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2 Kings 5:27 — Word Study

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WLCוְצָרַ֤עַת נַֽעֲמָן֙ תִּֽדְבַּק־ בְּךָ֔ וּֽבְזַרְעֲךָ לְעוֹלָ֑ם וַיֵּצֵ֥א מִלְּפָנָ֖יו מְצֹרָ֥ע כַּשָּֽׁלֶג׃ ס

BSATherefore, the leprosytsâraʻath [a skin disease] of NaamanNaʻămân [a commander from Syria] will clingdâbaq [to cleave, stick to] and your descendantszeraʻ [seed, offspring] foreverʻôwlâm [always, for eternity] And as Gehazi leftyâtsâʼ his presencepânîym [face, being before him] [he was] leproustsâraʻ [afflicted with leprosy] [as white] as snowsheleg [sheleg]

Word
Listen & take away2 Kings 5
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 27 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 (ka.Sha.leg) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
2 Kings 5:27quick helps
In a sentenceElisha pronounces a curse on Gehazi, declaring that Naaman's leprosy will cling to him and his descendants.
Who is speakingElisha, the prophet, addressing Gehazi.
Where we areThe conclusion of Gehazi's deceitful actions and the immediate consequences.
The hard wordתִּֽדְבַּק
Take awayThe consequences of sin can extend beyond the individual to future generations.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbדָּבַק 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 — 2 Kings 5:27

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 Consequence of Gehazi's Greedgenerated

24When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the gifts from the servants and stored them in the house. Then he dismissed the men, and they departed.
25When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied.
26But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants?
27Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.

2 Kings 5:27 describes the moment when Elisha reveals Gehazi's deceit and pronounces a severe judgment. Gehazi, who had secretly taken gifts from Naaman, is told that he will bear the leprosy of Naaman for eternity. This event highlights the seriousness of greed and dishonesty, as Gehazi's actions not only affect him but also his descendants. The narrative serves as a warning against the desire for material wealth at the expense of integrity.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
12 Kings 5:1Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.
2Joshua 7:25“Why have you brought this trouble upon us?” said Joshua. “Today the LORD will bring trouble upon you!” And all Israel stoned him to death. Then they stoned the others and burned their bodies.
3Isaiah 59:2–3But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.
4Hosea 10:13You have plowed wickedness and reaped injustice; you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your own way and in the multitude of your mighty men,
5Malachi 2:3–4Behold, I will rebuke your descendants, and I will spread dung on your faces, the waste from your feasts, and you will be carried off with it.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 15 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word תִּֽדְבַּק, tid.bak-generated

The verb דָּבַק (dabaq) means to cling or stick, indicating a strong, enduring attachment. In this context, it conveys the idea that Naaman's leprosy will not just affect Gehazi temporarily but will remain with him permanently, highlighting the severity of his punishment.

The Qal imperfect form shows that this action is ongoing; it will continue to affect Gehazi and his descendants. The use of this verb emphasizes the permanence of the curse, illustrating how one's actions can have lasting repercussions.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses cling to translate תִּֽדְבַּק.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb of the sentence is תִּֽדְבַּק, it will cling, which governs the clause about the leprosy of Naaman. The structure indicates that the leprosy is not just a physical condition but a divine judgment.

The sentence unfolds with a series of phrases: the subject is Naaman's leprosy, followed by the prepositional phrases indicating to whom it will cling, and concluding with the result of Gehazi leaving Elisha's presence. This order places emphasis on the curse's implications.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates תִּֽדְבַּק as κολληθήσεται, which means 'will be glued' or 'will stick.' This choice reflects a similar understanding of the permanence of the affliction, reinforcing the idea of an unbreakable bond between Gehazi and the leprosy.

The Greek translation retains the weight of the Hebrew text, emphasizing that Gehazi's punishment is not just a temporary condition but a lasting state.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

2 Kings 5:27 tells us that Elisha declared Gehazi would carry Naaman's leprosy forever. As Gehazi left Elisha, he became leprous, white as snow. This shows the severe consequences of his greed and deceit.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does Elisha mean by the leprosy clinging to Gehazi?

