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Deuteronomy 28:40 — Word Study

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WLCזֵיתִ֛ים יִהְי֥וּ לְךָ֖ בְּכָל־ גְּבוּלֶ֑ךָ וְשֶׁ֙מֶן֙ לֹ֣א תָס֔וּךְ כִּ֥י יִשַּׁ֖ל זֵיתֶֽךָ׃

BSAYou will havehâyâh olive treeszayith [abundant and flourishing] throughoutkôl your territorygᵉbûwl [all your borders, every region] but will neverlôʼ anointçûwk [smear or pour oil on] yourself with oilshemen [olive oil, ointment] becausekîy the oliveszayith [the fruit of the olive tree, a source of light] will drop offnâshal [fall to the ground, be wasted]

Word
Listen & take awayDeuteronomy 28
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 40 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 (zei.Te.kha) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Deuteronomy 28:40quick helps
In a sentenceYou will have olive trees, but you will not anoint yourself with oil, because the olives will drop off.
Who is speakingMoses, speaking to the Israelites about the consequences of disobedience.
Where we areIn a section detailing blessings and curses for obedience and disobedience.
The hard wordתָס֔וּךְ
Take awayThe blessings of the land will be present, but the benefits will be lost.
5 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Ellicott, Cambridge & more — read them › clause subjectזַיִת verbהָיָה 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 28:40

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 — The Consequences of Disobediencegenerated

39You will plant and cultivate vineyards, but will neither drink the wine nor gather the grapes, because worms will eat them.
40You will have olive trees throughout your territory but will never anoint yourself with oil, because the olives will drop off.
41You will father sons and daughters, but they will not remain yours, because they will go into captivity.
42Swarms of locusts will consume all your trees and the produce of your land.

Deuteronomy 28:40 is part of a larger discourse where Moses outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. Here, he warns that while the Israelites will have abundant olive trees, they will not enjoy the oil from them due to their unfaithfulness. This reflects the broader theme of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where blessings are contingent upon their faithfulness to His commands.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 23:5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
2Psalm 104:15wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart.
3Micah 6:15You will sow but not reap; you will press olives but not anoint yourselves with oil; you will tread grapes but not drink the wine.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 3 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word זֵיתִ֛ים, zei.Timgenerated

The word זַיִת (zayith) refers to an olive tree or olive berry, often associated with oil and light. It is a noun in the masculine plural form, indicating multiple trees. The olive tree is a symbol of abundance and is mentioned frequently throughout the Scriptures, including as a blessing in the Promised Land.

In this verse, the olive trees represent the blessings of the land that the Israelites will possess. However, the implication is that despite having these trees, they will not be able to benefit from their fruit, highlighting the consequences of disobedience.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The verse is presented in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses olive trees and anoint consistently with other versions like the KJV and ASV.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb is יִהְי֥וּ, they will belong, which governs the subject זֵיתִ֛ים and the object שֶׁ֙מֶן֙. The structure is straightforward, with a subject-verb-object order, typical of Hebrew prose.

The sentence also includes a negation with לֹ֣א and a conditional clause introduced by כִּי, which explains the reason for the negation, creating a cause-and-effect relationship within the sentence.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates זֵיתִ֛ים as ἐλαῖαι, which also means olive trees. This choice reflects a direct correspondence to the Hebrew, maintaining the imagery of abundance.

The translation of שֶׁמֶן as ἔλαιον emphasizes the specific type of oil, which is olive oil, further highlighting the cultural significance of olives in the ancient Near East.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Deuteronomy 28:40 tells us that the Israelites will have olive trees in their land, but they will not be able to anoint themselves with oil because the olives will fall off the trees. This verse illustrates the consequences of disobedience, where blessings are present but enjoyment is lost.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that the olives will drop off?

It means that despite having olive trees, the fruit will not be available for use, indicating a loss of blessings due to disobedience.

Why is olive oil significant in the Bible?

Olive oil is often associated with anointing, healing, and richness, making it a symbol of God's blessings and presence.

What does the phrase 'you will not anoint yourself with oil' imply?

It implies a loss of the ability to partake in the blessings of the land, which is a direct consequence of disobedience to God's commands.

How does this verse relate to the overall themes of Deuteronomy?

