Menu

Deuteronomy 14:4 — Word Study

Depth

WLCזֹ֥את הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֹּאכֵ֑לוּ שׁ֕וֹר שֵׂ֥ה כְשָׂבִ֖ים וְשֵׂ֥ה עִזִּֽים׃

BSAThesezôʼth are the animalsbᵉhêmâh [beasts, livestock] thatʼăsher you may eatʼâkal The oxshôwr [cattle] the sheepkeseb [a flock, or a young animal] the goatʻêz [she-goat, or kid, izzim]

Word
Listen & take awayDeuteronomy 14
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 4 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 ('i.Zim) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Deuteronomy 14:4quick helps
In a sentenceThis verse lists the clean animals that the Israelites are permitted to eat.
Who is speakingMoses, conveying God's dietary laws to the Israelites.
Where we areIn the context of dietary laws outlined in Deuteronomy.
The hard wordבְּהֵמָה
Take awayCertain animals are designated as clean for consumption.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Ellicott & more — read them › clause verbאָכַל The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Deuteronomy 14:4

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 — Dietary Laws in Deuteronomygenerated

3You must not eat any detestable thing.
4These are the animals that you may eat: The ox, the sheep, the goat,
5the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.
6You may eat any animal that has a split hoof divided in two and that chews the cud.

Deuteronomy 14:4 provides a list of animals that the Israelites are allowed to eat, distinguishing between clean and unclean creatures. This verse is part of a broader set of laws intended to guide the Israelites in their dietary practices, emphasizing holiness and separation from other nations. The surrounding verses elaborate on the characteristics of clean animals, reinforcing the importance of adhering to these divine instructions.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Leviticus 11:2–8“Say to the Israelites, ‘Of all the beasts of the earth, these ones you may eat:
21 Kings 4:23ten fat oxen, twenty range oxen, and a hundred sheep, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultry.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 2 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat,Leviticus 11:2–8 1 Kings 4:23

The Key Word בְּהֵמָה, ha.be.he.Mahgenerated

The word בְּהֵמָה (behemah) refers to a beast or animal, typically denoting domesticated livestock or cattle. It encompasses all living creatures other than humans, with a specific mention of large quadrupeds. This term is crucial in the context of dietary laws, as it identifies which animals are permissible for consumption.

The parsing indicates that בְּהֵמָה is a feminine singular noun, emphasizing its role in the context of clean animals. The use of this term aligns with the broader biblical themes of purity and the distinction between clean and unclean animals.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb of the verse is תֹּאכֵ֑לוּ, you will eat, which governs the entire sentence, indicating what is permissible. The structure includes a subject noun phrase, a relative clause, and a list of animals that serve as the predicate.

The sentence begins with a demonstrative pronoun זֹאת, this, which emphasizes the specificity of the animals being discussed. The order of the Hebrew words places importance on the animals that follow, clearly delineating them as the focus of the dietary laws.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates בְּהֵמָה as κτήνη (ktēnē), which means 'cattle' or 'livestock.' This choice aligns with the understanding of domesticated animals and highlights the focus on clean animals suitable for consumption.

The use of ταῦτα for זֹאת indicates a pluralization in the Greek, which may reflect the broader category of animals rather than the singular focus in the Hebrew.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Deuteronomy 14:4 lists the clean animals that the Israelites are allowed to eat, specifically naming the ox, sheep, and goats. This is part of a larger set of dietary laws that God gave to His people, emphasizing the importance of holiness and separation from other nations.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What animals are considered clean for eating according to this verse?

The verse specifies that the ox, sheep, and goats are clean animals that the Israelites may eat.

Why are dietary laws important in the Bible?

Dietary laws are important as they reflect God's standards for holiness and separation, guiding the Israelites in their daily lives.

How do these laws relate to the concept of holiness?

These laws serve to set apart the Israelites from other nations, emphasizing their unique relationship with God.

Are there other verses that discuss clean and unclean animals?

