Psalms 144:4

אָ֭דָם לַהֶ֣בֶל דָּמָ֑ה יָ֝מָ֗יו כְּצֵ֣ל עוֹבֵֽר

Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.

Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

לַ הֶ֣בֶל

לַ

Prefix — preposition to, for + "the" (the article is absorbed into the prefix)

הֶ֣בֶל

Root word vanity, vanities, vain, altogether

Dictionary form: הֶבֶל · heh-BEL

לַ

Hidden "the" לַ = the preposition + the article הַ squeezed together: the "a" vowel under the prefix is the swallowed "the". Translate "to the ___".

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: to vanity

vanity ×17 is vanity ×15 are vanity ×6 in vain ×4 of vanities ×4 vanities ×3 of thy vanity ×2 to anger with their vanities ×2

More options

emptiness — Captures the hollow, void quality; broadly applicable.

futility — Emphasizes pointlessness of effort; strong in Ecclesiastes.

vapor — Retains the literal breath/mist image; vivid and poetic.

illusion — Stresses deceptive unreality; good for idol or false-hope contexts.

fleeting breath — Highlights brevity and transience; suits existential passages.

worthlessness — Blunter register; effective when contempt or judgment is implied.

BDB2041 H1892

I. הֶ֫בֶל₇₃ noun masculine vapour, breath (Late Hebrew id., Syriac id.) figurative vanity (so Late Hebrew, Syriac ) — הָ֑בֶל Eccl 1:2 +; construct הֲבֵל Eccl 1:2 (twice in verse); Eccl 12:8, suffix הֶבְלִי etc. Eccl 6:12; Eccl 7:15; Eccl 9:9 (twice in verse); plural הֲבָלִים Jer 10:8 +; construct הַבְלֵי Jer 8:19 +, suffix הַבְלֵיהֶם Deut 32:21 +; —

1. literal Isa 57:13 all of them (the idols) יִשָּׂארֿוּחַ יִקַּח הָ֑בֶל a breath (ᵑ9 aura) will carry away, Prov 21:6 the getting of treasures by a lying tongue is הֶבֶל נִדָּף a vapour driven away. Elsewhere always

2. figurative of what is evanescent, unsubstantial, worthless, vanity, as of idols Jer 10:15 = Jer 51:18; Jer 16:19 הֶבֶל וְאֵין בָּם מוֺעִיל || (שֶׁקֶרׅ, heathen observances Jer 10:3, and in phrase הָלַךְ אַחֲרֵי הַהֶבֶל Jer 2:5; 2Kgs 17:15; Prov 13:11 הוֺן מֵהֶבֶל wealth (gotten) out of vanity, (i.e. not by solid toil, opposed to קֹבֵץ עַל יָד) is minished (but ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Ew מְבֹהָל, see Prov 20:21 Qr), Prov 31:30 שֶׁקֶר הַחֵן וְהֶבֶל הַיֹּ֑פִי, Lam 4:17 אֶל עֶזְרָתֵנוּ הֶבֶל to our vain (Dr^{§ 193 n}.) help; of life Job 7:16 כִּי הֶבֶל יָמָֽי׃, Ps 78:33 וַיְכַל בַּהֶבֶל יְמֵיהֶם consumed their days as (בְּ I:7 d vanity, man Ps 39:6; Ps 39:12; Ps 62:10 הֶבֶל בְּנֵי אָדָם ֗֗֗ הֵמָּה מֵהֶבֶל יָחַד׃ they are altogether (made) of vanity, Ps 94:11; Ps 144:4, especially in Ecclesiastes (31 t. + הֲבֵל הֲבָלִים Eccl 1:2 (twice in verse); Eccl 12:8) of the fruitlessness of all human enterprise and endeavour, Eccl 1:2 הַכֹּל הֶבֶל, vEccl 1:14 הַכֹּל הֶבֶל וּרְעוּת רוּחַ all was vanity and the pursuit of wind, Eccl 2:1; Eccl 2:14; Eccl 2:15 etc., Eccl 6:4 (of an abortion) בַּהֶבֶל בָּא i.e. into a lifeless existence, vEccl 6:11 יֵשׁ דְּבָרִים הַרְבֵּה מַרְבִּים הָ֑בֶל (of discussions leading to no result), note also the phrases יְמֵי (הֶבְלוֺ, הֶבְלְךָ) הֶבְלִי Eccl 7:15; Eccl 9:9, ׳יְמֵי חַיֵּי ה Eccl 6:12; Eccl 9:9; Job 27:12 (see הָבַל), Isa 49:4 לְתֹהוּ וָהֶבֶל for nought and vanity have I spent my strength; as adverb accusative vainly, to no purpose Isa 30:7 הֶבֶל וָרִיק יַעֲזֹ֑רוּ, Ps 39:7 אַךְ הֶבֶל יֶהֱמָיוּן they disquiet themselves to no purpose, Job 9:29: הֶבֶל אִיגָָֽע Job 35:16, with נִחַם to comfort Job 21:34; Zech 10:2. Plural הֲבָלִים of false gods, Deut 32:21 ) כִּעֲסוּנִי בְהַבְלֵיהֶם || בְּלֹאאֵֿל) 1Kgs 16:13; 1Kgs 16:26; Jer 8:19 הַבְלֵי נֵכָר || (בִּפְסִילֵיהֶםׅ, Jer 10:8; Jer 14:22 הַבְלֵי הַגּוֺיִם, Ps 31:7 הַשֹּׁמְרִים הַבְלֵישָֿׁוְא empty vanities Jonah 2:9 in more general sense Eccl 1:2 (twice in verse); Eccl 12:8 הֲבֵל הֲבָלִים, Eccl 5:6.

vanity, vanities, vain, altogether

hebel

emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb

vapour, breath

breath, vapour

דָּמָ֑ה

Root word like, liken, thought, likened, meaneth, …

Dictionary form: דָּמָה · daw-MAW

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: is like

is like ×3 and be thou like ×2 then will ye liken ×2 and thought ×1 and used similitudes ×1 and we should have been like ×1 art thou like ×1 art thou thus like ×1

More options

resemble — Best for comparisons; broad and natural in modern prose.

compare — Use when the act of drawing a likeness is foregrounded.

liken — Modernized KJV form; still idiomatic in religious contexts.

imagine — Fits contexts of mental conception or devising a plan.

devise — Prefer when scheming or planning is the sense.

think — Informal; suits internal reasoning or supposition contexts.

BDB1961 H1819

I. דָּמָה verb be like, resemble (Late Hebrew id., Aramaic דְּמֵי, דְּמָא, ; compare דמין, price, Nabataean דמי id. (Nö in Eut^{Nab. Inscr. p. 35}); also , and likeness (whence Arabic image, effigy, as loan-word Frä²⁷²) compare דְּמוּת) —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳ד Ezek 31:8; Ps 144:4 3 feminine singular דָּֽמְתָה Song 7:8 2 masculine singular דָּמִיתָ Ezek 31:2; Ezek 31:18 1 singular דָּמִיתִי Ps 102:7 3 plural דָּמוּ Ezek 31:8 1 plural דָּמִינוּ Isa 1:9 Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִדְמֶה Ps 89:7 1 plural וְנִדְמֶה consecutive Isa 46:5 Imperative masculine singular דְּמֵה Song 2:17; Song 8:14 Participle דּוֺמֶה Song 2:9 — be like, resemble, of external appearance, followed by לְ, Song 7:8; Song 2:9; Song 2:17; Song 8:14 followed by אֶלֿ Ezek 31:8 (twice in verse); Ezek 31:18 (all of tree, figurative of Pharaoh); of condition or quality followed by לְ Isa 1:9; Ps 102:7; Ps 144:4 so מִי ֗֗֗ יִדְמֶה ליהוה Ps 89:7 also absolute Isa 46:5 followed by אֶל Ezek 31:2. Pi`el Perfect דִּמָּה 2Sam 21:5, דִּמִּיתָ Ps 50:21 דִּמִּיתִי Num 33:56; Isa 14:24 suffix דִּמִּיתִיךָ Song 1:9, דִּמּוּ 2Sam 21:5 Imperfect יְדַמֶּה Isa 10:7 2 feminine singular תְּדַמִּי Esth 4:13 (jussive); אֲדַמֶּה Lam 2:13; Hos 12:11 2 masculine plural תְּדַמְּיוּן Isa 40:18 suffix תְּדַמְּיוּנִי Isa 40:25; Isa 46:5 — liken, compare; imagine, think, devise; —

1. liken, i.e. consider to be like, compare, causative of Qal followed by לְ of external appearance Song 1:9 of quality or condition Isa 46:5 (object ׳י) Lam 2:13 followed by אֶל of external appearance Isa 40:18; Isa 40:25 (both object God in reference to idols); absolute use comparisons or similitudes (parables, symbols, etc.) Hos 12:11 (subject ׳י).

2. imagine, form an idea, devise 2Sam 21:5 (on context compare Dr); think, intend, followed by Infinitive Num 33:56 (J or H) Judg 20:5; Esth 4:13 absolute Isa 10:7 compare Isa 14:24 think that, followed by object clause (Imperfect without conjunction) Ps 50:21 think of, followed by accusative Ps 48:10. Hithpa`el make oneself or become like; Imperfect אֶדַּמֶּה לְעֶלְיוֺן Isa 14:14 I will make myself like the Most High (on form compare Ges^{«GKC:54»§ 54}. 2).

BDB9453 H1819 H1821

[דְּמָה] verb be like (Biblical Hebrew I. דָּמָה); —

Pe`al Participle active דָּמֵה Dan 3:25 (ל person); feminine דָּֽמְיָה Dan 7:5 (לְדֹב).

like, liken, thought, likened, meaneth, …

dāmâ

to compare; by implication, to resemble, liken, consider

to be like, resemble

(Qal) to be like, resemble

to liken, compare

כְּ צֵ֣ל

כְּ

Prefix — preposition like, as

צֵ֣ל

Root word shadow, defence, shade

Dictionary form: צֵל · tsale

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: are as a shadow

the shadow ×5 in the shadow ×4 under his shadow ×4 are as a shadow ×3 under the shadow ×3 a shadow ×2 is a defence ×2 with the shadow ×2

More options

shadow — Most versatile; literal shade or figurative fleeting quality.

shade — Prefer when physical coolness or shelter from sun is meant.

shelter — Emphasizes protection; good for metaphors of divine refuge.

protection — Abstract register; suits defensive or military imagery.

cover — Informal; highlights concealment or shielding aspect.

