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Deuteronomy 20:17 — Word Study

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WLCכִּֽי־ הַחֲרֵ֣ם תַּחֲרִימֵ֗ם הַחִתִּ֤י וְהָאֱמֹרִי֙ הַכְּנַעֲנִ֣י וְהַפְּרִזִּ֔י הַחִוִּ֖י וְהַיְבוּסִ֑י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוְּךָ֖ יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃

BSAForkîy [since, because of this reason] you must devote them to complete destructionchâram [utterly destroy, set apart for destruction, total annihilation, extermination] the HittitesChittîy AmoritesʼĔmôrîy CanaanitesKᵉnaʻanîy PerizzitesPᵉrizzîy HivitesChivvîy and JebusitesYᵉbûwçîy asʼăsher [in accordance with, just as] the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] your Godʼĕlôhîym [Elohim, the supreme Creator, the one supreme God] has commanded youtsâvâh [given orders, appointed]

Word
Listen & take awayDeuteronomy 20
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 17 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 ('e.lo.Hei.kha) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Deuteronomy 20:17quick helps
In a sentenceThis verse commands the Israelites to completely destroy specific nations as instructed by God.
Who is speakingMoses, addressing the Israelites on God's behalf.
Where we areIn the context of the laws given to the Israelites before entering the Promised Land.
The hard wordחָרַם, charam
Take awayThe command is for total destruction of certain peoples.
6 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them › clause verbחָרַם 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 20:17

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 Conquestgenerated

16However, in the cities of the nations that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, you must not leave alive anything that breathes.
17For you must devote them to complete destruction —the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you,
18so that they cannot teach you to do all the detestable things they do for their gods, and so cause you to sin against the LORD your God.
19When you lay siege to a city for an extended time while fighting against it to capture it, you must not destroy its trees by putting an axe to them, because you can eat their fruit. You must not cut them down. Are the trees of the field human, that you should besiege them?

Deuteronomy 20:17 gives specific instructions to the Israelites regarding their conquest of the Promised Land. God commands them to devote certain nations to destruction to prevent the influence of their practices on the Israelites. This reflects the seriousness of their covenant with God and the need for purity in worship and practice.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Isaiah 34:5–6When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction.
2Jeremiah 48:10Cursed is the one who is remiss in doing the work of the LORD, and cursed is he who withholds his sword from bloodshed.
3Jeremiah 50:35–40A sword is against the Chaldeans, declares the LORD, against those who live in Babylon, and against her officials and wise men.
4Ezekiel 38:21–23And I will summon a sword against Gog on all My mountains, declares the Lord GOD, and every man’s sword will be against his brother.
5Revelation 19:18so that you may eat the flesh of kings and commanders and mighty men, of horses and riders, of everyone slave and free, small and great.”

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

the HittitesDeuteronomy 7:1

The Key Word חָרַם, ha.cha.Remgenerated

The verb חָרַם (charam) is in the Hiphil form, indicating a causative action, meaning to devote or destroy something completely. It signifies a total annihilation, often in a religious context where something is set apart for destruction as a form of dedication to God.

This word is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, particularly in relation to the destruction of nations that opposed Israel. It emphasizes the seriousness of the command and the necessity of removing influences that could lead the Israelites away from their covenant with God.


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 תַּחֲרִימֵ֗ם, you will totally destroy them, governs the entire command, with a series of noun phrases following that specify the nations to be destroyed. The structure emphasizes the action of destruction as the main focus.

The word order highlights the nations to be destroyed, placing them in a list format that underscores the totality of the command.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates חָרַם as ἀναθέματι, which indicates a religious devotion or ban, aligning with the idea of setting apart for destruction. This choice reflects a broader interpretation of the command as not just physical destruction but also a spiritual separation.

This translation suggests a focus on the sacred nature of the command, reinforcing the idea that these actions are part of a covenantal relationship with God.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Deuteronomy 20:17 instructs the Israelites to completely destroy specific nations as commanded by God. This command is part of the laws given to them as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, emphasizing the need for purity in their worship and practices.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

Why were the Israelites commanded to destroy these nations?

