Psalms 49:4

אַטֶּ֣ה לְמָשָׁ֣ל אָזְנִ֑י אֶפְתַּ֥ח בְּ֝כִנּ֗וֹר חִידָתִֽי
I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

אַטֶּ֣ה
אַטֶּ֣ה
Root word out, aside, forth, incline, inclined, …
Dictionary form: נָטָה · naw-TAW

Verb — Hiphil, Imperfect (Yiqtol), first person singular causative — "he made (someone) do" not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "I"

In the KJV here: i will incline
incline ×10 inclined ×10 stretched out ×6 and pitched ×5 is stretched out still ×5 stretch out ×5 stretched forth ×5 and with a stretched out ×4
More options
stretch out — Best for physical extension of arm, hand, or rod.
extend — Slightly more formal; suits abstract or spatial spreading.
incline — Ideal for inner disposition: incline the heart or ear.
turn — Use when direction or deviation is the focus.
pitch — Specifically for setting up a tent or camp.
bend — Good for bowing or deflecting; physical or metaphorical.

BDB5153 H5186

BDB5152 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5154

נָטָה215 verb stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend (Late Hebrew id., incline, spread tent, etc.; Arabic stretch out); —

Qal137 Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳נ Gen 33:19 +; 3 feminine singular נָָֽכְתָה Num 22:33 2 masculine singular נָטִיתָ Exod 15:12 3 plural נָטוּ Ps 21:42; Isa 45:12, נָטָ֫יוּ Ps 73:2 Qr, etc.; Imperfect יִטֶּה Job 15:29, jussive יֵט Zeph 2:13 וַיֵּט Gen 12:8 +, וַיֶּטֿ Gen 26:27; 1Chr 15:1 3 feminine singular תִּטֶּה Job 31:7, וַתֵּט Num 22:23 + 2 t.; 2 masculine singular jussive תֵּט Prov 4:5; Prov 4:27 3 masculine plural וַיִּטּוּ 1Sam 8:3 1 plural נִטֶּה Num 20:17; Num 21:22 Imperative נְטֵה Exod 8:1 +; Infinitive construct נְטוֺת Judg 19:8 + 4 t., נְטֹת Exod 23:2 suffix נְטֹתִי Exod 7:5, נְטוֺתוֺ Ps 109:23 Participle active נֹטֶה Jer 10:20 + 6 t., נוֺטֶה Ezek 25:16 + 3 t.; suffix נוֺטֵיהָם Isa 42:5 passive נָטוּי Ps 62:4 + 2 t., + Ps 73:2 (see below); feminine singular נְטוּיָה Isa 5:25 + 24 t., plural נְטֻיוֺת Isa 3:16 Qr (Kt נטוות): —
1. a. stretch out, extend, hand, rod, usually with accusative + עַל of direction Exod 9:22; Exod 9:23; Exod 10:12; Exod 10:13; Exod 10:21; Exod 10:22 (all E), Exod 7:19; Exod 14:16; Exod 14:21; Exod 14:26; Exod 14:27 (all P), absolute Josh 8:19 (JE), Exod 8:12 (P); with ב of dart or rod בַּכִּידוֺן אֶלֿ ׳נ Josh 8:18 (twice in verse) (JE), יָָֽדְךָ בְּמַטֶּ֔ךָ עַלֿ ׳נ Exod 8:1 (P), compare v.Exod 8:2 and (עַל omitted) v.Exod 8:13 (all P), Josh 8:26 (JE); figurative of hostility to God יָדוֺ אֶלֿ ׳נ Job 15:25 especially of God stretching out his hand over (עַל) often with idea of against, i.e. in judgment, Isa 5:25; Isa 23:11; Zeph 1:4; Zeph 2:13; Ezek 6:14 + 7 t. Ezekiel; Exod 7:5 (P); with אֶלֿ against Joel Exod 51:25, compare sword Ezek 30:25 absolute Exod 15:12 (song); passive participle גָּרוֺן ׳נ Isa 3:16 outstretched of neck; often זְרוֺע נְטוּיָה arm stretched out (of ׳י) to deliver, Deut 4:34 + 14 t. (see זְרוֺעַ); ׳אֶזְרוֺעַ נ Jer 32:21 ׳יָד נ, to oppose, Jer 21:5 עוֺד יָדוֺ נְטוּיָה in judgment, Isa 5:25 (|| לֹא שָׁב אַפּוֺ), so Isa 9:11; Isa 9:16; Isa 9:20; Isa 10:4 (all || id.), compare Isa 14:27 הַיָּד הַנְּטוּיָה עַלֿ vIsa 14:26 נָטִיתִי יָדִי Prov 1:24 (of wisdom's appeal; || קָרָאתִי).
  b. stretch line and plummet,
  c. עַל 2Kgs 21:13 (subject ׳י figurative of destruction), compare Isa 34:11; Lam 2:8 line, of artisan's measurements (absolute) Isa 44:13, and (with עַל) Job 38:5.