Yes, Leviticus 11 also outlines various clean and unclean animals, providing further guidance on dietary practices.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How do the dietary laws reflect God's desire for His people to be distinct from others?
  2. In what ways can we apply the principles of holiness and separation in our own lives today?
  3. What significance do you find in the specific animals chosen as clean for consumption?
  4. How can understanding these laws enhance our appreciation for God's instructions in the Bible?

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

The early Church Fathers often referenced the dietary laws to discuss spiritual purity and moral living, as seen in the quotation from Ambrose of Milan.

Ambrose of MilanOn the Blessings of the Patriarchs c. 339–397
And therefore, according to the Law, clean animals have horns: for the Law is spiritual. For those who are able to repel the allurements of this world with the word of God and the observance of virtue,
Early Church Fathers on Deuteronomy 14 →

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Deuteronomy 14:4 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

These are the beasts which they shall eat,.... That is, which they might lawfully eat of, which were allowed for their food; for they were not obliged to eat of them if they did not choose it: the

Read John Gill on Deuteronomy 14 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat, These are the beasts which ye shall eat.

Read Robert Jamieson on Deuteronomy 14 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Of which see Leviticus 11. The small differences between some of their names here and there are not proper for this work. The learned reader may find them cleared in my Latin Synopsis. For others, they may well enough want the knowledge of them, both because these are the smaller matters of the law, and because this distinction of clean and unclean beasts is now out of date.

Read Matthew Poole on Deuteronomy 14 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(4) These are the beasts which ye shall eat.—The following paragraph to the end of Deu 14:8 answers to Leviticus 11:2-8, with this difference. The beasts that are to be eaten are specified in Deuteronomy. The exceptions are given in Leviticus. The ox, the sheep, and the goat.—These being sacrificial animals, naturally stand first. “The sheep and the goat” are literally, “a young one of the sheep or of the goats.” This may serve to illustrate Exodus 12:5, “Ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats.” According to the letter of the Law in Exodus, the Passover victim might be either lamb or kid. The word sêh, used there and in Genesis 22:7-8, is not distinctive of the species. This…

Read Charles John Ellicott on Deuteronomy 14 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 4. These are the beasts which ye shall eat] On Leviticus 11:1-47, I have entered into considerable detail relative to the clean and unclean animals there mentioned. For the general subject, the reader is referred to the notes on that chapter; but as there are particulars mentioned here which Moses does not introduce in Leviticus, it will be necessary to consider them in this place. The ox] שור shor: BOS, fifth order Pecora, of the genus MAMMALIA, species 41. This term includes all clean animals of the beeve kind; not only the ox properly so called, but also the bull, the cow, heifer, and calf. The sheep] שה seh: OVIS, fifth order Pecora, of the genus MAMMALIA, species 40; including…

Read AdamClarke on Deuteronomy 14 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

4. These are the beasts which ye shall eat] Leviticus 11:2-23 has no list of clean beasts such as here follows. ox, sheep, goat] For the sacramental nature of the slaying and eating of domestic animals see on Deuteronomy 12:20-28. In ancient times the enjoyment of flesh by ordinary people was rare; that of the domestic animals was limited to special occasions such as the arrival of a guest, or a family festival, but kings and the rich ate it every day, and successful raids were celebrated by feasting upon the animal spoil (e.g. Judges 6:19, 1 Samuel 14:32; 1 Samuel 16:20; 1 Samuel 25:18; 1 Samuel 28:24, 2 Samuel 12:4, 1 Kings 4:23, Amos 6:4). The flesh was, as still in Syria and Arabia…

Read Cambridge on Deuteronomy 14 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

4. Ox,… sheep,… goat — These seem to be named first as the ordinary domestic animals that were considered clean. Then comes the enumeration of the wild animals that could be eaten.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Deuteronomy 14 →

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

These are the animals that you may eat: The ox, the sheep, the goat,

WEBWorld English Bible2000

These are the animals which you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat,

