28:9 לְעֵינֵי ׳א Deut 31:7; Josh 10:12; Jer 28:11 בְּ ׳א Joel 2:17; Ps 126:2, where בְּ local; in all cases usually followed by direct object of words said, Exod 19:25 being very singular; Gen 4:8 the object-clause has probably fallen out, compare Vrss Di; = mention, name, designate Gen 22:2; Gen 22:3; Gen 43:27; Gen 43:29; Exod 32:13; Num 14:40; 1Sam 10:16; 1Sam 16:3; 2Sam 6:22; Neh 6:19 compare Ps 139:20 יֹמְרוּךָ לִמְזִמָּה speak of thee for falsehood (but many, as Hup Pe Dy Che, read יַמְרוּךָ); = tell, declare, proclaim, (followed by direct object only) Ps 40:11; Ezek 13:7 in reply to question = answer Exod 12:27; Josh 4:7; 1Kgs 9:9; Jer 5:19; Jer 22:9. The object spoken of may be referred to by אֶל 2Kgs 19:32; Jer 22:18; Jer 27:19, or לְ Gen 20:13 אִמְרִי לִֹי say of me, etc. Deut 33:9; Judg 9:54; Isa 5:20; Ps 3:3; Ps 71:10, very rarely by a simple accusative Isa 3:10 (where read probably for אִמְרוּ, אַשְׁרֵי), except after אֲשֶׁר where the words used follow (compare אֲשֶׁר 4 d) Gen 3:17; Num 10:29; Num 14:31; Deut 28:68; Judg 7:4; 1Sam 9:17; 1Sam 9:23b 1Kgs 8:29; Lam 4:20 compare Num 21:16; 2Kgs 17:12; 2Kgs 21:4, & (two extreme cases) Isa 8:12; Lam 2:15 (see DrSm i. 24, 5); ֶ˜האָמוּר Mic 2:7 read infinitive absolute with ה interrogative הֶאָמוֺר (see above) shall one say ? shall it be said ? After another verb of saying, introducing thing said: Deut 21:7; Deut 25:9; Deut 27:15; Song 2:10 +, even after אמר Gen 22:7; Lev 21:1; Jer 34:2; Esth 7:5 +; especially infinitive לֵאמֹר, after דבר Gen 8:15, צוה Gen 2:16, ענה Gen 44:16, ברך Gen 1:22, נשׁבע Gen 24:7, נדר Gen 28:20, etc.; after אמר 2Sam 3:18; 1Kgs 12:23; Ruth 4:4; 1Chr 21:18 +; after שׁלח 2Chr 35:21, שׁוּב Gen 32:7 compare also Gen 28:6; Gen 9:5; Gen 13:8; Gen 17:4; Deut 13:7; Judg 8:15; 1Sam 23:2; 1Kgs 13:3; Jer 32:3; Jer 37:9 +; also when subject of לֵאמֹר differs from that of pre-ceding clause Gen 31:1; Gen 38:13; Gen 38:24 etc.; after שׁמע Isa 37:9 = 2Kgs 19:9.

2. Say in the heart (= think) בלבב ׳א Deut 8:17 compare 1Kgs 12:26; Ps 10:6; Ps 10:11; Ps 10:13; Ps 14:1; Ps 35:25; Isa 14:13; Isa 47:8; Isa 47:10; Isa 49:21; Eccl 2:1; Eccl 2:15; Eccl 3:17; Eccl 3:18 לִלְבָבָם ׳א Hos 7:2 אֶללִֿבּוֺ ׳א Gen 8:21 said unto his heart (to himself), subject ׳י, compare 1Sam 27:1 אָֽמְרָה נַפֲשִׁי Lam 3:24 thence ׳א alone Gen 20:11; Gen 26:9; Num 24:11; Ruth 4:4; 1Sam 20:26; 2Sam 5:6; 2Sam 12:22; 2Kgs 5:11 followed by clause with כִּי Judg 15:2 in particular = desire מַהתּֿאֹמַר נַפְשְׁךָ 1Sam 20:4 compare Esth 2:13 followed by infinitive = purpose, Exod 2:14 thinkest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian ? Josh 22:33; 1Sam 30:6; 1Kgs 5:19; 2Chr 28:10; 2Chr 28:13 expect 2Sam 21:16 he expected to slay David 2Chr 13:8; 2Chr 32:1.

3. Promise (followed by infinitive) 1Chr 27:23; 2Chr 21:7; Esth 4:7 (id. + ל of person) 2Kgs 8:19; Neh 9:15 (followed by accusative of direct object + ל of person + infinitive of purpose) Neh 9:23.

4. Command (especially late) followed by אֶלֿ of per-son addressed, Num 15:38; 1Chr 21:18 followed by ל Josh 11:9; 2Sam 16:11; 2Kgs 4:24; Job 9:7; Ps 106:34 (see below אֲשֶׁר 8 e); followed by infinitive 1Sam 24:11; 1Chr 21:17; 2Chr 1:18; 2Chr 29:27; 2Chr 29:30; 2Chr 31:11; 2Chr 35:21; Esth 1:17; Esth 4:13; Esth 4:15; Esth 6:1; Esth 9:14 followed by infinitive + ל of pers, 2Chr 14:3; 2Chr 29:21; 2Chr 31:4; followed by accusative direct object 2Chr 29:24 the king commanded the burnt-offering and the sin-offering, compare 1Kgs 5:20; Esth 2:15 followed by clause with אשׁר = that Neh 13:19 id. + ל of person vNeh 13:22 followed by clause with כִּי Job 36:10 absolute 1Sam 16:16 (read however probably יאמרו for יאמר, compare Dr); also Ps 105:31; Ps 105:34; Ps 107:25; 1Chr 14:12; 2Chr 24:8; Neh 13:9; Neh 13:19 (all followed by verb consecutive); command by letter עִםהַֿסֵּפֶר ׳א Esth 9:25 (followed by imperfect); appoint, assign לוֺ ׳לֶחֶם א 1Kgs 11:18 = threaten followed by infinitive Deut 9:25; Ps 106:23. Niph`al Perfect נֶאֱמַר Dan 8:26 Imperfect יֵאָמֵר Gen 22:14 +; יֵאָ֫מֶר לוֺ Isa 4:3 יֵאָמַ֑ר Gen 10:9 +; וַיֵּאָמַ֑ר Josh 2:2 be said, told Gen 10:9; Gen 22:14; Ps 87:5; Jer 4:11; Jer 16:14 (all absolute, indefinite subject, of current saying); so said in a book Num 21:14 be related, told, of vision Dan 8:26 said, told to (followed by ל indirect object) Josh 2:2; Hos 2:1 (twice in verse); Zeph 3:16 either so, or told concerning Num 23:23; Ezek 13:12 (אֶלֿ); יֵאָמֵר לָכֶם = ye shall be called (it shall be said to you) Isa 61:6 (|| תִּקָּרְאוּ), compare Isa 4:3; Isa 19:18; Isa 32:5 (|| יִקָּרֵא ל) Isa 62:4 (twice in verse); hence be called, of Tophet לֹאיֵֿאָמֵר עוֺד הַתֹּפֶת Jer 7:32 subject שֵׁם Gen 32:29; Job 34:31 כִּי אֶלאֵֿל הֶאָמַר, Rabb (compare AV) treat הֵאָמַר as Niph`al Infinitive for לְהֵאָמֵר, but against grammar; the form as it stands is Qal Perfect, אֶלאֵֿל being prefixed to the interrogative for emphasis (compare Jer 22:15; Jer 23:26; Neh 13:27), see Dr§ 9 Di and others; Hoffm., however, reads הֵאָמֵר infinitive absolute = imperative 'so must one speak (it be spoken) to God.' Hiph`il Perfect avow, avouch Deut 26:17 הֶאֱמַרְתָּ הַיּוֺם לִהְיוֺת לְךָ לֵאלֹהִים ׳אֶתיֿ; vDeut 26:18 ׳וי הֶאֱמִירְךָ היום להיות לוֺ לְעַם (literally cause to declare, i.e. through agency of Moses; on this & other interpretations see Di). Hithpa`el Imperfect יִתְאַמְּרוּ Ps 94:4 subject כָּלפֹּֿעֲלֵי אָ֑וֶן act proudly, boast (|| יַבִּיעוּ יְדַבְּרוּ עָתָק probably also 2 masculine plural תִּתְיַמָּ֑רוּ Isa 61:6 (in good sense, followed by בְּ of thing gloried in) ᵑ6 ᵑ9 ᵑ7 & compare ᵐ5; GesComm. so De Che i. 457 f. (from [ימר] exchange Thes Hi Kn Ew Di; but see ימר, מור).


BDB9309 H560 H559

BDB9308 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9310

אֲמַר71 verb say, tell, command (Biblical Hebrew אָמַר); —

Pe Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳א Dan 2:12 +, אֲמַ֑ר Dan 7:1 3 feminine singular אֲמֶ֫רֶר Dan 5:10 (K§ 38, 1 a); 1 singular אַמְרֵת Dan 4:5 1 plural אֲאַ֫רְנָא Dan 5:4; Dan 5:9, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יֵאמַר (K§ 41) Dan 2:7 +; 2 masculine plural תֵּאמְרוּן Jer 10:11, etc.; Imperative masculine singular אֱמַר Jer 2:4 +; masculine plural אֱמַרוּ Jer 2:9 Infinitive לְמֵאמַר vJer 2:9, לְמֵמַ֑ר Ezra 5:11 (K§ 41 a); Participle אְמַר Dan 2:5 + often, plural אָֽמְרִין Dan 3:4; Ezra 5:3 +; —
1. say (often in phrase answer and say): followed by oratio recta [direct speech] (only), Dan 2:7; Dan 2:10 + 13 t. Daniel; Ezra 5:11 + ל person Dan 2:5; Dan 3:14 + 14 t. Daniel [plural with indefinite subject for passive Dan 4:28], Ezra 5:15 + קְָדָס person Dan 2:9; Dan 5:17; Dan 6:13; Dan 6:14 + כֵּן Dan 4:11; Dan 7:23, כֵּן with ל person Ezra 5:8; Dan 2:24; Dan 2:25; Dan 6:7, compare Dan 7:5 + כְּנֵמָא with ל person Ezra 5:4; Ezra 5:9 + כִּדְנָךְ with ל person Jer 10:11 followed by accusative of thing + עַל person against whom Dan 3:29.
2. relate, tell: followed by accusative of thing Dan 4:6; Dan 4:15; Dan 7:1, + ל person Dan 2:4; Dan 2:9; Dan 2:7; Dan 7:16 (accusative of thing omitted), + קְָדָם person Dan 2:36; Dan 4:4; Dan 4:5.
3. command: followed by infinitive Dan 2:12; Dan 2:46 + 6 t. Daniel; followed by finite verb Dan 5:29; Dan 6:17; Dan 6:23 followed by ל person + or. rect. Dan 3:4 [pl. with indefinite subject, for passive, K§ 76 e, so Dan 4:23].

said, saying, saith, say, spake, …
ʾāmar
to say (used with great latitude)
  • to say, speak, utter
    • (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
    • "(Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called"(Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly"(Hiphil) to avow, to avouch

לִ י֙
לִ
Preposition to, for
י֙
Suffix — pronoun my / me

Preposition

it ×144 him ×95 them ×83 thee ×59 me ×53 unto him ×35 you ×28 he ×22

הַ מֶּ֔לֶךְ
הַ
Prefix — article the
מֶּ֔לֶךְ
Root word king, kings, royal
Dictionary form: מֶלֶךְ · meh-LEK

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: then the king
the king ×712 king ×501 and the king ×198 the kings ×192 of the kings ×104 of the king ×98 kings ×64 and king ×33
More options
king — Most natural modern equivalent; universally understood.
monarch — Formal register; suits literary or elevated prose.
ruler — Broader term; useful when royal rank is less central.
sovereign — Emphasizes supreme authority; good in legal or theological contexts.
royal — Adjectival use; fits compound nouns like 'royal court'.

BDB4669 H4428 H4429

BDB4668 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4670

I. מֶ֫לֶךְ2513 noun masculine king (Late Hebrew id.; MI1, 5, 10, 18, 23 מלך; Neh 1:4 המלכן; Phoenician מלך; Zinjirli מלך DHMSendsch. 60; Assyrian maliku, malku, prince (Assyrian šarru = king); Arabic king (original Hebrew *מַלִח inferred, LagBN 73 BaNB § 112 WMMAs. u. Europ.76); Sabean מלכן SabDenkmNo. 1; construct מלך, plural אמלך CISiv 37; compare Ethiopic God (and l.c.); Aramaic , מְלֵיךְ; Palmyrene מלך מלכא VogNo. 28; Nabataean מלכא EutNab. 1); — ׳מ absolute Gen 14:7 + (insert also 2Sam 13:17 ᵐ5 Th We Dr Kit Bu, and v2Sam 13:34 ᵐ5 We Dr Kit Bu); in p. always מֶ֑לֶךְ Gen 49:20 + 238 t. (so also proper name in מֶלֶךְ-); construct Gen 14:1 +; suffix מַלְכִּי 2Sam 19:44 + 6 t., etc.; plural מְלָכִים Gen 14:9 +; מְלָכִין Prov 31:3 construct מַלְכֵי Gen 17:16 +; suffix מְלָכֶיהָ Isa 7:16 + 3 t.; מַלְכֵיהֶם Deut 7:24 + 16 t., etc.; —

1. king: of Egypt Gen 39:20f.; Exod 1:8f.; Deut 11:3; 1Kgs 3:1 of Mesopotamia, Shinar, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, etc. Judg 3:8; Judg 3:10; Gen 14:1f.; 2Kgs 15:19; 2Kgs 15:20; 2Kgs 15:29; 2Kgs 17:3f.; 2Kgs 18:13f.; 2Kgs 24:1; 2Kgs 24:11f.; Ezra 1:1f.; Ezra 4:3f.; Esth 1:2 +, 1Kgs 11:18; 1Kgs 11:40; 1Kgs 14:25; 2Kgs 17:4f.; 2Kgs 23:29 +; of Canaan, Philistia, Edom, Moab, etc. (often of single city): Gen 14:2f.; vGen 14:18; Gen 20:2; Gen 26:1; Gen 26:8; Gen 36:31; Num 20:14; Num 21:1f.; Num 22:4; Num 22:10; Deut 1:4; Deut 3:1f.; Josh 2:2 (often in Joshua), Judg 1:7; Judg 5:19; Judg 8:5; Judg 8:12; Judg 11:12f.; 2Kgs 3:4f. +; of Aram, Hamath, etc. 2Sam 8:3f. v2Sam 8:9; 1Kgs 15:18; 1Kgs 20:1f.; 1Kgs 22:3; 2Kgs 5:1f.; 2Kgs 8:7f.; v2Kgs 8:29; 2Kgs 9:14; 2Kgs 9:15; 2Kgs 15:37; 2Kgs 16:5f. +; of Tyre, etc. 2Sam 5:11; 1Kgs 5:15; 1Kgs 9:11; 1Kgs 9:16+, etc.; especially of Israel (undivided, and of both divisions) Gen 36:31; Num 23:21; Num 24:7; Deut 17:14f.; Judg 17:6; Judg 18:1; Judg 19:1; Judg 21:25; 1Sam 2:10; 1Sam 8:5f.; 2Sam 2:4f.; 1Kgs 1:33; 1Kgs 1:34f. + very often; compare also Judg 9:5. — 2Sam 18:29b strike out ׳הַמּ We Klo Dr Kit Bu. Note that in early books המלך דוד is nearly always said; in late books usually המלך ׳שׁלמה וגו) דוד; compare Aramaic כּוֺרֶשׁ מַלְכָּא, etc.
2. of Davidic king, as under divine protection, 1Sam 2:10 (|| מְשִׁיחוֺ), Ps 2:6; Ps 18:51; Ps 89:19; Ps 61:7, compare Ps 99:4 so in (Messianic) prediction Hos 3:5; Isa 32:1; Jer 23:5; Ezek 37:22; Ezek 37:24; Zech 9:9.
3. used of ׳י as king of Israel 1Sam 12:12 in poetry Deut 33:5 compare Ps 5:3; Ps 10:16; Ps 29:10; Ps 44:5; Ps 48:3; Ps 68:25; Ps 74:12; Ps 84:4; Ps 145:1; Ps 149:2; Isa 41:21; Isa 43:15; Isa 44:6; Zeph 3:15 מֶלֶךְ הַכָּבוֺד Ps 24:7; Ps 24:8; Ps 24:9; Ps 24:10 (twice in verse); universal king Ps 47:3; Ps 47:8; Ps 95:3; Ps 98:6; Jer 10:7; Jer 10:10, compare Jer 46:18; Jer 48:15; Jer 51:57; Zech 14:9; Zech 14:16; Zech 14:17; Mal 1:14 of false god Amos 5:26.
4. in fable, king of trees Judg 9:8; Judg 9:15 figurative of crocodile Job 41:26 אֵין לָאַרְבֶּה ׳מ Prov 30:27 of death, מֶלֶךְ בַּלָּהוֺת Job 18:14.
5. combinations are: —
  a. הַגָּדוֺל ׳הַמּ 2Kgs 18:19; 2Kgs 18:28 = Isa 36:4; Isa 36:13 (of Assyrian king: compare Assyrian šarru rabu); גָּדוֺל ׳מ Eccl 9:14 (indefinite); of ׳י Mal 1:14, עַלכֿלאֿלהים ׳ג ׳מ Ps 95:3 ׳מ עוֺלָם Jer 10:10 (of ׳י); מְלָכִים ׳מ Ezek 26:7 (king of Babylon)
  b. יְחִי הַמֶּלֶךְ 1Sam 10:24; 2Sam 16:16 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 1:34; 1Kgs 1:39; 2Kgs 11:12; 2Chr 23:11 מֶלֶךְ בירושׁלם Eccl 1:1, compare Eccl 15:26; 2Sam 5:2; 1Kgs 14:2; 1Chr 29:25; 2Sam 2:11 (׳בחברון עלהֿיה מ) 1Kgs 11:37; 2Chr 28:4; Eccl 1:12.
  c. following a verb (one or two accusative) על ׳שִׂים מ Deut 17:14; Deut 17:15 (twice in verse); 1Sam 10:19 ׳שִׂים לָנוּ מ 1Sam 8:5 ׳שִׂים לְמ 1Kgs 10:9 לְ ׳נָתַן מ 1Sam 8:6; Hos 13:10; Hos 13:11 נָתַן עַל 1Sam 12:13; 2Chr 2:10; Neh 9:37; Neh 13:26 הִמְלִיךְ לְמֶלֶךְ Judg 9:6; 1Sam 15:11 על ׳הִמְלִיךְ מ 1Sam 12:1 לְ ׳הִמְלִיךְ מ 1Sam 8:22 ׳מָשַׁח מ עַל Judg 9:8 ׳מָשַׁח לְמ 1Kgs 1:45 עַל ׳מָשַׁךְ לְמ Judg 9:15; 1Sam 15:1; 1Sam 15:17; 2Sam 2:4; 2Sam 5:3; 2Sam 5:12; 2Sam 12:7; 1Kgs 1:34; 1Chr 11:3; 1Chr 14:8 יִהְיֶה על ׳מ 1Sam 8:19 על ׳בִּקֵּשׁ למ 2Sam 3:17 ׳הֵכִין לְמ על 2Sam 5:12; 1Chr 14:2 על ׳הֵקִים מ 1Kgs 14:14; Deut 28:36 ׳תַּחַת וגו ׳לְמ ׳יָשַׁב עַלכִּֿסֵּא י 1Chr 29:23, compare Prov 20:8 אלהיך ׳לְי ׳נָתַן עַלכִּֿסֵּא לְמ 2Chr 9:8.
  d. מַעֲדַנֵּימֶֿלךְ Gen 49:20 royal dainties, figurative; ׳מִשְׁתֵּה הַמּ 1Sam 25:36 royal feast (in simile); ׳אֶבֶן הַמּ 2Sam 14:26 king's weight; ׳יַדהַֿמּ 1Kgs 10:13 royal bounty (in simile); ׳גִּזֵּי הַמּ Amos 7:1 king's mowings; ׳מִקְדַּשׁ מ Amos 7:13 royal sanctuary; עֲטֶרֶת מַלְכָּם 2Sam 12:30 crown of their king = 1Chr 20:2 (but read מִלְכֹּם ᵐ5 We Klo Dr Kit Kau — not Bu KitChr. Hpt); compare also בַּיִת, עֵמֶק, גַּן, שָׁוֵה, etc. — proper name אבימלך, אחימלך, אלימלך, מלך, נתן, מלך, עבד, see below אב, אח, etc.


BDB4674 H4432 H1322 H4428

BDB4673 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4675

מֹ֫לֶךְ proper name, of a divinity Molech (ᵐ5 Μολοχ, ᵑ9 Moloch) (= מֶלֶךְ i.e. (divine) King, with vowels of בּשֶׁת to denote abhorrence, HoffmZAW iii. 1883, 124 RSSemitic i. 353; 2nd ed. 372; compare HoffmGG Abh. xxxvi. 1890 a (May, 1889), 25; Phoenician proper name, of divinity מלך Milk, in proper names compare Bloch, DrDt.222 f.); — with article ׳הַמּ: — the god to whom Israel sacrificed children with fire (in valley of Hinnom); ׳העביר בָּנֵשׁ לַ מּ 2Kgs 23:10 ׳העביר לַמּ Jer 32:35 (|| הַבַּעַל), Lev 18:21 (H); ׳נתן לַמּ Lev 20:2; Lev 20:3; Lev 20:4 (H); more generally ׳לִזְנוֺת אַחֲרֵי הַמּ vLev 20:5 (H). In 1Kgs 11:7 read probably מִלְכֹּם, q. v.


BDB4684 H4442 H6664 H4428

BDB4683 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4685

מַלְכִּיצֶֿ֫דֶק proper name, masculine king of שָׁלֵם (q. v.), (my king is ‚ede‡) — Gen 14:18. Ps 110:4. ᵐ5 Μελχισεδεκ.


BDB4685 H4443 H4428 H7311

BDB4684 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4686

מַלְכִּירָם proper name, masculine son of Jeconiah (= Jehoiakin) (my king (= Yahweh) is high, compare GrayProp. N. 146 f.; Phoenician proper name מלכרם); — 1Chr 3:18. ᵐ5 Μελχ(ε)ιραμ.


BDB4686 H4428 H4444 H7769

BDB4685 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4687

מַלְכִישׁוּעַ proper name, masculine son of Saul my king (= ׳י) is opulence, compare GrayProp. N. 147); — 1Sam 14:49; 1Sam 31:2; 1Chr 8:33; 1Chr 9:39; 1Chr 10:2 (in Chronicles מַלְכִּישֿׁוּעַ). ᵐ5 Μελχεισα, Μελχεσουε, etc.

king, kings, royal
melek
a king
  • king

עַל
עַל
Preposition upon, against, over, in, for, …
Dictionary form: עַל · al

Preposition

In the KJV here: unto me for
upon ×1122 against ×378 over ×273 for ×229 in ×225 on ×187 by ×148 unto ×137
More options
on — Best default; spatial or metaphorical contact with a surface.
over — Prefer for authority, covering, or movement across.
about — Use for topics, concerns, or matters relating to something.
against — Use for hostility, opposition, or transgression.
concerning — Formal register; suits legal or prophetic discourse.
because of — Causal sense; when עַל introduces a reason.

BDB3996 H3588 H5921 H3651

BDB3995 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3997

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as, a peculiar phrase found Gen 18:5; Gen 19:8; Gen 33:10; Gen 38:26; Num 10:31; Num 14:43; Judg 6:22; 2Sam 18:20 Qr (rightly), Jer 29:28; Jer 38:4 — literally for therefore, emphasizing the ground pleonastically (Ew§ 353 a ). The original force of the phrase is traceable in some of the passages in which it occurs, as Gen 18:5 let me fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort your heart; כִּיעַֿלכֵּֿן עֲבַרְתֶּם עַל עַבְדְּכֶם for therefore (that is, to partake of such hospitality) are ye come to your servant, Num 14:43 the Amalekite and the Canaanite are there, and ye will fall by the sword, כִּיעַֿלכֵּֿן שַׁבְתֶּם for therefore (to encounter such a fate) have ye turned back from ׳י etc.: but in process of time the distinct sense of its component parts was no doubt gradually obscured, and it thus came to be used conventionally, as a mere particle of causation, even where there was no preceding statement to which עַל כֵּן therefore could be explicitly referred. אֲשֶׁר עַל כֵּן appears to be used similarly (compare אֲשֶׁר 8 c) Job 34:27.


BDB6085 H5920 H5921

BDB6084 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6086

עַל, עָ֑ל (compare ii. 261 f.) I. substantive height (poetry) Hos 7:16 יָשׁוּבוּ לֹא עָֹל they return (but) not upwards (i.e. not God-wards), Hos 11:7 וְאֶלעַֿל יִקְרָאֻהוּ they (the prophets) call it (the people) upwards, (but) none striveth to rise; as adverb accusative, 2Sam 23:1 the man הֻ֣קַּם עָ֔ל (that) is raised up on high. With מִן, מֵעָ֑ל, (ה)שׁמים מֵעָ֑ל (the) heavens above Gen 27:39; Gen 49:25; Ps 50:4 (opposed to מִתַּחַת Exod 20:4. In prose מִמַּעַל).

II. As preposition upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against (SI4.6; Moabite, Aramaic id.; Phoenician על, and עלת; Palmyrene, Nabataean על; Sabean עלי, Arabic ); — abbreviated from עֲלֵי (compare אֱלֵי, עֲדֵי), which is preserved in poetry, Gen 49:17 (twice in verse); Gen 49:22 (twice in verse); Num 24:6 (twice in verse); Deut 32:2 (twice in verse); Isa 18:4; Jer 8:18; Mic 5:6; Lam 4:5; 1Kgs 20:41 Qr, Job 7:1 Qr + 10 t. Psalms, 3 t. Proverbs, 15 t. Job; with suffix עָלַי; עָלֶיךָ, עָלַיִךְ ( Ps 116:7 the Aramaizing form עָלָ֑יְכִי); עָלָיו, Psalm 1Sam 2:10 עָלָו, עָלֶיהָ; 1 plural עָלֵינוּ; 2 masculine plural עֲלֵיכֶם, Exod 12:13 עֲלֵכֶם, 2 feminine plural עֲלֵיכֶן Ezek 23:49 3 masculine plural עֲלֵיהֶם, 13 t. in Pentateuch עֲלֵהֶם Gen 45:15, etc. (ii. 305), in poetry עָלֵ֫ימוֺ Deut 22:23 + 11 t. Psalms, Job (perhaps sometimes, Ges«GKC:103i»§ 103i, N.); 3 feminine plural עֲלֵיהֶן, Lev 3:4; Lev 3:10; Lev 3:15 עֲלֵהֶן (on the apparently plur. form of עֲלֵי, עָלַי etc., see ii. 309 ff., and compare below עַד).

1. Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed; as עלהֿארץ upon the earth Gen 1:11; Gen 1:26; Gen 7:6, etc., Ps 110:6 על ארץ רבה over a wide country; על האדמה upon the ground Ezek 20:12 + often, Amos 7:12 עַל אֲדָמָה טְמֵאָה, Isa 14:2 ׳על אדמת י, Ps 137:4 עַל אַדְמַת נֵכָר (אֲרָמָה being properly ground, soil, is construed regularly with על, באדמה being very rare), more definitely על פני האדמה Gen 6:1; Num 12:3 + often; על מקום Lev 14:28; Jer 45:5 (uncommon: usually בְּ); Deut 17:20; Isa 9:6 על מַמְלַכְתּוֺ upon his realm, 2Chr 1:1 על בָּֽתִּים very strangely Hos 11:11 (read וַהֲשִׁבֹתִים with ᵐ5 : see 7 c α β); constantly after such verbs as נוח, ישׁב, רכב, etc., Gen 8:4; Exod 11:5 כתב על to write (idiomatic) on a book or other surface, Josh 10:13, etc.; יצא על go forth over Gen 41:45; Zech 5:3; Ps 81:6 with נִשְׁעַן, נִסְמַךְ, בָּטַח (figurative), to lean or trust upon: Gen 3:14 to go עַל גְּחֹנְךָ upon thy belly, Gen 32:32 to limp עַל יְרֵכוֺ upon his thigh, 1Sam 14:13; Ezek 37:10; Judg 15:8 to smite שׁוֺק עַל יָרֵךְ leg upon thigh, i.e. so that the scattered limbs fall one upon another, Amos 3:15. And with reference not a horizontal surface but to a side, Lev 1:5 + זָרַק עַל to pour against the altar, 1Kgs 6:5; 1Kgs 6:18 to build against the temple, Josh 10:27, etc. Figurative Exod 23:13 let it not be heard עַל פִּיךָ upon thy mouth (in our idiom, upon thy lips, as Prov 22:18), Ps 15:3 לֹא רָגַל עַל לְשֹׁנוֺ he slandereth not (i.e. prepares not slander) upon his tongue, 2Sam 23:2 וּמִלָּתוֺ עַל לְשׁוֺנִי, Prov 16:23; Prov 16:27; Prov 31:26; Eccl 5:1 compare עַל שְׂפָתַיִם נָשָׂא or עַל פֶּה Ps 16:4; Ps 50:16; Ezek 36:3b.

Specially
  a.
   (a) of clothing, etc., which any one wears, Gen 37:23 the tunic אשׁר עליו which was upon him, Josh 9:5; 1Kgs 11:30; Ruth 3:15 +; Gen 24:30; Gen 38:30; 2Sam 13:18, of a sword 2Sam 20:8; Song 3:8 so הָיָה עַל Lev 16:4; Deut 22:5; Ezek 44:18; 1Chr 15:27; 1Chr 18:7 (|| 2Sam 8:7 אֶל); compare לֹא יַעֲלֶה עָלֶיךָ Lev 19:19; Ezek 44:17, and with הֶעֱלָה, below, 7 b.


   (b) With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it ('upon' referred to a side) : see גָּנַן, כָּסָה, סָכַךְ, עָטָה Neh 2:8 יד אלהי הטובה עלי, compare vNeh 2:18; Ezra 7:6; Ezra 7:9; Ezra 8:18; Ezra 8:22; Ezra 8:31; Exod 27:21 the veil that is over (i.e. before) the testimony, 1Sam 25:16 חוֺמָה הָיוּ עָלֵינוּ they were a wall about us; סָגַר עַל to shut in (or down) upon Exod 14:13; Job 12:14; Ezek 13:5; Job 13:27; Job 26:9; Job 36:30 he spreadeth his light עָלָיו about him.


  b. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him, Isa 1:14 הָיוּ עָלַי לָטֹרַח they are a cumbrance upon me, Job 7:20 I am a burden עָלַי upon myself, 2Sam 15:33 (compare with אֶל 2Sam 19:36); כָּבַד עֶל to be heavy upon Exod 5:9 and elsewhere (see כָּבַד); of sin, calamity, etc. Isa 53:5; Ezek 33:10; Ps 88:8; Job 21:9; 2Chr 15:5; 2Chr 28:13; Eccl 6:1; Eccl 8:6 (compare 5 a β); Lev 7:20 וְטֻמְאָתוֺ עָלָיו Lev 22:3: idiomatically, Gen 48:7 מֵתָה עָלַי רָחֵל Rachel died upon me (i.e. to my sorrow), Gen 33:13 וְהַבָּקָר עָלוֺת עָלַי are giving suck upon me (i.e. as a. care to me), Num 11:13 יִבְכּוּ עָלַי they weep upon me (vexing me), Judg 14:16; Judg 14:17; Judg 19:2 (see Be), 1Sam 21:6 to play the mad man upon me, Jer 12:11.
  c. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him, as שָׂם עַל to lay upon, Exod 5:8; Exod 21:22; Exod 21:30 (שָׁת), Exod 22:4, compare Gen 47:26; 2Chr 35:25 with other verbs, Job 38:10; Deut 24:5; Deut 26:6; 2Kgs 15:20; 2Kgs 18:14; 2Kgs 23:33; Neh 10:33 (twice in verse); Esth 1:8; Esth 9:21; Esth 9:27; Esth 9:31 with צִוָּה enjoin upon Gen 2:16 + often, כתב prescribe to 2Kgs 22:13; Ps 40:8, נטשׁ cast upon 1Sam 17:20 (1Sam 17:22 על יד), נתן על יד (figurative) Gen 42:37; 2Kgs 12:12; 2Kgs 22:5, compare 1Kgs 14:27, עזב Ps 10:14, גלל Ps 37:5, השׁליך Ps 55:23, פקד Job 34:13 and elsewhere; Gen 30:28 נָקְבָה שְׂכָֽרְךָ עָלַי fix thy wages upon me (name thy wages to me), Gen 34:12 הַרְבּוּ עָלַי מְאֹד מֹהַר וּמַתָּן multiply upon me, etc., 2Sam 19:39 (pregnantly) whatsoever thou choosest (and layest) upon me; without a verb, Judg 19:20 רַק כָּלמַֿחְסֹערךָ עָלָ֑י only let all thy wants be upon me, Ezra 10:4; Ps 56:13 עָלַי נְדָרֶיךָ thy vows are upon me (i.e. I owe them: compare Num 30:7; Num 30:9; Num 30:15), Prov 7:14 זִבְחֵי שְׁלָמִים עָלָ֑י peace-offerings were upon me (= were due from me); perhaps Ps 62:1; Ps 77:1 (to the charge of); with an infinitive 2Sam 18:11 וְעָלַי לָתֵת and it would have been incumbent on me to give, etc., 1Kgs 4:7; Ezra 10:12 (accents [Baer], RVm), Neh 13:3, compare Zech 12:2 (Ew RVm); Num 7:9 (P) the service of ... was upon them, Ezek 45:17, so especially late 1Chr 9:27; 1Chr 9:33; 1Chr 23:31; 2Chr 2:3 לעולם זאת על ישׂראל 2Chr 8:15; 2Chr 24:9; Ezra 7:11; Neh 11:23; Isa 9:5 and the government is upon, his shoulder (compare Isa 22:22), 2Chr 25:3; Ps 7:11 ׳מָֽגִנִּי עַלאֿ my shield rests upon God (he has undertaken my defence), Ps 62:8 עלאֿלהים יִשְׁעִי וּכְבֹדִי.


  d. על is used idiomatically to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him: Ps 42:6 why art thou cast down, O my soul, וַתֶּהֱמִי עָלַי and disquieted upon me? vPs 42:7 my soul upon me is cast down, vPs 42:12; Ps 43:5; Lam 3:20; Ps 131:2 כְּגָמֻל עֲלֵי אִמּוֺ כַּגָּמוּל עָלַי נַפְשִׁי is my soul upon me; Ps 142:4 בְּהִתְעַטֵף עָלַי רוּחִי when my spirit faints upon me, Ps 143:4; Jonah 2:8; Jer 8:18 עָלַי לִבִּי דַרוָָּֽי ׃ my heart upon me is sick, Job 14:22 (twice in verse) (compare Di), Hos 11:8 נהפך עלי לבי my heart is turned (altered) upon me, 1Sam 17:32; 1Sam 25:36; Neh 5:7 וַיִמָּלֵךְ לִבִּי עָלַי and my heart took counsel upon me: compare Ps 42:5 I will pour out my soul upon me, Job 30:16; Job 10:1 אעזבה עלי שׂיחי I will let loose my complaint upon me. (Thes apud me, mecum. The rend. 'within me' alters entirely the point of view of the Hebrew expression, and is incorrect.) Denoting with some emphasis the subject of an experience, Job 30:2 עלימו אבד כָּ֑לַךְ, Dan 2:1 his sleep נִהְיְתָה עָלָיו was done with upon him (compare Aramaic Dan 6:19 נַדַּת עֲלוֺהִי), Dan 10:8 וְהוֺדִי נֶהְפַּךְ עָלַי (compare Dan 5:9; Dan 7:28): also, rather differently, Lev 18:18b Jer 49:20 אִם לֹא יַשִׁים עֲלֵיהֶם נְוֵהֶם, Mic 7:13; Ps 90:17b; Ps 7:9 according to my perfectness upon me, Ezek 18:20; Ezek 22:3; 2Chr 36:8.


  e. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support; compare Isa 3:1, and Ζῆν ἐπί τινος), Deut 8:3 עַלהַֿלֶּחֶם, Isa 38:16 (compare Hi), Gen 27:40 על חרבך תחיה upon ( = by) thy sword thou shalt live (compare Kazwiniii. 17 ap. Tu), Ezek 33:19, compare vEzek 33:26. feminine Of the ground, or basis, on which a thing is done, as Gen 24:9 על הדבר הזה, Lev 17:12 if he offers it עַל תּוֺדָה on the ground of a thanks-giving, Num 6:21 עַל נִזְרוֺ, vb Ezek 16:15; Ezek 28:17; Dan 8:25 עַל שִׂכְלוֺ, Dan 9:18 עַל צדקותינו, (with this use is extended so as to denote explicitly on condition of). Hence
   (a) the basis being conceived as regulative, על comes to denote the norm or standard (compare German 'auf die Art' WAG ii. § 59 i): the transition may be seen in a passage like Exod 24:8 the covenant which ׳י made with you on the basis of (על), or in agreement with, all these words (compare על פי Exod 34:27), Num 35:24 האלה על המשׁפטים, Deut 17:11; Jer 30:18 the palace shall sit (i.e. be inhabited: see ישׁב) עַל מִשְׁפָּטוֺ in accordance with its manner, Ps 94:20 who frames mischief עֲלֵיחֹֿק in accordance with a law, ... על פי according to the mouth (i.e. command, Gen 45:21 + oft, evidence Deut 17:6; Deut 19:15, sentence Deut 21:5) of . . .; עַל שֵׁם ֗֗֗֗ according to the name of . . . (mostly with call, be called) Gen 48:6; Exod 28:21; 2Sam 18:18 +, compare 1Chr 23:14; Exod 6:26; Exod 12:51 על צִבְאֹתָם according to their hosts (usually לְ), Num 1:18 על משׁפחתם (usually לְ) vNum 1:52; Num 2:2; Num 2:34; Num 7:3 (|| ל), Deut 18:8 (probably); עַל יְדֵי according to the hands (direction) of Jer 5:31; Jer 33:13 al.; Ps 110:4 ׳עַל דִּבְרָתִי מ after the manner of M.; Prov 25:11 (probably) a word spoken עַל אָעפנָיו in accordance with its circumstances = appositely; of the tune according to which a song is to be sung (RV. set to) Ps 6:1 (1Chr 15:21), Ps 8:1; Ps 9:1; Ps 12:1; Ps 45:1; Ps 46:1 (1Chr 15:20) עַלעֲֿלָמוֺת (perhaps, however, in the manner of maidens = for 'sopranos'), Ps 53:1; Ps 56:1; Ps 60:1; Ps 69:1; Ps 81:1; Ps 84:1; Ps 88:1 (compare in Syriac ).


   (b) The basis being conceived as involving the ground, על denotes the cause or reason, on account of, because of, Gen 20:3 lo thou shalt die עַל הָאִשָּׁה on account of the woman, Gen 21:12; Gen 26:7; Gen 26:9; Gen 27:41; Gen 42:21; Lev 4:3; Lev 4:28; Lev 5:18; Lev 19:17; Lev 26:18; Lev 26:24; Lev 26:28; Deut 9:18; Deut 24:16 fathers shall not be put to death עלבֿנים on account of children, Deut 31:18; Josh 9:20; Jer 1:16; Jer 5:9; Ezek 18:26 עליהם (|| Ezek 33:18 בָּהֶם), Prov 28:21; Ps 39:12; Ps 50:8 + often; Ps 44:23 עָלֶיךָ הֹרַגְנוּ on thy account are we slain all the day, Ps 69:8; Jer 15:15 in the phrases דְּבַר עַ֗֗֗ל, עַל אוֺדוֺת, עַל זֹאת and עַל זֶה on this account, עַל מָה on what account ? עַלכֵּֿן = therefore (see דָּבָר, אוֺדָה, etc.); before an infinitive, as Exod 17:7 ׳וְעַל נַסּוֺתָם אֶתיֿ and on, account of their trying ׳י, Amos 1:3 עַל דּוּשָׁם on account of their threshing = because they threshed, vAmos 1:6 vAmos 1:9 vAmos 1:11 vAmos 1:13, etc., Jer 2:35 עַל אָמְרֵךְ because of thy saying, Jer 9:12; Jer 16:18 +; and as a conjunction both with and without אֲשֶׁר or כִּי (see below III). And so often of the ground or cause of fear, grief, delight, or other emotions, e.g. Exod 18:9; Exod 32:14 (נִחַם repent: so often), 1Sam 4:13; 1Sam 30:6; 2Sam 1:26; 2Sam 3:8; 1Kgs 21:4; 2Kgs 6:11; Jer 10:19; Amos 6:6.


   (c) Somewhat more strongly, on behalf of, for the sake of, Gen 19:17 escape על נפשׁך forthy life; Judg 9:17; 2Kgs 10:3 נִלְחֵם עַל (usually ל); 1Kgs 2:18 I will speak on thy behalf to the king, v1Kgs 2:19 (2Kgs 4:13 לְ); Esth 4:16; Esth 4:8; Esth 7:7; Esth 8:11; Esth 9:16; Dan 12:1 על עמד stand up (in late Hebrew) on behalf of; התפלל על intercede for (usually בעד) Job 42:8; Neh 1:6; 2Chr 30:18; 2Chr 29:21; Ezra 8:35 and very often with כִּפֶּר (q. v.) make atonement for. (Not very common with other verbs.)


   (d) Sometimes it acquires almost a final force, for; Exod 12:4; Exod 29:36; Exod 30:16; Deut 27:13 there shall stand עַלהַֿקְּלָלָה (|| vDeut 27:12 לְבָרֵךְ), Ps 89:4 עַלמַֿהשָּֿׁוְא בָּרָאתָ כָלעֿבּנֵיאָֿדָם unto what vanity hast thou created, etc.! Prov 29:5b 2Chr 23:18; Eccl 3:17.


   (e) Of a condition, or attendant circumstances (rare; so , WAG ii § 59 e): Ps 50:5 זָ֑בַח׃ עֲלֵי upon, with sacrifice, Ps 92:4 ׳עֲלי עָשׂוֺר וגו with a ten-stringed instrument, with a harp, with sounding music on a lyre; עַל רִיב upon occasion of a law-suit Exod 23:2; Ezek 44:24, עַל יוֺם טוֺב 1Sam 25:8 (compare at a time of. . . Qor 28:14), Neh 12:22 (? read עַד BeRy), Isa 18:4 כְּחֹם צַח עֲלֵי אוֺר at time of sunshine, Isa 64:11 עַל אֵלֶּה, Jer 8:18 עֲלֵי יָגוֺן at time of sorrow, Jer 16:7 (but Gie עַל אָבֵל to): with abstract substantives to form a periphrase for adverbs, Lev 5:22 and swear עַל שֶׁקֶר upon falseness = falsely, Jer 6:14 = Jer 8:11 to heal a wound עַל נְקַלָּה lightly, easily, Ps 31:24 עַל יֶתֶר = abundantly, Isa 60:7 עַל רָצוֺן = acceptably (compare = with delight).


   (f) It hence acquires the force of in spite of, notwithstanding (so , WAG ii. § 59 h), Job 10:7 עַל דַּעְתְּךָ in spite of thy knowing, Job 34:6 משׁפטי על notwithstanding my right I am to be a liar (Di De Da RV: otherwise Hi RVm). compare below, III c b.


   (g) Upon, concerning, with verbs of speaking, as דִּבֶּר Judg 9:3; 1Kgs 5:13, אָמַר, Jer 16:3; Jer 27:19 (|| אל) Jer 33:4, hearing Gen 41:15 שָׁמַעְתִּי עָלֶיךָ I have heard concerning thee, saying, etc., 1Kgs 10:6; Isa 37:9 (|| 2Kgs 19:9 אל), disputing Gen 26:11, telling 1Sam 27:11; Joel 1:3, commanding 2Sam 14:8; 1Kgs 11:10, being vexed 1Kgs 21:4; 2Kgs 6:11, crying 2Kgs 8:5, confessing Ps 32:5; Neh 1:6 of the object of a prophecy or vision 1Kgs 22:8; Isa 1:1; Isa 2:1 and often with similar verbs.


   (h) In a somewhat weaker sense, in the matter of, as regards, Gen 41:32 וְעַל הִשָּׁנוֺת הַחֲלוֺם, Exod 22:8; Ruth 4:7; Lev 5:22; Lev 5:26; Dan 9:14b Neh 9:33 חָטָא עַל Lev 4:14 (|| בָּהּ vLev 4:23, cognate accusative vLev 4:28), Lev 5:5; Num 6:11; Neh 13:26 עַלדְּֿבַר ֗֗֗ in the matter of, Num 25:18; Num 31:16.

2. It expresses excess (synonym מִן q. v.); Gen 48:22 I give thee שְׁכֶם אַחַר עַל אַחֶיךָ one shoulder (ridge) above thy brethren, Exod 16:5 מִשְׁנֶה על double above or beyond, Num 3:46; Deut 25:3 stripes עַלאֵֿלֶּה beyond these, Josh 3:15 Jordan מָלֵא עַל was full over all its banks (compare Josh 4:18; Isa 8:7b הלך על, עלה) Ps 138:2; Eccl 1:16; Dan 1:20 עֶשֶׂר יָדוֺת עַל ten times above (compare in Aramaic Dan 3:19, and Qor 37:153), Ezra 1:6 לְבַר עַל = beside (see בַּד); Ps 16:2 (si vera lectio) טוֺבָתִי בַל עָלֶיךָ my welfare is not beyond thee, i.e. does not lie outside thee. — Of time, Lev 15:25 if she has an issue עַל נִדָּתָהּ beyond her time of impurity (compare Isa 32:10, 4 b).

3. It denotes elevation or pre-eminence, as עליון על high (figurative) above, Deut 26:19 al., Deut 28:43 יעלה עליך will go up above thee, compare Prov 31:29; Ps 57:6; Ps 57:12 be thou exalted above the heavens, Ps 89:8; Ps 95:3; Ps 96:4, etc., Neh 9:5 with words (q. v.) such as גכר, גדל, חזק, נשׂא (Ni. Pi`el Hithpa`el), עזז, and especially those denoting rule or superintendence, as מלך, הפקיד; so with שָׁת, היה, נתן, Gen 41:33; Gen 41:40; Gen 41:43 שׂם; 1Sam 18:5 with פָּקִיד, שַׂר, מֶלֶךְ, etc., Gen 41:34; Exod 1:11; Exod 18:21, etc.; absolute 2Sam 8:16 Joab was עלהֿצבא over the host, 2Sam 20:23 b. v2Sam 20:24; 1Kgs 4:4-6; 1Kgs 5:30; Num 10:14ff.; 1Chr 9:23; 1Chr 9:26ff. 1Chr 27:25ff.; 2Chr 30:17; 2Chr 31:12 אֲשֶׁר עַל בֵּיתוֺ of Joseph's steward Gen 43:16; Gen 43:19; Gen 44:1; Gen 44:4 and in the official titles אֲשֶׁר עַלהַֿבַּיִת = the Governor of the Palace Isa 22:15 and elsewhere (see כַּיִת 6); אֲשֶׁר עַלהַֿמַּם the overseer of the forced labour 1Kgs 12:18 אשׁר עלהֿעיר the governor of the city 2Kgs 10:5, אשׁר על המלתחה v2Kgs 10:22.

4. It expresses addition (compare ἐπὶ in Greek, e.g.ἐπὶ τούτοις); namely
  a. introducing the complement of a verb, as with יָסַף to add upon or to, Ps 61:7 + often (see יָסַף), שָׁת to put to Gen 30:40, נִלְוָה to be joined to Num 18:24; Isa 14:1 (also with אֶל), נָפַל: to fall to, i.e. desert to, Jer 21:9 +, עכר to pass over to Exod 30:13; Exod 30:14; Isa 45:14 (compare Isa 60:5); also Hab 2:16 תִּסֹּב כּוֺם עַל Lam 4:21; Esth 4:7 נֶחְשַׁב to be reckoned to Lev 25:31; 2Sam 4:2, היה על Num 36:12; Ps 69:28 תְּנָה עָוֺן עַל עֲוֺנָם, Isa 56:8 עוֺר אֲקַבֵּץ עָלָיו I will yet gather (others) unto him.


  b. Used absolutely, as Gen 28:9 he took Mahalath עַל נָשָׁיו in addition to his (other) wives, Gen 31:50 (compare אל Lev 18:18), Num 31:8 עַל חַלְלֵיהֶם in addition to their slain (|| Josh 13:22 אֶל), Deut 23:14; Ezek 16:37; Ezek 16:43; Ezek 25:10; Isa 32:10 יָמִים עַל שָׁנָה days upon, in addition to, a year, 2Chr 31:15 יָמִים עַל יָמִים, Ezek 7:26 הֹוָה עַל הֹוָה תָבוֺא (|| אל), Jer 4:20 (if נִקְרָא = be proclaimed), Job 16:14 יִפְרְצֵנִי פֶרֶץ עַלפְּֿנֵיפָֿ֑רֶץ (compare LagM iii. 112; also Iliad 14:130 ἕλκος ἐφ’ ἕλκει, Odyssey 7:120f; Qoran 31:13). So often in laws of P (compare c), Lev 7:12 he shall offer עַלזֶֿבַת הַתּוֺרָה in addition to the sacrifice of thanksgiving, etc., vLev 7:13 b Num 6:20; Num 15:9; Num 28:10; Num 28:15; Num 28:24 (compare מִלְּבַר vNum 28:31; Num 29:6), Num 35:6; Ezek 16:43 (Hi Sm RV: compare Ezek 44:7 אל).


  c. Hence by an easy transition it denotes together with, with, Exod 35:22 men together with (עַל) women, Job 38:32 וְעַיִשׁ עַלבָּֿנֶיהָ תַנְחֵם and the Bear with her children, wilt thou lead them? 1Kgs 15:20; Jer 3:18 the house of Israel with the house of Judah, Mic 5:2 (Ca Ke Kue; but al. as 7 c a), Gen 32:12 lest he come and smite me, אֵם עַל בָּנִים the mother with the children (compare Hos 10:14; Deut 22:6); and as a techn. term in the regulations for sacrifice, especially with אכל, Exod 12:8, יאֹכְלֻהוּ עַלמְֿדֹרִים together with bitter herbs they shall eat it, vExod 12:9 his head with (על) his legs, etc., Num 9:11; Deut 16:3 לֹאתֿאֹכַל עָלָיו חָמֵץ (compare Exod 23:18; Exod 34:25), vExod 34:3 in the phrase אכל על הדם to eat with the blood 1Sam 14:32; 1Sam 14:33 (1Sam 14:34 אל), Lev 19:26; Ezek 33:25 (compare in Greek e.g. ἐπὶ τῷ σίτῳ πίνειν ὕδωρ); see also Lev 2:2; Lev 2:16; Lev 3:4 (so vLev 3:10 vLev 3:15; Lev 4:9; Lev 7:4), Lev 4:11; Lev 7:13a, Lev 7:30; Lev 10:15; Lev 14:31; Lev 23:18; Lev 23:20; Num 6:17; Num 19:5; 1Chr 7:4.

5. It expresses the idea of being suspended, or extended, over anything, without however being in contact with it, above, over: Gen 1:20 let fowl fly over the earth, Gen 19:23 השׁמשׁ יצא על had come forth upon the earth (compare זרח על Exod 22:2 +; בא על go down [set] upon Deut 24:15; Mic 3:6; Job 25:3), Num 10:34; Num 14:14 and thy cloud stood עליהם over them, Deut 28:23 the heavens עלרֿאשׁך above overthy head, Isa 4:5; Isa 60:1; Isa 60:2; Zeph 2:11; Zech 9:14; Ps 7:8 over it return thou on high, Job 29:3 בְּהִלּוֺ נֵרוֺ עֲלֵי ראֹשִׁי (compare דעך לְ be extinguished over, Job 18:6), Song 2:4 his banner over me: figurative of protection Deut 32:38; Ps 68:35: with verbs of motion (expressed or implied), נשׁקף על to incline over 1Sam 13:18 +, ידו על נטה) Exod 14:16; Isa 23:11 + (compare Ps 21:12), הניף על to swing over Isa 11:15; Isa 19:16 השׁמיע על to proclaim over Jer 4:16; Amos 3:9, compare Num 10:10; 2Chr 13:12, שׁם על נקרא a name to be called over 2Sam 12:28 + (see קרא).