  c. = offer, only שָׁלוֺשׁ אֲנִי נֹטֶה עָלֶיךָ 1Chr 21:10 three things do I offer unto thee (so read probably also || 2Sam 24:12, see נטל).
2. Spread out, i.e. pitch, tent Gen 12:8; Gen 26:25; Gen 35:21 (all J), Gen 33:19 (E), Judg 4:11, compare Jer 43:10 figurative of establishing people Jer 10:20 of sacred tent Exod 33:7 (JE), 2Sam 6:17 = 1Chr 16:1; 1Chr 15:1; 2Chr 1:14 object heavens (spread out by ׳י as tent) Jer 10:12 + 9 t., compare Job 26:7 object likeness of firmament in Ezekiel's vision Ezek 1:22.
3. Bend, turn, incline:
  a. intransitive, of wady Num 21:15 (J E; with לְ); turn aside, of Balaam's ass Num 22:23 (מִןהַֿדֶּרֶךְ), vNum 22:33 (מִפָּנַי), compare vNum 22:33 (לְפָנַי); with adverb accusative Num 22:26, so of Israel Num 20:17, and (with מֵעָלָיו) vNum 20:21 with ב into, Num 21:22 of individual 2Sam 2:19 (לָלֶכֶת עַל), v2Sam 2:21 (עַל), Jer 14:8 (c. infinitive); compare Gen 38:1 (עַד), vGen 38:16 (אֶלֿ); figurative of deviating from path of loyalty 1Kgs 2:28 (with אַחֲרֵי), compare Judg 9:3 (of heart), or of righteousness Exod 23:2 [yet on text compare BuZAW xi (1891), 113 Ryon the passage], 1Sam 8:3 (all with אַחֲרֵי); with מִן Job 31:7; Ps 44:19, compare Prov 4:5 and (c. adverb accusative) vProv 4:27 ׳מֵעִם י 1Kgs 11:9 (of heart), compare Ps 119:51; Ps 119:157 incline, (of heart), with לְ 1Sam 14:7 (read לְבָֽבְךָ נָטָה or נֹטֶה ׳ל Th We Dr Klo Bu HPS Löhr); decline, of shadow on dial 2Kgs 20:10 (|| הָלַךְ, opposed to שׁוּב אֲחֹרַנִּית), figurative of failing life Ps 102:12; Ps 109:23 of day Judg 19:8 + vJudg 19:9 (text emendations, see GFM); bend down, יִטֶּה לָאָרֶץ Job 15:29, לִנְטוֺת בָּאָרֶץ Ps 17:11 (both dubious, see Commentaries); apparently וַיֵּט בְּכֹחַ Judg 16:30 and he bowed with all his might (after וַיִּלְפֹּת, וַיִּסָּמֵךְ; al. stretched himself i.e. gave a thrust, Be GFM, but verb less often intransitive in this sense); of ׳י, וַיֵּט אֵלַי Ps 40:2 and he inclined unto me, — וַתֵּט הַמִּלְחָמָה is read 1Sam 4:2 by ᵐ5 Dr Klo Bu, compare נָטַשׁ
  b. less often transitive, bend, bow, וַיֵּט שִׁכְמוֺ לִסְבֹּל Gen 49:15 (Issachar under figure of ass); קְיר נָטוּי Ps 62:4 (simile of fate of wicked; || גָּדֵר הַדְּחוּיָה); here belongs also probably וַאֲנִי כִּמְעַט נָטוּי רַגְלָ֑י Ps 73:2 (Kt) and I was almost prostrated as to my feet (i.e. by stumbling; Qr נָטָיוּ Perfect 3 masculine plural but needless, compare Bae; || כְּאַיִן שֻׁפְּכֻה אֲשֻׁרָֽי ׃); לִבִּי ׳נ Ps 119:112 I have inclined my heart (c. infinitive); of ׳י, וַיֵּט שָׁמַיִם וַיֵּרַד֑ 2Sam 22:10 = Ps 18:10 also figurative, hold out, extend unto, of ׳י, object חֶסֶד Gen 39:21 (J), שָׁלוֺם etc., Isa 66:12 (both with אֶלֿ); of men רָעָח Ps 21:12 (עַל). Niph`al be stretched out; — Perfect 3 masculine plural נִטָּ֫יוּ Num 24:6 (J E; compare II. נַחַל); Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִנָּטֶה עַלֿ Zech 1:16 (of measuring line, for building); stretch themselves out, i.e. grow long, 3 masculine plural יִנָּטוּ Jer 6:4 (of shadows, || פָּנָה הַיּוֺם). Hiph`il75 Perfect הִטָּה Ezra 7:28; Ps 116:2, suffix הִטָּ֫הוּ 3 feminine singular suffix הִטַּ֫תּוּ Prov 7:21 1 singular הִטִּיתִי Prov 5:13 3 plural הִטּוּ Amos 5:12 + 8 t.; 2 masculine plural הִטִּיתֶם Jer 25:4; Jer 35:15 Imperfect יַטֶּה Isa 31:3, וַיַּט 2Sam 9:15; 2 masculine singular תַּמֶּה Exod 23:6 + 3 t., jussive תַּט Ps 27:9; Ps 141:4 1 singular אַטֶּה Jer 6:12; Ps 49:5, אָ֑ט Job 23:11, וְאַט Hos 11:4, but read perhaps וָאַט (compare Now) as Jer 15:6 etc.; Imperative הַטֵּה 2Kgs 19:16 + 7 t., הַט Ps 17:6 + 5 t. Psalms, Proverbs; feminine singular הַטִּי Gen 24:14; Ps 45:11 masculine plural הַטּוּ Josh 24:23 + 3 t.; Infinitive construct לְהַטּוֺת Isa 10:8 + 4 t., לְהַטֹּת Exod 23:2 suffix לְהַטּוֺתָהּ Num 22:23 Participle מַטֶּה Deut 27:19 masculine plural מַטִּים Ps 125:5, construct מַטֵּי Mal 3:5 —
