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2 Samuel 21:18 — Word Study

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WLCוַֽיְהִי֙ אַֽחֲרֵי־ כֵ֔ן וַתְּהִי־ ע֧וֹד הַמִּלְחָמָ֛ה בְּג֖וֹב עִם־ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים אָ֣ז הִכָּ֗ה סִבְּכַי֙ הַחֻ֣שָׁתִ֔י אֶת־ סַ֕ף אֲשֶׁ֖ר בִּילִדֵ֥י הָרָפָֽה׃ פ

BSASome time laterʼachar [after this, afterwards] at GobGôb [a place in Palestine, a cistern] there washâyâh anotherʻôwd [second, subsequent] battlemilchâmâh [war, conflict] withʻim the PhilistinesPᵉlishtîy [a group of non-Hebrew people, immigrants from other places] At that timeʼâz [then, in the past] SibbecaiÇibbᵉkay [a brave warrior, one of David's captains] the HushathiteChushâthîy [from the family line of Hushah] killednâkâh [struck, smote] SaphÇaph [a giant, a Philistine] aʼăsher descendantyâlîyd of Rapharâphâʼ [a group of giants, the Raphaite]

Word
Listen & take away2 Samuel 21
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 18 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 (ha.ra.Fah) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
2 Samuel 21:18quick helps
In a sentenceSibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, a descendant of Rapha, during a battle with the Philistines.
Who is speakingThe narrator recounts events from David's time.
Where we areThe narrative continues the account of battles faced by David's men.
The hard wordסַף, saf
Take awayThe ongoing conflict with the Philistines is a significant theme in David's reign.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbהָיָה The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

1 of 18 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 21:18

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — The Battles of David's Warriorsgenerated

17But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.”
18Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, one of the descendants of Rapha.
19Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.
20And there was still another battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha,

2 Samuel 21:18 describes a battle that took place at Gob, where Sibbecai, one of David's warriors, killed Saph, a giant Philistine. This event illustrates the ongoing conflicts between the Israelites and the Philistines during King David's reign, highlighting the valor of David's men in facing formidable foes. The narrative also connects to earlier battles, showing the persistence of these conflicts in Israel's history.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
11 Chronicles 11:29Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,
21 Chronicles 20:4Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued.
31 Chronicles 20:4Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued.
42 Samuel 21:16–20Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word סַף, safgenerated

The Hebrew word סַף (saf) refers to a Philistine giant, specifically noted as a descendant of Rapha. This word is used to describe a significant enemy in the context of David's battles. The parsing indicates that it is a proper noun, identifying a specific individual rather than a general term.

Saph is mentioned as a giant, which ties into the biblical theme of the Rephaim, a group of ancient giants. This connection emphasizes the challenges faced by David's warriors and the extraordinary nature of their opponents.


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. The BSB has killed, which is consistent with the KJV and ASV, both of which use the same verb.

Where translations differ, they do so primarily over the word ע֧וֹדagain (ASV, KJV) versus second (DRA). The variations reflect different interpretations of the context but agree on the overall narrative.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb of the verse is הִכָּ֗ה, he struck down, which governs the action of the sentence. The structure includes several phrases that provide context: a prepositional phrase indicating the location of the battle, a noun phrase identifying the subject, and a noun phrase describing the object of the action.

The sentence follows a typical Hebrew narrative style, where the action is emphasized through the verb, and additional details are layered in through prepositional and noun phrases.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates וַֽיְהִי֙ as ἐγενήθη, which means 'it came to pass.' This choice reflects a common Greek expression for narrative events, aligning with the Hebrew's function of marking the unfolding of events.

The LXX uses ἔτι for ע֧וֹד, indicating a continuation or recurrence, which aligns with the context of ongoing battles faced by David's men.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

2 Samuel 21:18 recounts how Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, a giant Philistine, during a battle at Gob. This highlights the ongoing struggles between the Israelites and the Philistines, showcasing the bravery of David's warriors.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

Who was Saph?

Saph was a Philistine giant, a descendant of Rapha, mentioned as an enemy of David's warriors.

What does the name Sibbecai mean?

Sibbecai means 'weaver' and refers to a captain in David's army known for his bravery.

What is the significance of the battles with the Philistines?

The battles with the Philistines represent ongoing conflicts during David's reign, illustrating the challenges faced by Israel.

What does the term 'Rephaim' refer to?

The Rephaim refers to a group of giants mentioned in the Bible, of which Saph is a descendant.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How do the battles faced by David's warriors reflect the challenges we encounter in our own lives?
  2. What qualities of bravery and leadership can we learn from Sibbecai's actions?
  3. In what ways do we face 'giants' in our lives today, and how can we confront them?
  4. How does the historical context of David's battles inform our understanding of faith and perseverance?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on 2 Samuel 21:18 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And it came to pass after this,.... After the former battle: that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob; in 1 Chronicles 20:4 it is called Gezer; either the place had two names, or

Read John Gill on 2 Samuel 21 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant.

Read Robert Jamieson on 2 Samuel 21 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

After this; after the battle last mentioned. At Gob, or, in Gezer, as it is ; whereby it seems Gob and Gezer were neighbouring places, and the battle fought in the confines of both. Sibbechai the Hushathite; one of David’ s worthies, .

Read Matthew Poole on 2 Samuel 21 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

2 Samuel 21:18 And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which [was] of the sons of the giant.Ver. 18. There was again a battle.] “ Nunquam bella bonis, nunquam discrimina desunt: Et quicum certet, mens pia semper habet. ” At Gob.] Which was near unto Gezar. See 1 Chronicles 20:4. Some for Gob read Nob, but that is not right. Sept. Vat. Osiander.

