Ecclesiastes 5:12 — Word Study
WLCמְתוּקָה֙ שְׁנַ֣ת הָעֹבֵ֔ד אִם־ מְעַ֥ט וְאִם־ הַרְבֵּ֖ה יֹאכֵ֑ל וְהַשָּׂבָע֙ לֶֽעָשִׁ֔יר אֵינֶ֛נּוּ מַנִּ֥יחַֽ ל֖וֹ לִישֽׁוֹן׃
BSAthereyêsh badraