Deuteronomy 17:17 — Word Study
WLCוְלֹ֤א יַרְבֶּה־ לּוֹ֙ נָשִׁ֔ים וְלֹ֥א יָס֖וּר לְבָב֑וֹ וְכֶ֣סֶף וְזָהָ֔ב לֹ֥א יַרְבֶּה־ לּ֖וֹ מְאֹֽד׃
BSAHe must notlôʼ take manyrâbâh▸ [a multitude of] wivesʼishshâh lestlôʼ [in case, so that] his heartlêbâb [the innermost part of a person, including mind, will, and emotions] go astrayçûwr▸ [turn aside, be led away] He must notlôʼ accumulaterâbâh▸ [greatly multiply, gather] large amountsmᵉʼôd [exceedingly, very much] of silverkeçeph [money, wealth] and goldzâhâb [a valuable metal, riches]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְלֹ֤א | and not | Conjunction, particle |
| יַרְבֶּה־ | he will increase | Verb, Hiphil, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| לּוֹ֙ | for himself | Preposition, suffix |
| נָשִׁ֔ים | wives | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| וְלֹ֥א | and not | Conjunction, particle |
| יָס֖וּר | it will turn aside | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| לְבָב֑וֹ | heart his | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| וְכֶ֣סֶף | and silver | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְזָהָ֔ב | and gold | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| לֹ֥א | not | Particle |
| יַרְבֶּה־ | he will increase | Verb, Hiphil, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| לּ֖וֹ | for himself | Preposition, suffix |
| מְאֹֽד׃ | exceedingly | Adv |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | He must not take many wives for himself, lest his heart go astray. He must not accumulate for himself large amounts of silver and gold. |
| KJV | Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. |
| ASV | Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. |
| YLT | And he doth not multiply to himself wives, and his heart doth not turn aside, and silver and gold he doth not multiply to himself — exceedingly. |
| WEB | He shall not multiply wives to himself, that his heart not turn away. He shall not greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. |
| BBE | And he is not to have a great number of wives, for fear that his heart may be turned away; or great wealth of silver and gold. |
Where they part company is יַרְבֶּה־ — see How Translations Differ.
The verse consists of two main clauses with subordinate clauses indicating the consequences of the king's actions.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbרָבָה
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 — Deuteronomy 17:17
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 — Instructions for Israel's Kinggenerated
Deuteronomy 17:17 provides clear guidelines for Israel's future king, emphasizing the importance of not taking many wives or accumulating excessive wealth. These instructions aim to protect the king's heart from being led astray, ensuring that he remains focused on God's commands and the well-being of the nation. This passage highlights the significance of moral integrity in leadership, a theme echoed throughout the Scriptures.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 2:24 | For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 3:2–5 | And sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam of Jezreel; |
| 3 | 1 Kings 11:1–4 | King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 13:26 | Did not King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this? There was not a king like him among many nations, and he was loved by his God, who made him king over all Israel—yet foreign women drew him into sin. |
| 5 | Malachi 2:15 | Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 14 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — יַרְבֶּה־, yar.beh-generated
The verb רָבָה (rabah) means to increase or multiply, indicating a significant growth or abundance. In this context, it warns against the king greatly multiplying his wives, which could lead to distractions from his duties and faithfulness to God.
The Hiphil form suggests causation, implying that the king's actions can lead to an increase in wives and wealth, which may ultimately divert his heart from God. This reflects a broader biblical principle regarding the dangers of excess and distraction in leadership.
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 finite verb יַרְבֶּה־, he will increase, governs the main clause, with two subordinate clauses detailing what he must not do: take many wives and accumulate wealth. This structure emphasizes the king's responsibilities and the consequences of his choices.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the actions that are prohibited, highlighting the seriousness of these instructions for the king's conduct and the potential impact on his heart and leadership.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates יַרְבֶּה־ as πληθυνεῖ (plēthunei), which means to multiply or increase. This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning, reinforcing the idea of caution against excessive accumulation.
This translation choice indicates a consistent understanding of the dangers of abundance, particularly in the context of leadership, as seen in other biblical texts.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Deuteronomy 17:17 instructs the king not to take many wives or gather excessive wealth, as these actions could lead his heart away from God. This guidance aims to ensure that the king remains devoted to his responsibilities and faithful to God's commands.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Taking many wives can lead to divided loyalties and distractions from God's commands, as seen in the lives of other biblical figures.
