Menu

1 Samuel 13:6 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוְאִ֨ישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל רָאוּ֙ כִּ֣י צַר־ ל֔וֹ כִּ֥י נִגַּ֖שׂ הָעָ֑ם וַיִּֽתְחַבְּא֣וּ הָעָ֗ם בַּמְּעָר֤וֹת וּבַֽחֲוָחִים֙ וּבַסְּלָעִ֔ים וּבַצְּרִחִ֖ים וּבַבֹּרֽוֹת׃

BSASeeingrâʼâh thatkîy in dangertsar [in a strait, troubled] becausekîy their troopsʻam [army, people] were hard-pressednâgas [distressed, oppressed] the menʼîysh [individuals, people] of IsraelYisrâʼêl [Jacob's descendants] hidchâbâʼ [secreted, withdrew] in cavesmᵉʻârâh [dens, holes] among the rocksçelaʻ [craggy cliffs, strongholds] and in cellarstsᵉrîyach [underground rooms, storage places] and cisternsbôwr [pits, water holders]

Word
Listen & take away1 Samuel 13
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 6 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 (u.va.bo.Rot) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
1 Samuel 13:6quick helps
In a sentenceThe men of Israel, under pressure, sought refuge in various hidden places.
Who is speakingThe narrator recounts the actions of the men of Israel.
Where we areIn a moment of crisis, as the Philistines threaten Israel.
The hard wordנִגַּ֖שׂ, ni.Gas
Take awayThe people's fear drives them to hide.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbרָאָה 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 Samuel 13:6

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 — Crisis Among the Israelitesgenerated

5Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven.
6Seeing that they were in danger because their troops were hard-pressed, the men of Israel hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in cellars and cisterns.
7Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan into the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul, however, remained at Gilgal, and all his troops were quaking in fear.
8And Saul waited seven days for the time appointed by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the troops began to desert Saul.

1 Samuel 13:6 describes a time of great danger for the Israelites as they faced the Philistines. In their fear, the men of Israel hid in various places to escape the impending threat, demonstrating their vulnerability and the dire situation they found themselves in. This reflects a broader theme in the narrative of reliance on God in times of distress, as seen in other passages like Judges 7:7 and Exodus 14:10-12.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Exodus 14:10–12As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw the Egyptians marching after them, and they were terrified and cried out to the LORD.
2Joshua 8:20When the men of Ai turned and looked back, the smoke of the city was rising into the sky. They could not escape in any direction, and the troops who had fled to the wilderness now became the pursuers.
3Judges 10:9The Ammonites also crossed the Jordan to fight against Judah, Benjamin, and the house of Ephraim, and Israel was in deep distress.
4Judges 20:41Then the men of Israel turned back on them, and the men of Benjamin were terrified when they realized that disaster had come upon them.
52 Samuel 24:14David answered Gad, “I am deeply distressed. Please, let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.”

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word אִישׁ, ve.'Ishgenerated

The Hebrew word אִישׁ (iysh) means 'man' and can refer to an individual male, a husband, or a human being in general. It encompasses various meanings, including champion and great man, and can also imply 'whosoever' or 'each.' The word is built from a root suggesting existence and is used throughout the Old Testament.

In this verse, it refers specifically to the men of Israel, highlighting their collective actions in a moment of crisis. The usage underscores their humanity and the shared experience of fear and the instinct to seek safety.


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 is רָאוּ֙, they saw, which governs the entire clause. This verb is followed by a subordinate clause explaining the reason for their fear, and a sequence of prepositional phrases detailing where they sought refuge.

The structure emphasizes the collective experience of the men of Israel, with their actions of hiding being a direct response to the distress they perceived.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates אִישׁ as ἀνὴρ (anēr), which carries a similar meaning of 'man' or 'male.' This choice maintains the focus on the individual and collective identity of the men of Israel in the narrative.

The choice of ἐκρύβη for וַיִּֽתְחַבְּא֣וּ indicates a nuanced understanding of hiding, emphasizing the act of concealing oneself in a time of danger.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

1 Samuel 13:6 tells us that the men of Israel were afraid because their army was in a difficult situation. They hid in caves, thickets, rocks, cellars, and cisterns to protect themselves from the Philistines.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

Why did the men of Israel hide?

The men of Israel hid because they were in danger and felt hard-pressed by the Philistine army, leading them to seek safety in various concealed locations.

What does the term 'hard-pressed' imply?

The term 'hard-pressed' indicates that the Israelite troops were in a difficult and distressing situation, feeling the pressure from the enemy.

What can we learn from the actions of the men of Israel?

The actions of the men of Israel reflect a natural human instinct to seek safety in times of danger, highlighting their vulnerability and the challenges they faced.

How does this verse connect to other biblical themes?

This verse connects to themes of reliance on God in times of trouble, as seen in other passages where the Israelites faced overwhelming odds and sought divine intervention.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What are some situations in my life where I have felt hard-pressed, and how did I respond?
  2. How can I seek refuge in God during times of trouble, rather than hiding away?
  3. What does this passage teach about the importance of community in facing challenges?
  4. In what ways can I support others who are feeling overwhelmed or distressed?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

The early Church Fathers comment on the spiritual implications of this verse, discussing the trials faced by the faithful and the need for divine assistance in times of distress.

