Psalms 80:0

לַמְנַצֵּ֥חַ אֶל שֹׁשַׁנִּ֑ים עֵד֖וּת לְאָסָ֣ף מִזְמֽוֹר
To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim-Eduth, A Psalm of Asaph.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

לַ מְנַצֵּ֥חַ
לַ
Prefix — preposition to, for + "the" (the article is absorbed into the prefix)
מְנַצֵּ֥חַ
Root word musician, overseers, set, singer, perpetual, …
Dictionary form: נָצַח · naw-TSA

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

Verb — Piel, Participle Active, masculine singular, absolute state intensive — "he really / thoroughly did" ongoing action — try "___ing" or "one who ___s"

In the KJV here: to the chief musician
to the chief musician ×55 to set forward ×2 and the overseers ×1 and were overseers ×1 by a perpetual ×1 overseers ×1 to excel ×1 to oversee ×1
More options
oversee — Best for supervisory or administrative contexts.
lead — Broad fit for musical or organizational leadership.
direct — Good for liturgical or musical directing roles.
excel — Captures the root sense of preeminence or distinction.
supervise — Formal register; suits temple-worker oversight passages.
endure perpetually — For rare uses emphasizing permanence or eternity.

BDB5331 H5329

BDB5330 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5332

I. [נָצַח] verb be pre-eminent, enduring (Ecclus [Pi`el] make brilliant Eccl 43:5; Eccl 43:13 [?] (compare Oxford ed.xxxiii); Late Hebrew נָצַח conquer, etc.; Phoenician נצח, Aramaic נְצַח, shine, be illustrious, pre-eminent, victorious; Arabic be pure, reliable; Ethiopic be pure, innocent; both classes of meaning probably derived form shine, be bright, brilliant, see also Dr1Sam 15:29); —

Niph`al Participle active feminine נִצַּ֫חַת Jer 8:5 enduring (מְשֻׁבָה apostasy).

Piel = act as overseer, superintendent, director, only Chronicles and Psalm-titles; — Infinitive לְנַצֵּחַ 1Chr 15:21 + 4 t.; participle לַמְנַצֵּחַ Hab 3:19; Ps 4:1 + 54 t. Psalms; plural מְנַצְּחִים 2Chr 2:1; 2Chr 2:17; 2Chr 34:13 —

1. in building temple 2Chr 2:1; 2Chr 2:17; Ezra 3:8; Ezra 3:9, compare 2Chr 34:12; 2Chr 34:13.
2. in ministry of house of ׳י 1Chr 23:4.
3. in liturgical service of song, עלהֿשׁמינית, over the bass voices, leading them with כִּנֹּרוֺת 1Chr 15:21 לַמְנַצֵּחַ in titles Psalms has probably simile meaning, = musical director or choirmaster; Greek Vrss. of 2nd cent. A.D., Aq Theod Sym, and so Jerome, think of Aramaic victorious, but no clear explanation; ᵐ5 εἰς τὸ τέλος (probably לַמִּנְצָח) follows ordinary meaning of noun נֵצַח, which may be explained in eschatological sense as referring to end of age of world after Euseb Theod; or for full rendering after De; neither satisfactory. Chronicles, near in date, gives the clue which is intrinsically probably: לְ indicates, not assignment (nothing special in these Psalms to suggest it, and assignment of Psalms for such use a matter of course), but that these Psalms were taken by final editor from an older major Psalter known as the Director's Collection, compare the still earlier collections known as (ל)דוד, (ל)אסף, (ל)בני קרח. The 55 Psalms with למנצח were taken 39 from Davidic, 9 from Korahite, and 5 from Asaphic Psalters; only 2 anonymous. Hab 3 originally belonged to Director's Psalter. This and other Director's Psalms have musical directions in titles. The Director's Psalter was probably the prayer-book of synagogue of Greek period, presupposed by our Hab., the collection of the twelve Minor Prophets, the prophetic canon, and Daniel (see BrGen. Intr. 123).

BDB9717 H5329 H5330

BDB9716 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9718

[נְצַח] verb Hithpa. distinguish oneself (see Biblical Hebrew I. נצח); — Participle מִתְנַצַּח Dan 6:4, עַל person

musician, overseers, set, singer, perpetual, …
nāṣaḥ
properly, to glitter from afar, i.e., to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the Temple services and its music); to be permanent
  • to excel, be bright, be preeminent, be perpetual, be overseer, be enduring
    • (Niphal) enduring (participle)
      • "(Piel) to act as overseer or superintendent or director or chief

אֶל
אֶל
Preposition unto, to, into, upon, against, …
Dictionary form: אֵל · ale

Preposition

In the KJV here: upon
unto ×2370 to ×907 into ×230 upon ×112 against ×104 and to ×103 in ×63 unto him ×58
More options
to — Default directional/dative preposition; broadest everyday use.
toward — Emphasizes movement or orientation in a direction.
into — Stress entry or transition; spatial or metaphorical penetration.
against — Adversarial or oppositional context; hostility or pressure.
upon — Contact or imposition on a surface or person.
concerning — Topical/referential; use when the sense is 'about' or 'regarding'.