BDB7079 H6738 H6752

צֵל noun masculine^{Ps 144:4} shadow; — ׳צ absolute 2Kgs 20:9 +, construct Gen 19:8 +; suffix צִלְךָ Ps 121:5, צִלּוֺ Ezek 31:6 +, also צִלְלוֺ Job 40:22, etc.; plural צְלָלִים Song 2:17; Song 4:6 construct צִלְלֵי Jer 6:4 —

1. shadow on dial 2Kgs 20:9; 2Kgs 20:10 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 20:11 || Isa 38:8 צִלְלֶיעָֿ֑רֶב Jer 6:4, compare Song 2:17; Song 4:6 of mountain Judg 9:36.

2. shadow, shade, as protection (from sun): of branches, Judg 9:15 (in allegory), Hos 4:13; Job 40:22; Jonah 4:5; Jonah 4:6 and (in figurative) Hos 14:8; Ezek 17:23; Ezek 31:6; Ezek 31:12; Ezek 31:17; Ps 80:11; Song 2:3 (of refreshment, delight); of rock Isa 32:2 (simile); קֹרָתִי ׳צ Gen 19:8 shadow of my roof; of cloud Isa 25:4 and (figurative of ׳י's protection) Isa 4:6; Isa 25:4, so probably Isa 16:3 כְּנָפֶיךָ ׳צ shadow of thy wings, figurative of ׳י's protection Ps 17:8; Ps 36:8; Ps 57:2; Ps 63:8 shade, in general, Job 7:2, figurative of ׳י Ps 121:5 hence = protection, defence, of city (wall) Jer 48:45 of ׳י Num 14:9 (JE), Ps 91:1 (see also proper name בְּצַלְאֵל), compare צֵל יָדוֺ Isa 49:2 (covering prophet, under figure of sword), Isa 51:16 (covering people); of human ally Isa 30:2; Isa 30:3, of king Lam 4:20 also of wisdom Eccl 7:12, money vEccl 7:12. — בְּצִלָּהּ Isa 34:15 apparently reference to קִפּוֺז, but improbable; read perhaps בֵּצֶיהָ her eggs Du Che^Hpt (Che^Heb Hpt transpose וּבָֽקְעָה וְדָֽגְרָה).

3. shadow as symbol of transitoriness of life Job 8:9; Job 14:2; Ps 144:4 (כְּצֵל עוֺבֵר), Eccl 6:12; Eccl 8:13 כְּצֵל נָטוּי of an individual Life near its end Ps 102:12, So כְּצֵל כִּנְטוֺתוֺ Ps 109:23 in simile of emaciated members, וִיצֻרַי כַּצֵּל Job 17:7.

BDB7083 H6738

צִלְלוֺ, צְלָלִים, צִלְלֵי see צֶל. above

shadow, defence, shade

ṣēl

shade, whether literal or figurative

shadow, shade

shadow (on dial)

עוֹבֵֽר

Root word over, through, pass, passed, on, …

Dictionary form: עָבַר · aw-BAHR

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

In the KJV here: that passeth away

passed over ×18 pass over ×14 passed ×13 pass ×11 and passed over ×10 went over ×9 go over ×8 shall pass through ×8

More options

pass — Most versatile; suits movement across or through any space.

cross — Best when traversing a boundary, river, or border.

go over — Emphasizes moving to the other side of something.

transgress — Use for moral/legal violations; crossing a forbidden line.

move through — Suits passage within or along a space or crowd.

go by — Informal; good for time passing or someone walking past.

BDB5765 H5674

עָבַר₅₄₈ verb pass over, through, by, pass on (Late Hebrew = Biblical Hebrew; Zinjirli עבר Haph`el Lzb³³⁶ Cook^{88, perhaps} also Nabataean עבר Id^ib.; ᵑ7 עֲבַר, Syriac id.; Assyrian ebêru, id. Dl^{HWB 10}, and derivatives; Arabic id., and derivatives; Sabean עבר = Hebrew עִבַּר

1. Mordt^{SabDenkm 49}; עברת passage, march through DHM^{ZMG xxix (1875), 614} also bank or neighbourhood of a stream SabDenkm⁴⁹); —

Qal₄₆₅ Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳ע Gen 15:17 +, suffix עֲבָרוֺ Jer 23:9 1 singular עָבַ֫רְתִּי 1Sam 15:24 +; 2 masculine plural עֲבַרְתֶּם Gen 18:5 +; 1 plural עָבַ֫רְנוּ Josh 24:17 +, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יַעֲבֹר Amos 8:5 +, יַעֲבָרֿ Gen 33:14 +, suffix 3 masculine singular יַעַבְרֶ֫נּוּ Isa 33:21; Isa 35:8, יַעַבְרֶ֫נְהוּ Jer 5:22, וַיַּעֲבֹר Gen 12:6 +; 1 singular אֶעֱבֹר Amos 5:17 +, cohortative אֶעְבְּרָה Num 21:22 +, אֶעֱבֹ֑רָה Num 20:19; Judg 12:5, etc.; Imperative masculine singular עֲבֹר Exod 17:5 +; feminine singular עִבְרִי Mic 1:11 + 2 t.; עֲבֹ֑רִי Isa 23:12 masculine plural עִבְרוּ Amos 6:2 +; Infinitive absolute עָבוֺר 2Sam 17:16 construct עֲבֹר Amos 7:8 +, לַעֲבָרֿ 1Kgs 18:6 + Nah 2:1 Qr (Kt לעבור); suffix עָבְרִי Exod 33:22; Deut 4:21, etc.; Participle עֹבֵר Judg 8:4 +, etc.; —

1. pass over:
a. = cross (stream, wady, sea, etc.), (1) with accusative Gen 31:21 (E), Gen 32:11 (J), Josh 3:14; Josh 3:17; Josh 4:1 (all J E), Deut 2:14 (D), Num 32:29 (P), 2Sam 17:20; 2Sam 17:22; 2Sam 17:24; Isa 16:8, + 37 t., + Gen 32:23 (E; accusative מַעֲבַר), וְעָֽבְרָה הָֽעֲבָרָה לַעֲבִיר 2Sam 19:19 (read וַיַּעַבְרוּ We Dr Kit Löhr, and they crossed the ford, or וְעָֽבְרוּ frequent., HPS; > ᵐ5 Klo Bu וַיַּעַבְדוּ הָעֲבֹדָה and they performed the service); also with accusative + accusative of location 1Sam 13:7, + ה locative Deut 4:26; Deut 31:13; Deut 32:47. (2) accusative omitted Judg 3:28; 2Sam 17:16 (twice in verse) + 32 t., + עֹבֵר Judg 8:4 (read וַיַּעֲבֹר Vrss, or strike out as gloss GFM Bu), 2Sam 15:23 a (where read עֹמֵד for ᵑ0 עֹבֵר We Dr Bu Kit Löhr HPS, but strike out עֹבְרִים, plausibly, Klo HPS); with אֶלֿ Num 32:7 (JE), Deut 27:2 (D), Josh 4:13; Josh 22:19 (both P), with אֶלעֵֿבֶר Deut 30:13, with הָעֵבֶר 1Sam 26:13 with ה locative Deut 3:21; Deut 4:14; Deut 6:1; Deut 11:8; Deut 11:11; Deut 34:4; Isa 23:6 with accusative of location Isa 23:12; Jer 2:10; Num 32:32 (P).
b. cross border, boundary, with accusative Num 20:17 b Num 21:22 b (both J E), + אֶלֿ 1Sam 27:2 of invasion, accusative omitted, with אֶלֿ Judg 11:32; Judg 12:3; 1Sam 14:1; 1Sam 14:6; 1Sam 14:8, with ה locative 2Kgs 8:21, absolute 2Chr 21:9.
c. cross over (that is, intervening space) against (עַלֿ) 1Sam 14:4, unto 2Sam 24:20 (read אֶלֿ for עַלֿ Bu HPS, compare ᵐ5^L), so perhaps also Isa 45:14 (עַל; read אֶל ?); with accusative of goal Amos 5:5; Amos 6:2.
d. pass, march over (that is, bodies of captives), Isa 51:23 (twice in verse).
e. = overflow, figurative, Isa 23:10, absolute of invasion (like a flood) Isa 8:8, hence Dan 11:10; Dan 11:40; Nah 1:8 (compare 4 c); of evil thoughts Ps 73:7 compare עָֽבְרוּ דִבְרֵירָֿ֑ע Jer 5:28 they overflow with evil matters. feminine pass, go, over, of waves, over one's head, usually with עַלֿ Isa 54:9; Ps 42:8; Ps 88:17; Ps 124:4; Ps 124:5 (all figurative), Jonah 2:4 with accusative Ps 38:5, compare Jer 23:9 over whom wine hath gone (= overcome with wine).
g. of razor passing over head, with עַל Num 6:50 figurative of time passing over one, with עַלֿ 1Chr 29:30 (compare Biblical Aramaic חלף על Dan 4:13 +).
h. pass over upon (עַלֿ), in weakened sense, nearly = come or light upon; of spirit Num 5:14 (twice in verse); Num 5:30 absolute + מֵאֵת 1Kgs 22:24 = 2Chr 18:23 with עַלֿ also light upon in chastisement or judgment, Hos 10:11; Job 13:13, compare Nah 3:19; Deut 24:5 no affair shall pass over upon (עַלֿ) him, i.e. no duty be laid upon him.
i. overstep, transgress, with accusative of covenant, command, etc. (usually divine); Num 14:41; Josh 7:11; Josh 7:15 (all J E), Deut 17:2; Deut 26:13; Josh 23:16 (all D), Judg 2:20; 1Sam 15:24; Hos 6:7; Hos 8:1; 2Kgs 18:12; Jer 34:18; Isa 24:5; Ps 148:6; 2Chr 24:20; Dan 9:11 command of earthly king Esth 3:3 absolute Ps 17:3.
j. pass over = overlook, forgive עַלפֶּֿשַׁע Mic 7:18 (+ לְ person), Prov 19:11 with לְ person only, Amos 7:8; Amos 8:2.

2. Pass beyond, with accusative 1Sam 14:23 (of battle), Jer 5:22 (twice in verse) (of sea); + אֶל Gen 31:52 (twice in verse) (E); pass a little beyond מְעַט מֵהָראֹשׁ ׳ע 2Sam 16:1, כִּמְעַט שֶׁעָבַרְתִּי מֵהֶם Song 3:4 with accusative of God's command (פֶּה), Prov 8:29 (of sea), Num 22:18 = Num 24:13 (JE); accusative omitted Job 14:5; Ps 104:9.

3. Pass through, traverse, usually
a. with בְּ of land, city, etc.: Num 22:21 (E), Num 20:21; Josh 18:9 (JE), Exod 12:2 (P), 1Sam 9:4 (4 t. in verse); 2Sam 20:14 (+ ה locative), + 31 t.; with בְּתוֺךְ Ezek 9:4; Job 15:19 with בְּקֶרֶב of camp, nation(s) Josh 1:11; Josh 3:2 (D), Josh 24:17 (E), Amos 5:17; Deut 29:15 with accusative Deut 2:18; Deut 29:15; Judg 11:29 (twice in verse); Isa 10:29; Job 14:5 is pass over, beyond (compare 1 i); absolute Exod 12:23 (J), Num 20:19; Num 20:20 (JE), Deut 2:28; Mic 5:7; Lam 3:44; Ezek 14:15; Ezek 33:28 opposed to שׁוּב, pass through and return, go to and fro, Exod 32:27 (E; ׳מִשַּׁעַר לָשַׁעַר בְּ), participle absolute those going to and fro Ezek 35:7; Zech 7:14; Zech 9:8.
b. with בְּ of river 2Sam 19:19 + 2Sam 15:23 (but read עֹמֵד We Dr Bu and others), of sea Zech 10:11, compare Isa 43:2; Ps 66:6, with בְּתוֺךְ Num 33:8 (P), Neh 9:11 with בְּ of gates Isa 62:10 (twice in verse); compare עֹבְרֵי בְּעֵמֶק Ps 84:7 (Ges^{«GKC:130a»§ 130a}).
c. participle absolute הָעֹבְרִים the passers-through Ezek 39:11 a, read probably הָעֲבָרִים (JDMich Hi Co Berthol), vEzek 39:11 b (Co reads אֶתהַֿגַּיְא; Toy strike out as gloss), vEzek 39:14 (strike out ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Co Toy Berthol).
d. pass through between (בֵּין) parts of victim, in covenant Gen 15:7 (J), Jer 34:18; Jer 34:19.
e. traverse with accusative of expanse of water Isa 33:21 (of ship).

4. a. pass along by (עַלֿ), Gen 18:5 (J; not סַרְתֶּם אֶלֿ Ball after ᵐ5), 1Kgs 9:8; Jer 18:16 + 14 t.; with עַלפָּֿנָיו Exod 34:6 (J); with accusative Gen 32:32; Judg 3:26 (on other possibilities see GFM), 2Kgs 6:9 absolute pass by Exod 33:22 (twice in verse) (J), 2Kgs 4:8 + 15 t., + (of wind) Job 37:21; Prov 10:25 and (of waters, = flow past) Hab 3:10 (compare Job 6:15), Job 11:16, hence מוֺר עֹבֵר Song 5:5; Song 5:13 flowing myrrh (liquid, opposed to hard = דְּרוֺר ׳מ Exod 30:23); participle = passer-by Mic 2:8; Ezek 5:14; Ezek 36:34; Ezek 39:15 + 6 t. (Prov 26:10 see Toy), + עֹבֵר אֹרַח Isa 33:8, עֹבְרֵי דֶרֶךְ Lam 1:12; Lam 2:15; Job 21:29; Prov 9:15; Ps 80:13; Ps 89:42 pass by = overtake and pass with accusative 2Sam 18:23.
b. pass by, בְּ of thing, Ps 103:16 (of wind).
c. sweep by, of scourge (figurative) Isa 28:15; Isa 28:18; Isa 28:19 (compare מַעֲבָר 3).
d. be past, over, of time, etc., Amos 8:5; 1Kgs 18:29; Gen 50:4; Song 2:11 + 7 t.
e. pass along (from hand to hand), only participle שֶׁקֶל כֶּסֶף עֹבֵר לַסֹּחֵר Gen 23:16 i.e. current money of the merchant (or, money passing over to merchant ? Bu^{ThLz 1892} (3), 63); כֶּסֶף עֹבֵר 2Kgs 12:5.

5. Pass on, go on:
a. absolute Gen 18:5 (J), Num 22:26 (E), Judg 12:1 + 20 t., + Judg 11:29; Judg 18:13; Josh 10:29 (D; all with accusative of goal + מִן), Gen 18:3 (J; with מֵעַל person); also with אֶלֿ person or thing, proceed unto 1Kgs 19:19; 2Kgs 4:8; Neh 2:14, with עַלֿ person (read אֶלֿ ?) Lam 4:21 with מִן Ruth 2:8, out of the city 2Sam 15:24 with ה locative Judg 12:1; 2Sam 19:41, with ה locative + מִן Josh 10:31; Josh 10:34 (D); מֵעִיר לָעִיר בארץ ׳ע 2Chr 30:10 absolute 2Sam 19:41 all the people of Judah proceeding with the king (read עֹבְרִים for ויעברו, see Hiph`il near the end).
b. specifically of boundary-line, pass on, with ה locative Num 34:4 (twice in verse); Josh 15:3; Josh 15:4; Josh 16:6 (omit אוֺתוֺ ᵐ5 ᵑ9 compare Benn: Hpt Steuern); + מִן Josh 19:13 + מִן + אֶלֿ Josh 18:13 with מִן + לְ Josh 15:6 with אֶלֿ Josh 15:7; Josh 15:10; Josh 16:2; Josh 18:18; Josh 18:19 with accusative of location Josh 15:3; Josh 15:10; Josh 15:11 (all P, except Josh 16:2 J E).
c. with לִפְנֵי pass on before, go in advance of Gen 32:17; Exod 17:5 (both E), Gen 32:22; Gen 33:3; Gen 33:14 (all J), Deut 9:3 + 7 t., + Deut 3:18; Deut 3:28; Deut 31:3 (twice in verse); Josh 1:14 (all D) where reference may be to crossing in advance of; with עַלפְּֿנֵי 2Sam 15:18 so v2Sam 15:23 b (reading עַלפָּֿנָיו ᵐ5^L We Dr Klo Bu Kit HPS).
d. pass on as far as (עַד), Judg 19:12, + מִן vJudg 19:18 with אַחֲרֵי after 2Sam 20:13 תַּעֲבָרכּֿוֺס עַל Lam 4:21 pass on unto (compare תִּסּוֺב Hab 2:16).
e. pass on into (בְּ), Josh 3:11 ( + לִפְנֵי), Josh 4:7 (both J E), compare Judg 9:26; Job 33:28, so also ׳בִּבְרִית י ׳ע Deut 29:11 enter into a covenant with ׳י; (Klo reads ׳וַיַּעֲכֹר בַּבּ also 2Kgs 23:3 for ᵑ0 ויעמד). feminine pass on away from (מֵאֵת) Deut 2:8 ( + ה locative).
g. pass on in order, for counting 2Sam 2:15, עַליְֿדֵי מוֺנֶה Jer 33:13, עֹבֵר עַלהַֿפְּקֻדִים Exod 30:13; Exod 30:14; Exod 38:26, also pass on under (תַּחַת) rod Lev 27:32 (for counting; all P; compare Hiph`il 3 d).
h. pass along, travel with accusative of way Isa 35:8 compare Isa 51:10 אָרְחוֺת יַמִּים עֹבֵר Ps 8:9 with בְּ of way Josh 3:4; Prov 4:15; Prov 7:8.
i. pass on, advance, absolute, Ps 48:5 (Ol We pass away, perish), Mic 2:13 a (accusative of location).

6. Pass away:
a. emigrate, leave one's territory or city Mic 1:11.
b. vanish, of chaff, Isa 29:5 compare Jer 13:24, shadow Ps 144:4, b rooks Job 6:15 (all in simile), Song 5:6.
c. = cease to exist, perish Nah 1:12; Job 30:15; Job 33:18 (בְּ instrumental), Job 36:12 (id.), Job 34:20; Ps 37:36 (but read ואעבר and I passed by, compare 4 a), compare Isa 31:9 (סלעו subject), מֵאֱלֹהַי מִשְׁפָּטִי יַעֲבוֺר Isa 40:27 pass away from.
d. = become invalid, obsolete, of law, decree, Esth 1:19; Esth 9:27, also vEsth 9:28 ( + מִתּוֺךְ הַיְהוּדִים).
e. with מִן of hands Ps 81:7 (i.e. they were freed from). feminine = be alienated, pass into other hands Ezek 48:14 (reading Kt; > Qr Hiph`il). — Jer 2:20 read אֶעֱבוֺד Kt (not אֶעֱבוֺר Qr); וָאֶתֵּן לָהֶם יַעַבְרוּם Jer 8:13 and I gave to them that which they transgress ᵐ5 ᵑ9 ᵑ7 Aq Symm Ew, those that shall pass over them Hi Gf Ke RVm, those that shall consume, devour them Rothst^Kau (reading יְבַעֲרוּם) but all very dubious; ᵐ5 Co strike out; Jer 11:15 read Hiph`il q. v.; מִנֹּגַהּ נֶּגְדּוֺ עָבָיו עָֽבְרוּ Ps 18:13 is difficult; perhaps best, as Che Kit^{Kau Löhr}, out of the brightness before him issued forth hailstones, etc. (strike out עָבָיו); > || 2Sam 22:13 בָּֽעֲרוּ and so here Bu HPS compare Woods^{Hebraica 1887, 262,} his clouds burned with hailstones, etc.; read rather עברו in 2 singular Niph`al Imperfect 3 masculine singular נַחַל אֲשֶׁר לֹא יֵעָבֵר Ezek 47:5 a stream which cannot be forded.

Pi`el 1. Perfect 3 masculine singular שׁוֺרוֺ עִבַּר Job 21:10 his bull impregnateth (compare Late Hebrew)

**מְעֻבֶּרֶת pregnant, Yeb 4:1; 4:2; 7:3; Keth 1:9'; but note also that in ᵑ7^J and Talmud (both Aramaic and Hebrew) עִבֵּר = conceive, עִבּוּר conception, עוֺבֵר embryo; absolute (properly causeth to pass over, that is semen).

2. Imperfect 3 masculine singular ׳וַיְעַבֵּר בְּ 1Kgs 6:21 he made to pass across with chains of gold. —

Hithpa`el see [ עָבַר] below Hiph`il Perfect 3 masculine singular הֶעֱבִיר 2Sam 12:13 +; 2 masculine singular הֵעֲבַ֫רְתָּ Josh 7:7 (Ges^{«GKC:63p»§ 63p}), וְהַעֲבַרְתָּ֫ Ezek 5:1 +; 1 singular הֶעֱבַ֫רְתִּי Zech 3:4, וְהַעֲבַרְתִּ֫י Ezek 20:37 + Jer 15:14 (but read והעבדתי ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ7 Manuscripts Ew Hi Gf Gie), etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular וַיַּעֲבֵר Gen 8:1 +, וַיַּעֲבֶרֿ 2Chr 36:22 = Ezra 1:1, suffix וַיַּעֲבִרֵנִי Ezek 46:21 +, etc.; Imperative masculine singular הַעֲבֵר Ps 119:37 + 2 t., הַעֲבֶרֿ 2Sam 24:10 = 1Chr 21:8 masculine plural suffix הַעֲבִירוּנִי 2Chr 35:23 Infinitive absolute הַעֲבִיר Josh 7:7 (read probably הַעֲבֵיר); construct הַעֲבִיר 2Sam 3:10 +, לַעֲבִיר 2Sam 19:19 (Ges^{«GKC:53q»§ 53q}), etc.; Participle מַעֲבִיר Deut 18:10; Dan 11:20, plural מַעֲבִרִים 1Sam 2:24 (see below); —

1. cause to pass over, bring over:
a. cause one to cross river, with 2 accusative, Gen 32:24 (J), Num 32:5; Josh 7:7 (both J E), 2Sam 19:16; 2Sam 19:42 accusative of river omitted Gen 32:24 (J), Josh 4:3; Josh 7:7 (+ Infinitive abs.; both J E), Josh 4:8 (J E; + אֶלֿ), 2Sam 2:8 (+ accusative of location).
b. cause something to pass over (עַלֿ): razor (accusative) Num 8:7 (P), compare Ezek 5:1 (where Co reads suffix of razor), wind Gen 8:1 (P).
c. make over to (ל), accusative of inheritance Num 27:7; Num 27:8 (P); of making over, dedicating, something to (לְ) deity Exod 13:12 (J E; = קִדַּשׂ). Especially
d. devote children to (לְ) heathen god Jer 32:35; Ezek 23:37 ( + לְאָכְלָה), Lev 18:21 (H), compare Ezek 16:21 + בָּאֵשׁ by fire 2Kgs 23:10 with accusative alone devote Ezek 20:26 with accusative + בָּאֵשׁ alone, devote by fire Deut 18:10; 2Kgs 16:3; 2Kgs 17:7; 2Kgs 21:6 = 2Chr 33:6; Ezek 20:31 (on the practice compare Now^{Archaeology ii. 205 f.} Benz^{Archaeology 483 f.} Toy^{Ezek 16:20}; 20, 26 GFM^{JBL xvi (1897), 161 ff.}).

2. a. cause to pass through, with accusative + בְּ Ezek 14:15; Ezek 47:3; Ezek 47:4 + vEzek 47:4 (where insert בְּ, compare Co Berthol Toy), Num 31:23 (twice in verse) (P); with accusative + בְּתוֺךְ Ps 136:14 with accusative of person alone Ps 78:13, + אֶלֿ Ezek 46:21, + עַדאֲֿשֶׁר Neh 2:7 with accusative of (sound of) שׁוֺפָר Lev 25:9 (H), + בְּ vLev 25:9 (P); with accusative קוֺל = proclamation, + בְּ Exod 36:6 (P), 2Chr 30:5; 2Chr 36:22 = Ezra 1:1; Ezra 10:7 ( + לִ person), Neh 8:15.
b. let pass through, with accusative + בְּ person Deut 2:30.

3. a. cause to pass by, with accusative + עַלֿ, Ezek 37:2 (+ סָבִיב סָבִיב), + עַלפְּֿנֵי Exod 33:19 (J), + לִפְנֵי 1Sam 16:8; 1Sam 16:10 and (לִפְנֵי omitted) v1Sam 16:9.
b. let pass by, with accusative מוֺעֵד Jer 46:17 he hath let the set time pass by (in mocking appell. of Pharaoh).
c. cause arrow to pass beyond one 1Sam 20:36.
d. cause to pass under rod, for counting, Ezek 20:37 (compare Qal 5 g).

4. Cause to pass away, take away, kingdom (accusative) + מִן person 2Sam 3:10, compare Esth 8:2, + מֵעַל Jonah 3:6 (of putting off garment); with accusative of sin 2Sam 12:13; 2Sam 24:20 = 1Chr 21:8; Job 7:21, + מֵעַל person Zech 3:4; Jer 11:15 (reading יַעֲבִרוּ מֵעַל Ew Gf Gie); put away evil things (accusative) from (מִן), 1Kgs 15:12 compare || 2Chr 15:8; Zech 13:2; Eccl 11:10 with accusative alone Ps 119:39; Esth 8:3 also take me away (suffix) 2Chr 35:23 (with מִן) v2Chr 35:24 turn away eyes (accusative) + מִן Ps 119:37. — Gen 47:21 read הֶעֱבִיד לַעֲבָדִים ⅏ ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Ol Kn Di Kau Holz; Jer 15:14 read וְהַעֲבַדְתִּיךָ ᵐ5 ᵑ7 Manuscripts Gie; 2Sam 12:31 read וְהֶעֱבִיד Hoffm^{ZAW ii (1882), 53 f.} Gr Klo Bu Kit HPS, compare Dr Löhr; 2Sam 19:41 (for ויעברו Kt, הֶעֱבִרוּ Qr) read עֹבְרִים ᵐ5 We Bu Löhr HPS, וַיַּעַבְרוּ Kit (see Qal 5 a); Ezek 48:14 read Qal (so Kt; see Qal 6 e); ׳מַעֲבִרִים עַםיֿ 1Sam 2:24 not good is the report which I hear the people of ׳י spreading (compare 2), so Ew Th We Dr Kit Löhr RVm, but order of words difficult; > (ye) make the people of ׳י transgress ᵑ9 AV RV; text dubious; נוֺגֵשׂ מַעֲבִיר Dan 11:20 one causing an exactor to pass through Ew and others RV, Bev proposes ׳נוֺגֵשׂ מ an exactor causing to pass away the glory, etc.

BDB5772 H5674

[עָבַר] verb denominative Hithpa`el be arrogant, infuriate oneself; — Perfect 3 masculine singular הִתְעַבָּ֑ר Ps 78:62 2 masculine singular הַתְעַבַּ֫רְתָּ Ps 89:39 Imperfect 3 masculine singular וַיִּתְעַבֵּר Deut 3:26, וַיִּתְעַבָּ֑ר Ps 78:21; Ps 78:59 Participle מִתְעַבֵּר Prov 14:16; Prov 26:17 suffix מִתְעַבְּרוֺ Prov 20:2 —

1. be arrogant, Prov 14:16 (opposed to יָרֵא).

2. a. put oneself in a fury, become furious, with בְּ person Deut 3:26; Ps 78:62 with עִם person Ps 88:39 absolute Ps 78:21; Ps 78:59 (all of God); of man, with עַל of thing Prov 26:17.
b. incite one to fury for oneself Prov 20:2 (si vera lectio; compare De Ges^{«GKC:54»§ 54} f.).

BDB9751 H5709 H5674 H5710

[עֲדָה] verb pass on, away (ᵑ7 (often for Hebrew עָבַר, Syriac; see Biblical Hebrew I. עָדָה (rare, late)); —

Pe`al Perfect 3 feminine singular עֲדָת Dan 3:27; Dan 4:28 Imperfect 3 masculine singular יֶעְדֵּה Dan 7:14, 3 feminine singular תֶּעְדֵּה Dan 6:9 —

1. pass on, over, with ב person Dan 3:27.

2. pass way, of kingdom Dan 4:28 (מִן person), Dan 7:14 of law Dan 6:9. Haph`el take away (so Egyptian Aramaic S-C^{G 35}): Perfect 3 masculine plural הֶעְדִּיו, accusative of thing, Dan 5:20 (מִן person), Dan 7:12 Imperfect 3 masculine plural יְהַעְדּוּן vDan 7:26 Participle מְהַעְדֵּה Dan 2:21 remove, depose kings, of God.

over, through, pass, passed, on, …

ʿābar

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in copulation)

to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress

(Qal)

to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over

passers-through (participle)

passer-by (participle)

to emigrate, leave (one's territory)

to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote

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.

אָ֭דָם Dechi — a lesser break לַהֶ֣בֶל דָּמָ֑ה Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here יָ֝מָ֗יו Revia Mugrash — a lesser break כְּצֵ֣ל עוֹבֵֽר Silluq — end of the verse

אָדָם לַהֶבֶל דָּמָה יָמָיו כְּצֵל עוֹבֵֽר׃

Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.

Cross References

Psalms 102:11

יָמַי כְּצֵל נָטוּי וַאֲנִי כָּעֵשֶׂב אִיבָֽשׁ׃

My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.

Psalms 39:5

הִנֵּה טְפָחוֹת׀ נָתַתָּה יָמַי וְחֶלְדִּי כְאַיִן נֶגְדֶּךָ אַךְ כָּֽל-הֶבֶל כָּל-אָדָם נִצָּב סֶֽלָה׃

Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.

Psalms 109:23

כְּצֵל-כִּנְטוֹתוֹ נֶהֱלָכְתִּי נִנְעַרְתִּי כָּֽאַרְבֶּֽה׃

I am gone like the shadow when it declineth: I am tossed up and down as the locust.

Job 8:9

כִּֽי-תְמוֹל אֲנַחְנוּ וְלֹא נֵדָע כִּי צֵל יָמֵינוּ עֲלֵי-אָֽרֶץ׃

(For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:)

2 Samuel 14:14

כִּי-מוֹת נָמוּת וְכַמַּיִם הַנִּגָּרִים אַרְצָה אֲשֶׁר לֹא יֵֽאָסֵפוּ וְלֹֽא-יִשָּׂא אֱלֹהִים נֶפֶשׁ וְחָשַׁב מַֽחֲשָׁבוֹת לְבִלְתִּי יִדַּח מִמֶּנּוּ נִדָּֽח׃

For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.

Ecclesiastes 12:8

הֲבֵל הֲבָלִים אָמַר הַקּוֹהֶלֶת הַכֹּל הָֽבֶל׃

Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 1:14