Zechariah 6:4

וָאַ֙עַן֙ וָֽאֹמַ֔ר אֶל הַמַּלְאָ֖ךְ הַדֹּבֵ֣ר בִּ֑י מָה אֵ֖לֶּה אֲדֹנִֽי
Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

וָ אַ֙עַן֙
וָ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
אַ֙עַן֙
Root word answered, answer, hear, heard, testify, …
Dictionary form: עָנָה · aw-NAW

Verb — Qal, Sequential Imperfect (Wayyiqtol), first person singular simple action — "he did" story-telling past — try "and he ___ed" the built-in subject is "I"

In the KJV here: then i answered
answered ×104 then answered ×20 and answered ×16 answer ×15 hear ×15 will answer ×6 and he answered ×5 and they answered ×4
More options
answer — Most versatile; fits narrative, dialogue, and legal contexts.
respond — Slightly more formal; good for measured or official replies.
reply — Conversational register; suits quick, informal exchanges.
testify — Prefer in legal or courtroom contexts; witness-bearing sense.
speak up — Captures the sense of raising one's voice or calling out.
declare — For solemn, public, or proclamatory utterances.

BDB5887 H6030

BDB5886 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5888

[עוּן] verb dwell (probably; √ of following; Arabic , is support, help, see especially FlKl. Schr. i. 87 ff.); —

Qal Perfect 3 feminine singular consecutive וְעָנָה֫ (read וְעָ֫נָה ?) Isa 13:22 and jackals shall dwell, etc. (on agreement see Ges«GKC:145k»§ 145k; || שׁכן vIsa 13:21), so ᵐ5 Buhl; CheHeb.Hpt.124 וְשָֽׁכְנוּ; > ᵑ6 ᵑ7 ᵑ9 and others √ IV. ענה. — Ps 87:7 see מַעְיָן.

BDB6195 H6030

BDB6194 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6196

I. עָנָה verb answer, respond (Late Hebrew id., respond, make response; ᵑ7 עֲנָא; Syriac , Old Aramaic, Palmyrene ענה; compare Arabic , , intend by saying); —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳ע Mic 6:5 +; suffix עָנַנִי 1Sam 28:15 +, עָנָךְ Isa 30:19; Jer 23:37, עָנָהוּ 1Sam 9:17 +; 1 singular עָנִיתִי Hos 14:9, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יַעֲנֶה Gen 41:16 +, וַיַּעַן Amos 7:14 +, suffix יַעֲנֵנִי Job 20:3 +, etc.; Imperative עֲנֵה Mic 6:3; Prov 26:5 etc.; Infinitive construct עֲנוֺת Gen 45:3 + [2Sam 22:36 see עֲנָוָה]; Participle עֹנֶה Judg 19:28 +, etc.; —
1. answer, respond to something said, actual or implied, Judg 8:8; 1Sam 4:20; Job 9:15 +; especially
  a. of men, with accusative of person Gen 45:3 (E), Judg 5:29; 2Kgs 18:36 = Isa 36:21; Job 5:1 + very often (c. 110 t.); specifically be responsive, i.e. answer kindly, grant request 1Kgs 12:7 (suffix person); = be amenable, docile (toward ׳י) Hos 2:17 (of Israel in figure); seldom and late, with accusative of thing replied to, Job 32:12; Job 33:13 (De Di Bu), Job 40:2.
  b. of God answering (graciously): usually with accusative of person; by oracle 1Sam 14:37; 1Sam 28:6; 1Sam 28:15 +, figurative Hab 2:11 by deed 1Sam 7:9; 1Kgs 18:37 (twice in verse), compare בָּאֵשׁ v1Kgs 18:24; 1Chr 21:26, and especially Hos 2:23; Hos 2:24; Hos 14:9, see also Mic 3:4; Isa 41:17; Isa 49:8; Jer 33:3; Job 12:4 +, especially Psalms, e.g. Job 3:5; Job 4:2; Job 20:2 + 33 t., etc. (in all approximately 77 t.).
  c. rarely with accusative, or clause, of answer: אֶתשְֿׁלוֺם פַּרְעֹה ׳אלהים יַע Gen 41:16; Job 15:2; Prov 18:23; Neh 8:6 they responded, Amen ! 2Sam 19:43 they made reply against Israel (with עַל against, only here), + quoted answer; with accusative of person + answer 1Sam 20:28 Jonathan answered Saul, David asked leave, etc.; with 2. accusative (c. 20 t.) 2Kgs 18:36 = Isa 36:21; Job 23:5 +; so = grant, vouchsafe to, נוֺרָאוֺת תַּעֲנֵנוּ Ps 65:6 terrible things dost thou [׳י] vouchsafe to us.
  d. often + אָמַר Gen 18:27 Abraham answered and said, Exod 4:1 (J), Exod 19:8 (E), Job 4:1; Job 6:1 etc.; + אָמַר אֶלֿ Gen 27:39 + 16 t.; + לְ ׳א vGen 27:37 + 8 t.; ׳י + accusative of person + אמר, 1Sam 9:8 he answered Saul and said, + 23t. (in all approximately 130 t.); seldom + לֵאמֹר Num 32:31 (P), ׳ע + accusative of person + ׳עא Gen 23:5; Gen 23:10; Gen 23:14 (P), Gen 41:16; Gen 42:22 (E), Josh 1:16 (D) .
  e. seldom + דִּבֶּר Josh 22:21 (P), 2Kgs 1:10; 2Kgs 1:11; 2Kgs 1:12 ׳ע + accusative of person + ׳ר Gen 34:13 (P).
2. a. respond to an occasion, speak in view of circumstances : 1Sam 9:17 (accusative of person + quotation), Judg 18:14 ( + אָמַר), Num 11:28 (J E; + id.), 2Kgs 1:11 (+ id.), + 19 t. b figurative יַעֲנֶה אֶתהַֿכֹּל Eccl 10:19 money meets all demands.
3. a. specifically respond as a witness, testify, so perhaps participleעֹנֶה (absolute) Mal 2:12 (in good sense); with בְּ person= in the case of = for Gen 30:33 usually against, 1Sam 12:3; 2Sam 1:16; Isa 3:9; Isa 59:12; Mic 6:3; Jer 14:7; Num 35:30 (P), Ruth 1:21 (>Be be occupied with, II.ענה; Vrss Luth KitKau עִנָּה humiliate); with בְּפָנָיו Hos 5:5; Hos 7:10; Job 16:8 with לְפָנָיו Deut 31:21 (+ לְעֵד as witness); with בְּ person + accusative of charge, סָרָה Deut 19:16, of false witness שֶׁקֶר vDeut 19:18, עֵדשֶֿׁקֶר Exod 20:16 (Ginsb vExod 20:13), || Deut 5:17; Prov 25:18: absolute (bad implication) Exod 23:2 (E; עַל concerning).
  b. less often make response as one accused (respondent) Job 9:14; Job 9:15. Niph`al 1. make answer, subject ׳י, with ל person, Perfect 1 singular נַעֲנֵיתִי Ezek 14:4 Participle נַעֲנֶה (Qal not in Ezekiel).
2. be answered: Imperfect 3 masculine singular יֵעָנֶה,
  a. Job 11:2 (subject words).
  b. of man = receive answer Prov 21:3, so 1 singular אֵעָנֶה Job 19:7. Hiph`il Participle מַעֲנֶה בְּשִׂמְחַת לִבּוֺ Eccl 5:19, wholly dubious; Hi (God) causes (all things) to respond in the joy of his heart; De answers to the joy, etc.; de Jong Wild occupies him (II. עָנָה) with the joy, etc.

BDB6216 H6030

BDB6215 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6217

IV. עָנָה verb sing (Arabic sing, chant, singing, chanting, etc.; Syriac sing responsively, hymn, refrain; possibly Assyrian enû, resound (?); Egyptian anni is loan-word according to Bondi80); —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular וְעָנוּ consecutive Jer 51:14 Imperfect 3 masculine singular יַעַנֶה Jer 25:30 3 feminine singular וַתַּעַן Exod 15:21 3 feminine plural וַתַּעֲנֶינָה 1Sam 18:7, etc.; Imperative עֱנוּ Num 21:17; Ps 147:7 Infinitive construct עֲנוֺת Exod 32:18 (twice in verse); — sing, utter tunefully, Exod 15:21 (E) and Miriam sang to (ל) them; of uttering shout (הֵידָד), as in vintage Jer 25:30 (׳י subject; + אֶלֿ person), in attack Jer 51:14 (+ עַלֿ person); (חֲלוּשָׁה) קוֺל עֲנוֺת גְּבוּרָה Exod 32:18 (twice in verse) (E); with ל of thing or person laudation Num 21:17 (J E; well); Ps 147:7 (׳י; || זַמְּרוּ), Ezra 3:11 + אָמַר 1Sam 18:7 the women sang, and said; יַעֲנוּ בַמְּחֹלוֺת לֵאמֹר 1Sam 21:12; 1Sam 29:5 with accusative of thing laudation Ps 119:172 (compare || vPs 119:171). — Isa 14:22 see עון Pi`el intensive: Imperative עַנּוּלָֿהּ Isa 27:2 sing sweetly of it; Infinitive קוֺל עַנּוֺת Exod 32:18 (E) the sound of distinct singing; compare לְעַנּוֺת Ps 88:1.

BDB9780 H6030 H6032

BDB9779 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9781

I. [עֲנָה] verb answer (see Biblical Hebrew I. עָנָה); —

Pe`al Perfect 3 feminine singular עֲנַת Dan 5:10 3 masculine plural עֲנוֺ Dan 2:7 +; Participle active (עֲנָה NöGGA, 1884, 1021) עָנֵה Dan 2:5 +, plural עָנַיִן (K§ 47 Beisp. e)) Dan 3:24 — always + אמר Participle, answered and said (ל [or קֳדָם] person usually following אדר; following ׳ע Dan 2:10; Dan 2:27; Dan 2:47): —
1. answer, make reply, to something said: Dan 2:5; Dan 2:7; Dan 2:8; Dan 2:10; Dan 2:27; Dan 3:16; Dan 3:24; Dan 3:25; Dan 4:16 b Dan 5:17; Dan 6:13; Dan 6:14.
2. respond to occasion, speak in view of a situation: Dan 2:15; Dan 2:20; Dan 2:26; Dan 3:9; Dan 3:14; Dan 3:19; Dan 3:24; Dan 3:26; Dan 3:28; Dan 4:16a; Dan 4:27; Dan 5:10.

answered, answer, hear, heard, testify, …
ʿānâ
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, announce
  • to answer, respond, testify, speak, shout
    • (Qal)
      • to answer, respond to
        • "to testify, respond as a witness
      (Niphal)
      • to make answer
        • "to be answered, receive answer
    (Qal) to sing, utter tunefully"(Qal) to dwell

וָֽ אֹמַ֔ר
וָֽ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
אֹמַ֔ר
Root word said, saying, saith, say, spake, …
Dictionary form: אָמַר · aw-MAHR

Verb — Qal, Sequential Imperfect (Wayyiqtol), first person singular simple action — "he did" story-telling past — try "and he ___ed" the built-in subject is "I"

In the KJV here: and said
said ×947 saying ×718 and said ×688 saith ×527 and he said ×343 then said ×139 say ×122 and say ×119
More options
say — Most versatile; fits nearly any context or register.
declare — Emphasizes formal or authoritative pronouncement.
tell — Prefer when communication to an audience is stressed.
speak — Highlights the act of oral expression itself.
command — Use when the utterance carries directive force.
think — Fits internal or reflective speech contexts.

BDB557 H559

BDB556 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB558

אָמַר5287 verb utter, say (MI, Phoenician אמר, Aramaic אֲמַר, Ethiopic I. 2 shew, declare, Arabic command; perhaps √ אמר originally = be or make prominent, hence Hithpa`el below, אָמִיר; Sabean אמר lofty, epithet of king JHMordtmZMG 1876, 37; compare DlPr 28 who thinks original meaning hell, sichtbar sein, whence Assyrian amâru, see, & shew, declare, say) — Qal Perfect ׳א Gen 3:1 +, etc.; Imperfect יאֹמַר Gen 31:8 +; וַיּאֹ֫מֶר Gen 1:3 +; וַיּאֹמַ֑ר Gen 14:19 +; in Job always וַיּאֹ֑מַר Job 3:2 +; 3 feminine singular תּאֹמַר Gen 21:12 +; תּאֹמֵר֑ Prov 1:21 1 singular אֹמַר Gen 22:2 +; אוֺמְרָה Ps 42:10 וָאֹמַר Gen 20:13 +; וָאוֺמַר Neh 2:7; Neh 2:17; Neh 2:20 3 masculine plural יאֹמְדוּ Exod 4:1 + etc.; suffix יֹמְרוּךָ Ps 139:20 2 masculine plural תֹּמְדוּ 2Sam 19:14 ( compare Köi. p. 385); Imperative (אֱמָרֿ) אֱמֹר Gen 45:17 +, etc.; Infinitive absolute אָמוֺר Exod 21:5 +; construct אֱמֹר Ezek 25:8 +; (הַ)אֲמֹר Job 34:18 but read הָאֹמֵר ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Di, or better הֶאָמֹר Infinitive absolute with ה interrogative compare Ew :§ 328 d; suffix אָמְרִי Josh 6:10 +; אֲמָרְכֶם Jer 23:38 אֱמָרְכֶם Mal 1:7 +; לֵאמֹר Gen 1:22 +, etc.; Participle active אֹמֵר Gen 32:10 +, etc.; passive הֶאָמוּר Mic 2:7, but this grammatically indefensible, read הֶאָמוֺר, Infinitive absolute with ה interrogative, see DrExpositor, April, 1887, 263.

1. Say (subject God Gen 3:1 + or man Gen 32:5, serpent Gen 3:1, ass Num 22:28, horse יאֹמַר הֶאָח Job 39:25 etc.; inanimate things, personified Job 28:14 compare vJob 28:22 etc.; so in allegory or fable Judg 9:8; 2Kgs 14:9 etc.; especially in narration, וַיּאֹמֶר etc., Gen 4:6 + very often): mostly followed by thing said, either substantive Jer 14:17 (c. clause app.) Deut 27:16f.; Judg 12:6 pronoun Gen 44:16; 2Kgs 20:14 +; or (usually) clause Gen 1:3; Gen 3:1; Gen 37:20 + often (oratio recta [direct speech]); with adverb thus, so Gen 32:5; Num 20:14; 1Kgs 20:3; 1Kgs 20:5 + often; especially ׳כֹּה אָמַר י Exod 5:1; Exod 7:17; Exod 8:1; Exod 8:20; 1Chr 17:4 + often; the person addressed usually introduced by אֶל Gen 3:1; Gen 15:7; Gen 22:7; Lev 21:1; 2Sam 3:7; 1Kgs 12:5; 1Kgs 12:23, or לְ Gen 3:13; Gen 4:15; 1Sam 20:2; 2Sam 2:21; 1Kgs 14:2 + often; rarer combinations are, בְּאָזְנֵי ׳א Isa 49:20 (compare Isa 5:9 & see דבר); לִפְנֵי ׳א Ezek 28:9 לְעֵינֵי ׳א Deut 31:7; Josh 10:12; Jer 28:11 בְּ ׳א Joel 2:17; Ps 126:2, where בְּ local; in all cases usually followed by direct object of words said, Exod 19:25 being very singular; Gen 4:8 the object-clause has probably fallen out, compare Vrss Di; = mention, name, designate Gen 22:2; Gen 22:3; Gen 43:27; Gen 43:29; Exod 32:13; Num 14:40; 1Sam 10:16; 1Sam 16:3; 2Sam 6:22; Neh 6:19 compare Ps 139:20 יֹמְרוּךָ לִמְזִמָּה speak of thee for falsehood (but many, as Hup Pe Dy Che, read יַמְרוּךָ); = tell, declare, proclaim, (followed by direct object only) Ps 40:11; Ezek 13:7 in reply to question = answer Exod 12:27; Josh 4:7; 1Kgs 9:9; Jer 5:19; Jer 22:9. The object spoken of may be referred to by אֶל 2Kgs 19:32; Jer 22:18; Jer 27:19, or לְ Gen 20:13 אִמְרִי לִֹי say of me, etc. Deut 33:9; Judg 9:54; Isa 5:20; Ps 3:3; Ps 71:10, very rarely by a simple accusative Isa 3:10 (where read probably for אִמְרוּ, אַשְׁרֵי), except after אֲשֶׁר where the words used follow (compare אֲשֶׁר 4 d) Gen 3:17; Num 10:29; Num 14:31; Deut 28:68; Judg 7:4; 1Sam 9:17; 1Sam 9:23b 1Kgs 8:29; Lam 4:20 compare Num 21:16; 2Kgs 17:12; 2Kgs 21:4, & (two extreme cases) Isa 8:12; Lam 2:15 (see DrSm i. 24, 5); ֶ˜האָמוּר Mic 2:7 read infinitive absolute with ה interrogative הֶאָמוֺר (see above) shall one say ? shall it be said ? After another verb of saying, introducing thing said: Deut 21:7; Deut 25:9; Deut 27:15; Song 2:10 +, even after אמר Gen 22:7; Lev 21:1; Jer 34:2; Esth 7:5 +; especially infinitive לֵאמֹר, after דבר Gen 8:15, צוה Gen 2:16, ענה Gen 44:16, ברך Gen 1:22, נשׁבע Gen 24:7, נדר Gen 28:20, etc.; after אמר 2Sam 3:18; 1Kgs 12:23; Ruth 4:4; 1Chr 21:18 +; after שׁלח 2Chr 35:21, שׁוּב Gen 32:7 compare also Gen 28:6; Gen 9:5; Gen 13:8; Gen 17:4; Deut 13:7; Judg 8:15; 1Sam 23:2; 1Kgs 13:3; Jer 32:3; Jer 37:9 +; also when subject of לֵאמֹר differs from that of pre-ceding clause Gen 31:1; Gen 38:13; Gen 38:24 etc.; after שׁמע Isa 37:9 = 2Kgs 19:9.

2. Say in the heart (= think) בלבב ׳א Deut 8:17 compare 1Kgs 12:26; Ps 10:6; Ps 10:11; Ps 10:13; Ps 14:1; Ps 35:25; Isa 14:13; Isa 47:8; Isa 47:10; Isa 49:21; Eccl 2:1; Eccl 2:15; Eccl 3:17; Eccl 3:18 לִלְבָבָם ׳א Hos 7:2 אֶללִֿבּוֺ ׳א Gen 8:21 said unto his heart (to himself), subject ׳י, compare 1Sam 27:1 אָֽמְרָה נַפֲשִׁי Lam 3:24 thence ׳א alone Gen 20:11; Gen 26:9; Num 24:11; Ruth 4:4; 1Sam 20:26; 2Sam 5:6; 2Sam 12:22; 2Kgs 5:11 followed by clause with כִּי Judg 15:2 in particular = desire מַהתּֿאֹמַר נַפְשְׁךָ 1Sam 20:4 compare Esth 2:13 followed by infinitive = purpose, Exod 2:14 thinkest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian ? Josh 22:33; 1Sam 30:6; 1Kgs 5:19; 2Chr 28:10; 2Chr 28:13 expect 2Sam 21:16 he expected to slay David 2Chr 13:8; 2Chr 32:1.

3. Promise (followed by infinitive) 1Chr 27:23; 2Chr 21:7; Esth 4:7 (id. + ל of person) 2Kgs 8:19; Neh 9:15 (followed by accusative of direct object + ל of person + infinitive of purpose) Neh 9:23.

4. Command (especially late) followed by אֶלֿ of per-son addressed, Num 15:38; 1Chr 21:18 followed by ל Josh 11:9; 2Sam 16:11; 2Kgs 4:24; Job 9:7; Ps 106:34 (see below אֲשֶׁר 8 e); followed by infinitive 1Sam 24:11; 1Chr 21:17; 2Chr 1:18; 2Chr 29:27; 2Chr 29:30; 2Chr 31:11; 2Chr 35:21; Esth 1:17; Esth 4:13; Esth 4:15; Esth 6:1; Esth 9:14 followed by infinitive + ל of pers, 2Chr 14:3; 2Chr 29:21; 2Chr 31:4; followed by accusative direct object 2Chr 29:24 the king commanded the burnt-offering and the sin-offering, compare 1Kgs 5:20; Esth 2:15 followed by clause with אשׁר = that Neh 13:19 id. + ל of person vNeh 13:22 followed by clause with כִּי Job 36:10 absolute 1Sam 16:16 (read however probably יאמרו for יאמר, compare Dr); also Ps 105:31; Ps 105:34; Ps 107:25; 1Chr 14:12; 2Chr 24:8; Neh 13:9; Neh 13:19 (all followed by verb consecutive); command by letter עִםהַֿסֵּפֶר ׳א Esth 9:25 (followed by imperfect); appoint, assign לוֺ ׳לֶחֶם א 1Kgs 11:18 = threaten followed by infinitive Deut 9:25; Ps 106:23. Niph`al Perfect נֶאֱמַר Dan 8:26 Imperfect יֵאָמֵר Gen 22:14 +; יֵאָ֫מֶר לוֺ Isa 4:3 יֵאָמַ֑ר Gen 10:9 +; וַיֵּאָמַ֑ר Josh 2:2 be said, told Gen 10:9; Gen 22:14; Ps 87:5; Jer 4:11; Jer 16:14 (all absolute, indefinite subject, of current saying); so said in a book Num 21:14 be related, told, of vision Dan 8:26 said, told to (followed by ל indirect object) Josh 2:2; Hos 2:1 (twice in verse); Zeph 3:16 either so, or told concerning Num 23:23; Ezek 13:12 (אֶלֿ); יֵאָמֵר לָכֶם = ye shall be called (it shall be said to you) Isa 61:6 (|| תִּקָּרְאוּ), compare Isa 4:3; Isa 19:18; Isa 32:5 (|| יִקָּרֵא ל) Isa 62:4 (twice in verse); hence be called, of Tophet לֹאיֵֿאָמֵר עוֺד הַתֹּפֶת Jer 7:32 subject שֵׁם Gen 32:29; Job 34:31 כִּי אֶלאֵֿל הֶאָמַר, Rabb (compare AV) treat הֵאָמַר as Niph`al Infinitive for לְהֵאָמֵר, but against grammar; the form as it stands is Qal Perfect, אֶלאֵֿל being prefixed to the interrogative for emphasis (compare Jer 22:15; Jer 23:26; Neh 13:27), see Dr§ 9 Di and others; Hoffm., however, reads הֵאָמֵר infinitive absolute = imperative 'so must one speak (it be spoken) to God.' Hiph`il Perfect avow, avouch Deut 26:17 הֶאֱמַרְתָּ הַיּוֺם לִהְיוֺת לְךָ לֵאלֹהִים ׳אֶתיֿ; vDeut 26:18 ׳וי הֶאֱמִירְךָ היום להיות לוֺ לְעַם (literally cause to declare, i.e. through agency of Moses; on this & other interpretations see Di). Hithpa`el Imperfect יִתְאַמְּרוּ Ps 94:4 subject כָּלפֹּֿעֲלֵי אָ֑וֶן act proudly, boast (|| יַבִּיעוּ יְדַבְּרוּ עָתָק probably also 2 masculine plural תִּתְיַמָּ֑רוּ Isa 61:6 (in good sense, followed by בְּ of thing gloried in) ᵑ6 ᵑ9 ᵑ7 & compare ᵐ5; GesComm. so De Che Köi. 457 f. (from [ימר] exchange Thes Hi Kn Ew Di; but see ימר, מור).

BDB9309 H560 H559

BDB9308 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9310

אֲמַר71 verb say, tell, command (Biblical Hebrew אָמַר); —

Pe Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳א Dan 2:12 +, אֲמַ֑ר Dan 7:1 3 feminine singular אֲמֶ֫רֶר Dan 5:10 (K§ 38, 1 a); 1 singular אַמְרֵת Dan 4:5 1 plural אֲאַ֫רְנָא Dan 5:4; Dan 5:9, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יֵאמַר (K§ 41) Dan 2:7 +; 2 masculine plural תֵּאמְרוּן Jer 10:11, etc.; Imperative masculine singular אֱמַר Jer 2:4 +; masculine plural אֱמַרוּ Jer 2:9 Infinitive לְמֵאמַר vJer 2:9, לְמֵמַ֑ר Ezra 5:11 (K§ 41 a); Participle אְמַר Dan 2:5 + often, plural אָֽמְרִין Dan 3:4; Ezra 5:3 +; —
1. say (often in phrase answer and say): followed by oratio recta [direct speech] (only), Dan 2:7; Dan 2:10 + 13 t. Daniel; Ezra 5:11 + ל person Dan 2:5; Dan 3:14 + 14 t. Daniel [plural with indefinite subject for passive Dan 4:28], Ezra 5:15 + קְָדָס person Dan 2:9; Dan 5:17; Dan 6:13; Dan 6:14 + כֵּן Dan 4:11; Dan 7:23, כֵּן with ל person Ezra 5:8; Dan 2:24; Dan 2:25; Dan 6:7, compare Dan 7:5 + כְּנֵמָא with ל person Ezra 5:4; Ezra 5:9 + כִּדְנָךְ with ל person Jer 10:11 followed by accusative of thing + עַל person against whom Dan 3:29.
2. relate, tell: followed by accusative of thing Dan 4:6; Dan 4:15; Dan 7:1, + ל person Dan 2:4; Dan 2:9; Dan 2:7; Dan 7:16 (accusative of thing omitted), + קְָדָם person Dan 2:36; Dan 4:4; Dan 4:5.
3. command: followed by infinitive Dan 2:12; Dan 2:46 + 6 t. Daniel; followed by finite verb Dan 5:29; Dan 6:17; Dan 6:23 followed by ל person + or. rect. Dan 3:4 [pl. with indefinite subject, for passive, K§ 76 e, so Dan 4:23].

said, saying, saith, say, spake, …
ʾāmar
to say (used with great latitude)
  • to say, speak, utter
    • (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
      • "(Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called"(Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly"(Hiphil) to avow, to avouch

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

Preposition

In the KJV here: unto
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)

הַ מַּלְאָ֖ךְ
הַ
Prefix — article the
מַּלְאָ֖ךְ
Root word angel, messengers, messenger, angels, ambassadors
Dictionary form: מֲלְאָךְ · mul-OKE

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: the angel
messengers ×44 the angel ×33 and the angel ×24 the messengers ×11 an angel ×8 a messenger ×7 then the angel ×7 the messenger ×5
More options
messenger — Core meaning; best for human envoys or diplomatic contexts.
angel — Preferred for divine/heavenly beings sent by God.
envoy — Formal register; suits royal or diplomatic dispatches.
ambassador — Highlights official representative role, human or divine.
emissary — Slightly elevated; good for solemn or weighty missions.
herald — Emphasizes public proclamation aspect of the mission.

BDB4280 H4397

BDB4279 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4281

מַלְאָךְ214 noun masculine messenger; — ׳מ Exod 23:20 + 48 t.; construct מַלְאַךְ Gen 16:7 + 69 t.; suffixes מַלְאָכִי Exod 23:23 + 3 t.; מַלְאָכוֺ Gen 24:7; Gen 24:40 plural מַלְאָכִים Gen 32:4 + 63 t. + מלאכים 2Sam 11:1 Kt ( Qr מלכים); construct מַלְאֲכֵי Gen 28:12 + 11 t.; מַלְאָכֶיךָ Num 24:12; 2Kgs 19:23 מַלְאָכֵכֵה Nah 2:14 error for מַלְאָכֵכִי = מַלְאָכַיְכִי Ges«GKC:91»§ 91, (2) Anm. 2 or < for מַלְאָכֵךְ by dittograph from following הוֺי Köii. 1. 571). מַלְאָכָיו 2Chr 36:15 + 8 t.; —

1. messenger,
  a. one sent with a message Gen 32:4 + 8 t. J E; Deut 2:26, (not in P); Judg 6:35 + 8 t.; 1Sam 6:21 + 51 t. Samuel Kings, 1Chr 14:1; 1Chr 19:2; 1Chr 19:16; 2Chr 18:12; 2Chr 35:21; Neh 6:3; Job 1:14; Prov 13:17; Prov 17:11; Isa 14:32; Isa 18:2; Isa 30:4; Isa 37:9; Isa 37:14; Jer 27:3; Ezek 17:15; Ezek 23:16; Ezek 23:40; Ezek 30:9; Nah 2:14 מלאכי שׁלום, messengers of peace Isa 33:7.
  b. a prophet Isa 42:19; Isa 44:26; 2Chr 36:15; 2Chr 36:16; Hag 1:13 the herald of the advent מלאכי Mal 3:1.
  c. priest Mal 2:7, probably Eccl 5:5 (RV angel).
  d. || מֵלִיץ Job 33:23, a messenger from God acting as an interpreter and declaring what is right (angel of RV too specific).
  e. figurative רָעִים ׳מ messengers of evil Ps 78:49 מות ׳מ messenger of death Prov 16:14 || רוחות winds his messengers Ps 104:4.
2. angel, as messenger of God, מלאכים with God in theophanies Gen 19:1; Gen 19:15; Gen 28:12; Gen 32:2 (JE), praising him; Ps 103:20; Ps 148:2 in his sight not without error Job 4:18 charged with the care of the pious Ps 91:11 elsewhere singular sent to a prophet 1Kgs 13:18; 1Kgs 19:5; 1Kgs 19:7; 2Kgs 1:3; 2Kgs 1:15; Zech 1:9 + 18 t. in Zech 1-6; excellent, wise, powerful 1Sam 29:9; 2Sam 14:17; 2Sam 14:20; 2Sam 19:28; Zech 12:8 encamping about the faithful Ps 34:8 chasing his enemies Ps 35:5; Ps 35:6 destroying by judgment of Yahweh 2Sam 24:16; 2Sam 24:17 = 1Chr 21:12-30; 2Kgs 19:35 = Isa 37:36 = 2Chr 32:21.
3. the theophanic angel ה֯א֠להים ׳מ in the story of E: Gen 21:17; Gen 31:11; Exod 14:19, also in Judg 6:20; Judg 13:6; Judg 13:9 יהוה ׳מ in the story of J: Gen 16:7; Gen 16:9; Gen 16:10; Gen 16:11; Gen 22:11; Gen 22:15; Exod 3:2; Num 22:22; Num 22:23; Num 22:24; Num 22:25; Num 22:26; Num 22:27; Num 22:31; Num 22:32; Num 22:34; Num 22:35 and in Judg 2:1; Judg 2:4; Judg 5:23; Judg 6:11; Judg 6:12; Judg 6:21 (twice in verse); Judg 6:22 (twice in verse); Judg 13:3; Judg 13:13; Judg 13:15; Judg 13:16 (twice in verse); Judg 13:17; Judg 13:18; Judg 13:20 (twice in verse); Judg 13:21 הַמַּלְאָךְ Gen 48:16 (E); מַלְאָךְ Exod 23:20 (E), Exod 33:2; Num 20:16 (JE), Hos 12:5 מַלְאָכִי Exod 23:23 (E), Exod 32:34 (J); מַלְאָכוֺ Gen 24:7; Gen 24:40 (J), פניו ׳מ Mal 3:1 (referring to the ancient מלאך); הכרית ׳מ Mal 3:1 (referring to the advent of ׳י for judgment, see BrMP 473). The theophanic angel is not mentioned in D and P.

BDB9633 H4397

BDB9632 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9634

לאך (√ of following; Biblical Hebrew לאך, מַלְאָח).

angel, messengers, messenger, angels, ambassadors
mălʾok
a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
  • messenger, representative
    • messenger
      • "angel"the theophanic angel

הַ דֹּבֵ֣ר
הַ
Prefix — article the
דֹּבֵ֣ר
Root word spake, speak, spoken, said, speaking, …
Dictionary form: דָבַר · daw-BAHR

Verb — Qal, Participle Active, masculine singular, absolute state simple action — "he did" ongoing action — try "___ing" or "one who ___s"

In the KJV here: that talked
spake ×193 speak ×100 hath spoken ×39 he spake ×29 and spake ×27 have spoken ×26 to speak ×20 and speak ×18
More options
speak — Most versatile modern rendering; fits nearly all contexts.
say — Prefer for short, direct speech or quotation introductions.
tell — Use when emphasis is on conveying information to someone.
declare — Suits formal, public, or solemn proclamations.
talk — More conversational; good for dialogue or extended exchange.
announce — Best when the speech is a public or official pronouncement.

BDB1815 H1696

BDB1814 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1816

[דָּבַר]1142 verb speak (original meaning dubious; range in order Thes is conjectural and not comprehensive enough; treiben MV does not explain Arabic or Hebrew usage, but only Aramaic A meaning go away, sustained by Arabic go away with it, would best explain the four branches of usage: — (1) Arabic depart, perish, IV. retreat, figurative retrograde, decline; passing away, death; Assyrian dabâru, Pi`el drive away, BezOrient. Diplom, Vocab., Dibbara, pest-god, Hpt. in KAT2. 500, דֶּבֶר pestilence. (2) Arabic follow behind, in time, place, or station; part behind, back, דְּבִיר hindmost chamber of temple. (3) Syriac lead, guide, cattle, sheep, government, take a wife, = Aramaic דְּבַר; Syriac , Aramaic דַּבָּר leader; Syriac , Aramaic דַּבָּרָא guidance; Syriac , Aramaic דַּבְרָא, Hebrew דֹּבֶר; Syriac , Aramaic מַדְבְּרָא, Hebrew מִדְבָּר pasture, wilderness; Arabic , Syriac , Aramaic דַּבַּרְתָא, Hebrew דְּבוֺרָה swarm of bees, may be in this line, as led by their queen, so Thes. (4) Arabic consider the end or issue (of an affair), relate (a story or tradition); consider, plan against; Phoenician דבר speak; Hebrew דִּבֶּר etc. Synonym of אָמַר say, as Aramaic מַלֵּל with אֲמַר; Greek λαλεῖν, λέγειν; Lat loqui, dicere; German reden, sagen) —

