2 Samuel 12:6 — Word Study
WLCוְאֶת־ הַכִּבְשָׂ֖ה יְשַׁלֵּ֣ם אַרְבַּעְתָּ֑יִם עֵ֗קֶב אֲשֶׁ֤ר עָשָׂה֙ אֶת־ הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֔ה וְעַ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹֽא־ חָמָֽל׃
BSABecauseʻêqeb he has doneʻâsâh■ [committed, perpetrated] thiszeh thingdâbâr [deed, action] and has shown nolôʼ [demonstrated, exhibited] pitychâmal■ [compassion, mercy] he must payshâlam▸ [restore, repay] for the lambkibsâh [ewe-lamb, young female sheep] four times overʼarbaʻtayim△ [fourfold, multiplied by four]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְאֶת־ | and the object marker | Conjunction, particle |
| הַכִּבְשָׂ֖ה | the ewe-lamb | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| יְשַׁלֵּ֣ם | he will restore | Verb, Piel, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אַרְבַּעְתָּ֑יִם | fourfold | Noun common, feminine dual absolute |
| עֵ֗קֶב | consequence | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| אֲשֶׁ֤ר | that | Particle |
| עָשָׂה֙ | he did | Verb, Qal, perfect third person masculine singular |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| הַדָּבָ֣ר | the thing | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| הַזֶּ֔ה | this | Particle, particle |
| וְעַ֖ל | and on | Conjunction, preposition |
| אֲשֶׁ֥ר | that | Particle |
| לֹֽא־ | not | Particle |
| חָמָֽל׃ | he showed pity | Verb, Qal, perfect third person masculine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.” |
| KJV | And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. |
| ASV | and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. |
| YLT | and the ewe-lamb he doth repay fourfold, because that he hath done this thing, and because that he had no pity.' |
| WEB | He must restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and because he had no pity!” |
| BBE | And he will have to give back four times the value of the lamb, because he has done this and because he had no pity. |
Where they part company is יְשַׁלֵּ֣ם — see How Translations Differ.
The structure of the sentence centers around the main clause, with a causal clause providing the reason for the judgment.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them ›
clause
verbשָׁלֵם
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
1 of 14 occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament — a word chosen on purpose.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — 2 Samuel 12:6
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 — Nathan Confronts Davidgenerated
2 Samuel 12:6 recounts Nathan's pronouncement of judgment against David for his sin. Nathan uses the metaphor of a ewe-lamb to illustrate the gravity of David's actions, highlighting the need for justice and restitution. This passage is pivotal as it reveals God's displeasure with David's choices and sets the stage for David's repentance and the consequences he will face, as seen in the surrounding verses.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 22:1 | “If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep. |
| 2 | Proverbs 6:31 | Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house. |
| 3 | Luke 19:8 | But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.” |
| 4 | James 2:13 | For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — יְשַׁלֵּ֣ם, ye.sha.Lemgenerated
The verb שָׁלֵם (shalam) means to restore or repay, indicating a sense of completeness or making amends. It is in the Piel stem, which often expresses an intensive action, here emphasizing the obligation to repay for wrongdoing.
In this context, it underscores the requirement for justice, as Nathan declares that David must repay fourfold for the lamb he took. The verb's use here highlights the seriousness of David's offense and the expectation of restitution.
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 יְשַׁלֵּ֣ם governs the sentence, with several phrases detailing the conditions of restitution. The structure emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship of David's actions and the resulting judgment.
The sentence unfolds with a series of clauses that articulate the consequences of David's actions, leading to the imperative of repayment, which is the focal point of Nathan's message.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates יְשַׁלֵּ֣ם as ἀποτείσει (apoteísei), meaning 'he will repay.' This choice aligns with the Hebrew meaning but may imply a slightly different nuance in terms of the nature of the repayment.
