Psalms 104:4

עֹשֶׂ֣ה מַלְאָכָ֣יו רוּח֑וֹת מְ֝שָׁרְתָ֗יו אֵ֣שׁ לֹהֵֽט

Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

רוּח֑וֹת

Root word spirit, wind, breath, winds, mind, …

Dictionary form: רוּחַ · ROO-ah

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

In the KJV here: spirits

the spirit ×47 spirit ×35 wind ×28 the wind ×27 and the spirit ×25 my spirit ×16 of spirit ×12 winds ×8

More options

spirit — Best for divine, human, or supernatural inner essence.

wind — Prefer for natural, meteorological, or cosmic contexts.

breath — Captures life-force nuance; close to physical or animating sense.

mind — Use when context emphasizes inner disposition or attitude.

gust — More vivid, concrete alternative for a sudden burst of wind.

courage — Fits idioms where רוּחַ denotes resolve or morale.

BDB7797 H7307 H5315 H3824 H1320 H3820

רוּחַ₃₇₈ noun feminine^{Gen 41:8} (less often masculine^{Exod 10:13} +) breath, wind, spirit; — absolute ׳ר Gen 8:1 +, ר֑וּחָה Jer 52:23 construct רוּחַ Gen 6:17 +; suffix רוּחִי vGen 6:3 +, רוּחֲךָ Ps 104:30 +, etc.; plural רוּחוֺת vPs 104:4 +, רֻחוֺת Jer 49:36, רוּחֹת Num 16:22; Num 26:16 (see Br^{רוח in O.T., JBL xix (1900), 132 ff.}, full statement of all passages); —

1. breath of mouth or nostrils (33 t.):
a. רוּחַ פִּיו Job 15:30 breath of his mouth, compare Job 19:17 רוּחַ אַפֵּינוּ Lam 4:20 (figurative of king), of idols לֹא רוּחַ בָּם Jer 10:14 = Jer 51:17, Hab 2:19; Ps 135:17 compare Job 9:18.
b. as mere breath: compare 2 e. דִּבְרֵירֿוּחַ Job 16:3 i.e. windy words; נוֺאָשׁ לְרוּחַ אִמְרֵי Job 6:26, הַנְּבִיאִים יִהְיוּ לְרוּחַ Jer 5:13.
c. as word of command: (1) of God: (נעשׂו) בְּרוּחַ פִּיו כָּלֿ צְבָאָםPs 33:6, compare Isa 34:16 (|| פֶּה); (2) of Messianic king: בְּרוּחַ שְׂפָתָיו יָמִית רָשָׁע Isa 11:4.
d. as hard breathing through the nostrils in anger: (1) of God: מֵרוּח אַפּוֺ יִכְלוּ Job 4:9; Exod 15:8 (poem), 2Sam 22:16 = Ps 18:16; Isa 30:28; Isa 59:19 (2) of man: רוּחַ עָרִיצִים Isa 25:4.
e. as sign and symbol of life: רוּחַ חַיִּים breath of life Gen 6:17; Gen 7:15 (P); נִשְׁמַת רוּחַ חַיִּים בְּאַפָּיו Gen 7:22 (P); Ezek 37:5, compare vEzek 37:6 vEzek 37:8 vEzek 37:9 vEzek 37:9 vEzek 37:9 vEzek 37:10 vEzek 37:14 (breath or spirit), Eccl 3:19.

2. wind (117 t.):
a. wind of heaven: Gen 8:1 (P) Exod 15:10 (E) Num 11:31 (J) 1Kgs 18:45 +, Jer 10:13, thence Jer 51:16; Ps 135:7 ׳רוּחַ י Hos 13:15; Isa 40:7, compare Job 26:13 (Di Bu); רוּחַ (ה)קָדִים east wind Exod 10:13 (twice in verse); Exod 14:21 (J) Ps 48:8; Jer 18:17; Ezek 17:10; Ezek 19:12; Ezek 27:26; Jonah 4:8 צָפוֺן ׳ר north wind Prov 25:23 יָם ׳ר sea wind (west wind) Exod 10:19 (J); . הַיּוֺם ׳ר day wind, evening wind Gen 3:8 (J; compare Song 2:17; Song 4:6); אַרְבַּע רוּחוֺת four winds Jer 49:36; Ezek 37:9 (quarters?) Dan 8:8; Dan 11:4 (figurative quarters; compare b), Zech 2:10; Zech 6:5 רוּחַ סְעְרָה storm wind Ps 107:25; Ps 148:8; Ezek 1:4 (סְעָרוֺת ׳ר), Ezek 13:11; Ezek 13:13 רוּחַ סֹעָה rushing wind Ps 55:9 (read possibly סערה Hup); בַּעְיָם רוּחוֺ Isa 11:15 (read ׳בְּעֹצֶם ר, see עֲיָם, עֹצֶם), etc; wind personified: כַּנְפֵי רוּחַ 2Sam 22:11 = Ps 18:11; Ps 104:3, compare Hos 4:19; Ps 104:4.
b. quarter (of wind), side: רוּחַ הַקָּדִים Ezek 42:16 east side; רוּחַ הַצָּפוֺן vEzek 42:17 north side; רוּחַ הַדָּרוֺם vEzek 42:18 south side; רוּחַ הַיָּם vEzek 42:19 west side; אַרְבַּע רוּחוֺת vEzek 42:20; 1Chr 9:24 four sides; ר֑וּחָה Jer 52:23 on the sides.
c. breath of air: שָׁאֲפוּ רוּחַ כַּתַּנִּים Jer 14:6 רוּחַ לֹא יָבֹא בֵּינֵיהֶם Job 41:8.
d. air, gas, from womb (dubious): כְּמוֺ יָלַדְנוּ רוּחַ Isa 26:18 (Di, e); רוּחֲכֶם אֵשׁ תֹּאכַלְכֶם (RV breath) Isa 33:11 (Du, 3 c).
e. vain, empty thing: רוּחַיָּי֑ Job 7:7 my life is wind; דַּעַת רוּחַ Job 15:2 רוּחַ וָתֹהוּ נִסְכֵּיהֶם Isa 41:29 רְעוּת רוּחַ striving for wind Eccl 1:14; Eccl 2:11; Eccl 2:17; Eccl 2:26; Eccl 4:4; Eccl 4:6; Eccl 6:9 compare Eccl 1:17; Eccl 4:16; Eccl 5:15.

3. spirit, as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation = temper, disposition (76 t.; so, distinctively, as compared with נֶפֶשׁ and לֵבָב):
a. spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour: לֹא הָיָה בָהּ עוֺד רוּחַ 1Kgs 10:5 = 2Chr 9:4 מַהזֶּֿה רוּחֲךָ סָרָה 1Kgs 21:5 וַתְּחִי רוּחַ Gen 45:27 (E); וַתָּשָׁב רוּחוֺ Judg 15:19; 1Sam 30:12.
b. courage: ׳לֹא הָיָה בָם עוֺד ר Josh 5:1 נְגִידִים ׳יִבְצֹר ר Ps 76:13 מִצְרַיִם ׳וְנָָֽבְקָה ר Isa 19:3 תתעטּף רוּחִי Ps 77:4; Ps 142:4; Ps 143:4 לֹא קָמָה ׳עוֺד ר Josh 2:11 אִישׁ יְכַלְכֵּל מַחֲלֵהוּ ׳ר Prov 18:14.
c. temper, especially anger: ׳רוּחַ רָעָה בֵּין וגו Judg 9:23 אָז רָֽפְתָה רוּחָם Judg 8:3 משֵׁל בְּרוּחוֺ Prov 16:32, compare Prov 25:28; Prov 29:11; Job 15:13 הֵנִיחוּ אֶתרֿוּחִי Zech 6:8; Eccl 7:9; Eccl 10:4.
d. impatience or patience: קֹצֶר רוּחַ Exod 6:9 (P) impatience, hastiness of temper, compare (of ׳י) Mic 2:7 קְצַררֿוּחַ Prov 14:29 (|| אֶרֶךְ אַפַיִם); הֱצִיקַתְנִי רוּחַ בִּטְנִי Job 32:18 (Du breath; Di Bu divine spirit, compare vJob 32:8); אִם מַדּוּעַ לֹאתִֿקְצַר רוּחִי Job 21:4 ׳הֲקָצַר רוּחַ י Mic 2:7 ׳אֶרֶךְ ר Eccl 7:8.
e. spirit, disposition, as troubled, bitter, or discontented; וַתִּפָּעֶם רוּח(וׅ (his) spirit was troubled Gen 41:8 (E) Dan 2:3, compare vDan 2:1 מֹרַת רוּחַ Gen 26:35 (P) bitterness of spirit; ׳עֲצוּבַת ר Isa 54:6, compare Ezek 3:14; Job 6:4. feminine as crushed: וְכִהֲתָה כָלרֿוּחַ Ezek 21:12, compare Isa 61:3; Prov 15:4; Prov 15:13; Prov 17:22; Prov 18:14; Ps 143:7.
g. disposition of various kinds, often unaccountable and uncontrollable impulse: הֵעִיר אֶתרֿוּחַ 1Chr 5:26 (twice in verse); 2Chr 21:16; 2Chr 36:22; Ezra 1:1; Ezra 1:5; Jer 51:11; Hag 1:14 (3 t. in verse); הִנְנִי נ(וֺ)תֵן בּוֺ רוּח2Kgs 19:7 = Isa 37:7; Num 14:24 (J; see עִם 4 b), Mal 2:15 (twice in verse); Mal 2:16; Deut 2:30 רוּחַ קִנְאָה jealous disposition Num 5:14 (twice in verse); Num 5:30 (P); רוּחַ וְנוּנִים Hos 4:12; Hos 5:4 רוּחַ עִוְעִיםIsa 19:14 רוּחַ מִשְׁפָּט Isa 28:6 אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר רוּחַ אֱלהִֹרם בּוֺ (administrative) Gen 41:38 (E); קַר רוּחַ אִישׁ הְּבוּנָה Prov 17:27.
h. prophetic spirit: יְהוֺשֻׁעַ אִישׁ אֲשֶׁרֿ רוּחַ בּזֹNum 27:18 (P; or g, as Gen 41:38); רוּחַ אֵלִיָּהוּ עַלאֱֿלִישָׁע2Kgs 2:15, compare v2Kgs 2:9 רוּחַ תַּרְדֵמָה spirit of deep sleep (ecstatic, compare Gen 2:21; Gen 15:12, but Di and others g, as Isa 19:14) Isa 29:10; Mic 2:11 רוּחַ הַטֻמְאָה Zech 13:2 (of lying prophets), compare Ezek 13:3.

4. spirit of the living, breathing being, dwelling in the בָּשָׂר of men and animals, || נֶפֶשׁ (25 t.):
a. gift and creation of God: יֹצֵר רוּחַ אָדָם בְּקִרְבּוֺ Zech 12:1 רוּחַ אֱלוֺהַּ בְּאַפִּי Job 27:3, compare Isa 42:5.
b. God preserves it: פְּקֻדָּֽתְךָ שָֽׁמְרָה רוּחִי Job 10:12, compare Job 12:10 אֱלֹהֵי הָרוּחֹת לְכָל בָּשָׂ֑ר Num 16:22; Num 27:16 (P); תֹּכֵן רוּחוֺת Prov 16:2.
c. it is therefore God's spirit: Gen 6:3 (J; see דִּין near the end).
d. it departs at death: Ps 78:39 (Dr a wind that passeth away 2 e); חַיֵּי רוּחִי Isa 38:16 (Di principle of life), Ps 146:4 especially Ps 104:29; Ps 104:30; Job 17:1; Job 34:14 (compare vJob 34:15), Isa 57:16; Eccl 8:8 (twice in verse) (wind Wild); אֵינְךָ יוֺדֵעַ מַהדֶּֿרֶךְ הָרוּחַ Eccl 11:5, compare Eccl 3:21 over ag. הָרוּחַ תָּשׁוּב אֶלהָֿאֱלֹהִים אֲשֶׁר נְתָנָהּ Eccl 12:7 בְּיָָֽדְךָ אַפְקִיד רוּחִי Ps 31:6.
e. disembodied being (dubious, Di Du breath of wind): וְרוּחַ עַלפָּֿנַי יַחֲלֹף Job 4:15.

5. spirit as seat of emotion = נֶפֶשׁ:
a. desire (possibly 3 g), Isa 26:9 (|| נֶפֶשׁ).
b. sorrow, trouble (probably 3 e), Job 7:11 (|| נֶפֶשׁ). — 1Sam 1:15 see קָשֶׁה.

6. occasionally, (and late) = seat or organ of mental acts, || לֵב, or synonym with it: רוּחַ חָכְמָה Exod 28:3; Deut 34:9 (both P; probably 3 g); תּעֵי רוּחַ Isa 29:24, compare Job 20:3 (Hi Bu Du wind of Job's words), Ps 77:7 (ᵐ5 Symm ᵑ6 Jerome troubled disposition); רוּחַ יהוה Isa 40:13 come into mind (compare לֵב Isa 65:17; Jer 3:16 +); 1Chr 28:12.

7. rarely of the will; also = רוּחַ נָכוֺן לֵב Ps 51:12 (= לֵב נָכוֺן Ps 57:8 (twice in verse) +); רוּחַ נְדִיבָה vPs 51:14 נָָֽדְבָה רוּחוֺ Exod 35:21 (P; compare נְדִיב לֵב Exod 35:5; Exod 35:22 (P) 2Chr 29:31).

8. רוּחַ especially of moral character; also = ׃לֵב רוּחַ חֲדָשָׁהEzek 11:19; Ezek 18:31; Ezek 36:26 רוּחִי vEzek 36:27; Isa 59:21 (רוּחִי, || דְּבָרַי; but probably prophetic spirit 9 b); לֵב חָדָשׁ Ezek 18:31; Ezek 36:26 נְכֵה רוּחַ Isa 66:2 דַּכְּאֵי רוּחַ Ps 34:19 (compare לֵב נִדְכָּאִים Isa 57:15); מִשֵּׁבֶר רוּחַ Isa 65:14 (compare 3 f); רוּחַ נִשְׁבָּרֶה Ps 51:19 (|| לֵב נִשְׁבָּר, compare נִשְׁבְּרֵי לֵב Ps 34:19; Isa 61:1); Ps 32:2; Prov 11:13; Prov 16:18; Ps 78:8; Eccl 7:8 (compare גְּבַהּלֵב Prov 16:5); שְׁפַל רוּחַ Prov 16:19; Prov 29:23; Isa 57:15 רוּחַ שְׁפָלִים vIsa 57:15 (compare 3 f).

9. spirit of God (94 t.; not D or Jeremiah or any Deuteronomic writer; conception of its activity in inspiring prophecy probably discredited from abuse by false prophets, see נביא, נבא):
a. as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy, Num 11:17; Num 11:25 (twice in verse); Num 11:26; Num 11:29 (J), 1Sam 10:6; 1Sam 10:10 (compare v1Sam 10:5), 1Sam 19:20; 1Sam 19:23 as inciting to deeds of frenzy, in the ecstatic state; hence conceived as אֱלֹהִים רָעָה ׳ר 1Sam 16:15 (twice in verse); 1Sam 16:16, = ׳רָעָה מֵאֵת י ׳ר v1Sam 16:14 = רָעָה ׳א ׳צלח ר 1Sam 18:10 (other narrative) = רָעָה ׳י ׳ר 1Sam 19:9 ׳א ׳ר 1Sam 16:23 = רוּחַ הָרָעָה v1Sam 16:23, compare הָרוּחַ 1Kgs 22:21 = שֶׁקֶר ׳ר v1Kgs 22:22 v1Kgs 22:23 = 2Chr 18:20; 2Chr 18:21; 2Chr 18:22 = ׳רוּחַ י 1Kgs 22:24 = 2Chr 18:23 compare also (in earlier prophets) אִישׁ הָרוּחַ, i.e. one possessed by the spirit in the ecstatic state, || הַנָּבִּיא Hos 9:7 ׳רוּחַ י Mic 3:8 (|| בֹּחַ) is probably gloss (We Now); וְלֹא רוּחִי Isa 30:1 רוּחַ dealing with Ezek.: Ezek 2:2; Ezek 3:12; Ezek 3:14; Ezek 3:24; Ezek 8:3; Ezek 11:1; Ezek 11:5; Ezek 11:24 (Co gloss), Ezek 37:1; Ezek 43:5 (all implying ecstatic state of vision), compare Elijah 1Kgs 18:12; 2Kgs 2:16.
b. spirit as impelling prophets to utter instruction or warning (higher and later conception): transition probably Num 24:2; 2Sam 23:2; 1Chr 12:18 elsewhere in Chronicles: 2Chr 15:1; 2Chr 20:14; 2Chr 24:20 distinctly in Isa², Isa 48:16, compare Isa 61:1 so of ancient prophets, Zech 7:12; Neh 9:30 compare, of future prophetic gift, Joel 3:1; Joel 3:2.
c. imparting warlike energy, and executive and administrative power: (1) to שֹׁפְטִים, מוֺשִׁיעִים, מְלָכִים, of ancient Israel: וַתְּהִי רוּחַ על ׳י Judg 3:10; Judg 11:29, compare Judg 6:34; Judg 13:25; Judg 14:6; Judg 14:19; Judg 15:14; 1Sam 11:6; 1Sam 16:13; 1Sam 16:14 so also עַד יֵעָרֶה עָלֵינוּ רוּחַ מִמָּרוֺם Isa 32:15 (2) resting upon Messianic king: Isa 11:2 (3 t. in verse); upon servant of ׳י, Isa 42:1.
d. late, as endowing men with various gifts: technical skill Exod 31:3; Exod 35:31 (P); understanding Job 32:8 (|| נִשְׁמַת שַׁדַּי); poured out by divine wisdom Prov 1:23.
e. as energy of life: רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים מְרַחֶפֶת עַלפְּֿנֵי הַמָּ֑יִם Gen 1:2 (P); רוּחַ אֵל עָשָׂ֑תְנִי Job 33:4 (|| נִשְׁמַת שַׁדַּי); as vital power, opposed to בָשָׂר: Isa 31:3 in cherubic chariot: Ezek 1:12, compare vEzek 1:20 vEzek 1:21; Ezek 10:17 reviving Israel Ezek 39:29; Zech 12:10; Isa 44:3. feminine = ancient angel of the presence and later Shekina: קָדְשׁוֺ ׳ר Isa 63:10; Isa 63:11 = ׳י ׳ר vIsa 63:14 (= מַלְאַךְ פָּנָיו vIsa 63:9), compare Ps 106:33 so also קָדְשְׁךָ ׳ר Ps 51:13 (in national prayer), compare Neh 9:20; Ps 143:10 prophets of restoration conceive of the divine spirit as standing in their midst and about to fulfil all divine promises: רוּחִי עֹמֶדֶת בְּתוֺכֲכֶם Hag 2:5; Zech 4:6 this conception culminates in רוּחַ = divine Presence, and as such omnipresent, Ps 139:7 (|| פָּנֶיךָ; compare vPs 139:8).

