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Deuteronomy 22:1 — Word Study

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WLCלֹֽא־ תִרְאֶה֩ אֶת־ שׁ֨וֹר אָחִ֜יךָ א֤וֹ אֶת־ שֵׂיוֹ֙ נִדָּחִ֔ים וְהִתְעַלַּמְתָּ֖ מֵהֶ֑ם הָשֵׁ֥ב תְּשִׁיבֵ֖ם לְאָחִֽיךָ׃

BSAIf you seerâʼâh [perceive, notice] your brother’sʼâch [male sibling, close relative] oxshôwr [cattle, livestock] orʼôw sheepseh [flock, young animal] strayingnâdach [to banish, driven away] you must notlôʼ [absence, negation] ignore itʻâlam [conceal, hide from] be sure to return itshûwb [certainly, surely, to turn back, restore] to your brotherʼâch [male sibling, close relative]

Word
Listen & take awayDeuteronomy 22
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 1 opens the 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 (le.'a.Chi.kha) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Deuteronomy 22:1quick helps
In a sentenceThis verse instructs that if you see your brother's livestock straying, you must not ignore it, but return it.
Who is speakingMoses, delivering God's laws to the Israelites.
Where we areIn the laws regarding social responsibility and care for one's neighbor.
The hard wordנִדָּחִ֔ים
Take awayThe command emphasizes personal responsibility and compassion for others.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbרָאָה 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 22:1

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 — Laws of Social Responsibilitygenerated

1If you see your brother’s ox or sheep straying, you must not ignore it; be sure to return it to your brother.
2If your brother does not live near you, or if you do not know who he is, you are to take the animal home to remain with you until your brother comes seeking it; then you can return it to him.
3And you shall do the same for his donkey, his cloak, or anything your brother has lost and you have found. You must not ignore it.
4If you see your brother’s donkey or ox fallen on the road, you must not ignore it; you must help him lift it up.

Deuteronomy 22:1 outlines the responsibility of individuals to care for their fellow Israelites, particularly in the context of lost or straying livestock. This command reflects a broader principle of community support and ethical behavior, emphasizing that one should not turn a blind eye to the needs of others. The surrounding verses further elaborate on the importance of returning lost items and assisting those in need, reinforcing the value of compassion in daily life.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Exodus 23:4If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him.
2Ezekiel 34:4–16You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty.
3Matthew 10:6Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.
4Matthew 15:24He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
5Matthew 18:12–13What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?

The Key Word נִדָּחִ֔ים, ni.da.Chimgenerated

The word נִדָּחִ֔ים (ni.da.Chim) is a participle derived from the root נָדַח (nadach), meaning to banish or drive away. It describes livestock that has strayed or been driven away, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing loss.

The participial form indicates a continuous state, suggesting that the animals are currently in a condition of being lost or astray. This word underscores the urgency of the command to act and return what belongs to another.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

In this study, the verse is read in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the phrase straying to capture the essence of נִדָּחִ֔ים.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb of the verse is תִרְאֶה֩ (tir'eh), you will see, which governs the actions that follow. The structure presents a conditional statement: if you see something, then you must not ignore it and must return it.

The sentence is built around the visual perception of the lost animals, with additional clauses detailing the actions required in response to this observation. The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the act of seeing as the catalyst for the subsequent responsibilities.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew נִדָּחִ֔ים is rendered as πλανώμενα (planōmena), which means going astray. This choice broadens the understanding of the term, emphasizing not just the physical state of the animals but also their wandering nature.

This translation choice highlights the moral obligation to guide and restore those who are lost, not just in terms of livestock but in a broader ethical context.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Deuteronomy 22:1 instructs that if you see your brother’s ox or sheep straying, you must not ignore it; instead, you should return it to your brother. This command emphasizes the importance of caring for others and taking responsibility for lost items.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to not ignore the straying animal?

It means to actively take responsibility for the lost animal and ensure it is returned to its owner, reflecting a commitment to community and care.

Why is the term for straying livestock significant?

The term highlights the condition of being lost and the moral obligation to restore what is lost to its rightful owner.

How does this verse apply to modern life?

The principle of caring for others and being responsible for community welfare remains relevant today, encouraging individuals to look out for one another.

What is the broader context of these laws?

These laws are part of a larger set of instructions aimed at promoting ethical behavior and social responsibility within the Israelite community.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How can I demonstrate responsibility for others in my community?
  2. What are some ways I can help those who are lost or in need?
  3. In what situations have I seen others ignore the needs of those around them?
  4. How can I encourage a culture of care and support among my peers?

