Menu

Deuteronomy 8:17 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוְאָמַרְתָּ֖ בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָ כֹּחִי֙ וְעֹ֣צֶם יָדִ֔י עָ֥שָׂה לִ֖י אֶת־ הַחַ֥יִל הַזֶּֽה׃

BSAYou might sayʼâmar [think to yourself, ponder in your mind] in your heartlêbâb [innermost being, mind, will, and emotions] The powerkôach [strength, might] and strengthʻôtsem [might, physical or financial ability] of my handsyâd [an open hand; strength, a side or share] have madeʻâsâh [produced, acquired, accomplished] thiszeh wealthchayil [abundance, riches, helech]

Word
Listen & take awayDeuteronomy 8
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 17 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (ha.Zeh) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Deuteronomy 8:17quick helps
In a sentenceThe verse warns against pride in personal achievements and reminds the reader of God's role in providing wealth.
Who is speakingThe speaker addresses the Israelites, warning them about their thoughts.
Where we areThis verse is part of a larger discourse on remembering God's provision in the wilderness.
The hard wordחַיִל
Take awayWealth is not solely the result of human effort; it is ultimately a gift from God.
4 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Cambridge & more — read them › clause verbאָמַר 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 8:17

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — A Warning Against Pridegenerated

16He fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers had not known, in order to humble you and test you, so that in the end He might cause you to prosper.
17You might say in your heart, “The power and strength of my hands have made this wealth for me.”
18But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day.
19If you ever forget the LORD your God and go after other gods to worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish.

Deuteronomy 8:17 is a part of Moses' address to the Israelites, where he cautions them about the dangers of forgetting God after they have entered the Promised Land and experienced prosperity. The surrounding verses emphasize God's provision during their time in the wilderness and the importance of recognizing His hand in their successes.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Deuteronomy 7:17You may say in your heart, “These nations are greater than we are; how can we drive them out?”
2Deuteronomy 9:4When the LORD your God has driven them out before you, do not say in your heart, “Because of my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land.” Rather, the LORD is driving out these nations before you because of their wickedness.
3Isaiah 10:8–14“Are not all my commanders kings?” he says.
4Daniel 4:30the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?”
5Hosea 12:8And Ephraim boasts: “How rich I have become! I have found wealth for myself. In all my labors, they can find in me no iniquity that is sinful.”

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word כֹּחִי, ko.Chigenerated

The word כֹּחַ (koach) refers to strength or power, encompassing both physical and metaphorical meanings. It can describe human, angelic, or divine strength, and in this context, it reflects the speaker's pride in personal achievements.

The parsing indicates that this noun is in the construct state, which connects it to the possessive pronoun 'my', emphasizing personal ownership of strength. This highlights the individual's tendency to attribute success solely to their own efforts.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses strength for כֹּחִי, while the KJV and ASV use power.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verbs אָמַרְתָּ֖ (you will say) and עָ֥שָׂה (has acquired) govern the sentence, with a series of phrases that elaborate on the speaker's claim. The structure highlights the contrast between the speaker's self-reliance and the underlying truth of divine provision.

The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the personal pronoun 'my' in יָדִי (my hand), drawing attention to the individual's assertion of agency in their wealth.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, כֹּחִי is rendered as δύναμιν (dynamin), which translates to 'power' or 'might.' This choice emphasizes the strength aspect of the original Hebrew while potentially broadening its application to include divine power.

The use of δύναμιν suggests a focus on the inherent strength that can be attributed to God, contrasting with the self-sufficient interpretation of the Hebrew.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Deuteronomy 8:17 warns the Israelites against the pride of thinking they have achieved wealth by their own strength. It reminds them that their success is ultimately a gift from God, who provides everything they have.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to say 'the power of my hands'?

This phrase reflects a person's tendency to attribute their success and wealth to their own efforts rather than recognizing God's provision.

Why is it important to remember God in times of prosperity?

Remembering God helps maintain humility and gratitude, acknowledging that all blessings come from Him, not merely from personal effort.

