1 Chronicles 20:4 — Word Study
WLCוַיְהִי֙ אַחֲרֵיכֵ֔ן וַתַּעֲמֹ֧ד מִלְחָמָ֛ה בְּגֶ֖זֶר עִם־ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים אָ֣ז הִכָּ֞ה סִבְּכַ֣י הַחֻֽשָׁתִ֗י אֶת־ סִפַּ֛י מִילִדֵ֥י הָרְפָאִ֖ים וַיִּכָּנֵֽעוּ׃
BSASome time laterhâyâh▸ [after this, afterwards] warmilchâmâh [battle, conflict] broke outʻâmad▸ withʻim the PhilistinesPᵉlishtîy [a people from Philistia] at GezerGezer [a city in Palestine] At that timeʼâz [then, in those days] SibbecaiÇibbᵉkay [a brave warrior] the HushathiteChushâthîy [from the family line of Hushah] killednâkâh■ [slew, smote] SippaiÇippay△ [a descendant of giants] a descendantyâlîyd of the Rephaimrâphâʼ [giants, a group of large and powerful people] and the Philistines were subduedkânaʻ▸ [the enemies of Israel, humbled, forced to submit]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיְהִי֙ | and it was | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אַחֲרֵיכֵ֔ן | after this | Adverb |
| וַתַּעֲמֹ֧ד | and it arose | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person feminine singular |
| מִלְחָמָ֛ה | a battle | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| בְּגֶ֖זֶר | at Gezer | Preposition, noun proper |
| עִם־ | with | Preposition |
| פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים | [the] Philistines | Noun gentilic, masculine plural absolute |
| אָ֣ז | then | Adverb |
| הִכָּ֞ה | he struck down | Verb, Hiphil, perfect third person masculine singular |
| סִבְּכַ֣י | Sibbecai | Noun proper masculine |
| הַחֻֽשָׁתִ֗י | the Hushathite | Particle, noun gentilic masculine singular absolute |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| סִפַּ֛י | Sippai | Noun proper masculine |
| מִילִדֵ֥י | one of those born of | Preposition, noun common masculine plural construct |
| הָרְפָאִ֖ים | the Rephaites | Particle, noun gentilic masculine plural absolute |
| וַיִּכָּנֵֽעוּ׃ | and they were subdued | Verb, Niphal, sequential imperfect third person masculine plural |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued. |
| KJV | ¶ And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued. |
| ASV | And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines: then Sibbecai the Hushathite slew Sippai, of the sons of the giant; and they were subdued. |
| YLT | And it cometh to pass, after this, that there remaineth war in Gezer with the Philistines, then hath Sibbechai the Hushathite smitten Sippai, of the children of the giant, and they are humbled. |
| WEB | After this, war arose at Gezer with the Philistines. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, of the sons of the giant; and they were subdued. |
| BBE | Now after this there was war with the Philistines at Gezer; then Sibbecai the Hushathite put to death Sippai, one of the offspring of the Rephaim; and they were overcome. |
Where they part company is in the rendering of the outcome of the Philistines — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence consists of a main clause followed by several subordinate phrases that provide context and detail about the events.
4 commentators on this verse
Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott, Cambridge & more — read them ›
clause
subjectמִלְחָמָה
verbהָיָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
1 of 16 occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament — a word chosen on purpose.
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 20:4
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 — The Battles Against the Philistinesgenerated
1 Chronicles 20:4 recounts a significant battle during David's reign, where Sibbecai, a warrior from the family line of Hushah, killed Sippai, a Philistine giant. This event is part of a larger narrative detailing David's military campaigns against the Philistines, showcasing the bravery of his men and their victories against formidable foes, including the descendants of giants, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:18.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 21:15 | Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines; but David became exhausted. |
| 2 | Joshua 12:12 | the king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one; |
| 3 | Joshua 16:3 | Then it descended westward to the border of the Japhletites as far as the border of Lower Beth-horon and on to Gezer, and it ended at the Sea. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 21:18–22 | Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, one of the descendants of Rapha. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 11:29 | Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — סִבְּכַי, si.be.Khaigenerated
Sibbecai is a proper noun referring to a notable Israelite warrior, specifically a captain in David's army. His name means 'weaver,' and he is recognized for his bravery in battle, particularly against the Philistines.