Read John Trapp on 2 Samuel 21 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(18) At Gob.—Comp. 2 Samuel 21:19. The place is otherwise unknown. 1 Chronicles 20:4 reads “Gezer,” and the LXX. substitutes “Gath.” (Comp. 2 Samuel 21:20.) It is not at all remarkable that the names of many small places should be lost after the lapse of three thousand years, nor that the locality of the hamlet should be marked in the later chronicles by the better known neighbouring town of Gezer. Sibbechai the Hushathite.—Comp. 1 Chronicles 20:4. He is also mentioned in the list of heroes (1 Chronicles 11:29); but in 2 Samuel 23:27 the name is changed into “Mebunnai the Hushathite by a slight alteration in the letters of the original. He was captain of the eighth division of the army (1…

Read Charles John Ellicott on 2 Samuel 21 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 18. A battle - at Gob] Instead of Gob, several editions, and about forty of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS., have nob; but Gezer is the name in the parallel place, 1 Chronicles 20:4.

Read AdamClarke on 2 Samuel 21 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

18. at Gob] A place mentioned only here and in 2 Samuel 21:19. The Sept. reads Gath, the parallel passage in Chron. Gezer; and we must suppose that Gob is either a corruption of the text, or some otherwise unknown place perhaps in the neighbourhood of Gezer, for which see note on ch. 2 Samuel 5:25. Sibbechai the Hushathite] One of David’s heroes (1 Chronicles 11:29), general of the eighth division of the army (1 Chronicles 27:11). See note on ch. 2 Samuel 23:27. Saph] Written Sippai in Chron., where it is added that the Philistines were subdued.

Read Cambridge on 2 Samuel 21 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

A battle in Gob - In the parallel passage (marginal reference), “Gezer” is named as the field of this battle.

Read Albert Barnes on 2 Samuel 21 →

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

Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, one of the descendants of Rapha.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

After this, there was again war with the Philistines at Gob. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, who was of the sons of the giant.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, a descendant of Rapha.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Later there was another battle with the Philistines, this time in Gob. On that occasion Sibbekai the Hushathite killed Saph, who was one of the descendants of Rapha.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And it came to pass after this, that there was again war with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbecai the Hushathite slew Saph, who was of the sons of the giant.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And it came to pass after this, that there was again war with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbecai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, who was of the sons of the giant.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And after this also there was a battell with the Philistims at Gob, then Sibbechai the Hushathite slewe Saph, which was one of ye sonnes of Haraphah.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines, at Gob; then Sibbechai the Hushathite smote Saph, who was of the children of Raphah.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And it cometh to pass afterwards, that the battle is again in Gob with the Philistines, then hath Sibbechai the Hushathite smitten Saph, who [is] among the children of the giant.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And it comes to pass afterward that the battle is again in Gob with the Philistines. Then Sibbechai the Hushathite has struck Saph, who [is] among the children of the giant.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle at Gob, with the Philistines: then smote Sibbechai the Chushathite Saph, who was of the children of the Raphah.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

It came about after this that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob, when Sibbekai the Hushathite killed Saph, who was one of the descendants of the Rephaim.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

There was also a second battle in Gob against the Philistines: then Sobochai of Husathi slew Saph of the race of Arapha of the family of the giants.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Some time after this there was another battle with the Philistines at Gob. But then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, one of the descendants of Repha.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Now after this there was war with the Philistines again at Gob, and Sibbecai the Hushathite put to death Saph, one of the offspring of the Rephaim.

Word by word, the decisions they made

ע֧וֹדod again H5750 2 different renderings
againASV BBE DBY ILT KJV LSV NWB RVA ULB WEB YLT
secondDRA

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.

וַֽandclauseverbיְהִי֙it.wasprepositional phrase · prepositionalאַֽחֲרֵיafterכֵ֔ןthusוַandclauseverbתְּהִיit.wasadverbialע֧וֹדagainnoun phrase · subjectהַ(the)מִּלְחָמָ֛הbattleprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּatג֖וֹבGobprepositional phrase · prepositionalעִםwithפְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים[the].Philistinesclauseadverbialאָ֣זthenverbהִכָּ֗הhe.struck.downnoun phrase · subjectסִבְּכַי֙Sibbecainoun phraseהַtheחֻ֣שָׁתִ֔יHushathitenoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)noun phraseסַ֕ףSaphrelpאֲשֶׁ֖רwhoclauseprepositional phrase · predicateבִּ[was].amongnoun phraseילִדֵ֥יthose.bornnoun phraseהָofרָפָֽהthe.Raphah

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 Dead Sea Scrolls show significant agreement, with most words matching. The Septuagint provides a close translation but reflects its own grammatical structure and word order.

