Ecclesiastes 4:6 — Word Study
WLCט֕וֹב מְלֹ֥א כַ֖ף נָ֑חַת מִמְּלֹ֥א חָפְנַ֛יִם עָמָ֖ל וּרְע֥וּת רֽוּחַ׃
BSABetterṭôwb one handfulmᵉlôʼ [with a sense of contentment] with tranquilityNachath [quietness, rest] than two handfulsmᵉlôʼ [a full amount, abundance] with toilʻâmâl [trouble, hard work] and pursuitrᵉʻûwth [longing, striving] of the windrûwach [that which is fleeting, unattainable]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| ט֕וֹב | [is] good | Adj |
| מְלֹ֥א | fullness of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| כַ֖ף | hand of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| נָ֑חַת | quietness | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| מִמְּלֹ֥א | more than [the] fullness of | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| חָפְנַ֛יִם | two hands | Noun common, masculine dual absolute |
| עָמָ֖ל | toil | Noun common, both singular absolute |
| וּרְע֥וּת | and striving of | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular construct |
| רֽוּחַ׃ | wind | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind. |
| KJV | Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. |
| ASV | Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and striving after wind. |
| YLT | 'Better [is] a handful [with] quietness, than two handfuls [with] labour and vexation of spirit.' |
| WEB | Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind. |
| BBE | One hand full of rest is better than two hands full of trouble and desire for wind. |
Where they part company is in the rendering of עָמָל — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause presents a clear preference, followed by a comparative phrase that highlights the contrast with the burdens of striving.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
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 4:6
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 — Reflections on Work and Contentmentgenerated
Ecclesiastes 4:6 presents a comparison between having a little with peace and having much with struggle. The Teacher observes that tranquility is preferable to the burdens of excessive toil, emphasizing the value of contentment over the relentless pursuit of wealth. This theme resonates throughout the book, which often reflects on the futility of life under the sun, as seen in surrounding verses like Ecclesiastes 4:5 and Ecclesiastes 4:7.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 37:16 | Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked. |
| 2 | Proverbs 15:16–17 | Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil. |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:8 | Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice. |
| 4 | Proverbs 17:1 | Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — טוֹב, Tovgenerated
The Hebrew word טוֹב (tov) means good or pleasant, encompassing a range of meanings from agreeable to ethical goodness. It serves as an adjective here, describing the state of having one handful as preferable to the toil of two.
This word is often associated with welfare and happiness, suggesting that a state of contentment is inherently good. In this verse, it highlights the satisfaction found in simplicity over the burdens of excess.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study references the Berean Standard Bible, which uses better to translate טוֹב.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause is governed by the finite verb טוֹב, is good, which asserts the value of one handful with tranquility. This is followed by a comparative structure that contrasts it with two handfuls accompanied by toil and pursuit.
The structure emphasizes a preference for contentment over abundance, with the noun phrases detailing the subjects of each comparison. The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the state of being good, leading into the contrasting elements.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates טוֹב as ἀγαθόν (agathon), which carries a similar meaning of goodness. This choice aligns with the overall theme of valuing contentment.
For עָמָל, the Septuagint uses μόχθος (mochthos), which also conveys the idea of labor or toil, emphasizing the burdensome nature of excessive striving.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Ecclesiastes 4:6 teaches that having one handful with peace is better than having two handfuls with hard work and the endless pursuit of things that are ultimately unattainable. This verse encourages us to find contentment in what we have rather than striving for more.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It suggests that having less, but being at peace and content, is more valuable than having more with stress and struggle.
Toil represents the hard work and effort that often leads to frustration and dissatisfaction, contrasting with the peace found in simplicity.
It reflects the broader theme of Ecclesiastes, which often considers the futility of excessive ambition and the importance of finding joy in simple, everyday life.
We can learn to appreciate what we have and seek contentment rather than constantly striving for more, which can lead to stress and dissatisfaction.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life am I seeking more than I truly need?
- How can I cultivate a sense of contentment with what I have?
- What are some practical ways to reduce toil and stress in my daily life?
- How does understanding the value of tranquility change my perspective on success?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers commented on the wisdom of this verse, using it to discuss the value of virtue over the pursuit of wealth and ambition.