6. From the sense of inclining or impending over, על comes to denote contiguity or proximity, English by (or sometimes on): —
  a. in designating localities, especially those beside water, Gen 14:16 עַלהַֿמִּדְבָּר by the wilderness, Gen 16:17 עַל עֵין הַמַּיִם by the spring of water, Gen 24:13; Gen 24:30; Gen 29:2 three flocks lying עָלֶיהָ by it (the well), Gen 41:1; Num 3:26; Num 13:29 עלהֿים by the sea, Num 22:5; Num 24:6 gardens עֲלֵי נָהָר. Deut 3:12; Deut 33:8; Judg 5:19; 1Sam 1:9 ׳על מזוזת היכל י (Ezek 46:2), 1Sam 4:1; 2Kgs 2:7 and they stood עלהֿירדן by the Jordan, 2Kgs 25:4; Isa 19:7; Isa 38:20; Ps 1:3 planted by water-courses, Jer 17:2; Jer 17:8; Job 30:4; Job 31:9 על פתח by the entrance, Prov 14:19, + often; על הדרך by the way Gen 38:21; 1Sam 24:4; Ezek 48:24ff. על גבולו adjoining his border; עבר על to pass by a place 1Kgs 9:18; Jer 18:16 +, figurative עבר על פשׁע to pass by transgression, i.e. to overlook it, Mic 7:18 and elsewhere: על יְמִין ֗֗֗ on the right of ... Ps 110:5 +, עַליַד ֗֗֗ , עַל יֶרֶךְ ֗֗֗ , עַל כֶּתֶף ֗֗֗ on the side of ... (see these words): less frequently (except as c) with reference to persons, Num 2:5 וְהַחֹנִים עָלָיו and those encamping next him, vNum 2:12 vNum 2:20 vNum 2:27; Num 6:9 וכי ימות מת עליו, 2Kgs 11:11 by the king round about (compare Num 3:26 above), ׳עבר על פ Gen 18:5; 2Kgs 4:9 +.


  b. 2Sam 9:7; 2Sam 9:10 to eat bread ׳עַל שֻׁלְחַן פּ at any one's table, Exod 16:3 when we sat עַלסִֿיר הַבָּשָׂר, 1Sam 20:24 Kt to sit עַלהַֿלֶּחֶם at meat; 1Sam 25:13; 1Sam 30:24 to remain עַלהַֿכֵּלִים; Prov 23:30 to tarry long עלהֿיין at (or over) the wine, Job 39:9 עַלאֲֿבוֶּ˜סךָ ׃ at thy crib: compare הַיּוֺשֵׁב עַל הַמִּשְׁפָּט Isa 28:6.


  c. Idiomatically, with עָמַד and נִצַּב to stand by (literally over, — originally no doubt with reference to one supposed to be seated), Gen 18:2 three men נִצָּבִים עָלָיו standing by him, vGen 18:8 and he עֹמֵד עליו standing by him under the tree, Gen 24:30 by the camels, Gen 28:13; 1Sam 4:20; 2Sam 1:9; 2Sam 12:17; 2Sam 20:11; 2Sam 20:12; Amos 7:7 especially of persons standing about a superior, as servants or courtiers, Gen 45:1; Judg 3:19; 1Sam 22:6; 1Sam 22:7; 1Sam 22:17, of persons surrounding a judge Exod 18:13; Exod 18:14, of ׳י's heavenly ministers, 1Kgs 22:19 (compare Isa 6:2 ממעל לו), Zech 4:16, and with התיצב Zech 6:5; Job 1:6; Job 2:1 also of one standing by (properly leaning over) an altar or sacrifice Num 23:3; Num 23:6; 1Kgs 13:1 (compare 7 b) Amos 9:1 of an Ashérah by an altar Judg 6:25; Judg 6:28 (compare אֵצֶל Deut 16:21).

7. In connection with verbs of motion (actual or figurative): —
  a. of motion from a higher place downwards, down upon: thus
   (a) המטיר על to rain upon Gen 2:5; Gen 19:24, ירד על Gen 15:11, יצק על to pour upon Gen 28:18, ׳נפל על צוארי פ Gen 33:4, נפל על פניו to fall on his (own) face Gen 17:3; Gen 17:17, שׂם על to put upon, Gen 21:14; Gen 22:6; Gen 22:9; Gen 24:47 (Gen 24:22 Sam Di), נתן על כף to place on the hand of ... Gen 40:11; Gen 40:21, השׁליך על 2Sam 20:12, etc.; compare Job 29:22 וְעָלֵימוֺ תִּטֹּף מִלָּתִי, Mic 3:5; Nah 3:12.


   (b) In different figurative connections, as of sleep falling upon one, Gen 2:21; Gen 15:12 of fear Gen 9:2; 1Sam 11:7 (see פַּחַד, חֲרָרָה, אֵימָה); of good or bad fortune, especially the latter, coming upon one, as with בוא and הביא, Gen 27:12; Deut 28:2 (in good sense), vDeut 28:15, Jer 5:12; Jer 19:3 (רעה, as often); of retribution, reproach, the Divine wrath, etc., with different verbs (הביא, נתן, ירד, חול, היה, etc.), as Gen 20:9; Num 12:11 חטאה; Gen 42:36 עַלַי הָיוּ כֻלָּנָה upon me are they all; Num 18:5 + (היה קֶצֶף על); Deut 19:10 דם (compare אל 2Sam 21:2 ᵐ5 We Dr), Judg 9:24; 1Kgs 2:32; 2Sam 16:8; Hos 12:15; 2Sam 3:29; 2Sam 15:14; 1Sam 11:2 חרפה; Jer 14:16; Jer 26:15 דם נקי (|| אל), Jonah 1:14; Ezek 7:3; Ezek 7:4; Ezek 7:8; Ezek 23:40; Ezek 36:29; Ps 7:17; Ps 94:2; Ps 94:23; Ps 109:5 וישׂימו עלי רעה תחת טובה (lay upon me: but Hu וישיבו, Prov 17:13), Prov 140:11 שָׁפַךְ חֵמָה על Ezek 7:8 + often; without a verb, Gen 16:5 חֲמָסִי עָלֶיךָ my wrong be upon thee, Jer 51:35 (|| אל); Gen 27:13 עלי קללתך; Gen 38:29 (accents, RVm); 2Sam 1:16 דמיך על ראשׁך; 2Sam 14:9 עָלַי הֶעָוֺן; Isa 24:17; Jer 48:43; Jer 50:27; Ezek 13:3 הוֺי על ֗֗֗ ; Ps 55:16 Kt.; of a blessing, Exod 32:29; Ps 3:9, a curse Deut 30:7, mercies (probably conceived specifically as descending from heaven) Ps 33:22; Ps 86:13; Ps 90:17; Ps 103:17 (with גבר be mighty over or upon, vPs 33:11; Ps 117:2), Ps 116:12; Ps 145:9; Ezra 3:11, שׁלום Ps 125:6; Ps 128:6; 1Chr 22:9.


   (c) Introducing the object upon which an action, or emotion, especially if accompanied by a gesture, is conceived as being directed (but with some of these words, especially when they refer to an event, rather than a person, as Exod 18:9, על is to be explained from 1 f b). Thus with verbs denoting the manifestation of joy or grief, as שׂושׂ to rejoice over, גיל, שׂמח, התענג, התפאר, שׂחק, אבל, ספד, שׁמם, בכה Judg 11:37 +, נשׂא (משׁל) קינה to take up a lament, or proverb, over (see these words); probably also in הִנָּבֵא על prophecy over Ezek 11:4; Ezek 13:17 +; with חוּס, חָמַל, רִחַם to shew compassion on (compare 1Kgs 3:26 [Gen 43:30 אל], Song 5:4 [Jer 31:20 ל]); with שׁמר, שׁקד, הֵעִיר (Job 8:6) to guard or watch over; with יעץ to counsel upon Isa 14:26 +, חשׁב to devise (usually in bad sense, Jer 29:11 in good), דִּבֶּר (רעה Jer 11:17 +, טובה Jer 18:20; Jer 32:42), הֵקִים דָּבָר Jer 29:10. Of more distinctly phys. acts, with בכה to weep on Gen 45:14; Gen 45:15 +, שׁרק to hiss, ספק or תקע כף to clap the hand, הִכָּה כף Ezek 22:13 (|| אל); Isa 5:30 to growl over, Isa 31:4; Ezek 36:2; Job 30:5 הִתְוַדָּה to confess over (the goat), Lev 16:21; Exod 30:10a (probably); Deut 21:6; Job 6:27; Job 40:30.


  b. From a lower place upwards, up upon, up to, as עלה על to go up upon: Exod 20:26; 1Sam 2:28; 1Kgs 12:33b 2Kgs 16:12b 2Chr 1:6 (an altar, i.e. to a ledge beside it; compare 2Kgs 23:9, and ירד Lev 9:22; 1Kgs 1:53); Judg 9:51; Isa 14:14; Isa 40:9, etc.; to come up upon (in different connections) Exod 10:12; Lev 16:9 (figurative), Lev 19:19; 1Sam 1:11; 1Sam 6:7; 1Kgs 10:16; 1Kgs 10:17 figurative עלה על לב Isa 65:17 + (see לב, לבב, 3 d); in Hiph`il 1Kgs 20:33 וַיַּעֲלֵהוּ עַל הַמֶּרְכָּבָה, Amos 8:10 (compare 1 a a), 2Sam 1:24; Ezek 37:6; Ps 137:6 (figurative), 2Chr 3:5; 2Chr 3:14 (= ornamented with); Deut 28:61 (compare Exod 15:26 b); 2Chr 20:34 the history of Jehu which הֹעֲלָח עַל was brought up upon (i.e. inserted in) the book of, etc. (compare 2Chr 32:32 and כתב על above 1); compare נטה יד עלהֿשׁמים up to heaven Exod 9:22; Exod 10:21; Exod 17:16.


  c. Expressing direction towards (not common, except in sense against: see below) —
   (a) with verbs of motion, properly of a person (or thing) moving to another so as either to stand above, or rest upon, it (compare PuseyMin. Pr. 333), Exod 34:12 הארץ אשׁר אתה בא עליה (simile, of a land, or place, Exod 18:23; Num 11:12; 1Kgs 2:26 עֲנָתֹת לֵךָ עַלשָֿׂדֶיךָ, Ezek 32:9; Jer 3:18 b Jer 16:13; Jer 22:26, and after שׁוּב or הֵשִׁיב Jer 16:15; Jer 22:27; Jer 23:3; Jer 24:6 [but אֶל Jer 27:22; Jer 30:3 al.], Ezek 29:14; Gen 40:13 וֶהֱשִׁיבְךָ עלכַּֿנָּ֑ךָ, Gen 41:13; Gen 30:33 כִּי תָבאֹ עַל שְׂכָרִי to view my hire; בא על נפשׁ מֵת to enter in upon or beside a corpse; בא על אשׁה Gen 19:31; Deut 25:5 (usually אל); Josh 3:16 מַיִם יֹרְדִים עַל יָם, Ezek 47:8; 1Kgs 18:12 יִשָּֽׂאֲךָ עַלאֲֿשֶׁר לֹאאֵֿדָ֑ע, Ps 19:7; 2Kgs 16:12; 2Chr 20:24; Isa 53:1 upon whom (coming from above) was ׳י's arm revealed? Isa 62:10 העמים הרימו נֵס על over towards (but Isa 49:22 אל): but often it is dubious if this force is perceptible; and in general על in such cases seems to be used merely as a synonym — perhaps as a slightly more graphic synonym — of אֶל (compare p. 41); in the later language, also, it may be due partly to the influence of Aramaic, which does not use אֶל; thus
   (a) with a personal object, with assemble or be assembled, Exod 32:1; 2Sam 17:11; 1Kgs 8:5; 1Kgs 11:24; 2Kgs 22:20 (2Chr 34:28 and usually אל), 2Chr 13:7, עלה Gen 38:12; Josh 2:8; 1Sam 14:10 (1Sam 14:9 v1Sam 14:12 אל), עבר 1Sam 14:4 (1Sam 14:1 אל), בא 2Sam 15:4 (see Dr) 1Chr 12:23f., יצא 2Kgs 24:12, הוליך 2Kgs 25:20, נגע Judg 20:34; Judg 20:41 (compare Isa 6:7; Jer 1:9), נס Isa 10:3, הלך Isa 22:15 (אל ֗֗֗ על), נשׂא Isa 30:6, שׁלח 2Kgs 18:27 (על ֗֗֗ אל ֗֗֗ על: || Isa 36:12 אל ֗֗֗ אל ֗֗֗ על), Jer 26:15; Jer 29:31; 1Chr 13:2; 2Chr 28:16; 2Chr 30:1; 2Chr 32:9; 2Chr 32:31; 2Chr 36:15; Neh 6:3, נגשׁ Ezek 9:6, שׁב, השׁיב Neh 4:6; Mal 3:24 (see c), followed by ׳על י 2Chr 15:4; 2Chr 30:9, התיצּב 2Chr 11:13 letters going ׳על פ Neh 2:7; Neh 6:17 a (v:b אל). (β) of places, Gen 24:49; 2Sam 2:19 + על ימין to the right; with הלך 1Sam 2:11; 1Kgs 20:43 עלבֿיתו (1Kgs 21:4 אל), 2Sam 15:20 ואני הולך על אשׁר אני הולך, Jer 1:7; Ezek 1:20 (Ezek 1:12 אל), הוליך 1Kgs 1:38 (1Kgs 1:33 אל), נהר Mic 4:1 (|| Isa 2:2 אל), Jer 31:12 (אל ֗֗֗ על), נגשׁ Ezek 44:13 (|| אל), עלה 1Sam 24:23; 2Sam 19:1; 1Kgs 6:8 (|| אל), Ezek 41:7, בא Jer 14:3; Jer 51:51, (על הר) הביא Isa 66:20 (Isa 56:7 אל), ירד Jer 36:12, הִטָּה Prov 21:1, הסיר 2Sam 6:10 (|| 1Chr 13:13 אל), נתן Isa 29:12 (Isa 29:11 אל) Mic 1:14; Mic 3:5; Gen 42:37, השׁיב, שׁב, Num 33:7; Jer 11:10 (figurative, עַל עֲוֺנוֺת), Ps 35:13; Job 34:15 (Gen 3:19 אל), Prov 26:11; Eccl 1:6; 1Kgs 17:21; 1Kgs 17:22 (compare 1Sam 30:12 אל), השׁתחוה Lev 26:11 (probably), Isa 60:14 pregnantly Isa 24:22 אֻסְּפוּ עַל בּוֺר be collected (and delivered) into a dungeon: compare חוּשׁ עַל Job 31:5 (figurative), also to requite עַלחֵֿיק Isa 65:6; Isa 65:7 Kt. (Jer 32:18; Ps 79:12 אל). After נראה appear, Ps 90:16 (אל ֗֗֗ על). And as far as, unto (nearly = יַד) Gen 49:13 וְיַרְכָתוֺעַל צִידוֺן, Josh 2:7; Josh 18:13; Josh 19:12; Jer 31:39; Ezek 47:18; Ezek 48:21; Ezek 48:28; Ps 48:11; 1Chr 5:16.


   (b) With אמר say to, 2Kgs 22:8; Jer 18:11 (אל ֗֗֗ על), Jer 22:6; Jer 23:2; Jer 23:35 (על ֗֗֗ אל), Jer 36:29; Jer 44:20 (אל ֗֗֗ על), דבר 1Sam 1:13 (Gen 24:45 אל), 1Kgs 9:5; Hos 12:11; Jer 6:10; Jer 10:1; Jer 11:2 (אל ֗֗֗ על), speak to Jer 25:2 (על ֗֗֗ אל), Jer 26:2, compare Esth 1:17, ׳היה דבר י Jer 25:1; 1Chr 22:8 compare 1Chr 11:10, ענה 2Sam 19:43, קרא Isa 34:14; 2Chr 32:18, שִׁוַּע Ps 18:42, הֵרַע 1Kgs 17:20, שֹׁרֵר, שָׁר sing Prov 25:20; Job 33:27, החליק Prov 29:5 ( Ps 36:3 אל), התפלל 1Sam 1:10, כתב 2Chr 30:1; Ezra 4:7; Esth 8:8, שׁמע 2Kgs 20:13 ( = Isa 39:2), Isa 22:13; Jer 23:16; Jer 26:5; Jer 35:18; Hag 1:12 see also הקשׁיב, האזין, הבין, התבונן, השׂכיל.


   (c) Expressing (or implying) the direction of the mind, 2Sam 14:1 לב המלך על אבשׁלם; Mal 3:24; Ezra 6:22; Song 7:11 וְעָלַי תְּשׁוּקָתוֺ (Gen 3:16; Gen 4:7 אל); שָׂם לִבּוֺ על Job 1:8 (Job 2:3 אל), 1Sam 25:25 (אל ֗֗֗ על); Jer 22:17 thy eyes and thy heart are only (set) upon (על) ..., 1Chr 12:17; 1Kgs 1:20; 2Chr 20:12 עֵינֵינוּ כִּי עָלֶיךָ (elsewhere אל), 1Kgs 2:15 עָלַי שָׂמוּ פניהם, Ps 146:5 ׳שִׂבְרוֺ על י; Isa 10:25 וְאַפִּי עלתַּֿבְלִיתָם be (directed) towards their destruction, Jer 32:31 (Gf Ew compare RV); compare שׁעה על look to (trustfully) Isa 17:7; Isa 31:1. (The uses a, b, c are all exceptional: אל would be regularly employed.)


   (d) With the force of over and towards (compare 5 and 7 a b, end): Ps 65:5 נוֺרָא עֲלִילָה עַל; to shine, etc. on, Ps 31:17 הָאִירָה פָנֶיךָ עַל (Num 6:25 אל); רָאָה עַל Exod 5:21 הוֺפִיעַ עַל Job 10:3 וְשַׂמְתִּי עֵינִי עַל Amos 9:4 + (compare Job 14:3; Job 24:3; Job 34:21); הִשְׁקִיף עַל look out over Ps 14:3 +.


  d. In a hostile sense, upon, against: so very often, after every kind of verb expressing or implying attack, as בא Gen 34:25; Gen 34:27, נֶאֱסַף vGen 34:30, קצף to be angry Gen 40:2, לון to murmur Exod 15:24 עמד stand up Lev 19:16 +, קָם rise up Deut 19:11; Amos 7:9, נלחם Deut 20:10, חנה 1Sam 11:1; Ps 27:3, עלה 2Kgs 17:3, חרה אף Zech 10:3 (usually בְּ), שׁפך סללה Isa 37:33, צוּר besiege Deut 20:12, חשׁב to devise Gen 50:20; Jer 11:19, דִּבֶּר Deut 13:6 +, etc.: add Job 16:4 (twice in verse); Job 16:9; Job 16:10; Job 16:13; Job 19:12; Job 21:27; Job 30:12, etc.; היה על 2Sam 11:23; Num 31:3: הִנְנִי לַיִךְ (see אֶל 4); note also Judg 9:31; Judg 20:5: without a verb Isa 9:20; Judg 16:12 פלשׁתים עליך the Philistines are upon thee, Judg 20:9 עָלֶיהָ בְּגוֺרָל Against it by lot !

8. By writers of the silver age, על is sometimes used with the force of a dative, 1Chr 13:2 אִם עֲלֵיבֶם טוֺב (in classical Hebrew בְּעֵינֵיכֶם) if it seems good to you, אִם עַל הַמֶּלֶךְ טוֺב Neh 2:5; Neh 2:7; Esth 1:19; Esth 3:9; Esth 5:4; Esth 5:8; Esth 7:3; Esth 8:5; Esth 9:13 (compare in Aramaic Ezra 5:17; Ezra 7:18); עַל שָׁפַר Ps 16:6 (compare in Aramaic Dan 4:24); עָרַב עַל Ps 104:34 (elsewhere לְ); רַע לְ Eccl 2:17 (see De; compare בְּאֵשׁ עַל Dan 6:15): compare Job 22:2 סָכַן על be profitable to, Job 33:23 also גָּמַל עַל (in both good and bad sense: see גמל), Neh 5:19 עשׂה על, Neh 9:30 משׁך על prolong (mercy) to; הִטָּה חֶסֶד עַל Ezra 7:28; Ezra 9:9 (Gen 39:21 אל): 1Sam 20:8 read probably עם for על. compare Mishna חביב על, dear to; סני על hateful to; Syriac , , pleasant, acceptable to. — compare in general the uses of , WAG ii. § 59.

9. With other particles: — עַל אַחֲרֵי Ezek 41:15 עַל בֵּין Ezek 19:11 (compare אל Ezek 31:10; Ezek 31:14); עַל לִפְנֵי Ezek 40:15 עַל מֵעַל Ezek 41:17 (text dubious), vEzek 41:20 עַל עֵבֶר Exod 25:37 (compare אל Ezek 1:9; Ezek 1:12); עַלבָּֿ֫כָה Esth 9:26. — On עַליַֿד, עַליְֿדֵי, עַל פִּי, עַלפְּֿנֵי, see יָד, פֶּה, פָּנִים.

III. As conjunction: a. עַל אֲשֶׁר because that . . . (compare above, II 1 f b), Exod 32:35 and ׳י plagued the people על אשׁר עשׂו because they had made, etc., Num 20:24; Deut 29:24 (in answer to על מה: so 1Kgs 9:9; Jer 16:11; Jer 22:9), Jer 32:51 (twice in verse); 1Sam 24:6; 2Sam 3:30; 2Sam 6:8; 2Sam 8:10; 2Sam 12:6; Ps 119:49 +.

b. עַל כִּי similar in meaning, but less frequent: Deut 31:17; Judg 3:12; Jer 4:28; Mal 2:14; Ps 139:14.


  c. עַל alone:
   (a) because, Gen 31:20 (E) עַל בְּלִי הִגִּיד, Ps 119:136 עַל לֹא.
   (b) notwithstanding that (above, 1 f f), although, Isa 53:9 חָמָס עָשָׂה עַל לֹא although he did no violence, Job 16:7 עַל לֹא חָמָס בְּכַפָּ֑י.

IV. Compounds: —

1. with כְּ (rare and late),
  a. as concerning, as upon Ps 119:14 כְּעַל כָּלהֿוֺן, 2Chr 32:19.
  b. (pleon. for כְּ), Isa 59:18 כְּעַל גְּמֻלוֺת כְּעַל יְשַׁלֵּם the like of their deeds is the like of (that which) he will repay (כְּעַל repeated on the analogue of כְּ Num 15:15; Hos 4:9: see כְּ) = according to their deeds is (that which) he will repay, Isa 63:7 according to.

