Proverbs 4:17

For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

כִּ֣י
כִּ֣י
Conjunction for, that, because, but, when, …
Dictionary form: כִּי · kee

Conjunction

In the KJV here: for
for ×2058 that ×621 because ×373 but ×221 when ×190 if ×94 and if ×49 though ×39
More options
because — Causal; explains the reason for a preceding statement.
that — Complementary/content clause; introduces indirect speech or thought.
since — Causal with a presupposed background fact.
when — Temporal; use where כִּי marks time rather than cause.
if — Conditional; use in hypothetical or legal-style clauses.
although — Concessive; acknowledges a contrasting reality.

BDB3937 H3587 H3588

BDB3936 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3938

כִּי noun [masculine] burning, branding (for form, compare רִי from רָוָה, אִי, צִי, עִי: ii. 1. 64) — only כִּי תַּחַת יֹ֑פִי Isa 3:24 branding instead of beauty, in judgment on women of Jerusalem.


BDB3995 H3588 H518

BDB3994 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3996

כִּי conjunction that, for, when (Moabite id,: Phoenician כ. Probably from the same demonstrative basis found in here, and in certain pronouns, as Aramaic דֵּךְ this (WSG 110 f.); perhaps also ultimately akin with that, in order that, and then, enclitic, like Latin nam in quisnam?) —

1. that (ὅτι, German dass):
  a. prefixed to sentences depending on an active verb, and occupying to it the place of an accusative: so constantly, after verbs of seeing, as Gen 1:10 וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים כִּי טוֺב and God saw that it was good, Gen 3:6; Gen 6:2; Gen 6:5; Gen 12:14 + often, hearing Gen 14:14; Gen 29:33, knowing Gen 22:12; Gen 24:14, telling Gen 3:11; Gen 12:18, repenting Gen 6:6; Gen 6:7, swearing Gen 22:16; Jer 22:5, believing Exod 4:5; Lam 4:12, remembering Ps 78:35, forgetting Job 39:15 אָמַר = command (late; in early Hebrew the words said are quoted) Job 36:10; Job 36:24 (זְכֹר in a command) Job 37:20 b 1Chr 21:18 (contrast 2Sam 24:18) etc.; טוֺב כּי it is good that ... 2Sam 18:2 + (usually the infinitive with, as Gen 2:18 see ibid.); Gen 37:26 מַהבֶּֿצַע כִּי נַהֲרֹג what profit that we should slay (imperfect)...? Mal 3:14 what proft כִּי שָׁמַרְנוּ that we have kept (perfect)...? Job 22:3 הַחֵפֶץ לְשַׁדַּי כִּי is it pleasure to Shaddai that...? after a pronoun, as Ps 41:12 by this I know that thou hast pleasure in me, that my enemy cannot triumph over me, Ps 42:5 these things will I remember...that (or how) I used to go, etc., Ps 56:10 this I know that God is for me Job 13:16 (הוא). And with כִּי repeated pleonastic after an intervening clause 2Sam 19:7; Jer 26:15 +; כִּי ֗֗֗ וְכִי Gen 3:6; Gen 29:12; Exod 4:31; Josh 2:9; Josh 8:21; Josh 10:1; 1Sam 31:7; 2Sam 5:12; 1Kgs 11:21; Jer 40:7; Jer 40:11 לֵאמֹר ֗֗֗ וְכִי Gen 45:26; Judg 10:10.
  b. כִּי often introduces the direct narration (like , , and the Greek ὅτι recitativum, e.g. Luke 4:21), in which case it cannot be represented in English (except by inverted commas), Gen 21:30; Gen 29:33 and she said, ׳כִּי שׁמע י Yahweh hath heard, etc.; Exod 3:12 = Judg 6:16 and he said, כִּי אֶהְיֶה עִמָּ֑ךְ I will be with thee, Josh 2:24; 1Sam 2:16 (see Dr) 1Sam 10:19 and ye have said to him, כִּי מֶלָךְ תָּשִׂים עָלֵינוּ Thou shalt set a king over us, 2Sam 11:23; 1Kgs 1:13; 1Kgs 20:5; Ruth 1:10, compare Ruth 2:21 (but in reply to a question כִּי may = because, see below 3; and so also in sentences giving the explanation of a proper name, Gen 26:22; Gen 29:32 (but De surely: see below), Exod 2:10 (compare Gen 4:25; Gen 41:51; Gen 41:52); in כִּי מָה, introducing an expostulation, 1Sam 29:8; 1Kgs 11:22; 2Kgs 8:13, it gives the reason for a suppressed 'Why do you say this?').
  c. especially after an oath חַי אָ֫נִי, ׳חַי י etc., introducing the fact sworn to, Gen 42:16 by the life of Pharaoh, כִּי מְרַגְּלִים אַתֶּם (I say) that ye are spies; but though Hebrew usage probably gave it an asseverative force, English idiom does not require it to be expressed: Num 14:22; 1Sam 20:3 as ׳י liveth, כִּי כְפֶשַׂע בֵּינִי וּבֵין הַמָּוֶת there is but a step between me and death! 1Sam 26:16; 1Sam 29:6; Isa 49:18 +; 1Sam 14:44 כֹּהיַֿעֲשֶׂה אֱלֹהִים וְכֹה יוֺסִיף כִּי מוֺת תָּמוּת thus may God do and more also: thou shalt surely die! 2Sam 3:35; 1Kgs 2:23; Ruth 1:17 and elsewhere — Note that כִּי when thus used is often repeated after an intervening clause, in order that its force may be fully preserved: Gen 1:39 כִּי מוֺת יָמוּת (אִםיֶֿשְׁנוֺ בְּיוֺנָתָן בְּנִי) כִּי ׳חַי י 1Sam 25:34; 2Sam 2:27 ׳כִּי אָז וג (לוּלֵא דִּבַּרְתָּ) כִּי, 2Sam 3:9; 2Sam 15:21 Qr 1Kgs 1:30; Jer 22:24.
  d. כִּי is used sometimes with advs. and interjs. to add force or distinctness to the affirmation which follows:
   (a) so especially in אַף כִּי (see אַף); הֲכִי is it that . . .? (as a neutral interrogative) 2Sam 9:1, (expecting a negative answer) Gen 29:15 is it that thou art my brother, and shalt (therefore) serve me for nothing? Job 6:22 is it that I have said, Give unto me? expressing surprise Gen 27:36 is it that he is called Jacob, and has (hence) supplanted me twice? 2Sam 23:19 an affirm. answer is required (which would imply הֲלֹא כִי): read probably with the || 1Chr 11:25 הִנּוֺ be-hold, he, etc.; אִםלֹֿא כִּי Deut 32:30 were it not that .. .; אָמְנָם כִּי Job 12:2 of a truth (is it) that ye are the people, etc.; אַךְ כִּי 1Sam 8:9 אֶפֶם כִּי Num 13:28 +; גַּם כִּי Ruth 2:21 הֲלֹא כִי 1Sam 10:1 (but see ᵐ5 Dr), 2Sam 13:28 הִנֵּה כִי Ps 128:4 compare Ps 118:10 כִּי אֲמִיַ˜לם ׳בְּשֵׁם י in the name of ׳י (is it) that — or (I say) that — I will mow them down; Job 39:27 doth the vulture mount up at thy command, וְכִי יָרִים קִנּוֺ and (is it) that it (so) makes high its nest? Isa 36:19 have the gods of the nations delivered each his land etc.? . . . וְכִי הִצִּילוּ i.e. (Hi) and (is it) that they have delivered Samaria out of my hand? > (Ew§ 354 c De Di) and that they have delivered Samaria out of my hand! = how much less (אַף כִּי) have they, etc.! (|| 2Kgs 18:34 כִּי alone, perhaps conformed by error to v2Kgs 18:35; 2Chr 32:15 אַף כִּי, which however does not decide the sense of the original וְכִי). 1Chr 29:14 וְכִי מִי read ומי or כי מי
   (b) in introducing the apodosis, especially in כִּי עַתָּה (chiefly after לוּלֵא) indeed then . . ., Gen 31:42; Gen 43:10 for unless we had tarried כִּי עַתָּה שַׁבְנוּ surely then we had returned twice, Num 22:33 (read לוּלֵי for אוּלַי); so 1Sam 14:30 ᵐ5 (after לוּא), and 1Sam 13:13 Hi We (לֻא for לֹא); after אִם Job 8:6 surely then he will awake over thee, etc. (But elsewhere כִּי עַתָּה is simply for now, Gen 29:32; Job 7:21 +; or for then = for in that case, Exod 9:15; Num 22:29; Job 3:13; Job 6:3 +). It is dubious whether כִּי אָז has the same sense: for 2Sam 2:27; 2Sam 19:7 the כִּי in כִּי אָז may be merely resumptive of the כִּי recitation preceding (see a, c). Rare otherwise: Exod 22:22 if thou afflict him כִּי אִםצָֿעֹק יִצְעַק 'tis that (= indeed), if he cries unto me, I will hear him, Isa 7:9 if ye believe not כִּי לֹא תֵאֵָ˜מנוּ ׃ indeed ye will not be established.
  e. there seem also to be other cases in which כִּי, standing alone, has an intensive force, introducing a statement with emphasis, yea, surely, certainly (German ja — a lighter particle than these English words): see in AV RV Exod 18:11; Num 23:23; 1Sam 17:25; 1Sam 20:26; 2Kgs 23:22; Isa 32:13; Isa 60:9; Jer 22:22; Jer 31:19; Hos 6:9; Hos 8:6; Hos 9:12; Hos 10:3; Amos 3:7; Ps 76:11; Ps 77:12 (Ew Che), Prov 30:2 (but not if construed as RVm), Eccl 4:16; Eccl 7:7; Eccl 7:20; Job 28:1 +; Lam 3:22 (ᵑ6 ᵑ7 Ew Th Öttli) the mercies of ׳י, surely they are not consumed (read probably תַמּוּ or תָֽמְמוּ for תמנו), Ruth 3:12 כִּי אָמְנָם yea, indeed. But it is doubtful whether כִּי has this force in all the passages for which scholars have had recourse to it, and whether in some it is not simply = for. DeProv 30:1 would restrict the usage to cases in which a suppressed clause may be understood. feminine that, expressing consecution, especially after a question implying surprise or deprecation: followed by perf., Gen 20:9 what have I sinned against thee כִּי הֵבֵאתָ עָלַי that thou hast brought upon me? 1Sam 22:8; Isa 22:1 what aileth thee, that thou art gone up, etc.? vIsa 22:16; Isa 36:5; Isa 52:5; Mic 4:9; Hab 2:18 followed by participle Judg 14:3; 1Sam 20:1; 1Kgs 18:9 how have I sinned that thou art giving, etc.? 2Kgs 5:7; Ezek 24:19 usually followed by imperfect Exod 3:11 who am I כִּי אֵלֵךְ that I should go, etc.? Exod 16:7; Judg 8:6; Judg 9:28; 2Kgs 8:13; Isa 7:13; Isa 29:16 (also perfect), Ps 8:5 what is man כִּי תִזְכְּרֶנּוּ? Job 3:12 or why the breasts כִּי אִינָָֽק ׃ that I should suck? Job 6:11 מַהכֹּֿחִי כִּי אִַיַחֵל, Job 7:12; Job 7:17; Job 10:5f.; Job 13:25f.; Job 15:12f; Job 15:14; Job 16:3; Job 21:15 +; after a negative, Gen 40:15 here also I have done nothing כִּי שָׂמוּ that they should have placed me in the dungeon, Ps 44:19f. our heart has not turned backward, etc. כִּי דִכִּיתָנוּ that thou shouldst have crushed us, etc., Isa 43:22 not me hast thou called on, כִּי יָגַעְתָּ בִּי that thou shouldst have wearied thyself with me, Hos 1:6 (see RV), Job 41:2; Ruth 1:12 I am too old to have an husband כִּי אָמַרְתִּי that I should have said, etc. (compare Ew§ 337 a; Dr§ 39 δ).
  g. added to preps. כִּי converts them, like אֲשֶׁר, into conjs. ..., as יַעַן כִּי because that...: see below יַעַן, עַד, עַל, עֵקֶב, תַּחַת.

2. a. Of time, when, of the past וַיְהִי כִּי Gen 6:1 (compare BuUrg. 6), Gen 26:8; Gen 27:1; 2Sam 6:13; 2Sam 7:1; 2Sam 19:26 + (כַּאֲשֶׁר and especially כְּ with infinitive, are more frequently); וְהָיָה כִּי (simple וְ) 1Sam 1:12; 1Sam 17:48; Josh 22:7; Judg 2:18; Judg 12:5 והיה כי יאמרו and it would be, whenever (frequently) they said, Jer 44:19 (participle), Hos 11:1; Ps 32:3 כי החרשׁתי when I was silent, Job 31:21; Job 31:26; Job 31:29 of present (usually with imperfect) as Exod 18:16 כִּי יִהְיֶה לָהֶם דָּבָר when they have a matter, 1Sam 24:20; Isa 1:12; Isa 30:21; Jer 14:12; Zech 7:5; Zech 7:6; Mal 1:8; Ps 49:19 and men praise thee כִּי תֵיטִיב לָ֑ךְ when thou doest well to thyself, Ps 102:1; Ps 127:5 +, with perfect Ezek 3:19-21; Ezek 33:9; Prov 11:15; Prov 23:22 especially of future, as Gen 4:12 כִּי תַעֲבֹד אֶתהָֿאֲדָמָה when thou shalt till the ground it shall not, etc., Gen 24:41; Gen 30:33; Gen 31:49; Gen 32:18; Exod 7:9 when Pharaoh shall speak unto you, Deut 4:25; Deut 6:20 +; in phrase (׳תאֹמַר וג) וְכִי תאֹמְרוּ Lev 25:20; Deut 18:21; Isa 8:19; Isa 36:7; Jer 13:22 and especially in ... וְהָיָה כִּי Gen 12:12; Gen 46:33; Deut 6:10; Deut 15:16; 1Sam 10:7; 1Sam 25:30; Isa 8:21; Isa 10:12 + often; with perfect Isa 16:12; 1Chr 17:11 (altered from imperfect 2Sam 7:12); with participle (unusual) Num 33:51; Num 34:2; Deut 11:31; Deut 18:9.
  b. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usually represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם: — (mostly with imperfect) Gen 38:16; Num 5:20; Num 10:32; Deut 6:25; Deut 7:17; Deut 28:2; Deut 28:13; 1Sam 20:13; 2Sam 19:8; 2Kgs 4:29; 2Kgs 18:22; Jer 38:15; Prov 4:8; Job 7:13 (כי אמרתי when I say), Job 19:28 often in laws, as Exod 21:14; Exod 21:33; Exod 21:35; Exod 21:37; Exod 22:4; Exod 22:5 etc., Deut 13:13; Deut 14:24; Deut 15:7; Deut 15:12; Deut 17:2; Deut 18:6; Deut 18:21 etc.; sometimes, in particular, to state a principle broadly, after which special cases are introduced by אִם, as Exod 21:2 when (כִּי) thou buyest a Hebrew servant, he shall serve thee six years, after which vExod 21:3-5 follow four special cases with אִם if: so Exod 21:7 (כי), vExod 21:8-11 (אם); vExod 21:18 (כי), vExod 21:19 (אם); vExod 21:20 (כי), vExod 21:21 (אם); vExod 21:22 f; vExod 21:28-32; Lev 1:2 (כי), vLev 1:3 vLev 1:10 (אם) Lev 4:2; Lev 4:3; Lev 4:13; Lev 4:27; Lev 4:32; Lev 13:2ff. Num 30:3ff. +; though this distinction is not uniformly observed, contrast e.g. Exod 21:5 with Deut 15:16; Num 5:19 and vNum 5:20. —
N.B. with כִּי = when or if, the subject is often prefixed for distinctness and emphasis: 1Kgs 8:37 רָעָב ׳כִּייִֿהְיֶה בָאָרֶץ דֶּבֶר כִּי יִהְיֶה וג, Isa 28:18; Mic 5:4 אַשּׁוּר כִּייָֿבאֹ בְאַרְצֵנוּ, Ps 62:11; Ezek 3:19 (וְאַתָּה), Ezek 14:9; Ezek 14:13; Ezek 18:5; Ezek 18:18; Ezek 18:21; Ezek 33:6 (compare vEzek 33:2); and especially in laws of P, as כִּי ֗֗֗ אָדָם Lev 1:2; Lev 13:2, ... נֶפֶשׁ כִּי Lev 2:1; Lev 4:2; Lev 5:1; Lev 5:4; Lev 5:15, similarly Lev 15:2; Lev 15:16; Lev 15:19; Lev 15:25; Lev 22:12; Lev 22:13; Lev 22:14 etc., rather differently Num 5:20.
  c. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though:
   (a) with imperfect Jer 4:30 (3 t. in verse); Jer 14:12; Jer 49:16 כִּיתַֿגְבִּיהַּ כַּנֶּשֶׁר קִנֶּ֑ךָ though thou make high like the vulture thy nest, I will bring thee down thence, Jer 51:53; Hos 13:15; Zech 8:6; Ps 37:24; Ps 49:19f. though in his lifetime he bless himself ... he shall come, etc., perhaps also Jer 46:23 Ew (but Hi Gf Ke for), Jer 50:11 Ew Ke (Hi yea); and strengthened by גַּם, גַּם כִּי Isa 1:5; Ps 23:4 (compare Dr§ 143);
   (b) with perf. (rare) Mic 7:8 כִּי נָפַלְתִּי קָ֑מְתִּי though I have fallen, I rise, Nah 1:10 (si vera 1.), Ps 21:12 (Hi Ew Now), Ps 119:88 (Ew De).

3. Because, since ὅτι
  a. Gen 3:14 because thou hast done this, cursed art thou, etc., vGen 3:17; Gen 18:20; Gen 17:20 the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah — because it is great ... (subject prefixed for emphasis: compare 2
N.B.) Isa 28:15 in answer to a question, Gen 27:20; Exod 1:19; Exod 18:15; 2Sam 19:43 +. Enunciating the conditions under which a future action is conceived as possible (German indem) Lev 22:9; Deut 4:29 כי תדרשׁנו, Deut 12:20 (see Dr), vDeut 12:25 vDeut 12:28; Deut 13:19; Deut 14:24; Deut 16:15; Deut 19:6; Deut 19:9 +, 1Kgs 8:35 (compare v1Kgs 8:33 אֲשֶׁר), v1Kgs 8:36 כִּי תוֺרֵם, Prov 4:8b.
  b. more commonly the causal sentence follows, as Gen 2:3 and God blessed the seventh day ׳כִּי בוֺ שָׁבַת וג because on it he rested, etc., Gen 4:25 etc., in which case it may often be rendered for, Gen 2:5; Gen 2:28; Gen 3:20; Gen 5:24; Gen 6:7; Gen 6:12; Gen 6:13; Ps 6:3 heal me כִּי נִבְהֲלוּ עֲצָמָ֑י for my bones are vexed, Ps 10:14; Ps 25:16; Ps 27:10 + very often specifically after verbs expressive of mental emotions, as rejoicing Isa 14:29; Ps 58:11, being angry Gen 31:35; Gen 45:5, fearing Gen 43:18; Ps 49:17 etc. Iron. 1Kgs 18:27 for he is a god etc. (4 t.); Prov 30:4; Job 38:5 כִּי תֵדָ֑ע for or since thou knowest. With subject prefixed Ps 128:2. Repeated (with anacoluthon) Isa 49:19.
  c. the causal relation expressed by כִּי is sometimes subtle, especially in poetry, and not apparent without careful study of a passage. Thus sometimes it justifies a statement or description by pointing to a pregnant fact which involves it, as Isa 3:8a Job 6:21 (ground of the comparison vJob 6:15-20), Job 14:16 (For...: ground of the wishes expressed vJob 14:13-15), Job 16:22 (ground of vJob 16:20f.) Job 30:26 (For ...), or by pointing to a general truth which it exemplifies Job 5:6 (reason why complaining vJob 5:2-5 is foolish), Job 15:34; Job 23:14 sometimes it is explicative, justifying a statement by unfolding the particulars which establish or exemplify it 2Sam 5:7; 2Sam 7:8; Isa 9:4; Isa 10:8-11; Isa 13:10 (development of vIsa 13:9a); Isa 32:6 f. (developing the characters of the נָבָל and כִּילַי, and so explaining why they will no longer be esteemed vIsa 32:5); Job 11:16ff. (explicit of vJob 11:15b), Job 18:8 ff. (justifying vJob 18:7), Job 22:26 ff. (justifying vJob 22:25); elsewhere the cause is expressed indirectly or figuratively Isa 2:6 (reason why invitation vIsa 2:5 is needed), Isa 5:10 (sterility of the soil the cause of the desolation vIsa 5:9), Isa 18:5; Isa 28:8 (proof of the intoxication vIsa 28:7), Isa 31:7 (reason for the exhortation vIsa 31:6: the certainty that the folly of idolatry will soon be recognized), Job 7:21 (for soon it will be too late to pardon), Job 27:8-10 (Job wishes his enemy the lot of the wicked, because this is so hopeless); or כִּי relates not to the see which immediately precedes or follows, but to several, as Isa 7:16f. (Isa 7:17 specially the ground of the people being reduced to simple fare vIsa 7:15), Isa 21:6ff. (ground of the statements vIsa 21:1-5), Job 4:5 (ground of vJob 4:2), Job 14:7-12 (Job 14:10-12 specially the ground for the appeal in vJob 14:6), Job 23:10-13 (ground why God cannot be found vJob 23:8f.), Ps 73:21 (ground not of vPs 73:20, but of the general train of thought vPs 73:2); similarly Gen 4:24; Deut 18:14; Jer 30:11 the reason lies not in the words immediately after כִּי, but in the second part of the sentence; or, on the other hand, it may state the reason for a particular word, Isa 28:20 (justifying 'nought but terror' vIsa 28:19), Job 23:17 (God's hostility vJob 23:16 the cause of his misery, not the calamity as such). Sometimes also כִּי, in a poetic orrhetorical style, gives the reason for a thought not expressed but implied, especially the answer to a question; Isa 28:11 (the mockeries of vIsa 28:10 have a meaning) 'for with men of strange lips, etc. he will speak unto this people,' who will retort the mockeries, charged with a new and terrible meaning, upon those who uttered them (Isa 28:13); = (no,) for Isa 28:28 (see RVm), Job 22:2b no, he that is wise is profitable to himself, Job 31:18; Job 39:14 (see vJob 39:13b), Ps 44:24 (he cannot do this, vPs 44:23) for for thy sake are we killed, etc., Ps 130:4 no, with thee is forgiveness; = (yes,) for Isa 49:25 (see the question vIsa 49:24), Isa 66:8.
  d. כִּי ֗֗֗ כִּי ἀσυνδέτως sometimes introduce the proximate and ultimate cause respectively, Gen 3:19; Gen 26:7; Gen 43:32; Gen 47:20; Exod 23:33 for [else] thou wilt serve their gods, for it will be a snare to thee, Isa 2:6 (twice in verse); Isa 3:8 (twice in verse); Isa 6:5a, b; Isa 10:22f.; Job 6:3f.; Job 8:8; Job 8:9 (twice in verse); Job 24:17 (twice in verse); Job 29:11f.; sometimes they introduce two co-ordinate causes (where we should insert and), Exod 23:21; Exod 23:22; Isa 6:5b,c I am undone, because I am of unclean lips..., because mine eyes have seen ׳י of hosts, Isa 15:5 (twice in verse); Isa 15:6 (twice in verse); Isa 15:8; Isa 15:9; Zeph 3:8f.; Job 15:25; Job 15:27; Job 20:19f.; Job 31:11f. But כִּי ֗֗֗ וְכִי also occurs, Gen 33:11; Num 5:20 (if), Josh 7:15; Judg 6:30; 1Sam 19:4; 1Sam 22:17; 1Kgs 2:26; Isa 65:16 +.
  e. after a negative כִּי for becomes = but (German sondern): Gen 17:15 thou shalt not call her name Sarai, כִּי שָׂרָה שְׁמָהּ for (= but) Sarah shall be her name, Gen 24:3f.; Gen 45:8; Exod 1:19; Exod 16:8 not against us are your murmurings, ׳כי עליֿ for (they are) against ׳י = but against ׳י, Deut 21:17; 1Sam 6:3 (אַל), 1Sam 27:1 (see Dr), 1Kgs 21:17; Isa 10:7; Isa 28:27; Isa 29:23; Isa 30:5; Ps 44:8; Ps 118:17 + often; so in לא כי nay, for = nay, but, as Gen 18:15 לֹא כִּי צָחָֽקְתְּ nay, but thou didst laugh, Gen 19:2; Gen 42:12; Josh 5:14; 1Sam 2:16 MSS ᵐ5 (see Dr), 1Sam 12:12; 2Sam 16:18; 2Sam 24:24; 1Kgs 2:30; 1Kgs 3:22; 1Kgs 11:22; Isa 30:16 nay, but we will flee upon horses.

Note.כִּי is sometimes of difficult and uncertain interpretation, and in some of the passages quoted a different explanation is tenable. Authorities especially read the Hebrew differently, when the choice is between for and yea. E.g. Isa 8:23 Ges Ew§ 330 b doch (no, but); Hi Di for (taking vIsa 8:22 as RVm); Ch surely: Isa 15:1 Ges Ew Hi Di surely; De for: Isa 39:8 Ges Hi De surely; Di for (explanation of טוֺב): Ezek 11:16 Hi Ke Co surely; Ew Sm because. — In Exod 20:25 the tense of וַתְּחַלֲלֶהָ makes it probably that כֹּי is for (Dr§ 153). Job 22:29 is taken with least violence to usage (גַּאֲוָה) as Hi When they humble thee, and thou sayest (= complainest) Pride! he will save, etc. כִּי אִםֿ (the אִם always followed by makkeph, except Gen 15:4; Num 35:33; Neh 2:2, where כִּיאִֿם is read by the Mass.: FrMM 241) —
1. each particle retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
  a. that if Jer 26:15 after an oath (כִּי not translated: see כִּי 1 c) if 1Sam 14:39; Jer 22:24, surely not (אִם 1 b 2) 2Sam 3:35; 1Sam 25:34 (כִּי being resumptive of the כִּי before לוּלֵי: see כִּי 1 c); Exod 22:22 (in apodosis) indeed if . . . (see כִּי 1 d).
  b. for if Exod 8:17; Exod 9:2; Exod 10:4; +, for though Isa 10:22; Jer 37:20; Amos 5:22, but if Jer 7:5.

2. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause —
  a. limiting the preceding clause, except (after a negative, or an oath, or question, the equivalent of a negative) — the most usual term for expressing this idea: followed by verb Gen 32:27 I will not let thee go; כִּי אִםבֵּֿרַכְתָּֽנִי literally but (כִּי 3 e) if thou bless me (that is, I will let thee go), i.e., subordinating the second clause to the first, 'I will not let thee go, except thou bless me;' Lev 22:6 he shall not eat of the holy things כִּי אִםרָֿחַץ except he have washed his flesh, Isa 65:6; Amos 3:7; Ruth 3:18; Lam 5:21f. (Ew Näg Ke Che Öttli), turn thou us unto thee, etc., unless thou have utterly rejected us, (and) art very wroth with us (= Or hast thou utterly rejected us? etc. Ew Öttli); followed by a noun, except, but, Gen 28:17 this is nothing ׳כִּי אִםבֵּֿית הָאֱ but the house of God, Gen 32:9 he withholds from me nothing כִּי אִםאֿוֺתָךְ except thee, Lev 21:2; Num 14:30 (after אִם), Num 26:65 (compare Num 32:12 בִּלְתִּי), Josh 14:4; 1Sam 30:17; 1Sam 30:22; 2Sam 12:3 אֵין כֹּל כִּי אִםֿ (so 2Kgs 4:2), 2Kgs 19:29; 1Kgs 17:1 (after אִם), 1Kgs 22:31; 2Kgs 5:15; 2Kgs 9:35; 2Kgs 13:7; Jer 22:17; Jer 44:14 +; after אַל, 2Chr 23:6 followed by an adverb clause, Gen 42:15; Num 35:33; 2Sam 3:13 (but כִּי אִם and לִפְנֵי are mutually exclusive: read probably with ᵐ5 כִּי אִםהֵֿבֵיאתָ); after an interrogative Isa 42:19 who is blind כִּי אִםעַֿבְדִּי but my servant ? (who is blind in comparison with him ?), Deut 10:12; Mic 6:8; Eccl 5:10; 2Chr 2:5.
  b. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic (compare אִם 1 c), so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but (= a slightly strengthened כִּי), Gen 15:4 this man shall not be thy heir; ׳כִּי אִםאֲֿשֶׁר וג but one that shall come forth from thy own bowels, he shall be thy heir (compare 1Kgs 8:19), 1Kgs 32:29 thy name shall no more be called Jacob כִּי אִםיִֿשְׂרָאֵל but Israel (compare כִּי alone 1Kgs 17:15), 1Kgs 47:18 we will not hide it from my lord, but the money . . . is all made over to, etc., Exod 12:9 not boiled in water, but roast with fire, Deut 7:5; Deut 12:5; Deut 16:6; Josh 23:8; 1Sam 2:15 he will not take of thee boiled flesh כִּי אִםחָֽֿי׃ but raw, 1Sam 8:19 לֹא כִּי אִםמֶֿלֶךְ יִהְיֶה עָלֵינוּ nay, but a king shall be over us (compare כי alone, 1Sam 10:19; 1Sam 12:12), 1Sam 21:5; 2Sam 5:6; 1Kgs 18:18; 2Kgs 10:23 (פֶּן), Isa 33:21; Isa 55:10; Isa 55:11; Isa 59:2; Jer 3:10; Jer 7:32; Jer 9:23; Jer 16:15; Jer 20:3; Jer 44:10; Ps 1:2; Ps 1:4; Prov 23:17 (אַל) Psalm +; with the principal verb repeated (as Gen 15:4; 1Kgs 8:19), Lev 21:14; Ezek 44:22; Num 10:30; 2Kgs 23:23; Jer 39:12 Kt (Qr omit אִם), compare Jer 7:23. Occasionally in colloquial language, the negative, it seems, is left to be understood: 1Sam 26:10 as ׳י liveth, (by no means,) כִּי אִם but ׳י shall smite him, 2Sam 13:33 Kt (by no means,) but Amnon alone is dead (Qr omits אִם). Followed by imperative Isa 65:18; Ezek 12:23; Jer 39:12; 2Chr 25:8. Sometimes also, though rarely (and not certainly), כִּי אִם appears to have the force of only even without a previous negative: Gen 40:14 כִּי אִםזְֿכַרְתָּנִי אִתְּךָ only have (?) me in remembrance with thyself (but read perhaps אַךְ for כִּי; see Dr§ 119 δ n., the use of a bare perfect, without לוּ, or even waw consecutive, to express a wish or command is unexampled), Num 24:22 כִּי אִםֿ יִהְיֶה לְבָעֵר קָֽיִן׃ only, nevertheless, the Kenite shall be for extermination (compare Di), Job 42:8 (De Di) כִּי אִםפָּֿנָיו אֶשָּׂא
  c. after an oath כִּי אִם appears to = a strengthened כִּי (compare בִּלְתִּי אִם, אִם ׃עַד אִם 1 c), introducing the fact sworn to (see כִּי 1 c): 2Kgs 5:20 as ׳י liveth, כִּי אִםרַֿצְתִּי surely I will run (perfect of certitude) after him, etc., Jer 51:14 (Ges Hi Gf RV) surley I will fill thee with men (namely, assailants), etc. (but Ew Ke Ch treat the particles as separate (כִּי as כִּי 1 c): though I have filled thee with men —; i.e. increased thy population, — yet shall they — the assailants — lift up the shout against thee), 2Sam 15:21 Kt (Qr omits אִם); after an assever. particle Ruth 3:12 Kt וְעַתָּה כִּי אָמְנָם כִּי אִם גּוֺאֵל אָנֹכִי and now, yea indeed, surely I am thy kinsman (Qr omits אִם); the oath being understood, Judg 15:7 if ye do thus, כִּי אִםנִֿקַּמְתִּי surely (Ges hercle) I will avenge myself, 1Sam 21:6 כִּי אִםאִֿשָּׁה עֲצֻרָה לָנוּ of a truth women have been kept from us, etc., 1Kgs 20:6 surely tomorrow I will send, etc., Prov 23:18 (see De) surely there is a reward; perhaps also Job 42:8.


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.


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.


BDB6202 H3282 H834 H3588

BDB6201 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6203

יַעַן96 properly substantive, purpose, intention, but always used as preposition or conjunction, on account of, because (for יַעֲנֶה, of the form יִצְהָר etc., Sta§ 259 ii. 403; compare mean, intend): —

1. as preposition, rarely with a substantive, Ezek 5:9 יַעַן תּוֺעֲבוֺתֵיכֶם, Hag 1:9 יַעַן מָה, vHag 1:9 יַעַן בֵּיתִי; with a participle Ezek 36:13 יען אמרים because of men saying to you (but read probablyאָמְרָם, Co Toy Berthol); frequently with infinitive with, 1Kgs 21:20 יַעַן הִתְמַכֶּרְךָ on account of thy having sold thyself, Amos 5:11; Isa 30:12; Isa 37:29 (= 2Kgs 19:28) יַעֵן הִתְרַגֶּזְךָ אֵלַי, Jer 5:14; Jer 7:13; Jer 23:38; Jer 48:7, and often. (c. 18 t.) in Ezek., as Jer 5:7 (read יַעַן הַמְ˜רֹתְכֶם), Jer 13:8; Jer 13:22; Jer 25:3; Jer 25:6; Jer 25:8; Jer 25:12.

2. As conjunction:
  a. יַעַן אֲשֶׁר (32 t.), usually with perfect, as Gen 22:16 יען אשׁר עשׂית זאת because that thou hast done this, Deut 1:36 (Josh 14:14), Judg 2:20; 1Sam 30:22; 1Kgs 3:11; 1Kgs 8:18; Jer 19:4; Jer 25:8; Jer 29:23 (not Isaiah) +; with imperfect (in frequent. sense) Ezek 44:12.
  b. יַען כִּי, Num 11:20 ׳יַעַן כִּי מְאַסְתֶּם אֶתיֿ, 1Kgs 13:21; 1Kgs 21:29; Isa 3:16; Isa 7:5; Isa 8:6; Isa 29:13.
  c. יַעַן alone (23 t.), with perfect Num 20:12 יַעַן לֹא הֶאֱמַנְתֶּם בִּי, 1Sam 15:23; 1Kgs 14:13; 1Kgs 20:42; 2Kgs 22:19; Hos 8:1; Isa 61:1; Isa 65:12; Isa 66:4 with imperfect (frequently) Ezek 34:21 of the future Ezek 12:12 because he shall not see, etc., (but ᵐ5 Co Kau Berthol לְמַעַן אשׁר לא יֵרָאֶה לָעַיִן): usually the verb follows immediately, but Ezek. sometimes puts the object first for emphasis, Ezek 5:11 יַעַן אֶתמִֿקְדָּשִׁי טִמֵּאתָ, Ezek 20:16; Ezek 20:24; Ezek 36:6, compare Ezek 34:21.

3. יַעַן וּבְיַעַן, q.d. because and by the cause (that), followed by perhaps, Lev 26:43 (H) יען וביען בְּמִשְׁפָּטַי מָאָ֔סוּ, Ezek 13:10 יַעַן בְּיַעַז followed by infinitive, Ezek 36:3. (In all, reckoning יען (ו)ביען once each, 93 t., of which 20 are in 1-2 Kings, 11 in Jeremiah, 38 in Ezekiel; and only 9 in Genesis—2Samuel.)


BDB9640 H3809 H3861 H518 H2006 H3808 H3588

BDB9639 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9641

II. לָהֵן conjunction except, but (from לָא and הֵן 'not if' (compare Hebrew אם לא Gen 24:38); so Nabataean and Egyptian Aramaic להן Cooke217, 219, 241 S-CPap. C 6, 7 +; lâinnî, however SocArab. Dial. see Marokko 44, Anm. 103; ᵑ7 אִילָּהֵין Gen 32:28; Gen 43:3 and elsewhere); —

1. after a negative (= Biblical Hebrew כִּי אִם, q. v.):
  a. except Dan 2:11; Dan 3:28; Dan 6:6; Dan 6:8.
  b. but (German sondern) Dan 2:30.
2. without a negative: however, but Ezra 5:12.

for, that, because, but, when, …
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
  • that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
    • that
      • yea, indeed
      when (of time)
      • when, if, though (with a concessive force)
      because, since (causal connection)"but (after negative)"that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if"but rather, but"except that"only, nevertheless"surely"that is"but if"for though"forasmuch as, for therefore

לָ֭חֲמוּ
לָ֭חֲמוּ
Root word fight, fought, war, warred, eat, …
Dictionary form: לָחַם · law-HAHM

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

In the KJV here: they eat
to fight ×27 and fought ×16 fought ×16 fight ×11 and fight ×9 and they shall fight ×5 that fight ×4 and they fought ×3
More options
fight — Most direct modern equivalent; suits most contexts.
battle — Preferred when emphasizing an engagement or campaign.
wage war — Highlights sustained, organized military conflict.
combat — Slightly formal; good for military or legal prose.
struggle against — Useful when opponent or opposition is in focus.
contend — Broader; suits figurative or non-military conflict.

BDB4391 H3898

BDB4390 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4392

I. [לָחַם]171 verb fight, do battle (Late Hebrew Hithpa`el; ואלתחם MI11.15.19 perhaps = order the battle, compare ZMG xl. 1886, 721; Arabic fit close together, so Late Hebrew לחם Pi`el, Syriac Pa`el unite, fit also threaten; GerberVerb. Denom. 59 thinks verb in Hebrew denominative from מִלְחָמָה battle-line, but dubious); —

Qal (poetry) only Imperative masculine singular and Participle active — fight, do battle with, rare, only Psalms, apparently later usage: — לְחַם אֶתלֹֿחֲמָ֑י Ps 35:1 do battle with those battling with me (dubious whether את is accusative sign compare preposition with, compare Ol; || רִיבָה אֶתיְֿרִיבַי); לֹחֲמִים לִי Ps 56:3 doing battle against me; לֹחֵם vPs 56:2 as substantive fighter. Niph`al167 Perfect נִלְחַם Judg 9:17 +, וְנִלְחַמְתָּ֫ Judg 11:8; 1Sam 15:18, וְנִלְחַמְנוּ Deut 1:41 consecutive, etc.; Imperfect יִלָּהֵם Exod 14:14; Deut 1:30 יִלָּ֫חֶם לָ֑נוּ Neh 4:14, וַיִּלָּ֫חֶם Exod 17:8 + 19 t.; 3 feminine singular תִּלָּחֵם Zech 14:14 3 masculine plural תִּיִּלָּֽחֲמוּ Judg 1:5 + 13 t.; suffix וַיִּלָּֽחֲמוּנִי Ps 109:3 2 masculine plural תִּלָּֽחֲמוּ 1Kgs 22:31 + 4 t.; תִּלָּֽחֲמוּן 1Kgs 12:24.; etc.; Imperative הִלָּחֵם Exod 17:9; 1Sam 18:17 הִלָּ֫חֶם בּוֺ Judg 9:38 plural הִלָּֽחֲמוּ 2Kgs 10:3; Neh 4:8 Infinitive absolute נִלְחֹם Judg 11:25 construct הִלָּחֵם Judg 1:9 + 35 t.; הִלָּ֫חֶם בּוֺ etc., Num 22:11 + 6 t.; suffix הִלָּחֲמוֺ 2Kgs 8:29 + 3 t.; Participle נִלְחָם Exod 14:24 + 10 t.; plural נִלְחָמִים Josh 10:25 + 10 t. (but 1Sam 31:1 read rather נִלְחֲמוּ, so || 1Chr 10:1 We Klo Bu, compare Dr); — engage in battle (reciprocal), sometimes wage war (Josh 10:5; Judg 11:5; 1Kgs 14:19; 1Kgs 22:46; 2Kgs 6:8; 2Kgs 14:28 etc.), often with בְּ of enemy (60 t.) Exod 1:10; Exod 17:9; Exod 17:10; Num 21:23; Num 21:26; Num 22:11 (all E), Judg 11:8; Judg 11:25; 1Sam 15:18; 2Sam 8:10 + (49 t.); less often with בְּ of city attacked or besieged Judg 9:45; 1Sam 23:1; 2Sam 12:26; 2Sam 12:27; 2Sam 12:29; Isa 20:1; Josh 10:31 (D), 1Kgs 20:1; Neh 4:2 of tower Judg 1:52 followed by בְּאַרְצִי Judg 11:12; also with עִם of enemy (26 t.): Judg 5:20; Judg 11:4; Judg 11:5; Judg 11:20; Josh 11:5 (JE), 1Sam 13:5; 1Sam 17:19, also 1Sam 17:32; 1Sam 17:33 (of single combat), Deut 20:4; Josh 9:2 (both D), 2Kgs 13:12; 2Kgs 14:15; 2Chr 11:1; 2Chr 17:10; 2Chr 27:5; Dan 10:20; Dan 11:11 +; with עִם of city Josh 10:29 (D), Josh 19:47 (JE); c אֶתֿ = with, of enemy, Josh 24:8 (E), 1Sam 17:9 (single combat), Jer 21:5; 1Kgs 20:23; 2Kgs 19:9 = Isa 37:9; Jer 37:10 also Judg 12:4; 2Sam 11:17; 2Sam 21:15; 1Kgs 22:31; 2Kgs 8:2; 2Kgs 9:15; Jer 21:4; Jer 32:5; Jer 33:5; 2Chr 18:30; 2Chr 22:6, and with אוֺתָם (= אִתָּם) Josh 10:25 (D), 1Kgs 20:25 (Lgb. ii, 296); with עִל, against, of enemy only Jer 21:2 elsewhere (16 t.) of city: Josh 10:5 (JE), Isa 7:1; 2Kgs 12:18; 2Kgs 19:8 = Isa 37:8 especially D and Je: Deut 20:10; Deut 20:19; Josh 10:34; Josh 10:36; Josh 10:38 (all D), Jer 32:24; Jer 32:29; Jer 34:1; Jer 34:7; Jer 34:8; Jer 34:22; with אֶלֿ of enemy Jer 1:19; Jer 15:20; with suffix וַיִּלָּֽחֲמוּנִי Ps 109:3 and they have fought against me; with יָ֑חַד i.e. fight together = with (against) one another 1Sam 17:10 absolute with accusative of congnate meaning with verb מִלְחָמוֺת fight battles 1Sam 8:20; 1Sam 18:17; 1Sam 25:28; 2Chr 32:8; absolute elsewhere Judg 5:19 (twice in verse); Judg 5:20; Deut 1:41; Zech 10:5 + 26 t. + וַיָּסֻרוּ עָלָיו לְהִלָּחֵ֑ם 1Kgs 22:32 with עַל for, in behalf of, Judg 9:17; 2Kgs 10:3; Neh 4:8 with לְ = id., Exod 14:14 (J), vExod 14:25 (J; + בְּ of enemy), Deut 1:30; Deut 3:22; Deut 20:4 (+ עִם of enemy, see above), Josh 10:14; Josh 10:42; Josh 23:3; Josh 23:10 (all D), Neh 4:14 ׳יָכֹל לְהִלּ be able to fight, with את of enemy 1Sam 17:9, with בְּ of enemy Num 22:11, = be successful in fighting, prevail against; so with עַל of city Isa 7:1, and absolute 2Kgs 16:5 (after וַיָּצֻרוּ עָל besiege).


BDB4395 H3898

BDB4394 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4396

II. [לָחַם] verb use as food, eat, poetic (so Thes Buhl, compare Frä30 GuidiDella Sede 33; this would explain different between לֶחֶם and ; yet verb rare and chiefly late); —

Qal Perfect 3 plural לָֽחֲמוּ Prov 4:17 Imperfect 2 masculine singular תִּלְחַם Prov 23:6, 1 singular אֶלְחַם Ps 141:4 Imperative masculine plural לַחֲמוּ Prov 9:5 Infinitive construct לְחוֺם Prov 23:1 Passive participle plural construct לְחֻמֵי Deut 32:24 eat (mostly Proverbs), absolute Prov 23:1 followed by accusative of congnate meaning with verb לֶחֶם Prov 4:17; Prov 23:6 followed by בְּלַחְמִי Prov 9:5 followed by בְּמַנְעַמֵּיהֶם Ps 141:4 eat of their dainties; לְחֻמֵי רֶשֶׁף Deut 32:24 (poem) eaten up with the Fire-bolt, figurative of pestilence (Dr).

fight, fought, war, warred, eat, …
lāḥam
to feed on; by implication, to battle (as destruction)
  • to fight, do battle, make war
    • (Qal) to fight, do battle
    • "(Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
    (Qal) to eat, use as food

לֶ֣חֶם
לֶ֣חֶם
Root word bread, food, meat, shewbread, loaves, …
Dictionary form: לֶחֶם · leh-HEM

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

In the KJV here: the bread
bread ×102 of bread ×26 the bread ×24 with bread ×9 food ×8 meat ×8 and bread ×6 loaves ×5
More options
bread — Most direct equivalent; ideal for literal or culinary contexts.
food — Broader sense; use when לֶחֶם means sustenance generally.
grain — Emphasizes agricultural/cereal origin; good in harvest contexts.
loaf — Concrete, countable form; suits passages enumerating baked goods.
provisions — Collective sense; fits travel, military, or supply narratives.
meal — Social/relational nuance; prefer in feasting or hospitality scenes.

BDB4396 H3899

BDB4395 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4397

לֶ֫חֶם296 noun masculine1Sam 9:7 and (rarely) feminineGen 49:20 (see below, and Dr1Sam 10:4) bread, food (Phoenician לחם bread; Late Hebrew לֶחֶם; Aramaic לַחְמָא, , as Hebrew; Arabic flesh, meat, (compare Frä30)); — absolute ׳ל Gen 3:19 +; לָ֑חֶם Gen 31:54 +; לֶ֑חֶם Ps 14:4 + 2 t.; construct לֶחֶם Hos 9:4 +; suffix לַחְמִי Job 3:24 +, לַחְמְךָ Obad 1:7 +, לַחְמָם Hos 9:4b, + vHos 9:4a (for ᵑ0 לָהֶם), We GASm Now, + etc.; —

1. a. bread, the ordinary food of early Hebrews (BenzArchaeology 84 ff NowArchaeology i. 109 ff.) Exod 21:14 (E), Num 21:5; Josh 9:5; Josh 9:12 (JE), Deut 8:3; Deut 23:5; Exod 16:3 (P) +; ׳כִּכַּרלֿ loaf of bread 1Sam 2:36 + (see כִּכָּר below כרר), and without ככר (always with number) 1Sam 10:4; 1Sam 16:20 (see Dr), 1Sam 17:7; 1Sam 21:4; 1Sam 25:18; 2Sam 16:1; 1Kgs 14:3; 2Kgs 4:42; ׳חַלַת ל cake of bread 2Sam 6:19; Exod 29:23 + (see חַלָּה below I. חלל); made from barley (שְׂעֹרִים); Judg 7:13; 2Kgs 4:42 (see also לָחֶם above); from wheat-flour (סֹלֶת חִטִים) Exod 29:2 (P); compare the mixture Ezek 4:9 made by baking (אפה) Isa 44:15; Isa 44:19; Lev 26:26 (H; compare Jer 37:21); ׳פַּתלֿ a bit of bread 1Sam 2:36; 1Kgs 17:11; Prov 28:21, compare Ezek 13:19, as modest term for a hospitable meal Gen 18:5 (J), Judg 19:5; 1Sam 28:22; distinguished from meat (flesh), Gen 27:17 (J) 1Sam 25:11; 1Kgs 17:6 (twice in verse); Exod 16:8; Exod 16:12 (also vExod 16:3 above), Exod 29:32; Exod 29:34; Lev 8:31 (all P), Lev 23:18 (H), 1Chr 12:40; Ps 78:20; Dan 10:3 = a meal 1Sam 20:27, ׳אָכַל ל = take a meal Gen 31:54 (twice in verse); Gen 37:25; Gen 43:25; Gen 43:32 +; אכל לַחְמִי Ps 41:10 eat my bread, establishing an obligation, compare Obad 1:7 (read ׳אֹכְלֵי ל according to MartiKau AT; strike out ׳ל ᵐ5 Hi We, compare VB) ׳עשׂה ל = make a feast Eccl 10:19 ׳מַטֵּה ל staff of bread (as support of life), only late Ezek 4:16; Ezek 5:16; Ezek 14:13; Lev 26:26 (H), Ps 105:16 cf .׳מִשְׁעַן ל Isa 3:1 (gloss); leavened bread is חָמֵץ ׳ל Lev 7:13 unleavened bread is מַצּוֺת ׳ל Exod 29:2 (both P); (הַ)פָּנִים ׳ל bread of the face (of ׳י; i.e. in his presence, DiLev 24:9 Dr1Sam 21:7); in the sanctuary 1Sam 21:7; 1Kgs 7:48 = 2Chr 4:19; Exod 25:30; Exod 35:13; Exod 39:36, without ׳פ Exod 40:23 (all P); = הַתָּמִיד ׳ל Num 4:7 (P), קֹדֶשׁ ׳ל 1Sam 21:5 in Chronicles הַמַּעֲרָ֑כֶת ׳ל 1Chr 9:32 compare 1Chr 23:29; Neh 10:34, ׳ל ׳מ 2Chr 13:11 opposed to חֹל ׳ל 1Sam 21:5; תְּנוּפִה ׳ל Lev 23:17 wave-loaf; (הַ)בִּכֻּרִים ׳ל vLev 23:20; 2Kgs 4:42 bread of first-fruits.
  b. = bread-corn, the material from which bread is made, i.e. wheat, barley, etc.: Gen 41:54; Gen 41:55 (E), Gen 47:13; Gen 47:15; Gen 47:17 (twice in verse); Gen 47:19 (J), Gen 49:20 (poem in J), Isa 28:28; Isa 30:23; Isa 55:10; Jer 5:17; Ezek 48:18; Job 28:5; Prov 28:3; Ps 104:14 הָאָרֶץ ׳ל Num 15:19 (P), ׳ארץ ל 2Kgs 18:32 = Isa 36:17.
2. food in general:
  a. of man, Judg 13:16 (kid, vJudg 13:15) 1Sam 14:24 (twice in verse); 1Sam 14:28 (honey), 1Sam 28:20; 1Sam 30:12; Prov 22:9; Prov 27:27 (twice in verse) (goat's milk) +; ׳לְכָלבָּֿשָׂר נֹתֵן ל Ps 136:25. b. of animals, Prov 6:8; Prov 30:25; Prov 65:25; Job 24:5 + Ps 147:9
  c. of God (in sacrifices): אֱלֹהֵיהֶם ׳ל (compare RSSemitic i. 207, 2nd ed., 224) Lev 21:6 compare vLev 21:8 vLev 21:17 vLev 21:21 vLev 21:22, Lev 22:25 (all H), compare Num 28:2 (P), Ezek 16:19; Ezek 44:7, and מְגֹאָל ׳ל Mal 1:7, also (׳לי) אִשֶּׁה ׳ל Lev 3:11; Lev 3:16; Num 28:24 (all P).
3. other phrases and figurative uses are:
  a. רֶשַׁע ׳ל Prov 4:17 (accusative of congnate meaning with verb with לָחַם), probably = food gained by wickedness ׅ || (יִיִן חֲמָסִים, compare שָׁ֑קֶר ׳ל Prov 20:17, כְּזָבִים ׳ל Prov 23:3 עַצְלוּת ׳ל Prov 31:27 = bread of idleness, i.e. unearned; חֻקִּי ׳לProv 30:8 (opposed to riches and poverty, see חֹק); לַחַץ ׳ל 1Kgs 22:27 = 2Chr 18:26, vid לַחַץ below; הָעֲצָבִים ׳ל Ps 127:2 see II. עֶצָב; אוֺנִים ׳ל Hos 9:4, vid אָוֶן. p.20 a; אֲנָשִׁים ׳ל Ezek 24:17; Ezek 24:22 of food offered to mourners, compare Jer 16:7 (where insert ׳ל ᵐ5 Gf Gie); שַׁלַּח לחמך עלפֿני המים Eccl 11:1 usual interpration of benevolent giving (compare Now); De and others of sea-commerce in bread-stuffs, compare Prov 31:14.
  b. figurative לַחְמֵנוּ הֵם Num 14:9 (JE) our food are they, i.e. we will devour, destroy, them (compare Deut 7:16); ׳דִּמְעָתִּי ל Ps 42:4 compare Ps 80:6 (see אכל above); ׳ל of evil deeds of wicked Job 20:14 עֵץ בְּלַחְמוֺ Jer 11:19 apparentlyfig.of destroying the prophet and his house, but read probably בְּלֵחוֺ in its freshness (i.e. untimely), so Hi Gf Che Gie (see לֵחַ below לחח above).


BDB9643 H3900 H3899

BDB9642 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9644

לְחֵם (K§ 54, 3. 7) noun masculine feast (ᵑ7 Syriac bread, so Biblical Hebrew, q. v. √ II. לחם); — absolute ׳עֲבַד ל Dan 5:1 made a feast.

bread, food, meat, shewbread, loaves, …
leḥem
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
  • bread, food, grain
    • bread
      • bread
      • "bread-corn
      food (generally)

רֶ֑שַׁע
רֶ֑שַׁע
Root word wickedness, wicked, iniquity
Dictionary form: רֶשַׁע · reh-SHA

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: of wickedness
of wickedness ×7 wickedness ×4 from his wickedness ×2 wicked ×2 and wickedness ×1 by wickedness ×1 for his wickedness ×1 his wickedness ×1
More options
wickedness — Modernized from KJV; broadest and most versatile rendering.
evil — Simple, contemporary; good for general moral wrongdoing.
wrongdoing — Neutral, modern; suits legal or ethical contexts well.
iniquity — Slightly formal; retains moral gravity for serious offenses.
depravity — Strong register; emphasizes deeply corrupt moral character.
guilt — Use when rešaʿ focuses on culpable moral responsibility.

BDB8125 H7562 H7564

BDB8124 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8126

רֶ֫שַׁע noun masculine1Sam 24:14 wickedness; — absolute ׳ר Mic 6:10 +, רָ֑שַׁע Eccl 3:16 construct (perhaps) רֶ֫שַׁע Eccl 7:25 רִשְׁעוֺ Deut 9:27 +, etc.; —

1. wickedness, as violence and crime against civil law Eccl 3:16 (twice in verse); ׳אֶגְרֹף ר Isa 58:4 fist of wickedness; ׳חַרְצֻבּוֺת ר vIsa 58:6 ׳לֶחֶם ר Prov 4:17 ׳מַטֵּה ר Ezek 7:11 ׳מאֹזְנֵי ר Mic 6:11 ׳אֹצְרוֺת ר vMic 6:10, compare Prov 10:2 בְּרֶשַׁע Ps 141:4; Prov 12:3 ׳עשׂות ר Prov 16:12 ׳מֵרְשָׁעִים יֵצֵא ר 1Sam 24:14, (proverb).
2. wickedness of enemies: of Egypt Ezek 31:11 (dubious Co; gloss Toy); ׳שֵׁבֶט הר Ps 125:3 (ᵐ5 SS רָשָׁע).
3. wickedness, in ethical relations: || חטאת Deut 9:27 (D2); || עון Jer 14:20 || עולה Hos 10:13 opposed to צֶדֶק Ps 45:8, אֱמֶת Prov 8:7 see also Ps 5:5; Ps 10:15; Job 34:10; Job 35:8; Eccl 7:25; Eccl 8:8 ׳אַנְשֵׁי ר Job 34:8 ׳אָהֳלֵי ר Ps 84:11 שׁוּב מֵרִשְׁעוֺ Ezek 3:19; Ezek 33:12 (see רִשְׁעָה
3.).

wickedness, wicked, iniquity
rešaʿ
a wrong (especially moral)
  • wrong, wickedness, guilt
    • wickedness (as violence and crime against civil law)
    • "wickedness (of enemies)"wickedness (in ethical relations)

וְ יֵ֖ין
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
יֵ֖ין
Root word wine, winebibbers, banqueting, vine
Dictionary form: יַיִן · ya-YIN

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

In the KJV here: the wine
wine ×40 of wine ×20 and wine ×13 the wine ×9 with wine ×8 and the wine ×5 of the wine ×2 than wine ×2
More options
wine — Direct modern equivalent; suitable in nearly all contexts.
fermented wine — Clarifies alcoholic nature when context requires distinction.
vintage wine — Emphasizes quality or celebratory setting.
drink — Broad, informal substitute when wine is implied culturally.
grape wine — Distinguishes from other fermented drinks in technical passages.

BDB3534 H3196

BDB3533 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3535

יַ֫יִן141 noun masculinePs 75:9 wine (Late Hebrew id.; Ethiopic : vitis, vinea, vinum; Arabic (black) grapes, see HomZMG 1889, 654; Sabean וין vineyard, MordtZMG 1887, 364 Homl.c. 659 (both after Glaser); Assyrian inu in vocabularies, but this loan-word from western Shemites, according to HomAufsätze 102; JenZA i, 186 f., ZMG 1890, 705 argues to the contrary) — absolute יַ֫יִן Gen 9:21 + 84 t.; יָ֑יִן Gen 14:18 + 33 t.; construct יַ֫יִן Ps 60:5; Song 8:2 יֵין Deut 32:18 + 9 t.; suffix יֵינִי Song 5:1, etc.; — wine:
  a. common drink, for refreshment Gen 14:18 (E?) Gen 27:25 (J), Judg 19:19; 2Sam 16:2; Amos 5:11; Amos 9:14; Hos 14:8; Job 1:13; Job 1:18; Dan 1:5 +, tonic Prov 31:6 article of commerce Ezek 27:18; Neh 13:15 among supplies in strongholds 2Chr 11:11 as making merry 2Sam 13:28; Zech 9:15; Zech 10:7; Esth 1:10; Eccl 9:7; Eccl 10:19; Ps 104:15.
  b. used for rejoicing before ׳י Deut 14:26, compare Hos 9:4 as drink-offering in prescribed ritual Exod 29:40; Lev 23:13; Num 15:5; Num 15:7; Num 15:10; Num 28:14 among temple stores 1Chr 9:29 used also in heathen ceremonial, see Deut 32:33.
  c. intoxicating 1Sam 1:14; 1Sam 25:37; Gen 9:21; Gen 9:24; Gen 19:32; Gen 19:33; Gen 19:34; Gen 19:35 (all J), Isa 5:11; Isa 5:22; Prov 21:17; Prov 23:30; Prov 23:31 +; || תִּירוֺשׁ Hos 4:11 || שֵׁכָר 1Sam 1:15; Mic 2:11; Isa 24:9; Isa 28:7 (twice in verse); Isa 56:12 + 12 t.; forbidden to Nazirites Num 6:3 (twice in verse) (חֹמֶץ יַיִן וְחֹמֶץ שֵׁכָר), vNum 6:4 vNum 6:20, compare Amos 2:12 to Rechabites Jer 35:2; Jer 35:5f.; to mother of Samson Judg 13:4; Judg 13:7; Judg 13:14 to priests entering sanctuary Lev 10:9 (P), Ezek 44:21 unfitting for kings Prov 31:4.
  d. combinations are: יֵין הַטּוֺב Song 7:10 = the best wine (read כַּיַּיִן ?) Ges«GKC:133»§ 133. 3, R. 1; יֵין מַלְכוּת Esth 1:7 royal wine; אֹצרְוֺת יַּיִן 1Chr 27:27 stores of wine, wine-supply; יַיִן הָרֶקַח Song 8:2 spiced wine; מִשְׁתֵּה הַיַּיִן wine-feast Esth 5:6; Esth 7:2; Esth 7:7; Esth 7:8 סֹבְאֵי יַיִן Prov 23:20 wine-bibbers; נאֹד יין wine-skin Josh 9:4; Josh 9:13; 1Sam 16:20 נֵבֶל יין id. 1Sam 1:24; 1Sam 10:3; 1Sam 25:18; 2Sam 16:1; Jer 13:12 (twice in verse); בֵּית הַיָּ֑יִן Song 2:4 either wine-house, where wine is drunk, feasting-house (De and others), or place of wine = vineyard (Ew and others; compare גֶּפֶן יַיִן Num 6:4).
  e. metaphor of wisdom's drink Prov 9:2; Prov 9:5, compare Isa 55:1 of ׳י's wrath Jer 25:15 (כּוֺס היין); of confusion sent by ׳י, יַיִן תַּרְעֵלָה wine of reeling Ps 60:5, compare Ps 75:9 of ׳י's awaking for vengeance, like a wine-shouter Ps 78:65 of Babylon's fierce power Jer 51:7 of love Song 5:1 יֵין חֲמָסִים Prov 4:17 in simile of one bursting with words Job 32:19 of disheartened prophet Jer 23:9 (כְּגֶבֶר עֲבָרוֺיַיִן); of lover's mouth Song 7:10 (see above); love is better than wine Song 1:2; Song 4:10.

wine, winebibbers, banqueting, vine
yayin
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
  • wine

חֲמָסִ֣ים
חֲמָסִ֣ים
Root word violence, violent, cruelty, wrong, false, …
Dictionary form: חָמָס · haw-MAWS

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

In the KJV here: of violence
violence ×12 of violence ×5 me from the violent ×4 the violence ×4 and violence ×3 with violence ×3 and for the violence ×2 but violence ×2
More options
violence — Modernized from KJV; broadest, most versatile rendering.
injustice — Emphasizes moral/legal wrong; good in prophetic contexts.
oppression — Highlights power abuse against the vulnerable.
wrongdoing — Softer register; suits ethical or wisdom literature.
brutality — Stresses physical or emotional cruelty; vivid and forceful.
harm — Broader and milder; useful when damage or injury is in view.

BDB2873 H2555

BDB2872 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2874

חָמָס noun masculinePs 7:17 violence, wrong — absolute ׳ח Gen 6:11+ 44 t.; construct חֲמַס Judg 9:24 + 7 t.; suffix חֲמָסִי Gen 16:5; Jer 51:35 (in both = wrong done to me); חֲמָסוֺ Ps 7:17 plural חֲמָסִים 2Sam 22:49 + 3 t.; — violence, specifically of physical violence Judg 9:24; 2Sam 22:3 (not || Ps 18:3), Obad 1:10; Hab 1:9; Jer 51:35 (of Chaldeans), Hab 2:8; Hab 2:17 (twice in verse); Joel 4:19; Ps 72:14 but also wrong, including injurious language, harsh treatment, etc. Gen 16:5 (J, of wrong done to Sarah by, Hagar), Job 19:7; Mal 2:16 in general of rude wickedness of men, their noisy, wild, ruthlessness Mic 6:12; Hab 1:2; Zeph 1:9; Prov 10:6; Prov 10:11; Prov 13:2; Prov 26:6 + Ezek 7:11 (si vera lectio, see Co), || שֹׁד Amos 3:10; Hab 1:3; Jer 6:7; Jer 20:8; Ezek 45:9; Isa 60:18, || רִיב Ps 55:10, || עָמָל Ps 7:17, || גַּאֲוָה Ps 73:6, ׳אֹהֵב ח Ps 11:5 (|| רָשָׁע), denied, of servant of ׳י Isa 53:9, בארץ ׳ח Jer 51:46, compare Gen 6:11; Gen 6:13 (P), Ezek 8:17; Ezek 12:19 מָֽלְאוּ ׳מַחֲשַׁכֵּיאֶֿרֶץ נְאוֺת ח Ps 74:20, ׳הָעִיר מָֽלְאָה ח Ezek 7:23; Ezek 28:16, ׳שֶׁבֶת ח Amos 6:3 is (probably) enthronement of violence; ׳כְּלֵי ח Gen 49:5 (poem) instrument, weapons, of violence; — other phrases are: בְּיָדַיִם ׳ח Jonah 3:8; 1Chr 12:17, compare Job 16:17, יְדֵיכֶם ׳ח Ps 58:3 and בְּכַפֵּיהֶם ׳פֹּעַל ח Isa 59:6 ׳עֵד ח i.e. a witness that promotes violence and wrong Exod 23:1 (JE), Deut 19:16, ׳עֵדֵי ח Ps 35:11 עֵדֵי שֶׁקֶר וִיפֵהַ חָמָס Ps 27:12 ׳שׂנאת ח Ps 25:19 = hatred characterized by violence; אִישׁ חָמָס = violent man Ps 18:49 (2Sam 22:49 has the later חמסים ׳א, compare below) Ps 140:12; Prov 3:31; Prov 16:29 אישׁ חמסים (later) Ps 140:2; Ps 140:5; 2Sam 22:49 יֵין חֲמָסִים Prov 4:17 i.e. wine gained by violence (|| לֶחֶם רֶשַׁע).

violence, violent, cruelty, wrong, false, …
ḥāmās
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
  • violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice

יִשְׁתּֽוּ
יִשְׁתּֽוּ
Root word drink, drunk, drinking, drank, drinketh, …
Dictionary form: שָׁתָה · shaw-TAW

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

In the KJV here: and drink
and drink ×42 drink ×40 to drink ×19 and to drink ×8 and drinking ×7 and drunk ×5 shall drink ×4 and drank ×3
More options
drink — Direct, neutral modern rendering; fits most contexts.
consume — Broader register; good for formal or liturgical prose.
imbibe — Slightly elevated; suits poetic or deliberate literary style.
gulp — Suggests urgency or greediness; useful for vivid narrative scenes.
sip — Implies slow, measured drinking; use when context suggests care.
feast — Captures the banquet/celebratory sense of שָׁתָה in festive contexts.

BDB9072 H8354

BDB9071 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB9073

I. שָׁתָה217 verb drink (Late Hebrew id.; Assyrian šatû, Ethiopic Old Aramaic שתה, Aramaic שְׁתָא, אִשְׁתִּי, [], ; Sabean שתי DHMZMG xxxvii (1883), 403 HomChr 124); —

Qal216 Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳שׁ Exod 34:28 +, 1 singular שָׁתִ֫יתִי 1Sam 1:15 +, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִשְׁתֶּה Gen 44:5 +, וַיִּשְׁתֶּה 1Kgs 19:8, usually וַיֵּשְׁתְּ Gen 9:21+; jussive וְיֵשְׁתְּ 1Kgs 13:18 3 feminine singular וַתֵּשְׁתְּ Num 20:11 2 masculine singular with apocope תֵּשְׁתְּ Judg 13:14 +, וַתֵּשְׁתְּ 1Kgs 13:22 1 singular וָאֵשְׁתְּ Gen 24:46 3 masculine plural יִשְׁתָּי֑וּן Ps 78:44, etc.; Imperative masculine singular שְׁתֵה Gen 24:14 +, etc.; Infinitive absolute שָׁתֹה Isa 21:5; Jer 49:12 (in 1Sam 1:9 after preposition, anomalous, Ges«GKC:113e»§ 113e, omitted by ᵐ5 Th We Dr and modern), שָׁתוֺ Jer 25:28 +, שָׁתוֺת Isa 22:13 (Ges«GKC:75n»§ 75n); construct תְוֺ Prov 31:4, שְׁתוֺת Jer 35:8; Jer 35:14, לִשְׁתּתֹ Gen 24:19 +, suffix שְׁתוֺתוֺ 1Kgs 13:33, לִשְׁתּוֺתָהּ Isa 51:22 etc.; Participle active שֹׁתֶה Isa 29:8 +, feminine שֹׁתָה Job 6:4, etc.; —
1. a. of man: drink, water, wine, etc., Exod 34:28 (JE), compare Exod 15:24 (J), 1Sam 30:12; Amos 2:8; Amos 4:8; Amos 5:11; Isa 5:22; Isa 62:8; Isa 62:9; Prov 31:4; Judg 13:4; Judg 13:7; Judg 13:14 + often (2 t. J E; 6 t. D); by measure (short allowance) Ezek 4:11; Ezek 4:16 milk Ezek 25:4, compare Song 5:1 blood 1Chr 11:19 (figurative of water gained by hazard); figurative חֲמָתָם שֹׁתָה רוּחִי Job 6:4 whose venom [of arrows of ׳י] my spirit drinks up; accusative + מִן of source Exod 7:18 (J), vExod 7:21 (E), Exod 15:23 (J), Prov 5:15 (figurative); accusative (of wine, water, etc.) omitted Gen 24:14 (twice in verse); Gen 27:25; Gen 43:34 (all J) + 11 t. J, Exod 7:24; Exod 17:6 (E), Num 20:5 (JE), vNum 20:11; Num 33:14 (P), Judg 15:19 + often; accusative שׁין 2Kgs 18:27 = Isa 36:12 מַמְתַקִּים Neh 8:10 absolute Eccl 2:24 +; + מִן of source 1Kgs 17:4; 1Kgs 17:6; Ps 110:7, מִכֹּסוֺ 2Sam 12:3 בְּמִזְרְקֵי יַיִן ׳שׁ Amos 6:6, compare Gen 44:5 בְּיַיִן ׳שׁ Prov 9:5
  c. מִן partitive Gen 9:21; Exod 7:24; Ruth 2:9, also (figurative) Jer 51:7 (and Job 21:20 infra).
  b. participle as substantive שֹׁתֵי מַיִם Ezek 31:14; Ezek 31:16, שֹׁתֵי יַיִן Joel 1:5 שׁוֺתֵי שֵׁכָר Ps 69:13.
  c. drink wine in sacrificial feast Deut 32:38 (poem); blood of sacrificial victim Ps 50:13 (figurative of ׳י).
  d. subject animals Num 20:19; Jonah 3:7 (both + men), also (figurative) Ezek 34:18; Ezek 34:19 accusative (water) omitted Gen 24:19; Gen 24:22; Gen 30:38 (twice in verse).
  e. figurative of drinking cup of ׳י's wrath, אֶתאכּוֺס ׳שׁ חֲמָתוֺ Isa 51:17 (+ ׳מִיַּד י), compare vIsa 51:17, vIsa 51:22, see also Ezek 23:32; Ezek 23:34 and (accusative omitted) Jer 25:16; Jer 25:26; Jer 25:27 + 8 t. Jeremiah; Hab 2:16 absolute Obad 1:16 (3 t. in verse); accusative שְׁמָרִים Ps 75:9 מֵחֲמַת שַׁדַּי ׳שׁ Job 21:20. feminine drink blood, figurative of slaughter, Num 23:24 (J E; of lion, metaphor of Israel), Zech 9:15 (read דָּמָם for הָמוּ ᵐ5Manuscripts Sta Now Marti); so (blood of ׳י's sacrifice) Ezek 39:17; Ezek 39:18; Ezek 39:19.
  g. figurative of wicked deeds: יֵין חֲמָסִים יִשְׁתּוּ Prov 4:17 (|| לָֽחֲמוּ לֶחֶם רֶשַׁע; these are their food and drink), compare Job 15:16; Job 34:7, but Prov 26:6 apparently = suffers violence (compare De Toy).
2. late, = feast Esth 3:15; Esth 7:1 (compare מִשְׁתֶּה). Niph`al Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִשָּׁתֶה Lev 11:34 (P) all which is (may be) drunk, with ב of vessel. — נִשְׁתָּ֑וָה Prov 27:15 see I. שׁוה near the end For cause, give, to drink see שׁקה.


BDB9990 H8355 H8354

BDB9989 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9991

[שְׁתָה] verb drink (ᵑ7 שְׁתָא, אִשְׁתִּי, Syriac ; see Biblical Hebrew I. שָׁתָה); —

Pe`al Perfect 3 masculine plural אִשְׁתִּיו (K§ 11, 4, a))Dan 5:3; Dan 5:4 Imperfect 3 masculine plural יִשְׁתּוֺן vDan 5:2 Participle active שָׁתֵה vDan 5:1, plural שָׁתַ֫יִן; — drink, accusative wine Dan 5:1; Dan 5:4, + ב of vessel vDan 5:23 and (accusative omitted) vDan 5:2 vDan 5:3.

drink, drunk, drinking, drank, drinketh, …
šātâ
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
  • to drink
    • (Qal)
      • to drink
        • of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (figuratively)
        to feast
      (Niphal) to be drunk

This book is chanted to the poetic accent system (used only in Job, Psalms, and Proverbs). Each group below ends at one of its pausing accents — translate a group as one unit.
כִּ֣י לָ֭חֲמוּ Dechi — a lesser break לֶ֣חֶם רֶ֑שַׁע Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וְיֵ֖ין חֲמָסִ֣ים יִשְׁתּֽוּ Silluq — end of the verse

כִּי לָחֲמוּ לֶחֶם רֶשַׁע וְיֵין חֲמָסִים יִשְׁתּֽוּ׃
17
For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
Cross References

Proverbs 20:17

עָרֵב לָאִישׁ לֶחֶם שָׁקֶר וְאַחַר יִמָּֽלֵא-פִיהוּ חָצָֽץ׃
17
Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

Psalms 14:4

הֲלֹא יָדְעוּ כָּל-פֹּעֲלֵי אָוֶן אֹכְלֵי עַמִּי אָכְלוּ לֶחֶם יְהוָה לֹא קָרָֽאוּ׃
4
Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.

Micah 6:12

אֲשֶׁר עֲשִׁירֶיהָ מָלְאוּ חָמָס וְיֹשְׁבֶיהָ דִּבְּרוּ-שָׁקֶר וּלְשׁוֹנָם רְמִיָּה בְּפִיהֶֽם׃
12
For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.

Proverbs 9:17

מַֽיִם-גְּנוּבִים יִמְתָּקוּ וְלֶחֶם סְתָרִים יִנְעָֽם׃
17
Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

James 5:4

ἰδού μισθὸς τῶν ἐργατῶν τῶν ἀμησάντων τὰς χώρας ὑμῶν ἀπεστερημένος ἀφ' ὑμῶν κράζει καὶ αἱ βοαὶ τῶν θερισάντων εἰς τὰ ὦτα κυρίου Σαβαὼθ εἰσεληλύθασιν
4
Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

Ezekiel 22:25

קֶשֶׁר נְבִיאֶיהָ בְּתוֹכָהּ כַּאֲרִי שׁוֹאֵג טֹרֵֽף טָרֶף נֶפֶשׁ אָכָלוּ חֹסֶן וִיקָר יִקָּחוּ אַלְמְנוֹתֶיהָ הִרְבּוּ בְתוֹכָֽהּ׃
25
There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.

Amos 8:4

שִׁמְעוּ-זֹאת הַשֹּׁאֲפִים אֶבְיוֹן וְלַשְׁבִּית ‫(ענוי)‬ עֲנִיֵּי-אָֽרֶץ׃
4
Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,

Micah 3:5

כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה עַל-הַנְּבִיאִים הַמַּתְעִים אֶת-עַמִּי הַנֹּשְׁכִים בְּשִׁנֵּיהֶם וְקָרְאוּ שָׁלוֹם וַאֲשֶׁר לֹא-יִתֵּן עַל-פִּיהֶם וְקִדְּשׁוּ עָלָיו מִלְחָמָֽה׃
5
Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.

Jeremiah 5:26

כִּי-נִמְצְאוּ בְעַמִּי רְשָׁעִים יָשׁוּר כְּשַׁךְ יְקוּשִׁים הִצִּיבוּ מַשְׁחִית אֲנָשִׁים יִלְכֹּֽדוּ׃
26
For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.

Zephaniah 3:3

שָׂרֶיהָ בְקִרְבָּהּ אֲרָיוֹת שֹֽׁאֲגִים שֹׁפְטֶיהָ זְאֵבֵי עֶרֶב לֹא גָרְמוּ לַבֹּֽקֶר׃
3
Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.

Job 24:5

הֵן פְּרָאִים׀ בַּֽמִּדְבָּר יָצְאוּ בְּפָעֳלָם מְשַׁחֲרֵי לַטָּרֶף עֲרָבָה לוֹ לֶחֶם לַנְּעָרִֽים׃
5
Behold, as wild asses in the desert, go they forth to their work; rising betimes for a prey: the wilderness yieldeth food for them and for their children.

Matthew 23:13

Οὐαὶ δὲ ὑμῖν γραμματεῖς καὶ Φαρισαῖοι ὑποκριταί ὅτι κλείετε τὴν βασιλείαν τῶν οὐρανῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων· ὑμεῖς γὰρ οὐκ εἰσέρχεσθε οὐδὲ τοὺς εἰσερχομένους ἀφίετε εἰσελθεῖν
13
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye that are them entering to go in.