Psalms 78:34

אִם הֲרָגָ֥ם וּדְרָשׁ֑וּהוּ וְ֝שָׁ֗בוּ וְשִֽׁחֲרוּ אֵֽל

When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God.

Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

אִם

Conjunction if, or, though, surely, not, …

Dictionary form: אִם · im

Conjunction

In the KJV here: when

if ×322 and if ×128 but if ×69 or ×48 surely ×29 though ×25 whether ×19 when ×16

More options

if — Default conditional; most broadly applicable rendering.

whether — Use for indirect questions or double alternatives.

though — Concessive force; signals contrast or surprise.

when — Temporal nuance; condition treated as certain to occur.

unless — Negative conditional; equivalent to 'if not'.

surely — Emphatic/oath context; asserts strong certainty.

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II. הֵן₁₀₀ (הֶןֿ Num 23:9; Num 23:24; Job 8:19; Job 8:20; Job 13:1; Job 26:14; Job 33:6; Job 33:12; Job 33:29; Job 36:5; Job 36:22; Job 36:26 הֵןֿ Job 13:15; Job 36:30; Job 41:1 +) demonstrative adverb or interjection lo! behold (on etymology see הִנֵּה), less widely used than הִנֵּה, and in prose mostly confined to calling attention to some fact upon which action is to be taken, or a conclusion based;
a. Gen 3:22 הֵן הָאָדָם הָיָה behold the man is become as one of us, & now lest, etc., Gen 4:14 behold, thou hast driven me forth etc., Gen 11:6; Gen 15:3; Gen 19:34; Gen 27:11; Gen 29:7; Gen 30:34 (nearly = yea), Exod 5:5; Exod 6:12; Exod 6:30; Lev 10:18; Lev 10:19; Num 17:27; Deut 5:21 (in prose only in Pentateuch (23 t.) and Ezek 18:4 in this usage); in poetry, used more freely, but chiefly in Isa² & Job, — Num 23:9; Num 23:24 (Balaam) Isa 23:13; Isa 32:1; Isa 33:7; Ps 51:7; Ps 51:8; Ps 68:34; Ps 78:20; Ps 139:4; Prov 11:31 (stating the premiss to a conclusion introduced by אַף כִּי, q. v.), Prov 24:12: elsewhere (except in senses b, c) only in Isa² (23 t.) & Job (31 t), as Isa 40:15 (twice in verse); Isa 41:11; Isa 41:24; Isa 41:29; Isa 50:1; Isa 50:2; Isa 50:9 (twice in verse); Isa 50:11; Job 4:18; Job 15:15; Job 25:5 (in these three passages before אַף or אַף כִּי), Job 9:1; Job 9:12 etc. (see above).
b. as a hypothetical particle, propounding a possibility, if (so Late Hebrew, Biblical Aramaic, Mandean, Palmyrene (ZMG 1888, 404); on the contrary Syriac , Palestinian ᵑ7 אִין, also Palmyrene (ib. p. 415), Arabic with א), a special application or development of the use a: Exod 4:1 והן לא יאמינו לי and behold ( = and suppose) they will not believe me ? etc., Lev 25:20 and if (וְכִי) ye say, What shall we eat the 7th year ? הֵן לֹא נִזְרַע behold, we shall not sow etc. (i.e. supposing we do not sow), Isa 54:15; Job 40:23; 2Chr 7:13 (twice in verse) (2Chr 7:13 b וְאִם); stating the ground on which a question is based, Exod 8:22 (וְלֹא = הֲלֹא), Jer 3:1; Hag 2:12 (see הֵן Aramaic b).
c. if, whether, in an indirect question, Jer 2:10 רְאוּ הֵן הָֽיְתָה כָּזֹאת (but Gr הֲנִהְיְתָה); compare אִם 2 b, and הֵן Aramaic

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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 (W^{SG 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 אֲמִיַלם ׳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 תֵאֵָמנוּ ׃ 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. De^{Prov 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 Bu^{Urg. 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.: Fr^{MM 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.

BDB511 H518

אִם conjunction (= Aramaic if [and in , אֶלָּא = if not, except], Arabic if [and in = if not, except], Ethiopic (§mma) if = מָה + אִם ( + ) [and in (allâ) if not, but], Assyrian umma; also in Arabic 'An?' = , compare הַאִם: see Nö^{M p. 208, ZMG 1886, p. 739}; W^{AG i. § 367 e})

**ᵑ7^{Onk Jon} אִם, ᵑ7^Hag אין.

1. hypothetical particle if.
a. construction (see more fully Dr^{§ 136-138, 143} Friedrich^{Die Hebr. Condit. sätze 1884}): (1) with imperfect (continued by perfects & waw consecutive; apodosis usually begins with perfect & waw consecutive or bare imperfect; or, if necessary, with imperative or jussive)
(a) of future time: Gen 18:26 אִםאֶֿמְצָא if I shall find 50 righteous in Sodom, וְנָשָׂאתִי I will pardon, etc., Gen 24:8; Gen 32:9; Deut 1:52 b 1Kgs 6:12; Ps 89:31; Gen 42:37; Judg 13:16; 1Kgs 1:52 a Ps 132:12.
(b) of past time (rare, but classical): Gen 31:8 אִם יאֹמַר if everhe said . . . וְיָָֽלְדִוּ then they used to bear, etc., Exod 40:37 & in the protestations Job 31:7; Job 31:13; Job 31:16; Job 31:25 etc. (alternating with pff., see below, & with jussives in apodosis)
(c) assuming a purely imaginary case (with imperfect in both clauses, like the double optative in Greek), if, though: Gen 13:16 so that אִםיֿוּכַל if a man were able to number the stars, thy seed also יִמָּנֶה might be numbered, Num 22:18; Isa 1:18 כַּשָּׁנִים יַלְבִּינוּ ׳אִםיִֿהְיוּ ח though your sins were as scarlet, they should become white as snow, Amos 9:2-4 אִםיַֿחְתְּרוּ though they were to dig into Sheôl, from thence תִּקָּחֵם would my hand fetch them, Ps 27:3; Ps 139:8 +. (2) with participle (expressing either a present process, or an approaching future: apodosis as 1 a) Gen 24:42; Gen 24:49; Judg 6:36; Judg 9:15; Judg 11:9 אִם מְשִׁיבִים אַתֶּם if ye are going to bring me back . . . ׳וְנָתַן י then ׳י will, etc.; similarly with יֵשׁ or אֵין Gen 44:26; Exod 22:2; 1Sam 20:8; 1Sam 23:23 & with no explicit copula Deut 22:2; Deut 25:2; Lev 1:3; Lev 1:14, etc. (3) with perfect
(a) of future or present time (continued by perfects & waw consecutive: apodosis as 1 a) Gen 43:9 אִםלֹֿא הֲבִיאֹתִיו אֵלֶיךָ וְהִצַּגְתִּיו לְפָנֶיךָ if I do not bring him back (si eum non reduxero) and set him before thee, I will be guilty for ever, Gen 47:6 if thou knowest that there are men of worth among them וְשַׂמְתָּם then make them, etc., Judg 16:17; 2Sam 15:33; 2Kgs 7:4; Ps 41:7; Ps 94:18; Job 7:4; Job 9:30f. Job 10:14 אִם חָטָאתִי וּשְׁמַרְתָּ֑נִי if I sin, thou watchest me. On אִםנָֿא Gen 18:3 and elsewhere see נָא.
(b) of past time, whether
(a) in actual fact, or (β) in an assumed case (the perfect is here continued by the imperfect and waw consecutive; apodosis begins as before).
(a) Judg 9:16-19 אִם ֗֗֗ עֲשִׂיתֶם if ye have done honestly וַתַּמְלִיכוּ and have made Abimelech king . . ., 1Sam 26:19 especially in protestations, as Ps 7:4 אִם עָשִׂיתִי זאת if I have done this . . ., let the enemy pursue my soul, etc. Jer 33:25f.; Job 31:5f; Job 31:9, etc.
(b) Num 5:27 if she have defiled herself וַתִּמְעֹל and been faithless, וּבָאוּ then shall they come, etc., Num 15:24; Num 35:22-24.
(c) with bare perfect in apodosis, in sense of If ... had ..., only Deut 32:30 אִםלֹֿא כִּי were it not that ..., Ps 73:15. (לוּ is more usual in such cases.) (4) with infinitive once (si vera 1.) Job 9:27 אִם אָמְרִי = if I say (literally if (there is) my saying). — Note that the verb following אִם is often strengthened by the infinitive absolute, as Exod 15:26; Exod 19:5; Exod 21:5; Exod 22:3; Exod 22:12; Exod 22:16; Exod 22:22; Judg 11:30; Judg 14:12; Judg 16:11 etc.; compare Dr^{Sm i. 20, 6}.