BDB420 H413

BDB419 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB421

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), in poetry אֱלֵי (compare עֲלֵי, עֲדֵי), but only in Job ( 1Sam 3:22; 1Sam 5:26; 1Sam 15:22; 1Sam 29:19), with suffix אֵלַי, אֵלֶיךָ, אֵלַיִךְ, etc. אֵלֵינוּ, אֲלֵיכֶם & (5 t.) אֲלֵכֶם, אֲלֵיהֶם & אֲלֵהֶם (both very often); once אֵלֵימוֺ Ps 2:5, אֲלֵיהֶן, once אֲלֵהֶן Exod 1:19 (Assyrian ilî, Arabic ), preposition denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).

1. of motion to or unto a person or place Gen 2:19; Gen 2:22; Gen 3:19; Gen 8:9; Gen 14:22; Gen 16:9 etc., after every kind of verb expressing motion (בּוֺא, הָלַךְ, יָצָא etc.) So with נָתַן to give (though ל is here more common) Gen 21:14; Gen 35:4; Deut 13:2 +; מָכַר to sell Deut 37:36, etc. Metaph. Jer 2:19 וְלֹא פַחְדָּתִי אֵלַיִךְ and that my fear (cometh) not unto thee (compare Job 31:23). — Peculiarly Gen 6:16 אֶל אַמָּה unto the length of a cubit, etc. And metaphor in the phrase אֶלֿ(אֱלֵיֿ)גִּיל unto exultation Hos 9:11; Job 3:22. Once, exceptionally (si vera 1.) = even: Job 5:5 וְאֶלמִֿצִּגִּים יִקָּחֵהוּ and even out of thorns he taketh it. Sometimes pregnant, as Isa 66:17; Jer 41:7 זָנָה אֶל commit whoredom (by going) to Num 25:1; Ezek 16:26; Ezek 16:28; Ezek 16:29 דָּרֵשׁ אֶל seek (by resorting) to one (that is, for oracles) Deut 18:11; Isa 8:19; Isa 11:10 +; חָבַר אֶל join together (& come) unto Gen 14:3 הִשְׁכִּים אֶל rise early (and go) to Gen 19:27; Gen 24:11 הִבְרִיח אֶל made to kneel down at; Gen 47:18 תַּם אֶל i.e. has been made over to; פָּחַד אֶל to come in fear to Hos 3:5; Mic 7:17. Opposite is מִן, as מִןהַֿקָּצֶה אֶלהַֿקָּצֶה from end to end Exod 26:28 מִפֶּה אֶלפֶּֿה Ezra 9:11 (synonym 2Kgs 21:16 פֶּה לָפֶה). And of time (rare) מֵעֵת אֶלעֵֿת 1Chr 9:25 מִיּוֺם אֶליֿוֺם Num 30:15 (P) 1Chr 16:23 (in the || Ps 96:2 מִיּוֺם לְיוֺם).

2. Where the limit is actually entered, into, Gen 6:18 and thou shalt enter into the ark Gen 7:1; Gen 19:3; Gen 41:21; Gen 42:17 & so after verbs of throwing, casting, putting Gen 37:22 (הִשְׁלִיךְ) Gen 39:20 וַיִּתְּנֵהוּ אֶלבֵּֿית הַסֹּהַר put him into the prison house, Exod 28:30 (Lev 8:8) Deut 23:25 so after קָבַר to bury Gen 23:19; Gen 25:9; Gen 49:29 שָׂחַט to squeeze Gen 40:11 מָחָה to blot out Num 5:23, etc.; metaphor Gen 6:6 was pained into or unto his heart, שָׂם אֶללֵֿב, הֵשִׁיב to place, bring. into ( = lay to) heart Deut 4:39; 2Sam 19:20 and elsewhere In connection with a number or multitude into which something enters, in among: 1Sam 10:22 behold he had hid himself אֶלהַֿכֵּלִים in among the baggage, Jer 4:3 sow not אֶלקֹֿצִים in among thorns.

