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1 Kings 18:32 — Word Study

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WLCוַיִּבְנֶ֧ה אֶת־ הָאֲבָנִ֛ים מִזְבֵּ֖חַ בְּשֵׁ֣ם יְהוָ֑ה וַיַּ֣עַשׂ תְּעָלָ֗ה כְּבֵית֙ סָאתַ֣יִם זֶ֔רַע סָבִ֖יב לַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃

BSAAnd with the stonesʼeben [hewn rocks, building materials] [Elijah] builtbânâh [constructed, established] an altarmizbêach [place of sacrifice, worship] in the nameshêm [identity, reputation] of the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, the self-existent God] Then he dugʻâsâh [excavated, made] a trenchtᵉʻâlâh [channel, conduit] aroundçâbîyb the altarmizbêach [surrounding, encircling] large enough to holdbayith [contain, receive] two seahsçᵉʼâh [measures, volumes] of seedzeraʻ [grain, offspring]

Word
Listen & take away1 Kings 18
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 32 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (la.miz.Be.ach) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
1 Kings 18:32quick helps
In a sentenceElijah built an altar to the LORD using stones and dug a trench around it.
Who is speakingElijah, a prophet of the LORD.
Where we areThe context of a confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.
The hard wordמִזְבֵּחַ
Take awayThe altar signifies a place of worship and sacrifice.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbבָּנָה The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

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 Kings 18:32

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 Confrontation on Mount Carmelgenerated

31And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.”
32And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed.
33Next, he arranged the wood, cut up the bull, placed it on the wood,
34and said, “Fill four waterpots and pour the water on the offering and on the wood.” “Do it a second time,” he said, and they did it a second time. “Do it a third time,” he said, and they did it a third time.

1 Kings 18:32 describes how Elijah built an altar to the LORD using stones, a significant act in the context of proving the true God against the prophets of Baal. This moment is pivotal in demonstrating God's power and faithfulness to Israel. The altar serves as a physical representation of worship and sacrifice, central themes in the biblical narrative.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Exodus 20:24–25You are to make for Me an altar of earth, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.
2Judges 6:26Then build a proper altar to the LORD your God on the top of this stronghold. And with the wood of the Asherah pole you cut down, take the second bull and offer it as a burnt offering.”
3Judges 21:4The next day the people got up early, built an altar there, and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings.
41 Samuel 7:9–17Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him.
51 Corinthians 10:31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word מִזְבֵּחַ, miz.Be.achgenerated

The Hebrew word מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach) means 'altar' and is derived from a root meaning to slay or kill, indicating its use in sacrificial contexts. In this verse, it refers to a place where offerings are made to God, highlighting the importance of worship in the Israelite community.

The use of the word in this context emphasizes the act of building a dedicated space for sacrifice, which is integral to the worship practices of ancient Israel.


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 verb וַיִּבְנֶ֧ה (and he built) governs the sentence, with the noun phrase מִזְבֵּ֖חַ (an altar) as its direct object. The structure shows a clear action followed by the object being acted upon.

The sentence also includes a prepositional phrase בְּשֵׁ֣ם יְהוָ֑ה (in the name of the LORD), indicating the purpose and authority behind the action of building the altar.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates מִזְבֵּחַ as θυσιαστηρίου (thusiastēriou), which also means 'altar' but carries a connotation of a place for sacrifice. This choice reflects the translation's focus on the sacrificial aspect of the altar.

The verb וַיִּבְנֶ֧ה is rendered as ᾠκοδόμησεν (oikodōmēsen), meaning 'he built', which aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning while emphasizing the act of construction.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

1 Kings 18:32 tells us that Elijah built an altar to the LORD using stones and dug a trench around it. This act was part of a larger confrontation with the prophets of Baal, demonstrating God's power and the importance of worship in Israel.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to build an altar in the name of the LORD?

Building an altar in the name of the LORD signifies dedicating a place for worship and sacrifice, acknowledging God's authority and presence.

Why did Elijah use stones for the altar?

Stones were a common building material in ancient Israel, symbolizing permanence and strength, and they were used to create a physical representation of worship.

What is the significance of digging a trench around the altar?

The trench likely served a practical purpose in the sacrificial ritual, possibly to hold water or other offerings, and it emphasizes the seriousness and preparation involved in worship.

How does this act relate to the confrontation with the prophets of Baal?

Elijah's building of the altar and the subsequent actions were part of a challenge to demonstrate the true God against the false prophets, highlighting the importance of faithfulness to the LORD.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What does building an altar in my life look like today?
  2. How can I dedicate my actions to the LORD in a meaningful way?
  3. What preparations do I need to make in my worship practices?
  4. How can I demonstrate my faith in God in the face of challenges?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on 1 Kings 18:32 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And with the stones he built an altar in the same of the Lord,.... Whom the twelve tribes had formerly worshipped; and though now divided in their civil state, yet ought to be united in the worship

Read John Gill on 1 Kings 18 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name: No JFB commentary on these verses.

Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Kings 18 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

With the assistance of the people, who readily yielded their helping hand, he built an altar; which, though generally forbidden, he might do, because he did it by the command and suggestion of God, who can dispense with his own laws, and upon apparent and urgent necessity, and for a work of great mercy, even for the conversion of the Israelites, whom it was impossible to bring to the altar of Jerusalem at this time. In the name of the Lord; by the authority of God, and for his worship. Two measures, i.e. two third parts of an ephah; which shows that the trench was of a competent largeness.

Read Matthew Poole on 1 Kings 18 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

1 Kings 18:32 And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.Ver. 32. In the name of the Lord,] i.e., By his special warrant, and for his honour and service.

Read John Trapp on 1 Kings 18 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(32) Measures.—The “measure,” the third part of the ephah, hence also often called shalish (a “tierce,” or “third”), was something less than three gallons. A trench to contain only six gallons seems too insignificant for the context; hence it is supposed that the sense is “large enough for the sowing (as in a furrow) of two measures of seed.”

Read Charles John Ellicott on 1 Kings 18 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 32. He made a trench] This was to detain the water that might fall down from the altar when the barrels should be poured upon it, 1Kg 18:35.

Read AdamClarke on 1 Kings 18 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

32. a trench] The LXX. has θάλασσαν = a sea, which is interesting in connexion with the name given to the great cistern which Solomon caused to be made for the temple-services. Cf. 1 Kings 7:23 above. as great as would contain two measures of seed] The LXX. omits these words, which are not quite easy of explanation. The measure mentioned is a seah, which is the third part of an ephah. But whether the dimension applies to each side of the altar, so that on each of the four sides there would be a ditch of this capacity, or whether this was the capacity of the whole surrounding trench is not evident. It was clearly intended to catch the water that was poured over the sacrifice.

Read Cambridge on 1 Kings 18 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

He built an altar in the name of the Lord - i. e., calling, as he built it, on the name of Yahweh, and so dedicating it to His service. Two measures of seed - literally, “two seahs of seed.” The seah contained about three gallons.

Read Albert Barnes on 1 Kings 18 →

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

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

With the stones he built an altar in Yahweh’s name. He made a trench around the altar large enough to contain two seahs of seed.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed.

NETBNew English Translation2006

With the stones he constructed an altar for the Lord. Around the altar he made a trench large enough to contain two seahs of seed.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And with the stones he built an altar in the name of Jehovah; and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD; and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And with the stones he buylt an altar in the Name of the Lord: and he made a ditch round about the altar, as great as woulde conteine two measures of seede.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

and with the stones he built an altar in the name of Jehovah, and made a trench round about the altar, of the capacity of two measures of seed;

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

and he buildeth with the stones an altar, in the name of Jehovah, and maketh a trench, as about the space of two measures of seed, round about the altar.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

and he builds an altar with the stones, in the Name of YHWH, and makes a trench, as about the space of two measures of seed, around the altar.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And he built of the stones an altar in the name of the Lord; and he made a trench as great as would contain two seahs of seed round about the altar.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

With the stones he built an altar in the name of Yahweh and he dug a trench around the altar large enough to contain two seahs of seeds.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And he built with the stones an altar to the name of the Lord: and he made a trench for water, of the breadth of two furrows round about the altar.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

With the stones he built an altar in the Lord's name. He dug a ditch around it that could hold two seahs of seed.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And with the stones he made an altar to the name of the Lord; and he made a deep drain all round the altar, great enough to take two measures of seed.

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.

וַandclauseverbיִּבְנֶ֧הhe.builtnoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)noun phraseהָtheאֲבָנִ֛יםstonessecond objectמִזְבֵּ֖חַan.altarprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּinnoun phraseשֵׁ֣םthe.nameיְהוָ֑הof.Yahwehוַandclauseverbיַּ֣עַשׂhe.madeobjectתְּעָלָ֗הa.trenchprepositional phrase · prepositionalכְּlikenoun phraseבֵית֙a.receptaclenoun phraseסָאתַ֣יִםof.two.seahsזֶ֔רַעseedprepositional phrase · prepositionalסָבִ֖יבaroundprepositional phraseלַ(to)noun phrasetheמִּזְבֵּֽחַaltar

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text states that Elijah built an altar with stones in the name of the LORD and dug a trench around it to hold two seahs of seed. The Septuagint, while not providing a full translation, matches 10 of the 13 words from the Masoretic Text, indicating a significant level of agreement. However, the specific wording and structure may differ due to the nature of the translation, which is more reflective of Greek syntax and style rather than a direct correspondence. The Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls are not detailed here, but their presence would be necessary to confirm further variations or agreements with the Masoretic Text in this verse.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

וַיִּבְנֶ֧ה אֶת־ הָאֲבָנִ֛ים מִזְבֵּ֖חַ בְּשֵׁ֣ם יְהוָ֑ה וַיַּ֣עַשׂ תְּעָלָ֗ה כְּבֵית֙ סָאתַ֣יִם זֶ֔רַע סָבִ֖יב לַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַיִּבְנֶ֧הᾠκοδόμησενהָאֲבָנִ֛יםλίθουςבְּשֵׁ֣םὀνόματιיְהוָ֑הκυρίουוַיַּ֣עַשׂἐποίησενתְּעָלָ֗הθααλαכְּבֵית֙ξωροῦσανזֶ֔רַעσπέρματοςסָבִ֖יבκυκλόθενלַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃θυσιαστηρίου

10 of the 13 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.

1 Kings 18:32בָּנָהand he builand he builtבָּנָהאֵתthe object the object markאֵתאֶ֫בֶןthe stonesthe stonesאֶ֫בֶןמִזְבֵּחַan altaran altarמִזְבֵּחַשֵׁםin [the] nain [the] name oשֵׁםיהוהYahwehYahwehיהוהעָשָׂהand he madeand he madeעָשָׂהתְּעָלָהa trencha trenchתְּעָלָהבֵּיתlike a recelike a receptacבֵּיתסְאָהtwo seahstwo seahsסְאָהזֶ֫רַעseedseedזֶ֫רַעסָבִיבaroundaroundסָבִיבמִזְבֵּחַthe altarthe altarמִזְבֵּחַבָּנָהto buildto buildבָּנָהזָבַחto sacrifito sacrificeזָבַחזָרַעto sowto sowזָרַעאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתשׂוּםto set: mato set: makeשׂוּםהָיָהto beto beהָיָהעָלָהto ascend:to ascend: riseעָלָהסָבַבto turn: tto turn: turnסָבַבקָטַרto offer: to offer: burnקָטַרעֹלָהburnt offeburnt offeringעֹלָהחוֹמָהwallwallחוֹמָהמִזְבֵּחַaltaraltarמִזְבֵּחַמִגְרָשׁpasturepastureמִגְרָשׁיָקָרpreciouspreciousיָקָרלוּחַtablettabletלוּחַקָרָאto call: cto call: call tקָרָאיָדָהto give thto give thanksיָדָהנְאֻםutteranceutteranceנְאֻם
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in 1 Kings 18:32

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.

and he built the object marker the stones an altar in [the] name of Yahweh and he made a trench like a receptacle of two seahs seed around the altar
וַיִּבְנֶ֧הvai.yiv.Neh and he built H1129 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
376× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Amplified meaning
constructed, established
Tyndale gloss
to build
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word בָּנָה (banah) means "to build" and encompasses various forms such as rebuilding, establishing, and making permanent. It can refer to physical construction, like building a house or family, as well as metaphorical uses, such as the establishment of restored exiles. The entries indicate that it can also imply being built up, particularly in the context of a childless wife becoming a mother.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בָּנָה 373 vb. build

Qal build

Niph.

be built

be rebuilt

(fig.) of restored exiles, = established

established, made permanent

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1129 בָּנָה build .build

.. . be built

. be rebuilt

. . (fig.) of restored exiles, = established

. established, made permanent

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1129 banah baw-naw'

a primitive root; to build (literally and

figuratively):--(begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make,

repair, set (up), X surely.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּנָה (ba.nah) — to build.

1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to build, rebuild

1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family)

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be built

1b2) to be rebuilt

1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.)

1b4) established (made permanent)

1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine)

Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
and he built the object marker the stones an altar in [the] name of Yahweh and he made a trench like a receptacle of two seahs seed around the altar
אֶת־'et- the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he built the object marker the stones an altar in [the] name of Yahweh and he made a trench like a receptacle of two seahs seed around the altar
הָאֲבָנִ֛יםha.'a.va.Nim the stones H68 Particle · noun common feminine plural absolute
273× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Amplified meaning
hewn rocks, building materials
Tyndale gloss
stone: weight
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-fp — Particle · noun common feminine plural absolute
HTd/Ncfpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Smith's Bible Dictionary

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 (

→ Commandments engraved upon Ex 24:12; 31:18; 34:1-4; De 4:13; 5:22; 9:9-11; 10:1-3

→ The law of Moses written upon Jos 8:32

→ Houses built of Isa 9:10; Am 5:11

→ Temple built of 1Ki 5:17,18; 7:9-12; Mt 24:2; Lu 19:44; 21:5,6

→ Prepared in the quarries 1Ki 6:7

→ Hewn (cut) Ex 34:1; De 10:1;

and he built the object marker the stones an altar in [the] name of Yahweh and he made a trench like a receptacle of two seahs seed around the altar
מִזְבֵּ֖חַmiz.Be.ach an altar H4196 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
401× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Amplified meaning
place of sacrifice, worship
Tyndale gloss
altar
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach) means 'altar' in Hebrew. It is derived from the root word meaning to slay or kill, indicating its use in sacrificial contexts. The term is consistently used throughout the Old Testament to refer to places of sacrifice and worship.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִזְבֵּחַ 401 n.m. altar

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4196 מִזְבֵּחַ altar

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4196 mizbeach miz-bay'-akh

from 2076; an altar:--altar.

see HEBREW for 02076

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִזְבֵּחַ (miz.be.ach) — altar.

altar

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ol'-ter (mizbeach, literally, "place of slaughter or sacrifice," from zabhach, which is found in both senses; bomos, (only in Ac 17:23), thusiasterion):

I. CLASSIFICATION OF HEBREW ALTARS

Importance of the Distinction

II. LAY ALTARS

1. Pre-Mosaic

2. In the Mosaic Age

3. Dangers of the Custom

4. The Mosaic Provisions

III. HORNED ALTARS OF BURNT OFFERING

1. The Tabernacle Altar

2. The Altar of Jos 22

3. The Altar till Solomon

4. The Horned Altar in Use

5. The Temple of Solomon

6. The Altar of Ahaz

7. Ezekiel

8. The Post-exilic Altar

9. Idolatrous and Unlawful Altars

10. The Horns

IV. ALTARS OF INCENSE

V. RECENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL MATERIALS 1. A Gezer Altar

2. The Taanach Altar of Incense

LITERATURE

A. CRITICAL

I. Classification of Hebrew Altars.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Altar

(Heb. mizbe’ah, from a word meaning “to slay”), any structure of earth (Ex. 20:24) or unwrought stone (20:25) on which sacrifices were offered. Altars were generally erected in conspicuous places (Gen. 22:9; Ezek. 6:3; 2 Kings 23:12; 16:4; 23:8; Acts 14:13). The word is used in Heb. 13:10 for the sacrifice offered upon it—the sacrifice Christ offered.

Paul found among the many altars erected in Athens one bearing the inscription, “To the unknown God” (Acts 17:23), or rather “to an [i.e., some]…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The first altar of which we have any account is that built by Noah when he left the ark. (Genesis 8:20) In the early times altars were usually built in certain spots hallowed by religious associations, e.g., where God appeared. (Genesis 12:7; 13:18; 26:25; 35:1) Though generally erected for the offering of sacrifice, in some instances they appear to have been only memorials. (Genesis 12:7; Exodus 17:15,16) Altars were most probably originally made of earth. The law of Moses allowed them to be made of either earth or unhewn stones. (Exodus 20:24,25) I. The Altar of Burnt Offering . It differed in construction at…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A table-like structure, on which sacrifices and incense were offered, built of various materials, usually of stone, but sometimes of brass, etc. It is evident that sacrifices were offered long before the flood; but the first mention of an altar in Scripture is when Noah left the ark. Mention is made of altars reared by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses. The latter was commanded to build an altar of earth, Ex 20:24. If stone was employed, it must be rough and unhewn, probably lest the practice of sculpture should lead them to violate the second commandment. It was not to be furnished with steps, De 27:2-6.

The altars in the Jewish tabernacle, and in the temple at Jerusalem, were the following: 1. The altar of burnt offerings. 2. The altar of incense. 3. The table of showbread, for…

and he built the object marker the stones an altar in [the] name of Yahweh and he made a trench like a receptacle of two seahs seed around the altar
בְּשֵׁ֣םbe.Shem in [the] name of H8034 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
864× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Amplified meaning
identity, reputation
Tyndale gloss
name
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֵׁם (shem) means 'name' and encompasses various meanings such as reputation, fame, and glory. It can refer to the designation of God and is often associated with memorials or monuments. The word is built from a primitive root and highlights individuality and honor. There is a mention of its use in relation to false gods, which is forbidden.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)

of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it

usu. of pers.

= reputation

esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons

name, as designation of God

of false gods, use forbidden

= memorial, monument

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8034 shem shame

a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea

of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an

appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by

implication honor, authority, character:--+ base,

(in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.

see HEBREW for 07760

see HEBREW for 08064

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֵׁם (shem) — name.

1) name

1a) name

1b) reputation, fame, glory

1c) the Name (as designation of God)

1d) memorial, monument

Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
HR/Ncmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

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…

and he built the object marker the stones an altar in [the] name of Yahweh and he made a trench like a receptacle of two seahs seed around the altar
יְהוָ֑הYah.weh Yahweh H3068 Noun proper
6,528× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
Yehovah, the self-existent God
Tyndale gloss
The Lord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)

יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb

יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D

the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy

יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'

from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish

national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.

see HEBREW for 01961

see HEBREW for 03050

see HEBREW for 03069

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.

Jehovah = "the existing One"

1) the proper name of the one true God

1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.

Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.

Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpt
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he built the object marker the stones an altar in [the] name of Yahweh and he made a trench like a receptacle of two seahs seed around the altar
וַיַּ֣עַשׂvai.Ya.'as and he made H6213 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
2,629× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Amplified meaning
excavated, made
Tyndale gloss
to make
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָשָׂה (asah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to do or make, encompassing a wide range of actions such as producing, preparing, and observing. It can refer to both concrete and abstract activities, including making offerings and attending to tasks. The verb also has forms indicating passive meanings, such as being made or offered. Notably, the Piel form refers to pressing or squeezing.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָשָׂה 2622 vb. do, make

Qal 2524

do (1560 t.)

deal with

oft. in phr. do kindness with

abs. act, act with effect

make (670 t.)

produce, yield

prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food

make offering

attend to, put in order

observe, celebrate, religious festival

acquire property of various kinds

appoint priests

bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance

use

spend, pass, days of life

Niph.

97be done

be made, of concr. things

be produced from vine

be prepared, of food

be offered

be observed, passover

be used

Pu. I was made

base

[עָשָׂה] vb. Pi. press, squeeze

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6213a עָשָׂה do, make .. . do (1560 + t.)

. deal with

. oft. in phr. do kindness with

. abs. act, act with effect

. . make (670 + t.)

. produce, yield

. prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food

. make offering

. attend to, put in order

. observe, celebrate, religious festival

. acquire property of various kinds

. appoint priests

. bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance

. use

. spend, pass, days of life

. . be done

. . be made, of concr. things

. be produced from vine

. be prepared, of food

. be offered

. be observed, passover

. be used

. I was made

H6213b עָשָׂה Pi. press, squeeze

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6213 `asah aw-saw'

a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and

widest application (as follows):--accomplish, advance,

appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth,

bruise, be busy, X certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal

(with), deck, + displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in)

execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, + feast, (fight-)ing man, +

finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go

about, govern, grant, great, + hinder, hold ((a feast)), X

indeed, + be industrious, + journey, keep, labour, maintain,

make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, + officer, pare,

bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure,

provide, put, requite, X sacrifice, serve, set, shew, X sin,

spend, X surely, take, X thoroughly, trim, X very, + vex, be

(warr-)ior, work(-man), yield, use.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make: do.

: do/perform

1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to do, work, make, produce

1a1a) to do

1a1b) to work

1a1c) to deal (with)

1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect

1a2) to make

1a2a) to make

1a2b) to produce

1a2c) to prepare

1a2d) to make (an offering)

1a2e) to attend to, put in order

1a2f) to observe, celebrate

1a2g) to acquire (property)

1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute

1a2i) to bring about

1a2j) to use

1a2k) to spend, pass

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be done

1b2) to be made

1b3) to be produced

1b4) to be offered

1b5) to be observed

1b6) to be used

1c) (Pual) to be made

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to press.

(Piel) to press, squeeze

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make.

: make(OBJECT)

1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to do, work, make, produce

1a1a) to do

1a1b) to work

1a1c) to deal (with)

1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect

1a2) to make

1a2a) to make

1a2b) to produce

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
and he built the object marker the stones an altar in [the] name of Yahweh and he made a trench like a receptacle of two seahs seed around the altar
תְּעָלָ֗הte.'a.Lah a trench H8585 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
11× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to healing, like the process of new skin forming over a wound. It can also mean a channel for water, like a conduit or watercourse, and is used in books like Isaiah and Ezekiel. The idea of healing is central to many biblical stories.
Amplified meaning
channel, conduit
Tyndale gloss
conduit
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word תְּעָלָה (te'alá) has two main meanings: it refers to a water-course or conduit used for irrigation, and it also denotes healing, particularly in the context of a bandage or plaster for wounds. The word is built from the root meaning to raise or elevate water, and it appears in contexts related to both irrigation and medical care.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

תְּעָלָה n.f. water-course

water-course, conducted for irrigation; hence poet., channel for rain

conduit

trench

base

תְּעָלָה n.f. healing (of new flesh and skin forming over wound)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8585a תְּעָלָה water-course . . water-course, conducted for irrigation; hence poet., channel for rain

. conduit

. trench

H8585b תְּעָלָה healing

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8585 t`alah teh-aw-law'

from 5927; a channel (into which water is raised for

irrigation); also a bandage or plaster (as placed upon a

wound):--conduit, cured, healing, little river, trench,

watercourse.

see HEBREW for 05927

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תְּעָלָה (te.a.lah) — conduit.

conduit, water course, trench

תְּעָלָה (te.a.lah) — healing.

1) healing (of new flesh and skin forming over wound)

1a) (CLBL) bandage, plaister (for healing of wound)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

trench, trensh.

See SIEGE, (5), (8).

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A passage of approach to the walls of a besieged city, like a deep ditch; the earth thrown up constituting a wall. The Redeemer, weeping over Jerusalem a few days before he was crucified under its walls, said, "The days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side," Lu 19:43. The Romans fulfilled this prediction by enclosing the entire city of Jerusalem by a wall, that the Jews might neither escape nor be relieved from without. In 1Sa 26:5, "trench" appears to mean the circle formed by camp equipage. See CAMP, ENCAMPMENTS.

and he built the object marker the stones an altar in [the] name of Yahweh and he made a trench like a receptacle of two seahs seed around the altar
כְּבֵית֙ke.Veit like a receptacle of H1004 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
2,049× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Amplified meaning
contain, receive
Tyndale gloss
place
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word בַּיִת (*bayith*) means 'house' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including dwelling, family, and place. It can refer to physical structures, such as homes and temples, as well as metaphorical uses like the body or household affairs. The word is built from the root related to 'between' and appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between

base

בַּ֫יִת 2034 n.m. house

house

place

receptacle

of house as containing a family

household, family (592 t.)

house, including household affairs

lit. housewards, hence metaph. inwards

מִבַּיִת

adv. on the inside

prep. within

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1004a בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between H1004b בַּ֫יִת house

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1004 bayith bah'-yith

probably from 1129 abbreviated; a house (in the greatest

variation of applications, especially family, etc.):--court,

daughter, door, + dungeon, family, + forth of, X great as

would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter)house(-hold),

inside(-ward), palace, place, + prison, + steward, + tablet,

temple, web, + within(-out).

see HEBREW for 01129

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֵּית (bet) — place.

nm

place, origin, between

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — house: home.

: home/temple/building

nm

1) house

1a) house, dwelling habitation

1b) shelter or abode of animals

1c) human bodies (fig.)

1d) of Sheol

1e) of abode of light and darkness

1f) of land of Ephraim

2) place

3) receptacle

4) home, house as containing a family

5) household, family

5a) those belonging to the same household

5b) family of descendants, descendants as organized body

6) household affairs

7) inwards (metaph.)

8) (TWOT) temple

adv

9) on the inside

prep

10) within

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(ashbea).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

Combined with ash.be.a (אַשְׁבֵּעַ "Ashbea" H0791)

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth (Haggan).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

Combined with hag (גַּן "Haggan" H1588)

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(togarmah).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
HR/Ncmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

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…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he built the object marker the stones an altar in [the] name of Yahweh and he made a trench like a receptacle of two seahs seed around the altar
סָאתַ֣יִםsa.Ta.yim two seahs H5429 Noun common · feminine dual absolute
9× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A seah is an ancient measure of grain, about 1/3 of an ephah, used in biblical times for flour or grain. It appears in the Old Testament as a standard unit of measurement. In Ezekiel 45:11, it is used to describe the amount of grain for offerings.
Amplified meaning
measures, volumes
Tyndale gloss
seah
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

סְאָה (se’ah) refers to a measure used for flour and grain, likely equivalent to one-third of an ephah. The term is derived from a root meaning to define, indicating its role as a specific measurement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

סְאָה n.f. sᵉ’āh, a measure of flour, grain, etc.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5429 סְאָה sᵉ’āh, a measure of flour, grain, etc.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5429 c'ah seh-aw'

from an unused root meaning to define; a seah, or certain

measure (as determinative) for grain:--measure.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

סְאָה (se.ah) — seah.

1) seah, a measure of flour or grain

1a) probably equal to 1/3 ephah

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fd — Noun common · feminine dual absolute
HNcfda
and he built the object marker the stones an altar in [the] name of Yahweh and he made a trench like a receptacle of two seahs seed around the altar
זֶ֔רַעZe.ra' seed H2233 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
229× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Amplified meaning
grain, offspring
Tyndale gloss
seed
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זֶ֫רַע (zera`) means seed, sowing, or offspring. It can refer to literal seed, such as in agriculture, or figuratively to descendants and moral qualities of individuals or communities. The term encompasses concepts like sowing time and can denote a practitioner of righteousness. There is a consistent emphasis on both physical and moral implications of the word.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

זֶ֫רַע n.m. sowing, seed, offspring

lit.:

a sowing

sowing as regularly recurring at its season

seed

seed = semen virile

seed = offspring

seed as marked by moral quality = persons (or community) of such a quality

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2233 זֶ֫רַע sowing, seed, offspring . lit.: . a sowing

. sowing as regularly recurring at its season

. seed

. seed = semen virile

. seed = offspring

. seed as marked by moral quality = persons (or community) of such a quality

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2233 zera` zeh'-rah

from 2232; seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time,

posterity:--X carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-

time.

see HEBREW for 02232

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זֶ֫רַע (ze.ra) — seed.

: seed/sowing

1) seed, sowing, offspring

1a) a sowing

1b) seed

1c) semen virile

1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children

1e) of moral quality

1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.)

1f) sowing time (by meton)

זֶ֫רַע (ze.ra) — seed: children.

: children/descendants

1) seed, sowing, offspring

1a) a sowing

1b) seed

1c) semen virile

1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children

1e) of moral quality

1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.)

1f) sowing time (by meton)

זֶ֫רַע (ze.ra) — seed: semen.

: semen

1) seed, sowing, offspring

1a) a sowing

1b) seed

1c) semen virile

1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children

1e) of moral quality

1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.)

1f) sowing time (by meton)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

sed (Old Testament always for zera`, Aramaic (Da 2:43) zera`, except in Joe 1:17 for perudhoth (plural, the Revised Version (British and American) "seeds," the King James Version "seed"), and Le 19:19 (the King James Version "mingled seed") and De 22:9 (the King James Version "divers seeds") for kil'ayim, literally, "two kinds," the Revised Version (British and American) "two kinds of seed." Invariably in Greek Apocrypha and usually in the New Testament for sperma, but Mr 4:26,27; Lu 8:5,11; 2Co 9:10 for sporos, and…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Ge 1:11; often used figuratively in Scripture, Da 9:1 1Pe 1:23 1Jo 3:9. There was an injunction in the Mosaic Law against sowing a field with mingled seed of diverse kinds, Le 19:19. The "precious seed" is often committed to the ground with many fears; but the harvest, at least in spiritual things, shall be a season of joy, Ps 126:5,6.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Every herb, tree, and grass, yields its own Ge 1:11,12,29

→ Each kind has its own body 1Co 15:38

→ Not to be mingled in sowing Le 19:19; De 22:9

→ Parables concerning Mt 13; Lu 8

→ Illustrative Ec 11:6; Ho 10:12; 2Co 9:6; Ga 6:7,8

→ Sowing of, type of burial of the body 1Co 15:36-38

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

- Every herb, tree and grass yields its own

Ge 1:11,12,29

- Each kind of, has its own body

1Co 15:38

- SOWING OF

. Time for, called seed time

Ge 8:22

. Necessary to its productiveness

Joh 12:24; 1Co 15:36

. Required constant diligence

Ec 11:4,6

. Often attended with great waste

Mt 13:4,5,7

. Often attended with danger

Ps 126:5,6

- Yearly return of time of sowing, secured by covenant

Ge 8:21,22

and he built the object marker the stones an altar in [the] name of Yahweh and he made a trench like a receptacle of two seahs seed around the altar
סָבִ֖יבsa.Viv around H5439 Noun common · both singular absolute
336× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Tyndale gloss
around
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

סָבִיב (cabiyb) primarily means 'around' and is used as a noun, adverb, and preposition. It denotes a circle, neighbors, or the surrounding area, often implying a sense of being on every side or in a circuit. The entries consistently emphasize its usage in contexts of proximity and encirclement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

סָבִיב 336 subst., used mostly as adv. and prep., circuit, round about

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5439 סָבִיב subst., used mostly as adv. and prep., circuit, round about

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5439 cabiyb saw-beeb'

or (feminine) cbiybah {seb-ee-baw'}; from 5437; (as noun) a

circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with

or without preposition) around:--(place, round) about,

circuit, compass, on every side.

see HEBREW for 05437

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

סָבִיב (sa.viv) — around.

: around/border

subst

1) places round about, circuit, round about

adv

2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about

prep

3) in the circuit, from every side

סָבִיב (sa.viv) — around: side.

: side

subst

1) places round about, circuit, round about

adv

2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about

prep

3) in the circuit, from every side

סָבִיב (sa.viv) — around: whole.

: whole

subst

1) places round about, circuit, round about

adv

2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about

prep

3) in the circuit, from every side

סָבִיב (sa.viv) — around: neighours.

: neighours

subst

1) places round about, circuit, round about

adv

2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about

prep

3) in the circuit, from every side

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs — Noun common · both singular absolute
HNcbsa
and he built the object marker the stones an altar in [the] name of Yahweh and he made a trench like a receptacle of two seahs seed around the altar
לַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃la.miz.Be.ach the altar H4196 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
401× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Amplified meaning
surrounding, encircling
Tyndale gloss
altar
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach) means 'altar' in Hebrew. It is derived from the root word meaning to slay or kill, indicating its use in sacrificial contexts. The term is consistently used throughout the Old Testament to refer to places of sacrifice and worship.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִזְבֵּחַ 401 n.m. altar

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4196 מִזְבֵּחַ altar

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4196 mizbeach miz-bay'-akh

from 2076; an altar:--altar.

see HEBREW for 02076

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִזְבֵּחַ (miz.be.ach) — altar.

altar

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HRd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ol'-ter (mizbeach, literally, "place of slaughter or sacrifice," from zabhach, which is found in both senses; bomos, (only in Ac 17:23), thusiasterion):

I. CLASSIFICATION OF HEBREW ALTARS

Importance of the Distinction

II. LAY ALTARS

1. Pre-Mosaic

2. In the Mosaic Age

3. Dangers of the Custom

4. The Mosaic Provisions

III. HORNED ALTARS OF BURNT OFFERING

1. The Tabernacle Altar

2. The Altar of Jos 22

3. The Altar till Solomon

4. The Horned Altar in Use

5. The Temple of Solomon

6. The Altar of Ahaz

7. Ezekiel

8. The Post-exilic Altar

9. Idolatrous and Unlawful Altars

10. The Horns

IV. ALTARS OF INCENSE

V. RECENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL MATERIALS 1. A Gezer Altar

2. The Taanach Altar of Incense

LITERATURE

A. CRITICAL

I. Classification of Hebrew Altars.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Altar

(Heb. mizbe’ah, from a word meaning “to slay”), any structure of earth (Ex. 20:24) or unwrought stone (20:25) on which sacrifices were offered. Altars were generally erected in conspicuous places (Gen. 22:9; Ezek. 6:3; 2 Kings 23:12; 16:4; 23:8; Acts 14:13). The word is used in Heb. 13:10 for the sacrifice offered upon it—the sacrifice Christ offered.

Paul found among the many altars erected in Athens one bearing the inscription, “To the unknown God” (Acts 17:23), or rather “to an [i.e., some]…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The first altar of which we have any account is that built by Noah when he left the ark. (Genesis 8:20) In the early times altars were usually built in certain spots hallowed by religious associations, e.g., where God appeared. (Genesis 12:7; 13:18; 26:25; 35:1) Though generally erected for the offering of sacrifice, in some instances they appear to have been only memorials. (Genesis 12:7; Exodus 17:15,16) Altars were most probably originally made of earth. The law of Moses allowed them to be made of either earth or unhewn stones. (Exodus 20:24,25) I. The Altar of Burnt Offering . It differed in construction at…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A table-like structure, on which sacrifices and incense were offered, built of various materials, usually of stone, but sometimes of brass, etc. It is evident that sacrifices were offered long before the flood; but the first mention of an altar in Scripture is when Noah left the ark. Mention is made of altars reared by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses. The latter was commanded to build an altar of earth, Ex 20:24. If stone was employed, it must be rough and unhewn, probably lest the practice of sculpture should lead them to violate the second commandment. It was not to be furnished with steps, De 27:2-6.

The altars in the Jewish tabernacle, and in the temple at Jerusalem, were the following: 1. The altar of burnt offerings. 2. The altar of incense. 3. The table of showbread, for…

Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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