This verse reflects the conditional nature of blessings and curses within the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing the importance of obedience.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What blessings have I experienced in my life that I may take for granted?
  2. How can I ensure that I remain obedient to God's commands to enjoy His blessings?
  3. What are some ways I can cultivate gratitude for the provisions I have?
  4. In what areas of my life do I need to be more mindful of God's expectations?

Commentators on this verse — 5 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Deuteronomy 28:40 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Thou shalt have olive trees throughout thy coasts,.... In the several parts of the land of Canaan, which is therefore called a land of olive oil, Deuteronomy 8:8; but thou shalt not anoint [thyself]

Read John Gill on Deuteronomy 28 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Thou shalt have olive trees throughout all thy coasts, but thou shalt not anoint thyself with the oil; for thine olive shall cast his fruit.

Read Robert Jamieson on Deuteronomy 28 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(38-42) These are the contrary to Deuteronomy 28:11; and Deuteronomy 28:44 is the contrary to Deuteronomy 28:12-13. From the order of the passage it might seem that these particular troubles were to come on Israel after their captivity. And perhaps it is not accidental that something very like a fulfilment of Deu 28:38-40 is found in Haggai 1:6-11. (Comp. also Isaiah 5:10, “Ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of an homer shall yield an ephah.”)

Read Charles John Ellicott on Deuteronomy 28 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

15–46. The Curses The opening Deuteronomy 28:15-20, correspond to the blessings in Deuteronomy 28:1-7, except that there are no antitheses to Deuteronomy 28:1 b and Deuteronomy 28:2 b, and that the curse on basket and kneading-bowl precedes that on fruit of thy body, etc. Then the Discourse leaves the limits it had observed in the remainder of the blessings, Deuteronomy 28:8-14, and while here and there it gives the exact contrast of these blessings (cp. Deuteronomy 28:23 f. with Deuteronomy 28:12 a, Deuteronomy 28:25 with Deuteronomy 28:7 b, Deuteronomy 28:37 and Deuteronomy 28:46 with Deuteronomy 28:10, Deuteronomy 28:43 f. with Deuteronomy 28:12 b, Deuteronomy 28:13 a), the rest is a…

Read Cambridge on Deuteronomy 28 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

38-40. Gather… little in — The curse is extended to all labour of the field and the vineyard.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Deuteronomy 28 →

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

You will have olive trees throughout your territory but will never anoint yourself with oil, because the olives will drop off.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

You will have olive trees throughout all your borders, but you won’t anoint yourself with the oil, for your olives will drop off.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

You will have olive trees throughout your territory but will never anoint yourself with oil, because the olives will drop off.

NETBNew English Translation2006

You will have olive trees throughout your territory but you will not anoint yourself with olive oil, because the olives will drop off the trees while still unripe.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Thou shalt have olive trees throughout all thy coasts, but thou shalt not anoint thyself with the oil; for thine olive shall cast his fruit.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Thou shalt have olive-trees throughout all thy borders, but thou shalt not anoint thyself with the oil; for thine olive shall cast its fruit.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Thou shalt have olive trees throughout all thy borders, but thou shalt not anoint thyself with the oil: for thine olive shall cast its fruit.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Thou shalt have olive-trees throughout all thy coasts, but thou shalt not anoint thyself with the oil: for thy olive shall cast its fruit .

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Thou shalt haue Oliue trees in all thy coastes, but shalt not anoynt thy selfe with the oyle: for thine oliues shall fall.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Olive-trees shalt thou have throughout all thy borders, but thou shalt not anoint thyself with oil; for thine olive-tree shall cast its fruit.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

olives are to thee in all thy border, and oil thou dost not pour out, for thine olive doth fall off.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

olives are yours in all your border, but you do not pour out oil, for your olive falls off.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Olive-trees wilt thou have throughout all thy borders; but with the oil shalt thou not anoint thyself; for thy olive shall cast the fruit.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

You will have olive trees within all your territory, but you will not rub any of the oil on yourself, for your olive trees will drop their fruit.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Thou shalt have olive trees in all thy borders, and shalt not be anointed with the oil: for the olives shall fall off and perish.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

You will have olive trees all over the country but you won't have any olive oil to use, because the olives will drop early from the trees.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Your land will be full of olive-trees, but there will be no oil for the comfort of your body; for your olive-tree will give no fruit.