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

וַֽיְהִי֙ אַֽחֲרֵי־ כֵ֔ן וַתְּהִי־ ע֧וֹד הַמִּלְחָמָ֛ה בְּג֖וֹב עִם־ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים אָ֣ז הִכָּ֗ה סִבְּכַי֙ הַחֻ֣שָׁתִ֔י אֶת־ סַ֕ף אֲשֶׁ֖ר בִּילִדֵ֥י הָרָפָֽה׃ פ

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַֽיְהִי֙ἐγενήθηאַֽחֲרֵי־μετὰכֵ֔ןταῦταע֧וֹדἔτιהַמִּלְחָמָ֛הπόλεμοςבְּג֖וֹבγεθעִם־μετὰפְּלִשְׁתִּ֑יםἀλλοφύλωνאָ֣זτότεהִכָּ֗הἐπάταχενסִבְּכַי֙σεβοξαהַחֻ֣שָׁתִ֔יαστατωθιאֲשֶׁ֖רτὸνבִּילִדֵ֥יἐκγόνοιςהָרָפָֽה׃ פραφα

15 of the 18 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.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 1Q7a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

ויהי אחרי [כן] [ותהי] [עוד] [המלחמה] אלים עם פלשתים [אז] [הכה] סבכי אם החשתי את [סף] [אשר] [בילדי] [הרפה]

7 words on the leather — 2 partly restored, 10 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.

2 Samuel 21:18הָיָהand it wasand it wasהָיָהאַחַרafterafterאַחַרכֵּןthusthusכֵּןהָיָהand it wasand it wasהָיָהעוֹדagainagainעוֹדמִלְחָמָהwarwarמִלְחָמָהגֹּבat Gobat Gobגֹּבעִםwithwithעִםפְּלִשְׁתִּי[the] Phili[the] Philistinפְּלִשְׁתִּיאָזthenthenאָזנָכָהhe struck dhe struck downנָכָהסִבְּכַיSibbecaiSibbecaiסִבְּכַיחֻשָׁתִיthe Hushaththe Hushathiteחֻשָׁתִיאֵתthe object the object markאֵתסַףSaphSaphסַףאֲשֶׁרwhowhoאֲשֶׁריָלִיד[was] among[was] among thoיָלִידרָפָהthe Raphahthe Raphahרָפָההָוָאto fallto fallהָוָאאָחַרto delayto delayאָחַרכּוּןto establito establish: pכּוּןעוּדto upholdto upholdעוּדלָחַםto fightto fightלָחַםגּוּבגּוּבעָמַםto darkento darkenעָמַםפְּלֶ֫שֶׁתPhilistiaPhilistiaפְּלֶ֫שֶׁתסָבַךְto interweto interweaveסָבַךְחוּשָׁהHushahHushahחוּשָׁהאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתיָלַדto begetto begetיָלַדרָפָאto healto healרָפָאסַףbasinbasinסַףסַףSippaiSippaiסַףרָדַףto pursueto pursueרָדַףזָנָהto fornicato fornicateזָנָהכֹּהthusthusכֹּה
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 Samuel 21:18

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 it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
וַֽיְהִי֙vay.Hi and it was H1961 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Tyndale gloss
to be
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be

Qal

Fall out, happen

occur, take place, come about, come to pass

esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass

וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

Come into being, become

abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

sq. prep.

become

sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

sq. pred. adj.

become like

sq. pred. לְ pers.

sq. לְ pred.

oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.

with עַל and לְ

sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)

exist, be in existence

abide, remain, continue

with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie

as copula, joining subj. & pred.

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen

. occur, take place, come about, come to pass

. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

. sq. prep.

. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

. sq. pred. adj.

. become like

. sq. pred. + לְ pers.

. sq. לְ pred.

. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.

. with עַל and לְ

. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence

. abide, remain, continue

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1961 hayah haw-yaw

a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,

come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or

auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,

committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,

fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit

(one-)self, require, X use.

see HEBREW for 01933

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.

1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) ---

1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass

1a1b) to come about, come to pass

1a2) to come into being, become

1a2a) to arise, appear, come

1a2b) to become

1a2b1) to become

1a2b2) to become like

1a2b3) to be instituted, be established

1a3) to be

1a3a) to exist, be in existence

1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)

1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)

1a3d) to accompany, be with

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about

1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
and it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
אַֽחֲרֵי־'a.cha.rei- after H310 Prep
716× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Amplified meaning
after this, afterwards
Tyndale gloss
after
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אַחַר (*achar*) primarily denotes the concept of 'after' or 'behind' in both spatial and temporal contexts. It functions as a substantive, adverb, preposition, and conjunction, indicating a following part or time. The related form אַחֲרַי (*acharai*) refers to a person who turns backwards. There is a reference to Proverbs 28:23 in relation to the latter.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part

adv.

of place, behind

of time, afterwards

prep.

of place, behind, after

of time, after

conj. after that.

base

אַחֲרַי adj. Pr 28:23 a man that turneth backwards.

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H310a אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part . adv. . of place, behind

. of time, afterwards

. prep. . of place, behind, after

. of time, after

. conj. after that.

H310b אַחֲרַי a man that turneth backwards.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

310 'achar akh-ar'

from 309; properly, the hind part; generally used as an

adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses):--after

(that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side),

behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from,

hereafter, hinder end, + out (over) live, + persecute,

posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth),

when, with.

see HEBREW for 0309

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַחַר (a.char) — after.

1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time)

1a) as an adverb

1a1) behind (of place)

1a2) afterwards (of time)

1b) as a preposition

1b1) behind, after (of place)

1b2) after (of time)

1b3) besides

1c) as a conjunction

1c) after that

1d) as a substantive

1d1) hinder part

1e) with other prepositions

1e1) from behind

1e2) from following after

אַחֲרַי (a.cha.ray) — backwards.

backwards (of a man that turns backwards)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Prep
HAcmpc
and it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
כֵ֔ןKhen thus H3651 Adverb
771× 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 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Tyndale gloss
right
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word כֵּן (*ken*) is built from the root meaning 'set upright.' It functions as an adjective meaning 'right,' 'veritable,' or 'honest,' and as an adverb meaning 'so,' 'therefore,' or 'thus.' It appears in various contexts, often indicating manner or relation, and is used in phrases like 'forasmuch as.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֵּן adj. right, veritable, honest

right

veritable, true

pl. concr. honest (men)

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

כֵּן adv. so

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3651a כֵּן adj. right, veritable, honest H3651b כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as H3651c כֵּן so

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3651 ken kane

from 3559; properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as

adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction)

rightly or so (in various applications to manner, time and

relation; often with other particles):--+ after that

(this, -ward, -wards), as ... as, + (for-)asmuch as yet, + be

(for which) cause, + following, howbeit, in (the) like

(manner, -wise), X the more, right, (even) so, state,

straightway, such (thing), surely, + there (where)-fore, this,

thus, true, well, X you.

see HEBREW for 03559

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֵּן (ken) — right.

adv

adj

1) right, just, honest, true, veritable

1a) right, just, honest

1b) correct

1c) true, veritable

[כִּי עַל] כֵּן ([ki al] ken) — as.

adv

forasmuch as, since

כֵּן (ken) — so.

adv

1) so, therefore, thus

1a) thus, so

1b) just so

1c) therefore

1d) so...as (paired with adv)

1e) then

1f) forasmuch as (in phrase)

1g) (with prep)

1g1) therefore, this being so (specific)

1g2) hitherto

1g3) therefore, on this ground (general)

1g4) afterwards

1g5) in such case

Aramaic equivalent: ken (כֵּן "thus" H3652)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HD — Adverb
HD
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
וַתְּהִי־va.te.hi- and it was H1961 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Tyndale gloss
to be
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be

Qal

Fall out, happen

occur, take place, come about, come to pass

esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass

וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

Come into being, become

abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

sq. prep.

become

sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

sq. pred. adj.

become like

sq. pred. לְ pers.

sq. לְ pred.

oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.

with עַל and לְ

sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)

exist, be in existence

abide, remain, continue

with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie

as copula, joining subj. & pred.

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen

. occur, take place, come about, come to pass

. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

. sq. prep.

. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

. sq. pred. adj.

. become like

. sq. pred. + לְ pers.

. sq. לְ pred.

. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.

. with עַל and לְ

. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence

. abide, remain, continue

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1961 hayah haw-yaw

a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,

come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or

auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,

committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,

fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit

(one-)self, require, X use.

see HEBREW for 01933

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.

1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) ---

1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass

1a1b) to come about, come to pass

1a2) to come into being, become

1a2a) to arise, appear, come

1a2b) to become

1a2b1) to become

1a2b2) to become like

1a2b3) to be instituted, be established

1a3) to be

1a3a) to exist, be in existence

1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)

1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)

1a3d) to accompany, be with

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about

1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Hc/Vqw3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
Hc/Vqw3fs
and it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
ע֧וֹדod again H5750 Adv
490× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Amplified meaning
second, subsequent
Tyndale gloss
still
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עוֹד (owd) primarily denotes a sense of iteration or continuance, functioning mostly as an adverb meaning 'still,' 'yet,' or 'again.' It can also imply addition or repetition, as in 'more' or 'besides.' The word appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing persistence or continuation.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עוֹד and (14 t.) עֹד subst. a going round, continuance, but used mostly as adv. acc. still, yet, again, besides

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5750 עוֹד and (14 t.) עֹד subst. a going round, continuance, but used mostly as adv. acc. still, yet, again, besides

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5750 `owd ode

or rod {ode}; from 5749; properly, iteration or continuance;

used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again,

repeatedly, still, more:--again, X all life long, at all,

besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer,

(any) more(-over), X once, since, (be) still, when, (good,

the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet

(within).

see HEBREW for 05749

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עוֹד (od) — still.

subst

1) a going round, continuance

adv

2) still, yet, again, besides

2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence)

2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition)

2c) again

2d) still, moreover, besides

Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adv — Adv
HAcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a-gen': Advb. denoting repetition; in New Testament, generally for palin, "back," "once more." Occasionally, it has the force of a connective, synonymous with "moreover," as in Ro 15:10 ff; 1Co 3:20, etc. The expression "born again" of the King James Version, Joh 3:3,7; 1Pe 1:23, translating the Greek "anothen" and "ana" in composition, becomes in the Revised Version (British and American) "anew," i.e. "over again." As these particles mean "from above" and "up," their use as indicating repetition is sometimes disputed, but without further foundation than that "again" does not exhaust the meaning.

and it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
הַמִּלְחָמָ֛הha.mil.cha.Mah war H4421 Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
320× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Amplified meaning
war, conflict
Tyndale gloss
battle
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִלְחָמָה (milchamah) means 'battle' or 'war.' It is derived from the root word for fighting and encompasses both specific engagements and the broader concept of warfare. The entries consistently define it in this way, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִלְחָמָה 319 n.f. battle, war

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4421 מִלְחָמָה battle, war

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4421 milchamah mil-khaw-maw'

from 3898 (in the sense of fighting); a battle (i.e. the

engagement); generally, war (i.e. warfare):--battle,

fight(-ing), war((-rior)).

see HEBREW for 03898

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִלְחָמָה (mil.cha.mah) — battle.

battle, war

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-fs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
HTd/Ncfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

War

The Israelites had to take possession of the Promised Land by conquest. They had to engage in a long and bloody war before the Canaanitish tribes were finally subdued. Except in the case of Jericho and Ai, the war did not become aggressive till after the death of Joshua. Till then the attack was always first made by the Canaanites. Now the measure of the iniquity of the Canaanites was full, and Israel was employed by God to sweep them away from off the face of the earth. In entering on this new stage of the war, the tribe of Judah, according to divine direction, took the lead.