The parsing indicates that Sibbecai is a masculine noun, suggesting a singular individual rather than a group. His role as a warrior highlights the importance of individual valor in the context of Israel's military history.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The verse is rendered in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses killed for the action of Sibbecai.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is וַתַּעֲמֹ֧ד, and it arose, which governs the subsequent clauses detailing the battle and its outcome. The structure emphasizes the sequential nature of events, starting with the war and culminating in Sibbecai's victory.
The sentence includes multiple phrases: a prepositional phrase indicating the location of the battle, a noun phrase identifying the subject (Sibbecai), and another noun phrase for the object (Sippai). This arrangement highlights the progression of the narrative.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates the Hebrew word וַיִּכָּנֵֽעוּ with ἐταπείνωσεν, meaning 'he humbled.' This choice suggests a focus on the act of subjugation, aligning with the overall theme of David's victories over his enemies.
The LXX also reflects a close correspondence to the Hebrew text, maintaining the narrative's integrity while adapting it for a Greek-speaking audience.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
1 Chronicles 20:4 describes a battle at Gezer where Sibbecai, a warrior, killed Sippai, who was a descendant of giants known as the Rephaim. This victory led to the Philistines being subdued. The verse highlights the ongoing conflicts between Israel and the Philistines during David's reign.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Sibbecai was a captain in David's army, known for his bravery in battle against the Philistines, particularly for killing Sippai.
Being a descendant of the Rephaim indicates that Sippai was part of a group of giants, known for their great size and strength, which posed significant challenges to Israel.
The subjugation of the Philistines signifies a crucial victory for Israel, demonstrating God's support for David and his men in their military endeavors.
This battle is part of a series of conflicts that showcase David's military leadership and the ongoing struggle between Israel and the Philistines, reflecting the challenges faced by the nation during this period.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What qualities did Sibbecai demonstrate that made him a successful warrior?
- How do the battles against the Philistines reflect the larger themes of conflict and victory in David's reign?
- In what ways can we draw parallels between the challenges faced by David's warriors and the challenges we face today?
- What can we learn from Sibbecai's actions about courage and leadership in difficult situations?
Commentators on this verse — 4 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 1 Chronicles 20:4 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at
Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Chronicles 20 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments1 Chronicles 20:4 And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, [that was] of the children of the giant: and they were subdued. Ver. 4. &c.
Read John Trapp on 1 Chronicles 20 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English ReadersII. This section corresponds to 2 Samuel 21:18-22. The chronicler has omitted the history of Absalom’s rebellion, with all the events which preceded and followed it, as recorded in 2 Samuel 13-20; and, further, the touching story of the sacrifice of seven sous of Saul at the demand of the Gibeonites (2 Samuel 21:1-14). (4) And it came to pass after this.—Comp. Notes on 1 Chronicles 18:1; 1 Chronicles 19:1. The chronicler has omitted, whether by accident or design, the account with which, in 2 Samuel 21:15-17, this fragmentary section begins, and which tells how David was all but slain by the giant Ishbi-benob. There arose war.—Literally, there stood, an unique phrase, which perhaps…
Read Charles John Ellicott on 1 Chronicles 20 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges4. at Gezer] See 1 Chronicles 6:67, note. In 2 Samuel 5:25 it is said that David smote the Philistines “from Geba until thou come to Gezer.” In 2 Sam. at Gob, but no place called Gob is known. Sippai] In 2 Sam. “Saph.” giant] Heb. “Rapha”; the same Heb. word in the plu. “Rephaim” is translated “giants” in Deuteronomy 2:11, A.V. These Rephaim dwelt east of Jordan, but may have been akin to the Philistines.
Read Cambridge on 1 Chronicles 20 →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
Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued.
After this, war arose at Gezer with the Philistines. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, of the sons of the giant; and they were subdued.
Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued.
Later there was a battle with the Philistines in Gezer. At that time Sibbekai the Hushathite killed Sippai, one of the descendants of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued.
Tyndale line
¶ And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued.
And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines: then Sibbecai the Hushathite slew Sippai, of the sons of the giant; and they were subdued.
And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines: then Sibbecai the Hushathite slew Sippai, of the sons of the giant: and they were subdued.
And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines: at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued.
And after this also there arose warre at Gezer with the Philistims: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slewe Sippai, of the children of Haraphah, and they were subdued.
Strictly literal
And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; then Sibbechai the Hushathite smote Sippai, one of the children of Rapha; and they were subdued.