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.

clausesubjectזֵיתִ֛יםolive.treesverbיִהְי֥וּthey.will.belongprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְtoךָ֖youprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּinnoun phraseכָלallnoun phraseגְּבוּלֶ֑territoryךָyourוְandclauseobjectשֶׁ֨מֶן֙oiladverbialלֹ֣אnotverbתָס֔וּךְyou.will.anoint.yourselfכִּ֥י(dm)clauseverbיִשַּׁ֖לit.will.drop.offnoun phrase · subjectזֵיתֶֽolive[s]ךָyour

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 11 of 11 words matched. The Samaritan Pentateuch, however, differs in three words: it uses תסך (anoint), ישׁעל (drop off), and זיתיך (your olives), indicating slight variations in wording but similar meanings.

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

זֵיתִ֛ים יִהְי֥וּ לְךָ֖ בְּכָל־ גְּבוּלֶ֑ךָ וְשֶׁ֙מֶן֙ לֹ֣א תָס֔וּךְ כִּ֥י יִשַּׁ֖ל זֵיתֶֽךָ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
זֵיתִ֛יםἐλαῖαιיִהְי֥וּἔσονταίלְךָ֖σοιבְּכָל־πᾶσιגְּבוּלֶ֑ךָσουוְשֶׁ֙מֶן֙ἔλαιονלֹ֣אοὐתָס֔וּךְξρίσῃכִּ֥יὅτιיִשַּׁ֖לἐκρυήσεταιזֵיתֶֽךָ׃σου

11 of the 11 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

זיתים יהיו לך בכל גבולך ושׁמן לא תסך כי ישׁעל זיתיך

3 words differ from the Masoretic Text: תסך (anoint), ישׁעל (drop off), זיתיך (olive)

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 28:40זַ֫יִתolive treesolive treesזַ֫יִתהָיָהthey will bthey will belonהָיָהךָּto youto youךָּכֹּלin allin allכֹּלגְּבוּלterritory yterritory yourגְּבוּלשֶׁ֫מֶןand oiland oilשֶׁ֫מֶןלֹאnotnotלֹאסוּךְyou will anyou will anointסוּךְכִּיforforכִּינָשַׁלit will droit will drop ofנָשַׁלזַ֫יִתolive[s] yoolive[s] yourזַ֫יִתזִוZivZivזִוכָּלַלto perfectto perfectכָּלַלגָּבַלto borderto borderגָּבַלשָׁמֵןto grow fato grow fatשָׁמֵןהָוָאto fallto fallהָוָאעָלֶהleafleafעָלֶהכֶּרֶםvineyardvineyardכֶּרֶםעֵדָהcongregaticongregationעֵדָהעֲבֹדָהserviceserviceעֲבֹדָהפֵּאָהsidesideפֵּאָהקָדִיםeasteastקָדִיםבָּלַלto mixto mixבָּלַלמִשְׁחָהanointinganointingמִשְׁחָהיָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדזַ֫יִתoliveoliveזַ֫יִתיָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעאֵילַתElathElathאֵילַת
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 28:40

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.

olive trees they will belong to you in all territory your and oil not you will anoint yourself for it will drop off olive[s] your
זֵיתִ֛יםzei.Tim olive trees H2132 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
38× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for olive tree or olive berry, often associated with oil and light. In Deuteronomy 8:8, the olive tree is listed as one of the blessings of the Promised Land, and in Matthew 24:3, Jesus teaches on the Mount of Olives.
Amplified meaning
abundant and flourishing
Tyndale gloss
olive
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זַ֫יִת (zayith) refers to an olive or olive tree, including its fruit. It is associated with illuminating oil and appears in place names like the Mount of Olives. The entries suggest it encompasses both the tree and its produce, with some lexicons noting its connection to specific locations.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

זַ֫יִת n.m. olive-tree, olive

olive-tree

of fruit of olive-tree, olives

in designations of place

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2132 זַ֫יִת olive-tree, olive

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2132 zayith zay'-yith

probably from an unused root (akin to 2099); an olive (as

yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the

berry:--olive (tree, -yard), Olivet.

see HEBREW for 02099

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זַ֫יִת (za.yit) — (Mount of) Olives.

This name means olive, olive tree

Also named: elaiōn (ἐλαιών "Olivet" G1638)

זַ֫יִת (za.yit) — olive.