2. מֵעַל304 from upon, from over, from by — used with much delicacy of application in many different connections, corresponding mostly with the different senses of על. Thus
  a. from upon idiomatically, when removal, motion, etc., from a surface is involved, as מעל האדמה, מעל פני האדמה from upon (the face of) the ground, usually with expel, destroy, perish, etc. Gen 4:14; Gen 6:7; Gen 7:4; Exod 32:12; Deut 6:15; Deut 28:21; Deut 28:63 + often, especially Jeremiah and compiler of Kings; to be lifted up הארץ מעל Gen 7:17; Ezek 1:19; Ezek 1:21 +, to return or be dried (of water) מעל הארץ Gen 8:3; Gen 8:7; Gen 8:11; Gen 8:13 to roll a stone מֵעַל פִּי הַבְּאֵד Gen 29:3 of the cloud departing האהל מעל Num 9:17; Num 12:10, compare Neh 9:19 to rise up הַכִּסֵּא מֵעַל Judg 3:20; 1Kgs 2:4, מֵעַל מִשְׁכָּבוֺ 2Sam 11:2 to alight מֵעַל הַגָּמָל (נָפַלׅ Gen 24:64 (compare Josh 15:18 צנח, 1Sam 25:23 ירד), ירד מֵעַל הַמֶּרְכָּבָה Judg 4:15; 2Kgs 5:21 (נפל); to take מֵעַל ראֹשׁ Gen 40:19; 2Sam 12:30, מֵעַל הַמִּזְבֵּחַ Lev 16:12; Num 17:11; Isa 6:6 to see מֵעַל הַגָּנ 2Sam 11:2 to shoot מֵעַל הַחוֺמָה v2Sam 11:20 v2Sam 11:24 to speak מֵעַל הַכַּפֹּרֶת Exod 25:22; Num 7:89 to cast down מֵעַל יָדַיִם Deut 9:17; Lev 8:28 (כַּפַּיִם); to break, remove, etc., a yoke (צוארך) מעל שׁכמך Gen 27:40; Isa 10:27; Jer 28:10; Jer 28:11 to wipe tears מֵעַל כָּלפָּֿנִים Isa 25:8 to take a bandage מעל עיניו 1Kgs 20:41 (compare על v1Kgs 20:38); often of putting off a garment or ornament., as Gen 38:14; Gen 38:19 וַתָּסַר צְעִיפָהּ מֵעָלֶיהָ, Exod 33:5 הוֺרֵד עֶדְיְךָ מֵעָלֶיךָ, a sandal Exod 3:5; Josh 5:15, a ring מֵעַל יָדוֺ Gen 41:42 to seek (דרשׁ), or hear, words מֵעַל הַסֵּפֶר Isa 34:16; Jer 36:11 (compare כתב על ספד above); pregnantly with בָּלָה to wear away (and fall) from off, Deut 8:4; Deut 29:4, compare of the bones or skin in disease Job 30:17 עֲצָמַי נִקַּר מֵעָלָ֑י are pierced (and drop) from off me, vJob 30:30 עוֺרִי שָׁחַר מעלי is black (and falls) from off me; figurative 1Sam 1:11 הָסִירִי יֵינֵךְ מֵעָלַיִךְ remove thy wine from off thee; Num 14:9 סָר צִלָּם מֵעֲלֵיהֶם; Judg 16:19; Judg 16:20 סר מעליו ׳י (with allusion to the hair, as the seat of Samson's strength), 1Sam 16:23 (compare על in v1Sam 16:16).


  b. Of relief from a burden or trouble: as of a plague, stroke, rod, etc., removed from (resting) on one, Exod 10:17 וְיָסֵר מֵעָלַי אֶתהַֿמָּוֶת הַזֶּה, Num 21:7; Num 25:8 ׳וַתֵּעָצַר הַמַּגֵּפָה מֵעַל ישׂר 2Sam 24:21; 2Sam 24:25), Ps 39:11 הָסֵר מֵעָלַי נִגְעֶ֑ךָ, Job 9:34; Job 13:21; Joel 2:20 of reproach Josh 5:9; Isa 25:8; Ps 119:22, iniquity Ezek 18:31; Zech 3:4, bloodguiltiness, 1Kgs 2:31, wrath Judg 8:3; Num 25:11; Prov 24:18, murmurings Num 17:21; Num 17:25 הֵקֵל מֵעַל to lighten from upon one Exod 18:22 +; Amos 5:23 הָסֵר מֵעָלַיהֲמוֺן שִׁירֶיךָ; pregnantly Jonah 1:11; Jonah 1:12 that the sea יִשְׁתֹּק מֵעָלֵינוּ may be calm from off us; to remove, etc., מֵעַל פָּנַי (see פָּנִים); 1Sam 6:20 to whom shall he go up מֵעָלֵינוּ — not merely 'from us,' but — from upon us (relieving us of his presence), so often of an army retiring from a country or raising a siege, 2Sam 10:14 ויָּשָׁב יוֺאָב מֵעַל בְּנֵי עַמּוֺן, 2Sam 20:21 וְאֵעלכָה מֵעַל הָעִיר, v2Sam 20:22 Ki 2Sam 3:27; 2Sam 18:14, especially with עָלָה, נַעֲלָה 1Kgs 15:19; Jer 21:2; Jer 37:5; Jer 37:11 +; 2Sam 19:10 David fled מעל אבשׁלום from Absalom (whom his presence had encumbered), Neh 13:28 וָאַבְרִיחֵהוּ מֵעָלַי, compare Gen 13:11; Gen 25:6; Num 20:21 מֵעָלָיו ׳וַיֵּט ישׂר, 2Chr 20:10; Exod 10:28 לֵךְ מֵעָלַי (contemptuously; be no more obnoxious to me), similarly 2Sam 13:17 שׁלחונֿא אתזֿאת מעלי (Amnon of Tamar).


  c. From beside (compare על 6 c), in different nuances: Gen 17:22 God went up מעל אברהם from beside A., Gen 35:13; Gen 18:3 אל נא תעבר מעל עבדך (compare על vGen 18:5), Gen 42:24; Num 16:25; Num 16:27; 1Kgs 1:53 to come down מֵעַל הַמִּזְבֵּחַ (compare על 1Kgs 13:1 6 c and 7 b); from attendance on Gen 45:1 (compare על ib.), Judg 3:19 וְיֵּצְאוּ מֵעָלָיו כָּלהָֿעֹמְדִים עָלָיו 1Sam 17:15 (see Dr), 2Sam 13:9, compare1 Sam 2Sam 13:8; 2Sam 13:11; 2Kgs 25:5 (Jer 36:21 read עַל, מ being dittograph), compare 2Chr 35:15 from attachment to, ׳רָחַק מֵעַל י Jer 2:5; Ezek 11:15; Ezek 44:10, compare Ezek 8:6, ׳סָר מֵעַל י Jer 32:40; Ezek 6:9, ׳תָּעָה מֵעַל י Ezek 44:10; Ezek 44:15, compare Ezek 14:5; Deut 13:11 also סָר מֵעַל חַטּאֹות 2Kgs 10:31; 2Kgs 15:18 (usually מֵחטאות), compare Ezek 14:6; Ezek 23:18 from companionship with, Job 19:13 אַחַי מֵעַלַי הִרְחִיק; from accompanying protectingly 1Sam 28:15 וֵאלֹהִים סָר מֵעַלַי, v1Sam 28:16 (compare על Ps 110:5 and see Dr); from adhesion to 2Kgs 17:21 קָרַע ישׂראל מֵעַל בֵּית תָּוִד, Isa 7:17; Isa 56:6 יַבְדִּילַנִי מֵעַל עַמּוֺ ׳י, Hos 9:1 זָנִיתָ מֵעַל אֱלֹהֶיךָ.


  d. In late Hebrew, = עַל above: 2Kgs 25:28 נָתַן ׳כִּסְאוֺ מֵעַל כִּסֵּא וגו (|| Jer 52:32 more class. מִמַּעַל לְ), Esth 3:1; Ps 108:5 גדול מעל שׁמים (|| Ps 57:11 עַד), Ps 148:4; Eccl 5:7 גָּבֹהַּ מֵעַל גָּבֹהַּ שֹׁמֵר, Neh 3:28; Neh 8:5; 2Chr 34:4 לְמַעְלָה מֵעֲלֵיהֶם on high above them; Ezek 41:17; Ezek 41:20. — Prov 14:14 read with De Now Str וּמִמַּעֲלָלָיו.


  e. מֵעַל לְ (chiefly late, and pleonastic for עַל, or else = the more class. synonym מִמַּעַל לְ): (a) Gen 1:7 מֵעַל לָרָקִיעַ (Ezek 1:26 ׳מִמַּעַל לְ), Ezek 1:25 (text dubious; see Commentaries), 1Sam 17:39; Jonah 4:6; Mal 1:5 upon, over the border (territory) of Israel (so Köhl Ke: but Hi Ew We beyond, 2Chr 13:4 upon, mount Zemaraim, 2Chr 24:20. (b) beside 2Chr 26:19 מֵעַל לְמִזְבַּח הַקְּטֹרֶת; Neh 12:31 (twice in verse); Neh 12:37; Neh 12:38 (twice in verse); Neh 12:39 dubious: BeRy (in all) off the side of (מִן 6) = at a little distance from; Ke in vNeh 12:31 vNeh 12:38a upon, in vNeh 12:37 vNeh 12:38b; vNeh 12:39 by the side of (an ... vorüber).


BDB6111 H4192 H5921 H5961

BDB6110 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6112

עֲלָמוֺת, עַלמֿוּת etc., see עַלְמָה below II. עלם. below


BDB9768 H5922 H5921

BDB9767 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9769

עַל preposition upon, over, on account of, above, to, against (Biblical Hebrew and general Aramaic id.); — suffix 1 singular עֲלַי; 2 masculine singular עליך Kt (so Egyptian Aramaic, CookeNo. 77, A 5, 6, B 8, S-CPap. A 3, B 5 +), עֲלָךְ, Qr (ᵑ7 עֲלַךְ, Dalm§ 47, 2) Dan 3:12 + 6 t. Daniel; Ezra 7:18 3 masculine singular עֲלוֺהִי (so Nabataean, Palmyrene; Egyptian Aramaic עלוי S-CA 6 +) Dan 3:28 +, עֲלֹהִי Ezra 6:11 3 feminine singular עליה Kt (so Egyptian Aramaic, S-CD 24), עֲלַהּ Qr (so ᵑ7) Dan 4:14; Dan 5:21 1 plural עֲלֵינָא Ezra 4:12, עֲלֵ֑ינָא Ezra 4:18; Ezra 5:17 Baer (Gi עֲלֶ֑ינָא); 3 masculine plural עֲלֵיהֹם (so Nabataean, CISii. 226; Egyptian Aramaic, S-CPap. F 5, 8+) Ezra 7:24, עֲלֵיהוֺן Ezra 5:1; Ezra 5:3

1. a. upon, Dan 2:10; Dan 2:28; Dan 2:46; Dan 5:5; Dan 5:7; Dan 6:11 + often, Dan 4:26 עַלהֵֿיכַל מַלְכוּתָא (2Sam 11:2); to be established עַל מַלְכוּתִי 2Sam 4:33 (compare 2Chr 1:1 Biblical Hebrew II. 1) to lay an impost upon, Ezra 7:24 to trust on, Dan 3:28 after a verb of motion, מְטָא עַל to come upon, Dan 4:21; Dan 4:25 of times, to pass over, Dan 4:13; Dan 4:20; Dan 4:22; Dan 4:29; Ezra 5:1 בְּשֻׁם אֱלָהּ יִשְׂרָאֵל עֲלֵיהוֺן i.e. (named) over them.
  b. idiomatic (as in Biblical Hebrew; see II. 1 d) of the person who is the subject of an emotion or experience, Dan 5:9 וְזִיוֺתִי שָׁנַיִן עֲלוֺהִי were changed upon him, Dan 7:28; Dan 6:19 וְשִׁנְּתֵהּ נַדַּת עֲלוֺהִי (compare Dan 2:1).
  c. on accusative of (Biblical Hebrew 1 f b), Dan 3:16 פִּתְגָּם עַלדְּֿנָה. So in עַלדְּֿנָה on this accusative Ezra 4:15; Ezra 4:22; Ezra 5:17, עַלמָֿה wherefore ? Dan 2:15 and עַל דִּבְרַת דִּי (see ׳דְּ).
  d. on behalf of (ib. 1 f c), Ezra 6:17.
  e. regarding, concerning (ib. 1 f g), Dan 2:18; Dan 5:14; Dan 5:29; Dan 6:6; Dan 6:13; Ezra 7:14 + often
2. over, with verbs of ruling, appointing, etc., Dan 2:48; Dan 2:49; Dan 3:12; Dan 4:14 +, Ezra 4:20; Ezra 6:18.
3. in a comparative sense, above, beyond, Dan 3:19; Dan 6:4.
4. expressing direction:
  a. to, of a person, after a verb of motion (compare Biblical Hebrew 7 c a a), Dan 2:24; Dan 4:31; Dan 4:33; Dan 6:7; Dan 6:16; Ezra 4:12; Ezra 4:23 + often; after to send (a letter, etc.) Ezra 4:11; Ezra 4:17; Ezra 4:18; Ezra 5:6 +, write Ezra 4:7, prophesy Ezra 5:1 of the direction of the mind (ib. 7c c), Dan 3:12; Dan 6:14 (twice in verse); Dan 6:15 compare Ezra 5:5 הֲוַת עַל ׳וְעֵין אֱל (compare Jer 40:4 and אֶל Ps 34:16).
  b. against, Dan 3:19; Dan 3:29; Dan 5:23; Dan 6:5; Dan 6:6 +; Ezra 4:8; Ezra 7:23.
5. in such phrases as שְׁפַר עַל, טְאֵב (to be) good or acceptable to (as in Syriac and late Hebrew: see Biblical Hebrew 8), Ezra 5:17 אִם עַל מַלְכָּא טָב, Ezra 7:18 (twice in verse); Dan 4:24 (יִשְׁפַּר), Dan 6:15 (בְּאֵשׁ), v.Dan 6:24 (טְאֵב). — compare the synopsis of meanings in Lzb340.

upon, against, over, in, for, …
ʿal
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
  • (prep) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
    • upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
    • "above, beyond, over (of excess)"above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)"upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)"over (of suspension or extension)"by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)"down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to,, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)"to (as a dative)
    (conj) because that, because, notwithstanding, although

מַה
מַה
Particle turns the sentence into a question
Dictionary form: מָה · maw

Particle — Interrogative

In the KJV here: what
what ×268 why ×81 wherefore ×64 how ×44 and what ×35 wherein ×12 and why ×10 him what ×9
More options
what — Default interrogative; fits most direct questions.
why — Use when context implies reason or motive.
how — Use when manner or degree is in view.
for what reason — Formal alternative to 'why'; clarifies rhetorical force.
wherein — Replaces archaic form; for 'in what respect'.
whatever — Use for indefinite or relative pronoun contexts.

BDB4521 H1767 H4078 H4100

BDB4520 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4522

מַדַּי (i.e. מַהדַּֿי) 2Chr 30:3, see מה 1 e.


מִדֵּי see דַּי.


מִדְיָן, מְדִינָה see דין.


מִדְיָנִים see I. מדון. מְדֹכָה see דוך.


מַדְמֵן, I, II. מַדְמֵנָה, מַדְמַנָּה see דמן.


מְדָן see דין. מְדָנִים see מדון, מִדְיָנִי.


מַדַּע, מֹדַע, מֹדַ֫עַת see ידע.


[מַדְקָרָה], plural construct מַדְקְרוֺת see דקר.


מַדְרֵגָה see דרג. מְדֻרָה see דור.


[מִדְרָךְ] see דרך. [מִדְרָשׁ] see דרשׁ.


[מְדֻשָׁה] see דושׁ.


BDB4522 H4100 H4078

BDB4521 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4523

מָה, rarely מָהֿ (e.g. Gen 31:43; Josh 22:16; Judg 8:1), מַהֿ, מַהּ , מֶה, מַּ  ( Exod 4:2; Isa 3:15; Mal 1:13; 1Chr 15:13; 2Chr 30:3), מָ (only in מָהֵם Ezek 8:6 Kt., Qr. מָה הֵם) — on the distinction in the use of these forms, see Ges«GKC:37»§ 37

pronoun interrogative and indefinite what? how? aught; used of things, as מִי of persons (Aramaic , מָא, Arabic ; probably apocope from a longer form with n or nt, Assyrian minû (DlHWB 417 f.), Ethiopic ment; compare WCG 123 ff. K?:ii. 368): —
1. interrogative what ?
  a. in a direct question, before either verbs or nouns Gen 4:10 מֶה עשׂית what hast thou done ? Gen 15:2 מהתֿתןלֿי what wilt thou give me ? Exod 3:13 מַהשְּֿׁמוֺ, Exod 12:26; Exod 13:14 and so very often: מַההִֿיא Zech 5:6 מה אלה Zech 1:9 מָה אַתָּה רֹאֶה Jer 1:11; Amos 7:8 +; Jl Amos 4:14 מה אתם לי; Judg 18:8 מה אתם see Commentaries, vJudg 18:24 מה לי עוד what have I still ? Isa 21:11 מהמֿלילה what (= how much) of the night (is past) ? = as what ? (qualem ?) Hag 2:3 (compare מִי Amos 7:2); to express surprise, Job 9:12 who shall say to him, מה תעשׂה what doest thou ? Job 22:13; Eccl 8:4; Isa 45:9; Isa 45:10 followed by כִּי, Gen 20:10 מה ראית כי עשׂית what hadst thou in view, that thou hast done, etc.? Gen 31:36; Exod 16:7 וְנַחְנוּ מָה כִּי and what are we, that . . .? Exod 32:21; Num 22:28; Hab 2:18, etc. Note in particular —
   (a) מָה is followed sometimes by a substantive in apposition (against Arabic usage, which does not permit this: WAG. ii. § 170), so that it becomes virtually an adjective: מַהבֶּֿצַע what profit . . .? Gen 37:26; Ps 30:10; Mal 3:14; Isa 40:8 מַהדְּֿמוּת, Mal 1:13; Ps 89:48 זְכָראֲֿנִי מֶה חָ֑לֶד (inverted for חֶלֶד אָ֑נִי מַה) remember (of) what (short) duration I am, Eccl 1:3; Eccl 5:10; Eccl 5:15; Eccl 6:8; Eccl 6:11 (Da§ 8, R. 2 K?:iii. 23 f.); as exclamation, Ps 89:48b Job 26:14. And with the substantive idiomatically at the end (in Arabic preceded then by : WAG. ii. § 49. 7), 1Sam 26:18 ומַהבֿידי רעה and what is there in my hand, evil ? 1Sam 20:10 (see 3), 2Sam 19:29; 2Sam 24:13; 2Sam 1:16; מהמֿצאו אבותיכם בי עָוֶל, Eccl 11:2; Esth 6:3.
   (b) מַהזֶּֿה what now ? 1Sam 10:11, contracted מַזֶּה Exod 4:2 (זֶה 4 c); Gen 3:13 מַהזּֿאֹת עָשִׂיתָ; Gen 12:18; Gen 29:25 מַהזּֿאֹת עָשִׂיתָה לִּי; similarly Gen 26:10; Gen 42:28 +, either what, now, hast thou done ? or what is this that thou hast done ? (see זֶה 4 d).
   (c) לְּךָ מַהֿ what to thee ? i.e. what aileth thee ? or what dost thou want ? Gen 21:17 מַהלָּֿךְ הָגָר; Josh 15:18; 2Sam 14:5; 1Kgs 1:16; 2Kgs 6:28; Ezek 18:2 (accents); followed by כִּי, Judg 18:23 מהלֿך כי נזעקת, Gen 20:9 (compare 1Sam 11:5 לעם כי יבכו מה), Isa 22:1 מַהלָּֿךְ כִּי עָלִיתְ (compare τί παθὼν, τοῦτο ποιεῖς;), Ps 114:5 without כִּי Isa 3:15 (compare Qor 57:8; 57:10); with a participle, Jonah 1:6 what is it to thee as a sleeper ? (accusative: Da§ 70 a cites Qor 74:50), Ezek 18:2 (if אתם be treated as strengthening לכם).
   (d) פֹה (לִי) מַהלְּֿךָ = what hast thou (have I) here ? Judg 18:3; 1Kgs 19:9; Isa 22:16; Isa 52:5.
   (e) in the genitive, Jer 8:9 וְחָכְמַתמֶֿה לָהֶם, and wisdom of what (= what kind of wisdom) is theirs ? Num 23:3 (see below 3).
  b. often in an indirect question, as after ראה, Gen 2:19 to see מהיֿקראלֿו what he would call it, Gen 37:20 וְנִרְאֶה מהיֿהיו חלֹמֹתיו to what his dreams will come, Num 13:19f.; Hab 2:1 הִכִּיר Gen 31:32 ידע Gen 39:8; Exod 2:4 לדעת מהיֵּֿעָשֶׂה לו, Exod 16:15; Exod 32:1; Job 34:4 שׁמע Num 9:8 ׳וְאשׁמעה מהיֿצוה י (compare Ps 85:9), 2Sam 17:5 פֹּרַשׁ Num 15:34 שׁאל 1Kgs 3:5; 2Kgs 2:9 הֵבִין Job 6:24; Job 23:5: Num 13:18 מה היא וראיתם את הארץ, Ps 39:5; Isa 41:22 הראשׁנות מָה הֵנָּה הַגִּידוּ. — In some such cases it approximates in meaning to the simple rel., as Jer 7:17; Jer 33:24; Mic 6:5; Mic 6:8; Job 34:33.
  c. = of what kind ? (German was für ein ... ?), with an insinuation of blame, or reproach, or contempt: Gen 37:10 מה החלום הזה what is this dream which thou hast dreamt? Gen 44:15; Josh 22:16; Judg 8:1; Judg 15:11; Judg 20:12; 1Sam 29:3 מָה הָעִבְרִים האלה, 1Kgs 9:13 מה העדים האלה אשׁר נתתה לי, 2Kgs 9:22; 2Kgs 18:19.
  d. מה is often used in questions to which the answer little, or nothing, is expected, and it thus becomes equivalent to a rhetorical negative (compare הֲ b, מִי f c):
   (a) Gen 23:15 land worth 400 shekels..., מה היא what is it ? (i.e. it is something quite insignificant), Gen 27:37; Judg 8:3 עשׂות ככם ומהיֿכלתי, Judg 14:18; Hos 9:5; Hos 10:3; Ps 30:10; Ps 56:5; Job 15:9; Job 16:6; Job 21:21; Job 22:13; Job 22:17; Lam 2:13; Song 5:9 מַהאדּוֺדֵךְ מִדּוֺד what is thy beloved (more) than a(nother) beloved ? || לא, 1Kgs 12:16 מַהלָּֿנוּ חֵלֶק בְּדָוֺד וְלֹאנַֿחֲלָה בְּבֶן יִשַׁי (2Sam 20:1 ׳אֵיןלָֿנוּ חֵלֶק וג), Job 16:6.
   (b) followed by כִּי (כִּי 1 f), Gen 20:9; Gen 37:26 מַהבֶּֿצַע כִּי נַהֲרֹג what profit (is it) that we should slay him ? Exod 16:7; Num 16:11; Hab 2:18; 2Kgs 8:13 what is thy servant, the dog, that he should do, etc.? and often in poetry, as Ps 8:5 מָה אנושׁ כי תזכרנו what is man that thou rememberest him ? Job 6:11 מַהכֹּֿחִי כִּי אֲיַחֵל, vJob 6:11 b Job 7:17; Job 15:12f; Job 15:14; Job 16:3; Job 21:15 + (compare ׳מִ f b). Hence,
   (c) in the formula of repudiation, or emphatic denial, (וְלָכֶם) מַהלִּֿי וָלָךְ what is there (common) to me and to thee ? i.e. what have I to do with thee ? Judg 11:12; 2Sam 16:10 מה לי ולכם, 2Sam 19:23; 1Kgs 17:18; 2Kgs 3:13; 2Chr 35:21 compare Josh 22:24; 2Kgs 9:18; 2Kgs 9:19 rather differently, without וְ, Jer 2:18 ׳מה לך לדרך מ what is there to thee with reference to the way to Egypt ? Hos 14:9 מַהאלּוֺ לַעֲצַבִּים, compare Ps 50:16 (לְסַפֵּר); with את, Jer 23:28 מַהלַֿתֶּבֶן אֶתהַֿבָּר beside (or in comparison with) the wheat ? compare τί ἐμοὶ(ἡμῖν)καὶ σοί; Matt 8:29; Mark 5:7; John 2:4 and Arabic
  e. = whatsoever (compare מִי g):
   (a) Judg 9:48 ראיתם עשׂיתי מהרו עשׂו כמוני מה אתם, literally what do you see (that) I have done ? hasten, and do like me (= whatever ye see, etc.), 2Sam 21:4 אעשׂה לכם מה אתם אמרים, Job 6:24 with the apodosis introduced by וְ, 1Sam 20:4 מה תאמר נפשׁך ואעשׂה לך; Esth 5:3 בַּקָּשָׁתֵךְ ֗֗֗ וְיִנָּתֵן לָךְ מַהֿ, vEsth 5:6; Esth 7:2; Esth 9:12 hence in the late and strange idiom of Chronicles, it sinks twice almost to the rel. what, 1Chr 15:13 כי לְמַבָּרִאשׁוֺנָה לא אתם because ye were not (employed) for what was at first (on the former occasion), J. etc., 2Chr 30:3 לְמַדַּי according to what was sufficient (= in sufficient numbers), compare Esth 9:26.
   (b) -מַהשֶּֿׁ (late: frequently in Mishna, etc.), whatever, what (compare מִי אֲשֶׁר, מִי
  g. end): Eccl 1:9 מַהשֶּֿׁהָיָה הוּא שֶׁיִּהְיֶה, literally what is that which hath been ? it is that which shall be (= whatever hath been, it is that which shall be), vEccl 1:9; Eccl 3:15; Eccl 3:22; Eccl 6:10; Eccl 7:24; Eccl 8:7; Eccl 10:14.
2. Used adverbially:
  a. as an interrogative:
   (a) how ? especially in expressing what is regarded as an impossibility, Gen 44:16 מַהנִּֿצְטַדָּ֑ק how shall we justify ourselves ? Num 23:8 (twice in verse); 1Sam 10:27 מַהיּֿשִׁעֵנוּ זֶה, 2Kgs 4:43; Job 9:2; Job 25:4 (twice in verse); Job 31:1 I made a covenant with my eyes, ׳וּמָה אֶתְבּוֺנֵן עַל ב and how should I look upon a maid ? (ᵐ5 οὐ, ᵑ9 non), Prov 20:24 דַּרְכּוֺ וְאָדָם מַהיָּֿבִין; in an indirect question, Exod 10:26; Ps 39:5 ֵ˜אדְעָה מֶהחָֿדֵל אָ֑נִי; מַהזֶּֿה, how, now ? (in surprise), Gen 27:20 מַהזֶּֿה מִהַרְתָּ לִמְצאֹ בְּנִי, Judg 18:24; 1Kgs 21:5; 2Kgs 1:5.
   (b) why ? Exod 14:15 אֵלַי מַה תִּצְעַק, Exod 17:2 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 6:33; 2Kgs 7:3; Ps 42:6 מַהתִּֿשְׁתּוֺחֲחִי עלי, Job 15:12 +; Song 8:4 I adjure you מַהתָּֿעִירוּ וּמַהתְּֿעוֺרֲרוּ, why will ye stir up, etc.? (i.e. do not: || אִם Song 2:7; Song 3:5). — The transition from the interrogative to the negative, to which in Hebrew there is an approximate (see above: especially 1Kgs 12:16; Job 31:1; Song 8:4), is in Arabic complete, being there used constantly in the sense of not (compare WalkerHebraica. xii. 244 ff.; iii, 478).
  b. as an exclamation, how ...! with adjectives and verbs, Gen 28:17 מַהנּֿוֺרָא הַמָּקוֺם הַזֶּה how dreadful is this place! Gen 38:29; Num 24:5 מַהטֹּֿבוּ אֹהָלֶיךָ, Isa 52:7; Ps 3:2 מה רבו, Ps 8:2 מה אדיר, Ps 21:2; Ps 36:8, etc., Song 4:10 (twice in verse); Song 7:2 ironically, 2Sam 6:20; Jer 2:33; Jer 2:36; Job 26:2; Job 26:3.
3. indefinite pronoun anything, aught, Num 23:3 וּדְבַרמַֿהיַּֿרְאֵנִי וְהִגַּדְתִּי לָ֑ךְ and he will shew me the matter of aught, and I will tell thee (= if he shew me... I will, etc., Dr§ 149), 1Sam 19:3 וְרָאִיתִי מָה וִהִגַּדְתִּי לָ֑ךְ = and if I see aught, I will, etc., 1Sam 20:10 אוֺ מַהיַּֿעַנִךָ אָבִיךָ קָשָׁה if perchance thy father shall answer thee aught that is harsh (order, 1 a a), 2Sam 18:22 וִיהִימָֿה אָרוּצָהנָּֿא but let there happen what may (literally aught), I will run, v2Sam 18:23 (compare Job 13:13 וְיַעֲבֹר עָלַי מָה), vJob 13:29 וְלֹא יָדַעְתִּי מָה (compare Prov 9:13), Prov 25:8. compare iii. § 65.
4. With prepositions:
  a. בַּמָּה9, בַּמֶּה19 wherein ? Exod 22:26; Judg 16:5; 1Sam 14:38 (indirect question; We בְּמִי); and so according to the various senses of בְּ: whereby ? Gen 15:8; Exod 33:16; Mal 1:2; Mal 1:6; Mal 1:7; Mal 2:17; Mal 3:7-8 wherewith ? 1Sam 6:2; 2Sam 21:3; Mic 6:6 by what means ? Judg 16:5 וּבַמֶּה נוּכַל לוֺ; at what (worth) ? Isa 2:22 for what ? 2Chr 7:21 (|| 1Kgs 9:8 עלמֿה).
  b. יַעַן מֶה Hag 1:9 because of what ?
  c. כַּמָּה, כַּמֶּה, properly the like of what ? (Arabic , Syriac ); hence
   (a) how much ? how many ? ׳כַּמָּה יְמֵי וגו Gen 47:8; 2Sam 19:35; Ps 119:84; Job 13:23 עַד כַּמֶּה פְעָמִים 1Kgs 22:16 (= 2Chr 18:15); כַּמָּה how often ? Job 21:17 (i.e. how seldom !); in an indirect question, how much ? Zech 2:6 (twice in verse). As an exclamation, Zech 7:3 as I have done זֶה כַמֶּה שָׁנִים now (זֶה 4 i), how many years ! Ps 78:40 כַּמָּה how often !
   (b) for how long ? Ps 35:17 כמה תראה, Job 7:19.
  d. לָ֫מָּה, לָמָ֫ה (לָמָ֫ה mostly before the gutturals א, ה, ע and ׳י [i.e. אֲדֹנָי], but twice besides, Ps 42:10; Ps 43:2 לָ֫מָּה also occurs before guttural, in five places noted by Masoretes on Ps 43:2, namely 1Sam 28:15; 2Sam 2:22; 2Sam 14:31; Ps 49:6; Jer 15:18, and before ךְ Gen 4:6; 2Sam 14:13; 2Sam 24:3; Eccl 2:15), לָ֫מָה Job 7:20, לָ֫מֶה 1Sam 1:8 (3 t. in verse), for what reason ? why? Gen 4:6 למה חרה לך why art thou angry ? Gen 24:31, etc.; often strengthened by זֶה (זֶה 4 e), Gen 18:13; Gen 32:30 (= Judg 13:18) למה זה תשׁאל לשׁמי, Judg 33:15; Exod 2:20; Exod 5:22; Exod 17:3, etc., Jer 6:20; Jer 20:18 +; Gen 25:22 זה אנכי אם כן למהֿ if so, why, then, am I ? (why do I continue to live ?); = to what purpose (followed by לִ person), Gen 27:46 למה לי חיים, Isa 1:11; Jer 6:20; Amos 5:18 למה זה ׳לכם יום י, Job 30:2 in an indirect question, 1Sam 6:3; Dan 10:20. Note especially
   (a) in expostulations, Gen 12:18 למה לא הגדת לי why didst thou not tell me, etc. ? vGen 12:19; Gen 29:25; Gen 31:27; Gen 42:1; Gen 43:6; 1Sam 21:15; 1Sam 22:13; 1Sam 24:10; Ps 22:2; Ps 44:24; Ps 44:25; Ps 74:1; Ps 74:11 + often;
   (b) with an imperfect, often deprecating, or introducing rhetorically, the reason why something should, or should not, be done, why should . . .? 1Sam 19:5; 1Sam 19:17; 1Sam 20:8 but to thy father (emphatic) למה זה תביאני, why shouldst thou bring me ? 1Sam 20:32 מה עשׂה למה יומת why should he be put to death ? 2Sam 13:26; 2Sam 16:9; 2Sam 20:19; 2Kgs 14:10, etc.: in such cases, it approximates in meaning to lest (compare Phoenician CISi. 2, 21 יסגרינם אלנם לָםָ ne tradant eos dii), and is in ᵐ5 often rendered by μήποτε, as Gen 27:45 למה אשׁכל why should I be bereaved, etc. ? Exod 32:12 יאמרו מצרים למה Neh 6:3; Ps 79:10; Ps 115:2; Eccl 7:16, μή, Jer 40:15, ἵνα μή, Gen 47:19; 2Sam 2:22; 2Chr 25:16; Eccl 5:5; Eccl 7:17, or ὅπως μή, Joel 2:17 (in 1Sam 19:17; 2Sam 13:26, paraph. by εἰ μή); and, connected with the foregoing sentence by אשׁר, or שֶׁ, in late, or dialect., Hebrew it actually has that meaning, Dan 1:10 אֲשֶׁר לָמָּה יִרְאֶה lest he see, Song 1:7 שַׁלָּמָ֫ה אֶהְיֶה lest I become (so in Aramaic לְמָה דִּי Ezra 7:23, דִּילְמָא ᵑ7, Syriac , both regularly = lest).
  e. עַדמָֿה (Ps 4:3 עַדמֶֿה) until when ? how long ? Num 24:22 (aposiop.), Ps 4:3; Ps 79:5; Ps 89:47 in indirect question, Ps 74:9 (compare עד אנה, עד מתי). feminine עַלמָֿה, and עַלמֶֿה, upon what ? Job 38:6; 2Chr 32:10 upon what ground ? wherefore ? Num 22:32 עַלמָֿה הִכִּיתָ אֶתאֲֿתֹנְךָ, Deut 29:23 (compare 1Kgs 9:8; Jer 22:8), Isa 1:5; Jer 8:14; Jer 9:11; Jer 16:10; Ezek 21:12; Ps 10:13; Job 13:14 (probably dittograph from vJob 13:13); עלמֿהזֿה Neh 2:4. In an indirect question, Job 10:2 הוֺדִיעֻנִי עַל מַהתְּֿרִיבֻנִי, Esth 4:5 לָדַעַת מַהזֶּֿה וְעַלמַֿהוֶּֿה.