1. rarely stretch out (as Qal 1), hand Isa 31:3 (of ׳י in hostility), with עַל Jer 6:12; Jer 15:6.
2. rarely spread out cloth on (אֶל) rock 2Sam 21:10 as Qal 2: tent 2Sam 16:22 (+ ל person), tent-curtains (figurative of growth) Isa 54:2.
3. usually turn, incline, with accusative, in many senses:
  a. literally turn ass into (accusative) road Num 22:23 (JE); take aside 2Sam 3:27 (accusative of person + אֶלֿ), 2Sam 6:10 (accusative of thing + accusative = to) = 1Chr 13:13 (אֶלֿ); incline, turn jar of water Gen 24:14 (J; to give drink); intransitive only יַטּוּ עַלֿ Amos 2:8 on garments taken in pledge they recline, and הַטּוּ מִנֵּיאֹֿרַח Isa 30:11 turn aside, out of the path (i.e. do not interfere with us; || סוּרוּ מִנֵּידֶֿרֶךְ).
  b. figurative, הַמַּטִּים עֲקַלְקַלּוֺתָם Ps 125:5 those turning aside their crooked (ways), i.e. making their ways crooked; compare (negative) Job 23:11.
  c. turn, = influence, heart 2Sam 19:15 turn (away) heart (cause to apostatize) 1Kgs 11:2; 1Kgs 11:4 (with אַחֲרֵי), v1Kgs 11:3 (absolute); לֵב subject, with accusative of person Isa 44:20 compare Job 36:18 (accusative of person); of persuasion, with accusative of person Prov 7:21 (|| תַּדִּיחֶנּוּ).
  d. incline one's own heart unto (אֶל) God and his commands, Josh 24:23 (E), compare Prov 2:2 (ל); subject ׳י, 1Kgs 8:58; Ps 119:36, with עַלֿ Prov 21:1 negative (with ל) Ps 141:4.
  e. especially incline the ear, of men (in obedience to God), usually || שָׁמַע: absolute Jer 7:24 + 6 t. Jeremiah (all negative), so Jer 25:4; Jer 44:5 (+ infinitive), Isa 55:3 to inspired teacher Prov 4:20 (|| הִקְשִׁיב), Prov 5:1 (|| id.) vProv 5:13 (all with ל), Prov 22:17; Ps 45:11; Ps 78:1 (הַאֲזִינָה); to receive revelation Ps 49:5 of God, listening to men, sometimes || שָׁמַע: 2Kgs 19:16 = Isa 37:17; Dan 9:18, with ל Ps 17:6 also (with אֶלֿ Ps 31:3; Ps 71:2; Ps 102:3, with לְ Ps 88:3; Ps 116:2, absolute Ps 86:1 once וְאַט אֵלָיו Hos 11:4 and I used to incline etc. (either rare intransitive, or object omitted, e.g. אָזְנִי read perhaps וָאַט (וָאֵט ?) and I inclined, after וָאָהְיֶה). feminine bend down heavens, of ׳י (compare Qal 3 b), Ps 144:5 = hold out, extend unto (from above, עַל) Ezra 7:28; Ezra 9:9 (object חֶסֶד).
  g. thrust aside, especially with accusative מִשְׁפָּט of perverting or wresting justice: Exod 23:6 (E), 1Sam 8:3; Deut 16:19; Deut 24:17; Deut 27:19; Lam 3:35, compare Amos 2:7 לְהַטּוֺת אָרְחוֺת מִשְׁפָּט Prov 17:23 also with accusative of person לְהַטּוֺת מִדִּין דַּלִּים Isa 10:2; Amos 5:12; Isa 29:21; Mal 3:5, יַטּוּ אֶבְיֹנִים מִדָּ֑רֶךְ Job 24:4, לְהַטּוֺת צַדִּיק בַּמִּשְׁפָּט Prov 18:5 here belongs probably לְהַטֹּת Exod 23:2 (E; absolute), perhaps insert מִשְׁפָּט (compare BuZAW xi. (1891), 113 Ryon the passage).
  h. thrust away, of ׳י, אַלתַּֿט בְּאַף עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ Ps 27:9 compare עֲוֺנוֺתֵיכֶם הִטּוּאֵֿלֶּה Jer 5:25 your iniquities have thrust away (deprived you of) these (harvests).