Qal41 only infinitive (once ?) & participle: Infinitive suffix בְּדָבְרֶ֑ךָ (by attraction to בְּשָׁפְטֶ֑ךָ for usual Piel) Ps 51:6 Participle דֹּבֵר Exod 6:29 + 30 t.; plural דֹּבְרִים Num 36:5; Ps 109:20 construct דֹּבְרֵי Ps 5:7 + 3 t.; feminine דֹּבְרוֺת Num 27:7; Ps 31:19 passive דָּבֻר Prov 25:11 — speak, absolute Num 27:7; Num 32:27; Num 36:5 (P) Ps 51:6 (?); דָּבָר דָּבֻר word spoken Prov 25:11 with accusative of thing דֹּבֵר דָּבָר speaking a word Job 2:13 אמת Ps 15:2, תמים Amos 5:10, (מ)ישׁרים Prov 16:13; Isa 33:15, צדק Isa 45:19, שׁלום Esth 10:3; Ps 28:3, שׁקר(יםׅ Ps 63:12; Ps 101:7; Jer 40:16, כזב Ps 5:7; Ps 58:4, רע Ps 109:20, נבלה Isa 9:16, הַוַּת נפשׁו Mic 7:3 with אֶל of person, unto Gen 16:13 (J) Exod 6:29 (P) Jer 38:20; Jer 40:16; Dan 10:11; Jonah 3:2 בְּאָזְנֵי in the ears of Deut 5:1; Jer 28:7 עַל concerning, about Ps 31:19; Ps 109:20; Jer 32:42 (sometimes rendered against, but dubious); עִם with Ps 28:3 הַמַּלְאָךְ הַדֹּבֵר בִּי the angel that spake with me (as a prophet, an instrument of communicating with Israel) Zech 1:9; Zech 1:13; Zech 1:14; Zech 2:2; Zech 2:7; Zech 4:1; Zech 4:4; Zech 4:5; Zech 5:5; Zech 5:10; Zech 6:4 (see preposition בְּ III. 2 Ew§ 217 f. (3)). Niph`al4 Perfect נִדְבְּרוּ Mal 3:16, נִדְבָּ֑רוּ Ps 119:23, נִדְבַּרְנוּ Mal 3:13 Participle הַנִּדְבָּרִים Ezek 33:30 reciprocal sense, speak with one another, talk, absolute Mal 3:16 with בְּ, against Ps 119:23; Ezek 33:30 with עַל, concerning, about Mal 3:13 (RV against, see Ew§ 217 i.) Pi`el1089 Perfect דִּבֶּר Gen 12:4 +, דִּבֵּ֑ר Gen 21:1 + (on דִּבֶּ֑ר Exod 12:25; Deut 26:19 see Bö§ 1021 d (1) Köi, 188); Imperfect יְדַבֵּר Gen 44:7 +, יְדַבֶּרֿ Gen 44:18 +; תְּדַבְּרוּן Gen 32:20, תְּדַבֵּר֑וּן Ps 58:2 Imperative דַּבֵּר Gen 24:38 +, דַּבֶּרֿ Exod 11:2 +; Infinitive דַּבֵּר Gen 24:50 +, דַּבֶּרֿ Isa 59:13 +; Participle מְדַבֵּר Gen 27:6 +; feminine מְדַבֶּרֶת 1Sam 1:13 +; — (הַדִּבֵּר Jer 5:13, infinitive Ki48, probably Ol§ 182 e Kö§ 23 (5), perhaps MV; but more probably a noun, as Ges«GKC:52»§ 52 (2), Anm. 3 Ew§ 156 a, dubious perfect as Sta§ 222; בְּיוֺם דִּבֶּר Exod 6:28; Num 3:1; Deut 4:15 תְּחִלַּת דִּבֶּרֿ Hos 1:2, infinitive Ki48 Bö§ 987 (7) Kö§ 23 (5); but more probably perfect, as Ges«GKC:52»§ 52 (2). Anm. 3); — speak,
1. absolute Deut 18:17 + (throughout the literature) usually with לֵאמֹר, less frequently וַיּאֹמֶר: 2Kgs 18:28 +, compare the phrases ) דברתי׳אני (י Ezek 5:13 + 18 t. Ezekiel; דבר ׳כי י Isa 1:2; Isa 21:17; Isa 22:25; Isa 24:3; Isa 25:8; Jer 13:15; Joel 4:8; Obad 1:18 דבר ׳כי פי י Isa 1:20; Isa 40:5; Isa 58:14; Mic 4:4 פי ידבר Ps 49:4 (י)דבר פי Ps 66:14; Ps 145:21 השׁכם ודבר Jer 7:13; Jer 25:3; Jer 35:14 עוד זה מדבר Job 1:16; Job 1:17; Job 1:18.
2. with accusative of thing, very frequently, ׳ד את הדברים האלה Exod 20:1; Deut 5:19 +; לָמָּה תְּדַבֵּר עוֺד דְּבָרֶיךָ why speakest thou any more of thy affairs ? 2Sam 19:30 עַד אִםדִּֿבַּרְתִּי דְּבָרָ֑י until I have told my errand Gen 24:33 seldom followed by דָּבָר indefinite; as דָּבָר ׳ד Isa 58:13 speak a (mere, empty) word; so probably also דְּבָרִים ׳ד Hos 10:4 with other nouns, e.g. דבר קשׁות spake rough words Gen 42:7; Gen 42:30 (E); גבהה ׳ד proud words 1Sam 2:3 טבות friendly words Jer 12:6 טוב 1Sam 19:4; 1Kgs 22:13; Esth 7:9 שׁקר Isa 59:3 +, כזב Dan 11:27, אמת Jer 9:4 +, שׁוא Ps 12:3 +; דבר שׁיר utter, sing a song Judg 5:12 משׁל 1Kgs 5:12 יְהוּדִית the Jewish language Neh 13:24 סרה rebellion Deut 13:6; Jer 28:16; Jer 29:32.
3. with persons:
  a. rarely accusative יָָֽכְלוּ דַבְּרוֺ לְשָׁלֹם they could [not] speak unto him peaceably Gen 37:4 (J; but Ew§ 282 a about him); וַיְדַבֵּר ֗֗֗ אֹתָם Num 26:3 (P, but text corrupt see Di; not satisfactory explanation yet given, possibly read אִתָּם see d).
  b. most frequently with אֶל throughout the literature: Gen 8:15 +; compare phrases אֶל משֶׁה לֵאמֹר ׳וַיְדַבֵּר י Exod 6:10 + 87 t. P; but אל משׁה לך ׳וידבּר י Exod 32:7; Exod 33:1 (JE); דבּר אל אהרן Lev 6:18 + 8 t. (P); ישׂראל דבר אל בני Exod 6:9 + 38 t. (P); elsewhere, Exod 19:6 (E) Deut 1:3; Deut 4:45 (D); אל (כל) העדה ׳ד Exod 12:3; Lev 19:2; Num 16:24; Num 16:26 (P); אל לב ׳ד speak unto one's heart Gen 24:45, i.e. to oneself, compare also על לִבָּהּ ׳ד 1Sam 1:13, see 5 below; אל is used inexactly for על 1Sam 3:12; 1Kgs 16:12; Isa 16:13; Jer 27:13; Jer 30:4; Jer 33:14; Jer 36:7; Jer 36:31; Jer 40:2; Jer 50:1; Jer 51:12; Jer 51:62 where it is rendered concerning or against.
  c. with לְ speak to 1Kgs 2:19; Ezek 32:21; Dan 2:4 ליהוה speak, sing to Yahweh words of a song Josh 10:12 (D) 2Sam 22:1 (= Ps 18:1 title); in D, דבר ל promise to, in phrases ) ל׳כאשׁר דבר(י Deut 1:11; Deut 1:21; Deut 6:3; Deut 9:3; Deut 10:9; Deut 11:25; Deut 12:20; Deut 15:6; Deut 18:2; Deut 26:18; Deut 27:3; Deut 29:12; Josh 13:14; Josh 13:33; Josh 22:4; Josh 23:5; Josh 23:10 (all D); אשׁר דבר ל Deut 9:28; 1Kgs 8:24; 1Kgs 8:25; 1Kgs 8:26 (= 2Chr 6:15; 2Chr 6:16; 2Chr 6:17). — דבר ל Gen 24:7; Gen 28:15; Gen 49:28; Exod 32:34 (J) Josh 9:21 (P) Judg 14:7; 2Sam 23:3; Isa 30:10; Zech 9:10 usually rendered speak to, but often rather promise to. הֲיֵשׁ לְדַבֶּרלָֿךְ אֶלהַֿמֶּלֶךְ is it possible to speak for thee unto the king ? 2Kgs 4:13 (by attraction to לַעֲשׂוֺת לָךְ).
  d. with אֵת speak with Gen 17:3; Gen 17:22; Gen 17:23; Gen 21:2; Gen 23:8; Gen 34:6; Gen 34:8; Gen 35:13; Gen 35:15; Exod 25:22; Exod 31:18; Exod 34:29; Exod 34:33; Exod 34:34; Exod 34:35; Num 3:1; Num 7:89; Josh 22:15; Josh 22:21 (all P) Gen 35:14; Gen 41:9; Gen 42:7; Gen 45:15; Josh 17:14 (all E) Deut 5:21 sources of Samuel Kings Chronicles, 2Sam 3:27; 2Sam 7:7 = 1Chr 17:6; 1Kgs 8:15 = 2Chr 6:4; 1Kgs 22:24 = 2Chr 18:23; 2Chr 10:10 ( = אל 1Kgs 12:10) Jer 5:5; Jer 7:22; Jer 9:7; Jer 35:2; Jer 38:25; Jer 3:22; Jer 3:24; Jer 3:27; Jer 14:4; Jer 20:3; Jer 44:5; compare phrases דבר חד את אחד speak one with another Ezek 33:30 דבר משׁפטים את speak judgments with, usually = give judgment against, (not Jer 12:1), Jer 1:16; Jer 4:12; Jer 12:1; Jer 39:5; Jer 52:9 (= 2Kgs 25:6); דבר טבות את speak kindly with 2Kgs 25:28 = Jer 52:32.
  e. with עִם speak with, (not P), Gen 29:9; Gen 31:24; Gen 31:29; Exod 19:9; Exod 20:19 (twice in verse); Exod 20:22; Exod 33:9; Num 11:17; Num 22:19; Josh 24:27 (all J E) Deut 5:4; Deut 9:10; Judg 6:17; 1Sam 9:25 (ᵐ5 Th We Dr וַיִּרְבְּדוּ לְ spread a couch for) 1Sam 17:23; 2Sam 13:22; 1Kgs 1:14; 1Kgs 1:22; 2Kgs 6:33; 2Kgs 18:26; 2Chr 9:1 (= אֶל 1Kgs 10:2) Neh 9:18; Esth 6:14; Jer 32:4; Dan 8:18; Dan 9:22; Dan 10:11; Dan 10:15; Dan 10:17; Dan 10:19; Hos 12:5 דִּבַּרְתִּי אֲנִי עִם לִבִּי I spake, communed with my heart Eccl 1:16. feminine לִפְנֵי before, in the presence of Exod 6:12; Num 36:1 (P) Judg 11:11; 1Kgs 3:22; Esth 8:3.
4. with בְּ
  a. instrumental, דבר בְּ speak with, by, or by means of a person (see above Qal near the end) Num 12:2 (twice in verse); Num 12:6; Num 12:8 (E) 2Sam 23:2 (compare Dr), 1Kgs 22:28 = 2Chr 18:27; Hab 2:1 בְּשֵׁם דִּבֶּר speak in the name of Exod 5:23 (J) Deut 18:19; Deut 18:20 (twice in verse); Deut 18:22; 1Chr 21:19; Jer 20:9; Jer 26:16; Jer 29:23; Jer 44:16; Dan 9:6; Zech 13:3 ביד by the hand of Num 17:5; Num 27:23; (P) 1Sam 28:17; 1Kgs 8:53 + 13 t. Kings, 2Chr 10:15 (= 1Kgs 12:15) Isa 20:2; Jer 37:2; Jer 50:1; Ezek 38:17.
  b. local (figurative), בְּאָזְנֵי in the ears of Gen 20:8 (E) Exod 11:2; Deut 32:44 (J) Gen 23:16; Num 14:28; Josh 20:4 (P) Deut 31:28; Deut 31:30; Judg 9:2; Judg 9:3; 1Sam 8:21; 1Sam 11:4; 1Sam 25:24; 2Sam 3:19 (twice in verse); Jer 26:15; Prov 23:9 בלב דבר speak in the heart Eccl 2:15.
  c. of the object, speak of, about (preposition בְּ IV. e Ew§ 217 f, (2)) Deut 6:7; Deut 11:19; 1Sam 19:3; 1Sam 19:4; Ps 119:46; Ps 122:8 propose for (a wife) 1Sam 25:39 (compare Song 8:8).
  d. of hostility, against (Ew§ 217 f, (1)) Num 12:1; Num 12:8; Num 21:5; Num 21:7 (E) Job 19:18; Ps 50:20; Ps 78:19.
  e. of price, בְּנַפְשׁוֺ at the cost of his life 1Kgs 2:23 (see בְּ III. 3).
5. with עַל, of the object concerning or about which one speaks Gen 18:19; Num 10:29 (J) Josh 23:14 (D) Judg 9:3; 1Sam 25:30; 1Kgs 2:4; 1Kgs 2:27; 1Kgs 5:13 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 14:2; 1Kgs 22:23 (= 2Chr 18:22), 2Kgs 10:10; 2Kgs 19:21 = Isa 37:22; 1Chr 22:11; 2Chr 23:3; Jer 1:16; Jer 18:7; Jer 18:8; Jer 18:9; Jer 42:19. It may have this sense in most if not all of the following, where RV renders 1Kgs 2:18; 1Kgs 2:19; Esth 7:9; Jer 18:20 for; 2Chr 32:16; Neh 6:12; Jer 11:17; Jer 16:10; Jer 25:13; Jer 26:13; Jer 26:19; Jer 35:17; Ezek 36:5; Dan 9:12; Dan 11:36; Hos 7:13; Amos 3:1 against; and 1Kgs 9:5; 2Kgs 22:19; Jer 10:1; Jer 19:15 unto (על is used for אל unto 2Chr 32:19; Jer 6:10; Jer 25:2; Jer 26:2; Hos 12:11); compare the phrase דבר על לב speak upon the heart, speak kindly, comfort Gen 34:3; Gen 50:21 (E) Judg 19:3; Ruth 2:13; 1Sam 1:13 (seemingly from context על for אל, to her heart, to herself, see Dr), 2Sam 19:8; 2Chr 30:22; 2Chr 32:6; Isa 40:2; Hos 2:16.
6. with infin. דבר לעשׂות promise to do Exod 32:14 (J) Deut 1:14; Ezek 6:10; Jonah 3:10 דבר לתת promise to give Deut 19:8 דבר למחות threaten to blot out 2Kgs 14:27 compare דבר להזהיר i.e. so as to warn Ezek 3:18; Ezek 33:8.

Note. — וַתָּקָם וַתְּדַבֵּר אֶתכָּֿלזֶֿרַע הַמַּמְלָכָה 2Chr 22:10 ᵐ5 ἀπώλεσε, ᵑ9 interfecit, scribal error for וַתְּאַבֵּד 2Kgs 11:1. Other explanations: plot against, waylay (Arabic ) Thes MV; pronounce sentence, elliptical וַתְּדַבֵּר מִשְׁפָּטִים GesHdw Rob; but compare VB. —
Pu`al Imperfect בַּיּוֺם שֶׁיְּדֻבַּרבָּֿהּ in the day when she may be spoken for Song 8:8 (see Pi`el 4 c); Participle נִכְבָּדוֺת מְדֻבָּר בָּךְ glorious things are being spoken in thee (RV Pe MV of thee) Ps 87:3. Hithpa`el Participle מִדַּבֵּר = מִתְדַּבֵּר with accusative מִדַּבֵּר הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה speaking this word 2Sam 14:13 ׳שָׁמַע (אֵת הַקּוֺל) מִדַּבֵּר אֶל heard (the voice, or) one speaking unto Num 7:89 (P) Ezek 2:2; Ezek 43:6 (Di Num 7:89 would read מְדַבֵּר after ᵐ5; the meaning not appreciably different from Piel; the Hithpa`el difficult to reconcile with אֶל). Hiph`il Imperfect וַיַּדְבֵּר עַמִּים תַּחְתָּי Ps 18:48 (2Sam 22:48 has וּמֹרִיד for rare וַיַּדְבֵּר), יַדְבֵּר עַמִּים תַּחְתֵּינוּ Ps 47:4 either (compare Aramaic דַּבַּר) leads subject (so Ges coegit, De Now), or (compare Arabic turn the back, retreat) puts to flight, figurative for subdues (so Hi).

spake, speak, spoken, said, speaking, …
dābar
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
  • to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
    • (Qal) to speak
      • "(Niphal) to speak with one another, talk"(Piel)
      • to speak
        • "to promise
      (Pual) to be spoken"(Hithpael) to speak"(Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

בִּ ֑י
בִּ
Preposition in, at, by, with
֑י
Suffix — pronoun my / me

Preposition

it ×144 him ×95 them ×83 thee ×59 me ×53 unto him ×35 you ×28 he ×22

מָה
מָה
Particle turns the sentence into a question
Dictionary form: מָה · maw

Particle — Interrogative

In the KJV here: with me what
what ×268 why ×81 wherefore ×64 how ×44 and what ×35 wherein ×12 and why ×10 him what ×9
More options
what — Default interrogative; fits most direct questions.
why — Use when context implies reason or motive.
how — Use when manner or degree is in view.
for what reason — Formal alternative to 'why'; clarifies rhetorical force.
wherein — Replaces archaic form; for 'in what respect'.
whatever — Use for indefinite or relative pronoun contexts.

