2 Samuel 5:23 — Word Study
WLCוַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל דָּוִד֙ בַּֽיהוָ֔ה וַיֹּ֖אמֶר לֹ֣א תַעֲלֶ֑ה הָסֵב֙ אֶל־ אַ֣חֲרֵיהֶ֔ם וּבָ֥אתָ לָהֶ֖ם מִמּ֥וּל בְּכָאִֽים׃
BSASo DavidDâvid [the youngest son of Jesse, a king of Israel] inquiredshâʼal▸ [to ask, seek guidance] of the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] who answeredʼâmar▸ Do notlôʼ [indicating absence or negation] march straight upʻâlâh▸ [to ascend, go up] but circleçâbab aroundʼêl [to turn, surround] behind themʼachar [in the rear, after] and attackbôwʼ in frontmûwl of the balsam treesbâkâʼ [opposite, facing, a shrub producing valuable sap]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל | and he enquired | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| דָּוִד֙ | David | Noun proper masculine |
| בַּֽיהוָ֔ה | by Yahweh | Preposition, noun proper |
| וַיֹּ֖אמֶר | and he said | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| לֹ֣א | not | Particle |
| תַעֲלֶ֑ה | you must go up | Verb, Qal, imperfect second person masculine singular |
| הָסֵב֙ | go around | Verb, Hiphil, imperative second person masculine singular |
| אֶל־ | to | Preposition |
| אַ֣חֲרֵיהֶ֔ם | behind them | Suffix |
| וּבָ֥אתָ | and you will go | Verb, Qal, sequential perfect second person masculine singular |
| לָהֶ֖ם | to them | Preposition, suffix |
| מִמּ֥וּל | from in front of | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| בְּכָאִֽים׃ | [the] balsam trees | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. |
| KJV | And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. |
| ASV | And when David inquired of Jehovah, he said, Thou shalt not go up: make a circuit behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry-trees. |
| YLT | and David asketh of Jehovah, and He saith, 'Thou dost not go up, turn round unto their rear, and thou hast come to them over-against the mulberries, |
| WEB | When David inquired of Yahweh, he said, “You shall not go up. Circle around behind them, and attack them in front of the mulberry trees. |
| BBE | And when David went for directions to the Lord, he said, You are not to go up against them in front; but make a circle round them from the back and come on them opposite the spice-trees. |
Where they part company is in the phrasing of David's inquiry and God's response — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence begins with David's inquiry, followed by God's response and instruction, creating a clear flow of action and guidance.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectדָּוִד
verbשָׁאַל
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — 2 Samuel 5:23
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 — David's Inquiry Before Battlegenerated
2 Samuel 5:23 describes a moment when David, facing the Philistines, seeks the LORD's guidance on how to approach the battle. This inquiry highlights David's dependence on divine direction rather than solely relying on his military judgment. The surrounding verses provide context for the Philistine threat and David's subsequent actions, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's counsel in leadership decisions.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 8:2–7 | And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set up an ambush behind the city.” |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 14:14 | So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. |
| 3 | Matthew 9:29–30 | Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you.” |
| 4 | Matthew 8:23–25 | When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. |
| 5 | John 9:6–7 | When Jesus had said this, He spit on the ground, made some mud, and applied it to the man’s eyes. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — שָׁאַל, vai.yish.'Algenerated
The verb שָׁאַל (sha'al) means to ask or inquire, often in the context of seeking guidance or requesting a favor. It is a common term in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in various forms and contexts, including asking for counsel or information from God or others.
In this verse, David's inquiry signifies a proactive approach to leadership, demonstrating his desire for divine insight before engaging in battle. The parsing indicates that it is a sequential imperfect verb, suggesting an ongoing action of seeking guidance.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the phrase David inquired of the LORD.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל (vai.yish.'al), and he inquired, governs the sentence. The structure includes a subordinate clause where the LORD responds, followed by directives on how to approach the enemy.
The syntax emphasizes David's inquiry first, setting the stage for the divine response that follows, which directs the action David is to take against the Philistines.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates שָׁאַל as ἐπηρώτησεν (epērōtēsen), meaning 'he asked'. This choice reflects a straightforward rendering of David's inquiry, maintaining the focus on the act of seeking information.
This translation aligns closely with the Hebrew, emphasizing the importance of inquiry as a means of receiving divine instruction.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
2 Samuel 5:23 shows David asking the LORD for guidance before attacking the Philistines. God tells him not to go straight into battle but to circle around and attack from behind the balsam trees. This highlights the importance of seeking God's direction in decisions.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
David's inquiry signifies his reliance on God's guidance for making important decisions, particularly in military matters.
God's instruction to attack from behind suggests a strategic advantage, emphasizing the importance of divine wisdom in planning.
This verse illustrates David's humility and wisdom as a leader, showing that he values God's counsel over his own judgment.
The balsam trees are shrubs known for their valuable sap, and they serve as a geographical reference point for the location of the battle.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I seek God's guidance in my own decisions?
- What are some examples in my life where I relied on divine direction?
- How does this passage encourage me to approach challenges with prayer?
- In what ways can I learn from David's example of leadership and reliance on God?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 2 Samuel 5:23 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd when David inquired of the Lord,.... For though he had success before, and got the victory, he would not engage again with them without having the mind and will of God, on whom he knew victory
Read John Gill on 2 Samuel 5 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd when David inquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Read Robert Jamieson on 2 Samuel 5 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThou shalt not go up, to wit, directly against them, as the following words explain it. Over against the mulberry trees, where they least expect thee. God’ s purposes and promises do not exclude men’ s just endeavours, but require them.
Read Matthew Poole on 2 Samuel 5 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments2 Samuel 5:23 And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; [but] fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.Ver. 23. But fetch a compass behind them.] God must be trusted; but in addition the best means must be used; and then a blessing may be expected. Over against the mulberry trees.] The Vulgate rendereth it, The pear trees; and the ordinary gloss hath Flentes, the weepers, because there the defeated Philistines wept for the loss of their idols, or of their hopes by them.
Read John Trapp on 2 Samuel 5 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(23) Shall not go up.—The enemy, on the same battle-expound, would have prepared for attack from the same direction as before; consequently David is directed to go round them and attack them unexpectedly from the opposite quarter.
Read Charles John Ellicott on 2 Samuel 5 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 23. Fetch a compass behind them] When they may be had, God will not work without using human means. By this he taught David caution, prudence, and dependence on the Divine strength.
Read AdamClarke on 2 Samuel 5 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges23. Thou shalt not go up] The addition of the Sept. “to meet them” is needed to complete the sense. This answer implies the same question as in 2 Samuel 5:19. fetch a compass behind them] Go round to their rear. “Compass” in old English means “circuit;” and “to fetch a compass” means “to make a circuit or detour,” “to go round.” In Chron. the same man�uvre is described in different words: “Go not after them: turn away from them and come upon them,” &c. mulberry trees] So the Jewish commentators explain the word bβcβ which is found only here and in the parallel passage of Chronicles. Probably however a tree called bβcβ by the Arabs, resembling the balsam shrub, is meant. The name is derived…
Read Cambridge on 2 Samuel 5 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe mulberry trees - Rather, the Bacah-tree, and found abundantly near Mecca. It is very like the balsam-tree, and probably derives its name from the exudation of the sap in drops like tears when a leaf is torn off.
Read Albert Barnes on 2 Samuel 5 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.
When David inquired of Yahweh, he said, “You shall not go up. Circle around behind them, and attack them in front of the mulberry trees.
So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.
So David asked the Lord what he should do. This time the Lord said to him, “Don’t march straight up. Instead, circle around behind them and come against them opposite the trees.
Tyndale line
And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.
And when David inquired of Jehovah, he said, Thou shalt not go up: make a circuit behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry-trees.
And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up: make a circuit behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.
And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up: but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry-trees.