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

Early church fathers referenced this verse to discuss moral obligations and community responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of caring for others.

Clement of AlexandriaThe Stromata Book 2 c. 150–215
Scripture teaches us by means of natural fellowship to treat the object found as a trust and not to hold hatred of an enemy.
Early Church Fathers on Deuteronomy 22 →
Gregory of NeocaesareaCANONICAL EPISTLE 4 c. 213–270
So says Deuteronomy. But in Exodus, even if someone finds what belongs to his enemy, not just his brother, it says, “Turn and take them back to their owner’s house.”
Early Church Fathers on Deuteronomy 22 →
Caesarius of ArlesSERMON 225.4 c. 470–542
You are commanded to pull out the ass or the ox which is lying in the mud. Do you then see a Christian like yourself, who was redeemed by the blood of Christ, lying in the sewer of drunkenness and wallowing in the mud of dissipation,
Early Church Fathers on Deuteronomy 22 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Deuteronomy 22:1 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Thou shall not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray,.... Or "driven away" (r); frightened and starved away from the herd or from the flock by a wolf or dog; and the ox and sheep are put for

Read John Gill on Deuteronomy 22 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother.

Read Robert Jamieson on Deuteronomy 22 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

CHAPTER 22 Laws about stray cattle, . About thy neighbor’ s ox fallen in the way, . Woman’ s wearing of apparel distinct from man’ s, . Of birds caught, ,7. Of battlements for houses, . Of divers seeds sown, . Of ploughing with an ox and ass, . Of garments of divers colours, . Of fringes upon the four quarters of a garment, . The punishment of him that slandereth his wife. . Her punishment if the scandal be true, ,21. The punishment of adultery, ; of rape, ; of fornication, ,29. Against incest, . Thy brother; so called by communion not of religion, but of nature, as having one Father, even God, ; as appears, 1. Because the same law is given about their enemy’ s ox, &c., . 2. Because else…

Read Matthew Poole on Deuteronomy 22 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Deuteronomy 22:1 Thou shalt not see thy brother’ s ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother.Ver. 1. Thou shalt not see thy brothers.] No not thine enemies; for, have we not all one father?

Read John Trapp on Deuteronomy 22 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

XXII. Deuteronomy 22:1-4. LOST .(1) Go astray.—Literally, being driven away, as by wild beasts (Jeremiah 1:17), or by robbers. It is not simply straying. “I will seek that which was lost and bring again that which was driven away” (Ezekiel 34:16), and so in many other passages. Thou shalt not . . . hide thyself from them.—Comp. Proverbs 24:12. “If thou sayest, Behold we knew it not . . . doth not He know it?” And Isaiah 58:7, “that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh.” (3) In like manner . . . with all lost thing of thy brother’s.—This is only a particular case of the second great commandment. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (4) Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ass or his…

Read Charles John Ellicott on Deuteronomy 22 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

CHAPTER XXII Ordinances relative to strayed cattle and lost goods, 1-3. Humanity to oppressed cattle, 4. Men and women shall not wear each other's apparel, 5. No bird shall be taken with her nest of eggs or young ones, 6, 7. Battlements must be made on the roofs of houses, 8. Improper mixtures to be avoided, 9-11. Fringes on the garments, 12. Case of the hated wife, and the tokens of virginity, and the proceedings thereon, 13-21. The adulterer and adulteress to be put to death, 22. Case of the betrothed damsel corrupted in the city, 23, 24. Cases of rape and the punishment, 25-27; of fornication, 28, 29. No man shall take his father's wife, 30. NOTES ON CHAP. XXII Verse 1. Thou shalt not…

Read AdamClarke on Deuteronomy 22 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

1–3. Of Restoring Lost Property. No Israelite shall see a brother’s ox or sheep go astray without returning it, or caring for it till it is claimed, and so with an ass or garment or anything lost; D’s expansion of a law by E, Exodus 23:4 f., which is (remarkably) of an enemy’s property. As is evident from the parallel phrase, him that hateth thee, in E’s next law, this is not a foreign, but a private, enemy. Therefore D’s substitution of the term brother renders his law not narrower (so Marti and others), but wider, than E’s. P, Leviticus 6:1-7, gives details for the treatment of a man who has not restored lost property found by him. Ḫ ?ammurabi has four laws, §§ 9–12, on cases in which the…

Read Cambridge on Deuteronomy 22 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

On the general character of the contents of this chapter see Deuteronomy 21:10 note.