1) olive, olive tree

1a) olive tree

1b) olives

2) mountain facing Jerusalem on the east side

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Were frequently used as types of kings, or men of wealth and power, Ps 37:35 Isa 2:13 Da 4:10-26 Zec 11:1,2. The "tree of knowledge of good and evil" bore the forbidden fruit, by eating of which Adam fatally increased his knowledge—of good by its loss, of sin and woe by actual experience, Ge 2:9,17. The "tree of life" may have been both an assurance and a means of imparting life, a seal of eternal holiness and bliss, if man had not sinned. Compare Re 22:2.

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

- Originally created by God

Ge 1:11,12; 2:9

- Made for the glory of God

Ps 148:9

- DIFFERENT KINDS OF MENTIONED

. Of the wood

So 2:3

. Of the forest

Isa 10:19

. Bearing fruit

Ne 9:25; Ec 2:5; Eze 47:12

. Evergreen

Ps 37:35; Jer 17:2

. Deciduous or casting the leaves

Isa 6:13

- Of various sizes

Eze 17:24

Thompson Chain Reference topics

(1) Laws Concerning

Le 19:23; 27:30; De 16:21; 20:19

(2) Evil, Sinners Compared to

Ps 37:35; Mt 7:18; Lu 3:9; Jude 12

(3) Saints as

Nu 24:6; Ps 1:3; 52:8; 92:12; Isa 61:3; Jer 17:8; Eze 47:7; Ho 14:6

(4) Varieties Mentioned

Almond

olive trees they will belong to you in all territory your and oil not you will anoint yourself for it will drop off olive[s] your
יִהְי֥וּyih.Yu they will belong H1961 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Tyndale gloss
to be
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be

Qal

Fall out, happen

occur, take place, come about, come to pass

esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass

וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

Come into being, become

abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

sq. prep.

become

sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

sq. pred. adj.

become like

sq. pred. לְ pers.

sq. לְ pred.

oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.

with עַל and לְ

sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)

exist, be in existence

abide, remain, continue

with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie

as copula, joining subj. & pred.

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen

. occur, take place, come about, come to pass

. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

. sq. prep.

. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

. sq. pred. adj.

. become like

. sq. pred. + לְ pers.

. sq. לְ pred.

. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.

. with עַל and לְ

. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence

. abide, remain, continue

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1961 hayah haw-yaw

a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,

come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or

auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,

committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,

fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit

(one-)self, require, X use.

see HEBREW for 01933

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.

1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) ---

1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass

1a1b) to come about, come to pass

1a2) to come into being, become

1a2a) to arise, appear, come

1a2b) to become

1a2b1) to become

1a2b2) to become like

1a2b3) to be instituted, be established

1a3) to be

1a3a) to exist, be in existence

1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)

1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)

1a3d) to accompany, be with

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about

1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVqi3mp
olive trees they will belong to you in all territory your and oil not you will anoint yourself for it will drop off olive[s] your
לְךָ֖le.Kha to you H9031 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

ךָּ (ka) — you.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 2nd person masculine singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Sp2ms — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp2ms
olive trees they will belong to you in all territory your and oil not you will anoint yourself for it will drop off olive[s] your
בְּכָל־be.khol in all H3605 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
5,415× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Tyndale gloss
all
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all

with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

Absolutely:

without the art., all things, all

with the art. הַכֹּל

where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all

. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3605 kol kole

or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;

hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a

plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any

(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as

many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,

whoso(-ever).

see HEBREW for 03634

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּל (kol) — all.

1) all, the whole

1a) all, the whole of

1b) any, each, every, anything

1c) totality, everything

Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
HR/Ncmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ol: Used in various combinations, and with different meanings.

(1) All along, "Weeping all along as he went" (Jer 41:6), i.e. throughout the whole way he went, feigning equal concern with the men from Shiloh, etc., for the destruction of the Temple, so as to put them off their guard.

(2) All in all, "That God may be all in all" (1Co 15:28, Greek: panta en pasin, "all things in all (persons and) things"). "The universe, with all it comprises, will wholly answer to God's will and reflect His mind" (Dummelow).

(3) All one, "It is all one" (Job 9:22), "it makes no difference whether I live or die."

(4) At all, "If thy father miss me at all" (1Sa 20:6), "in any way," "in the least."