BDB8356 H834 H7945 H4100

BDB8355 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8357

שֶׁ, also ( Gen 6:3 [? see 4 a], Judg 5:7 (twice in verse); Song 1:7; Job 19:29 [?]) שַּׁ , שָׁ in שָׁאַתָּה Judg 6:17, and שְׁ in שְׁהוּא Eccl 2:22, שְׁהֵם Eccl 3:18 (elsewhere before guttural שֶׁ, as שֶׁאֲנִי Song 1:6; Eccl 2:18, שֶׁאֵין Ps 146:3, שֶׁהֵם Song 6:5; Lam 4:9, שֶׁעַל Judg 7:12; Judg 8:26, שֶׁרּאֹשִׁי Song 5:2), relative particle who, which, that, etc. (constantly in Late Hebrew; Aramaic of Nerab, Ldzb371, 445; Assyrian sha; Phoenician אש (regularly), also sometimes ש (Ldzb227 f.): according to Ges Ew§ 181 b Olp. 439 Sta§ 176 e, abbreviated from אֲשֶׁר; more probably (Sperling [see אֲשֶׁר], ii. 323 f.) an original demonstrative particle), synonym with אֲשֶׁר, but in usage limited to late Hebrew, and passages with north Palestinian colouring, namely Judg 5:7 (twice in verse) [אֲשֶׁר vJudg 5:27], Judg 6:17; Judg 7:12; Judg 8:26; 2Kgs 6:11 (see 4 c), Jonah 1:7; Jonah 1:12; Jonah 4:10 [אֲשֶׁר 11 t.], Ps 122:3; Ps 122:4; Ps 123:2; Ps 124:1; Ps 124:2; Ps 124:6; Ps 129:6; Ps 129:7; Ps 133:2; Ps 133:3; Ps 135:2; Ps 135:8; Ps 135:10; Ps 136:23; Ps 137:8; Ps 137:9; Ps 144:15; Ps 146:3; Ps 146:5; Lam 2:15; Lam 2:16; Lam 4:9; Lam 5:18; Ezra 8:20; 1Chr 5:20; 1Chr 27:27 Canticles (uniformly, except in title Song 1:1); Ecclesiastes (68 t.; אֲשֶׁא 89 t.); also (dubious) Gen 6:3; Gen 49:10 (שֶׁלֹּה ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ7), Job 19:29 and in the proper name (q. v.) מִישָׁאֵל and מְתוּשָׁאֵל. — In usage, שֶּׁ  is in the main parallel with אֲשֶׁר, namely

1. as pronoun who, which, whom, Judg 7:12 כַּהוֺל שֶׁעַל שְׂפַת הַיָּם (compare חוֺל c), Ps 122:3; Ps 124:6 etc.; him whom, that which, etc., Song 1:7; Song 3:1; 1Chr 27:27; Eccl 1:11; Eccl 6:3 וְרַב שֶׁיִּהְיוּ יְמֵי חַיָּיו and much (verb) is that which his days amount to (Hi De and others), vEccl 6:10 הוּא שֶּׁ  that which Eccl 1:9 (twice in verse); in the genitive, אַשְׁרֵי שֶּׁ  Ps 137:8; Ps 137:9; Ps 146:5. — On מַהשֶּּֿׁ  in Eccl = whatever, what, see מָה 1 e b.
2. as a connecting link; = where (compare אֲשֶׁר p. 81, and 4 b β), מְקוֺם שֶּׁ  Eccl 1:7; Eccl 11:3 (compare מְקוֺם אֲשֶׁר Gen 39:20 +: Ges«GKC:130c»§ 130c), whither Ps 122:4 (שֶׁשָּׁם ֗֗֗ ), when Song 8:8; Eccl 12:3 בַּיּוֺם שֶּׁ  (compare ib. 4 b a).
3.as a conjunction (compare אֲשֶׁר 8); —
  a. that, after רָאָה Eccl 2:13; Eccl 3:18, יָרַע Eccl 1:17; Eccl 2:14; Eccl 9:5; Job 19:19 (?), דִּבֶּר Eccl 2:15, אָמַר Eccl 8:14, עָשָׂה אוֺת Judg 6:17 as subject of sentence, Eccl 3:13; Eccl 5:15 also in the phrases, (a) what is ... that ? Song 5:9 (usually כִּי; see מָךְ 1 d b), מֶה הָיָה שֶּׁ  how comes it that ... ? Eccl 7:10
   (b) Song 3:4 כִּמְעַט שֶׁעָבַרְתּת מֵהֶם hardly (was it) that (German kaum dass) I had passed, etc., Eccl 7:14 עַל דִּדבְרַת שֶׁלּאֹ יִמְצָא to the intent that ..., Eccl 5:15 כָּלעֻֿמַּת שֶׁבֶּא exactly as ..., Eccl 12:9 תֵר שֶׁ besides that, עַד שֶּׁ  (עַד ּ Judg 5:7) until that Ps 123:2; Song 2:7; Song 2:17 + (see III. עַד II 1 a a and b; compare Late Hebrew Yoma Song 5:1), while Song 1:12 (ib. 2 d); עָשָׂהשֶּׁ  to make or cause that ..., Eccl 3:14 (compare Ezek 36:27).
  b. involving a reason (compare אֲשֶׁר 8 c), because, since, Song 1:6 (twice in verse); Song 5:2; Eccl 2:18 b. Hence שֵׁלָּמָה Song 1:7 since why ? = lest (see מָה 4 d b).
4. compounds:
  a. בְּשֶּׁ , i. q. בַּאֲשֶׁר c (p. 84a) in that, seeing that, Eccl 2:16 also (according to ᵑ0 ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Hu De) Gen 6:3 בְּשַׁגַּם הוּא בָשָׂר because that he also is flesh; but see שָׁגַג.
  b. ˜כּשֶּׁ , i. q. כַּאֲשֶׁר p. 455: — (a) according as Eccl 5:14; Eccl 12:7 (b) when (so often in Late Hebrew, as Ab Eccl 1:8 (3 t. in verse); Eccl 1:14) Eccl 9:12; Eccl 10:3.
  c. מִשֶּּׁ , i. q. מֵאֲשֶׁר a (p. 84:a), 2Kgs 6:12 מִי מִשֶּׁלָּנוּ who of those that are ours ? (but Klo KmpKau Benz מְגַלֵּנוּ who betrays us ? compare ᵐ5); Eccl 5:4 than that (compare מֵאֲשֶׁר Eccl 3:22), + Eccl 2:24 (read מִשֶּׁיּאֹכַל with Ew De, etc.; compare Eccl 3:22).
  d. שֶׁל, like אֲשֶׁרלְ (אֲשֶׁר 7 b), a mark of the genitive: thrice, adding slight emphasis to the suffix, Song 1:6 = Song 8:12 כַּרְמִי שֶׁלִּי my vineyard (literally my vineyard, which is mine), Song 3:7 מִטָּתוֺ שֶׁלִּשְׁלֹמֹה (so often in Late Hebrew, but without any special emphasis, as Aboth Song 1:12 הֲוֵי מתלמידיווּ שׁלאֿהרן be of Aaron's disciples, Song 2:1 שְׂכָרָן שֶׁלמִֿצְוֺת, vSong 2:2; Song 3:2 הֲוֵי מתפלל בשׁלומהּ שׁלמֿלכות; compare in Syriac, as Luke 6:42 my words, § 225). And with בְּ, בְּשֶׁל literally through that which belongs to or concerns, pleonastic for on account of (a late, unidiomatic translation of Aramaic בְּרִיל, from בְּ, דִּי, and לְ, as in Onk Gen 12:13 בדילי on my account, Gen 30:27; Gen 39:5 בְּדִיל יוֺסֵף, בְּדִיל מָא on account of what ? Judg 8:1; 2Sam 9:1; 1Kgs 11:12; 1Kgs 11:39, etc.), Jonah 1:7 בְּשֶׁלְּמִי on account of whom ? (|| vJonah 1:8 בַּאֲשֶׁר לְמִי; probably a gloss), vJonah 1:12 בְּשֶׁלִּי an account of me (ᵑ7 בְּדִיל מַן, בְּדִילִי); Eccl 8:17 בְּשֶׁל אֲשֶׁר יַעֲמֹל הָאָדָם לְבַקֵּשׁ on account of (the fact) that (= seeing that) man labours, etc. (unidiomatic translation of Aramaic בְּדִיל דְּ because that, as Gen 6:3 בְּדִיל דְּאִינוּן בִּסְרָא, Gen 39:9 בְּרִיל דְּאַתְּ אִיתְּתֵיהּ [for Hebrew בַּאֲשֶׁר אַתְּ אִשְׁתּוֺ]; Palmyrene בדיל די Ldzb233, — in Tariff Gen 1:4 (CookeN. Semitic Inscr. 320) = ἐπειδή).


[שֹׁא] see [ שׁוֺא].


BDB9652 H3964 H4101 H4100

BDB9651 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9653

מָה (מָא Ezra 6:8) pronoun interrogative and indefinite what? (Biblical Hebrew מָה; Nabataean מה; Zinjirli מ; ᵑ7 מא; Syriac ; Arabic : compare WCG 124 f.); —

1. what ? Dan 4:32 מה עבדת.
2. whatever, what (compare Biblical Hebrew 1 b end) Dan 2:22 ידע מח בחשׁוכא knoweth what is in darkness, Ezra 6:9: so מָה דִּי (compare דִּי 1 b: so Nabataean; Palmyrene מא די, מדי, Lzb306 Cooke320, 332) Dan 2:28; Dan 2:29 (twice in verse); Dan 2:45; Ezra 6:8 למא די תעבדון with regard to what ye shall do, Ezra 7:18 (= whatsoever).
3. with prefixes:
  a. כְּמָה how! Dan 3:33 (twice in verse).
  b. לְמָה why? (compare Biblical Hebrew לָמָּה) Ezra 4:22 be not slack herein: why should damage grow, etc., virtually = lest damage grow (ᵐ5 μή ποτε), Ezra 7:23 די למה להוא קצף for why should there be wrath ? = lest [ᵐ5 μή ποτε] there be wrath (compare ᵑ7 דִּילְמָא, Syriac lest: and see מָה 4 d b, p. 554:a).
  c. עלמֿה wherefore? Dan 2:15.

what, why, wherefore, how, wherein, …
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and even relatively, that which); often used with prefixes in various adverbial or conjunctive senses
  • (interr pron) what, how, of what kind
    • (interrogative)
      • what?
      • "of what kind"what? (rhetorical)"whatsoever, whatever, what
      (adverb)
      • how, how now
      • "why"how! (exclamation)
      (with prep)
      • wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means?
      • "because of what?"the like of what?
        • how much?, how many?, how often?
        • "for how long?
        for what reason?, why?, to what purpose?"until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron
    anything, aught, what may

Breakdown unavailable for this word. Dictionary form: זֶה · dzeh

Noun — masculine singular

this ×576 and this ×44 in this ×40 of this ×39 is this ×31 these ×21 that ×17 as it is this ×10
More options
this — Default demonstrative; nearest referent in context.
that — Use when referent is more distant or already mentioned.
such — Highlights quality or kind rather than identity.
here — Adverbial use; marks location or present moment.
the same — Emphasizes identity or continuity with prior referent.
it — Pronominal use; when זֶה substitutes for a noun.

BDB6199 H6258 H2088 H2009 H5704 H3588

BDB6198 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6200

עַתָּ֫ה435 (also Ezek 23:43; Ps 74:6 עת Kt, Qr עַתָּה), עָ֑֫תָּה Gen 32:5 +, adverb of time, now (properly accusative of [`int],עֵת (ii. 260), at the time, in particular of the present time, i.e. now; compare German zur Zeit, Arabic at the time, i.e. now); — now:

1. a. Gen 12:19 ועתה הנה אשׁתך and now, behold thy wife, Gen 22:12 כי עתח ידעתי now, I know (so Exod 18:11; Judg 17:13; 1Kgs 17:24 [עַתָּה זֶה], Ps 20:7), Gen 26:22; Gen 26:29; Gen 27:36; Gen 31:13; Gen 31:28, etc., Exod 5:5 הך רבים עתה עם הארץ; whether in opposed to past time, as Gen 32:11; Josh 14:11 כְּכֹחִי אָז וּכְכֹחִי עָ֑תָּה, Judg 11:8; 1Kgs 12:4; Isa 1:21 ועתה מרצחים, Isa 16:14; Hos 2:9 כִּי טוֺב לִי אָז מַעָ֑תָּה, Hos 13:2, Job 30:1 +, or to future, as Num 24:17 אֶרְאֶנּוּ ולא עתה, Judg 8:6 חֲכַף עַתָּהכְּֿיָדֶ֑ךָ ׳זֶבַח וצ, 1Sam 2:16 כִּי עַתָּה תִּתֵּן; = after all Num 22:38; Judg 8:2 = now at last 2Sam 24:16; 1Kgs 19:4; 2Kgs 19:25; Hos 7:2; Jer 4:12 and in the phrase מעתה ועד עולם Isa 9:6; Isa 59:21; (see below), Ps 113:2; Ps 115:18; Ps 121:8; Ps 125:2; Ps 131:3.
  b. of the imminent or impending future: Gen 19:9 עַתָּה נָרַע לְךָ מַהֶם. Gen 29:32 כי עתה יאהבני אישׁי, vGen 29:34; Exod 6:1 עתה תראה, Num 11:23; Num 22:4; 2Sam 20:6; Isa 33:10 (Ps 12:6), Isa 43:19; Isa 49:19; Amos 6:7 לכן עתה יִגְלוּ, Isa 49:19; Mic 7:4; Mic 7:10; Dan 10:20 and especially ἀσυνδέτως in Hosea, introducing a punishment, Hos 4:16 ׳וגו ׳עתה יִרְעֵם י Hos 5:7; Hos 8:8; Hos 8:13 (Jer 14:10), Jer 10:2.
  c. of a time ideally present (= then, from our point of view): Isa 29:22 לא עתה יבושׁ יעקב, vb Hos 10:3; Mic 4:9; Mic 4:10; Mic 4:11; Mic 4:14; Mic 5:3.
  d. describing a present state = as things are: 1Sam 8:5 thou art old, etc., עתה שִׂימָה לנו מלך, 1Sam 9:6; 1Sam 13:12; 1Sam 14:30; 1Sam 25:7b; 1Sam 27:1 now I shall be swept away one day, etc., 2Kgs 18:20; 2Kgs 18:25; Job 6:21; Job 14:16; Job 16:7.
  e. with an Imperative, as an encouragement, implying that the time has come for the exhortation or advice to be followed, Gen 31:13 עתה קים צא, Exod 18:19 עתה שְׁמַע בקולי, Num 22:11; Deut 2:13; 1Sam 30:8.

2. Phrases:
  a. עַתָּה זֶה (זְה 4 h) 1Kgs 17:24; 2Kgs 5:22.
  b. ועתה and, now, or now, therefore (וְ 4), drawing a conclusion, especially (compare 1 e) a practical one, from what has been stated: Gen 3:22 and now (since man has once been disobedient), lest he put forth his hand, etc., Gen 20:7; Gen 20:23 וְעַתָּה הִשָּֽׁבְעָה לִי הֵ֫נָּה, Gen 27:3; Gen 27:8 ועתה בני שְׁמַע בקולי, Gen 30:30; Gen 31:16; Gen 31:44; Gen 37:20 + often, Isa 5:3; Isa 5:5; Ps 2:10; Gen 11:6 ׳ועתה לאֹיִֿבָּצֵר מֵהֶם וגו, Gen 31:30; Gen 45:8; 2Sam 19:11; Ps 39:8 ועתה מַהקִּֿזִּיתִי אֲדֹנָי, Isa 52:5,
  c. וְעַתָּה הִנֵּה stating the ground on which some conclusion or action is to be based, Exod 3:9; Josh 14:10 (twice in verse); 1Sam 12:2; 1Sam 24:21; 1Kgs 1:18; Jer 40:4 (with ועתה usually repeated afer the הנה-clause).
  d. גם עתה Gen 44:10; 1Sam 12:16; 1Kgs 14:14; Joel 2:12; Job 16:19.
  e. מֵעַתָּה from now, henceforth, Jer 3:4; Isa 48:6; Dan 10:17 (according to some, here = from just now), 2Chr 16:9 מעתה ועד עוּלּסּ, see above 1 a end. feminine עַדעַֿתָּה until now, Gen 32:5, ׳וֶאֵחַר עדעֿ, Deut 12:9 ׳אל הנחלה לא באתם עד ע (opposed to the future), 2Kgs 13:23 especially after clause with מִן, 2Kgs 46:34 ׳מִנְּעוּרֵינוּ וְעַדעֿ (2Sam 19:8; Ezek 4:14), Exod 9:18; 2Kgs 8:6; Ruth 2:7.
  g. כִּי עַתָּה for in this case, in our idiom, for them (עתה pointing to a condition assumed as a possible contingency: compare Dr§ 141, 142); (a) Exod 9:15 כי עתה ׳שׁלחתי וגו for then (if the intention expressed in vExod 9:14 had not existed) I should have put forth my hand, etc., Num 22:29 כי עתה הֲרַגְתִּיךְ, 1Sam 13:13; Job 3:13 followed by imperfect Job 6:3 for then (if it were weighed, vJob 6:2) it would be heavier, etc., Job 13:19 for then would I be silent and die; (b) after a protasis, surely then Gen 31:42 + (see כִּי 1 d b, p. 472). — Note. Read כְּמוֺ עַתָּ) (ᵐ5 ᵑ9) as now, for כְּמוֺ עֵת Ezek 16:57, עַתָּ נִשְׁבַּרְתְּ (ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9) now art thou broken ! for עֵת נִשְׁבֶּרֶת Ezek 27:34, and probably עַתָּ בָּא (Hi We Now, compare ᵐ5 ᵑ6) for עֶתבּֿאֹ Hag 1:2 also עַתָּה for אַתָּה 1Kgs 1:20, and אַתָּה for עַתָּה v1Kgs 1:18b 2Sam 18:3.


BDB9422 H1668 H2090 H2088

BDB9421 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9423

ד

דָּא demonstrative pronoun feminine this (= Biblical Hebrew זֹה: Zinjirli Têma, Cappadocian, Egyptian Aramaic זא, Nabataean דא, Palmyrene דה (Lzb264: Eph. i. 323 Cooke26), ᵑ7 דא: see further below Biblical Hebrew זֶה. The corresponding masculine is דְּנָה); — this, Dan 4:27 הֲלָא דָיא בַּבֶל רַבְּתָא, Dan 5:6 דָּא לְדָא נָ֧קְשָׁן one striking against another, similarly Dan 7:3 (compare זֶה 1 b), vDan 7:8 בְקַרְנָאדָֿא.


BDB9440 H1768 H2088 H834

BDB9439 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9441

דִּי particle of relation, who, which, that, used also as mark of genitive and conjunction that, because (Aramaic of Nineveh, Babylonian, Zinjirli, Nerab, Cilicia, Têma, Egypt, ןי (Lzb267. 446 RES361 S-CPap. A 2 +); Nabataean, Palmyrene די; ᵑ7 דְּ (except in compounds, as דִּילִי mine, דִּילֵיהּ his); Samaritan ; Syriac ; Ethiopic za: of same origin as Arabic possessor of [compare below Biblical Hebrew זֶה]. Properly a demonstrative that [compare זֶה; in Ethiopic ze is 'this', za 'which']; but this being referred by usage to something preceding becomes equivalent to the relative who, which, used, however, more widely than Hebrew אֲשֶׁר); —

1. as rel. who, which (construed like אֲשֶׁר): a. Jer 10:11; Dan 2:11 דִּי מְדָֽרְהוֺן whose dwelling, vDan 2:24 דִּי מַנִּי מַלְבָּא whom the king had appointed, vDan 2:26 ׳דִּי שְׁמֵהּ בּ whose name was B., Dan 4:5; Dan 5:12; Dan 5:23, etc.; = that which Dan 2:23 = him that Ezra 7:25; Ezra 6:15; Dan 7:17 דִּת אִנוּן אַרְבַּע which are four (see אִנּוּן). Following pronoun of 2 person (compare אֲשֶׁר 3), Dan 2:37 thou, O king ..., דִּי ֗֗֗ יְהַב לָח to whom... hath given, Dan 4:19; Dan 4:6 as to whom I know, etc. (compare אֲשֶׁר 4 d end). Sq. תַּמָּה = where Ezra 6:1, so דִּי alone Ezra 6:3; Dan 2:38 of time, בְּעִדָּנָא דִּי at the time when, etc., Dan 3:5; Dan 3:15. With the predicate an infinitive with לְ, Dan 6:9 כְּתָבָא דִּי לָא לְהַשְׁנָיָה which is not to be changed, Ezra 6:8 a place- or other determination, Dan 3:20 valiant men בְחֵילֵהּ that were in his army, Dan 5:2 הֵיכְלָא דִּי בִירוּשְׁלֵב, Dan 7:20; Ezra 4:24; Ezra 5:6; Ezra 6:2; Ezra 6:6 compare Dan 2:25; Dan 5:13; Dan 7:7; Ezra 7:23. דִּי לָא = without, Ezra 6:9; Ezra 7:22 (so דְּלָא ᵑ7 Gen 15:2; Exod 21:11); compare Dan 2:34; Dan 2:45.
  b. מָן דִּי, מָה דִּי (compare in late Hebrew ׳מַהשֶּֿׁ, מַה 1 e b) whoever, whatever, so Dan 3:6; Dan 3:11 יִפֵּל ָ(מןדִּֿילָֿא whoever does not fall down, Dan 4:14 לְמָן דִּי יִצְבֵּא to whomsoever he willeth, v.Dan 4:22 v.Dan 4:29; Dan 5:21 מָה דִי whatever (or simply what), Dan 2:28 מָה דִּי לֶהֱוֵא what will be, vDan 2:29 vDan 2:29 vDan 2:45; Ezra 6:8; Ezra 7:18. — compare K§ 103.
2. as mark of the genitive, Dan 2:15 שׁליטא די מלכא properly the captain, that of the king = the king's captain (a genuine Aramaic idiom: so ᵑ7 דְּ, Syriac constantly), vDan 2:19 vDan 2:25 vDan 2:49 + often: the substantive in such cases may be either in the emphatic state (determined), as ll. cc. Ezra 4:15; Ezra 5:2, etc., or in the absolute state (undetermined), Dan 5:5; Dan 7:4; Dan 7:9; Dan 7:10 נְהַר דִּי נוּר; or it may have a pleonastic suffix, Dan 2:20 שְׁמֵהּ דִּי אֱלָהָא literally his name, that of God = God's name, vDan 2:44; Dan 3:8; Dan 3:25; Dan 3:26; Dan 4:23, etc. (so also ᵑ7 Syriac). To circumscribe an adjective, especially in specification of the material: Dan 2:38 thou art רֵאשָׁה דִּי דַהֲבָא the head of gold, vDan 2:39; Dan 3:1; Dan 5:7; Dan 5:16; Ezra 5:14; Ezra 6:4 +; as predicate Dan 2:32 רֵאשֵׁהּ דִּידְֿהַב טָב his head (was) of fine gold, vDan 2:33; Dan 7:19 with a pronoun Dan 2:20 wisdom and might דִּילֵֿהּ הִיא are his; compare Dan 6:27 וּמַלְכוּתֵהּ דִּילָֿא תִתְחַבַּל his kingdom (is one) which shall not be destroyed, Dan 7:14. — See further K§ 81.
3. as conjunction (compare אֲשֶׁר 8):
  a. that (quod), after verbs of knowing, Dan 2:8; Dan 2:9, seeing Dan 2:45; Dan 3:27, hearing Dan 5:14, etc.; introducing the subject of a sentence, יְדִיעַ ֗֗֗ דִּי ֗֗֗ Dan 3:18; Ezra 4:13; Dan 2:47 מִןקְֿשֹׁט דִּי ֗֗֗ True is it that . . . (compare אָמְנָם כִּי Job 12:2).
  b. = in that, inasmuch as, whereas: Dan 2:41 and whereas (דִּי) thou sawest, etc. . . . it shall be adivided kingdom, vDan 2:43; Dan 4:20; Dan 4:23 as a connecting link$ = seeing that, because, for (compare אֲשֶׁר 8 c) Dan 2:9; Dan 2:20b; Dan 2:23b; Dan 2:47b; Dan 4:15; Dan 6:24b.
  c. that (ut), after verbs of asking Dan 2:16, commanding Dan 3:10; Dan 3:29, expressing a purpose Dan 4:3; Dan 5:15; Ezra 4:15; Ezra 6:10 +; דִּי לָא that not (ne) Dan 2:18; Dan 3:28; Dan 6:18 (on דִּי לְמָה lest Ezra 7:23, see מה).
  d. prefixed to direct narr. (like כִּי 1 b, and sometimes אֲשֶׁר 8 a γ, and ὅτι recitativum), Dan 2:25 and said thus unto him דִּיהַֿשְׁכַּחַת (that) I have found, etc., Dan 5:7; Dan 6:6; Dan 6:14.
4. with prepositions and other prefixes:
  a. כְּ דִי (like Hebrew כַּאֲשֶׁר; so Egyptian Aramaic כזי, Palmyrene, Nabataean כדי, Lzb293 SACG1 62, 63 Cooke369 b RES:361; ᵑ7 כַּד, Syriac ); a according as, Dan 2:43 b. so soon as, when, Dan 3:7; Dan 5:20; Dan 6:11; Dan 6:15.
  b. מִןדִּֿי: a. because that, Dan 3:22; Ezra 5:12 (compare מֵאֲשֶׁר Isa 43:4); b. from (the time) that, after (ex quo), Dan 4:23; Ezra 4:23.
  c. עַד דִּי until, Dan 2:9; Dan 2:34; Dan 4:30; Dan 7:22 = ere that Dan 6:25.
  d. עַל דִּי Dan 3:19 is not a conjunction, but means above that which ...
  e. for עַל דִּבְרַת דִּי and כָּלקֳֿבֵל דִּי see [ דִּבְרָה] and קֳבֵל.

this, that, side, these, hence, …
ze
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
  • this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such
    • (alone)
      • this one
      • "this...that, the one...the other, another
      (appos to subst)
      • this
      (as predicate)
      • this, such
      (enclitically)
      • then
      • "who, whom"how now, what now"what now"wherefore now"behold here"just now"now, now already
      (poetry)
      • wherein, which, those who
      (with prefixes)
      • in this (place) here, then
      • "on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter"thus and thus"as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus"from here, hence, on one side...on the other side"on this account"in spite of this, which, whence, how

Breakdown unavailable for this word. Dictionary form: אַתָּה · at-TAW

Noun — masculine singular

In the KJV here: dost thou
thou ×485 ye ×157 and thou ×54 art thou ×32 but thou ×31 and ye ×23 but ye ×13 shalt thou ×11
More options
you — Standard modern singular/plural pronoun; default choice.
you yourself — Adds emphasis when the Hebrew is contrastive or emphatic.
you alone — Highlights exclusivity; use when context stresses uniqueness.
as for you — Topicalizing construction; good for sentence-initial emphasis.

BDB614 H859

BDB613 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB615

אַתָּ֫ה, אָ֑תָּה (so regularly; but 26-7 t., with different disjunctive accents, ׃אַ֑תָּה see FrMM 228; Sta§ 178 a (read 8 for 18) pronoun 2 singular masculine thou (for anta, see above; compare נָתַתָּ for נָתַנְתָּ) Gen 3:11; Gen 3:19 + often written אַתָּ 1Sam 24:19; Ps 6:4; Job 1:10; Eccl 7:22; Neh 9:6. Appended to a verb for emphasis, Exod 18:19 (twice in verse); 1Sam 17:56 שְׁאַל אַתָּה inquire thou, 1Sam 20:8; 1Sam 22:18; Isa 43:26 סַפֵּר אַתָּה. Added for the purpose of strengthening a genitive or accusative suffix 1Kgs 21:19; Prov 22:19 (Ges«GKC:135»§ 135.2).


BDB615 H859

BDB614 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB616

אתי, i.e. אַתִּי, the older & more original form of אַתְּ thou (feminine), preserved, probably dialectically, 7 t. in Kt, Judg 17:2; 1Kgs 14:2; 2Kgs 4:16; 2Kgs 4:23; 2Kgs 8:1; Jer 4:30; Ezek 36:13. (V. above as in Syriac, the י may not have been fully sounded: the Masoretes direct אַתְּ to be everywhere read.)


BDB616 H859

BDB615 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB617

אַתְּ, אָ֑תְּ pronoun 2 singular feminine thou (feminine) (shortened from אַתִּי (q. v.); in Syriac the two genders are written differently, , , but, the not being sounded, are pronounced alike: in ᵑ7 both are written אַתְּ or אַנְתְּ) Gen 12:11; Gen 12:13; Gen 24:23 + often Thrice Num 11:15; Deut 5:24; Ezek 28:14 used as a masculine (as in Aramaic of ᵑ7); but probably אַתָּ (see below אַתָּה) should be here read.


BDB617 H859

BDB616 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB618

אַתֶּם pronoun 2 masculine plural you (masculine) (for antem, see above) Gen 9:7; Gen 26:27; Gen 29:4 + often with הֲ, הָאַתֶּם Judg 6:31 following the verb for emphasis Judg 15:12; Jer 34:15 construed inaccurately with a feminine Ezek 13:20.


BDB618 H859

BDB617 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB619

אַתֵּן Ezek 34:31 (many editions אַתֶּן), אַתֵּ֫נָה Gen 31:6; Ezek 13:11; Ezek 13:20 (editions אַתֵּ֫נָּה) Ezek 34:17 pronoun 2 feminine plural you (feminine)


BDB9323 H607 H859

BDB9322 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9324

אנתה Kt14 (i.e. אַנְתָּה, peculiar to Biblical Aramaic; Qr אַנְתְּ) pronoun 2 masculine singular thou (Biblical Hebrew אַתָּה; Cappadocian and Egyptian Aramaic אנת (LabEph. 1. 67; S-CA 11 +, feminine אנתי ib. D9, 11, 26+), Nerab את (Cooke186. 190), Palmyrene אנת (ib. 308); ᵑ7Onk את, ᵑ7J אנת (§ 16. 1); Syriac ); — thou, Dan 2:29; Dan 2:31; Dan 2:37; Dan 2:38 etc., Ezra 7:25.


BDB9324 H608 H859

BDB9323 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9325

אַנְתּוּן pronoun 2 masculine plural ye, you (Biblical Hebrew אַתֶּם), Dan 2:8.

thou, ye, you, thee, thyself, …
ʾattâ
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
  • you (second pers. sing. masc.)

מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ
מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ
Root word seek, sought, seeketh, require, seekest, …
Dictionary form: בָּקַשׁ · baw-KAHSH

Verb — Piel, Participle Active, masculine singular, absolute state intensive — "he really / thoroughly did" ongoing action — try "___ing" or "one who ___s"

In the KJV here: make request
to seek ×20 seek ×19 sought ×18 seeketh ×13 and seek ×7 that seek ×7 of them that seek ×6 and sought ×5
More options
seek — Modernized KJV; broad, natural fit for most contexts.
look for — Colloquial; suits narrative and everyday prose well.
search for — Implies active, deliberate effort or urgency.
pursue — Conveys determined, ongoing striving toward a goal.
request — Prefer when the seeking involves asking another person.
desire — Best when the focus is on longing rather than active search.

BDB1296 H1245

BDB1295 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1297

[בָּקַשׁ]224 verb seek (Phoenician בקש) —

Pi`el Perfect בִּקֵּשׁ Deut 13:11 + 15 t.; בִּקְשָׁה Eccl 7:28; Esth 2:15 suffix בִּקְשָׁתַם Hos 2:9 בִּקַּשְׁתִּיו Song 3:1; Song 3:2 compare Song 5:6 בִּקְשׁוּ Ezra 2:62 + 12 t.; suffix בִּקְשֻׁנִי Isa 65:1 + 2 t.; Imperfect יְבַקֵשׁ Josh 22:23 + 37 t.; יְבַקֶּשֿׁ Prov 15:14 + 2 t.; אֲבַקְשָׁה Ps 122:9 + 3 t.; suffix יְבַקְשֵׁהוּ 1Sam 23:14 + 7 t.; יְבַקְשׁוּ 1Sam 16:16 + 23 t.; Imperative בַקֵּשׁ 1Sam 9:3 + 3 t.; בַּקְּשׁוּ 1Sam 28:7 + 8 t.; Infinitive לְבַקֵּשׁ 1Sam 10:2 + 29 t.; Participle מְבַקֵּשׁ Gen 37:16 + 23 t.; plural מְבַקְשִׁים Exod 10:11 + 38 t.; —
2. seek to secure:
  a. accusative the priesthood Num 16:10 (P); David for king 2Sam 3:17 in battle 2Sam 5:17 (= 1Chr 14:8); Ps 27:4; Jer 45:5 (compare vJer 45:5); בקשׁ נפשׁ seek to take one's life Exod 4:19 (J) 1Sam 20:1; 1Sam 22:23 (twice in verse); 1Sam 23:15; 1Sam 25:29; 2Sam 4:8; 2Sam 16:11; 1Kgs 19:10; 1Kgs 19:14; Ps 35:4; Ps 38:13; Ps 40:15; Ps 54:5; Ps 63:10; Ps 70:3; Ps 86:14; Prov 29:10; Jer 4:30; Jer 11:21; Jer 19:7; Jer 19:9; Jer 21:7; Jer 22:25; Jer 34:20; Jer 34:21; Jer 38:16; Jer 44:30 (twice in verse); Jer 46:26; Jer 49:37.
  b. aim at, practise: בקשׁ רעה seek hurt of Num 35:23 (P) 1Sam 24:10; 1Sam 25:26 (אֶל) 1Kgs 20:7; Ps 71:13; Ps 71:24; Esth 9:2 כזב ׳ב Ps 4:3 compare Prov 17:11, שׁבר Prov 17:19, רצון Prov 11:27, טובה Neh 2:10, אמונה Jer 5:1, צדק, ענוה Zeph 2:3 (twice in verse) שׁלום Ps 34:15, חכמה Prov 14:6; Eccl 7:25, בינה Dan 8:15, דעת Prov 15:14; Prov 18:15, תורה Mal 2:7, אהבה Prov 17:9, תאוה Prov 18:1 (ל of direct object), חשׁבנות Eccl 7:29.
  c. Infinitive Exod 4:24 (J) Jer 26:21.
  d. לְ & Infinitive Gen 43:30; Exod 2:15; Exod 10:11 (JE) Deut 13:11; 1Sam 14:4; 1Sam 19:2; 1Sam 19:10; 1Sam 23:10; 2Sam 20:19; 2Sam 21:2; 1Kgs 11:22; 1Kgs 11:40; Esth 2:21; Esth 3:6; Esth 6:2; Ps 37:22; Eccl 12:10; Zech 6:7; Zech 12:9.
3. seek the face
  a. of rulers 1Kgs 10:24 (= 2Chr 9:23) Prov 29:26.
  b. of God (from resorting to sacred places) Hos 5:15; 1Chr 16:11 (= Ps 105:4) 2Chr 7:14; 2Sam 21:1; Ps 24:6; Ps 27:8 (twice in verse); without פְּנֵי
  c. יהוה Deut 4:29; Zeph 1:6; Zeph 2:3; Hos 3:5; Hos 3:5; Hos 5:6; Exod 33:7 (J) 1Chr 16:10 (= Ps 105:3) 2Chr 11:16; 2Chr 20:4; Isa 51:1; Prov 28:5; Zech 8:21; Zech 8:22; Jer 50:4 אלהים 2Sam 12:16, compare Ezek 8:22; Isa 45:19; Isa 65:1; 2Chr 15:4; 2Chr 15:15; Hos 7:10; Jer 29:13; Mal 3:1; Ps 40:17; Ps 70:5; Ps 69:7; Dan 9:3 ׳דבר י Amos 8:12 שׁמך Ps 83:17.
  d. followed by Infinitive with לְ, of resort to wizards, but object not expressed Lev 19:34 (H).
4. desire, demand:
  a. accusative 1Chr 21:3.
  b. accusative of thing מִן person Ezek 7:26; Dan 1:20.
5. a. require, exact, accusative of thing מִיַּד person Isa 1:12 מִן person Neh 5:12, accusative of thing vNeh 5:18.
  b. exact equivalent or penalty for, accusative of thing, מִיַּד person Gen 31:39; Gen 43:9 (JE) 1Sam 20:16; 2Sam 4:11; Ezek 3:18; Ezek 3:20; Ezek 33:8, compare דרשׁ; no object expressed Josh 22:23 (P).
6. (late) ask, request, accusative of thing Esth 2:15 עַל of thing Neh 2:4 עַל of thing מִן person Esth 7:7; Ezra 8:23 עַל of thing מִלִּפְנֵי person Esth 4:8 accusative of thing מִן person Dan 1:8 (object clause with אשׁר), Ps 104:21 מִן person 2Chr 20:4. Pu`al Imperfect יְבֻקַּשׁ Jer 50:20, ׳וַיְב Esth 2:23 תֲּבֻקְשִׁי Ezek 26:21 be sought.

seek, sought, seeketh, require, seekest, …
bāqaš
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
  • to seek, require, desire, exact, request
    • (Piel)
      • to seek to find
      • "to seek to secure"to seek the face"to desire, demand"to require, exact"to ask, request
      (Pual) to be sought

וָֽ אֶתְפַּלֵּ֔ל
וָֽ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
אֶתְפַּלֵּ֔ל
Root word pray, prayed, praying, prayeth, make, …
Dictionary form: פָּלַל · paw-LAHL

Verb — Hithpael, Sequential Imperfect (Wayyiqtol), first person singular reflexive — "he did it to / for himself" story-telling past — try "and he ___ed" the built-in subject is "I"

In the KJV here: so i prayed
prayed ×12 and pray ×11 and prayed ×7 pray ×5 i prayed ×3 prayeth ×3 to pray ×3 of praying ×2
More options
pray — Most common rendering; widely understood in all contexts.
petition — Emphasizes formal request directed to God or authority.
intercede — Use when praying on behalf of another person.
plead — Highlights urgency or emotional intensity of the prayer.
entreat — Modernizes KJV 'intreat'; suits earnest, beseeching tone.
supplicate — Formal register; stresses humble dependence before God.

BDB6654 H6419

BDB6653 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6655

[פָּלַל]84 verb probably intervene, interpose (hence both arbitrate, judge, and intercede, pray, compare Dr1Sam 2:25; Late Hebrew פלל (rare), נתפלל, pray, פִּילּוּל act of prayer, פְּלִילָה judicial matter; — otherwise WeHeid. (2), 126 who conjectures derivation for הִתְפַּלֵּל from Arabic notch edge (of sword, etc.), i.e. cut one-self in worship); —

Pi`el mediate, judge: Perfect 3 masculine singular consecutive, arbitrate, suffix וּפִלְלוֺ 1Sam 2:25 (but read probably 3 plural וּפִלְלוּ We Dr and others, word-play with ׳יִתְפ following); 2 feminine singular פִּלַּלְתְּ Ezek 16:52 mediate for (ל person) namely, through thine own sins; 1 singular פִּלָּ֑לְתִּי Gen 48:11 (E; possibly denominative from פליל) I did not judge (have the opinion, expect) to see, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular וַיְפַלֵּל Ps 106:30 (absolute) he interposed (by slaying offender). Hithpa`el80 Perfect 3 masculine singular הִתְפַּלֵּל 1Kgs 8:42 1 singular הִתְפַּלָּ֑לְתִּי 1Sam 1:27, etc.; Imperfect יִתְפַּלֵּל Ps 32:6 +; יִתְפַּלֶּלֿ 1Sam 2:25 1 singular אֶתְאֶתְפּלָּ֑ל Ps 5:3, etc.;Imperative הִתְפַּלֵּל Num 21:7 +, etc.; Infinitive construct הִתְפַּלֵּל Ezek 10:1 +, etc.; Participle מִתְפַּלֵּל Jer 42:4 +, etc.; —
1. specifically intercede (with ׳י), with בעד, on behalf of Gen 20:7; Num 21:7 (E) Deut 9:20; 1Sam 12:23 + 6 t.; with לִ, 1Sam 2:25 אֶליֿהוה Num 11:2; Num 21:7 (JE) Deut 9:26 with בעד + אליֿהוה 1Sam 7:5; Jer 29:7 + 4 t.; אלהֿאלהים Gen 20:17 (E); with על for 2Chr 30:18; Job 42:8 (late).
2. generally pray, with אֶל, unto idol Isa 44:17; Isa 45:20 unto Israel vIsa 45:14 ׳בוֺא אלמֿקדשׁ להתפ Isa 16:12.
3. pray (to ׳י), absolute 1Kgs 8:33; 2Kgs 6:17; Ezra 10:1; Dan 9:20; 2Chr 6:24; 2Chr 7:1; 2Chr 7:14, with ׳אֶליֿ 1Sam 1:26; 1Sam 8:6; 2Kgs 4:33; 2Kgs 6:18; 2Kgs 20:2 = Isa 38:2 = 2Chr 32:24, + 10 t.; ׳תפלה אֶליֿ ׳הִתְפ 2Sam 7:27; 1Kgs 8:54 על יהוה 1Sam 1:10 (readאֶל); לִפְנֵי 1Sam 1:12; 1Kgs 8:28 + 5t.; with לְ Dan 9:4 with אֶל of thing prayed for 1Sam 1:27 with אֶל against 2Kgs 19:20 = Isa 37:21(read עַל); עַלזֹֿאת because of this 2Chr 32:20; Ps 32:6 with אֶל location: אֶלֿ הַמָּקוֺם 1Kgs 8:29; 1Kgs 8:30; 1Kgs 8:35 = 2Chr 6:20; 2Chr 6:21; 2Chr 6:26 אֶלהַֿבַּית 1Kgs 8:42 = 2Chr 6:32 with accusative דֶּרֶךְ הָעִיר 1Kgs 8:44 = 2Chr 6:34 דֶּרֶךְ אַרְצָם 1Kgs 8:48 = 2Chr 6:38.
4. of poetical, liturgical prayer, absolute 1Sam 2:1, with אֶל Jonah 2:2.

pray, prayed, praying, prayeth, make, …
pālal
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
  • to intervene, interpose, pray
    • (Piel) to mediate, judge
    • "(Hithpael)
      • to intercede
      • "to pray

אֶל
אֶל
Preposition unto, to, into, upon, against, …
Dictionary form: אֵל · ale

Preposition

In the KJV here: to
unto ×2370 to ×907 into ×230 upon ×112 against ×104 and to ×103 in ×63 unto him ×58
More options
to — Default directional/dative preposition; broadest everyday use.
toward — Emphasizes movement or orientation in a direction.
into — Stress entry or transition; spatial or metaphorical penetration.
against — Adversarial or oppositional context; hostility or pressure.
upon — Contact or imposition on a surface or person.
concerning — Topical/referential; use when the sense is 'about' or 'regarding'.

BDB420 H413

BDB419 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB421

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), in poetry אֱלֵי (compare עֲלֵי, עֲדֵי), but only in Job ( 1Sam 3:22; 1Sam 5:26; 1Sam 15:22; 1Sam 29:19), with suffix אֵלַי, אֵלֶיךָ, אֵלַיִךְ, etc. אֵלֵינוּ, אֲלֵיכֶם & (5 t.) אֲלֵכֶם, אֲלֵיהֶם & אֲלֵהֶם (both very often); once אֵלֵימוֺ Ps 2:5, אֲלֵיהֶן, once אֲלֵהֶן Exod 1:19 (Assyrian ilî, Arabic ), preposition denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).

1. of motion to or unto a person or place Gen 2:19; Gen 2:22; Gen 3:19; Gen 8:9; Gen 14:22; Gen 16:9 etc., after every kind of verb expressing motion (בּוֺא, הָלַךְ, יָצָא etc.) So with נָתַן to give (though ל is here more common) Gen 21:14; Gen 35:4; Deut 13:2 +; מָכַר to sell Deut 37:36, etc. Metaph. Jer 2:19 וְלֹא פַחְדָּתִי אֵלַיִךְ and that my fear (cometh) not unto thee (compare Job 31:23). — Peculiarly Gen 6:16 אֶל אַמָּה unto the length of a cubit, etc. And metaphor in the phrase אֶלֿ(אֱלֵיֿ)גִּיל unto exultation Hos 9:11; Job 3:22. Once, exceptionally (si vera 1.) = even: Job 5:5 וְאֶלמִֿצִּגִּים יִקָּחֵהוּ and even out of thorns he taketh it. Sometimes pregnant, as Isa 66:17; Jer 41:7 זָנָה אֶל commit whoredom (by going) to Num 25:1; Ezek 16:26; Ezek 16:28; Ezek 16:29 דָּרֵשׁ אֶל seek (by resorting) to one (that is, for oracles) Deut 18:11; Isa 8:19; Isa 11:10 +; חָבַר אֶל join together (& come) unto Gen 14:3 הִשְׁכִּים אֶל rise early (and go) to Gen 19:27; Gen 24:11 הִבְרִיח אֶל made to kneel down at; Gen 47:18 תַּם אֶל i.e. has been made over to; פָּחַד אֶל to come in fear to Hos 3:5; Mic 7:17. Opposite is מִן, as מִןהַֿקָּצֶה אֶלהַֿקָּצֶה from end to end Exod 26:28 מִפֶּה אֶלפֶּֿה Ezra 9:11 (synonym 2Kgs 21:16 פֶּה לָפֶה). And of time (rare) מֵעֵת אֶלעֵֿת 1Chr 9:25 מִיּוֺם אֶליֿוֺם Num 30:15 (P) 1Chr 16:23 (in the || Ps 96:2 מִיּוֺם לְיוֺם).

2. Where the limit is actually entered, into, Gen 6:18 and thou shalt enter into the ark Gen 7:1; Gen 19:3; Gen 41:21; Gen 42:17 & so after verbs of throwing, casting, putting Gen 37:22 (הִשְׁלִיךְ) Gen 39:20 וַיִּתְּנֵהוּ אֶלבֵּֿית הַסֹּהַר put him into the prison house, Exod 28:30 (Lev 8:8) Deut 23:25 so after קָבַר to bury Gen 23:19; Gen 25:9; Gen 49:29 שָׂחַט to squeeze Gen 40:11 מָחָה to blot out Num 5:23, etc.; metaphor Gen 6:6 was pained into or unto his heart, שָׂם אֶללֵֿב, הֵשִׁיב to place, bring. into ( = lay to) heart Deut 4:39; 2Sam 19:20 and elsewhere In connection with a number or multitude into which something enters, in among: 1Sam 10:22 behold he had hid himself אֶלהַֿכֵּלִים in among the baggage, Jer 4:3 sow not אֶלקֹֿצִים in among thorns.

3. Of direction towards anything:
   (a) of physical acts or states, as Gen 30:40 נָתַן פְּנֵי הַצּאֹן אֶל, Gen 39:7 נָשָׂא עֵינָיו אֶל, Exod 25:20; Num 6:26, נָשָׂא פָנָיו אֶל (2Kgs 9:32 differently), 2Kgs 24:1 שָׁת פָּנָיו אֶל, Josh 8:18; Ps 28:2; 1Kgs 8:29; 1Kgs 8:30 (to pray towards) v1Kgs 8:38 pregnantly חָרֵד אֶל to tremble (turning) to Gen 42:28, תָּמַהּ אֶל to, wonder (turning) towards Gen 43:33; Isa 13:8, פָּחַד אֶל Jer 36:16: without a verb פָּנִים אֶלפָּֿנִים face to face Gen 32:31 +; פֶּה אֶלפֶּֿה Num 12:8 כִּיאֵֿינֶנּוּ אֵלַי Gen 31:5 the face of Laban, that he is not toward me; ׳אֶלפֿ ׳עֵינֵי י the eyes of ׳י are towards . . . Ps 34:16 (compare Ps 33:18).
   (b) with words such as אָמַרto say to Gen 3:1 + often, דִּבֶּר Gen 8:15 + often, קָרָא Gen 19:5, הִחְפַּלֵּל Gen 20:17 etc., שָׁמַע to hearken to Gen 16:11, הִלֵּל to praise to Gen 12:15 (compare Ezek 13:19 חִלֵּל אֶל to profane to), הִזְכִּיר Ezek 40:14.
   (c) with words expressing the direction of the mind, as קִוָּה to wait Ps 27:14 +; יִחַל to hope Isa 51:5 נָשָׂא נֶפֶשׁ אֶל to lift up the soul (i.e. set the desire) towards Deut 24:15; Ps 25:1 שָׂם לֵב אֶל, שָׁת to set the heart (mind) to Exod 9:21 and elsewhere; לָמַד אֶל to accustom oneself to Jer 10:2 חָרֵד אֶל to shew fear towards 2Kgs 4:13; Gen 43:30; Deut 28:32 and thy eyes כָּלוֺת אֲלֵיהֶם failing (with longing) towards them, Lam 4:17; Isa 63:15; 2Sam 3:8; 1Kgs 14:13; Ps 40:6 alone, as predicate, directed or disposed towards, Gen 3:16; Gen 4:7; 2Kgs 6:11 who of ours is towards (i.e. favours) the king of Syria? Hos 3:3 וְגַםאֲֿנִי אֵלָֽיִח׃ Ezek 36:9; Hag 2:17; Jer 15:1 (אֵין נַפְשִׁי אֶל).

4. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against: Gen 4:8 אֶלהֶֿבֶל ׳וַיָּקָם קand Cain rose up against Abel (so 1Sam 24:8) 1Sam 22:12; Exod 14:5; Num 32:14 with נִקְבַּץ Josh 10:6, הָלַךְ Judg 1:10; Judg 20:30 with בָּא of calamity, etc., coming to or upon any one Gen 42:21; Judg 9:57; 1Sam 2:34; 1Kgs 14:10 +; Isa 2:4; Isa 3:8 their tongue and doings are ׳אֶליֿ Isa 32:6 (לְדַבֵּר אֶל) Hos 7:15 (compare Nah 1:9) Hos 12:5 וַיָּשַׂר אֶלמַֿלְאָךְ and he strove against the angel. Here also belongs in particular the phrase הִנְנִי אֶל ֗֗֗ Behold I am against (thee, you, etc.) Nah 2:14; Nah 3:5; Jer 21:13 (Jer 23:30-32 על) Jer 50:31; Jer 51:25; Ezek 13:8; Ezek 13:20; Ezek 21:8; Ezek 29:10; Ezek 30:22; Ezek 34:10; Ezek 35:3; Ezek 38:3; Ezek 39:1 (Ezek 5:8; Ezek 26:3; Ezek 28:22; Ezek 29:3 על: on Ezek 36:9 see above)

5. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to, as Lev 18:18 thou shalt not take אִשָּׁה אֶל אֲחוֺתָהּ a woman to, in addition to, her sister, Josh 13:22 (|| Num 31:8 על); 1Sam 14:34 at eat אֶלהַֿחָם together with the blood (1Sam 14:32 & generally עַל); 1Kgs 10:7 הוֺסִיף אֶל (generally עַל); Jer 25:26; Ezek 7:26 שְׁמוּעָה אֶל שְׁמוּעָה || (עלׅ; Ezek 44:7; Lam 3:41 let us lift up לְבָבֵנוּ אֶלכַּֿפָּ֑יִם our hearts together with the hands (compare , Qor 4:2; WAG ii. § 51 c).

6. Metaphor in regard to, concerning, on account of : thus הִתְאַבֵּל to mourn concerning 1Sam 15:35 הִנָּחֵם to repent as regards 2Sam 24:16 דָּרַשׁ to inquire 1Kgs 14:5 הִתְפַּלֵּל to pray with regard to 1Sam 1:27; 2Kgs 19:20 צָעַק to cry 2Kgs 8:3 (2Kgs 8:5 על); נֶעֳצַב be pained 1Sam 20:34 נִחַם to comfort 2Sam 10:2 more generally 1Kgs 16:13; 1Kgs 21:22 אֶלנֶֿפֶשׁ on account of, for the sake of, one's life 1Kgs 19:3; 2Kgs 7:7 (Gen 19:17 על). (עַל is more common in this sense.) And specially with verbs of saying, narrating, telling, etc. with regard to, as אָמַר Gen 20:2; Isa 29:22; Isa 37:21; Isa 37:33 +; דִּבֶּר 2Sam 7:19; Jer 40:16 b; סִפֵּר Ps 2:7; Ps 69:27 צִוָּה Isa 23:11 שָׁמַע Ezek 19:4 הַשְּׁמוּעָה אֶל the report regarding. . . 1Sam 4:19. (Not frequently, ext. in the case of אָמַר.)

7. Of rule or standard, according to (rare): אֶלפִּֿי ֗֗֗ according to the command of, Josh 15:13; Josh 17:4; Josh 21:3 (generally עַלפִּֿי); אֶלנָֿבוֺן according to what is fixed = of a certainty 1Sam 23:23; 1Sam 26:4 (see Dr): perhaps Ps 5:1; Ps 80:1 (Ps 45:1 עַל).

8. Expressing presence at a spot, against; at, by, not merely after verbs expressing or implying motion (compare 1, Gen 24:11), as Josh 11:5 and they came and encamped together אֶלמֵֿי מֵרוֺם at the waters of Merom, 1Sam 5:4 cut off (and fallen) on to the threshold, 2Sam 2:23 and elsewhere and smote him אֶלהַֿחֹמֶשׁ in or on the belly, Deut 33:28; Exod 29:12; Lev 4:7 but also in other cases, as Josh 5:3 and he circumcised the Israelites אֶל against, at the hill of the foreskins, Josh 22:11 have built an altar אֶל גְּלִילוֺת הַיַּרְדֵּן by the districts of Jordan, Judg 12:6 & 2Sam 18:4 אֶליַֿד at the side of (elsewhere לְיַד, עַל יַד), 1Kgs 13:20 as they were sitting אֶלהַֿשֻּׁלְחָן at the table, 2Kgs 11:14 אֶלהַֿמֶּלֶךְ by the king, Jer 41:12 and found him by the great waters, etc., Jer 46:10 אֶלנְֿהַר פְּרָת by the Euphrates, Ezek 3:15; Ezek 11:11; Ezek 17:8; Ezek 31:7; Ezek 40:18; Ezek 43:3; Ezek 47:7; Ezek 48:12.

9. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to: thus אֶלאַֿחֲרֵי 2Sam 5:23; 2Kgs 9:18; 2Kgs 9:19 סֹב אֶלאַֿחֲרַי turn to behind me, Zech 6:5 (where אֶל is pleonastic, probably due to clerical error; note יצא אל before & after); אֶלבֵּֿין in between Ezek 31:10; Ezek 31:14 אֵלבֵּֿינוֺת similarly Ezek 10:2 ׳אֶלמִֿבֵּית לְ to (the part) within (see below בַּיִת), in within Lev 16:15; 2Kgs 11:15 || have her forth in within the ranks; אֶלמֿוּל see מוּל; ׳אֶלמִֿנֶּגֶב לְ unto the south of Josh 15:3 ׳אֶלמִֿחוּץ לְ to the outside of Lev 4:12; Lev 4:21 +; אֶלנֹֿכַח to the front of Num 19:4 אֶלתַּֿחַת Judg 6:19; 1Kgs 8:6 and elsewhere (see below תַּחַת).

Note I. — In Gen 20:13 אֶלכָּֿלהַֿמָּקוֺם אֲשֶׁר נָבוֺא ׳שָׁמָּה אִמְרִילִֿי וג; Num 33:54 ׳אֶלאֲֿשֶׁר וג; Prov 17:8 (compare Deut 16:6); — אֶל appears to be used by a species of attraction; the idea of motion involved in the relative clause influencing illogically the beginning of the sentence and causing אֶל to be used instead of בְּ. In Deut 31:14 אֵלֵיהֶם, as pointed, can only be from אַיִל III or IV (q. v.); if the word be taken as the Pronoun with suffix (Hi Ke), אֲלֵיהֶם must be read.

Note 2. — There is a tendency in Hebrew, especially manifest in Samuel Kings Jeremiah Ezekiel, to use אֶל in the sense of עַל; sometimes אֶל being used exceptionally in a phrase or construction which regularly, and in accusative with analogy, has עַל; sometimes, the two prepositions interchanging, apparently without discrimination, in the same or parallel sentences. Thus
   (a) Josh 5:14 וִיִּפֹּל אֶלפָּֿנָיו; 1Sam 13:13 אֶתמַֿמְלַכְתְּךָ אֶליִֿשְׂרָאֵל ׳הֵקִים י; 1Sam 14:34 (see below 5); 1Sam 17:3 עֹמְדִים אֶלהָֿהָר (contractee עַל Deut 11:29); Deut 19:16; 2Sam 6:3; 2Sam 20:23 (contracted 2Sam 8:16) 1Kgs 13:29; 1Kgs 18:46 (contracted 2Kgs 3:15 על) Jer 35:15; Ezek 7:18.
   (b) Judg 6:37 and upon (עַל) all the earth let there be dryness, vJudg 6:39 let there be dryness on (אֶל) the fleece; 1Sam 14:10 come up עָלֵינוּ, v1Sam 14:12 come up אֵלֵינוּ; 1Sam 16; 1Sam 18:10 צָלַח אֶל, 1Sam 10:6 and elsewhere צָלַח עַל; 1Sam 25:17 evil is determined אֶלאֲֿדֹנֵינוּ וְעַל כָּלבֵּֿיתוֺ; v1Sam 25:25; 1Sam 27:10; 2Sam 2:9 וַיַּמְלִכֵהוּ אֶל וְ֗֗֗אֶל וְ֗֗֗אֶל וְ֗֗֗עַל וְ֗֗֗עַל וְ֗֗֗עַל; 2Sam 3:29 יָחֻלוּ עַל ֗֗֗ וְאֶל ֗֗֗ 2Kgs 8:3 & 5; 2Kgs 3; Jer 19:15; Jer 25:2; Jer 26:15 ye lay innocent blood עֲלֵיכֶם וְאֶלהָֿעִיר הַזּאֹת; Jer 27:19; Jer 28:8; Jer 33:14; Jer 34:7; Jer 36:31; Jer 37:13; Jer 37:14; Ezek 18:6; Ezek 18:11 & 15; Ezek 21:12 etc. Ps 79:6 (Jer 10:25 על twice). It is probably that this interchange, at least in many cases, is not original, but due to transcribers.


[Note]

Conversely, though not with the same frequency, עַל occurs where analogy would lead us to expect אֶל, or even in juxtaposition with אֶל, as 1Sam 1:10 הִתְפַּלֵּל עַל to pray to (1Sam 1:26 אֶל); v1Sam 1:13; 1Sam 25:25 אֶלעַ֗֗֗ל; 1Kgs 20:43 וַיֵּלֶךְ עַלבֵּֿיתוֺ (1Kgs 21:4 אֶל); Isa 22:15; Jer 11:2; Jer 23:35; Jer 31:12. compare DrSm i. 13, 13; ii. 8, 7; 15, 4.

unto, to, into, upon, against, …
ʾēl
near, with or among; often in general, to
  • to, toward, unto (of motion)
  • "into (limit is actually entered)
    • in among
    toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)"against (motion or direction of a hostile character)"in addition to, to"concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of"according to (rule or standard)"at, by, against (of one's presence)"in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

אֱלֹהֵ֖י
אֱלֹהֵ֖י
Root word god, gods, judges, great, goddess, …
Dictionary form: אֱלֹהִים · eh-loh-HEEM

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

In the KJV here: the god
god ×587 thy god ×320 of god ×316 your god ×162 our god ×116 the god ×110 gods ×95 their god ×62
More options
God — Preferred for the God of Israel; singular context.
gods — Use for polytheistic or plural divine beings.
deity — Neutral, academic tone; suits comparative religion contexts.
divine being — Emphasizes nature over identity; good for ambiguous referents.
judge — Use when context is legal or judicial authority.
mighty one — Captures intensifying plural; rare angelic or hero contexts.

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.


BDB2170 H1984 H430 H3050

BDB2169 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2171

II. [הָלַל] verb be boastful, Pi`el praise (Arabic shout, both in joy & (if conjecture of RS be right, see citation below) in terror; especially II. in formula of worship; Syriac Pa`el cecinit, laudavit; compare Late Hebrew הִלּוּל praise, הַלֵּל id., Hallel (Psalm 113-118); Aramaic הִילּוּלָא marriage-song, &c.; on Assyrian alâlu, shout for joy, rejoice see LyonSargontexte 66 (Cylinder. 1. 36) also WincklerSargontexte 134, 1. 194; 156. 1. 149 KB44. 1. 36; 80. 1. 194; all variations of cry aloud, compare ZMG 1887, 723 RSSemitic 411; perhaps originally break through, or out (in a cry), compare WeSkizzen iii. 107 ff., especially 109; compare also (according to PrätBAS i. 369 f.) Ethiopic implore (compare Amharic, Tigrinya), & swear) —

Qal Imperfect 2 masculine plural תָּהֹ֑לּוּ Ps 75:5 Participle הוֺלֲלִים Ps 5:6 + 2 t.; — be boastful אַלתָּֿהֹ֑לּוּ Ps 75:5 (|| אַלֿ (תָּרִימוּקָ֑רֶן); Participle boastful ones, boasters Ps 5:6 (|| פֹּעֲלֵי אָוֶן); Ps 73:3; Ps 75:5 (both || רְשָׁעִים). Pi`el Perfect הִלֵּל Ps 10:3, 1 singular suffix הִלַּלְתִּיךָ Ps 119:164 3 masculine plural וְהִלֲלן consecutive Isa 62:9, suffix הִלֲלוּךָ Isa 64:10. etc.; Imperfect יְהַלֶּלֿ Ps 63:6; Ps 102:19 suffix יְהַלֶּלְךָ Prov 27:2, יְהַלֲלֶ֑ךָּ Isa 38:18, וַיְהַלֲלָהּ Prov 31:38: 1 singular אֲהַלֵּל Ps 56:5 + 2 t., cohortative אֲהַלֲלָה Ps 69:31 + 2 t., etc.; Imperative feminine singular הַלֲלִי Ps 146:1; Ps 147:12 masculine plural הַלְלוּ Ps 104:35 + 30 t. Psalm + Jer 20:13; Jer 31:7 suffix הַלֲלוּ֫הוּ Ps 22:24 + 15 t. Psalms; Infinitive absolute הַלֵּל 1Chr 16:36 construct הַלֵּל 2Sam 14:25 + 16 t. Chronicles; Participle plural מְהַלֲלִים 1Chr 23:5 + 4 t. Chronicles; —
1. praise man or woman, accusative וַיְהַלֲלוּ אֹתָהּ אֶלפַּֿרְעֹה Gen 12:15 (J) and they praised her to Pharaoh, compare Prov 27:2; Prov 31:28; Prov 31:31; Song 6:9 וְהַמְהַלֲלִים אֶתהַֿמֶּלָךְ 2Chr 23:12 and those praising (shouting acclamations to) the king; see also לְהַלֵּל מְאֹד 2Sam 14:25 (of Absalom's beauty); in bas sense עֹזְבֵי תוֺרָה יְהַלֲלוּ רָשָׁע Prov 28:4 deserters of law praise a wicked man.
2. usually praise אֱלֹהִים, ׳י etc.;
  a. followed by accusative of heathen god Judg 16:24.
  b. object ׳(אֱלֹהִים) י; Ps 119:164 (עַל on account of), subject heaven, earth, seas, etc., Ps 69:35 תְּחִי נַפְשִׁי ותְהַלֲלֶךָּ Ps 119:175 in summons to all creatures to praise Ps 148:5; Ps 148:13; Isa 38:18 לֹא שְׁאוֺל תּוֺדֶךָּ מָוֶת יְהַלֲלֶ֑ךָּ (compare Ps 115:17); often of Public worship in sanctuary, Isa 62:9 (thanks giving in sanctuary after harvest), compare Isa 64:10; Ps 22:23 (|| אֲסַפְּרָה שִׁמְךָ), vPs 22:27; Ps 35:18; Ps 109:30 (both || אוֺדְךָ) Ps 107:32 (|| יְרוֺמֲמוּהוּ) Ps 84:5, see also Ps 146:2 (|| ׳אֲזַמְּרָה לֵא) Ps 149:3 (with בְּ instrumental; || יְזַמְּרוּ לוֺ); also object ׳שֵׁם י (in some cases of public worship) Ps 74:21; Ps 148:5; Joel 2:26 (thanksgiving after harvest); שֵׁםאֱֿלֹהִים בְּשִׁיר Ps 69:31 (|| וִאֲגַדְּלֶנּוּ בְתוֺדָה), Ps 145:2 (|| אֲבָֽרֲכֶ֑ךָּ); further, Ps 56:5 בֵּאלֹהִים אֲהַלֵּל דְּבָרוֺ, also vPs 56:11 + vPs 56:11b ׳ביהוה וגו, but compare Hup Che on 11:b as editorial addition; object not expressed אֶתעַֿמְּךָ ׳הַשְׁמִיעוּ הַלֲלוּ וְאִמְרוּ הוֺשַׁע י Jer 31:7, וְשִׂפְתֵי רְנָנוֺת יְהַלֶּלפִּֿי Ps 63:6.
  c. use of Imperative deserves special notice: הַלֲלוּהוּ Ps 22:24 (|| כַּבְּדוּהוּ; of temple-worship compare vPs 22:23 vPs 22:25); also in summons to angles, sun, moon, etc. (all created things) to praise ׳י Ps 148:2 (twice in verse); Ps 148:3 (twice in verse); Ps 148:4; Ps 150:1 of temple-worship Ps 150:2 (בְּ on account of) vPs 150:2 (כְּ), vPs 150:3 vPs 150:3 vPs 150:4 vPs 150:4 vPs 150:5 vPs 150:5 (all with בְּ instrumental); further Jer 20:13 (|| ׳שִׁירוּ לי), ׳הַלֲלוּ אֶתיֿ Ps 117:1 (addressed to nations, || שַׁבְּחוּהוּ), Ps 148:7 (created things), חַלֲלִי אֱלֹהַיִךְ צִיּוֺן Ps 147:12 (|| שַׁבְּחִי יְרוּשָׁלַםִ ׳אֶתיֿ).
  d. note especially: praise ye yah! הַלֲלויָֿהּ Ps 135:3, liturgical (|| זַמְּרוּ לִשְׁמוֺ); elsewhere always one word see BaerPsalm p.115, & always at beginning or end of Psalm (chiefly late), apparently liturgical; הַלֲלוּיָהֿ֑ Ps 104:35 (|| ׳בָּֽרְכִי נַפְשִׁי אֶתיֿ), elsewhere ׃הַלֲלוּיָהּ (I) at beginning Ps 106:1; Ps 111:1 (both || הודה) Ps 112:1; Ps 113:1 (|| הַלֲלוּ & ׳אֶתשֵֿׁם י ׳ה), Ps 135:1 (|| id.), Ps 146:1 (|| ׳הַלֲלִי נַפְשִׁי אֶתיֿ), Ps 147:1 (followed by זַמְּרָה in clause with כִּי), Ps 148:1 (|| ׳הַלֲלוּ אֶתיֿ, הַלֲלוּהוּ), Ps 149:1 (|| ׳שִׁירוּ לי), Ps 150:1 (|| הַלֲלוּאֵֿל, הַלֲלוּהוּ); (2) at end Ps 104:35 (above), Ps 105:45; Ps 106:48; Ps 113:9; Ps 115:18 (|| נְבָרֵךְ יָהּ), Ps 116:19; Ps 117:2; Ps 135:21 (|| ׳בָּרוּךְ י) Ps 146:10; Ps 147:20; Ps 148:14; Ps 149:9; Ps 150:6 (|| כֹּל הַנְּשָׁמָה תְּהַלֵּל יָהּ); add to these (not liturgical) יְהַלֶּליָֿהּ Ps 102:19, כֹּל נְשָׁמָה תְּהַלֵּל יָהּ Ps 150:6, לֹא הַמֵּתִים יְהַלֲלויָֿהּ Ps 115:17.
  e. also followed by ליהוה, in Chronicles, of technical Levitical function (compare LagOr.ii.16 ff., who limits this technical הלל to priests, using חֲצֹצְרוֺת, for a signal to the people; see e.g. Neh 12:24 compare vNeh 12:27), 1Chr 16:4 (with instrumental music, compare בִּכְלֵי כְבָלִים וּבְכִנֹּרוֺת & בַּמְצִלְתַּיִ ם, all v1Chr 16:5, and Neh 12:27) 1Chr 23:30; 1Chr 25:3 (all || הוֺדוֺת); exercised (apparently) by both priests and Levites Ezra 3:11 (|| הֹדוֺת) compare vEzra 3:11 by Levites 2Chr 20:19 (בְּקֹל גָּדוֺל), 2Chr 29:30 (בְּדִבְרֵי דָוִיד) in which the people also joined 1Chr 16:36 also 2Chr 5:13 (בַּחֲצֹצְרוֺת וּבִמְצִלְתַּיִם וּבִכְלֵי הַשִּׁיר compare also v2Chr 5:12 || הֹדוֺת, v2Chr 5:13 apparently of Levites & priests), בַּכֵּלִים ׳מְהַלֲלִים לי 1Chr 23:5 (Levites) compare 2Chr 30:21 (Levites & priests ׳בִּכְלֵי עֹז לי); followed by לְשֵׁם תִּפְאַרְתֶּ֑ךָ 1Chr 29:13 (|| מוֺדִים; David speaks in name of people); followed by לְהַדְרַתקֹֿ֑דֶשׁ 2Chr 20:11 (before the army; || ׳מְשֹׁרֲרִים לי; probably of Levites, compare v2Chr 20:19). feminine followed by accusative ׳י Ezra 3:10 (priests & Levites: עַליְֿדֵי דָּוִיד), Neh 5:13 (people).
  g. other forms, with like technical sense, but absolute: לְהַלֵּל לְהוֺדוֺת בְּמִצְוַת דָּוִיד Neh 12:24 (Levites) compare 1Chr 23:5; 2Chr 8:14; 2Chr 29:30 (עַדלְֿשִׂמְחָה) 2Chr 31:2 (apparently priests & Levites; ׳בְּשַׁעֲדֵי מַחֲנוֺת י; || לְשָׁרֵת וּלְהֹוֺדוֺת); see also מוֺדִיעִים לְהַלֵּל 2Chr 23:13 (|| מְשׁוֺרֲרִים בִּכְלֵי הַשִּׁיר בְּהַלֵּל דָּוִיד בְּיָדָם ). 2Chr 7:6 (|| הֹדוֺת ליהוּה)
3. apparently boast, male one's boast compare Qal 2 (followed by בְּ in, of), בֵּאלֹהִים Ps 44:9 (|| שִׁמְךָ לְעוֺלָם נוֺדֶה); so according to most, in bad sense, רָשָׁע עַלתַּֿאֲוַת נַפְשׁוֺ ׳ה Ps 10:3 a wicked man boasteth of the desire of his soul, but Che praiseth (׳י) for (i.e. in a mercenary spirit). Pu`al Perfect 3 plural הוּלָּ֑לוּ Ps 78:63 Imperfect יְהֻלַּלֿ Prov 12:8 Participle מְהֻלָּל 2Sam 22:4 + 6 t.; feminine הַהֻלָּ֑לָה Ezek 26:17 (compare Ol§ 250 c Sta§ 220, 617 b; ᵑ0, however, accents as Perfect, regarding הַ as = relative, see sta:§ 176 c Ges«GKC:52»§ 52. 2, R. 6); — be praised,
1. human subject be praised, commended Prov 12:18 (opposed to יִהְיֶה לָבוּז); of maidens, praised, celebrated (in song) Ps 78:63 participle (see above) of city, renowned Ezek 26:17.
2. of ׳י only participle = gerundive, to be praised, worthy of praise 2Sam 22:4 = Ps 18:4 מְאֹד ׳וּמְה ׳גָּדוֺל י Ps 48:2; Ps 96:4 = 1Chr 16:25; Ps 145:3 so ׳שֵׁם י ׳מְה Ps 113:3. Hithpa. Imperfect יִתְהַלֵּל 1Kgs 20:11 + 5 t.; יִתְהַלָּ֑ל Prov 20:14 3 feminine singular תִּתְּהַלֵּל Ps 34:3, תִּתְּהַלָּ֑ל Prov 31:30 2 masculine singular תִּתְהַלֵּל Ps 52:3; Prov 27:1 תִּתְהַלָּ֑ל Isa 41:16 2 feminine singular תִּתְהַלֲלִי Jer 49:4 3 masculine plural יִתְהַלֲלוּ Ps 64:11; Isa 45:25 יִתְהַלָּ֑לוּ Isa 49:7; Jer 4:2 Imperative masculine plural הִתְהַלֲלוּ 1Chr 16:10; Ps 105:3 Infinitive לְהִתְהַלֵּל Ps 106:5 Participle מִתְהַלֵּל Prov 25:14; Jer 9:23 plural מִתְהַלֲלִים Ps 97:7glory, boast, make one's boast:
1. of self-confident boasting, absolute 1Kgs 20:11 compare Prov 20:14 followed by בְּ of ground of boast Jer 9:22 (3 t. in verse); Jer 49:4; Ps 49:7; Ps 52:3; Prov 25:14, אַלתִּֿתְהַלֵּל בְּיוֺם מָחָר Prov 27:1 of glorying in idols הַמִּתְהַלֲלִים בָּאֱלִלִים Ps 97:7.
2. of glorying, making one's boast in (בְּ, on the ground of) ׳תִּתְהַלֵּל ׃י ׳בי נַפְשִׁי Ps 34:3, compare Isa 45:25; Jer 4:2 (|| וְהִתְבָּֽרְכוּ בוֺ); followed by בִּקְדוֺשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל Isa 41:16 see also Ps 105:3 = 1Chr 16:10 followed by ) בְּשֵׁם קָדְשׁוֺ || ׳(יִשְׂמַה לֵב מְבַקְשֵׁי י, compare further Jer 9:23 less often absolute Jer 9:23; Ps 63:12; Ps 64:11; followed by עִםנַֿחֲלָתֶ֑ךָ together with thine heritage (|| לִשְׂמֹהַ בְּשִׂמְהַת גּוֶֺ י֑ךָ).
3. once, late = passive be praised, commended, of God-fearing woman Prov 31:30. Po`el Imperfect יְהוֺלֵל Isa 44:25 + 2 t.; — make into a fool, make fool of, object שֹׁפְטִים Job 12:17 (subject ׳י; || מוֺלִיךְ יוֺעֲצִים שׁוֺלָ֑ל); object קֹסְמִים Isa 44:25 (subject ׳י || מֵפֵר אֹתוֺת בַּדִּים; object הָכָם Eccl 7:7 (subject הָעשֶׁק; || וִיאַבֵּד אֶתלֵֿב מַתָּנָה). Po`al Participle לִשְׂהוֺק אָמַרְתִּי מְהוֺלָ֑ל Eccl 2:2 of laughter I said, It is mad (folly); מְהוֺלָלַי Ps 102:9 those mad against me (|| אוֺיְבָ֑י). Hithpo`el Imperfect וַיִּתְהֹלֵל 1Sam 21:14 3 masculine plural יִתְהֹלֲלוּ Jer 51:7, יִתְהוֺלֲלוּ Nah 2:5, יִתְהֹלֶ֑לוּ Jer 50:38 Imperative masculine plural הִתְהֹלֲלוּ Jer 49:9, הִתְהֹלָ֑לוּ Jer 25:16act madly, or like a madman, וַיִּתְהֹלֵל בְּיָדָם 1Sam 21:14 (of David) and he acted like a madman in their hands; of idolatrous worship by Chaldeans ׳וּבָאֵימִים יִתְה Jer 50:38 of nations, as drunken men, figurative of terror at Yahweh's judgements, Jer 25:16 (|| הִתְגֹּעֲשׁוּ) Jer 51:7 also of madly driving & jolting chariots Nah 2:5; Jer 46:9.