Read Albert Barnes on Deuteronomy 22 →

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

If you see your brother’s ox or sheep straying, you must not ignore it; be sure to return it to your brother.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep go astray and hide yourself from them. You shall surely bring them again to your brother.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

If you see your brother’s ox or sheep straying, you must not ignore it; be sure to return it to your brother.

NETBNew English Translation2006

When you see your neighbor’s ox or sheep going astray, do not ignore it; you must return it without fail to your neighbor.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely bring them again unto thy brother.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely bring them again unto thy brother.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again to thy brother.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Thou shalt not see thy brothers oxe nor his sheepe go astray, and withdraw thy selfe from them, but shalt bring the againe vnto thy brother.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them back unto thy brother.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

'Thou dost not see the ox of thy brother or his sheep driven away, and hast hidden thyself from them, thou dost certainly turn them back to thy brother;

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

“You do not see the ox of your brother or his sheep driven away, and have hidden yourself from them, you certainly turn them back to your brother;

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his lamb go astray, and withdraw thyself from them: thou shalt surely bring them back again unto thy brother.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

You must not watch your fellow Israelite's ox or his sheep go astray and hide yourself from them; you must surely bring them back to him.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Thou shalt not pass by if thou seest thy brother’s ox, or his sheep go astray: but thou shalt bring them back to thy brother.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

If you see someone's cow or sheep wandering around, don't just ignore it. Make sure you take it back to its owner.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

If you see your brother's ox or his sheep wandering, do not go by without helping, but take them back to your brother.

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.

clauseadverbialלֹֽאnotverbתִרְאֶה֩you.will.seeclause · objectnoun phrase · subjectnoun phraseאֶת(et)noun phraseשׁ֨וֹרthe.oxnoun phraseאָחִ֜יyour.countrymanךָyourא֤וֹornoun phraseאֶת(et)noun phraseשֵׂיsheepוֹ֙hisverbנִדָּחִ֔יםgoing.astrayוְandclauseverbהִתְעַלַּמְתָּ֖you.will.hide.yourselfprepositional phrase · prepositionalמֵfromהֶ֑םthemclauseadverbialהָשֵׁ֥בcertainly.(return)verbתְּשִׁיבֵ֖youobjectםwill.return.themprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְtonoun phraseאָחִֽיcountrymanךָyour

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 closely with the Septuagint, but the Samaritan Pentateuch differs in three words, using terms that suggest a broader interpretation of livestock, including שֵׂיוֹ (sheep) and כל (whole), which may imply a more inclusive view of what should be returned.

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

לֹֽא־ תִרְאֶה֩ אֶת־ שׁ֨וֹר אָחִ֜יךָ א֤וֹ אֶת־ שֵׂיוֹ֙ נִדָּחִ֔ים וְהִתְעַלַּמְתָּ֖ מֵהֶ֑ם הָשֵׁ֥ב תְּשִׁיבֵ֖ם לְאָחִֽיךָ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
לֹֽא־μὴתִרְאֶה֩ἰδὼνשׁ֨וֹרμόσξονאָחִ֜יךָσουא֤וֹשֵׂיוֹ֙αὐτοῦנִדָּחִ֔יםπλανώμεναוְהִתְעַלַּמְתָּ֖ὑπερίδῃςמֵהֶ֑םαὐτάהָשֵׁ֥בἀποστροφῇתְּשִׁיבֵ֖םαὐτὰלְאָחִֽיךָ׃σου

12 of the 14 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

לא תראה את שׁור אחיך או את שׂהו או את כל בהמתו נדחים והתעלמת מהם השׁב תשׁיבם לאחיך

3 words differ from the Masoretic Text: שׂהו (lamb), כל (whole), בהמתו (cattle)

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q36a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[לא] [תראה] [את] [שור] [אחי׳ך] [או] [את] [שי׳ו] [נדחים] [והתעלמת] [מ׳הם] השב תשיב׳ם [לאחי׳ך]

2 words on the leather — 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 22:1לֹאnotnotלֹארָאָהyou will seyou will seeרָאָהאֵתthe object the object markאֵתשׁוֹר[the] ox of[the] ox ofשׁוֹראָחcountryman countryman yourאָחאוֹororאוֹאֵתthe object the object markאֵתשֶׂהsheep hissheep hisשֶׂהנָדַחgoing astragoing astrayנָדַחעָלַםand you wiland you will hiעָלַםהֶםfrom themfrom themהֶםשׁוּבcertainlycertainlyשׁוּבשׁוּבyou will reyou will returnשׁוּבאָחto countrymto countryman yאָחאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתשׁוּרto travelto travelשׁוּראָבfatherfatherאָבשָׁאָהto crashto crashשָׁאָהאַוָּהdesiredesireאַוָּהמִגְרָשׁpasturepastureמִגְרָשׁעֵשָׂו(Mount) Es(Mount) EsauעֵשָׂויוֹסֵףJosephJosephיוֹסֵףשְׁבִיתcaptivitycaptivityשְׁבִיתחָרוֹןburning anburning angerחָרוֹןיָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדעֳנִיafflictionafflictionעֳנִינָבַטto lookto lookנָבַטשֶׂהsheepsheepשֶׂהחֲמוֹרdonkeydonkeyחֲמוֹרשְׁתִיwarpwarpשְׁתִיעֵ֫רֶבracial-mixracial-mixעֵ֫רֶב
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 22:1