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

These are the animals that you may eat: The ox, the sheep, the goat,

NETBNew English Translation2006

These are the animals you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat,

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat,

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

These are the beasts which ye may eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat,

RVARevised Version, American1894

These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat,

NWBWebster's Bible1833

These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat,

GNVGeneva Bible1599

These are the beastes, which ye shall eate, the beefe, the sheepe, and the goate,

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat;

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

'this [is] the beast which ye do eat: ox, lamb of the sheep, or kid of the goats,

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

this [is] the beast which you eat: ox, lamb of the sheep, or kid of the goats,

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

These are the beasts which ye may eat: The ox, the sheep, and the goat,

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

These are the animals that you may eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat,

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

These are the beasts that you shall eat, the ox, and the sheep, and the goat,

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

These are the animals that you are allowed to eat: cattle, sheep, goats,

BBEBible in Basic English1949

These are the beasts which you may have for food: the ox, the sheep, and the goat;

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.

clausepredicateזֹ֥אתthisnoun phrase · subjectהַ[is].thenoun phraseבְּהֵמָ֖הanimalrelpאֲשֶׁ֣רwhichclauseverbתֹּאכֵ֑לוּyou.will.eatclausenoun phrase · predicateשׁ֕וֹרan.oxnoun phraseשֵׂ֥הan.animalכְשָׂבִ֖יםof.young.ramsוְandnoun phraseשֵׂ֥הan.animalעִזִּֽיםof.goats

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text lists the same animals, while the Septuagint matches 8 of the 9 words. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs in two words, using כ (as) and שׁבים (captive), indicating a slight variation in the wording but maintaining the overall meaning. The Dead Sea Scrolls fragment contains 8 words from the verse, with 7 supplied by an editor, showing consistency with the Masoretic Text.

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

זֹ֥את הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֹּאכֵ֑לוּ שׁ֕וֹר שֵׂ֥ה כְשָׂבִ֖ים וְשֵׂ֥ה עִזִּֽים׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
זֹ֥אתταῦταהַבְּהֵמָ֖הκτήνηאֲשֶׁ֣רתֹּאכֵ֑לוּφάγεσθεשׁ֕וֹרμόσξονכְשָׂבִ֖יםπροβάτωνוְשֵׂ֥הξίμαρονעִזִּֽים׃αἰγῶν

8 of the 9 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.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

וזאת הבהמה אשׁר תאכלו שׁור ושׂה כשׁבים ושׂה עזים

2 words differ from the Masoretic Text: כ (as), שׁבים (captive)

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q45a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[וזאת] הבהמה [אשר] [תאכלו] [שור] [שה] [כשבים] [עזים]

8 words of the verse are on this fragment — 7 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.

Deuteronomy 14:4זֶהthisthisזֶהבְּהֵמָה[is] the an[is] the animalבְּהֵמָהאֲשֶׁרwhichwhichאֲשֶׁראָכַלyou will eayou will eatאָכַלשׁוֹרan oxan oxשׁוֹרשֶׂהan animal oan animal ofשֶׂהכֶּ֫שֶׂבsheepsheepכֶּ֫שֶׂבשֶׂהand an animand an animal oשֶׂהעֵזgoatsgoatsעֵזשָׁאָהto crashto crashשָׁאָהשׁוּרto travelto travelשׁוּרעָזַזbe strongbe strongעָזַזשֶׂהשֶׂהכֶּ֫בֶשׂlamblambכֶּ֫בֶשׂשׁוֹרcattlecattleשׁוֹרתּוֹרָהinstructioinstructionתּוֹרָהשִׁירsongsongשִׁירעוֹףbirdbirdעוֹףאָדָםthe man (Athe man (Adam)אָדָםצָוָהto commandto commandצָוָהשָׁתָהto drinkto drinkשָׁתָהלֶ֫חֶםfoodfoodלֶ֫חֶםשֶׂהsheepsheepשֶׂהחֲמוֹרdonkeydonkeyחֲמוֹרחוּםdarkeneddarkenedחוּםעֵזgoatgoatעֵזכֶּ֫שֶׂבsheepsheepכֶּ֫שֶׂב
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 Deuteronomy 14:4

