Proverbs 8:22

The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

יְֽהוָ֗ה
יְֽהוָ֗ה
Root word a name — transliterate it ("The lord")
Dictionary form: יְהֹוָה · yeh-hoh-WAW

Noun — Proper Name

In the KJV here: the lord
the lord ×2811 of the lord ×1522 and the lord ×457 unto the lord ×342 o lord ×222 am the lord ×158 lord ×67 to the lord ×60
More options
the LORD — Standard modern Bible convention; small-caps signal the divine name.
YHWH — Preserves the Hebrew tetragrammaton; used in scholarly translations.
Yahweh — Reconstructed pronunciation; preferred in academic and some modern versions.
the Lord — General rendering when small-caps convention is unavailable.
God — Use only where context clearly equates YHWH with generic deity.
the Eternal — Captures timeless-existence nuance; used in some progressive translations.

BDB2100 H3068 H3069 H1961 H430 H589 H2022 H6635

BDB2099 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2101

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

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

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

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

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


BDB3475 H3068

BDB3474 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3476

׳יְהוֺ proper name compounded with, see below יהוה above.


BDB3483 H3068 H3069

BDB3482 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3484

יהוה proper name, of deity, see below הוה.


BDB3489 H3068 H3097

BDB3488 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3490

׳יו = ׳יְהוֺ proper name compounded with, see below יהוה above: — namely יוֺאָב, יוֺאָח, יוֺאָחָז, יוֺאֵל, יוֺאָשׁ, יוֺיָכִין, יוֺיָקִים, יוֺיָרִיב, יוֺעֵד, יוֺעָשׁ, יוֺקִים, יוֺרָם, יוֺתָם, etc.

lord, lords, god, jehovah, jehovah-jireh, …
yĕhōwâ
the existing One
(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God
  • the proper name of the one true God
    • unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of H0136

קָ֭נָ נִי
קָ֭נָ
Root word buy, bought, get, purchased, getteth, …
נִי
Suffix — pronoun my / me
Dictionary form: קָנָה · kaw-NAW

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

In the KJV here: possessed
buy ×9 bought ×6 get ×3 and get ×2 and he bought ×2 and to buy ×2 getteth ×2 i have bought ×2
More options
buy — Most common sense; commercial or transactional contexts.
acquire — Broader than purchase; suits property, status, or wisdom.
purchase — Formal register; emphasizes deliberate transaction.
possess — Stresses resulting ownership rather than the act of buying.
obtain — Neutral; useful when means of acquisition is unspecified.
redeem — Rare; when legal or theological recovery of ownership is implied.

BDB7480 H7069

BDB7479 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7481

I. קָנָה84 verb get, acquire (Late Hebrew = Biblical Hebrew; Phoenician (Punic) מקנא, property [in cattle]; Assyrian ‡anû, gain, acquire, MeissnSuppl. 85; Arabic (,) acquire, procure; Sabean קני acquire, possess, CISiv,no.89,5.6, קני noun property Idib,no.3,8,29,3; Ethiopic acquire, subjugate; Aramaic קְנָא, (accquire); —

Qal81 Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳ק Gen 25:10 +; suffix קֶָ נ֑ךָ Deut 32:6, קָנָהוּ Lev 27:24 3 feminine singularקָֽנְתָה Ps 78:54 2 masculine singular קָנִיתָ Exod 15:16 +, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִקְנֶךְ Lev 22:11 +, וַיִ֫קֶן Gen 33:19 +, etc.; Imperative masculine singular קְנֵח Gen 47:19 +; Infinitive absolute קָנֹה Lev 25:14; 1Chr 21:24, קָנוֺ 2Sam 24:24 cstr. קְנֹה Prov 16:16, קְנוֺת Prov 16:16 +, etc.; Participle קֹנֶה Deut 28:68, קְוֺנֶה Prov 15:32 +, etc.; —
1. get, acquire (all poetry) :
  a. of God as originating, creating, קֹנֵה שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ Gen 14:19; Gen 14:22; Deut 32:6 (Israel), Ps 139:13 (כִּלְֹיתָ֑י); Prov 8:22 ( חכמה q. v.).
  b. of God as victoriously redeeming his people Exod 15:16; Isa 11:11; Ps 74:2 (|| גָּאַל) object הַרוֶֿה Ps 78:54.
  c. of Eve, acquiring קַיִן, ׳אֶתיֿ (i.e. with the help of), Gen 4:1 (J).
  d. of acquiring wisdom, knowledge (only Proverbs): Prov 1:5; Prov 4:5 (twice in verse); Prov 4:7 (twice in verse); Prov 15:32; Prov 16:16 (twice in verse); Prov 17:16; Prov 18:15; Prov 19:8; Prov 23:23.
2. elsewhere buy Exod 21:2 (E), Gen 47:22 (J), Gen 50:13 (P), Lev 27:24(H), Deut 28:68; Isa 24:2; Jer 13:1; Ezek 7:12; Prov 20:14 +; קֹנֶה owner, as purchaser Lev 25:30 (P) Isa 1:3; Zech 11:5 +. Niph`al be bought: Perfect 3 masculine singular נִקְנָה Jer 32:43 Imperfect 3 masculine plural יִקָּנוּ vJer 32:15. Hiph`il Perfect 3 masculine singular suffix אָדָם חִקְנַנִי Zech 13:5 AV makes denominative of מִקְנֶה cattle; Thes RV MartiKau Buhl caused (one) to purchase me, i.e. made me a bondman; < We Now GASm read אֲרָמָה קִנְיָנִיParticiple מַקְנֶה see קנא.


BDB9864 H7066 H7069

BDB9863 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9865

[קְנָא] verb acquire, buy (see Biblical Hebrew I. קנה); —

Pe`al Imperfect 2 masculine singular תִּקְנֵא Ezra 7:17 with accusative of thing, + בְּכַסְפָּא.

buy, bought, get, purchased, getteth, …
qānâ
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
  • to get, acquire, create, buy, possess
    • (Qal)
      • to get, acquire, obtain
        • of God originating, creating, redeeming His people
          • possessor
          of Eve acquiring"of acquiring knowledge, wisdom
        to buy
      (Niphal) to be bought"(Hiphil) to cause to possess

רֵאשִׁ֣ית
רֵאשִׁ֣ית
Root word beginning, firstfruits, first, chief, chiefest, …
Dictionary form: רֵאשִׁית · ray-SHEET

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

In the KJV here: me in the beginning
in the beginning ×5 is the beginning ×4 the chief ×4 the firstfruits ×4 of the first ×3 the first ×3 and the first ×2 and the firstfruits ×2
More options
beginning — Temporal sense; best for origins or start of something.
first — Ordinal sense; suits ranked or sequential contexts.
firstfruits — Ritual/agricultural offering of initial harvest yield.
best — Qualitative sense; when 'chief' or 'choicest' is meant.
prime — Highlights supremacy or top quality in formal register.
origin — Abstract sense; emphasizes source rather than sequence.

BDB7684 H7225

BDB7683 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7685

[רֵאשִׁית] noun feminine beginning, chief (for *רְאֵשִׁית GGA 1884, 1019, compare HolzHexateuch 465; Syriac ); — absolute ׳ר Deut 33:21+, construct ׳ר Gen 10:10+, רֵשִׁית Deut 11:12 suffix רֵאשִׁיתוֺ Eccl 7:8, רֵאשִׁתוֺ Job 42:12, etc.; —

1.
  a. beginning of kingdom Gen 10:10 (J), year Deut 11:12, reign Jer 26:1; Jer 27:1; Jer 28:1; Jer 49:34= first phase, step, or element in course of events Isa 46:10 (opposed to אַחֲרִית); of a thing (דָּבָר) Eccl 7:8 (opposed to id.); of sin Mic 1:13, strife Prov 17:14, wisdom Ps 111:10, knowledge Prov 1:7 thy beginning Job 8:7 = thine early life so his beginning Job 42:12 (both opposed to אַחֲרִית), ׳ר before clause, ׳בָּרָא א ׳בְּר Gen 1:1 in the beginning when god created (> absolute in the beginning God created); אֹנִי ׳ר Gen 49:3 (poem) beginning (first product) of my manly vigour (|| בְּכֹרִי כֹּחִי so Deut 21:17; Ps 78:51 (both || בְּכוֺת Ps 105:36 compare דֵּרְכֵי אֵל ׳ר Job 40:19 (of hippopotamus), דַּרְכּוֺ ׳ר Prov 8:22 (of wisdom);=first season (of a tree) Hos 9:10 גּוֺיִם׳ר Num 24:20 (JE), first, earliest, of nations.
  b. first of fruits Exod 23:19 (E), Exod 34:26 (JE), Deut 26:2; Deut 26:10; Ezek 44:30.a, of harvest Lev 23:10 (H), grain Deut 18:4; 2Chr 31:5 dough Num 15:20; Num 15:21 (P), Ezek 44:30b Neh 10:38, wool Deut 18:4 of כָּלתְּֿבוּאָתֶ֑ךָ Prov 3:9 Israel is תְּבוּאָתֹה ׳ר Jer 2:3 (i.e. of ׳יs increase); ׳ר=first-fruits Lev 2:12 (P), Num 18:12 (P), Neh 12:44 הָאָרֶץ ׳ר Ezek 48:14
2. first chief, Amos 6:1 גְּבוּרָתָם ׳ר Jer 49:35 (of bows); so apparently בְּנֵי עַמּוֺן ׳ר Dan 11:41, i.e. the principal part of them (Buhl Marti conjecture שְׁאֵרִית after ᵑ6); מַשְׁאוֺתֵיכֶם ׳ר Ezek 20:40, i.e. your chief oblations; שְׁמָנִים ׳ר Amos 6:6, i.e. choice oils; = choice part, of land Deut 33:21, offering 1Sam 2:29, הַחֵרֶם 1Sam 15:21 absolute chief thing Prov 4:7 (of wisdom).

beginning, firstfruits, first, chief, chiefest, …
rēʾšît
the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)
  • first, beginning, best, chief
    • beginning
    • "first"chief"choice part

דַּרְכּ ֑וֹ
דַּרְכּ
Root word way, ways, toward, journey, manner, …
֑וֹ
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Dictionary form: דֶּרֶךְ · deh-REK

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

In the KJV here: of his way
the way ×102 by the way ×55 in the way ×52 way ×50 his way ×21 toward ×21 his ways ×18 the ways ×16
More options
way — Versatile default; fits literal path and figurative usage.
path — More poetic; suits moral or life-direction contexts.
road — Concrete, physical route; prefer for travel narratives.
journey — Emphasizes the act of traveling rather than the route.
manner — Best when דֶּרֶךְ means conduct, habit, or lifestyle.
direction — Use when context indicates orientation or heading.

BDB2010 H1870

BDB2009 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2011

דֶּ֫רֶךְ715 noun masculineDeut 17:16 & (less often) feminineExod 18:20 way, road, distance, journey, manner — absolute ׳ד Gen 38:16 +; דָּ֑רֶךְ vGen 38:21 +; construct דֶּרֶךְ Gen 3:24 suffix דַּרְכִּי Gen 24:42 + 4 t. + 2Sam 22:33 דַּרְכִּ֯ו; דַּרְכְּךָ Hos 10:13; 1Kgs 19:15 דַּרְכֶּ֑ךָ Ps 5:9 + 9 t.; דַּרְכֵךְ Jer 2:23 + 8 t.; דַּרְכּוֺ Gen 6:12 +; דַּרְכָּהּ 1Sam 1:18; Job 28:23 דַּרְכֵּנוּ Judg 18:5 + 2 t.; דַּרְכְּכֶם Gen 19:2 + 3 t., דַּרָכָּם 1Kgs 2:4 +; dual דְּרָכַיִם Prov 28:6; Prov 28:18 plural דְּרָכִים Deut 28:7 + 6 t.; construct דַּרְכֵי Prov 3:17 + 24 t.; suffix דְּרָכַי Job 13:15 + 17 t., דְּרָכָ֑י Ps 95:10 + 4 t.; דְּרָכֶיךָ Deut 28:29 + 16 t.; דְּרָכֶךָ Exod 33:13 + 2 t.; דְּרָכַיִךְ Jer 3:18 + 4 t.; דְּרָכָ֑יִךְ Ezek 7:3 + 3 t.; דְּרָכָיו Deut 10:12 +; דְּרָכֶיהָ Prov 3:17 + 3 t.; דְּרָכֵינוּ Lam 3:40; Zech 1:6 דַּרְכֵיכֶם Lev 26:22 + 17 t.; דַּרְכֵיהֶם Jer 16:17 + 5 t.; דַּרְכֵיהֶן Ezek 16:47

1. way, road, path Gen 35:3 (E) Gen 38:16; Gen 38:21 (both J) Gen 48:7 (P), Gen 49:17 (J; poem) Lev 26:22 (H, only here in Leviticus) Num 22:22; Num 22:23 (3 t. in verse); Num 22:31; Num 22:34 (all J E) Deut 6:7; Deut 22:4; Deut 22:6; Deut 23:5; Deut 24:9; Deut 25:17; Deut 25:18; (D) Ruth 1:7; 1Sam 4:13 (on text compare Dr) 1Sam 15:2; 1Sam 24:4; 2Sam 16:13; 1Kgs 13:9; 1Kgs 13:10 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 13:12; 1Kgs 13:17; 1Kgs 13:24 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 13:25; 1Kgs 13:26; 1Kgs 13:28; 1Kgs 18:6 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 18:7; 1Kgs 20:38; 2Kgs 2:23; 2Kgs 3:8; 2Kgs 6:19; 2Kgs 19:33 = Isa 37:29; Isa 37:34; Hos 6:9; Hos 13:7; Isa 43:16; Isa 43:19; Isa 49:9; Isa 49:11; Isa 51:10; Isa 57:14 (twice in verse); Jer 6:25; Lam 1:5; Ezek 21:24; Ezek 21:25; Ezek 42:11; Ezek 42:12; Ps 107:40; Ps 110:7; Prov 7:8; Prov 8:2; Prov 26:13; Eccl 10:3; Eccl 12:5 construct way of (often = to, toward) עֵץ הַחַיִּים ׳ד Gen 3:24 (J) שׁוּר ׳ד Gen 16:7 (J) אֶרֶץ פְּלִשְׁתִּים ׳ד Exod 13:17 (E) הַבָּשָׁן ׳ד Num 21:33 (JE); compare Deut 1:2; Deut 1:19; Deut 3:1; Josh 2:7 (JE) Josh 12:3; 1Sam 6:9; 1Sam 6:12; 1Sam 13:17; 1Sam 13:18 (twice in verse); 1Sam 17:52; 2Kgs 3:20; Isa 15:5; Jer 2:18 (twice in verse); Jer 50:5; Ezek 47:15; Ezek 48:1 הַמִּדְבָּר ׳ד (of different ways) Exod 13:18 (E) Josh 8:15 (JE) Judg 20:42, compare Deut 2:8; 2Sam 2:24; 2Kgs 3:8 ׳ד אֶתהַֿמִּדְבָּר 2Sam 15:23 is corrupt; read הַזַּיִת אֲשֶׁר ׳ד בַּטִּדְבָּר ᵐ5L Dr compare We the way of the olive-tree which, etc.; הָעֲרָבָה ׳ד Deut 2:8 and (with different reference) 2Sam 4:7; 2Kgs 25:4 = Jer 52:7; Jer 39:4 הַכִּכָּר ׳ד 2Sam 18:23 יַםסֿוּף ׳ד Num 14:25; Num 21:4 (JE) Deut 1:40; Deut 2:1 often of gateway, as הַשַּׁעַר ׳ד 2Sam 15:2 compare 2Kgs 11:19; 2Kgs 25:4 = Jer 52:7; Ezek 9:2; Ezek 43:4; Ezek 44:1; Ezek 44:4; Ezek 46:9 (5 t. in verse); Ezek 47:2 ׳ד אוּלָם הַשַּׁעַר Ezek 44:3; Ezek 46:2; Ezek 46:8 בֵּית הַגָּן ׳ד 2Kgs 9:27, גַּןהַֿמֶּלֶךְ ׳ד Jer 39:4 הַיָּם ׳ד Isa 8:23 (compare Commentaries & SchumacherJaulan 63 and PEFApr. 1889, 78); מְבוֺא הַסּוּסִים ׳ד 2Kgs 11:16 followed by ָ  ה locative Gen 35:19 (E), Gen 38:14 (J) Gen 48:7 (P; read אפרתה Ol); הַמֶּלֶךְ נֵלֵךְ ׳ד Num 20:17; Num 21:22 (both J E; Arabic of different highroads, compare Seetzeni. 61, 132, ii. 336 RobBR iii. 141 Di; = מְסִלָּה Num 20:19) i.e. the highway, used by king with his army; compare || בַּדֶּרֶךְ בַּדֶּרֶךְ Deut 2:27 i.e. straight (or steadily) along the way; in particular of path, way, in which God moves בַּיָּם דַּרְכֶּ֑ךָ Ps 77:20 (|| וּשְׁבִילְיךָ֯ בְּמַיִם רַבִּים); וּבִשְׂעָרָה דַּרְכּוֺ Nah 1:3 compare בַּמִּדְבָּר פַּנּוּ ׳י ׳ד Isa 40:8 (|| יַשְּׁרוּ בָּֽעֲרָבָה מְסִלָּה לאלהינו); also Mal 3:1, compare Isa 43:16; Isa 43:19 (way made by ׳י) & Isa 51:10 path of lighting Job 28:26; Job 38:25 of light Job 38:19; Job 38:24, of camel (בִּכְרָה) Jer 2:23, of locusts Joel 2:7 (plural); see further the four wonderful things Prov 30:19 the way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent upon a rock, the way of a ship in the heart of the sea, and the way of a man with a maid (i.e. no trace is left in any case); compare also vProv 30:20 כֵּן דֶּרֶךְ אִשָּׁה מְנָאָ֑פֶת; figure of death אָנֹכִי הוֺלֵךְ הַיּוֺם בְּדֶרֶךְ כָּלהָֿאָרֶץ Josh 23:14 I am going to-day in the way of all the earth (D); so also 1Kgs 2:2 (compare Gen 19:31 4 a).
2. journey Gen 24:21; Gen 24:40; Gen 24:42; Gen 24:56 (all J) Num 9:10; Num 9:13 (P) Josh 9:11; Josh 9:13 (both J E) 1Kgs 18:27; 1Kgs 19:7 ׳רַב מִמְּךָ הַדּ; ׳לַעֲשׂוֺת ד Judg 17:8 בְּאֵר ׳ד שָׁ֑בַע Amos 8:14 (journey of — to — Beersheba compare Hi St; but text dubious, ᵐ5 ὁ θεός, compare Gunning; HoffmZAW 1883, 123 proposes דֹּדְךָ, We בְּאֵרְךָ compare BuThLz 1892, 62); דֶּרֶךְ חֹל 1Sam 21:6 a common (not sacred) journery; especially with temporary modification שְׁלשֶׁת יָמִים ׳ד Gen 30:36 (J) Exod 3:18; Exod 5:3; Exod 8:23; Num 10:33 (twice in verse) (all J E), Num 33:8 (P) compare also Gen 31:23 (E) Num 11:31 (twice in verse) (JE), 1Kgs 19:4; 2Kgs 3:9 go one's way הָלַךְ לְדַרְכּוֺ Gen 19:2 (J), Gen 32:2 (E), Gen 33:16 (J), Num 24:25; Josh 2:16 (both J E), Judg 18:26; Judg 19:27; 1Sam 1:18; 1Sam 26:25; 1Sam 30:2; 1Kgs 1:49; Jer 28:11, see הלך; also ׳הָפַךְ לְד 1Sam 25:12, & (figurative) ׳פָּנָה לְד Isa 53:6 (so Isa 56:11 5 below); of זוֺנָה, figurative of Israel, וַתְּפַזְּרִי אֶתדְּֿרָכַיִךְ לַזָּרִים Jer 3:13.
3. of direction, almost or quite = toward, 1Kgs 8:44; 1Kgs 8:48 = 2Chr 6:34; 2Chr 6:38 pray toward the city, etc.; 2Chr 18:43 look toward the sea; especially in Ezek. of looking, going, etc. צָפוֺנָה ׳ד Ezek 8:5 (twice in verse); compare Ezek 21:2; Ezek 40:6 construct הַקָּדִים ׳ד Ezek 40:10 (strike out ᵐ5 Hi Co) vEzek 40:22; Ezek 43:1 הַצָּפוֺן ׳ד vEzek 43:20 compare הַדָּרוֺם ׳ד vEzek 43:24 vEzek 43:24, הַיָּם ׳ד Ezek 41:12, הֶחָצֵר ׳ד Ezek 42:7 etc. (c. 28 t. Ezekiel); (see also מִדֶּרֶךְ Ezek 9:2 compare Ezek 43:2; Ezek 44:3 on אַמָּה אֶחָת ׳ד Ezek 42:4 see VB Co Da) compare לֹאיִֿפְנֶה דֶּרֶךְ כְּרָמִים Job 24:18.
4. way, manner:
  a. usage כָּלהָֿאָרֶץ ׳ד Gen 19:31 (J; compare also Josh 23:14; 1Kgs 2:2 above)
  b. = customary experience, or condition נָשִׁים ׳ד Gen 31:35 (E).
  c. מִצְרַיִם ׳ד Amos 4:10 the manner of Egypt, i.e. as was done in Egypt; Isa 10:24; Isa 10:26.
  d. habit of animals, ants Prov 6:6 (plural)
5. figurative of course of life, or action, undertakings, etc. לֹא תַצְלִיחַ אֶתדְּֿרָכֶיךָ Deut 28:29 compare Josh 1:8 (D) 1Sam 18:14; 2Sam 22:33 = Ps 18:33; Job 3:23; Job 8:19; Job 17:9; Job 22:28; Job 24:23; Job 31:4; Job 34:21; Ps 10:5; Ps 35:6; Ps 37:5; Ps 37:7; Ps 37:23; Ps 91:11; Ps 102:24; Ps 119:37; Ps 128:1; Ps 139:3; Ps 146:9; Prov 2:8; Prov 3:6; Prov 3:23; Prov 11:5; Prov 20:24; Prov 29:27; Prov 31:3; Isa 40:27; Isa 45:13; Isa 48:15; Isa 55:8; Isa 55:9; Jer 2:36; Jer 10:23; Jer 12:1; Jer 23:12; Lam 3:9; Lam 3:11; Hos 2:8; Hos 9:8; Hos 10:13; (עְנָוִים ׳ד); thrice (Chronicles) in summary of a king's life, of Abijah וּדְרָכָיו וּדְבָרָיו 2Chr 13:22 of Jotham וְכָלמִֿלְחֲמֹתָיו וּדְרָכָיו 2Chr 27:7 of Ahaz וְכָלדְּֿרָכָיו הָרִאשֹׁנִים וְהָאַחֲרוֺנִים 2Chr 28:26 אֹרְחֹתֶיךָ ׳ד Isa 3:12 compare also Isa 30:11 and Isa 57:18 = gain Isa 56:11, pleasure, etc. Isa 58:13.
6. a. of moral action and character הִשְׁחִית כָּלבָּֿשָׂר אֶתדַּֿרְכּוֺ עַלהָֿאָרֶץ Gen 6:12 (P); compare Jer 3:21 יִשְׁמְרוּ אֶתדַּֿרְכָּם 1Kgs 2:4; 1Kgs 8:25 = 2Chr 6:16 compare v2Chr 6:39 = 2Chr 6:30 ׳הֵכִין דְּרָכָיו לִפְנֵי י 2Chr 27:6; Ps 5:9; Ps 39:2; Ps 49:14; Ps 50:23; Ps 119:5; Ps 119:26; Ps 119:59; Ps 119:168; Prov 4:26; Prov 5:8; Prov 5:21; Prov 10:9; Prov 14:2; Prov 14:8; Prov 14:12; Prov 16:2; Prov 16:7; Prov 16:9; Prov 16:17; Prov 16:25; Prov 19:3; Prov 19:16; Prov 21:2; Prov 21:29; Jer 2:33; Jer 6:27; Jer 7:3; Jer 7:5; Jer 16:17; Jer 17:10; Jer 18:11; Jer 18:15; Jer 26:13; Jer 32:19 (twice in verse); Lam 3:40; Ezek 7:3; Ezek 7:8; Ezek 7:9; Ezek 7:27; Ezek 14:22; Ezek 14:23; Ezek 18:25; Ezek 18:29; Ezek 18:30; Ezek 24:14; Ezek 28:15; Ezek 33:17; Ezek 33:20; Ezek 36:19; Hag 1:5; Hag 1:7; Zech 1:6 דַּרְכֵי לִבְּךָ Eccl 11:9 compare Isa 57:17 (& Jer 32:39
  c. below)
  b. of duty (commanded by ׳י, etc.) יֵלְכוּ בָּהּ ׳הַדּ Exod 18:20 (E) compare Exod 32:8 (JE) Deut 9:12; Deut 9:16; Deut 13:6; Deut 31:29; Ps 25:8; Ps 25:12; Ps 32:8; Ps 119:1; Ps 143:8; Prov 21:16; Prov 22:6; Prov 23:19; Isa 30:21; Isa 48:17; Jer 7:23; Mal 2:8 so too, of wisdom דְּרָכֶיהָ דַרְכֵינֹֿעַם Prov 3:17, חָכְמָה ׳ד Prov 4:11; Prov 8:32 compare Prov 23:26 בִּינָה ׳ד Prov 9:6 compare Isa 40:14.
  c. specifically: in good sense הַטּוֺבָה וְהַיְשָׁרָה ׳ד 1Sam 12:23; 1Kgs 8:36 = 2Chr 6:27 compare Prov 16:31; Jer 6:16 תֹּם דְּרָכֶיךָ Job 4:6 compare Job 22:8; Prov 13:6 דְּרָכָיו (i.e. of light) Job 24:13 (|| נְתִיבֹתָיו); צַדִּיקִים ׳ד Ps 1:6, טוֺבִים ׳ד Prov 2:20, יִשְׁרֵידָֿ֑רֶךְ Ps 37:14, תְּמִימֵי דָ֑רֶךְ Prov 11:20; Ps 119:1 תָּמִים ׳ד Ps 101:2; Ps 101:6, אֱמוּנָה ׳ד Ps 119:30, שָׁלוֺם ׳דּ Isa 59:8 עוֺלָּם ׳ד Ps 139:24, חַיִּים ׳ד Prov 6:23, compare Prov 12:28; Jer 21:8 (opposed to המות ׳ד see below); without modifier 1Sam 8:3; 1Sam 8:5; Job 13:15; Job 23:10, ׳לֵב אֶחָד וְד אֶחָד Jer 32:39 compare also
  a. above; especially construct before names of good kings 1Kgs 22:43; 2Kgs 22:2; 2Chr 11:17; 2Chr 20:32; 2Chr 21:12 (twice in verse) (plural) so 2Chr 34:2 compare דַּרְכֵי דָּוִיד הָרִאשֹׁנִים 2Chr 17:3 the first ways of David; also דַּרְכֵי עַמִּי Jer 12:16.
  d. oftener in bad sense דַּרְכָּם הַקָּשָׁה Judg 2:19, דַּרְכּוֺ הָרָעָה 1Kgs 13:33, רַע ׳ד Prov 2:12; Prov 8:13; Prov 28:10 compare 2Kgs 17:13; 2Chr 7:14; Jer 18:11; Jer 23:22; Jer 25:5; Jer 26:3; Jer 35:15; Jer 36:2; Jer 36:7; Ezek 3:18; Ezek 3:19; Ezek 13:22; Ezek 20:44; Ezek 33:11; Jonah 3:8; Jonah 3:10; Zech 1:4 לֹא טוֺב ׳ד Ps 36:5; Prov 16:29; Isa 65:2 דַּרְכֵךְ זִמָּה Ezek 16:27 compare with completed metaphor לֹא סְלוּלָה ׳ד Jer 18:15 further שֶׁקֶר ׳ד Ps 119:29, עֹצֶב ׳ד Ps 139:24, פִּשְׁעָם ׳ד Ps 107:17 דַּרְכֵיחֿשֶׁךְ Prov 2:13 דַּרְכֵי מָוֶת Prov 14:12 = Prov 16:25 דרך המות Jer 21:8, compare above c; עָצֵל ׳ד Prov 15:19 (compare Prov 6:6); חַטָּאִים ׳ד Ps 1:1 compare vPs 1:6; Prov 1:15; Prov 3:31; Prov 4:19 (רְשָׁעִים ׳ד), Prov 12:15 (אֱוִיל ׳ד), Prov 13:15 (בֹּגְדִים ׳ד), also Prov 15:9; Prov 21:8; Isa 55:7 עִקֵּשׁ ׳ד Prov 22:5, compare עִקֵּשׁ דְּרָכַיִם Prov 28:6 compare vProv 28:18 further, without modifier, Hos 4:9; Hos 12:3; Prov 7:25; Prov 14:14; Isa 53:6; Isa 66:3; Jer 2:23 (of idolatry רְאִי דַרְכֵךְ בַּגַּיְא) vJer 2:33; Jer 4:11 (compare Hi Gf) vJer 4:18; Jer 15:7; Jer 22:1; Ezek 16:47 (twice in verse); Ezek 16:61; Ezek 18:23; Ezek 20:43; Ezek 23:13; Ezek 23:31; Ezek 33:8; Ezek 33:9 (twice in verse); Ezek 33:11; Ezek 36:17 (twice in verse); Ezek 36:31.Ezek 36:32 compare also below
  a. above; לָתֵת דַּרְכּוֺ בְּראֹשׁוֺ 1Kgs 8:32 to place his way upon his head, i.e. requite it on him = 2Chr 6:23, compare Ezek 7:4; Ezek 9:10; Ezek 11:21; Ezek 16:43; Ezek 22:31 פְּרִי דַּרְכָּם Prov 1:31 especially construct before names of bad kings יָרָבְעָם ׳ד 1Kgs 15:34 (compare v1Kgs 15:26) 1Kgs 16:2; 1Kgs 16:19; 1Kgs 16:26; 1Kgs 22:53 compare v1Kgs 22:53 v1Kgs 22:53 also מַלְכֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל ׳ד 2Kgs 8:18; 2Kgs 16:3; 2Chr 21:6; 2Chr 21:13; 2Chr 28:2 (plural); דַּרְכֵי בֵּית אַחְאָב 2Kgs 8:27 = 2Chr 22:3 (of Ahaziah, grandson of Ahab); הָעָם הַזֶּה ׳ד Isa 8:11, הַגּוֺיִם ׳ד Jer 10:2, ׳ד אֲבוֺתֵיכֶם Ezek 20:30 compare 2Kgs 21:21.
  e. way of ׳י:
   (a) = his creative activity Job 26:14 applied in concrete sense to behemoth (hippopotamus) הוּא רֵאשִׁית דַּרְכֵיאֵֿל Job 40:19 (hyperb.); compare of wisdom רֵאשִׁית דַּרְכּוֺ Prov 8:22
   (b) = his moral administration, Exod 33:13 (plural; J E); Deut 32:4; 2Sam 22:31 = Ps 18:31; Job 21:31; Job 36:23 אלהים בַּקֹּדֶשׁ דַּרְכֶּ֑ךָ Ps 77:14 (|| מִי אֵל גָּדוֺל כֵּאלֹהִים); Ps 85:14; Ps 103:7; Ps 138:5; Ps 145:17; Prov 10:29; Isa 55:8; Isa 55:9; Jer 5:4; Jer 5:5; Ezek 18:25 (twice in verse); Ezek 18:29 (twice in verse); Ezek 33:17; Ezek 33:20; Hos 14:10.
   (c) = his commandments לַעֲשׂוֺת צְדָקָה ׳י ׳וְשָֽׁמְרוּ ד וּמִשְׁפָּ֑ט Gen 18:19 (J); ׳כָּלהַֿדֶּרֶךְ אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה י Deut 5:30 compare (plural) Deut 8:6; Deut 10:12; Deut 11:22; Deut 11:28; Deut 19:9; Deut 26:17; Deut 28:9; Deut 30:16; Josh 22:5 (D) Judg 2:22; 2Sam 22:22 = Ps 18:22, 1Kgs 2:3; 1Kgs 3:14; 1Kgs 8:58; 1Kgs 11:33; 1Kgs 11:38; 2Kgs 21:22; 2Chr 6:31; Job 21:14; Job 23:11; Job 34:27; Ps 25:4; Ps 25:9; Ps 27:11; Ps 37:34; Ps 51:15; Ps 67:3; Ps 81:14; Ps 86:11; Ps 95:10; Ps 119:3; Isa 2:3 = Mic 4:2; Isa 42:24; Isa 58:2; Isa 63:17; Isa 64:4; Zech 3:7; Mal 2:9 compare ׳וַיִּגְבַּהּ לִבּוֺ בְּדַרְכֵי י 2Chr 17:6 see also עֵדְוֺתֶיךָ ׳ד Ps 119:14 פִּקּוּדֶיךָ ׳ד vPs 119:27, מִצְוֺתֶ֑יךָ ׳ד vPs 119:32, חֻקֶּיךָ ׳ד vPs 119:33.


BDB8615 H7843 H6013 H7743 H7845 H1870 H516

BDB8614 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8616

[שָׁחַת]151 verb go to ruin (?), only derived species (Late Hebrew Hiph`il = Biblical Hebrew, Ecclus. שחיתה Eccl 30:11 corrupt act; Arabic extirpate; Ethiopic injure, violate; Tel Amarna ša—âtu is fall (especially of city), be prostrate (? of land), perhaps Canaanism (see WklTelAm. Vocab.), Assyrian possibly šêtu, flee, escape (compare אבד); Old Aramaic (Zinjirli) שחת destroy Lzb374, Aramaic שְׁחַת, (assimilation of ), multilate; — very improbable Gerber179 denominative from שַׁחַת); —

Niph`al be marred, spoiled, Perfect 3 masculine singular נִשְׁחַת, of waistcloth Jer 13:7, vessel Jer 18:4 be injured, or even (hyperb.) ruined, Imperfect 3 feminine singular תִּשָּׁחֵת Exod 8:20 (J) of land (מִפְנֵי הֶעָרֹב); be corrupted, corrupt, in mnorals and rel., of earth, Perfect 3 feminine singular נִשְׁחָ֑תָה Gen 6:12 (P), Imperfect 3 feminine singular ׳לִפְנֵי הָא ׳וַתִּשּׁ vGen 6:11 (P); so Participle feminine plural as adjective נִשְׁחָתוֺת Ezek 20:44. Pi`el Perfect 3 masculine singular שִׁחֵת Exod 32:7 +, suffix שִׁחֶתְךָ Hos 13:9 2 masculine singular שִׁחַתָּ Isa 14:20 +, etc.; Imperative masculine plural שַׁחֵ֑תוּ Jer 5:10 Infinitive construct שַׁחֵת Gen 13:10 +, etc.; —
1. spoil, ruin, accusative of eye Exod 21:26 (E), vineyard Jer 12:10 (figurative), branches Nah 2:3 (figurative), also = destroy, accusative of person 2Sam 1:14; 2Sam 14:11 (accusative omitted), Ezek 5:16; Ezek 20:17, כָּלבָֿשָׂר Gen 6:17; Gen 9:15 (P), city, fortress, etc., Gen 13:10; Gen 19:13; Gen 19:29 (all J), 2Sam 24:16; Jer 5:10 (accusative omitted), Jer 48:18; Ezek 26:4; Ezek 43:3; Lam 2:5, ruin temple vLam 2:6, nation Hos 11:9; Hos 13:9 (read perhaps שִׁחַתִּךָ Oort Now), land 2Kgs 19:12 (Hiph`il in || Isa 37:12), Judg 6:5; Josh 22:33 (P), Ezek 22:30; Ezek 30:11, earth Gen 9:11 (P); with ל object (ל 3b), city 1Sam 23:10, person Num 32:15 (P); with accusative רַחֲמָיו Amos 1:11, destroyed (stifled) his compassion (or, RSK 28 and others, the bonds of kinship, see רַחֲמִים), בְּרִית Mal 2:8, i.e. violate it, see especially אַרְצָה ׳וְשׁ (that is, semen) Gen 38:9 (J) he spoiled (it) upon the ground, made it ineffective, = waste words Prov 23:8.
2. pervert, corrupt, accusative wisdom Ezek 28:17, absolute = deal corruptly, הֶעֱמִיקוּ שִׁחֵתוּ Hos 9:9 (compare [עָמֹק], p.770:b; but We Now read שַׁחְתּוֺ, √ שׁוח), Exod 32:7 (JE), Deut 9:12, so לוֺ ׳שׁ Deut 32:5. Hiph`il103 Perfect 3 masculine singular הִשְׁחִית Gen 6:12 +; 1 singular וְהִשְׁחַתִּ֫י Jer 51:20, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יַשְׁחִית Dan 8:24 +, יַשְׁחִת Mal 3:11 +, וַיַּשְׁחֵת 1Chr 20:1 2 feminine singular וַתַּשְׁחִתִי Ezek 16:47, 2 masculine plural תַּשְׁחִתוּן Deut 4:16; Deut 31:29 Imperative masculine singular suffix הַשְׁחִיתָהּ 2Kgs 18:25 = Isa 36:10 Infinitive absolute הַשְׁחֵת Deut 31:29 construct הַשְׁחִית 1Sam 26:15 +, etc.; Participle מַשְׁחִית Gen 19:14 +, etc.; —
1. spoil, ruin, accusative crop Judg 6:4; Mal 3:11, trees Deut 20:19; Deut 20:20; Jer 11:19 (figurative), vessels 2Chr 36:19, houses 2Chr 34:11, palaces Jer 6:5 compare Isa 65:8; Lev 19:27 (H), Ruth 4:6 דַּיָּם ׳הִשׁ Jer 49:9 thieves damage as much as they want; accusative of person = ruin, destroy, 1Sam 26:9; 1Sam 26:15; Judg 20:21; Judg 20:25 (+ אַ֫רְצָה), vJudg 20:35 vJudg 20:42; 2Kgs 13:23; 2Chr 24:23 (+ מִן separ.), + 12 t., + (accusative of person omitted) Isa 51:13 + 4 t., accusative בֵּית דָּוִד 2Chr 21:7, absolute Isa 11:9 = Isa 65:25 also ruin one (by words) Prov 11:9 accusative עַם 2Sam 24:16; Deut 9:26 land 1Sam 6:5; Jer 36:29; Dan 11:17 (see Dr); city wall 2Sam 20:15 (Ew Th here denominative from שַׁחַת they were making a pit; < ᵐ5 We (?) Klo Dr Bu HPS Now מְחַשְּׁבִים were devising), Lam 2:8, cities and nations Gen 18:28 (twice in verse) (J, accusative omitted), Gen 19:13; Gen 19:14 (J), Isa 37:12 (Pi`el in || 2Kgs 19:12), 2Kgs 36:10 (twice in verse) = 2Kgs 18:25 (twice in verse) + 11 t. + (Israel personified) Deut 4:31; Deut 10:10; 2Kgs 8:19, pride of Judah Jer 13:9, earth Jer 51:1 absolute with adverb accusative Dan 8:24 (see Dr; Bev conjecture יְשׂחֵחַ or יָשִׂיחַ utter monstrous things), compare 1Chr 21:12 Participle as adjective, of lion Jer 2:30, angel 1Chr 21:15 = destroyer Exod 12:23 (J), Jer 22:7; Isa 54:16, גּוֺיִם ׳מ Jer 4:7, ׳רוּחַ מ Jer 51:1 singular collective (׳הַמּ Ges«GKC:126l»§ 126l; the destroying band, compare Dr Bu Now) 1Sam 13:17; 1Sam 14:15 (spoilers, ravagers); figurative for snare, trap, Jer 5:26.
2. pervert, corrupt, morally, accusative דֶּרֶךְ Gen 6:12 (P; see דֶּרֶךְ 6), נַפְשׁוֺ Prov 6:32, compare Zeph 3:7; Ezek 23:11 (מִן compare); ׳הִשׁ הִתְעִיבוּ עֲלִילָה Ps 14:1 = Ps 53:2 ׳הַשְׁחֵת תַּשְׁח (+ verb of particular act) Deut 4:16; Deut 31:29 declar. = act corruptly, Isa 1:4; Deut 4:28 (+ verb of act), 2Chr 27:2, + מִן compare Judg 2:19; Ezek 16:47 Participle as substantive Jer 6:28, ׳אִישׁ מַשׁ Prov 28:24 (Prov 18:9 see infra). — אַלתַּֿשְׁחֵת destroy not (catchword of old song or melody ?) in Psalm-titles: Prov 57:1; Prov 58:1; Prov 59:1; Prov 75:1. Hoph`al Participle מָשְׁחָת spoiled, ruined, of a spring, מָקוֺר Prov 25:26 (|| מַעְיָן נִרְפָּשׂ); as substantive Mal 1:14 sacrificing a spoiled thing.

way, ways, toward, journey, manner, …
derek
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
  • way, road, distance, journey, manner
    • road, way, path
    • "journey"direction"manner, habit, way"of course of life (figuratively)"of moral character (figuratively)

קֶ֖דֶם
קֶ֖דֶם
Root word a name — transliterate it ("Before")
Dictionary form: קֶדֶם · keh-DEM

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

In the KJV here: before
of old ×13 of the east ×11 eastward ×9 on the east ×5 on the east side ×3 the east ×3 toward the east ×3 before ×2
More options
east — Primary spatial sense; direction of sunrise.
ancient times — Temporal sense; referring to the remote past.
of old — Slightly elevated but still current; poetic temporal use.
former — Adjectival temporal sense; 'former days/times'.
the east side — Precise spatial sense in boundary or tabernacle contexts.
antiquity — Abstract noun; suits philosophical or hymnic passages.

BDB7303 H6924

BDB7302 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7304

קֶ֫דֶם noun [masculine] front, east, aforetime; — absolute׳ק Deut 33:27 +, קֶ֑קֶם Judg 8:10 +; construct קֶדֶם Prov 8:22 once plural construct קַדְמֵי vProv 8:23

1. location
  a. front, ׳מִקּ Isa 9:11 from the front (i.e. East), in front (opposed to מֵאָחוֺר), ׳אָחוֺר וָק Ps 139:5 behind and before; אֶהֳלֹךְ ׳ק Job 23:8 I go forward (opposed to אָחוֺר)
  b. East: ׳הַרהַֿקּ Gen 10:30 (J) mount of the East; ׳בְּנֵיקֿ = dwellers in the east, tribes east or northeast of Canaan Gen 29:1 (E), Judg 6:3; Judg 6:33; Judg 7:12; Judg 8:10; 1Kgs 5:10; Isa 11:14; Jer 49:28; Ezek 25:4; Ezek 25:10; Job 1:3 ׳הַרְרֵי ק Num 23:7, see Di Sachau: Reise (1883), 159 ff.165 ff. Dr in Hast.PETHOS; ׳אֶרֶץ ק Gen 25:6 (J); מָֽלְאוּ מִקֶּדֶם Isa 2:6 they are full from the east (insert probablyקֶסֶם, מִקְסָם, or < קֹסְמִים before ׳מִקּ, compare Lo De Du CheHpt Di-Kit); elsewhere ׳מִקּ =eastward: (I) in the east Gen 2:8 (2) on the eastern (side) Gen 12:8 (J) Zech 14:4 לְ ׳מִקּ on the east of Gen 3:24 (J), Gen 12:8 (J), Num 34:1l (P), Josh 7:2 (JE), Judg 8:11; Ezek 11:23 = Jonah 4:5 (3) eastward, with verb of motion Gen 11:2; Gen 13:11 (both J).
2. temporal, ancient time, aforetime:
  a. ׳הַרְרֵי ק Deut 33:15 ancient mountains, compare ׳אֱלֹהֵי ק vDeut 33:27, ׳מַלְכֵיקֿ Isa 19:11, ׳בִּשְׁמֵי שְׁמֵיקֿ Ps 68:34.
  b. ׳כִּימֵי ק Ps 44:2 in ancient days; compare ׳מִימֵי ק from of old Isa 23:7; Mic 7:20; Lam 1:7; Lam 2:17; Isa 37:26 = ׳לְמִימֵי ק) 2Kgs 19:25 (see מִן 9b (2)); ׳כִּימֵי ק Isa 51:9; Jer 46:26 ׳יַרְחֵי ק Job 29:2 months of old.
  c. ׳מִקּ from of old Mic 5:1; Isa 45:21; Isa 46:10; Hab 1:12; Neh 12:46; Ps 77:12 ׳מִנִּיק 7; Ps 8:2 springing out of, derived from, ancient times (compare Dr); ׳יָמִים מִקּ Ps 77:6; Ps 143:5 days from of old.
  d. ׳ק alone, as adverb anciently, of old Ps 74:2; Ps 119:152 ׳כְּק Jer 30:20; Lam 5:21 ׳ישֵׁב ק Ps 55:20 he that sitteth (enthroned from) of old.
  e. beginning, מִקַּדְמֵיאָֿ֑רֶץ Prov 8:23 from the beginnings of the earth; מִפְעָלָיו ׳ק Prov 8:22 the beginning of his works (|| רֵאשִׁית).


BDB7305 H6924

BDB7304 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7306

[קֵ֫דֶם], with ה locative I. קֵ֫דְמָה adverb eastward, to, toward, the east; — Gen 25:6 (J), Lev 1:16; Lev 16:14; Num 34:3; Num 34:11; Num 34:15; Josh 19:12; Josh 19:13 (all P), 1Kgs 7:39 = 2Chr 4:10; 1Kgs 17:3 = 2Kgs 13:17; Ezek 8:16 (twice in verse); + north, south, west, Gen 13:14; Gen 28:14 (both J), Num 2:3; Num 3:28; Num 10:5 (north, west, in ᵐ5), Num 34:10 (all P); also as noun after פְּאַת = eastern side, Exod 27:13; Exod 38:13 (both P), + W Ezek 45:7 (strike out Co; read קֶדֶם Berthol Toy Krae), + north, south, west, Num 35:5; Josh 18:20 so ׳גְּבוּל ק Josh 15:5 (all P).


BDB7308 H6929 H6924

BDB7307 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7309

II. קֵ֑דְמָה proper name, masculine Κεδ(ε)μα, son of Ishmael Gen 25:15 = 1Chr 1:31. — I. ׳ק see [קֵדֶם]. above

east, old, eastward, ancient, side, …
qedem
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the East) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
  • (n m) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime
    • front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East
    • "ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time"anciently, of old (adverb)"beginning"east
    (adv) eastward, to or toward the East

מִפְעָלָ֣י ו
מִפְעָלָ֣י
Root word works
ו
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Dictionary form: מִפְעָל · mip-AWL

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

In the KJV here: his works of old
the works ×2 his works of old ×1
More options
work — Broadest choice; fits most contexts naturally.
deed — Emphasizes a concrete, completed action.
achievement — Highlights accomplishment; suits celebratory or hymnic contexts.
act — Brief and vivid; good for poetic or elevated prose.
handiwork — Conveys craftsmanship; fits creation or artisan imagery.

BDB6715 H4659

BDB6714 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6716

[מִפְעָל] noun [masculine] work, thing made (by ׳י); — plural suffix מִפְעָלָיו Prov 8:22.


BDB6716 H4659

BDB6715 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6717

[מִפְעָלָה] noun [feminine] deed (of ׳י); — plural construct ׳מִפְעֲלוֺת י Ps 46:9, אֱלֹהִים ׳מ Ps 66:5.

works
mipʿāl
a performance
  • work, thing made

מֵ אָֽז
מֵ
Prefix — preposition from, out of
אָֽז
Adverb then, time, since, beginning, even, …
Dictionary form: אָז · awdz

Adverb

then ×88 was then ×6 and then ×3 that then ×3 from the beginning ×2 him then ×2 since ×2 and i then ×1
More options
then — Default choice for sequential or temporal 'then'.
at that time — More explicit; useful when context needs clarity.
since — Prefer when marking a starting point extending to now.
from that point on — Emphasizes ongoing duration from a past moment.
formerly — Good for retrospective or 'in earlier times' contexts.
in those days — Slightly narrative; suits historical or story passages.

BDB254 H227

BDB253 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB255

אָז adverb (compare , also Biblical Aramaic אֱדַיִן properly a substantive = time; see מֵאָז) at that time, then, whether expressing duration, or inception (= thereupon).

1. strictly temporal:
  a. of past time: — without a verb Gen 12:6; Gen 13:7; Josh 14:11; 2Sam 23:14 with a perfect Gen 4:26; Exod 4:26; Josh 10:33; Judg 8:3; Judg 13:21; Jer 22:15 אָז טוֺב לוֺ then was it well to him (compare vJer 22:16; Hos 2:9); more usually (especially when = thereupon) with an imperfect (see Dr§ 27) Exod 15:1; Num 21:17; Josh 8:30; Josh 10:12; Josh 22:1; 1Kgs 3:16; 1Kgs 8:1; 1Kgs 9:11 (see DrIntr.192) and elsewhere.
  b. of future time (usually where some emphasis is intended), with imperfect Isa 35:5; Isa 35:6; Isa 60:5; Mic 3:4, rather differently Lev 26:41; 1Sam 20:12 rarely with perfect 2Sam 5:24b (will have gone forth) Isa 33:23: with an accompanying logical force, implying the fulfilment of a condition, then = if or when this has been done (with the imperfect) Gen 24:41; Exod 12:44; Exod 12:48; Deut 29:19; Josh 1:8; 1Sam 6:3; Isa 58:8; Isa 58:9; Jer 11:15 Hi Ke Ps 19:14; Ps 51:21; Prov 3:23; Job 11:15; Job 13:20; Job 22:26.
  c. in poetry אז is sometimes used to throw emphasis on a particular feature of the description Gen 49:4; Exod 15:15; Judg 5:8; Judg 5:11; Judg 5:13; Judg 5:19; Judg 5:22; Isa 33:23; Isa 41:1; Hab 1:11; Ps 2:5; Ps 96:12.
  d. it points back with emphasis to an infinitive with בּ 2Sam 5:24 a Ps 126:2 (twice in verse); Job 28:27; Job 33:16 to בַּיּוֺם הַהוּא (anomalously) 1Chr 16:7.
2. expressing logical sequence strictlyd: in the apodosis: — after אם (rare) for sake of special emphasis Isa 58:14; Prov 2:5; Job 9:31 = in that case, after לוּ or לוּלֵא 2Sam 2:27 hadst thou not spoken, כִּי אָז surely then had the people, etc. 2Sam 19:7; Ps 119:92 after אחלי 2Kgs 5:3; Ps 119:6 after a suppressed protasis 2Kgs 13:19; Job 3:13 יָשַׁנְתִּי אָז יָנוּחַ לִי I had slept, then were there rest for me; Josh 22:31 (strangely) = now, as things are; Eccl 2:15 = that being so. (122 t., besides מאז and מןאֿז. Seldom used except where some special emphasis is de-sired. 'Then' of AV RV more commonly repre-sents וְ, especially in the apodosis.)

then, time, since, beginning, even, …
ʾāz
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
  • then, at that time
    • temporal expressions
      • then (past)
      • "then, if...then (future)"earlier
      logical expressions
      • in that case
      • "that (being so)

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.
יְֽהוָ֗ה Revia Gadol — a lesser break קָ֭נָנִי Dechi — a lesser break רֵאשִׁ֣ית דַּרְכּ֑וֹ Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here קֶ֖דֶם מִפְעָלָ֣יו מֵאָֽז Silluq — end of the verse

יְֽהוָה קָנָנִי רֵאשִׁית דַּרְכּוֹ קֶדֶם מִפְעָלָיו מֵאָֽז׃
22
The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
Cross References

Colossians 1:17

καὶ αὐτός ἐστιν πρὸ πάντων καὶ τὰ πάντα ἐν αὐτῷ συνέστηκεν
17
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

John 1:1

Ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν λόγος καὶ λόγος ἦν πρὸς τὸν θεόν καὶ θεὸς ἦν λόγος
1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Proverbs 3:19

יְֽהוָה בְּחָכְמָה יָֽסַד-אָרֶץ כּוֹנֵן שָׁמַיִם בִּתְבוּנָֽה׃
19
The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

Psalms 104:24

מָֽה-רַבּוּ מַעֲשֶׂיךָ׀ יְֽהוָה כֻּלָּם בְּחָכְמָה עָשִׂיתָ מָלְאָה הָאָרֶץ קִנְיָנֶֽךָ׃
24
O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

Job 28:26

בַּעֲשֹׂתוֹ לַמָּטָר חֹק וְדֶרֶךְ לַחֲזִיז קֹלֽוֹת׃
26
When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder: