Psalms 48:12

סֹ֣בּוּ צִ֭יּוֹן וְהַקִּיפ֑וּהָ סִ֝פְר֗וּ מִגְדָּלֶֽיהָ
Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

סֹ֣בּוּ
סֹ֣בּוּ
Root word about, turned, compass, compassed, turn, …
Dictionary form: סָבַב · saw-BAHB

Verb — Qal, Imperative, second person masculine plural simple action — "he did" a command — try "___!" the built-in subject is "you (a group)"

In the KJV here: walk about
turned ×7 compassed ×6 turn ×5 did compass ×4 and they turned ×3 and turned ×3 compassed me about ×3 shall be turned ×3
More options
turn — Most versatile; covers rotating, changing direction, or reversing.
surround — Best when enemies or forces encircle a person or place.
go around — Prefer for physical movement along a circuit or perimeter.
encircle — Slightly formal; good for poetic or military encirclement contexts.
circle — Vivid and concrete; works well for ritual or geographic circuits.
besiege — Use when hostile encirclement implies threat or siege warfare.

BDB5475 H5437

BDB5474 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5476

סָבַב verb turn about, go around, surround ( Late Hebrew id., Pi`el Hiph`il, and derivatives; Aramaic סוֺבְבָא rim, border; Arabic rope, lock of hair; possibly also II. prepare a means of attaining something Lane1284); —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳ס Ezek 42:19 +; 1 singular סַבֹּ֫תִי 1Sam 22:22 (but see below), סַבּ֫וֺתִי Eccl 2:20; Eccl 7:25 3 plural סָָֽבְבוּ Josh 6:15 + 1Sam 14:21; 2Sam 24:6 (see below), suffix סְבָבוּנִי Ps 18:6 +, סַבּוּנִי Ps 88:18 + 2 t., סַבֻּנִי 2Sam 22:6 2 masculine plural וְסַבֹּתֶם consecutive Josh 6:3, etc.; Imperfect יָסֹב 1Kgs 7:15 +, suffix יְסֻבֵּנִי Ps 49:6 oftener יִסֹּב 1Sam 5:8 +, וַיִּסֹּב Gen 42:24 +; 3 masculine plural יָסֹ֫בוּ Job 16:13, וַיָּסֹ֫בוּ Josh 6:14 +, 3 feminine plural תְּסֻבֶּינָה Gen 37:7, etc.; Imperative masculine singular סֹב 1Sam 22:18, feminine singular סֹ֫בִּי Isa 23:16, etc.; Infinitive construct לִסְבֹּב Num 21:4, סֹב Deut 2:3 Participle סוֺבֵב 2Kgs 6:15 +, הַסֹּבֵיב 2Kgs 8:21 (Ginsb הִסְבִּיב Kt, הַסֹּבֵב Qr), etc.; —
1. turn, intransitive (Imperfect of form יִסֹּב in this sense only):
  a. turn about, often as preliminary to something else 1Sam 15:12; 1Sam 15:27 (followed by infinitive), 1Chr 16:43 (id.; וַ֫יָּשָׁב in || 2Sam 6:20) + 1Sam 14:21 (read סָֽבְבוּ גַם for ᵑ0 סָבִיב וְגַם, ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9 Th We, etc.), Jer 41:14 a (+ שׁוב vb, but ᵐ5 omits va compare Gie), Eccl 1:6 (twice in verse); of door, Prov 26:14 turn on (עַל) its hinge (compare Niph`al Ezek 26:2); turn (toward one) 1Sam 22:17; 1Sam 22:18 (twice in verse); 2Sam 18:30 (twice in verse); Song 2:17 (see Bu); also with אֶלֿ 2Sam 14:24 (twice in verse); + 2Sam 24:6 (read סָֽבְבוּ for סָבִיב We Dr Bu Kit HPS; Klo יָסֹבוּ, compare Löhr), Ezek 42:19; Eccl 1:6, אֶלאַֿחֲרָ֑י 2Kgs 9:18; 2Kgs 9:19 of cup of ׳י, it shall come round unto (עַלֿ, with hostile implication; עָבַר עַל Lam 4:22) Hab 2:16 of Jordan, turn לְאָחוֺר Ps 114:3; Ps 114:5 turn about from (מֵעַל) Gen 42:24, (מִן) 1Sam 18:11, + אֶלֿ 1Sam 17:30 so of inheritance Num 36:7 it shall not go about from (מִן) tribe to (אֶלֿ) tribe, also vNum 36:9 (לְ for אֶלֿ); compare (absolute) וַתִּסֹּב הַמְּלוּכָה וַתְּהִי לְאָתִי 1Kgs 2:15 (compare Hiph`il 1 b); = be brought round, with accusative of location 1Sam 5:8 (of ark).
  b. turn = change, only Zech 14:10 (of land, changed like [כְּ, i.e. into] a plain), compare Hiph`il 1 c. c. figurative turn (in a new direction) to do something (infinitive) Eccl 2:20; Eccl 7:25. — Ps 71:21 is dubious; Bae reads וְתָשֻׁב for וְתִסֹּב after ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9; Hup-Now Che and others below
  a. above: turn, comfort me. — Job 10:8 read אַחַר תִּסֹּב for ᵑ0 יחד סביב De and others
2. a. march, or walk, around, with accusative (city) Josh 6:3; Josh 6:4; Josh 6:7; Josh 6:14; Josh 6:15 (twice in verse) (all J E), Ps 48:13 possibly also נָסֹב 1Sam 16:11 (of marching about altar? so HPS; turn to do something else Th), but compare תסוב Eccl 32:1 sit about a table (see SchechterBS p. 56, and compare מֵסַב), or read נֵשֵׁב Weir in Dr Kit Bu Löhr (perhaps).
  b. go partly round, circle about, skirt, with accusative (land) Num 21:4 (JE) Judg 11:18, also Deut 2:1; Deut 2:3 of rivers Gen 2:11; Gen 2:13.
  c. make a round, or circuit, go about to, with accusative of location 1Sam 7:16 go about in (בְּ) 2Chr 17:9, compare also (with בְּ) 2Chr 23:2; Song 3:5; Song 5:7; Eccl 12:5, so with accusative Isa 23:16 = make a circuitous march 2Kgs 3:9 (with accusative דֶּרֶךְ). — See also 2Sam 5:23; 1Chr 14:14 Hiph`il 2 a. d. surround, encompass, absolute Gen 37:7 (E); with accusative Job 40:22 with hostile purpose, 2Kgs 6:15; Eccl 9:14 (both of siege), compare 2Kgs 3:25 accusative omitted Judg 16:2, compare 2Sam 18:15 with accusative of thing + עַלֿ person Judg 20:5 with עַלֿ person alone Job 16:13; 2Chr 18:31 with אֶלֿ person 2Kgs 8:21 = 2Chr 21:9 often figurative in poetry, with accusative Hos 7:2; 2Sam 22:6 = Ps 18:6; Ps 22:13; Ps 22:17; Ps 49:6; Ps 88:18; Ps 118:10; Ps 118:11 (twice in verse); Ps 118:12 so also Ps 17:11 (Kt סְבָבוּנִי, Qr סְבָבוּנוּ; on text see especially Hup-Now); literally of cord surrounding (measuring circumference of), with accusative 1Kgs 7:15 = Jer 52:21; 1Kgs 7:23 = 2Chr 4:2 of ornaments, etc., surrounding something (accusative) 1Kgs 7:24; 2Chr 4:3 surround one with something (2 accusative) 1Kgs 5:17; Ps 109:3 accusative + בְּ instrumental Hos 12:1 לָעֹפֶל ׳ס 2Chr 33:14 (i.e. build a wall around it). — 1Sam 22:22 read חַבְתִּי (√ חוּב), ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Th We Dr Kit Bu Löhr HPS. Niph`al Perfect 3 masculine singular נָסַב Josh 15:3 +; 3 feminine singular נָסֵ֫בָּה Ezek 26:2 (Ges«GKC:67t»§ 67t St§ 410 b Köi. 342); וְנָָֽסְבָה Ezek 41:7 (but read וְנוֺסְפָה Ew Sm Co ToyHpt, compare Berthol); 3 plural נָסַ֫בּוּ Gen 19:4 +; Imperfect 3 masculine plural יִסַּ֫בּוּ Ezek 1:9 + 5 t.; —
1. a. turn oneself against (עַלֿ), close round upon (עַל) Gen 19:4 (J) Josh 7:9 (JE); with accusative Judg 19:22.
  b. turn round (from a direct course), of wheels Ezek 1:9; Ezek 1:12; Ezek 1:17; Ezek 10:11 (twice in verse), also vEzek 10:16 (but dubious, Co ישׁבו, ToyHpt leave, Symm ἀπελείποντο); נָסֵ֫בָּה אֵלַי Ezek 26:2 of Jerusalem under figure of door (Sm Co Berthol ToyHpt).
  c. especially of boundary (Hexateuch only P): turn round from (מִן), toward (לְ) Num 34:4, + ה locative Josh 18:14 with מִן + ה locative + אֶלֿ Josh 15:10 with מִן alone Num 34:5 with ה locative alone Jer 31:39; Josh 15:3; Josh 16:6 circle about, skirt, with accusative Josh 19:14.
2. passive be turned over to (לְ), into the power of, Jer 6:12. Pi`el Infinitiveconstruct סַבֵּב אֶתפְּֿנֵי הַדָּבָר 2Sam 14:20 to change, transform, the aspect of the matter. Po`. Imperfect 3 masculine singular suffix יְסֹבְבֵנִי Jonah 2:4; Jonah 2:6, יְסֹבְבֶנְהוּ Deut 32:10, יְסוֺבְבֶנּוּ Ps 32:10 3 feminine singular תְּסוֺבֵב Jer 31:22, etc.; — encompass, surround (in poetry and chiefly late): —
1. encompass (with protection), with accusative Deut 32:10 ( ׳י subject), with 2 accusative חֶסֶד יְסוֺבְבֶנּוּ Ps 32:10, compare vPs 32:7 (but 2nd object here dubious); similarly נְקֵבָה תְּסוֺבֵב גָּ֑בֶר Jer 31:22 i.e. either shall protect (so most) or (Che, compare Gf) the woman (figurative of Israel), instead of holding aloof (הַבַּת הַשּׁוֺבֵבָה vJer 31:22), will, in the new future which ׳י creates, with affection press round her divine husband.
2. come about, assemble round (accusative of person ׳י) Ps 7:8.
3. march or go about, city (accusative) Ps 55:11; Ps 59:7; Ps 59:15 altar (in solemn procession) Ps 26:6 go about in (בְּ) city Song 3:2.
4. enclose, envelop, with accusative of person Jonah 2:4; Jonah 2:6 (of waters).