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.

not you will see the object marker [the] ox of countryman your or the object marker sheep his going astray and you will hide yourself from them certainly you will return them to countryman your
לֹֽא־lo'- not H3808 Particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Amplified meaning
absence, negation
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
not you will see the object marker [the] ox of countryman your or the object marker sheep his going astray and you will hide yourself from them certainly you will return them to countryman your
תִרְאֶה֩tir.'Eh you will see H7200 Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singular
1,300× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Amplified meaning
perceive, notice
Tyndale gloss
Provider
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָאָה (ra'ah) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to see' and encompasses a wide range of visual and perceptual actions, including looking, observing, and causing others to see. It can refer to both literal sight and figurative understanding, with various grammatical forms indicating different nuances, such as appearing or being visible. The entries indicate a rich semantic field without significant disagreement among lexicographers.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רָאָה 1315 vb. see

Qal 1141

see, subj.

see, c. acc. rei

see, sq. acc. cl. or phr. of closer design

see, so as to learn to know

abs. see, have (power of) vision

see = perceive

look at, see, by direct volition

of mental observation

c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest

see, c. acc. rei

Niph.

appear

be seen

be visible

Pu. appar. his bones are not detected

Hithp. recipr. look at each other

Hiph.

cause one to see something, shew

cause to experience something

cause to look intently at, to behold

Hoph.

be caused to see, be shewn

be exhibited to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7200a רָאָה see .. . see, subj.

. see, c. acc. rei

. see, sq. acc. + cl. or phr. of closer design

. see, so as to learn to know

. abs. see, have (power of) vision

. see = perceive

. look at, see, by direct volition

. of mental observation

. . c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest

. see, c. acc. rei

. . appear

. be seen

. be visible

. appar. his bones are not detected

. recipr. look at each other

. . . cause one to see something, shew

. cause to experience something

. cause to look intently at, to behold

. . be caused to see, be shewn

. be exhibited to

H7200b רְאוּת look

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7200 ra'ah raw-aw'

a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in

numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive,

intransitive and causative):--advise self, appear, approve,

behold, X certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have

experience, gaze, take heed, X indeed, X joyfully, lo, look

(on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up,

upon), mark, meet, X be near, perceive, present, provide,

regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one

another), shew (self), X sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, X

surely, X think, view, visions.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: see.

: see/show

1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to see

1a2) to see, perceive

1a3) to see, have vision

1a4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out

1a5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish

1a6) to look at, gaze at

1a7) to provide, choose

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to appear, present oneself

1b2) to be seen

1b3) to be visible

1c) (Pual) to be seen

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to see, show

1d2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at

1e) (Hophal)

1e1) to be caused to see, be shown

1e2) to be exhibited to

1f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face

רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: examine.

: examine/consider

1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to see

1a2) to see, perceive

1a3) to see, have vision

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singular
HVqi2ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

se: In addition to the ordinary sense of perceiving by the eye, we have

(1) chazah, "to see" (in vision): "Words of Amos .... which he saw concerning Israel" (Am 1:1). The revelation was made to his inward eye. "The word of Yahweh .... which he (Micah) saw concerning Samaria" (Mic 1:1), describing what he saw in prophetic vision (compare Hab 1:1); see REVELATION, III, 4;

(2) horao, "to take heed": "See thou say nothing" (Mr 1:44);

(3) eidon, "to know," "to note with the mind": "Jesus saw that he answered discreetly" (Mr 12:34);

not you will see the object marker [the] ox of countryman your or the object marker sheep his going astray and you will hide yourself from them certainly you will return them to countryman your
אֶת־'et- the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

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

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

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

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

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

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
not you will see the object marker [the] ox of countryman your or the object marker sheep his going astray and you will hide yourself from them certainly you will return them to countryman your
שׁ֨וֹרShor [the] ox of H7794 Noun common · masculine singular construct
79× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to cattle, like oxen or bulls, used for work, food, or sacrifices, as seen in Genesis and Leviticus.
Amplified meaning
cattle, livestock
Tyndale gloss
cattle
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7794 showr shore

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

wall (by mistake for 7791).

see HEBREW for 07788

see HEBREW for 07791

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שׁוֹר (shor) — cattle.