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
olive trees they will belong to you in all territory your and oil not you will anoint yourself for it will drop off olive[s] your
גְּבוּלֶ֑ךָge.vu.Le.kha territory your H1366 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
240× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Amplified meaning
all your borders, every region
Tyndale gloss
border: boundary
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

גְּבוּל (gbuwl) refers to a border or boundary, often implying a defined territory. It can denote a physical limit, such as a coast or landmark, and can also have figurative uses, like a region of darkness. The word is derived from a root meaning 'cord' and encompasses various meanings related to boundaries and territories.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

גְּבוּל 240 n.m. border, boundary, territory

border, boundary

territory (enclosed within boundary)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1366 גְּבוּל border, boundary, territory

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1366 gbuwl gheb-ool'

or (shortened) gbul {gheb-ool'}; from 1379; properly, a cord

(as twisted), i.e. (by implication) a boundary; by extens. the

territory inclosed:--border, bound, coast, X great, landmark,

limit, quarter, space.

see HEBREW for 01379

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

גְּבוּל (ge.vul) — border: boundary.

: boundary

1) border, territory

1a) border

1b) territory (enclosed within boundary)

1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.)

Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)

גְּבוּל (ge.vul) — border: area.

: area

1) border, territory

1a) border

1b) territory (enclosed within boundary)

1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp2ms
olive trees they will belong to you in all territory your and oil not you will anoint yourself for it will drop off olive[s] your
וְשֶׁ֙מֶן֙ve.She.men and oil H8081 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
193× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.
Amplified meaning
olive oil, ointment
Tyndale gloss
oil
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֶׁ֫מֶן (shemen) refers to fat or oil, particularly olive oil, and includes meanings related to richness and anointing. It is derived from the root word for grease and can also metaphorically describe fertile land. The entries consistently highlight its use in contexts like medicinal applications and anointing.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֶׁ֫מֶן 192 n.m. fat, oil

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8081 שֶׁ֫מֶן fat, oil

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8081 shemen sheh'-men

from 8080; grease, especially liquid (as from the olive,

often perfumed); figuratively, richness:--anointing, X fat

(things), X fruitful, oil((-ed)), ointment, olive, + pine.

see HEBREW for 08080

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֶׁ֫מֶן (she.men) — oil.

1) fat, oil

1a) fat, fatness

1b) oil, olive oil

1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent

1b2) for anointing

1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
HC/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

oil (shemen; elaion):

1. Terms

2. Production and Storage

3. Uses

(1) As a Commodity of Exchange

(2) As a Cosmetic

(3) As a Medicine

(4) As a Food

(5) As an Illuminant

(6) In Religious Rites

(a) Consecration

(b) Offerings

(c) Burials

4. Figurative Uses

Shemen, literally, "fat," corresponds to the common Arabic senin of similar meaning, although now applied to boiled butter fat.

1. Terms:

Another Hebrew word, zayith (zeth), "olive," occurs with shemen in several passages (Ex 27:20; 30:24; Le 24:2). The corresponding Arabic zeit, a contraction of zeitun, which is the name for the olive tree as well as the fruit, is now applied to oils in general, to distinguish them from solid fats. Zeit usually means olive oil, unless some qualifying name indicates another oil. A corresponding use was made of…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Oil

Only olive oil seems to have been used among the Hebrews. It was used for many purposes: for anointing the body or the hair (Ex. 29:7; 2 Sam. 14:2; Ps. 23:5; 92:10; 104:15; Luke 7:46); in some of the offerings (Ex. 29:40; Lev. 7:12; Num. 6:15; 15:4), but was excluded from the sin-offering (Lev. 5:11) and the jealousy-offering (Num. 5:15); for burning in lamps (

Was employed from the earliest periods in the east, not only for the purpose of consecration, but to anoint the head, the beard, and the whole person in daily life, Ge 28:18. See ANOINTING. It was also universally used for food, Eze 16:13. Fresh and sweet olive oil was greatly preferred to butter and animal fat as a seasoning for food, and to this day in Syria almost every kind of food is cooked with oil. It had a place also among the meat-offerings in the temple, being usually mixed with the meal of the oblation, Le 5:11 6:21. For lamps, also, pure olive oil was regarded as the best, and was used in illuminating the tabernacle. These many uses for oil made the culture of the olive-tree an extensive and lucrative business,

olive trees they will belong to you in all territory your and oil not you will anoint yourself for it will drop off olive[s] your
לֹ֣אlo' 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.
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
olive trees they will belong to you in all territory your and oil not you will anoint yourself for it will drop off olive[s] your
תָס֔וּךְta.Sukh you will anoint yourself H5480 Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singular
9× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To anoint means to smear oil over someone or something, often for special purposes. In the Bible, people anointed themselves or others with oil for religious or ceremonial reasons.
Amplified meaning
smear or pour oil on
Tyndale gloss
to anoint
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

