Psalms 78:52

וַיַּסַּ֣ע כַּצֹּ֣אן עַמּ֑וֹ וַֽיְנַהֲגֵ֥ם כַּ֝עֵ֗דֶר בַּמִּדְבָּֽר
But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

וַ יַּסַּ֣ע
וַ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
יַּסַּ֣ע
Root word departed, journeyed, removed, forward, journey, …
Dictionary form: נָסַע · naw-SA

וַ
Vav-consecutive (wayyiqtol) The וַ prefix — vav with patach plus a doubling dagesh in the next letter — flips this verb into story-telling past: translate "and (he) ___ed", not "will ___".

Verb — Hiphil, Sequential Imperfect (Wayyiqtol), third person masculine singular causative — "he made (someone) do" story-telling past — try "and he ___ed" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

In the KJV here: to go forth
and they departed ×21 and they removed ×18 journeyed ×10 set forward ×8 and they journeyed ×5 they journeyed ×5 and journeyed ×4 removed ×4
More options
set out — Best general choice; implies purposeful departure and travel.
travel — Broad and natural; suits extended or repeated journeying.
march — Prefer for military or large-group movement contexts.
move on — Captures the sense of breaking camp and advancing.
depart — Emphasizes the leaving rather than the journey itself.
pull up stakes — Informal; vividly reflects nomadic camp-breaking behind the word.

BDB5243 H5265

BDB5242 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5244

I. נָסַע147 verb pull out or up, set out, journey (Late Hebrew id., move, march; Assyrian nisû, set out, withdraw, etc. DlHWB 470; NöZMG x1(1886), 723 compare also Arabic , Ethiopic [rare] pull up, away, so BaES 51); —

Qal137 Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳נ Gen 33:17 +, 3 masculine plural נָָֽסְעוּ Deut 10:6, נָסָ֑עוּ Num 2:34 +, etc.; Imperfect יִסַּע Isa 33:20, וַיִּסַּע Gen 12:9 +, suffix וַיִּסָּעֵם Judg 16:3 3 masculine plural יִסְעוּ Exod 40:36 +, יִסָּ֑עוּ Num 2:9 +; 2 masculine plural תִּסְעוּ Josh 3:3 1 plural נִסְעָה cohortative Gen 33:12, וַנִּסַּע Deut 1:19; Deut 2:1, וַנִּסְעָה Ezra 8:31, etc.; Imperative סְעוּ Deut 2:24 +; Infinitive absolute Gen 12:9 construct נְסֹעַ Josh 3:14 +; suffix נָסְעָם Gen 11:2; Num 10:34 Participle נֹסֵעַ Exod 14:10; Num 10:33 plural נֹסְעִים Num 10:29 —
1. pull out or up, city-gate and gate-posts Judg 16:3 loom vJudg 16:14 (on text compare GFM), tent-pegs Isa 33:20 (figurative of Jerusalem; compare also Niph`al).
2. hence (from pulling up tent-pegs),
  a. set out Gen 35:5; Num 12:15 (both E), Jer 4:7 (|| יָצָא מִמְּקוֺמוֺ); even of lifeless things, e.g. the ark, הָאָרוֺן Num 10:35 (JE); often in P: Exod 14:15; Exod 40:37; Num 1:51; Num 4:5; Num 4:15; Num 9:17 + 8 t. Num 9; Num 10:5; Num 10:6; Num 10:17; Num 10:18; Num 10:21; Num 10:22; Num 10:25, so probably also Num 2:8 + 6 t. Num 2 (see below; even of lifeless things, דֶּגֶל Num 10:18; Num 10:12, מִשְׁכָּן Num 1:51, אֹהֶל מוֺעֵד Num 2:17), Num 33:3 וַיִּסַּעוַ֗֗֗יָּבֹא Gen 46:1 (E) and Israel set out, and came, etc., Exod 16:1; Exod 19:2; Num 20:22; Josh 9:17 (all P), Deut 1:7, נִסְעָה וְנֵלֵ֑כָה Deut 33:12 (J); (וַ֗֗֗יַּעֲלוּ) וַיִּסְעוּ Judg 18:11, סְעוּ וְעִבְרוּ Deut 2:24 ׳נ often with מִן Gen 35:16 (E), Num 10:34 (JE), מֵאָהֳלֵיהֶם לַעֲבֹר ׳נ Josh 3:14 (JE), set out from their tents, to cross, etc.; compare ׳נ מִןלָ֗֗֗לֶכֶת Ezra 8:31 with מִן + ויבא, Josh 3:1 (JE), Num 33:9 (P), + וַיֵּלֶךְ vNum 33:3 (D), Deut 1:19, + וַיַּעַבְרוּ Num 33:8 (P); + וַיָּשָׁב + וַיַּחֲנוּ Num 33:7 (P).
  b. depart, with מִן Gen 37:17 (J), 2Kgs 3:27; 2Kgs 19:8; 2Kgs 19:36 = Isa 37:8; Isa 37:37 even of עַמּוּד הֶעָנָן Exod 14:19 (J); of angel vExod 14:19 (E; + וַיֵּלֶךְ).
3. journey, march (by stages) Gen 12:9; Gen 35:21 (both J), Num 10:13; Num 10:14; Num 10:28 (P), (possibly also Num 2:9 etc., compare 2 above); + לְמַסְעֵיהֶם according to their stations, i.e. by stages Exod 17:1; Num 10:12 (+ מִן), compare Exod 40:36 (all P); followed by ה locative Gen 12:9; Gen 33:17 (both J), Deut 1:40; Deut 2:1 סְעוּ לָכֶם הַמִּדְבָּר Num 14:25 (JE); followed by מִקֶּדֶם eastward (see מִן
1. c) Gen 11:2; Gen 13:11 (both J), אַחֲרֵי Exod 14:10 (J), אֶלֿ Num 10:29, לִפְנֵי vNum 10:33 (of ark; all J); followed by מִן + ה locative Gen 20:1 (E), Deut 10:6; Deut 10:7; Exod 12:37 (P), + accusative of location Num 11:35 (JE); followed by מִן + accusative of distance, דֶּרֶךְ Num 10:33 (JE), Num 21:4 (P); especially וַיִּסְעוּ מִןוַ֗֗֗יַּחֲנוּ Num 21:12; Num 21:13 (JE), Exod 13:20; Num 21:11; Num 33:5 + 37 t. Num 33 (all P); of shepherds Jer 31:24. — נָָֽסְעוּ כְמוֺ צאֹן Zech 10:2 is dubious; We נָעוּ or יָנֻעוּ, so Now.
4. of wind, ׳רוּחַ מֵאֵת י ׳נ Num 11:31 there set forth (sprang up) a wind from ׳י. Niph`al Perfect be pulled up, removed: 3 masculine singular דּוֺרִי נִסַּע וְנִגְלָה מִנִּי כְּאֹהֶל רֹעִי Isa 38:12 of tent-peg הֲלֹא נִסַּע Job 4:21 (reading יְתֵדָם for יִתְרָם, see II. יֶתֶר). Hiph`il Imperfect 3 masculine singular יַסַּע Ps 78:26, וַיַּסַּע Exod 15:22 + 2 t.; 2 masculine singular תַּסִּיעַ Ps 80:9, 3 feminine singular תַּסִּיעִי 2Kgs 4:4 3 masculine plural וַּיַּסִּ֫עוּ 1Kgs 5:31 Participleמַסִּיעַ Eccl 10:9 —
1. cause to set out, lead out, with accusative of person Exod 15:22 (J; + מִן, וַיֵּצְאוּ), Ps 78:52 (כַּצּאֹן; || וַיְנַהֲגֵם), Ps 80:9 (מִן; figurative of vine); figurative of a wind, cause to spring up, יַסַּע קָדִים Ps 78:26 (|| וַיְנַהֵג; compare Qal 4).
2. remove, with accusative of thing 2Kgs 4:4 וַיַּסַּע כָּעֵץ תִּקְוָתִי Job 19:10 specifically, remove from quarry, quarry: 1Kgs 5:31 and they quarried great stones, compare Eccl 10:9.