Elisha is proclaiming that Gehazi will suffer from Naaman's leprosy permanently, indicating a divine judgment for his greed.

Why does Gehazi's punishment extend to his descendants?

This reflects the biblical principle that the consequences of sin can affect future generations, emphasizing the seriousness of Gehazi's actions.

What does the phrase 'as white as snow' signify?

It emphasizes the severity of Gehazi's leprosy, highlighting the visible and undeniable nature of his affliction.

How does this story illustrate the theme of integrity?

Gehazi's deceitful actions lead to severe consequences, serving as a warning about the importance of honesty and integrity.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways can I ensure my actions align with my values to avoid consequences like Gehazi's?
  2. How can I recognize and resist temptations that may lead to dishonesty or greed?
  3. What does this passage teach about the impact of our choices on future generations?
  4. How can I support others in making ethical decisions in challenging situations?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on 2 Kings 5:27 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever,.... As long as any of his race remained; as through his covetousness he had his money, so for his punishment he

Read John Gill on 2 Kings 5 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.

Read Robert Jamieson on 2 Kings 5 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

And unto thy seed for ever, i.e. for some generations; or for a long time, as that word is oft used, and as may be thought by comparing this with 24:7. He went out from his presence; being confounded with the sense of his guilt, and shame, and misery, and banished from the company of others by God’ s law, Leviticus 13 Leviticus 14. A leper as white as snow; which is the worst kind of leprosy, and noted by physicians to be incurable. See ,20. Nor was this punishment too severe for Gehazi’ s wickedness, which was great and various; horrid covetousness, which is idolatry; the profanation of God’ s name by a wicked oath; downright theft; deliberate and impudent lying, and that to a prophet…

Read Matthew Poole on 2 Kings 5 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

2 Kings 5:27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow.Ver. 27. The leprosy therefore of Naaman.] As thou hast his money, so take his leprosy, a filthy disease for thy filthy lucre; a sad bequeath to thy children whom thou thoughtest to have raised for ever. Gain got by a lie will burn our fingers, burn in our purses, rot our estates, root out our posterity: it is like a bundle of plague clothes, &c. A leper as white as snow.] How much better to Gehazi had been a light purse and a homely coat, with a sound body and a clear soul! Peter Martyr compareth the Pope to Gehazi.

Read John Trapp on 2 Kings 5 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(27) Shall cleave.—Or, cleave! i.e., let it cleave. The prophetic sentence is naturally expressed as an imperative. A leper as white as snow.—Comp. Exodus 4:6 Numbers 12:10. A sudden outbreak of leprosy may follow upon extreme fright or mortification (Michaelis). Unto thy seed for ever.—Like other skin diseases, leprosy is hereditary. If it be thought that the sentence is too strong, it should be remembered that the prophet is really pronouncing inspired judgment upon the sin of Gehazi, and milder language might have produced erroneous impressions. Covetousness and lying are never spared in Scripture, and it is well for mankind that it is so. (Comp. Acts 5)

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AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 27. The leprosy of Naaman - shall cleave unto thee] Thou hast got much money, and thou shalt have much to do with it. Thou hast got Naaman's silver, and thou shalt have Naaman's leprosy. Gehazi is not the last who has got money in an unlawful way, and has got God's curse with it. A leper as white as snow.] The moment the curse was pronounced, that moment the signs of the leprosy began to appear. The white shining spot was the sign that the infection had taken place. See on Leviticus 13:2, and the notes at the end of that chapter. See Clarke on Leviticus 13:58. 1. SOME have thought, because of the prophet's curse, The leprosy of Naaman shall cleave unto thee and thy seed for ever, that…

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CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