And when Dauid asked counsell of the Lord, hee answered, Thou shalt not goe vp, but turne about behinde them, and come vpon them ouer against the mulberie trees.
Strictly literal
And David inquired of Jehovah; and he said, Thou shalt not go up; turn round behind them and come upon them opposite the mulberry-trees.
and David asketh of Jehovah, and He saith, 'Thou dost not go up, turn round unto their rear, and thou hast come to them over-against the mulberries,
and David asks of YHWH, and He says, “You do not go up, turn around to their rear, and you have come to them from the front [[or in front]] of the mulberries,
And when David asked counsel of the Lord, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but turn about and fall in the rear of them, and come upon them opposite to the mulberry-trees.
So David sought help from Yahweh again, and Yahweh said to him, “You must not attack their front, but rather circle around behind them and come on them through the balsam woods.
From the Latin
And David consulted the Lord: Shall I go up against the Philistines, and wilt thou deliver them into my hands? He answered: Go not up against them, but fetch a compass behind them, and thou shalt come upon them over against the pear trees.
Simplified
David asked the Lord what to do. The Lord replied, “Don't attack them directly, but go round behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.
And when David went for directions to the Lord, he said, You are not to go up against them in front; but make a circle round them from the back and come on them opposite the spice-trees.
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 their wording of this verse, with ten out of thirteen words matched. The Septuagint's structure may differ, but it retains the essential elements of David's inquiry and the LORD's response.
וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל דָּוִד֙ בַּֽיהוָ֔ה וַיֹּ֖אמֶר לֹ֣א תַעֲלֶ֑ה הָסֵב֙ אֶל־ אַ֣חֲרֵיהֶ֔ם וּבָ֥אתָ לָהֶ֖ם מִמּ֥וּל בְּכָאִֽים׃
10 of the 13 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in 2 Samuel 5:23
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.
שָׁאַל (sha'al) means to ask or inquire, often in the context of requesting a favor or borrowing. It covers a range of uses, including seeking counsel, consulting deities, and even begging. The verb can appear in different forms, such as asking for oneself or granting requests. There is a noted Aramaic equivalent, שְׁאֵל (she.el), meaning 'to ask'.
שָׁאַל 170 vb. ask, inquire
Qal
ask, ask for
specif. ask as a fovour, for temporary use, i.e. borrow
in weakened sense, seek, desire (late)
inquire of
inquire of, consult, deity, oracle, etc.
in weakened sense, seek, desire (late)
Niph. ask for oneself
Pi.
inquire carefully
beg, practise beggary
Hiph. (prop. let one ask [successfully], give, or lend, on request, then) grant, make over to (as a favour, with or without request)
base
H7592 שָׁאַל ask, inquire .. . ask, ask for
. specif. ask as a fovour, for temporary use, i.e. borrow
. in weakened sense, seek, desire (late)
. . inquire of
. inquire of, consult, deity, oracle, etc.
. in weakened sense, seek, desire (late)
. ask for oneself
. . inquire carefully
. beg, practise beggary
. (prop. let one ask [successfully], give, or lend, on request, then) grant, make over to (as a favour, with or without request)
7592 sha'al shaw-al'
or shael {shaw-ale'}; a primitive root; to inquire; by
implication, to request; by extension, to demand:--ask
(counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand,
desire, X earnestly, enquire, + greet, obtain leave, lend,
pray, request, require, + salute, X straitly, X surely, wish.
שָׁאַל (sha.al) — to ask.
1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to ask, ask for
1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow
1a3) to enquire, enquire of
1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle)
1a5) to seek
1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully
1c2) to beg, practise beggary
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to be given on request
1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to
Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
דָּוִד (David) refers to the second king of Israel, known as the youngest son of Jesse. The name means 'beloved' and is associated with a significant lineage, including many siblings and notable descendants like Solomon. The entries highlight his familial connections and historical context, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
דָּוִד, דָּוִיד 1066 n.pr.m. David
base
H1732 דָּוִד, דָּוִיד David
1732 David daw-veed'
rarely (fully); Daviyd {daw-veed'}; from the same as 1730;
loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse:--David.
see HEBREW for 01730
דָּוִד (da.vid) — David.