The LXX's rendering reflects a consistent understanding of the need for restitution, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
2 Samuel 12:6 shows Nathan telling David that because he has acted without compassion, he must repay four times what he took. This highlights the seriousness of David's actions and the expectation of justice.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
This indicates that the punishment for David's wrongdoing is significant, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the principle of restitution in biblical law.
The ewe-lamb symbolizes the innocent victim of David's actions, emphasizing the injustice of taking something precious from someone who had little.
This verse illustrates the biblical principle that wrongdoers must make restitution for their actions, reinforcing the idea that justice must be served.
Nathan's boldness in confronting David teaches the importance of accountability and the necessity of addressing wrongdoing, even with those in power.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I see justice being served in my community, and how can I contribute to that?
- How can I ensure that I am compassionate in my actions towards others?
- What does the concept of restitution look like in my life, and how can I apply it?
- How do I respond when confronted with my own wrongdoings, as David was?
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 2 Samuel 12:6 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd he shall restore the lamb fourfold,.... Which was according to the law in Exodus 22:1; but Kimchi thinks, because the word is of the dual number, it signifies double the number, and that the
Read John Gill on 2 Samuel 12 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Read Robert Jamieson on 2 Samuel 12 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments2 Samuel 12:6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.Ver. 6. And he shall restore the lamb fourfold.] Nay, twice fourfold, as some sense it; because the word is of the dual number. But what! Must he do all this, and die too? This was hard law, better beseeming a Draco to pronounce, than a David: but he was transported and biassed, as above said. Prompte et fervide sententiam pronunciat.
Read John Trapp on 2 Samuel 12 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(6) Fourfold.—In exact accordance with the Law (Exodus 22:1; comp. Luke 19:8). The LXX. (in most copies “sevenfold,” comp. Proverbs 6:31) and the Chaldee (“fortyfold”) have expressed more of human indignation; but David knew the Law too well to change its terms.
Read Charles John Ellicott on 2 Samuel 12 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges6. fourfold] The legal compensation. See Exodus 22:1; Luke 19:8. The Sept. reads sevenfold, and this may be the original reading. David in his indignation would be likely to prescribe a more liberal restitution than the usual fourfold. Cp. Proverbs 6:31.
Read Cambridge on 2 Samuel 12 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleFourfold - The exact number prescribed by the Law (see the marginal references), and acted upon by Zaccheus. The Septuagint has “sevenfold,” as in Proverbs 6:31.
Read Albert Barnes on 2 Samuel 12 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible6. Fourfold — Compare Exodus 22:1 : “If a man steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.”
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on 2 Samuel 12 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.”
He must restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and because he had no pity!”
Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.”
Because he committed this cold-hearted crime, he must pay for the lamb four times over!”
Tyndale line
And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.
and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.
and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.
And he shall restore the lamb four-fold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.
And he shall restore the lambe foure folde, because he did this thing, and had no pitie thereof.
Strictly literal
and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.
and the ewe-lamb he doth repay fourfold, because that he hath done this thing, and because that he had no pity.'
and [for] the ewe-lamb he repays fourfold, because that he has done this thing, and because that he had no pity.”
And the ewe he shall pay fourfold, for punishment that he hath done this thing, and because he had no compassion.
He must pay back the lamb four times over because he did such a thing, and because he had no pity on the poor man.”
From the Latin
He shall restore the ewe fourfold, because he did this thing, and had no pity.
Simplified
He must repay that lamb with four of his own for doing this, for being so heartless.”
And he will have to give back four times the value of the lamb, because he has done this and because he had no pity.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in this verse, with 12 of the 14 words matched. The Dead Sea Scrolls fragment contains 9 words from the verse, indicating a high degree of textual consistency across these witnesses.
וְאֶת־ הַכִּבְשָׂ֖ה יְשַׁלֵּ֣ם אַרְבַּעְתָּ֑יִם עֵ֗קֶב אֲשֶׁ֤ר עָשָׂה֙ אֶת־ הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֔ה וְעַ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹֽא־ חָמָֽל׃
12 of the 14 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.