1) ox, bull, a head of cattle

1a) for plowing, for food, as sacrifice

Aramaic equivalent: tor (תּוֹר "bullock" H8450)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

not you will see the object marker [the] ox of countryman your or the object marker sheep his going astray and you will hide yourself from them certainly you will return them to countryman your
אָחִ֜יךָ'a.Chi.kha countryman your H251 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
630× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Amplified meaning
male sibling, close relative
Tyndale gloss
brother: male-sibling
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָח (ach) means 'brother' and encompasses a broad range of relationships, including literal siblings, half-brothers, and metaphorical kinship. It can refer to any male relative or compatriot, and it may also imply resemblance or reciprocal relationships. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, highlighting both familial and figurative connections.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָח 630 n.m. brother

brother, born of same mother (& father)

indef. = relative

fig. of resemblance

in phr. one … another

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H251 אָח brother

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

251 'ach awkh

a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of

literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance

(like 1)):--another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other.

Compare also the proper names beginning with "Ah-" or "Ahi-".

see HEBREW for 01

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָח (ach) — brother: male-sibling.

: male-sibling

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

אָח (ach) — brother: male-relative.

: male-relative

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

אָח (ach) — brother: compatriot.

: compatriot

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp2ms
not you will see the object marker [the] ox of countryman your or the object marker sheep his going astray and you will hide yourself from them certainly you will return them to countryman your
א֤וֹ'o or H176 Conjunction
321× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Tyndale gloss
or
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אוֹ (*'ow*) primarily functions as a conjunction meaning 'or,' often indicating a preference or choice between options. It can also introduce examples, express conditions, or imply alternatives. Additionally, it is associated with the noun meaning 'desire' in Proverbs 31:4. The entries reflect a range of uses, but do not present significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אוֹ 320 conj. or

sometimes implying a preference, nearly or rather

introducing a sentence, esp. a particular case under a general principle, or = or if

if perchance

once, with the juss. = except

base

[אֵו] n.m. אוֹ, Kt Pr 31:4 desire, so Thes MV; but < Qr אֵי q.v.

done

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H176 אוֹ or . sometimes implying a preference, nearly or rather

. introducing a sentence, esp. a particular case under a general principle, or = or if

. if perchance

. once, with the juss. = except

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

176 'ow o

presumed to be the "constructive" or genitival form of -av

{av}; short for 185; desire (and so probably in Prov. 31:4);

hence (by way of alternative) or, also if:--also, and,

either, if, at the least, X nor, or, otherwise, then, whether.

see HEBREW for 0185

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אוֹ (o) — or.

1) or, rather

1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred

1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle

1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or

1d) if perchance

1e) except, or else

2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then

אוֹ (o) — desire.

desire

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Conjunction
HC
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

or: The word is used once for either (1Sa 26:10), and is still in poetic use in this sense; as in, "Without or wave or wind" (Coleridge); "Or the bakke or some bone he breketh in his dzouthe" (Piers Plowman (B), VII, 93; compare Merchant of Venice, III, ii, 65). It is also used with "ever" for before (Ps 90:2; Ecclesiasticus 18:19), which the American Standard Revised Version substitutes in Ec 12:6 (compare 12:1,2); So 6:12; Da 6:24.

not you will see the object marker [the] ox of countryman your or the object marker sheep his going astray and you will hide yourself from them certainly you will return them to countryman your
אֶת־'et- the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

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

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

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

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

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

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
not you will see the object marker [the] ox of countryman your or the object marker sheep his going astray and you will hide yourself from them certainly you will return them to countryman your
שֵׂיוֹ֙se.Yo sheep his H7716 Noun common both singular construct · suffix
47× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a sheep or goat, often used to describe a flock or young animal in the Bible. It is also related to the word for lamb.
Amplified meaning
flock, young animal
Tyndale gloss
sheep
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7716 seh seh

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

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

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

Compare 2089.

see HEBREW for 07582

see HEBREW for 02089

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֶׂה (seh) — sheep.