Hiph`il Perfect 3 masculine singular הֵסֵב 2Kgs 16:18 +; 2 masculine singular הֲסִבֹּ֫תָ 1Kgs 18:37 3 plural הֵסַ֫בּוּ 1Sam 5:9; 1Sam 5:10, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular וַיַּסֵּב Exod 13:18 +, suffix וַיְסִבֵּ֫נִי Ezek 47:2 3 masculine plural וַיַּסֵּ֫בּוּ Judg 18:23 + 2 t.; 1 plural נָסֵב 2Chr 14:6, cohortative נָסֵ֫בָּה 1Chr 13:3 Imperative masculine singular הָסֵב 2Sam 5:23; 1Chr 14:14 (but see below); feminine singular הָסֵ֫בִּי Song 6:5 Infinitive construct הָסֵב 2Sam 3:12; 1Chr 12:33 Participle מֵסֵב Jer 21:4 perhaps also plural suffix מְסִבָּ֑י Ps 140:10 (Ginsb); —

1. a. turn (transitive), cause to turn: turn face (accusative) Judg 18:23; 1Kgs 8:14 = 2Chr 6:3 (all = turn toward); = turn round face 1Kgs 21:4, + אֶלהַֿקִּיר 2Kgs 20:2 = Isa 38:2 + מִן Ezek 7:22 (subject ׳י), 2Chr 29:6 (of neglect), 2Chr 35:22 (of avoiding battle); turn away eyes from (מִן), Song 6:5 turn (back), change heart 1Kgs 18:37 (recall from apostasy; + אֲחֹרַנִּית), Ezra 6:22 (+ עַלֿ); turn back, reverse (weapons) Jer 21:4.
  b. bring over (i.e. to allegiance), with accusative + אֶלֿ person, 2Sam 3:12; 1Chr 12:24 (van d. H. v.1Chr 12:23); of ׳י, turn over kingdom to (לְ) 1Chr 10:14 (compare Qal 1 a, 1Kgs 2:15).
  c. turn into, of changing name, 2 accusative 2Kgs 23:24 = 2Chr 36:4; 2Kgs 24:14.
  d. = bring round, with accusative 1Sam 5:8; 1Sam 5:9 + מִן 2Sam 20:12 + אֶלֿ 1Sam 5:10; 1Chr 13:3 + accusative of location 2Kgs 16:18 (sense obscure).
2. a. cause to go around: of carrying ark around city (2 accusative) Josh 6:11 (J E; but Qal ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9); lead round , i.e. by a round-about way, accusative of person + accusative דֶּרֶךְ Exod 13:18 (E) Ezek 47:2 with accusative + infinitive of purpose 2Chr 13:13 accusative omitted, lead round toward (אֶלֿ) 2Sam 5:23, away from (מֵעַלֿ) || 1Chr 14:14 (where, however, perhaps read as Samuel, so Be Öttli, and, in both, סֹב for הָסֵב Dr KitKau Hpt Bu HPS Löhr).
  b. surround with (accusative) wall, 2Chr 14:6 (accusative of city omitted).
  c. perhaps also encompass (as foe), מְסִבָּ֑י Ps 140:10 those encompassing me (others below מֵסַב below).

Hoph`al Imperfect 3 masculine singular יוּסָּ֑ב Isa 28:27 Participle feminine plural construct מֻסַבֹּת Exod 28:11; Exod 39:6 מוּסַבֹּת vExod 39:13; Num 32:38 (see below); מוּסַבּוֺת Ezek 41:24 —

1. be turned, of cart wheel, with עַלֿ upon, over; מוּסַבּוֺת דְּלָתוֺת Ezek 41:24 participle apparently as gerundive, that can be turned, movable (Ges«GKC:116e»§ 116e; Co reads ׳צלעות מ, compare ToyHpt); שֵׁם ׳מוּס Num 32:38 turned (i.e. changed) as to name, but gloss, see Di.
2. surrounded, i.e. set, of jewels (participle construct) Exod 28:11; Exod 39:6; Exod 39:13 (all P).

BDB5477 H5439 H4036 H5437

BDB5476 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5478

סָבִיב336 substantive, used mostly as adverb and preposition, circuit, round about: — construct סְבִיב Amos 3:11 plural construct סְבִיבֵי Jer 32:44; Jer 33:13, suffix סְבִיבֶיךָ etc. (10 t.), much oftener סְבִיבוֺת Exod 7:24 + 22 t., סְבִיבוֺתַי, תֶיךָ-, etc., Deut 17:14, etc. (48 t.): —

1. in singular —
  a. as substantive 1Chr 11:8 מןהֿמלוא וְעַדהַֿסָּבִיב and to the parts round about.
  b. as adverb accusative סָבִיב (in) a circuit, i.e. round about, Gen 23:17 בְּכָלגְּֿבֻלוֺ סָבִיב Exod 19:12; Exod 25:11; Exod 25:24; Exod 25:25; Lev 1:5; Lev 1:11 עַל הַמִּזְבֵּחַ סָבִיב, Judg 20:29; 1Kgs 3:1; 1Kgs 5:11; Ps 3:7 שָׁתוּ עָלָ֑י ׳אֲשֶׁר ס, Ps 12:9; Ps 34:8 + often; sometimes doubled, for the sake of emphasis, 2Chr 4:3; Ezek 8:10 ׳ס ׳עַל הַקִּיר ס, Ezek 37:2; Ezek 40:5 and often in Ezek 40-43.
  c. as preposition:
   (a) Psalms, Amos 3:11 צַר וּסְבִיב הָאָרֶץ distress, and that in the circuit of (= round about) the land (but read probably with ᵑ6 יְסֹבֵב will encircle).
   (b) ׳סָבִיב לְ Exod 16:13; Exod 40:33; Num 1:50; Num 1:53; Num 2:2; Judg 7:21; 1Kgs 6:5; 1Kgs 18:32; 1Kgs 18:35; Ezek 41:10; Ezek 14:16; Job 19:12; Ps 34:8; Ps 78:28; Ps 125:2 (twice in verse) סָבִיב לְעַמּוֺ ׳י, Ps 128:3; Song 3:7; Nah 3:8.
   (c) strangely, סָבִיב אֵת 1Kgs 6:5 (omitted by ᵐ5), Ezek 43:17.
  d. מִסָּבִיב42, from round about, from every side, Ezek 16:33; Ezek 16:37; Ezek 23:22; Ezek 37:21, but usually (מִן 1 c) = on every side, Jer 4:17 הָיוּ עָלֶיהָ מִסָּבִיב, Isa 42:25 ׳וַתְּלַהֲטֵהוּ מ, Joel 4:11; Joel 4:12 Psalms מָגוֺר מִסָּבִיב terror on every side ! Jer 6:25; Jer 20:3; Jer 20:10; Jer 46:5; Jer 49:29; Ps 31:14, compare Lam 2:22 especially in the Deuteronomic phrases ׳אוֺיְבִים מ, or ׳הֵנִיחַ מ (sometimes in combination), as Deut 12:10 ׳והניח לכם מכלאֿויביכם מ, Deut 25:19; Josh 21:42 ׳לָהֶם מ ׳וַיָּנַח י, Josh 23:1; Judg 2:14; Judg 8:34; 1Sam 12:11 +; מִסָּבִיב לְ from round about, Num 16:24; Num 16:27. — On 1Sam 14:21; 2Sam 24:6; Job 10:8 see סָבַב.
2. In plur.: —
  a. סְבִיבִים:
   (a) in masculine sense, those round about, Ps 76:12 כָּלסְֿבִיבָיו יֹבִילוּ שַׁי, Ps 89:8; Jer 48:17; Jer 48:39.
   (b) in neuter sense, the parts round about, Jer 49:5 מִכָּלסְֿבִיבָ֑יִךְ, בִּסְבִיבֵי ירושׁלם Jer 32:44; Jer 33:13; Jer 21:14 וְאָֽכְלָה כָּלסְֿבִיבֶיהָ, Jer 46:14 with the force of a perp., Ps 50:3 וסביביו נשׂערה מאד, Ps 97:2; Lam 1:17.
  b. סְבִיבוֺת
   (a) as substantive (α) circuits, Eccl 1:6 ועל סביבותיו שָׁב הָרוּחַ; (β) the parts round about, Num 22:4 ילחכו הקהל אתכֿלסְֿבִיבֹתֵינוּ, Jer 17:26; Jer 50:32 (compare Jer 21:14 above); with reference to their inhabitants, Ps 44:19 = Ps 79:4 ׳לעג וקלס לסב, Ezek 16:57; Ezek 28:24; Dan 9:16.
   (b) with the force a preposition Exod 7:24 סְבִיבֹת הַיְאֹר literally (in) the circuits of the Nile = round about the Nile, Num 11:24; Num 11:31; Num 11:32; Num 35:2 סְבִיבֹתֵיהֶם, Judg 7:18; 1Sam 26:5; 1Sam 26:7; 2Kgs 6:17 סביבֹת אלישׁע, Ps 18:12; Ps 27:6 על אֹיְבַי סביבותי, etc.; often idiomatic preceded by אשׁר, as Gen 33:5 הערים אשׁר סביבותיהם Gen 41:48; Lev 25:44; Num 16:34; Deut 6:14; Deut 13:8; Deut 17:14; Deut 21:2 +. In the same sense מִסְּבִיבוֺתָם Ezek 28:26.