departed, journeyed, removed, forward, journey, …
nāsaʿ
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
  • to pull out, pull up, set out, journey, remove, set forward, depart
    • (Qal)
      • to pull out or up
        • "to set out, depart"to journey, march"to set forth (of wind)
      (Niphal) to be pulled up, be removed, be plucked up"(Hiphil)
      • to cause to set out, lead out, cause to spring up
        • "to remove, quarry

כַּ צֹּ֣אן
כַּ
Prefix — preposition like, as + "the" (the article is absorbed into the prefix)
צֹּ֣אן
Root word sheep, flock, flocks, cattle, lamb
Dictionary form: צֹאן · tsone

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

Noun — Common, both singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: like sheep
sheep ×37 the flock ×27 the sheep ×15 of the flock ×14 the flocks ×13 and sheep ×8 my flock ×8 of thy sheep ×6
More options
flock — Best general term; suits collective pastoral contexts.
sheep — Use when individual animals or species are in focus.
herd — Prefer when size or movement of the group is emphasized.
flock of sheep — Explicit compound; good for clarity in ambiguous contexts.
flock of goats — Use when context specifies goats within the broader term.
livestock — Broadest rendering; suits economic or property contexts.

BDB6901 H6629

BDB6900 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6902

צאֹן273 collective noun feminineGen 30:36 (possibly masculine vGen 30:39 a +, KöSynt. § 247 g, but dubious, vGen 30:39b with verb feminine plural, as usually; in 1Sam 15:14 join הַוֶּה with קוֺל; see further AlbrZAW xv (1895), 316 ff.) small cattle, sheep and goats, flock, flocks; — ׳צ absolute Gen 4:2 +; construct Gen 29:9 +; suffix צאֹנוֺ Gen 4:4 +; צאֹנֵנוּ Exod 10:9, צאֹונֵוּ Ps 144:13 as plural צאֹנֵינוֺ Neh 10:37 van d. H. Gi (not Baer; very late, si vera lectio), etc.; —