The command was to prevent the Israelites from being influenced by the detestable practices of these nations, ensuring their faithfulness to God.

What does it mean to devote something to destruction?

To devote something to destruction means to set it apart for complete annihilation, often as an act of dedication to God.

How does this command relate to the covenant between God and Israel?

This command reflects the seriousness of the covenant, as God required the Israelites to maintain purity and avoid the corrupting influences of surrounding nations.

What can we learn from this command today?

The command serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful and separate from influences that may lead us away from our commitments to God.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What are some modern influences that might lead me away from my commitments to God?
  2. How can I ensure that I remain faithful to my beliefs in a diverse society?
  3. What does it mean to 'devote' something to God in my life today?
  4. In what ways can I support others in their journey to remain faithful to their commitments?

Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Deuteronomy 20:17 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

But thou shalt utterly destroy them,.... Men, women, and children: some think this is to be understood only of such cities which did not accept of terms of peace; for they are of opinion that Joshua

Read John Gill on Deuteronomy 20 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Read Robert Jamieson on Deuteronomy 20 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Deuteronomy 20:17 But thou shalt utterly destroy them; [namely], the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:Ver. 17. The Hivites and the Jebusites.] The Girgashites are not reckoned among the rest, as neither are they in Joshua 9:1, haply because they accepted of conditions of peace.

Read John Trapp on Deuteronomy 20 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

Deuteronomy 20:10-20. SIEGES.(10) When thou comest nigh . . . proclaim peace.—Not as the children of Dan did, who massacred the inhabitants of Laish without warning (Judges 18:27-28). Even in the wars of Joshua, the cities that “stood still in their strength” were generally spared (Joshua 11:13). (15) Thus—i.e., sparing the women and the little ones. (16-18) But of the cities of these people . . . thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth . . . that they teach you not to do after all their abominations.—Upon the inhabitants of these cities the Israelites executed the sentence of Jehovah. Their abominations are sufficiently indicated in Leviticus 18:24-28; Leviticus 20:23. These verses…

Read Charles John Ellicott on Deuteronomy 20 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 17. But thou shalt utterly destroy them] The above reasoning will gain considerable strength, provided we could translate כי החרם תחרימם hi hacharem tacharimem, thou shalt utterly subdue them - slaying them if they resist, and thus leaving nothing alive that breathed; or totally expel them from the land, or reduce them to a state of slavery in it, that they might no longer exist as a people. This certainly made them an anathema as a nation, wholly destroying their political existence. Probably this was so understood by the Gibeonites, viz., that they either must be slain or utterly leave the land, which last was certainly in their power, and therefore, by a stratagem, they got the…

Read AdamClarke on Deuteronomy 20 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

17. utterly destroy them] put them to the ḥ ?erem in its severer form (see on Deuteronomy 2:34). But from the passages quoted above on tributary, Deuteronomy 20:11, we see that Israel did not put these nations to the ban but only to forced labour. Here D did not mitigate but aggravate the fate of the peoples conquered by Israel, and as Islam did, from religious motives. the Hittite, etc.] Six nations, but LXX adds the missing seventh, the Girgashite. See on Deuteronomy 7:1. as … commanded thee] may be an editorial addition founded on Deuteronomy 7:2; Deuteronomy 7:25, cp. Exodus 23:31-33.

Read Cambridge on Deuteronomy 20 →

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

For you must devote them to complete destruction —the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you,

WEBWorld English Bible2000

but you shall utterly destroy them: the Hittite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, as Yahweh your God has commanded you;

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

For you must devote them to complete destruction—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you,

NETBNew English Translation2006

Instead you must utterly annihilate them – the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites – just as the Lord your God has commanded you,

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

but thou shalt utterly destroy them: the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; as Jehovah thy God hath commanded thee;

RVARevised Version, American1894

but thou shalt utterly destroy them; the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:

NWBWebster's Bible1833

But thou shalt utterly destroy them, namely , the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:

GNVGeneva Bible1599

But shalt vtterly destroy them: to wit, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hiuites, and the Iebusites, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee,

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

but shalt utterly devote them to destruction, the Hittites and the Amorites, the Canaanites and the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, as Jehovah thy God hath commanded thee;