27. The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee] ‘Oh heavy talents of Gehazi’, says Bishop Hall, ‘oh the horror of this one unchangeable suit … How much better had been a light purse and a homely coat, with a sound body and a clear soul’. a leper as white as snow] Both here and elsewhere in this phrase, the words ‘as white’ are inserted to explain the comparison. Cf. Numbers 12:10. As the incrustation of leprosy is sometimes rather rose-coloured than white, it seems likely that the point of the comparison is not the whiteness only, but that likeness which it bears to a light downlike covering, as if the limbs had been sprinkled over in the manner, though not always with the…

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Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

27. Unto thy seed forever — “Who can tell but that the victims of this horrid plague, now seen about the city [Samaria] and at Nablus, the present home of all the Samaritans, may be the heirs of this

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on 2 Kings 5 →

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

Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Therefore the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and to your offspring forever.” He went out from his presence a leper, as white as snow.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Therefore Naaman’s skin disease will afflict you and your descendants forever!” When Gehazi went out from his presence, his skin was as white as snow.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.

RVARevised Version, American1894

The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave to thee, and to thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

The leprosie therefore of Naaman shall cleaue vnto thee, and to thy seede for euer. And he went out from his presence a leper white as snowe.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

But the leprosy of Naaman shall fasten upon thee, and upon thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence leprous, as snow.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

yea, the leprosy of Naaman doth cleave to thee, and to thy seed, — to the age;' and he goeth out from before him — leprous as snow.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Indeed, the leprosy of Naaman cleaves to you and to your seed for all time”; and he goes out from before him—leprous as snow.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

May then the leprosy of Na'aman cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

So the leprosy of Naaman will be on you and your descendants forever.” So Gehazi went out from his presence, a leper as white as snow.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

But the leprosy of Naaman shall also stick to thee, and to thy seed for ever. And he went out from him a leper as white as snow.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Consequently Naaman's leprosy will stick to you and your descendants forever!” As Gehazi left him, he had leprosy—he looked as white as snow.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Because of what you have done, the disease of Naaman the leper will take you in its grip, and your seed after you, for ever. And he went out from before him a leper as white as snow.

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 · subjectצָרַ֤עַתthe.skin.diseaseנַֽעֲמָן֙of.Naamanverbתִּֽדְבַּקit.will.clingprepositional phrase · prepositionalprepositional phraseבְּtoךָ֔youוּֽandprepositional phraseבְtonoun phraseזַרְעֲoffspringךָyourprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְforeverעוֹלָ֑םof.perpetuityוַandclauseverbיֵּצֵ֥אhe.went.outprepositional phrase · prepositionalprepositional phraseמִfromלְּbeforenoun phraseפָנָ֖יfaceוhimclauseverbמְצֹרָ֥עhaving.a.skin.diseaseprepositional phrase · prepositionalכַּlikenoun phrase(the)שָּֽׁלֶגsnow

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 agree in their wording for this verse, with all ten words matched. This consistency underscores the shared understanding of Gehazi's punishment across these ancient texts.

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

וְצָרַ֤עַת נַֽעֲמָן֙ תִּֽדְבַּק־ בְּךָ֔ וּֽבְזַרְעֲךָ לְעוֹלָ֑ם וַיֵּצֵ֥א מִלְּפָנָ֖יו מְצֹרָ֥ע כַּשָּֽׁלֶג׃ ס

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְצָרַ֤עַתλέπραנַֽעֲמָן֙ναιμανתִּֽדְבַּק־κολληθήσεταιבְּךָ֔σοὶוּֽבְזַרְעֲךָσουלְעוֹלָ֑םαἰῶναוַיֵּצֵ֥אἐχῆλθενמִלְּפָנָ֖יוαὐτοῦמְצֹרָ֥עλελεπρωμένοςכַּשָּֽׁלֶג׃ סξιών