The “chasing after wind,” I believe, refers to the will of the soul caught up with passions. That is why a handful of virtue is better than two handfuls of wickedness,Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 4 →
"Better is one handful of pleasantness than two fistfuls of labour and vexation of the spirit." It is better to have modest power, than great riches of sins.Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 4 →
According to the words of Solomon, “A single handful with repose is better than two handfuls with toil and presumption of spirit.” All those who are very weak are inevitably entangled in these illusions and losses.Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 4 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Ecclesiastes 4:6 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleBetter [is] a handful [with] quietness,.... These are the words of the fool, according to Aben Ezra; and which is the sense of other interpreters, particularly Mr.
Read John Gill on Ecclesiastes 4 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryBetter is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. Better (is) an handful (with) quietness, than both the hands full (with) travail.
Read Robert Jamieson on Ecclesiastes 4 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThese are the words, either, 1. Of the sluggard making this apology for his idleness, that his little with ease, is better than great riches got with much trouble. Or, 2. Of Solomon, who elsewhere speaks to the same purpose, as ,17 17:1, and here proposeth it as a good antidote against the vanity of immoderate cares and labours for worldly goods, against which he industriously directs his speeches in divers places of this book; and particularly as a seasonable precaution against the sin of covetousness, of which he speaks in the following passage.
Read Matthew Poole on Ecclesiastes 4 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsEcclesiastes 4:6 Better [is] an handful [with] quietness, than both the hands full [with] travail and vexation of spirit.Ver. 6. Better is an handful with quietness.] This is the sluggard’ s plea, whereby he bolstereth himself up in his wickedness, and would make you believe that he did, non sine ratione insanire, not play the madman without good reason. To what end, saith he, should a man toil and tire out himself with hard labour to compass commodity - making a drudge and a beast of himself for a little pelf, since he knows not who shall have the spending of it, and he is sure to be either squeezed by his superiors, or else envied by his neighbours? Is not a little with ease better? a…
Read John Trapp on Ecclesiastes 4 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 6. Better is a handful with quietness] These may be the words of the slothful man, and spoken in vindication of his idleness; as if he had said, "Every man who labours and amasses property is the object of envy, and is marked by the oppressor as a subject for spoil; better, therefore, to act as I do; gain little, and have little, and enjoy my handful with quietness." Or the words may contain Solomon's reflection on the subject.
Read AdamClarke on Ecclesiastes 4 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges6. Better is a handful with quietness] The preposition is in both clauses an interpolation, and we should read “a handful of repose, … two handfuls of travail and feeding on wind.” In form the saying presents a parallel to Proverbs 15:17, “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith;” but the thought is obviously of a less ethical character. The feeling expressed in Ecclesiastes 4:5-6 (the latter confirming the interpretation just given of the former) is such as we may think of as rising in the mind of an ambitious statesman or artist striving after fame, as he looks on the dolce far niente of a lazzarone at Naples, half-naked, basking in the sun, and…
Read Cambridge on Ecclesiastes 4 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleEither the fool’s sarcasm on his successful but restless neighbor; or the comment of Solomon recommending contentment with a moderate competence. The former meaning seems preferable.
Read Albert Barnes on Ecclesiastes 4 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible6. Better is a handful, etc. — This verse confirms what has been said to the credit of the lazy man, and really assigns a reason for the statement of Ecc 4:5.
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
Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.
Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.
Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.
Better is one handful with some rest than two hands full of toil and chasing the wind.
Tyndale line
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and striving after wind.
Better is an handful with quietness, than two handfuls with labour and striving after wind.
Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with toil and vexation of spirit.
Better is an handfull with quietnesse, then two handfuls with labour and vexation of spirit.
Strictly literal
Better is a handful with quietness, than both hands full with labour and pursuit of the wind.
'Better [is] a handful [with] quietness, than two handfuls [with] labour and vexation of spirit.'
“Better [is] a handful [with] quietness, than two handfuls [with] labor and distress of spirit.”
Better is a handful of quiet, than both the hands full of toil and torture of spirit.
But better is a handful of profit with quiet work than two handfuls with the work that tries to shepherd the wind.
From the Latin
Better is a handful with rest, than both hands full with labour, and vexation of mind.
Simplified
It's better to earn a little without stress than a lot with too much stress and chasing after the wind.
One hand full of rest is better than two hands full of trouble and desire for wind.