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.

this [is] the animal which you will eat an ox an animal of sheep and an animal of goats
זֹ֥אתzot this H2063 Particle
604× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Tyndale gloss
this
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זֹאת (zot) is a demonstrative pronoun and adverb meaning 'this' or 'here.' It can stand alone or be used in apposition to a noun, often serving as a predicate. The word can also attach enclitically to interrogative pronouns to add emphasis. In poetry, it may function as a relative pronoun, though this is rare.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

זֶה demonstr.pron. and adv.; fem. זֹאת, once זֹאתָה; this, here

standing alone

In appos. to subst.

More oft. as pred.

It is attached enclitically, almost as an adv., to certain words, esp. interrog. pronouns, to impart, in a manner often not reproducible in Engl. idiom, directness and force, bringing the question or statement made into close relation with the speaker.

In poetry, as a relative pron. (rare)

With prefixes (in special senses)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2063 זֶה demonstr. pron. and adv.; fem. זֹאת, once זֹאתָה; this, here . standing alone

. In appos. to subst.

. More oft. as pred.

. It is attached enclitically, almost as an adv., to certain words, esp. interrog. pronouns, to impart, in a manner often not reproducible in Engl. idiom, directness and force, bringing the question or statement made into close relation with the speaker.

. In poetry, as a relative pron. (rare)

. With prefixes (in special senses)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2063 zo'th zothe'

irregular feminine of 2089; this (often used adverb):--

hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she,

so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing),

thus.

see HEBREW for 02089

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זֹאת (zot) — this.

1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such

1a) (alone)

1a1) this one

1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another

1b) (appos to subst)

1b1) this

1c) (as predicate)

1c1) this, such

1d) (enclitically)

1d1) then

1d2) who, whom

1d3) how now, what now

1d4) what now

1d5) wherefore now

1d6) behold here

1d7) just now

1d8) now, now already

1e) (poetry)

1e1) wherein, which, those who

1f) (with prefixes)

1f1) in this (place) here, then

1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter

1f3) thus and thus

1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus

1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side

1f6) on this account

1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Pron — Particle
HTm
this [is] the animal which you will eat an ox an animal of sheep and an animal of goats
הַבְּהֵמָ֖הha.be.he.Mah [is] the animal H929 Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
190× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Amplified meaning
beasts, livestock
Tyndale gloss
animal
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בְּהֵמָה (bhemah) refers to a beast or animal, typically denoting domesticated livestock or cattle, and occasionally wild beasts. It is derived from a root that suggests being mute, implying a 'dumb beast.' The term encompasses all living creatures other than humans, with a specific mention of large quadrupeds.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בְּהֵמָה 187 n.f. beast, animal, cattle

of living creatures other than man

opp. also to wild beasts

rarely of wild beasts, esp. carnivora

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H929 בְּהֵמָה beast, animal, cattle . of living creatures other than man

. opp. also to wild beasts

. rarely of wild beasts, esp. carnivora

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

929 bhemah be-hay-maw'

from an unused root (probably meaning to be mute); properly,

a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often

collective):--beast, cattle.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בְּהֵמָה (be.he.mah) — animal.