10 of the 10 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

2 Kings 5:27צָרַ֫עַתand [the] sand [the] skin צָרַ֫עַתנַעֲמָןNaamanNaamanנַעֲמָןדָּבַקit will cliit will clingדָּבַקךָּto youto youךָּזֶ֫רַעand to offsand to offsprinזֶ֫רַעעוֹלָםfor everfor everעוֹלָםיָצָאand he wentand he went outיָצָאפָּנֶהfrom to beffrom to before פָּנֶהצָרַעhaving a skhaving a skin dצָרַעשֶׁ֫לֶגlike snowlike snowשֶׁ֫לֶגזָרַעto sowto sowזָרַעצָרַעbe leprousbe leprousצָרַעעָלַםto concealto concealעָלַםפָּנָהCorner (GaCorner (Gate)פָּנָהשָׁלַגto snowto snowשָׁלַגנַעֲמָןpleasantnepleasantnessנַעֲמָןנֶ֫גַעplagueplagueנֶ֫גַעפָּרַחto sproutto sproutפָּרַחאַרְדִּיArditeArditeאַרְדִּיאַרְדְּArdArdאַרְדְּחֵךְpalatepalateחֵךְלָשׁוֹןtonguetongueלָשׁוֹןעַדperpetuityperpetuityעַדדּוֹרgenerationgenerationדּוֹרקָרָאto encountto encounter: mקָרָאגּוֹרָלallottedallottedגּוֹרָלסָתַרto hideto hideסָתַרנוּסto fleeto fleeנוּס
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 2 Kings 5:27

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 [the] skin disease of Naaman it will cling to you and to offspring your for ever and he went out from to before him having a skin disease like snow
וְצָרַ֤עַתve.tza.Ra.'at and [the] skin disease of H6883 Conjunction · noun common feminine singular construct
35× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Leprosy is a skin disease that appears in Leviticus 13-14, where Moses gives rules for diagnosing and treating it. It also refers to mildew in clothing and buildings. In the Bible, leprosy is often a symbol of sin and uncleanness.
Amplified meaning
a skin disease
Tyndale gloss
leprosy
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

צָרַ֫עַת (tsara`ath) means leprosy, referring to a malignant skin disease in people, as well as mildew or mold in clothing and buildings. It is derived from the root word for 'to be stricken' and appears in contexts related to purity laws in Leviticus.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

צָרַ֫עַת 35 n.f. leprosy

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6883 צָרַ֫עַת leprosy

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6883 tsara`ath tsaw-rah'-ath

from 6879; leprosy:--leprosy.

see HEBREW for 06879

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

צָרַ֫עַת (tsa.ra.at) — leprosy.

1) leprosy

1a) in people, malignant skin disease (Le 13:1-14:57)

1b) in clothing, a mildew or mould (Le 13:47-52)

1c) in buildings, a mildew or mould (Le 14:34-53)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-fs — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular construct
HC/Ncfsc
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 [the] skin disease of Naaman it will cling to you and to offspring your for ever and he went out from to before him having a skin disease like snow
נַֽעֲמָן֙na.'a.Man Naaman H5283 Noun proper masculine
16× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Naaman was a man from the tribe of Benjamin and also the name of a commander from Syria who was healed by Elisha. His name means 'pleasantness' and he is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 8:7 and 2 Kings 5.
Amplified meaning
a commander from Syria
Tyndale gloss
Naaman
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נַעֲמָן (Na`aman) refers to a name meaning 'pleasantness.' It denotes both a man from the tribe of Benjamin, mentioned in genealogies, and a commander of the Syrian army, known for being cured of leprosy by the prophet Elisha. The entries highlight his familial connections and historical context, with no significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נַעֲמָן 16 n.pr.m.

son of Benj.

Aramaean general

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5283 נַעֲמָן . son of Benj.

. Aramaean general

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5283 Na`aman nah-am-awn'

the same as 5282; Naaman, the name of an Israelite and of a

Damascene:--Naaman.

see HEBREW for 05282

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נַעֲמָן (na.a.man) — Naaman.

A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.21;

son of: Benjamin (H1144);

brother of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Nohah at 1Ch.8.2;

Also named: no.chah (נוֹחָה "Nohah" H5119)

§ Naaman = "pleasantness"

1) son of Bela of the family of Benjamin; he was among the family of Jacob that went down to Egypt

2) commander-in-chief of the army of Syria; stricken with leprosy he went to Elisha, eventually followed his instructions, and was cured

נַעֲמָן (na.a.man) — Naaman.