And it cometh to pass, after this, that there remaineth war in Gezer with the Philistines, then hath Sibbechai the Hushathite smitten Sippai, of the children of the giant, and they are humbled.
And it comes to pass after this, that war remains in Gezer with the Philistines; then Sibbechai the Hushathite has struck Sippai, of the children of the giant, and they are humbled.
And it came to pass after this, that there arose a battle at Gezer with the Philistines: then smote Sibbechai the Chushathite Sippai, one of the children of the Rapha; and they were humbled.
It came about after this that there was a battle at Gezer with the Philistines. Sibbekai the Hushathite killed Sippai, one of the descendants of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued.
From the Latin
After this there arose a war at Gazer against the Philistines: in which Sabachai the Husathite slew Saphai of the race of Raphaim, and humbled them.
Simplified
Some time after this war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. But then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were forced to submit.
Now after this there was war with the Philistines at Gezer; then Sibbecai the Hushathite put to death Sippai, one of the offspring of the Rephaim; and they were overcome.
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 minor variations in word order and phrasing. The Septuagint retains 13 of the 16 words from the Hebrew, indicating a strong alignment in content.
וַיְהִי֙ אַחֲרֵיכֵ֔ן וַתַּעֲמֹ֧ד מִלְחָמָ֛ה בְּגֶ֖זֶר עִם־ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים אָ֣ז הִכָּ֞ה סִבְּכַ֣י הַחֻֽשָׁתִ֗י אֶת־ סִפַּ֛י מִילִדֵ֥י הָרְפָאִ֖ים וַיִּכָּנֵֽעוּ׃
13 of the 16 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 20:4
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.
The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be
Qal
Fall out, happen
occur, take place, come about, come to pass
esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass
וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)
rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה
less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)
Come into being, become
abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come
sq. prep.
become
sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)
sq. pred. adj.
become like
sq. pred. לְ pers.
sq. לְ pred.
oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.
with עַל and לְ
sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of
Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)
exist, be in existence
abide, remain, continue
with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie
as copula, joining subj. & pred.
H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen
. occur, take place, come about, come to pass
. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)
. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה
. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)
. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come
. sq. prep.
. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)
. sq. pred. adj.
. become like
. sq. pred. + לְ pers.
. sq. לְ pred.
. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.
. with עַל and לְ
. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of
. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence
. abide, remain, continue
1961 hayah haw-yaw
a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,
come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or
auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,
committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,
fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit
(one-)self, require, X use.
see HEBREW for 01933
הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.
1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out
1a) (Qal)
1a1) ---
1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass
1a1b) to come about, come to pass
1a2) to come into being, become
1a2a) to arise, appear, come
1a2b) to become
1a2b1) to become
1a2b2) to become like
1a2b3) to be instituted, be established
1a3) to be
1a3a) to exist, be in existence
1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)
1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)
1a3d) to accompany, be with
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about
1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
The Hebrew word אַחַר (*achar*) primarily denotes the concept of 'after' or 'behind' in both spatial and temporal contexts. It functions as a substantive, adverb, preposition, and conjunction, indicating a following part or time. The related form אַחֲרַי (*acharai*) refers to a person who turns backwards. There is a reference to Proverbs 28:23 in relation to the latter.
אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part
adv.
of place, behind
of time, afterwards
prep.
of place, behind, after
of time, after
conj. after that.
H310a אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part . adv. . of place, behind
. of time, afterwards
. prep. . of place, behind, after
. of time, after
. conj. after that.
H310b אַחֲרַי a man that turneth backwards.
310 'achar akh-ar'
from 309; properly, the hind part; generally used as an
adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses):--after
(that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side),
behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from,
hereafter, hinder end, + out (over) live, + persecute,
posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth),
when, with.
see HEBREW for 0309
אַחַר (a.char) — after.
1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time)
1a) as an adverb
1a1) behind (of place)
1a2) afterwards (of time)
1b) as a preposition
1b1) behind, after (of place)
1b2) after (of time)
1b3) besides
1c) as a conjunction
1c) after that
1d) as a substantive
1d1) hinder part
1e) with other prepositions
1e1) from behind
1e2) from following after
אַחֲרַי (a.cha.ray) — backwards.
backwards (of a man that turns backwards)
HAcmpc/D — AdverbHAcmpc/D
The Hebrew word עָמַד (amad) means to stand and encompasses a variety of related actions such as remaining, enduring, and taking a stand. It can refer to both literal and figurative stances, including presenting oneself or being appointed. The word appears in various contexts, including standing still, ceasing movement, and even serving. There are different forms of the verb, such as Qal, Hiphil, and Hophal, each with specific nuances.