b. Special uses: (1) repeated ... אִם אִם whether ... or (sive ... sive) Exod 19:13; Deut 18:3; 2Sam 15:21 similarly אִם ֗֗֗ וְאִם Gen 31:52; Jer 42:6; Ezek 2:5; Eccl 11:3; Eccl 12:14 (compare ... , ... PS²⁵⁰; ... & ... ).(2) After an oath (expressed, or merely implied) אִם (the formula of imprecation being omitted) becomes an emphatic negative, and אִםלֹֿא an emphatic affirmative: 2Sam 11:11 by thy life אִםאֶֿעֱשֶׂה אֶתהַֿדָּבָר הַזֶּה (may God bring all manner of evil upon me) if I do this thing! = surely I will not do this thing! (compare the full phrases in 1Sam 3:17; 2Kgs 6:31) Gen 14:23; Gen 42:15; Num 14:23; 1Sam 3:14; 1Sam 19:6; 2Kgs 2:2; 2Kgs 3:14 & often; Isa 22:14; Ps 89:36; Ps 95:11; Job 6:28 אִםלֹֿא Num 14:28; Josh 14:9; 1Kgs 20:23; 2Kgs 9:26; Isa 5:9; Isa 14:24; Jer 15:11; Jer 49:20; Job 1:11 + especially Ezekiel; after a negative clause, emphasizing a contrasted idea, Gen 24:38 (where the explanation by Aramaic אֶלָּא is not supported by Hebrew usage), compare Jer 22:6. Repeated, אִם ֗֗֗ וְאִם 2Sam 20:20; 2Kgs 3:14; Isa 62:8; Jer 38:16; Ezek 14:16. In adjurations (with 2nd or 3rd person) = that not Gen 21:23; Gen 26:29; Gen 31:50; 1Sam 24:22; 1Kgs 1:51; Song 2:7; Song 3:5 +. Of past or present time: 1Sam 25:34 as ׳י liveth (I say) that, unless thou hadst hastened ..., כִּי אִם נוֺתַר that surely there had not been left ...! 1Sam 17:55 as thy soul liveth אִםיָֿדַעְתִּי if I Know it! 1Kgs 17:12; 1Kgs 18:10 — both אִםיֵֿשׁ (כִּי here merely introduces the fact sworn to, & need not be translated; so 2Sam 3:35: see כִּי); Ps 121:2 אִםלֹֿא (after a negative clause: compare above Gen 24:38). compare Str^{§ 90}.(3) Part, of wishing, if but ...! oh that ...! (rare) Ps 81:9 If thou wouldest hearken to me! Ps 95:7; Ps 139:19; Prov 24:11. compare Exod 32:32. With an imperative (si vera lectio) Job 34:16 וְאִםִֿבּינָה; and with an anacoluthon, Gen 23:13 (P) אִםאַֿתָּה לוּ שְׁמָעֵנִי if thou! — oh that thou wouldst hear me!(4) Nearly = when — with the perfect:
(a) of past, Gen 38:9; Num 21:9 וְהָיָה אִםנָֿשַׁךְ ֗֗֗ וְרָאָה and it used to be, if or when a serpent had bitten a man, that he would look, etc., Judg 6:3; Ps 78:34 (see Dr^{§ 136} δ Obs.); Amos 7:2.
(b) of present or future, Isa 4:4 אִם רָחַץ when the Lord shall have washed, Isa 24:13; Isa 28:25 compare Num 36:4 (with the imperfect)
c. Compounded with other particles: —
(a) בִּלְתִּי אִם except if, except, Gen 47:18; Judg 7:14; Amos 3:3; Amos 3:4. (β) הֲלוֺא אִם 2Kgs 20:19 (for which Isa 39:7 has sim-ply כִּי), perhaps Is it not (good), if ...? (De Di). (γ) כִּיאִֿם, q. v. (δ) עַד אִם Gen 24:19; Gen 24:33; Isa 30:17; Ruth 2:21, & עַד אֲשֶׁר אִם Gen 28:15; Num 32:17; Isa 6:11, until, properly until if or when. (ε) רַק אִם if only (see below רַק). אִםלֹֿא in Ezek 3:6b is very difficult. The Vrss render If I had sent, etc., implying לֻא for אִםלֹֿא (for Ew's אִםלֻֿא = אִלּוּ, q. v., is precarious): Ges Hi Co 'but (אִםלֹֿא after a negative, compare above Gen 24:38; Ps 131:2) unto them (Israel) have I sent thee: they can understand thee' (but understand is a dubious rendering of שָׁמַע אֶל).

2. Interrogative particle a. in direct question:
(a) alone (not frequently and usually = Num? expecting the answer No, especially in a rhet. style): Gen 38:17; 1Kgs 1:27; Judg 5:8 מָגֵן אִםיֵֿרָאֶה וָרֹמַח was there a shield to be seen or a spear ...?Isa 29:16 and repeated Amos 3:6; Jer 48:27; Job 6:12.
(b) more frequently in disjunctive interrogation:
(a) הֲ ֗֗֗ אִם, expressing a real alternative Josh 5:13 הֲלָנוּ אַתָּה אִםלְֿצָרֵינוּ art thou for us, or for our enemies? Judg 9:2; 1Kgs 22:6; 1Kgs 22:15: more often expressing a merely formal alternative, especially in poetry (a rhetorical Num?) Gen 37:8; Num 11:12; Num 11:22; Judg 11:25b 2Sam 19:36; Isa 10:15; Isa 66:8; Jer 3:5; Hab 3:8; Ps 77:10; Ps 78:20; Job 4:17; Job 6:5; Job 6:6; Job 10:4; Job 10:5; Job 11:7 etc. (β) הֲ ֗֗֗ וְאִם (rarer than הֲ ֗֗֗ אִם, but similar in use) 2Sam 24:13 (a real alt.); Isa 49:24; Isa 50:2; Jer 5:9 (Jer 5:29 אִם) Jer 14:22; Joel 1:2; Joel 4:4; Job 8:3; Job 11:2; Job 21:4; Job 22:3; Job 34:17; Job 40:8f. (formal); Gen 17:17 P (with an anacoluthon) shall a child ...? וְאִםשָֿׂרָה הֲבַתתִּֿשְׁעִים שָׁנָה תֵּלֵד or Sarah, — shall she that is 90 years old bear? Prov 27:24 (וְאִם after negative clause),
b. in oblique interrogation, if, whether:
(a) alone, after verbs of seeing, inquiring, etc. 2Kgs 1:2; Jer 5:1; Jer 30:6; Mal 3:10; Ps 139:24; Song 7:13; Lam 1:12; Ezra 2:59 once מִי יוֺדֵעַ אִם who knoweth if ...? i.e. (like haud scio an) perhaps Esth 4:14 (older synonym מִי יוֺדֵעַ alone: see 2Sam 12:22; Joel 2:14; Jonah 3:9).
(b) disjunctively הֲ ֗֗֗ אִם Gen 27:21; Num 13:18-20 so אִם ֗֗֗ וְאִם Josh 24:15.
c. compounded with הֲ, הַאִם Num 17:28 הַאִם תַּמְנוּ לִגְוֺעַ probably an emphatic Num? Shall we ever have finished dying? Job 6:13 difficult: perhaps Is it that my help is not in me? (a forcible means of expressing that that which might be thought impossible is nevertheless the case); Hi as an aposiop., If my help is not in me (am I still to wait) ? (The view that הַאִם = הֲלֹא nonne? is inconsistent with the fact that אִם in a question has regularly the force of Num?)

אֵם see אמם. Below

אַמָּה, אֻמָּה see אמם.

BDB9477 H2005 H2006 H518 H3861

הֵן conjunction if, whether (Biblical Hebrew הֵן, q. v.: Zenjirli, Egyptian Aramaic (S-C^{Pap. A 7} +), Palmyrene, Nabataean הן, Mandean הין if [ᵑ7^{Onk Jon} use אם, ᵑ7^Jer אין, Syriac ]); —

1. if, Dan 2:6; Dan 3:15; Dan 3:17; Dan 4:24; Dan 5:16; Dan 5:17, הֵן לָא ֗֗֗ Dan 2:5; Dan 2:9; Dan 3:15 vDan 3:18 הֵן לָ֔א if not.

2. repeated, הֵן ֗֗֗ הֵן sive ... sive, whether ... or (compare Biblical Hebrew אִם, 1 b 1), Ezra 7:26 (so Palmyrene^{Tariff ii.c.19}).

3. in indirect question, whether (compare אִם, 2 b), Ezra 5:17b יִתְבַּקַּר ֗֗֗ הֵן אִיתַי ֗֗֗ . — See also לָהֵן. p. 50, 243, 1099

הַסִּק etc., see סלק Haph`el

BDB9640 H3809 H3861 H518 H2006 H3808 H3588

II. לָהֵן conjunction except, but (from לָא and הֵן 'not if' (compare Hebrew אם לא Gen 24:38); so Nabataean and Egyptian Aramaic להן Cooke^{217, 219, 241} S-C^{Pap. C 6, 7} +; lâinnî, however Soc^{Arab. 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.

if, or, though, surely, not, …

ʾim

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

conditional clauses

of possible situations

no, not

וּ דְרָשׁ֑וּ הוּ

וּ

Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)

דְרָשׁ֑וּ

Root word seek, inquire, sought, inquired, require, …

הוּ

Suffix — pronoun his / him / it

Dictionary form: דָּרַשׁ · daw-RAHSH

Verb — Qal, Sequential Perfect (Weqatal), third person plural simple action — "he did" carries the story forward — try "and he will ___" the built-in subject is "they"

In the KJV here: them then they sought

seek ×13 to seek ×13 to inquire ×10 inquire ×4 sought ×4 will i require ×4 and seek ×3 and inquire ×2

More options

seek — Most versatile; suits active pursuit of God or wisdom.

inquire — Prefer when consulting an oracle, priest, or prophet.

search — Emphasizes thorough, investigative effort.

require — Best for contexts of divine accountability or demand.

consult — Fits formal religious or official inquiry settings.

care for — Use when the sense is concern or attentiveness toward someone.

BDB2008 H1875

דַּרְיוֺשׁ Ezra 10:16 see דרשׁ.

BDB2024 H1875

דָּרַשׁ₁₆₂ verb resort to, seek (compare Arabic rub over, efface (a site), tread (wheat), figurative read repeatedly, study; beat (a path), discuss, Pa`el practise in; Late Hebrew search out (a meaning), expound) —

Qal Perfect 1Chr 10:14 Imperfect יִדְרשׁ Ps 10:4 +, אֶדְרְשָׁה 1Sam 28:7, נִדְרְשָׁה 1Kgs 22:7 +, יִדְרְשׁוּן Isa 55:2 Imperative דְּרָשֿׁ 1Kgs 22:5 +; Infinitive absolute דָּרשׁ Lev 10:16; Deut 23:22 construct דְּרשׁ Deut 22:2 + לִדְרָשֿׁ Ezek 14:7, לְדַרְיוֺשׁ (scribal error for לִדְרוֺשׁ Ew^{§ 239a} Ol^{§ 245 g}) Ezra 10:16 Participle דֹּרֵשׁ Deut 11:12 + 10 t., דּוֺרֵשׁ 1Chr 28:9 + 3 t.; passive דְּרוּשִׁים Ps 111:2, דְּרוּשָׁה Isa 62:12 synonym בקשׁ; —

1. (tread a place,) resort to, frequent, with religious object, with accusative of location Amos 5:5; 2Chr 1:5, לְ local Deut 12:5.

2. seek, consult, inquire of:
a. accusative ׳י, אֱלֹהִים Gen 25:22 (J) Exod 18:15 (E) 1Sam 9:9; 1Kgs 22:8; 2Kgs 3:11; 2Kgs 8:8; 2Kgs 22:13; 2Kgs 22:18; 1Chr 15:13; 1Chr 21:30; 2Chr 18:7; 2Chr 34:21; Ps 24:6; Ps 78:34; Jer 21:2; Jer 37:7; Ezek 20:1; Ezek 20:3 the ark of God 1Chr 13:3 word of Yahweh 1Kgs 22:5 (= 2Chr 18:4) compare 1Kgs 14:5 with בְּ Yahweh 1Chr 10:14; 2Chr 34:26; Ezek 14:7 his word 2Kgs 1:16 with אֶל, אֶלאֵֿל Job 5:8 their God Isa 8:19, Messianic king Isa 11:10 ׳מֵעַלסֵֿפֶר י out of the book of ׳י Isa 34:16 (in gloss, according to Che^{JQ Jan. 1892, 332}); with מֵאוֺתוֺ of a ׳נָבִיא לי 1Kgs 22:7 (= 2Chr 18:6) compare (above) v2Chr 18:8; 2Kgs 3:11 and 1Kgs 14:5 (מֵעִמְּךָ).
b. heathen gods and necromancers, הַדֹּרֵשׁ the inquirer Ezek 14:10 with בְּ, בַּעֲלַת אוֺב 1Sam 28:7, בָּאוֺב 1Chr 10:13, בְּבַעַל זְבוּב 2Kgs 1:2; 2Kgs 1:3; 2Kgs 1:6; 2Kgs 1:16 with אֶל, אֶלהָֿאֹבוֺת Isa 8:19, אֶלהַֿמֵּתִים Deut 18:11, אֶלהָֿאֱלִילִים Isa 19:3.

3. seek deity in prayer and worship:
a. the true God (compare בקשׁ 3) ׳דרשׁ י Deut 4:29; Hos 10:12; Amos 5:4; Amos 5:6; Isa 9:12; Isa 31:1; Isa 55:6; Isa 58:2; Isa 65:10; Isa 29:13; Isa 1:11 (= Ps 105:4) Ps 28:9; 2Chr 12:14; 2Chr 14:3; 2Chr 14:6; 2Chr 15:2; 2Chr 15:12; 2Chr 16:12; 2Chr 22:9; 2Chr 26:5; Ps 9:11; Ps 22:27; Ps 34:5; Ps 34:11; Ps 119:2; Ps 119:10 דרשׁ (ה)אלהים 2Chr 19:3; 2Chr 26:5; 2Chr 30:19; Ps 14:2 (= Ps 53:3) Ps 69:33 ׳אֲדֹנָי ד Ps 77:3 with לְ, only in Chronicler, ליהוה 1Chr 22:19; 2Chr 15:13; 2Chr 20:3; Ezra 6:21 לאלהים 2Chr 17:4; 2Chr 31:21; 2Chr 34:3; Ezra 4:2 Dr^{Intr. 503} finds in Chronicles weakened meaning, revere.
b. seek heathen deities, with accusative Jer 8:2; 2Chr 25:15; 2Chr 25:20 with לְ, Deut 12:30; 2Chr 17:3.

4. a. seek, with idea of demanding, require (בקשׁ is seek, simply), with accusative lost sheep Deut 22:2; Ezek 34:6; Ezek 34:8; Ezek 34:11 goat Lev 10:16 (twice in verse) (P); with אחר, after green fodder Job 39:8.
b. inquire, investigate (a matter), absolute Judg 6:29; Deut 13:15; Deut 17:4; Deut 17:9; Deut 19:18 with accusative כָּללְֿבָבוֺת ׳דּוֺרֵשׁ י all hearts Yahweh searches 1Chr 28:9 לִדְרשׁ הַמּוֺפֵת to inquire into the wonder 2Chr 32:31 with לְ, to inquire about 2Sam 11:3; Job 10:6 followed by עַל person + infinitive 2Chr 24:6 apply to the Levites to bring, etc., compare 2Chr 31:9 (עַל both person and thing).

5. ask for, require, demand, with accusative of thing Ezek 20:40 + מִן person Deut 23:22; Mic 6:8 exact, often with collateral idea of avenging, מֵעִם Deut 18:19, so with מִיַּד Ezek 34:10, דָּרַשׁ דָּם מִיַּד Gen 9:5 (P) Ezek 33:6 accusative only, דֹּרֵשׁ דמים Ps 9:13, רִשְׁעוֺ ׳ד Ps 10:15 absolute vPs 10:4 vPs 10:13; 2Chr 24:22.

6. seek with application, study, follow, practise, absolute by wisdom Eccl 1:13 with accusative מִשְׁפָּט ׳ד study or practise justice Isa 1:17; Isa 16:5 ׳מַעֲשֵׂי י Ps 111:2 טוֺב וְאַלרַֿע Amos 5:14 commands of God Ps 119:45; Ps 119:94; Ps 119:155; 1Chr 28:8 the law Ear 1Chr 7:10 שׁלום ׳ד seek or study the peace, welfare of any one Deut 23:7; Jer 29:7; Ezra 9:12, לשׁלום Jer 38:4, טוב ׳ד Esth 10:3, רעה ׳ד Prov 11:27; Ps 38:13 (compare בקשׁ 2, where this use is more common).

7. seek with care, care for, ארץ אשׁר יהוה אלהיך דֹּרֵשׁ אתהּ land which Yahweh thy God careth for Deut 11:12 אַליִֿדְרְשֵׁהוּ אֱלוֺהַּ let not Eloah care for it Job 3:4 ׳אוֺתָךְ לֹא יִד Jer 30:14 דָּֽרְשָׁה צֶמֶר Prov 31:13 with לְ Jer 30:17 אֵין דּוֺרֵשׁ לְנַפְשִׁי no one careth for me Ps 142:5 but in both these לְ perhaps belongs to אֵין, compare || אֵין לִי מַכִּיר Ps 142:5, also Lam 4:4 etc.; דְּרוּשָׁה cared for (of Jerusalem) Isa 62:12. Niph`al Perfect נִדְרָ֑שׁ Gen 42:22, נִדְרַשְׁתִּי Isa 65:1, נִדְרָ֑שׁוּ 1Chr 26:31 Imperfect אִדָּרֵשׁ Ezek 14:3; Ezek 20:3; Ezek 20:31; Ezek 20:31; Ezek 36:37 Infinitive absolute הַאִדָּרשׁ Ezek 14:3 (for ההדרשׁ); —

1. let oneself be inquired of, consulted, only of God Ezek 14:3 (twice in verse); Ezek 20:3; Ezek 20:31; Ezek 20:31; Ezek 36:37; Isa 65:1.

2. be sought out 1Chr 26:31.

3. be required, of blood (compare Qal 5) Gen 42:22 (E).

Note. — וְדָרְשׁוּ מֵחָרְבוֺתֵיהֶם and beg out of their desolate places Ps 109:10 (Ki and others wed©ršu, see Baer); many MSS. read דָּֽרְשׁוּ, so most interpretations; ᵐ5 Hup Bi Che read גֹּרְשׁוּ be driven from.

seek, inquire, sought, inquired, require, …

dāraš

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require

(Qal)

to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place)

of God

to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God)

וְ ֝שָׁ֗בוּ

וְ

Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)

֝שָׁ֗בוּ

Root word return, again, returned, turn, back, …

Dictionary form: שׁוּב · shoob

Verb — Qal, Sequential Perfect (Weqatal), third person plural simple action — "he did" carries the story forward — try "and he will ___" the built-in subject is "they"

In the KJV here: him and they returned

return ×69 returned ×56 and returned ×24 shall return ×23 again ×22 turn ×21 to return ×16 turn again ×13

More options

return — Most direct modern equivalent; fits most contexts.

turn back — Emphasizes reversal of direction or course.

come back — Informal, relational tone; good for personal or narrative contexts.

restore — Best when the subject brings something back to prior state.

repent — Prefer in theological contexts of moral/spiritual turning.

go back — Stresses departure from current position; informal register.

BDB8502 H7725

שׁוּב₁₀₅₆ verb turn back, return (Late Hebrew id.; Hiph`il in MI^{8 f. 12}; Sabean תֿיב, התֿב, especially requite Os^{ZMG xix (1865), 198} SabDenkm^{No. 20, l. 1} Hom^{Chrest. 122} CIS^{iv. 81, i. 9, etc}.; Arabic return, so Aramaic תּוּב, ); —

Qal₆₈₅ Perfect 3 masculine singular שָׁב Gen 18:33 +, 3 feminine singular שָׁ֫בָה Ruth 1:15 +, וְשָׁבַת consecutive Ezek 46:17 (Ges^{«GKC:72o»§ 72o}, but Co Toy Krae וְשֶׁבָה), 2 masculine singular שַׁבְתָּ Ps 85:2, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יָשׁוּב Hos 11:5 + often, יָשֻׁב Ps 146:4; Lam 3:3, jussive יָשֹׁב Judg 7:3 +, וַיָּ֫שָׁב Gen 26:18 +; 3 feminine plural תָּשֹׁבְןָ Ezek 16:55 (twice in verse), תְּשֻׁבֶינָה vEzek 16:55, etc.; Imperative masculine singular שׁוּב Gen 31:3 +, שֻׁב Exod 4:19; 1Kgs 18:43, שׁוּ֫בָה Hos 14:2 +, feminine plural שֹׁבְנָה Ruth 1:8; Ruth 1:11; Ruth 1:12, etc.; Infinitive absolute שׁוֺב Gen 8:3 +, construct שׁוּב Exod 4:21 +, שֹׁב Josh 2:16 (Ges^{«GKC:72q»§ 72q}), etc.; Participle שָׁב Gen 43:18 +, feminine singular שָׁבָ֫ה Ruth 1:22 +, etc.; passive construct שׁוּבֵי Mic 2:8 — turn back, return:

1. turn back, with מִן local Judg 3:19; Judg 8:13, compare Judg 7:3, with מֵאַחֲרֵי person, i.e. from following 2Sam 11:15; 1Kgs 19:21; Ruth 1:16, from pursuing 2Sam 2:26; 2Sam 2:30; 1Kgs 22:33 = 2Chr 18:32 with מִן of pursuit 1Sam 17:53; 1Sam 23:28, compare 2Chr 11:4 with אַחֲרֵי person, i.e. so as to follow 1Sam 15:31; 2Sam 23:10 turn back in fear, מִן of thing Job 39:22 (of horse), מִפְּנֵי כֹל Prov 30:30 (of lion), so absolute (of foes) Ps 6:11; Ps 56:10; Ps 70:4, in shame Lam 1:8 turn back and do so and so: Gen 14:7; Exod 14:2, compare Num 33:7 (עַל location, both P), Josh 8:21 (E), Josh 11:10 (J), 1Chr 21:20, followed by infinitive 2Chr 20:27 absolute turn back (face about) Song 7:1 (4 t. in verse) (+ verb); = be repulsed, defeated Ps 9:4; Ps 74:21 figurative turn back, namely, from a promise or a vow Judg 11:35 with מִן of service Num 8:25 (P), i.e. be exempt.

2. return, come or go back, with מֵעַל person 1Sam 17:15 (opposed to הלד), 2Sam 10:14; 2Kgs 18:14, מִן person Josh 10:31 (+ בְּשָׁלוֺם), מִן local, especially from foreign land 2Kgs 8:3; 2Chr 10:2; Ruth 1:6; Ruth 1:22; Ruth 2:6; Ruth 4:3; Jer 31:16; Jer 40:12; Jer 43:5; Jer 44:28; Ezra 6:21; Neh 8:17, מֵהַכּוֺת Gen 14:17 (J E ?), 1Sam 17:57; 1Sam 18:6; 2Sam 1:1; 2Sam 8:13, מֵאַחֲרֵי i.e. from pursuing 1Sam 24:2 (Gi v.1Sam 23:1); figurative, מִנִּי חשֶׁךְ ׳לֹא שׁ Job 15:22 (see חשֶׁךְ 3 a); עִבְרוּ זָשׁוּבוּ מִשַּׁעַר לָשַׁעַר Exod 32:27 (J), i.e. go back and forth from gate to gate, compare (absolute) participle as substantive עֹבֵר וָשָׁב Zech 7:14; Zech 9:8 and (= all persons) Ezek 35:7 also וַיֵּצֵא יָצוֺא וָשׁוֺב Gen 8:7 (J), רָצוֺא וָשׁוֺב Ezek 1:14 (strike out Hi Co Toy and others; yet see Krae); Gen 8:3 (J) see הלד 4 c (4).

3. especially return unto:
a. go back, אֶל person Num 23:5; Num 23:16 (JE), 2Kgs 1:6 (|| הָלַךְ, as often), Exod 5:22 (J; ׳אֶליֿ), Exod 32:31 (E; id), Num 17:15 (P), 2Sam 20:22 (+ accusative of location), Jer 46:16 (both + אֶל location), + 17 t.; אֶל location also Gen 21:32; Gen 28:21 (both E), 2Sam 11:4; Hos 5:15 (of ׳י), 2Chr 19:1 (+ בְּשָׁלוֺם, + ל person), Esth 2:14 (opposed to בּוֺא), Esth 7:8 (+ מִן local), + 27 t.; of a dog עַלקֵֿאוֺ ׳שׁ Prov 26:11 ל location Gen 18:33 (J), 1Sam 26:25; 1Sam 29:4; 1Kgs 19:15 (+ ה- locative), Gen 33:16 (J; לְדַרְכּוֺ, + id.), Ps 7:8 (of ׳י), + 25 t.; ל person Ruth 1:10 (לְעַמֵךְ); ה- locative also Gen 44:13 (J), Exod 4:20; Exod 4:21 (R), Exod 13:17 (E), + 5 t.; שָׁם (= שָׁ֫מָּה) Jer 22:27 accusative of location also Hos 8:13; Hos 9:3; 1Sam 18:2; 2Sam 3:27; 2Sam 15:27 (+ בְּשָׁלוֺם), 2Kgs 2:25 (+ מִן local), + 15 t.; accusative דֶּרֶךָ Ezek 46:9 accusative of person Num 10:36 אַחֲרֵי person Ruth 1:15 absolute 2Sam 3:16; 2Sam 19:16 (+ בּוֺא), 1Kgs 18:43; Jer 40:5 (< strike out ᵐ5 Gie Du), Ezek 7:13b (strike out ᵐ5 Co Krae and others) +; followed by verb, go back and do so and so, Gen 43:2; 1Sam 1:19; 1Sam 29:7 (שׁוּב וְלֵךְ בְּשָׁלוֺם), 1Kgs 13:22; 2Chr 18:16 (+ בְּשָׁלוֺם) +, (Jer 42:10 read יָשׁוֺב Vrss and modern); followed by infinitive purpose Judg 14:8; 2Sam 6:20 + 10 t.
b. come back, אֶל person Gen 8:9 (J; + אֶל location), Exod 24:14 (J), 1Sam 23:23 + 2Sam 17:3 (ᵐ5 Ew Th We Dr HPS Bu), 1Kgs 12:15 (opposed to הָלַךְ) + 9 t. + (in hostility) Judg 20:48 אֶל location also Zech 8:3 (subject ׳י); Josh 22:32 (P) has מֵאֵת person + מִן local + אֶל location + אֶל person; אֶל of thing Ezek 7:13 עַל person Neh 4:6; Mic 5:2 (be reunited to); עַל location 1Kgs 17:21; 1Kgs 17:22 ל location Josh 1:15 (R), Zech 1:16 (subject ׳י), 2Chr 30:9 + (from exile) 5 t.; ל animal., Job 39:4 ה- locative Gen 15:16 (E), Gen 50:14 (J); accusative of location 2Chr 19:8 שָׁם Jer 20:11 (opposed to יָצָא), שָׁ֫מָּה vJer 20:27, הֵ֫נָּה Jer 31:8 absolute Gen 43:10 (J), 2Sam 10:5; 2Kgs 1:5; Isa 21:12 (|| אָתָה), Job 39:12 (Kt, so Bu Du; of wild ox), + often; + בְּשָׁלוֺם Judg 8:9; 1Kgs 22:28 (שׁוֺב תָּשׁוּב) = 2Chr 18:27; 2Chr 18:26 + verb, come back and do so and so, Deut 1:45; Deut 30:8; Jer 37:8; 1Kgs 19:7; 1Kgs 20:5; 2Kgs 9:36; Ps 60:2 (title), compare Zech 4:1; Dan 11:10, לָשֶׁבֶת ׳שׁ Num 35:32 (P), לָלֶכֶת ׳שׁ Eccl 5:14.

4. a. of dying, אֶלֿ(הֶ)עָפָר ׳שׁ Gen 3:19 (twice in verse) (J), Ps 104:29; Eccl 3:20, עַלעָֿפָר Job 34:15 לְאַדְמָתוֺ ׳שׁ Ps 146:4, compare אָשׁוּב שָׁ֫מָּה (i.e. בֶּטֶן אִמּוֺ) Job 1:21 (see Di Bu, also Eccl 5:14); לִשְׁא֑וֺלָה ׳שׁ Ps 9:18 so probably absolute Ps 90:3 (> come back to life); of (human) dust, עַלהָֿאָרֶץ ׳שׁ Eccl 12:7 breath, אֶלהָֿאֱלֹהַים ׳שׁ vEccl 12:7.
b. of revival from death, לְבֵיתוֺ ׳שׁ Job 7:10, absolute Job 10:21 (opposed to הָלַךְ), Job 16:22 (id.), Prov 2:19 also with אֶל person 2Sam 12:13.

5. figurative of human relations:
a. return to leader, king, אֶל person, Judg 11:8; 1Kgs 12:27 (twice in verse); to divorced wife Jer 3:1 (opposed to הלד).
b. = change so as to approach (in purpose, desire), אֶלֿ person Jer 15:9 (twice in verse).
c. turn, i.e. resort to, ל person Ps 119:79.
d. return to a physical condition Job 33:25 (ל of thing); to a state or course of life, ל of thing Isa 23:17; Ezek 16:55 (3 t. in verse); Neh 9:17; Ps 85:9 עַל of thing Jer 11:10, הֲלוֺם Ps 73:10 (but corrupt); ב Jer 8:6 (Du reads שָׁט for שָׁב).
e. absolute = change course of action; from good to bad, וַיָּשָׁב וַיִּמְרָראבּוֺ 2Kgs 24:1; Jer 34:11; Jer 34:16 bad to good vJer 34:15 so ׳שׁ alone Job 6:29 (twice in verse) (probably; read וְשׁוּבוּ, so Di Da Bu and others; other interpretations De Du and others). feminine passive participle = averse, שׁוּבֵי מִלְחָמָה Mic 2:8 (> We Now שְׁבִי spoil of war).