out, aside, forth, incline, inclined, …
nāṭâ
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
  • to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow
    • (Qal)
      • to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer
        • "to spread out, pitch (tent)"to bend, turn, incline
        • to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down
          • "to bend, bow"to hold out, extend (figuratively)
      (Niphal) to be stretched out"(Hiphil)
      • to stretch out
        • "to spread out"to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away

לְ מָשָׁ֣ל
לְ
Prefix — preposition to, for
מָשָׁ֣ל
Root word parable, proverb, proverbs, parables, byword, …
Dictionary form: מָשָׁל · maw-SHAWL

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: to a parable
his parable ×9 proverb ×5 a parable ×4 a proverb ×4 proverbs ×3 and a proverb ×2 so is a parable ×2 the proverbs ×2
More options
proverb — Best for short, pithy wisdom sayings; most common sense.
parable — Use for extended narrative or illustrative comparison.
saying — Neutral, colloquial; fits brief proverbial expressions.
byword — When a person or place becomes a cautionary example.
allegory — Use when the figurative layer is sustained and elaborate.
taunt — Fits contexts of mockery or public ridicule (e.g. Isa 14:4).

BDB4874 H4912

BDB4873 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4875

II. מָשָׁל noun masculineIsa 14:4 proverb, parable (of sentences constructed in parallelism, usually of Hebrew Wisdom, but occasionally of other types); — absolute ׳מ Ezek 17:2 + 20 t.; construct מְשַׁל 1Sam 24:14 suffix מְשָׁלוֺ Num 23:7 + 8 t.; plural מְשָׁלִים Eccl 12:9 + 2 t.; construct מִשְׁלֵי Prov 1:1 + 3 t.; —

1. proverbial saying, brief terse sentence of popular sagacity 1Sam 10:12; Ezek 12:22; Ezek 12:23; Ezek 18:2; Ezek 18:3 הַקַדְמֹנִי ׳מ 1Sam 24:14 proverb of the ancients.
2. by-word Ps 44:15; Ps 69:12 לְמָשָׁל וְלִשְׁנִינָה Deut 28:37; 1Kgs 9:7; 2Chr 7:20; Jer 24:9 לְאוֺת וּלְמָשָׁל Ezek 14:8
3. prophetic figurative discourse: נָשָׂא מָשָׁל lift up, utter a ׳מ Num 23:7; Num 23:18; Num 24:3; Num 24:15; Num 24:20; Num 24:21; Num 24:23 (all of Balaam); Isa 14:4; Mic 2:4 (|| נהי) Hab 2:6 (|| חידה), (compare Job 27:1; Job 29:1 for same phrase under 6).
4. similitude, parable, Ezek 17:2; Ezek 21:5; Ezek 24:3.