1) beast, cattle, animal

1a) beasts (coll of all animals)

1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals)

1c) wild beasts

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

an'-i-mal: See under the various names and also the general article on ZOOLOGY.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Animal

An organized living creature endowed with sensation. The Levitical law divided animals into clean and unclean, although the distinction seems to have existed before the Flood (Gen. 7:2). The clean could be offered in sacrifice and eaten. All animals that had not cloven hoofs and did not chew the cud were unclean. The list of clean and unclean quadrupeds is set forth in the Levitical law (Deut. 14:3-20; Lev. 11).

this [is] the animal which you will eat an ox an animal of sheep and an animal of goats
אֲשֶׁ֣ר'a.Sher which 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
this [is] the animal which you will eat an ox an animal of sheep and an animal of goats
תֹּאכֵ֑לוּto.Khe.lu you will eat H398 Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine plural
810× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Tyndale gloss
to eat
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָכַל (akal) means 'to eat' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including literal consumption by humans and animals, as well as figurative uses like devouring by fire or destruction. It can describe actions such as feeding or causing to eat, and it also appears in contexts of oppression and destruction. The verb has various forms, indicating different subjects and nuances.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָכַל 806 vb. eat

Qal

eat, human subject

of beasts, birds, etc., eat, devour

fig. of fire, devour, consume

of sword, devour, slay

in genl., devour, consume, destroy

fig. of oppression, devour the poor

Niph.

be eaten by man

be devoured by fire, consumed

be wasted, destroyed, of flesh

Pu. be consumed

Hiph.

cause to eat, feed with

cause to devoure, obj. sword

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H398 אָכַל eat .. eat, human subject

. of beasts, birds, etc., eat, devour

. fig. of fire, devour, consume

. of sword, devour, slay

. in genl., devour, consume, destroy

. fig. of oppression, devour the poor

. . be eaten by man

. be devoured by fire, consumed

. be wasted, destroyed, of flesh

. be consumed

. . cause to eat, feed with

. cause to devoure, obj. sword

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

398 'akal aw-kal'

a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively):--X at

all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up),

feed (with), food, X freely, X in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay)

meat, X quite.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָכַל (a.khal) — to eat.

1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to eat (human subject)

1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds)

1a3) to devour, consume (of fire)

1a4) to devour, slay (of sword)

1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought)

1a6) to devour (of oppression)

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be eaten (by men)

1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire)

1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh)

1c) (Pual)

1c1) to cause to eat, feed with

1c2) to cause to devour

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to feed

1d2) to cause to eat

1e) (Piel)

1e1) consume

Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine plural
HVqi2mp
this [is] the animal which you will eat an ox an animal of sheep and an animal of goats
שׁ֕וֹרShor an ox H7794 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
79× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to cattle, like oxen or bulls, used for work, food, or sacrifices, as seen in Genesis and Leviticus.
Amplified meaning
cattle
Tyndale gloss
cattle
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שׁוֹר (shor) refers to a head of cattle, specifically a bullock or ox, and is associated with agricultural and sacrificial contexts. It is derived from the root meaning to travel, indicating its role in farming and food. The term appears in various forms and usages, including in Aramaic.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שׁוֹר 78 n.m. a head of cattle, bullock, ox, etc.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7794 שׁוֹר a head of cattle, bullock, ox, etc.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7794 showr shore

from 7788; a bullock (as a traveller):--bull(-ock), cow, ox,

wall (by mistake for 7791).

see HEBREW for 07788

see HEBREW for 07791

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שׁוֹר (shor) — cattle.

1) ox, bull, a head of cattle

1a) for plowing, for food, as sacrifice

Aramaic equivalent: tor (תּוֹר "bullock" H8450)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Ox

Heb. bakar, “cattle;” “neat cattle”, (Gen. 12:16; 34:28; Job 1:3, 14; 42:12, etc.); not to be muzzled when treading the corn (Deut. 25:4). Referred to by our Lord in his reproof to the Pharisees (Luke 13:15; 14:5).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

There was no animal in the rural economy of the Israelites, or indeed in that of the ancient Orientals generally, that was held in higher esteem than the ox and deservedly so, for the ox was the animal upon whose patient labors depended all the ordinary operations of farming. Oxen were used for ploughing, (22:10; 1 Samuel 14:14) etc.; for treading out corn, (25:4; Hosea 10:11) etc.; for draught purposes, when they were generally yoked in pairs, (Numbers 7:3; 1 Samuel 6:7) etc.; as beasts of burden, (1 Chronicles 12:40) their flesh was eaten, (14:4; 1 Kings 1:9) etc.…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The male of the beeve kind when grown, synonymous in the Bible with BULL; a clean animal, by the Levitical law; much used for food, 1Ki 19:21, and constituting no small part of the wealth of the Hebrews in their pastoral life, Ge 24:35 Job 1:14 42:12. Oxen were used in agriculture for ploughing, 1Ki 19:19; and for treading out the grain, during which they were not to be muzzled, 1Co 9:9, but well fed, Isa 30:24. The testing of a new yoke of oxen is still a business of great importance in the East, as of old, Lu…

this [is] the animal which you will eat an ox an animal of sheep and an animal of goats
שֵׂ֥הseh an animal of H7716 Noun common · both singular construct
47× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a sheep or goat, often used to describe a flock or young animal in the Bible. It is also related to the word for lamb.
Tyndale gloss
sheep
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֶׂה (seh) refers to a member of a flock, specifically a sheep or goat. It encompasses various terms for livestock, including lambs and young goats, and can also denote a collective group. The word is derived from a root meaning to push out to graze, indicating its pastoral context.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֶׂה n.m. and (less oft.) f. one of a flock, sheep (or goat)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7716 שֶׂה one of a flock, sheep (or goat)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7716 seh seh

or sey {say}; probably from 7582 through the idea of pushing

out to graze; a member of a flock, i.e. a sheep or

goat:--(lesser, small) cattle, ewe, goat, lamb, sheep.

Compare 2089.

see HEBREW for 07582

see HEBREW for 02089

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֶׂה (seh) — sheep.

1) one of a flock, lamb, sheep, goat, young sheep, young goat

1a) sheep, goat

1b) flock (collective)

Also means: zeh (זֶה "lamb" H2089)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcbsc — Noun common · both singular construct
HNcbsc
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…

this [is] the animal which you will eat an ox an animal of sheep and an animal of goats
כְשָׂבִ֖יםkhe.sa.Vim sheep H3775 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
13× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A keseb is a young sheep, like a lamb or a young ram. It is often translated as lamb in the KJV Bible.
Amplified meaning
a flock, or a young animal
Tyndale gloss
sheep
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כֶּ֫שֶׂב (keseb) refers to a lamb or young sheep. The entries indicate it is a masculine noun and suggest a close relationship to another word, כֶּבֶשׂ (keves), which is not detailed here. The term appears in contexts related to sheep, but no specific verses are cited.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֶּ֫שֶׂב n.[m.] lamb

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3775 כֶּ֫שֶׂב lamb

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3775 keseb keh'-seb

apparently by transposition for 3532; a young sheep:--lamb.

see HEBREW for 03532

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֶּ֫שֶׂב (ke.sev) — sheep.

lamb, young ram, sheep

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

shep:

1. Names:

The usual Hebrew word is tso'n, which is often translated "flock," e.g. "Abel .... brought of the firstlings of his flock" (Ge 4:4); "butter of the herd, and milk of the flock" (De 32:14). The King James Version and the English Revised Version have "milk of sheep." Compare Arabic da'n. The Greek word is probaton. For other names, see notes under CATTLE; EWE; LAMB; RAM.

2. Zoology:

The origin of domestic sheep is unknown. There are 11 wild species, the majority of which are found in Asia, and it is conceivable that they may have spread from the highlands of Central Asia to the other portions of their habitat. In North America is found the "bighorn," which is very closely related to a Kamschatkan species. One species, the urial or sha, is found in India. The Barbary…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Sheep

Are of different varieties. Probably the flocks of Abraham and Isaac were of the wild species found still in the mountain regions of Persia and Kurdistan. After the Exodus, and as a result of intercourse with surrounding nations, other species were no doubt introduced into the herds of the people of Israel. They are frequently mentioned in Scripture. The care of a shepherd over his flock is referred to as illustrating God’s care over his people (Ps. 23:1, 2; 74:1; 77:20; Isa. 40:11; 53:6; John 10:1-5, 7-16).

“The sheep of Palestine are longer in the head than ours, and have tails from 5 inches broad at the narrowest part to 15 inches at the widest, the weight being in proportion, and ranging generally from 10 to 14 lbs.…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Sheep were an important part of the possessions of the ancient Hebrews and of eastern nations generally. The first mention of sheep occurs in (Genesis 4:2) They were used in the sacrificial offering,as, both the adult animal, (Exodus 20:24) and the lamb. See (Exodus 29:28; Leviticus 9:3; 12:6) Sheep and lambs formed an important article of food. (1 Samuel 25:18) The wool was used as clothing. (Leviticus 13:47) "Rams skins dyed red" were used as a covering for the tabernacle. (Exodus 25:5) Sheep and lambs were…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Of the Syrian sheep, according to Dr. Russell, there are two varieties; the one called Bedaween sheep, which differ in no respect from the larger kinds of sheep among us, except that their tails are somewhat longer and thicker; the others are those often mentioned by travellers on account of their extraordinary tails; and this species is by far the most numerous. The tail of one of these animals is very broad and large, terminating in a small appendage that turns back upon it. It is of a substance between fat and marrow, and is not eaten separately, but mixed with the lean meat in many of their dishes, and also often used instead of butter. A common sheep of this sort, without the head, feet, skin, and entrails, weighs from sixty to eighty pounds, of which the tail itself is usually ten or fifteen pounds, and when the animal is fattened, twice or thrice that weight, and very…

this [is] the animal which you will eat an ox an animal of sheep and an animal of goats
וְשֵׂ֥הve.Seh and an animal of H7716 Conjunction · noun common both singular construct
47× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a sheep or goat, often used to describe a flock or young animal in the Bible. It is also related to the word for lamb.
Tyndale gloss
sheep
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֶׂה (seh) refers to a member of a flock, specifically a sheep or goat. It encompasses various terms for livestock, including lambs and young goats, and can also denote a collective group. The word is derived from a root meaning to push out to graze, indicating its pastoral context.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֶׂה n.m. and (less oft.) f. one of a flock, sheep (or goat)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7716 שֶׂה one of a flock, sheep (or goat)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7716 seh seh

or sey {say}; probably from 7582 through the idea of pushing

out to graze; a member of a flock, i.e. a sheep or

goat:--(lesser, small) cattle, ewe, goat, lamb, sheep.

Compare 2089.

see HEBREW for 07582

see HEBREW for 02089

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֶׂה (seh) — sheep.

1) one of a flock, lamb, sheep, goat, young sheep, young goat

1a) sheep, goat

1b) flock (collective)

Also means: zeh (זֶה "lamb" H2089)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HC/Ncbsc — Conjunction · noun common both singular construct
HC/Ncbsc
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…

this [is] the animal which you will eat an ox an animal of sheep and an animal of goats
עִזִּֽים׃'i.Zim goats H5795 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
74× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Refers to a female goat, often translated as she-goat or kid, and is also related to goat's hair in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
she-goat, or kid, izzim
Tyndale gloss
goat
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עֵז (ez) refers to a she-goat or female goat, and can also denote a kid. It is derived from a root meaning strength, and in the plural form, it can refer to goats in general or goat's hair. The word appears in various contexts in the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֵז 74 n.f. she-goat

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5795 עֵז she-goat

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5795 `ez aze

from 5810; a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural

(which also is used ellipt. for goat's hair):--(she) goat,

kid.

see HEBREW for 05810

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֵז (ez) — goat.

female goat, she-goat, goat, kid

Aramaic equivalent: ez (עֵז "goat" H5796)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fp — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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

Donate