Gregory the DialogistCommentary on 1 Kings, Book 5, Chapter 3 c. 540–604
12. We are indeed in a narrow place when we are tempted inwardly by unclean spirits and outwardly behold the examples of evil men.
Early Church Fathers on 1 Samuel 13 →
BedeCommentary on Samuel c. 673–735
When the men of Israel heard this, that they were positioned on high places, etc. When the faithful perceive the snares of the ancient enemy to be prepared to combat,
Early Church Fathers on 1 Samuel 13 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on 1 Samuel 13:6 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

When the men of Israel saw they were in a strait, for the people were distressed,.... By reason of the vast army that the Philistines brought into the field, greatly superior to theirs, and were

Read John Gill on 1 Samuel 13 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.

Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Samuel 13 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

They were in a strait, notwithstanding their former presumption, that if they had a king they should be free from all such straits. And hereby God intended to teach them the vanity of all carnal confidence in men; and that they did not one jot less need the help and favour of God now than they did before, when they had no king. The people were distressed; they were not mistaken in their apprehensions of danger, as men oft are, for they were really in great danger, their enemy’ s host far exceeding theirs, both in number, and order, and courage, and arms. The people did hide themselves in caves; whereof there were divers in those parts for this very use, as we read in Josephus, and in the…

Read Matthew Poole on 1 Samuel 13 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

1 Samuel 13:6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.Ver. 6. For the people were distressed.] Notwithstanding their having a king to save them. God will make the strongest sinew in the arm of flesh to crack, when once he taketh men to do. See 1 Samuel 13:3.

Read John Trapp on 1 Samuel 13 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(6) Saw that they were in a strait.—It was evidently no ordinary Philistine foray or invasion which the Israelites had to make head against. The tradition preserved by Josephus tells us that a host of foreign allies had joined the Phœnician armies in this war. This accounts for the great numbers alluded to in the text: “People as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude” (1 Samuel 13:5). The hearts of the as yet undisciplined Hebrews sank at the tidings of such an invasion. And in high places.—The word in the original Hebrew is not the same as the one usually rendered “high places” for prayer and sacrifice. The word here signifies towers. It is the same word which in Judges 9:46…

Read Charles John Ellicott on 1 Samuel 13 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 6. The people did hide themselves] They, being few in number, and totally unarmed as to swords and spears, were terrified at the very numerous and well-appointed army of the Philistines. Judea was full of rocks, caves, thickets, &c., where people might shelter themselves from their enemies. While some hid themselves, others fled beyond Jordan: and those who did cleave to Saul followed him trembling.

Read AdamClarke on 1 Samuel 13 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

6. in a strait] In distress and danger: as it were, hemmed in and unable to turn in any direction. the people did hide themselves] Cp. Judges 6:2. in high places] The word thus translated occurs elsewhere only in Judges 9:46; Judges 9:49 (E. V. hold), and is supposed to mean “a fortified tower,” like the “peels” of the border counties, possibly the work of the old Canaanite inhabitants. But the context rather points to some natural hiding-place.

Read Cambridge on 1 Samuel 13 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

In thickets - literally, “among thorns.” High places - Not the high places for worship, but holds or towers Judges 9:46, Judges 9:49; that particular kind of tower which was the work of the old

Read Albert Barnes on 1 Samuel 13 →

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

Seeing that they were in danger because their troops were hard-pressed, the men of Israel hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in cellars and cisterns.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

When the men of Israel saw that they were in trouble (for the people were distressed), then the people hid themselves in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in tombs, and in pits.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Seeing that they were in danger because their troops were hard-pressed, the men of Israel hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in cellars and cisterns.

NETBNew English Translation2006

The men of Israel realized they had a problem because their army was hard pressed. So the army hid in caves, thickets, cliffs, strongholds, and cisterns.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait (for the people were distressed), then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in coverts, and in pits.

RVARevised Version, American1894

When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in holds, and in pits.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait (for the people were distressed) then the people hid themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And when the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait (for the people were in distresse) the people hid themselues in caues, and in holdes, and in rockes, and in towres, and in pittes.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait (for the people were distressed); and the people hid themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in cliffs, and in strongholds, and in pits.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And the men of Israel have seen that they are distressed, that the people hath been oppressed, and the people hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And the men of Israel have seen that they are distressed, that the people have been oppressed, and the people hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And when the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, [for the people were oppressed,] then did the people hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in strongholds, and in pits.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

When the men of Israel saw that they were in trouble—for the people were distressed, the people hid in caves, in the underbrush, in rocks, in wells, and in pits.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And when the men of Israel saw that they were straitened, (for the people were distressed,) they hid themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in dens, and in pits.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

When the Israelite men realized the tough situation they were in, and that the army was taking a beating, they hid themselves in caves, holes, rocks, pits, and cisterns.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

When the men of Israel saw the danger they were in, (for the people were troubled,) they took cover in cracks in the hillsides and in the woods and in rocks and holes and hollows.

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.

וְandclausenoun phrase · subjectאִ֨ישׁeveryoneיִשְׂרָאֵ֤לof.Israelverbרָאוּ֙they.sawclause · objectכִּ֣י(dm).thatclauseverbצַרit.was.distressprepositional phrase · prepositionalל֔toוֹitכִּ֥י(dm)clauseverbנִגַּ֖שׂit.was.hard.pressednoun phrase · subjectהָtheעָ֑םpeopleוַandclauseverbיִּֽתְחַבְּא֣וּthey.hid.themselvesnoun phrase · subjectהָtheעָ֗םpeopleprepositional phrase · prepositionalprepositional phraseבַּinnoun phrase(the)מְּעָר֤וֹתcavesוּandprepositional phraseבַֽinnoun phrase(the)חֲוָחִים֙thicketsוּandprepositional phraseבַinnoun phrase(the)סְּלָעִ֔יםcliffsוּandprepositional phraseבַin.(the)noun phraseundergroundצְּרִחִ֖יםchambersוּandprepositional phraseבַinnoun phrase(the)בֹּרֽוֹתcisterns

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 wording, with a close correspondence in meaning. The Septuagint's word order differs, but it captures the same essence of the men of Israel hiding in fear.

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

וְאִ֨ישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל רָאוּ֙ כִּ֣י צַר־ ל֔וֹ כִּ֥י נִגַּ֖שׂ הָעָ֑ם וַיִּֽתְחַבְּא֣וּ הָעָ֗ם בַּמְּעָר֤וֹת וּבַֽחֲוָחִים֙ וּבַסְּלָעִ֔ים וּבַצְּרִחִ֖ים וּבַבֹּרֽוֹת׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְאִ֨ישׁἀνὴρיִשְׂרָאֵ֤לισραηλרָאוּ֙εἶδενכִּ֣יὅτιצַר־στενῶςנִגַּ֖שׂπροσάγεινהָעָ֑םαὐτόνוַיִּֽתְחַבְּא֣וּἐκρύβηהָעָ֗םλαὸςבַּמְּעָר֤וֹתσπηλαίοιςוּבַֽחֲוָחִים֙ἐνוּבַסְּלָעִ֔יםπέτραιςוּבַצְּרִחִ֖יםἐνוּבַבֹּרֽוֹת׃ἐν

14 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.

1 Samuel 13:6אִישׁand everyonand everyone ofאִישׁיִשְׂרָאֵלIsraelIsraelיִשְׂרָאֵלרָאָהthey sawthey sawרָאָהכִּיthatthatכִּיצַרit was distit was distressצַרוֹto itto itוֹכִּיforforכִּינָגַשׂit was hardit was hard preנָגַשׂעַםthe peoplethe peopleעַםחָבָאand they hiand they hid thחָבָאעַםthe peoplethe peopleעַםמְעָרָהin cavesin cavesמְעָרָהחוֹחַand in thicand in thicketsחוֹחַסֶ֫לַעand in clifand in cliffsסֶ֫לַעצְרִיחַand in undeand in undergroצְרִיחַבּוֹרand in cistand in cisternsבּוֹרעָמַםto darkento darkenעָמַםשָׂרָהto striveto striveשָׂרָהצוּרto confineto confineצוּרעוּרעוּרצָרַחto cryto cryצָרַחבּוּרto explainto explainבּוּראֱנוֹשׁhumanhumanאֱנוֹשׁאִשָּׁהwomanwomanאִשָּׁהחָבַבto loveto loveחָבַביָדַעto knowto knowיָדַערֵעַneighborneighborרֵעַשֵׁ֫בֶטtribetribeשֵׁ֫בֶטקָדוֹשׁholyholyקָדוֹשׁעֳנִיafflictionafflictionעֳנִינָבַטto lookto lookנָבַטמְצוּקָהdistressdistressמְצוּקָהבּוּסto trampleto trampleבּוּסשָׁבָהto take cato take captiveשָׁבָה
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 Samuel 13:6

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 everyone of Israel they saw that it was distress to it for it was hard pressed the people and they hid themselves the people in caves and in thickets and in cliffs and in underground chambers and in cisterns
וְאִ֨ישׁve.'Ish and everyone of H376 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct
1,664× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Amplified meaning
individuals, people
Tyndale gloss
man
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אִישׁ (iysh) means 'man' and can refer to an individual male, a husband, or a human being in general. It encompasses various meanings, including champion and great man, and can also imply 'whosoever' or 'each.' The word is built from a root suggesting existence and is used throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אִישׁ 2166 n.m. man (= vir)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H376 אִישׁ man (= vir)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

376 'iysh eesh

contracted for 582 (or perhaps rather from an unused root

meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male

person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and

in such cases frequently not expressed in

translation):--also, another, any (man), a certain, +

champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-,

husband-)man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree),

him (that is), husband, man(-kind), + none, one, people,

person, + steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy.

Compare 802.

see HEBREW for 0582

see HEBREW for 0802

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אִישׁ (ish) — man.

