Psalms 105:22

לֶאְסֹ֣ר שָׂרָ֣יו בְּנַפְשׁ֑וֹ וּזְקֵנָ֥יו יְחַכֵּֽם
To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

לֶ אְסֹ֣ר
לֶ
Prefix — preposition to, for
אְסֹ֣ר
Root word bound, bind, ready, tied, prison, …
Dictionary form: אָסַר · aw-SAHR

Verb — Qal, Infinitive Construct, construct state simple action — "he did" try "to ___" or "___ing"

In the KJV here: to bind
and bound ×7 to bind ×5 bound ×4 she bound ×4 she hath bound ×3 thou mightest be bound ×3 they bind ×2 tied ×2
More options
bind — Most versatile; covers physical and metaphorical tying.
tie — Concrete, everyday register; good for literal restraint.
fasten — Emphasizes securing firmly in place.
shackle — Strong connotation of imprisonment or captivity.
harness — Best when yoking animals or harnessing power.
imprison — Prefer when context is custody or captivity of persons.

BDB636 H631 H612

BDB635 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB637

[אָסַר] verb tie, bind, imprison (Arabic , Assyrian asâru, compare COTGloss, Aramaic אֲסַר, , Ethiopic ) —

Qal Perfect suffix אֲסָרָם Job 36:13 3 feminine singular אָֽסְרָה Num 30:5 +, etc.; Imperfect יֶאְסֹר 1Kgs 20:14 וַיֶּאֱסֹר Gen 42:24 וַיֶּאְסֹר Gen 46:29 +; plural suffix יַאַסְרֻנִי Judg 16:7 etc.; Imperative אֱסֹר 1Kgs 18:44; 2Kgs 9:21 אִסְרוּ Jer 46:4; Ps 118:27 Infinitive absolute אָסֹר Judg 15:13 אָסוֺר Judg 16:11 construct לָאְסֹר Num 30:3 +; לָאֱסוֺר Judg 15:10 לֶאֱסָרְךָ Judg 15:12 אָסְרָם Hos 10:10 Participle active construct אֹסְרִי Gen 49:11 passive אָסור Gen 40:3 +; plural אֲסוּרִים Gen 39:20 +; also Judg 16:21; Judg 16:25 Qr (Kt אסירים); הָסוּרִים Eccl 4:14 (compare Now); אֲסֻרוֺת 2Sam 3:34 construct אסורי Gen 39:20 Kt (Qr אֲסִירֵי); —
1. tie, bind, for security, foal to vine (followed by ל) Gen 49:11 (blessing of Jacob); horses and asses 2Kgs 7:10 (twice in verse); Ps 118:27 is dubious De bind the festal victim with cords; Che bind the procession with branches, etc.
2. tie, harness, kine to (ב) cart 1Sam 6:7; 1Sam 6:10 so (metaphor) Hos 10:10 harness them to (ל) their two iniquities (but Jerome Ew Now make ׳א here = יסר chastise, compare אֶסֳּרֵם va); also followed by accusative chariot Gen 46:29 (J) Exod 14:6 (E) 2Kgs 9:21 absolute 1Kgs 18:44; 2Kgs 9:21 even of making ready chargers הַסּוּסִים ׳א Jer 46:4 (|| עֲלוּ הַפָּרָשִׁים).
3. bind, with cords, fetters, etc., as prisoner, Simeon Gen 42:24 (E), Samson Judg 15:10; Judg 15:12; Judg 15:13 (3 t. in verse); Judg 16:5; Judg 16:7; Judg 16:8; Judg 16:11 (twice in verse); Judg 16:12 בַּנְחֻשְׁתַּיִם ׳א 2Kgs 25:7 = 2Chr 36:6 = Jer 39:7; Jer 52:11 also 2Chr 33:11 compare (without ׳בַּנ) 2Kgs 17:4 (בֵּית בֶּלָא ׳א || עָצַת), 2Kgs 23:33 compare of divine chastisement Job 36:13 & see also Ezek 3:25; Ps 149:8 figurative of absolute authority Ps 105:22 especially Passive participle 2Sam 3:34 thy hands were not bound (|| and thy feet not put in fetters); בָּאֿזִקִּים ׳א Jer 40:1 compare בַּזִּקִּים ׳א Job 36:8 (probably figurative || חַבְלֵיעֹֿ֑נִי); metaphor of king held captive by a woman's tresses Song 7:6 perhaps = imprisoned (whether bound or not) Gen 39:20; Gen 40:3; Gen 40:5 (all J E); as substantive plural prisoners Gen 39:20 (Kt, see above); so (late) as distressed, & object of divine compassion Isa 49:9; Isa 61:1; Ps 146:7 בֵּית האסי֯רים prison Judg 16:21; Judg 16:25 compare Eccl 4:14.
4. gird (rare & late) אֵזוֺר בְּמָתְנֵיהֶם ׳א Job 12:18 (אֵזוֺר = slaves' waistcloth, RS p. 25 above; Hoffm reads וַיָּסַר for וַיֶּאְסֹר); חַרְבּוֺ אֲסוּרִים עַלמָֿתְנָיו Neh 4:12.
5. followed by מִלְחָמָה begin the battle, make the attack (compare German mit jemandem anbinden) 1Kgs 20:14; 2Chr 13:3.
6. figurative of obligation of oath or vow (only Num 30, P) עַלנֶֿפֶשׁ ׳א, usually followed by accusative of congnate meaning with verb אֱסָר, אִסָּר Num 30:3; Num 30:5 (twice in verse); Num 30:6; Num 30:8; Num 30:9; Num 30:11; Num 30:12 without אֱסָר etc., v.Num 30:7 v.Num 30:10 compare v.Num 30:4 אִסָּר ׳א (עַלנֶֿפֶשׁ omitted) Niph`al passive of Qal 3, be, bound, imprisoned, Imperfect (jussive) יֵאָסֵר Gen 42:19 (E); 2 masculine singular תֵּאָסֵר Judg 16:6; Judg 16:10; Judg 16:13 (of Samson); Imperative הֵאָֽסְרוּ Gen 42:16 (E). Pu`al Perfect be taken prisoner אֻסְּרוּ Isa 22:3 אֻסָּ֑רוּ ib.

BDB9327 H612 H631 H632

BDB9326 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9328

אסר (√ of following; Biblical Hebrew [ אָסַר] bind, אֵסוּר bond, אִסָּר binding obligation).

bound, bind, ready, tied, prison, …
ʾāsar
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle
  • to tie, bind, imprison
    • (Qal)
      • to tie, bind
        • "to tie, harness"to bind (with cords)"to gird (rare and late)"to begin the battle, make the attack"of obligation of oath (figurative)
      (Niphal) to be imprisoned, bound"(Pual) to be taken prisoner

שָׂרָ֣י ו
שָׂרָ֣י
Root word princes, captains, captain, chief, rulers, …
ו
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Dictionary form: שַׂר · sahr

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

In the KJV here: his princes
the princes ×55 the captains ×28 and the princes ×21 princes ×18 the captain ×18 captains ×14 and captains ×13 captain ×13
More options
commander — Best for military contexts; clear and modern.
official — Broad civil/administrative use; fits non-military leaders.
prince — Retain for royal/noble rank; modernizes KJV directly.
chief — Good for head of a group or department.
governor — Prefer when regional administrative authority is stressed.
leader — General-purpose; use when rank is vague or inclusive.

BDB5544 H5493 H5494 H3249 H5637 H8269

BDB5543 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5545

סוּר and (Hos 9:12) [שׂוּד]300 verb turn aside (Late Hebrew Hiph`il cause to turn aside, or apostatize; Tel Amarna sûru, noun rebel WklGloss); —

Qal161 Perfect masculine singular סָר Exod 3:4 +; 3 feminine singular סָ֫רָה 1Sam 16:14 +; 1 singular סָ֑רְתִּי Ps 119:102 3 plural סָרוּ Deut 9:12 +; 2 masculine plural סַרְתֶּם vDeut 9:16 +, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יָסוּר Gen 49:10 +, וַיָּ֫מַר Judg 4:18 +; 3 feminine singular תָּסוּר 1Sam 6:3 +; 1 singular cohortative אָסֻ֫רָה Exod 3:3 3 masculine plural יָסֻ֫רוּ Exod 25:15 +, etc.; Imperative masculine singular סוּר 2Sam 2:22 +, etc.; Infinitive absolute סוֺר Dan 9:5, סֹר vDan 9:11 construct סוּר Isa 7:17 +; suffix שׂוּרִי Hos 9:12 (Ges«GKC:6k»§ 6k Now); Participle סָר Job 1:1 +; feminine construct סָרַת Prov 11:22 masculine plural construct סָרֵי Jer 6:28 (or from סרר, or שָׂר); passive feminine סוּרָה Isa 49:21, with intransitive meaning (Ges«GKC:50f»§ 50f Köii. 1, 137), plural suffix סוּרַי Jer 17:13 Qr; and construct סוּרֵי Jer 2:21 —
1. turn aside, out of one's course 1Sam 6:12; Deut 2:27, from following, מֵאַחֲרֵי person 2Sam 2:21; 2Sam 2:22, absolute v2Sam 2:23, from attacking, מֵעַל 2Chr 20:10 turn in unto (for shelter, refuge, etc.), with אֶלֿ, Gen 19:2; Gen 19:3 (J) Judg 4:18 (3 t. in verse); Judg 19:11; Judg 19:12; 2Kgs 4:11, with לְ Judg 20:8, with שָׁם Judg 18:3; Judg 19:15, שָׁ֫מָה Judg 18:15; 2Kgs 4:8 ( + infinitive), v2Kgs 4:10 with הֵ֫נָּה Prov 9:4; Prov 9:16 (in figurative); for purpose implied Exod 3:3 (J) Ruth 4:1 (twice in verse), or expressed by infinitive Exod 3:4 (J) Judg 14:8; Jer 15:5 (in figurative); especially figurative turn aside from right path, from ׳י, his commands, etc., usually with מִן Exodus (J) Judg 2:17; Deut 9:12 + 7 t. D, Prov 13:14 + 5 t. Proverbs, + 10 t. elsewhere, + 2Chr 8:15 (insert מִן); with מֵאַחֲרֵי 1Sam 12:20 + 4 t.; with מֵעַל Jer 32:40; Ezek 6:9 מִן + יָמִין etc. Deut 5:29; Deut 17:11; 2Kgs 22:2 = 2Chr 34:2 absolute (sometimes = revolt) Ps 14:3; Jer 5:23; Deut 11:16; Deut 17:17 (subject לֵבָב), וְסוּרַי Jer 17:13 Qr (> יסורי Kt) read probably וְסוּרֶיךָ those revolting from thee (Ew Gie); סוּרֵי הַגֶּפֶן נָכְרִיָּה Jer 2:21 degenerate (shoots) of the foreign vine (figurative); סָרַת טַעַם Prov 11:22 a woman turning aside as to discretion, shewing lack of it; also from wrong path, sins (of Jeroboam), etc., with מִן 2Kgs 3:3; 2Kgs 14:24 + 7 t. 2 Kings; with מֵעַל 2Kgs 10:31; 2Kgs 15:18 with מֵאַחֲרֵי 2Kgs 10:29 סָר מֵרָע (participle) Job 1:1; Job 1:8; Job 2:3 also Isa 59:15 סוּר מֵרָע (infinitive and imperative) Job 28:28; Prov 3:7; Prov 13:19; Prov 16:6; Prov 16:17; Ps 34:16; Ps 37:27.
2. depart, usually with מִן, of frogs Exod 8:7, flies v.Exod 8:25 (both J), sword 2Sam 12:10 sceptre from Judah Gen 49:10 (poem in J): ׳י's hand 1Sam 6:3, his kindness 2Sam 7:15 (ᵑ0, but read אָסִיר ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9 || 1Chr 17:13 Th We Dr Klo Bu Kit HPS), his wrath Ezek 16:42 (but strike out Co Siegf Toy), depart from way = get out of the way, cease to obstruct Isa 30:11, etc.; with מִתּוֺךְ 1Sam 15:6 (twice in verse); with מֵעַל Isa 7:17; Judg 16:19; Num 12:10, etc.; of ׳י departing, מִן person, Hos 9:12, מֵעַל Judg 16:20; 1Sam 28:16, מֵעִם 1Sam 18:12 God, with מִן Job 21:14; Job 22:17, with מֵעַל 1Sam 28:16, ׳רוּחֵ י, with מֵעִם 1Sam 16:14 evil spirit, with מֵעַל v1Sam 16:23 absolute depart [from Babylon] Isa 52:11 (twice in verse); = avoid contact Lam 4:15 (3 t. in verse); of wicked Job 15:30 he shall not depart out of (מִנִּי) darkness, i.e. shall not avoid it, escape it; passive participle made to depart, thrust away, of Israel under figure of wife Isa 49:21 (> active, according to BaNB § 124 c).
3. of lifeless things = be removed, oppressors's yoke, with מֵעַל Isa 14:25 compare vIsa 14:25; Isa 10:27 staves from (מִן) ark Exod 25:16 absolute inquity Isa 6:7 especially of בָּמוֺת 1Kgs 15:14; 1Kgs 22:44; 2Kgs 12:4; 2Kgs 14:4; 2Kgs 15:4; 2Kgs 15:35; 2Kgs 2:17; 2Kgs 20:33.
4. = come to an end, Amos 6:7; Isa 11:13. — For סָר אֶלֿ 1Sam 22:14 read שָׂר עַלֿ ᵐ5 Th Dr Klo Bu Kit Löhr HPS; in 1Sam 15:32 Th HPS strike out סָר (after ᵐ5 ᵑ9 ᵑ6) as dittograph; סָר סָבְאָם Hos 4:18 see סֹבֶא; Hos 7:14 read יָס֫וֺרוּ for יָס֫וּרוּ (√ סרר q. v.); Jer 6:28, it is uncertain whether (סוֺרְרִים) סָרֵי belongs here, revolters among the rebellious, or below סרר, or even = שָׂרֵי princes, chiefs (compare 1Sam 22:14). Pô`lel Perfect 3 masculine singular סוֺרֵר דְּרָכָיו Lam 3:11 he turned aside my ways (my steps).

Hiph`il133 Perfect 3 masculine singular הֵסִיר 2Kgs 18:4 +; 2 masculine singular וַהֲסִרֹ֫תָ consecutive (Dr§ 110(5) Obs.) 1Kgs 3:31 1 singular הֲסִירֹ֫תִי 2Kgs 23:27 +, וַהֲסִרֹתִ֫י 1Sam 17:46 +; 3 plural הֵסִ֫ירוּ 2Chr 30:14, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יָסִיר Isa 3:18 +, jussive יָסֵר Exod 8:4 +, וַיָּ֫סַר Gen 8:13 +; suffix וַיְסִרֵהוּ 1Sam 18:13, וַיְסִרֶהָ 1Kgs 15:13, יְסִירֶנָּה Lev 3:4 +; 3 masculine plural יָסִ֫ירוּ Isa 5:23 +, etc.; Imperative masculine singular הָסֵר 1Kgs 20:24 +, הָסִיר Ezek 21:31 (read הָסֵיר, הָסֵר); feminine singular הָסִ֫ירִי 1Sam 1:14, etc.; Infinitive absolute הָסֵר Gen 30:32 +; construct הָסִיר 2Kgs 6:32 +, etc.; Participle מֵסִיר Isa 3:1 + 3 t.; —

1. cause to (turn aside,) depart, common word for remove, take away: with מִן, Exod 8:4; Exod 8:27; Exod 33:23 (all J), Exod 23:25 (E) Deut 7:15; 1Sam 28:3; Josh 7:13 (J) Judg 10:16; Isa 3:1; Ps 18:23 (+ || 2Sam 22:23, read אָסִיר מִמֶּנִּי De Hup-Now HPS); shoulder from burden Ps 81:7 מֵסִיר אָזְנוֺ מִשְּׁמֹעַ Prov 28:9 + often, + Job 33:17 (insert מִן ᵐ5 Ew Di De Hi Bu and others); with מֵעַל, take off ring Gen 41:42 (E) Esth 3:10, also Esth 8:2 (absolute); garments Gen 38:14; Gen 38:19 (J) Deut 21:13; Zech 3:4; 1Sam 17:39 (armour), also Exod 34:34 (P; absolute) and Ezek 26:16 (Co insert מֵעַל); take off head, מֵעַל 1Sam 17:46, absolute 2Sam 4:7; 2Sam 16:9; 2Sam 2:32 with מֵעַל also often figurative (from upon = from resting on, or burdening), plagues Exod 8:4; Exod 10:17 (J), compare Num 21:7 (E), also 1Sam 1:14; Amos 5:23; 1Kgs 2:31 reproach 1Sam 17:26; Isa 25:8 c, מֵעִם = from one's presence 1Sam 18:13, also of ׳י removing kindness 1Chr 16:13 = || 2Sam 7:15 (see
Qal 2.); with מֵעַל פָּנָיו, of ׳י removing Israel 2Kgs 17:18; 2Kgs 17:23; 2Kgs 23:27; 2Kgs 24:3; Jer 32:31 absolute 2Kgs 23:27 often absolute, Gen 8:13 Noah removed the covering; remove = depose with מִן 1Kgs 15:13 = 2Chr 15:16 (see מִן 7 b
   (b)), absolute 2Chr 36:3, compare Judg 9:29; Job 34:20 remove בָּמוֺת, etc., 2Kgs 18:4, v2Kgs 18:22 = Isa 36:7 = 2Chr 32:12; 2Kgs 23:19; 2Chr 30:14; 2Chr 14:2, compare 2Chr 14:4; 2Chr 17:5 (both with מִן); = put away strange gods, etc., Gen 35:2; Josh 24:14; Josh 24:23 (all E), 1Sam 7:4, with מִתּוֺךְ v1Sam 7:3; Isa 58:9 once with לְ, מֵסִיר שָׂפָה לְנֶאֱמָנִים Job 12:20.
2. rarer uses are: put aside = leave undone Josh 11:15 (D); retract words Isa 31:2 (of ׳י); reject prayer Ps 66:20 abolish sacrifice Dan 11:31 turn one away מֵאַחֲרֵי, i.e. from following Deut 7:4 with אֶלֿ person, remove the ark unto 2Sam 6:10 = 1Chr 13:13.Hoph`al Perfect 3 masculine singular הוּסַר Lev 4:31; Dan 12:11 Imperfect 3 masculine singular יוּסַר Lev 4:35 Participle מוּסָר Isa 17:1 plural מוּסָרִים 1Sam 21:7 (but final ם probably dittograph before מ We Dr Klo Kit HPS); — be taken away, removed: with מִן Lev 4:35, מֵעַל vLev 4:31, ׳מִלִּפְנֵי י 1Sam 21:7 מוּסָר מֵעִיר Isa 17:1 Damascus is removed from being a city; absolute be abolished Dan 12:11 (compare Dan 11:31 Hiph`il).