BDB9892 H7307 H7381

רוח (√ of following; see Biblical Hebrew id., רוּח, רֵיחַ).

spirit, wind, breath, winds, mind, …

rûaḥ

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions)

wind, breath, mind, spirit

breath

of heaven

spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour

as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being

desire

as seat or organ of mental acts

as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy

מְ֝שָׁרְתָ֗י ו

מְ֝שָׁרְתָ֗י

Root word minister, ministers, ministered, servant, serve, …

Suffix — pronoun his / him / it

Dictionary form: שָׁרַת · shaw-RAHT

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

In the KJV here: his ministers

to minister ×16 the ministers ×4 they minister ×4 ministered ×3 shall minister ×3 that ministered ×3 to do service ×3 to minister unto him ×3

More options

serve — Broadest modern equivalent; fits most contexts well.

minister — Retain for formal/liturgical or priestly contexts.

attend — Emphasizes personal, close service to a superior.

wait on — Highlights dutiful presence and readiness to serve.

officiate — Best for cultic or ceremonial priestly duties.

assist — Use when role is supportive rather than leading.

BDB9061 H8334

[שָׁרַת]₉₇ verb Pi`el minister, serve (compare Late Hebrew שֵׁרוּת (temple-)ministry, Phoenician משרת ministry, and perhaps verb שרת minister); —

Pi`el Perfect 3 masculine singular שֵׁרֵת Num 8:26; Deut 18:7 3 masculine plural שֵׁרְתוּ Num 3:6 Imperfect 3 masculine singular וַיְשָׁ֫רֶת Gen 39:4, 3 masculine plural יְשָֽׁרְתוּ Num 3:31 +, etc.; Infinitive construct לְשָׁרֵת Exod 28:35 +, לְשָׁ֫רֶת שָׁם Deut 17:12, etc.; Participle מְשָׁרֵת Num 11:28 + (2Sam 13:9 see מַשְׂרֵת, p. 602:a), feminine מְשָׁרַת 1Kgs 1:15, etc.; — serve:

1. of ministerial service (opposed tomenial, עבד):
a. higher domestic service: Joseph Gen 39:4; Gen 40:4 (JE), Elisha's chief servant 2Kgs 4:43; 2Kgs 6:15, royal domestics 2Sam 13:17; 2Sam 13:18; 1Kgs 10:5; 2Chr 9:4; Esth 2:2; Esth 6:3, Abishag 1Kgs 1:4; 1Kgs 1:15.
b. of royal officers (late) 1Chr 27:1; 1Chr 28:1; 2Chr 17:19; 2Chr 22:8; Esth 1:10; Prov 29:12.
c. Joshua as chief assistant to Moses Exod 24:13; Exod 33:11 (E), Num 11:28 (J), Josh 1:1 (D), Elisha to Elijah 1Kgs 19:21.
d. of angels to ׳י Ps 103:21, compare Ps 104:4.
e. of kings of nations in prophets Isa 60:10.

2. usually of special service in worship:
a. of Levitical priests, absolute 1Kgs 8:11 = 2Chr 5:14 with accusative ׳י Deut 10:8; Deut 17:12; Deut 21:5; Jer 33:21 + (strangely) מְשָֽׁרְתֵי אֹתִי vJer 33:22 also Isa 60:7 of animals put figurative for those sacrificing them; of foreigners admitted to priesthood Isa 61:6, compare Isa 56:6 so probably Samuel conceived as priest 1Sam 2:11; 1Sam 3:1, ׳את פני י 1Sam 2:18 (פני probably accusative, compare ᵐ5 τῷ προσώπῳ v1Sam 2:11), ׳בְּשֵׁם י ׳שׁDeut 18:5; Deut 18:7.
b. Levites (P, and late); with accusative of Aaronic priests Num 3:6; Num 8:26; Num 18:2, with accusative of ׳י 1Chr 15:2; 2Chr 29:11 a; probably also in reference to Levitical singer Ps 101:6 with accusative tabernacle Num 1:50 (P), congregation Num 16:9 (P), people Ezek 44:11 + vEzek 44:12 (of idolatry); absolute 1Chr 16:4; 2Chr 23:6; 2Chr 29:11 b 2Chr 31:2; Ezra 8:17 (participle as substantive, ministers); לִפְנֵי ׳שׁ ׳אֲרוֺן בְּרִית י 1Chr 16:37, נֶגֶד הַכֹּהֲנִים ׳שׁ 2Chr 8:14 ׳שׁ with ב location 1Chr 26:12 especially with בְּ, of sacred vessels Num 3:31; Num 4:9; Num 4:12; Num 4:14; 2Kgs 25:14 = Jer 52:18 בַּשִּׁיר 1Chr 6:17.
c. Zadokite priests (Ezekiel), absolute Ezek 42:14 + 3 t., with accusative ׳י Ezek 40:48 + 4 t., construct מְשָׁרֲתֵי before sacred place Ezek 45:4; Ezek 45:5; Ezek 46:24.
d. Aaronic priests, absolute Exod 28:35 + 4 t. P; with accusative ׳י 1Chr 23:13 ׳לי 2Chr 13:10 ׳מְשָֽׁרְתֵי י Joel 1:9; Joel 1:13; Joel 2:17, מְשָֽׁרְתֵי מזבח Joel 1:13, with בַּקֹּדֶשׁ Exod 28:43 + 4 t. P.
e. of idolatry, with accusative עץ ואבן Ezek 20:32.