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 (MT) of Ecclesiastes 4:6 states, 'Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.' The Septuagint (LXX) closely matches the MT in meaning, although it presents the text with different word order and articles, which is typical of the Greek translation. The Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls do not provide a direct witness for this specific verse, so we cannot compare their readings. Overall, the Septuagint agrees with the MT in substance, affirming the same core message about the value of contentment over excessive toil.
ט֕וֹב מְלֹ֥א כַ֖ף נָ֑חַת מִמְּלֹ֥א חָפְנַ֛יִם עָמָ֖ל וּרְע֥וּת רֽוּחַ׃
8 of the 9 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 4:6
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.
טוֹב (tov) is a Hebrew word meaning good or pleasant, encompassing a wide range of meanings from agreeable to the senses to ethical goodness. It can function as an adjective, noun, or adverb, referring to things like welfare, happiness, and prosperity. The feminine form, טוֹבָה (tovah), specifically denotes welfare or good things.
טוֹב adj. pleasant, agreeable, good
pleasant, agreeable to the senses
pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity, and so agreeable, pleasing, well
good, excellent, of its kind
good, rich, valuable in estimation
good, appropriate, becoming
c. מִן compar. = better
of man's sensuous nature, glad, happy, prosperous
of man's intellectual nature, good understanding
good, kind, benign
good (ethical), right
base
טוֹב n.m. a good thing, benefit, welfare
welfare, prosperity, happiness
good things
good = benefit
moral good
base
טוֹבָה n.f. welfare, benefit, good things, good
welfare, prosperity, happiness
good things
bounty, good
base
H2896a טוֹב pleasant, agreeable, good . pleasant, agreeable to the senses
. pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity, and so agreeable, pleasing, well
. good, excellent, of its kind
. good, rich, valuable in estimation
. good, appropriate, becoming
. c. מִן compar. =better
. of man's sensuous nature, glad, happy, prosperous
. of man's intellectual nature, good understanding
. good, kind, benign
. good (ethical), right
H2896b טוֹב a good thing, benefit, welfare H2896c טוֹבָה welfare, benefit, good things, good
2896 towb tobe
from 2895; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used
likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine,
the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a
good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or
women), also as an adverb (well):--beautiful, best, better,
bountiful, cheerful, at ease, X fair (word), (be in) favour,
fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s),
graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving,
merry, X most, pleasant, + pleaseth, pleasure, precious,
prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well
((-favoured)).
see HEBREW for 02895
טוֹב (tov) — pleasant.
adj
1) good, pleasant, agreeable
1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses)
1b) pleasant (to the higher nature)
1c) good, excellent (of its kind)
1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation
1e) good, appropriate, becoming
1f) better (comparative)
1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature)
1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature)
1i) good, kind, benign
1j) good, right (ethical)
Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
טוֹב (tov) — good.
1) a good thing, benefit, welfare
1a) welfare, prosperity, happiness
1b) good things (collective)
1c) good, benefit
1d) moral good
טוֹבָה (to.vah) — welfare.
1) welfare, benefit, good things
1a) welfare, prosperity, happiness
1b) good things (collective)
1c) bounty
Adj — AdjHAamsa
good (Tobh, Tubh, yaTabh; agathos, agathon, kalos, kalon): In English "good" is used in various senses, most of which are represented in the Bible.
(1) In the Old Testament the commonest word is Tobh, occurring very frequently and translated in a great variety of ways. Of the different shades of meaning, which frequently run into each other, the following may be distinguished:
(a) Possessing desirable qualities, beneficial, agreeable, e.g. "good for food" (Ge 2:9); "We will do thee good" (Nu 10:29); Who will show us any good?" (Ps 4:6); "good tidings of good" (Isa 52:7).
מְלֹא (melo') refers to 'fulness' or 'that which fills.' It encompasses various meanings, including a handful, mass, or multitude. The term appears in contexts that highlight both literal and figurative senses of fullness, such as in Ezekiel 41:8. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
מְלֹא, [מְלוֹא] n.m. fulness, that which fills
fulness of hand (= handful)
mass of shepherds; multitude of nations
base
H4393 מְלֹא, מְלוֹא fulness, that which fills
4393 mlo' mel-o'
rarely mlowf {mel-o'}; or mlow (Ezekiel 41:8), {mel-o'}; from
4390; fulness (literally or figuratively):--X all along, X
all that is (there-)in, fill, (X that whereof...was) full,
fulness, (hand- )full, multitude.
see HEBREW for 04390
מְלֹא (me.lo) — fullness.
1) fulness, that which fills
1a) fulness, handful
1b) mass, multitude
1c) fulness, that which fills, entire contents
1d) full length, full line
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
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.
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…
כַּף (kaph) refers to the hollow or flat part of the hand, including the palm and the sole of the foot. It can also denote power and is used to describe various hollow objects, such as bowls or handles. The word encompasses a range of meanings related to the shape and function of hands and feet, as well as items that are hand-shaped.
כַּף 192 n.f. hollow, or flat of the hand, palm, sole of foot, hand
base
H3709 כַּף hollow, or flat of the hand, palm, sole of foot, hand
3709 kaph kaf
from 3721; the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an
animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling,
the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-tree);
figuratively, power:--branch, + foot, hand((-ful), -dle,
(-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon.
see HEBREW for 03721
כַּף (kaph) — palm.
: palm/hand
1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand
1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand
1b) power
1c) sole (of the foot)
1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects
1d1) of thigh-joint
1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow)
1d3) hollow (of sling)
1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees)
1d5) handles (as bent)
כַּף (kaph) — palm: sole.
: sole/paw
1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand
1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand
1b) power
1c) sole (of the foot)
1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects
1d1) of thigh-joint
1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow)
1d3) hollow (of sling)
1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees)
1d5) handles (as bent)
כַּף (kaph) — palm: dish.
: dish/socket
1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand
1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand
1b) power
HNcfsc — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
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.
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…
נַ֫חַת (nachath) has meanings related to both rest and descent. It can refer to quietness or a state of rest, as well as a descent that may imply judgment or punishment. The word is built from the root meaning to rest or settle down. It appears in contexts such as Isaiah 30:30, where it is associated with divine judgment.
נַ֫חַת n.[f.] quietness, rest
base
נַ֫חַת n.[m.] descent;—only cstr., of י׳’s arm of judgment Is 30:30
ref
H5183a נַ֫חַת quietness, rest H5183b נַ֫חַת descent
5183 Nachath nakh'-ath
from 5182; a descent, i.e. imposition, unfavorable
(punishment) or favorable (food); also (intransitively;
perhaps from 5117), restfulness:--lighting down,
quiet(-ness), to rest, be set on.
see HEBREW for 05182
see HEBREW for 05117
נַ֫חַת (na.chat) — quietness.
1) rest, quietness
1a) quietness, quiet attitude
1b) rest (of death)
נַ֫חַת (na.chat) — descent.
descent (of judgment)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
מְלֹא (melo') refers to 'fulness' or 'that which fills.' It encompasses various meanings, including a handful, mass, or multitude. The term appears in contexts that highlight both literal and figurative senses of fullness, such as in Ezekiel 41:8. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
מְלֹא, [מְלוֹא] n.m. fulness, that which fills
fulness of hand (= handful)
mass of shepherds; multitude of nations
base
H4393 מְלֹא, מְלוֹא fulness, that which fills
4393 mlo' mel-o'
rarely mlowf {mel-o'}; or mlow (Ezekiel 41:8), {mel-o'}; from
4390; fulness (literally or figuratively):--X all along, X
all that is (there-)in, fill, (X that whereof...was) full,
fulness, (hand- )full, multitude.
see HEBREW for 04390
מְלֹא (me.lo) — fullness.
1) fulness, that which fills
1a) fulness, handful
1b) mass, multitude
1c) fulness, that which fills, entire contents
1d) full length, full line
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
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.
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…
חֹ֫פֶן (chophen) refers to the hollow of the hand or palm. It is derived from an uncertain root and is noted to specifically denote a fist in the dual form, indicating both hands or handfuls. The term appears in contexts related to measurement or capacity.
[חֹ֫פֶן] n.[m.] hollow of hand
base
H2651 [חֹ֫פֶן] hollow of hand
2651 chophen kho'-fen
from an unused root of uncertain signification; a fist (only
in the dual):--fists, (both) hands, hand(-ful).
חֹ֫פֶן (cho.phen) — palm.
handfuls, hollow of the hand
HNcmda — Noun common · masculine dual absoluteHNcmda
עָמָל (amal) refers to trouble, labor, or toil. It encompasses a range of meanings including physical and mental effort, as well as sorrow and mischief. The word is built from a root that conveys the idea of wearing effort and can imply grievance or wickedness. It appears in contexts related to suffering and toil.