BDB5478 H4524 H5437

BDB5477 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5479

מֵסַב noun [masculine] that which surrounds, or is round; —

1. a. plural surrounding places, מְסִבֵּי ׳יְרוּשׁ 2Kgs 23:5 places round about Jerusalem.
  b. as adverb מֵסַב round about 1Kgs 6:29 feminine plural מְסִבּוֺת on all sides, in all directions, Job 37:12 (of cloud Di < of lightning Bu Du).
2. suffix מְסִבּוֺ Song 1:12 dubious: round table Ew De; cushion, divan Bae Kau; compare on all these Bu. — מְסִבָּ֑י Ps 140:10 see סבב Hiph`il

BDB5479 H4141 H5437

BDB5478 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5480

[מוּסָב] noun masculine encompassing, surrounding (?); — only construct מוּסַב הַבַּיִת Ezek 41:7 the encompassing of the house, but meaning wholly obscure; מוּסַף ֗֗֗ enlargement Ew Berthol ToyHpt after ᵐ5; Co strike out clause as dittograph Niph`al

about, turned, compass, compassed, turn, …
sābab
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
  • to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction
    • (Qal)
      • to turn, turn about, be brought round, change
        • "to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass
      (Niphal)
      • to turn oneself, close round, turn round
        • "to be turned over to
      (Piel) to turn about, change, transform"(Poel)
      • to encompass, surround
        • "to come about, assemble round"to march, go about"to enclose, envelop
      (Hiphil)
      • to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round
        • "to cause to go around, surround, encompass
      (Hophal)
      • to be turned
        • "to be surrounded

צִ֭יּוֹן
צִ֭יּוֹן
Root word a name — transliterate it ("Zion")
Dictionary form: צִיּוֹן · tsih-YONE

Noun — Proper Name

In the KJV here: zion
of zion ×47 zion ×41 in zion ×22 out of zion ×6 o zion ×5 to zion ×4 is zion ×3 thee out of zion ×3
More options
Zion — Standard proper-noun rendering; use in nearly all contexts.
Mount Zion — Use when the physical hill or sanctuary is emphasized.
the city of Zion — Clarifies urban/communal referent for general audiences.
Jerusalem — Use when Zion functions as a synonym for the whole city.
the people of Zion — Use when Zion refers collectively to its inhabitants.
Sion — Greek/NT spelling variant; use only in explicitly NT-parallel contexts.