A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.26.40;

son of: Bela (H1106A);

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

na'-a-man (na`aman, "pleasantness"; Septuagint; Codices Vaticanus and Alexandrinus Naiman; so Westcott and Hort, The New Testament in Greek in the New Testament; Textus Receptus of the New Testament, Neeman) :

(1) A successful Syrian general, high in the confidence and esteem of the king of Syria, and honored by his fellow-countrymen as their deliverer (2Ki 5:1-27). Afflicted with leprosy, he heard from a Hebrew slave-maid in his household of the wonder-working powers of an Israelite prophet. Sent by his master with a letter couched in somewhat peremptory terms to the king of Israel, he came to Samaria for healing. The king of Israel was filled with suspicion and alarm by the demands of the letter, and rent his clothes; but Elisha the prophet intervened, and sent word to Naaman that he must bathe himself seven times in the Jordan. He…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Naaman

Pleasantness, a Syrian, the commander of the armies of Benhadad II. in the time of Joram, king of Israel. He was afflicted with leprosy; and when the little Hebrew slave-girl that waited on his wife told her of a prophet in Samaria who could cure her master, he obtained a letter from Benhadad and proceeded with it to Joram. The king of Israel suspected in this some evil design against him, and rent his clothes. Elisha the prophet hearing of this, sent for Naaman, and the strange interview which took place is recorded in 2 Kings 5. The narrative contains all that is known of the Syrian commander. He was cured of his leprosy by dipping himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of Elisha. His cure is alluded to by our Lord (Luke 4:27).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(pleasantness). "Naaman the Syrian." (Luke 4:27) Naaman was commander-in-chief of the army of Syria, and was nearest to the person of the king, Ben-hadad II., whom he accompanied officially and supported when he went to worship in the temple of Rimmon, (2 Kings 5:18) at Damascus, the capital. (B.C. 885.) A Jewish tradition at least as old as the time of Josephus, and which may very well be a genuine one identifies him with the archer whose arrow, whether at random or not, struck Ahab with his mortal wound, and thus "gave deliverance to Syria." The expression in (2 Kings 5:1) is remarkable --"because that by him Jehovah had given deliverance to Syria." The most natural explanation perhaps is that Naaman in delivering his country…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The highly esteemed general of Ben-hadad, king of Damascene Syria in the time of Joram king of Israel. He was afflicted with the leprosy; but was miraculously cured, on washing seven times in the Jordam, Le 14:7, according to the direction of Elisha, 2Ki 5:1- 27; Lu 4:27. He had found all his honor and power valueless, and all physicians of no avail for his cure; was led to renounce his pride, and avail himself of the simple remedy prescribed; and being cured, was grateful not only to the prophet, but to the prophet’s God. He frankly yielded other evidence which probed that Jehovah was the living and true God; and took home with him two mule-loads of earth, for an altar to the Lord,

and [the] skin disease of Naaman it will cling to you and to offspring your for ever and he went out from to before him having a skin disease like snow
תִּֽדְבַּק־tid.bak- it will cling H1692 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person feminine singular
54× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To cleave means to cling or stick to something, like pursuing something closely. It's used in the Bible to describe following God or others.
Amplified meaning
to cleave, stick to
Tyndale gloss
to cleave
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דָּבַק, transliterated as dabaq, is a Hebrew verb meaning to cling or cleave. It encompasses a range of actions such as adhering closely, pursuing, and being joined together. The word appears in various forms, including Qal, Pual, Hiphil, and Hophal, indicating different nuances of the action. Notably, it can describe both physical and metaphorical closeness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

דָּבַק, דָּבֵק vb. cling, cleave, keep close

Qal

cling, cleave to

cling, cleave to

Pu. of crocodile’s scales, they are joined together

Hiph.

cause to cling or cleave to

pursue closely

overtake

Hoph. and my tongue is made to cleave (to) my gums

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1692 דָּבַק, דָּבֵק cling, cleave, keep close

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1692 dabaq daw-bak'

a primitive root; properly, to impinge, i.e. cling or adhere;

figuratively, to catch by pursuit:--abide fast, cleave (fast

together), follow close (hard after), be joined (together),

keep (fast), overtake, pursue hard, stick, take.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דָּבַק (da.vaq) — to cleave.

