Psalms 73:21

Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

כִּ֭י
כִּ֭י
Conjunction for, that, because, but, when, …
Dictionary form: כִּי · kee

Conjunction

In the KJV here: thus
for ×2058 that ×621 because ×373 but ×221 when ×190 if ×94 and if ×49 though ×39
More options
because — Causal; explains the reason for a preceding statement.
that — Complementary/content clause; introduces indirect speech or thought.
since — Causal with a presupposed background fact.
when — Temporal; use where כִּי marks time rather than cause.
if — Conditional; use in hypothetical or legal-style clauses.
although — Concessive; acknowledges a contrasting reality.

BDB3937 H3587 H3588

BDB3936 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3938

כִּי noun [masculine] burning, branding (for form, compare רִי from רָוָה, אִי, צִי, עִי: ii. 1. 64) — only כִּי תַּחַת יֹ֑פִי Isa 3:24 branding instead of beauty, in judgment on women of Jerusalem.


BDB3995 H3588 H518

BDB3994 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3996

כִּי conjunction that, for, when (Moabite id,: Phoenician כ. Probably from the same demonstrative basis found in here, and in certain pronouns, as Aramaic דֵּךְ this (WSG 110 f.); perhaps also ultimately akin with that, in order that, and then, enclitic, like Latin nam in quisnam?) —

1. that (ὅτι, German dass):
  a. prefixed to sentences depending on an active verb, and occupying to it the place of an accusative: so constantly, after verbs of seeing, as Gen 1:10 וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים כִּי טוֺב and God saw that it was good, Gen 3:6; Gen 6:2; Gen 6:5; Gen 12:14 + often, hearing Gen 14:14; Gen 29:33, knowing Gen 22:12; Gen 24:14, telling Gen 3:11; Gen 12:18, repenting Gen 6:6; Gen 6:7, swearing Gen 22:16; Jer 22:5, believing Exod 4:5; Lam 4:12, remembering Ps 78:35, forgetting Job 39:15 אָמַר = command (late; in early Hebrew the words said are quoted) Job 36:10; Job 36:24 (זְכֹר in a command) Job 37:20 b 1Chr 21:18 (contrast 2Sam 24:18) etc.; טוֺב כּי it is good that ... 2Sam 18:2 + (usually the infinitive with, as Gen 2:18 see ibid.); Gen 37:26 מַהבֶּֿצַע כִּי נַהֲרֹג what profit that we should slay (imperfect)...? Mal 3:14 what proft כִּי שָׁמַרְנוּ that we have kept (perfect)...? Job 22:3 הַחֵפֶץ לְשַׁדַּי כִּי is it pleasure to Shaddai that...? after a pronoun, as Ps 41:12 by this I know that thou hast pleasure in me, that my enemy cannot triumph over me, Ps 42:5 these things will I remember...that (or how) I used to go, etc., Ps 56:10 this I know that God is for me Job 13:16 (הוא). And with כִּי repeated pleonastic after an intervening clause 2Sam 19:7; Jer 26:15 +; כִּי ֗֗֗ וְכִי Gen 3:6; Gen 29:12; Exod 4:31; Josh 2:9; Josh 8:21; Josh 10:1; 1Sam 31:7; 2Sam 5:12; 1Kgs 11:21; Jer 40:7; Jer 40:11 לֵאמֹר ֗֗֗ וְכִי Gen 45:26; Judg 10:10.
  b. כִּי often introduces the direct narration (like , , and the Greek ὅτι recitativum, e.g. Luke 4:21), in which case it cannot be represented in English (except by inverted commas), Gen 21:30; Gen 29:33 and she said, ׳כִּי שׁמע י Yahweh hath heard, etc.; Exod 3:12 = Judg 6:16 and he said, כִּי אֶהְיֶה עִמָּ֑ךְ I will be with thee, Josh 2:24; 1Sam 2:16 (see Dr) 1Sam 10:19 and ye have said to him, כִּי מֶלָךְ תָּשִׂים עָלֵינוּ Thou shalt set a king over us, 2Sam 11:23; 1Kgs 1:13; 1Kgs 20:5; Ruth 1:10, compare Ruth 2:21 (but in reply to a question כִּי may = because, see below 3; and so also in sentences giving the explanation of a proper name, Gen 26:22; Gen 29:32 (but De surely: see below), Exod 2:10 (compare Gen 4:25; Gen 41:51; Gen 41:52); in כִּי מָה, introducing an expostulation, 1Sam 29:8; 1Kgs 11:22; 2Kgs 8:13, it gives the reason for a suppressed 'Why do you say this?').
  c. especially after an oath חַי אָ֫נִי, ׳חַי י etc., introducing the fact sworn to, Gen 42:16 by the life of Pharaoh, כִּי מְרַגְּלִים אַתֶּם (I say) that ye are spies; but though Hebrew usage probably gave it an asseverative force, English idiom does not require it to be expressed: Num 14:22; 1Sam 20:3 as ׳י liveth, כִּי כְפֶשַׂע בֵּינִי וּבֵין הַמָּוֶת there is but a step between me and death! 1Sam 26:16; 1Sam 29:6; Isa 49:18 +; 1Sam 14:44 כֹּהיַֿעֲשֶׂה אֱלֹהִים וְכֹה יוֺסִיף כִּי מוֺת תָּמוּת thus may God do and more also: thou shalt surely die! 2Sam 3:35; 1Kgs 2:23; Ruth 1:17 and elsewhere — Note that כִּי when thus used is often repeated after an intervening clause, in order that its force may be fully preserved: Gen 1:39 כִּי מוֺת יָמוּת (אִםיֶֿשְׁנוֺ בְּיוֺנָתָן בְּנִי) כִּי ׳חַי י 1Sam 25:34; 2Sam 2:27 ׳כִּי אָז וג (לוּלֵא דִּבַּרְתָּ) כִּי, 2Sam 3:9; 2Sam 15:21 Qr 1Kgs 1:30; Jer 22:24.
  d. כִּי is used sometimes with advs. and interjs. to add force or distinctness to the affirmation which follows:
   (a) so especially in אַף כִּי (see אַף); הֲכִי is it that . . .? (as a neutral interrogative) 2Sam 9:1, (expecting a negative answer) Gen 29:15 is it that thou art my brother, and shalt (therefore) serve me for nothing? Job 6:22 is it that I have said, Give unto me? expressing surprise Gen 27:36 is it that he is called Jacob, and has (hence) supplanted me twice? 2Sam 23:19 an affirm. answer is required (which would imply הֲלֹא כִי): read probably with the || 1Chr 11:25 הִנּוֺ be-hold, he, etc.; אִםלֹֿא כִּי Deut 32:30 were it not that .. .; אָמְנָם כִּי Job 12:2 of a truth (is it) that ye are the people, etc.; אַךְ כִּי 1Sam 8:9 אֶפֶם כִּי Num 13:28 +; גַּם כִּי Ruth 2:21 הֲלֹא כִי 1Sam 10:1 (but see ᵐ5 Dr), 2Sam 13:28 הִנֵּה כִי Ps 128:4 compare Ps 118:10 כִּי אֲמִיַ˜לם ׳בְּשֵׁם י in the name of ׳י (is it) that — or (I say) that — I will mow them down; Job 39:27 doth the vulture mount up at thy command, וְכִי יָרִים קִנּוֺ and (is it) that it (so) makes high its nest? Isa 36:19 have the gods of the nations delivered each his land etc.? . . . וְכִי הִצִּילוּ i.e. (Hi) and (is it) that they have delivered Samaria out of my hand? > (Ew§ 354 c De Di) and that they have delivered Samaria out of my hand! = how much less (אַף כִּי) have they, etc.! (|| 2Kgs 18:34 כִּי alone, perhaps conformed by error to v2Kgs 18:35; 2Chr 32:15 אַף כִּי, which however does not decide the sense of the original וְכִי). 1Chr 29:14 וְכִי מִי read ומי or כי מי
   (b) in introducing the apodosis, especially in כִּי עַתָּה (chiefly after לוּלֵא) indeed then . . ., Gen 31:42; Gen 43:10 for unless we had tarried כִּי עַתָּה שַׁבְנוּ surely then we had returned twice, Num 22:33 (read לוּלֵי for אוּלַי); so 1Sam 14:30 ᵐ5 (after לוּא), and 1Sam 13:13 Hi We (לֻא for לֹא); after אִם Job 8:6 surely then he will awake over thee, etc. (But elsewhere כִּי עַתָּה is simply for now, Gen 29:32; Job 7:21 +; or for then = for in that case, Exod 9:15; Num 22:29; Job 3:13; Job 6:3 +). It is dubious whether כִּי אָז has the same sense: for 2Sam 2:27; 2Sam 19:7 the כִּי in כִּי אָז may be merely resumptive of the כִּי recitation preceding (see a, c). Rare otherwise: Exod 22:22 if thou afflict him כִּי אִםצָֿעֹק יִצְעַק 'tis that (= indeed), if he cries unto me, I will hear him, Isa 7:9 if ye believe not כִּי לֹא תֵאֵָ˜מנוּ ׃ indeed ye will not be established.
  e. there seem also to be other cases in which כִּי, standing alone, has an intensive force, introducing a statement with emphasis, yea, surely, certainly (German ja — a lighter particle than these English words): see in AV RV Exod 18:11; Num 23:23; 1Sam 17:25; 1Sam 20:26; 2Kgs 23:22; Isa 32:13; Isa 60:9; Jer 22:22; Jer 31:19; Hos 6:9; Hos 8:6; Hos 9:12; Hos 10:3; Amos 3:7; Ps 76:11; Ps 77:12 (Ew Che), Prov 30:2 (but not if construed as RVm), Eccl 4:16; Eccl 7:7; Eccl 7:20; Job 28:1 +; Lam 3:22 (ᵑ6 ᵑ7 Ew Th Öttli) the mercies of ׳י, surely they are not consumed (read probably תַמּוּ or תָֽמְמוּ for תמנו), Ruth 3:12 כִּי אָמְנָם yea, indeed. But it is doubtful whether כִּי has this force in all the passages for which scholars have had recourse to it, and whether in some it is not simply = for. DeProv 30:1 would restrict the usage to cases in which a suppressed clause may be understood. feminine that, expressing consecution, especially after a question implying surprise or deprecation: followed by perf., Gen 20:9 what have I sinned against thee כִּי הֵבֵאתָ עָלַי that thou hast brought upon me? 1Sam 22:8; Isa 22:1 what aileth thee, that thou art gone up, etc.? vIsa 22:16; Isa 36:5; Isa 52:5; Mic 4:9; Hab 2:18 followed by participle Judg 14:3; 1Sam 20:1; 1Kgs 18:9 how have I sinned that thou art giving, etc.? 2Kgs 5:7; Ezek 24:19 usually followed by imperfect Exod 3:11 who am I כִּי אֵלֵךְ that I should go, etc.? Exod 16:7; Judg 8:6; Judg 9:28; 2Kgs 8:13; Isa 7:13; Isa 29:16 (also perfect), Ps 8:5 what is man כִּי תִזְכְּרֶנּוּ? Job 3:12 or why the breasts כִּי אִינָָֽק ׃ that I should suck? Job 6:11 מַהכֹּֿחִי כִּי אִַיַחֵל, Job 7:12; Job 7:17; Job 10:5f.; Job 13:25f.; Job 15:12f; Job 15:14; Job 16:3; Job 21:15 +; after a negative, Gen 40:15 here also I have done nothing כִּי שָׂמוּ that they should have placed me in the dungeon, Ps 44:19f. our heart has not turned backward, etc. כִּי דִכִּיתָנוּ that thou shouldst have crushed us, etc., Isa 43:22 not me hast thou called on, כִּי יָגַעְתָּ בִּי that thou shouldst have wearied thyself with me, Hos 1:6 (see RV), Job 41:2; Ruth 1:12 I am too old to have an husband כִּי אָמַרְתִּי that I should have said, etc. (compare Ew§ 337 a; Dr§ 39 δ).
  g. added to preps. כִּי converts them, like אֲשֶׁר, into conjs. ..., as יַעַן כִּי because that...: see below יַעַן, עַד, עַל, עֵקֶב, תַּחַת.

2. a. Of time, when, of the past וַיְהִי כִּי Gen 6:1 (compare BuUrg. 6), Gen 26:8; Gen 27:1; 2Sam 6:13; 2Sam 7:1; 2Sam 19:26 + (כַּאֲשֶׁר and especially כְּ with infinitive, are more frequently); וְהָיָה כִּי (simple וְ) 1Sam 1:12; 1Sam 17:48; Josh 22:7; Judg 2:18; Judg 12:5 והיה כי יאמרו and it would be, whenever (frequently) they said, Jer 44:19 (participle), Hos 11:1; Ps 32:3 כי החרשׁתי when I was silent, Job 31:21; Job 31:26; Job 31:29 of present (usually with imperfect) as Exod 18:16 כִּי יִהְיֶה לָהֶם דָּבָר when they have a matter, 1Sam 24:20; Isa 1:12; Isa 30:21; Jer 14:12; Zech 7:5; Zech 7:6; Mal 1:8; Ps 49:19 and men praise thee כִּי תֵיטִיב לָ֑ךְ when thou doest well to thyself, Ps 102:1; Ps 127:5 +, with perfect Ezek 3:19-21; Ezek 33:9; Prov 11:15; Prov 23:22 especially of future, as Gen 4:12 כִּי תַעֲבֹד אֶתהָֿאֲדָמָה when thou shalt till the ground it shall not, etc., Gen 24:41; Gen 30:33; Gen 31:49; Gen 32:18; Exod 7:9 when Pharaoh shall speak unto you, Deut 4:25; Deut 6:20 +; in phrase (׳תאֹמַר וג) וְכִי תאֹמְרוּ Lev 25:20; Deut 18:21; Isa 8:19; Isa 36:7; Jer 13:22 and especially in ... וְהָיָה כִּי Gen 12:12; Gen 46:33; Deut 6:10; Deut 15:16; 1Sam 10:7; 1Sam 25:30; Isa 8:21; Isa 10:12 + often; with perfect Isa 16:12; 1Chr 17:11 (altered from imperfect 2Sam 7:12); with participle (unusual) Num 33:51; Num 34:2; Deut 11:31; Deut 18:9.
  b. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usually represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם: — (mostly with imperfect) Gen 38:16; Num 5:20; Num 10:32; Deut 6:25; Deut 7:17; Deut 28:2; Deut 28:13; 1Sam 20:13; 2Sam 19:8; 2Kgs 4:29; 2Kgs 18:22; Jer 38:15; Prov 4:8; Job 7:13 (כי אמרתי when I say), Job 19:28 often in laws, as Exod 21:14; Exod 21:33; Exod 21:35; Exod 21:37; Exod 22:4; Exod 22:5 etc., Deut 13:13; Deut 14:24; Deut 15:7; Deut 15:12; Deut 17:2; Deut 18:6; Deut 18:21 etc.; sometimes, in particular, to state a principle broadly, after which special cases are introduced by אִם, as Exod 21:2 when (כִּי) thou buyest a Hebrew servant, he shall serve thee six years, after which vExod 21:3-5 follow four special cases with אִם if: so Exod 21:7 (כי), vExod 21:8-11 (אם); vExod 21:18 (כי), vExod 21:19 (אם); vExod 21:20 (כי), vExod 21:21 (אם); vExod 21:22 f; vExod 21:28-32; Lev 1:2 (כי), vLev 1:3 vLev 1:10 (אם) Lev 4:2; Lev 4:3; Lev 4:13; Lev 4:27; Lev 4:32; Lev 13:2ff. Num 30:3ff. +; though this distinction is not uniformly observed, contrast e.g. Exod 21:5 with Deut 15:16; Num 5:19 and vNum 5:20. —
N.B. with כִּי = when or if, the subject is often prefixed for distinctness and emphasis: 1Kgs 8:37 רָעָב ׳כִּייִֿהְיֶה בָאָרֶץ דֶּבֶר כִּי יִהְיֶה וג, Isa 28:18; Mic 5:4 אַשּׁוּר כִּייָֿבאֹ בְאַרְצֵנוּ, Ps 62:11; Ezek 3:19 (וְאַתָּה), Ezek 14:9; Ezek 14:13; Ezek 18:5; Ezek 18:18; Ezek 18:21; Ezek 33:6 (compare vEzek 33:2); and especially in laws of P, as כִּי ֗֗֗ אָדָם Lev 1:2; Lev 13:2, ... נֶפֶשׁ כִּי Lev 2:1; Lev 4:2; Lev 5:1; Lev 5:4; Lev 5:15, similarly Lev 15:2; Lev 15:16; Lev 15:19; Lev 15:25; Lev 22:12; Lev 22:13; Lev 22:14 etc., rather differently Num 5:20.
  c. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though:
   (a) with imperfect Jer 4:30 (3 t. in verse); Jer 14:12; Jer 49:16 כִּיתַֿגְבִּיהַּ כַּנֶּשֶׁר קִנֶּ֑ךָ though thou make high like the vulture thy nest, I will bring thee down thence, Jer 51:53; Hos 13:15; Zech 8:6; Ps 37:24; Ps 49:19f. though in his lifetime he bless himself ... he shall come, etc., perhaps also Jer 46:23 Ew (but Hi Gf Ke for), Jer 50:11 Ew Ke (Hi yea); and strengthened by גַּם, גַּם כִּי Isa 1:5; Ps 23:4 (compare Dr§ 143);
   (b) with perf. (rare) Mic 7:8 כִּי נָפַלְתִּי קָ֑מְתִּי though I have fallen, I rise, Nah 1:10 (si vera 1.), Ps 21:12 (Hi Ew Now), Ps 119:88 (Ew De).