BDB7051 H6726

BDB7050 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7052

צִיּוֺן154 proper name, of a location Σ(ε)ιων; ‚îyyôn, Zion (Syriac , older form, according to LagBn 84, compare 198); — ׳צ 2Sam 5:7 +; צִיּוֺ֫נָה Jer 4:6 — stronghold (of Jebusiteas), ׳מְצֻדַת צ captured by David, and made his residence 2Sam 5:7 = 1Chr 11:5 (both + הִיא עִיר דָּוִד), on southern part of east hill of Jerusalem, distinct from site of temple 1Kgs 8:1 = 2Chr 5:2 (both ׳הִיא צ ׳מֵעִיר ד), not elsewhere in narrative, but often in poets and prophets: as name of Jerusalem, from political point of view (sometimes = inhabitants), Amos 6:7 (|| הַרשֹֿׁמְרוֺן), || יְרוּשָׁלַםִ Mic 3:10; Mic 3:12 = Jer 26:18; Isa 4:3; Isa 30:19; Isa 40:9; Isa 41:27; Isa 52:1; Isa 62:1; Isa 64:9; Zeph 3:16; Zech 1:14; Zech 1:17; Ps 51:20 and (׳בַּתצֿ) Isa 52:2; Mic 4:8 (|| ׳בַּתיְֿרוּשׁ ), Lam 2:13 (|| id.), also (׳יוֺשֶׁבֶת צ) Jer 51:35 = Jerusalem also Isa 14:32; Isa 33:5+, so especially in phrase ׳בְּנוֺת צ Isa 3:16; Isa 3:17; Isa 4:4; Song 3:11, ׳בְּנֵי צ Lam 4:2; Joel 2:23; Ps 149:2 (|| יִשְׂרָזֵל ), cf . Zech 9:13, אֶתבָּֿנֶיהָ ׳יָלְדָה צ Isa 66:8, and even ׳הַרצֿ 2Kgs 19:31 = Isa 37:32 (both || ׳יְרוּשׁ ), Isa 29:8 (|| אַרִיאֵל vIsa 29:7), Obad 1:17; Obad 1:21; Ps 48:12 (|| יְהוֺדָה בְּנוֺת Ps 125:1 so also ׳הַרבַּֿת צ Isa 16:1 and Isa 10:32 Qr (Kt ׃ בית || ׳נִּבְעַתיְֿרוּשׁ); compare ׳מְרוֺםצֿ Jer 31:12 in following ׳הַרצֿ might refer to temple-hill Isa 10:12 (+׳יְרוּשׁ), Isa 31:4 (+נִּבְעָתָהּ = ׳יְרוּשׁ vIsa 31:5), Lam 5:18; Joel 3:5 (+ ׳יְרוּשׁ ); specifically of Jerusalem as abode of ׳י and place of his worship Amos 1:2; Isa 31:9; Zech 8:3; Mic 4:2 = Isa 2:3, Joel 4:16; Ps 102:22; Ps 135:21; Ps 147:12 (all || ׳יְרוּשׁ), Ps 76:8 (|| שָׁלֵם); particular of sanctuary Ps 20:3 (|| קֹדֶשׁ), Ps 14:7 = Ps 53:7+; of Jerusalem ׳הַרצֿ Ps 48:3 (|| רָב֑ קִרְיַת מֶלֶח), Ps 78:68 (|| שֵׁבֶט יְהוּדָה), Isa 24:23 (|| ׳יְרוּשׁ), etc.; ׳הַרֲרֵי צ in same sence Ps 133:3 particularly of sanctuary Isa 4:5 and (|| הַרקָֿדְשִׁי) Joel 2:1; Joel 4:17 הַרֿ ׳קָדְשִׁי צ Ps 2:6 is seat of king. — See also ׳בַּתצֿ, ׳הַהרצֿ, ׳ישֶׁבֶת צ, below בַּת,הַר, יָשַׁב .

צָיוֺן see ציה. צִיּוּן see צוה above.

zion, zions, sion
ṣiyyôn
parched place
Tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of Jerusalem
  • another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books

וְ הַקִּיפ֑וּ הָ
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
הַקִּיפ֑וּ
Root word about, compassed, compassing, compass, destroy, …
הָ
Suffix — pronoun her / it
Dictionary form: נָקַף · naw-KAHP

Verb — Hiphil, Imperative, second person masculine plural causative — "he made (someone) do" a command — try "___!" the built-in subject is "you (a group)"

In the KJV here: and go round about
and go round about ×2 compassing ×2 and compassed ×1 and he shall cut down ×1 and ye shall compass ×1 going about ×1 have inclosed ×1 is gone round about ×1
More options
encircle — Best general term for surrounding or going around something.
surround — Prefer for military or hostile contexts of enclosing.
go around — Good for literal movement in a circuit or path.
cut down — Use when the sense is felling trees or destroying vegetation.
hem in — Vivid idiom for trapping or closing in on someone.
strike down — Prefer when the nuance leans toward killing or violent action.

BDB5373 H5362

BDB5372 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5374

I. [נָקַף] verb strike off (Late Hebrew strike, wound, Aramaic נְקַף id.; Arabic fregit caput, ut cerebrum appareret; Vulgar Arabic snap with the finger (Dozyii. 716); Assyrian na‡pu probably= mutilated; Ethiopic peel, flay Di649); —

Niph`al Perfect 3 masculine singular וְנִקַּף סִבְכֵי הַיַּ֫עַר consecutive Isa 10:34 and the thickets of the forest shall be struck away (on singular verb compare Ges«GKC:145o»§ 145o DaSynt. § 113 b; or. read נִקְּפוּ; — form possibly Pi`el, but compare Di Du CheHpt). Pi`el Perfect 3 plural וְאַחַר עוֺרִי נִקְּפוּזֹֿאת Job 19:25 after my skin, which they (Ges«GKC:144g»§ 144g) have struck off (alluding to ravages of his disease) — this! but text dubious; Bu כָּזאֹת נִקַּף Niph`al which has been thus struck off.

BDB5375 H5362

BDB5374 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5376

II. [נָקַף verb] go around (intransitive), (Eccl 45:9 Hiph`il ויקיפהו surround something with (2 accusative); Perfect 3 feminine singular הקיפה 43:12 (accusative+ ב instrumental); Late Hebrew Hiph`il הִקִּיף = Biblical Hebrew; also = cling to, be attached, joined to, and so Aramaic אַקֵּיף (Aph`el), ); Qal Imperfect חַגִּים יִנְקֹ֑פוּ Isa 29:1 (figurative) let feasts go around, i.e. run the round (of the year). Hiph`il Perfect הִקִּיף Job 19:6 3 feminine singular הִקִּ֫יפָהִ Isa 15:8 3 plural הִקִּ֫יפוּ Job 1:5; Ps 88:18, וְהִקִּיפוּ consecutive 2Chr 23:7, suffix הִקִּיפוּנִי Ps 22:17 2 masculine plural וְהִקַּפְתֶּם consecutive 2Kgs 11:8 Imperfect וַיַּקַּף Lam 3:5 3 masculine plural יַקִּ֫יפוּ Ps 17:9, וַיַּקִּ֫פוּ 2Kgs 6:14 2 masculine plural תַּקִּ֫פוּ Lev 19:27 Imperative masculine plural suffix הַקִּיפ֫וּהָ Ps 48:13 Infinitive absolute הַקֵּיף Josh 6:3, הַקֵּף vJosh 6:11 Participle plural מַקִּ(י)פִים 1Kgs 7:24; 2Chr 4:3 —

1. go around, surround, encompass:
  a. go around, with accusative of city, Josh 6:3 compare vJosh 6:11 (accusative omitted), Ps 48:13 (all || סָבָב); also (figurative) הִקִּ֫יפָה הַזְּעָקָה אֶתֿ Isa 15:8 the cry hath gone about the border of Moab.
  b. surround, encompass, enclose, usually with ׃עַלֿ וַיַּקִּ֫פוּ עַלהָֿעִיר 2Kgs 6:14 and they closed in upon the city (beleaguered it); with עַל person 2Kgs 11:8 (+ סָבִיב), Ps 17:9; Ps 88:18 (|| סָבַב), + accusative of thing Job 19:6 he hath closed his net in upon me compare Lam 3:5 less often with accusative of person Ps 22:17 (|| סָבַב), 2Chr 23:7 (|| 2Kgs 11:8 + סָבִיב), also of inanimate things 1Kgs 7:24 = 2Chr 4:3 (both + סָבִיב, || סָבַב).
2. make the round, i.e. complete the circuit יְמֵי הַמִּשְׁתֶּה ׳הִקּ Job 1:5 when the days of feasting had completed their circuit.
3. make round, round off (literally): פְּאַת ראֹשְׁכֶם ׳לֹא חַקּ Lev 19:27 (|| לֹא תַשְׁחִית אֵת פְּאַת זְקָנֶ֑ךָ), of heathen rite.

BDB7378 H5362

BDB7377 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7379

קוף (√of following; apparently = II. נקף, go around).

about, compassed, compassing, compass, destroy, …
nāqap
to strike with more or less violence (beat, fell, corrode); by implication (of attack) to knock together, i.e., surround or circulate
  • to strike, strike off
    • (Piel) to strike off skin
    to go around, compass, round
    • (Qal) to go around
      • "(Hiphil)
      • to go around, surround, encompass, enclose
        • "to make the round, complete the circuit"to make round, round off

סִ֝פְר֗וּ
סִ֝פְר֗וּ
Root word scribe, told, declare, tell, numbered, …
Dictionary form: סָפַר · saw-PAHR

Verb — Qal, Imperative, second person masculine plural simple action — "he did" a command — try "___!" the built-in subject is "you (a group)"

In the KJV here: her tell
the scribe ×31 and told ×8 declare ×5 scribe ×5 and declare ×3 be numbered ×3 i will declare ×3 scribes ×3
More options
tell — Broad, everyday choice for oral reporting or narrating.
recount — Implies fuller, sequential retelling of events or stories.
declare — More formal or solemn proclamation; suits poetic or liturgical contexts.
count — Use when the numerical sense of enumeration is primary.
proclaim — Emphasizes public announcement; strong rhetorical register.
scribe — For the nominal sense — a professional writer or record-keeper.

BDB5695 H5608

BDB5694 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5696

סָפַר107 verb count, Pi`el recount, relate (probably ancient denominative from סֵפֶר; Late Hebrew = Biblical Hebrew; Ethiopic measure Di404); —

Qal27 Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳ס 2Sam 24:10, 2 masculine singular סָפַרְתָּה Ps 56:9, וְסָפַרְתָּ֫ Lev 25:8, etc.; Imperfect יִסְפֹּר Ps 87:6 + Job 38:37 where read probably יִסְפֹּר (Bu) for ᵑ0 יְסַפֵּר, יִסְפּוֺר Job 31:4, וַיִּסְפֹּר 2Chr 2:1; 2Chr 2:16, suffix וַיִּסְפְּרֵם Ezra 1:8 2 masculine singular תִּסְפֹּר Job 39:2, תִּסְפּוֺר Job 14:16, תִּסְפָּרֿ Deut 16:9, etc.; Imperative masculine singular סְפֹר Gen 15:5 masculine plural סִפְרוּ 1Chr 21:2; Ps 48:13 Infinitive construct לִסְפֹּר Gen 15:5 + 2 t.; Participle סֹפֵר Isa 33:18 (twice in verse) (see also סֹפֵר
  n. below); —
1. count things, to learn their number, with accusative, Gen 15:5 (twice in verse) (J) 2Sam 24:10 + 10 t. (+ accusative of congnate meaning with verb 2Chr 2:16); accusative omitted Gen 41:49 (E); + ל (dativus commodi [dative of benefit] or ethicus [of interest]), Lev 15:13; Lev 15:28; Lev 23:15; Lev 25:8 (all PH), Deut 16:9; Ezek 44:26; Ezra 1:8; Ps 87:6; Isa 33:8 (absolute), vIsa 33:18 (but text suspicious, conjectures in Du CheHpt).
2. number = take account of, carefully observe and consider, reckon: צְעָדַי תִּסְפּוֺר Job 14:16 of my steps thou takest account, so Job 31:4 see also Job 38:37 (compare above); נֹדִי סָפַרַתַּה Ps 56:9 my wandering hast thou reckoned, taken into account (Che reads סִפַּרְתִּי after ᵐ5).

Niph`al Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִסָּפֵר Hos 2:1 + 4 t.; 3 masculine plural יִסָּֽפְרוּ 1Kgs 8:5; 2Chr 5:6, וַיִּסָּֽפְרוּ 1Chr 23:3 — be counted, numbered usually with negative, to indicate multitude, מֵרֹב ׳לֹא יִסּ Gen 16:10 (J) it is not to be counted, for multitude, so Gen 32:13 (J), 1Kgs 3:8 (|| יִמָּנֶה לֹא), 1Kgs 8:5 (+ id.), 2Chr 5:6 (+ id.); compare Hos 2:1 (+ יִמַּד לֹאֿ), Jer 33:22 (|| לֹא יִמַּד); positively, only וַיִּסָּֽפְרוּ הַלְּוִיִּם 1Chr 23:3.