BDB4521 H1767 H4078 H4100

BDB4520 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4522

מַדַּי (i.e. מַהדַּֿי) 2Chr 30:3, see מה 1 e.

מִדֵּי see דַּי.

מִדְיָן, מְדִינָה see דין.

מִדְיָנִים see I. מדון. מְדֹכָה see דוך.

מַדְמֵן, I, II. מַדְמֵנָה, מַדְמַנָּה see דמן.

מְדָן see דין. מְדָנִים see מדון, מִדְיָנִי.

מַדַּע, מֹדַע, מֹדַ֫עַת see ידע.

[מַדְקָרָה], plural construct מַדְקְרוֺת see דקר.

מַדְרֵגָה see דרג. מְדֻרָה see דור.

[מִדְרָךְ] see דרך. [מִדְרָשׁ] see דרשׁ.

[מְדֻשָׁה] see דושׁ.

BDB4522 H4100 H4078

BDB4521 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4523

מָה, rarely מָהֿ (e.g. Gen 31:43; Josh 22:16; Judg 8:1), מַהֿ, מַהּ , מֶה, מַּ  ( Exod 4:2; Isa 3:15; Mal 1:13; 1Chr 15:13; 2Chr 30:3), מָ (only in מָהֵם Ezek 8:6 Kt., Qr. מָה הֵם) — on the distinction in the use of these forms, see Ges«GKC:37»§ 37 —

pronoun interrogative and indefinite what? how? aught; used of things, as מִי of persons (Aramaic , מָא, Arabic ; probably apocope from a longer form with n or nt, Assyrian minû (DlHWB 417 f.), Ethiopic ment; compare WCG 123 ff. K?:ii. 368): —
1. interrogative what ?
  a. in a direct question, before either verbs or nouns Gen 4:10 מֶה עשׂית what hast thou done ? Gen 15:2 מהתֿתןלֿי what wilt thou give me ? Exod 3:13 מַהשְּֿׁמוֺ, Exod 12:26; Exod 13:14 and so very often: מַההִֿיא Zech 5:6 מה אלה Zech 1:9 מָה אַתָּה רֹאֶה Jer 1:11; Amos 7:8 +; Jl Amos 4:14 מה אתם לי; Judg 18:8 מה אתם see Commentaries, vJudg 18:24 מה לי עוד what have I still ? Isa 21:11 מהמֿלילה what (= how much) of the night (is past) ? = as what ? (qualem ?) Hag 2:3 (compare מִי Amos 7:2); to express surprise, Job 9:12 who shall say to him, מה תעשׂה what doest thou ? Job 22:13; Eccl 8:4; Isa 45:9; Isa 45:10 followed by כִּי, Gen 20:10 מה ראית כי עשׂית what hadst thou in view, that thou hast done, etc.? Gen 31:36; Exod 16:7 וְנַחְנוּ מָה כִּי and what are we, that . . .? Exod 32:21; Num 22:28; Hab 2:18, etc. Note in particular —
   (a) מָה is followed sometimes by a substantive in apposition (against Arabic usage, which does not permit this: WAG. ii. § 170), so that it becomes virtually an adjective: מַהבֶּֿצַע what profit . . .? Gen 37:26; Ps 30:10; Mal 3:14; Isa 40:8 מַהדְּֿמוּת, Mal 1:13; Ps 89:48 זְכָראֲֿנִי מֶה חָ֑לֶד (inverted for חֶלֶד אָ֑נִי מַה) remember (of) what (short) duration I am, Eccl 1:3; Eccl 5:10; Eccl 5:15; Eccl 6:8; Eccl 6:11 (Da§ 8, R. 2 K?:iii. 23 f.); as exclamation, Ps 89:48b Job 26:14. And with the substantive idiomatically at the end (in Arabic preceded then by : WAG. ii. § 49. 7), 1Sam 26:18 ומַהבֿידי רעה and what is there in my hand, evil ? 1Sam 20:10 (see 3), 2Sam 19:29; 2Sam 24:13; 2Sam 1:16; מהמֿצאו אבותיכם בי עָוֶל, Eccl 11:2; Esth 6:3.
   (b) מַהזֶּֿה what now ? 1Sam 10:11, contracted מַזֶּה Exod 4:2 (זֶה 4 c); Gen 3:13 מַהזּֿאֹת עָשִׂיתָ; Gen 12:18; Gen 29:25 מַהזּֿאֹת עָשִׂיתָה לִּי; similarly Gen 26:10; Gen 42:28 +, either what, now, hast thou done ? or what is this that thou hast done ? (see זֶה 4 d).
   (c) לְּךָ מַהֿ what to thee ? i.e. what aileth thee ? or what dost thou want ? Gen 21:17 מַהלָּֿךְ הָגָר; Josh 15:18; 2Sam 14:5; 1Kgs 1:16; 2Kgs 6:28; Ezek 18:2 (accents); followed by כִּי, Judg 18:23 מהלֿך כי נזעקת, Gen 20:9 (compare 1Sam 11:5 לעם כי יבכו מה), Isa 22:1 מַהלָּֿךְ כִּי עָלִיתְ (compare τί παθὼν, τοῦτο ποιεῖς;), Ps 114:5 without כִּי Isa 3:15 (compare Qor 57:8; 57:10); with a participle, Jonah 1:6 what is it to thee as a sleeper ? (accusative: Da§ 70 a cites Qor 74:50), Ezek 18:2 (if אתם be treated as strengthening לכם).
   (d) פֹה (לִי) מַהלְּֿךָ = what hast thou (have I) here ? Judg 18:3; 1Kgs 19:9; Isa 22:16; Isa 52:5.
   (e) in the genitive, Jer 8:9 וְחָכְמַתמֶֿה לָהֶם, and wisdom of what (= what kind of wisdom) is theirs ? Num 23:3 (see below 3).
  b. often in an indirect question, as after ראה, Gen 2:19 to see מהיֿקראלֿו what he would call it, Gen 37:20 וְנִרְאֶה מהיֿהיו חלֹמֹתיו to what his dreams will come, Num 13:19f.; Hab 2:1 הִכִּיר Gen 31:32 ידע Gen 39:8; Exod 2:4 לדעת מהיֵּֿעָשֶׂה לו, Exod 16:15; Exod 32:1; Job 34:4 שׁמע Num 9:8 ׳וְאשׁמעה מהיֿצוה י (compare Ps 85:9), 2Sam 17:5 פֹּרַשׁ Num 15:34 שׁאל 1Kgs 3:5; 2Kgs 2:9 הֵבִין Job 6:24; Job 23:5: Num 13:18 מה היא וראיתם את הארץ, Ps 39:5; Isa 41:22 הראשׁנות מָה הֵנָּה הַגִּידוּ. — In some such cases it approximates in meaning to the simple rel., as Jer 7:17; Jer 33:24; Mic 6:5; Mic 6:8; Job 34:33.
  c. = of what kind ? (German was für ein ... ?), with an insinuation of blame, or reproach, or contempt: Gen 37:10 מה החלום הזה what is this dream which thou hast dreamt? Gen 44:15; Josh 22:16; Judg 8:1; Judg 15:11; Judg 20:12; 1Sam 29:3 מָה הָעִבְרִים האלה, 1Kgs 9:13 מה העדים האלה אשׁר נתתה לי, 2Kgs 9:22; 2Kgs 18:19.
  d. מה is often used in questions to which the answer little, or nothing, is expected, and it thus becomes equivalent to a rhetorical negative (compare הֲ b, מִי f c):
   (a) Gen 23:15 land worth 400 shekels..., מה היא what is it ? (i.e. it is something quite insignificant), Gen 27:37; Judg 8:3 עשׂות ככם ומהיֿכלתי, Judg 14:18; Hos 9:5; Hos 10:3; Ps 30:10; Ps 56:5; Job 15:9; Job 16:6; Job 21:21; Job 22:13; Job 22:17; Lam 2:13; Song 5:9 מַהאדּוֺדֵךְ מִדּוֺד what is thy beloved (more) than a(nother) beloved ? || לא, 1Kgs 12:16 מַהלָּֿנוּ חֵלֶק בְּדָוֺד וְלֹאנַֿחֲלָה בְּבֶן יִשַׁי (2Sam 20:1 ׳אֵיןלָֿנוּ חֵלֶק וג), Job 16:6.
   (b) followed by כִּי (כִּי 1 f), Gen 20:9; Gen 37:26 מַהבֶּֿצַע כִּי נַהֲרֹג what profit (is it) that we should slay him ? Exod 16:7; Num 16:11; Hab 2:18; 2Kgs 8:13 what is thy servant, the dog, that he should do, etc.? and often in poetry, as Ps 8:5 מָה אנושׁ כי תזכרנו what is man that thou rememberest him ? Job 6:11 מַהכֹּֿחִי כִּי אֲיַחֵל, vJob 6:11 b Job 7:17; Job 15:12f; Job 15:14; Job 16:3; Job 21:15 + (compare ׳מִ f b). Hence,
   (c) in the formula of repudiation, or emphatic denial, (וְלָכֶם) מַהלִּֿי וָלָךְ what is there (common) to me and to thee ? i.e. what have I to do with thee ? Judg 11:12; 2Sam 16:10 מה לי ולכם, 2Sam 19:23; 1Kgs 17:18; 2Kgs 3:13; 2Chr 35:21 compare Josh 22:24; 2Kgs 9:18; 2Kgs 9:19 rather differently, without וְ, Jer 2:18 ׳מה לך לדרך מ what is there to thee with reference to the way to Egypt ? Hos 14:9 מַהאלּוֺ לַעֲצַבִּים, compare Ps 50:16 (לְסַפֵּר); with את, Jer 23:28 מַהלַֿתֶּבֶן אֶתהַֿבָּר beside (or in comparison with) the wheat ? compare τί ἐμοὶ(ἡμῖν)καὶ σοί; Matt 8:29; Mark 5:7; John 2:4 and Arabic
  e. = whatsoever (compare מִי g):
   (a) Judg 9:48 ראיתם עשׂיתי מהרו עשׂו כמוני מה אתם, literally what do you see (that) I have done ? hasten, and do like me (= whatever ye see, etc.), 2Sam 21:4 אעשׂה לכם מה אתם אמרים, Job 6:24 with the apodosis introduced by וְ, 1Sam 20:4 מה תאמר נפשׁך ואעשׂה לך; Esth 5:3 בַּקָּשָׁתֵךְ ֗֗֗ וְיִנָּתֵן לָךְ מַהֿ, vEsth 5:6; Esth 7:2; Esth 9:12 hence in the late and strange idiom of Chronicles, it sinks twice almost to the rel. what, 1Chr 15:13 כי לְמַבָּרִאשׁוֺנָה לא אתם because ye were not (employed) for what was at first (on the former occasion), J. etc., 2Chr 30:3 לְמַדַּי according to what was sufficient (= in sufficient numbers), compare Esth 9:26.
   (b) -מַהשֶּֿׁ (late: frequently in Mishna, etc.), whatever, what (compare מִי אֲשֶׁר, מִי
  g. end): Eccl 1:9 מַהשֶּֿׁהָיָה הוּא שֶׁיִּהְיֶה, literally what is that which hath been ? it is that which shall be (= whatever hath been, it is that which shall be), vEccl 1:9; Eccl 3:15; Eccl 3:22; Eccl 6:10; Eccl 7:24; Eccl 8:7; Eccl 10:14.
2. Used adverbially:
  a. as an interrogative:
   (a) how ? especially in expressing what is regarded as an impossibility, Gen 44:16 מַהנִּֿצְטַדָּ֑ק how shall we justify ourselves ? Num 23:8 (twice in verse); 1Sam 10:27 מַהיּֿשִׁעֵנוּ זֶה, 2Kgs 4:43; Job 9:2; Job 25:4 (twice in verse); Job 31:1 I made a covenant with my eyes, ׳וּמָה אֶתְבּוֺנֵן עַל ב and how should I look upon a maid ? (ᵐ5 οὐ, ᵑ9 non), Prov 20:24 דַּרְכּוֺ וְאָדָם מַהיָּֿבִין; in an indirect question, Exod 10:26; Ps 39:5 ֵ˜אדְעָה מֶהחָֿדֵל אָ֑נִי; מַהזֶּֿה, how, now ? (in surprise), Gen 27:20 מַהזֶּֿה מִהַרְתָּ לִמְצאֹ בְּנִי, Judg 18:24; 1Kgs 21:5; 2Kgs 1:5.
   (b) why ? Exod 14:15 אֵלַי מַה תִּצְעַק, Exod 17:2 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 6:33; 2Kgs 7:3; Ps 42:6 מַהתִּֿשְׁתּוֺחֲחִי עלי, Job 15:12 +; Song 8:4 I adjure you מַהתָּֿעִירוּ וּמַהתְּֿעוֺרֲרוּ, why will ye stir up, etc.? (i.e. do not: || אִם Song 2:7; Song 3:5). — The transition from the interrogative to the negative, to which in Hebrew there is an approximate (see above: especially 1Kgs 12:16; Job 31:1; Song 8:4), is in Arabic complete, being there used constantly in the sense of not (compare WalkerHebraica. xii. 244 ff.; Köiii, 478).
  b. as an exclamation, how ...! with adjectives and verbs, Gen 28:17 מַהנּֿוֺרָא הַמָּקוֺם הַזֶּה how dreadful is this place! Gen 38:29; Num 24:5 מַהטֹּֿבוּ אֹהָלֶיךָ, Isa 52:7; Ps 3:2 מה רבו, Ps 8:2 מה אדיר, Ps 21:2; Ps 36:8, etc., Song 4:10 (twice in verse); Song 7:2 ironically, 2Sam 6:20; Jer 2:33; Jer 2:36; Job 26:2; Job 26:3.
3. indefinite pronoun anything, aught, Num 23:3 וּדְבַרמַֿהיַּֿרְאֵנִי וְהִגַּדְתִּי לָ֑ךְ and he will shew me the matter of aught, and I will tell thee (= if he shew me... I will, etc., Dr§ 149), 1Sam 19:3 וְרָאִיתִי מָה וִהִגַּדְתִּי לָ֑ךְ = and if I see aught, I will, etc., 1Sam 20:10 אוֺ מַהיַּֿעַנִךָ אָבִיךָ קָשָׁה if perchance thy father shall answer thee aught that is harsh (order, 1 a a), 2Sam 18:22 וִיהִימָֿה אָרוּצָהנָּֿא but let there happen what may (literally aught), I will run, v2Sam 18:23 (compare Job 13:13 וְיַעֲבֹר עָלַי מָה), vJob 13:29 וְלֹא יָדַעְתִּי מָה (compare Prov 9:13), Prov 25:8. compare Köiii. § 65.
4. With prepositions:
  a. בַּמָּה9, בַּמֶּה19 wherein ? Exod 22:26; Judg 16:5; 1Sam 14:38 (indirect question; We בְּמִי); and so according to the various senses of בְּ: whereby ? Gen 15:8; Exod 33:16; Mal 1:2; Mal 1:6; Mal 1:7; Mal 2:17; Mal 3:7-8 wherewith ? 1Sam 6:2; 2Sam 21:3; Mic 6:6 by what means ? Judg 16:5 וּבַמֶּה נוּכַל לוֺ; at what (worth) ? Isa 2:22 for what ? 2Chr 7:21 (|| 1Kgs 9:8 עלמֿה).
  b. יַעַן מֶה Hag 1:9 because of what ?
  c. כַּמָּה, כַּמֶּה, properly the like of what ? (Arabic , Syriac ); hence
   (a) how much ? how many ? ׳כַּמָּה יְמֵי וגו Gen 47:8; 2Sam 19:35; Ps 119:84; Job 13:23 עַד כַּמֶּה פְעָמִים 1Kgs 22:16 (= 2Chr 18:15); כַּמָּה how often ? Job 21:17 (i.e. how seldom !); in an indirect question, how much ? Zech 2:6 (twice in verse). As an exclamation, Zech 7:3 as I have done זֶה כַמֶּה שָׁנִים now (זֶה 4 i), how many years ! Ps 78:40 כַּמָּה how often !
   (b) for how long ? Ps 35:17 כמה תראה, Job 7:19.
  d. לָ֫מָּה, לָמָ֫ה (לָמָ֫ה mostly before the gutturals א, ה, ע and ׳י [i.e. אֲדֹנָי], but twice besides, Ps 42:10; Ps 43:2 לָ֫מָּה also occurs before guttural, in five places noted by Masoretes on Ps 43:2, namely 1Sam 28:15; 2Sam 2:22; 2Sam 14:31; Ps 49:6; Jer 15:18, and before ךְ Gen 4:6; 2Sam 14:13; 2Sam 24:3; Eccl 2:15), לָ֫מָה Job 7:20, לָ֫מֶה 1Sam 1:8 (3 t. in verse), for what reason ? why? Gen 4:6 למה חרה לך why art thou angry ? Gen 24:31, etc.; often strengthened by זֶה (זֶה 4 e), Gen 18:13; Gen 32:30 (= Judg 13:18) למה זה תשׁאל לשׁמי, Judg 33:15; Exod 2:20; Exod 5:22; Exod 17:3, etc., Jer 6:20; Jer 20:18 +; Gen 25:22 זה אנכי אם כן למהֿ if so, why, then, am I ? (why do I continue to live ?); = to what purpose (followed by לִ person), Gen 27:46 למה לי חיים, Isa 1:11; Jer 6:20; Amos 5:18 למה זה ׳לכם יום י, Job 30:2 in an indirect question, 1Sam 6:3; Dan 10:20. Note especially
   (a) in expostulations, Gen 12:18 למה לא הגדת לי why didst thou not tell me, etc. ? vGen 12:19; Gen 29:25; Gen 31:27; Gen 42:1; Gen 43:6; 1Sam 21:15; 1Sam 22:13; 1Sam 24:10; Ps 22:2; Ps 44:24; Ps 44:25; Ps 74:1; Ps 74:11 + often;
   (b) with an imperfect, often deprecating, or introducing rhetorically, the reason why something should, or should not, be done, why should . . .? 1Sam 19:5; 1Sam 19:17; 1Sam 20:8 but to thy father (emphatic) למה זה תביאני, why shouldst thou bring me ? 1Sam 20:32 מה עשׂה למה יומת why should he be put to death ? 2Sam 13:26; 2Sam 16:9; 2Sam 20:19; 2Kgs 14:10, etc.: in such cases, it approximates in meaning to lest (compare Phoenician CISi. 2, 21 יסגרינם אלנם לָםָ ne tradant eos dii), and is in ᵐ5 often rendered by μήποτε, as Gen 27:45 למה אשׁכל why should I be bereaved, etc. ? Exod 32:12 יאמרו מצרים למה Neh 6:3; Ps 79:10; Ps 115:2; Eccl 7:16, μή, Jer 40:15, ἵνα μή, Gen 47:19; 2Sam 2:22; 2Chr 25:16; Eccl 5:5; Eccl 7:17, or ὅπως μή, Joel 2:17 (in 1Sam 19:17; 2Sam 13:26, paraph. by εἰ μή); and, connected with the foregoing sentence by אשׁר, or שֶׁ, in late, or dialect., Hebrew it actually has that meaning, Dan 1:10 אֲשֶׁר לָמָּה יִרְאֶה lest he see, Song 1:7 שַׁלָּמָ֫ה אֶהְיֶה lest I become (so in Aramaic לְמָה דִּי Ezra 7:23, דִּילְמָא ᵑ7, Syriac , both regularly = lest).
  e. עַדמָֿה (Ps 4:3 עַדמֶֿה) until when ? how long ? Num 24:22 (aposiop.), Ps 4:3; Ps 79:5; Ps 89:47 in indirect question, Ps 74:9 (compare עד אנה, עד מתי). feminine עַלמָֿה, and עַלמֶֿה, upon what ? Job 38:6; 2Chr 32:10 upon what ground ? wherefore ? Num 22:32 עַלמָֿה הִכִּיתָ אֶתאֲֿתֹנְךָ, Deut 29:23 (compare 1Kgs 9:8; Jer 22:8), Isa 1:5; Jer 8:14; Jer 9:11; Jer 16:10; Ezek 21:12; Ps 10:13; Job 13:14 (probably dittograph from vJob 13:13); עלמֿהזֿה Neh 2:4. In an indirect question, Job 10:2 הוֺדִיעֻנִי עַל מַהתְּֿרִיבֻנִי, Esth 4:5 לָדַעַת מַהזֶּֿה וְעַלמַֿהוֶּֿה.