[ואת] [הכבשה] [ישלם] [ארבעתים] [עקב] [אשר] [עשה] [את] [הדבר]
9 words of the verse are on this fragment — 9 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in 2 Samuel 12:6
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.
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HC/To — Conjunction · particleHC/To
כִּבְשָׂה (kibsah) refers to an ewe-lamb in Hebrew. It is a feminine noun derived from the root word for 'ewe' and is consistently defined across various lexicons. The term is used in contexts relating to lambs and sheep.
כִּבְשָׂה, כַּבְשָׂה n.f. ewe-lamb
base
H3535 כִּבְשָׂה, כַּבְשָׂה ewe-lamb
3535 kibsah kib-saw'
or kabsah {kab-saw'}; feminine of 3532; a ewe:--(ewe) lamb.
see HEBREW for 03532
כִּבְשָׂה (kiv.sah) — ewe-lamb.
ewe-lamb, lamb
Art | N-fs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
Lamb
(1.) Heb. kebes, a male lamb from the first to the third year. Offered daily at the morning and the evening sacrifice (Ex. 29:38-42), on the Sabbath day (Num. 28:9), at the feast of the New Moon (28:11), of Trumpets (29:2), of Tabernacles (13-40), of Pentecost (Lev. 23:18-20), and of the Passover (Ex. 12:5), and on many other occasions (1 Chr. 29:21; 2 Chr. 29:21; Lev. 9:3; 14:10-25).
The young of the sheep, and also the kid of the goat, Ex 12:5, Christ is the Lamb of God, Joh 1:29, as being the accepted sacrifice for human sin. The sacrifices of the Old Testament were an ordained and perpetual foreshadowing not only of his spotless holiness and his unresisting meekness, Isa 53:4-9. He is described in Re 5:6 12:11, as wearing the form of a sacrificial lamb in heaven itself. See PASSOVER and SACRIFICES.
→ Offering of Ex 29:38-41; Le 3:7; 4:32; 5:6; 22:23; 23:12; Nu 6:12; 7:15,21; 28:3-8
→ Not to be seethed (boiled) in its own mother's milk Ex 23:19
שָׁלֵם (shalam) is a Hebrew root meaning to be complete or sound, covering a range of meanings from finishing or restoring to making peace. It can refer to being uninjured, completing a task, or making recompense. The verb also has a denominative form indicating a covenant of peace, suggesting relationships of harmony and safety.
[שָׁלֵם] 103 vb. be complete, sound
Qal
be complete, finished, ended
be sound, uninjured
Pi.
complete, finish, temple
make safe
make whole or good, restore
make good, i.e. pay, vows
requite, recompense, reward
Pu.
be performed, of vow
be repaid, requited
Hiph.
complete, perform
make an end of
base
[שָׁלַם] vb. denom. be in covenant of peace
Qal be at peace
Pu. Pt. one in covt. of peace
Hiph.
make peace with
cause to be at peace
Hoph. live at peace with
base
H7999a שָׁלֵם be complete, sound .. be complete, finished, ended
. be sound, uninjured
. . complete, finish, temple
. make safe
. make whole or good, restore
. make good, i.e. pay, vows
. requite, recompense, reward
. . be performed, of vow
. be repaid, requited
. . complete, perform
. make an end of
H7999b [שָׁלַם] vb. denom. be in covenant of peace .be at peace
. Pt. one in covt. of peace
. . make peace with
. cause to be at peace
. live at peace with
7999 shalam shaw-lam'
a primitive root; to be safe (in mind, body or estate);
figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by
implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate (in
various applications):--make amends, (make an) end, finish,
full, give again, make good, (re-)pay (again), (make) (to) (be
at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make)
prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution,
restore, reward, X surely.
שָׁלֵם (sa.lem) — to complete.