Pi`el67 Perfect 1 singular סִפַּ֫רְתִּי Ps 119:26, סִפַּ֑רְתִּי vPs 119:13 3 plural סִפְּרוּ Judg 6:13 + 3 t.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יְסַפֵּר Job 38:37 +, 1 singular אֲסַפֵּר Ps 22:18 +; cohortative אֲסַפֵּ֑רָה Job 15:7 1 plural וַנְּסַפֶּרֿ Exod 10:2, etc.; Imperative סַפֵּר Isa 43:26, etc.; Infinitive construct (לְ) סַפֵּר Ps 50:16 + 5 t.; Participle מְסַפֵּר Judg 7:13; 2Kgs 8:5 plural מְסַפְּרִים Ps 19:2; Ps 78:4 — recount, rehearse, declare:

1. recount something (accusative) to (לְ person) Judg 6:13; Judg 7:13; Gen 24:66 (J), 1Sam 11:5 + 18 t. (of rehearsing glorious deeds of ׳י Ps 44:2; Ps 73:28; Ps 78:3; Ps 78:4; Ps 79:13); with accusative + בְּ local Ezek 12:16, elsewhere of rehearsing name or praise of ׳י Exod 9:16 (J) Ps 9:15; Ps 96:3 = 1Chr 16:24; Ps 102:22; Jer 51:10 with accusative alone Ps 9:2; Ps 19:2; Ps 119:13 (+ בְּ instrumental), Ps 145:6 + 8 t. Psalms + Isa 43:21, all of rehearsing praise of ׳י; compare עָֽצְמוּ מִסַּפֵּר Ps 40:6 they are too great to rehearse with accusative also Jer 23:28; Jer 23:32; Job 15:17; Job 28:27; Ps 119:26 accusative omitted Isa 43:26, with לְ person Gen 40:8 (E) + 6 t., with אֶלֿ person Gen 37:10 (E), with בְּאָזְנֵי Exod 10:2 with כְּמוֺ (q. v.) Ps 73:15 with אֶלֿ concerning Ps 2:7, compare Ps 69:27 ( ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Ew Ol Gr Bi Che Bae add; in that case read יֹסִ֑פוּ); with עַלֿ concerning + לְ person Joel 1:3.
2. apparently, in weakened sense, talk Ps 59:13; Ps 64:6 (with ל concerning), Ps 73:15 (with כְּמוֺ).
3. count exactly, accurately אֲסַפֵּר כָּלעַֿצְמוֺתָ֑י Ps 22:18 I can count exactly all my bones (in wasted body). — Ps 40:6 see below 1, Job 38:37 read יִסְפֹּר.

Pu`al be recounted, related, rehearsed: Perfect 3 masculine singular סֻפַּר לְ Isa 52:15 Imperfect 3 masculine singular יְסֻפַּר לְ Job 37:20 (clause as subject), + לְ concerning Ps 22:31 with בְּ local Ps 88:12 absolute יְסֻפָּ֑ר Hab 1:5.

BDB5696 H5608

BDB5695 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5697

סֹפֵר, סוֺפֵר noun masculinePs 45:2 enumerator, muster-officer, secretary, scribe (properly participle of סָפַר; Aramaic סַפְרָא, id. compare doctus, literatus; O Aramaic ספרא id., Lzb330 Cook85; Phoenician ספר Lzb330); — absolute סֹפֵר Judg 5:14 +, סוֺפֵר 2Sam 8:17 +; construct סֹפֵר 2Kgs 12:11 + 2 t., + Jer 52:25 (Gie GFM read ׳הַסּ as || 2Kgs 25:19); plural סֹפְרִים 1Kgs 4:3; Jer 8:8, ׳סוֺ 1Chr 2:55; 1Chr 34:13 construct סֹפְרֵי Esth 3:12; Esth 8:9 —

1. a. enumerator, muster-officer in description of leaders of Israel ׳משְׁכִים בְּשֵׁבֶט ס Judg 5:14.
  b. king's official = secretary 2Sam 8:17 = 2Sam 20:25 = 1Chr 18:16; 2Kgs 18:18; 2Kgs 18:37 = Isa 36:3; Isa 36:22 Solomon had two 1Kgs 4:3 (in all these distinguished from מַזְכִּיר); also 2Kgs 19:2 = Isa 37:2; Jer 36:10; Jer 36:12, compare ׳לִשְׁכַּת הַסּ vJer 36:12 vJer 36:20 vJer 36:21, ׳בֵּית הַסּ Jer 37:15; Jer 37:20 acting as treasurer and paymaster 2Kgs 12:11 = 2Chr 24:11, — compare Zadok Neh 13:13 — 2Kgs 22:3; 2Kgs 22:8; 2Kgs 22:9; 2Kgs 22:10; 2Kgs 22:12 = 2Chr 34:15; 2Chr 34:18; 2Chr 34:20; 1Chr 24:6 (Levite); שַׂר הַצָּבָא ׳הַסּ 2Kgs 25:19 = Jer 52:25 (si vera lectio in Kings) implies military authority (but ׳שַׂר הַצּ perhaps gloss GFMJudg 5:14); Ew Sta and others read (as Jeremiah) scribe of general.
  c. in Persia, secretaries who wrote out (king's) decrees, according to Esth 3:12; Esth 8:9.
  d. 2Chr 26:11 uses ׳ס for muster-officer; 1Chr 2:55 mentions families of סוֺפְרִים; 2Chr 34:13 knows ׳ס as Levites; ׳ס 1Chr 27:32 = man of learning.
2. professional class of learned men, 'scribes' able to read and write Jer 36:26; Jer 36:32 with writing implements, ׳מָהִיר עֵט ס Ps 45:2, ׳קֶסֶת הַסּ Ezek 9:2; Ezek 9:3, ׳תַּעַר הַסּ Jer 36:23 especially learned in the law, and assuming to issue its precepts, עֵט שֶׁקֶר סֹפְרִים Jer 8:8.
3. specifically of Ezra, at once priest (כֹּהֵן) and learned in the law (סֹפֵר), Ezra 7:11, ׳בְרֵי מִצְוֺת י Di ׳ס vEzra 7:11 [compare Aramaic vEzra 7:12 vEzra 7:21], מָהִיר בְּתוֺרֵת משֶׁה ׳ס vEzra 7:6; Neh 8:1; Neh 8:4; Neh 8:9; Neh 8:13; Neh 12:26; Neh 12:36.