Accumulating large amounts of wealth can lead to pride and a reliance on material possessions rather than on God.
The principles of integrity and focus on responsibilities remain relevant for leaders, emphasizing the importance of moral character.
We learn that our choices, particularly in leadership, should reflect our commitment to God and not lead us away from our responsibilities.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need to guard against distractions that could lead my heart away from God?
- How can I ensure that my choices reflect my commitment to my responsibilities?
- What does it mean to me to live with integrity in my personal and professional life?
- How can I support leaders around me in maintaining focus on their duties and integrity?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Deuteronomy 17:17 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleNeither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away,.... From attending to the duty of his office, the care and government of his people, and from serious religion; and
Read John Gill on Deuteronomy 17 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryNeither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. Neither shall he multiply wives.
Read Robert Jamieson on Deuteronomy 17 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleNeither shall he multiply wives, as the manner of other kings was. That his heart turn not away, to wit, from God and his law; either, 1. To idolatry and superstition, to which women are ofttimes prone, and especially such women as he was likely to choose, even the daughters of neighbouring and idolatrous kings and princes, as Solomon did; or, 2. To other manifold sins and violations of his duty to his people, either by neglect and contempt of his business, through effeminacy and sloth, or by oppressing his people, and perverting justice, to comply with the vast and exorbitant desires of his wives. Neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold, lest this should lift up his…
Read Matthew Poole on Deuteronomy 17 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsDeuteronomy 17:17 Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.Ver. 17. Silver and gold.] Lest his exactors receive from his subjects no less sums of curses than of coin; and lest he gather money, the sinews of war, but lose the people’ s affection, the joints of peace, as our King John did.
Read John Trapp on Deuteronomy 17 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English ReadersDeuteronomy 17:14-20. THE LAW OF THE KINGDOM.(14) When thou art come unto the land.—These are not the words of a legislator who is already in the land. Those who say that this law dates from later times must be prepared to assert that this clause is expressly framed to suit the lips of Moses, and is thus far a deliberate forgery. And shalt possess it, and dwell therein—i.e., shalt complete the conquest and settle. It is not contemplated that the king would be desired immediately after the conquest. I will set a king over me, like as all the nations.—There is an evident allusion to this phrase in 1 Samuel 8:20, “That we also may be like all the nations.” It is noticeable that Moses in this…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Deuteronomy 17 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 17. Neither shall he multiply wives] For this would necessarily lead to foreign alliances, and be the means of introducing the manners and customs of other nations, and their idolatry also. Solomon sinned against this precept, and brought ruin on himself and on the land by it; see 1Kg 11:4.
Read AdamClarke on Deuteronomy 17 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges17. multiply wives … silver and gold] Solomon notoriously did so. His marriages with foreign princesses were for political ends, but introduced heathen cults into Israel (1 Kings 11:1, cp. 1 Kings 16:31).
Read Cambridge on Deuteronomy 17 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleMultiplication of wives would lead to sensuality, and so to an apostasy no less fatal in effect than downright idolatry (compare Exodus 34:16).
Read Albert Barnes on Deuteronomy 17 →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
He must not take many wives for himself, lest his heart go astray. He must not accumulate for himself large amounts of silver and gold.
He shall not multiply wives to himself, that his heart not turn away. He shall not greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
He must not take many wives for himself, lest his heart go astray. He must not accumulate for himself large amounts of silver and gold.
Furthermore, he must not marry many wives lest his affections turn aside, and he must not accumulate much silver and gold.
Tyndale line
Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart may turn not away: neither shall he greatly accumulate to himself silver and gold.
Neither shall hee take him many wiues, lest his heart turne away, neither shall he gather him much siluer and golde.
Strictly literal
Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away; neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
And he doth not multiply to himself wives, and his heart doth not turn aside, and silver and gold he doth not multiply to himself — exceedingly.
And he does not multiply wives for himself, and his heart does not turn aside, and he does not exceedingly multiply silver and gold for himself.
Neither shall he take to himself many wives, that his heart may not turn away; nor shall he acquire for himself too much silver and gold.
He must not take many wives for himself, so that his heart does not turn away. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.
From the Latin
He shall not have many wives, that may allure his mind, nor immense sums of silver and gold.
Simplified
He must not have many wives, so they don't lead him away from following the Lord. He must not have large quantities of silver and gold.
And he is not to have a great number of wives, for fear that his heart may be turned away; or great wealth of silver and gold.