1) to be complete, be sound
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended
1a2) to be sound, be uninjured
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to complete, finish
1b2) to make safe
1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation
1b4) to make good, pay
1b5) to requite, recompense, reward
1c) (Pual)
1c1) to be performed
1c2) to be repaid, be requited
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to complete, perform
1d2) to make an end of
Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
שָׁלַם (sha.lam) — to ally.
1) to be in a covenant of peace, be at peace
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be at peace
1a2) peaceful one (participle)
1b) (Pual) one in covenant of peace (participle)
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to make peace with
1c2) to cause to be at peace
1d) (Hophal) to live in peace
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Piel · imperfect third person masculine singularHVpi3ms
אַרְבַּעְתַּיִם (arba`tayim) means 'fourfold' and is the dual form of the word for 'four' (אַרְבַּע, arba). The entries indicate that it specifically refers to a quantity of four, but do not provide specific Old Testament references.
אַרְבַּע, אַרְבָּעָה four
base
H706 אַרְבַּע, אַרְבָּעָה, אַרְבַּעְתַּיִם
706 'arba`tayim ar-bah-tah'-yim
dual of 702; fourfold:--fourfold.
see HEBREW for 0702
אַרְבַּעְתַּיִם (ar.ba.ta.yim) — fourfold.
fourfold
A grammatical form of ar.ba (אַרְבַּע "four" H0702)
Adj — Noun common · feminine dual absoluteHNcfda
for-fold:
Occurs but twice in English Versions: 2Sa 12:6, "He shall restore the lamb fourfold"; and Lu 19:8 the King James Version, "If I have wrongfully exacted ought .... I restore fourfold." From this statement of Zaccheus we are to understand that fourfold the amount of that which was stolen was the restoration the law required of a thief. This was the extreme penalty the law imposed. In some cases double the amount was to be restored (Ex 22:4,7); in others, a fifth of its value was added to the thing restored (Le 6:5); still again, an amount equal to that taken was to be restored (1Sa 12:3).
עֵ֫קֶב (‘eqeb) primarily means 'consequence' and can refer to a reward or end. It is often used adverbially to indicate causation, such as 'because' or 'on account of.' The word is built from the root related to 'heel,' suggesting a figurative sense of the last or result of something.
עֵ֫קֶב n.[m.] consequence, usu. as adv. acc. as a consequence of, because (that), also reward, end
base
H6118 עֵ֫קֶב consequence, usu. as adv. acc. as a consequence of, because (that), also reward, end
6118 `eqeb ay'-keb
from 6117 in the sense of 6119; a heel, i.e. (figuratively)
the last of anything (used adverbially, for ever); also
result, i.e. compensation; and so (adverb with preposition or
relatively) on account of:--X because, by, end, for, if,
reward.
see HEBREW for 06117
see HEBREW for 06119
עֵ֫קֶב (e.qev) — consequence.
1) consequence
1a) consequence
1b) consequence, gain, reward
1c) end
adv
2) as a consequence, because, consequently
conj
3) as a consequence of, that, because
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.
אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.
base
בַאֲשֶׁר
in (that) which
adv. in (the place) where
conj. in that, inasmuch as
on account of whom?
base
מֵאֲשֶׁר
from (or than) that which
adv. from (the place) where
conj. from (the fact) that …, since
base
כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when
according to that which, according as, as
with a causal force, in so far as, since
with a temporal force, when
base
H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which
. adv. in (the place) where
. conj. in that, inasmuch as
. on account of whom?
H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which
. adv. from (the place) where
. conj. from (the fact) that …, since
H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as
. with a causal force, in so far as, since
. with a temporal force, when
834 'aher ash-er'
a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)
when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X
alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +
from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,
wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where
(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +
whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is
indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun
expletively, used to show the connection.
אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.
A: 1) (relative part.)
1a) which, who
1b) that which
2) (conj)
2a) that (in obj clause)
2b) when
2c) since
2d) as
2e) conditional if
B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
D: Kaph+
1) (conj.), according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since
1c) with a temporal force: when
בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.
1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.
1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.
conj
1) according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
HTr — ParticleHTr
עָשָׂה (asah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to do or make, encompassing a wide range of actions such as producing, preparing, and observing. It can refer to both concrete and abstract activities, including making offerings and attending to tasks. The verb also has forms indicating passive meanings, such as being made or offered. Notably, the Piel form refers to pressing or squeezing.
עָשָׂה 2622 vb. do, make
Qal 2524
do (1560 t.)
deal with
oft. in phr. do kindness with
abs. act, act with effect
make (670 t.)
produce, yield
prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food
make offering
attend to, put in order
observe, celebrate, religious festival
acquire property of various kinds
appoint priests
bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance
use
spend, pass, days of life
Niph.
97be done
be made, of concr. things
be produced from vine
be prepared, of food
be offered
be observed, passover
be used
Pu. I was made
base
[עָשָׂה] vb. Pi. press, squeeze
base
H6213a עָשָׂה do, make .. . do (1560 + t.)
. deal with
. oft. in phr. do kindness with
. abs. act, act with effect
. . make (670 + t.)
. produce, yield
. prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food
. make offering
. attend to, put in order
. observe, celebrate, religious festival
. acquire property of various kinds
. appoint priests
. bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance
. use
. spend, pass, days of life
. . be done
. . be made, of concr. things
. be produced from vine
. be prepared, of food
. be offered
. be observed, passover
. be used
. I was made
H6213b עָשָׂה Pi. press, squeeze
6213 `asah aw-saw'
a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and
widest application (as follows):--accomplish, advance,
appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth,
bruise, be busy, X certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal
(with), deck, + displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in)
execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, + feast, (fight-)ing man, +
finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go
about, govern, grant, great, + hinder, hold ((a feast)), X
indeed, + be industrious, + journey, keep, labour, maintain,
make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, + officer, pare,
bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure,
provide, put, requite, X sacrifice, serve, set, shew, X sin,
spend, X surely, take, X thoroughly, trim, X very, + vex, be
(warr-)ior, work(-man), yield, use.
עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make: do.
: do/perform
1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to do, work, make, produce
1a1a) to do
1a1b) to work
1a1c) to deal (with)
1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect
1a2) to make
1a2a) to make
1a2b) to produce
1a2c) to prepare
1a2d) to make (an offering)
1a2e) to attend to, put in order
1a2f) to observe, celebrate
1a2g) to acquire (property)
1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute
1a2i) to bring about
1a2j) to use
1a2k) to spend, pass
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be done
1b2) to be made
1b3) to be produced
1b4) to be offered
1b5) to be observed
1b6) to be used
1c) (Pual) to be made
עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to press.
(Piel) to press, squeeze
עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make.
: make(OBJECT)
1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to do, work, make, produce
1a1a) to do
1a1b) to work
1a1c) to deal (with)
1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect
1a2) to make
1a2a) to make
1a2b) to produce
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singularHVqp3ms
ha: The fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet; transliterated in this Encyclopedia as "h." It came also to be used for the number 5. For name, etc., see ALPHABET.
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HTo — ParticleHTo
דָּבָר (dabar) means 'word' or 'speech' and encompasses a range of meanings including discourse, saying, and matter. It can refer to anything spoken or a topic of discussion, extending to concepts like business or affairs. The entries consistently highlight its use in various contexts, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicographers.