3. Of direction towards anything:
   (a) of physical acts or states, as Gen 30:40 נָתַן פְּנֵי הַצּאֹן אֶל, Gen 39:7 נָשָׂא עֵינָיו אֶל, Exod 25:20; Num 6:26, נָשָׂא פָנָיו אֶל (2Kgs 9:32 differently), 2Kgs 24:1 שָׁת פָּנָיו אֶל, Josh 8:18; Ps 28:2; 1Kgs 8:29; 1Kgs 8:30 (to pray towards) v1Kgs 8:38 pregnantly חָרֵד אֶל to tremble (turning) to Gen 42:28, תָּמַהּ אֶל to, wonder (turning) towards Gen 43:33; Isa 13:8, פָּחַד אֶל Jer 36:16: without a verb פָּנִים אֶלפָּֿנִים face to face Gen 32:31 +; פֶּה אֶלפֶּֿה Num 12:8 כִּיאֵֿינֶנּוּ אֵלַי Gen 31:5 the face of Laban, that he is not toward me; ׳אֶלפֿ ׳עֵינֵי י the eyes of ׳י are towards . . . Ps 34:16 (compare Ps 33:18).
   (b) with words such as אָמַרto say to Gen 3:1 + often, דִּבֶּר Gen 8:15 + often, קָרָא Gen 19:5, הִחְפַּלֵּל Gen 20:17 etc., שָׁמַע to hearken to Gen 16:11, הִלֵּל to praise to Gen 12:15 (compare Ezek 13:19 חִלֵּל אֶל to profane to), הִזְכִּיר Ezek 40:14.
   (c) with words expressing the direction of the mind, as קִוָּה to wait Ps 27:14 +; יִחַל to hope Isa 51:5 נָשָׂא נֶפֶשׁ אֶל to lift up the soul (i.e. set the desire) towards Deut 24:15; Ps 25:1 שָׂם לֵב אֶל, שָׁת to set the heart (mind) to Exod 9:21 and elsewhere; לָמַד אֶל to accustom oneself to Jer 10:2 חָרֵד אֶל to shew fear towards 2Kgs 4:13; Gen 43:30; Deut 28:32 and thy eyes כָּלוֺת אֲלֵיהֶם failing (with longing) towards them, Lam 4:17; Isa 63:15; 2Sam 3:8; 1Kgs 14:13; Ps 40:6 alone, as predicate, directed or disposed towards, Gen 3:16; Gen 4:7; 2Kgs 6:11 who of ours is towards (i.e. favours) the king of Syria? Hos 3:3 וְגַםאֲֿנִי אֵלָֽיִח׃ Ezek 36:9; Hag 2:17; Jer 15:1 (אֵין נַפְשִׁי אֶל).

4. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against: Gen 4:8 אֶלהֶֿבֶל ׳וַיָּקָם קand Cain rose up against Abel (so 1Sam 24:8) 1Sam 22:12; Exod 14:5; Num 32:14 with נִקְבַּץ Josh 10:6, הָלַךְ Judg 1:10; Judg 20:30 with בָּא of calamity, etc., coming to or upon any one Gen 42:21; Judg 9:57; 1Sam 2:34; 1Kgs 14:10 +; Isa 2:4; Isa 3:8 their tongue and doings are ׳אֶליֿ Isa 32:6 (לְדַבֵּר אֶל) Hos 7:15 (compare Nah 1:9) Hos 12:5 וַיָּשַׂר אֶלמַֿלְאָךְ and he strove against the angel. Here also belongs in particular the phrase הִנְנִי אֶל ֗֗֗ Behold I am against (thee, you, etc.) Nah 2:14; Nah 3:5; Jer 21:13 (Jer 23:30-32 על) Jer 50:31; Jer 51:25; Ezek 13:8; Ezek 13:20; Ezek 21:8; Ezek 29:10; Ezek 30:22; Ezek 34:10; Ezek 35:3; Ezek 38:3; Ezek 39:1 (Ezek 5:8; Ezek 26:3; Ezek 28:22; Ezek 29:3 על: on Ezek 36:9 see above)

5. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to, as Lev 18:18 thou shalt not take אִשָּׁה אֶל אֲחוֺתָהּ a woman to, in addition to, her sister, Josh 13:22 (|| Num 31:8 על); 1Sam 14:34 at eat אֶלהַֿחָם together with the blood (1Sam 14:32 & generally עַל); 1Kgs 10:7 הוֺסִיף אֶל (generally עַל); Jer 25:26; Ezek 7:26 שְׁמוּעָה אֶל שְׁמוּעָה || (עלׅ; Ezek 44:7; Lam 3:41 let us lift up לְבָבֵנוּ אֶלכַּֿפָּ֑יִם our hearts together with the hands (compare , Qor 4:2; WAG ii. § 51 c).

6. Metaphor in regard to, concerning, on account of : thus הִתְאַבֵּל to mourn concerning 1Sam 15:35 הִנָּחֵם to repent as regards 2Sam 24:16 דָּרַשׁ to inquire 1Kgs 14:5 הִתְפַּלֵּל to pray with regard to 1Sam 1:27; 2Kgs 19:20 צָעַק to cry 2Kgs 8:3 (2Kgs 8:5 על); נֶעֳצַב be pained 1Sam 20:34 נִחַם to comfort 2Sam 10:2 more generally 1Kgs 16:13; 1Kgs 21:22 אֶלנֶֿפֶשׁ on account of, for the sake of, one's life 1Kgs 19:3; 2Kgs 7:7 (Gen 19:17 על). (עַל is more common in this sense.) And specially with verbs of saying, narrating, telling, etc. with regard to, as אָמַר Gen 20:2; Isa 29:22; Isa 37:21; Isa 37:33 +; דִּבֶּר 2Sam 7:19; Jer 40:16 b; סִפֵּר Ps 2:7; Ps 69:27 צִוָּה Isa 23:11 שָׁמַע Ezek 19:4 הַשְּׁמוּעָה אֶל the report regarding. . . 1Sam 4:19. (Not frequently, ext. in the case of אָמַר.)

7. Of rule or standard, according to (rare): אֶלפִּֿי ֗֗֗ according to the command of, Josh 15:13; Josh 17:4; Josh 21:3 (generally עַלפִּֿי); אֶלנָֿבוֺן according to what is fixed = of a certainty 1Sam 23:23; 1Sam 26:4 (see Dr): perhaps Ps 5:1; Ps 80:1 (Ps 45:1 עַל).