3. Because, since ὅτι
  a. Gen 3:14 because thou hast done this, cursed art thou, etc., vGen 3:17; Gen 18:20; Gen 17:20 the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah — because it is great ... (subject prefixed for emphasis: compare 2
N.B.) Isa 28:15 in answer to a question, Gen 27:20; Exod 1:19; Exod 18:15; 2Sam 19:43 +. Enunciating the conditions under which a future action is conceived as possible (German indem) Lev 22:9; Deut 4:29 כי תדרשׁנו, Deut 12:20 (see Dr), vDeut 12:25 vDeut 12:28; Deut 13:19; Deut 14:24; Deut 16:15; Deut 19:6; Deut 19:9 +, 1Kgs 8:35 (compare v1Kgs 8:33 אֲשֶׁר), v1Kgs 8:36 כִּי תוֺרֵם, Prov 4:8b.
  b. more commonly the causal sentence follows, as Gen 2:3 and God blessed the seventh day ׳כִּי בוֺ שָׁבַת וג because on it he rested, etc., Gen 4:25 etc., in which case it may often be rendered for, Gen 2:5; Gen 2:28; Gen 3:20; Gen 5:24; Gen 6:7; Gen 6:12; Gen 6:13; Ps 6:3 heal me כִּי נִבְהֲלוּ עֲצָמָ֑י for my bones are vexed, Ps 10:14; Ps 25:16; Ps 27:10 + very often specifically after verbs expressive of mental emotions, as rejoicing Isa 14:29; Ps 58:11, being angry Gen 31:35; Gen 45:5, fearing Gen 43:18; Ps 49:17 etc. Iron. 1Kgs 18:27 for he is a god etc. (4 t.); Prov 30:4; Job 38:5 כִּי תֵדָ֑ע for or since thou knowest. With subject prefixed Ps 128:2. Repeated (with anacoluthon) Isa 49:19.
  c. the causal relation expressed by כִּי is sometimes subtle, especially in poetry, and not apparent without careful study of a passage. Thus sometimes it justifies a statement or description by pointing to a pregnant fact which involves it, as Isa 3:8a Job 6:21 (ground of the comparison vJob 6:15-20), Job 14:16 (For...: ground of the wishes expressed vJob 14:13-15), Job 16:22 (ground of vJob 16:20f.) Job 30:26 (For ...), or by pointing to a general truth which it exemplifies Job 5:6 (reason why complaining vJob 5:2-5 is foolish), Job 15:34; Job 23:14 sometimes it is explicative, justifying a statement by unfolding the particulars which establish or exemplify it 2Sam 5:7; 2Sam 7:8; Isa 9:4; Isa 10:8-11; Isa 13:10 (development of vIsa 13:9a); Isa 32:6 f. (developing the characters of the נָבָל and כִּילַי, and so explaining why they will no longer be esteemed vIsa 32:5); Job 11:16ff. (explicit of vJob 11:15b), Job 18:8 ff. (justifying vJob 18:7), Job 22:26 ff. (justifying vJob 22:25); elsewhere the cause is expressed indirectly or figuratively Isa 2:6 (reason why invitation vIsa 2:5 is needed), Isa 5:10 (sterility of the soil the cause of the desolation vIsa 5:9), Isa 18:5; Isa 28:8 (proof of the intoxication vIsa 28:7), Isa 31:7 (reason for the exhortation vIsa 31:6: the certainty that the folly of idolatry will soon be recognized), Job 7:21 (for soon it will be too late to pardon), Job 27:8-10 (Job wishes his enemy the lot of the wicked, because this is so hopeless); or כִּי relates not to the see which immediately precedes or follows, but to several, as Isa 7:16f. (Isa 7:17 specially the ground of the people being reduced to simple fare vIsa 7:15), Isa 21:6ff. (ground of the statements vIsa 21:1-5), Job 4:5 (ground of vJob 4:2), Job 14:7-12 (Job 14:10-12 specially the ground for the appeal in vJob 14:6), Job 23:10-13 (ground why God cannot be found vJob 23:8f.), Ps 73:21 (ground not of vPs 73:20, but of the general train of thought vPs 73:2); similarly Gen 4:24; Deut 18:14; Jer 30:11 the reason lies not in the words immediately after כִּי, but in the second part of the sentence; or, on the other hand, it may state the reason for a particular word, Isa 28:20 (justifying 'nought but terror' vIsa 28:19), Job 23:17 (God's hostility vJob 23:16 the cause of his misery, not the calamity as such). Sometimes also כִּי, in a poetic orrhetorical style, gives the reason for a thought not expressed but implied, especially the answer to a question; Isa 28:11 (the mockeries of vIsa 28:10 have a meaning) 'for with men of strange lips, etc. he will speak unto this people,' who will retort the mockeries, charged with a new and terrible meaning, upon those who uttered them (Isa 28:13); = (no,) for Isa 28:28 (see RVm), Job 22:2b no, he that is wise is profitable to himself, Job 31:18; Job 39:14 (see vJob 39:13b), Ps 44:24 (he cannot do this, vPs 44:23) for for thy sake are we killed, etc., Ps 130:4 no, with thee is forgiveness; = (yes,) for Isa 49:25 (see the question vIsa 49:24), Isa 66:8.
  d. כִּי ֗֗֗ כִּי ἀσυνδέτως sometimes introduce the proximate and ultimate cause respectively, Gen 3:19; Gen 26:7; Gen 43:32; Gen 47:20; Exod 23:33 for [else] thou wilt serve their gods, for it will be a snare to thee, Isa 2:6 (twice in verse); Isa 3:8 (twice in verse); Isa 6:5a, b; Isa 10:22f.; Job 6:3f.; Job 8:8; Job 8:9 (twice in verse); Job 24:17 (twice in verse); Job 29:11f.; sometimes they introduce two co-ordinate causes (where we should insert and), Exod 23:21; Exod 23:22; Isa 6:5b,c I am undone, because I am of unclean lips..., because mine eyes have seen ׳י of hosts, Isa 15:5 (twice in verse); Isa 15:6 (twice in verse); Isa 15:8; Isa 15:9; Zeph 3:8f.; Job 15:25; Job 15:27; Job 20:19f.; Job 31:11f. But כִּי ֗֗֗ וְכִי also occurs, Gen 33:11; Num 5:20 (if), Josh 7:15; Judg 6:30; 1Sam 19:4; 1Sam 22:17; 1Kgs 2:26; Isa 65:16 +.
  e. after a negative כִּי for becomes = but (German sondern): Gen 17:15 thou shalt not call her name Sarai, כִּי שָׂרָה שְׁמָהּ for (= but) Sarah shall be her name, Gen 24:3f.; Gen 45:8; Exod 1:19; Exod 16:8 not against us are your murmurings, ׳כי עליֿ for (they are) against ׳י = but against ׳י, Deut 21:17; 1Sam 6:3 (אַל), 1Sam 27:1 (see Dr), 1Kgs 21:17; Isa 10:7; Isa 28:27; Isa 29:23; Isa 30:5; Ps 44:8; Ps 118:17 + often; so in לא כי nay, for = nay, but, as Gen 18:15 לֹא כִּי צָחָֽקְתְּ nay, but thou didst laugh, Gen 19:2; Gen 42:12; Josh 5:14; 1Sam 2:16 MSS ᵐ5 (see Dr), 1Sam 12:12; 2Sam 16:18; 2Sam 24:24; 1Kgs 2:30; 1Kgs 3:22; 1Kgs 11:22; Isa 30:16 nay, but we will flee upon horses.

Note.כִּי is sometimes of difficult and uncertain interpretation, and in some of the passages quoted a different explanation is tenable. Authorities especially read the Hebrew differently, when the choice is between for and yea. E.g. Isa 8:23 Ges Ew§ 330 b doch (no, but); Hi Di for (taking vIsa 8:22 as RVm); Ch surely: Isa 15:1 Ges Ew Hi Di surely; De for: Isa 39:8 Ges Hi De surely; Di for (explanation of טוֺב): Ezek 11:16 Hi Ke Co surely; Ew Sm because. — In Exod 20:25 the tense of וַתְּחַלֲלֶהָ makes it probably that כֹּי is for (Dr§ 153). Job 22:29 is taken with least violence to usage (גַּאֲוָה) as Hi When they humble thee, and thou sayest (= complainest) Pride! he will save, etc. כִּי אִםֿ (the אִם always followed by makkeph, except Gen 15:4; Num 35:33; Neh 2:2, where כִּיאִֿם is read by the Mass.: FrMM 241) —
1. each particle retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
  a. that if Jer 26:15 after an oath (כִּי not translated: see כִּי 1 c) if 1Sam 14:39; Jer 22:24, surely not (אִם 1 b 2) 2Sam 3:35; 1Sam 25:34 (כִּי being resumptive of the כִּי before לוּלֵי: see כִּי 1 c); Exod 22:22 (in apodosis) indeed if . . . (see כִּי 1 d).
  b. for if Exod 8:17; Exod 9:2; Exod 10:4; +, for though Isa 10:22; Jer 37:20; Amos 5:22, but if Jer 7:5.

2. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause —
  a. limiting the preceding clause, except (after a negative, or an oath, or question, the equivalent of a negative) — the most usual term for expressing this idea: followed by verb Gen 32:27 I will not let thee go; כִּי אִםבֵּֿרַכְתָּֽנִי literally but (כִּי 3 e) if thou bless me (that is, I will let thee go), i.e., subordinating the second clause to the first, 'I will not let thee go, except thou bless me;' Lev 22:6 he shall not eat of the holy things כִּי אִםרָֿחַץ except he have washed his flesh, Isa 65:6; Amos 3:7; Ruth 3:18; Lam 5:21f. (Ew Näg Ke Che Öttli), turn thou us unto thee, etc., unless thou have utterly rejected us, (and) art very wroth with us (= Or hast thou utterly rejected us? etc. Ew Öttli); followed by a noun, except, but, Gen 28:17 this is nothing ׳כִּי אִםבֵּֿית הָאֱ but the house of God, Gen 32:9 he withholds from me nothing כִּי אִםאֿוֺתָךְ except thee, Lev 21:2; Num 14:30 (after אִם), Num 26:65 (compare Num 32:12 בִּלְתִּי), Josh 14:4; 1Sam 30:17; 1Sam 30:22; 2Sam 12:3 אֵין כֹּל כִּי אִםֿ (so 2Kgs 4:2), 2Kgs 19:29; 1Kgs 17:1 (after אִם), 1Kgs 22:31; 2Kgs 5:15; 2Kgs 9:35; 2Kgs 13:7; Jer 22:17; Jer 44:14 +; after אַל, 2Chr 23:6 followed by an adverb clause, Gen 42:15; Num 35:33; 2Sam 3:13 (but כִּי אִם and לִפְנֵי are mutually exclusive: read probably with ᵐ5 כִּי אִםהֵֿבֵיאתָ); after an interrogative Isa 42:19 who is blind כִּי אִםעַֿבְדִּי but my servant ? (who is blind in comparison with him ?), Deut 10:12; Mic 6:8; Eccl 5:10; 2Chr 2:5.
  b. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic (compare אִם 1 c), so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but (= a slightly strengthened כִּי), Gen 15:4 this man shall not be thy heir; ׳כִּי אִםאֲֿשֶׁר וג but one that shall come forth from thy own bowels, he shall be thy heir (compare 1Kgs 8:19), 1Kgs 32:29 thy name shall no more be called Jacob כִּי אִםיִֿשְׂרָאֵל but Israel (compare כִּי alone 1Kgs 17:15), 1Kgs 47:18 we will not hide it from my lord, but the money . . . is all made over to, etc., Exod 12:9 not boiled in water, but roast with fire, Deut 7:5; Deut 12:5; Deut 16:6; Josh 23:8; 1Sam 2:15 he will not take of thee boiled flesh כִּי אִםחָֽֿי׃ but raw, 1Sam 8:19 לֹא כִּי אִםמֶֿלֶךְ יִהְיֶה עָלֵינוּ nay, but a king shall be over us (compare כי alone, 1Sam 10:19; 1Sam 12:12), 1Sam 21:5; 2Sam 5:6; 1Kgs 18:18; 2Kgs 10:23 (פֶּן), Isa 33:21; Isa 55:10; Isa 55:11; Isa 59:2; Jer 3:10; Jer 7:32; Jer 9:23; Jer 16:15; Jer 20:3; Jer 44:10; Ps 1:2; Ps 1:4; Prov 23:17 (אַל) Psalm +; with the principal verb repeated (as Gen 15:4; 1Kgs 8:19), Lev 21:14; Ezek 44:22; Num 10:30; 2Kgs 23:23; Jer 39:12 Kt (Qr omit אִם), compare Jer 7:23. Occasionally in colloquial language, the negative, it seems, is left to be understood: 1Sam 26:10 as ׳י liveth, (by no means,) כִּי אִם but ׳י shall smite him, 2Sam 13:33 Kt (by no means,) but Amnon alone is dead (Qr omits אִם). Followed by imperative Isa 65:18; Ezek 12:23; Jer 39:12; 2Chr 25:8. Sometimes also, though rarely (and not certainly), כִּי אִם appears to have the force of only even without a previous negative: Gen 40:14 כִּי אִםזְֿכַרְתָּנִי אִתְּךָ only have (?) me in remembrance with thyself (but read perhaps אַךְ for כִּי; see Dr§ 119 δ n., the use of a bare perfect, without לוּ, or even waw consecutive, to express a wish or command is unexampled), Num 24:22 כִּי אִםֿ יִהְיֶה לְבָעֵר קָֽיִן׃ only, nevertheless, the Kenite shall be for extermination (compare Di), Job 42:8 (De Di) כִּי אִםפָּֿנָיו אֶשָּׂא
  c. after an oath כִּי אִם appears to = a strengthened כִּי (compare בִּלְתִּי אִם, אִם ׃עַד אִם 1 c), introducing the fact sworn to (see כִּי 1 c): 2Kgs 5:20 as ׳י liveth, כִּי אִםרַֿצְתִּי surely I will run (perfect of certitude) after him, etc., Jer 51:14 (Ges Hi Gf RV) surley I will fill thee with men (namely, assailants), etc. (but Ew Ke Ch treat the particles as separate (כִּי as כִּי 1 c): though I have filled thee with men —; i.e. increased thy population, — yet shall they — the assailants — lift up the shout against thee), 2Sam 15:21 Kt (Qr omits אִם); after an assever. particle Ruth 3:12 Kt וְעַתָּה כִּי אָמְנָם כִּי אִם גּוֺאֵל אָנֹכִי and now, yea indeed, surely I am thy kinsman (Qr omits אִם); the oath being understood, Judg 15:7 if ye do thus, כִּי אִםנִֿקַּמְתִּי surely (Ges hercle) I will avenge myself, 1Sam 21:6 כִּי אִםאִֿשָּׁה עֲצֻרָה לָנוּ of a truth women have been kept from us, etc., 1Kgs 20:6 surely tomorrow I will send, etc., Prov 23:18 (see De) surely there is a reward; perhaps also Job 42:8.


BDB3996 H3588 H5921 H3651

BDB3995 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3997

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as, a peculiar phrase found Gen 18:5; Gen 19:8; Gen 33:10; Gen 38:26; Num 10:31; Num 14:43; Judg 6:22; 2Sam 18:20 Qr (rightly), Jer 29:28; Jer 38:4 — literally for therefore, emphasizing the ground pleonastically (Ew§ 353 a ). The original force of the phrase is traceable in some of the passages in which it occurs, as Gen 18:5 let me fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort your heart; כִּיעַֿלכֵּֿן עֲבַרְתֶּם עַל עַבְדְּכֶם for therefore (that is, to partake of such hospitality) are ye come to your servant, Num 14:43 the Amalekite and the Canaanite are there, and ye will fall by the sword, כִּיעַֿלכֵּֿן שַׁבְתֶּם for therefore (to encounter such a fate) have ye turned back from ׳י etc.: but in process of time the distinct sense of its component parts was no doubt gradually obscured, and it thus came to be used conventionally, as a mere particle of causation, even where there was no preceding statement to which עַל כֵּן therefore could be explicitly referred. אֲשֶׁר עַל כֵּן appears to be used similarly (compare אֲשֶׁר 8 c) Job 34:27.


BDB6199 H6258 H2088 H2009 H5704 H3588

BDB6198 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6200

עַתָּ֫ה435 (also Ezek 23:43; Ps 74:6 עת Kt, Qr עַתָּה), עָ֑֫תָּה Gen 32:5 +, adverb of time, now (properly accusative of [`int],עֵת (ii. 260), at the time, in particular of the present time, i.e. now; compare German zur Zeit, Arabic at the time, i.e. now); — now:

1. a. Gen 12:19 ועתה הנה אשׁתך and now, behold thy wife, Gen 22:12 כי עתח ידעתי now, I know (so Exod 18:11; Judg 17:13; 1Kgs 17:24 [עַתָּה זֶה], Ps 20:7), Gen 26:22; Gen 26:29; Gen 27:36; Gen 31:13; Gen 31:28, etc., Exod 5:5 הך רבים עתה עם הארץ; whether in opposed to past time, as Gen 32:11; Josh 14:11 כְּכֹחִי אָז וּכְכֹחִי עָ֑תָּה, Judg 11:8; 1Kgs 12:4; Isa 1:21 ועתה מרצחים, Isa 16:14; Hos 2:9 כִּי טוֺב לִי אָז מַעָ֑תָּה, Hos 13:2, Job 30:1 +, or to future, as Num 24:17 אֶרְאֶנּוּ ולא עתה, Judg 8:6 חֲכַף עַתָּהכְּֿיָדֶ֑ךָ ׳זֶבַח וצ, 1Sam 2:16 כִּי עַתָּה תִּתֵּן; = after all Num 22:38; Judg 8:2 = now at last 2Sam 24:16; 1Kgs 19:4; 2Kgs 19:25; Hos 7:2; Jer 4:12 and in the phrase מעתה ועד עולם Isa 9:6; Isa 59:21; (see below), Ps 113:2; Ps 115:18; Ps 121:8; Ps 125:2; Ps 131:3.
  b. of the imminent or impending future: Gen 19:9 עַתָּה נָרַע לְךָ מַהֶם. Gen 29:32 כי עתה יאהבני אישׁי, vGen 29:34; Exod 6:1 עתה תראה, Num 11:23; Num 22:4; 2Sam 20:6; Isa 33:10 (Ps 12:6), Isa 43:19; Isa 49:19; Amos 6:7 לכן עתה יִגְלוּ, Isa 49:19; Mic 7:4; Mic 7:10; Dan 10:20 and especially ἀσυνδέτως in Hosea, introducing a punishment, Hos 4:16 ׳וגו ׳עתה יִרְעֵם י Hos 5:7; Hos 8:8; Hos 8:13 (Jer 14:10), Jer 10:2.
  c. of a time ideally present (= then, from our point of view): Isa 29:22 לא עתה יבושׁ יעקב, vb Hos 10:3; Mic 4:9; Mic 4:10; Mic 4:11; Mic 4:14; Mic 5:3.
  d. describing a present state = as things are: 1Sam 8:5 thou art old, etc., עתה שִׂימָה לנו מלך, 1Sam 9:6; 1Sam 13:12; 1Sam 14:30; 1Sam 25:7b; 1Sam 27:1 now I shall be swept away one day, etc., 2Kgs 18:20; 2Kgs 18:25; Job 6:21; Job 14:16; Job 16:7.
  e. with an Imperative, as an encouragement, implying that the time has come for the exhortation or advice to be followed, Gen 31:13 עתה קים צא, Exod 18:19 עתה שְׁמַע בקולי, Num 22:11; Deut 2:13; 1Sam 30:8.

2. Phrases:
  a. עַתָּה זֶה (זְה 4 h) 1Kgs 17:24; 2Kgs 5:22.
  b. ועתה and, now, or now, therefore (וְ 4), drawing a conclusion, especially (compare 1 e) a practical one, from what has been stated: Gen 3:22 and now (since man has once been disobedient), lest he put forth his hand, etc., Gen 20:7; Gen 20:23 וְעַתָּה הִשָּֽׁבְעָה לִי הֵ֫נָּה, Gen 27:3; Gen 27:8 ועתה בני שְׁמַע בקולי, Gen 30:30; Gen 31:16; Gen 31:44; Gen 37:20 + often, Isa 5:3; Isa 5:5; Ps 2:10; Gen 11:6 ׳ועתה לאֹיִֿבָּצֵר מֵהֶם וגו, Gen 31:30; Gen 45:8; 2Sam 19:11; Ps 39:8 ועתה מַהקִּֿזִּיתִי אֲדֹנָי, Isa 52:5,
  c. וְעַתָּה הִנֵּה stating the ground on which some conclusion or action is to be based, Exod 3:9; Josh 14:10 (twice in verse); 1Sam 12:2; 1Sam 24:21; 1Kgs 1:18; Jer 40:4 (with ועתה usually repeated afer the הנה-clause).
  d. גם עתה Gen 44:10; 1Sam 12:16; 1Kgs 14:14; Joel 2:12; Job 16:19.
  e. מֵעַתָּה from now, henceforth, Jer 3:4; Isa 48:6; Dan 10:17 (according to some, here = from just now), 2Chr 16:9 מעתה ועד עוּלּסּ, see above 1 a end. feminine עַדעַֿתָּה until now, Gen 32:5, ׳וֶאֵחַר עדעֿ, Deut 12:9 ׳אל הנחלה לא באתם עד ע (opposed to the future), 2Kgs 13:23 especially after clause with מִן, 2Kgs 46:34 ׳מִנְּעוּרֵינוּ וְעַדעֿ (2Sam 19:8; Ezek 4:14), Exod 9:18; 2Kgs 8:6; Ruth 2:7.
  g. כִּי עַתָּה for in this case, in our idiom, for them (עתה pointing to a condition assumed as a possible contingency: compare Dr§ 141, 142); (a) Exod 9:15 כי עתה ׳שׁלחתי וגו for then (if the intention expressed in vExod 9:14 had not existed) I should have put forth my hand, etc., Num 22:29 כי עתה הֲרַגְתִּיךְ, 1Sam 13:13; Job 3:13 followed by imperfect Job 6:3 for then (if it were weighed, vJob 6:2) it would be heavier, etc., Job 13:19 for then would I be silent and die; (b) after a protasis, surely then Gen 31:42 + (see כִּי 1 d b, p. 472). — Note. Read כְּמוֺ עַתָּ) (ᵐ5 ᵑ9) as now, for כְּמוֺ עֵת Ezek 16:57, עַתָּ נִשְׁבַּרְתְּ (ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9) now art thou broken ! for עֵת נִשְׁבֶּרֶת Ezek 27:34, and probably עַתָּ בָּא (Hi We Now, compare ᵐ5 ᵑ6) for עֶתבּֿאֹ Hag 1:2 also עַתָּה for אַתָּה 1Kgs 1:20, and אַתָּה for עַתָּה v1Kgs 1:18b 2Sam 18:3.


BDB6202 H3282 H834 H3588

BDB6201 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6203

יַעַן96 properly substantive, purpose, intention, but always used as preposition or conjunction, on account of, because (for יַעֲנֶה, of the form יִצְהָר etc., Sta§ 259 ii. 403; compare mean, intend): —

1. as preposition, rarely with a substantive, Ezek 5:9 יַעַן תּוֺעֲבוֺתֵיכֶם, Hag 1:9 יַעַן מָה, vHag 1:9 יַעַן בֵּיתִי; with a participle Ezek 36:13 יען אמרים because of men saying to you (but read probablyאָמְרָם, Co Toy Berthol); frequently with infinitive with, 1Kgs 21:20 יַעַן הִתְמַכֶּרְךָ on account of thy having sold thyself, Amos 5:11; Isa 30:12; Isa 37:29 (= 2Kgs 19:28) יַעֵן הִתְרַגֶּזְךָ אֵלַי, Jer 5:14; Jer 7:13; Jer 23:38; Jer 48:7, and often. (c. 18 t.) in Ezek., as Jer 5:7 (read יַעַן הַמְ˜רֹתְכֶם), Jer 13:8; Jer 13:22; Jer 25:3; Jer 25:6; Jer 25:8; Jer 25:12.

2. As conjunction:
  a. יַעַן אֲשֶׁר (32 t.), usually with perfect, as Gen 22:16 יען אשׁר עשׂית זאת because that thou hast done this, Deut 1:36 (Josh 14:14), Judg 2:20; 1Sam 30:22; 1Kgs 3:11; 1Kgs 8:18; Jer 19:4; Jer 25:8; Jer 29:23 (not Isaiah) +; with imperfect (in frequent. sense) Ezek 44:12.
  b. יַען כִּי, Num 11:20 ׳יַעַן כִּי מְאַסְתֶּם אֶתיֿ, 1Kgs 13:21; 1Kgs 21:29; Isa 3:16; Isa 7:5; Isa 8:6; Isa 29:13.
  c. יַעַן alone (23 t.), with perfect Num 20:12 יַעַן לֹא הֶאֱמַנְתֶּם בִּי, 1Sam 15:23; 1Kgs 14:13; 1Kgs 20:42; 2Kgs 22:19; Hos 8:1; Isa 61:1; Isa 65:12; Isa 66:4 with imperfect (frequently) Ezek 34:21 of the future Ezek 12:12 because he shall not see, etc., (but ᵐ5 Co Kau Berthol לְמַעַן אשׁר לא יֵרָאֶה לָעַיִן): usually the verb follows immediately, but Ezek. sometimes puts the object first for emphasis, Ezek 5:11 יַעַן אֶתמִֿקְדָּשִׁי טִמֵּאתָ, Ezek 20:16; Ezek 20:24; Ezek 36:6, compare Ezek 34:21.

3. יַעַן וּבְיַעַן, q.d. because and by the cause (that), followed by perhaps, Lev 26:43 (H) יען וביען בְּמִשְׁפָּטַי מָאָ֔סוּ, Ezek 13:10 יַעַן בְּיַעַז followed by infinitive, Ezek 36:3. (In all, reckoning יען (ו)ביען once each, 93 t., of which 20 are in 1-2 Kings, 11 in Jeremiah, 38 in Ezekiel; and only 9 in Genesis—2Samuel.)


BDB9640 H3809 H3861 H518 H2006 H3808 H3588

BDB9639 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9641

II. לָהֵן conjunction except, but (from לָא and הֵן 'not if' (compare Hebrew אם לא Gen 24:38); so Nabataean and Egyptian Aramaic להן Cooke217, 219, 241 S-CPap. C 6, 7 +; lâinnî, however SocArab. Dial. see Marokko 44, Anm. 103; ᵑ7 אִילָּהֵין Gen 32:28; Gen 43:3 and elsewhere); —

1. after a negative (= Biblical Hebrew כִּי אִם, q. v.):
  a. except Dan 2:11; Dan 3:28; Dan 6:6; Dan 6:8.
  b. but (German sondern) Dan 2:30.
2. without a negative: however, but Ezra 5:12.

for, that, because, but, when, …
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
  • that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
    • that
      • yea, indeed
      when (of time)
      • when, if, though (with a concessive force)
      because, since (causal connection)"but (after negative)"that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if"but rather, but"except that"only, nevertheless"surely"that is"but if"for though"forasmuch as, for therefore

יִתְחַמֵּ֣ץ
יִתְחַמֵּ֣ץ
Root word leavened, cruel, dyed, grieved
Dictionary form: חָמֵץ · haw-MAYTS

Verb — Hithpael, Imperfect (Yiqtol), third person masculine singular reflexive — "he did it to / for himself" not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

In the KJV here: was grieved
and cruel man ×1 it be leavened ×1 it was leavened ×1 it was not leavened ×1 was grieved ×1 with dyed ×1
More options
leavened — Best for baking/Passover contexts; most common use.
fermented — Technical/modern food-science alternative to 'leavened'.
soured — Captures the fermentation sense with a bitter edge.
dyed — Rare; use only in textile or color contexts.
cruel — Moral sense; prefer for describing a harsh person.
embittered — Emotional register; suits contexts of grief or anguish.

BDB2875 H2556

BDB2874 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2876

I. חָמֵץ verb be sour, leavened (Late Hebrew id., Pi`el Hiph`il make sour, leaven; Arabic be sour; Aramaic חֲמַע be sour, leavened, be leavened) —

Qal Perfect חָמֵץ Exod 12:39 Imperfect יֶחְמָ֑ץ Exod 12:34 Infinitive suffix חֻמְצָתוֺ Hos 7:4 +; — be leavened, of dough (בָּצֵק), Exod 12:34; Exod 12:39 (E), compare Hos 7:4. Hitph. be soured, embittered, Ps 73:21 (|| כִּלְיוֺתַי אֶשְׁתּוֺנָן).


BDB2880 H2556

BDB2879 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2881

II. [חמץ] verb be red (? compare Aramaic Ethpa`al blush, be ashamed, possibly originally be red); —

Qal Passive participle construct חֲמוּץ בְּגָדִים red of garments Isa 63:1 possibly also Imperfect 3 feminine singular תֶּחֱמַץ Ps 68:24 that thy foot may be red with blood (for ᵑ0 תמחץ; so Krochm Hi Gr; most, however, read תרחץ see רחץ).


BDB2881 H2556

BDB2880 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2882

III. [חמץ] verb be ruthless (dubious √; perhaps by-form of חמס; perhaps erroneous for it; identification by most with I. חמץ, be sour, hence sharp, violent, but connection improbable) — only Qal Participle active מִכַּף מְעַוֵּל וְחוֺמֵץ Ps 71:4 from the hand of the unjust and ruthless (|| מִיַּד רָשָׁע).

leavened, cruel, dyed, grieved
ḥāmēṣ
to be pungent; i.e., in taste (sour, i.e., literally fermented, or figuratively, harsh), in color (dazzling)
  • to be leavened, be sour
    • (Qal) to be leavened
    • "(Hiphil) to taste something leavened"(Hithpael) to be embittered, grieved
    to be cruel, oppress, be ruthless"to be red

לְבָבִ ֑י
לְבָבִ
Root word heart, hearts, mind, understanding, unawares, …
֑י
Suffix — pronoun my / me
Dictionary form: לֵבָב · lay-BAWB

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

In the KJV here: my heart
thine heart ×23 heart ×19 your heart ×17 his heart ×14 in thine heart ×12 my heart ×8 of heart ×7 the heart ×7
More options
heart — Core rendering; covers emotion, will, and devotion.
mind — Prefer when the context emphasizes thought or reasoning.
inner self — Captures the whole inner person; good for devotional texts.
soul — Emphasizes deep personal identity or spiritual seat.
understanding — Use when the passage stresses discernment or wisdom.
courage — Rare; fits military or resolve contexts (e.g. 'take heart').

BDB4294 H3824

BDB4293 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4295

לֵבָב251 noun masculinePs 104:15 inner man, mind, will, heart; — absolute ׳ל Deut 28:28 + 31 t.; construct לִבַב Deut 20:8 + 22 t.; suffix לְבָבִי Isa 21:4 + 24 t.; לְבָֽבְךָ Deut 4:29 + 35 t.; לְבָבֶ֑ךָ Deut 4:39 + 21 t.; לְבָבֵךְ 1Sam 1:8 + 3 t.; לְבָבוֺ Deut 2:30 + 37 t.; לְבָבָהּ Zeph 2:15 + 3 t.; לִבָבֵנוּ Deut 1:28 + 3 t.; לְבַבְכֶם Deut 10:16 + 37 t.; לְבָבָם Lev 26:41 + 22 t.; plural with suffix לִבְבֵהֶן Nah 2:8 (Sta§ 353 a reads לְבַבְהֶן, but see ii. 78); plural לְבָבוֺת 1Chr 28:9. — The inner, middle, or central part: I. seldom of things בִּלְבַב יַמִּים in the Midst of the seas Jonah 2:3 (poetry); עד לבב השׁמים unto the midst of heaven Deut 4:11 (so but ᵑ0 לב). II. usually of men:

1. the inner man in contrast with the outer, כלה שׁארי ולבבי my flesh and my heart (soul) doth fail Ps 73:26 antithesis with garments Joel 2:13 hands Ps 73:13; Lam 3:41 ?; eyes Num 15:39 (H) 1Sam 16:7 ears Ezek 3:10 mouth Deut 30:14 speech Ps 28:3; Ps 78:18 מְתֹפֲפֹת עַללִֿבְבֵהֶן tabering upon their breasts Nah 2:7 (inner for outer).
2. the inner man, indefinite the soul, comprehending mind, affections and will, or, in connection with certain verbs, having more specific reference to some one of them. בכללֿבב ובכלנֿפשׁ with all the heart and with all the soul Deut 4:29; Deut 6:5; Deut 10:12; Deut 11:13; Deut 13:4; Deut 26:16; Deut 30:2; Deut 30:6; Deut 30:10; Deut 23:14; Deut 1:4; Deut 8:48 (= 2Chr 6:38 לב ?) 2Kgs 23:25; 2Chr 15:12; 2Chr 34:31 ( = 2Kgs 23:3 לב ?) Jer 32:41 abbreviated בכללֿבב 1Sam 7:3; 1Sam 12:20; 1Sam 12:24; 1Kgs 14:8; 2Kgs 10:31; 2Chr 15:5; 2Chr 22:9; 2Chr 31:21; Ps 86:12; Ps 111:1; Jer 29:13; Joel 2:12 אשׁר בלבב what is in the heart (mind) Deut 8:2; 1Sam 9:19; 1Sam 14:7; 2Sam 7:3 ( = 1Chr 17:2) 2Kgs 10:30; 2Chr 32:31 compare Job 10:13; Ps 84:6 (?); עם לבב with the heart (mind), with ידע Deut 8:5, שִׂיחַ Ps 77:7, usually with היה, of a thought or purpose, Deut 15:9; Josh 14:7; 1Kgs 8:17; 1Kgs 8:18 (twice in verse) ( = 2Chr 6:7; 2Chr 6:8 (twice in verse)) 2Chr 10:2 ( = 2Chr 9:1) 1Chr 22:7; 1Chr 28:2; 2Chr 1:11; 2Chr 29:10 (compare 2Chr 24:4 לב); כלבב according to the heart 1Sam 13:14; 1Sam 14:7; Ps 20:7. We may add Deut 5:26; Deut 11:16; Deut 11:18; Deut 17:17; 1Sam 2:35; 2Sam 19:15; 1Kgs 8:39 (twice in verse) ( = 2Chr 6:30 (twice in verse)) 2Chr 11:2; 2Chr 11:3 (לב an error) v2Chr 11:4 v2Chr 11:9; 1Chr 12:17; 1Chr 22:19; 1Chr 28:9; Ps 62:9; Ps 86:11; Ps 139:23; Isa 7:2; Dan 11:27; Dan 11:28.
3. specific reference to mind (characteristic of לבב):
  a. אַנְשֵׁי לֵבָב men of mind Job 34:10; Job 34:34 גם לי לבב I also have a mind Job 12:3 ׳הוֺלֵלוֺת בִּל madness is in (their) mind Eccl 9:3 (?); ,וַתִּגְנֹב לְבָבִי and thou didst steal my mind Gen 31:26 (E, the לֵב of vGen 31:20 should be corrected to לבב compare 'steal me' vGen 31:27).
  b. knowledge, with ידע Deut 8:5; Deut 23:14; 1Kgs 2:44 הבין Isa 6:10; Isa 32:4 חֲכַם לֵבָב wise of mind Job 9:4 לְבַב חָכְמָה mind of wisdom Ps 90:12.
  c. thinking, reflection, with חשׁב Isa 10:7; Zech 7:10; Zech 8:17 (שׂיּח Ps 77:7 above); ׳יצר מחשׁבות ל conception of thoughts of mind 1Chr 29:18 ׳מַשְׂכִּיּוֺת ל imaginations of (their) mind Ps 73:7 ׳מוֺרָשֵׁי ל possessions (thoughts) of (my) mind Job 17:11 שׂם לבב set the mind, consider Hag 2:15; Hag 2:18 (twice in verse), with לְ Deut 32:46, על Hag 1:5; Hag 1:7.
  d. of memeory שׂם בלבב lay up in the mind 1Sam 21:13; Job 22:22 ׳השׁיב אל ל lay to heart, call to mind Deut 4:39; Deut 30:1; 2Chr 6:37 ( = 1Kgs 8:47 לב ?); ׳עלה על ל come upon the mind Jer 51:50; Ezek 38:10 (compare לֵב 3 d); ׳סוּר מל depart from the mind Deut 4:9 ׳שׁמר בתוך ל keep in the midst of (thy) mind Prov 4:21 ׳על ל upon the mind Deut 6:6.
4. specific reference to inclinations, resolutions determinations of the will (characteristic of ׳ל): ׳הכין ל set the mind, with אֶל 1Sam 7:3; 1Chr 29:18, לְ 2Chr 20:33 לדרשׁ 2Chr 19:3; 2Chr 30:19; Ezra 7:10 אֶל׳הטה ל Josh 24:23 (E) 1Kgs 8:58 לדרשׁ ׳נתן ל 1Chr 22:19, compare 2Chr 11:16 פנה מעם ׳ל mind turn away from Deut 29:17; Deut 30:17 ׳פ ׳יֵהָפֵךְ ל Pharaoh's mind was changed Exod 14:5 (E).
5. specific reference to conscience לא יחרף לבבי my heart (conscience) shall not reproach me Job 27:6.
6. specific reference to moral character (characteristic of ׳ל): God tries the ׳ל 1Chr 29:17:
  a. ׳ישֶׁר ל uprightness of heart Deut 9:5; 1Chr 29:17; Ps 119:7 (?); ׳יִשְׁרֵי ל 2Chr 29:34 ׳יִשְׁרַת ל 1Kgs 3:6 יָשָׁר ׳ל 2Kgs 10:15 (3 t. in verse); ׳תָּסלֿ integrity of heart Gen 20:5; Gen 20:6 (E) 1Kgs 9:4; Ps 78:72; Ps 101:2 שָׁלֵם (עִםׅ ׳ל heart perfect (with) 1Kgs 8:61; 1Kgs 11:4; 1Kgs 15:3; 1Kgs 15:14 (= 2Chr 15:17) 2Kgs 20:3 (= Isa 38:3 לֵב ?) 1Chr 12:39; 1Chr 29:19; 1Chr 2:9; 1Chr 19:9; 1Chr 25:2 ׳בַּרלֿ pure in heart Ps 24:4 ׳בָּרֵי ל Ps 73:1. We may add 2Kgs 22:19 = 2Chr 34:27; Neh 9:8; Jer 32:40.
  b. it is the seat of naughtiness 1Sam 17:28 (?), erring Ps 95:10 is forward Ps 101:4.
  c. seat of pride, Ps 101:5; Isa 9:8; Isa 10:12; Isa 60:5 (?) Ezek 28:5; Ezek 28:6 (?) Dan 8:25 ׳רָם ל heart is lifted up Deut 8:14; Deut 17:20; Ezek 31:10; Dan 11:12.
  d. is circumcised Deut 10:16; Deut 30:6; Jer 4:4, or uncircumcised Lev 26:41 (H); is hardened ׳אמּץ ל Deut 2:30; Deut 15:7; 2Chr 36:13 ׳כבּד ל 1Sam 6:6 (?); ׳הקשׁה ל Ps 95:8.
7. = the man himself (meaning characteristic of נֶפֶשׁ) ׳אמר בל say in the heart (to oneself) Deut 7:17; Deut 8:17; Deut 9:4; Deut 18:21; Ps 4:5; Isa 14:3; Isa 47:8; Isa 49:21; Jer 5:24; Jer 13:22; Zeph 1:12; Zeph 2:15 ללבב Hos 7:2 (?); ׳דבר בל Ps 15:2 ׳ברכו בל Job 1:5 ׳התברך בל Deut 29:18 יְחִי לְבַבְכֶם let your heart (you yourselves) live Ps 22:27; Ps 69:33 (compare Ps 119:175).
8. specifically as the seat of the appetites (for which usually נֶפֶשׁ) ׳סעד ל stay the heart (with food) Ps 104:15; Judg 19:8 (?); יִיטַב לְבָבֶ֑ךָ that thine heart may be merry (with wine) Judg 19:9 (?); יַיִן ׳יְשַׂמַּח ל wine gladdens the heart Ps 104:15.
9. specifically of seat of the emotions and passions (for which usually נפשׁ):
  a. of joy Isa 30:29; Jer 15:16; Ezek 36:5, gladness Deut 28:47, desire Prov 6:25 (?); דבּר ׳על ל speak into the heart (comfortably) 2Chr 32:6 (elsewhere לֵב).
  b. of trouble 1Kgs 8:38; Ps 25:17; Ps 73:21 weakness, faintness Lev 26:36 (H) Deut 20:3; Deut 20:18; 2Chr 13:7; Isa 1:5; Isa 7:4; Jer 51:46, grief Deut 15:10; 1Sam 1:8 sorrow Ps 13:3, fear Deut 28:67, dismay Isa 21:4, astonishment Deut 28:28, anger Deut 19:6, hate Lev 19:16 (H); ׳ימּס ל the heart melteth Deut 20:8; Josh 2:11; Josh 5:1; Josh 7:5 (all D) Isa 13:7; Isa 19:1 ׳המס ל Deut 1:28 (so read probably also Josh 14:8, where לֵב error).
10. seat of courage (for which usually רוּחַ), יָעֵר כֹּחוֺ וּלְבָבוֺ stir up his power and his courage Dan 11:25 יַאֲמֵץ לְבַבְכֶם let your heart take courage Ps 31:25.


BDB7797 H7307 H5315 H3824 H1320 H3820

BDB7796 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7798

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

1. breath of mouth or nostrils (33 t.):
  a. רוּחַ פִּיו Job 15:30 breath of his mouth, compare Job 19:17 רוּחַ אַפֵּינוּ Lam 4:20 (figurative of king), of idols לֹא רוּחַ בָּם Jer 10:14 = Jer 51:17, Hab 2:19; Ps 135:17 compare Job 9:18.
  b. as mere breath: compare 2 e. דִּבְרֵירֿוּחַ Job 16:3 i.e. windy words; נוֺאָשׁ לְרוּחַ אִמְרֵי Job 6:26, הַנְּבִיאִים יִהְיוּ לְרוּחַ Jer 5:13.
  c. as word of command: (1) of God: (נעשׂו) בְּרוּחַ פִּיו כָּלֿ צְבָאָםPs 33:6, compare Isa 34:16 (|| פֶּה); (2) of Messianic king: בְּרוּחַ שְׂפָתָיו יָמִית רָשָׁע Isa 11:4.
  d. as hard breathing through the nostrils in anger: (1) of God: מֵרוּח אַפּוֺ יִכְלוּ Job 4:9; Exod 15:8 (poem), 2Sam 22:16 = Ps 18:16; Isa 30:28; Isa 59:19 (2) of man: רוּחַ עָרִיצִים Isa 25:4.
  e. as sign and symbol of life: רוּחַ חַיִּים breath of life Gen 6:17; Gen 7:15 (P); נִשְׁמַת רוּחַ חַיִּים בְּאַפָּיו Gen 7:22 (P); Ezek 37:5, compare vEzek 37:6 vEzek 37:8 vEzek 37:9 vEzek 37:9 vEzek 37:9 vEzek 37:10 vEzek 37:14 (breath or spirit), Eccl 3:19.
2. wind (117 t.):
  a. wind of heaven: Gen 8:1 (P) Exod 15:10 (E) Num 11:31 (J) 1Kgs 18:45 +, Jer 10:13, thence Jer 51:16; Ps 135:7 ׳רוּחַ י Hos 13:15; Isa 40:7, compare Job 26:13 (Di Bu); רוּחַ (ה)קָדִים east wind Exod 10:13 (twice in verse); Exod 14:21 (J) Ps 48:8; Jer 18:17; Ezek 17:10; Ezek 19:12; Ezek 27:26; Jonah 4:8 צָפוֺן ׳ר north wind Prov 25:23 יָם ׳ר sea wind (west wind) Exod 10:19 (J); . הַיּוֺם ׳ר day wind, evening wind Gen 3:8 (J; compare Song 2:17; Song 4:6); אַרְבַּע רוּחוֺת four winds Jer 49:36; Ezek 37:9 (quarters?) Dan 8:8; Dan 11:4 (figurative quarters; compare b), Zech 2:10; Zech 6:5 רוּחַ סְעְרָה storm wind Ps 107:25; Ps 148:8; Ezek 1:4 (סְעָרוֺת ׳ר), Ezek 13:11; Ezek 13:13 רוּחַ סֹעָה rushing wind Ps 55:9 (read possibly סערה Hup); בַּעְיָם רוּחוֺ Isa 11:15 (read ׳בְּעֹצֶם ר, see עֲיָם, עֹצֶם), etc; wind personified: כַּנְפֵי רוּחַ 2Sam 22:11 = Ps 18:11; Ps 104:3, compare Hos 4:19; Ps 104:4.
  b. quarter (of wind), side: רוּחַ הַקָּדִים Ezek 42:16 east side; רוּחַ הַצָּפוֺן vEzek 42:17 north side; רוּחַ הַדָּרוֺם vEzek 42:18 south side; רוּחַ הַיָּם vEzek 42:19 west side; אַרְבַּע רוּחוֺת vEzek 42:20; 1Chr 9:24 four sides; ר֑וּחָה Jer 52:23 on the sides.
  c. breath of air: שָׁאֲפוּ רוּחַ כַּתַּנִּים Jer 14:6 רוּחַ לֹא יָבֹא בֵּינֵיהֶם Job 41:8.
  d. air, gas, from womb (dubious): כְּמוֺ יָלַדְנוּ רוּחַ Isa 26:18 (Di, e); רוּחֲכֶם אֵשׁ תֹּאכַלְכֶם (RV breath) Isa 33:11 (Du, 3 c).
  e. vain, empty thing: רוּחַיָּי֑ Job 7:7 my life is wind; דַּעַת רוּחַ Job 15:2 רוּחַ וָתֹהוּ נִסְכֵּיהֶם Isa 41:29 רְעוּת רוּחַ striving for wind Eccl 1:14; Eccl 2:11; Eccl 2:17; Eccl 2:26; Eccl 4:4; Eccl 4:6; Eccl 6:9 compare Eccl 1:17; Eccl 4:16; Eccl 5:15.
3. spirit, as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation = temper, disposition (76 t.; so, distinctively, as compared with נֶפֶשׁ and לֵבָב):
  a. spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour: לֹא הָיָה בָהּ עוֺד רוּחַ 1Kgs 10:5 = 2Chr 9:4 מַהזֶּֿה רוּחֲךָ סָרָה 1Kgs 21:5 וַתְּחִי רוּחַ Gen 45:27 (E); וַתָּשָׁב רוּחוֺ Judg 15:19; 1Sam 30:12.
  b. courage: ׳לֹא הָיָה בָם עוֺד ר Josh 5:1 נְגִידִים ׳יִבְצֹר ר Ps 76:13 מִצְרַיִם ׳וְנָָֽבְקָה ר Isa 19:3 תתעטּף רוּחִי Ps 77:4; Ps 142:4; Ps 143:4 לֹא קָמָה ׳עוֺד ר Josh 2:11 אִישׁ יְכַלְכֵּל מַחֲלֵהוּ ׳ר Prov 18:14.
  c. temper, especially anger: ׳רוּחַ רָעָה בֵּין וגו Judg 9:23 אָז רָֽפְתָה רוּחָם Judg 8:3 משֵׁל בְּרוּחוֺ Prov 16:32, compare Prov 25:28; Prov 29:11; Job 15:13 הֵנִיחוּ אֶתרֿוּחִי Zech 6:8; Eccl 7:9; Eccl 10:4.
  d. impatience or patience: קֹצֶר רוּחַ Exod 6:9 (P) impatience, hastiness of temper, compare (of ׳י) Mic 2:7 קְצַררֿוּחַ Prov 14:29 (|| אֶרֶךְ אַפַיִם); הֱצִיקַתְנִי רוּחַ בִּטְנִי Job 32:18 (Du breath; Di Bu divine spirit, compare vJob 32:8); אִם מַדּוּעַ לֹאתִֿקְצַר רוּחִי Job 21:4 ׳הֲקָצַר רוּחַ י Mic 2:7 ׳אֶרֶךְ ר Eccl 7:8.
  e. spirit, disposition, as troubled, bitter, or discontented; וַתִּפָּעֶם רוּח(וׅ (his) spirit was troubled Gen 41:8 (E) Dan 2:3, compare vDan 2:1 מֹרַת רוּחַ Gen 26:35 (P) bitterness of spirit; ׳עֲצוּבַת ר Isa 54:6, compare Ezek 3:14; Job 6:4. feminine as crushed: וְכִהֲתָה כָלרֿוּחַ Ezek 21:12, compare Isa 61:3; Prov 15:4; Prov 15:13; Prov 17:22; Prov 18:14; Ps 143:7.
  g. disposition of various kinds, often unaccountable and uncontrollable impulse: הֵעִיר אֶתרֿוּחַ 1Chr 5:26 (twice in verse); 2Chr 21:16; 2Chr 36:22; Ezra 1:1; Ezra 1:5; Jer 51:11; Hag 1:14 (3 t. in verse); הִנְנִי נ(וֺ)תֵן בּוֺ רוּח2Kgs 19:7 = Isa 37:7; Num 14:24 (J; see עִם 4 b), Mal 2:15 (twice in verse); Mal 2:16; Deut 2:30 רוּחַ קִנְאָה jealous disposition Num 5:14 (twice in verse); Num 5:30 (P); רוּחַ וְנוּנִים Hos 4:12; Hos 5:4 רוּחַ עִוְעִיםIsa 19:14 רוּחַ מִשְׁפָּט Isa 28:6 אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר רוּחַ אֱלהִֹרם בּוֺ (administrative) Gen 41:38 (E); קַר רוּחַ אִישׁ הְּבוּנָה Prov 17:27.
  h. prophetic spirit: יְהוֺשֻׁעַ אִישׁ אֲשֶׁרֿ רוּחַ בּזֹNum 27:18 (P; or g, as Gen 41:38); רוּחַ אֵלִיָּהוּ עַלאֱֿלִישָׁע2Kgs 2:15, compare v2Kgs 2:9 רוּחַ תַּרְדֵמָה spirit of deep sleep (ecstatic, compare Gen 2:21; Gen 15:12, but Di and others g, as Isa 19:14) Isa 29:10; Mic 2:11 רוּחַ הַטֻמְאָה Zech 13:2 (of lying prophets), compare Ezek 13:3.
4. spirit of the living, breathing being, dwelling in the בָּשָׂר of men and animals, || נֶפֶשׁ (25 t.):
  a. gift and creation of God: יֹצֵר רוּחַ אָדָם בְּקִרְבּוֺ Zech 12:1 רוּחַ אֱלוֺהַּ בְּאַפִּי Job 27:3, compare Isa 42:5.
  b. God preserves it: פְּקֻדָּֽתְךָ שָֽׁמְרָה רוּחִי Job 10:12, compare Job 12:10 אֱלֹהֵי הָרוּחֹת לְכָל בָּשָׂ֑ר Num 16:22; Num 27:16 (P); תֹּכֵן רוּחוֺת Prov 16:2.
  c. it is therefore God's spirit: Gen 6:3 (J; see דִּין near the end).
  d. it departs at death: Ps 78:39 (Dr a wind that passeth away 2 e); חַיֵּי רוּחִי Isa 38:16 (Di principle of life), Ps 146:4 especially Ps 104:29; Ps 104:30; Job 17:1; Job 34:14 (compare vJob 34:15), Isa 57:16; Eccl 8:8 (twice in verse) (wind Wild); אֵינְךָ יוֺדֵעַ מַהדֶּֿרֶךְ הָרוּחַ Eccl 11:5, compare Eccl 3:21 over ag. הָרוּחַ תָּשׁוּב אֶלהָֿאֱלֹהִים אֲשֶׁר נְתָנָהּ Eccl 12:7 בְּיָָֽדְךָ אַפְקִיד רוּחִי Ps 31:6.
  e. disembodied being (dubious, Di Du breath of wind): וְרוּחַ עַלפָּֿנַי יַחֲלֹף Job 4:15.
5. spirit as seat of emotion = נֶפֶשׁ:
  a. desire (possibly 3 g), Isa 26:9 (|| נֶפֶשׁ).
  b. sorrow, trouble (probably 3 e), Job 7:11 (|| נֶפֶשׁ). — 1Sam 1:15 see קָשֶׁה.
6. occasionally, (and late) = seat or organ of mental acts, || לֵב, or synonym with it: רוּחַ חָכְמָה Exod 28:3; Deut 34:9 (both P; probably 3 g); תּעֵי רוּחַ Isa 29:24, compare Job 20:3 (Hi Bu Du wind of Job's words), Ps 77:7 (ᵐ5 Symm ᵑ6 Jerome troubled disposition); רוּחַ יהוה Isa 40:13 come into mind (compare לֵב Isa 65:17; Jer 3:16 +); 1Chr 28:12.
7. rarely of the will; also = רוּחַ נָכוֺן לֵב Ps 51:12 (= לֵב נָכוֺן Ps 57:8 (twice in verse) +); רוּחַ נְדִיבָה vPs 51:14 נָָֽדְבָה רוּחוֺ Exod 35:21 (P; compare נְדִיב לֵב Exod 35:5; Exod 35:22 (P) 2Chr 29:31).
8. רוּחַ especially of moral character; also = ׃לֵב רוּחַ חֲדָשָׁהEzek 11:19; Ezek 18:31; Ezek 36:26 רוּחִי vEzek 36:27; Isa 59:21 (רוּחִי, || דְּבָרַי; but probably prophetic spirit 9 b); לֵב חָדָשׁ Ezek 18:31; Ezek 36:26 נְכֵה רוּחַ Isa 66:2 דַּכְּאֵי רוּחַ Ps 34:19 (compare לֵב נִדְכָּאִים Isa 57:15); מִשֵּׁבֶר רוּחַ Isa 65:14 (compare 3 f); רוּחַ נִשְׁבָּרֶה Ps 51:19 (|| לֵב נִשְׁבָּר, compare נִשְׁבְּרֵי לֵב Ps 34:19; Isa 61:1); Ps 32:2; Prov 11:13; Prov 16:18; Ps 78:8; Eccl 7:8 (compare גְּבַהּלֵב Prov 16:5); שְׁפַל רוּחַ Prov 16:19; Prov 29:23; Isa 57:15 רוּחַ שְׁפָלִים vIsa 57:15 (compare 3 f).
9. spirit of God (94 t.; not D or Jeremiah or any Deuteronomic writer; conception of its activity in inspiring prophecy probably discredited from abuse by false prophets, see נביא, נבא):
  a. as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy, Num 11:17; Num 11:25 (twice in verse); Num 11:26; Num 11:29 (J), 1Sam 10:6; 1Sam 10:10 (compare v1Sam 10:5), 1Sam 19:20; 1Sam 19:23 as inciting to deeds of frenzy, in the ecstatic state; hence conceived as אֱלֹהִים רָעָה ׳ר 1Sam 16:15 (twice in verse); 1Sam 16:16, = ׳רָעָה מֵאֵת י ׳ר v1Sam 16:14 = רָעָה ׳א ׳צלח ר 1Sam 18:10 (other narrative) = רָעָה ׳י ׳ר 1Sam 19:9 ׳א ׳ר 1Sam 16:23 = רוּחַ הָרָעָה v1Sam 16:23, compare הָרוּחַ 1Kgs 22:21 = שֶׁקֶר ׳ר v1Kgs 22:22 v1Kgs 22:23 = 2Chr 18:20; 2Chr 18:21; 2Chr 18:22 = ׳רוּחַ י 1Kgs 22:24 = 2Chr 18:23 compare also (in earlier prophets) אִישׁ הָרוּחַ, i.e. one possessed by the spirit in the ecstatic state, || הַנָּבִּיא Hos 9:7 ׳רוּחַ י Mic 3:8 (|| בֹּחַ) is probably gloss (We Now); וְלֹא רוּחִי Isa 30:1 רוּחַ dealing with Ezek.: Ezek 2:2; Ezek 3:12; Ezek 3:14; Ezek 3:24; Ezek 8:3; Ezek 11:1; Ezek 11:5; Ezek 11:24 (Co gloss), Ezek 37:1; Ezek 43:5 (all implying ecstatic state of vision), compare Elijah 1Kgs 18:12; 2Kgs 2:16.
  b. spirit as impelling prophets to utter instruction or warning (higher and later conception): transition probably Num 24:2; 2Sam 23:2; 1Chr 12:18 elsewhere in Chronicles: 2Chr 15:1; 2Chr 20:14; 2Chr 24:20 distinctly in Isa2, Isa 48:16, compare Isa 61:1 so of ancient prophets, Zech 7:12; Neh 9:30 compare, of future prophetic gift, Joel 3:1; Joel 3:2.
  c. imparting warlike energy, and executive and administrative power: (1) to שֹׁפְטִים, מוֺשִׁיעִים, מְלָכִים, of ancient Israel: וַתְּהִי רוּחַ על ׳י Judg 3:10; Judg 11:29, compare Judg 6:34; Judg 13:25; Judg 14:6; Judg 14:19; Judg 15:14; 1Sam 11:6; 1Sam 16:13; 1Sam 16:14 so also עַד יֵעָרֶה עָלֵינוּ רוּחַ מִמָּרוֺם Isa 32:15 (2) resting upon Messianic king: Isa 11:2 (3 t. in verse); upon servant of ׳י, Isa 42:1.
  d. late, as endowing men with various gifts: technical skill Exod 31:3; Exod 35:31 (P); understanding Job 32:8 (|| נִשְׁמַת שַׁדַּי); poured out by divine wisdom Prov 1:23.
  e. as energy of life: רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים מְרַחֶפֶת עַלפְּֿנֵי הַמָּ֑יִם Gen 1:2 (P); רוּחַ אֵל עָשָׂ֑תְנִי Job 33:4 (|| נִשְׁמַת שַׁדַּי); as vital power, opposed to בָשָׂר: Isa 31:3 in cherubic chariot: Ezek 1:12, compare vEzek 1:20 vEzek 1:21; Ezek 10:17 reviving Israel Ezek 39:29; Zech 12:10; Isa 44:3. feminine = ancient angel of the presence and later Shekina: קָדְשׁוֺ ׳ר Isa 63:10; Isa 63:11 = ׳י ׳ר vIsa 63:14 (= מַלְאַךְ פָּנָיו vIsa 63:9), compare Ps 106:33 so also קָדְשְׁךָ ׳ר Ps 51:13 (in national prayer), compare Neh 9:20; Ps 143:10 prophets of restoration conceive of the divine spirit as standing in their midst and about to fulfil all divine promises: רוּחִי עֹמֶדֶת בְּתוֺכֲכֶם Hag 2:5; Zech 4:6 this conception culminates in רוּחַ = divine Presence, and as such omnipresent, Ps 139:7 (|| פָּנֶיךָ; compare vPs 139:8).


