Numbers 32:16

וַיִּגְּשׁ֤וּ אֵלָיו֙ וַ֣יֹּאמְר֔וּ גִּדְרֹ֥ת צֹ֛אן נִבְנֶ֥ה לְמִקְנֵ֖נוּ פֹּ֑ה וְעָרִ֖ים לְטַפֵּֽנוּ
And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

וַ יִּגְּשׁ֤וּ
וַ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
יִּגְּשׁ֤וּ
Root word near, nigh, brought, came, hither, …
Dictionary form: נָגַשׁ · naw-ɡAHSH

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 plural simple action — "he did" story-telling past — try "and he ___ed" the built-in subject is "they"

In the KJV here: and they came near
came near ×8 come near ×6 came ×5 come nigh ×5 brought ×4 drew near ×4 and they came near ×3 bring hither ×3
More options
approach — Broad and natural; fits most contexts well.
come near — Modernized KJV form; clear for movement toward someone.
draw near — Slightly formal; suits worship or solemn contexts.
step forward — Good for scenes of presentation or summons.
present — Best when an offering or person is brought before another.
move closer — Colloquial; suits narrative or conversational prose.

BDB4983 H5066

BDB4982 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4984

[נָגַשׁ]125 verb draw near, approach, less frequently synonym of קרב q. v. (Late Hebrew id. Hiph`il (rare) and derivatives ); —

Qal68 Imperfect יִגַּשׁ Exod 24:14 +, יִגָּ֑שׁ Ps 91:7, וַיִּגַּשׁ Gen 18:23 +; 3 feminine singular וַתִּגַּשׁ Gen 33:7 2 masculine singular תִּגַּשֿׁ Isa 65:5 3 masculine plural יִגְּשׁוּ Isa 41:1 +, יִגָּ֑שׁוּ Exod 24:2, יִגַּ֑שׁוּ Job 41:8 (Baer; van d. H. יִנָּ֑שׁוּ); 3 feminine plural וַתִּגַּשְׁןָ Gen 33:6, etc.; Imperative גַּשׁ 2Sam 1:15, גֶּשֿׁ Gen 19:9, גְּשָׁה Gen 27:21 + 2 t.; feminine singular גְּשִׁי; Ruth 2:14, etc.; Infinitive construct לָגֶ֫שֶׁת Judg 20:23 +; suffix גִּשְׁתּוֺ Gen 33:3 גִּשְׁתָּם Exod 28:43 + 2 t.; — draw or come near, 1. human subject: followed by אֶלֿ person Gen 27:22; Gen 43:19; Gen 44:18; Gen 45:4 (all J), Exod 19:15 (of sexual intercourse), Exod 24:2; Num 32:16; Josh 14:6 (all E), Exod 34:30; Josh 21:1 (P), + 10 t. elsewhere (not D), + Ps 91:7 (subject pestilence personified); of priestly approach to ׳י Ezek 44:13, compare Jer 30:21b, also followed by אֶלֿ of altar Exod 28:43; Exod 30:20; Lev 21:23 and absolute, vLev 21:21 (all P or H); followed by אֶלֿ of thing also Num 8:16 followed by עַדֿ person Gen 33:3 (J), of thing Judg 9:52 followed by עַלֿ person Ezek 9:6, of thing Ezek 44:13 followed by בְּ person Isa 65:5 (|| קָרַב אֶלֿ); in Amos 9:10 read תִּגַּשׁ בַעֲדֵנוּ (for ᵑ0 תַּגִּישׁ Hiph`il compare We GASm Dr Now; || קִדֵּם); followed by לַמִּלְחָמָה draw near for battle Judg 20:23; Jer 46:3; 2Sam 10:13 = 1Chr 19:14 (+ לִפְנֵי person); followed by accusative of person 1Sam 9:18; 1Sam 30:21, of thing Num 4:19 (P), but accusative difficult; Dr reads אֶלֿ for אֶתֿ 1Sam 9:18; Num 4:19, compare Klo HPS; in 1Sam 30:21 Dr takes אֶתֿ = with; followed by הֲלוֺם hither, 1Sam 14:38; Ruth 2:14 absolute Gen 18:23; Gen 27:21; Gen 29:10; Gen 33:6; Gen 33:7; Gen 45:4 (all J), Exod 24:2 (E), Josh 8:11 (E; + ויבאו), + 9 t. (not P, D),+ Gen 27:26; Gen 27:27 (E), Josh 3:9 (J), 2Sam 1:15; 2Chr 29:31 (all Imperative followed by 2nd Imperative), + Gen 19:9 (J), Lev 21:21 (twice in verse) (H), 2Kgs 4:27 (all followed by Infinitive purpose); Note especially גֶּשׁהָֿ֫לְאָה Gen 19:9 lit approach thither! i.e. move away ! compare גְּשָׁהלִֿי וְאֵשׁ֑בָה Isa 46:20 move away for me (make room for me that I may dwell (|| צַרלִֿי הַמָּקוֺם).
2. inanimate subject בְּאֶחָד יִגַּ֫שׁוּ אֶחָד Job 41:8 one to another they approach (fit closely together; of scales of crocodile ). —
Qal not in D.

Niph`al Perfect נִגַּשׁ Gen 33:7 +; 3 feminine singular וְנִגְּשָׁה Deut 25:9 3 masculine plural נִגְּשׁוּ Exod 34:32 +; נִגַּשְׁתֶּם 2Sam 11:20; 2Sam 11:21 Participle plural נִגָּשִׁים Exod 19:22 — draw near = Qal (and substitute for it in D): — followed by אֶלֿ person Deut 25:9; 1Kgs 20:13; Ezra 9:1, of priestly approach to Yahweh Exod 19:22 (J), Jer 30:21 followed by אֶלֿ of thing Exod 20:21; Exod 24:2 (both E), 2Sam 11:20; 2Sam 11:21, אֶלהַֿמִּשְׁפָּט Deut 25:1 followed by בְּ person Amos 9:13 followed by לַמִּלְחָמָה 1Sam 7:10 absolute Gen 33:7 (J), Deut 20:2 (|| קרב), Deut 21:5; Exod 34:32 (P), so figurative of worship Isa 29:13.

Hiph`il Perfect 3 masculine singular suffix consecutive וְהִגִּישׁוֺ Exod 21:6 (twice in verse), וְהִגִּישָׁהּ Lev 2:8 3 plural הִגִּ֫ישׁוּ 2Sam 17:29 2 masculine plural הִגַּשְׁתֶּם Amos 5:25 Imperfect jussive יַגֵּשׁJob 40:19 וַיַגֶּשֿׁ Gen 27:25 וַיַּגַּ֑שׁ Judg 6:19 3 feminine singular תַּגִּישׁ Amos 9:10, וַתַּגֵּשׁ 1Sam 28:25; 2Sam 13:11 3 masculine plural יַגִּ֫ישׁוּ Isa 41:22 2 masculine plural תַּגִּ֫ישׁוּ Mal 1:8, תַּגִּישׁוּן vMal 1:8, וַתַּגִּישׁוּן Amos 6:3, etc.; Imperative masculine singular הַגִּ֫ישָׁה Gen 27:25 +; masculine plural הַגִּ֫ישׁוּ 1Sam 13:9 +; Participle מַגִּישׁ Mal 2:12 plural construct מַגִּישֵׁי Mal 3:3, etc.; — cause to approach, bring near, bring, followed by אֶלֿ person (usually object accusative of thing, rarely person Exod 21:6 (twice in verse); 1Sam 15:32; Gen 48:10 compare vGen 48:13): — Gen 48:10; Gen 48:13 (E), Exod 21:6 (twice in verse) (E), 1Sam 13:9; 1Sam 14:34; 1Sam 15:32; 2Sam 13:11 (+ Infinitive purpose), 2Kgs 4:5; 2Kgs 4:6 followed by אֶלהַֿמִּוְבֵּךְַ Lev 2:8 (P; of sacrifice); עַלמִֿזְבְּחִי Mal 1:7 (sacrifice); לְ person Gen 27:25 (twice in verse) (E), 1Sam 30:7; 2Sam 17:29 (read וַיַּגִּישׁוּ ᵐ5 Th We Klo Kit, compare Dr), of sacrifice Amos 5:25; Mal 2:12; Mal 3:3 לִפְנֵי person 1Sam 28:25; 2Chr 29:23 no preposition Exod 32:6 (J), 1Sam 14:18; 1Sam 14:34; 1Sam 23:9; 1Sam 30:7; Judg 6:19 (following הוציא אֶלֿ), Amos 6:3; 1Kgs 5:1; Lev 8:14 (P), of sacrifice also Mal 1:8 (לִזְבֹּחַ), vMal 1:8 (|| הקריב); figurative (object proofs, evidences) Isa 41:21 (|| קרב), vIsa 41:22 (+ וַיַּגִּידוּ), compare Isa 45:21 (|| הַגִּידוּ); הָעשֹׁוֺ יַגֵּשׁ חַרְבּוֺ Job 40:19 let him that made him (the hippotamus) draw near his sword, is dubious; Du נֹגֵשׂ חֲבֵרָו [י]הֶעָשׂוּ who is made ruler of its fellows (other conjectures see Di Bu); Amos 9:10 read תִּגַּשׁ Qal q. v. ). Hoph`al Perfect 3 masculine plural לאֹלִֿנְחֻשְׁתַּיִם הֻגַּ֑שׁוּ 2Sam 3:34 (Ginsb הֻגָּ֫שׁוּ thy feet have not been brought near (put into) fetters; Participle מֻגָּשׁ לשׁמי Mal 1:11 it (impersonal) is offered to my name. Hithpa`el Imperative masculine plural הִתְנַגְּשׁוּ Isa 45:20 draw near! (|| הִקָּֽבְצוּ יָבֹאוּ).

נֵד see II. נדד. נֹד see נוד.

near, nigh, brought, came, hither, …
nāgaš
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causatively, to present; figuratively, to adduce an argument; by reversal, to stand back
  • to draw near, approach
    • (Qal) to draw or come near
      • of humans
        • of sexual intercourse
        of inanimate subject
        • to approach one another
      (Niphal) to draw near"(Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring"(Hophal) to be brought near"(Hithpael) to draw near

אֵלָי ו֙
אֵלָי
Preposition unto, to, into, upon, against, …
ו֙
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Dictionary form: אֵל · ale

Preposition

In the KJV here: unto
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)

וַ ֣יֹּאמְר֔וּ
וַ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
֣יֹּאמְר֔וּ
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 plural simple action — "he did" story-telling past — try "and he ___ed" the built-in subject is "they"

In the KJV here: him and 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 Köi. 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 Köi. 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

גִּדְרֹ֥ת
גִּדְרֹ֥ת
Root word hedges, folds, wall, sheepcotes, sheepfolds
Dictionary form: גְּדֵרָה · ɡeh-day-RAW

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

In the KJV here: sheepfolds
and folds ×3 a wall ×1 and hedges ×1 by the hedges ×1 his hedges ×1 in the hedges ×1 sheepfolds ×1 the sheepcotes ×1
More options
sheepfold — Best default; encloses livestock, most common context.
enclosure — Broader; fits non-livestock contexts well.
pen — Informal, concise; good for animal-keeping passages.
hedge — Prefer when a planted boundary, not a wall, is implied.
stone wall — Use when construction material is clearly masonry.
paddock — Agricultural register; suits pastoral or farming narratives.

BDB1522 H1448

BDB1521 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1523

I. גְּדֵרָה, גְּדֶ֫רֶת noun feminine wall — גְּדֵרָה 1Chr 4:23 + Ps 62:4 (ᵑ0 גָּדֵר q. v. ), גְּדֶרֶת Ezek 13:5 (Co, compare ᵐ5; ᵑ0 גָּדֵר) Ezek 42:12 (strike out Co); plural גְּדֵרוֺת Nah 3:17 + 2 t., גְּדֵרֹת Num 32:24 construct גִּדְרוֺת Num 32:26 + 2 t., גִּדְרֹת Num 32:16 suffix גְּדֵרֹתָיו Ps 89:41 — wall, hedge 1Chr 4:23 (or is this proper name, of a location? compare Öttli) Nah 3:17 (where grasshoppers alight), Jer 49:3 wall, connected with Ezekiel's temple Ezek 42:12 (strike out Co); defences Ps 89:41 elsewhere צאן ׳ג sheep-folds Num 32:16; Num 32:36; 1Sam 24:4; Zeph 2:6 compare Num 32:24; Ezek 13:5 Co גְּדֶרֶת after ᵐ5; Ps 62:4 ᵑ0 גדר הדחויה, read ׳גדרה ד compare גָּדֵר.

hedges, folds, wall, sheepcotes, sheepfolds
gĕdērâ
enclosure (especially for flocks)
  • wall, hedge
    • "sheepfold (construct with 'sheep')

צֹ֛אן
צֹ֛אן
Root word sheep, flock, flocks, cattle, lamb
Dictionary form: צֹאן · tsone

Noun — Common, both singular, absolute state

sheep ×37 the flock ×27 the sheep ×15 of the flock ×14 the flocks ×13 and sheep ×8 my flock ×8 of thy sheep ×6
More options
flock — Best general term; suits collective pastoral contexts.
sheep — Use when individual animals or species are in focus.
herd — Prefer when size or movement of the group is emphasized.
flock of sheep — Explicit compound; good for clarity in ambiguous contexts.
flock of goats — Use when context specifies goats within the broader term.
livestock — Broadest rendering; suits economic or property contexts.

BDB6901 H6629

BDB6900 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6902

צאֹן273 collective noun feminineGen 30:36 (possibly masculine vGen 30:39 a +, KöSynt. § 247 g, but dubious, vGen 30:39b with verb feminine plural, as usually; in 1Sam 15:14 join הַוֶּה with קוֺל; see further AlbrZAW xv (1895), 316 ff.) small cattle, sheep and goats, flock, flocks; — ׳צ absolute Gen 4:2 +; construct Gen 29:9 +; suffix צאֹנוֺ Gen 4:4 +; צאֹנֵנוּ Exod 10:9, צאֹונֵוּ Ps 144:13 as plural צאֹנֵינוֺ Neh 10:37 van d. H. Gi (not Baer; very late, si vera lectio), etc.; —

1. literally
  a. small cattle, usually of sheep and goats in one flock (RobBR i. 477) Gen 30:31; Gen 30:32 +; sheep specified also Gen 21:28 (׳כִּבְשׂת הַצּ), Gen 31:28 (׳אֵילֵי צ) +; sheep only 1Sam 25:2 (+עִוִּים); goats specified Gen 27:9; Jer 50:8 ׳צ as yielding (1) animals for food Amos 6:4 (בָּרִים), 1Sam 14:32; 2Sam 12:4; Neh 5:18 +; מַאְַבָל ׳צ Ps 44:12 (in simile); (2) wool Gen 31:19 + (see [ גָּזַז], גֵּז); (3) milk, ׳חֲלֵב צ Deut 32:14 (? goats' milk, compare Prov 27:27); (4) sacrificial victims Gen 4:4 (J), Lev 1:2; Lev 1:10; Lev 3:6; Num 15:3 (all P), Num 22:40 (E), Deut 12:6; Deut 12:17; Deut 12:21 + often; so צאֹן קָדָשִׁים Ezek 36:38 a, compare בְקָרֵינוּ וְצאֹנֵינוּ בְּכוֺרֵי Neh 10:37 in general as property (often + בָּקָר, etc.) Gen 12:16; Gen 13:5; Gen 24:35; Job 1:3; Job 42:12 + often (see also II. [עַשְׁתָּרוֺת]); gift Gen 20:14; Gen 21:27; Gen 38:17 (goat), Deut 15:14; 2Chr 17:11 booty 1Sam 15:9; 1Sam 15:15 + .
  b. ׳צ sometimes of a definite number of animals (i.e. as plural of שֶׂה, etc.): two Isa 7:21, four Exod 21:37 (larger numbers see 1Sam 25:2; 1Sam 25:5; 1Sam 25:18; Num 31:32; Num 31:36; Neh 5:18; Job 1:3; Job 42:12 above). — See also בֵּן 7 b; גְּדֵרָה, מִכְלָה, מַרְבֵּץ, נָוֶה, עֵדֶר; כֶלֶב, רֹצֶה, שַׁצֵר.
2. simile of multitude Ezek 36:37; Ezek 36:38, compare Ps 107:41 of children Job 21:11 of dead, with death as shepherd Ps 49:15 of (shepherdless) Israel Num 27:17; 1Kgs 22:17 = 2Chr 18:16; Zech 10:2; Zech 13:7, wandering in sin Isa 53:6 of Israel led by ׳י Ps 77:21; Ps 78:52; Ps 80:2, compare Zech 9:16 (on text see We Now); Ezek 34:12 of Israel in distress, טִבְחָת ׳כְּצ Ps 44:23, compare (of wicked) לְטִבְתָה ׳צ Jer 12:3 of scattered Babylonian Isa 13:14.
3. metaphor of multitude, אָרָם ׳צ Ezek 36:38 of Israel 2Sam 24:17 = 1Chr 21:17; Jer 23:1; Jer 23:2; Jer 23:3; Ezek 24:5, and especially sustained figurative Ezek 34:2; Ezek 34:3 + 17 t. 34, also Zech 11:7; Zech 11:17 אֹבְדוֺת ׳צ Jer 50:6, תִּפְאַרְתֵךְ ׳צ Jer 13:20 of Israel under ׳י's care, (וֺ-, יִ֯) מַרְעִיתֶ֑ךָד ׳צ Ps 74:1; Ps 79:13; Ps 100:3; Ezek 34:31, also יָדוֺ ׳צ Ps 95:7(|| מַרְעִיתוֺעַםֿ; read perhaps מַרְעִיתוֺ ׳צ, צַם יָדוֺ, so Che and others); נַחֲלָתֶךָ ׳צ Mic 7:14 also in combinations: ׳אַדִּירֵי הַצֵּ Jer 25:34; Jer 25:35; Jer 25:36, חַהֲרֵגָה ׳צ Zech 11:4; Zech 11:7 (compare Ps 44:23), ׳עֲנִיֵּי הַצּ vPs 44:7 vPs 44:11 (all of Israel); of Edom ׳צְעִירֵי הַ צּ Jer 49:20; Jer 50:45.

sheep, flock, flocks, cattle, lamb
ṣōn
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
  • small cattle, sheep, sheep and goats, flock, flocks
    • small cattle (usually of sheep and goats)
      • "of multitude (simile)"of multitude (metaphor)

נִבְנֶ֥ה
נִבְנֶ֥ה
Root word built, build, builded, up, building, …
Dictionary form: בָּנָה · baw-NAW

Verb — Qal, Imperfect (Yiqtol), first person plural simple action — "he did" not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "we"

In the KJV here: we will build
built ×32 to build ×28 build ×24 and he built ×14 he built ×14 and built ×11 shall build ×10 and build ×7
More options
build — Direct modern equivalent; best for commands and general use.
construct — More formal; suits architectural or large-scale projects.
erect — Emphasizes raising a structure upright; slightly formal.
establish — Good when founding or instituting, not just physical building.
rebuild — Use when restoring or reconstructing something previously destroyed.
raise up — Captures idiom of founding a house, dynasty, or family line.