סוּךְ (sukh) means to anoint or pour in anointing. It is a primitive root that conveys the action of smearing with oil, often referring to anointing oneself or another. The verb appears in various forms, including Qal and Hiphil, indicating both active and passive uses.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[סוּךְ, סִיךְ] vb. pour in anointing, anoint (NH Aram. סוּךְ anoint);—

Qal anoint, in the toilet, oft. after washing; usu.

refl. anoint oneself

act. anoint another

pass., be poured

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5480 [סוּךְ, סִיךְ] pour in anointing, anoint

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5480 cuwk sook

a primitive root; properly, to smear over (with oil), i.e.

anoint:--anoint (self), X at all.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

סוּךְ (sukh) — to anoint.

1) to anoint, pour in anointing

1a) (Qal) to anoint

1a1) to anoint oneself

1a2) to anoint (another)

1a3) to be poured

1b) (Hiphil) to anoint

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singular
HVqi2ms
olive trees they will belong to you in all territory your and oil not you will anoint yourself for it will drop off olive[s] your
כִּ֥יki 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'.
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
olive trees they will belong to you in all territory your and oil not you will anoint yourself for it will drop off olive[s] your
יִשַּׁ֖לyi.Shal it will drop off H5394 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
7× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to quickly remove or take something away, like slipping off a piece of clothing. It is used in Exodus and Deuteronomy to describe God's actions. The word has various translations in the KJV.
Amplified meaning
fall to the ground, be wasted
Tyndale gloss
to slip
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָשַׁל (nashal) is a Hebrew verb meaning to slip or drop off, with additional meanings including to draw off and clear away. It can be used in both intransitive and transitive forms, such as clearing away nations or completely clearing out a location. The entries suggest a focus on the act of removal or separation.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָשַׁל vb. 1. intrans. slip or drop off; also trans.: 2. draw off. 3. clear away

Qal

slip or drop off

draw off sandal fr. foot

clear away nations

Pi. he cleared the Jews entirely out of Elath.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5394 נָשַׁל 1. intrans. slip or drop off; also trans.: 2. draw off. 3. clear away

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5394 nashal naw-shal'

a primitive root; to pluck off, i.e. divest, eject or

drop:--cast (out), drive, loose, put off (out), slip.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָשַׁל (na.shal) — to slip.

1) to slip off, drop off, clear away, draw off

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to slip or drop off

1a2) to draw off

1a3) to clear away

1b) (Piel) to clear out completely, clear entirely

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVqi3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
olive trees they will belong to you in all territory your and oil not you will anoint yourself for it will drop off olive[s] your
זֵיתֶֽךָ׃zei.Te.kha olive[s] your H2132 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
38× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for olive tree or olive berry, often associated with oil and light. In Deuteronomy 8:8, the olive tree is listed as one of the blessings of the Promised Land, and in Matthew 24:3, Jesus teaches on the Mount of Olives.
Amplified meaning
the fruit of the olive tree, a source of light
Tyndale gloss
olive
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זַ֫יִת (zayith) refers to an olive or olive tree, including its fruit. It is associated with illuminating oil and appears in place names like the Mount of Olives. The entries suggest it encompasses both the tree and its produce, with some lexicons noting its connection to specific locations.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

זַ֫יִת n.m. olive-tree, olive

olive-tree

of fruit of olive-tree, olives

in designations of place

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2132 זַ֫יִת olive-tree, olive

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2132 zayith zay'-yith

probably from an unused root (akin to 2099); an olive (as

yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the

berry:--olive (tree, -yard), Olivet.

see HEBREW for 02099

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זַ֫יִת (za.yit) — (Mount of) Olives.

This name means olive, olive tree

Also named: elaiōn (ἐλαιών "Olivet" G1638)

זַ֫יִת (za.yit) — olive.

1) olive, olive tree

1a) olive tree

1b) olives

2) mountain facing Jerusalem on the east side

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/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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