How can this verse apply to modern life?

In today's context, it serves as a reminder to recognize the role of divine assistance in our achievements and to avoid pride in our accomplishments.

What is the broader context of this warning?

The warning is part of a larger message about the dangers of forgetting God after receiving blessings, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and gratitude.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways do I attribute my successes to my own efforts rather than to God?
  2. How can I cultivate a heart of gratitude during times of prosperity?
  3. What reminders can I establish to help me remember God's provision in my life?
  4. How does this verse challenge my understanding of wealth and success?

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

The early Church Fathers referenced this verse to warn against pride in wealth, emphasizing the need for humility and dependence on God.

Ambrose of MilanThe Six Days of Creation, Book 6, Chapter 8, Section 53 c. 339–397
Therefore, take heed, oh wealthy person; for you also carry flesh like the poor. ... For it is written: When you have driven out the nations and have taken possession of their land,
Early Church Fathers on Deuteronomy 8 →

Commentators on this verse — 4 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Deuteronomy 8:17 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And thou say in thine heart,.... These words are in connection with the former part of the Deuteronomy 8:14: and thou forget the Lord thy God; the author and giver of all the good things enjoyed, and

Read John Gill on Deuteronomy 8 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Beware that thou forget not the Lord.

Read Robert Jamieson on Deuteronomy 8 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Deuteronomy 8:17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of [mine] hand hath gotten me this wealth.Ver. 17. My power.] As that great dragon of Egypt, lying at ease in the swollen waters of his Nile, saith, "My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself."

Read John Trapp on Deuteronomy 8 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

17. thou say in thine heart] That is not only as if convinced; but, whether or not thou sayest this expressly with thy lips, thou feelest and practically behavest as if thine own power and might had gotten thee this wealth.

Read Cambridge on Deuteronomy 8 →

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 might say in your heart, “The power and strength of my hands have made this wealth for me.”

WEBWorld English Bible2000

and lest you say in your heart, “My power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth.”

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

You might say in your heart, “The power and strength of my hands have made this wealth for me.”

NETBNew English Translation2006

Be careful not to say, “My own ability and skill have gotten me this wealth.”

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

and lest thou say in thy heart, My power and the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth.

RVARevised Version, American1894

and thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And thou shalt say in thy heart, My power and the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Beware least thou say in thine heart, My power, and the strength of mine owne hand hath prepared me this abundance.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

— and thou say in thy heart, My power and the might of my hand has procured me this wealth.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

and thou hast said in thy heart, My power, and the might of my hand, hath made for me this wealth:

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

and you have said in your heart, My power and the might of my hand have made this wealth for me.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And thou say in thy heart, My power and the strength of my hand have gotten me this wealth.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

but you may say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand acquired all this wealth.'

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Lest thou shouldst say in thy heart: My own might, and the strength of my own hand have achieved all these things for me.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

You might think to yourselves, “I became rich through all my hard work.”

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Say not then, in your hearts, My power and the strength of my hands have got me this wealth.

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.

וְandclauseverbאָמַרְתָּ֖you.will.sayprepositional phrase · prepositionalבִּinnoun phraseלְבָבֶ֑heartךָyourclausenoun phrase · subjectnoun phraseכֹּחִstrengthי֙myוְandnoun phraseעֹ֣צֶםthe.mightnoun phraseיָדִ֔my.handיmyverbעָ֥שָׂהit.has.acquiredprepositional phrase · prepositionalלִ֖forיmenoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)noun phraseהַthenoun phraseחַ֥יִלwealthadjective phraseהַ(the)זֶּֽהthis

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


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

The Masoretic Text is supported by the Samaritan Pentateuch, which agrees word for word. The Septuagint matches closely with the Hebrew, though it presents the words in its own order. The Dead Sea Scrolls show one word preserved, with the rest supplied by an editor, indicating some loss of text.