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 aligns with the Septuagint and the Samaritan Pentateuch, all agreeing on the essential prohibitions placed upon the king. The Dead Sea Scrolls show partial agreement with the Masoretic Text, though some words are restored by editors due to damage.
וְלֹ֤א יַרְבֶּה־ לּוֹ֙ נָשִׁ֔ים וְלֹ֥א יָס֖וּר לְבָב֑וֹ וְכֶ֣סֶף וְזָהָ֔ב לֹ֥א יַרְבֶּה־ לּ֖וֹ מְאֹֽד׃
13 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.
ולא ירבה לו נשׁים ולא יסור לבבו וכסף וזהב לא ירבה לו מאד
Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.
[ולא] [ירבה] [ל׳ו] [נשים] [ולא] [יסור] [לבב׳ו] [וכסף] [וזהב] [לא] ירבה ל׳ו מאד
1 word on the leather — 2 partly restored, 10 supplied entire by an editor.
[נשים] ולא יסור [לבב׳ו] [וכסף] [וזהב] [לא] [ירבה] [ל׳ו] מאד
10 words of the verse are on this fragment — 2 partly restored, 7 supplied entire by an editor.
ל
1 word of the verse is on this fragment. The rest of the verse is not on it.
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 Deuteronomy 17:17
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.
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)
Conj | Part — Conjunction · particleHC/Tn
רָבָה (rabah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to increase or multiply, encompassing ideas of becoming great, numerous, or abundant. It has various forms, including Qal (to become many), Piel (to make large), and Hiphil (to make much). The word also appears in a context related to shooting in Genesis 21:20. There is a noted Aramaic equivalent, רְבָה.
[רָבָה] 225 vb. be, or become, much, many, great
Qal 59
become many, numerous
be great
grow great (Aramaism)
Pi. 4 make large, increase
Hiph. 162
H7235a רָבָה be, or become, much, many, great .. become many, numerous
. . be great
. grow great (Aramaism)
. make large, increase
. . make much or many
. make great, obj. pers.
H7235b רָבָה shoot
7235 rabah raw-baw'
a primitive root; to increase (in whatever respect):--(bring
in) abundance (X -antly), + archer (by mistake for 7232), be
in authority, bring up, X continue, enlarge, excel,
exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly,
X -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have,
make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more
(in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much
(greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), X
process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very.
see HEBREW for 07232
רָבָה (ra.vah) — to multiply.
1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things)
1a2) to be or grow great
1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to make much, make many, have many
1c1a) to multiply, increase
1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly
1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly
1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much
Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
רָבָה (ra.vah) — to shoot.
(Qal) to shoot
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person masculine singularHVhi3ms
in'-kres, (noun), in-kres' (verb): Employed in the English Bible both as verb and as noun, and in both cases to represent a number of different words in the original. As a verb it is used in the ordinary sense of the term. As a noun it is usually used of plant life, or of the herds and flocks, to denote the fruitage or the offspring; more rarely of money, to denote the interest. As examples of the different terms translated by this word, students who read Hebrew or Greek may compare De 7:22; Pr 16:21; Job 10:16 the King James Version; Job 12:23; Nu 18:30; De 7:13…
וֹ (o) — him.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine singular
HRd/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp3ms
אִשָּׁה (ishshah) means 'woman,' 'wife,' or 'female.' It can refer to a woman in general, a wife in relation to a man, or the female of animals. The term also has distributive and reciprocal uses, indicating 'each woman' from her neighbor. The word is derived from the masculine forms אִישׁ (ish) and אִישָׁה (ishah), indicating a broad range of meanings.
אִשָּׁה 773 n.f. woman, wife, female
woman
Wife (woman belonging to a man, usually cstr. or sf.)
Female of animals
With distrib. & recipr. sense, each woman from her neighbor; each one
base
H802 אִשָּׁה woman, wife, female . woman
. Wife (woman belonging to a man, usually cstr. or sf.)
. Female of animals
. With distrib. & recipr. sense, each woman from her neighbor; each one
802 'ishshah ish-shaw'
feminine of 376 or 582; irregular plural, nashiym
{naw-sheem'}; a woman (used in the same wide sense as
582):--(adulter)ess, each, every, female, X many, + none,
one, + together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English.
see HEBREW for 0376
see HEBREW for 0582
see HEBREW for 0582
אִשָּׁה (ish.shah) — woman.