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

1a) sheep, goat

1b) flock (collective)

Also means: zeh (זֶה "lamb" H2089)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs | Suff — Noun common both singular construct · suffix
HNcbsc/Sp3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hiz: Used often in the King James Version with reference to a neuter or inanimate thing, or to a lower animal (Ge 1:11, "after his kind"; Le 1:16, "pluck away his crop"; Ac 12:10, "of his own accord"; 1Co 15:38, "his own body"), etc. the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "its."

not you will see the object marker [the] ox of countryman your or the object marker sheep his going astray and you will hide yourself from them certainly you will return them to countryman your
נִדָּחִ֔יםni.da.Chim going astray H5080 Verb · Niphal · participle (active) masculine plural
55× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To banish or drive away, used in various contexts, such as expelling someone from a community, as seen in the story of David and Absalom.
Amplified meaning
to banish, driven away
Tyndale gloss
to banish
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָדַח (nadach) is a Hebrew verb meaning to impel, thrust, or banish. It encompasses a variety of actions, including driving away, compelling, and being thrust out or banished. The word appears in different forms, indicating various nuances such as being hunted or thrust into darkness. There is no significant disagreement among lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָדַח] vb. impel, thrust, banish

Qal trans.

impel (i.e. wield) an axe

thrust away, banish

Niph.

be impelled

be thrust out, banished

driven away (fr. herd, i.e.) straying

thrust away, aside

Pu. thrust into darkness

Hiph.

thrust, move, impel

thrust out, banish

thrust away, aside

compel, force, subj. adulteress (by flattery)

Hoph. chased, hunted

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5080 [נָדַח] impel, thrust, banish .trans. . impel (i.e. wield) an axe

. thrust away, banish

. . be impelled

. be thrust out, banished

. driven away (fr. herd, i.e.) straying

. thrust away, aside

. thrust into darkness

. . thrust, move, impel

. thrust out, banish

. thrust away, aside

. compel, force, subj. adulteress (by flattery)

. chased, hunted

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5080 nadach naw-dakh'

a primitive root; to push off; used in a great variety of

applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead,

strike, inflict, etc.):--banish, bring, cast down (out),

chase, compel, draw away, drive (away, out, quite), fetch a

stroke, force, go away, outcast, thrust away (out), withdraw.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָדַח (na.dach) — to banish.

1) to impel, thrust, drive away, banish

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to impel

1a2) to thrust away, banish

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be impelled

1b2) to be thrust out, be banished

1b2a) banished, outcast (participle)

1b3) to be driven away

1b4) to be thrust away, thrust aside

1c) (Pual) to be thrust into

1c1) thrust (participle)

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to thrust, move, impel

1d2) to thrust out, banish

1d3) to thrust away, thrust aside

1e) (Hophal) to be chased, be hunted

1e1) chased, hunted (participle)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal — Verb · Niphal · participle (active) masculine plural
HVNrmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a-stra' (ta`ah, "to wander," "to err"; planaomai, "to go astray," each carrying the idea of being lost): With one exception (Ex 23:4 "his ass going astray") used metaphorically of moral wandering, going astray in paths of error and sin, like "sheep going astray" (1Pe 2:25 the King James Version; Isa 53:6; Ps 119:176).

This wandering may be due

(1) to inherent evil (Ps 58:3);

(2) to false shepherds (Jer 50:6); contrast the beautiful and classic passage, Mt 18:12,13, the Son of man (verse 12) seeketh that which is…

not you will see the object marker [the] ox of countryman your or the object marker sheep his going astray and you will hide yourself from them certainly you will return them to countryman your
וְהִתְעַלַּמְתָּ֖ve.hit.'a.lam.Ta and you will hide yourself H5956 Verb · Hithpael · sequential perfect second person masculine singular
28× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to hide or conceal something from view. It appears in various forms, including being hidden or keeping a secret. In the Bible, it is used to describe hiding oneself or something from others.
Amplified meaning
conceal, hide from
Tyndale gloss
to conceal
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָלַם (alam) is a Hebrew verb meaning to conceal or hide. It covers various forms, including being hidden, hiding oneself, and the act of concealing something. The entries indicate its use in different grammatical stems, such as Qal, Niphal, Hiphil, and Hithpael, which express nuances of secrecy and concealment.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[עָלַם] vb. conceal

Qal as subst. our secret, i.e. hidden sin

Niph. be concealed

Hiph. conceal, hide

Hithp. and thou hide thyself completely from them (utterly neglect to aid)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5956 [עָלַם] conceal

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5956 `alam aw-lam'

a primitive root; to veil from sight, i.e. conceal (literally

or figuratively):--X any ways, blind, dissembler, hide

(self), secret (thing).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָלַם (a.lam) — to conceal.