5. poem, of various kinds: the ode (Num 21:27-30), the 3,000 pieces traditionally ascribed to Solomon 1Kgs 5:12, didactic psalms Ps 49:5; Ps 78:2.
6. sentences of ethical wisdom דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים collected in the מִשְׁלֵי שְׁלֹמֹה Prov 10:1; Prov 25:1 (Prov 10:1-22:16 consisting of 376 couplets chiefly antithetical; Prov 25:1-29:200 chiefly couplets of an emblematic type, but also occasional tristichs, tetrastichs, pentastichs, and decastichs. To these are appended דְּבָרִים of a more mixed character as to size and content Prov 30:1-14 vProv 30:15-33; Prov 31:1-9 vProv 31:10-31 the Praise of Wisdom Prov 1:8-9 is prefixed, and an introduction to the whole Prov 1:1-7, in which the whole contents are represented as) משׁלים Prov 1:1, compare vProv 1:6. The references in Job 13:12; Job 27:1; Job 29:1; Prov 26:7; Prov 26:9; Eccl 12:9 are to the same type of wisdom.

parable, proverb, proverbs, parables, byword, …
māšāl
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
  • proverb, parable
    • proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism
      • "byword"similitude, parable"poem"sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims

אָזְנִ ֑י
אָזְנִ
Root word ears, ear, audience, hearing, me, …
֑י
Suffix — pronoun my / me
Dictionary form: אֹזֶן · oh-DZEN

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

In the KJV here: mine ear
in the ears ×22 thine ear ×16 ear ×9 their ear ×7 in mine ears ×6 the ear ×6 his ear ×5 his ears ×4
More options
ear — Standard, neutral term; fits most prose and poetry contexts.
hearing — Use when the sense is 'within someone's hearing/audience'.
attention — Idiomatic for phrases like 'lend an ear'; signals receptivity.
audience — Formal register; suits proclamation or official speech contexts.
perception — Emphasizes cognitive reception of sound, not just the organ.

BDB263 H241

BDB262 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB264

אֹ֫זֶן188 noun feminine: Exod 29:20 ear (Arabic , Aramaic , אוּדְנָא, Assyrian uznu, Ethiopic ) — absolute 2Sam 22:45 +; construct Exod 29:20 +; suffix אָזְנִי 1Sam 20:2 +, etc.; dual אָזְנַיִם (נָ֑יִם) Deut 29:3 +; construct אָזְנֵי Gen 23:10 +; suffix אָזְנַי (נָֿ֑י) Num 14:28 +; (never with article). —

1. ear, as part of body; of human being, as bearing earring Gen 35:4; Exod 32:2; Exod 32:3 (all J E) Ezek 16:12 pierced by a master Exod 21:6 (E) Deut 15:17 touched with blood in consecration (׳תְּנוּךְ א tip of ear) Lev 8:23; Lev 8:24; Lev 14:14; Lev 14:17; Lev 14:25; Lev 14:28 cut off by enemy Ezek 23:25 (of אָהֳלִיבָה q. v.); ear of dog Prov 26:17 מַחֲזִיק בְּאָזְנֵיכָּֿ֑לֶב; of sheep Amos 3:12 (fragment rescued from lion).
2. especially as organ of hearing,
  a. of man Deut 29:3; 2Sam 22:45 = Ps 18:45; Job 42:5; Isa 30:21 implanted (נטע) by ׳י Ps 94:9 of idols (do not hear) Ps 115:6; Ps 135:17 ׳שָׁמַע בא 2Sam 7:22 + 8 t.; especially ׳בְּא after verb of saying = in the ears, in the hearing of Gen 20:8 (E) Gen 23:10; Gen 23:13; Gen 23:16 (P) Gen 44:18; Gen 50:4 (J) Deut 5:1; Deut 31:11; Deut 31:28; Deut 31:30 + 44 t.; compare Isa 5:9 (verb omitted); after noun of utterance, sound 1Sam 15:14; Job 13:17; Job 15:21 compare ׳א after verbal noun Ezek 24:26 (׳לְהַשְׁמָעוּת א) compare Isa 11:3 ׳הִטָּה א incline the ear = give attention Ps 45:11; Prov 22:17 + 9 t.; followed by ל Ps 49:5 + 4 t.; so ׳הִקְשִׁיב א Isa 32:3; Prov 2:2 (followed by ל); ׳ל ׳הֵבִיא א Prov 23:2 as receiving words תָּקַּח ׳א Job 4:12 compare Jer 9:19 as tingling (צלל) at dreadful news 1Sam 3:11; 2Kgs 21:12; Jer 19:3 as hearing with satisfaction, triumph Ps 92:12 תִּשְׁמַעְנָה אָזְנָי֑ (|| ׳וַתַּבֵּט עֵינִי בְּ but Che strike out; as intelligent (involving mental process) וַתָּבֶן לָהּ ׳שָֽׁמְעָה א Job 13:1 מִלִּין תִּבְחָ֑ן ׳א Job 12:11 compare Job 34:3 as unsatisfied Eccl 1:8 מִשְּׁמֹעַ ׳לֹא תִמָּלֵא א; as seeking (בקשׁ) know-ledge Prov 18:15 as hearing & blessing Job 29:11 compare שֹׁמַעַת ׳א Prov 20:12; Prov 25:12 a hearing (responsive, obedient) ear; compare Prov 15:31; Isa 43:8 opposed to stopping the ears (wilful ignorance) מִןֿ ׳אֹטֵם א Prov 21:13 cf Isa 33:15 also of adder in simile of wicked Ps 58:5 כְּמוֺ פֶתֶן חֵרֵשׁ יַאְטֵם אָזְנוֺ; מִןֿ ׳מֵסִיר א Prov 28:9 so ׳עֲרֵלָה א their ear is uncircumcised Jer 6:10 ׳הִכְּבִּיד א Zech 7:11 compare Isa 48:8; Jer 5:21; Ezek 12:2 compare also Isa 42:20.
  b. of Yahweh, ׳י ׳בְּא after verb of utterance Num 11:18 (J) Num 14:28 (P) 1Sam 8:21; Ezek 8:18 after עָלָה 2Kgs 19:28 = Isa 37:29 after בּוֺא Ps 18:7 compare 2Sam 22:7 where verb omitted; so also (after noun without verb) Num 11:1 (J) ׳י ׳בְּא 1Chr 28:8 nearly = in presence of; incline the ear ׳הִטָּה א 2Kgs 19:16 = Isa 37:17; Dan 9:18; Ps 86:1 followed by לְ Ps 17:6; Ps 88:3; Ps 116:2 followed by אֶלֿ Ps 31:3; Ps 71:2; Ps 102:3 ׳הִקְשִׁיב א Ps 10:17 ׳קַשֻּׁבוֺת לְ א 2Chr 6:40; 2Chr 7:15 compare Ps 130:2 id. followed by אֶלֿ Neh 1:6; Neh 1:11 verb omitted אֶלֿ ׳א Ps 34:16 compare Isa 59:1 ׳לֹא כָֽבְדָה א; Lam 3:56 ׳ל ׳אַלתַּֿעְלֵם א.
3. ׳גָּלָה אopen ears of, reveal to, subject man 1Sam 20:2; 1Sam 20:12; 1Sam 20:13; 1Sam 22:8 (twice in verse); 1Sam 22:17; Ruth 4:4 subject ׳י 1Sam 9:15; 2Sam 7:27; 1Chr 17:25 לְמוּסָר ׳א ׳גּ Job 36:10, compare vJob 36:15 ׳כָּרָה א Ps 40:7 לִשְׁמֹעַ ׳יָעִירלִי א Isa 50:4 ׳פָּתַחלִֿי א Isa 50:5 compare חֵרְשִׁים תִּפָּתַחְנָה ׳וְא Isa 35:5 opposed to judicial deafness Mic 7:16; Isa 6:10.

ears, ear, audience, hearing, me, …
ʾōzen
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
  • ear, as part of the body
    • "ear, as organ of hearing"(subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation

אֶפְתַּ֥ח
אֶפְתַּ֥ח
Root word opened, open, loose, loosed, grave, …
Dictionary form: פָּתַח · paw-TA

Verb — Qal, Imperfect (Yiqtol), first person singular simple action — "he did" not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "I"

In the KJV here: i will open
open ×20 opened ×10 and opened ×7 i will open ×5 be opened ×4 shall open ×4 he opened ×3 to open ×3
More options
open — Most versatile; fits doors, mouths, gates.
unlock — Prefer when access or permission is implied.
release — Good for loosing bonds, captives, or constraints.
loosen — Use for knots, cords, or figurative restraints.
engrave — Fits contexts of carving or inscribing on stone/metal.
unseal — Ideal for scrolls, letters, or closed containers.

BDB6865 H6605

BDB6864 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6866

I. פָּתַח verb open (Late Hebrew id.; Phoenician פתח; Assyrian pitû, patû; Sabean פתח OsZMG xix (1865), 197; Arabic ; Ethiopic ; Aramaic פְּתַח, ; Nabataean, Palmyrene פתח); —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳פ 2Kgs 15:16 +, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִפְתַּח Exod 21:33 +; 3 masculine plural suffix יִפְתָּחוּם Neh 13:19, etc.; Imperative masculine singular פְּתַחִ 2Kgs 13:17 +; feminine singular פִּתְחִיּ Song 5:2 masculine plural פִּתְחוּ Josh 10:22 +; Infinitive absolute פָּתֹחַ Deut 15:8 +; construct לִפְתֹח Ezek 21:27 +; Participle active פֹּתֵחַ Judg 3:25 +; pass. פָּתוּחַ Jer 5:16 +, etc.; — open sack, שַׂק, Gen 42:27 (E), אַמְתַּחַת Gen 43:21; Gen 44:11 (J), skin-bottle (נאוד). Judg 4:19, hamper (תֵּדָה) Exod 2:6 (E), pit (בּוֺר) Exod 21:33 (E; i. e. uncover it), mouth (פִּי) of cave Josh 10:22 (JE), grave Ezek 37:12; Ezek 37:13 (to bring forth dead), of. (in figurative) Jer 5:16; Ps 5:10 כְּלִי פָתוּחַ Num 19:15 (P) open vessel; door (דֶּלֶת; sometimes opposed to סָגַר) Judg 3:25 + vJudg 3:25 (object omitted), Judg 19:27; 1Sam 3:15; 2Kgs 9:3; 2Kgs 9:10; 2Chr 29:3; Job 31:32 (c.ל person); figurative of Leb. Zech 11:1 דַּלתֵי שָׁמַיִם Ps 78:23 (of ׳י, sending rain); ׳ד = city-gates Neh 13:19; Isa 45:1(|| שְׁעָרִים; ׳י subject, with לפְנֵי); ׳ד omitted Song 5:2; Song 5:5; Song 5:6 gate (שַׁעַר), of land Nah 3:13 (Infinitive absolute + Imperfect Niph`al q. v.), compare Ezek 25:9, שׁער of temple (- court) Ezek 46:12 (with ל, person), Ps 118:19 (id.), city Isa 26:2, object omitted Deut 20:11; 2Kgs 15:16 window, חַלּוֺן, 2Kgs 13:17 (twice in verse),אֲרֻבּוֺת הַשָׁמַיִם (by ׳י sending rain) Gen 8:6(J), Mal 3:10 city Jer 13:19, עִיר פְּתוּחָה Josh 8:17 (JE); absolute וְלאֹ סגר ׳פ Isa 22:22 (twice in verse); — Isa 14:17 is dubious, Gr PerlesAnal. 28. 42 Kit (in Di) read ׳לַאֲסִירָיו לאֹפֿ בֵּיתהַֿכֶּלֶא; > Bu Che Marti אֲסִירָיו לאֹ פִּתַּח אִישׁ לְבֵיתוֺ; storehouse, armoury Gen 41:56; Jer 50:25 (of ׳י), Jer 50:26 (for destruction), figurative of sky, for rain Deut 28:12 (with ל person; of ׳י ), compare open בָּ֑ר, expose for sale, Amos 8:5 open womb, i.e. grant offspring Gen 29:31; Gen 30:22 (J); open mouth (פֶּה) to cry, speak Ezek 21:27; Job 3:1; Dan 10:16, hence = speak Isa 53:7 (twice in verse); Job 33:2; Ps 39:10; Ps 78:2 (בְּמָשָׁל), Ps 109:2 (with עַל person), Prov 24:7; Prov 31:8 (with ל person), vProv 31:9 vProv 31:26 (בְּחָכְמָה); Ps 49:5 either utter, declare, propound riddle, or open up, expound; have power of speech Ps 38:14 of ׳י giving power of (prophetic) speech Ezek 3:27; Ezek 33:22, giving speech to ass Num 22:28 (J); open mouth, to eat Ezek 3:2, of earth, to swallow up, Num 16:32: Num 26:10, compare (פֶּה omitted) Ps 106:17 open lips, to speak Job 11:5 (with עִם person), Job 32:20 (Gi vJob 32:21); of ׳י opening man's lips Ps 51:17, man's ear Isa 50:5 (Assyrian uznâ puttû); of eyes only passive participle, with אֶל 1Kgs 8:29 = 2Chr 6:20; 1Kgs 8:52; Neh 1:6, with ל 2Chr 6:40 (by zeugma), 2Chr 7:15 (all of ׳י's favour); open hand, in giving Deut 15:8; Deut 15:11 (c, ל person, + infinitive absolute), of ׳י Ps 104:28; Ps 145:16 book Neh 8:5 (twice in verse), letter Neh 6:5 open river (channel) Isa 41:18 (of ׳י), rock, letting out water, Ps 105:41 (id.); open sword, = draw it Ezek 21:33; Ps 37:14 of root שָׁרְשִׁי פָתוּחַ אֱלֵימָֿ֑יִם Job 29:19, i.e. with no obstacle intervening. — תִּפְתַּח אֶרֶץ Isa 45:8 is dubious; verb not elsewhere intransitive; Du CheHpt Marti proposes רַחְמָהּ as object; Gr Kit (in Di) read תִּפָּתַח. Niph`al Perfect 3 masculine singular נִפְתַּח Isa 5:27, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִפָּתַח Ezek 24:27, יִפָּתֵ֑חַ Ezek 44:2 +, etc.; Infinitive construct הִפָּתֵחַ Isa 51:14 Participle נִפְתָּח Zech 13:1 — be opend, of girdle Isa 5:27 (i.e. loosened), compare of captive Isa 51:14, and, of calamity, Jer 1:14 be let loose (with עַל person); gates Nah 2:7; Nah 3:13 (of land, thrown open to (ל) enemy), Ezek 44:2; Ezek 46:1 (twice in verse); Neh 7:3 impersonal of man shut in by God Job 12:14 of windows of heaven Gen 7:11 (P), compare Isa 24:18 (of future destruction); the heavens themselves Ezek 1:1(for visions); fountain Zech 13:1 wine (-skin, with negative) Job 32:19 mouth, in speech Job 24:27; Job 33:22 ears Isa 35:5. Pi`el Perfect 3 masculine singular פִּתַּח Job 30:11 +, פִּתֵּ֑חַ Job 12:18 +, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יְפַתַּח; Isa 28:24, 1 singular אֲפַתֵּחַ Isa 45:1, etc.; — Infinitive abs פַּתֵּחַ Isa 58:6 construct, id. Ps 102:21 Participle מְפַתֵּ֑חַ 1Kgs 20:11 — loose:
1. free, i.e. ungird, camels Gen 24:32 (J): loins of kings Isa 45:1 (i.e. disarm them); set free, with suffix person Ps 105:20; Jer 40:4 (with מִן); with accusative בְּנֵי תְמוּתָה Ps 102:21.
2. loosen (and remove) sack-cloth Isa 20:2 (c.מֵעַל ), Ps 30:12 armour 1Kgs 20:11 (object omitted; opposed to חָגַר); bonds Job 12:18; Ps 116:16, compare Isa 58:6; Job 39:5 cord Job 30:11; Job 38:11 loosen ground Isa 28:24 (in tillage; compare VogelstLand wrirthschaft 38, Assyrian puttû).

3. open gates Isa 60:11, doors Job 41:6 (figurative of crocodile's jaws); ear Isa 48:8 (read probably either פִּתַּחְתִּי, פָּתַחְתִּי [ᵐ5 Du Marti], or נִפְתְּחָה [Gr Che Kit in Di]; buds Song 7:13 (of blossom; object omitted; or intransitive, as sometimes Arabic see Dozy). Hithpa`el Imperative masculine plural התפתחו Isa 52:2 Kt < Qr feminine singular הִתְפַּתְּחִי (so ᵐ5; of personified Jerusalem) loosen thee (Ges«GKC:54f»§ 54f) the fetters of thy neck.