In the days of Saul and David the people of Israel engaged in many wars with the nations around, and after the division of the kingdom into two they often warred with each other. They had to defend themselves also against the inroads of the Egyptians, the Assyrians, and the Babylonians. The whole history of…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The most important topic in connection with war is the formation of the army which is destined to carry it on. [ARMY] In (1 Kings 9:22) at a period (Solomon’s reign) when the organization of the army was complete, we have apparently a list of the various gradations of rank in the service, as follows: "Men of war" = privates ; "servants," the lowest rank of officers --lieutenants ; "princes" = captains ; "captains," perhaps = staff officers ; "rulers of the chariots and his horsemen" = cavalry officers . Formal proclamations of war were not interchanged between the belligerents. Before entering the enemy’s district spies were seat to ascertain the character of the country and the preparations of its inhabitants for resistance. (Numbers 13:17;

One of the evil fruits of the fall, and an appalling manifestation of the depravity of mankind, Ge 6:11-13 Isa 9:5 Jas 4:1-2, often rendered apparently inevitable by the assaults of enemies, or commanded by God for their punishment. See AMALEKITES and CANAAN.

By this scourge, subsequently to the conquest of Canaan, God chastised both his own rebellious people and the corrupt and oppressive idolaters around them. In many cases, moreover, the issue was distinctly made between the true God and idols; as with the Philistines, 1Sa 17:43-47; the Syrians, 1Ki 20:23-30; the Assyrians,

→ Averted Jos 22:11-34

→ Enemy harangued by the general of the opposing side 2Ki 18:19-36; 2Ch 13:4-12

→ Of extermination Nu 31:7-17; De 2:33,34; 3:6; 20:13-18;

and it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
בְּג֖וֹבbe.Gov at Gob H1359 Preposition · noun proper
2× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Gob is a place in Palestine where David's warriors fought against the Philistines, and its name means cistern, a man-made pit for storing water. This location is significant in the history of Israel and the battles of King David. Gob is also another name for Gezer.
Amplified meaning
a place in Palestine, a cistern
Tyndale gloss
Gob
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

גֹּב (Gob) refers to a location in Palestine, specifically a site associated with battles between David's warriors and the Philistines. It is derived from a root meaning 'pit' and is also linked to the term for 'cistern.' The entries indicate that Gob may also be another name for Gezer.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

גֹּב, גּוֹב n.pr.loc. field of battle with Philistines

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1359 גֹּב

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1359 Gob gobe

or (fully) Gowb {gobe'}; from 1461; pit; Gob, a place in

Palestine:--Gob.

see HEBREW for 01461

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

גֹּב (gov) — Gob.

Gob = "cistern"

a place which was the scene of two encounters between David's warriors and the Philistines (also '"Gezer')

Another name of ge.zer (גֶּ֫זֶר "Gezer" H1507)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun proper
HR/Npl
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

gob (gobh): A place mentioned in 2Sa 21:18 f as the scene of two of David's battles with the Philistines. The name appears here only. In the parallel passage, 1Ch 20:4, it is called Gezer (compare Ant, VII, xii, 2). Certain texts read "Nob" for "Gob," while Syriac and Septuagint read "Gath." The latter is probably correct.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Gob

A pit, a place mentioned in 2 Sam. 21:18, 19; called also Gezer, in 1 Chr. 20:4.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(cistern), a place mentioned only in (2 Samuel 21:18,19) as the scene of two encounters between David’s warriors and the Philistines. In the parallel account in (1 Chronicles 20:4) the name is given as GEZER.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

cistern; grasshopper

and it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
עִם־'im- with H5973 Preposition
1,052× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Tyndale gloss
with
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עִם (im) is a preposition meaning 'with' and covers a range of relationships, including companionship, locality, and possession. It can imply actions done jointly, equality, or even opposition in contexts like combat. The related form מֵעִם (me.im) means 'from with' or 'beside.' The entries reflect various nuances but do not present significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עִם prep. with

of fellowship and companionship

of aid

Of actions done jointly with another

If the common action be of the nature of a contest or combat, with in the sense of against

Of dealing with a person, or of the relation in which one stands with, or towards, another

Of a common lot together with the wicked

Of equality or resemblance generally aid

Of time, as long as

Of a locality, close to, beside

Of persons, עִם is spec.

in the house or family or service of

In possession of

In the custody or care of

Beside = except

With = friendly with

Idiom. of a thought or purpose present with one

Metaph. together with = in spite of, notwithstanding

base

מֵעִם 72 from with or beside

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5973a עִם with . of fellowship and companionship

. Of a locality, close to, beside

. Of persons, עִם is spec. . in the house or family or service of

. In possession of

. In the custody or care of

. Beside = except

. With = friendly with

. Idiom. of a thought or purpose present with one

. Metaph. together with = in spite of, notwithstanding

H5973b מֵעִם from with, beside

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5973 `im eem

from 6004; adverb or preposition, with (i.e. in conjunction

with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with;

often with prepositional prefix (and then usually

unrepresented in English):--accompanying, against, and, as (X

long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from

(among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-)to,

with(-al).

see HEBREW for 06004

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עִם (im) — with.