1) to cling, stick, stay close, cleave, keep close, stick to, stick with, follow closely, join to, overtake, catch

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to cling, cleave to

1a2) to stay with

1b) (Pual) to be joined together

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to cause to cleave to

1c2) to pursue closely

1c3) to overtake

1d) (Hophal) to be made to cleave

Aramaic equivalent: de.vaq (דְּבֵק "to cleave" H1693)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person feminine singular
HVqi3fs
and [the] skin disease of Naaman it will cling to you and to offspring your for ever and he went out from to before him having a skin disease like snow
בְּךָ֔be.Kha to you H9031 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

ךָּ (ka) — you.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 2nd person masculine singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Sp2ms — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp2ms
and [the] skin disease of Naaman it will cling to you and to offspring your for ever and he went out from to before him having a skin disease like snow
וּֽבְזַרְעֲךָU.ve.zar.'a.kha and to offspring your H2233 Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
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
seed, 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
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HC/R/Ncmsc/Sp2ms
and [the] skin disease of Naaman it will cling to you and to offspring your for ever and he went out from to before him having a skin disease like snow
לְעוֹלָ֑םle.'o.Lam for ever H5769 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
438× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Amplified meaning
always, for eternity
Tyndale gloss
forever: antiquity
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עוֹלָם (owlam) refers to concepts of long duration, antiquity, and futurity, encompassing meanings like eternity and perpetual existence. It is derived from a root meaning 'concealed' or 'the vanishing point.' The term is used to describe both ancient times and an indefinite future, indicating continuity and everlastingness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עוֹלָם 439 n.m. long duration, antiquity, futurity

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5769 עוֹלָם long duration, antiquity, futurity

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5769 `owlam o-lawm'

or lolam {o-lawm'}; from 5956; properly, concealed, i.e. the

vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future),

i.e. (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

(especially with prepositional prefix) always:--alway(-s),

ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for,

(n-))ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of)

old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world

(+ without end). Compare 5331, 5703.

see HEBREW for 05956

see HEBREW for 05331

see HEBREW for 05703

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עוֹלָם (o.lam) — forever: enduring.

: enduring/eternal

1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world

1a) ancient time, long time (of past)

1b) (of future)

1b1) for ever, always

1b2) continuous existence, perpetual

1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity

עוֹלָם (o.lam) — Everlasting.

This name means long duration, everlasting, perpetual

Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

עוֹלָם (o.lam) — forever: any time.

: any_time

1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world

1a) ancient time, long time (of past)

1b) (of future)

1b1) for ever, always

1b2) continuous existence, perpetual

1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity

עוֹלָם (o.lam) — forever: antiquity.

: old/ancient

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HR/Ncmsa
and [the] skin disease of Naaman it will cling to you and to offspring your for ever and he went out from to before him having a skin disease like snow
וַיֵּצֵ֥אvai.ye.Tze' and he went out H3318 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
1,067× 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 to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Tyndale gloss
to come out: come
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָצָא (yatsa') is a Hebrew verb meaning to go or come out, with various applications including departure, escape, and emergence. It can refer to both animate and inanimate subjects and emphasizes the idea of origin or source. The verb appears in different forms, such as Qal, Hiphil, and Hophal, indicating actions like leading out or being brought forth.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָצָא 1068 vb. go or come out

Qal

go or come out or forth

from (מִן) a place

go forth from (the presence of) a person

in technical senses

of flight, involving escape

depart

of inanimate things

with especial emphasis on idea of origin, source

of children as going forth from loins (of father)

go forth to a place

go forward, proceed to or toward something

come or go forth, with esp. ref. to purpose or result

of combinations

Hiph.

cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out

fig. obj. persons, bring out of (מִן) distress, etc.

bring out animals

inanimate obj.

fig. subj. י׳, bring forth from (מִן)

Hoph. be brought forth

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3318 יָצָא go or come out .. go or come out or forth . from (מִן) a place

. go forth from (the presence of) a person

. in technical senses

. of flight, involving escape

. depart

. of inanimate things

. with especial emphasis on idea of origin, source

. of children as going forth from loins (of father)

. . go forth to a place

. go forward, proceed to or toward something

. come or go forth, with esp. ref. to purpose or result

. of combinations

. . cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out

. fig. obj. persons, bring out of (מִן) distress, etc.

. bring out animals

. inanimate obj.

. fig. subj. י׳, bring forth from (מִן)

. be brought forth

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3318 yatsa' yaw-tsaw'

a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great

variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct

and proxim.:--X after, appear, X assuredly, bear out, X

begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come

(abroad, out, thereat, without), + be condemned,

depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact,

fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence,

out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out),

going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out,

lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, X

scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring

out, stand out, X still, X surely, take forth (out), at any

time, X to (and fro), utter.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָצָא (ya.tsa) — to come out: come.

: come/go_out/escape

1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart

1a2) to go forth (to a place)

1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something)

1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result)

1a5) to come out of

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out

1b2) to bring out of

1b3) to lead out

1b4) to deliver

1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

יָצָא (ya.tsa) — to come out: send.

: send/take_out/release

1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart

1a2) to go forth (to a place)

1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something)

1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result)

1a5) to come out of

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out

1b2) to bring out of

1b3) to lead out

1b4) to deliver

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 [the] skin disease of Naaman it will cling to you and to offspring your for ever and he went out from to before him having a skin disease like snow
מִלְּפָנָ֖יוmi.le.fa.Nav from to before him H6440 Preposition · preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
2,127× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Amplified meaning
face, being before him
Tyndale gloss
face
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces

face, faces

presence, person

technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

face of seraphim

face of animals

face (= surface) of ground

as adv.loc. before

for other phrases

with prepositions

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces

. . presence, person

. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

. face of seraphim

. face of animals

. face (= surface) of ground

. as adv. loc. before

. for other phrases

. with prepositions

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6440 paniym paw-neem'

plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh

{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);

used in a great variety of applications (literally and

figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a

preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),

against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),

+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,

face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er

time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +

honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +

meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,

open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,

presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right

forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,

X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.

: before/to/front

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.

: face

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Prep | N-cp | Suff — Preposition · preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HR/R/Ncmpc/Sp3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and [the] skin disease of Naaman it will cling to you and to offspring your for ever and he went out from to before him having a skin disease like snow
מְצֹרָ֥עme.tzo.Ra' having a skin disease H6879 Verb · Pual · participle (passive) masculine singular
20× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to be afflicted with leprosy, a skin disease. It is used in the Bible to describe someone with leprosy, like in the stories of Moses and Miriam. The word appears in Exodus and Numbers.
Amplified meaning
afflicted with leprosy
Tyndale gloss
be leprous
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

צָרַע (tsara) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be stricken with leprosy or to be leprous. It is primarily used in a passive form, indicating a state of having leprosy. The entries consistently describe its usage in relation to skin disease, with no significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[צָרַע] vb. denom., only in pass., be stricken with leprosy, leprous

Qal elsewh. as subst., = leper

Pu. leprous

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6879 צָרַע vb. denom., only in pass., be stricken with leprosy, leprous

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6879 tsara` tsaw-rah'

a primitive root; to scourge, i.e. (intransitive and

figurative) to be stricken with leprosy:--leper, leprous.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

צָרַע (tsa.ra) — be leprous.