A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17;
son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I);
brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339);
father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N)
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
da'-vid (dawidh, or dawidh, "beloved"; Daueid, also in New Testament, Dauid, Dabid; see Thayer's Lexicon):
I. NAME AND GENEALOGY
II. EARLY YEARS
1. Shepherd
2. Slinger
3. Harpist
4. Poet
5. Psalmist
6. Tribesman
III. IN THE SERVICE OF SAUL
1. David First Meets Saul
2. His First Exploit
3. Envy of Saul and Flight of David
4. Jonathan and David
IV. DAVID IN EXILE
1. David as Outlaw
2. David Joins the Philistines
V. DAVID AS KING
1. Civil War
2. Conquests Abroad
3. Political Situation
4. The Ark
VI. DOMESTIC LIFE
1. His Wives and Children
2. Domestic Troubles
VII. HIS OFFICIALS
1. Prophets
2. Priests
3. Military Officers
4. Other Officials
5. Mutual Rivalry
VIII. PERSONAL CHARACTER OF DAVID
1. Chronicles
2. Psalms
3. Complex Character
4. Physical Courage
5. Moral Courage
6. Prudence
7. Strategy
8. Nobility
9. David in Relation to His Family
10. David in Relation to His Friends
11. His Success
12. His Foreign Friends
13. Nemesis
David
Beloved, the eighth and youngest son of Jesse, a citizen of Bethlehem. His father seems to have been a man in humble life. His mother’s name is not recorded. Some think she was the Nahash of 2 Sam. 17:25. As to his personal appearance, we only know that he was red-haired, with beautiful eyes and a fair face (1 Sam. 16:12; 17:42).
His early occupation was that of tending his father’s sheep on the uplands of Judah. From what we know of his after history, doubtless he frequently beguiled his time, when thus engaged, with his shepherd’s flute, while he drank in the many lessons taught him by the varied scenes spread around him. His first recorded exploits were his encounters with the wild beasts of the field. He mentions that with his own unaided hand he slew a lion and also a…
(well-beloved), the son of Jesse. His life may be divided into three portions: His youth before his introduction to the court of Saul; His relations with Saul; His reign. The early life of David contains in many important respects the antecedents of his future career. It appears that David was the youngest son, probably the youngest child, of a family of ten, and was born in Bethlehem B.C. 1085. The first time that David appears in history at once admits us to the whole family circle. The annual sacrificial feast is being held when Samuel appears, sent by God to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as they pass before him, (1 Samuel 16:6-10) Samuel sends for the youngest, David, who was "keeping the sheep," and anoints him. (1 Samuel 16:11-13) As David stood before Samuel we are enabled to…
Beloved, the youngest son of Jesse, of the tribe of Judah, born in Bethlehem B. C. 1085; one of the most remarkable men in either sacred of secular history. His life is fully recorded in 1Sa 16:1 1Ki 2:46. He was "the Lord’s anointed," chosen by God to be king of Israel instead of Saul, and consecrated to that office by the venerable prophet Samuel long before he actually came to the throne, 1Sa 16:1-13, for which God prepared him by the gift of his Spirit, and a long course of vicissitudes and dangers. In his early pastoral life he distinguished himself by his boldness, fidelity, and faith in God; and while yet a youth was summoned to court, as one expert in music, valiant, prudent in behavior, and comely in person. He…
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'
יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)
יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb
יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D
the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy
יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh
base
H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel
3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'
from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish
national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.
see HEBREW for 01961
see HEBREW for 03050
see HEBREW for 03069
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.
Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.
Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun properHR/Npt
אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.
אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say
Qal
Say
Say in the heart (= think)
Promise
Command (esp. late)
Niph. be said, told
Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
Hithp. act proudly, boast
base
H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say
. Say in the heart (= think)
. Promise
. Command (esp. late)
. be said, told
. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
. act proudly, boast
559 'amar aw-mar'
a primitive root; to say (used with great
latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,
certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),
commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X
expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,
publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X
suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),
utter, X verily, X yet.
אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.
1) to say, speak, utter
1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called
1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly
1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch
Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
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
The Hebrew word עָלָה (alah) means 'to ascend' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including going up, climbing, and rising in various contexts such as personal, natural, and spiritual. It can refer to actions involving people, animals, vegetation, and even thoughts, and includes nuances of being exalted or offering sacrifices. The word is built from a primitive root and appears in various grammatical forms, indicating different aspects of ascent or elevation.
עָלָה 890 vb. go up, ascend, climb
Qal
of persons, go up, ascend, in local relations
go up, in personal relations
of animals, go or come up
of vegetation, spring up, grow, shoot forth
of natural phenom., go up, rise
of inanimate things, instead of passive construction
of thoughts
come up before God, arrogance
go up, extend, of boundary
excel
Niph.
be brought up
be taken up
pass., be taken up, away
reflex., take oneself away from, get up from
reflex.: take oneself away
be exalted, of God
Hiph.
bring up persons
in personal relations
bring up animals
cause to ascend
mentally
offer a present; bring up tithe to
exalt
cause to ascend (in flame), offer sacrifice
Hoph.
be carried away
be taken up into, inserted in
be offered
Hithp. lift oneself
base
H5927 עָלָה go up, ascend, climb .. of persons, go up, ascend, in local relations
. go up, in personal relations
. of animals, go or come up
. of vegetation, spring up, grow, shoot forth
. of natural phenom., go up, rise
. of inanimate things, instead of passive construction
. of thoughts
. come up before God, arrogance
. go up, extend, of boundary
. excel
. . . be brought up
. be taken up
. . pass., be taken up, away
. reflex., take oneself away from, get up from
. reflex.: take oneself away
. be exalted, of God
. . bring up persons
. in personal relations
. bring up animals
. cause to ascend
. mentally
. offer a present; bring up tithe to
. exalt
. cause to ascend (in flame), offer sacrifice
. . be carried away
. be taken up into, inserted in
. be offered
. lift oneself
5927 `alah aw-law'
a primitive root; to ascend, intransitively (be high) or
actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary
and secondary, literal and figurative (as follow):--arise
(up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up),
bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, + shew, climb
(up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart,
exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up);
grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light,
(make) up, X mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, + perfect,
prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise
(up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring
(up), stir up, take away (up), work.
עָלָה (a.lah) — to ascend: rise.
: rise/go
1) to go up, ascend, climb
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to go up, ascend
1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat
1a3) to go up, come up (of animals)
1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation)
1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon)
1a6) to come up (before God)
1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary)
1a8) to excel, be superior to
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away
1b2) to take oneself away
1b3) to be exalted
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up
1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away
1c3) to bring up, draw up, train
1c4) to cause to ascend
1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally)
1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts)
1c7) to exalt
1c8) to cause to ascend, offer
1d) (Hophal)
1d1) to be carried away, be led up
1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in
1d3) to be offered
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singularHVqi2ms
The Hebrew word סָבַב (savav) means to turn or go around, encompassing a range of actions such as surrounding, marching, and changing direction. It is built from a primitive root and has various applications, both literal and figurative, including transforming or enclosing. The entries detail its uses in different verbal forms, but do not present any significant disagreement among lexicons.
סָבַב vb. turn about, go around, surround
Qal
turn, intrans.
march, or walk, around
go partly round, circle, skirt
make a round, or circuit, go about to
surround, encompass
Niph.
turn oneself against, close round upon
turn round (from a direct course)
esp. of boundary: turn round from, toward
pass. be turned over to, into the power of
Pi. to change, transform, the aspect of the matter
Po‛.
encompass (with protection)
come about, assemble round
march or go about
enclose, envelop
Hiph.
turn (trans.), cause to turn
bring over (i.e. to allegiance)
turn into, of changing name
= bring round, of changing name
cause to go around
surround with (acc.) wall
perh. also encompass (as foe)
Hoph.
be turned, of cart wheel
surrounded, i.e. set, of jewels
base
H5437 סָבַב turn about, go around, surround .. turn, intrans.
. . march, or walk, around
. go partly round, circle, skirt
. make a round, or circuit, go about to
. surround, encompass
. . . turn oneself against, close round upon
. turn round (from a direct course)
. esp. of boundary: turn round from, toward
. pass. be turned over to, into the power of
. to change, transform, the aspect of the matter
. . encompass (with protection)
. come about, assemble round
. march or go about
. enclose, envelop
. . . turn (trans.), cause to turn
. bring over (i.e. to allegiance)
. turn into, of changing name
. = bring round, of changing name
. . cause to go around
. surround with (acc.) wall
. perh. also encompass (as foe)
. . be turned, of cart wheel
. surrounded, i.e. set, of jewels
5437 cabab saw-bab'
a primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in
various applications, literally and figuratively (as
follows):--bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, X whirl, X
round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset
(about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to
come about, X circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round),
drive, environ, X on every side, beset (close, come, compass,
go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit
down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back).
סָבַב (sa.vav) — to turn: turn.
: turn/bring_around
1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change
1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round
1b2) to be turned over to
1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform
1d) (Poel)
1d1) to encompass, surround
1d2) to come about, assemble round
1d3) to march, go about
1d4) to enclose, envelop
1e) (Hiphil)
1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round
1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass
1f) (Hophal)
1f1) to be turned
1f2) to be surrounded
סָבַב (sa.vav) — to turn: surround.
: surround/go_round
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms — Verb · Hiphil · imperative second person masculine singularHVhv2ms
The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),
prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place
Where the limit is actually entered, into
Of direction towards anything
Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
Of rule or standard according to (rare)
Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
base
H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place
. Where the limit is actually entered, into
. Of direction towards anything
. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
. Of rule or standard according to (rare)
. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
413 'el ale
(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});
a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but
occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or
among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,
against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,
by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,
over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,
with(-in).
אֶל (el) — to(wards).
1) to, toward, unto (of motion)
2) into (limit is actually entered)
2a) in among
3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)
4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)
5) in addition to, to
6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of
7) according to (rule or standard)
8) at, by, against (of one's presence)
9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Prep — PrepositionHR
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.
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.
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.
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
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)
Prep | Suff — SuffixHAcmpc/Sp3mp
בּוֹא (bo) is a Hebrew verb meaning to come or go in, with a wide range of applications including entering, arriving, and bringing in. It can refer to both physical movement and abstract concepts like events coming to pass. The verb appears in various forms, such as Qal (to come), Hiphil (to cause to come), and Hophal (to be brought). There is no significant disagreement among lexicons regarding its meanings.
בּוֹא 2569 vb. come in, come, go in, go
Qal
come in
come (approach, arrive)
go, i.e. walk, associate with
go from speaker, but with limit of motion given
Hiph.
cause to come in, bring in (conduct, lead, obj. persons and animals)
cause to come, bring, bring near, etc. (animate obj.)
Hoph.
be brought in (of pers. and things)
be brought
be introduced, put
base
H935 בּוֹא come in, come, go in, go .. come in
. come (approach, arrive)
. go, i.e. walk, associate with
. go from speaker, but with limit of motion given
. . cause to come in, bring in (conduct, lead, obj. persons and animals)
. cause to come, bring, bring near, etc. (animate obj.)
. . be brought in (of pers. and things)
. be brought
. be introduced, put
935 bow' bo
a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of
applications):--abide, apply, attain, X be, befall, +
besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, X
certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out,
upon, to pass), depart, X doubtless again, + eat, + employ,
(cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be
fallen, fetch, + follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war),
grant, + have, X indeed, (in-)vade, lead, lift (up), mention,
pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, X (well) stricken
(in age), X surely, take (in), way.
בּוֹא (bo) — to come (in): come.
: come/go_in
1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to enter, come in
1a2) to come
1a2a) to come with
1a2b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)
1a2c) to come to pass
1a3) to attain to
1a4) to be enumerated
1a5) to go
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to lead in
1b2) to carry in
1b3) to bring in, cause to come in, gather, cause to come, bring near, bring against, bring upon
1b4) to bring to pass
1c) (Hophal)
1c1) to be brought, brought in
1c2) to be introduced, be put
לְב֥וֹא (bo) — Lebo-(Hamath).
This name means to go in, enter
Combined with cha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574)
בּוֹא (bo) — to come (in): towards.
: towards/entrance
1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to enter, come in
1a2) to come
1a2a) to come with
1a2b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)
1a2c) to come to pass
1a3) to attain to
1a4) to be enumerated
Conj | V-Qal-2ms — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect second person masculine singularHc/Vqq2ms
(halakh, yalakh, bo', yatsa'; ago, hupago, anabaino, erchomi, aperchomai, poreuomai): "Go" ("went," etc.) occurs very frequently in the English Bible, and is the translation of a great many different Hebrew and Greek terms. As the word implies movement of all kinds, physical and mental, it has naturally many applications.
1. In the Old Testament:
In the Old Testament halakh and yalakh are among the commonest words, meaning "to go" in its original sense of "to walk," but also in the most varied senses, according to the verbal conjugations, etc., the preposition attached, and the words in connection with which the terms stand; halakh and yalakh are often used figuratively (translated "to walk," etc.) for to live, to pursue a way of life, e.g. "to walk ever in his ways" (De 19:9; compare
הֶם (hem) — them.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine plural
HRd/Sp3mp — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp3mp
מוּל (mul) means 'front' or 'in front of,' and is used adverbially to indicate position or direction. It can refer to being opposite or toward the front of something. The word is derived from a root meaning 'abrupt' or 'precipice,' and appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, such as in Deuteronomy 1:1 and Numbers 22:5.
מוּל, מוֹל, מוֹאל subst. and prep. front, in front of
base
H4136 מוּל, מוֹל, מוֹאל front, in front of
4136 muwl mool
or mowl (Deuteronomy 1:1) {mole}; or mowtl (Nehemiah 12:38)
{mole}; or mul (Numbers 22:5) {mool}; from 4135; properly,
abrupt, i.e. a precipice; by implication, the front; used only
adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite:--(over)
against, before, (fore-)front, from, (God-)ward, toward, with.
see HEBREW for 04135
מוּל (mul) — opposite.
1) front
1a) front
1b) in the opposite direction
prep
2) in front of
2a) in front of
2b) (with prefix)
2b1) towards the front of, to the front of, on the front of
2b2) from the front of, off the front of, close in front of, on the forefront of
Prep | Prep — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
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.
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…
בָּכָא (baka') refers to a balsam tree, known for its sap that drips when cut. It is associated with a specific type of tree, possibly the mulberry, and may also denote a location rich in balsam trees, as suggested in Psalm 84:6.
בָּכָא n.[m.] balsam-tree
base
H1057 בָּכָא, בָּכָא
1057 baka' baw-kaw'
the same as 1056; the weeping tree (some gum- distilling
tree, perhaps the balsam):--mulberry tree.
see HEBREW for 01056
בָּכָא (ba.kah) — balsam.
1) balsam tree-a shrub which drips sap when it is cut
2) possible name of a vale of balsam trees in Ps 84:6
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
Were frequently used as types of kings, or men of wealth and power, Ps 37:35 Isa 2:13 Da 4:10-26 Zec 11:1,2. The "tree of knowledge of good and evil" bore the forbidden fruit, by eating of which Adam fatally increased his knowledge—of good by its loss, of sin and woe by actual experience, Ge 2:9,17. The "tree of life" may have been both an assurance and a means of imparting life, a seal of eternal holiness and bliss, if man had not sinned. Compare Re 22:2.