minister, ministers, ministered, servant, serve, …

šārat

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

(Piel) to minister, serve, minister to

אֵ֣שׁ

Root word fire, flaming, hot, burning, fiery

Dictionary form: אֵשׁ · aysh

Noun — Common, both singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: fire

with fire ×58 fire ×54 the fire ×51 of fire ×34 a fire ×32 in the fire ×14 of the fire ×14 and fire ×9

More options

fire — Most natural, all-purpose rendering in any context.

flame — Prefer when emphasizing visible, flickering light.

blaze — Suits large, intense, or raging fires.

burning — Good for adjectival or process-focused contexts.

inferno — Strong register; reserve for overwhelming, destructive fire.

fiery heat — Captures metaphorical intensity or divine wrath imagery.

BDB793 H784 H799

אֵשׁ₃₇₇ noun feminine^{Exod 9:23} (masculine^{Jer 48:45; Ps 104:4};

**'masculine' is dubious: Num 16:18 read עָלֶיהָ for 2nd עֲלֵיהֶם (ᵐ5B); Jer 20:9 see Ges^{§ 132 d}; Jer 48:45 read (many MSS., Num 21:23) יצאה; Ps 104:4 read perhaps (Ol Du): לֵֹהטָה, or וָלָֽחַט; Job 20:26 see Ges^{§ 145 u (or 121 b)}: compare Albr^{ZAW xvi {1896}. 63}. feminine & masculine^{Jer 20:9; Job 20:26}) fire (Assyrian išatu COT^Gloss, Syriac , Ethiopic derivatives from II. אנשׁ, , sociable, friendly element (MV Wetzst in De^{Psalmen, ed. 4, p. 888} Lag^{BN 68} compare , ), improbable especially in view of Assyrian; daghesh probably secondary; compare also Sta^{§ 189 b}) — ׳א absolute Exod 9:24 +; construct Lev 6:2 + (seldom); suffix אִשּׁוֺ Deut 4:36; Job 18:5 אֶשְׁכֶם Isa 50:11 אִשָּׁם Isa 66:24 —

1. fire, of conflagration, e.g. in briers, endangering or destroying crops תֵּצֵא אֵשׁ וּמָֽצְאָה קֹצִים Exod 22:5 compare Exod 3:2 הַסְּנֶה בֹּעֵר בָּאֵשׁ (both E); more often of deliberate destruction by fire, especially שָׂרַף בָּאֵשׁ (בָּ with qam. preton.) object golden calf Exod 32:20 (J), other idols Deut 7:5; Deut 7:25, Asherim Deut 12:3, chariots Josh 11:6; Josh 11:9; 2Kgs 23:1, house Judg 12:1; Judg 14:15, tower Judg 9:52, city-gates Neh 1:3; Neh 2:3; Neh 2:13; Neh 2:17, city Josh 6:24; Judg 18:27 compare Isa 1:7 +; also שִׁלַּח אֵשׁ בְּ Amos 1:4; Amos 1:7; Amos 1:10 +; שִׁלַּח אֶתהָֿעִיר בָּאֵשׁ Judg 1:8; Judg 20:48 compare 2Kgs 8:12 הִצִּית אֶתהָֿעִיר בָּאֵשׁ Josh 8:8; Josh 8:19; Jer 17:27 +, compare Judg 9:49; 2Sam 14:30; 2Sam 14:31 (of field, compare Exod 22:5 above)

2. of supernatural fire, attending theophany Exod 3:2; Exod 19:18 (both J E) Deut 4:11; Deut 4:12; Deut 4:15; Deut 4:33; Deut 4:36 +; specifically עַמּוּד (הָ)אֵשׁ Exod 13:21; Exod 13:22; Exod 14:24 (all J E) Neh 9:12; Neh 9:19 compare Deut 1:33 (see מַרְאֵהאֵֿשׁ Num 9:15; Num 9:16 P); of destructive fire from ׳י Num 11:1; Num 11:2; Num 11:3 (J) Num 26:10 (P) Lev 10:2 (P); compare אֹכֶלָת ׳א in simile of Yahweh's glory Exod 24:17 (E) Deut 4:24; Deut 9:3 see also 1Kgs 18:24; 1Kgs 18:38; 2Kgs 1:10 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 1:12 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 1:14; Job 1:16 (perhaps lightning intended), compare further of lightning Exod 9:23; Exod 9:24 (JE) Ps 18:13; Ps 18:14; Ps 148:8 etc.

3. fire for cooking, roasting, parching, etc. צְלִי אֵשׁ roasted at a fire Exod 12:8; Exod 12:9 (P) compare Lev 2:14; 2Chr 35:13; Isa 44:16; Isa 44:19 of tinder for lighting fire Gen 22:6; Gen 22:7 (E); of fire for melting (gold for the idolatrous calf) Exod 32:24 for refining Jer 6:29, where read with Qr מֵאֵשׁ תַּם עֹפֶרֶת; compare Mal 3:2 (simile of purifying work of messenger of cov't).

4. especially of altar-fire Lev 1:7 (twice in verse); Lev 6:2; Lev 6:3; Lev 6:5; Lev 6:6 +; in offering incense Lev 10:1, also אֵשׁ זָרָה strange fire, i.e. an incense not commanded, offered presumptuously Lev 10:1; Num 3:4; Num 26:61 fire from ׳י consuming sacrifice (compare 2) Lev 9:24; 2Chr 7:1; 2Chr 7:3 of fire in child-sacrifice (usually הֶעֱבִיר בֵּן בָּאֵשׁ (לְׅ) 2Kgs 16:3; 2Kgs 21:6 compare 2Kgs 17:17; 2Kgs 23:10; 2Chr 33:6 also ׳שׂרף בָּא 2Kgs 17:31, ׳בער בָּא 2Chr 28:3.

5. figurative of Yahweh's anger Ps 89:47 (simile) compare Nah 1:6; Lam 2:4 אֵשׁעֶֿבְרָתִי Ezek 21:36; Ezek 22:31; Ezek 38:19, אֵשׁקִֿנְאָתִי Ezek 36:5 see also Isa 66:15; Ps 79:5; Ps 89:47 etc.; of word of ׳י Jer 23:29 figurative of outbursting emotion Ps 39:4 of flagrant wickedness Isa 9:17, etc:

6. in various combinations, לַפִּיד אֵשׁ Gen 15:17 (J) a torch of fire (compare Di); לַבַּתאֵֿשׁ Exod 3:2 flame of fire, לַהַב אֵשׁ Joel 2:5, לַפִּידֵי אֵשׁ (in simile) Dan 10:6 compare Zech 12:6, לַהֲבוֺת אֵשׁ Ps 29:7 לַהֲבֵי אֵשׁ Isa 66:15 compare לְהָבוֺת ׳א Ps 105:32, לָהָבָה ׳נֹגַהּ א Isa 4:5 compare Hos 7:6 שְׁבִיב אִשּׁוֺ spark of his fire Job 18:5 compare כִּידוֺדֵי אֵשׁ Job 41:11 תַּנּוּר אֵשׁ Ps 21:10 oven of fire, כִּיּוֺר אֵשׁ Zech 12:6 אוֺר אֵשׁ light of fire Ps 78:14 אֵשׁ לֹהֵט flaming fire Ps 104:4 לְשׁוֺן אֵשׁ Isa 5:24 tongue of fire, גַּחֲלֵי אֵשׁ Ezek 1:13 coals of fire, so Ezek 10:2, compare רִשְׁפֵּי אֵשׁ Song 8:6 on אַבְנֵי אֵשׁ Ezek 28:14; Ezek 28:16 see אֶבֶן; אֵשׁ דַּת Deut 33:2, literally fire of a law, or fire was a law, but דָּת law is Persian & late; read perhaps דֹת[לַפִּ] אֵשׁ compare Exod 20:18 or דֶת [יֹקֶ] אֵשׁ compare Isa 65:5.

BDB9352 H784 H785

אֶשָּׁא noun [feminine] fire (Biblical Hebrew אֵשׁ; K^{§ 55, 5. 2 b} thinks emphatic from onomatopoetic √ אשׁשׁ; D¹⁶¹ Buhl √ אשׁא compare ᵑ7 אישָּׁא, אִישָּׁהָא, Syriac ; — Dan 7:11.

אֻשֹּׁהִי, אֻשַּׁיָּא see [אשׁ]. above

fire, flaming, hot, burning, fiery

ʾēš

fire (literally or figuratively)

fire

fire, flames

לֹהֵֽט

Root word fire, up, flaming, kindleth, setteth, …

Dictionary form: לָהַט · law-HAHT

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

In the KJV here: a flaming

a flaming ×1 and it hath set him on fire ×1 and set on fire ×1 burned up ×1 burneth ×1 even among them that are set on fire ×1 hath burned ×1 him and burneth up ×1

More options

blaze — Broad, vivid; suits poetic and narrative contexts well.

ignite — Prefer for the causative sense of starting a fire.

burn — General all-purpose rendering across most contexts.

set ablaze — Emphasizes spreading, consuming fire; good for judgment imagery.

scorch — Highlights intense, damaging heat without full consumption.

flame — Best as a nominal or stative use; vivid, literary register.