BDB9635 H3824 H3825

BDB9634 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9636

לְבַב noun masculineDan 4:13 heart (see Biblical Hebrew; so Egyptian Aramaic S-CB 12+); — construct ׳ל Dan 4:13; Dan 7:4 suffix לִבְבָח Dan 2:30; Dan 5:22, בֵהּ- Dan 4:13; Dan 5:20; Dan 5:21.

heart, hearts, mind, understanding, unawares, …
lēbāb
the heart (as the most interior organ)
  • inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding
    • inner part, midst
      • midst (of things)
      • "heart (of man)"soul, heart (of man)"mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory"inclination, resolution, determination (of will)"conscience"heart (of moral character)"as seat of appetites"as seat of emotions and passions"as seat of courage

וְ ֝כִלְיוֹתַ ֗י
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
֝כִלְיוֹתַ
Root word kidneys, reins
֗י
Suffix — pronoun my / me
Dictionary form: כִּלְיָה · kil-YAW

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

In the KJV here: in my reins
kidneys ×9 the kidneys ×5 my reins ×4 the reins ×3 and reins ×1 and the kidneys ×1 in my reins ×1 into my reins ×1
More options
kidney — Direct anatomical term; best for ritual/sacrificial contexts.
inner being — Preferred for emotional/psychological metaphorical usage.
inmost self — Poetic register; suits Psalms and wisdom literature.
deep self — Contemporary idiom for seat of conscience or feeling.
core — Concise metaphor; works well in modern prose translations.

BDB4030 H3629

BDB4029 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4031

[כִּלְיָה noun feminine only plural kidneys (Late Hebrew כִּלְיָה (plural); Aramaic כּוּלְיָא or כּוֺלְיָא (only plural), ; Ethiopic ᵐ5 οἱ νεφροί); — absolute plural כְּלָיוֺת Jer 11:20 + 5 t.; כְּלָֹית Exod 29:13 + 13 t.; construct כִּלְיוֺת Deut 32:14; Isa 34:6 suffix כִּלְיוֺתַי Job 16:3 + 2 t.; כִּלְֹיתַי Job 19:27 כִּלְיוֺתָ֑י Ps 16:7; Prov 23:16 כִּלְֹיתָ֑י Ps 139:13; Lam 3:13 כִּלְיוֺתֵיהֶם Jer 12:2kidneys:

1. literally, as physical organ,
  a. of man, only in poetry, as created by ׳י Ps 139:13 as the most sensitive and vital part, in metaphor of one wounded by ׳י's arrows Job 16:13; Lam 3:13.
  b. of sacrificial animals, offered as choice part to ׳י Lev 3:4; Lev 3:10; Lev 3:15; Lev 4:9; Lev 7:4; Lev 9:10; Lev 9:19 שְׁתֵּי ׳הַכּ Exod 29:13; Exod 29:22; Lev 3:4; Lev 3:10; Lev 3:15; Lev 4:9; Lev 7:4; Lev 8:16; Lev 8:25 (all P); in figure of sacrifice Edomites חֵלֶב כִּלְיוֺת אֵילִים Isa 34:6 transferred to wheat,חֵלֶב כִּלְיוֺת חִטָּה Deut 32:14 kidney-fat (i.e. the choicest, richest) of wheat.
2. figurative, as seat of emotion and affection Job 19:27; Prov 23:16; Ps 16:7; Ps 73:21 קָרוֺב אַתָּה בְּפִיהֶם ׳וְרָחוֺק מִכּ Jer 12:2 near art thou in their mouth, and far from their affections; hence, as involving character, the object of God's examination, always || וָלֵב ׃לֵב ׳כֹּחֵן כ Jer 11:20 compare Ps 7:10, ׳חֹקֵר לֵב כֹּחֵן כ Jer 17:10, וָלֵב ׳בֹּחֵן צַדִּיק רֹאֶה כ Jer 20:12, וְלִבִּי ׳צָרְו֯פָה כ Ps 26:2.


כַּלָּה, כְּלוּלָה see below II. כלל.

kidneys, reins
kilyâ
a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)
  • kidneys
    • of physical organ (literally)
    • "of seat of emotion and affection (figuratively)"of sacrificial animals
    reins

אֶשְׁתּוֹנָֽן
אֶשְׁתּוֹנָֽן
Root word sharp, whet, sharpened, diligently, pricked
Dictionary form: שָׁנַן · shaw-NAHN

Verb — Hithpolel, Imperfect (Yiqtol), first person singular reflexive (rare stem) — like Hithpael not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "I"

In the KJV here: and i was pricked
are sharp ×2 and a sharp ×1 and i was pricked ×1 and thou shalt teach them diligently ×1 i whet ×1 sharp ×1 they have sharpened ×1 whet ×1
More options
sharpen — Core meaning; best for physical or metaphorical sharpening.
hone — Implies careful, deliberate sharpening; suits tools or skills.
whet — Modernized KJV form; still natural for whetstone contexts.
teach diligently — Use in Deut 6:7 instructional/repetition sense.
pierce — For contexts of being stung or pricked emotionally or physically.
instill deeply — Suits repeated, incisive teaching or impressing on the mind.

BDB8890 H8150

BDB8889 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8891

[שָׁנַן] verb whet, sharpen (compare Arabic id.; Aramaic שְׁנִינָא, sharp, etc.; Ethiopic [] III, 2, contend, litigate; hence שֵׁן tooth, Late Hebrew id., Assyrian šinnu, Arabic , Ethiopic Aramaic שִׁנָּא, ); —

Qal whet, sharpen: Perfect 1 singular אִם שַׁנּוֺתִ֫י בְּרַק חַרְבִּי (Ges«GKC:67ee»§ 67ee) Deut 32:41, of ׳י's preparation for judgment; 3 plural (כַחֶרֶב) שָֽׁנְנוּ לְשׁוֺנָם Ps 64:4; Ps 140:4 of uttering sharp words; Passive participle שְׁנוּנִים sharpened, of arrows, Isa 5:28; Ps 45:6, figurative of tongue Ps 120:4, of false witness Prov 25:18. Pi`el Perfect consecutive וְשִׁנַּנְתָּם לְבָנֶיךָ Deut 6:7 i.e. teach the words incisively, German 'einschärfen.' Hithpo`el Imperfect 1 singular Ps 73:21 in my kidneys אֶשְׁתּוֺנָ֑ן I was pierced (of poignant envy).


BDB9975 H8127 H8150

BDB9974 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9976

שׁנן (√ of following; see Biblical Hebrew [שָׁנַן], שֵׁן).

sharp, whet, sharpened, diligently, pricked
šānan
to point (transitive or intransitive); intensively, to pierce; figuratively, to inculcate
  • to sharpen, whet
    • (Qal) to whet, sharpen
    • "(Piel) to sharpen, teach (incisively)"(Hithpolel) to be pierced

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.
כִּ֭י Dechi — a lesser break יִתְחַמֵּ֣ץ לְבָבִ֑י Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וְ֝כִלְיוֹתַ֗י Revia Mugrash — a lesser break אֶשְׁתּוֹנָֽן Silluq — end of the verse

כִּי יִתְחַמֵּץ לְבָבִי וְכִלְיוֹתַי אֶשְׁתּוֹנָֽן׃
21
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
Cross References

Psalms 37:7

דּוֹם׀ לַיהוָה וְהִתְחוֹלֵל לוֹ אַל-תִּתְחַר בְּמַצְלִיחַ דַּרְכּוֹ בְּאִישׁ עֹשֶׂה מְזִמּֽוֹת׃
7
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Lamentations 3:13

הֵבִיא בְּכִלְיוֹתָי בְּנֵי אַשְׁפָּתֽוֹ׃
13
He hath caused the arrows of his quiver to enter into my reins.

Psalms 73:3

כִּֽי-קִנֵּאתִי בַּֽהוֹלְלִים שְׁלוֹם רְשָׁעִים אֶרְאֶֽה׃
3
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Job 16:13

יָסֹבּוּ עָלַי׀ רַבָּיו יְפַלַּח כִּלְיוֹתַי וְלֹא יַחְמוֹל יִשְׁפֹּךְ לָאָרֶץ מְרֵרָֽתִי׃
13
His archers compass me round about, he cleaveth asunder, my reins and doth not spare; he poureth out my gall upon the ground.

Psalms 37:1

אַל-תִּתְחַר בַּמְּרֵעִים אַל-תְּקַנֵּא בְּעֹשֵׂי עַוְלָֽה׃
1
Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.