1) with

1a) with

1b) against

1c) toward

1d) as long as

מֵעִם (me.im) — from with.

1a) beside, except

1b) in spite of

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
and it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑יםpe.lish.Tim [the] Philistines H6430 Noun gentilic · masculine plural absolute
288× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Amplified meaning
a group of non-Hebrew people, immigrants from other places
Tyndale gloss
(Sea of the) Philistines
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word פְּלִשְׁתִּי (*pelishtiy*) means 'Philistine' and refers to an inhabitant of Philistia, with roots indicating they are descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor. It is derived from the lemma for Philistia, פְּלֶ֫שֶׁת (*peleshet*), and is first mentioned in Genesis 10:14.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פְּלִשְׁתִּי 288 adj.gent. Philistine

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6430 פְּלִשְׁתִּי Philistine

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6430 Plishtiy pel-ish-tee'

patrial from 6429; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of

Pelesheth:--Philistine.

see HEBREW for 06429

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פְּלִשְׁתִּי (pe.lish.ti) — Philistine.

Philistine = "immigrants"

an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan

Another spelling of pe.le.shet (פְּלֶ֫שֶׁת "Philistia" H6429)

פְּלִשְׁתִּי (pe.lish.ti) — Philistine.

A Philistine living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.14;

son of: Casluhim (H3695)

§ Philistine = "immigrants"

an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan

פְּלִשְׁתִּי (pe.lish.ti) — (Sea of the) Philistines.

Philistine = "immigrants"

an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan

Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Ngmpa — Noun gentilic · masculine plural absolute
HNgmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

fi-lis'-tinz, fil'-is-tinz, fil'-is-tinz (pelishtim; Phulistieim, allophuloi):

I. OLD TESTAMENT NOTICES

1. Race and Origin

2. Religion

3. Individual Philistines Mentioned

4. Title of Ruler and Circumcision

5. History in the Old Testament to Death of Saul

6. History Continued to Time of Ahaz

7. Later Notices

II. MONUMENTAL NOTICES

1. Palestinian Excavations

2. Egyptian Monuments

3. Assyrian Texts

III. THE CRETAN THEORY

1. Cherethim and Kretes

2. Caphtor and Keft

IV. DAVID'S GUARDS

1. The "Cherethi" and the "Pelethi" Not Mercenaries

2. Meaning of These Terms

3. Native Hebrews

4. Review

LITERATURE

I. Old Testament Notices.

1. Race and Origin:

The Philistines were an uncircumcised people inhabiting the shore plain between Gezer and Gaza in Southwestern Palestine (see PHILISTIA). The name Palestine itself (Hebrew pelesheth) refers to their country. The word means "migrants," and they came from another country. They…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Philistines

(Gen. 10:14, R.V.; but in A.V., “Philistim”), a tribe allied to the Phoenicians. They were a branch of the primitive race which spread over the whole district of the Lebanon and the valley of the Jordan, and Crete and other Mediterranean islands. Some suppose them to have been a branch of the Rephaim (2 Sam. 21:16-22). In the time of Abraham they inhabited the south-west of Judea, Abimelech of Gerar being their king (Gen. 21:32, 34; 26:1). They are, however, not noticed among the Canaanitish tribes mentioned in the Pentateuch. They are spoken of by Amos (9:7) and Jeremiah (47:4) as from Caphtor, i.e., probably Crete, or, as some think, the Delta of Egypt. In the whole record from Exodus to Samuel they are…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(immigrants), The origin of the Philistines is nowhere expressly stated in the Bible; but as the prophets describe them as "the Philistines-from Caphtor," (Amos 9:7) and "the remnant of the maritime district of Caphtor" (Jeremiah 47:4) it is prima facie probable that they were the Caphtorim which came out of Caphtor" who expelled the Avim from their territory and occupied it; in their place, (2:23) and that these again were the Caphtorim mentioned in the Mosaic genealogical table among the descendants of Mizraim. (Genesis 10:14) It has been generally assumed that Caphtor represents Crete, and that the Philistines migrated from that island, either directly or through Egypt, into Palestine. But the name Caphtor is more probably…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A celebrated people, who inhabited the southern seacoast of Canaan, which from them took the name of Philistia, Ps 60:8 108:9, or Palestine. They seem originally to have migrated form Egypt to Caphtor, by which some understand Crete, and others with the ancients Cappadocia, Ge 10:14, and thence to have passed over to Palestine under the name of Caphtorim, where they drove out the Avim, who dwelt from Hazerim to Azzah, that is, Gaza, and swelt in their stead, De 2:23. The country they inhabited lay between the higher land of Judea and the Mediterranean, and was in the main a level and fertile territory. It resembles our own western prairies; and bears splendid crops year after year, though miserably cultivated and never manured.

and it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
אָ֣ז'az then H227 Adverb
141× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Amplified meaning
then, in the past
Tyndale gloss
then
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָז (az) is a demonstrative adverb meaning 'at that time' or 'then,' used for both temporal and logical expressions. It can refer to past events or indicate a condition for future actions. The related form מֵאָז (me.az) means 'from that time' or 'since.' The entries highlight its use in various contexts without significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָז adv. at that time, then whether expressing duration, or inception (= thereupon).

strictly temporal

expressing logical sequence strictly

base

מֵאָז lit. from that time

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H227a אָז at that time, then H227b מֵאָז, once

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

227 'az awz

a demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a

conjunction, therefore:--beginning, for, from, hitherto, now,

of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָז (az) — then.