עָמַד 620 take one's stand, stand
Qal 435
take one's stand, and (esp. pt.) stand, be in a standing attitude
stand forth
take a stand against, in opposition to
present oneself before
attend upon, be(come) servant of
stand afar
stand (silent)
stand (appealingly)
stand, subj. רֶגֶל
stand, of water
stand still, stop, cease moving
= be inactive
= be attentive
stop, cease doing a thing
tarry, delay
remain
continue, abide
endure
be steadfast
persist
make a stand, hold one's ground
stand upright
arise, appear, come on the scene
stand forth, appear = come into being
rise up as foe
rare usages
Hiph.
83station, set
cause to stand firm
cause to stand up, set up, erect
present one before king
appoint
other meanings
Hoph. be presented
base
H5975 עָמַד take one's stand, stand .. . take one's stand, and (esp. pt.) stand, be in a standing attitude
. stand forth
. take a stand against, in opposition to
. present oneself before
. attend upon, be(come) servant of
. stand afar
. stand (silent)
. stand (appealingly)
. stand, subj. רֶגֶל
. stand, of water
. . stand still, stop, cease moving
. = be inactive
. = be attentive
. stop, cease doing a thing
. . tarry, delay
. remain
. continue, abide
. endure
. be steadfast
. persist
. make a stand, hold one's ground
. stand upright
. . arise, appear, come on the scene
. stand forth, appear = come into being
. rise up as foe
. rare usages
. . station, set
. cause to stand firm
. cause to stand up, set up, erect
. present one before king
. appoint
. other meanings
. be presented
5975 `amad aw-mad'
a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and
figurative, intransitive and transitive):--abide (behind),
appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed,
endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be)
present (self), raise up, remain, repair, + serve, set (forth,
over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-)stand (by,
fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.
עָמַד (a.mad) — to stand: stand.
: stand/stop/establish
1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of
1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease
1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast
1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground
1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright
1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against
1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to station, set
1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain
1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect
1b4) to present (one) before (king)
1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singularHc/Vqw3fs
מִלְחָמָה (milchamah) means 'battle' or 'war.' It is derived from the root word for fighting and encompasses both specific engagements and the broader concept of warfare. The entries consistently define it in this way, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
מִלְחָמָה 319 n.f. battle, war
base
H4421 מִלְחָמָה battle, war
4421 milchamah mil-khaw-maw'
from 3898 (in the sense of fighting); a battle (i.e. the
engagement); generally, war (i.e. warfare):--battle,
fight(-ing), war((-rior)).
see HEBREW for 03898
מִלְחָמָה (mil.cha.mah) — battle.
battle, war
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
See WAR.
גֶּ֫זֶר (gezer) refers to a Levitical city located on the border of Ephraim, meaning 'portion.' It is associated with Strong's H1506 and is mentioned in the context of geographical locations in Palestine.
גֶּ֫זֶר n.pr.loc. (portion) Levitical city on border of Ephraim
base
H1507 גֶּ֫זֶר
1507 Gezer gheh'-zer
the same as 1506; Gezer, a place in Palestine:--Gazer,
Gezer.
see HEBREW for 01506
גֶּ֫זֶר (ge.zer) — Gezer.
Gazer or Gezer = "portion"
a Levitical city on the border of Ephraim
Also named: gov (גֹּב "Gob" H1359)
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun properHR/Npl
ge'-zer (gezer): A city of great military importance in ancient times, the site of which has recently been thoroughly explored. The excavations at this spot are the most thorough and extensive of any in Palestine, and have not only done much to confirm the history of the place, as known from Biblical and other sources, but have also thrown a flood of light upon the general history, civilization and religion of Palestine in pre-Israelite and Israelite times.
1. The Discovery and Position of the Site:
The long-lost site of Gezer was discovered by M. Clermont-Ganneau in 1873, and his suggestion that the modern name for the place, Tell Jezer (or Tell el Jezereh) was a survival of the ancient name was confirmed by his further discovery of three bilingual inscriptions, in Hebrew and Greek, cut on surfaces of rock by a certain Alkios, apparently once the governor of the city; in one of them…
Gezer
A precipice, an ancient royal Canaanitish city (Josh. 10:33; 12:12). It was allotted with its suburbs to the Kohathite Levites (21:21; 1 Chr. 6:67). It stood between the lower Beth-horon and the sea (Josh. 16:3; 1 Kings 9:17). It was the last point to which David pursued the Philistines (2 Sam. 5:25; 1 Chr. 14:16) after the battle of Baal-perazim. The Canaanites retained possession of it till the time of Solomon, when the king of Egypt took it and gave it to Solomon as a part of the dowry of the Egyptian princess whom he married (
(a precipice), an ancient city of Canaan, whose king, Hiram or Elam, coming to the assistance of Lachish, was killed with all his people by Joshua. (Joshua 10:33; 12:12) It formed one of the landmarks on the north boundary of Ephraim, between the lower Beth-horon and the Mediterranean, (Joshua 16:3) the western limit of the tribe (1 Chronicles 7:28) It was allotted with its suburbs to the Kohathite Levites, (Joshua 21:21; 1 Chronicles 6:67) but the original inhabitants were not dispossessed, (Judges 1:29) and even down to the reign of Solomon the Canaanites were…
A royal city of the Canaanites, Jos 10:33 12:12; between Bethhoron and the Mediterranean, Jos 16:3; afterwards on the western border of Ephraim, and assigned to the Levites, Jos 16:3 21:21. The Canaanites long retained a foothold in it, Jos 16:10 Jud 1:29; but were dispossessed by a king of Egypt, and the place given to his daughter, the wife of Solomon, 1Ki 9:16, who fortified it.
עִם (im) is a preposition meaning 'with' and covers a range of relationships, including companionship, locality, and possession. It can imply actions done jointly, equality, or even opposition in contexts like combat. The related form מֵעִם (me.im) means 'from with' or 'beside.' The entries reflect various nuances but do not present significant disagreement.
עִם prep. with
of fellowship and companionship
of aid
Of actions done jointly with another
If the common action be of the nature of a contest or combat, with in the sense of against
Of dealing with a person, or of the relation in which one stands with, or towards, another
Of a common lot together with the wicked
Of equality or resemblance generally aid
Of time, as long as
Of a locality, close to, beside
Of persons, עִם is spec.
in the house or family or service of
In possession of
In the custody or care of
Beside = except
With = friendly with
Idiom. of a thought or purpose present with one
Metaph. together with = in spite of, notwithstanding
base
מֵעִם 72 from with or beside
base
H5973a עִם with . of fellowship and companionship
. Of a locality, close to, beside
. Of persons, עִם is spec. . in the house or family or service of
. In possession of
. In the custody or care of
. Beside = except
. With = friendly with
. Idiom. of a thought or purpose present with one
. Metaph. together with = in spite of, notwithstanding
H5973b מֵעִם from with, beside
5973 `im eem
from 6004; adverb or preposition, with (i.e. in conjunction
with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with;
often with prepositional prefix (and then usually
unrepresented in English):--accompanying, against, and, as (X
long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from
(among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-)to,
with(-al).
see HEBREW for 06004
עִם (im) — with.
1) with
1a) with
1b) against
1c) toward
1d) as long as
מֵעִם (me.im) — from with.
1a) beside, except
1b) in spite of
Prep — PrepositionHR
The Hebrew word פְּלִשְׁתִּי (*pelishtiy*) means 'Philistine' and refers to an inhabitant of Philistia, with roots indicating they are descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor. It is derived from the lemma for Philistia, פְּלֶ֫שֶׁת (*peleshet*), and is first mentioned in Genesis 10:14.
פְּלִשְׁתִּי 288 adj.gent. Philistine
base
H6430 פְּלִשְׁתִּי Philistine
6430 Plishtiy pel-ish-tee'
patrial from 6429; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of
Pelesheth:--Philistine.
see HEBREW for 06429
פְּלִשְׁתִּי (pe.lish.ti) — Philistine.
Philistine = "immigrants"
an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan
Another spelling of pe.le.shet (פְּלֶ֫שֶׁת "Philistia" H6429)
פְּלִשְׁתִּי (pe.lish.ti) — Philistine.
A Philistine living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.14;
son of: Casluhim (H3695)
§ Philistine = "immigrants"
an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan
פְּלִשְׁתִּי (pe.lish.ti) — (Sea of the) Philistines.
Philistine = "immigrants"
an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan
Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Ngmpa — Noun gentilic · masculine plural absoluteHNgmpa
fi-lis'-tinz, fil'-is-tinz, fil'-is-tinz (pelishtim; Phulistieim, allophuloi):
I. OLD TESTAMENT NOTICES
1. Race and Origin
2. Religion
3. Individual Philistines Mentioned
4. Title of Ruler and Circumcision
5. History in the Old Testament to Death of Saul
6. History Continued to Time of Ahaz
7. Later Notices
II. MONUMENTAL NOTICES
1. Palestinian Excavations
2. Egyptian Monuments
3. Assyrian Texts
III. THE CRETAN THEORY
1. Cherethim and Kretes
2. Caphtor and Keft
IV. DAVID'S GUARDS
1. The "Cherethi" and the "Pelethi" Not Mercenaries
2. Meaning of These Terms
3. Native Hebrews
4. Review
LITERATURE
I. Old Testament Notices.
1. Race and Origin:
The Philistines were an uncircumcised people inhabiting the shore plain between Gezer and Gaza in Southwestern Palestine (see PHILISTIA). The name Palestine itself (Hebrew pelesheth) refers to their country. The word means "migrants," and they came from another country. They…
Philistines
(Gen. 10:14, R.V.; but in A.V., “Philistim”), a tribe allied to the Phoenicians. They were a branch of the primitive race which spread over the whole district of the Lebanon and the valley of the Jordan, and Crete and other Mediterranean islands. Some suppose them to have been a branch of the Rephaim (2 Sam. 21:16-22). In the time of Abraham they inhabited the south-west of Judea, Abimelech of Gerar being their king (Gen. 21:32, 34; 26:1). They are, however, not noticed among the Canaanitish tribes mentioned in the Pentateuch. They are spoken of by Amos (9:7) and Jeremiah (47:4) as from Caphtor, i.e., probably Crete, or, as some think, the Delta of Egypt. In the whole record from Exodus to Samuel they are…
(immigrants), The origin of the Philistines is nowhere expressly stated in the Bible; but as the prophets describe them as "the Philistines-from Caphtor," (Amos 9:7) and "the remnant of the maritime district of Caphtor" (Jeremiah 47:4) it is prima facie probable that they were the Caphtorim which came out of Caphtor" who expelled the Avim from their territory and occupied it; in their place, (2:23) and that these again were the Caphtorim mentioned in the Mosaic genealogical table among the descendants of Mizraim. (Genesis 10:14) It has been generally assumed that Caphtor represents Crete, and that the Philistines migrated from that island, either directly or through Egypt, into Palestine. But the name Caphtor is more probably…
A celebrated people, who inhabited the southern seacoast of Canaan, which from them took the name of Philistia, Ps 60:8 108:9, or Palestine. They seem originally to have migrated form Egypt to Caphtor, by which some understand Crete, and others with the ancients Cappadocia, Ge 10:14, and thence to have passed over to Palestine under the name of Caphtorim, where they drove out the Avim, who dwelt from Hazerim to Azzah, that is, Gaza, and swelt in their stead, De 2:23. The country they inhabited lay between the higher land of Judea and the Mediterranean, and was in the main a level and fertile territory. It resembles our own western prairies; and bears splendid crops year after year, though miserably cultivated and never manured.
אָז (az) is a demonstrative adverb meaning 'at that time' or 'then,' used for both temporal and logical expressions. It can refer to past events or indicate a condition for future actions. The related form מֵאָז (me.az) means 'from that time' or 'since.' The entries highlight its use in various contexts without significant disagreement.
אָז adv. at that time, then whether expressing duration, or inception (= thereupon).
strictly temporal
expressing logical sequence strictly
base
מֵאָז lit. from that time
base
H227a אָז at that time, then H227b מֵאָז, once
227 'az awz
a demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a
conjunction, therefore:--beginning, for, from, hitherto, now,
of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet.
אָז (az) — then.
1) then, at that time
1a) temporal expressions
1a1) then (past)
1a2) then, if...then (future)
1a3) earlier
1b) logical expressions
1b1) in that case
1b2) that (being so)
מֵאָז (me.az) — the past.
1) in time past, of old
2)from time of, since
Adv — AdverbHD
נָכָה (nakah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to strike or smite, encompassing a range of actions from lightly hitting to fatal blows. It appears in various forms, indicating actions like attacking, punishing, or causing disease. The entries suggest its use in both literal and figurative contexts, including divine judgment and applause. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
[נָכָה] 501 vb. smite (not in Qal)
Niph. and he shall be smitten [struck by weapon in battle] and die
Pu. both be smitten down by the hail
Hiph.
lit., smite (with a single, non-fatal, blow), strike
smite repeatedly, beat a man
and they clapped hands (in applause)
give a thrust (with fork) into pot; strike roots
rarely smite (in battle) so as (merely) to wound
smite, of sun
Smite fatally
Smite = attack, attack and destroy a company
Of God
smite with a plague, disease, etc.
smite = chastise, or send judgment upon
of God’s destroying palaces
Hoph. be smitten
base
H5221 נָכָה smite (not in Qal) . and he shall be smitten [struck by weapon in battle] and die
. both be smitten down by the hail
. . . lit., smite (with a single, non-fatal, blow), strike
. smite repeatedly, beat a man
. and they clapped hands (in applause)
. give a thrust (with fork) into pot; strike roots
. rarely smite (in battle) so as (merely) to wound
. smite, of sun
. Smite fatally
. Smite = attack, attack and destroy a company
. Of God . smite with a plague, disease, etc.
. smite = chastise, or send judgment upon
. of God’s destroying palaces
. be smitten
5221 nakah naw-kaw'
a primitive root; to strike (lightly or severely, literally
or figuratively):--beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), X
go forward, X indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer,
punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike,
be stricken, (give) stripes, X surely, wound.
נָכָה (na.khah) — to smite.
1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill
1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten
1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust
1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast)
1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage
1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy
1d) (Hophal) to be smitten
1d1) to receive a blow
1d2) to be wounded
1d3) to be beaten
1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain
1d5) to be attacked and captured
1d6) to be smitten (with disease)
1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · perfect third person masculine singularHVhp3ms
סִבְּכַי (sib-bek-ah'-ee) refers to Sibbecai, a captain in King David's army, noted for being a Judaite and a descendant of Zerah. The name is associated with the meaning 'weaver' and appears in 2 Samuel 21:18 and 23:27, where he is also referred to as Mebunnai.
סִבְּכַי n.pr.m. a captain of David
base
H5444 סִבְּכַי
5444 Cibbkay sib-bek-ah'-ee
from 5440; copse-like; Sibbecai, an Israelite:--Sibbecai,
Sibbechai.
see HEBREW for 05440
סִבְּכַי (sib.b.khay) — Sibbecai.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.18; also called Mebunnai (NIV: Sibbekai) at 2Sa.23.27;
Also named: me.vun.nay (מְבֻנַּי "Mebunnai" H4012)
§ Sibbecai or Sibbechai = "weaver"
one of David's guard and 8th captain for the 8th month of 24,000 men of the king's army; a Judaite, descendant of Zerah and called the 'Hushathite'
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
Sibbecai
The Lord sustains, one of David’s heroes (1 Chr. 11:29), general of the eighth division of the army (27:11). He slew the giant Saph in the battle of Gob (2 Sam. 21:18; R.V., “Sibbechai”). Called also Mebunnai (23:27).
= SIBBECHAI the Hushathite.
→ See SIBBECHAI
חֻשָׁתִי (Chushathiy) refers to a Hushathite, someone descended from Hushah. This term is used to describe individuals associated with Hushah, including two of David's mighty warriors, as noted in 2 Samuel 21:18. The word is built from a patronymic form related to the root word for Hushah.
חֻשָׁתִי adj.gent. of foregoing [h.bo.ab]:—1. of individ.
base
H2843 חֻשָׁתִי
2843 Chushathiy khoo-shaw-thee'
patronymically from 2364; a Chushathite or descendant of
Chushah:--Hushathite.
see HEBREW for 02364
חֻשָׁתִי (chu.sha.ti) — Hushathite.
Someone descended from Hushath(?), first mentioned at 2Sa.21.18
§ Hushathite = "inhabitant of Hushah"
an inhabitant of Hushah or a descendant of Hushah; the designation given to two of David's mighty warriors
Art | Ngmsa — Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ngmsa
(inhabitant of Hushah), The, the designation of two of the heroes of David’s guard. SIBBECHAI. (2 Samuel 21:18; 1 Chronicles 11:29; 20:4; 27:11) Josephus, however, called him a Hittite. MEBUNNAI, (2 Samuel 23:27) a mere corruption of SIBBECHAI.
Hushim, man of haste, or of silence
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HTo — ParticleHTo
סַף (Sippai) refers to a Philistine figure mentioned in the context of the United Monarchy, specifically as a son of Rapha and a brother to Goliath. The name is linked to the word for 'threshold' and is noted in 2 Samuel 21:18 and 1 Chronicles 20:4. The entries indicate that Sippai is associated with the concept of being bason-like, but there is no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
סַף, סִפַּי n.pr.m. a Philistine
base
H5598 סַף, סִפַּי
5598 Cippay sip-pah'-ee
from 5592; bason-like; Sippai, a Philistine:--Sippai.
Compare 5593.
see HEBREW for 05592
see HEBREW for 05593
סִפַּי (sip.pay) — Sippai.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.18;
son of: Rapha (H7497A);
brother of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430) , Lahmi (H3902), huge_man (H4060A); also called Sippai at 1Ch.20.4;
Another name of saph (סַף "Saph" H5593)
§ Sippai = "threshold"
one of the sons of the Philistine giant slain by Sibbechai the Hushathite
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
sip'-i, si-pa'-i.
See SAPH.
(threshold), Saph, one of the sons of Rephaim, or "the giants," slain by Sibbechai at Gezer. (1 Chronicles 20:4) (B.C. about 1050.)
threshold; silver cup
יָלִיד (yaliyd) means 'born' and is derived from the root word for 'to bear' or 'to bring forth.' It generally refers to someone who is born, such as a child or son. The entries consistently emphasize this meaning without notable disagreement.
[יָלִיד] adj. born
base
H3211 יָלִיד born
3211 yaliyd yaw-leed'
from 3205; born:--((home-))born, child, son.
see HEBREW for 03205
יָלִיד (ya.lid) — born.
born
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…
רָפָה (rapha') refers to a giant, specifically associated with the Rephaim, an ancient race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament. The term encompasses both the individual Rapha and the collective Rephaim, who are described as descendants of Rapha. The entries highlight the connection to invigorating or healing, but primarily focus on the notion of giants.
רָפָה, רָפָא as n.pr.m. Hā-Rāphā
base
רְפָאִים n.pr.gent. old race of giants
base
H7497a רָפָה, רָפָא Hā-Rāphā H7497b רְפָאִים n. pr. gent. old race of giants
7497 rapha' raw-faw'
or raphah {raw-faw'}; from 7495 in the sense of invigorating;
a giant:--giant, Rapha, Rephaim(-s). See also 1051.
see HEBREW for 07495
see HEBREW for 01051
רָפָה (ra.pah) — Rapha.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.16;
father of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902), huge_man (H4060A); also translated "giant";
Also named: re.pha.im (רְפָאִים "Raphaite" H7497H)
§ giant, Rephah
רְפָאִים (re.pha.im) — Rephaim.
1) giants, Rephaim
1a) old tribe of giants
2) People descended from Repha(?), first mentioned at Gen.14.5
Also named: zam.zom (זַמְזֻמִּים "Zamzummin" H2157)
רְפָאִים (re.pha.im) — (Valley of) Rephaim.
Combined with e.meq (עֵ֫מֶק " Valley" H6010P)
This name means giants,
רְפָאִים (re.pha.im) — Raphaite.
Descendants from Rapha, who lived at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.16;
father of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902), huge_man (H4060A); also translated "giant";
Art | N-proper — Particle · noun gentilic masculine plural absoluteHTd/Ngmpa
כָּנַע (kana) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be humble or to humble oneself. It conveys the idea of subjugation or bringing down, whether in a reflexive sense (humbling oneself) or in an active sense (humbling others or subduing enemies). The entries indicate its use in different forms, including passive and active, but do not provide specific verse references.
[כָּנַע] vb. be humble, only in der. conj.
Niph.
reflex. humble oneself
pass. be humbled, subdued
Hiph.
humble
subdue enemies
base
H3665 [כָּנַע] be humble, only in der. conj. . . reflex. humble oneself
. pass. be humbled, subdued
. . humble
. subdue enemies
3665 kana` kaw-nah'
a primitive root; properly, to bend the knee; hence, to
humiliate, vanquish:--bring down (low), into subjection,
under, humble (self), subdue.
כָּנַע (ka.na) — be humble.
1) to be humble, be humbled, be subdued, be brought down, be low, be under, be brought into subjection
1a) (Niphal)
1a1) to humble oneself
1a2) to be humbled, be subdued
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to humble
1b2) to subdue
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp — Verb · Niphal · sequential imperfect third person masculine pluralHc/VNw3mp