: woman
1) woman, wife, female
1a) woman (opposite of man)
1b) wife (woman married to a man)
1c) female (of animals)
1d) each, every (pronoun)
אִשָּׁה (ish.shah) — woman: wife.
: wife/widow
1) woman, wife, female
1a) woman (opposite of man)
1b) wife (woman married to a man)
1c) female (of animals)
1d) each, every (pronoun)
אִשָּׁה (ish.shah) — woman: another.
: another
1) woman, wife, female
1a) woman (opposite of man)
1b) wife (woman married to a man)
1c) female (of animals)
1d) each, every (pronoun)
N-fp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
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)
Conj | Part — Conjunction · particleHC/Tn
סוּר (sur) is a Hebrew verb meaning to turn aside or depart. It encompasses a range of actions including removal, avoidance, and coming to an end. The word can be used in various forms, such as causing something to turn aside or be taken away. It appears in contexts involving both literal and figurative departures.
סוּר and [שׂוּר] 300 vb. turn aside
Qal
turn aside, out of one's course
depart
of lifeless things = be removed
= come to an end
Pô‛lēl he turned aside my ways (my steps)
Hiph.
cause to (turn aside,) depart, common word for remove, take away
rarer uses
Pô‛lēl be taken away, removed
base
H5493 סוּר, שׂוּר turn aside .. turn aside, out of one's course
. depart
. of lifeless things = be removed
. = come to an end
.he turned aside my ways (my steps)
. . cause to (turn aside,) depart, common word for remove, take away
. rarer uses
.be taken away, removed
5493 cuwr soor
or suwr (Hosea 9:12) {soor}; a primitive root; to turn off
(literal or figurative):--be(-head), bring, call back,
decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), X grievous,
lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away,
down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, X be sour, take
(away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without.
סוּר (sur) — to turn aside: remove.
: remove
1) to turn aside, depart
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto
1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid
1a3) to be removed
1a4) to come to an end
1b) (Polel) to turn aside
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose
1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish
1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
סוּר (sur) — to turn aside: depart.
: depart
1) to turn aside, depart
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto
1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid
1a3) to be removed
1a4) to come to an end
1b) (Polel) to turn aside
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose
1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish
1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
סוּר (sur) — to turn aside: turn aside.
: turn_aside/deflect
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
a-sid': "Distinct from others," "privately," such is the sense of the word in 2Ki 4:4; Mr 7:33. Also "to withdraw" (Lu 9:10 the King James Version; Ac 23:19: hupochoreo, also anachoreo). One is said to have turned aside when he departs from the path of rectitude (Ps 14:3; Sirach 2:7; 1Ti 1:6). In a figurative sense it is used to express the thought of putting aside, to renounce, every hindrance or impediment to a consecrated earnest Christian life (Heb 12:1: apotithemi).
לֵבָב (lebab) refers to the inner man, encompassing the mind, will, and heart. It highlights aspects like emotions, moral character, and conscience, often contrasting the inner self with the outer. The term is used primarily for humans and can also denote courage and appetites.
לֵבָב 251 n.m. inner man, mind, will, heart
seldom of things in the midst of the seas
usu. of men
the inner man in contrast with the outer
the inner man, indef. the soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
specific ref. to mind
spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions, determinations of the will
spec. ref. to conscience
spec. ref. to moral character
= the man himself
spec. as seat of appetites
spec. of seat of the emotions and passions
seat of courage
base
H3824 לֵבָב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the seas
. usu. of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer
. the inner man, indef. the soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
. specific ref. to mind
. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions, determinations of the will
. spec. ref. to conscience
. spec. ref. to moral character
. = the man himself
. spec. as seat of appetites
. spec. of seat of the emotions and passions
. seat of courage
3824 lebab lay-bawb'
from 3823; the heart (as the most interior organ); used also
like 3820:--+ bethink themselves, breast, comfortably,
courage, ((faint), (tender-)heart((-ed)), midst, mind, X
unawares, understanding.
see HEBREW for 03823
see HEBREW for 03820
לֵבָב (le.vav) — heart.
1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding
1a) inner part, midst
1a1) midst (of things)
1a2) heart (of man)
1a3) soul, heart (of man)
1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory
1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)
1a6) conscience
1a7) heart (of moral character)
1a8) as seat of appetites
1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) refers to silver and money, derived from a root meaning 'to be pale.' It encompasses various aspects of silver, including its use as a metal, ornament, and a measure of wealth or value. The term appears in contexts related to payment and price, indicating its significance in transactions.
כֶּ֫סֶף 402 n.m. silver, money
= silver ore, raw silver
silver as bright, shining
silver, as wealth
silver as spoil of war
silver as merchandise
silver as costly gift
silver as material
silver as measure of weight and value
among vbs. and phr.
base
H3701 כֶּ֫סֶף silver, money
3701 keceph keh'-sef
from 3700; silver (from its pale color); by implication,
money:--money, price, silver(-ling).
see HEBREW for 03700
כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) — silver: money.
: money/payment/silver
1) silver, money
1a) silver
1a1) as metal
1a2) as ornament
1a3) as colour
1b) money, shekels, talents
כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) — silver: price.
: price
1) silver, money
1a) silver
1a1) as metal
1a2) as ornament
1a3) as colour
1b) money, shekels, talents
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
sil'-ver (keceph; argurion, arguros): Silver was known in the earliest historic times. Specimens of early Egyptian and Babylonian silver work testify to the skill of the ancient silversmiths. In Palestine, silver objects have been found antedating the occupation of the land by the Hebrews. This metal was used for making all kinds of ornamental objects. In the mound of Gezer were found bowls, vases, ladles, hairpins, rings and bracelets of silver. The rings and settings for scarabs or seals were commonly of this metal. The first mention of silver in the Bible is in Ge 13:2, where it says that Abraham was rich in cattle, in silver and gold. At that time it was commonly used in exchange in the form of bars or other shapes. Coins of that metal were of a much later date (Ge 20:16…
Silver
Used for a great variety of purposes, as may be judged from the frequent references to it in Scripture. It first appears in commerce in Gen. 13:2; 23:15, 16. It was largely employed for making vessels for the sanctuary in the wilderness (Ex. 26:19; 27:17; Num. 7:13, 19; 10:2). There is no record of its having been found in Syria or Palestine. It was brought in large quantities by foreign merchants from abroad, from Spain and India and other countries probably.
In very early times silver was used for ornaments, (Genesis 24:53) and for vessels of various kinds. Images for idolatrous worship were made of silver or overlaid with it, (Exodus 20:23; Hosea 13:2); Habb 2:19 Bar. 6:39, and the manufacture of silver shrines for Diana was a trade in Ephesus. (Acts 19:24) But its chief use was as a medium of exchange, and throughout the Old Testament we find "silver" used for money, like the French argent . Silver was brought to Solomon from Arabia, (2 Chronicles 9:14) and from Tarshish, (2 Chronicles 9:21) which supplied the markets…
One of the precious metals and the one most commonly used as coin among all nations. It is first mentioned in Scripture in the history of Abraham, Ge 13:2 20:16 23:16, and was used in constricting the tabernacle, Ex 26:19,32, and afterwards the temple, 1Ch 29:4. In employing it as a medium of trade, the ancient Hebrews weighed it out, instead of having coins. In the times of the New Testament there were coins. See SHEKEL, and MONEY.
זָהָב (zahab) means gold and is derived from an unused root that conveys the idea of shimmering. It encompasses various aspects of gold, including its value as a precious metal, its use as a measure of weight, and its figurative brilliance. The term appears in contexts related to wealth, merchandise, and gifts.
זָהָב 385 n.m. gold
= gold-ore, gold in raw state
gold as wealth
gold as spoil of war
gold as merchandise
gold as costly gift
gold as material
gold described by its source
gold defined by var. adj. and pts.
as measure of weight and value
= golden oil, from colour
often named with
the chief vbs. used
base
H2091 זָהָב gold
2091 zahab zaw-hawb'
from an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively,
something gold-colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky:--
gold(-en), fair weather.
זָהָב (za.hav) — gold.
1) gold
1a) as precious metal
1b) as a measure of weight
1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.)
Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
gold (zahabh; chrusos):
1. Terms:
No metal has been more frequently mentioned in Old Testament writings than gold, and none has had more terms applied to it. Among these terms the one most used is zahabh. The Arabic equivalent, dhahab, is still the common name for gold throughout Palestine, Syria and Egypt. With zahabh frequently occur other words which, translated, mean "pure" (Ex 25:11), "refined" (1Ch 28:18), "finest" (1Ki 10:18), "beaten" (1Ki 10:17), "Ophir" (Ps 45:9).
Other terms occurring are: paz, "fine gold" (Job 28:17;
Gold
(1.) Heb. zahab, so called from its yellow colour (Ex. 25:11; 1 Chr. 28:18; 2 Chr. 3:5).
(2.) Heb. segor, from its compactness, or as being enclosed or treasured up; thus precious or “fine gold” (1 Kings 6:20; 7:49).
Gold was known from the very earliest times. (Genesis 2:11) It was at first used chiefly for ornaments, etc. (Genesis 24:22) Coined money was not known to the ancients till a comparatively late period; and on the Egyptian tombs gold is represented as being weighed in rings for commercial purposes. Comp. (Genesis 43:21) Gold was extremely abundant in ancient times, (1 Chronicles 22:14; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 9:9; Daniel 3:1; Nahum 2:9) but this did not depreciate its value, because of the enormous quantities consumed by…
A well-known valuable metal, found in many parts of the world, and obtained anciently in Ophir, Job 28:16; Parvaim, 2Ch 3:6; Sheba, and Raamah, Eze 27:22. Job alludes to gold in various forms, Job 22:24 28:15-19. Abraham was rich in it, and female ornaments were early made of it, Ge 13:2 24:22,35. It is spoken of throughout Scripture; and the use of it among and ancient Hebrews, in its native and mixed state, and for the same purposes as at present, was very common. The Ark of the Covenant was overlaid with pure gold; the mercy seat, the vessels and utensils belonging to the tabernacle, and those also of the house of…
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
רָבָה (rabah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to increase or multiply, encompassing ideas of becoming great, numerous, or abundant. It has various forms, including Qal (to become many), Piel (to make large), and Hiphil (to make much). The word also appears in a context related to shooting in Genesis 21:20. There is a noted Aramaic equivalent, רְבָה.
[רָבָה] 225 vb. be, or become, much, many, great
Qal 59
become many, numerous
be great
grow great (Aramaism)
Pi. 4 make large, increase
Hiph. 162
H7235a רָבָה be, or become, much, many, great .. become many, numerous
. . be great
. grow great (Aramaism)
. make large, increase
. . make much or many
. make great, obj. pers.
H7235b רָבָה shoot
7235 rabah raw-baw'
a primitive root; to increase (in whatever respect):--(bring
in) abundance (X -antly), + archer (by mistake for 7232), be
in authority, bring up, X continue, enlarge, excel,
exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly,
X -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have,
make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more
(in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much
(greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), X
process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very.
see HEBREW for 07232
רָבָה (ra.vah) — to multiply.
1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things)
1a2) to be or grow great
1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to make much, make many, have many
1c1a) to multiply, increase
1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly
1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly
1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much
Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
רָבָה (ra.vah) — to shoot.
(Qal) to shoot
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person masculine singularHVhi3ms
in'-kres, (noun), in-kres' (verb): Employed in the English Bible both as verb and as noun, and in both cases to represent a number of different words in the original. As a verb it is used in the ordinary sense of the term. As a noun it is usually used of plant life, or of the herds and flocks, to denote the fruitage or the offspring; more rarely of money, to denote the interest. As examples of the different terms translated by this word, students who read Hebrew or Greek may compare De 7:22; Pr 16:21; Job 10:16 the King James Version; Job 12:23; Nu 18:30; De 7:13…
וֹ (o) — him.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine singular
HRd/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp3ms
מְאֹד (m`od) refers to concepts of muchness, force, and abundance. It serves as an adverb meaning exceedingly or greatly, often used to intensify other words. The entries highlight its use in various idioms to express magnitude or degree, with a focus on might and intensity.
מְאֹד n.m. muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly
force, might
in diff. idioms (298 t.) to express the idea of exceedingly, greatly, very (whether of magnitude or degree)
base
H3966 מְאֹד muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly . force, might
. in diff. idiomns (298 t.) to express the idea of exceedingly, greatly, very (whether of magnitude or degree)
3966 m`od meh-ode'
from the same as 181; properly, vehemence, i.e. (with or
without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly,
speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
superlative; especially when repeated):--diligently,
especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), X
louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so)
sore, utterly, very (+ much, sore), well.
see HEBREW for 0181
מְאֹד (me.od) — much.
adv
1) exceedingly, much
subst
2) might, force, abundance
n m
3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly
3a) force, might
3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree)
3b1) exceedingly
3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly
3b3) with muchness, muchness
Adv — AdvHAcmsa