BDB1184 H1129

BDB1183 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1185

בָּנָה373 verb build (MI, Nabatean EutNo.1 בנה, Phoenician בן, Arabic , Assyrian banû COTGlossary compare BaZMG 1887, 640, Sabean בני CISiv, 1, No, 56, Aramaic בְּנָא, , Palmyrene בנא VogNo. 31) —

Qal Perfect ׳ב Deut 20:5 +, בָּֽנְתָה Prov 9:1; Prov 14:1, בָּנִיתָ Deut 6:10, בָּנִתָה 1Kgs 9:3 וּבָנִ֫יתָ consecutive Deut 20:20 +; בָּנִיתְ Ezek 16:25 בָּנִתִי 1Kgs 8:13 +; plural בָּנוּ Gen 11:5 +, etc.; Imperfect יִבְּנֶה Deut 25:9 +; jussive וְיִבֶן Ezra 1:3, וַיִּבְנֶה Josh 19:50 + 2 t., וַיִּ֫בֶן Gen 2:22 +; suffix יִבְנֵ֫הוּ Job 20:19 3 feminine singular וַתִּ֫בֶן 1Chr 7:24; Zech 9:3 אֶבְנֶה 2Sam 7:27 +; plural יִבְנוּ Isa 65:22 +, etc.; Imperative בְּנֵה Num 23:1 +; plural בְּנוּ Num 32:24 +; Infinitive absolute בָּנֹה 1Kgs 8:13 construct בְּנוֺת 1Chr 6:17 +, etc.; Participle active בֹּנֶה (בּוֺנֶה) Gen 4:17 +; construct בֹּנֵה Ps 147:2 plural (פֹּנִים) בּוֺנִים Ezra 4:1 +; construct בֹּנֵי 1Kgs 5:32 (twice in verse), etc.; passive בָּנוּי Song 4:4; Judg 6:28 feminine בְּנוּיָה Ps 122:3 plural בְּנוּיִם Neh 7:4 — build,
1. (literal)
  a. with accusative (α) of city (Hexateuch only J E) Gen 4:17; Gen 10:11; Gen 11:4; Gen 11:5 (+ tower) vGen 11:8 (all J & his sources); Exod 1:11; Num 32:24; Josh 24:13 (all E) Judg 1:26; Judg 18:28 + 22 t. Kings Chronicles + Jer 32:31; Ps 122:3 (passive participle) compare Hab 2:12 of village (חָצֵר) Neh 12:29 see also below rebuild,
  i. below; (β) house Gen 33:17 (J), elsewhere in Hexateuch only Deut 6:10; Deut 8:12; Deut 20:25; Deut 22:8; Deut 28:30 also 2Sam 5:11; 1Kgs 22:39; 1Chr 14:1; 2Chr 2:2; Prov 24:27; Amos 5:11; Zeph 1:13; Isa 65:21; Jer 35:7; Jer 35:9 compare Zech 5:11 as sign of security Ezek 28:26 compare Ezek 11:3 of luxury Eccl 2:4 compare Jer 22:14 of permanent residence 1Kgs 2:36; Jer 29:5; Jer 29:28 especially of temple 1Kgs 3:1; 1Kgs 5:32; 1Kgs 6:2 + often Samuel Kings Chronicles; figurative of wisdom's house Prov 9:1 especially build temple ליהוה etc. 2Sam 7:5; 2Sam 7:7; 1Kgs 6:1 (= began to build) + 13 t. Chronicles + Isa 66:1 ׳לְשֵׁם י etc. 2Sam 7:13; 1Kgs 5:17 + 8 t. Kings; 13 t. Chronicles; לְךָ לְשִׁמְךָ 2Chr 20:8 לִהְיוֺת שְׁמִי שָׁם 1Kgs 8:16; 2Chr 6:5 לָשׂוּם שְׁמִי שָׁם 1Kgs 9:3 object chambers, or stories 1Kgs 6:5; 1Kgs 6:10, court 1Kgs 6:36; Hos 8:14 perhaps of idol-temples; compare 1Kgs 16:32; Ps 78:69 of Yahweh's building his sanctuary, Ps 147:2 Jerusalem, Ps 127:1 a house; also Amos 9:6 his chambers in the heavens; of Solomon's palace 1 k Amos 7:1; Amos 7:2; Amos 9:1; Amos 9:10 +; (γ) of a fortress 2Chr 17:12; 2Chr 27:4 compare of Tyre Zech 9:3 (מָצוֺר); (δ) of wall 1Kgs 3:1; Isa 60:10; Ezek 13:10; 2Chr 33:14 (compare 2Chr 27:8) Neh 4:4; Neh 6:1 +; (ε) gate 2Kgs 15:35 = 2Chr 27:3 (ζ) tower Isa 5:2; 2Chr 26:9; 2Chr 26:10; 2Chr 27:4 compare figurative Song 8:9 & passive participle Song 4:4 (in simile); (η) siege-works against (עַלֿ) a city Deut 20:2 (מָצוֺר), Eccl 9:14 (מְצוֺדִים), 2Kgs 25:1 = Jer 52:4; Ezek 4:2 (all דָּיֵק), & so (without עַלֿ) Ezek 17:17; Ezek 21:27 compare בנה עָלַי, absolute Lam 3:5 (in figurative); (θ) altar Gen 22:9; Gen 35:7; Exod 17:15; Exod 20:25; Exod 24:4; Num 23:1; Num 23:14; Num 23:29 (all E), Gen 26:25; Exod 32:5 (both J), Josh 22:11 + 6 t. Josh 22 (all P) Judg 6:28 (passive participle) Judg 21:4 + 6 t. Kings Chronicles; often followed by ליהוה etc. Gen 8:20; Gen 12:7; Gen 12:8; Gen 13:18 (all J), Deut 27:5; Deut 27:6; Josh 8:30 (E) Judg 6:24; Judg 6:26 + 8 t. Samuel Kings Chronicles; (ι) high places (בָּמָה) 1Kgs 11:7; 1Kgs 14:23; 2Kgs 17:9; 2Kgs 21:3; 2Kgs 23:13; 2Chr 33:8; 2Chr 33:19; Jer 7:31; Jer 19:5; Jer 32:35 compare גַּב Ezek 16:24; Ezek 16:31 (both || רָמָה) & רָמָה vEzek 16:25 (κ) צִיּוּן Ezek 39:15 also (λ) גִּדְרֹת צאֹן Num 32:16 (E); (μ) מיּ֯סַךְ הַשַּׁבָּת 2Kgs 16:18.