עָמָל n.m. f. trouble, labor, toil
trouble (∥ sorrow): one’s own suffering
trouble, mischief, as done to others
toil, labour (late in Heb.)
base
H5999 עָמָל trouble, labor, toil
5999 `amal aw-mawl'
from 5998; toil, i.e. wearing effort; hence, worry, wheth. of
body or mind:--grievance(-vousness), iniquity, labour,
mischief, miserable(-sery), pain(-ful), perverseness, sorrow,
toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness.
see HEBREW for 05998
עָמָל (a.mal) — trouble.
1) toil, trouble, labour
1a) trouble
1b) trouble, mischief
1c) toil, labour
N-cs — Noun common · both singular absoluteHNcbsa
רְעוּת (r`uwth) refers to a sense of longing or striving, possibly derived from a root meaning to grasp after. The term is associated with feelings of vexation and desire. It has an Aramaic equivalent that also conveys a sense of pleasure.
רְעוּת n.f. longing, striving
base
H7469 רְעוּת
7469 r`uwth reh-ooth'
probably from 7462; a feeding upon, i.e. grasping
after:--vexation.
see HEBREW for 07462
רְעוּת (re.ut) — longing.
longing, striving
Aramaic equivalent: re.ut (רְעוּ "pleasure" H7470)
Conj | N-fs — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular constructHC/Ncfsc
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.
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…
רוּחַ (ruach) means breath, wind, or spirit. It encompasses various meanings, including the breath of life, emotional disposition, and the spirit of God. The term can refer to both physical phenomena, like wind, and abstract concepts, such as moral character or mental acts. Notably, it is used frequently in the context of divine inspiration and the Holy Spirit.
רוּחַ 378 n.f. (less oft. m.) breath, wind, spirit
breath of mouth or nostrils (33 t.)
wind (117 t.)
spirit, as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation = temper, disposition (76 t.)
spirit of the living, breathing being
spirit as seat of emotion
occasionally (and late) = seat or organ of mental acts
rarely of the will
רוּחַ esp. of moral character
spirit of God (94 t.)
base
H7307 רוּחַ breath, wind, spirit . breath of mouth or nostrils (33 t.)
. wind (117 t.)
. spirit, as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation = temper, disposition (76 t.)
. spirit of the living, breathing being
. spirit as seat of emotion
. occasionally (and late) = seat or organ of mental acts
. rarely of the will
. רוּחַ esp. of moral character
. spirit of God (94 t.)
7307 ruwach roo'-akh
from 7306; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or
even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger,
unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by
resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including
its expression and functions):--air, anger, blast, breath, X
cool, courage, mind, X quarter, X side, spirit((-ual)),
tempest, X vain, ((whirl-))wind(-y).
see HEBREW for 07306
רוּחַ (ru.ach) — spirit.
: spirit
1) wind, breath, mind, spirit
1a) breath
1b) wind
1b1) of heaven
1b2) quarter (of wind), side
1b3) breath of air
1b4) air, gas
1b5) vain, empty thing
1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation)
1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour
1c2) courage
1c3) temper, anger
1c4) impatience, patience
1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented)
1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse
1c7) prophetic spirit
1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals)
1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being
1e) spirit (as seat of emotion)
1e1) desire
1e2) sorrow, trouble
1f) spirit
1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts
1f2) rarely of the will
1f3) as seat especially of moral character
N-cs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
wind (anemos:
1. Causes:
Unequal distribution of heat in the atmosphere causes currents of air or wind. The heated air rises and the air from around rushes in. The direction from which a current comes determines its name, as west wind coming from the West but blowing toward the East. When two currents of air of different directions meet, a spiral motion sometimes results.
See WHIRLWIND.
2. West Wind:
In Palestine the west wind is the most common. It comes from the sea and carries the moisture which condenses to form clouds, as it is turned upward by the mountains, to the cooler layers of the atmosphere. If the temperature reached is cool enough the cloud condenses and rain falls. Elijah looked toward the West for the "small cloud," and soon "the heavens grew black with clouds and wind" (1Ki 18:44 f). "When ye see a cloud rising in the…