: man

1) man

1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)

1b) husband

1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)

1d) servant

1e) mankind

1f) champion

1g) great man

2) whosoever

3) each (adjective)

אִישׁ (ish) — man: husband.

: husband

1) man

1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)

1b) husband

1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)

1d) servant

1e) mankind

1f) champion

1g) great man

2) whosoever

3) each (adjective)

אִישׁ (ish) — man: anyone.

: anyone/someone

1) man

1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)

1b) husband

1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)

1d) servant

1e) mankind

1f) champion

1g) great man

2) whosoever

3) each (adjective)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct
HC/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 everyone of Israel they saw that it was distress to it for it was hard pressed the people and they hid themselves the people in caves and in thickets and in cliffs and in underground chambers and in cisterns
יִשְׂרָאֵ֤לYis.ra.'El Israel H3478 Noun proper
2,508× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Amplified meaning
Jacob's descendants
Tyndale gloss
Israel
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el) refers to both the second name of Jacob, meaning 'God prevails,' and the name of the Hebrew nation descended from him. It is derived from roots meaning 'to rule' and 'God.' The term encompasses Jacob's descendants and is used historically for the northern kingdom of Israel and the nation as a whole after the Babylonian exile.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יִשְׂרָאֵל 2507 n.pr.m. et gent. Israel (Ēl persisteth, persevereth)

n.pr.m. second name of Jacob

n.pr.gent. name of Hebrew nation

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3478 יִשְׂרָאֵל Israel (Ēl persisteth, persevereth) . n. pr. m. second name of Jacob

. n. pr. gent. name of Hebrew nation

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3478 Yisra'el yis-raw-ale'

from 8280 and 410; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical

name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity:

--Israel.

see HEBREW for 08280

see HEBREW for 0410

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יִשְׂרָאֵל (yis.ra.el) — Israel.

A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26;

son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259);

brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A);

father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently

§ Israel = "God prevails"

1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel

2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob

2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpl
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

iz'-ra-el.

See JACOB.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Israel

The name conferred on Jacob after the great prayer-struggle at Peniel (Gen. 32:28), because “as a prince he had power with God and prevailed.” (See JACOB.) This is the common name given to Jacob’s descendants. The whole people of the twelve tribes are called “Israelites,” the “children of Israel” (Josh. 3:17; 7:25; Judg. 8:27; Jer. 3:21), and the “house of Israel” (Ex. 16:31; 40:38).

This name Israel is sometimes used emphatically for the true Israel (Ps. 73:1: Isa. 45:17; 49:3;

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(the prince that prevails with God). The name given, (Genesis 32:28) to Jacob after his wrestling with the angel, (Hosea 12:4) at Peniel. Gesenius interprets Israel "soldier of God." It became the national name of the twelve tribes collectively. They are so called in (Exodus 3:16) and afterward. It is used in a narrower sense, excluding Judah, in (1 Samuel 11:8; 2 Samuel 20:1; 1 Kings 12:16) Thenceforth it was assumed and accepted as the name of the northern kingdom. After the Babylonian captivity, the returned exiles resumed the name Israel as the designation of…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Who prevails with God, a name given to Jacob, after having wrestled with the Angel-Jehovah at Penuel. Ge 32:1,2,28,30 Ho 12:3. See JACOB. By the name Israel is sometimes understood all the posterity of Israel, the seed of Jacob, 1Co 10:18; sometimes all true believers, his spiritual seed, Ro 9:6; and sometimes the kingdom of Israel, or the ten tribes, as distinct from the kingdom of Judah.

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and everyone of Israel they saw that it was distress to it for it was hard pressed the people and they hid themselves the people in caves and in thickets and in cliffs and in underground chambers and in cisterns
רָאוּ֙ra.'U they saw H7200 Verb · Qal · perfect third person common plural
1,300× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Tyndale gloss
Provider
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָאָה (ra'ah) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to see' and encompasses a wide range of visual and perceptual actions, including looking, observing, and causing others to see. It can refer to both literal sight and figurative understanding, with various grammatical forms indicating different nuances, such as appearing or being visible. The entries indicate a rich semantic field without significant disagreement among lexicographers.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רָאָה 1315 vb. see

Qal 1141

see, subj.

see, c. acc. rei

see, sq. acc. cl. or phr. of closer design

see, so as to learn to know

abs. see, have (power of) vision

see = perceive

look at, see, by direct volition

of mental observation

c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest

see, c. acc. rei

Niph.

appear

be seen

be visible

Pu. appar. his bones are not detected

Hithp. recipr. look at each other

Hiph.

cause one to see something, shew

cause to experience something

cause to look intently at, to behold

Hoph.

be caused to see, be shewn

be exhibited to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7200a רָאָה see .. . see, subj.