BDB8348 H8269 H3256

BDB8347 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8349

שַׂר420 noun masculine chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince (Late Hebrew especially of angels; Assyrian šarru, king); — absolute שַׂר 2Sam 3:38 +, הַשַּׂר Mic 7:3 +, שָׂ֑ר Hos 3:4 +; construct שַׂר Judg 4:2 +; suffix שַׂרְכֶם Dan 10:21 plural שָׂרִים 1Kgs 4:2 +; construct שָׂרֵי Gen 12:15 +; suffix שָׂרַי Judg 5:15; Isa 10:8, שָׂרֵיכֶם Jer 44:21, שָׂרֵיהֶם Isa 3:4 +; —

1. chieftain, leader:
  a. plural of Israel Num 21:18 (poem in J E; || נְדִיֹב הָעָם), of Issachar Judg 5:15 (poem); שָׂרֵי גִלְעָד Judg 10:18 is dubious (we should expect ׳וְשׂ, and compare ׳זִקְנֵי ג, instead, Judg 11:5-11); of Midian Judg 7:25; Judg 8:3 Philistines 1Sam 29:3 (twice in verse); 1Sam 29:4 (twice in verse); 1Sam 29:9 (apparently = סְרָנִים v1Sam 29:2 v1Sam 29:6 v1Sam 29:7 [We], yet distinguished by HPS and [with reserve] Bu; ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9 Th Bu strike out in v1Sam 29:4 b), compare 1Sam 18:30 in poetry, of כְּמוֺשׁ (i.e. the leading Moabites) Jer 48:7, of מָלכם (q. v.; i.e. the leading Ammonites) Amos 1:15 = Jer 49:3.
  b. singular David as leader of freebooters 1Sam 22:2 compare גְּדוּד ׳שׂ 1Kgs 11:24, plural 2Sam 4:2.
2. vassal, noble, official, under king (acting, on occasion, as counselor, commander, etc.):
  a. plural, in Egypt Gen 12:15 (J) + 3 t. Is + Gen 30:4 Di Du Skinner (>of foreign embassy [compare || מַלְאָכָיו] Che and others reading [CheHeb.Hpt. Marti] שָׁשׂרִים), Ps 105:22 Moab Num 22:8 + 8 t. 22, 23 (JE), Amos 2:3 Edom Isa 34:12 (|| הֹרִים); Assyrian Isa 10:8; Isa 31:9 Babylonian Isa 21:5 + 7 t. Jeremiah + 2Chr 32:31 (but here perhaps vaguely = authorities); other nations Jer 49:38 + 17 t. Ezra, Esther; in general Isa 49:7 officials, official class, under kings of Israel: David (only Chronicles) 1Chr 22:17 + 5 t. 1 Chronicles; Ezra 8:20 Solomon 1Kgs 4:2 Jehoiachin 2Kgs 24:12; 2Kgs 24:14 Zedak. Jer 34:21; 2Chr 36:18 other kings 19 t. 2 Chronicles; in general Eccl 10:16; Eccl 10:17 see also (Judah) Jer 1:18 + 31 t. Jeremiah (Jer 17:25 a strike out ׳שׂ Gf Che Gie Du), 4 t. Lamentations; Ezek 17:12; Zeph 1:8 (where distinguished from בְּנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ, who are never called ׳שׂ); so, in general, Neh 9:32; Neh 9:34; Dan 9:6; Dan 9:8 and (Northern Israel) Hos 3:4 + 6 t. Hosea.
  b. as having powers of magistrate (‡adi) Exod 2:14 (E + שֹׁפֵט); under Moses (over groups of 1000, 100, 50, 10) Exod 18:21 + 7 t. 18 (E), Deut 1:15 (4 t. in verse); later in Judah Hos 5:10 (Now reads ׳שָׂרֵי תִשׁ), Isa 1:23, compare Isa 3:4; Isa 3:14; Isa 32:1; Mic 7:3 (singular; || שֹׁפֵט), Zeph 3:3 (|| id.), Ezek 22:27, compare Prov 8:16 (|| נְדִיבִים); Prov 28:2 read perhaps צָרֶיהָ, see Toy.
  c. as ruler or magistrate of a district (מְרִינָה), 1Kgs 20:14; 1Kgs 20:15; 1Kgs 20:17; 1Kgs 20:19 (compare Esth 1:3; Esth 8:9; Esth 9:3, שָׂרֵי עַם וָעָם Esth 3:12).
  d. as commandant of city, הָעִיר ׳שׂ Judg 9:30, compare 1Kgs 22:26 = 2Chr 18:25; 2Kgs 23:8; 2Chr 34:8 of citadel, הַבִּירָה ׳שׂ Neh 7:2 plural of city officials סֻכּוֺת ׳שׂ Judg 8:6; Judg 8:14 (distinguished from זְקֵנִים), compare 2Kgs 10:1; 2Chr 29:20.
3. specifically military, = captain, general:
  a. שַׂרֿ(ה)צבא Gen 21:22; Gen 21:32 (E), Gen 26:26 (J), 1Sam 12:9 + 23 t., + ׳יֿ׳צֿ׳שׂ Josh 5:14; Josh 5:15 (J E; צָבָא 1 b), angel-captain in vision; see also 8, 9; ׳שָׂרֵי הַצּ 1Kgs 1:25 + 3 t. Chronicles, ׳שָׂרִים בַּצּ 1Chr 12:22 (Gi Baer; van d. H. v.1Chr 12:21); שָׂרֵי צְבָאוֺת Deut 20:9; 1Kgs 2:5; 1Chr 27:3 שַׂרהַֿחַ֫יִל 2Sam 24:2 (but read וְאֶלשָֿׂרֵי as ᵐ5L and || 1Chr 21:2 Th We Dr HPS Bu), ׳שָׂרֵי (הַ)ח v1Chr 21:4 v1Chr 21:4; 2Kgs 9:5; 2Chr 33:14; Neh 2:9, שָׂרֵי הַחֲיָלִים 1Kgs 15:20 = 2Chr 16:4; 2Kgs 25:23; 2Kgs 25:26; Jer 40:7; Jer 40:13 + 7 t. Jeremiah; שָׂרֵי מִלְחָמוֺת 2Chr 32:6 so (ה)שׂר alone 2Sam 18:5; 2Sam 19:7; 1Kgs 9:22 = 2Chr 8:9 ᵐ5.:B Be Kit (שָׁרָיו וְשָׁלִישָׁיו, for ᵑ0 ׳שָׂרֵי שׁ), 2Kgs 9:5 (twice in verse); 1Chr 11:6; 1Chr 11:21 + 9 t., + Job 39:25; Dan 11:5 וְגָדוֺל ׳שׂ 2Sam 3:38 (of Abner); possibly military figurative also in שַׂר שָׁלוֺם Isa 9:5 (Messianic name).
  b. leading companies of 50 2Kgs 1:9-14; Isa 3:3, of 100 1Sam 22:7 + 16 t. + 1Sam 8:12 (reading מֵאוֺת for חֲמִשִּׁים ᵐ5 HPS, compare We; Bu insert שָׂרֵי מֵאוֺת), of 1000 1Sam 17:18 + 11 t., + שָׂרֵי הָאֲלָפִים וְהַמֵּאוֺת 1Chr 13:1; 1Chr 26:26 (distinguished from שָׂרֵי הַצָּבָא), 1Chr 27:1; 1Chr 29:6; 2Chr 1:2 also הָרֶכֶב ׳שׂ captain of the chariotry 1Kgs 22:31; 1Kgs 22:32; 1Kgs 22:33 = 2Chr 18:30; 2Chr 18:31; 2Chr 18:32 + 3 t. + שָׂרֵי וּפָרָשָׁיו ׳ר 1Kgs 9:22 = 2Chr 8:9.
4. a. chief, head, of other official classes: שַׂר הַטַּבָּחִים, Egypt, Gen 37:36 + 5 t.; שָׂרֵי הָרָצִים 1Kgs 14:27 = 2Chr 12:10 שָׂרֵי הַנִּצָּבִים 1Kgs 5:30; 1Kgs 9:23 = 2Chr 8:10 even domestic positions (court of Pharaoh), שַׂר הַמַּשְׁקִים Gen 40:2 + 5 t., שַׂר הָאוֺפוֺת Gen 40:2 + 4 t. (all E); שָׂרֵי הַמּחְלְקוֺת 1Chr 28:1, i.e. of the successive courses of royal military officials; compare הַשַּׂר 1Chr 27:28 שַׂר הַסָּרִיסִים Dan 1:7; Dan 1:8; Dan 1:9; Dan 1:10; Dan 1:11; Dan 1:18 שַׂר מְנוּחָה Jer 51:59.
  b. = overseer: שַׂר בֵּית הַסֹּהַר Gen 39:21; Gen 39:23, שָׂרֵי מִקְנֶה Gen 47:6 (all J; compare אַבִּיר הָרֹעִים 1Sam 21:8), שָׂרֵי מִסִּים Exod 1:11 (J); compare 1Chr 15:27; 1Chr 29:6; 1Chr 27:31; 1Chr 28:1. — In 1Chr 15:22 read probably סַר הַמַּשָּׂא (= שַׂר) overseer of the carrying (for ᵑ0 בְּמַשָּׂא יָסֹר בַּמַּשָּׂא), so ᵐ5 Benz Kit, Be יָסֹר = יָשׂר; see another view יָסַר
Qal. 5. of religious office: שָׂרֵי הַכֹּהֲנִים Ezra 8:24; Ezra 8:29; Ezra 10:5; 2Chr 36:14 הַלְוִיִּם ׳שׂ 1Chr 15:16; 1Chr 15:22; 2Chr 35:9, compare 1Chr 15:5; 1Chr 15:6; 1Chr 15:7; 1Chr 15:8; 1Chr 15:10 (twice in verse); heads of classes or courses of priests, called שָׂרֵי קֹרֶשׁ 1Chr 24:5, אֱלֹהִים ׳שׂ v1Chr 24:5 — ׳שָׂרֵי ק Isa 43:28 (usually consecrated princes, whether priests, or kings, or both) is probably corrupt, read perhaps שַׁעֲרֵי (Du) or וַיְחַלְּלוּ שָׂרֶיךָ קָרְשִׁי ᵐ5 Houb Klo CheHpt Gr (substantially).
6. late, of representative leaders of people, tribal heads, ׳שׂ ׳שִׁבְטֵי יִשׂ 1Chr 27:22; 1Chr 29:6, compare 1Chr 28:1 apparently = elders, הָעָם ׳שׂ Ezek 11:1; 2Chr 24:23 ׳שׂ alone, Ps 68:28 (3 t. in verse); in post-exilic Jerusalem Ezra 9:1; Ezra 9:2; Neh 4:10; Neh 10:1; Neh 11:1 (שָׂרֵי הָעָם), + elders Ezra 10:8; Ezra 10:14 called שָׂרֵי יְהוּדָה Neh 12:31; Neh 12:32 of district-rulers Neh 3:9; Neh 3:12; Neh 3:14; Neh 3:15; Neh 3:16; Neh 3:17; Neh 3:18; Neh 3:19 of heads of families, שָׂרֵי הָאָבוֺת Ezra 8:29; 1Chr 29:6 (= רָאשֵׁי ׳הָא 1Chr 24:31; 1Chr 27:1; Neh 7:70).
7. late, as term of rank and dignity, Isa 23:8 (compare 'merchant- princes'), Job 3:15; Job 29:9 (|| נְגִירִים), Job 34:19; Ps 45:17; Ps 82:7; Ps 148:11, opposed to עבד(יםׅ Prov 19:10; Eccl 10:7 formidable foes Ps 119:23; Ps 119:161.
8. = patron-angel, only Daniel: שַׂר (מַלְכוּת) פָּרַס Dan 10:13; Dan 10:20, יָוָן ׳שׂ vDan 10:20 specifically of מִיכָאֵל vDan 10:13; Dan 10:21; Dan 12:1
9. שַׂרהַֿצָּבָא Dan 8:11 = God (probably, compare צָרָא 1 c; yet see also ׳צ 1 b), so שַׂר שְׂרִים vDan 8:25.

BDB8349 H7786 H8323 H3256 H8269

BDB8348 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8350

[שָׂרַר] verb denominative (Gerber20) be, or act as, prince, rule; —

Qal Imperfect 3 masculine singular וַיָּ֫שַׂר עַלֿ יִשְׂרָאֵל Judg 9:22 Abimelech ruled over Israel three years; 3 masculine plural שָׂרִים ֗֗֗ יָשׂ֑רוּ Isa 32:1 princes shall govern (prince it) justly (|| יִמְלָךְמֶֿלֶךְ), compare Prov 8:16 Participle לִהְיוֺת֗֗֗ שׂרֵר Esth 1:22 that every man should bear rule בְּבֵיתוֺ. Hithpa`el Imperfect, 2 masculine singular + Infinitive absolute כִּיתִֿשְׂתָּרֵר עָלֵינוּ גַּםהִֿשְׂתָּרֵר Num 16:13 that thou shouldst also keep playing the prince over us. — יָסֹר 1Chr 15:22 see יָסַר Qal and שַׂר 4 b. Hiph`il Perfect 3 plural metaplastic הֵשִׂירוּ (Ges«GKC:67v»§ 67v) Hos 8:4 they made princes (absolute; || הִמְלִיכוּ). p. 415f, 978

princes, captains, captain, chief, rulers, …
śar
a head person (of any rank or class)
  • prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain
    • chieftain, leader
      • "vassal, noble, official (under king)"captain, general, commander (military)"chief, head, overseer (of other official classes)"heads, princes (of religious office)"elders (of representative leaders of people)"merchant-princes (of rank and dignity)"patron-angel"Ruler of rulers (of God)"warden

בְּ נַפְשׁ ֑וֹ
בְּ
Prefix — preposition in, at, by, with
נַפְשׁ
Root word soul, life, souls, lives, persons, …
֑וֹ
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Dictionary form: נֶפֶשׁ · neh-PESH

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

In the KJV here: at his pleasure
my soul ×101 soul ×38 his soul ×28 thy soul ×28 the souls ×23 the soul ×21 thy life ×16 my life ×15
More options
soul — Broad default; fits spiritual or inner-self contexts.
life — Prefer when physical existence or survival is in view.
being — Good for 'living being'; avoids religious overtones.
person — Use when נֶפֶשׁ refers to a countable individual or body.
self — Reflexive contexts: 'with all your self / whole self.'
appetite — Fitting for desire, craving, or longing passages.

BDB5310 H5315

BDB5309 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5311

נֶ֫פֶשׁ756 noun feminineGen 49:6 (so even Gen 2:19; Num 31:28; 1Kgs 19:2 see AlbrZAW xvi (1896), 42 SS) soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, appetite, emotion, and passion (Eccl 3:18; Eccl 4:1 (twice in verse); Eccl 4:2 (twice in verse); Eccl 13:12; Eccl 14:11); — ׳נ Gen 1:20 +; נָ֑פֶשׁ Gen 37:21 +; suffix נַפְשִׁי Gen 12:13 +; plural נְפָשׁוֺת Ezek 13:18 + 13 t.; נְפָשֹׁת Exod 12:4; Lev 27:2 construct נַפְשׁוֺת Gen 36:6 + 4 t.; נַפְשֹׁת Lev 21:11 נְפָשִׁים Ezek 13:20 (but read חָפְשִׁים, see Co Berthol Toy); suffix נַפְשׁוֺתָם 2Sam 23:17 +; נַפְשֹׁתָם Num 17:3 +: —

1. = that which breathes, the breathing substance or being = ψυχή, anima, the soul, the inner being of man:
  a. distinguished from ׃בָּשָׂר מִנֶּפֶשׁ וְעַד בָּשָׂר Isa 10:18 הַנֶּפֶשׁ עִם הַבָּשָׂר Deut 12:23 from שְׁאֵר Prov 11:17 from בֶּטֶן body Ps 31:10.
  b. both the inner נפשׁ and the outer בשׂר are conceived as resting on a common substratum: אַךְ בְּשָׂרוֺ עָלָיו יִכְאָ֑ב וְנַפְשׁוֺ עָלָיו תֶּאֱבָֽל׃ Job 14:22 only his flesh upon him is in pain, and his soul upon him mourneth; compare Ps 42:5; Ps 42:7; Ps 131:2; Job 30:16; Lam 3:20 [see עַל 1 d], all poetical (compare 6 c).
  c. ׳נ departs at death and returns with life: וַיְתִי בְּצֵאת נַפְשָׁהּ כִּי מֵתָה Gen 35:18 (E) and it came to pass when her soul was going forth (for she died); נָָֽפְחָה נַפְשָׁהּ Jer 15:9 she breathed out her soul, compare 1Kgs 17:21; 1Kgs 17:22; Job 11:20; Job 31:39.
  d. often desired that the נפשׁ may be delivered: from Sh®°ôl Ps 16:10; Ps 30:4; Ps 49:16; Ps 86:13; Ps 89:49; Prov 23:14 from שַׁחַת, the pit of Sh®°ôl, Isa 38:17; Job 33:18; Job 33:22; Job 33:28; Job 33:30.
2. The נפשׁ becomes a living being: by God's breathing נשׁמת חיים into the nostrils of its בשׂר; of man Gen 2:7 (J); by implication of animals also Gen 2:19 (J); so Ps 104:29; Ps 104:30 compare Ps 66:9 man is נֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה, a living, breathing being Gen 2:7 (J); elsewhere נפשׁ חיּה always of animals Gen 1:20; Gen 1:24; Gen 1:30; Gen 9:12; Gen 9:15; Gen 9:16 (all P), Ezek 47:9 so נפשׁ החיּה Gen 1:21; Gen 9:10 (both P), Lev 11:10; Lev 11:46 (H); נפשׁ השׁרצת Lev 11:46 (H); נפשׁ כל חי Job 12:10. נפשׁ is frequently used with the verb ׃חיה וחיתה נפשׁ Gen 12:13; Gen 19:20 (both J), 1Kgs 20:32 (E), Ps 119:175; Jer 38:17; Jer 38:20 חֵי נַפְשְׁךָ 1Sam 1:26; 1Sam 17:55; 1Sam 20:3; 1Sam 25:26; 2Sam 11:11; 2Sam 14:9; 2Kgs 2:2; 2Kgs 2:4; 2Kgs 2:6; 2Kgs 4:30 (all J E); compare ׳יְחַיֶּה נ 1Kgs 20:31 (E), Ezek 18:27; Ps 22:30 also Gen 19:19; Isa 55:3; Prov 3:22.
3. The נפשׁ (without חיה noun or verb) is specified:
  a. a living being whose life resides in the blood [so in Arabic WeSkizzen iii. 217 G. JacobArab. Dicht. iv. 9 f.] (hence sacrificial use of blood, and its prohib. in other uses; first in D), Deut 12:23; Deut 12:24 only be sure that thou eat not the blood, for the blood is the living being (הַדָּם הוּא הַנֶּפֶשׁ); and thou shalt not eat the living being with the flesh (הַנֶּפֶשׁ עִם הַבָּשָׂר); thou shalt pour it upon the earth as water; this is enlarged in H, Lev 17:10; Lev 17:11; Lev 17:12; Lev 17:14 and in P Gen 9:4; Gen 9:5, compare Jer 2:34.
  b. a serious attack upon the life is an attack upon this inner living being 2Sam 1:9; Jer 4:10; Jonah 2:6; Ps 69:2; Ps 124:4; Ps 124:5; Job 27:3.
  c. נפשׁ is used for life itself 171 t., of animals Prov 12:10, and of man Gen 44:30 (J); נפשׁ תחת נפשׁ life for life Exod 21:23 (E), Lev 24:18 (H), 1Kgs 20:39; 1Kgs 20:42; 2Kgs 10:24 נפשׁנו תחתיכם Josh 2:14 (J); נפשׁ בנפשׁ Deut 19:21 בנפשׁ for the life of 2Sam 14:7; Jonah 1:14 שׂם נפשׁ בכף put life in one's own hand Judg 12:3; 1Sam 19:5; 1Sam 28:21; Job 13:14 חרף נפשׁו למות Judg 5:18 risked his life to die; בנפשׁ at the risk of life Num 17:3 (P), 2Sam 23:17 = 1Chr 11:19 (twice in verse), 1Kgs 2:23; Prov 7:23; Lam 5:9 בקּשׁ נפשׁ Exod 4:19 (J), 1Sam 20:21; 1Sam 22:23 (twice in verse); 1Sam 23:15; 1Sam 25:29; 2Sam 4:8; 2Sam 16:11; 1Kgs 19:10; 1Kgs 19:14; Jer 4:30; Jer 11:21; Jer 19:7; Jer 19:9; Jer 21:7; Jer 22:25; Jer 34:20; Jer 34:21; Jer 38:16; Jer 44:30 (twice in verse); Jer 46:26; Jer 49:37; Ps 35:4; Ps 38:13; Ps 40:15; Ps 54:5; Ps 63:10; Ps 70:3; Ps 86:14; Prov 29:10 ׳שׁאל נ 1Kgs 3:11 = 2Chr 1:11; 1Kgs 19:4 = Jonah 4:8 הִכָּה נפשׁ smite mortally Gen 37:21 (J), Deut 19:6; Deut 19:11; Jer 40:14; Jer 40:15 ׳לקח נ 1Kgs 19:4; Jonah 4:3; Ps 31:14; Prov 1:19 הִצִּיל נֶפֶשׁ מִמָּוֶת deliver life from death Josh 2:13; Ps 33:19; Ps 56:14 מלּט נפשׁ1Sam 19:11; 2Sam 19:6 (4 t. in verse); 1Kgs 1:12 (twice in verse); Jer 48:6; Jer 51:6; Jer 51:45; Ezek 33:5; Amos 2:14; Amos 2:15; Ps 89:49; Ps 116:4 פדה ׳נ 2Sam 4:9; 1Kgs 1:29; Ps 34:23; Ps 49:16; Ps 55:19; Ps 71:23 ׳שׁמר נ Ps 25:20; Ps 97:10; Job 2:6; Prov 13:3; Prov 16:17; Prov 19:16; Prov 22:5.
4. The נפשׁ as the essential of man stands for the man himself:
  a. paraphrase for personal pronoun especially in poetry and ornate discourse, 70 t.; (1) נַפְשִׁי = me: אל תבא נפשׁי Gen 49:6 let me not enter (poem in J); מות ישׁרים ׳תָּמֹת נ Num 23:10 let me die, etc. (poem); תָּמוֺת נַפְשְׁי Judg 16:30 (J); אמרה נפשׁי Lam 3:24 I say. (2) נַפְשְׁךָ = thee: לְאֻמִּים תַּחַת נַפְשֶׁ֑ךָ Isa 43:4 peoples instead of thee; אָֽמְרוּ לְנַפְשֵׁךְ Isa 51:23. (3) נַפְשׁוֺ = he: נפשׁו בטוב תלין Psalms he will not dwell in good circumstances. (4) נַפְשֵׁנוּ = we: נַפְשֵׁנוּ כְּצִפּוֺר נִמְלְטָה מִפַּח יוֺקְשִׁים Ps 124:7. (5) נַפְשָׁם = they, them: נַפְשָׁם בַּשְּׁבִי הָלָ֑כָה Isa 46:2 they are gone into captivity; אוי לנפשׁם Isa 3:9.
  b. = reflexive, self, 53 t.: אסר על נפשׁ bind oneself Num 30:3; Num 30:5 (twice in verse); Num 30:6; Num 30:7; Num 30:8; Num 30:9; Num 30:10; Num 30:11; Num 30:12 ׳לְעַנֹּת נ Num 30:14 to afflict oneself . (1) נַפְשִׁי = myself: לא אדע נפשׁי Job 9:21 I know not myself. (2) נַפְשְׁךָ = thyself: ׳שׁמר נ Deut 4:9 keep thyself. (3) נַפְשׁוֺ = himself: ׳אהב כנ 1Sam 18:1; 1Sam 18:3; 1Sam 20:17 loved as himself. (4) נַפְשָׁהּ = herself: ׳צדּקה נ Jer 3:11 justified herself. (5) נַפְשָׁם = themselves: ׳הציל נ deliver themselves Isa 47:14; Ezek 14:14; Ezek 14:20. (6) נַפְשְׁכֶם, נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם = yourselves: ׳אַלתַּֿשִּׁאוּ נ Jer 37:9 deceive not yourselves, also Jer 42:20; Jer 44:7 ׳ענּה נ Lev 16:29; Lev 16:31; Lev 23:27; Lev 23:32; Num 29:7 (P); ׳נשׁמרתם לנ Deut 4:15; Josh 23:11 (D). (7) נַפְשׁוֺתֵינוּ = ourselves: ׳על נ Jer 26:19 against ourselves.
  c. = person of man, individual, 144 t., first in D2; especially in H, P, and kindred writers: (1) with אָדָם: אדם ׳נ Lev 24:17 opposed to בהמה ׳נ Lev 24:18 (both H), and so אדם ׳נ human persons Num 31:35; Num 31:40; Num 31:46 (P) 1Chr 5:21; Ezek 27:13. Elsewhere without אדם: ברכה ׳נ Prov 11:25 one who blesses; רְמִיָּה ׳נ Prov 19:15 idle person; ׳תחת נ ׳נ person in place of person, Job 16:4 כפּר ׳על נ Exod 30:15; Exod 30:16; Num 15:28; Num 31:50 (all P) Lev 17:11 (H). (2) נפשׁ = person, any one: Deut 24:7; Deut 27:25; Prov 28:17; Ezek 18:4 (3 t. in verse); Ezek 33:6 elsewhere only H P: Lev 2:1; Lev 4:2; Lev 4:27; Lev 5:1; Lev 5:2; Lev 5:4; Lev 5:15; Lev 5:17; Lev 5:21; Lev 7:18; Lev 7:20; Lev 7:21; Lev 7:25; Lev 7:27; Lev 23:29; Lev 23:30 (twice in verse); Num 5:6; Num 15:27; Num 15:30; Num 19:22; Num 31:19; Num 31:28; Num 35:11; Num 35:15; Num 35:30 (twice in verse); Josh 20:3; Josh 20:9 (all P), Lev 17:10; Lev 17:12; Lev 17:15; Lev 20:6 (twice in verse); Lev 22:6; Lev 22:11 (all H); ׳נכרתה הנ הַהִוא מן that person shall be cut off from: only in Gen 17:14; Exod 12:15; Exod 12:19; Exod 31:14; Lev 7:20; Lev 7:21; Lev 7:27; Num 9:13; Num 15:30; Num 15:31; Num 19:13; Num 19:20 (all P), Lev 19:8; Lev 22:3 (both H). (3) נפשׁ collective for persons, in enumerations: Deut 10:22; Josh 10:28; Josh 10:30; Josh 10:32; Josh 10:35; Josh 10:37 (twice in verse); Josh 10:39; Josh 11:11 (all D2) Jer 43:6; Jer 52:29; Jer 52:30 (twice in verse); Ezek 22:25 elsewhere only Gen 12:5; Gen 46:15; Gen 46:18; Gen 46:22; Gen 46:25; Gen 46:26 (twice in verse); Gen 46:27 (twice in verse); Exod 1:5 (twice in verse); Exod 12:16; Num 31:35; Num 31:40 (all P). (4) נְפָשׁוֺת persons Gen 36:6; Exod 12:4; Exod 16:16; Num 19:18 (all P), Lev 18:29; Lev 20:25; Lev 27:2 (all H), 2Kgs 12:5; Prov 11:30; Prov 14:25; Ezek 13:18 (3 t. in verse); Ezek 13:19 (twice in verse); Ezek 13:20 (twice in verse); Ezek 17:17; Ezek 18:4; Ezek 22:27 (נפשׁים Ezek 13:20 see above). (5) נפשׁ = deceased person, sometimes with מֵת, נֶפֶשׁ מֵת Num 6:6 (P), נַפְשֹׁת מֵת (ᵐ5 ᵑ6 נֶפֶשׁ) Lev 21:11 (H); usually without מֵת, נפשׁ (ה)אדם Num 9:6; Num 9:7; Num 19:11; Num 19:13 (P); or simply נפשׁ, Lev 19:28; Lev 21:1; Lev 22:4 (all H) Num 5:2; Num 6:11; Num 9:10 (all P); elsewhere only Hag 2:13.
5. נפשׁ = seat of the appetites, in all periods (46 t.) —
  a. hunger: רְעֵבָה ׳נ hungry soul Ps 107:9; Prov 27:7 with noun or verb of שׂבע satisfy Isa 56:11; Isa 58:10; Jer 50:19; Ezek 7:19; Ps 63:6; Ps 107:9; Prov 13:25; Prov 27:7 ׳מתוק לנ Prov 16:24 sweet to the taste.
  b. thirst: עֲיֵפָה ׳נ weary soul Prov 25:25; Jer 31:25 כארץ עיפה ׳נ Ps 143:6 ׳צמאה נ Ps 42:3; Ps 63:2.
  c. appetite in general: יַקִּיפוּ עָלָיו ׳אֹיְבַי בנ Ps 17:9 my enemies compass me about with greed; הִרְחִיבָה שְׁאוֺל נַפְשָׁהּ וּפָֽעֲרָה פִיהָ Isa 5:14 Sh®°ôl enlarged her appetite, etc., compare Hab 2:5; Prov 23:2 בַּעַל נֶפֶשׁ; Ecclesiastes uses נפשׁ only in the sense of a, b, c; the נפשׁ craves, lacks, and is filled with good things: Eccl 2:24; Eccl 4:8; Eccl 6:2; Eccl 6:3; Eccl 6:7; Eccl 6:9; Eccl 7:28.
6. = ׳נ seat of emotions and passions (151 t.) —
  a. desire: ׳אִוְּתָה נ soul desires Deut 12:20; Deut 14:26; 1Sam 2:16; 2Sam 3:21; 1Kgs 11:37; Job 23:13; Prov 13:4; Prov 21:10; Mic 7:1 ׳תַּאֲוַת נ Ps 10:3; Isa 26:8 ׳אַוַּת נ Deut 12:15; Deut 12:20; Deut 12:21; Deut 18:6; 1Sam 23:20; Jer 2:24 so also לנפשׁ according to one's desire Deut 21:14; Ps 78:18; Jer 34:16 כנפשׁ Deut 23:25 האח נפשׁנו ah, our desire Ps 35:25 בנפשׁ at one's desire Ps 105:22; Ezek 16:27 יָָֽצְאָה ׳נ בְדַבְּרוֺ Song 5:6 ׳נשׂא נ lift up the soul, desire Deut 24:15; 2Sam 14:14 (read אליהם, not אלהים), Ps 24:4; Ps 25:1; Ps 86:4; Ps 143:8; Prov 19:8; Jer 22:27; Jer 44:14; Hos 4:8.
  b. abhorrence, loathing: ׳געלה נ soul abhorreth Lev 26:11; Lev 26:15; Lev 26:30; Lev 26:43 (H) Jer 14:19 בחלה בי ׳וגם נ Zech 11:8 and their soul also fell a loathing against me.
  c. sorrow and distress: ׳מרי נ bitter, gloomy, discontented of soul Judg 18:25 (E) 2Sam 17:8; Job 3:20; Prov 31:6 ׳מר נ 1Sam 22:2 compare Job 7:11; Job 10:1; Isa 38:15; Ezek 27:1 ׳עָֽגְמָה נ Job 30:35 grieved; ׳אגמי נ sad of soul Isa 19:10 ׳תבכה נ my soul shall weep Jer 13:17 ירעה ׳נ his soul trembleth Isa 15:4 ׳צרת נ distress of soul Gen 42:21 (E).
  d. joy: תגיל ׳נ my soul rejoiceth Ps 35:9; Isa 61:10 ׳שׂמּח נ rejoice the soul Ps 86:4 also Ps 94:19; Ps 138:3; Prov 29:17.
  e. love: ׳אהבה נ my soul loveth Song 1:7; Song 3:1; Song 3:2; Song 3:3; Song 3:4 ׳יְדִדוּת נ darling of my soul Jer 12:7 ׳ב ׳דבקה נ his soul clave unto Gen 34:3 (J), with אחרי Ps 63:9 חשׁקה ׳ב ׳נ soul is attached to Gen 34:8 (P). feminine alienation, hatred, revenge: מן ׳תֵּקַע נ the soul is alienated from Jer 6:8; Ezek 23:17; Ezek 23:18 מן ׳נקעה נ Ezek 23:18; Ezek 23:22; Ezek 23:28 ׳שְׂנֻאי נ hated of soul 2Sam 5:8 (Qr); ׳שׂנאה נ Ps 11:5; Isa 1:14.
  g. other emotions and feelings: ׳השׁיב נ bring back soul Lam 1:11; Lam 1:19 (i.e. revive, compare with שׁוּב 1Kgs 17:21f.), hence figurative refresh, cheer, v1Kgs 17:16; Ps 19:8; Prov 25:14; Ruth 4:15 ׳שׁובב נ Ps 23:3 ׳מַחְמַל נ your souls' compassion Ezek 24:21 ׳קצרה נ soul was impatient Num 21:4 (E), Judg 10:16; Judg 16:16; Zech 11:8 כי ׳אאריך נ that I should prolong my patience Job 6:11 הגר ׳ידעתם אתנֿ ye know the feeling of the stranger Exod 23:9 (RD).

7. נפשׁ is used occasionally for mental acts + לבב (see 10); possibly also alone, owing to unconscious assimilation by late writers; but most, if not all, examples may be otherwise explained: נפשׁי ידעת מאד Ps 139:14 my soul knoweth well (or I know well; compare 4a); בלא לא טוב ׳דעת נ Prov 19:2 that the soul be without knowledge is not good (but RVm desire without knowledge, compare 6 a); ׳דעה חכמה לנ Prov 24:14 know wisdom for thy soul (or according to thy desire, compare 6 a); ׳אל תדמי בנ Esth 4:13 think not in thy soul (or in thyself, compare 4 b); כמו שׁער ׳בג Prov 23:7 as he reckoneth in his soul (but RV in himself, compare 4 b); ׳מה תאמר נ 1Sam 20:4 (but AV RV following ᵐ5 ἐπιθυμεῖ = תְּאַוֶּה; see 6 a).

8. נפשׁ for acts of the will is dubious: אם ישׁ נפשׁכם (את) if it is your purpose Gen 23:8 (P) 2Kgs 9:15 (or if it is your desire, 6 a); ׳בחרה נ my soul chooseth Job 7:15 ׳מאנה נ my soul, refuseth Job 6:7; Ps 77:3 חפצה ׳נ their soul delighteth in Isa 66:3 רצתה ׳נ my soul delighteth in Isa 42:1 (all perhaps emotional, 6 b, d, g).

9. נפשׁ = character is still more dubious: בּוֺ ׳לאֹיָָֽֿשְׁרָה נ Hab 2:4 his soul is not right in him (but ᵐ5 οὐκ εὐδοκεῖ ἡ ψυχή μου ἐν αὐτῷ [εὐδοκεῖ = רצתה], see
6.); נַפְשִׁי לאֹ מְטֻמָּאָה Ezek 4:14 my soul hath not (or I have not, 4 a) been polluted.
10. ׳נin D, when used with לבב, is assimilated to it, and shares with it the meanings of 7, 8, 9; and so in later writers influenced by D (unless we may think that ׳ל is used of intellect, while ׳נ is used of the feelings): thus, בכל לבב ובכל נפשׁ (see לבב): with דרשׁ Deut 4:29; 2Chr 15:12 עשׂה Deut 26:16 אהב Deut 6:5; Deut 13:4; Deut 30:6 ידע Josh 23:14 עבד Deut 10:12; Deut 11:13; Josh 22:5 שׁמע בקלו Deut 30:2 שׁוב אל Deut 30:10; 1Kgs 8:48 = 2Chr 6:38; 2Kgs 23:25 שׁמר מצות 2Kgs 23:3 = 2Chr 34:31 הלך לפני1Kgs 2:4 and Deut 11:18; 1Sam 2:35; 1Chr 22:19; 1Chr 28:9; Jer 32:41; Ps 13:8; Prov 2:10; Prov 24:12. Note. — In three cases is generally found closer approach to supposed radical meaning breath: —
  a. שׁמן וקטרת ישׂמח לב ומתק רעהו מעצת נפשׁ Prov 27:9. Ges (after Döderlein) renders a. ׳מעצת נ more than odorous trees, so later edds., even Buhl; but ᵑ9 De SS transpose) מֵעֲצַת רֵעֵהוּ ׳וּמֶתֶק נ. ᵐ5 Hi Bi ומתקרעה = the soul is rent asunder by cares. In any case נפשׁis || לב, compare
10. b. נַפְשׁוֺ גֶּחָלִים תְּלַהֵט Job 41:13 his breath kindleth coals (of the crocodile).The piece is one of the latest in the book; primitive meaning hardly in such a passage; context favours reference to passion or fury; perhaps below 6 f, his passion or fury kindleth coals.
  c. בָּתֵּי הַנֶּפֶשׁ Isa 3:20 perfume boxes; meaning evident from context; but not necessarily scent (breath)-boxes; may be 6 a, boxes of desire, or 5, boxes exciting the sense of smell; = smelling boxes or bottles. No sufficient evidence in Biblical Hebrew, therefore, for meaning breath, odour. — See, for complete study of נֶפֶשׁ (all passages), BrJBL 1897,17 ff.

BDB7797 H7307 H5315 H3824 H1320 H3820

BDB7796 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7798

רוּחַ378 noun feminineGen 41:8 (less often masculineExod 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 Brרוח 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).

soul, life, souls, lives, persons, …
nepeš
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)
  • soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion
    • that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man
      • "living being"living being (with life in the blood)"the man himself, self, person or individual"seat of the appetites"seat of emotions and passions"activity of mind
      • dubious
      activity of the will
      • dubious
      activity of the character
      • dubious

וּ זְקֵנָ֥י ו
וּ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
זְקֵנָ֥י
Root word elders, old, men, ancients, man, …
ו
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Dictionary form: זָקֵן · dzaw-KANE

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

In the KJV here: and teach his senators
the elders ×40 and the elders ×24 of the elders ×15 the elders of ×11 an old man ×4 and the old ×4 old ×4 unto the elders ×4
More options
elder — Best for community/tribal/civic leaders and councils.
old man — Informal; emphasizes age over social role.
senior — Neutral, modern; suits leadership or age contexts equally.
ancient — Use for poetic or prophetic passages with archaic tone.
aged man — Slightly formal; highlights advanced age with dignity.
village leader — Contextual paraphrase when civic authority is central.

BDB2434 H2205

BDB2433 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2435

זָקֵן adjective old, absolute ׳ז Gen 19:4 + 30 t. (on distinction from verb see above); construct זְקַן Gen 24:2 plural זְקֵנִים Gen 18:11 + 44 t.; זְקֵנוֺת Zech 8:4 construct זִקְנֵי Gen 50:7 + 85 t.; suffix זְקֵנַי Lam 1:19, זְקֵנֶיךָ Deut 21:2; Deut 32:7, זְקֵנָיו Josh 8:33 + 3 t., זְקֵנֶיהָ Judg 8:14, זְקֵנֵינוּ Exod 10:9; Josh 9:11, זִקְנֵיכֶם Deut 5:20 + 2 t.; —