BDB9740 H5613 H5608

BDB9739 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9741

[סָפֵר] noun masculine secretary, scribe (ᵑ7 Syriac; Biblical Hebrew סֹפֵר); — emphatic סָֽפְרָא the secretary, Persian official, Ezra 4:8; Ezra 4:9; Ezra 4:17; Ezra 4:23 construct סָפַר the scribe Ezra 7:12; Ezra 7:21, of Ezra as learned in God's law.

scribe, told, declare, tell, numbered, …
sāpar
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebrate
  • (v) to count, recount, relate
    • (Qal)
      • to count (things)
        • "to number, take account of, reckon
      (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered"(Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare
      • to recount (something), rehearse
        • "to talk"to count exactly or accurately
      (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
    (n m) enumerator, muster-officer, secretary, scribe
    • enumerator, muster-officer, secretary
      • "learned man, scribe

מִגְדָּלֶֽי הָ
מִגְדָּלֶֽי
Root word tower, towers, castles, flowers, pulpit
הָ
Suffix — pronoun her / it
Dictionary form: מִגְדָּל · miɡ-DAWL

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

In the KJV here: the towers thereof
the tower ×8 tower ×6 of the tower ×5 and the tower ×4 the towers ×3 and towers ×2 from the tower ×2 towers ×2
More options
tower — Direct modern equivalent; best default choice.
watchtower — Emphasizes military surveillance function.
fortified tower — Highlights defensive, stronghold character.
turret — Smaller or ornamental tower; architectural contexts.
citadel — Broader fortified structure; suits urban or royal settings.
lookout — Functional, non-structural emphasis; agricultural watchposts.

BDB1506 H4026

BDB1505 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1507

מִגְדָּל noun masculine tower, Gen 11:5 + 11 t.; construct מִגְדַּל Judg 8:17 + 21 t.; plural מִגְדָּלִים 2Chr 26:9 + 6 t.; מִגְדָּלֶיהָ Ps 48:12; Ezek 26:4 pluralf. מִגְדָּלוֺת 2Chr 32:5 + 2 t.; construct מִגְדְּלוֺת Song 5:13 (?); suffix מִגְדְּלֹתַיִךְ Ezek 26:9; Ezek 27:11 —

1. tower Gen 11:4; Gen 11:5; Judg 8:9; Judg 9:51 (twice in verse); Judg 9:52 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 9:17; 2Kgs 17:9; 2Kgs 18:8; 1Chr 27:25; 2Chr 14:6; 2Chr 26:9; 2Chr 26:10; 2Chr 26:11; 2Chr 27:4; 2Chr 32:5; 2Chr 30:25; 2Chr 33:18; 2Chr 27:11; Ps 48:13, watch-tower in vineyard Isa 5:2 figurative of God as refuge Ps 61:4; Prov 18:10 beautiful neck like tower of David Song 4:4 an ivory tower Song 7:5 breasts Song 8:10. (compare MI22 מגדלתה, Sabean (more precisely Lihyânian) מגדלנהן, Eut, see DHMEpigr. Denkm. 4, 1. 5). Special towers mentioned on Lebanon Song 7:5, Penuel Judg 8:17, Shechem Judg 9:46; Judg 9:47; Judg 9:49 and at Jerusalem, the tower of David Song 4:4 (the arsenal), מֵאָה Neh 3:1, חֲנַנְאֵל Neh 3:1; Neh 12:39; Jer 31:38; Zech 14:10, תַּנּוּרִים Neh 3:11; Neh 12:38 (tower of the furnaces).
2. elevated stage, pulpit of wood Neh 8:4.
3. raised bed || עֲרוּגָה Song 5:13, but ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Hi Bö De rightly read מְגַדְּלוֺת.

BDB8103 H4840 H4026

BDB8102 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8104

[מֶרְקָח] noun [masculine] spice, perfume (of cheeks); plural מֶרְקָחִים Song 5:13 (see also מִגְדָּל 3).

tower, towers, castles, flowers, pulpit
migdāl
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers
  • tower
    • tower
      • "elevated stage, pulpit"raised bed

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.
סֹ֣בּוּ צִ֭יּוֹן Dechi — a lesser break וְהַקִּיפ֑וּהָ Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here סִ֝פְר֗וּ Revia Mugrash — a lesser break מִגְדָּלֶֽיהָ Silluq — end of the verse

סֹבּוּ צִיּוֹן וְהַקִּיפוּהָ סִפְרוּ מִגְדָּלֶֽיהָ׃
12
Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
Cross References

Matthew 24:1

Καὶ ἐξελθὼν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐπορεύετο ἀπὸ τοῦ ἱεροῦ καὶ προσῆλθον οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἐπιδεῖξαι αὐτῷ τὰς οἰκοδομὰς τοῦ ἱεροῦ
1
And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.

Isaiah 33:18

לִבְּךָ יֶהְגֶּה אֵימָה אַיֵּה סֹפֵר אַיֵּה שֹׁקֵל אַיֵּה סֹפֵר אֶת-הַמִּגְדָּלִֽים׃
18
Thine heart shall meditate terror. Where is the scribe? where is the receiver? where is he that counted the towers?

Nehemiah 12:31

וָאַֽעֲלֶה אֶת-שָׂרֵי יְהוּדָה מֵעַל לַֽחוֹמָה וָאַֽעֲמִידָה שְׁתֵּי תוֹדֹת גְּדוֹלֹת וְתַֽהֲלֻכֹת לַיָּמִין מֵעַל לַֽחוֹמָה לְשַׁעַר הָֽאַשְׁפֹּֽת׃
31
Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate:
Psalms 48:11
Read Psalms 48
Psalms 48:13