6. figurative, specifically of spiritual relations:
a. turn back from God, = apostatize, ׳מֵאַחֲרֵי י Num 14:43 (J), 1Sam 15:11; 1Kgs 9:6 (שׁוֺב תְּשֻׁב֫וּן), Jer 3:19; Num 32:15; Josh 22:16; Josh 22:18; Josh 22:23; Josh 22:29 (all P); absolute (usually + verb) Judg 2:19; Judg 8:33; Josh 23:12 (R^D), Jer 8:4; Ps 78:41; 2Chr 7:19.
b. of ׳י, turn away, מֵאַחֲרֵי person Deut 23:15.
c. turn back to God (= seek penitently), ׳אֶליֿ Hos 6:1; Hos 7:10; Hos 14:3; Jer 3:7; 1Kgs 8:33; 1Kgs 8:48 (בְּכָלֿ לֵבָב), + 18 t.; אֶלאֱֿלֹהִים Hos 5:4; Ps 51:15, compare Isa 10:21 ׳עַליֿ 2Chr 15:4; 2Chr 30:9 ׳עַדיֿ Amos 4:6; Amos 4:8; Amos 4:9; Amos 4:10; Amos 4:11; Hos 14:2; Isa 9:12 + 5 t.; עַדשַֿׁדַּי Job 22:23 ׳לי Isa 31:6, נַפְשִׁי ׳שׁ לִמְנוּחָ֑יְכְי Ps 116:7 compare לַבַּעַל Hos 7:16 (for לֹא עָל, Now, compare Marti); לְתוֺכַחְתִּי Prov 1:23 (probably strike out, see Toy).
d. absolute repent, Hos 3:15; Hos 11:5; Isa 6:10; Isa 10:22; Jer 3:7; Jer 3:12; Jer 3:14; Jer 3:22; Jer 4:1; Jer 5:3 + 14 t., + participle as substantive Isa 1:27.
e. turn back from evil, with מִן (especially Jeremiah, Ezekiel) 1Kgs 8:35; 1Kgs 13:33; Jer 15:7; Jer 18:8 + 8 t. Jeremiah; Ezek 3:19; Ezek 13:22 + 12 t. Ezekiel,+ 9 t.; compare שָׁבֵי פֶשַׁע Isa 59:20 שׁוּבוּ וְהָשִׁיבוּ מִן Ezek 18:30, so with מֵעַל Ezek 14:6 from good, with מִן, Ezek 3:20; Ezek 18:24; Ezek 18:26; Ezek 33:18. feminine of ׳י, מֵחֲרוֺן אַפּוֺ ׳שׁ Exod 32:12 (JE), Deut 13:18; Josh 7:26 (J), 2Kgs 23:26; Jonah 3:9 ׳מִמֶּנּוּ אַףיֿ ׳שׁ Hos 14:5; Jer 2:35; Jer 4:8; Num 25:4 (P), 2Chr 12:12; 2Chr 29:10; 2Chr 30:8, so (man's anger) Gen 27:45 (J) and (absolute) vGen 27:44 (E); absolute of ׳אַףיֿ Isa 5:25; Isa 9:11; Isa 9:16; Isa 9:20; Isa 10:4; Isa 12:1; (opposed to יָצָא vJer 23:19), Jer 30:24; Job 14:13; Dan 9:16.
g. of ׳י, return (to shew favour), אֶל person Gen 18:10 (+ infinitive absolute), vGen 18:14; Zech 1:3; Mal 3:7; 2Chr 30:6, absolute Isa 63:17; Ps 80:15 (|| הִבִּיט, פָּקַד), Ps 90:13, + verb Jer 12:15; Ps 6:5; Joel 2:14; Jonah 3:9 also in hostility, + verb Josh 24:20 (E), with infinitive purpose Hos 11:9.
h. of ׳י, turn back from (מִן) judgment Jer 4:28, אֱמֶת Ps 132:11 מֵאַחֲרֵי person, i.e. cease to bless, Jer 32:40.

7. of inanimate things (sometimes personified, or treated as things of life):
a. as perceptibly moving, water Gen 8:3 (J; מֵעַל location), Josh 4:18 (J; ל location), Exod 14:26 (P; עַל person), vExod 14:28 (P; + verb), Ps 104:9 (ל infinitive), sea Exod 14:27 (J; לְאֵיתָנוֺ); wind Ps 78:39 (opposed to הלד), Eccl 1:6 (עַל location); shadow 2Kgs 20:9; 2Kgs 20:10 (+ אֲחֹרַנִּית), || Isa 38:8 (sun on dial), of breath (= revive) Judg 15:19; 1Sam 30:12 (אֶל person); clouds Eccl 12:2 (מִן temporal); rain and snow Isa 55:10 (ה locative); rolling stone Prov 26:27 sword 2Sam 1:22 (מִן of thing), Ezek 21:10, arrow Jer 50:9 of plague-spot = re-appear, Lev 14:43 (P).
b. = be brought back, Gen 43:18 (J), 1Sam 5:11 (ל location), hence be restored, ל person Ezek 46:17, so of kingdom 1Kgs 12:26, city 1Sam 7:14 (Ezek 35:9 see ישׁב 4), field Lev 27:24 (P); of animal Deut 28:31.
c. = be turned into, ל of thing, Isa 29:17 = be turned back into, עַד thing, Mic 1:7.
d. return, figurative of word, (1) Isa 45:23, with אֶל person Isa 55:11 (both opposed to יָצָא); (2) Ps 35:13 my prayer turned upon (עַל) my bosom (was uttered with bowed head, De Bae Du).
e. turn away, depart, of infamy Prov 25:10. feminine return (in recompense), of crime, evil, etc., with בְּראֹשׁ 1Kgs 2:33; Obad 1:15; Ps 7:17, עַלרֿאֹשׁ Esth 9:25, ל person Ps 54:7 (Kt; > Qr Hiph`il), Prov 12:14.
g. Ps 94:15 judgement (-giving) shall return to (עַד) righteousness (be in accord therewith).
h. of boundary, = change (sometimes reverse) direction (P), ה- locative Josh 19:12 (+ מִן local), vJosh 19:34 (+ accusative of location), accusative of location also vJosh 19:27 vJosh 19:29 (+ עַד location), vJosh 19:29.
i. be restored to healthy condition, of withered hand 1Kgs 13:6 (twice in verse) (אֶל person), leprous hand Exod 4:7 (J; with כ compare), flesh 2Kgs 5:10 (ל person), v2Kgs 5:14; Lev 13:16 (|| נֶהְפַּךְ לְלָבָן).

8. denoting repetition, etc. (Ges^{«GKC:120d»§ 120 d g}): + verb, return (and) do = do again, Gen 26:18; Gen 30:31; Num 11:4 (all J), Judg 19:7; 1Sam 3:5; 1Sam 3:6; 1Kgs 13:33; 1Kgs 19:6; 2Kgs 1:11; 2Kgs 1:13; 2Kgs 19:9; 2Kgs 21:3 = 2Chr 33:3; Jer 18:4; Jer 36:28; Zech 5:1; Zech 6:1; Mal 1:4; Job 10:16; Job 17:10; Ps 7:13; Dan 9:25, perhaps also 2Chr 19:4 compare Isa 6:13 = it, in turn, shall be destroyed (destruction shall be repeated in its case), Lam 3:3 apparently = do repeatedly; ׳שׁ + Infinitive absolute Eccl 4:1; Eccl 4:7; Eccl 9:11 in comparative עוֺד תָּשׁוּב תִּרְאֶה Ezek 8:6 thou shalt see yet greater abominations, so vEzek 8:13 and (מִן compare) vEzek 8:15 ׳שׁ + Infinitive construct Deut 24:4; Deut 30:9; Josh 5:2 (R^D), Jer 36:28; Ezek 8:17; Ezra 9:14; Neh 9:28; Job 7:7; Eccl 1:7 = reverse one's action, + verb Josh 2:23 (E), Hos 2:11; 2Kgs 13:25; Deut 30:3; Mic 7:19; Zech 8:15; Ps 71:20 (twice in verse); Ps 85:7 = restore to original condition by doing, + verb Deut 23:14.

9. transitive, peculiarly, in phrase ׳שׁ שְׁבוּת restore captivity of, etc., approximately 21 t. (see שְׁבוּת below שָׁבָה); צִיּוֺן ׳י ׳שׁ Isa 52:8, ׳שׁ with suffix person Ps 85:5 elsewhere only ׳אֶתגְּֿאוֺן יַעֲקֹב וגו ׳וְשָׁב י Nah 2:3, compare

Hiph`il 6.

Po`el 1. bring back, Perfect 1 singular וְשֹׁבַבְתִּ֫י, with accusative of person + אֶל location Jer 50:19 (׳י subject), Infinitive construct suffix בְּשׁוֺבְבִי, with מִן local Ezek 39:27 and (figurative) לְשׁוֺבֵב, with אֶל person Isa 49:5 Imperfect 2 masculine singular תְּשׁוֺבֵב לָנוּ Ps 60:3 = take us back into power.

2. a. figurative restore, refresh, 3 masculine singular נַפְשִׁי יְשׁוֺבֵב Ps 23:3 (׳י subject); compare Hiph`il 2 b. b. restore, repair, Participle מְשׁוֺבֵב נְתִיבוֺח לָשָׁ֑בֶת Isa 58:12.

3. lead away (enticingly), Perfect 1 singular suffix (of Gog), ׳י subject, וְשׁוֺבַבְתִּיךָ Ezek 38:4 (strike out Co), ׳וְשׁ Ezek 39:2 so figurative 3 feminine singular suffix וְדַעְתֵךְ הִיא שׁוֺבְבָ֑תֶךְ Isa 47:10 (of Babylonian ); — Jer 50:6 see

Qal. 4. shew turning = apostatize (compare Hiph`il 8), Perfect 3 feminine singular שׁוֺבְבָה Jer 8:5 (read שׁוֺבֵב, and strike out ירושׁלם, with ᵐ5). — See also שׁוֺבֵב infra. Pu`lal Participle feminine מְשׁוֺבֶ֫בֶת Ezek 38:8 a land restored + מִן of thing. — See also שׁוֺבָב infra.

Hiph`il₃₅₃ Perfect 3 masculine singular Gen 41:13 +; suffix וַהֲשִׁיבְֱ Gen 40:13, וֶהֱשִׁיבְךָ Deut 28:68 2 masculine singular הֱשִׁיבוֺתָ Ps 85:4, וַהֲשֵׁבֹתָ֫ Deut 4:39; Deut 30:1, suffix וַהֲשֵׁיבוֺתָם 2Chr 6:25 1 singular consecutive וַהֲשִׁיב֫וֺתִי Amos 1:8, וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֫י Num 22:8 +, suffix וְהוֺשְׁבוֺתִים Zech 10:6 (but read וַהֲשִׁבוֺתִים, see ישׁב Hiph`il), etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יָשִׁיב Exod 21:34 +, (read יָשִׁב Dan 11:18; Dan 11:19 > Qr vDan 11:18 יָשֵׂם), וַיָּ֫שֶׁב Gen 20:14 +; suffix יְשִׁבֵנִי 2Sam 15:8 +, וַיְשִׁיבֵם 2Chr 19:4 + 1Sam 12:8 Vrss We Dr and others; 3 feminine plural תָּשֵׁבְנָה Job 20:10, etc.; Imperative masculine singular הָשֵׁב Gen 20:7 +, הָשֵׁיב 2Kgs 8:6, הָשַׁ֑ב Isa 42:22, so הָשַׁ֖ב Ezek 21:35 (see Ke and still Toy; Ew Sm Krae Infinitive absolute הָשֵׁב), הָשִׁיבָה Judg 11:13 +, etc.; Infinitive absolute הָשֵׁב Exod 23:4 +; construct הָשִׁיב Gen 42:35 +, etc.; Participle מֵשִׁיב Gen 20:7 +, etc.; — cause to return, bring back:

1. a. with accusative of person + אֶל location Gen 24:5 (J; הֶהָשֵׁב אָשִׁיב), Gen 28:15 (J), Gen 42:37 (E), Gen 48:21 (E), +; especially from exile 1Kgs 8:34 = 2Chr 6:25; Jer 27:22 + 5 t. Jeremiah; + אֶל person 1Kgs 22:26 = 2Chr 18:25 + עַל location Jer 16:15; Jer 23:3; Jer 24:6 + ל location Jer 12:15 + accusative of location 2Sam 15:8 (read הָשֵׁב יְשִׁבֵנִי Vrss Th We Dr and others), Deut 28:68; Ezek 29:14; Ezek 47:6; 2Chr 33:13, etc.; + מִן local Jer 41:16; Zech 10:10, מֵאֵת person Jer 41:16, מִן infinitive 2Chr 25:13 accusative of person only Judg 19:3; 1Kgs 13:20; 1Kgs 13:23 +; bring back into bondage, etc., Jer 34:11; Jer 34:16 = allow to return Jer 15:19 accusative of person + of thing (= recover, recapture), Jer 28:6 (+ אֶל location, מִן local); = recover, rescue, Gen 14:16 (accusative of person + thing), Ps 35:17 (accusative נַפְשִׁי, מִן of thing); accusative of thing + אֶל person Gen 44:8 (J), + עַל person Exod 15:9 (song), Prov 20:26 + אֶל location 1Kgs 14:28 = 2Chr 12:11; Jer 28:3; 2Chr 24:11 accusative of hand, אֶלפֶּֿה 1Sam 14:27; Prov 19:24; Prov 26:15 especially of ׳י's hand, in judgment, followed by עַל Amos 1:8; Isa 1:25; Zech 13:7; Ps 81:15, also of man's hand Jer 6:9; Ezek 38:12 + accusative of location 2Sam 15:25; 2Sam 15:29 + שָׁם Neh 13:9 accusative of thing alone Gen 43:12; Gen 43:21 (both בְּיֶדְכֶם), Gen 14:16 (= recapture), 1Sam 6:21; 1Sam 30:19; 1Kgs 13:29 (corpse), Lev 26:26 (H); with accusative animal. 1Sam 6:7 (מֵאַחֲרֵי), Ezek 34:4; Ezek 34:16 (figurative); shadow on dial 2Kgs 20:11 = Isa 38:8. — Job 39:12 see Qal 3 b. b. put back: accusative of thing, stone, עַלפִּֿי הַבְּאֵר Gen 29:3 (J), veil עַלפָּֿנָיו Exod 34:35 (P), Dagon לִמְקוֺמוֺ 1Sam 5:3, rod לִפְנֵי הָעֵדוּת Num 17:25 (P), sword, + אֶל of sheath, 1Chr 21:27; Ezek 21:35 (accusative om); hand אֶלחֵֿיק Exod 4:7 (twice in verse) (J; opposed to הוֺצִיא).
c. = draw back, hand Gen 38:29 (J), 1Kgs 13:4 (opposed to שָׁלַךְ; + אֶל reflexive), Josh 8:26 (E; opposed to נטה), so, figurative, ׳י subject Lam 2:3 (מִפְּנֵי, אָחוֺר), Ps 74:11 with מִן = refrain from Lam 2:8; Ezek 18:8; Ezek 18:17 (i.e. from oppressing), Ezek 20:22 (מִן omitted); foot, with מִן Isa 58:13 (figurative); draw in breath Job 9:18.
d. = give back, restore, accusative of person or thing: + ל person Gen 20:14 (E), vGen 20:7 (E; accusative omitted), Exod 23:4 (E; הָשֵׁב תָּשִׁיב), Deut 22:1 (id.; both accusative animal.), Deut 24:13 (id.), Exod 22:25 (E), Judg 17:3 (twice in verse); Judg 17:4; 1Sam 12:3; 2Sam 9:7; Deut 22:2 (P), Neh 5:11, so 2Sam 16:3; 1Kgs 12:21 = 2Chr 11:1 (all accusative of kingdom), with accusative צְדָקָה Job 33:26 + אֶל person Gen 37:22 (E; accusative of person); + אֶל location Gen 42:25 (E); accusative of thing only, 2Kgs 8:6; Ezek 18:7 (read Infinitive absolute שׁוֺב for חוֺב, Co Toy Krae), Ezek 18:12; Ezek 33:15; Lev 5:33 (P), Num 5:7 (P; + בְּראֹשׁוֺ = in full), Ps 69:5 (opposed to גָּזַל), so of land (or city) Judg 11:13; 1Kgs 20:34; Neh 5:12, compare 2Kgs 14:28 (+ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל), 2Kgs 16:6 (+ לַאֲרָם); = win back 2Kgs 13:25; 2Kgs 14:22 (+ ל terr.) = 2Chr 26:2, boundary (i.e. re-establish it) 2Kgs 14:25 restore ruined city Dan 9:25 (+ לִבְנוֺת), conquered nation Ps 80:4; Ps 80:8; Ps 80:20 joy, accusative + ל person Ps 51:14. — 2Sam 8:3 see יָד

2. — Acc. person only, Gen 20:7 (E), Isa 42:22 restore to office, accusative of person + עַל Gen 40:13; Gen 40:21 (E), אֶל location 2Sam 19:12, accusative of person only, 2Sam 19:11; 2Sam 19:13; 2Sam 19:44, compare Isa 1:26 = pay back money, Lev 25:27 (ל person), vLev 25:51 vLev 25:52.
e. = relinquish, with accusative of thing, Job 20:10. feminine = give in payment, requital, with accusative of thing + apposition 1Sam 6:8 (ל person), v1Sam 6:17 (id.; compare טְחוֺד); also pay as tribute (in answer to demand), accusative of thing 2Kgs 17:3; Ps 72:10, + ל person 2Kgs 3:4; 2Chr 27:5 give in exchange Ezek 27:15.
g. bring one back (from dead) 2Sam 12:23, so with מִנִּי Job 33:20 on other hand, אֶלעָֿפָר Job 10:9 = מָוֶת (accusative) Job 30:23, compare עַדדַּֿכָּא Ps 90:3.

2. a. bring back heart, לֵב, עַל person Mal 3:24 אֵלֶיךָ ׳הֲשִׁיבֵנוּ י Lam 5:21 (< Bu retore, strike out אליד); ׳הֵשִׁיב אֶליֿ Neh 9:26 (compare vNeh 9:29), 2Chr 19:4; 2Chr 24:19, also (מִן of evil) Jer 23:22, absolute Jer 31:18.
b. accusative נֶפֶשׁ = refresh Lam 1:11; Lam 1:16; Lam 1:19; Ps 19:8; Prov 25:13; Ruth 4:15.

3. bring back words of people, ׳אֶליֿ Exod 19:8 (E); then, in general, bring back word, דָּבָר, report to, + accusative of person Gen 37:14; Num 13:26; Num 22:8 (all E), Deut 1:22; Deut 1:25; Josh 14:7 (R^D), Josh 22:32 (P), + 8 t; = answer 1Sam 17:30; 2Sam 3:11; 1Kgs 12:6 = 2Chr 10:6 + 6 t., + (accusative מִלִּין) Job 35:4 also (דָּבָר omitted) Job 13:22; Job 20:2; Job 33:5; Job 33:32; 2Chr 10:16; Neh 6:4 (כַּדָּבָר הַזֶּה); accusative אֲמָרִים + ל person Judg 5:29; Prov 22:21 later with ל person alone 1Sam 12:3 with clause oratio recta [direct speech], אֶל person Esth 4:13; Esth 4:15 similar phrases, Ezek 9:11; Prov 18:13; Prov 24:26; Prov 26:16; Hab 2:1; Job 31:14; Job 32:14 (Gi vJob 32:15), Job 40:4.

4. a. bring back (in retribution, compare Qal 7 f) upon, subject often ׳י, accusative of evil, Judg 9:56, בְּראֹשׁ Judg 9:5; 1Sam 25:39; 1Kgs 2:44 Joel 1Kgs 4:4; 1Kgs 4:7, עַלרֿאֹשׁ 1Kgs 2:32, אֶלרֿאֹשׁ Neh 3:36 ל person Gen 50:15 (E), 1Sam 6:3 (הָשֵׁב תָּשִׁיבוּ), v1Sam 6:4; 1Sam 25:31 (return evil for good), +, etc.; absolute = make requital, ל person 2Chr 6:23 + (כ compare) Hos 12:3; Prov 24:12; Prov 24:29 with accusative of good, ל person 2Sam 16:12; 2Sam 26:23; with כ compare + ל person Ps 18:21; Ps 18:25 = 2Sam 22:21; 2Sam 22:25, and (כ compare only) 2Chr 32:25 requite ׳י's benefits, accusative of thing + ׳לי Ps 116:12, compare Num 18:9 (P).
b. pay as recompense, לִבְעָלָיו ׳כֶּסֶף יָשׁ Exod 21:34 (E); so (figurative) of ׳י, ננָקָם לְ ׳הֵשׁ Deut 32:41; Deut 32:43, בְּחֵמָה אַפּוֺ ׳לְהָשׁ Isa 66:15.

5. turn back, backward = repel, defeat, with אֶתפְּֿנֵי 2Kgs 18:24 = Isa 36:9, accusative מִלְחָמָה Isa 28:6, accusative of sword Ps 89:44, accusative of person + אָחוֺר Ps 44:11 (+ מִנִּי person), Isa 44:25 (figurative, = refute, confute), figurative of calamity Lam 1:13 = repulse, hinder Jer 2:24, especially accusative Isa 14:27 (׳יַדיֿ), compare Isa 43:13, Job 9:12; Job 11:10; Job 23:13 = reject, refuse, ׳(אֶתֿ)פְּנֵי פ 1Kgs 2:16; 1Kgs 2:17; 1Kgs 2:20 (twice in verse); 2Chr 6:42; Ps 132:10.

6. a. turn away face, figurative, + מֵעַל of thing Ezek 14:6 accusative of person + מִן Mal 2:6 anger of ׳י (accusative) + מֵעַל person Num 25:11 (P), Prov 24:18, מִן person Jer 18:20; Ezra 10:14 accusative only, Job 9:13; Ps 78:38; Ps 106:23 accusative of human anger Prov 15:1; Prov 29:8.
b. late, turn toward, accusative face, ל location Dan 11:18; Dan 11:19, accusative foot, אֶל of thing Ps 119:59 (figurative).