BDB4339 H3857

[לָהַט] verb blaze up, flame (Late Hebrew id.; Syriac ; Assyrian la±âtu, in derived forms); —

Qal Participle active אֵשׁ לֹהֵט Ps 104:4 a flaming fire (so Bae; אֵשׁ וָלַהַט Bi Che, compare Ol), made into ׳י's servants; plural לֹהֲטִים Ps 57:5 (figurative of enemies, compare לְבָאִם v^a). Pi`el Perfect 3 feminine singular וְלִהַט Mal 3:19 3 feminine singular לִהֲטָה Joel 1:19 Imperfect 3 feminine singular תְּלַהֵט Joel 2:3 + 4 t.; וַתְּלַהֵט Deut 32:22 suffix וַתְּלַהֲטֵהוּ Isa 42:25 — set ablaze, usually with accusative; — foundation of mountains, Deut 32:22 (subject אֵשׁ figurative, of ׳י's judgement, || קָדַח, יָקַד, אָכַל), compare הָרִים ׳תְּל Ps 83:15 (in simile, subject לֶהָבָה; || כְּאֵשׁ תִּבְעַריָֿ֑עַר; of flame (לֶהָבָה); consuming trees Joel 1:19 ( of effects of drought; || אֵשׁ אָֽכְלָה); persons Mal 3:19 (subject הַיּוֺם הַבָּא || בָּעַר); compare Ps 97:3 (subject אֵשׁ), Ps 106:18 (subject לֶהָבָה || וַתִּבְעַרֿ אֵשׁ; hyperb of ׳י's wrath (אַפּוֺ וֱעֶזוּז מִלְחָמָה חֵמָה) consuming Jacob Isa 42:25 of crocodile (hyperb.), נַפְשׁוֺ גֶּחָלִים תְלַהֵ֑ט Job 41:13 his breath setteth coals ablaze; absolute Joel 2:3, figurative of devastation by locusts (subject לֶהָבָה; || אָֽכְלָה אֵשׁ).

fire, up, flaming, kindleth, setteth, …

lāhaṭ

properly, to lick, i.e., (by implication) to blaze

to burn, blaze, scorch, kindle, blaze up, flame

(Qal) blazing (participle)

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.

עֹשֶׂ֣ה מַלְאָכָ֣יו רוּח֑וֹת Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here מְ֝שָׁרְתָ֗יו Revia Mugrash — a lesser break אֵ֣שׁ לֹהֵֽט Silluq — end of the verse

עֹשֶׂה מַלְאָכָיו רוּחוֹת מְשָׁרְתָיו אֵשׁ לֹהֵֽט׃

Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

Cross References

Hebrews 1:7

καὶ πρὸς μὲν τοὺς ἀγγέλους λέγει Ὁ ποιῶν τοὺς ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ πνεύματα καὶ τοὺς λειτουργοὺς αὐτοῦ πυρὸς φλόγα

And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

2 Kings 2:11

וַיְהִי הֵמָּה הֹֽלְכִים הָלוֹךְ וְדַבֵּר וְהִנֵּה רֶֽכֶב-אֵשׁ וְסוּסֵי אֵשׁ וַיַּפְרִדוּ בֵּין שְׁנֵיהֶם וַיַּעַל אֵלִיָּהוּ בַּֽסְּעָרָה הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

2 Kings 6:17

וַיִּתְפַּלֵּל אֱלִישָׁע וַיֹּאמַר יְהוָה פְּקַח-נָא אֶת-עֵינָיו וְיִרְאֶה וַיִּפְקַח יְהוָה אֶת-עֵינֵי הַנַּעַר וַיַּרְא וְהִנֵּה הָהָר מָלֵא סוּסִים וְרֶכֶב אֵשׁ סְבִיבֹת אֱלִישָֽׁע׃

And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

Hebrews 1:14

οὐχὶ πάντες εἰσὶν λειτουργικὰ πνεύματα εἰς διακονίαν ἀποστελλόμενα διὰ τοὺς μέλλοντας κληρονομεῖν σωτηρίαν

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Psalms 148:8

אֵשׁ וּבָרָד שֶׁלֶג וְקִיטוֹר רוּחַ סְעָרָה עֹשָׂה דְבָרֽוֹ׃

Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

Ezekiel 1:13

וּדְמוּת הַחַיּוֹת מַרְאֵיהֶם כְּגַחֲלֵי-אֵשׁ בֹּֽעֲרוֹת כְּמַרְאֵה הַלַּפִּדִים הִיא מִתְהַלֶּכֶת בֵּין הַחַיּוֹת וְנֹגַהּ לָאֵשׁ וּמִן-הָאֵשׁ יוֹצֵא בָרָֽק׃

As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

Acts 23:8

Σαδδουκαῖοι μὲν γὰρ λέγουσιν μὴ εἶναι ἀνάστασιν μηδὲ ἄγγελον μήτε πνεῦμα Φαρισαῖοι δὲ ὁμολογοῦσιν τὰ ἀμφότερα

For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

Psalms 104:3

Read Psalms 104

Psalms 104:5

Psalms 104:4

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Vqrmsa

Verb Chart

English Options

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H6213

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Ncmpc/Sp3ms

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Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H4397

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Ncbpa

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Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H7307

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Vprmpc/Sp3ms

Verb Chart

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Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H8334

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Ncbsa

English Options

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H784

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Vqrmsa

Verb Chart

English Options

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H3857

Masoretic Phrasing

KJV