8. Expressing presence at a spot, against; at, by, not merely after verbs expressing or implying motion (compare 1, Gen 24:11), as Josh 11:5 and they came and encamped together אֶלמֵֿי מֵרוֺם at the waters of Merom, 1Sam 5:4 cut off (and fallen) on to the threshold, 2Sam 2:23 and elsewhere and smote him אֶלהַֿחֹמֶשׁ in or on the belly, Deut 33:28; Exod 29:12; Lev 4:7 but also in other cases, as Josh 5:3 and he circumcised the Israelites אֶל against, at the hill of the foreskins, Josh 22:11 have built an altar אֶל גְּלִילוֺת הַיַּרְדֵּן by the districts of Jordan, Judg 12:6 & 2Sam 18:4 אֶליַֿד at the side of (elsewhere לְיַד, עַל יַד), 1Kgs 13:20 as they were sitting אֶלהַֿשֻּׁלְחָן at the table, 2Kgs 11:14 אֶלהַֿמֶּלֶךְ by the king, Jer 41:12 and found him by the great waters, etc., Jer 46:10 אֶלנְֿהַר פְּרָת by the Euphrates, Ezek 3:15; Ezek 11:11; Ezek 17:8; Ezek 31:7; Ezek 40:18; Ezek 43:3; Ezek 47:7; Ezek 48:12.

9. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to: thus אֶלאַֿחֲרֵי 2Sam 5:23; 2Kgs 9:18; 2Kgs 9:19 סֹב אֶלאַֿחֲרַי turn to behind me, Zech 6:5 (where אֶל is pleonastic, probably due to clerical error; note יצא אל before & after); אֶלבֵּֿין in between Ezek 31:10; Ezek 31:14 אֵלבֵּֿינוֺת similarly Ezek 10:2 ׳אֶלמִֿבֵּית לְ to (the part) within (see below בַּיִת), in within Lev 16:15; 2Kgs 11:15 || have her forth in within the ranks; אֶלמֿוּל see מוּל; ׳אֶלמִֿנֶּגֶב לְ unto the south of Josh 15:3 ׳אֶלמִֿחוּץ לְ to the outside of Lev 4:12; Lev 4:21 +; אֶלנֹֿכַח to the front of Num 19:4 אֶלתַּֿחַת Judg 6:19; 1Kgs 8:6 and elsewhere (see below תַּחַת).

Note I. — In Gen 20:13 אֶלכָּֿלהַֿמָּקוֺם אֲשֶׁר נָבוֺא ׳שָׁמָּה אִמְרִילִֿי וג; Num 33:54 ׳אֶלאֲֿשֶׁר וג; Prov 17:8 (compare Deut 16:6); — אֶל appears to be used by a species of attraction; the idea of motion involved in the relative clause influencing illogically the beginning of the sentence and causing אֶל to be used instead of בְּ. In Deut 31:14 אֵלֵיהֶם, as pointed, can only be from אַיִל III or IV (q. v.); if the word be taken as the Pronoun with suffix (Hi Ke), אֲלֵיהֶם must be read.

Note 2. — There is a tendency in Hebrew, especially manifest in Samuel Kings Jeremiah Ezekiel, to use אֶל in the sense of עַל; sometimes אֶל being used exceptionally in a phrase or construction which regularly, and in accusative with analogy, has עַל; sometimes, the two prepositions interchanging, apparently without discrimination, in the same or parallel sentences. Thus
   (a) Josh 5:14 וִיִּפֹּל אֶלפָּֿנָיו; 1Sam 13:13 אֶתמַֿמְלַכְתְּךָ אֶליִֿשְׂרָאֵל ׳הֵקִים י; 1Sam 14:34 (see below 5); 1Sam 17:3 עֹמְדִים אֶלהָֿהָר (contractee עַל Deut 11:29); Deut 19:16; 2Sam 6:3; 2Sam 20:23 (contracted 2Sam 8:16) 1Kgs 13:29; 1Kgs 18:46 (contracted 2Kgs 3:15 על) Jer 35:15; Ezek 7:18.
   (b) Judg 6:37 and upon (עַל) all the earth let there be dryness, vJudg 6:39 let there be dryness on (אֶל) the fleece; 1Sam 14:10 come up עָלֵינוּ, v1Sam 14:12 come up אֵלֵינוּ; 1Sam 16; 1Sam 18:10 צָלַח אֶל, 1Sam 10:6 and elsewhere צָלַח עַל; 1Sam 25:17 evil is determined אֶלאֲֿדֹנֵינוּ וְעַל כָּלבֵּֿיתוֺ; v1Sam 25:25; 1Sam 27:10; 2Sam 2:9 וַיַּמְלִכֵהוּ אֶל וְ֗֗֗אֶל וְ֗֗֗אֶל וְ֗֗֗עַל וְ֗֗֗עַל וְ֗֗֗עַל; 2Sam 3:29 יָחֻלוּ עַל ֗֗֗ וְאֶל ֗֗֗ 2Kgs 8:3 & 5; 2Kgs 3; Jer 19:15; Jer 25:2; Jer 26:15 ye lay innocent blood עֲלֵיכֶם וְאֶלהָֿעִיר הַזּאֹת; Jer 27:19; Jer 28:8; Jer 33:14; Jer 34:7; Jer 36:31; Jer 37:13; Jer 37:14; Ezek 18:6; Ezek 18:11 & 15; Ezek 21:12 etc. Ps 79:6 (Jer 10:25 על twice). It is probably that this interchange, at least in many cases, is not original, but due to transcribers.

[Note]

Conversely, though not with the same frequency, עַל occurs where analogy would lead us to expect אֶל, or even in juxtaposition with אֶל, as 1Sam 1:10 הִתְפַּלֵּל עַל to pray to (1Sam 1:26 אֶל); v1Sam 1:13; 1Sam 25:25 אֶלעַ֗֗֗ל; 1Kgs 20:43 וַיֵּלֶךְ עַלבֵּֿיתוֺ (1Kgs 21:4 אֶל); Isa 22:15; Jer 11:2; Jer 23:35; Jer 31:12. compare DrSm i. 13, 13; ii. 8, 7; 15, 4.

unto, to, into, upon, against, …
ʾēl
near, with or among; often in general, to
  • to, toward, unto (of motion)
    • "into (limit is actually entered)
    • in among
    toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)"against (motion or direction of a hostile character)"in addition to, to"concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of"according to (rule or standard)"at, by, against (of one's presence)"in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

שֹׁשַׁנִּ֑ים
שֹׁשַׁנִּ֑ים
Root word fathers, father, chief, families, patrimony, …
Dictionary form: אָב · awb

Noun — Common, masculine plural, absolute state plural — usually add "-s"

his father ×133 of their fathers ×94 his fathers ×86 my father ×80 thy father ×51 of the fathers ×44 the father ×41 their fathers ×30
More options
father — Default choice; direct, natural, widely understood.
ancestor — Prefer when referring to distant forebears or lineage.
forefather — Slightly more formal; good for ancestral or covenantal contexts.
patriarch — Use for tribal or clan heads with religious authority.
family head — Highlights household-leader role in social/legal contexts.
founder — Suits contexts emphasizing originating or establishing a line.

BDB17 H1

BDB16 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB18

אָב1191 noun masculine father (Phoenician אב, Assyrian abu, Arabic , Sabean אב CISiv, 1, 37 1. 2 and others, Ethiopic Aramaic אַבָּא, — absolute אָב Gen 44:19 + 47 t.; construct אַב Gen 17:4; Gen 17:5 (compare in אַבְרָהָם ib. & elsewhere in proper names. On Hal's proposed אֲבִר see אברהם); אֲבִי (compare Ge§§ 90, 3b, 96) Gen 4:20 +; suffix אָבִי Gen 19:34 + (MI אבי); אָבִיךָ Gen 12:1 +; אָבִיו Gen 2:24 +; אָבִ֫יהוּ Judg 14:10 + 6t.; plural אָבוֺת Exod 12:3 +; construct אֲבוֺת Exod 6:25 + 7 t.; suffix אֲבוֺתַי (אֲבֹתַי, אֲבוֺתָ֑י) Gen 47:9 + 15 t.; אֲבוֺתֵיהֶם 1Chr 4:38 + 32 t. (late); אֲבוֺתָם Exod 4:5 + 106 t. etc.; —

1. father of individual Gen 2:24 (+ אֵם) Gen 11:28; Gen 11:29 (twice in verse); Gen 19:31; Gen 19:32; Gen 19:33, + often (mostly J E D); of father as commanding Gen 50:16 (J) Jer 35:6 f Prov 6:20 (compare Gen 18:19 J Gen 28:1; Gen 28:6 P 1Sam 17:20; 1Kgs 2:1); instructing מוסר Prov 1:8; Prov 4:1 (compare Deut 8:5); specifically as begetter, genitor Prov 23:22; Zech 13:3 (twice in verse) (+ אֵם) Isa 45:10 compare Gen 49:4 (J) Lev 18:7; Lev 18:8; Lev 18:11 (P); rebuking Gen 37:10 loving Gen 37:4; Gen 44:20 (J E; compare Gen 22:2; Gen 25:28; Gen 37:3; 2Sam 14:1); pitying Ps 103:13 (in simile compare 2Sam 18:5); blessing Gen 27:41 (J E compare Gen 27:4 also Gen 28:1 P +); as glad Prov 10:1; Prov 15:20 compare Prov 29:3 grieving Gen 37:35 (J E; compare 2Sam 12:22; 2Sam 19:1; 2Sam 19:2 f) etc. Also as object of honour, obedience, love Exod 20:12 (E) = Deut 5:16; Exod 21:15; Exod 21:17 (E) Deut 21:18; Deut 21:19; Gen 28:7 (P) 1Kgs 19:20 (all + אֵם), 1Kgs 50:1; 1Kgs 50:5 (J) Mal 1:6 etc. Hence metaphor of intimate connection Job 17:14 to corruption I cry, My father art thou (|| אִמִּי וַאֲחֹתִי לָֽרִמָּה).
2. of God as father of his people (see RSSem 42), who constituted, controls, guides and lovingly watches over it: Deut 32:6; Jer 3:4; Jer 3:19; Jer 31:9; Isa 63:16 (twice in verse); Isa 64:7; Mal 1:6; Mal 2:10 (compare Exod 4:22; Exod 19:4 (JE) Deut 32:11; Hos 11:1); compare Jer 2:27 (of idolatrous Israel) אֹמְרִים לָעֵץ אָבִי אַתָּה וְלָאֶבֶן אַתְּ ילדתני׃; especially God as father of Davidic line 2Sam 7:14; Ps 89:27 f. of needy (late) Ps 68:6 (compare Ps 103:13) (in proper name, f. of individual, compare below)
3. head of household, family or clan; בֵּית אָבִי as abode Gen 38:11 (twice in verse); Lev 22:13 +; = family Gen 24:40 (|| מִשְׁפַּחְתִּי) Gen 41:51; Gen 46:31 + compare Num 18:1; Num 18:2; Josh 2:12; Josh 2:18; Josh 6:25 especially techn. of divisions of Israel בֵּית אָב לְמִשְׁפָּחוֺת Num 3:30; Num 3:35 = a father's house, i.e. a family or clan; more often plural (אבותם, אבותיו) בֵית אָבוֺת = father's houses = families, clans (compare Di on Exod 6:14) Exod 6:14; Exod 12:3; Num 1:2; Num 1:18 ff (often in Numbers) Josh 14:1; Josh 19:51; Josh 21:1 (twice in verse); Josh 22:14 (twice in verse) (always P in Hexateuch); also 1Chr 5:13; 1Chr 5:15 + often in Chronicles; compare רָאשֵׁי אבות הלוים (= ׳בית א ׳ר) Exod 6:25 compare 1Kgs 8:1; 1Chr 6:4; 1Chr 7:11 + often Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah.
4. ancestor (a) of individual; grandfather (instead of precise term) Gen 28:13; Gen 32:10 (J; where used by Jacob of Abraham & then of Isaac); greatgrandfather 1Kgs 15:13 great-greatgrandfather 1Kgs 15:11 etc.; oft plural (= fathers, forefathers) Gen 15:15; Gen 46:34 (JE) 1Kgs 19:4; 1Kgs 21:3; 1Kgs 21:4; 2Kgs 19:12; 2Kgs 20:17 +; particularly שׁכב עם אבותיו 1Kgs 1:21; 1Kgs 2:10; 1Kgs 11:21; 1Kgs 22:40 +; joined with ׳ויקבר עם אב 1Kgs 14:31; 1Kgs 15:24; 1Kgs 22:51; 2Kgs 8:24; 2Kgs 15:38 compare v2Kgs 15:7, 2Kgs 16:20 + (all of kings of Judah); intensive, אֲבֹתֶיךָ וַאֲבוֺת אֲבֹתֶיךָ Exod 10:6 compare Dan 11:24 (b) of people Gen 10:21 (J) Gen 17:4; Gen 17:5 (P) Gen 19:37; Gen 19:38 (J) Gen 36:9; Gen 36:43 (P) Deut 26:5; Isa 51:2; Isa 43:27 (where אביך הראשׁון thy first father, see Che) compare also Ezek 16:3; Ezek 16:45 + often; plural Exod 3:13; Exod 3:15; Exod 3:16 (E) Deut 1:8; Josh 1:6; Judg 2:1; 1Sam 12:6 +; 1Sam 12:15 near the end read וּבְמַלְכְּכֶם ᵐ5 We Dr.
5. originator or patron of a class, profession, or art Gen 4:20; Gen 4:21.
6. figurative of producer, generator Job 38:28 הֲיֵשׁ לַמָּטָר אָ֑ב (|| הוֺלִיד אֶגְלֵיטָֽֿל׃ מִיֿ).
7. figurative of benevolence & protection Job 29:6 אָב אָֽנֹכִי לָֽאֶבְיוֺנִים, compare Job 31:18 of Eliakim Isa 22:21 perhaps also of gracious Messianic king אֲבִי עַד Isa 9:5 everlasting father (Ge Ew De Che Brd Di) — others divider of spoil (Abarb Hi Kn Kue BrMP).
8. term of respect & honour (Abbas, Pater, Papa, Pope); applied to master 2Kgs 5:13 priest Judg 17:10; Judg 18:19 prophet 2Kgs 2:12 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 6:21; 2Kgs 13:14 (twice in verse); compare 2Kgs 8:9 counsellor Gen 45:8 (E; compare δευτέρου πατρός ᵐ5 add. Esth 3:13 τῷ πατρί 1 Mac Esth 11:32); king 1Sam 24:12 artificer 2Chr 2:12; 2Chr 4:16.
9. specifically, ruler, chief (late) 1Chr 2:24; 1Chr 2:42 (twice in verse); etc. (compare Ew§ 273 b) see also EwGeschichte. i. 524. H i. 365. On the force of אָב in proper names (in many probably a divine title), see CheEncy. Bib., ABI, NAMES WITH Nöib., NAMES, §§ 44, 45.

fathers, father, chief, families, patrimony, …
ʾāb
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
  • father of an individual
    • "of God as father of his people"head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan"ancestor
    • grandfather, forefathers (of a person)
      • "of people
    originator or patron of a class, profession, or art"of producer, generator (figuratively)"of benevolence and protection (figuratively)"term of respect and honor"ruler or chief (specifically)

עֵד֖וּת
עֵד֖וּת
Root word shoshannim-eduth
Dictionary form: שׁוּשַׁן עֵדוּת · shoo-SHAHN ay-DOOT

Noun — Common, feminine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: shoshannim-eduth
shoshannim-eduth ×1
More options
Lilies of the Testimony — Literal rendering; clearest for psalm headings.
Lilies: A Witness — Splits the compound; readable modern format.
Lilies of the Covenant — Renders עֵדוּת as covenant-witness, a legal nuance.
Lily Testimony — Compact; suits minimalist headings or titles.
Shoshannim-Eduth (tune name) — Retain transliteration when meaning is uncertain.

BDB8572 H7799 H7802

BDB8571 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8573

I. שׁוּשַׁן, שׁוֺשָׁ֑ן noun masculine שׁוֺשַׁנָּה noun feminine usually lily, probably any lily-like flower (TristrNHB 462 ff. PostHast. DB LILY LöwNo. 323; Late Hebrew שׁוֺשַׁנָּה, Arabic (Vulgar ), especially iris, Aramaic שׁוּשַׁנְתָּא, (PS4344), Greek σοῦσον LewyFremdw. 48; original loan-word from Egyptian sššn, šôš§n, ErmanZMG xlvi (1892), 117); — lily: in simile, יִפְרַח כַּשּׁוֺשַׁנָּה Hos 14:7 (of Israel), בֵּין הַחוֺחִים ׳כְּשׁוֺ Song 2:2 (simile of bride), so construct שׁוֺשַׁנַּת הָעֲמָקִים vSong 2:1 (compare חֲבַצֶּלֶת); plural שׁוֺשַׁנִּים Song 2:16; Song 4:5; Song 6:2; Song 6:3; Song 7:3 and (figurative of lover's lips) Song 5:13 of flower-shaped capitals of pillars, מַעֲשֵׂה שׁוּשַׁן 1Kgs 7:19, שׁוֺשָׁ֑ן ׳מ v1Kgs 7:22 compare פֶּרַח שׁוֺשָׁ֑ן of brim of molten sea v1Kgs 7:26, || שׁוֺשַׁנָה ׳פ 2Chr 4:5 elsewhere only Psalm-titles: עַשֹֿׁשַׁנִּים Ps 45:1; Ps 69:1, עַלשֿׁוּשַׁן עֵדוּת Ps 60:1, אֶלשֿׁשַׁגִּם עֵדוּת Ps 80:1 meaning not clear, see Bae and Commentaries al.; yet compare עֵדוּת, below עוד.

shoshannim-eduth
šûšan ʿēdût
lilies
Shushan-Eduth or Shoshannim-Eduth, the title of a popular song
  • instruction in the title of Psalm 60 and Psalm 80
    • meaning uncertain

לְ אָסָ֣ף
לְ
Prefix — preposition to, for
אָסָ֣ף
Root word a name — transliterate it ("Of asaph")
Dictionary form: אָסָף · aw-SAWP

Noun — Proper Name

In the KJV here: of asaph
of asaph ×30 asaph ×6 and asaph ×2 a psalm of asaph ×1 and of asaph ×1 asaphs ×1 but asaph ×1 even asaph ×1
More options
Asaph — Standard modern spelling for this proper name.
Āsāph — Use when scholarly or liturgical precision is needed.
Asaf — Alternate transliteration closer to Hebrew pronunciation.

BDB629 H623

BDB628 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB630

אָסָף proper name, masculine (gatherer, compare Phoenician proper name, feminine אספת)

1. father of יוֺאָח the recorder 2Kgs 18:18; 2Kgs 18:37 = Isa 36:3; Isa 36:22.
2. one of David's chief musicians, a Levite, son of Berechiah 1Chr 6:24 (twice in verse) (|| הֵימָן v.1Chr 6:18, אֵיתָן v.1Chr 6:29 see these names); 1Chr 15:17 (|| Heman & Ethan, all called) הַמְּשֹׁרֲרִים v1Chr 15:19 see also 1Chr 16:5 (twice in verse); 1Chr 16:7 compare v1Chr 16:37 (|| Heman & Jeduthun v1Chr 16:41 v1Chr 16:42); 1Chr 25:9, named with Heman & Jeduthun also 1Chr 25:6; 2Chr 5:12; 2Chr 35:15; Ps 50:1; Ps 73:1-83:18 are ascribed to Asaph; compare also בִּימֵי דָוִיד וְאָסָף Neh 12:46 he is called also הַחֹזֶה 2Chr 29:30, compare אָסָף הַנִּבָּא עַליְֿדֵיהַמֶּלֶךְ 1Chr 25:2 repeated mention is made also of sons of Asaph בְּנֵיאָֿסָף, sons, descendants, and pupils, or those who sang and played after his manner 1Chr 25:1 (|| Heman & Jeduthun) v1Chr 25:2 v1Chr 25:2 called הַמְּשֹׁרֲרִים 2Chr 35:15; Ezra 2:41; Neh 7:44; Neh 11:22, compare Ezra 3:10 performing service of purification, Hezekiah's time 2Chr 29:13 one of them prophesying 2Chr 20:14 — 1Chr 26:1 for בְּנֵי אָסָף read בְּנֵי אֶבְיָסָף, compare 1Chr 9:19 on זִכְרִי 1Chr 9:15, זַבְדִּי Neh 11:17, זַכּוּרNeh 12:35, called בֶּןאָֿסָף, see these names.
3. keeper of king's park Neh 2:8.

asaph, asaphs
ʾāsāp
gatherer
Asaph, the name of three Israelites, and of the family of the first
  • the father of Hezekiah's secretary
    • "a son of Berechiah, chief Levite musician under David"a Persian officer over the royal forest

מִזְמֽוֹר
מִזְמֽוֹר
Root word psalm
Dictionary form: מִזְמוֹר · midz-MORE

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: a psalm
a psalm ×52 or psalm ×4 and psalm ×1
More options
psalm — Standard modern term; universally recognized in religious contexts.
song — Broader, more accessible term for general audiences.
hymn — Emphasizes congregational or liturgical use.
sacred song — Clarifies religious nature when 'song' alone feels ambiguous.
lyric poem — Highlights literary form; useful in academic or poetic contexts.

BDB2390 H4210

BDB2389 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2391

מִזְמוֺר noun [masculine] melody (technical designation of psalms; compare HupPsalm, Einl. § 7, 2 De4 on Ps 3, BaePsalmen, xiii; , , loan-words, all = Psalm(s); on ׳מ, in relation to תהלה compare LgOr ii. 22 f.), always in this form; in 57 Psalm-titles: — ׳מ alone Ps 98:1, שׁיר ליום הַשַּׁבָּת ׳מ Ps 92:1, לְתוֺדָה ׳מ Ps 100:1 usually with person name or title; לְדָוִד ׳מ Ps 3:1; Ps 15:1; Ps 23:1; Ps 29:1; Ps 63:1; Ps 141:1; Ps 143:1, ׳שׁיר מ לדוד Ps 108:1, לדוד לְהַזְכִּיר ׳מ Ps 38:1, שִׁירחֲֿנֻכַּת הבית ׳מ לדוד Ps 30:1, ׳לדוד מ Ps 24:1; Ps 101:1; Ps 110:1, לדוד ׳לַמְנַצֵּחַ מ Ps 13:1; Ps 19:1; Ps 20:1; Ps 21:1; Ps 31:1; Ps 41:1; Ps 51:1; Ps 64:1; Ps 140:1 לַמְֿנַצֵּחַ ֗֗֗ לדוד ׳מ Ps 4:1; Ps 5:1; Ps 6:1; Ps 8:1; Ps 9:1; Ps 12:1; Ps 22:1; Ps 39:1; Ps 62:1, ׳לַמְֿנַצֵּחַ מ לדוד שׁיר Ps 65:1, ׳למנצח לדוד מ Ps 40:1; Ps 109:1; Ps 139:1, שׁיר ׳למנצח לדוד מ Ps 68:1 also simply שׁיר ׳לַמְֿנַצֵּחַ מ Ps 67:1, ׳לַמְֿנַצֵּחַ שׁיר מ Ps 66:1 but also לבניֿ ׳קרח שׁיר מ Ps 48:1, שׁיר ׳לִבְנֵיקֹֿרַח מ Ps 87:1, לבני קרח ׳שׁיר מ לַמְֿנַצֵּחַמַ֗֗֗שְׂכִּיל לְהֵימָן הָאֶזְרָחִי Ps 88:1, לַמְֿנַצֵּחַ לבניֿ ׳קרח מ Ps 47:1; Ps 49:1; Ps 85:1, ׳למנצחל֗֗֗בניקֿרח מ Ps 84:1 further לְאָסָף ׳מ Ps 50:1; Ps 73:1; Ps 79:1; Ps 82:1, לאסף ׳שׁיר מ Ps 83:1, לאסף שׁיר ׳לַמְֿנַצֵּחַמ֗֗֗ Ps 75:1; Ps 76:1, לַמְֿנַצֵּחַ ֗֗֗ ׳לאסף מ Ps 77:1; Ps 80:1. [Summary: — ׳מ in 34 Psalms with לַמְֿנַצֵּחַ, of which 23 have לדוד also, 5 לבני קרח also, 4 לאסף, and 2 no proper name; in addition, in 13 Psalms with לדוד, 2 with לבני קרח, 5 with לאסף; in only 3 without either proper name or title; ׳מ is preceded by שׁיר 5 t., and following by שִׁיר 8 t.]

psalm
mizmôr
properly, instrumental music; by implication, a poem set to notes
  • melody, psalm

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.
לַמְנַצֵּ֥חַ אֶל שֹׁשַׁנִּ֑ים Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here עֵד֖וּת לְאָסָ֣ף מִזְמֽוֹר Silluq — end of the verse

לַמְנַצֵּחַ אֶל-שֹׁשַׁנִּים עֵדוּת לְאָסָף מִזְמֽוֹר׃
0
To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim-Eduth, A Psalm of Asaph.
Read Psalms 80
Psalms 80:1