7. turn against, אֶלאֵֿל, with accusative רוּחֶ֑ךָ Job 15:43.

8. אֶללֵֿבָב ׳הֵשׁ bring back to mind, take into consideration, with accusative Lam 3:21, followed by clause with כִּי Deut 4:39 (compare Dr), object omitted Deut 30:1; 1Kgs 8:47 = 2Chr 6:37; Isa 44:19, + (עַל) Isa 46:8.

9. הֵשִׁיב ׳אֶתשְֿׁבוּת פ Jer 32:44; Jer 33:7; Jer 33:11; Jer 49:6; Lam 2:14; Ezek 39:25 + (Qr Hiph`il, Kt Qal) Jer 33:26; Jer 46:39; Joel 4:1 (see Qal 9).

10. Hiph`il declar., מֵעַל ׳הָשׁ Ezek 14:6 = shew a turning away from your idols (i.e. turn away), compare (מִן) Ezek 18:30, absolute וִחְיוּ ׳הָשׁ vEzek 18:32 of ׳י, מֵחֲרוֺן ׳השׁ אַפֶּ֑ךָ Ps 85:4 (but read probably ׳הֲשִׁיבוֺתה חֲרוֺן א [6 a above]); perhaps in physical sense Jonah 1:13 (אֶל location; We Now that is אֳנִיָּה, etc.).

11. reverse, revoke, accusative (suffix) of thing, i.e. judgment, Amos 1:3; Amos 1:6; Amos 1:9; Amos 1:11; Amos 1:13; Amos 2:1; Amos 2:4; Amos 2:6 blessing Num 23:20 (poem in E), edict Esth 8:5; Esth 8:8.

Hoph`al Perfect 3 masculine singular הוּשַׁב Gen 42:28 my money has been returned! compare Participle הַכֶּסֶף הַמּוּשָׁב Gen 43:12 (both J); ׳לי ׳הַמּ Num 5:8 (P) the אָשָׁם which is restored to ׳י; plural מוּשָׁבִים Jer 27:16 the vessels are about to be brought back, with מִן local; Imperfect 3 masculine singular וַיוּשַׁב אֶתמֿשֶׁה Exod 10:8 (J; compare Ges^{«GKC:121a»§ 121 a, b}) Moses was brought back, with אֶל person

BDB8505 H7726 H7725

I. שׁוֺבָב adjective backturning, recusant, apostate (perhaps for מְשׁוֺבָב, Participle Po`l. Ol^{§ 251 b} Ges^{«GKC:52s»§ 52s} Kö^{i. 454}); — ׳שׁ Isa 57:17 plural שׁוּבוּ בָּנִים שׁוֺבָבִים Jer 3:14; Jer 3:22. — שׁובבים Jer 50:6 Kt < Qr שׁוֺבְבוּם ᵐ5 Comm., compare √ Po`l.

BDB9995 H7725 H8421

תּוּב verb return (ᵑ7 Syriac; Biblical Hebrew שׁוּב); —

Pe`al Imperfect 3 masculine singular יְתוּב, with עַל person, of brightness (זִיו) of face Dan 4:33 b, of knowledge v.Dan 4:31 v.Dan 4:33 a. Haph`el Perfect 3 masculine singular הֲתִיב Dan 2:14 3 masculine plural suffix הֲתִיבוּנָא Ezra 5:11 Imperfect 3 masculine plural יַהֲתִיבוּן Ezra 6:5, יְתִיבוּן (K^{§ 33, 2}) Ezra 5:5 Infinitive suffix לַהֲתָבוּתָח Dan 3:16 —

1. restore, accusative of thing Ezra 6:5.

2. return (accusative of answer, etc.) Ezra 5:5; Ezra 5:11; Dan 3:16 (suffix Persian), ׳עֵטָא וּטְעֵם הֲת Dan 2:14.

return, again, returned, turn, back, …

šûb

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again

to return, turn back

(Qal)

to turn back, return

to turn back

to turn back (from God), apostatise

to bring back

to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment

וְ שִֽׁחֲרוּ

וְ

Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)

שִֽׁחֲרוּ

Root word early, seek, betimes, seeketh, morning

Dictionary form: שָׁחַר · shaw-HAHR

Verb — Piel, Sequential Perfect (Weqatal), third person plural intensive — "he really / thoroughly did" carries the story forward — try "and he will ___" the built-in subject is "they"

In the KJV here: and inquired early

and inquired early ×1 and thou shalt seek me in the morning ×1 early will i seek ×1 he that diligently seeketh ×1 him betimes ×1 me and those that seek me early ×1 me will i seek thee early ×1 rising betimes ×1

More options

seek earnestly — Captures the diligent, intentional effort implied by the root.

seek diligently — Emphasizes persistent, thorough searching; good for wisdom contexts.

seek at dawn — Preserves the literal morning/early-rising nuance of the root.

search eagerly — Conveys urgency and desire; suits poetic or emotional passages.

pursue — Strong, active register; use when longing or chase is foregrounded.

look for early — Plain, conversational phrasing; retains the temporal dawn sense.

BDB8611 H7836

[שָׁחר] verb denominative look early, diligently for (late; originally look for dawn); —

Qal Participle שֹׁחֵר טוֺב Prov 11:27 (|| בִּקֵּשׁ, דָּרַשׁ), elsewhere Pi`el with accusative (suffix) Perfect 3 masculine singular suffix שִׁחֲרוֺ מוּסָר Prov 13:24 seeks him early (with) discipline (chastises him be-times); 2 masculine singular suffix consecutive וְשִׁחַרְתַּ֫נִי וְאֵינֶנִּי Job 7:21 literally Infinitive לְשַׁחֵר פָּנֶיךָ Prov 7:15 of wild asses, Participle מְשַׁחֲרֵי לַטָּ֑רֶף Job 24:5 (Ges^{«GKC:130a»§ 130a}) seeking eagerly for their food; usually of seeking God (׳י) earnestly, Perfect וְשִׁחֲרוּאֵֿל Ps 78:34 (|| דָּרַשׁ), Imperfect 2 masculine singular תְּשַׁחֵר אֶלאֵֿל Job 8:5 (si vera lectio), 3 masculine singular suffix יְשַׁחֲרֻנְנִי (Ges^{«GKC:60e»§ 60e}) Hos 5:15 (|| בִּקֵּשׁ), + Hos 6:3 (see שַׁחַר), and, accusative wisdom, Prov 1:28, Participle suffix מְשַׁחֲרַי Prov 8:17 seek with longing, long for (׳י), אֲשַׁחֲרֶ֑ךָּ Isa 26:9; Ps 63:2.

שַׁחֲרוּת see I. שָׁחַר. above

early, seek, betimes, seeketh, morning

šāḥar

properly, to dawn, i.e., (figuratively) be (up) early at any task (with the implication of earnestness); by extension, to search for (with painstaking)

to seek, seek early or earnestly, look early or diligently for

(Qal) to look for diligently, seek

אֵֽל

Root word god, gods, power, mighty, one, …

Dictionary form: אֵל · ale

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: after god

god ×112 of god ×15 a god ×8 unto god ×7 am god ×6 and god ×5 art my god ×5 my god ×4

More options

God — Preferred when referring to the God of Israel.

god — Use lowercase for foreign or generic deities.

divine being — Neutral; good for ambiguous or poetic contexts.

mighty one — Captures the power/strength nuance of the lemma.

power — Abstract sense; rare but valid in some poetic passages.

idol — Only when context clearly indicates a false or carved god.

BDB425 H410

II. אֵל god, אֶלְדָּד, אֶלְדָּעָה etc. see I. אלה.

BDB428 H410 H1286 H416 H415

II. אֵל noun masculine (also, in proper name אֶל, אֱלִי; Samaritan אל, Phoenician אל, אלן (i.e. probably אֵלֹן), Sabean אל, DHM^{Or. Congr. Leiden, 1883}, Assyrian ilu, Dl^w; perhaps also Arabic, Aramaic compare Nö^{on the passage}; on goddess אלת Phoenician, Palmyrene, Nabataean, Sabean (also אלהת) DHM^{l. c}; Arabic (plural ) Fl^{Kl. Schr. i. 154}, Assyrian Allatu Jr⁶⁶, Syriac , compare also Bae^{Rel 58, 90, 97, 271, 207}) god, but with various subordinate applications to express idea of might; — hardly ever in prose except with defining word (adjective or genitive); its only suffix is יִ֯; —

1. applied to men of might and rank, אֵל גוים mighty one of the nations Ezek 31:11 (of Nebuchadnezzar; ᵐ5 ἄρχων ἔθνων, איל some MSS. Co); אֵלִים mighty men Job 41:17 (אילים, many MSS. Di); אֵלֵי גִבּוֺרִים mighty heroes Ezek 32:21 (אֵילֵי MSS. Co); אֵילֵי הָאֶרֶץ Ezek 17:13; 2Kgs 24:15 (Kt אולי); אֵילִים Exod 15:15 (probably plural of III. אַיִל, q. v.) These readings are uncertain because of an effort to distinguish these forms from the divine name. אֵל גִּבּוֺר mighty hero (as above) ordivine hero (as reflecting the divine majesty) Isa 9:6.

2. angels, בְּנֵי אֵלִים Ps 29:1; Ps 89:7 = בְּנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים.

3. gods of the nations, אֵל אֵלִים God of gods, supreme God Dan 11:36 מִי כָמֹכָה בָּאֵלִם who is like thee among the gods Exod 15:11 idols Isa 43:10; Isa 44:10; Isa 44:15; Isa 44:17; Isa 46:6 מי אל בשמים what God in heaven Deut 3:24 אֵל אחר another god Exod 34:14 (J); אֵל זר foreign god Ps 44:21; Ps 81:10 אל נכר Deut 32:12; Mal 2:11; Ps 81:10.

4. El proper name אל ברית El Berith Judg 9:46 (= בעל ברית Judg 8:33; Judg 9:4) compare also

6.
(f) below

5. as characterizing mighty things in nature, חררי אל mighty mountains Ps 36:7 (literally mountains of El); also Ps 50:10 Ol Bi Che see below II. אלף; ארזי אל mighty cedars Ps 80:11 כוכבי אל lofty stars Isa 14:13.

6. God₂₁₇, the one only and true God of Israel:
(a) הָאֵל the God, the true God Gen 31:13; Gen 35:1; Gen 35:3; Gen 46:3 (E) 2Sam 22:31; 2Sam 22:33; 2Sam 22:48 (= Ps 18:31; Ps 18:33; Ps 18:48) Ps 68:20; Ps 68:21; Ps 77:15 הָאֵל הַנֶּאֱמָן the faithful God Deut 7:9 האל הגדול the great God Deut 10:17 = Jer 32:18; Dan 9:4; Neh 1:5; Neh 9:32 האל הקדשׁ the holy God Isa 5:17 האל יהוה the God Yahweh Isa 42:5; Ps 85:9.
(b) אֵלִי my God Exod 15:2 (poetry) Ps 18:3; Ps 22:2 (twice in verse); Ps 22:11; Ps 63:2; Ps 68:25; Ps 89:27; Ps 102:25; Ps 118:28; Ps 140:7; Isa 44:17.
(c) construct אל בית אל the God of Bethel, who had his seat there Gen 35:7 (E); אל אביך God of thy fathers Gen 49:25 (poetry); אל ישראל Ps 68:36 אל יעקב Ps 146:5 אל השמים the God of heaven Ps 136:26 אל סלעי the God who is my rock Ps 42:10 אל שמחת גילי the God who is the joy of my exultation Ps 43:4 אֵל רֳאִי the God who lets himself be seen Gen 16:13 (J); אל הכבוד the God of glory Ps 29:3 אל דעות the all-knowing God 1Sam 2:3 (poetry); אֵל עוֺלָם the everlasting God Gen 21:33 (J); אל ישועתי Isa 12:2 אל חַיָּ֑י Ps 42:9 אל אמת Ps 31:6 = אל אֱמוּנָה Deut 32:4 (poetry); אל נקמות Ps 94:1 (twice in verse); אל גְּמֻלוֺת Jer 51:56.
(d) אל אֶחָד one God Mal 2:10 אל גדול a great God Deut 7:21; Ps 77:14; Ps 95:3 אל מסתתר a God hiding himself Isa 45:15 אל רחום a compassionate God Exod 34:6 (J) Deut 4:31; Ps 86:15 אל נשא a forgiving God Ps 99:8 אל חַנּוּן a gracious God Neh 9:31; Jonah 4:2 אל קנא a jealous God Exod 20:5; Exod 34:14 (J) Deut 4:24; Deut 5:9; Deut 6:15; Josh 24:19 (D) = אל קנוא Nah 1:2 אֵל חי a living God Josh 3:10 (J) Hos 2:1; Ps 42:3; Ps 84:3 אל צדיק Isa 45:21 לא אֵל חפץ רשע Ps 5:5 לא אֵל Deut 32:21 (poetry) Isa 31:3; Ezek 28:2 (twice in verse); Ezek 28:9 מי אל כמוךָ Mic 7:18 (compare Exod 15:11).
(e) God (the only true God, needing no article or predicate to define him) Num 12:13 (E read אַל Di) always in poetry, Job 5:8 + (55 t. Job), Ps 7:12; Ps 10:11; Ps 10:12; Ps 16:1; Ps 17:6; Ps 19:1; Ps 52:3; Ps 52:7; Ps 55:20; Ps 57:3; Ps 73:11; Ps 73:17; Ps 74:8; Ps 77:10; Ps 78:7; Ps 78:8; Ps 78:18; Ps 78:19; Ps 78:34; Ps 78:41; Ps 82:1; Ps 83:2; Ps 90:2; Ps 104:21; Ps 106:14; Ps 106:21; Ps 107:11; Ps 118:27; Ps 139:17; Ps 139:23; Ps 149:6; Ps 150:1; Isa 40:18; Isa 43:12; Isa 45:14; Isa 45:20; Isa 46:9; Lam 3:41; Hos 11:9; Hos 12:1; Mal 1:9 עִמָּנוּאל God is with us, as name of child in prediction Isa 7:14 compare Isa 8:8; Isa 8:10.
(f) El, a divine name אל אלהי ישראל Gen 33:20 (E); אל אלהי הרוחות Num 16:22 (P = יהוה אלהי הרוחות Num 27:16); אל אלהים יהוה Josh 22:22 (P) Ps 50:1. This is probable also in the ancient poems, Num 23:8; Num 23:19; Num 23:22; Num 23:23; Num 24:4; Num 24:8; Num 24:16; Num 24:23 (poetry Balaam || שדּי & עליון) Deut 32:18; Deut 33:26 (poetry Moses || צוּר & אֱלֹהֵי קֶדֶם) 2Sam 22:32; 2Sam 23:5 (poetry David || צוּר) and in the combinations אל עליון (5 t.; see עליון) & אל שדּי (10 t.; see שַׁדַּי).

7. אֵל strength, power (on connection with I. אָלָה compare Di Gen 1:1; Gen 31:29) in יֶשׁלְֿאֵל יָדִי it is according to the power of my hand = it is in my power, etc. Gen 31:29 (E; followed by לְ + Infinitive); בִּהְיוֺת לְאֵל יָדְ֯יךָ Prov 3:27 (followed by id.); יֶשׁלְֿאֵל יָדָם Mic 2:1 (absolute); negative וְאֵין לְאֵל יָדֶ֑ךָ Deut 28:32 (absolute) = thou shalt be powerless, so Neh 5:5.

**See also Brock^{ZAW xxvi (1906). 29 ff.} (meaning 'might' very dubious: renders belongs to the god of (my) hand, supposing phrase a survival, with original meaning forgotten, of ancient idea, found also among other nations, of spirits conferring powers upon particular members of body).

BDB6146 H6005 H410 H5973

עִמָּנוּאֵל proper name, masculine Immanuel (with us is God); — ׳י Isa 7:14 van d. H. Baer; עִמָּנוּ אֵל Gi; — name of child, symbolizing presence of ׳י to deliver his people (on interpret. see Commentaries) — עִמָּנוּ אֵל Isa 8:8; Isa 8:10 is declaration of trust and confidence, with us is God ! (compare Ps 46:8; Ps 46:12); see עִם.

god, gods, power, mighty, one, …

ʾēl

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity)

god, god-like one, mighty one

mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes

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.

אִם הֲרָגָ֥ם וּדְרָשׁ֑וּהוּ Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וְ֝שָׁ֗בוּ Revia Mugrash — a lesser break וְשִֽׁחֲרוּ אֵֽל Silluq — end of the verse

אִם-הֲרָגָם וּדְרָשׁוּהוּ וְשָׁבוּ וְשִֽׁחֲרוּ-אֵֽל׃

When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God.

Cross References

Hosea 5:15

אֵלֵךְ אָשׁוּבָה אֶל-מְקוֹמִי עַד אֲשֶֽׁר-יֶאְשְׁמוּ וּבִקְשׁוּ פָנָי בַּצַּר לָהֶם יְשַׁחֲרֻֽנְנִי׃

I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.

Numbers 21:7

וַיָּבֹא הָעָם אֶל-מֹשֶׁה וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ חָטָאנוּ כִּֽי-דִבַּרְנוּ בַֽיהוָה וָבָךְ הִתְפַּלֵּל אֶל-יְהוָה וְיָסֵר מֵֽעָלֵינוּ אֶת-הַנָּחָשׁ וַיִּתְפַּלֵּל מֹשֶׁה בְּעַד הָעָֽם׃

Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.

Judges 3:12

וַיֹּסִפוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לַֽעֲשׂוֹת הָרַע בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה וַיְחַזֵּק יְהוָה אֶת-עֶגְלוֹן מֶֽלֶךְ-מוֹאָב עַל-יִשְׂרָאֵל עַל כִּֽי-עָשׂוּ אֶת-הָרַע בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָֽה׃

And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.

Isaiah 26:6

תִּרְמְסֶנָּה רָגֶל רַגְלֵי עָנִי פַּעֲמֵי דַלִּֽים׃

The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.

Hosea 7:14

וְלֹֽא-זָעֲקוּ אֵלַי בְּלִבָּם כִּי יְיֵלִילוּ עַל-מִשְׁכְּבוֹתָם עַל-דָּגָן וְתִירוֹשׁ יִתְגּוֹרָרוּ יָסוּרוּ בִֽי׃

And they have not cried unto me with their heart, when they howled upon their beds: they assemble themselves for corn and wine, and they rebel against me.

Judges 4:3

וַיִּצְעֲקוּ בְנֵֽי-יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל-יְהוָה כִּי תְּשַׁע מֵאוֹת רֶֽכֶב-בַּרְזֶל לוֹ וְהוּא לָחַץ אֶת-בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּחָזְקָה עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָֽה׃

And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.

Jeremiah 22:23

‫(ישבתי)‬ יֹשַׁבְתְּ בַּלְּבָנוֹן ‫(מקננתי)‬ מְקֻנַּנְתְּ בָּֽאֲרָזִים מַה-נֵּחַנְתְּ בְּבֹא-לָךְ חֲבָלִים חִיל כַּיֹּלֵדָֽה׃

O inhabitant of Lebanon, that makest thy nest in the cedars, how gracious shalt thou be when pangs come upon thee, the pain as of a woman in travail!

Judges 3:8

וַיִּֽחַר-אַף יְהוָה בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל וַֽיִּמְכְּרֵם בְּיַד כּוּשַׁן רִשְׁעָתַיִם מֶלֶךְ אֲרַם נַֽהֲרָיִם וַיַּֽעַבְדוּ בְנֵֽי-יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת-כּוּשַׁן רִשְׁעָתַיִם שְׁמֹנֶה שָׁנִֽים׃

Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushan-rishathaim eight years.

Judges 10:7

וַיִּֽחַר-אַף יְהוָה בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל וַֽיִּמְכְּרֵם בְּיַד-פְּלִשְׁתִּים וּבְיַד בְּנֵי עַמּֽוֹן׃

And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon.

Psalms 78:33

Read Psalms 78

Psalms 78:35

Psalms 78:34

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar C

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Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H518

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Vqp3ms/Sp3mp

Verb Chart

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Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H2026

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar C/Vqq3cp/Sp3ms

Verb Chart

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Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H1875

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar C/Vqq3cp

Verb Chart

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Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H7725

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar C/Vpq3cp

Verb Chart

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Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H7836

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Ncmsa

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Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H410

Masoretic Phrasing

KJV