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

for thou dost certainly devote the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, as Jehovah thy God hath commanded thee,

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

for you certainly devote the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, as your God YHWH has commanded you,

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

But thou shalt utterly devote them; namely, the Hittites, and the Emorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee;

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Instead, you must completely destroy them: the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, as Yahweh your God has commanded you.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

But shalt kill them with the edge of the sword, to wit, the Hethite, and the Amorrhite, and the Chanaanite, the Pherezite, and the Hevite, and the Jebusite, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee:

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Set them apart for complete destruction—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as the Lord your God has ordered you to do.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Give them up to the curse; the Hittite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, as the Lord your God has given you orders:

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.

כִּֽי(dm)clauseadverbialהַחֲרֵ֣םcertainly.(totally.destroy)verbתַּחֲרִימֵ֗younoun phrase · objectםwill.totally.destroy.themnoun phrasenoun phraseהַtheחִתִּ֤יHittite[s]וְandnoun phraseהָtheאֱמֹרִי֙Amorite[s]noun phraseהַtheכְּנַעֲנִ֣יCanaanite[s]וְandnoun phraseהַtheפְּרִזִּ֔יPerizzite[s]noun phraseהַtheחִוִּ֖יHivite[s]וְandnoun phraseהַtheיְבוּסִ֑יJebusite[s]prepositional phrase · prepositionalכַּjustrelpאֲשֶׁ֥רasclauseverbצִוְּheobjectךָ֖commanded.younoun phrase · subjectיְהוָ֥הYahwehnoun phraseאֱלֹהֶֽיGodךָyour

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 agree closely, with the Septuagint providing a word-for-word correspondence. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs slightly, replacing one of the nations with the Girgashites, indicating a variation in the tradition of these texts.

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

כִּֽי־ הַחֲרֵ֣ם תַּחֲרִימֵ֗ם הַחִתִּ֤י וְהָאֱמֹרִי֙ הַכְּנַעֲנִ֣י וְהַפְּרִזִּ֔י הַחִוִּ֖י וְהַיְבוּסִ֑י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוְּךָ֖ יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
כִּֽי־ἀλλ’הַחֲרֵ֣םἀναθέματιתַּחֲרִימֵ֗םαὐτούςהַחִתִּ֤יξετταῖονוְהָאֱמֹרִי֙αμορραῖονהַכְּנַעֲנִ֣יξαναναῖονוְהַפְּרִזִּ֔יφερεζαῖονהַחִוִּ֖יευαῖονוְהַיְבוּסִ֑יιεβουσαῖονכַּאֲשֶׁ֥רτρόπονצִוְּךָ֖σοιיְהוָ֥הκύριοςאֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃σου

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.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

כי החרים תחרימם הכנעני והאמרי והחתי והגרגשׁי והפרזי והחוי והיבוסי כאשׁר צוך יהוה אלהיך

2 words differ from the Masoretic Text: החרים (consecrate), גרגשׁי (Girgashite)

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q38aa copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[כי] [החרם] [תחרימ׳ם] [החתי] [והאמרי] [הכנעני] [והפרזי] והחוי [והיבוסי] [כאשר] [צו׳ך] [יהוה] [אלהי׳ך]

nothing on the leather here — 1 partly restored, 12 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 20:17כִּיforforכִּיחָרַםcertainlycertainlyחָרַםחָרַםyou will toyou will totallחָרַםחִתִּיthe Hittitethe Hittite[s]חִתִּיאֱמֹרִיand the Amoand the Amoriteאֱמֹרִיכְּנַעֲנִיthe Canaanithe Canaanite[sכְּנַעֲנִיפְּרִזִּיand the Perand the Perizziפְּרִזִּיחִוִּיthe Hivite[the Hivite[s]חִוִּייְבוּסִיand the Jeband the Jebusitיְבוּסִיאֲשֶׁרjust asjust asאֲשֶׁרצָוָהhe commandehe commanded yoצָוָהיהוהYahwehYahwehיהוהאֱלֹהִיםGod yourGod yourאֱלֹהִיםחֵתHethHethחֵתאָמַרto sayto sayאָמַרכְּנַ֫עַןCanaanCanaanכְּנַ֫עַןחַוָּהvillagevillageחַוָּהיְבוּסJebusJebusיְבוּסהָיָהto beto beהָיָהפְּרָזִיvillagervillagerפְּרָזִיאֱלֹהַּgodgodאֱלֹהַּפְּרִזִּיPerizzitePerizziteפְּרִזִּיחִוִּיHiviteHiviteחִוִּיחֵ֫רֶםdevoted thdevoted thingחֵ֫רֶםיָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעסִיחוֹןSihonSihonסִיחוֹןגִּרְגָּשִׁיGirgashiteGirgashiteגִּרְגָּשִׁיעַרְקִיArkiteArkiteעַרְקִיצָוָהto commandto commandצָוָהמֹשֶׁהMosesMosesמֹשֶׁהמִצְוָהcommandmencommandmentמִצְוָה
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 20:17