  b. with accusative of material Exod 20:25 (E) 1Kgs 6:36; 1Kgs 18:32; 1Kgs 15:22 = 2Chr 16:6; Ezek 27:5 with בְּ of material 1Kgs 6:15; 1Kgs 6:16; 1Kgs 15:17; 2Chr 16:6 compare
  c. וַיִּבֶן אֶתהַֿצֵּלָע לְאִשָּׁה Gen 2:22 and he (Yahweh) fashioned the rib into a woman.
  d. absolute 2Sam 5:9; 1Kgs 6:16; Isa 9:9; Jer 1:10; Jer 18:9; Jer 22:18; Jer 31:28; Isa 65:22 + 12 t. Chronicles + Mal 1:4; Eccl 3:3 (opposed to פרץ); also
  e. Participle active = builder 1Kgs 5:32 (twice in verse) + 6 t. Chronicles + Ezek 27:4; Ps 118:22; Ps 127:1. feminine with indefinite object 1Kgs 9:19 = 2Chr 8:6.
  g. וַיִּבֶן אֶתהָֿהָר = and he built on the hill 1Kgs 16:24.
  h. followed by בְּ build at Zech 6:15; Neh 4:11 (compare בְּ 1 2 b, p. 88).
  i. = rebuild Josh 6:26; 1Kgs 16:34; Amos 9:14; Isa 45:13; Ps 69:36; Neh 2:5; Dan 9:25 all of city; compare phrase בנה חָרְבוֺת עוֺלָם Isa 58:12; Isa 61:4 & Ezek 36:36; Mal 1:4; Job 3:14 of walls Mic 7:11; 2Chr 32:5; Neh 2:17; Neh 3:33; Neh 3:35; Neh 3:38; Neh 6:6; Ps 51:20 (active of ׳י); of gate Neh 3:1; Neh 3:13; Neh 3:14; Neh 3:15 temple Zech 6:12; Zech 6:13; Ezra 1:3 altar 2Chr 33:16 (Qr וַיִּבֶן so Bö < Kt ויכן, from כון, so Öttli), Ezra 3:2 high places 2Kgs 21:3 = 2Chr 33:3 in some of these apparently an idea of merely repairing; so, sometimes with added notion of enlarging etc., city Num 32:34; Num 32:37; Num 32:38 (E) Josh 19:50 (P) Judg 21:23; 2Kgs 14:22 = 2Chr 26:2; 1Chr 11:8; 2Chr 8:2; 2Chr 11:6 compare Mic 3:10 Millo 1Kgs 9:24; 1Kgs 11:27 compare house Job 20:19.
2. figurative
  a. build a house (בית) = perpetuate and establish a family; subject Leah & Rachel Ruth 4:11 subject a brother Deut 25:9 subject ׳י (promise to David) 1Sam 2:35; 2Sam 7:27; 1Kgs 11:38; 1Chr 17:10 and 1Chr 17:25 (to Solomon) 1Kgs 11:38 compare further סֻכַּת דָּוִד Amos 9:11 (rebuild, restore); = cause a household to flourish Prov 14:1 compare opposed to Prov 27:18 also of establishing David's throne Ps 89:5.
  b. build up Israel (after exile) subject ׳י Jer 24:6; Jer 31:4; Jer 33:7; Jer 42:10 compare Jer 45:4 & Ps 28:5 object Zion Ps 102:17. Niph`al Perfect נִבְנָה 1Kgs 3:2; 1Kgs 6:7, נִבְנְתָה Num 13:22; Neh 7:1, וְנִבְנְתָה consecutive Jer 30:18 + 2 t.; 2 feminine singular וְנִבְּנֵית consecutive Jer 31:4 3 plural נִבְנוּ Mal 3:15 וְנִבְנוּ consecutive Jer 12:16; Ezek 36:33 Imperfect יִבָּנֶה Job 12:14 + 4 t.; 3 feminine singular תִּבָּנֶה Num 21:27 + 3 t.; 2 masculine singular תִּבָּנֶה Job 22:33, אִבָּנֶה Gen 16:2, וְאִבָּנֶה Gen 30:3 3 feminine plural תִּבָּנֶינָה Ezek 36:10 2 feminine plural תִּבָּנֶינָה Isa 44:26 Infinitive לְהִבָּנוֺת Hag 1:2; Zech 8:9, בְּהִבָּנֹתוֺ 1Kgs 6:7 (twice in verse);Participle נִבְנֶה 1Chr 22:19 —
1. a. be built, (literal) of city Num 13:22 of temple 1Kgs 3:2 (׳לְשֵׁם י) 1Kgs 6:7 (3 t. in verse); (with accusative mater.); Participle = to be built (gerundive) 1Chr 22:19.
  b. be rebuilt: of city of Sihon Num 21:27 compare Isa 25:2; Isa 44:26, of wall of Jerusalem Neh 7:1, of Jerusalem Jer 30:18; Jer 31:4; Jer 31:38; Isa 44:28 compare Dan 9:25 תָּשׁוּב וְנִבְנְתָה, & Ezek 26:14 (with עוֺד), of ruinous places (הֶחֳרָבוֺת) Ezek 36:10; Ezek 36:33, of a devoted city Deut 13:17 (c.עוֺד), of temple Hag 1:2; Zech 1:16; Zech 8:9, indefinite subject Job 12:14.
2. a. (figurative) of restored exiles, = established Jer 12:16, of prosperous wicked Mal 3:15, of repentant offender Job 22:23.
  b. established, made permanent, subject חֶסֶדPs 89:3 (with עוֺלָם), subject בַּיִת Prov 24:3 (by wisdom).
  c. of childless wife, by means of concubine אִבָּנֶה מִמֶּגָּה Gen 16:2; Gen 30:3 I shall be built up, i.e. become the mother of a family, from or through her; compare Qal 2 a.