דָּבָר 1439 n.m. speech, word
sg. speech, discourse, saying, word, as the sum of that which is spoken
sg. saying, utterance, sentence, as a section of a discourse
sg. a word, words
sg. matter, affair, thing about which one speaks
base
H1697 דָּבָר speech, word . sg. speech, discourse, saying, word, as the sum of that which is spoken
. sg. saying, utterance, sentence, as a section of a discourse
. sg. a word, words
. sg. matter, affair, thing about which one speaks
1697 dabar daw-baw'
from 1696; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or
thing; adverbially, a cause:--act, advice, affair, answer, X
any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case,
cause, certain rate, + chronicles, commandment, X
commune(-ication), + concern(-ing), + confer, counsel, +
dearth, decree, deed, X disease, due, duty, effect, +
eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-)ness, + glory, + harm, hurt,
+ iniquity, + judgment, language, + lying, manner, matter,
message, (no) thing, oracle, X ought, X parts, + pertaining, +
please, portion, + power, promise, provision, purpose,
question, rate, reason, report, request, X (as hast) said,
sake, saying, sentence, + sign, + so, some (uncleanness),
somewhat to say, + song, speech, X spoken, talk, task, + that,
X there done, thing (concerning), thought, + thus, tidings,
what(-soever), + wherewith, which, word, work.
see HEBREW for 01696
דָּבָר (da.var) — word.
: word/speech/command
1) speech, word, speaking, thing
1a) speech
1b) saying, utterance
1c) word, words
1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
דָּבָר (da.var) — word: speaking.
: speaking
1) speech, word, speaking, thing
1a) speech
1b) saying, utterance
1c) word, words
1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
דָּבָר (da.var) — word: thing.
: thing/matter
1) speech, word, speaking, thing
1a) speech
1b) saying, utterance
1c) word, words
1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
דָּבָר (da.var) — word: promised.
: promised/duty
1) speech, word, speaking, thing
1a) speech
1b) saying, utterance
1c) word, words
1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
דָּבָר (da.var) — word: deed.
: deed
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
זֶה (zeh) is a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'this' or 'here.' It can stand alone, be used appositively, or function as a predicate. The word can also attach enclitically to interrogative pronouns, adding emphasis and directness. In poetry, it may serve as a relative pronoun, though this usage is rare.
זֶה demonstr.pron. and adv.; fem. זֹאת, once זֹאתָה; this, here
standing alone
In appos. to subst.
More oft. as pred.
It is attached enclitically, almost as an adv., to certain words, esp. interrog. pronouns, to impart, in a manner often not reproducible in Engl. idiom, directness and force, bringing the question or statement made into close relation with the speaker.
In poetry, as a relative pron. (rare)
With prefixes (in special senses)
base
H2088 זֶה demonstr. pron. and adv.; fem. זֹאת, once זֹאתָה; this, here . standing alone
. In appos. to subst.
. More oft. as pred.
. It is attached enclitically, almost as an adv., to certain words, esp. interrog. pronouns, to impart, in a manner often not reproducible in Engl. idiom, directness and force, bringing the question or statement made into close relation with the speaker.
. In poetry, as a relative pron. (rare)
. With prefixes (in special senses)
2088 zeh zeh
a primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this
or that:--he, X hence, X here, it(-self), X now, X of him, the
one...the other, X than the other, (X out of) the (self) same,
such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on
that side, X thus, very, which. Compare 2063, 2090, 2097,
2098.
see HEBREW for 02063
see HEBREW for 02090
see HEBREW for 02097
see HEBREW for 02098
זֶה (zeh) — this.