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

וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָ כֹּחִי֙ וְעֹ֣צֶם יָדִ֔י עָ֥שָׂה לִ֖י אֶת־ הַחַ֥יִל הַזֶּֽה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְאָמַרְתָּ֖εἴπῃςבִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָσουכֹּחִי֙μουוְעֹ֣צֶםκαὶיָדִ֔יμουעָ֥שָׂהἐποίησένלִ֖יμοιהַחַ֥יִלδύναμινהַזֶּֽה׃ταύτην

9 of the 10 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

ואמרת בלבבך כחי ועצם ידי עשׂה לי את החיל הזה

Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 5Q1a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[ואמרת] בלבב׳ךם [כח׳י] [ועצם] [יד׳י] [עשה] [ל׳י] [את] [החיל] [הזה]

1 word on the leather — 9 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 8:17אָמַרand you wiland you will saאָמַרלֵבָבin heart yoin heart yourלֵבָבכֹּחַstrength mystrength myכֹּחַעֹ֫צֶםand [the] mand [the] mightעֹ֫צֶםיָדhand myhand myיָדעָשָׂהit has acquit has acquiredעָשָׂהנִיfor mefor meנִיאֵתthe object the object markאֵתחַ֫יִלthe wealththe wealthחַ֫יִלזֶהthisthisזֶהלבבto encourato encourageלבבעָצֹםbe vastbe vastעָצֹםכַּףpalmpalmכַּףאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתחוּלto twist: to twist: trembחוּלזֶהthisthisזֶהזֹהthisthisזֹהכֹּהthusthusכֹּהיהוהYHWH/GodYHWH/Godיהוהשָׁלֵםcompletecompleteשָׁלֵםדָּרַשׁto seekto seekדָּרַשׁעָצַרto restraito restrainעָצַרזְרוֹעַarmarmזְרוֹעַיָדhandhandיָדעָשָׂהto maketo makeעָשָׂהחָזָקstrongstrongחָזָקנָצַלto rescueto rescueנָצַלמְלָאכָהworkworkמְלָאכָה
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 8:17

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and you will say in heart your strength my and [the] might of hand my it has acquired for me the object marker the wealth this
וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ve.'a.mar.Ta and you will say H559 Verb · Qal · sequential perfect second person masculine singular
5,309× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Amplified meaning
think to yourself, ponder in your mind
Tyndale gloss
to say
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say

Qal

Say

Say in the heart (= think)

Promise

Command (esp. late)

Niph. be said, told

Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)

Hithp. act proudly, boast

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say

. Say in the heart (= think)

. Promise

. Command (esp. late)

. be said, told

. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)

. act proudly, boast

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

559 'amar aw-mar'

a primitive root; to say (used with great

latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,

certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),

commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X

expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,

publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X

suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),

utter, X verily, X yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.

1) to say, speak, utter

1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend

1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called

1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly

1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch

Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-2ms — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect second person masculine singular
Hc/Vqq2ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and you will say in heart your strength my and [the] might of hand my it has acquired for me the object marker the wealth this
בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָbil.va.Ve.kha in heart your H3824 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
252× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Amplified meaning
innermost being, mind, will, and emotions
Tyndale gloss
heart
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֵבָב (lebab) refers to the inner man, encompassing the mind, will, and heart. It highlights aspects like emotions, moral character, and conscience, often contrasting the inner self with the outer. The term is used primarily for humans and can also denote courage and appetites.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֵבָב 251 n.m. inner man, mind, will, heart

seldom of things in the midst of the seas

usu. of men

the inner man in contrast with the outer

the inner man, indef. the soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

specific ref. to mind

spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions, determinations of the will

spec. ref. to conscience

spec. ref. to moral character

= the man himself

spec. as seat of appetites

spec. of seat of the emotions and passions

seat of courage

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3824 לֵבָב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the seas

. usu. of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer

. the inner man, indef. the soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

. specific ref. to mind

. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions, determinations of the will

. spec. ref. to conscience

. spec. ref. to moral character

. = the man himself

. spec. as seat of appetites

. spec. of seat of the emotions and passions

. seat of courage

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3824 lebab lay-bawb'

from 3823; the heart (as the most interior organ); used also

like 3820:--+ bethink themselves, breast, comfortably,

courage, ((faint), (tender-)heart((-ed)), midst, mind, X

unawares, understanding.

see HEBREW for 03823

see HEBREW for 03820

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֵבָב (le.vav) — heart.

1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding

1a) inner part, midst

1a1) midst (of things)

1a2) heart (of man)

1a3) soul, heart (of man)

1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory

1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)

1a6) conscience

1a7) heart (of moral character)

1a8) as seat of appetites

1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HR/Ncmsc/Sp2ms
and you will say in heart your strength my and [the] might of hand my it has acquired for me the object marker the wealth this
כֹּחִי֙ko.Chi strength my H3581 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
126× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Amplified meaning
strength, might
Tyndale gloss
reptile
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כֹּחַ (koach) refers to both a small reptile, likely a type of lizard, and the concepts of strength and power. The entries highlight its use in contexts of human and divine strength, as well as its association with wealth and capacity. Notably, it appears in Leviticus 11:30 regarding unclean animals.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּחַ n.[m.] a small reptile, prob. a kind of lizard, in list of unclean creeping things Lv 11:30; chameleon

ref

כֹּחַ and כּוֹחַ n.m. strength, power

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3581a כֹּחַ a small reptile, prob. a kind of lizard, in list of unclean creeping things; chameleon H3581b כֹּחַ and כּוֹחַ strength, power

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3581 koach ko'-akh

or (Dan. 11:6) kowach {ko'-akh}; from an unused root meaning

to be firm; vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense)

or figuratively (capacity, means, produce); also (from its

hardiness) a large lizard: -ability, able, chameleon, force,

fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּחַ (ko.ach) — reptile.

1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean

1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown

כֹּחַ (ko.ach) — strength.

1) strength, power, might

1a) human strength

1b) strength (of angels)

1c) power (of God)

1d) strength (of animals)

1e) strength, produce, wealth (of soil)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp1bs
and you will say in heart your strength my and [the] might of hand my it has acquired for me the object marker the wealth this
וְעֹ֣צֶםve.'O.tzem and [the] might of H6108 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct
3× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means strength or power, and can also refer to the body or bones, as in the might of a person. It appears in the Bible to describe someone's physical strength. In the KJV, it is translated as might, strong, or substance.
Amplified meaning
might, physical or financial ability
Tyndale gloss
strength
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עֹ֫צֶם (otsem) refers to concepts of strength and power, as well as bones. It is derived from a root meaning 'to be strong' and encompasses meanings related to might and substance. The entries highlight its dual focus on physical strength and the literal aspect of bones.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֹ֫צֶם n.[m.] might, bones

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6108 עֹ֫צֶם might, bones

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6108 `otsem o'-tsem

from 6105; power; hence, body:--might, strong, substance.

see HEBREW for 06105

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֹ֫צֶם (o.tsem) — strength.

1) power, bones, might

1a) might

1b) bones

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct
HC/Ncmsc
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…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and you will say in heart your strength my and [the] might of hand my it has acquired for me the object marker the wealth this
יָדִ֔יya.Di hand my H3027 Noun common both singular construct · suffix
1,619× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Amplified meaning
an open hand; strength, a side or share
Tyndale gloss
hand
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָד (yad) means 'hand' and can also refer to strength or power in a figurative sense. It encompasses various technical uses, such as a sign or monument, parts or shares, and even specific components in construction, like axle-trees and supports for the laver. The word is versatile, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָד 1604 n.f. hand

hand

Fig. = strength, power

Fig. = side

יָד is used in various special, technical senses:—

sign, monument

part, fractional part or share

time, repetition

axle-trees

stays, supports for laver

tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle

a (beckoning) hand

יַד with prep.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3027 יָד hand . hand

. Fig. = strength, power

. Fig. = side

. יָד is used in various special, technical senses:— . sign, monument

. part, fractional part or share

. time, repetition

. axle-trees

. stays, supports for laver

. tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle

. a (beckoning) hand

. יַד with prep.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3027 yad yawd

a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power,

means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed

one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of

applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate

and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes,

at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad,

(broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, +

creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship,

force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in,

labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine,

ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain,

power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay,

draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by

them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing,

+ thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side,

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָד (yad) — hand.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)

1d) (various special, technical senses)

1d1) sign, monument

1d2) part, fractional part, share

1d3) time, repetition

1d4) axle-trees, axle

1d5) stays, support (for laver)

1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)

1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)

1d8) wrists

יָד (yad) — hand: power.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)

1d) (various special, technical senses)

1d1) sign, monument

1d2) part, fractional part, share

1d3) time, repetition

1d4) axle-trees, axle

1d5) stays, support (for laver)

1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)

1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)

1d8) wrists

יָד (yad) — hand: themselves.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs | Suff — Noun common both singular construct · suffix
HNcbsc/Sp1bs
and you will say in heart your strength my and [the] might of hand my it has acquired for me the object marker the wealth this
עָ֥שָׂה'A.sah it has acquired H6213 Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singular
2,629× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Amplified meaning
produced, acquired, accomplished
Tyndale gloss
to make
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָשָׂה (asah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to do or make, encompassing a wide range of actions such as producing, preparing, and observing. It can refer to both concrete and abstract activities, including making offerings and attending to tasks. The verb also has forms indicating passive meanings, such as being made or offered. Notably, the Piel form refers to pressing or squeezing.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָשָׂה 2622 vb. do, make

Qal 2524

do (1560 t.)

deal with

oft. in phr. do kindness with

abs. act, act with effect

make (670 t.)

produce, yield

prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food

make offering

attend to, put in order

observe, celebrate, religious festival

acquire property of various kinds

appoint priests

bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance

use

spend, pass, days of life

Niph.

97be done

be made, of concr. things

be produced from vine

be prepared, of food

be offered

be observed, passover

be used

Pu. I was made

base

[עָשָׂה] vb. Pi. press, squeeze

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6213a עָשָׂה do, make .. . do (1560 + t.)

. deal with

. oft. in phr. do kindness with

. abs. act, act with effect

. . make (670 + t.)

. produce, yield

. prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food

. make offering

. attend to, put in order

. observe, celebrate, religious festival

. acquire property of various kinds

. appoint priests

. bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance

. use

. spend, pass, days of life

. . be done

. . be made, of concr. things

. be produced from vine

. be prepared, of food

. be offered

. be observed, passover

. be used

. I was made

H6213b עָשָׂה Pi. press, squeeze

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6213 `asah aw-saw'

a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and

widest application (as follows):--accomplish, advance,

appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth,

bruise, be busy, X certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal

(with), deck, + displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in)

execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, + feast, (fight-)ing man, +

finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go

about, govern, grant, great, + hinder, hold ((a feast)), X

indeed, + be industrious, + journey, keep, labour, maintain,

make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, + officer, pare,

bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure,

provide, put, requite, X sacrifice, serve, set, shew, X sin,

spend, X surely, take, X thoroughly, trim, X very, + vex, be

(warr-)ior, work(-man), yield, use.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make: do.

: do/perform

1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to do, work, make, produce

1a1a) to do

1a1b) to work

1a1c) to deal (with)

1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect

1a2) to make

1a2a) to make

1a2b) to produce

1a2c) to prepare

1a2d) to make (an offering)

1a2e) to attend to, put in order

1a2f) to observe, celebrate

1a2g) to acquire (property)

1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute

1a2i) to bring about

1a2j) to use

1a2k) to spend, pass

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be done

1b2) to be made

1b3) to be produced

1b4) to be offered

1b5) to be observed

1b6) to be used

1c) (Pual) to be made

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to press.

(Piel) to press, squeeze

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make.

: make(OBJECT)

1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to do, work, make, produce

1a1a) to do

1a1b) to work

1a1c) to deal (with)

1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect

1a2) to make

1a2a) to make

1a2b) to produce

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singular
HVqp3ms
and you will say in heart your strength my and [the] might of hand my it has acquired for me the object marker the wealth this
לִ֖יli for me H9030 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נִי (ni) — me.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 1st person singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Sp1bs — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp1bs
and you will say in heart your strength my and [the] might of hand my it has acquired for me the object marker the wealth this
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
and you will say in heart your strength my and [the] might of hand my it has acquired for me the object marker the wealth this
הַחַ֥יִלha.Cha.yil the wealth H2428 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
246× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Amplified meaning
abundance, riches, helech
Tyndale gloss
Helech
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word חַ֫יִל (*chayil*) encompasses meanings related to strength, efficiency, wealth, and army. It is derived from a root meaning force and can refer to physical might, moral virtue, or resources. The entries consistently highlight its application to soldiers and military forces, with no significant disagreement noted among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חַ֫יִל 244 n.m. strength, efficiency, wealth, army

strength, usu. physical

ability, efficiency, often involving moral worth

wealth

force, army

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2428 חַ֫יִל strength, efficiency, wealth, army

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2428 chayil khah'-yil

from 2342; probably a force, whether of men, means or other

resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength:--able,

activity, (+) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great)

forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong,

substance, train, (+)valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war,

worthy(-ily).

see HEBREW for 02342

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חַ֫יִל (cha.yil) — strength: soldiers.

: soldiers/army

1) strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army

1a) strength

1b) ability, efficiency

1c) wealth

1d) force, army

חֵילֵךְ (che.lek) — Helech.

§ Helech = "your army"

a place near Arvad and Gammad

חַ֫יִל (cha.yil) — strength.

: strong

1) strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army

1a) strength

1b) ability, efficiency

1c) wealth

1d) force, army, soldiers/army

חַ֫יִל (cha.yil) — strength: rich.

: rich/wealth

1) strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army

1a) strength

1b) ability, efficiency

1c) wealth

1d) force, army

חַ֫יִל (cha.yil) — strength: worthy.

: worthy

1) strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army

1a) strength

1b) ability, efficiency

1c) wealth

1d) force, army

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Nave's Topical Bible

→ See RICHES

and you will say in heart your strength my and [the] might of hand my it has acquired for me the object marker the wealth this
הַזֶּֽה׃ha.Zeh this H2088 Particle · particle
1,180× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Tyndale gloss
this
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זֶה (zeh) is a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'this' or 'here.' It can stand alone, be used appositively, or function as a predicate. The word can also attach enclitically to interrogative pronouns, adding emphasis and directness. In poetry, it may serve as a relative pronoun, though this usage is rare.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

standing alone

In appos. to subst.

More oft. as pred.

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

In poetry, as a relative pron. (rare)

With prefixes (in special senses)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2088 זֶה demonstr. pron. and adv.; fem. זֹאת, once זֹאתָה; this, here . standing alone

. In appos. to subst.

. More oft. as pred.

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

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

. With prefixes (in special senses)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2088 zeh zeh

a primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this

or that:--he, X hence, X here, it(-self), X now, X of him, the

one...the other, X than the other, (X out of) the (self) same,

such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on

that side, X thus, very, which. Compare 2063, 2090, 2097,

2098.

see HEBREW for 02063

see HEBREW for 02090

see HEBREW for 02097

see HEBREW for 02098

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זֶה (zeh) — this.

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

1a) (alone)

1a1) this one

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

1b) (appos to subst)

1b1) this

1c) (as predicate)

1c1) this, such

1d) (enclitically)

1d1) then

1d2) who, whom

1d3) how now, what now

1d4) what now

1d5) wherefore now

1d6) behold here

1d7) just now

1d8) now, now already

1e) (poetry)

1e1) wherein, which, those who

1f) (with prefixes)

1f1) in this (place) here, then

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

1f3) thus and thus

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

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

1f6) on this account

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

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

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

Donate