BDB430 H430

BDB429 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB431

אֱלֹהִים2570 noun masculine plural (feminine 1Kgs 11:33 on number of occurrences of אֵל, אֱלוֺהַּ, אֱלֹהִים compare also Nesl. c,)

1. plural in number.
  a. rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power: האלהים Exod 21:6 (Onk ᵑ6, but τὸ κριτήριον τοῦ Θεοῦ ᵐ5) Exod 22:7; Exod 22:8 אלהים Exod 22:8; Exod 22:27 (ᵑ7 Ra AE Ew RVm; but gods, ᵐ5 Josephus Philo AV; God, Di RV; all Covt. code of E) compare 1Sam 2:25 see Dr.; Judg 5:8 (Ew, but gods ᵐ5; God ᵑ6 BarHebr.; יהוה ᵑ9 Be) Ps 82:1; Ps 82:6 (De Ew Pe; but angels Bl Hup) Ps 138:1 (ᵑ6 ᵑ7 Rab Ki De; but angels ᵐ5 Calv; God, Ew; gods, Hup Pe Che).
  b. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels Ps 8:6 (De Che Br; but angels ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ7 Ew; God, RV and most moderns) Gen 1:27 (if with Philo ᵑ7 Jerome De Che we interpret נעשה as God's consultation with angels; compare Job 38:7).
  c. angels Psalm Job 97:7 (ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Calv; but gods, Hup De Pe Che); compare בני (ה)אלהים = (the) sons of God, or sons of gods = angels Job 1:6; Job 2:1; Job 38:7; Gen 6:2; Gen 6:4 (J; so ᵐ5 Books of Enoch & Jubilees Philo Jude vJude 1:6; 2Pet 2:4 JosAnt. «JOSEPHUS:Antiquities 1:3»i. 3. 1, most ancient fathers and modern critics; against usage are sons of princes, mighty men, Onk and Rab.; sons of God, the pious, Theod Chrys Jerome Augustine Luther Calv Hengst; ᵐ5L read οἱ υιὁὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ), compare בני אלים.
  d. gods האלהים Exod 18:11; Exod 22:19 (E) 1Sam 4:8; 2Chr 2:4; Ps 86:8 אלהי האלהים the God of gods, supreme God Deut 10:17; Ps 136:2 אלהים Exod 32:1; Exod 32:23 (JE) Judg 9:13 אלהים אחרים other gods Exod 20:3; Exod 23:13; Josh 24:2; Josh 24:16 (E) Deut 31:18; Deut 31:20 (JE) Deut 5:7 + (17 t. in D, not P) Judg 2:12; Judg 2:17; Judg 2:19; Judg 10:13; 1Sam 8:8; 1Sam 26:19; 1Kgs 9:6; 1Kgs 9:9 (= 2Chr 7:19; 2Chr 7:22) 2Chr 11:4; 2Chr 11:10; 2Chr 14:9; 2Kgs 5:17; 2Kgs 17:35; 2Kgs 17:37; 2Kgs 17:38; 2Kgs 22:17 (= 2Chr 34:25) 2Chr 28:25; Jer 1:16 + (18 t. Jeremiah) Hos 3:1 אלהי (ה)נכר foreign gods Gen 35:2; Gen 35:4; Josh 24:20; Josh 24:23 (E) Deut 31:16 (JE) Judg 10:16; 1Sam 7:3; 2Chr 33:15; Jer 5:19 נחור ׳א Gen 31:53 (E); מצרים ׳א Exod 12:12 (P) Jer 43:12; Jer 43:13 האמרי ׳א Josh 24:15 (E) Judg 6:10 ארם ׳א etc. Judg 10:6 אלהים מעשה ידי Deut 4:28 הגוים ׳א gods of the nations 2Kgs 18:33; 2Kgs 19:12; Deut 29:17; 2Chr 32:17; 2Chr 32:19; Isa 36:18; Isa 37:12 העמים ׳א Deut 6:14; Deut 13:8; Judg 2:12; Ps 96:5; 1Chr 5:25; 1Chr 16:26; 2Chr 32:13; 2Chr 32:14 כסף ׳א Exod 20:23 (E); זהב ׳א Exod 20:23 (E) Exod 32:31 (JE); מַסֵּכָה ׳א Exod 34:17 (J) Lev 19:4 (H).

2. Plural intensive.
  a. god or goddess, always with suffix 1Sam 5:7 (Dagon), Judg 11:24 (Chemosh), 1Kgs 18:24 (Baal), Judg 9:27; Dan 1:2 (twice in verse); or construct לעשתרת מואב ׳צדנים לכמוש א ׳א to Ashtoreth goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh god of Moab, etc. 1Kgs 11:33 הארץ ׳א god of the land 2Kgs 17:26 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 17:27, and so the Syrians suppose that Yahweh is a mountain-god and not a god of valleys 1Kgs 20:28.
  b. godlike one Exod 4:16 (J; Moses in relation to Aaron), Exod 7:1 (P; in relation to Pharaoh), 1Sam 28:13 (the shade of Samuel), Ps 45:7 (the Messianic king, O God, ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Jerome, most scholars ancient and modern, but thy throne is God's = God's throne AE Ki Thea Ew Hup, compare 1Chr 28:5).
  c. works of God, or things specially belonging to him (see אֵל 5) הר אלהים Ps 68:16; Ezek 28:14; Ezek 28:16 אש אלהים Job 1:16 גן (ה)אלהים Ezek 28:13; Ezek 31:8; Ezek 31:9.
  d. God (see 3 & 4).

3. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God, הוא האלהים ׳י Yahweh is (the) God Deut 4:35; Deut 4:39; Deut 7:9; 1Kgs 8:60; 1Kgs 18:39 (twice in verse); 2Chr 33:13 הוא האלהים Isa 45:18 האלהים ׳י Josh 22:34 (P ?) 1Kgs 18:21; 1Kgs 18:24; 2Chr 32:16 אתה הוא האלהים 2Sam 7:28; 1Kgs 18:37; 2Kgs 19:15; 1Chr 17:26; Isa 37:16; Neh 9:7 האלהים as subject or object is used in E 33 t., Chronicles 38 t., Eccl 31 t., Jonah 5 t., elsewhere Gen 5:22; Gen 5:24; Gen 6:9; Gen 6:11 (sources of P) Gen 17:18 (P) Josh 22:34 (P ?) Gen 44:16 (J) Deut 4:35; Deut 4:39; Deut 7:9; Judg 6:36; Judg 6:39; Judg 7:14; Judg 10:14; Judg 16:28; Judg 21:2; 1Sam 10:3; 1Sam 10:7; 1Sam 14:36; 2Sam 2:27; 2Sam 6:7; 2Sam 7:28; 2Sam 12:16; 1Kgs 8:60; 1Kgs 18:21; 1Kgs 18:24 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 18:37; 1Kgs 18:39 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 19:15 (Ephr) Job 2:10; Jer 11:12; Isa 37:16; Isa 45:18; Ps 108:14; Dan 1:9; Dan 1:17 הקדוש ׳הא ׳י 1Sam 6:20 הגדול ׳הא ׳י Neh 8:6 אשר ׳בירושלם הא Ezra 1:3 אדני האלהים Dan 9:3 in many phrases, as איש האלהים the man of God, acting under divine authority and influence: =
   (a) angel Judg 13:6; Judg 13:8,
   (b) prophet (the term coming into use in the Northern kingdom in the age of Elijah 1Sam 9:9-10, compare אִישׁ הָרוּחַ Hos 9:7): of Moses Deut 33:1; Josh 14:6 (E) 1Chr 23:14; 2Chr 30:16; Ezra 3:2; Ps 90:1 of Samuel 1Sam 9:6-10 of David 2Chr 8:14; Neh 12:24; Neh 12:36 Shemaiah 1Kgs 12:22 (= 2Chr 11:2); Elijah, Elisha, and others of their time 1Kgs 13:1-31; 1Kgs 17:18-24; 1Kgs 20:28; 2Kgs 1:9-13; 2Kgs 4:7-42; 2Kgs 5:8-20; 2Kgs 6:6-15; 2Kgs 7:2-9; 2Kgs 8:2-11; 2Kgs 13:19; 2Kgs 23:16-17 (Ephr) 2Chr 25:7; 2Chr 25:9 unnamed prophet 1Sam 2:27 Hanan Jer 35:4 a later title of prophet was עֶבֶד האלהים the servant of God, used of Moses 1Chr 6:34; 2Chr 24:9; Neh 10:30; Dan 9:11. בית האלהים the house of God, Judg 18:31, especially late, Chronicles (52 t.) Eccl 4:17; Dan 1:2 ׳בית י ׳הא 1Chr 22:1 ארון (ברית) האלהים the ark (of the covenant) of God Judg 20:27; 1Sam 4:1-5:12; 1Sam 14; 2Sam 6:1-7:29; 2Sam 15 (23 t.); 1Chr 13; 1Chr 15; 1Chr 16; 2Chr 1:4 (13 t.); מטה האלהים the rod of God Exod 4:20; Exod 17:9 (E); הר האלהים the mount of God (Horeb) Exod 3:1; Exod 4:27; Exod 18:5; Exod 24:13 (E) 1Kgs 19:8 (Ephr); מלאך האלהים the (theophanic) angel of God Gen 31:11; Exod 14:19 (E) Judg 6:20; Judg 13:6; Judg 13:9; 2Sam 14:17; 2Sam 14:20; 2Sam 19:28 in other combinations Exod 18:16; Num 23:27 (E) Judg 20:2; 1Sam 4:8; 1Sam 5:11; 1Sam 10:5; 2Sam 16:23; 1Kgs 12:22; 1Chr 21:7 + (14 t.) Ps 87:3; Eccl 9:1.

4. אֱלֹהִים = God אֱלֹהִים אֱמֶת ׳י = Yahweh is God in truth Jer 10:10.
  a. אלהים (as subject object direct or indirect) is used by P (50 t. in story of creation and deluge, elsewhere 28 t.), by E (91 t.), J chiefly in poetic sources Gen 3:1; Gen 3:3; Gen 3:5 (twice in verse); Gen 9:27; Gen 39:9; Deut 32:17; Deut 32:39, by D (11 t.) Judges (21 t.) Samuel (50 t.) Kings (29 t.) Chronicles (45 t.); in Psalm 42-86 (180 t. often by editorial change for an original יהוה), elsewhere Ps 3:3; Ps 5:11; Ps 7:11; Ps 7:12; Ps 9:18; Ps 10:4; Ps 10:13; Ps 14:1; Ps 14:2; Ps 14:5; Ps 25:22; Ps 36:2; Ps 36:8; Ps 77:14; Ps 100:3; Ps 108:2; Ps 108:6; Ps 108:8; Ps 108:12 (twice in verse); Ps 149:9; Job 5:8; Job 20:29; Job 28:23; Job 32:2; Job 34:9 (& in Prologue 6 t.) Prov 2:5; Prov 3:4; Prov 25:2 Ecclesiastes (7 t.) Hosea (5 t.); Amos 4:11 (כמהפכת אלתים את סדם as God overthrew Sodom = Jer 50:40 = Isa 13:19) Zech 8:23; Zech 12:8; Mic 3:7 (but אליהם ᵐ5 ᵑ6) Isa 35:4 Isa2 (9 t.); Jer 10:10 Ezekiel (13 t.); Malachi (5 t.); Jonah (4 t.); the phrase לאלהים ׳היה ל Gen 28:21 (ER) Gen 17:7; Gen 17:8; Exod 6:7; Exod 29:45; Lev 11:45; Lev 22:33; Lev 25:38; Lev 26:12; Lev 26:45; Num 15:41 (P); Deut 26:17; Deut 29:13; 2Sam 7:24 (= 1Chr 17:22); Zech 8:8 Jeremiah (6 t.); Ezekiel (6 t.); אלהים צדיק righteous God Ps 7:10 קדשים ׳א holy God Josh 24:19 (E); חיים ׳א living God Deut 5:23; 1Sam 17:26; 1Sam 17:36; Jer 10:10; Jer 23:36 חי ׳א 2Kgs 19:4; 2Kgs 19:16 (= Isa 37:4; Isa 37:17). For the phrases ׳יהוה א, צבאות ׳א ׳י, צבאות ׳א, ׳י ׳אל א, ׳יה א, ׳צבאות א ׳י, אלתי ׳י, צבאות, ׳אדני א see יהוה, יה, צבאות & אדני.
  b. construct אֱלֹהֵי
   (a) with persons אֱלֹהֵי אַבְרָהָם = God of Abraham, a phrase of J, Gen 26:24; Gen 28:13; Gen 31:53, elsewhere Ps 47:10; 1Kgs 18:36; 1Chr 29:18; 2Chr 30:6 אדני אברהם ׳א Gen 24:12; Gen 24:27; Gen 24:42; Gen 24:48 (J); אלהי אב father's God (various suffix & names), a phrase of E, Gen 31:5; Gen 31:29; Gen 31:42; Gen 46:3; Gen 50:17; Exod 3:6; Exod 3:13; Exod 3:15; Exod 3:16; Exod 15:2; Exod 18:4; Josh 18:3, elsewhere Gen 32:10; Gen 43:23 (J) Exod 4:5 (J ?) Deuteronomy (8 t.); Judg 2:12; 2Kgs 21:22 Chronicles (31 t.); Dan 11:37 אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל Israel's God, phrase of E, Gen 33:20; Exod 5:1; Exod 24:10; Exod 32:27; Josh 8:30; Josh 14:14; Josh 22:16; Josh 24:2; Josh 24:23, elsewhere Exod 34:23; Josh 7:13; Josh 7:19; Josh 7:20 (JE) Num 16:9; Josh 9:18; Josh 9:19; Josh 22:24; Josh 10:40; Josh 10:42; Josh 13:14; Josh 13:33 (R see Di Josh 7:13) Judg 4:6; Judg 5:3; Judg 5:5; Judg 6:8; Judg 11:21; Judg 11:23; Judg 21:3; 1Sam 1:17 + (20 t.) Kings (26 t.) Chronicles (45 t.); Ps 41:14; Ps 106:48 (doxology) Ps 59:6; Ps 69:7; Isa 17:6; Isa 21:10; Isa 21:17; Isa 29:23 Isa3, Isa 24:15; Isa 37:16; Isa 37:21 Isa2, Isa 41:17 + (6 t.); Jer 35:17 + (48 t.); Ezek 8:4 + (7 t.); Zeph 2:9; Mal 2:16; Ruth 2:12 מערכות ישראל ׳א God of the battle array of Israel 1Sam 17:45 ׳א יַעֲקֹב 2Sam 23:1 (poetry) Ps 20:2; Ps 46:8; Ps 46:12; Ps 75:10; Ps 76:7; Ps 81:2; Ps 81:5; Ps 84:9; Ps 94:7; Isa 2:3 (= Mic 4:2); העבריים ׳א God of the Hebrews Exod 3:18; Exod 5:3; Exod 7:16; Exod 9:1; Exod 9:13 (JE); it is used with other proper names, Nahor Gen 31:53 (E), Shem Gen 9:26 (J), David 2Kgs 20:5; 2Chr 21:12; 2Chr 34:3; Isa 38:5, Hezekiah 2Chr 32:17, Elijah 2Kgs 2:14 ארני המלך ׳א the God of my lord the king 1Kgs 1:36. (β) with nouns of attributes or relationships, קֶרֶם ׳א ancient God Deut 33:27 עולם ׳א everlasting God Isa 40:28 אֱמֶת ׳א true God 2Chr 15:3 אָמֵן ׳א Isa 65:16 (see אָמֵן); משפט ׳א Isa 30:18; Mal 2:17 מרום ׳א Mic 6:6 כָל בָשָׂר ׳א God of all flesh Jer 32:27 compare ׳א הרוחות לכל בשר Num 16:22; Num 27:16 (P); השמים ׳א God of heaven Gen 24:7 (JR) 2Chr 36:23; Ezra 1:2; Neh 1:4; Neh 1:5; Neh 2:4; Neh 2:20 compare כל הארץ ׳א Isa 54:5 ׳השמים וא ׳א ׳י הארץ Gen 24:3 (JR); מִקָּרֹב ׳א a God at hand opposed to מֵרָחֹק ׳א Jer 23:23, ישועתי ׳א, יִשְׁעִי ׳א God of my salvation Ps 18:47 (= 2Sam 22:47) Ps 24:5; Ps 25:5; Ps 27:9; Ps 65:6; Ps 79:9; Ps 85:5; Isa 17:10; Mic 7:7; Hab 3:18; 1Chr 16:35 ישועתי ׳א Ps 88:2 תשועתי ׳א Ps 51:16 צִדְקִי ׳א God of righteousness Ps 4:2 חַסְדִּי ׳א Ps 59:11; Ps 59:18 צוּרִי ׳א God who is my rock 2Sam 22:3 (compare Ps 18:3); מָעוּזִּי֯ ׳א God who is my stronghold Ps 43:2 תְהִלָּתִי ׳א God who is my praise Ps 109:1.
  c. with suffix in P (22 t. including phrase ויראת מאלהיך) Lev 19:14; Lev 19:32; Lev 25:17; Lev 25:36; Lev 25:43 (H) Exod 8:21; Josh 24:27 (E) Deut 32:37 (poetry) Josh 9:23 (JE) Deut 10:21; Deut 31:17; Judg 10:10; Judg 16:23; Judg 16:24; 1Sam 10:19; 2Sam 10:12; 2Sam 22:32 + (4 t. poetry) 1Kgs 12:28; 1Kgs 20:23; 2Kgs 19:10 Chronicles (83 t.); Psalms (62 t.); Prov 2:17; Prov 30:9; Ruth 1:15; Ruth 1:16 (twice in verse); Isa 1:10; Isa 7:13; Isa 8:19; Isa 8:21 Isa2 (29 t.); Jer 5:4; Jer 5:5; Jer 23:36; Jer 51:5; Ezek 34:31 Daniel (5 t.); Hosea (12 t.); Amos 2:8; Amos 4:12; Joel 1:13 (twice in verse); Joel 1:16; Joel 2:17; Mic 6:8; Mic 7:7; Jonah 1:5; Jonah 1:6; Zeph 3:2; Nah 1:14; Zech 9:7; Zech 12:5 אלהים with suffix is also used with יהוה several hundred times (see יהוה).

god, gods, judges, great, goddess, …
ʾĕlōhîm
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
  • (plural)
    • rulers, judges
    • "divine ones"angels"gods
    (plural intensive—singular meaning)
    • god, goddess
    • "godlike one"works or special possessions of God"the (true) God"God

הַ שָּׁמָֽיִם
הַ
Prefix — article the
שָּׁמָֽיִם
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)

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לִי֙ Pashta — a lesser break הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ Zaqef Qatan — a strong break עַל מַה זֶּ֖ה Tipeha — a lesser break אַתָּ֣ה מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ Etnahta — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וָֽאֶתְפַּלֵּ֔ל Zaqef Qatan — a strong break אֶל אֱלֹהֵ֖י Tipeha — a lesser break הַשָּׁמָֽיִם Silluq — end of the verse

וַיֹּאמֶר לִי הַמֶּלֶךְ עַל-מַה-זֶּה אַתָּה מְבַקֵּשׁ וָֽאֶתְפַּלֵּל אֶל-אֱלֹהֵי הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃
4
Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.
Cross References

Philippians 4:6

μηδὲν μεριμνᾶτε ἀλλ' ἐν παντὶ τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ δεήσει μετὰ εὐχαριστίας τὰ αἰτήματα ὑμῶν γνωριζέσθω πρὸς τὸν θεόν
6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your be made requests known unto God.

Nehemiah 1:4

וַיְהִי כְּשָׁמְעִי׀ אֶת-הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה יָשַׁבְתִּי וָֽאֶבְכֶּה וָֽאֶתְאַבְּלָה יָמִים וָֽאֱהִי צָם וּמִתְפַּלֵּל לִפְנֵי אֱלֹהֵי הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃
4
And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

Proverbs 3:6

בְּכָל-דְּרָכֶיךָ דָעֵהוּ וְהוּא יְיַשֵּׁר אֹֽרְחֹתֶֽיךָ׃
6
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Nehemiah 1:11

אָנָּא אֲדֹנָי תְּהִי נָא אָזְנְךָֽ-קַשֶּׁבֶת אֶל-תְּפִלַּת עַבְדְּךָ וְאֶל-תְּפִלַּת עֲבָדֶיךָ הַֽחֲפֵצִים לְיִרְאָה אֶת-שְׁמֶךָ וְהַצְלִֽיחָה-נָּא לְעַבְדְּךָ הַיּוֹם וּתְנֵהוּ לְרַֽחֲמִים לִפְנֵי הָאִישׁ הַזֶּה וַֽאֲנִי הָיִיתִי מַשְׁקֶה לַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
11
O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

Mark 10:51

καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς λὲγει αὐτῷ Ἰησοῦς Τί θέλεις ποιήσω σοι δὲ τυφλὸς εἶπεν αὐτῷ Ῥαββονί ἵνα ἀναβλέψω
51
And Jesus answered and said unto him, What that wilt thou I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.

1 Kings 3:5

בְּגִבְעוֹן נִרְאָה יְהוָֹה אֶל-שְׁלֹמֹה בַּֽחֲלוֹם הַלָּיְלָה וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים שְׁאַל מָה אֶתֶּן-לָֽךְ׃
5
In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

Esther 7:2

וַיֹּאמֶר הַמֶּלֶךְ לְאֶסְתֵּר גַּם בַּיּוֹם הַשֵּׁנִי בְּמִשְׁתֵּה הַיַּיִן מַה-שְּׁאֵֽלָתֵךְ אֶסְתֵּר הַמַּלְכָּה וְתִנָּתֵֽן לָךְ וּמַה-בַּקָּֽשָׁתֵךְ עַד-חֲצִי הַמַּלְכוּת וְתֵעָֽשׂ׃
2
And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.

Esther 5:6

וַיֹּאמֶר הַמֶּלֶךְ לְאֶסְתֵּר בְּמִשְׁתֵּה הַיַּיִן מַה-שְּׁאֵֽלָתֵךְ וְיִנָּתֵֽן לָךְ וּמַה-בַּקָּֽשָׁתֵךְ עַד-חֲצִי הַמַּלְכוּת וְתֵעָֽשׂ׃
6
And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

Esther 5:3

וַיֹּאמֶר לָהּ הַמֶּלֶךְ מַה-לָּךְ אֶסְתֵּר הַמַּלְכָּה וּמַה-בַּקָּֽשָׁתֵךְ עַד-חֲצִי הַמַּלְכוּת וְיִנָּתֵֽן לָֽךְ׃
3
Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

2 Samuel 15:31

וְדָוִד הִגִּיד לֵאמֹר אֲחִיתֹפֶל בַּקֹּֽשְׁרִים עִם-אַבְשָׁלוֹם וַיֹּאמֶר דָּוִד סַכֶּל-נָא אֶת-עֲצַת אֲחִיתֹפֶל יְהוָֽה׃
31
And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.