BDB8356 H834 H7945 H4100

BDB8355 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8357

שֶׁ, also ( Gen 6:3 [? see 4 a], Judg 5:7 (twice in verse); Song 1:7; Job 19:29 [?]) שַּׁ , שָׁ in שָׁאַתָּה Judg 6:17, and שְׁ in שְׁהוּא Eccl 2:22, שְׁהֵם Eccl 3:18 (elsewhere before guttural שֶׁ, as שֶׁאֲנִי Song 1:6; Eccl 2:18, שֶׁאֵין Ps 146:3, שֶׁהֵם Song 6:5; Lam 4:9, שֶׁעַל Judg 7:12; Judg 8:26, שֶׁרּאֹשִׁי Song 5:2), relative particle who, which, that, etc. (constantly in Late Hebrew; Aramaic of Nerab, Ldzb371, 445; Assyrian sha; Phoenician אש (regularly), also sometimes ש (Ldzb227 f.): according to Ges Ew§ 181 b Olp. 439 Sta§ 176 e, abbreviated from אֲשֶׁר; more probably (Sperling [see אֲשֶׁר], Köii. 323 f.) an original demonstrative particle), synonym with אֲשֶׁר, but in usage limited to late Hebrew, and passages with north Palestinian colouring, namely Judg 5:7 (twice in verse) [אֲשֶׁר vJudg 5:27], Judg 6:17; Judg 7:12; Judg 8:26; 2Kgs 6:11 (see 4 c), Jonah 1:7; Jonah 1:12; Jonah 4:10 [אֲשֶׁר 11 t.], Ps 122:3; Ps 122:4; Ps 123:2; Ps 124:1; Ps 124:2; Ps 124:6; Ps 129:6; Ps 129:7; Ps 133:2; Ps 133:3; Ps 135:2; Ps 135:8; Ps 135:10; Ps 136:23; Ps 137:8; Ps 137:9; Ps 144:15; Ps 146:3; Ps 146:5; Lam 2:15; Lam 2:16; Lam 4:9; Lam 5:18; Ezra 8:20; 1Chr 5:20; 1Chr 27:27 Canticles (uniformly, except in title Song 1:1); Ecclesiastes (68 t.; אֲשֶׁא 89 t.); also (dubious) Gen 6:3; Gen 49:10 (שֶׁלֹּה ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ7), Job 19:29 and in the proper name (q. v.) מִישָׁאֵל and מְתוּשָׁאֵל. — In usage, שֶּׁ  is in the main parallel with אֲשֶׁר, namely

1. as pronoun who, which, whom, Judg 7:12 כַּהוֺל שֶׁעַל שְׂפַת הַיָּם (compare חוֺל c), Ps 122:3; Ps 124:6 etc.; him whom, that which, etc., Song 1:7; Song 3:1; 1Chr 27:27; Eccl 1:11; Eccl 6:3 וְרַב שֶׁיִּהְיוּ יְמֵי חַיָּיו and much (verb) is that which his days amount to (Hi De and others), vEccl 6:10 הוּא שֶּׁ  that which Eccl 1:9 (twice in verse); in the genitive, אַשְׁרֵי שֶּׁ  Ps 137:8; Ps 137:9; Ps 146:5. — On מַהשֶּּֿׁ  in Eccl = whatever, what, see מָה 1 e b.
2. as a connecting link; = where (compare אֲשֶׁר p. 81, and 4 b β), מְקוֺם שֶּׁ  Eccl 1:7; Eccl 11:3 (compare מְקוֺם אֲשֶׁר Gen 39:20 +: Ges«GKC:130c»§ 130c), whither Ps 122:4 (שֶׁשָּׁם ֗֗֗ ), when Song 8:8; Eccl 12:3 בַּיּוֺם שֶּׁ  (compare ib. 4 b a).
3.as a conjunction (compare אֲשֶׁר 8); —
  a. that, after רָאָה Eccl 2:13; Eccl 3:18, יָרַע Eccl 1:17; Eccl 2:14; Eccl 9:5; Job 19:19 (?), דִּבֶּר Eccl 2:15, אָמַר Eccl 8:14, עָשָׂה אוֺת Judg 6:17 as subject of sentence, Eccl 3:13; Eccl 5:15 also in the phrases, (a) what is ... that ? Song 5:9 (usually כִּי; see מָךְ 1 d b), מֶה הָיָה שֶּׁ  how comes it that ... ? Eccl 7:10
   (b) Song 3:4 כִּמְעַט שֶׁעָבַרְתּת מֵהֶם hardly (was it) that (German kaum dass) I had passed, etc., Eccl 7:14 עַל דִּדבְרַת שֶׁלּאֹ יִמְצָא to the intent that ..., Eccl 5:15 כָּלעֻֿמַּת שֶׁבֶּא exactly as ..., Eccl 12:9 תֵר שֶׁ besides that, עַד שֶּׁ  (עַד ּ Judg 5:7) until that Ps 123:2; Song 2:7; Song 2:17 + (see III. עַד II 1 a a and b; compare Late Hebrew Yoma Song 5:1), while Song 1:12 (ib. 2 d); עָשָׂהשֶּׁ  to make or cause that ..., Eccl 3:14 (compare Ezek 36:27).
  b. involving a reason (compare אֲשֶׁר 8 c), because, since, Song 1:6 (twice in verse); Song 5:2; Eccl 2:18 b. Hence שֵׁלָּמָה Song 1:7 since why ? = lest (see מָה 4 d b).
4. compounds:
  a. בְּשֶּׁ , i. q. בַּאֲשֶׁר c (p. 84a) in that, seeing that, Eccl 2:16 also (according to ᵑ0 ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Hu De) Gen 6:3 בְּשַׁגַּם הוּא בָשָׂר because that he also is flesh; but see שָׁגַג.
  b. ˜כּשֶּׁ , i. q. כַּאֲשֶׁר p. 455: — (a) according as Eccl 5:14; Eccl 12:7 (b) when (so often in Late Hebrew, as Ab Eccl 1:8 (3 t. in verse); Eccl 1:14) Eccl 9:12; Eccl 10:3.
  c. מִשֶּּׁ , i. q. מֵאֲשֶׁר a (p. 84:a), 2Kgs 6:12 מִי מִשֶּׁלָּנוּ who of those that are ours ? (but Klo KmpKau Benz מְגַלֵּנוּ who betrays us ? compare ᵐ5); Eccl 5:4 than that (compare מֵאֲשֶׁר Eccl 3:22), + Eccl 2:24 (read מִשֶּׁיּאֹכַל with Ew De, etc.; compare Eccl 3:22).
  d. שֶׁל, like אֲשֶׁרלְ (אֲשֶׁר 7 b), a mark of the genitive: thrice, adding slight emphasis to the suffix, Song 1:6 = Song 8:12 כַּרְמִי שֶׁלִּי my vineyard (literally my vineyard, which is mine), Song 3:7 מִטָּתוֺ שֶׁלִּשְׁלֹמֹה (so often in Late Hebrew, but without any special emphasis, as Aboth Song 1:12 הֲוֵי מתלמידיווּ שׁלאֿהרן be of Aaron's disciples, Song 2:1 שְׂכָרָן שֶׁלמִֿצְוֺת, vSong 2:2; Song 3:2 הֲוֵי מתפלל בשׁלומהּ שׁלמֿלכות; compare in Syriac, as Luke 6:42 my words, Nö§ 225). And with בְּ, בְּשֶׁל literally through that which belongs to or concerns, pleonastic for on account of (a late, unidiomatic translation of Aramaic בְּרִיל, from בְּ, דִּי, and לְ, as in Onk Gen 12:13 בדילי on my account, Gen 30:27; Gen 39:5 בְּדִיל יוֺסֵף, בְּדִיל מָא on account of what ? Judg 8:1; 2Sam 9:1; 1Kgs 11:12; 1Kgs 11:39, etc.), Jonah 1:7 בְּשֶׁלְּמִי on account of whom ? (|| vJonah 1:8 בַּאֲשֶׁר לְמִי; probably a gloss), vJonah 1:12 בְּשֶׁלִּי an account of me (ᵑ7 בְּדִיל מַן, בְּדִילִי); Eccl 8:17 בְּשֶׁל אֲשֶׁר יַעֲמֹל הָאָדָם לְבַקֵּשׁ on account of (the fact) that (= seeing that) man labours, etc. (unidiomatic translation of Aramaic בְּדִיל דְּ because that, as Gen 6:3 בְּדִיל דְּאִינוּן בִּסְרָא, Gen 39:9 בְּרִיל דְּאַתְּ אִיתְּתֵיהּ [for Hebrew בַּאֲשֶׁר אַתְּ אִשְׁתּוֺ]; Palmyrene בדיל די Ldzb233, — in Tariff Gen 1:4 (CookeN. Semitic Inscr. 320) = ἐπειδή).

[שֹׁא] see [ שׁוֺא].

BDB9652 H3964 H4101 H4100

BDB9651 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9653

מָה (מָא Ezra 6:8) pronoun interrogative and indefinite what? (Biblical Hebrew מָה; Nabataean מה; Zinjirli מ; ᵑ7 מא; Syriac ; Arabic : compare WCG 124 f.); —

1. what ? Dan 4:32 מה עבדת.
2. whatever, what (compare Biblical Hebrew 1 b end) Dan 2:22 ידע מח בחשׁוכא knoweth what is in darkness, Ezra 6:9: so מָה דִּי (compare דִּי 1 b: so Nabataean; Palmyrene מא די, מדי, Lzb306 Cooke320, 332) Dan 2:28; Dan 2:29 (twice in verse); Dan 2:45; Ezra 6:8 למא די תעבדון with regard to what ye shall do, Ezra 7:18 (= whatsoever).
3. with prefixes:
  a. כְּמָה how! Dan 3:33 (twice in verse).
  b. לְמָה why? (compare Biblical Hebrew לָמָּה) Ezra 4:22 be not slack herein: why should damage grow, etc., virtually = lest damage grow (ᵐ5 μή ποτε), Ezra 7:23 די למה להוא קצף for why should there be wrath ? = lest [ᵐ5 μή ποτε] there be wrath (compare ᵑ7 דִּילְמָא, Syriac lest: and see מָה 4 d b, p. 554:a).
  c. עלמֿה wherefore? Dan 2:15.

what, why, wherefore, how, wherein, …
mâ
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and even relatively, that which); often used with prefixes in various adverbial or conjunctive senses
  • (interr pron) what, how, of what kind
    • (interrogative)
      • what?
        • "of what kind"what? (rhetorical)"whatsoever, whatever, what
      (adverb)
      • how, how now
        • "why"how! (exclamation)
      (with prep)
      • wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means?
        • "because of what?"the like of what?
        • how much?, how many?, how often?
          • "for how long?
        for what reason?, why?, to what purpose?"until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron
    anything, aught, what may

Breakdown unavailable for this word. Dictionary form: אֵלֶּה · ale-LEH

Noun — Common, plural plural — usually add "-s"

In the KJV here: are these
these ×407 and these ×70 of these ×31 those ×26 are these ×21 now these ×21 these things ×7 in these ×6
More options
these — Most common modern rendering; use for nearby or just-listed items.
those — Use when referencing items more distant in context.
these things — Adds slight emphasis when referencing a list or concepts.
such — Use when אֵלֶּה has a qualitative or categorical sense.
the following — Useful when introducing an enumerated list ahead.

BDB424 H428

BDB423 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB425

אֵ֫לֶּה ( Rabb אֵלּוּ, Aramaic אִלֵּין, & compd. with and in , ) pronoun plural masculine & feminine these, in usage the plural of זֶה.
  a. Gen 2:4 & often: in apposition to a substantive with a pronominal suffix (always without the article) Exod 9:14 (read with Hi. אֵלֶּה בְּךָ for אֶללִֿבְּךָ) Exod 10:1 אֹתֹתַי אֵלֶּה these my signs, Exod 11:8; Deut 11:18; 1Kgs 8:59; 1Kgs 10:8; 1Kgs 22:23; 2Kgs 1:13; Jer 31:21; Ezra 2:65; Neh 6:14 in the genitive 2Kgs 6:20; Isa 47:9; Deut 18:12; Ps 15:5 and after כל Gen 14:3 + often Standing alone in a neuter sense, these things (rare in best prose, & not very common in poetry), with עָשָׂה Deut 18:12; Deut 22:5; Deut 25:16; 2Sam 23:17; 2Sam 23:22; Ps 15:5 +; with other verbs Ezra 9:1; Isa 44:21; Isa 47:7; Jer 13:22; Hos 14:10; Ps 42:5; Ps 50:21; Ps 107:43; Job 8:2 with אֶתֿ Num 15:13; Isa 48:14 with כָּלֿ Judg 13:23; Isa 66:2 +; see also some of the cases with prepositions below
  d. אלה may point indifferently to what follows, Gen 6:9; Gen 10:1; Gen 25:7; Gen 25:12; Gen 25:13; Ps 42:5 or to what has preceded, Gen 9:19; Gen 10:20; Gen 10:31; Gen 10:32; Gen 25:4; Lev 21:14; Lev 22:22; Ps 15:5 = such as these (τοιαῦτα), Ps 73:12; Job 18:21.
  b. repeated, אלהו֗֗֗אלה, these . . . those Deut 27:13; Josh 8:22; Isa 49:12 (3 t.) Ps 20:8 +.
  c. with the art. (but only after a substantive determined likewise by the article) הָאֵלֶּה Gen 15:1 + often.

**in Josh 17:9 עָרִים הָאֵלֶּה, read הֶעָרִים, compare Josh 17:12; Josh 19:8; Josh 19:16; Josh 19:31; Josh 19:48, etc.
  d. with prepositions: בְּאֵלֶּה Lev 25:54; Lev 26:23; 1Kgs 22:11 (7 t.), בָּאֵלֶּה 1Sam 16:10; 1Sam 17:39 לְאֵלֶּה Lev 11:24 (4 t), לָאֵלֶּה 1Kgs 22:17 (5 t.); מֵאֵלֶּה Gen 9:19 (16 t.); עַד אֵלֶּה Lev 26:18 עַלאֵֿלֶּה on account of these things Isa 57:6; Isa 64:11; Jer 5:9 and elsewhere; כְּאֵלֶּה Job 16:2; Jer 10:16 = Jer 51:19, כָּאֵלֶּה Gen 27:46; Lev 10:19 (things like these, so Isa 66:8; Jer 18:13) Num 28:24 P (compare Ezek 45:25) 2Kgs 25:17 = Jer 52:22, כְּמוֺאֵֿלֶּה Job 12:3.

BDB9303 H459 H1836 H428

BDB9302 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9304

אִלֵּין (אִלֵּן Dan 2:44; Dan 6:7) demonstrative pronoun plural these (plural of דְּנָה, q. v.: Palmyrene אלן (Lzb264 Eph. i. 343, 345 Cooke26); ᵑ7 אילין; Mandean עלין (NöM 89 f.); Talmud (with emphatic hâ prefixed, WCG:109) הָאִלֵּין: see further below Biblical Hebrew אֵלֶּה, and add Egyptian Aramaic אלו Cooke26); — these, only Daniel: Dan 2:40 דִּי מְרָעַע כָּלֿ, נִלֵּין, vDan 2:44 כָּלאִֿלֵּן מַלְכְוָתָא, Dan 6:3 אֲחַדְֵַּרְפְּנַיָּא אִלֵּין (so v.Dan 6:7), Dan 7:17 אִלֵּיץ חֵיוָתָא.

these, those, things, this, them, …
ʾēlle
these or those
  • these
    • used before antecedent
      • "used following antecedent

אֲדֹנִֽ י
אֲדֹנִֽ
Root word a name — transliterate it ("My lord")
י
Suffix — pronoun my / me
Dictionary form: אָדוֹן · aw-DONE

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

In the KJV here: my lord
my lord ×100 his master ×20 my master ×17 of my lord ×15 the lord ×9 let my lord ×6 our lord ×6 thy lord ×6
More options
master — Best for household/servant relationships and ownership contexts.
lord — Modernized KJV form; suits formal or elevated contexts.
owner — Prefer when emphasizing legal possession of property or people.
sir — Polite address; fits direct speech with respectful tone.
ruler — Good when authority over a group or territory is in view.
supervisor — Contemporary workplace register; for employer-employee dynamics.

BDB125 H113 H136

BDB124 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB126

אָדוֺן noun masculineMal 3:1 lord (Phoenician אדן) — ׳א Ps 12:5 + construct אֲדוֺן Josh 3:11 +; plural אֲדֹנִים Isa 26:13 +; construct אֲדֹנֵי Deut 10:17 +; suffix אֲדֹנֵינוּ 1Sam 25:14 + etc.; (אֲדֹנִי, אֲדֹנַי, אֲדֹנָי are variations of Masoretic pointing to distinguish divine reference from human. Plural, with few except an intensive plural of rank; word takes suffix as plural in all other person; so doubtless here. Orig. reading probably in all cases אֲדֹנַי (see DalmDer Gottesname Adonaj; LagBN 188 makes אֲדֹנָי an Aramaic formative); אֲדֹנִי now found in J 51 t.; in E Gen 31:35; Gen 32:19; Gen 42:10; Exod 21:5 in P Gen 23:6; Gen 23:11; Gen 23:15; Num 36:2 (twice in verse); often Samuel & Kings; in Chronicles only in sources, 1Chr 21:3 (3 t. in verse); 1Chr 21:23 (= 2Sam 24:3; 2Sam 24:22) 2Chr 2:13; 2Chr 2:14 Isaiah & Jeremiah only in historical parts Isa 36:8; Isa 36:9; Isa 36:12; Jer 37:20; Jer 38:9 elsewhere Dan 1:10; Dan 10:16; Dan 10:17; Dan 10:19; Dan 12:8; Zech 1:9; Zech 4:4; Zech 4:5; Zech 4:13; Zech 6:4; Ps 110:1; Judg 4:18; Judg 6:13; Ruth 2:13 בִּי אֲדנָי Exod 4:10; Exod 4:13; Josh 7:8 (J) Judg 6:15; Judg 13:8 is referred to God, but בִּי אֲדנִי Gen 43:20; Gen 44:18; Num 12:11 (J) 1Sam 1:26; 1Sam 25:24; 1Kgs 3:17; 1Kgs 3:26 reference to human superiors. There is uncertainty as to אֲדֹנָ֯י Gen 18:3; Gen 19:18 אֲדֹ֯נַי Gen 19:2) —

1. singular lord, master (1) reference to men:
   (a) superintendent of household, or of affairs Gen 45:8; Gen 45:9 (E) = Ps 105:21
   (b) master Ps 12:5
   (c) king Jer 22:18; Jer 34:5 (2) reference to God, הָאָדוֺן יהוה the Lord Yahweh (see יהוה) Exod 23:17; Exod 34:23 (Cov't codes); אֲרוֺן כָּלהָֿאָרֶץ Lord of the whole earth Josh 3:11; Josh 3:13 (J) Ps 97:5; Zech 4:14; Zech 6:5; Mic 4:13 צֻבָאוֺת ׳י ׳הָא, earlier Isa 1:24; Isa 3:1; Isa 10:33; Isa 19:4 (אֲדֹנָי Isa 10:16 in common MT; not Massora, doubtless scribal error); ׳הָא Mal 3:1 אָדוֺן Ps 114:7.
2. plural lords, kings Deut 10:17 = Ps 136:3; Isa 26:13 elsewhere intensive plural of rank, lord, master, (1) reference to men:
   (a) proprietor of hill Samaria 1Kgs 16:24
   (b) master Gen 40:7 (E) Exod 21:4 (twice in verse); Exod 21:6; Exod 21:8; Exod 21:32 (Cov't code) Gen 24:9 + (J, 11 t.) Deut 23:16; Judg 19:11; Judg 19:12 + 13 t. Samuel & Kings; Job 3:19; Ps 123:2; Prov 25:13; Prov 27:18; Prov 30:10; Isa 24:2; Amos 4:1; Zeph 1:9; Mal 1:6 (twice in verse);
   (c) husband Judg 19:26; Judg 19:27; Ps 45:12
   (d) prophet 2Kgs 2:3; 2Kgs 2:5; 2Kgs 2:16
   (e) governor Neh 3:5
   (f) prince Gen 42:10; Gen 42:30; Gen 42:33 (E) Gen 44:8 (J) 1Sam 29:10
   (g) king Gen 40:1 (E) Judg 3:25 + 40 t. Samuel & Kings; Chronicles only in sources 1Chr 12:19 compare 1Sam 29:4; 2Chr 13:6; 2Chr 18:16 = 1Kgs 22:17; Isa 19:4; Isa 22:18; Isa 36:12; Isa 37:4; Isa 37:6; Jer 27:4 (2) reference to God Mal 1:6 אֲדֹנֵי הָאֲדֹנִים Lord of lords Deut 10:17 = Ps 136:3 אֲדֹנֵינוּ Ps 135:5; Ps 147:5; Neh 8:10 אֲדֹנֵינוּ ׳י Ps 8:2; Ps 8:10; Neh 10:30 ׳אֲדֹנַיִח י Isa 51:22 (probably = thy husband, Yahweh); אֲדֹנָיו Hos 12:15 (possibly error for אֲדֹנָי).
3. suffix 1 singular (אֲדֹנַי) אֲדֹנִי (1) reference to men: my lord, my master, (a) master Exod 21:5 (Cov't code) Gen 24:12 +, Gen 44:5 (J, 20 t.) 1Sam 30:13; 1Sam 30:15; 2Kgs 5:3; 2Kgs 5:20; 2Kgs 5:22; 2Kgs 6:15
   (b) husband Gen 18:12 (J);
   (c) prophet 1Kgs 18:7; 1Kgs 18:13; 2Kgs 2:19; 2Kgs 4:16; 2Kgs 4:28; 2Kgs 6:5; 2Kgs 8:5
   (d) prince Gen 42:10 (E), Gen 23:6; Gen 23:11; Gen 23:15 (P), Gen 43:20; Gen 44:18 +, Gen 47:18, + (J, 12 t.); Judg 4:18
   (e) king 1Sam 22:12 + (Samuel & Kings 75 t.);
   (f) father Gen 31:35 (E);
   (g) Moses Exod 32:22; Num 11:28; Num 12:11; Num 32:26; Num 32:27 (J); Num 36:2 (twice in verse) (P);
   (h) priest 1Sam 1:15; 1Sam 1:26 (twice in verse);
   (i) theophanic angel Josh 5:14; Judg 6:13
   (j) captain 2Sam 11:11
   (k) general recognition of superiority Gen 24:18; Gen 32:5 + Gen 33:8 +; Gen 44:7 + (J, 13 t.), Ruth 2:13; 1Sam 25:24 + (15 t.); (2) reference to God: אֲדֹנָי
  a. my Lord Gen 20:4 (? E) Exod 15:17 (Samaritan יהוה) elsewhere in Hexateuch, J; Gen 18:3(?); Gen 18:27; Gen 18:30; Gen 18:31; Gen 18:32; Gen 19:2; Gen 19:18(?) Exod 4:10; Exod 4:13; Exod 5:22; Exod 34:9; Num 14:17; Josh 7:8 also Judg 6:15; Judg 13:8 not Samuel; 1Kgs 22:6; 2Kgs 19:23 not Chron. except memorials Ezra 10:3 (reference to Ezra) Neh 1:11; Neh 4:8 Wisdom Literature only Job 28:28 (doubtless scribal error for יהוֺה of many MSS.); not Hosea; Isa 37:24; Isa 38:14; Isa 38:16 (historical part); exile Isa 49:14 (compare Isa 51:22); Mic 1:2; Ps 16:2 + (47 t., chiefly this sense, except below
  b.; compare אֱלֹהַי וַאדֹנָי my Lord and my God Ps 35:23 (writers that use אֱלֹהִים seldom use אֲדֹנָי);
  b. Adonay proper name of God, parallel with Yahweh, substitution for it often by scribal error, & eventually supplanting it. In earlier Isa 3:17 + (19 t. seeming to belong here), Amos 7:7; Amos 7:8; Amos 9:1; Ezek 18:25; Ezek 18:29; Ezek 33:17; Ezek 33:20; Ezek 21:14 (probably ׳אֲדֹנָי י as in usual phrase); Zech 9:4; Mal 1:12; Mal 1:14; Lam 1:14 + (14 t.) Ps 2:4; Ps 37:13; Ps 78:65; Ps 90:17 (? יהוה) Ps 110:5 (Dalman puts most of these below
   (a); — many cases are doubtful); 1Kgs 3:10; 1Kgs 3:15 (Masoretic אדני for יהוה compare Dalm 2Kgs 7:6 Dalm rightly questions; he reads יהוה). The phrases אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהַי Ps 38:16; Ps 86:12, Adonay my God; אֲדֹנָי הָאֱלֹהִים Dan 9:3, אֱלֹהֵינוּ ׳א Dan 9:9; Dan 9:15, הָאֵל ׳א Dan 9:4 favour taking ׳א Dan 1:2; Dan 9:7; Dan 9:8 (יהוה ?) vDan 9:16 vDan 9:17 vDan 9:19 vDan 9:19 vDan 9:19 as the divine name.
4. אֲדֹנָי יהוה
   (a) my Lord Yahweh (see יהוה) Gen 15:2; Gen 15:8 (JE) Josh 7:7 (J, ᵐ5 omit ׳י) Deut 3:24; Deut 9:26; Judg 6:22; Judg 16:28; 2Sam 7:1 (6 t.) 1Kgs 2:26; 1Kgs 8:53 probably Amos 3:7; Amos 3:8; Amos 7:2; Amos 7:4; Amos 7:5; Amos 9:8; Jer 1:6; Jer 4:10; Jer 14:13; Jer 32:17; Jer 32:25; Ezek 4:14; Ezek 8:1; Ezek 9:6; Ezek 11:13; Ezek 20:49; Ezek 37:3 (׳יָדַע כִּי אֲני א ׳י) Ezek 13:9; Ezek 23:49; Ezek 24:24; Ezek 28:24; Ezek 29:16 inappropriate in mouth of God; strike out אֲדֹנָי (Co) or read אֱלֹהֵיכֶם ׳י (Dalm); Mic 1:2; Zeph 1:7; Obad 1:1; Zech 9:14; Ps 71:5; Ps 71:16; Ps 73:28
   (b) apparently proper name Adonay Yahweh Isa 25:8; Jer 44:26 exile Isa 40:10 + (10 t., but Isa 61:1; Isa 61:11 read יהוה, ᵐ5);
   (c) uncertain whether
   (a) or
   (b) in prophetic formula אָמַר ׳י ׳א Isa 7:7; Isa 28:16; Isa 30:15; Isa 49:22; Isa 51:4; Isa 65:13; Jer 7:20; Amos 1:8; Amos 3:11; Amos 5:3; Amos 7:6; Obad 1:1 Ezekiel (131 t.); ׳י ׳נְאֻם א Isa 56:8; Jer 2:22; Amos 3:13; Amos 4:5; Amos 8:3; Amos 8:9; Amos 8:11 Ezekiel (80 t.); ׳י ׳דְּבַראֿ Ezek 6:3; Ezek 25:3; Ezek 36:4 ׳י ׳נִשְׁבַּע א Amos 4:2; Amos 6:8 ׳י ׳כֹּה הִרְאַנִי א Amos 7:1; Amos 7:4; Amos 8:1.
5. יהוה אֲדֹנָי Yahweh my Lord Ps 68:21; Ps 109:21; Ps 140:8; Ps 141:8; Hab 3:9.
6. אֲדֹנָי יהוה צְבָאוֺת
   (a) my Lord Yahweh ‚. (see צבאות) Ps 69:7; Amos 9:5; Isa 10:23; Isa 22:5; Isa 22:12; Isa 28:22 compare ׳אֱלֹהֵי הַצְבָאוֺת א ׳י, Yahweh, the God of Hosts my Lord Amos 5:16
   (b) a divine name, Adonay, Yahweh ‚. Jer 46:10 (twice in verse); Jer 50:25
   (c) uncertain are ׳צ ׳י ׳כֹּה אָמַר א Isa 10:24; Isa 22:14; Isa 22:15 ׳נְאֻם א ׳צ ׳י Isa 3:15; Jer 2:19; Jer 49:5; Jer 50:31.

lord, master, masters, lords, owner, …
ʾādôn
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
  • firm, strong, lord, master
    • lord, master
      • reference to men
        • superintendent of household, of affairs
          • "master"king
        reference to God
        • the Lord God
          • "Lord of the whole earth
      lords, kings
      • reference to men
        • proprietor of hill of Samaria
          • "master"husband"prophet"governor"prince"king
        reference to God
        • Lord of lords
      my lord, my master
      • reference to men
        • master
          • "husband"prophet"prince"king"father"Moses"priest"theophanic angel"captain"general recognition of superiority
        reference to God
        • my Lord, my Lord and my God
          • "Adonai (parallel with Jehovah)

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.
וָאַ֙עַן֙ Pashta — a lesser break וָֽאֹמַ֔ר Zaqef Qatan — a strong break אֶל הַמַּלְאָ֖ךְ Tipeha — a lesser break הַדֹּבֵ֣ר בִּ֑י Etnahta — the verse's main pause — take a breath here מָה אֵ֖לֶּה Tipeha — a lesser break אֲדֹנִֽי Silluq — end of the verse

וָאַעַן וָֽאֹמַר אֶל-הַמַּלְאָךְ הַדֹּבֵר בִּי מָה-אֵלֶּה אֲדֹנִֽי׃
4
Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?
Cross References

Zechariah 1:9

וָאֹמַר מָה-אֵלֶּה אֲדֹנִי וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלַי הַמַּלְאָךְ הַדֹּבֵר בִּי אֲנִי אַרְאֶךָּ מָה-הֵמָּה אֵֽלֶּה׃
9
Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.

Zechariah 5:5

וַיֵּצֵא הַמַּלְאָךְ הַדֹּבֵר בִּי וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלַי שָׂא נָא עֵינֶיךָ וּרְאֵה מָה הַיּוֹצֵאת הַזֹּֽאת׃
5
Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth.

Zechariah 5:10

וָאֹמַר אֶל-הַמַּלְאָךְ הַדֹּבֵר בִּי אָנָה הֵמָּה מֽוֹלִכוֹת אֶת-הָאֵיפָֽה׃
10
Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah?

Zechariah 1:19

וָאֹמַר אֶל-הַמַּלְאָךְ הַדֹּבֵר בִּי מָה-אֵלֶּה וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלַי אֵלֶּה הַקְּרָנוֹת אֲשֶׁר זֵרוּ אֶת-יְהוּדָה אֶת-יִשְׂרָאֵל וִירוּשָׁלָֽם׃
19
And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.
Zechariah 6:3
Read Zechariah 6
Zechariah 6:5