1. old, of human beings, as adjective predicate Gen 18:11 (J), Job 32:4 (מִמֶּנּוּ לְיָמִים ׳ז, in comparison), or attributive אָב זָקֵן Gen 44:20 (J), ׳אִישׁ ז Judg 19:16; Judg 19:17; Judg 19:20; Judg 19:22, ׳נָבִיא ז 1Kgs 13:11; 1Kgs 13:25; 1Kgs 13:29, ׳מֶלֶךְ ז Eccl 4:13 probably also וּשְׂבַע ימים ׳ז Gen 35:29 (P), Job 42:17 and Gen 25:8 (P) according to ᵐ5 Sam Di; compare also Ezra 3:12.
2. usually as substantive:
  a. old man (or woman),
  b. elder;
  a. old man Gen 43:27 (J), Lev 19:32 (H), Deut 28:50; Deut 32:7 (|| אָב), 1Sam 2:31; 1Sam 2:32; 1Sam 28:14; Isa 47:6; Job 12:20; Job 32:9; Prov 17:6; Prov 20:29; Ps 119:100; Joel 1:2 old men and old women Zech 8:4 (twice in verse); compare זְקַן בֵּיתוֺ Gen 24:2 (J), זִקְנֵי בֵיתוֺ 2Sam 12:17 especially opposed to נַעַר Exod 10:9 (E), Isa 3:5; Isa 20:4; Jer 51:22; Lam 2:21; Ps 148:12, and in phrase מִנַּעַר וְעַד זָקֵן Gen 19:4 (J), Josh 6:21 (JE), Esth 3:13 opposed to ילדים 1Kgs 12:6; 1Kgs 12:8; 1Kgs 12:13 = 2Chr 10:6; 2Chr 10:8; 2Chr 10:13 opposed to בַּחוּרִים Jer 31:13; Ezek 9:6; Joel 3:1, compare 2Chr 36:17 (+ יָשֵׁשׁ) and Jer 6:11 (+ מְלֵא ימים); opposed to עוּל ימים Isa 65:20 opposed to יונקי שׁדים and עוללים Joel 2:16.
  b. usually plural elders, as having authority, term techn. (100 t. +); elders of a people, especially Israel Exod 3:16; Exod 3:18; Exod 12:21 (all J), Exod 17:5; Exod 17:6; Exod 18:12; Exod 19:7; Exod 24:1; Exod 24:9; Exod 24:14; Josh 24:1 (all E), Num 11:16 (twice in verse) (שֹׁטְרָיו), vNum 11:24 vNum 11:25 vNum 11:30; Num 16:25; Josh 7:6; Josh 8:10; Josh 9:11 (all J E), Deut 5:20 (|| רָאשֵׁי שִׁבְטֵיכֶם), Deut 27:1; Deut 29:9 (|| ראשׁי שׁבטיכם, שֹׁטְרֵיכֶם), Deut 31:9; Deut 31:28; Josh 8:33 (|| שֹׁטְרִים וְשֹׁפְטָיו), Josh 23:2 (|| רָאשׁיו, שֹׁפְטָיו, שֹׁטְרָיו); compare also probably Josh 24:31 = Judg 2:7 (all D); Lev 9:1, compare זִקְנֵי הָעֵדָה Lev 4:15 ( both P), Judg 21:16 see also 1Sam 4:3; 1Sam 8:4; 1Sam 15:30; 2Sam 3:17; 2Sam 5:3 = 1Chr 11:3; 2Sam 17:4; 2Sam 17:15; 1Kgs 8:1; 1Kgs 8:3 = 2Chr 5:2; 2Chr 5:4, also 1Chr 15:25; 1Chr 21:16 compare Isa 3:2 (גִּבּוֺר וְאִישׁ מִלְחָמָ֑ה ׳שׁוֺפֵט וְנָבִיא וְקֹסֵם וְז), Isa 9:14 (|| נְשׂוּאפָֿנִים, but see probably gloss, compare Ew Che Di Du and others); elders of one tribe (Judah) 1Sam 30:26; 2Sam 19:12, so of Gilead Judg 11:5; Judg 11:7; Judg 11:8; Judg 11:9; Judg 11:10; Judg 11:11 after the division of the kingdoms, of Northern Israel זקני הארץ 1Kgs 20:7 compare v1Kgs 20:8, also 2Kgs 6:32 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 10:1 (|| שָׂרִים etc.) compare v2Kgs 10:5 under Josiah זקני יְהוּדָה 2Kgs 23:1 = 2Chr 34:29 see also הארץ ׳ז Jer 26:17, compare זקני ארץ Prov 31:23, compare Lam 1:19; Lam 2:10; Lam 4:16; Lam 5:12; Lam 5:14 (|| שׂרים; + שַׁעַר); often in Ezek.: Ezek 7:26 (|| כהן), of Judah Ezek 8:1, of Israel Ezek 8:11; Ezek 8:12; Ezek 14:1; Ezek 20:1; Ezek 20:3, also Ezek 9:6 (but strike out Co). Exilic הַגּוֺלָה ׳ז Jer 29:1 (|| הכהנים, הנביאים); post-exile Ezra 10:8 (|| שׂרים), possibly also Joel 1:14 elders of ׳י Isa 24:23 (compare Exod 24:1; Exod 24:9), זִקְנֵי הַכֹּהֲנִים 2Kgs 19:2 = Isa 37:2, so Jer 19:1 (|| זקני העם); of other peoples, Midian Num 22:4; Num 22:7, Moab vNum 22:7 (all E), Egypt Ps 105:22 (|| שׂרים); of Gebal Ezek 27:9 elders of a city, especially as sitting in the gate to judge Deut 19:12; Deut 21:2 (+ שֹׁפְטֶיךָ) vDeut 21:3 vDeut 21:4 vDeut 21:6 vDeut 21:19 (+ שַׁעַרמְֿקֹמוֺ), vDeut 21:20; Deut 22:15 (+ הַשָּׁ֑עְרָה), vDeut 22:16 vDeut 22:17 vDeut 22:18; Deut 25:7 (+ הַשַּׁ֫עֲרָה), vDeut 25:8 vDeut 25:9 (all in Deuteronomic code, and only so therein), Ruth 4:2; Ruth 4:4; Ruth 4:9; Ruth 4:11 (compare שַׁעַר vRuth 4:1 vRuth 4:11), מוֺשַׁב זְקֵנִים Ps 107:32 (|| קְהַלעָֿ֑ם); Judg 8:14 (|| שׂרים), vJudg 8:16; 1Sam 11:3; 1Sam 16:4; 1Kgs 21:8; 1Kgs 21:11; Ezra 10:14.

elders, old, men, ancients, man, …
zāqēn
old
  • old
    • old (of humans)
      • "elder (of those having authority)

יְחַכֵּֽם
יְחַכֵּֽם
Root word wise, wiser, wisely, exceeding, wisdom
Dictionary form: חָכַם · haw-KAHM

Verb — Piel, Imperfect (Yiqtol), third person masculine singular intensive — "he really / thoroughly did" not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

In the KJV here: wisdom
wise ×4 and be wise ×3 be wise ×2 always wise ×1 and maketh us wiser ×1 and wherein i have shewed myself wise ×1 are exceeding ×1 for he was wiser ×1
More options
be wise — Most direct rendering; fits commands and general statements.
grow wise — Emphasizes process or development of wisdom over time.
gain wisdom — Noun-based phrasing; natural in contemporary prose.
become wise — Highlights transformation; good for narrative or result clauses.
act wisely — Foregrounds conduct; suits practical or ethical contexts.
show wisdom — Relational nuance; wisdom demonstrated before others.

BDB2734 H2449

BDB2733 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2735

חָכַם verb be wise (Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic , חֲכַם id.; Zinjirli חכמה wisdom, DHMSendsch.57; Assyrian —akâmu, know (with exceptional חֿ see DlPr 178 f.); Arabic restrain from acting in an evil manner, judge, govern; IV.make firm, sound, free from defect by the exercise of skill) —

Qal Perfect ׳ח Prov 23:15 3 feminine singular חָֽכְמָה Zech 9:2 הָכַמְתָּ Prov 9:12 (twice in verse), etc. + 3 t. Perfect; Imperfect יֶחְכַּם Prov 9:9; Prov 21:11 וַיֶּחְכַּם 1Kgs 5:11 יֶחְכָּ֑ם Prov 20:1+; וֶ֯חְכָּ֑ם Prov 13:20 תֶּחְכַּם Prov 19:20 אֶחְכָּ֑מָה Eccl 7:23 plural יֶחְכָּ֑מוּ Job 32:9 Imperative חֲכַם Prov 27:11 חֲכָ֑ם Prov 6:6; Prov 23:19 + Prov 13:20 Kt; חֲכָ֑מוּ Prov 8:33 — be or become wise, act wisely Deut 32:29 (poetry) 1Kgs 5:11; Job 32:9; Prov 6:6; Prov 8:33; Prov 9:9; Prov 9:12 (twice in verse); Prov 13:20; Prov 19:20; Prov 20:1; Prov 21:11; Prov 23:19; Prov 27:11; Eccl 2:15; Eccl 7:23; Zech 9:2 אם חכם לבך if thy mind be wise Prov 23:15 with accusative שׁחכמתי Eccl 2:19 wherein I have acted wisely. Pi`el Imperfect יְחַכֵּם Ps 105:22 suffix יְחַכְּמֵנוּ Job 35:11 תְּחַכְּמֵנִי Ps 119:98 all make wise, teach wisdom, with acc Pu`al Participle made wise, intensive, as it were the embodiment of wisdom חוֺבֵר חֲבָרִים מְחֻכָּם Ps 58:6, plural הֵמָּה חֲכָמִים מְחֻכָּמִים Prov 30:24 (of intelligent animals). Hiph`il Participle construct מַחְכִּימַת פֶּ֑תִי Ps 19:8 making wise the simple. Hithpa`el Imperfect נִתְחַכְּמָה לוֺ Exod 1:10 (E) let us deal wisely (shrewdly) toward it (the people); 2 masculine singular תִּתְחַכַּם Eccl 7:16 make or shew thyself wise.

wise, wiser, wisely, exceeding, wisdom
ḥākam
to be wise (in mind, word or act)
  • to be wise
    • (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely
      • "(Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct"(Pual) to be made wise"(Hiphil) to make wise"(Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom

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.
לֶאְסֹ֣ר שָׂרָ֣יו בְּנַפְשׁ֑וֹ Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וּזְקֵנָ֥יו יְחַכֵּֽם Silluq — end of the verse

לֶאְסֹר שָׂרָיו בְּנַפְשׁוֹ וּזְקֵנָיו יְחַכֵּֽם׃
22
To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.
Cross References

Genesis 41:38

וַיֹּאמֶר פַּרְעֹה אֶל-עֲבָדָיו הֲנִמְצָא כָזֶה אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים בּֽוֹ׃
38
And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

Genesis 41:44

וַיֹּאמֶר פַּרְעֹה אֶל-יוֹסֵף אֲנִי פַרְעֹה וּבִלְעָדֶיךָ לֹֽא-יָרִים אִישׁ אֶת-יָדוֹ וְאֶת-רַגְלוֹ בְּכָל-אֶרֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃
44
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.

Isaiah 19:11

אַךְ-אֱוִלִים שָׂרֵי צֹעַן חַכְמֵי יֹעֲצֵי פַרְעֹה עֵצָה נִבְעָרָה אֵיךְ תֹּאמְרוּ אֶל-פַּרְעֹה בֶּן-חֲכָמִים אֲנִי בֶּן-מַלְכֵי-קֶֽדֶם׃
11
Surely the princes of Zoan are fools, the counsel of the wise counsellers of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?

Genesis 41:33

וְעַתָּה יֵרֶא פַרְעֹה אִישׁ נָבוֹן וְחָכָם וִֽישִׁיתֵהוּ עַל-אֶרֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃
33
Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
Psalms 105:21
Read Psalms 105
Psalms 105:23