1) then, at that time

1a) temporal expressions

1a1) then (past)

1a2) then, if...then (future)

1a3) earlier

1b) logical expressions

1b1) in that case

1b2) that (being so)

מֵאָז (me.az) — the past.

1) in time past, of old

2)from time of, since

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adv — Adverb
HD
and it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
הִכָּ֗הhi.Kah he struck down H5221 Verb · Hiphil · perfect third person masculine singular
500× 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 strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Amplified meaning
struck, smote
Tyndale gloss
to smite
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָכָה (nakah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to strike or smite, encompassing a range of actions from lightly hitting to fatal blows. It appears in various forms, indicating actions like attacking, punishing, or causing disease. The entries suggest its use in both literal and figurative contexts, including divine judgment and applause. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָכָה] 501 vb. smite (not in Qal)

Niph. and he shall be smitten [struck by weapon in battle] and die

Pu. both be smitten down by the hail

Hiph.

lit., smite (with a single, non-fatal, blow), strike

smite repeatedly, beat a man

and they clapped hands (in applause)

give a thrust (with fork) into pot; strike roots

rarely smite (in battle) so as (merely) to wound

smite, of sun

Smite fatally

Smite = attack, attack and destroy a company

Of God

smite with a plague, disease, etc.

smite = chastise, or send judgment upon

of God’s destroying palaces

Hoph. be smitten

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5221 נָכָה smite (not in Qal) . and he shall be smitten [struck by weapon in battle] and die

. both be smitten down by the hail

. . . lit., smite (with a single, non-fatal, blow), strike

. smite repeatedly, beat a man

. and they clapped hands (in applause)

. give a thrust (with fork) into pot; strike roots

. rarely smite (in battle) so as (merely) to wound

. smite, of sun

. Smite fatally

. Smite = attack, attack and destroy a company

. Of God . smite with a plague, disease, etc.

. smite = chastise, or send judgment upon

. of God’s destroying palaces

. be smitten

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5221 nakah naw-kaw'

a primitive root; to strike (lightly or severely, literally

or figuratively):--beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), X

go forward, X indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer,

punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike,

be stricken, (give) stripes, X surely, wound.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָכָה (na.khah) — to smite.

1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill

1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten

1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust

1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast)

1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage

1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy

1d) (Hophal) to be smitten

1d1) to receive a blow

1d2) to be wounded

1d3) to be beaten

1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain

1d5) to be attacked and captured

1d6) to be smitten (with disease)

1d7) to be blighted (of plants)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · perfect third person masculine singular
HVhp3ms
and it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
סִבְּכַי֙si.be.Khai Sibbecai H5444 Noun proper masculine
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Sibbecai was an Israelite warrior and one of David's captains. He is mentioned in 2 Samuel as a brave fighter and leader of 24,000 men. His name means 'weaver'
Amplified meaning
a brave warrior, one of David's captains
Tyndale gloss
Sibbecai
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

סִבְּכַי (sib-bek-ah'-ee) refers to Sibbecai, a captain in King David's army, noted for being a Judaite and a descendant of Zerah. The name is associated with the meaning 'weaver' and appears in 2 Samuel 21:18 and 23:27, where he is also referred to as Mebunnai.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

סִבְּכַי n.pr.m. a captain of David

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5444 סִבְּכַי

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5444 Cibbkay sib-bek-ah'-ee

from 5440; copse-like; Sibbecai, an Israelite:--Sibbecai,

Sibbechai.

see HEBREW for 05440

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

סִבְּכַי (sib.b.khay) — Sibbecai.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.18; also called Mebunnai (NIV: Sibbekai) at 2Sa.23.27;

Also named: me.vun.nay (מְבֻנַּי "Mebunnai" H4012)

§ Sibbecai or Sibbechai = "weaver"

one of David's guard and 8th captain for the 8th month of 24,000 men of the king's army; a Judaite, descendant of Zerah and called the 'Hushathite'

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Sibbecai

The Lord sustains, one of David’s heroes (1 Chr. 11:29), general of the eighth division of the army (27:11). He slew the giant Saph in the battle of Gob (2 Sam. 21:18; R.V., “Sibbechai”). Called also Mebunnai (23:27).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

= SIBBECHAI the Hushathite.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ See SIBBECHAI

and it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
הַחֻ֣שָׁתִ֔יha.Chu.sha.Ti the Hushathite H2843 Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
5× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Describes someone from the family line of Hushah, like two of David's mighty warriors in 2 Samuel 21:18.
Amplified meaning
from the family line of Hushah
Tyndale gloss
Hushathite
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֻשָׁתִי (Chushathiy) refers to a Hushathite, someone descended from Hushah. This term is used to describe individuals associated with Hushah, including two of David's mighty warriors, as noted in 2 Samuel 21:18. The word is built from a patronymic form related to the root word for Hushah.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֻשָׁתִי adj.gent. of foregoing [h.bo.ab]:—1. of individ.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2843 חֻשָׁתִי

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2843 Chushathiy khoo-shaw-thee'

patronymically from 2364; a Chushathite or descendant of

Chushah:--Hushathite.

see HEBREW for 02364

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֻשָׁתִי (chu.sha.ti) — Hushathite.

Someone descended from Hushath(?), first mentioned at 2Sa.21.18

§ Hushathite = "inhabitant of Hushah"

an inhabitant of Hushah or a descendant of Hushah; the designation given to two of David's mighty warriors

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | Ngmsa — Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ngmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hu'-shath-it, (chushathi, "a dweller in Hushah"?): The patronymic given in two forms, but probably of the same man, Sibbeccai, one of David's thirty heroes (2Sa 21:18; 1Ch 11:29; 20:4; 27:11), or Mebunnai as named in the parallel passage (2Sa 23:27).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(inhabitant of Hushah), The, the designation of two of the heroes of David’s guard. SIBBECHAI. (2 Samuel 21:18; 1 Chronicles 11:29; 20:4; 27:11) Josephus, however, called him a Hittite. MEBUNNAI, (2 Samuel 23:27) a mere corruption of SIBBECHAI.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

Hushim, man of haste, or of silence

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
אֶת־'et- the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
סַ֕ףsaf Saph H5593 Noun proper masculine
1× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Saph was a Philistine, a giant and the son of Rapha, mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:18. He was the brother of Goliath and was also known as Sippai. The name means tall.
Amplified meaning
a giant, a Philistine
Tyndale gloss
Saph
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

סַף (saph) refers to a Philistine man mentioned during the time of the United Monarchy, specifically noted as a son of Rapha and brother to Goliath. He is also called Sippai in some texts. The name is linked to the concept of being 'tall.' The entries indicate that סַף is synonymous with סִפַּי.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

סַף, סִפַּי n.pr.m. a Philistine

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5593 סַף, סִפַּי

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5593 Caph saf

the same as 5592; Saph, a Philistine:--Saph. Compare 5598.

see HEBREW for 05592

see HEBREW for 05598

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

סַף (saph) — Saph.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.18;

son of: Rapha (H7497A);

brother of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430) , Lahmi (H3902), huge_man (H4060A); also called Sippai at 1Ch.20.4;

Also named: sip.pay (סִפַּי "Sippai" H5598)

§ Saph = "tall"

one of the sons of the Philistine giant slain by Sibbechai the Hushathite

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

saf (caph; Codex Vaticanus Saph; Codex Alexandrinus Sephe): A Philistine, one of the four champions of the race of Rapha ("giant") who was slain by Sibbecai, one of David's heroes (2Sa 21:18; 1Ch 20:4). It is supposed by some that he was the son of the giant Goliath, but this is not proved. In 1Ch 20:4, the same person is called "Sippai."

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Saph

Extension, the son of the giant whom Sibbechai slew (2 Sam. 21:18); called also Sippai (1 Chr. 20:4).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(tall), one of the sons of the giant slain by Sibbechai the Hushathite. (2 Samuel 21:18) In (1 Chronicles 20:4) he is called SIPPAI. (B.C. about 1050.)

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

rushes; sea-moss

and it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
אֲשֶׁ֖ר'a.Sher who H834 Particle
5,500× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Tyndale gloss
which
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Rel — Particle
HTr
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
בִּילִדֵ֥יbi.li.Dei [was] among those born of H3211 Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct
13× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means born, referring to a child or son, like a home-born son or daughter.
Tyndale gloss
born
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָלִיד (yaliyd) means 'born' and is derived from the root word for 'to bear' or 'to bring forth.' It generally refers to someone who is born, such as a child or son. The entries consistently emphasize this meaning without notable disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[יָלִיד] adj. born

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3211 יָלִיד born

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3211 yaliyd yaw-leed'

from 3205; born:--((home-))born, child, son.

see HEBREW for 03205

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָלִיד (ya.lid) — born.

born

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-mp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct
HR/Ncmpc
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 it was after thus and it was again war at Gob with [the] Philistines then he struck down Sibbecai the Hushathite the object marker Saph who [was] among those born of the Raphah
הָרָפָֽה׃ פha.ra.Fah the Raphah H7497 Particle · noun proper
25× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Raphaite were a group of giants, including Goliath, mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:16, who lived during the time of King David.
Amplified meaning
a group of giants, the Raphaite
Tyndale gloss
Rapha
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָפָה (rapha') refers to a giant, specifically associated with the Rephaim, an ancient race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament. The term encompasses both the individual Rapha and the collective Rephaim, who are described as descendants of Rapha. The entries highlight the connection to invigorating or healing, but primarily focus on the notion of giants.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רָפָה, רָפָא as n.pr.m. Hā-Rāphā

base

רְפָאִים n.pr.gent. old race of giants

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7497a רָפָה, רָפָא Hā-Rāphā H7497b רְפָאִים n. pr. gent. old race of giants

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7497 rapha' raw-faw'

or raphah {raw-faw'}; from 7495 in the sense of invigorating;

a giant:--giant, Rapha, Rephaim(-s). See also 1051.

see HEBREW for 07495

see HEBREW for 01051

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָפָה (ra.pah) — Rapha.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.16;

father of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902), huge_man (H4060A); also translated "giant";

Also named: re.pha.im (רְפָאִים "Raphaite" H7497H)

§ giant, Rephah

רְפָאִים (re.pha.im) — Rephaim.

1) giants, Rephaim

1a) old tribe of giants

2) People descended from Repha(?), first mentioned at Gen.14.5

Also named: zam.zom (זַמְזֻמִּים "Zamzummin" H2157)

רְפָאִים (re.pha.im) — (Valley of) Rephaim.

Combined with e.meq (עֵ֫מֶק " Valley" H6010P)

This name means giants,

רְפָאִים (re.pha.im) — Raphaite.

Descendants from Rapha, who lived at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.16;

father of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902), huge_man (H4060A); also translated "giant";

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | Ngmsa — Particle · noun proper
HTd/Npt
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

Raphu, relaxation; physic; comfort

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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