1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such
1a) (alone)
1a1) this one
1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another
1b) (appos to subst)
1b1) this
1c) (as predicate)
1c1) this, such
1d) (enclitically)
1d1) then
1d2) who, whom
1d3) how now, what now
1d4) what now
1d5) wherefore now
1d6) behold here
1d7) just now
1d8) now, now already
1e) (poetry)
1e1) wherein, which, those who
1f) (with prefixes)
1f1) in this (place) here, then
1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter
1f3) thus and thus
1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus
1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side
1f6) on this account
1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Art | Pron — Particle · particleHTd/Tm
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
HC/R — Conjunction · prepositionHC/R
On
Light; the sun, (Gen. 41:45, 50), the great seat of sun-worship, called also Bethshemesh (Jer. 43:13) and Aven (Ezek. 30:17), stood on the east bank of the Nile, a few miles north of Memphis, and near Cairo, in the north-east. The Vulgate and the LXX. Versions have “Heliopolis” (“city of the sun”) instead of On in Genesis and of Aven in Ezekiel. The “city of destruction” Isaiah speaks of (19:18, marg. “of Heres;” Heb. ‘Ir-ha-heres, which some MSS. read Ir-ha-heres, i.e., “city of the sun”) may be the name given to On, the prophecy being that the time will come when that city which was known as the “city of the sun-god” shall become the “city of destruction” of the sun-god, i.e., when idolatry shall cease, and the worship…
(abode or city of the sun), a town of lower Egypt, called BETH-SHEMESH in (Jeremiah 43:13) On is better known under its Greek name Heliopolis. It was situated on the east side of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, just below the point of the Delta, and about twenty miles northeast of Memphis. The chief object of worship at Heliopolis was the sun, whose temple, described by Strabo, is now only represented by the single beautiful obelisk, of red granite so feet 2 inches high above the pedestal which has stood for more than 4000 years, having been erected by Usirtesen, the second king of the twelfth dynasty. Heliopolis was anciently famous for its learning, and Eudoxus and Plato studied under its priests. The first mention of this place in the Bible is in the history of Joseph, to whom we read Pharaoh gave "to wife Asenath the daughter…
See HELIOPOLIS.
pain; force; iniquity
The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.
אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.
base
בַאֲשֶׁר
in (that) which
adv. in (the place) where
conj. in that, inasmuch as
on account of whom?
base
מֵאֲשֶׁר
from (or than) that which
adv. from (the place) where
conj. from (the fact) that …, since
base
כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when
according to that which, according as, as
with a causal force, in so far as, since
with a temporal force, when
base
H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which
. adv. in (the place) where
. conj. in that, inasmuch as
. on account of whom?
H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which
. adv. from (the place) where
. conj. from (the fact) that …, since
H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as
. with a causal force, in so far as, since
. with a temporal force, when
834 'aher ash-er'
a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)
when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X
alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +
from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,
wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where
(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +
whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is
indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun
expletively, used to show the connection.
אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.
A: 1) (relative part.)
1a) which, who
1b) that which
2) (conj)
2a) that (in obj clause)
2b) when
2c) since
2d) as
2e) conditional if
B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
D: Kaph+
1) (conj.), according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since
1c) with a temporal force: when
בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.
1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.
1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.
conj
1) according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
HTr — ParticleHTr
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Part — ParticleHTn
חָמַל (chamal) is a primitive root meaning to spare or have compassion. It encompasses the ideas of commiseration and pity, primarily in the Qal stem. The entries consistently emphasize its connotation of sparing or showing compassion.
H2550 חָמַל spare
2550 chamal khaw-mal'
a primitive root; to commiserate; by implication, to
spare:--have compassion, (have) pity, spare.
חָמַל (cha.mal) — to spare.
(Qal) to spare, pity, have compassion on
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singularHVqp3ms
pit'-i (chamal, chuc; eleeo): "Pity," probably contracted from "piety," is tender feeling for others in misery or distress. It is allied to compassion (which see), but differs in respect of the object that causes the distress (or feeling). The feeling of pity is excited chiefly by the weakness, miserable or degraded condition of the object; compassion by his uncontrollable and inevitable misfortunes: "We pity a man of weak understanding who exposes his weakness; we compassionate the man who is reduced to a state of beggary and want" (Crabb, English Synonyms). Pity often becomes allied to contempt; "a pity" is something to be regretted. See PITIFUL. In the Old Testament "pity" is closely akin to "mercy." It is most frequently the translation of chamal, "to pity," "to spare," e.g. in Nathan's parable of the poor man's one lamb, it is said that the rich man was worthy to die because he had…