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.

for certainly you will totally destroy them the Hittite[s] and the Amorite[s] the Canaanite[s] and the Perizzite[s] the Hivite[s] and the Jebusite[s] just as he commanded you Yahweh God your
כִּֽי־ki- for H3588 Particle
4,483× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Amplified meaning
since, because of this reason
Tyndale gloss
for
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי conj. that, for, when

that

Of time, when, of the past

elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

Because, since

base

כִּי אם־

each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:

that if

for if

(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—

limiting the prec. clause, except

the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

after an oath, surely

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that

. . Of time, when, of the past

. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

. Because, since

H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if

. for if

. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except

. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

. after an oath, surely

H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3588 kiy kee

a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional

prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent

or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative

conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by

other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,

where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,

even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +

nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,

therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,

whether, while, whom, yea, yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּי (ki) — for.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if

1f) but rather, but

1g) except that

1h) only, nevertheless

1i) surely

1j) that is

1k) but if

1l) for though

1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

1b) even though

כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Particle
HTc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.

In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
for certainly you will totally destroy them the Hittite[s] and the Amorite[s] the Canaanite[s] and the Perizzite[s] the Hivite[s] and the Jebusite[s] just as he commanded you Yahweh God your
הַחֲרֵ֣םha.cha.Rem certainly H2763 Verb · Hiphil · infinitive absolute
52× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To devote or destroy something, like the objects the Israelites were told to destroy in Deuteronomy 7:26.
Amplified meaning
utterly destroy, set apart for destruction, total annihilation, extermination
Tyndale gloss
to devote/destroy
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חָרַם (charam) is a Hebrew verb with two main meanings. It can denote the act of devoting or banning something, often for destruction, as well as the physical act of mutilation, particularly of body parts. The entries highlight its use in contexts of religious devotion and prohibition, as well as in descriptions of physical alteration.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[חָרַם] vb. Hiph. ban, devote, exterminate

Hiph. ban, devote

Hoph.

be put under the ban, devoted (to death)

devoted, i.e. forfeited, to the temple treasures

base

[חָרַם] vb. slit (nose, lip, ear, etc.), mutilate esp. face—Qal Lv 21:18 (H)

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2763a [חָרַם] Hiph. ban, devote, exterminate H2763b חָרַם slit (nose, lip, ear, etc.), mutilate esp. face

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2763 charam khaw-ram'

a primitive root; to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to

devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical

and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose:--make accursed,

consecrate, (utterly) destroy, devote, forfeit, have a flat

nose, utterly (slay, make away).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָרַם (cha.ram) — to devote/destroy.

1) to ban, devote, destroy utterly, completely destroy, dedicate for destruction, exterminate

1a) (Hiphil)

1a1) to prohibit (for common use), ban

1a2) to consecrate, devote, dedicate for destruction

1a3) to exterminate, completely destroy

1b) (Hophal)

1b1) to be put under the ban, be devoted to destruction

1b2) to be devoted, be forfeited

1b3) to be completely destroyed

חָרַם (cha.ram) — to slash.

1) to split, slit, mutilate (a part of the body)

1a) (Qal) to mutilate

1b) (Hiphil) to divide

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Ptc — Verb · Hiphil · infinitive absolute
HVhaa
for certainly you will totally destroy them the Hittite[s] and the Amorite[s] the Canaanite[s] and the Perizzite[s] the Hivite[s] and the Jebusite[s] just as he commanded you Yahweh God your
תַּחֲרִימֵ֗םta.cha.ri.Mem you will totally destroy them H2763 Verb hiphil imperfect second person masculine singular · suffix
52× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To devote or destroy something, like the objects the Israelites were told to destroy in Deuteronomy 7:26.
Tyndale gloss
to devote/destroy
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חָרַם (charam) is a Hebrew verb with two main meanings. It can denote the act of devoting or banning something, often for destruction, as well as the physical act of mutilation, particularly of body parts. The entries highlight its use in contexts of religious devotion and prohibition, as well as in descriptions of physical alteration.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[חָרַם] vb. Hiph. ban, devote, exterminate

Hiph. ban, devote

Hoph.

be put under the ban, devoted (to death)

devoted, i.e. forfeited, to the temple treasures

base

[חָרַם] vb. slit (nose, lip, ear, etc.), mutilate esp. face—Qal Lv 21:18 (H)

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2763a [חָרַם] Hiph. ban, devote, exterminate H2763b חָרַם slit (nose, lip, ear, etc.), mutilate esp. face

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2763 charam khaw-ram'

a primitive root; to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to

devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical

and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose:--make accursed,

consecrate, (utterly) destroy, devote, forfeit, have a flat

nose, utterly (slay, make away).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָרַם (cha.ram) — to devote/destroy.

1) to ban, devote, destroy utterly, completely destroy, dedicate for destruction, exterminate

1a) (Hiphil)

1a1) to prohibit (for common use), ban

1a2) to consecrate, devote, dedicate for destruction

1a3) to exterminate, completely destroy

1b) (Hophal)

1b1) to be put under the ban, be devoted to destruction

1b2) to be devoted, be forfeited

1b3) to be completely destroyed

חָרַם (cha.ram) — to slash.

1) to split, slit, mutilate (a part of the body)

1a) (Qal) to mutilate

1b) (Hiphil) to divide

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVhi2ms/Sp3mp — Verb hiphil imperfect second person masculine singular · suffix
HVhi2ms/Sp3mp
for certainly you will totally destroy them the Hittite[s] and the Amorite[s] the Canaanite[s] and the Perizzite[s] the Hivite[s] and the Jebusite[s] just as he commanded you Yahweh God your
הַחִתִּ֤יha.chi.Ti the Hittite[s] H2850 Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
48× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A Hittite is a descendant of Heth, a man who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned in Genesis 10:15. The Hittites were a group of people related to the Canaanites and other nearby tribes. They are often mentioned in the Bible, including in the book of Joshua.
Tyndale gloss
Hittite
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חִתִּי (Chittiy) refers to a Hittite, a descendant of Heth, who is mentioned in the context of the Canaanite lineage in the Old Testament. The term denotes both an individual and the nation that inhabited regions of Anatolia and later parts of Lebanon. It is linked to the broader family of nations descended from Canaan, as noted in Genesis 10:15.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חִתִּי adj. et n.gent. Hittite(s)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2850 חִתִּי Hittite(s)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2850 Chittiy khit-tee'

patronymically from 2845; a Chittite, or descendant of

Cheth:--Hittite, Hittities.

see HEBREW for 02845

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חִתִּי (chit.ti) — Hittite.

Someone descended from Heth who was a man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.15;

son of: Canaan (H3667);

brother of: Sidon (H6721), Jebusite (H2983), Amorite (H0567), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577); also called Hittite (KJV: "of Heth") frequently

Group of chet (חֵת "Heth" H2845)

§ Hittite = "descendant of Heth"

the nation descended from Heth, the 2nd son of Canaan; once inhabitants of central Anatolia (modern Turkey), later in north Lebanon

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | Ngmsa — Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ngmsa
for certainly you will totally destroy them the Hittite[s] and the Amorite[s] the Canaanite[s] and the Perizzite[s] the Hivite[s] and the Jebusite[s] just as he commanded you Yahweh God your
וְהָאֱמֹרִי֙ve.ha.'e.mo.Ri and the Amorite[s] H567 Conjunction · particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
87× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
An Amorite is a member of a Canaanite tribe, first mentioned in Genesis 10:16, descended from Canaan. The Israelites displaced them as they entered the Promised Land.
Tyndale gloss
Amorite
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֱמֹרִי (Emoriy) refers to the Amorites, a group of people descended from Canaan, possibly meaning 'mountain-dwellers.' They are noted as a prominent tribe dispossessed by the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. The term may derive from a root meaning 'to say,' suggesting a connection to prominence or publicity.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֱמֹרִי n.pr.m.coll. Amorites (perh. = mountain-dwellers)

called son of Canaan

a chief people dispossessed by Hebrews

adj.gent.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H567 אֱמֹרִי Amorites (perh. = mountain-dwellers)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

567 'Emoriy em-o-ree'

probably a patronymic from an unused name derived from 559 in

the sense of publicity, i.e. prominence; thus, a mountaineer;

an Emorite, one of the Canaanitish tribes:--Amorite.

see HEBREW for 0559

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֱמֹרִי (e.mo.ri) — Amorite.

Someone descended from Amor(?), first mentioned at Gen.10.16; descended from Canaan (H3667); along with Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577)

§ Amorite = "a sayer"

one of the peoples of east Canaan and beyond the Jordan, dispossessed by the Israelite incursion from Egypt

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Art | Ngmsa — Conjunction · particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
HC/Td/Ngmsa
for certainly you will totally destroy them the Hittite[s] and the Amorite[s] the Canaanite[s] and the Perizzite[s] the Hivite[s] and the Jebusite[s] just as he commanded you Yahweh God your
הַכְּנַעֲנִ֣יha.ke.na.'a.Ni the Canaanite[s] H3669 Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
73× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A Canaanitess was a woman from the land of Canaan, known for being merchants and traders. The term is used in the Bible to describe a woman who was a mother of one of the tribe of Benjamin, as seen in Genesis and other books.
Tyndale gloss
Canaanitess
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כְּנַעֲנִי (ken-ah-an-ee) refers to a Canaanite, an inhabitant of Canaan, and also denotes a merchant or trader. It is derived from the root word for Canaan, which can imply a connection to trade, as Canaanites were known for their mercantile activities. The term can also describe a woman from Canaan, first mentioned in Genesis 46:10.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כְּנַעֲנִי adj. et nom.gent.

base

כְּנַעֲנִי n.m. trader, merchant

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3669a כְּנַעֲנִי adj. et nom. gent. H3669b כְּנַעֲנִי trader, merchant

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3669 Kna`aniy ken-ah-an-ee'

patrial from 3667; a Kenaanite or inhabitant of Kenaan; by

implication, a pedlar (the Canaanites standing for their

neighbors the Ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile

caravans):--Canaanite, merchant, trafficker.

see HEBREW for 03667

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כְּנַעֲנִי (ke.na.a.ni) — Canaanite.

Group of ke.na.an (כְּנַ֫עַן "Canaan" H3667A)

§ Canaanite, of Cana "zealous"

adj

descendant or inhabitant of Canaan

כְּנַעֲנִי (ke.na.a.ni) — merchant.

a merchant, trader

Group of ke.na.an (כְּנַ֫עַן "merchant" H3667B)

כְּנַעֲנִי (ke.na.a.ni) — Canaanitess.

Describing a woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.46.10;

mother of: Shaul (H7586H)

§ a merchant, trader

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | Ngmsa — Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ngmsa
for certainly you will totally destroy them the Hittite[s] and the Amorite[s] the Canaanite[s] and the Perizzite[s] the Hivite[s] and the Jebusite[s] just as he commanded you Yahweh God your
וְהַפְּרִזִּ֔יve.hap.pe.ri.Zi and the Perizzite[s] H6522 Conjunction · particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
23× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A Perizzite was a member of a Canaanite tribe, first mentioned in Genesis 13:7, that lived in southern Canaan before the conquest. They were one of the groups the Israelites encountered. The name likely means 'belonging to a village'.
Tyndale gloss
Perizzite
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פְּרִזִּי (Perizzite) refers to an inhabitant of the open country, specifically one of the tribes in Canaan. The term is associated with a people who lived in southern Canaan before the Israelite conquest, and it may mean 'belonging to a village.' The Perizzites are first mentioned in Genesis 13:7.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פְּרִזִּי 23 adj.gent. Perizzite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6522 פְּרִזִּי Perizzite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6522 Prizziy per-iz-zee'

for 6521; inhabitant of the open country; a Perizzite, one of

the Canaanitish tribes:--Perizzite.

see HEBREW for 06521

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פְּרִזִּי (pe.riz.zi) — Perizzite.

Someone descended from Periz(?), first mentioned at Gen.13.7

§ Perizzite = "belonging to a village"

a people who inhabited southern Canaan prior to the conquest

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Art | Ngmsa — Conjunction · particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
HC/Td/Ngmsa
for certainly you will totally destroy them the Hittite[s] and the Amorite[s] the Canaanite[s] and the Perizzite[s] the Hivite[s] and the Jebusite[s] just as he commanded you Yahweh God your
הַחִוִּ֖יha.chi.Vi the Hivite[s] H2340 Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
25× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A Hivite, a member of an ancient tribe in Palestine, descended from Canaan, mentioned in Genesis 10:17.
Tyndale gloss
Hivite
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חִוִּי (Chivviy) refers to the Hivites, a group of villagers descended from Canaan, specifically mentioned in Genesis 10:17. They are described as one of the aboriginal tribes of Palestine, living in northern Canaan near Mount Hermon during the conquest. The term may derive from a root meaning 'villager'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חִוִּי adj.gent. (= villagers?)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2340 חִוִּי (= villagers?)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2340 Chivviy khiv-vee'

perhaps from 2333; a villager; a Chivvite, one of the

aboriginal tribes of Palestine:--Hivite.

see HEBREW for 02333

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חִוִּי (chiv.vi) — Hivite.

Someone descended from Hiv(?) of the Canaanites, first mentioned at Gen.10.17; descended from Canaan (H3667); along with Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Amorite (H0567), Girgashite (H1622), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577)

§ Hivite = "villagers"

6th generation of descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham, who were living in northern Canaan near Mount Hermon at the time of the conquest

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | Ngmsa — Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ngmsa
for certainly you will totally destroy them the Hittite[s] and the Amorite[s] the Canaanite[s] and the Perizzite[s] the Hivite[s] and the Jebusite[s] just as he commanded you Yahweh God your
וְהַיְבוּסִ֑יve.hay.vu.Si and the Jebusite[s] H2983 Conjunction · particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
41× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A Jebusite is a person who lives in Jebus, the early name for Jerusalem. They are descendants of Jebus, a son of Canaan. The KJV translates it as 'Jebusite'.
Tyndale gloss
Jebus
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יְבוּסִי (Yebuwciy) means 'Jebusite,' referring to the inhabitants or descendants of Jebus, an early name for Jerusalem. The term is derived from a root associated with Canaan, specifically the third son of Canaan. It is used in the context of the people living in or around Jerusalem.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יְבוּסִי, יְבֻסִי

adj. gent. Jebusite, Jebusites

Jerusalem

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2983 יְבוּסִי, יְבֻסִי . adj. gent. Jebusite, Jebusites

. Jerusalem

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2983 Yebuwciy yeb-oo-see'

patrial from 2982; a Jebusite or inhabitant of

Jebus:--Jebusite(-s).

see HEBREW for 02982

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְבוּסִי (ye.vu.si) — Jebusite.

Someone descended from Jebus(?) of the Canaanites, first mentioned at Gen.10.16; descended from Canaan (H3667); along with Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Amorite (H0567), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577)

§ Jebusite = "descendants of Jebus"

descendants of the 3rd son of Canaan who lived in or around the site of Jebus, the early name for Jerusalem

יְבוּסִי (ye.vu.si) — Jebus.

Jebusite = "descendants of Jebus"

descendants of the 3rd son of Canaan who lived in or around the site of Jebus, the early name for Jerusalem

Another spelling of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Art | Ngmsa — Conjunction · particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
HC/Td/Ngmsa
for certainly you will totally destroy them the Hittite[s] and the Amorite[s] the Canaanite[s] and the Perizzite[s] the Hivite[s] and the Jebusite[s] just as he commanded you Yahweh God your
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥רka.'a.Sher just as H834 Preposition · 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.
Amplified meaning
in accordance with, just as
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
Prep | Rel — Preposition · particle
HR/Tr
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

az: Conj. and adverb (usually Greek hos hosper, kathos), designating:

(1) Likeness: (a) between nouns (Ge 3:5; Jud 6:5; Php 2:8; Heb 11:27,29); (b) between verbs (Lu 6:36; Joh 5:30; 1Co 10:7); (c) between adjectives (1Co 15:48).

(2) Limitation (with respect to a particular aspect or relation) (1Pe 4:15,16).

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
for certainly you will totally destroy them the Hittite[s] and the Amorite[s] the Canaanite[s] and the Perizzite[s] the Hivite[s] and the Jebusite[s] just as he commanded you Yahweh God your
צִוְּךָ֖tzi.ve.Kha he commanded you H6680 Verb piel perfect third person masculine singular · suffix
494× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
given orders, appointed
Tyndale gloss
to command
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

צָוָה (tsavah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to command or give orders. It is built from a primitive root and primarily used in the Piel form, indicating actions like appointing or charging someone with a task. The entries highlight its various applications, including laying charges and sending messengers. There are no noted disagreements among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[צָוָה] 485 vb. Pi. lay charge (upon), give charge (to), charge, command, order

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6680 צָוָה Pi. lay charge (upon), give charge (to), charge, command, order

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6680 tsavah tsaw-vaw'

a primitive root; (intensively) to constitute,

enjoin:--appoint, (for-)bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give

in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put,

(set) in order.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

צָוָה (tsa.vah) — to command.

1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order

1a)(Piel)

1a1) to lay charge upon

1a2) to give charge to, give command to

1a3) to give charge unto

1a4) to give charge over, appoint

1a5) to give charge, command

1a6) to charge, command

1a7) to charge, commission

1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act)

1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff — Verb piel perfect third person masculine singular · suffix
HVpp3ms/Sp2ms
for certainly you will totally destroy them the Hittite[s] and the Amorite[s] the Canaanite[s] and the Perizzite[s] the Hivite[s] and the Jebusite[s] just as he commanded you Yahweh God your
יְהוָ֥הYah.weh Yahweh H3068 Noun proper
6,528× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
Yehovah, The covenant Name of God
Tyndale gloss
The Lord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpt
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
for certainly you will totally destroy them the Hittite[s] and the Amorite[s] the Canaanite[s] and the Perizzite[s] the Hivite[s] and the Jebusite[s] just as he commanded you Yahweh God your
אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃'e.lo.Hei.kha God your H430 Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
2,603× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
Elohim, the supreme Creator, the one supreme God
Tyndale gloss
God
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֱלֹהִים (elohiym) is a plural noun meaning 'gods' or 'God,' often referring to the supreme deity in the Old Testament. It encompasses divine beings, rulers, and judges, reflecting divine majesty and power. The term can also denote angels and is used in a superlative sense. Notably, it is sometimes combined with יהוה (YHWH), the personal name of God.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֱלֹהִים 2570 n.m.pl.

pl. in number.

rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power

divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels

angels

gods

pl. intensive

god or goddess

godlike one

works of God, or things belongng to him

God

הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God

אֱלֹהִים = God

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H430 אֱלֹהִים n. m. pl. . pl. in number. . rulers, judges, either asdivine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power

. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels

. angels

. gods

. pl. intensive . god or goddess

. godlike one

. works of God, or things belongng to him

. God

. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God

. אֱלֹהִים = God

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

430 'elohiym el-o-heem'

plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically

used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the

supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to

magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X

exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X

mighty.

see HEBREW for 0433

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — God.

This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God"

Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (LORD)-Elohe.

Combined with ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068)

אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (Gibeath)-elohim.

Combined with giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeath" H1389)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HNcmpc/Sp2ms
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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