. see, c. acc. rei

. see, sq. acc. + cl. or phr. of closer design

. see, so as to learn to know

. abs. see, have (power of) vision

. see = perceive

. look at, see, by direct volition

. of mental observation

. . c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest

. see, c. acc. rei

. . appear

. be seen

. be visible

. appar. his bones are not detected

. recipr. look at each other

. . . cause one to see something, shew

. cause to experience something

. cause to look intently at, to behold

. . be caused to see, be shewn

. be exhibited to

H7200b רְאוּת look

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7200 ra'ah raw-aw'

a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in

numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive,

intransitive and causative):--advise self, appear, approve,

behold, X certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have

experience, gaze, take heed, X indeed, X joyfully, lo, look

(on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up,

upon), mark, meet, X be near, perceive, present, provide,

regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one

another), shew (self), X sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, X

surely, X think, view, visions.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: see.

: see/show

1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to see

1a2) to see, perceive

1a3) to see, have vision

1a4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out

1a5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish

1a6) to look at, gaze at

1a7) to provide, choose

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to appear, present oneself

1b2) to be seen

1b3) to be visible

1c) (Pual) to be seen

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to see, show

1d2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at

1e) (Hophal)

1e1) to be caused to see, be shown

1e2) to be exhibited to

1f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face

רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: examine.

: examine/consider

1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to see

1a2) to see, perceive

1a3) to see, have vision

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Qal · perfect third person common plural
HVqp3cp
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

so.

See TOOLS.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Egyptian saws, so far as has yet been discovered, are single-handed. As is the case in modern Oriental saws, the teeth usually incline toward the handle, instead of away from it like ours. They have, in most cases, bronze blades, apparently attached to the handles by leathern thongs. No evidence exists of the use of the saw applied to stone in Egypt, but we read of sawn stones used in the temple. (1 Kings 7:9) The saws "under" or "in" which David is said to have placed his captives were of iron. The expression in (2 Samuel 12:31) does not necessarily imply torture, but the word "cut" in (1 Chronicles 20:3) can hardly be understood otherwise.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Used as an instrument of torture 2Sa 12:31; Heb 11:37

→ Used for cutting stone 1Ki 7:9

→ FIGURATIVE Isa 10:15

and everyone of Israel they saw that it was distress to it for it was hard pressed the people and they hid themselves the people in caves and in thickets and in cliffs and in underground chambers and in cisterns
כִּ֣יki that H3588 Particle
4,483× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Tyndale gloss
for
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי conj. that, for, when

that

Of time, when, of the past

elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

Because, since

base

כִּי אם־

each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:

that if

for if

(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—

limiting the prec. clause, except

the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

after an oath, surely

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that

. . Of time, when, of the past

. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

. Because, since

H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if

. for if

. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except

. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

. after an oath, surely

H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3588 kiy kee

a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional

prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent

or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative

conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by

other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,

where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,

even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +

nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,

therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,

whether, while, whom, yea, yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּי (ki) — for.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if

1f) but rather, but

1g) except that

1h) only, nevertheless

1i) surely

1j) that is

1k) but if

1l) for though

1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

1b) even though

כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Particle
HTc
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and everyone of Israel they saw that it was distress to it for it was hard pressed the people and they hid themselves the people in caves and in thickets and in cliffs and in underground chambers and in cisterns
צַר־tzar- it was distress H6862 Noun common · both singular absolute
109× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means hard or narrow, often referring to trouble or a tight spot, like an adversary or affliction. It can also mean a small stone or pebble, such as flint, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe challenges.
Amplified meaning
in a strait, troubled
Tyndale gloss
narrow
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word צַר (tsar) is built from the root meaning 'narrow' or 'tight.' It encompasses a range of meanings including 'distress,' 'adversary,' and 'hard pebble' or 'flint.' The term can refer to physical tightness or metaphorical trouble, as well as an enemy or foe. It appears in contexts of anguish and tribulation, with a specific verse reference in Isaiah 5:28.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

צַר adj. narrow, tight

base

צַר n.[m.] straits, distress

base

צַר 68 n.m. adversary, foe

base

צַר n.[m.] hard pebble, flint;—Is 5:28

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6862a צַר narrow, tight H6862b צַר straits, distress H6862c צַר adversary, foe H6862d צַר hard pebble, flint

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6862 tsar tsar

or tsar {tsawr}; from 6887; narrow; (as a noun) a tight place

(usually figuratively, i.e. trouble); also a pebble (as in

6864); (transitive) an opponent (as crowding):--adversary,

afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe,

narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble.

see HEBREW for 06887

see HEBREW for 06864

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

צַר (tsar) — narrow.

narrow, tight

צַר (tsar) — distress.

straits, distress

צַר (tsar) — enemy.

adversary, foe, enemy, oppressor

צַר (tsar) — hard.

hard pebble, flint

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Noun common · both singular absolute
HNcbsa
and everyone of Israel they saw that it was distress to it for it was hard pressed the people and they hid themselves the people in caves and in thickets and in cliffs and in underground chambers and in cisterns
ל֔וֹlo to it H9033 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

וֹ (o) — him.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp3ms
and everyone of Israel they saw that it was distress to it for it was hard pressed the people and they hid themselves the people in caves and in thickets and in cliffs and in underground chambers and in cisterns
כִּ֥יki for H3588 Particle
4,483× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Tyndale gloss
for
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי conj. that, for, when

that

Of time, when, of the past

elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

Because, since

base

כִּי אם־

each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:

that if

for if

(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—

limiting the prec. clause, except

the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

after an oath, surely

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that

. . Of time, when, of the past

. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

. Because, since

H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if

. for if

. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except

. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

. after an oath, surely

H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3588 kiy kee

a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional

prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent

or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative

conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by

other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,

where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,

even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +

nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,

therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,

whether, while, whom, yea, yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּי (ki) — for.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if

1f) but rather, but

1g) except that

1h) only, nevertheless

1i) surely

1j) that is

1k) but if

1l) for though

1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

1b) even though

כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Particle
HTc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.

In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and everyone of Israel they saw that it was distress to it for it was hard pressed the people and they hid themselves the people in caves and in thickets and in cliffs and in underground chambers and in cisterns
נִגַּ֖שׂni.Gas it was hard pressed H5065 Verb · Niphal · perfect third person masculine singular
23× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To oppress or drive someone, like a taskmaster, and can also mean to exact or harass, as in Exodus 3:7.
Amplified meaning
distressed, oppressed
Tyndale gloss
to oppress
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word נָגַשׂ (nagas) is a primitive root meaning to press, drive, or oppress. It covers a range of actions including exacting tribute and tyrannizing others, with related forms indicating a driver or taskmaster. The Niphal form suggests being hard pressed, often in contexts of suffering or oppression.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָגַשׂ] vb. press, drive, oppress, exact

Qal

press, drive to work

exact

Pt. (= subst.) driver, taskmaster

Niph. hard pressed by enemy; treated harshly of suffering servant of י׳; recipr. tyrannize over each other

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5065 נָגַשׂ press, drive, oppress, exact .. press, drive to work

. exact

. Pt. (= subst.) driver, taskmaster

. hard pressed by enemy; treated harshly of suffering servant of י׳; recipr. tyrannize over each other

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5065 nagas naw-gas'

a primitive root; to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor,

an army); by implication, to tax, harass,

tyrannize:--distress, driver, exact(-or), oppress(-or), X

raiser of taxes, taskmaster.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָגַשׂ (na.ga.s) — to oppress.

1) to press, drive, oppress, exact, exert demanding pressure

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to press, drive

1a2) to exact

1a3) driver, taskmaster, ruler, oppressor, tyrant, lord, exactor of tribute (participle)

1b) (Niphal) to be hard pressed

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Niphal · perfect third person masculine singular
HVNp3ms
and everyone of Israel they saw that it was distress to it for it was hard pressed the people and they hid themselves the people in caves and in thickets and in cliffs and in underground chambers and in cisterns
הָעָ֑םha.'Am the people H5971 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
1,873× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Amplified meaning
army, people
Tyndale gloss
Amaw
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עַם (am) primarily means 'people' or 'nation,' referring to a collective group, often in the context of tribes such as those of Israel. It can also denote kinsmen or compatriots. The term appears in various contexts, including military and familial references. There is a mention of a specific individual named Ammi in Song of Solomon 6:12.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עַם, עָם 1810 n.m. people

a people, nation

= smaller units

= common people

people in gen., persons

phrases

base

[עַם] n.[m.] kinsman (on father's side)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5971a עַם, עָם people H5971b עַם kinsman (on father's side)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5971 `am am

from 6004; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a

tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or

attendants; figuratively, a flock:--folk, men, nation,

people.

see HEBREW for 06004

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַם (am) — people.

: people/nation

1) nation, people

1a) people, nation

1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men

עַם (am) — kinsman.

kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — Ammi.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at Sng.6.12

§ kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — People's (Gate).

§ kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — (Ibleam)-am.

Combined with yiv.le.am (יִבְלְעָם "Ibleam" H2991)

§ kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — Amaw.

This name means nation, people

עַם (am) — people: soldiers.

: soldiers/army

1) nation, people

1a) people, nation

1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men

עַם (am) — people: creatures.

: creatures

1) nation, people

1a) people, nation

1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men

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

pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…

and everyone of Israel they saw that it was distress to it for it was hard pressed the people and they hid themselves the people in caves and in thickets and in cliffs and in underground chambers and in cisterns
וַיִּֽתְחַבְּא֣וּvai.yit.cha.be.'U and they hid themselves H2244 Verb · Hithpael · sequential imperfect third person masculine plural
33× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To hide means to secrete or withdraw, often for safety or protection. In the Bible, this word is used to describe hiding oneself or being forced into hiding. It appears in various forms, including to hide oneself or to be hidden by someone else.
Amplified meaning
secreted, withdrew
Tyndale gloss
to hide
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חָבָא (chaba') is a Hebrew verb meaning to withdraw or hide. It has various forms, including Niph'al (to hide oneself), Pual (to be forced into hiding), and Hiph'il (to hide something). The entries suggest a range of meanings from simply hiding to drawing together or thickening, indicating a nuanced use of the term in different contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[חָבָא] vb. withdraw, hide (not in Qal)

Niph. hide oneself

Pu. have been hidden

Hiph. hide, trans.

Hoph. be hidden

Hithp.

draw back, hide oneself

draw together, thicken, harden

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2244 חָבָא withdraw, hide

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2244 chaba' khaw-baw'

a primitive root (compare 2245); to secrete:--X held, hide

(self), do secretly.

see HEBREW for 02245

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָבָא (cha.va) — to hide.

1) to withdraw, hide

1a) (Niphal) to hide oneself

1b) (Pual) to be forced into hiding

1c) (Hiphil) to hide

1d) (Hophal) to be hidden

1e) (Hithpael)

1e1) to hide oneself, draw back

1e2) to draw together, thicken, harden

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp — Verb · Hithpael · sequential imperfect third person masculine plural
Hc/Vtw3mp
and everyone of Israel they saw that it was distress to it for it was hard pressed the people and they hid themselves the people in caves and in thickets and in cliffs and in underground chambers and in cisterns
הָעָ֗םha.'Am the people H5971 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
1,873× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Tyndale gloss
Amaw
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עַם (am) primarily means 'people' or 'nation,' referring to a collective group, often in the context of tribes such as those of Israel. It can also denote kinsmen or compatriots. The term appears in various contexts, including military and familial references. There is a mention of a specific individual named Ammi in Song of Solomon 6:12.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עַם, עָם 1810 n.m. people

a people, nation

= smaller units

= common people

people in gen., persons

phrases

base

[עַם] n.[m.] kinsman (on father's side)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5971a עַם, עָם people H5971b עַם kinsman (on father's side)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5971 `am am

from 6004; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a

tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or

attendants; figuratively, a flock:--folk, men, nation,

people.

see HEBREW for 06004

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַם (am) — people.

: people/nation

1) nation, people

1a) people, nation

1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men

עַם (am) — kinsman.

kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — Ammi.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at Sng.6.12

§ kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — People's (Gate).

§ kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — (Ibleam)-am.

Combined with yiv.le.am (יִבְלְעָם "Ibleam" H2991)

§ kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — Amaw.

This name means nation, people

עַם (am) — people: soldiers.

: soldiers/army

1) nation, people

1a) people, nation

1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men

עַם (am) — people: creatures.

: creatures

1) nation, people

1a) people, nation

1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTd/Ncmsa — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…

and everyone of Israel they saw that it was distress to it for it was hard pressed the people and they hid themselves the people in caves and in thickets and in cliffs and in underground chambers and in cisterns
בַּמְּעָר֤וֹתba.me.'a.Rot in caves H4631 Preposition · noun common feminine plural absolute
39× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for a cave or den, often used to describe a dark or hidden place. It can also refer to a hole or a hollowed-out space. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural landscapes and places of refuge or hiding.
Amplified meaning
dens, holes
Tyndale gloss
cave
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מְעָרָה (me'arah) means 'cave' and is derived from a root meaning 'to be dark.' It refers to a cavern or hole, often associated with darkness. The entries consistently define it as a cave, den, or hole, without significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מְעָרָה 40 n.f. cave

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4631 מְעָרָה, מְעָרָה cave

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4631 m`arah meh-aw-raw'

from 5783; a cavern (as dark):--cave, den, hole.

see HEBREW for 05783

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מְעָרָה (me.a.rah) — cave.

cave, den, hole

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-fp — Preposition · noun common feminine plural absolute
HRd/Ncfpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Torrey's New Topical Textbook

- Natural

Heb 11:38

- Artificial

Jud 6:2

- FOUND IN THE

. Open fields

Ge 23:20

. Rocks

Isa 2:19

- WERE USED AS

. Dwelling-places

Ge 19:30

. Places of concealment

1Sa 13:6; 14:11; 1Ki 18:4; Heb 11:38

. Resting places

1Sa 24:3; 1Ki 19:9

. Burial places

Thompson Chain Reference topics

--SEE Adullam, ADULLAM

Machpelah, MACHPELAH

and everyone of Israel they saw that it was distress to it for it was hard pressed the people and they hid themselves the people in caves and in thickets and in cliffs and in underground chambers and in cisterns
וּבַֽחֲוָחִים֙u.va.cha.va.Chim and in thickets H2336 Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine plural absolute
12× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A thistle is a type of thorny plant, often found in the wilderness. In the Bible, it symbolizes something unwanted or troublesome, and is sometimes used to describe a difficult or challenging situation.
Tyndale gloss
thistle
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חוֹחַ (chowach) refers to a thorny plant, such as a brier or bramble, and can also denote a hook or fetter. The word is built from a root meaning to pierce, suggesting its association with thorns. It is linked to the concept of a thicket through a related term. There is a slight variation in emphasis across entries, with some focusing more on the plant aspect and others on the hook or fetter.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חוֹחַ n.m. 1. brier, bramble. 2. hook, ring, fetter

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2336 חוֹחַ 1. brier, bramble. 2. hook, ring, fetter

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2336 chowach kho'-akh

from an unused root apparently meaning to pierce; a thorn; by

analogy, a ring for the nose:--bramble, thistle, thorn.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חוֹחַ (cho.ach) — thistle.

1) thorn, brier, bramble, thornbush, thicket

2) hook, ring, fetter

Also means: cha.vach (חָוָח "thicket" H2337)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HC/Rd/Ncmpa — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine plural absolute
HC/Rd/Ncmpa
and everyone of Israel they saw that it was distress to it for it was hard pressed the people and they hid themselves the people in caves and in thickets and in cliffs and in underground chambers and in cisterns
וּבַסְּלָעִ֔יםu.va.se.la.'Im and in cliffs H5553 Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine plural absolute
58× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means a craggy rock or cliff, a strong and secure place, like the rock of salvation in Psalm 71:3.
Amplified meaning
craggy cliffs, strongholds
Tyndale gloss
crag
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

סֶ֫לַע (cela`) refers to a crag or cliff, indicating a strong, rocky formation. It can denote both a literal rock and a figurative stronghold, suggesting security and loftiness. The entries consistently emphasize its meanings related to rugged terrain and fortification, with no significant disagreements noted among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

סֶ֫לַע 61 n.m. crag, cliff

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5553 סֶ֫לַע crag, cliff

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5553 cela` seh'-lah

from an unused root meaning to be lofty; a craggy rock,

literally or figuratively (a fortress):--(ragged) rock,

stone(-ny), strong hold.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

סֶ֫לַע (se.la) — rock.

The Rock

Sela (H5554)

סֶ֫לַע (se.la) — crag.

1) crag, cliff, rock

1a) crag, cliff

1b) as stronghold of Jehovah, of security (fig.)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Prep | N-mp — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine plural absolute
HC/Rd/Ncmpa
and everyone of Israel they saw that it was distress to it for it was hard pressed the people and they hid themselves the people in caves and in thickets and in cliffs and in underground chambers and in cisterns
וּבַצְּרִחִ֖יםu.va.tze.ri.Chim and in underground chambers H6877 Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine plural absolute
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A stronghold was a secure fortress or underground room, often used for defense or storage. Its exact meaning is uncertain, but it refers to a place of safety and protection.
Amplified meaning
underground rooms, storage places
Tyndale gloss
stronghold
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

צְרִיחַ (tsriyach) likely refers to a stronghold or underground chamber, with its meaning being somewhat uncertain. It is derived from a root that suggests clarity of vision, and is associated with a citadel or high place. The entries indicate that it may refer to an excavation or cellar.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

צְרִיחַ n.[m.] perh. excavation, underground chamber

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6877 צְרִיחַ

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6877 tsriyach tser-ee'-akh

from 6873 in the sense of clearness of vision; a

citadel:--high place, hold.

see HEBREW for 06873

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

צְרִיחַ (tse.ri.ach) — stronghold.

1) excavation, underground chamber, cellar, underground room

1a) meaning uncertain

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Prep | N-mp — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine plural absolute
HC/Rd/Ncmpa
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and everyone of Israel they saw that it was distress to it for it was hard pressed the people and they hid themselves the people in caves and in thickets and in cliffs and in underground chambers and in cisterns
וּבַבֹּרֽוֹת׃u.va.bo.Rot and in cisterns H953 Conjunction · preposition · noun common feminine plural absolute
66× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a cistern or pit, often used to hold water or as a prison. In the Bible, it is used to describe a place of confinement, like a dungeon or well. It is a physical hole in the ground.
Amplified meaning
pits, water holders
Tyndale gloss
pit
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בּוֹר (bor) refers to a pit, well, or cistern, often used for water storage or as a dungeon. It can also denote a grave pit. The term appears in various contexts, including the specific location known as the cistern of Sirah, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:26. The entries consistently emphasize its function as a hole or pit.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בּוֹר n.m. pit, cistern, well

cistern, containing water, made by digging

later appar. well

pit

dungeon

(poet. & late; never c. art.) pit of the grave

base

בּוֹר הַסִּרָה n.pr.loc. 2 S 3:26 (cistern of Sirah)

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H953a בּוֹר pit, cistern, well H953b בּוֹר הַסִּרָה (cistern of Sirah)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

953 bowr bore

from 952 (in the sense of 877); a pit hole (especially one

used as a cistern or a prison):--cistern, dungeon, fountain,

pit, well.

see HEBREW for 0952

see HEBREW for 0877

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בּוֹר (bor) — pit.

pit, well, cistern, dungeon, pit of the grave

בּוֹר (bor) — Cistern.

Cistern of Sirah

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Prep | N-mp — Conjunction · preposition · noun common feminine plural absolute
HC/Rd/Ncfpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

And reservoirs were very common in Palestine, both in the country and in cities. During half the year no rain falls, and never- failing streams and springs are rare indeed. The main dependence of a large portion of the population was upon the water which fell in the rainy season and was preserved in cisterns, 2Sa 17:18. Dr. Robinson alludes to immense reservoirs within and under the area of the temple, supplied by rainwater and by the aqueduct from Solomon’s pools, and says, "These of themselves, in case of a siege, would furnish a tolerable supply. But in addition to these, almost every house in Jerusalem, of any size, is understood to have at least one or more cisterns, excavated in the soft limestone rock on which the city is built. The water is conducted into them during the rainy season, and with proper care remains pure and…

Thompson Chain Reference topics
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.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate