Ecclesiastes 4:12 — Word Study
WLCוְאִֽם־ יִתְקְפוֹ֙ הָאֶחָ֔ד הַשְּׁנַ֖יִם יַעַמְד֣וּ נֶגְדּ֑וֹ וְהַחוּט֙ הַֽמְשֻׁלָּ֔שׁ לֹ֥א בִמְהֵרָ֖ה יִנָּתֵֽק׃
BSAAnd thoughʼim oneʼechâd [alone, single] may be overpoweredtâqaph▸ [conquered, defeated] twoshᵉnayim [a pair, double] can resistʻâmad▸ [stand against, withstand] Moreover, a cordchûwṭ [thread, rope] of threeshâlash [triple, threefold] strands is notlôʼ [twisted together, by no means] quicklymᵉhêrâh [in haste, swiftly] brokennâthaq▸ [torn apart, severed]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְאִֽם־ | and though | Conjunction, particle |
| יִתְקְפוֹ֙ | someone will overpower him | Verb qal imperfect third person masculine singular, suffix |
| הָאֶחָ֔ד | the one [person] | Particle |
| הַשְּׁנַ֖יִם | the two [people] | Particle |
| יַעַמְד֣וּ | they will stand | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| נֶגְדּ֑וֹ | before him | Suffix |
| וְהַחוּט֙ | and the thread | Conjunction, particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| הַֽמְשֻׁלָּ֔שׁ | threefold | Particle, verb pual participle (passive) masculine singular |
| לֹ֥א | not | Particle |
| בִמְהֵרָ֖ה | quickly | Preposition, adverb |
| יִנָּתֵֽק׃ | it will be torn apart | Verb, Niphal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. |
| KJV | And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. |
| ASV | And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. |
| YLT | And if the one strengthen himself, the two stand against him; and the threefold cord is not hastily broken. |
| WEB | If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. |
| BBE | And two attacked by one would be safe, and three cords twisted together are not quickly broken. |
The translations agree on the meaning of the key terms in this verse.
The sentence features a main clause followed by two subordinate clauses, emphasizing the contrast between individual vulnerability and collective strength.





6 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbעָמַד
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Ecclesiastes 4:12
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 Value of Companionshipgenerated
Ecclesiastes 4:12 discusses the importance of companionship and unity. Solomon observes that while one person may be overpowered, two can resist, and a cord of three strands is even stronger. This reflects a broader theme in Ecclesiastes about the benefits of relationships and the strength that comes from being together, as seen in the surrounding verses.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 23:9–16 | Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, |
| 2 | Daniel 3:16–17 | Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. |
| 3 | Ephesians 4:3 | and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 3 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — יִתְקְפוֹ֙, yit.ke.Fogenerated
The verb יִתְקְפוֹ֙ (yit.ke.Fo) is in the imperfect tense, indicating an ongoing or future action. It means 'to overpower' or 'to prevail against', often in contexts of conflict or struggle. The parsing shows it is a third person masculine singular form, suggesting that it refers to an individual being overpowered.
This word emphasizes the vulnerability of being alone, as one person can easily be conquered, but the implication is that strength lies in numbers. The lexicons consistently define it within contexts of overcoming or prevailing, underscoring the importance of companionship.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, the verse is read in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses overpowered for יִתְקְפוֹ֙.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The sentence contains two main clauses: the first describes the vulnerability of one person, while the second highlights the strength of two. The finite verbs יִתְקְפוֹ֙ and יַעַמְד֣וּ anchor these clauses, indicating actions taken by individuals.
The structure emphasizes a contrast between the singular and plural forms, illustrating the theme of companionship. The use of a noun phrase for the subject in both clauses reinforces the focus on the individuals involved.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates יִתְקְפוֹ֙ as ἐπικραταιωθῆ, which also conveys the idea of overpowering. This choice reflects a consistent understanding of the struggle inherent in being alone versus the strength found in unity.
The Greek translation maintains the emphasis on the contrast between singular and plural, reinforcing the original Hebrew's message about companionship.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Ecclesiastes 4:12 teaches that while one person can easily be overpowered, two can stand against challenges together. Additionally, a cord made of three strands is even stronger, emphasizing the value of unity and companionship in facing difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that when two people work together, they can withstand challenges that one person alone might not be able to face.
A cord of three strands symbolizes even greater strength and resilience, indicating that unity among more than two people is even more powerful.
This verse emphasizes the importance of companionship and teamwork in overcoming challenges, which is relevant in friendships, marriages, and communities.
Solomon refers to the idea that an individual can be easily defeated or conquered when alone, highlighting the vulnerability of isolation.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I feel stronger when I have support from others?
- How can I cultivate deeper relationships that provide strength and encouragement?
- What are some examples of times when teamwork has helped me overcome challenges?
- How can I be a source of strength for others in my community?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early church fathers reference this verse to discuss the strength of faith and unity, illustrating its importance in Christian teachings.
Paul fled too, that he might pass out through a window and be lowered in a basket. Yes, he knew that the triple-stranded rope could not break, but he fled so that he might preach the gospel of the Lord in the entire world,Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 4 →
By a “cord,” faith is expressed, as Solomon witnesses, who says, “A threefold cord is not easily broken” because the faith in truth that is woven by the mouth of preachers from the knowledge of the Trinity remains firm in the elect.Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 4 →
Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Ecclesiastes 4:12 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him,.... If an enemy, or a thief, or a robber, attack anyone of them, in friendship and fellowship together, and is more than a match for him; both
Read John Gill on Ecclesiastes 4 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. If one prevail against him. One = the enemy.
Read Robert Jamieson on Ecclesiastes 4 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleAgainst him; against either of them. A threefold cord is not quickly broken; if a man have not only one, but two or more friends, he is so much the safer and the happier.
Read Matthew Poole on Ecclesiastes 4 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsEcclesiastes 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.Ver. 12. And if one prevail against him, &c.] Vis unita fortior. God bade Gideon to go down to the camp of the Midianites, and if he feared to go, then to take with him his servant Phurah. Jonathan will not go without his armourbearer - David without Abishai. Christ, when to begin his passion in the garden, took Peter, James, and John with him, for the benefit of their prayers and company, though they served him but sorrily. "My dove is but one." "Jerusalem is a city compact together." The Church is "terrible as an army with banners"; "the gates of hell cannot prevail…
Read John Trapp on Ecclesiastes 4 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges12. if one prevail against him] Better, If a man overpowers him that is alone, yet two shall withstand. Another incident of travel is brought before us. The robber may lie in ambush. Against one his attack would be successful; the two friends defend each other and are saved. a threefold cord is not quickly broken] Perhaps no words in Ecclesiastes are better known than this as a proverbial expression for the strength of unity. It differs from the previous illustration in suggesting the thought of a friendship in which more than two persons are joined. “Threefold” is chosen as an epithet, partly as carrying on the thought from two to three, as in Proverbs 30:15; Proverbs 30:18; Proverbs…
Read Cambridge on Ecclesiastes 4 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible12. And if one prevail — “One” is here the object of the verb, and it should read, “If an assailant prevail against one man, two can resist him.” A threefold cord is a lively emblem of a close alliance.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ecclesiastes 4 →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
And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Although an assailant may overpower one person, two can withstand him. Moreover, a three-stranded cord is not quickly broken.
Tyndale line
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
And if one prevaileth against him, two shall withstand him; and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken.
And if one ouercome him, two shall stand against him: and a threefolde coard is not easily broken.
Strictly literal
And if a [man] overpower the one, the two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
And if the one strengthen himself, the two stand against him; and the threefold cord is not hastily broken.
And if the one strengthens himself, the two stand against him; and the threefold cord is not quickly broken.
And if a man could overpower him, the single one, two would stand up against him: and a threefold cord cannot quickly be torn asunder.
One man alone can be overpowered, but two can withstand an attack, and a three-strand rope is not quickly broken.
From the Latin
And if a man prevail against one, two shall withstand him: a threefold cord is not easily broken.
Simplified
Someone fighting against one other person may win, but not if they are fighting against two. A cord made of three strands can't be torn apart quickly.
And two attacked by one would be safe, and three cords twisted together are not quickly broken.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint both agree on the wording of this verse, with the Septuagint providing a direct word-by-word correspondence. This consistency highlights the enduring nature of the message regarding companionship and strength.
וְאִֽם־ יִתְקְפוֹ֙ הָאֶחָ֔ד הַשְּׁנַ֖יִם יַעַמְד֣וּ נֶגְדּ֑וֹ וְהַחוּט֙ הַֽמְשֻׁלָּ֔שׁ לֹ֥א בִמְהֵרָ֖ה יִנָּתֵֽק׃
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.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Ecclesiastes 4:12
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.
אִם (im) is a Hebrew conjunction primarily meaning 'if' and is used in various contexts, including conditional clauses and interrogative situations. It can also express negation, alternatives, or exceptions, and appears frequently in the Old Testament. The lexicons note its use in oaths and its ability to connect different clauses, sometimes altering their meanings.
אִם conj.
hypoth. part. if
Interrog. part.
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
H518a אִם conj. . hypoth. part. if
. Interrog. part.
H518b 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
518 'im eem
a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!;
interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh
that!, when; hence, as a negative, not:--(and, can-,
doubtless, if, that) (not), + but, either, + except, +
more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or,
+ save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, + surely (no more,
none, not), though, + of a truth, + unless, + verily, when,
whereas, whether, while, + yet.
אִם (im) — if.
: if/whether_or/though
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
[כִּי] אם (ki im) — if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
אִם (im) — if: surely no.
: surely_no
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: surely yes.
: surely_yes
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: until.
: until/except
Conj | Conj — Conjunction · particleHC/Tc
תָּקֵף (taqaph) is a primitive root meaning to overpower or prevail against. The entries consistently describe its use in the context of overcoming or prevailing over something. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meaning.
[תָּקֵף] vb. prevail over, overpower
base
H8630 תָּקֵף, תָּקַף
8630 taqaph taw-kaf'
a primitive root; to overpower:--prevail (against).
תָּקֵף (ta.qaph) — to prevail.
(Qal) to prevail over or against, overcome, overpower
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff — Verb qal imperfect third person masculine singular · suffixHVqi3ms/Sp3ms
אֶחָד (echad) means 'one' and is derived from a numeral. It encompasses meanings such as each, every, a certain, and can serve as an indefinite article. It is also used as an ordinal to denote 'first' and appears in various combinations, including eleven. The entries consistently emphasize its numerical and qualitative aspects.
אֶחָד 972 adj.num. one
one
= each, every
= a certain
= indef. art.
only, & (fem.) once
one … another, one … the other
as ordinal first
in combin.
base
H259 אֶחָד one . one
. = each, every
. = a certain
. = indef. art.
. only, & (fem.) once
. one … another, one … the other
. as ordinal first
. in combin.
259 'echad ekh-awd'
a numeral from 258; properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an
ordinal) first:--a, alike, alone, altogether, and,
any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-)ly, each (one), +
eleven, every, few, first, + highway, a man, once, one, only,
other, some, together,
see HEBREW for 0258
אֶחָד (e.chad) — one.
1) one (number)
1a) one (number)
1b) each, every
1c) a certain
1d) an (indefinite article)
1e) only, once, once for all
1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one
1g) first
1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Art | Adj — ParticleHTd/Acfsa
שְׁנַ֫יִם (shnayim) means 'two' and serves as both a cardinal and ordinal number. It can denote 'both,' 'double,' or 'twice,' and is used in various combinations with other numbers. The word is derived as a dual form of שָׁנָה (shanah), which relates to the concept of pairs.
שְׁנַ֫יִם, שְׁתַּיִם 768 n.m. et f. du. two
base
H8147 שְׁנַ֫יִם, שְׁתַּיִם two
8147 shnayim shen-ah'-yim
dual of 8145; feminine shttayim {shet-tah'-yim}; two; also
(as ordinal) twofold:--both, couple, double, second, twain, +
twelfth, + twelve, + twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two.
see HEBREW for 08145
שְׁנַ֫יִם (she.na.yim) — two.
1) two
1a) two (the cardinal number)
1a1) two, both, double, twice
1b) second (the ordinal number)
1c) in combination with other numbers
1d) both (a dual number)
Art | Adj — ParticleHTd/Acbda
pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…
The Hebrew word עָמַד (amad) means to stand and encompasses a variety of related actions such as remaining, enduring, and taking a stand. It can refer to both literal and figurative stances, including presenting oneself or being appointed. The word appears in various contexts, including standing still, ceasing movement, and even serving. There are different forms of the verb, such as Qal, Hiphil, and Hophal, each with specific nuances.
עָמַד 620 take one's stand, stand
Qal 435
take one's stand, and (esp. pt.) stand, be in a standing attitude
stand forth
take a stand against, in opposition to
present oneself before
attend upon, be(come) servant of
stand afar
stand (silent)
stand (appealingly)
stand, subj. רֶגֶל
stand, of water
stand still, stop, cease moving
= be inactive
= be attentive
stop, cease doing a thing
tarry, delay
remain
continue, abide
endure
be steadfast
persist
make a stand, hold one's ground
stand upright
arise, appear, come on the scene
stand forth, appear = come into being
rise up as foe
rare usages
Hiph.
83station, set
cause to stand firm
cause to stand up, set up, erect
present one before king
appoint
other meanings
Hoph. be presented
base
H5975 עָמַד take one's stand, stand .. . take one's stand, and (esp. pt.) stand, be in a standing attitude
. stand forth
. take a stand against, in opposition to
. present oneself before
. attend upon, be(come) servant of
. stand afar
. stand (silent)
. stand (appealingly)
. stand, subj. רֶגֶל
. stand, of water
. . stand still, stop, cease moving
. = be inactive
. = be attentive
. stop, cease doing a thing
. . tarry, delay
. remain
. continue, abide
. endure
. be steadfast
. persist
. make a stand, hold one's ground
. stand upright
. . arise, appear, come on the scene
. stand forth, appear = come into being
. rise up as foe
. rare usages
. . station, set
. cause to stand firm
. cause to stand up, set up, erect
. present one before king
. appoint
. other meanings
. be presented
5975 `amad aw-mad'
a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and
figurative, intransitive and transitive):--abide (behind),
appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed,
endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be)
present (self), raise up, remain, repair, + serve, set (forth,
over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-)stand (by,
fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.
עָמַד (a.mad) — to stand: stand.
: stand/stop/establish
1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of
1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease
1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast
1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground
1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright
1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against
1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to station, set
1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain
1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect
1b4) to present (one) before (king)
1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVqi3mp
נֶ֫גֶד (neged) refers to something that is conspicuous or in front, functioning as both a noun and an adverb. It denotes a position opposite or before someone, often used to indicate presence or visibility. The word can imply a counterpart or mate, and it appears in contexts emphasizing sight or proximity.
נֶ֫גֶד 151 subst. what is conspicuous or in front, always as adv. or prep. in front of, in sight of, opposite to
base
H5048 נֶ֫גֶד subst. what is conspicuous or in front, always as adv. or prep. in front of, in sight of, opposite to
5048 neged neh'-ghed
from 5046; a front, i.e. part opposite; specifically a
counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with
preposition) over against or before:--about, (over) against,
X aloof, X far (off), X from, over, presence, X other side,
sight, X to view.
see HEBREW for 05046
נֶ֫גֶד (ne.ged) — before.
subst
1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of
adv
2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of
3) in front of oneself, straightforward
4) before your face, in your view or purpose
with prep
5) what is in front of, corresponding to
6) in front of, before
7) in the sight or presence of
8) parallel to
9) over, for
10) in front, opposite
11) at a distance
prep
12) from the front of, away from
13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from
14) from before, in front of
15) as far as the front of
Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
HAcmsc/Sp3ms — SuffixHAcmsc/Sp3ms
חוּט (chuwt) refers to a thread, cord, or line, and is derived from a root likely meaning to sew. The term encompasses various forms of string or measuring tape. All entries agree on its basic meanings without significant disagreement.
חוּט n.m. thread, cord, line
base
H2339 חוּט thread, cord, line
2339 chuwt khoot
from an unused root probably meaning to sew; a string; by
implication, a measuring tape:--cord, fillet, line, thread.
חוּט (chut) — thread.
a thread, cord, line, string
Conj | Art | N-ms — Conjunction · particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Td/Ncmsa
שִׁלֵּשׁ (shalash) is a denominative verb meaning to do something a third time or to divide into three parts. It can also refer to being three years old. The word is derived from a primitive root that suggests intensification, but its usage is primarily focused on the concept of triplication.
[שִׁלֵּשׁ] Pi. denom. do a third time, divide into three parts, etc.
Pu. Pt. three years old
base
H8027 שִׁלֵּשׁ Pi. denom. do a third time, divide into three parts, etc. . Pt. three years old
8027 shalash shaw-lash'
a primitive root perhaps originally to intensify, i.e.
treble; but apparently used only as denominative from 7969, to
be (causatively, make) triplicate (by restoration, in
portions, strands, days or years):--do the third time,
(divide into, stay) three (days, - fold, parts, years old).
see HEBREW for 07969
שָׁלַשׁ (sha.lash) — to do three.
1) to do a third time, do three times, divide in three parts
1a) (Piel) to do a third time, divide into three parts
1b) (Pual) to be three years of age, be threefold
Art | V-Pual-Inf-c — Particle · verb pual participle (passive) masculine singularHTd/VPsmsa
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Part — ParticleHTn
מְהֵרָה (meherah) refers to haste or speed, primarily used as an adverb meaning hastily or quickly. It is a feminine form derived from another Hebrew word, מְהֵר (meher), which also conveys a sense of urgency. The entries consistently emphasize its adverbial use, indicating promptness or swiftness.
מְהֵרָה n.f. haste, speed;—usually as adverb. acc. hastily, quickly
base
H4120 מְהֵרָה haste, speed;—usually as adverb. acc. hastily, quickly
4120 mherah meh-hay-raw'
feminine of 4118; properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially)
promptly:--hastily, quickly, shortly, soon, make (with)
speed(-ily), swiftly.
see HEBREW for 04118
מְהֵרָה (me.he.rah) — haste.
1) haste, speed
1a) hastily, speedily (as adverb)
1b) in haste (with prep)
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · adverbHR/D
נָתַק (nathaq) is a Hebrew verb meaning to pull, draw, or tear away. It encompasses various actions such as breaking, lifting, and rooting out, with different nuances in its grammatical forms, including Qal, Niphal, Piel, Hiphil, and Hophal. The entries indicate that it can refer to both active and passive forms of tearing or drawing away.
[נָתַק] vb. pull, draw, tear away, apart, off
Qal
draw away
draw or pull off
pull, tear away
Niph.
be drawn away
be torn apart, or in two, snapped
be separated
Pi.
tear apart, snap
tear out, up
Hiph.
draw away
drag them away
Hoph. they were drawn away from the city
base
H5423 נָתַק pull, draw, tear away, apart, off
5423 nathaq naw-thak'
a primitive root; to tear off:--break (off), burst, draw
(away), lift up, pluck (away, off), pull (out), root out.
נָתַק (na.taq) — to tear.
1) to pull or tear or draw off or away or apart, draw out, pluck up, break, lift, root out
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to draw away
1a2) to draw or pull off
1a3) to pull or tear away
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be drawn away, be drawn out
1b2) to be torn apart or in two, be snapped
1b3) to be separated
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to tear apart, snap
1c2) to tear out, tear up, tear away
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to draw away
1d2) to drag away
1e) (Hophal) to be drawn away
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVNi3ms
a-part' (badh, "separation," i.e. alone, by oneself; niddah, "uncleanness" i.e. something put away: "an abomination"): In Zec 12:12-14 the former word is used eleven times with powerful effect to indicate the separation of families and the isolation of wives through excessive grief in Jerusalem on account of the slain Messiah. The latter word signifies removal from ceremonial uncleanness (Le 15:19; 18:19; Eze 22:10). In Greek, kat' idian, "by themselves," of marked significance as expressing Christ's desire for privacy in prayer, alone or with His disciples; either in a desert (Mt 14:13); a mountain (Mt 14:23); or a…