BDB6876 H6605

BDB6875 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6877

II. [פָּתַח] verb Pi`el engrave (Late Hebrew Pi`el id.,פִּתּוּחַ = Biblical Hebrew, and so ᵑ7; Assyrian patâ—u, bore, penetrate; compare perhaps Arabic , ring (compare Frä252)); — Perfect 3 masculine singular פִּתַּח 2Chr 3:7, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular וַיְפַתַּח 1Kgs 7:36 2 masculine singular תְּפַתַּח Exod 28:11 Infinitive construct לְפַתֵּחַ 2Chr 2:6; 2Chr 2:13 Participle מְפַתֵּחַ Zech 3:9 — engrave, with accusative + על, on metal 1Kgs 7:36; 2Chr 3:7; Exod 28:36 (accusative of congnate meaning with verb פִּתּוּחֵי חוֺתָם), on stone vExod 28:9 with accusative אֶבֶן + accusative of congnate meaning with verb vExod 28:11(all P); with accusative of congnate meaning with verb only, Zech 3:9 (on stone), and, in general, 2Chr 2:6; 2Chr 2:13. Pu`al Participle feminine plural מְפֻתָּחֹת פִתּוּחֵי חוֺתָם Exod 39:9 (P) stones engraved with the engravings of signet.

BDB9829 H6605 H6606

BDB9828 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9830

[פְּתַח] verb open (see Biblical Hebrew); —

Pe`al Passive participle feminine plural פְּתִיחָן Dan 6:11 opened (windows). Pe>îl (WCG 225) Perfect 3 masculine plural פְּתִ֫יחוּ Dan 7:10 books were opened.

opened, open, loose, loosed, grave, …
pātaḥ
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
  • to open
    • (Qal) to open
      • "(Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open"(Piel)
      • to free
        • "to loosen"to open, open oneself
      (Hithpael) to loose oneself
    to carve, engrave
    • (Piel) to engrave
      • "(Pual) to be engraved

בְּ ֝כִנּ֗וֹר
בְּ
Prefix — preposition in, at, by, with
֝כִנּ֗וֹר
Root word harp, harps
Dictionary form: כִּנּוֹר · kin-NORE

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: upon the harp
and harps ×7 and harp ×5 and with harps ×4 upon the harp ×3 with the harp ×3 an harp ×2 with harps ×2 and a harp ×1
More options
lyre — Most accurate organologically; small, portable stringed instrument.
harp — Familiar to modern readers; slightly misleading but widely accepted.
stringed instrument — Generic; useful when exact identification is uncertain.
lute — Suggests plucked strings; less common but culturally evocative.
zither — Highlights flat resonating body; use in ethnomusicological contexts.

BDB4102 H3658

BDB4101 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4103

כִּנּוֺר noun masculinePs 81:3 lyre (on formation compare LagBN 89, Anm.; Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic כִּנָּרָא, ; Mandean כינאר(אׅ NöM § 104 (who questions Shemitic origin); Arabic , ; as loan-word in Hellen. Greek κινύρα (ᵐ5 and Joseph.); in Egyptian kn-an-aul according to Bondi79) — absolute ׳כ Gen 4:21 +; suffix כִּנֹּרִי Job 30:31 plural כִּנֹּרוֺת 1Kgs 10:12 +; suffix כִּנּוֺרַיִךְ Ezek 26:13, כִּנֹּרוֺתֵינוּ Ps 137:2 — lyre, stringed instrument used for popular as well as sacred music (compare BenzArchaeology 273 ff. NowArchaeology i. 273 ff.); — ׳יְעוּגָבכ Gen 4:21, ׳בְּתֹף וּבְכ Gen 31:27 ׳אִישׁ יֹדֵעַ מְנַגֵּן בַּכּ 1Sam 16:16 a man skilled in playing on the lyre, compare v1Sam 16:23 (וִנִגֵּן בְּיָדוֺׅ); at banquets Isa 5:12 (+ נֶבֶל, תֹּף, חָלִיל), token of merriment Isa 24:8 (+ תֻּפִּים), Ezek 26:13, compare וַיְהִי לְאֵבֶל כִּנֹּרִ֑י וְעֻגָבִי לְקוֺל בֹּכִים Job 30:31, וְיִשְׂמְחוּ לְקוֺל עוּגָב ׳יִשְׂאוּ כְתֹף וְכ Job 21:12 carried by a loose woman Isa 23:16 (figurative of Tyre); in simile Isa 16:11 (of murmuring sound of bowels = heart, in pity); used also in praising ׳י, usually As accompaniment of song (compare 1Chr 15:16) ׳נֵבֶל וְתֹף וְחָלִיל וְכ 1Sam 10:5; Isa 30:32 (|| תֻּפִּים); especially before the ark 2Sam 6:5 (+ נְבָלִים, תֻּפִּים, etc.) || 1Chr 13:8, and in sanctuary (usually + נֵבֶל, etc.) 1Kgs 10:12, but especially Chronicles, Psalms: — 1Chr 13:8 (plural, and so chiefly in Chronicles), 1Chr 15:16; 1Chr 15:21; 1Chr 15:28; 1Chr 16:5; 1Chr 25:1; 1Chr 25:3; 1Chr 25:6; 2Chr 5:12; 2Chr 9:11; 2Chr 20:28; 2Chr 29:25; Neh 12:27; Ps 33:2 (singular, and so chiefly in Psalms), Ps 43:4; Ps 49:5; Ps 57:9; Ps 71:22; Ps 81:3; Ps 92:4; Ps 98:5 (twice in verse); Ps 108:3; Ps 147:7; Ps 149:3; Ps 150:3 compare כִּנֹּרוֺתֵינוּ Ps 137:2. — Vbs. used with ׳כ are: — תָּפַשׂ Gen 4:21, נִגֵּן בְּ 1Sam 16:16, מְשַׂחֵק בְּ 2Sam 6:5 = 1Chr 13:8, מְשֹׁרֲרִים בּ 1Chr 15:16, מַשְׁמִיעִים בְּ v1Chr 15:28, נִבָּא בְּ 1Chr 25:1; 1Chr 25:3, הוֺדָה בְּ Ps 33:2; Ps 43:4, זמּר בְּ Ps 71:22; Ps 98:5; Ps 147:7; Ps 149:3, הַלֲלוּהוּ בְּ Ps 150:3. — On ancient lyres see references in DrAmos, p. 236 f.

harp, harps
kinnôr
a harp
  • lyre, harp

חִידָתִֽ י
חִידָתִֽ
Root word riddle, sayings, questions, sentences, speeches, …
י
Suffix — pronoun my / me
Dictionary form: חִידָה · hee-DAW

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

In the KJV here: my dark saying
the riddle ×4 a riddle ×3 and their dark sayings ×1 dark sayings ×1 dark sentences ×1 him with hard questions ×1 in dark speeches ×1 my dark saying ×1
More options
riddle — Core meaning; best for Samson-type puzzle contexts.
enigma — Slightly elevated; suits mysterious or cryptic utterances.
hard question — Prefer when the riddle tests wisdom, as with the Queen of Sheba.
dark saying — Modernizes KJV; keeps sense of hidden, veiled meaning.
proverb — Use when חִידָה parallels מָשָׁל in wisdom literature.
puzzle — Informal register; accessible for general-audience translations.

BDB2590 H2420

BDB2589 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2591

חִידָה noun feminine riddle, enigmatic, perplexing saying or question; — absolute ׳ח Judg 14:12 + 6 t.; suffix חִידָתִי Judg 14:18; Ps 49:5 חִידָֽתְךָ Judg 14:13 plural absolute חִידוֺת 1Kgs 10:1 + 4 t.; חִידֹת Num 12:8 suffix חִידֹתָם Prov 1:6 —

1. riddle = dark, obscure utterance Num 12:8 (J E; opposed to פֶּהאֶֿלפֶּֿה and מַרְאֶה); of something put indirectly and needing interpretation; — an allegory ׳חוד ח Ezek 17:2 (|| מְשֹׁל מָשָׁל); allegorical and figurative sayings Prov 1:6 (|| מְלִיצָה מָשָׁל and בְרֵי חֲכָמִים Di); enigmatic sentences and comparisons, declaring fate of Chaldeans Hab 2:6 (+ מְלִיצָה; || מָשָׁל), perplexing moral problem Ps 49:5 (with פָּתַח open, propound; || מָשָׁל), a lesson taught indirectly Ps 78:2 (מִנִּי קֶדֶם ׳ח, with הִבִּיעַ; || מָשָׁל).
2. riddle, enigma, to be guessed, in Judg 14:
  a. with vb. חוּד Judg 14:12; Judg 14:13; Judg 14:16 propound a riddle.
  b. with vb. הִגִּיד tell (give answer to) a riddle Judg 14:14; Judg 14:15; Judg 14:17; Judg 14:19.
  c. with vb. מצא find out a riddle Judg 14:18.
3. perplexing questions by which queen of Sheba put Solomon to the test (נִסָּה) 1Kgs 10:1 = 2Chr 9:1.
4. with הֵבִין skilled in double-dealing Dan 8:23 (Bev).

riddle, sayings, questions, sentences, speeches, …
ḥîdâ
a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim
  • riddle, difficult question, parable, enigmatic saying or question, perplexing saying or question
    • riddle (dark obscure utterance)
      • "riddle, enigma (to be guessed)"perplexing questions (difficult)"double dealing (with 'havin')

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.
אַטֶּ֣ה לְמָשָׁ֣ל אָזְנִ֑י Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here אֶפְתַּ֥ח בְּ֝כִנּ֗וֹר Revia Mugrash — a lesser break חִידָתִֽי Silluq — end of the verse

אַטֶּה לְמָשָׁל אָזְנִי אֶפְתַּח בְּכִנּוֹר חִידָתִֽי׃
4
I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.
Cross References

Psalms 78:2

אֶפְתְּחָה בְמָשָׁל פִּי אַבִּיעָה חִידוֹת מִנִּי-קֶֽדֶם׃
2
I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

Matthew 13:35

ὅπως πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος Ἀνοίξω ἐν παραβολαῖς τὸ στόμα μου ἐρεύξομαι κεκρυμμένα ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου
35
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Numbers 23:7

וַיִּשָּׂא מְשָׁלוֹ וַיֹּאמַר מִן-אֲרָם יַנְחֵנִי בָלָק מֶֽלֶךְ-מוֹאָב מֵֽהַרְרֵי-קֶדֶם לְכָה אָֽרָה-לִּי יַֽעֲקֹב וּלְכָה זֹֽעֲמָה יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
7
And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.

Numbers 12:8

פֶּה אֶל-פֶּה אֲדַבֶּר-בּוֹ וּמַרְאֶה וְלֹא בְחִידֹת וּתְמֻנַת יְהוָה יַבִּיט וּמַדּוּעַ לֹא יְרֵאתֶם לְדַבֵּר בְּעַבְדִּי בְמֹשֶֽׁה׃
8
With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

2 Corinthians 3:12

Ἔχοντες οὖν τοιαύτην ἐλπίδα πολλῇ παῤῥησίᾳ χρώμεθα
12
Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

Luke 12:3

ἀνθ ὧν ὅσα ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ εἴπατε ἐν τῷ φωτὶ ἀκουσθήσεται καὶ ὃ πρὸς τὸ οὖς ἐλαλήσατε ἐν τοῖς ταμείοις κηρυχθήσεται ἐπὶ τῶν δωμάτων
3
Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

Matthew 13:11

ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὅτι ὑμῖν δέδοται γνῶναι τὰ μυστήρια τῆς βασιλείας τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐκείνοις δὲ οὐ δέδοται
11
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Ezekiel 20:49

וָאֹמַר אֲהָהּ אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה הֵמָּה אֹמְרִים לִי הֲלֹא מְמַשֵּׁל מְשָׁלִים הֽוּא׃
49
Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?

Proverbs 1:6

לְהָבִין מָשָׁל וּמְלִיצָה דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים וְחִידֹתָֽם׃
6
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

Daniel 8:23

וּֽבְאַחֲרִית מַלְכוּתָם כְּהָתֵם הַפֹּשְׁעִים יַעֲמֹד מֶלֶךְ עַז-פָּנִים וּמֵבִין חִידֽוֹת׃
23
And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
Psalms 49:3
Read Psalms 49
Psalms 49:5