1) to conceal, hide, be hidden, be concealed, be secret

1a) (Qal) secret (participle)

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be concealed

1b2) concealed, dissembler (participle)

1c) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide

1d) (Hithpael) to hide oneself

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Hithpael-2ms — Verb · Hithpael · sequential perfect second person masculine singular
Hc/Vtq2ms
not you will see the object marker [the] ox of countryman your or the object marker sheep his going astray and you will hide yourself from them certainly you will return them to countryman your
מֵהֶ֑םme.Hem from them H9038 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הֶם (hem) — them.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine plural

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Sp3mp — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp3mp
not you will see the object marker [the] ox of countryman your or the object marker sheep his going astray and you will hide yourself from them certainly you will return them to countryman your
הָשֵׁ֥בha.Shev certainly H7725 Verb · Hiphil · infinitive absolute
1,057× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Amplified meaning
certainly, surely, to turn back, restore
Tyndale gloss
to return: return
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שׁוּב (shuwb) means to turn back or return, covering a wide range of contexts including physical, spiritual, and relational. It can denote returning to a previous state, repenting, or even apostatizing. The entries describe various forms and uses, including bringing back, restoring, and refreshing. Notably, it can also imply a change in course of action.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שׁוּב 1056 vb. turn back, return

Qal 683;—turn back, return:

turn back

return, come or go back

esp. return unto

of dying

of revival from death

fig. of human relations:

return to leader, king

= change so as to appoach (in purpose, desire)

turn, i.e. resort to

return to a physical condition

abs. = change course of action

fig., specif. of spiritual relations:

turn back from God = apostatize

of י׳, turn away

turn back to God (= seek penitently)

abs. repent

turn back from evil

of י׳

of י׳, return (to shew favour)

of inanimate things (sts. personified, or treated as things of life):

denoting repetition, etc.

trans.

Pō‛l.

bring back

fig. restore, refresh

restore, repair

lead away (enticingly)

shew turning = apostatize

Hiph. 353 cause to return, bring back

bring back into bondage

put back

= draw back

= give back, restore

= relinguish

= give in payment, requital

bring one back (from dead)

bring back heart

= refresh

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7725 שׁוּב turn back, return .—turn back, return: . turn back

. return, come or go back

. esp. return unto

. . of dying

. of revival from death

. fig. of human relations: . return to leader, king

. = change so as to appoach (in purpose, desire)

. turn, i.e. resort to

. return to a physical condition

. abs. = change course of action

. fig., specif. of spiritual relations: . turn back from God = apostatize

. of י׳, turn away

. turn back to God (= seek penitently)

. abs. repent

. turn back from evil

. of י׳

. of י׳, return (to shew favour)

. of inanimate things (sts. personified, or treated as things of life):

. denoting repetition, etc.

. trans.

. . bring back

. . fig. restore, refresh

. restore, repair

. lead away (enticingly)

. shew turning = apostatize

. cause to return, bring back . . bring back into bondage

. put back

. = draw back

. = give back, restore

. = relinguish

. = give in payment, requital

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7725 shuwb shoob

a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or

intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily

with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to

retreat; often adverbial, again:--((break, build, circumcise,

dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge,

make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) X again, (cause to) answer

(+ again), X in any case (wise), X at all, averse, bring

(again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back),

cease, X certainly, come again (back), X consider, +

continually, convert, deliver (again), + deny, draw back,

fetch home again, X fro, get (oneself) (back) again, X give

(again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see)

more, X needs, be past, X pay, pervert, pull in again, put

(again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh,

relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve,

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Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שׁוּב (shuv) — to return: return.

: return

1) to return, turn back

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to turn back, return

1a1a) to turn back

1a1b) to return, come or go back

1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back

1a1d) of dying

1a1e) of human relations (fig)

1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig)

1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise

1a1f2) to turn away (of God)

1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent

1a1f4) turn back (from evil)

1a1g) of inanimate things

1a1h) in repetition

1b) (Polel)

1b1) to bring back

1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig)

1b3) to lead away (enticingly)

1b4) to show turning, apostatise

1c) (Pual) restored (participle)

1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back

1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment

1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore

1d3) to bring back, report to, answer

1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense)

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Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Ptc — Verb · Hiphil · infinitive absolute
HVhaa
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
not you will see the object marker [the] ox of countryman your or the object marker sheep his going astray and you will hide yourself from them certainly you will return them to countryman your
תְּשִׁיבֵ֖םte.shi.Vem you will return them H7725 Verb hiphil imperfect second person masculine singular · suffix
1,057× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Tyndale gloss
to return: return
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שׁוּב (shuwb) means to turn back or return, covering a wide range of contexts including physical, spiritual, and relational. It can denote returning to a previous state, repenting, or even apostatizing. The entries describe various forms and uses, including bringing back, restoring, and refreshing. Notably, it can also imply a change in course of action.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שׁוּב 1056 vb. turn back, return

Qal 683;—turn back, return:

turn back

return, come or go back

esp. return unto

of dying

of revival from death

fig. of human relations:

return to leader, king

= change so as to appoach (in purpose, desire)

turn, i.e. resort to

return to a physical condition

abs. = change course of action

fig., specif. of spiritual relations:

turn back from God = apostatize

of י׳, turn away

turn back to God (= seek penitently)

abs. repent

turn back from evil

of י׳

of י׳, return (to shew favour)

of inanimate things (sts. personified, or treated as things of life):

denoting repetition, etc.

trans.

Pō‛l.

bring back

fig. restore, refresh

restore, repair

lead away (enticingly)

shew turning = apostatize

Hiph. 353 cause to return, bring back

bring back into bondage

put back

= draw back

= give back, restore

= relinguish

= give in payment, requital

bring one back (from dead)

bring back heart

= refresh

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Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7725 שׁוּב turn back, return .—turn back, return: . turn back

. return, come or go back

. esp. return unto

. . of dying

. of revival from death

. fig. of human relations: . return to leader, king

. = change so as to appoach (in purpose, desire)

. turn, i.e. resort to

. return to a physical condition

. abs. = change course of action

. fig., specif. of spiritual relations: . turn back from God = apostatize

. of י׳, turn away

. turn back to God (= seek penitently)

. abs. repent

. turn back from evil

. of י׳

. of י׳, return (to shew favour)

. of inanimate things (sts. personified, or treated as things of life):

. denoting repetition, etc.

. trans.

. . bring back

. . fig. restore, refresh

. restore, repair

. lead away (enticingly)

. shew turning = apostatize

. cause to return, bring back . . bring back into bondage

. put back

. = draw back

. = give back, restore

. = relinguish

. = give in payment, requital

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Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7725 shuwb shoob

a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or

intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily

with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to

retreat; often adverbial, again:--((break, build, circumcise,

dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge,

make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) X again, (cause to) answer

(+ again), X in any case (wise), X at all, averse, bring

(again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back),

cease, X certainly, come again (back), X consider, +

continually, convert, deliver (again), + deny, draw back,

fetch home again, X fro, get (oneself) (back) again, X give

(again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see)

more, X needs, be past, X pay, pervert, pull in again, put

(again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh,

relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve,

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שׁוּב (shuv) — to return: return.

: return

1) to return, turn back

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to turn back, return

1a1a) to turn back

1a1b) to return, come or go back

1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back

1a1d) of dying

1a1e) of human relations (fig)

1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig)

1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise

1a1f2) to turn away (of God)

1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent

1a1f4) turn back (from evil)

1a1g) of inanimate things

1a1h) in repetition

1b) (Polel)

1b1) to bring back

1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig)

1b3) to lead away (enticingly)

1b4) to show turning, apostatise

1c) (Pual) restored (participle)

1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back

1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment

1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore

1d3) to bring back, report to, answer

1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVhi2ms/Sp3mp — Verb hiphil imperfect second person masculine singular · suffix
HVhi2ms/Sp3mp
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
not you will see the object marker [the] ox of countryman your or the object marker sheep his going astray and you will hide yourself from them certainly you will return them to countryman your
לְאָחִֽיךָ׃le.'a.Chi.kha to countryman your H251 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
630× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Amplified meaning
male sibling, close relative
Tyndale gloss
brother: male-sibling
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָח (ach) means 'brother' and encompasses a broad range of relationships, including literal siblings, half-brothers, and metaphorical kinship. It can refer to any male relative or compatriot, and it may also imply resemblance or reciprocal relationships. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, highlighting both familial and figurative connections.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָח 630 n.m. brother

brother, born of same mother (& father)

indef. = relative

fig. of resemblance

in phr. one … another

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H251 אָח brother

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

251 'ach awkh

a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of

literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance

(like 1)):--another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other.

Compare also the proper names beginning with "Ah-" or "Ahi-".

see HEBREW for 01

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָח (ach) — brother: male-sibling.

: male-sibling

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

אָח (ach) — brother: male-relative.

: male-relative

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

אָח (ach) — brother: compatriot.

: compatriot

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HR/Ncmsc/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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