1) to be diseased of skin, be leprous

1a) (Qal) to be a leper

1b) (Pual) to have leprosy

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Pual-Inf-c — Verb · Pual · participle (passive) masculine singular
HVPsmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Nave's Topical Bible

→ Sent from God Le 14:34

→ As judgments Ps 107:17; Isa 3:17

→ INSTANCES OF

Upon the Egyptians

See PLAGUES;

Upon Nabal 1Sa 25:38

David's child 2Sa 12:15

Gehazi 2Ki 5:27

Jeroboam 2Ch 13:20

Jehoram 2Ch 21:12-19

Uzziah 2Ch 26:17-20

Threatened as judgments Le 26:16; De 7:15; 28:22,27,28,35; 29:22

and [the] skin disease of Naaman it will cling to you and to offspring your for ever and he went out from to before him having a skin disease like snow
כַּשָּֽׁלֶג׃ סka.Sha.leg like snow H7950 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
20× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Sheleg means snow in Hebrew, likely due to its white color. It is also used in Aramaic as te.lag.
Amplified meaning
sheleg
Tyndale gloss
snow
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֶׁ֫לֶג (sheleg) means 'snow' and is derived from the root word for whiteness. It is consistently defined across entries as snow, with a reference to its Aramaic equivalent, תְּלַג (te.lag). The term appears in contexts related to snow in the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֶׁ֫לֶג n.m. snow

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7950 שֶׁ֫לֶג snow

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7950 sheleg sheh'-leg

from 7949; snow (probably from its whiteness):--snow(-y).

see HEBREW for 07949

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֶׁ֫לֶג (she.leg) — snow.

snow

Aramaic equivalent: te.lag (תְּלַג "snow" H8517)

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

sno (shelegh, telagh (Da 7:9); chion):

(1) Snow is not uncommon in the winter in Jerusalem, but it never reaches any depth and in many winters it is not seen at all. It usually disappears, for the most part, as soon as the sun appears, though it may "hide itself" for a time in the gorge cut by a stream (Job 6:16). On lower levels than Jerusalem there is never sufficient to cover the ground, though often there are some flakes seen in the air. Even at sea-level there is occasionally a sufficient fall of hail to cover the ground. A very exceptional snowfall is related in 1 Macc 13:22 at Adora (near Hebron). It was heavy enough to prevent the movement of troops.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Snow

Common in Palestine in winter (Ps. 147:16). The snow on the tops of the Lebanon range is almost always within view throughout the whole year. The word is frequently used figuratively by the sacred writers (Job 24:19; Ps. 51:7; 68:14; Isa. 1:18). It is mentioned only once in the historical books (2 Sam. 23:20). It was “carried to Tyre, Sidon, and Damascus as a luxury, and labourers sweltering in the hot harvest-fields used it for the purpose of cooling the water which they drank (Prov. 25:13; Jer. 18:14).…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

This historical books of the Bible contain only two notices of snow actually falling -- (2 Samuel 23:20) 1Macc 13:22; but the allusions in the poetical books are so numerous that there can be no doubt as to its being an ordinary occurrence in the winter months. (Psalms 147:16; 148:8) The snow lies deep in the ravines of the highest ridge of Lebanon until the summer is far advanced and indeed never wholly disappears; the summit of Hermon also perpetually glistens with frozen snow. From these sources probably the Jews obtained their supplies of ice for the purpose of cooling their beverages in summer. (Proverbs 25:13) The liability to snow must of course vary considerably in a country of such varying altitude as Palestine. At…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Is often alluded to in Scripture, for its whiteness, Ex 4:6; Nu 12:10; 2Ki 5:27; Ps 51:7; Isa 1:18, and for its cleansing qualities, Job 9:30. The expression in Pr 25:13, "as the cold of snow in the time of harvest," alludes to its use in preparing cool drinks for the reapers; while on the other hand, in Pr 26:1, "snow in summer," that is, a fall of snow, being unseasonable and unnatural, is compared to honors inappropriately lavished on a fool. Snow from…

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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