1 Chronicles 12:2 — Word Study
WLCנֹ֣שְׁקֵי קֶ֗שֶׁת מַיְמִינִ֤ים וּמַשְׂמִאלִים֙ בָּֽאֲבָנִ֔ים וּבַחִצִּ֖ים בַּקָּ֑שֶׁת מֵאֲחֵ֥י שָׁא֖וּל מִבִּנְיָמִֽן׃
BSAthey were archersnâshaq [armed with bows, skilled marksmen] using both the rightyâman [with the hand of strength] and left [hands]sâmaʼl [with the hand of agility] [to sling] stonesʼeben [hurl, cast, small rocks, pebbles] and [shoot] arrowschêts [project, launch, sharp projectiles] [and they were] Saul’sShâʼûwl [Shaul, the desired one] kinsmenʼâch [brothers, relatives] from BenjaminBinyâmîyn [son of the right hand, the youngest tribe]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| נֹ֣שְׁקֵי | [they were] equipped of | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine plural common |
| קֶ֗שֶׁת | bow | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| מַיְמִינִ֤ים | using right [hand] | Verb, Hiphil, participle (active) masculine plural |
| וּמַשְׂמִאלִים֙ | and using left [hand] | Conjunction, verb hiphil participle (active) masculine plural |
| בָּֽאֲבָנִ֔ים | with stones | Preposition, noun common feminine plural absolute |
| וּבַחִצִּ֖ים | and with arrows | Conjunction, preposition, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| בַּקָּ֑שֶׁת | with the bow | Preposition, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| מֵאֲחֵ֥י | some of [the] relatives of | Preposition, noun common masculine plural construct |
| שָׁא֖וּל | Saul | Noun proper masculine |
| מִבִּנְיָמִֽן׃ | from Benjamin | Preposition, noun proper masculine |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin): |
| KJV | They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin. |
| ASV | They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin. |
| YLT | armed with bow, right and left handed, with stones, and with arrows, with bows, of the brethren of Saul, of Benjamin. |
| WEB | They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow. They were of Saul’s relatives of the tribe of Benjamin. |
| BBE | They were armed with bows, and were able to send stones, and arrows from the bow, with right hand or left: they were Saul's brothers, of Benjamin. |
Where they part company is נֹ֣שְׁקֵי — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence is structured around a main clause with several descriptive phrases that elaborate on the warriors' skills and relationships.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbנָשַׁק
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — 1 Chronicles 12:2
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Warriors Who Joined Davidgenerated
1 Chronicles 12:2 describes the diverse skills of the men who came to David at Ziklag, emphasizing their abilities as archers who could use both hands effectively. This detail highlights their training and readiness for battle, reflecting the qualities of the warriors that supported David during his time of exile from Saul. The context shows the importance of these men in the larger narrative of David's rise to kingship.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 3:15 | And again they cried out to the LORD, and He raised up Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed Benjamite, as their deliverer. So they sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab. |
| 2 | Judges 20:16 | Among all these soldiers there were 700 select left-handers, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair without missing. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 17:49 | Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 3 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — נֹ֣שְׁקֵי, No.she.keigenerated
The word נָשַׁק (nashaq) primarily means 'to kiss' but also carries the sense of equipping with weapons, as seen in the context of armed men. This participle form indicates an active role, suggesting these men were not just armed but skilled in their craft.
In this verse, it emphasizes their readiness and capability as archers, implying a deeper connection to their identity as warriors. The use of the term suggests both physical preparation and a bond among the men, as they were equipped for battle.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause is governed by the verb phrase נֹ֣שְׁקֵי, they were equipped, which introduces the subject of the sentence: the archers. Following this, there are several phrases detailing their skills and the context of their kinship.
The structure emphasizes the actions and abilities of the warriors, with the use of participles and prepositional phrases to elaborate on their dual-handed skills and the weapons they used, creating a vivid picture of their capabilities.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates נֹ֣שְׁקֵי as δεχιῶν, indicating a focus on the right-handed skill of the archers. This choice narrows the emphasis slightly compared to the Hebrew, which highlights both hands.
This reflects a potential interpretive decision by the translators to underscore the strength associated with using the right hand, while the Hebrew maintains a broader scope of ambidexterity.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
1 Chronicles 12:2 describes skilled archers from the tribe of Benjamin who could use both their right and left hands to shoot stones and arrows. These men were relatives of Saul, highlighting their connection to the first king of Israel.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It indicates that these warriors were highly skilled and versatile, capable of shooting with both the right and left hands.
Mentioning that they were Saul's kinsmen emphasizes their lineage and connection to the first king of Israel, adding significance to their support of David.
They used stones and arrows, which were common weapons for archers in battle during that time.
It highlights the diverse skills and backgrounds of those who rallied to David, showing the strength and capability of his forces.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What skills do I possess that can be used to support others in my community?
- How can I develop versatility in my own abilities, similar to the archers in this verse?
- What does it mean to be part of a supportive community, as seen in the relationship between David and his warriors?
- How can I honor my connections and relationships, like the kinship mentioned in this verse?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 1 Chronicles 12:2 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThey were armed with bows,.... Much used in war in those times: and could use both the right hand and the left, in hurling stones, and shooting arrows out of a bow; they were ambidextrous; who could
Read John Gill on 1 Chronicles 12 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThey were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.
Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Chronicles 12 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleCould use both the right hand and the left, with like nimbleness and certainty. Compare 20:16. Of Saul’ s brethren of Benjamin, i.e. of Saul’ s own tribe; who were moved hereunto by God’ s Spirit, and by the conscience of their duty to David, to whom God had given the crown in reversion; and by their observation of God’ s departure from Saul, and of his special presence with David, and his gracious providence for him.
Read Matthew Poole on 1 Chronicles 12 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments1 Chronicles 12:2 [They were] armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in [hurling] stones and [shooting] arrows out of a bow, [even] of Saul’ s brethren of Benjamin. Ver. 2. Even of Saul’ s brethren of Benjamin.] Mirum hoc fuit et quasi miraculum. It is God who worketh men’ s hearts, and fashioneth their opinions. Paul had friends in Nero’ s court, and Luther in the Pope’ s.
Read John Trapp on 1 Chronicles 12 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(2) Armed with bows.—Literally, drawers of the bow (2 Chronicles 17:17). And could use.—They were ambidextrous “with stones, and with arrows on the bow.” The left-handed slingers of Benjamin were famous from of old. (Comp. Judges 20:16, and also 1 Chronicles 3:15.) Of Saul’s brethren—i.e., his fellow-tribesmen. Of Benjamin is added to make it clear that Saul’s immediate kinsmen are not intended. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 12:29.)
Read Charles John Ellicott on 1 Chronicles 12 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges2. both the right hand and the left] On the occasion described in Judges 20 the Benjamites are said to have had seven hundred men lefthanded who could sling stones at a hair and not miss (ib. Judges 20:16). Cp. Judges 3:15. even of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin] R.V. they were of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin. Brother is used in Heb. and Arabic for fellow-tribesman; cp. 2 Samuel 19:12.
Read Cambridge on 1 Chronicles 12 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe skill of the Benjamites as archers is noted in 1 Chronicles 8:40, and 2 Chronicles 14:8.
Read Albert Barnes on 1 Chronicles 12 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible2. Could use both the right hand and the left — Hence their skill had been acquired by long and careful practice. See Judges 3:15; Judges 20:16, notes. Even of Saul’s brethren — That is, who were members of his own tribe.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on 1 Chronicles 12 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin):
They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow. They were of Saul’s relatives of the tribe of Benjamin.
they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin):
They were armed with bows and could shoot arrows or sling stones right or left-handed. They were fellow tribesmen of Saul from Benjamin. ) These were:
Tyndale line
They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin.
They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin.
They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow; they were of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin.
They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones, and shooting arrows from a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.
They were weaponed with bowes, and could vse the right and the left hand with stones and with arrowes and with bowes, and were of Sauls brethren, euen of Beniamin.
Strictly literal
armed with bows, using both the right hand and the left with stones and with arrows on the bow; [they were] of Saul's brethren of Benjamin:
armed with bow, right and left handed, with stones, and with arrows, with bows, of the brethren of Saul, of Benjamin.
armed with bow, right and left handed, with stones, and with arrows, with bows, of the brothers of Saul, of Benjamin.
Who were armed with bows, and could use both the right and the left hand in [hurling] stones and shooting arrows with the bow, even of the brethren of Saul out of Benjamin.
They were armed with bows and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow. They were Benjamites, Saul's fellow tribesmen.
From the Latin
Bending the bow, and using either hand in hurling stones with slings, and shooting arrows: of the brethren of Saul of Benjamin.
Simplified
They were all skilled archers, and could shoot arrows or slingshots with their right or their left hands. They were relatives of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin.
They were armed with bows, and were able to send stones, and arrows from the bow, with right hand or left: they were Saul's brothers, of Benjamin.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their rendering of this verse, with seven of the ten words matched. However, the Septuagint's word order and articles differ, indicating a distinct interpretive style rather than a significant textual variation.
נֹ֣שְׁקֵי קֶ֗שֶׁת מַיְמִינִ֤ים וּמַשְׂמִאלִים֙ בָּֽאֲבָנִ֔ים וּבַחִצִּ֖ים בַּקָּ֑שֶׁת מֵאֲחֵ֥י שָׁא֖וּל מִבִּנְיָמִֽן׃
7 of the 10 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in 1 Chronicles 12:2
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
נָשַׁק (nashaq) primarily means 'to kiss,' with various forms indicating gentle touching or equipping with weapons. The exact meaning can be uncertain, possibly extending to handling or being equipped. It appears in contexts related to affection and attachment, as well as in descriptions of armed individuals.
נָשַׁק vb. kiss
Qal kiss
Pi. kiss
Hiph. of wings of cherubim, gently touching each other
base
[נָשַׁק] vb. exact meaning uncertain; prob. either handle or be equiped with
base
H5401a נָשַׁק kiss H5401b נָשַׁק exact meaning uncertain; prob. either handle or be equiped with
5401 nashaq naw-shak'
a primitive root (identical with 5400, through the idea of
fastening up; compare 2388, 2836); to kiss, literally or
figuratively (touch); also (as a mode of attachment), to equip
with weapons:--armed (men), rule, kiss, that touched.
see HEBREW for 05400
see HEBREW for 02388
see HEBREW for 02836
נָשַׁק (na.shaq) — to kiss.
1) to put together, kiss
1a) (Qal) to kiss
1b) (Piel) to kiss
1c) (Hiphil) to touch gently
נָשַׁק (na.shaq) — to handle.
1) to handle, be equipped with
1a) (Qal) to be equipped
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine plural commonHVqrmpc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
קֶ֫שֶׁת (qesheth) primarily means 'bow,' referring to a weapon for hunting or battle, and can also denote 'rainbow.' It is derived from a root meaning to bend, suggesting strength. The term encompasses both literal and figurative uses, including references to archers and might.
קֶ֫שֶׁת n.f. bow
bow
rainbow
base
H7198 קֶ֫שֶׁת bow . bow
. rainbow
7198 qesheth keh'-sheth
from 7185 in the original sense (of 6983) of bending: a bow,
for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris:--X
arch(-er), + arrow, bow((-man, -shot)).
see HEBREW for 07185
see HEBREW for 06983
קֶ֫שֶׁת (qe.shet) — bow.
1) bow
1a) bow (for hunting, battle)
1b) bowmen, archers
1c) bow (fig. of might)
1d) rainbow
HNcfsa — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
bo.
See ARCHERY.
Bow
The bow was in use in early times both in war and in the chase (Gen. 21:20; 27:3; 48:22). The tribe of Benjamin were famous for the use of the bow (1 Chr. 8:40; 12:2; 2 Chr. 14:8; 17:17); so also were the Elamites (Isa. 22:6) and the Lydians (Jer. 46:9). The Hebrew word commonly used for bow means properly to tread (1 Chr. 5:18; 8:40), and hence it is concluded that the foot was employed in bending the bow. Bows of steel (correctly “copper”) are mentioned (2 Sam. 22:35;
(Genesis 37:10) The eastern mode of salutation, by kneeling upon one knee and bending the head forward till it touched the ground.
A weapon much used in ancient times, both for hunting and for war. It was made of wood, horn, or steel, Ge 27:3 Ps 18:34; and the foot was sometimes used in bending it. It was carried in a case, when not used, Hab 3:19. The Benjamites were celebrated for their skill in the use of this weapon, 1Ch 12:2 2Ch 14:8 17:17. See ARMS. The phrase, "a deceitful bow," to which the people of Israel are compared, Ps 78:57 Ho 7:16, means an ill-made or twisted bow, which does not shoot the arrow as it is aimed. In
יָמַן (yaman) is a verb that means to go or choose the right, specifically to use the right hand or be right-handed. It is a denominative verb derived from the root meaning to be firm or right. The entries indicate that it is used in the Hiphil form, emphasizing the action of turning or going to the right.
[יָמַן] vb. denom. Hiph. go to or choose the right, use the right hand
base
H3231 יָמַן vb. denom. Hiph. go to or choose the right, use the right hand
3231 yaman yaw-man'
a primitive root; to be (physically) right (i.e. firm); but
used only as denominative from 3225 and transitive, to be
right-handed or take the right-hand side:--go (turn) to (on,
use) the right hand.
see HEBREW for 03225
יָמַן (ya.man) — to go right.
(Hiphil) to choose the right, go to the right, use the right hand, be right handed
Also means: a.man (אָמַן "to turn right" H0541)
V-Hiphil — Verb · Hiphil · participle (active) masculine pluralHVhrmpa
(yadh, "hand"; kaph, "the hollow hand," "palm"; yamin, "the right hand"; semo'l, "the left hand"; cheir, "hand"; dexia, "the right hand"; aristera, "the left hand" (only Lu 23:33; 2Co 6:7), or euphemistically (for evil omens come from the left hand; compare Latin sinister, German linkisch, etc.); euonumos, literally, "having a good name"): The Hebrew words are used in a large variety of idiomatic expressions, part of which have passed into the Greek (through the Sepuagint) and into modern European languages (through the translations of the Bible; see Oxford Hebrew Lexicon, under the word "yadh"). We group what has to be said about the word under the following heads:
1. The Human Hand: Various Uses:
Hand
Called by Galen “the instrument of instruments.” It is the symbol of human action (Ps. 9:16; Job 9:30; Isa. 1:15; 1 Tim. 2:8). Washing the hands was a symbol of innocence (Ps. 26:6; 73:13; Matt. 27:24), also of sanctification (1 Cor. 6:11; Isa. 51:16; Ps. 24:3, 4). In Ps. 77:2 the correct rendering is, as in the Revised Version, “My hand was stretched…
Often put of strength, power; so to be "in the hand" of any one, is to be in his power. Joining hands, or striking hands, is a very common method of pledging one’s self to a contract or bargain; just as persons among us often shake hands in token of an agreement. To "lift the hand," means to make oath. "At the right hand of God," is the place of honor, power, and happiness, Ps 16:11 45:9 110:1 Mt 26:64 Col 3:1. The right hand meant towards the south, the Jews being wont to speak as if facing the east. The "laying on of hands," signified consecration to office, and the bestowal of a blessing or of divine gifts, Ge 48:14 Nu…
שִׂמְאֵל (sama'l) is a verb meaning to take or go to the left. It is derived from a primitive root and is used in the Hiphil form to indicate actions like turning aside or using the left hand. The entries consistently emphasize its directional aspect without significant disagreement.
[שִׂמְאֵל] vb. denom. Hiph. take the left
base
H8041 שִׂמְאֵל vb. denom. Hiph. take the left
8041 sama'l saw-mal'
a primitive root (denominative from 8040); to use the left
hand or pass in that direction):--(go, turn) (on the, to the)
left.
see HEBREW for 08040
שִׂמְאֵל (sa.mal) — to go left.
1) to take the left, go to the left
1a) (Hiphil)
1a1) to go to the left
1a2) to turn (aside) to the left (fig)
1a3) to use the left hand
Conj | V-Hiphil — Conjunction · verb hiphil participle (active) masculine pluralHC/Vhrmpa
(yadh, "hand"; kaph, "the hollow hand," "palm"; yamin, "the right hand"; semo'l, "the left hand"; cheir, "hand"; dexia, "the right hand"; aristera, "the left hand" (only Lu 23:33; 2Co 6:7), or euphemistically (for evil omens come from the left hand; compare Latin sinister, German linkisch, etc.); euonumos, literally, "having a good name"): The Hebrew words are used in a large variety of idiomatic expressions, part of which have passed into the Greek (through the Sepuagint) and into modern European languages (through the translations of the Bible; see Oxford Hebrew Lexicon, under the word "yadh"). We group what has to be said about the word under the following heads:
1. The Human Hand: Various Uses:
Hand
Called by Galen “the instrument of instruments.” It is the symbol of human action (Ps. 9:16; Job 9:30; Isa. 1:15; 1 Tim. 2:8). Washing the hands was a symbol of innocence (Ps. 26:6; 73:13; Matt. 27:24), also of sanctification (1 Cor. 6:11; Isa. 51:16; Ps. 24:3, 4). In Ps. 77:2 the correct rendering is, as in the Revised Version, “My hand was stretched…
Often put of strength, power; so to be "in the hand" of any one, is to be in his power. Joining hands, or striking hands, is a very common method of pledging one’s self to a contract or bargain; just as persons among us often shake hands in token of an agreement. To "lift the hand," means to make oath. "At the right hand of God," is the place of honor, power, and happiness, Ps 16:11 45:9 110:1 Mt 26:64 Col 3:1. The right hand meant towards the south, the Jews being wont to speak as if facing the east. The "laying on of hands," signified consecration to office, and the bestowal of a blessing or of divine gifts, Ge 48:14 Nu…
The Hebrew word אֶ֫בֶן (*eben*) means 'stone' and encompasses various types, including common stones, precious stones, and stones used as weights or tools. It can also refer to metaphorical uses, such as a hardened heart or sinking in water. The entries highlight its physical and symbolic significance, with no notable disagreements among lexicons.
אֶ֫בֶן 274 n.f. stone
in natural state
stone, as material
precious stone, gen. with modifying word
stone containing metal, = ore
a weight, as orig. stone
plummet
objects like stone
in sim. (mostly poet.) of sinking in water
In topogr. terms
base
H68 אֶ֫בֶן stone . in natural state
. stone, as material
. precious stone, gen. with modifying word
. stone containing metal, = ore
. a weight, as orig. stone
. plummet
. objects like stone
. in sim. (mostly poet.) of sinking in water
. In topogr. terms
68 'eben eh'-ben
from the root of 1129 through the meaning to build; a
stone:--+ carbuncle, + mason, + plummet, (chalk-, hail-,
head-, sling-)stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s).
see HEBREW for 01129
אֶ֫בֶן (e.ven) — stone.
: stone
1) stone (large or small)
1a) common stone (in natural state)
1b) stone, as material
1b1) of tablets
1b2) marble, hewn stones
1c) precious stones, stones of fire
1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon
1e) weight
1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal
1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice
1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines
1i) (simile)
1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness
1i2) strength, firmness, solidity
1i3) commonness
1j) (metaph)
1j1) petrified with terror
1j2) perverse, hard heart
אֶ֫בֶן (e.ven) — stone: weight.
: weight
1) stone (large or small)
1a) common stone (in natural state)
1b) stone, as material
1b1) of tablets
1b2) marble, hewn stones
1c) precious stones, stones of fire
1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon
Prep | N-fp — Preposition · noun common feminine plural absoluteHRd/Ncfpa
Besides the ordinary uses to which stones were applied, we may mention that large stones were set up to commemorate any remarkable event. (Genesis 28:18; 35:14; 31:45; Joshua 4:9; 1 Samuel 7:12) Such stones were occasionally consecrated By anointing. (Genesis 28:18) Heaps of stones were piled up on various occasions, as in token of a treaty, (Genesis 31:47) or over the grave of some notorious offender. (Joshua 7:26; 8:29; 2 Samuel 18:17) The "white stone" noticed in (
חֵץ (chets) means 'arrow,' primarily found in poetic and prophetic contexts. It is derived from a root meaning 'to pierce' and can imply a wound or refer to a thunderbolt in a figurative sense. The word also encompasses related terms like 'dart' and 'shaft,' indicating its use in various forms of weaponry.
חֵץ n.m. arrow, mostly poet. and proph.
base
H2671 חֵץ arrow, mostly poet. and proph.
2671 chets khayts
from 2686; properly, a piercer, i.e. an arrow; by
implication, a wound; figuratively, (of God) thunder-bolt; (by
interchange for 6086) the shaft of a spear:--+ archer, arrow,
dart, shaft, staff, wound.
see HEBREW for 02686
see HEBREW for 06086
חֵץ (chets) — arrow.
arrow
Conj | Prep | N-mp — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine plural absoluteHC/Rd/Ncmpa
Arrows
At first made of reeds, and then of wood tipped with iron. Arrows are sometimes figuratively put for lightning (Deut. 32:23, 42; Ps. 7:13; 18:14; 144:6; Zech. 9:14). They were used in war as well as in the chase (Gen. 27:3; 49:23). They were also used in divination (Ezek. 21:21).
The word is frequently employed as a symbol of calamity or disease inflicted by God (Job 6:4; 34:6; Ps. 38:2; Deut. 32:23. Comp.
[ARMS, ARMOR]
קֶ֫שֶׁת (qesheth) primarily means 'bow,' referring to a weapon for hunting or battle, and can also denote 'rainbow.' It is derived from a root meaning to bend, suggesting strength. The term encompasses both literal and figurative uses, including references to archers and might.
קֶ֫שֶׁת n.f. bow
bow
rainbow
base
H7198 קֶ֫שֶׁת bow . bow
. rainbow
7198 qesheth keh'-sheth
from 7185 in the original sense (of 6983) of bending: a bow,
for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris:--X
arch(-er), + arrow, bow((-man, -shot)).
see HEBREW for 07185
see HEBREW for 06983
קֶ֫שֶׁת (qe.shet) — bow.
1) bow
1a) bow (for hunting, battle)
1b) bowmen, archers
1c) bow (fig. of might)
1d) rainbow
HRd/Ncfsa — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absoluteHRd/Ncfsa
bo.
See ARCHERY.
Bow
The bow was in use in early times both in war and in the chase (Gen. 21:20; 27:3; 48:22). The tribe of Benjamin were famous for the use of the bow (1 Chr. 8:40; 12:2; 2 Chr. 14:8; 17:17); so also were the Elamites (Isa. 22:6) and the Lydians (Jer. 46:9). The Hebrew word commonly used for bow means properly to tread (1 Chr. 5:18; 8:40), and hence it is concluded that the foot was employed in bending the bow. Bows of steel (correctly “copper”) are mentioned (2 Sam. 22:35;
(Genesis 37:10) The eastern mode of salutation, by kneeling upon one knee and bending the head forward till it touched the ground.
A weapon much used in ancient times, both for hunting and for war. It was made of wood, horn, or steel, Ge 27:3 Ps 18:34; and the foot was sometimes used in bending it. It was carried in a case, when not used, Hab 3:19. The Benjamites were celebrated for their skill in the use of this weapon, 1Ch 12:2 2Ch 14:8 17:17. See ARMS. The phrase, "a deceitful bow," to which the people of Israel are compared, Ps 78:57 Ho 7:16, means an ill-made or twisted bow, which does not shoot the arrow as it is aimed. In
אָח (ach) means 'brother' and encompasses a broad range of relationships, including literal siblings, half-brothers, and metaphorical kinship. It can refer to any male relative or compatriot, and it may also imply resemblance or reciprocal relationships. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, highlighting both familial and figurative connections.
אָח 630 n.m. brother
brother, born of same mother (& father)
indef. = relative
fig. of resemblance
in phr. one … another
base
H251 אָח brother
251 'ach awkh
a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of
literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance
(like 1)):--another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other.
Compare also the proper names beginning with "Ah-" or "Ahi-".
see HEBREW for 01
אָח (ach) — brother: male-sibling.
: male-sibling
1) brother
1a) brother of same parents
1b) half-brother (same father)
1c) relative, kinship, same tribe
1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)
1e) (fig.) of resemblance
אָח (ach) — brother: male-relative.
: male-relative
1) brother
1a) brother of same parents
1b) half-brother (same father)
1c) relative, kinship, same tribe
1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)
1e) (fig.) of resemblance
אָח (ach) — brother: compatriot.
: compatriot
1) brother
1a) brother of same parents
1b) half-brother (same father)
1c) relative, kinship, same tribe
1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)
1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Prep | N-mp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural constructHR/Ncmpc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
שָׁאוּל (Sha'uwl) means 'asked' and is associated with several figures in the Old Testament, most notably Saul, the first king of Israel from the tribe of Benjamin. The entries indicate that the name can refer to multiple individuals, including an early king of Edom and a Levite. The name is derived from a passive participle form, suggesting a connection to the act of asking.
שָׁאוּל n.pr.m. (= asked)
397 1st king of Isr.
a king of Edom
a son of Simeon
a Levite
base
H7586 שָׁאוּל (= asked)
7586 Sha'uwl shaw-ool'
passive participle of 7592; asked; Shaul, the name of an
Edomite and two Israelites:--Saul, Shaul.
see HEBREW for 07592
שָׁאוּל (sha.ul) — Saul.
A king of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.9.2;
son of: Kish (H7027); married to Ahinoam (H0293) and Rizpah (H7532);
father of: Jonathan (H3083H), Abinadab (H0041H), Malchi-shua (H4444), Merab (H4764), Michal (H4324), Ish-bosheth (H0378), Armoni (H0764), Mephibosheth (H4648H)
§ Saul or Shaul = "desired"
1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel
2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah
3) a son of Simeon
4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
שָׁאוּל (sha.ul) — Shaul.
A man of the tribe of Simeon living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.10;
son of: Simeon (H8095) and Canaanite_woman (H3669);
brother of: Jemuel (H3223), Jamin (H3226), Ohad (H0161), Jachin (H3199) and Zerah (H2226L);
father of: Shallum (H7967K)
Also named: sha.u.li (שָׁאוּלִי "Shaulite" H7587)
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
sol (sha'ul; Saoul):
(1) The first king of Israel.
I. EARLY HISTORY
1. Name and Meaning
2. Genealogy
3. Home and Station
4. Sources for Life
5. Election as King
6. Reasons for It
II. REIGN AND FALL
1. His First Action
2. Army Reorganized
3. Battle of Michmash
4. Defeats the Amalekites
5. Deposition Pronounced
6. David Introduced to Saul
7. Two Accounts
8. Saul's Envy of David
9. Attempts to Get Rid of David
10. David Spares Saul
11. Saul's Divided Energies
12. Consults a Necromancer
13. Battle of Gilboa
14. Double Accounts
15. Saul's Posterity
III. CHARACTER
1. Book of Chronicles
2. Saul's Failings
3. His Virtue
4. David's Elegy
I. Early History.
1. Name and Meaning:
The name Saul is usually regarded as simply the passive participle of the verb "to ask," and so meaning "asked" (compare 1Sa 8:4 ff), but the gentilic adjective sha'uli (
Saul
Asked for. (1.) A king of Edom (Gen. 36:37, 38); called Shaul in 1 Chr. 1:48.
(2.) The son of Kish (probably his only son, and a child of prayer, “asked for”), of the tribe of Benjamin, the first king of the Jewish nation. The singular providential circumstances connected with his election as king are recorded in 1 Sam. 8-10. His father’s she-asses had strayed, and Saul was sent with a servant to seek for them. Leaving his home at Gibeah (10:5, “the hill of God,” A.V.; lit., as in R.V. marg., “Gibeah of God”), Saul and his servant went toward the north-west over Mount Ephraim, and then turning north-east they came to “the land of Shalisha,” and thence eastward to the land of Shalim, and at length came to the district of Zuph, near Samuel’s home at Ramah (9:5-10). At this point…
(desired), more accurately Shaul. One of the early kings of Edom, and successor of Samlah. (Genesis 36:37,38; 1 Chronicles 1:48) (B.C. after 1450.) The first king of Israel, the son of Kish, and of the tribe of Benjamin. (B.C, 1095-1055.) His character is in part illustrated by the fierce, wayward, fitful nature of the tribe and in part accounted for by the struggle between the old and new systems in which he found himself involved. To this we must add a taint of madness. which broke out in violent frenzy at times leaving him with long lucid intervals. He was remarkable for his strength and activity, (2 Samuel 1:25) and, like the Homeric heroes, of gigantic stature, taller by head and shoulders than the rest of the people, and…
The son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, the first king of the Israelites, anointed by Samuel, B. C. 1091, and after a reign of forty years filled with various events, slain with his sons on Mount Gilboa. He was succeeded by David, who was his son-in-law, and whom he had endeavored to put to death. His history is contained in 1Sa 10:1-31:13. It is a sad and admonitory narrative. The morning of his reign was bright with special divine favors, both providential, and spiritual, 1Sa 9:20 10:1-11,24,25. But he soon began to disobey God, and was rejected as unworthy to found a line of kings; his sins and misfortunes multiplied, and his sun went down in gloom. In his first war with the Ammonites, God was with him; but then follow his presumptuous sacrifice, in the absence of Samuel…
The Hebrew word בִּנְיָמִין (i.e., *Binyamiyn*) means 'son of the right hand.' It refers primarily to Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, as well as to the tribe descended from him. The entries also mention a son of Bilhan and several individuals from the time of Ezra. Notably, the name is associated with various contexts in the Old Testament.
בִּנְיָמִין n.pr.m. 166 (son of (the) right hand)—
youngest son of Jacob, so called by him, but Rachel, the mother, who died at Benjamin's birth, called בֶּן־אוֹנִ֑י (q.v.)
son of Bilhan and great-grandson of Benjamin
a Jew of Ezra's time
base
H1144 בִּנְיָמִין . youngest son of Jacob, so called by him, but Rachel, the mother, who died at Benjamin's birth, called בֶּן־אוֹנִ֑י (q.v.)
. son of Bilhan and great-grandson of Benjamin
. a Jew of Ezra's time
1144 Binyamiyn bin-yaw-mene'
from 1121 and 3225; son of (the) right hand; Binjamin,
youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and
its territory:--Benjamin.
see HEBREW for 01121
see HEBREW for 03225
בִּנְיָמִין (bin.ya.min) — Benjamin.
A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18;
son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354);
brother of: Joseph (H3130);
half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783);
father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x
§ Benjamin = "son of the right hand"
1) Jacob's and Rachel's youngest son, Joseph's full brother
2) son of Bilhan, great-grandson of Benjamin
3) a Benjamite, one of the sons of Harim, in the time of Ezra who had taken a strange wife
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun proper masculineHR/Npm
ben'-ja-min (binyamin, or binyamin; Beniaein, Beniamin):
1. The Patriarch:
The youngest of Jacob's sons. His mother Rachel died in giving him birth. As she felt death approaching she called him Benoni, "son of my sorrow." Fearing, probably, that this might bode evil for the child--for names have always preserved a peculiar significance in the East--Jacob called him Benjamin, "son of the fight hand" (Ge 35:17 ff). He alone of Jacob's sons was born in Palestine, between Bethel and Ephrath. Later in the chapter, in the general enumeration of the children born in Paddan-ar am, the writer fails to except Benjamin (Ge 35:24). Joseph was his full brother. In the history where Benjamin appears as an object of solicitude to his father and brothers, we must not forget that he was already a…
Benjamin
Son of my right hand. (1.) The younger son of Jacob by Rachel (Gen. 35:18). His birth took place at Ephrath, on the road between Bethel and Bethlehem, at a short distance from the latter place. His mother died in giving him birth, and with her last breath named him Ben-oni, son of my pain, a name which was changed by his father into Benjamin. His posterity are called Benjamites (Gen. 49:27; Deut. 33:12; Josh. 18:21).
The tribe of Benjamin at the Exodus was the smallest but one (Num. 1:36, 37; Ps. 68:27). During the march its place was along with Manasseh…
(son of the right hand, fortunate). The youngest of the children of Jacob. His birth took place on the road between Bethel and Bethlehem, near the latter, B.C. 1729. His mother, Rachel, died in the act of giving him birth, naming him with her last breath Ben-oni (son of my sorrow). This was by Jacob changed into Benjamin. (Genesis 35:16,18) Until the journeys of Jacob’s sons and Jacob himself into Egypt we hear nothing of Benjamin. Nothing personal is known of him. Henceforward the history of Benjamin is the history of the tribe. A man of the tribe of Benjamin, son of bilhan, and the head of a family of warriors. (1 Chronicles 7:10) One of the "sons of Harim," an Israelite in the time of Ezra who had married a foreign wife. (Ezra…
The youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, Ge 35:16-18. Rachel died immediately after he was born, and with her last breath named him Ben-oni, the son of my sorrow; but Jacob called him Benjamin, son of my right hand. He was a great comfort to his father, who saw in him the beloved wife he had buried, and Joseph whose loss he mourned. He could hardly be persuaded to let him go with his brethren to Egypt, Ge 42:38. The tribe of Benjamin was small at first and was almost exterminated in the days of the Judges, Jud 20:1-48, but afterwards greatly increased, 2Ch 14:8 17:17. It was valiant, Ge 49:27, and "beloved of the Lord,"…