בּוּנִּי see בֻּנִּי below

BDB9378 H1124 H1129

BDB9377 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9379

[בְּבָה, בְּנָא] verb build (Biblical Hebrew בָּנָה); —

Pe`al Perfect 3 masculine singular suffix 3 masculine singular בְּנָ֫הִי Ezra 5:11 1 singular suffix בֶּנַיְתַהּ Dan 4:27 Imperfect 3 masculine plural יִבְנוֺן Ezra 6:7 Infinitive לְמִבְנֵא Ezra 5:2 +, לְמִבְבְיָה vEzra 5:9 (read לְמִבְנֵא M§ 64 u or < לְמִבְנֵה, so S-CA 8. 64), לִבְּנֵא (read לְמִבְנֵא Str§ 23 l Ml.c.) vEzra 5:3 vEzra 5:13 Participle active plural בָּנַ֫יִן Ezra 4:12 +; passive בְּנֵה Ezra 5:11 (see on forms K§ 47, Belsp. pass.); — build: with accusative of temple Ezra 5:2; Ezra 5:3; Ezra 5:9; Ezra 5:11; Ezra 5:13; Ezra 5:17; Ezra 6:7; Ezra 6:8, so Ezra 5:4 (accusative of congnate meaning with verb); passive of temple vEzra 5:11 with accusative of city Ezra 4:12; Dan 4:27 absolute Ezra 6:14 (twice in verse). Hithpe`el be built: Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִתְבְּנֵא of temple Ezra 5:15; Ezra 6:3 3 feminine singular תִּתְבְּנֵא of city vEzra 6:13 vEzra 6:16 vEzra 6:21 Participle מִתְבְּנֵא of temple Ezra 5:8 (with accusative mater.), vEzra 5:16.

built, build, builded, up, building, …
bānâ
to build (literally and figuratively)
  • to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue
    • (Qal)
      • to build, rebuild
        • "to build a house (ie, establish a family)
      (Niphal)
      • to be built
        • "to be rebuilt"established (of restored exiles) (figuratively)"established (made permanent)"to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine)

לְ מִקְנֵ ֖נוּ
לְ
Prefix — preposition to, for
מִקְנֵ
Root word cattle, flocks, possession, possessions, substance, …
֖נוּ
Suffix — pronoun our / us
Dictionary form: מִקְנֶה · mik-NEH

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

In the KJV here: for our cattle
cattle ×10 their cattle ×8 the cattle ×4 and your cattle ×3 his cattle ×3 and his cattle ×2 and possession ×2 and the cattle ×2
More options
livestock — Best general term; covers all domesticated animals.
herd — Prefer when a single grouped drove is in view.
flock — Prefer for sheep and goats specifically.
property — Use when the economic/ownership sense dominates.
holdings — Suits plural or collective wealth contexts well.
stock — Concise; fits agricultural or commercial contexts.

BDB7482 H4735

BDB7481 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7483

מִקְנֶה76 noun masculineExod 10:26 cattle; — absolute ׳מ Gen 46:32 +; construct מִקְנֵה Gen 13:7 +; suffix מִקְנֵהוּ Gen 3:18 +, מִקְנֶיךָ Isa 30:23 (Ges«GKC:93»§ 93, 88), etc.; plural suffix (but see Köii. 112 f.) מִקְנַי Exod 17:3 +, מִקְנֵיכֶם Gen 47:16 +, etc.; —

1. cattle in general, including cows, sheep, horses, asses, camels (any or all of them), as purchasable domestic animals, Gen 47:16 (twice in verse); Gen 47:17 (twice in verse); Exod 9:3 + (J), Exod 10:26 (E), Deut 3:19 (not in P), Job 1:3; Ps 78:48; Jer 9:9; 1Chr 5:21+; so probably ישֵׁב אֹהֶל וּמִקְנֶה Gen 4:20 (J) of nomads, מִקְנֵה הַבְּהֵמָה Gen 47:18 (J).
2. specifically of cows, sheep, and goats in herds and flocks Gen 13:2 (J), Gen 31:9 (E), vGen 31:18; Gen 36:7; Gen 46:6; Num 32:1 (all P), Isa 30:23 +; ׳רֹעֵי מ Gen 46:32; Gen 46:34 (J), ׳שָׂרֵי מ Gen 47:6 (P), compare 1Chr 28:1 ׳רֹקעי מ Gen 13:7 (twice in verse) (J); distinguished from בְּהֵמָה Num 31:9 (P), Num 32:26; 2Kgs 3:17 from קנין Josh 14:4 (P) Ezek 38:12; Ezek 38:13 from both Gen 34:23; Gen 36:6 (P); צאן ונקר ׳מָ 2Chr 32:29 בקר וצאן ׳מ Eccl 2:7 בקר ׳צאן ומ ׳מ Gen 26:14; Gen 47:17 (J); sheep only Gen 29:7 (J) Num 32:16 (E). — מִקְנֵה הַשָּׂדֶה Gen 49:32 (P) read מִקְנַת; מִקְנֶה אַף על עוֺלֶךְ Job 36:33 read מַקְנֶה (Hiph`ilParticiple), or מְקַנֶּךְ (Pi`elParticiple) metal. from קנא, Hi Bö Di Du; 1Sam 30:20 del ׳הַמּ ᵐ5 We Dr and others, see especially HPS.

cattle, flocks, possession, possessions, substance, …
miqne
something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition
  • cattle, livestock
    • cattle, livestock
      • in general of a purchasable domestic animal
      cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)

פֹּ֑ה
פֹּ֑ה
Adverb here, side, hither
Dictionary form: פֹּה · poh

Adverb

In the KJV here: here
here ×32 on this side ×8 on that side ×7 on the one side ×4 hast thou here ×3 on the other side ×3 and on that side ×2 and on the other side ×2
More options
here — Most direct equivalent; suits most contexts.
this side — Use when indicating one side of a boundary or object.
this place — Slightly more formal; emphasizes location as a place.
over here — Colloquial; good for directional or beckoning contexts.
on this side — Spatial contrast; pairs well with 'on that side'.
here and there — Only when the text pairs פֹּה with פֹּה for 'on each side'.

BDB6537 H6311

BDB6536 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6538

פֹּה58, and (Ezek 40:1-41:200, 23 out of 35 t.) פּוֺ, also Job 38:11b פֹּא, adverb of location here, hither (probably from the same demonstrative √ found in so, then (often in apodosis), אַף, אֵפוֺא: compare Köii. l, 247 f., 243, 331 f.): —

1. here:
  a. Gen 19:12 עֹד מִילְֿךָ פֹּה whom hast thou still here ? Gen 22:5 שְׁבוּ לָכֶם פֹּה, Gen 40:15; Num 22:8; Num 32:16; Deut 5:28; Deut 12:8; Judg 4:20 הֲיֵשׁ פֹּה אִישׁ, 2Kgs 3:11, etc.; asked in some surprise, Judg 18:3 מַהלְּֿךָ פֹה = what is thy business here ? simil. 1Kgs 19:9; 1Kgs 19:13; Isa 22:16; Isa 52:5 וְעַתָּה מַהלִּֿיפֹֿה. compare the synonym בָּזֶה, כֹּה
2. b. עַדפֹּֿה Job 38:11 a.
  c. מִפֹּה or מִפּוֺ, only Ezek 40-41, and always (except Ezek 40:12 a, where it must be supplied with ᵐ5 ᵑ6) repeated, on this side ... on that side (compare מִזֶּה ֗֗֗ מִזֶּה), Ezek 40:10 (twice in verse); Ezek 40:12b; Ezek 40:21 (twice in verse), etc.
  d. with the interrogative אֵי, אֵיפֹה where ?.
2. after a verb of motion, hither, 1Sam 16:11 עַדבּֿאֹוֺ פֹה, Ezra 4:2.

here, side, hither
pō
this place (French ici), i.e., here or hence
  • here, from here, hither
    • here
      • "hither

וְ עָרִ֖ים
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
עָרִ֖ים
Root word city, cities, town, towns, one, …
Dictionary form: עִיר · eer

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

In the KJV here: and cities
the city ×168 cities ×153 city ×131 of the city ×95 the cities ×88 in the city ×49 into the city ×26 a city ×25
More options
city — Best default; fits large, walled, or named settlements.
town — Prefer for smaller or less prominent settlements.
settlement — Neutral; good when size or status is ambiguous.
village — Use for very small or rural communities in context.
urban center — Highlights civic or political function over geography.

BDB5915 H5892

BDB5914 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5916

I. עִיר noun [masculine] excitement; — of terror, וּבֶהָלוֺת ׳ע Jer 15:9 of rage (si vera lectio), לֹא אָבוֺא בְּעִיר Hos 11:9, but St proposes לְבָעֵר compare We Oort Now GASm. — בָּעִיר Ps 73:20 see עור Hiph`il — II, III. עִיר see below

BDB6035 H5892

BDB6034 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6036

II. עִיר1092 noun feminineGen 10:12 (AlbrZAW xvi.40 f.) city, town (√ unknown; Late Hebrew id.;? Phoenician ער Lzb345; Sabean ער fortified height (compare 3) PräZMG xxvi (1872), 437, ערן, עהרן city CISiv. pp. 94, 95, 173); — ׳ע absolute Gen 4:17 +, construct Gen 24:10 +; הָעִ֫ירָה 1Kgs 14:12 + 7t.; suffix עִירִי 2Sam 19:38 + 2 t., etc.; plural עָרִים Isa 6:11 +, עֲיָרִים Judg 10:4 (text error, or word-play, compare GFM); construct עָרֵי Gen 10:29 +; suffix עָרַי Zech 1:17, עָרֵיכֶם Isa 1:7 +, etc.; —

1. city, town, abode of men Gen 4:17 (J) and often; גְּדֹלָה Gen 10:12 (J), +, or קְטַנָּה Eccl 9:14 (compare Gen 19:20); especially
  a. fortified: עָרִים בְּצֻרוֺת 2Sam 20:6 +, etc., see בָּצַר, מִבְצָר; עִיר מִבְצַרצֹֿר Josh 19:29 (P) fortified city (of) Tyre, מָצוֺר ׳ע Ps 31:22 +, etc., see מָצוֺר, מְצוּרָה below צוּר (Mic 7:12 see מָצוֺר); עָזלָֿנוּ ׳ע Isa 26:1, עָרֵי מָעוּזּוֺ Isa 17:9 דְּלָתַיִם וּבְרִיחַ ׳ְ 1Sam 23:7 חוֺמָה ׳ע Lev 25:29, compare vLev 25:30 (P), 1Kgs 4:13 on Hos 10:14 see I. עַם 2 b (1Sam 9:14 read הַשֵּׁעַר ᵐ5 We Dr and others).
  b. opposed to כֹּפֶר הַפְּרָזִי 1Sam 6:18, ׳עָרֵי הַפּ Deut 3:5, הַפְּרָזוֺת ׳ע Esth 9:19 distinguished from dependencies חֲצֵרִים Josh 13:23 + often P.
  c. עָרֶיה are dependent towns Josh 13:17 (P), Jer 19:15.
  d. עָרֵי הַמַּמְלָכָה Josh 10:2 (JE) royal cities (i.e. with a king, compare Tel Amarna al šarri), so singular 1Sam 27:5, opposed to הַשָּׁדֶה עָרֵי v1Sam 27:5 rural towns; הַמְּלוּכָה ׳ע 2Sam 12:26 (but read הַמַּיִם ׳ע We Bu Kit Löhr HPS, see 2 below).
  e. עֶרֵי מִסְכְּנוֺת Exod 1:11 storage-cities, so 1Kgs 9:19 = 2Chr 8:6; 2Chr 8:4; 2Chr 17:12 for נַפְתָּלִי ׳ע ׳מ 2Chr 16:4 read probably ׳כִּנְרוֺת עֵלוֿגו (as 1Kgs 15:20 Be Kit Buhl); compare הֶרֶכֶב ׳ע 1Kgs 9:19; 1Kgs 10:26 = 2Chr 8:6; 2Chr 9:25; 2Chr 1:14 הַפָּרָשִׁים ׳ע 1Kgs 9:19 = 2Chr 8:6. feminine (הַ)מִקְלָט ׳ע (P) asylum-cities Num 35:11; Num 35:13; Num 35:14; Josh 20:2, compare Num 35:25; Num 35:26; Num 35:27; Num 35:28; Num 35:32, לְמִקְלָט ׳ע vNum 35:12 מִקְלַט הָרֹצֵחַ ׳ע Josh 21:13 + 4t. 21.
  g. (הָ)אֱלֹהִים ׳ע = Jerusalem: Ps 46:5; Ps 87:3, compare Ps 48:2; Ps 48:9 ׳י ׳ע Isa 60:14; Ps 101:8 צְבָאוֺת ׳י ׳ע Ps 48:9.
  h. city = inhabitants 1Sam 4:13; 1Sam 5:12; Isa 22:2; Ruth 1:19, so 2Sam 20:22 (reading הָעִיר for ᵑ0 הָעָם) ᵐ5 We Dr and others (compare also following).
  i. combinations are: רֹכְלִים ׳ע Ezek 17:4 city of merchants; מוֺשָׁב ׳ע Ps 107:4; Ps 107:7; Ps 107:36 city for dwelling; especially of character or condition: הַצֶּדֶק ׳ע Isa 1:26, ׳ע הָאֱמֶת Zech 8:3 הַקּדֶשׁ ׳ע Isa 48:2; Isa 52:1; Neh 11:1; Neh 11:18, compare Dan 9:24, all of Jerusalem; עָרֵי קָדְשֶׁ֑ךָ Jer 5:17 of Judaean cities; of foreign cities, תְּהִלָּךְ ׳ע Jer 49:25, ׳הָע הַהֻלָּלהEzek 26:17, הָעַלִּיזָה ׳הָע Zeph 2:15 of Jerusalem also הַיּוֺנָה ׳הָע Zeph 3:1 oppressive city, (הַ)דָּמִים ׳ע bloody city Ezek 22:2; Ezek 24:6; Ezek 24:9 and (of Nineveh) Nah 3:1.
2. of fortress in a city especially עִיר דָּוִד 2Sam 5:7; 2Sam 5:9; 2Sam 6:10 + often (see דָּוִד); כֵית הַבָּ֑עַל ׳ע 2Kgs 10:25 (crpt; Klo proposes דְּבִיר for ׳ע, compare Kmp Benz Kit); הַמַּיִם ׳ע 2Sam 12:27 (so read also v2Sam 12:26, see 1 d).
3. apparently fortified place, of any size, עִיר מִבְצָר בְּכָלעָֿרֵיהֶם מִמִּגְּדַּל נוֺצְרִים עַדֿ 2Kgs 17:9 =2Kgs 18:8 compare Num 13:9 (P; but on compare of ver. see Di); perhaps also עֲמָלֵק ׳ע 1Sam 15:5 (HPS). — Hos 7:4 see עור Hiph`il

עִיר הַהֶרֶס see הֶרֶס.

city, cities, town, towns, one, …
ʿîr
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
  • excitement, anguish
    • of terror
    city, town (a place of waking, guarded)
    • city, town

לְ טַפֵּֽ נוּ
לְ
Prefix — preposition to, for
טַפֵּֽ
Root word ones, children, families, little
נוּ
Suffix — pronoun our / us
Dictionary form: טַף · tahp

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

In the KJV here: for our little ones
their little ones ×5 and children ×4 and the little ones ×3 for your little ones ×3 your little ones ×3 and the children ×2 and your little ones ×2 children ×2
More options
small children — Clear, natural modern phrasing; broadly applicable.
young ones — Slightly softer; suits poetic or narrative contexts.
children — General term; use when age emphasis is less critical.
dependents — Highlights vulnerability and reliance; good in legal/social texts.
toddlers — Stresses very young age; use sparingly for specific contexts.
little ones — Modernized KJV; retains warmth but remains contemporary.

BDB3370 H2945

BDB3369 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3371

טַף42 noun masculine collective children (as going with quick, tripping steps; Ethiopic Di1251) — טַף Jer 41:16 + 11 t.; טָ֑ף Jer 40:7 + 5 t.; suffix טַפֵּנוּ Gen 43:8 + 5 t.; טַפְּכֶם Gen 45:19 + 10 t.; טַפָּם Gen 34:29 + 6 t.; never construct and never plural (in Gen 47:24 omitted by ᵐ5, compare Di); — children, little ones, Gen 34:29 (E) + 18 t. J E (Genesis Exodus Numbers), also Deut 1:39 + 8 t. D (including Josh 1:14; Josh 8:35); P only Num 31:9; Num 31:17; Num 31:18, where note זָכָר בַּטָּ֑ף vNum 31:17 = young boys, and הַטַף בַּנָּשִׁים vNum 31:18 = young girls; also Judg 18:21; Judg 21:10; 2Sam 15:22; Jer 40:7; Jer 41:16; Jer 43:6; Ezek 9:6; 2Chr 20:13; 2Chr 31:18; Ezra 8:21; Esth 3:13; Esth 8:11 the words מְתִים וְנָשִׁים וְהַטָ֑ף Deut 2:34; Deut 3:6 including all inhabitants; so אֲנָשִׁים וְהַנָּשִׁים וְהַטָּף Deut 31:12; Jer 40:7; Jer 43:6 טַף distinguished from בָּחוּר וּבְּתוּלָה Ezek 9:6 also from בְּנֵיהֶם 2Chr 20:13, and from בְנֵיהֶם וּבְנוֺתֵיהֶם 2Chr 31:18.

**Note that the word includes (or implies) women as well as children, in following: Gen 47:12; Exod 12:37 (E), Exod 10:10; Exod 10:24 (J), Num 32:16; Num 32:17 (J E; compare Di on vNum 32:26).

ones, children, families, little
ṭap
a family (mostly used collectively in the singular)
  • children, little children, little ones

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.
וַיִּגְּשׁ֤וּ אֵלָיו֙ Pashta — a lesser break וַ֣יֹּאמְר֔וּ Zaqef Qatan — a strong break גִּדְרֹ֥ת צֹ֛אן Tevir — a lesser break נִבְנֶ֥ה לְמִקְנֵ֖נוּ Tipeha — a lesser break פֹּ֑ה Etnahta — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וְעָרִ֖ים Tipeha — a lesser break לְטַפֵּֽנוּ Silluq — end of the verse

וַיִּגְּשׁוּ אֵלָיו וַיֹּאמְרוּ גִּדְרֹת צֹאן נִבְנֶה לְמִקְנֵנוּ פֹּה וְעָרִים לְטַפֵּֽנוּ׃
16
And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:
Cross References

Numbers 34:22

וּלְמַטֵּה בְנֵי-דָן נָשִׂיא בֻּקִּי בֶּן-יָגְלִֽי׃
22
And the prince of the tribe of the children of Dan, Bukki the son of Jogli.

Genesis 33:17

וְיַֽעֲקֹב נָסַע סֻכֹּתָה וַיִּבֶן לוֹ בָּיִת וּלְמִקְנֵהוּ עָשָׂה סֻכֹּת עַל-כֵּן קָרָא שֵׁם-הַמָּקוֹם סֻכּֽוֹת׃
17
And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.
Numbers 32:15
Read Numbers 32
Numbers 32:17