1. literally
  a. small cattle, usually of sheep and goats in one flock (RobBR i. 477) Gen 30:31; Gen 30:32 +; sheep specified also Gen 21:28 (׳כִּבְשׂת הַצּ), Gen 31:28 (׳אֵילֵי צ) +; sheep only 1Sam 25:2 (+עִוִּים); goats specified Gen 27:9; Jer 50:8 ׳צ as yielding (1) animals for food Amos 6:4 (בָּרִים), 1Sam 14:32; 2Sam 12:4; Neh 5:18 +; מַאְַבָל ׳צ Ps 44:12 (in simile); (2) wool Gen 31:19 + (see [ גָּזַז], גֵּז); (3) milk, ׳חֲלֵב צ Deut 32:14 (? goats' milk, compare Prov 27:27); (4) sacrificial victims Gen 4:4 (J), Lev 1:2; Lev 1:10; Lev 3:6; Num 15:3 (all P), Num 22:40 (E), Deut 12:6; Deut 12:17; Deut 12:21 + often; so צאֹן קָדָשִׁים Ezek 36:38 a, compare בְקָרֵינוּ וְצאֹנֵינוּ בְּכוֺרֵי Neh 10:37 in general as property (often + בָּקָר, etc.) Gen 12:16; Gen 13:5; Gen 24:35; Job 1:3; Job 42:12 + often (see also II. [עַשְׁתָּרוֺת]); gift Gen 20:14; Gen 21:27; Gen 38:17 (goat), Deut 15:14; 2Chr 17:11 booty 1Sam 15:9; 1Sam 15:15 + .
  b. ׳צ sometimes of a definite number of animals (i.e. as plural of שֶׂה, etc.): two Isa 7:21, four Exod 21:37 (larger numbers see 1Sam 25:2; 1Sam 25:5; 1Sam 25:18; Num 31:32; Num 31:36; Neh 5:18; Job 1:3; Job 42:12 above). — See also בֵּן 7 b; גְּדֵרָה, מִכְלָה, מַרְבֵּץ, נָוֶה, עֵדֶר; כֶלֶב, רֹצֶה, שַׁצֵר.
2. simile of multitude Ezek 36:37; Ezek 36:38, compare Ps 107:41 of children Job 21:11 of dead, with death as shepherd Ps 49:15 of (shepherdless) Israel Num 27:17; 1Kgs 22:17 = 2Chr 18:16; Zech 10:2; Zech 13:7, wandering in sin Isa 53:6 of Israel led by ׳י Ps 77:21; Ps 78:52; Ps 80:2, compare Zech 9:16 (on text see We Now); Ezek 34:12 of Israel in distress, טִבְחָת ׳כְּצ Ps 44:23, compare (of wicked) לְטִבְתָה ׳צ Jer 12:3 of scattered Babylonian Isa 13:14.
3. metaphor of multitude, אָרָם ׳צ Ezek 36:38 of Israel 2Sam 24:17 = 1Chr 21:17; Jer 23:1; Jer 23:2; Jer 23:3; Ezek 24:5, and especially sustained figurative Ezek 34:2; Ezek 34:3 + 17 t. 34, also Zech 11:7; Zech 11:17 אֹבְדוֺת ׳צ Jer 50:6, תִּפְאַרְתֵךְ ׳צ Jer 13:20 of Israel under ׳י's care, (וֺ-, יִ֯) מַרְעִיתֶ֑ךָד ׳צ Ps 74:1; Ps 79:13; Ps 100:3; Ezek 34:31, also יָדוֺ ׳צ Ps 95:7(|| מַרְעִיתוֺעַםֿ; read perhaps מַרְעִיתוֺ ׳צ, צַם יָדוֺ, so Che and others); נַחֲלָתֶךָ ׳צ Mic 7:14 also in combinations: ׳אַדִּירֵי הַצֵּ Jer 25:34; Jer 25:35; Jer 25:36, חַהֲרֵגָה ׳צ Zech 11:4; Zech 11:7 (compare Ps 44:23), ׳עֲנִיֵּי הַצּ vPs 44:7 vPs 44:11 (all of Israel); of Edom ׳צְעִירֵי הַ צּ Jer 49:20; Jer 50:45.

sheep, flock, flocks, cattle, lamb
ṣōn
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
  • small cattle, sheep, sheep and goats, flock, flocks
    • small cattle (usually of sheep and goats)
      • "of multitude (simile)"of multitude (metaphor)

עַמּ ֑וֹ
עַמּ
Root word people, nations, nation, peoples, folk, …
֑וֹ
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Dictionary form: עַם · am

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

In the KJV here: but made his own people
the people ×572 people ×220 of the people ×150 my people ×113 and the people ×110 his people ×78 thy people ×58 of my people ×50
More options
people — Most versatile rendering; fits collective and singular contexts.
nation — Emphasizes ethnic or political identity as a unified group.
community — Highlights shared belonging; good for social or covenant contexts.
population — Neutral, demographic tone; useful for census or mass-movement passages.
folk — Informal, grassroots feel; suits ordinary or rural settings.
crowd — Best for gathered assemblies rather than an ongoing social group.

BDB6144 H5971 H5993

BDB6143 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6145

I. עַם, עָם1840 noun masculineGen 11:6 (see below) people (Late Hebrew id., plebeian, common man; ᵑ7 עַמָּא people, plural peoples, tribes, etc.; Syriac ; Arabic see above; original meaning probably those united, connected, related, compare WeGGN 1893, 480); — absolute עַם Gen 11:6 +, עָם Judg 9:36 +, הָעָם Josh 8:11 +; construct עַם Num 21:29 +; suffix עַמִּי Exod 3:7 +, עַמְּךָ Exod 22:27 +, etc.; plural עַמִּים Isa 2:3 +, עֲמָמִים (compare Biblical Aramaic) Neh 9:22 construct עַמֵּי 1Kgs 8:43 +, עַמְמֵי Neh 9:24 plural with suffix see II. עַם; — (Thes cites following as feminine וְחָטָאת עַמֶּ֑ךָ Exod 5:16 [but corrupt and unintellig.; read perhaps ׳וְחַטָאתָ לְע, so ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Di]; Judg 18:7 [but ישֶׁבֶת must agree with lost word city, or the like, see GFM]; Jer 8:5 [but read שׁוֺבַב for שׁוֺבְבָה Gie]); —

1. a people, nation (sometimes || גּוֺי), collective noun (singular Exod 21:8; Josh 17:14; Josh 17:15; Josh 17:17; 2Sam 17:29 + often, or plural Exod 20:15; Exod 24:2; Jer 5:31 + often, or both in same clause Exod 1:20; 2Sam 13:24): עַם אֶחָד = all mankind Gen 11:6 (J); peoples in general Gen 27:29 (J; || לְאֻמִּים), Exod 19:5 (E), Deut 2:25; Deut 4:6 + often Deuteronomy; Neh 13:24 + often; קְהַל עַמִּים Gen 28:3 (P) an assembly (multitude) of peoples, Gen 48:4 (P), Ezek 23:24; Ezek 32:3 (+ רַבִּים); one's own people Jer 46:16; Ps 45:11; Ruth 1:10; Ruth 1:15; Ruth 1:16 (twice in verse) + (on עַמִּי נָדִיב Song 6:12 see especially Bu); particular peoples, Egypt Gen 41:40 (E), Exod 1:22 (E), Neh 9:10 +; עַםאֲֿרָם Amos 1:5 עַםכְּֿמוֺשׁ (i.e. Moab) Num 21:29 (JE), Jer 48:46 but especially Israel Exod 1:20 (E) + often; ׳עַםבְּֿנֵי יִשׂ vExod 1:9 (J); called יהוה ׳ע Num 11:29 (E), 1Sam 2:24 +, and (by ׳י) עַמִּי Exod 3:7; Exod 5:1 (J) + often (all periods); קְהַל עַםהָֿאֱלֹהִים Judg 20:2, עַםהַֿקָּהָל Lev 16:33 (P), קְהַל עָם Ps 107:32 especially הָעָם הַזֶּה (often in contempt or disgust) Num 11:1; Num 11:12; Num 11:13 +; figurative of ants Prov 30:25, the shaphan vProv 30:26, locusts Joel 2:2, compare לְעַם לְצִיִּים Ps 74:14 (where read לְעַם צִיִּים Hup-Now). — On Judg 1:16 see עֲמָלֵקִי.
2. = smaller units, e.g.
  a. inhabitants of a city Gen 19:4 (J), 1Sam 9:12; 1Sam 9:13; Jer 29:16; Jer 29:25; 2Chr 31:4 + (Jer 8:5 strike out ׳יְרוּוּשׁ ᵐ5 Gie Co Rothst).
  b. inhabitants of a locality Jer 37:12 [apparently not = tribe, Deut 33:3 read עַמּוֺ ᵐ5 Di Dr, Hos 10:14; Judg 5:8; Judg 5:14 read בְּעָרֶיךָ We Now; see below ד].
  c. retainers, followers Gen 14:16; Gen 32:8; Gen 33:15; Gen 35:6; Judg 3:18; Judg 8:5; 2Sam 15:17; Jer 41:13; Jer 41:14 +.
  d. people bearing arms 1Sam 11:11; 1Kgs 20:10 +; כָּבֵד ׳ע Num 20:20 (JE), i.e. a powerful force; עַם הַצָּבָא Num 31:32 (P), הַמִּלְחָמָה ׳ע Josh 8:1; Josh 8:3; Josh 8:11; Josh 10:7; Josh 11:7 (all J E); so probably Judg 5:8 a (fighting) band; perhaps also vJudg 5:14 (read singular ? see GFM Bu).
3. = common people Jer 21:7; Jer 22:4; Lev 4:27 (opposed to ruler vLev 4:22), Neh 5:1 (opposed to יְהוּדִים), Neh 7:5 (opposed to rulers).
4. people in general, persons Gen 50:20 (E), so apparently ׳כָּלהָֿעָם אֲשֶׁר וגו Exod 33:16 (J), Num 11:34 (J), Josh 5:5 (twice in verse) (D), Judg 9:36 (as singular), vJudg 9:37 (as plural), Jer 36:9 persons labouring 1Kgs 9:23 superior persons Job 12:2 (iron.); עַם עוֺלָם Ezek 26:30 people of long ago (now in Sh®°ôl).
5. phrases are:
  a. (עַמָּהּ, עַמִּי, עַמְּךָ) בְּנֵי עַמּוֺ members of one's people, compatriots, fellow-countrymen, etc. Num 22:5 (E), Gen 23:11 (P) Lev 19:18 (H), Judg 14:16; Judg 14:17; Ezek 33:2; Ezek 33:12 +.
  b. בְּנֵי הָעָם = common people (see 3) 2Kgs 23:6; Jer 26:23 +; people in general שַׁעַר בְּנֵי הָעָם Jer 17:19 i.e. public gate 2Chr 35:5; 2Chr 35:12.
  c. עַם הָאָרֶץ the people at large, as a body 2Kgs 11:14; 2Kgs 11:18; 2Kgs 11:19; 2Kgs 11:20; 2Kgs 15:5; 2Kgs 16:15; 2Kgs 21:24 (twice in verse) +, Jer 37:2; Jer 44:21; Lev 20:2 (H), Gen 23:7; Gen 23:12; Gen 23:13 (P); common people Jer 34:19, compare ׳הא ׳דַּלַּת ע 2Kgs 24:14 distinguished from prince Ezek 45:22; Ezek 46:3; Ezek 46:9, from priests Hag 2:4; Zech 7:5 = Canaanites Num 14:9 (JE), compare עַמֵּי הָאָרֶץ 1Chr 5:25 mixed post-exile population Ezra 4:4.
  d. עַמֵּי הָאָרֶץ usually peoples of the earth Josh 4:24 (D), 2Chr 32:19 +; of heathen peoples about and in Palestine after exile Ezra 10:2; Ezra 10:11 traders Neh 10:31 עַמֵּי הָאֲרָצוֺת Neh 9:30; Neh 10:29; 2Chr 32:13.
  e. מִשְׁפְּחוֺת עַמִּים Ps 96:7 = 1Chr 16:28 (compare Ps 22:28). feminine בַּתעַֿמִּי = people personified Isa 22:4; Jer 4:11 + 7 t. Jeremiah + Jer 6:14 (van d. H.; omit בַּת Baer Gi), Lam 2:11; Lam 3:48; Lam 4:3; Lam 4:6; Lam 4:10 בְּתוּלַת בַּתעַֿמִּי Jer 14:17.
  g. designations of Israel are: עַםקָֿרוֺשׁ Deut 7:6 + 3 t., קְדוֺשִׁים ׳ע Dan 8:24, (ה)קֹדֶשׁ ׳ע Isa 62:12; Isa 63:18; Dan 12:7 סְגֻלָּה ׳ע Deut 7:6; Deut 14:2; Deut 26:18.
  h. of foreign (non-Israel) peoples: ׳ע נָכְרִי Exod 21:8 (E), אַחֵר ׳ע Deut 28:32, and especially from language, עִמְקֵי שָׂפָה ׳ע Ezek 3:5 compare vEzek 3:6, כִּלְשׁוֺן עַם וָעָם Neh 13:24 compare Esth 1:22 (twice in verse); Esth 3:12, לֹעֵג ׳ע Ps 114:1.
  i. עַם עֶבְרָתִי Isa 10:6, חֶרְמִי ׳ע Isa 34:11, מִֿבְחָרָיו׳ע Dan 11:15, עַמֵּי תּוֺעֵבוֺת הָאֵלֶּה Ezra 9:14 לֹא עַם בִּינוֺת Isa 27:11. — For עַםעֿוֺלָם Isa 44:7 read (אֹתִיּוֺת) (מִי הִשְׁמִי)עַ מֵעוֺלָם Oort Du Kit CheHpt compare PerlesAnal. 40, 64.

BDB6147 H5971

BDB6146 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6148

II. [עַם] noun [masculine] kinsman

**later development of I. עַם RSK 58; 2nd ed. 72. (on father's side) (Arabic paternal uncle, etc., see I. עמם; compare perhaps Tel Amarna ammu, kinsmen (?); on Nabataean עם ancestor compare Lzb151, 499; see also especially NesEg 187, ZAW xvi (1896), 322f. Krenkelib. viii (1888), 280-84); — suffix עַמִּי in בֶּןעַֿמִּי (q. v.), and proper name following; elsewhere plural suffix עַמֶּיךָ Num 27:13; Num 31:2 (Lev 19:16 read עַמְּךָ ᵐ5 ⅏), + (possibly) עֲמָָמֶיךָ Judg 5:14 עַמָּיו Gen 25:8 + 15 t., עַמֶּיהָ Gen 17:14 + 3 t.; read עַמֶּי (for ᵑ0 עַמִּי, I. עַם; compare Krenkell.c. 281) Gen 49:29 and perhaps Judg 14:3 (compare Lev 21:14); according to Buhl Kit also 2Kgs 4:13 — father's kinsmen: וַיֵּאָסֵף אֶלעַֿמָּיו Gen 25:8 (of joining kinsmen in Sh®°ôl), so vGen 25:17; Gen 35:29; Gen 49:33; Num 20:24; Deut 32:50, compare Gen 49:29 (see above), Num 27:13; Num 31:2; Deut 32:50 (all P); וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ מֵעַמֶּיהָ Gen 17:4 (severed from living kinsmen), so Lev 7:20; Lev 7:21; Lev 7:23; Lev 7:27; Lev 19:8; Lev 23:29; Num 9:13, מִקֶּרֶב עַמֶּיהָ Exod 31:14, compare Exod 30:33; Exod 30:38; Lev 17:9 (all PH); מֵעַמָּיו יִקַּח אִשָּׁה Lev 21:14 (H), and perhaps Judg 14:3 (simile I. עַם: [םָ֯, הָּ֯] מִקֶּרֶב עַמּוֺ Lev 17:4; Lev 17:10; Lev 18:29+); other combinations Judg 5:14 (si vera lectio read perhaps בְּעַמֶּ֑ךָ, see I. עַם 2 d ), Lev 21:1; Lev 21:4; Lev 21:15 (H), Ezek 18:18 and (perhaps) 2Kgs 4:13. — בֶּןעַֿמִּי perhaps = son of my kinsman; on proper name with עַם see GrayProp. N. 41 ff.

BDB9776 H5971 H5972

BDB9775 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9777

עַם noun masculineEzra 6:12 people (see Biblical Hebrew I. עמם, עַם); — ׳ע absolute Dan 2:44; Dan 3:29; Ezra 6:12, construct Dan 7:27 emphatic עַמָּה Ezra 5:12, עַמָּא Ezra 7:13; Ezra 7:16; Ezra 7:25 plural emphatic עַמֲמַיָּא (K§§ 15d); 55, 5 a)) Dan 3:4; Dan 3:7 (twice in verse); Dan 3:31; Dan 5:19; Dan 6:26; Dan 7:14.

people, nations, nation, peoples, folk, …
ʿam
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
  • nation, people
    • people, nation
      • "persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
    kinsman, kindred

וַֽ יְנַהֲגֵ ֥ם
וַֽ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
יְנַהֲגֵ
Root word away, lead, drave, brought, forth, …
֥ם
Suffix — pronoun their / them
Dictionary form: נָהַג · naw-HAHɡ

וַ
Vav-consecutive (wayyiqtol) The וַ prefix — vav with patach — flips this verb into story-telling past: translate "and (he) ___ed", not "will ___".

Verb — Piel, Sequential Imperfect (Wayyiqtol), third person masculine singular intensive — "he really / thoroughly did" story-telling past — try "and he ___ed" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

In the KJV here: and guided
drave ×2 shall lead ×2 and brought away ×1 and guided ×1 and he carried away ×1 and he led ×1 and led forth ×1 brought ×1
More options
lead — Best general choice for guiding people or animals.
drive — Preferred when compelling movement of livestock or captives.
guide — Emphasizes direction and care rather than compulsion.
conduct — Formal register; suits official or ceremonial leading.
shepherd — Metaphorical; highlights pastoral or protective nuance.
carry off — Stresses forced removal, ideal in exile or raid contexts.

BDB5008 H5090

BDB5007 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5009

I. נָהַג verb drive, conduct (Late Hebrew conduct oneself, behave, be accustomed; Arabic go along the road, keep to the road; Aramaic נְהַג lead); —

Qal Perfect ׳נ Lam 3:2 נָָֽהֲגוּ 1Sam 30:20 Imperfect יִנְהַג Isa 20:4, etc.; Imperative נְהַג 2Kgs 4:24 Participle active נֹהֵג Isa 11:6 + 2 t., etc.; passive נְהוּגִים Isa 60:11 —
1. drive, flocks Exod 3:1 compare (in predict.) Isa 11:6 (followed by בְּ); figurative, object Joseph, Ps 80:2 (simile of flock); hence, object human being, lead on, Song 8:2 (|| הֵבִיא אֶלֿ)); also figurative, subject ׳י, Lam 3:2 (|| הוֺלִיךְ); passive participle of kings led in procession Isa 60:11 compare Di (rather than as captives, Che, as earlier usage; || הֵבִיא); drive away, off, (object מִקְנֶה) Gen 31:18 ( of Jacob, going by stealth); usually as booty (object flocks and herds) 1Sam 23:5, חמור יתומים ינהגו Job 24:3 (unjustly); compare 1Sam 30:2 (twice in verse) (read וַיִּנְהֲגוּ We Dr Kit Bu, compare Th, not HPS q. v. ), v1Sam 30:22 (no object expressed but really captives || הָלַךְ), Isa 20:4 drive an ass for riding 2Kgs 4:24 (|| הָלַךְ); a cart (עֲגָלָה) 2Sam 6:3 = 1Chr 13:7 (where ׳בָּע); absolute of driving chariot 2Kgs 9:20 lead out an army to battle (late) 1Chr 20:12; 1Chr 25:11.
2. figurative וְלִבִּי נֹהֵג בַּחָכְמָה Eccl 2:3 my heart behaving itself in wisdom (compare Late Hebrew above). Pi`el Perfect נִהַג Exod 10:3 נִהַ֫גְתָּ Isa 63:14 Imperfect יְנַהֵג Deut 4:27, etc.; —
1. drive away, lead off, followed by accusative, daughters of Laban Gen 31:26 (|| גָּנַב); of ׳י, leading off people into exile, followed by שָׁ֫מָּה Deut 4:27 (|| הֵפִיץ), Deut 28:37 (|| הוֺלִיךְ).
2. lead on, guide, followed by accusative, subject ׳י Ps 78:52 (כַּעֵ֫דֶר || הִסִּיעַ כַּצּאֹן); Isa 49:10 (|| נִהֵל, compare Ps 23:2); Isa 63:14; Isa 48:15 guide on, a wind, Exod 10:13 (followed by בָּאָרֶץ), Ps 78:26 (|| הִסִּיעַ).
3. cause to drive (compare Qal, 2Kgs 9:20) Exod 14:25 (J E; subject ׳י, see Di)

BDB5010 H5090

BDB5009 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5011

II. [נָהַג] verb Pi`el moan, lament (Arabic be out of breath, pant, breathe heavily; Aramaic sigh, groan); —

Pi`el Participle feminine plural מְנַהֲגוֺה Nah 2:8 (כְּקוֺל יוֺנִים ).

away, lead, drave, brought, forth, …
nāhag
to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), i.e., lead, carry away; reflexively, to proceed (i.e., impel or guide oneself)
  • to drive, lead, guide, conduct
    • (Qal)
      • to drive, lead on, drive away, drive off
        • "to behave itself (figuratively) (of heart)
      (Piel)
      • to drive away, lead off
        • "to lead on, guide, guide on"to cause to drive
    (Piel) to moan, lament

כַּ ֝עֵ֗דֶר
כַּ
Prefix — preposition like, as + "the" (the article is absorbed into the prefix)
֝עֵ֗דֶר
Root word flock, flocks, drove, herds, droves
Dictionary form: עֵדֶר · ay-DER

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

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: like a flock
the flocks ×5 his flock ×3 drove ×2 for flocks ×2 is as a flock ×2 among the flocks ×1 and flocks ×1 and his flock ×1
More options
flock — Most natural default; suits sheep and goats.
herd — Prefer when context specifies cattle or larger animals.
drove — Good for animals being actively driven or moved.
flock of animals — Clarifies referent when context is ambiguous.
livestock — Broader, collective term; suits commercial or inventory contexts.
flock of sheep — Most specific; use when sheep are explicitly in view.

BDB5841 H5739

BDB5840 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5842

I. עֵ֫דֶר noun masculineGen 29:2 flock, herd (Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic עַדְרָא; on ᵐ5 Γαδερ Gen 35:16 ( = HCT vGen 35:21) see LagBN 76 f., who assigns ׳ע therefore, plausibly, to III. עדר (), as lagging, loitering); — ׳ע absolute Gen 32:17 (twice in verse) +, construct Song 4:1 +; suffix עֶדְרוֺ Isa 40:11 +; plural עֲדָרִים Gen 29:2 +, construct עֶדְרֵי Mic 5:7 +, etc.; —

1. flock:
  a. of sheep, צאֹן ׳ע Gen 29:2 (J), Mic 5:7, ׳הַצ ׳ע Joel 1:18 compare Gen 29:2; Gen 29:3; Gen 29:8; Gen 30:4 (all J), 1Sam 17:34; Jer 51:23; Mal 1:14 || צאֹן Ezek 34:12 (simile), Prov 27:23 + בְּהֵמָה 2Chr 32:28 הָֽרְחֵלִים ׳ע Song 6:6 = Song 4:2 (insert probably ׳הָֽר); sign of desolation Isa 17:2; Isa 32:14 (מִרְעֵה ׳ע), Zeph 2:14; Jer 6:3, of peace Jer 31:24 in simile also Mic 2:12; Jer 31:10; Ps 78:52 figurative of Israel Isa 40:11; Jer 13:20 (|| צאֹן), יהוה ׳ע vJer 13:17, so עֶדְרוֺ Zech 10:3.
  b. of goats, הָעִזִּים ׳ע Song 4:1; Song 6:5.
  c. undefined Judg 5:16; Job 24:2; Song 1:7.
2. herds, flocks and herds;
  a. including sheep, cattle, etc., Gen 32:17 (4 t. in verse); Gen 32:20 (compare v.Gen 32:14 all E).
  b. specifically בָקָר ׳ע Joel 1:18. — מִגְדַּלעֵֿדָר see above

flock, flocks, drove, herds, droves
ʿēder
an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)
  • flock, herd
    • flock
      • "herds, flocks and herds

בַּ מִּדְבָּֽר
בַּ
Prefix — preposition in, at, by, with + "the" (the article is absorbed into the prefix)
מִּדְבָּֽר
Root word wilderness, desert, south, speech
Dictionary form: מִדְבָּר · mid-BAWR

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

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: them in the wilderness
in the wilderness ×99 the wilderness ×26 of the wilderness ×23 wilderness ×12 into the wilderness ×11 them in the wilderness ×8 through the wilderness ×7 to the wilderness ×7
More options
wilderness — Modernized KJV standard; retains theological and literary resonance.
desert — Emphasizes aridity and barrenness; good for arid landscape contexts.
wasteland — Stresses desolation and uninhabitability; stronger negative tone.
uninhabited land — Neutral and descriptive; clarifies absence of settlement.
open country — Less dramatic; suits passages about pasture or open terrain.
badlands — Vivid and contemporary; best for harsh, rugged terrain contexts.

BDB1829 H4057

BDB1828 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1830

I. [מִדְבָּר] noun masculine mouth, as organ of speech, — מִדְבָּרֵךְ נָאוֶה thy mouth is lovely Song 4:3 || שִׁפְתוֺתַיִךְ, ᵐ5 λαλιά, Jerome eloquium.

BDB1830 H4057

BDB1829 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1831

II. מִדְבָּר270 noun masculine wilderness — Deut 32:10 +; with ה locative מִדְבָּ֫רָה Josh 18:12 + 15 t.; construct Exod 15:22 +; מִדְבַּ֫רָה 1Kgs 19:15 suffix מִדְבָּרָהּ Isa 51:3 —

1. tracts of land, used for the pasturage of flocks and herds, דָּֽשְׁאוּ נְאוֺת מִדְבָּר the pastures of the wilderness put forth green grass Joel 2:22 ׳מ ׳יִרְעֲפוּ נ the pastures of the wilderness drop (fertility) Ps 65:13 ׳מ ׳יָָֽבְשׁוּ נ are dried up Jer 23:10, compare Jer 9:9; Joel 1:19; Joel 1:20.
2. uninhabited land, מִדְבָּר לֹאאָֿדָם בּוֺ wilderness in which is no man Job 38:26 the abode of pelicans Ps 102:7 wild asses Job 24:5; Jer 2:24 jackals Mal 1:3 ostriches Lam 4:3 מִייִֿתְּנֵנִי בַמִּדְבָּר מְלוֺן אֹרְחִים וְֶ˜אעֶזְבָה אֶתעַֿמִּי O that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfarers, that I might leave my people Jer 9:1 טוֺב שֶׁבֶת בְּאֶרֶץ מִדְבָּר better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious woman Prov 21:19 בְּאֶרֶץ מִדְבָּר וּבְתֹהוּ יְלֵל יְשִׁמֹן in a desert land, and in a waste howling wilderness Deut 32:10.
3. large tracts of such land bearing various names, in certain districts of which there might be towns and cities: יִשְׂאוּ מִדְבָּר וְעָרָיו חֲצֵרִים תֵּשֵׁב קֵדָר let the wilderness and its cities lift up (their voice), the villages that Kedar doth inhabit Isa 42:11. There were six cities in the wilderness of Judah Josh 15:61; Josh 15:62 הַמִּדְבָּר usually = wilderness of the wanderings Gen 14:6; Num 14:16; Num 14:29; Num 14:32; Num 14:33 (twice in verse) +, or the great Arabian desert Judg 11:22 +; but may also refer to any other Song 3:6; Song 8:5. Special tracts — (a) of the wilderness of the wandering were שׁוּר ׳מ Exod 15:22, סיןExod 16:1 +, סיני Exod 19:1 +, פארן Num 13:26 +, צן Num 20:1 +, קדשׁ Ps 29:8, אתם Num 33:8 (b) in West Palestine יהודה ׳מ Judg 1:16; Ps 63:1 compare Josh 15:61, מעוֺן 1Sam 23:24; 1Sam 23:25, זיף 1Sam 23:15; 1Sam 26:2, באר שׁבע Gen 21:14, עין גדי 1Sam 24:2, תקוע 2Chr 20:20, ירואל 2Chr 20:16, גבעון 2Sam 2:24 (c) in Eastern Palestine מואב Deut 2:8, אדום 2Kgs 3:8, קדמות Deut 2:26.
4. figurative וְשַׂמְתִּיהָ כַמִּדְבָּר וְשַׁתִּהָ כְּאֶרֶץ צִיָּה and (lest I) make her as a wilderness and set her like a dry land Hos 2:5 הֲמִדְבָּר הָיִיתִי לְיִשְׂרָאֵל have I been a wilderness to Israel ? Jer 2:31.

wilderness, desert, south, speech
midbār
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); also speech (including its organs)
  • wilderness
    • pasture
      • "uninhabited land, wilderness"large tracts of wilderness (around cities)"wilderness (figuratively)
    mouth
    • mouth (as organ of speech)

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.
וַיַּסַּ֣ע כַּצֹּ֣אן עַמּ֑וֹ Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וַֽיְנַהֲגֵ֥ם כַּ֝עֵ֗דֶר Revia Mugrash — a lesser break בַּמִּדְבָּֽר Silluq — end of the verse

וַיַּסַּע כַּצֹּאן עַמּוֹ וַֽיְנַהֲגֵם כַּעֵדֶר בַּמִּדְבָּֽר׃
52
But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.
Cross References

Nehemiah 9:12

וּבְעַמּוּד עָנָן הִנְחִיתָם יוֹמָם וּבְעַמּוּד אֵשׁ לַיְלָה לְהָאִיר לָהֶם אֶת-הַדֶּרֶךְ אֲשֶׁר יֵֽלְכוּ-בָֽהּ׃
12
Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.

Psalms 77:20

נָחִיתָ כַצֹּאן עַמֶּךָ בְּֽיַד-מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹֽן׃
20
Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

John 10:11

Ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός· ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλὸς τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ τίθησιν ὑπὲρ τῶν προβάτων·
11
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Isaiah 63:11

וַיִּזְכֹּר יְמֵֽי-עוֹלָם מֹשֶׁה עַמּוֹ אַיֵּה׀ הַֽמַּעֲלֵם מִיָּם אֵת רֹעֵי צֹאנוֹ אַיֵּה הַשָּׂם בְּקִרְבּוֹ אֶת-רוּחַ קָדְשֽׁוֹ׃
11
Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?

Luke 15:4

Τίς ἄνθρωπος ἐξ ὑμῶν ἔχων ἑκατὸν πρόβατα καὶ ἀπολέσας ἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐ καταλείπει τὰ ἐννενήκονταεννέα ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ καὶ πορεύεται ἐπὶ τὸ ἀπολωλὸς ἕως εὕρῃ αὐτό
4
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

Psalms 95:7

כִּי הוּא אֱלֹהֵינוּ וַאֲנַחְנוּ עַם מַרְעִיתוֹ וְצֹאן יָדוֹ הַיּוֹם אִֽם-בְּקֹלוֹ תִשְׁמָֽעוּ׃
7
For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

Psalms 100:3

דְּעוּ כִּֽי-יְהוָה הוּא אֱלֹהִים הֽוּא-עָשָׂנוּ וְלוֹ אֲנַחְנוּ עַמּוֹ וְצֹאן מַרְעִיתֽוֹ׃
3
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Psalms 105:37

וַֽיּוֹצִיאֵם בְּכֶסֶף וְזָהָב וְאֵין בִּשְׁבָטָיו כּוֹשֵֽׁל׃
37
He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.

Isaiah 40:11

כְּרֹעֶה עֶדְרוֹ יִרְעֶה בִּזְרֹעוֹ יְקַבֵּץ טְלָאִים וּבְחֵיקוֹ יִשָּׂא עָלוֹת יְנַהֵֽל׃
11
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Jeremiah 23:2

לָכֵן כֹּֽה-אָמַר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל עַֽל-הָרֹעִים הָרֹעִים אֶת-עַמִּי אַתֶּם הֲפִצֹתֶם אֶת-צֹאנִי וַתַּדִּחוּם וְלֹא פְקַדְתֶּם אֹתָם הִנְנִי פֹקֵד עֲלֵיכֶם אֶת-רֹעַ מַעַלְלֵיכֶם נְאֻם-יְהוָֽה׃
2
Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

Ezekiel 34:11

כִּי כֹּה אָמַר אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה הִנְנִי-אָנִי וְדָרַשְׁתִּי אֶת-צֹאנִי וּבִקַּרְתִּֽים׃
11
For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
Psalms 78:51
Read Psalms 78
Psalms 78:53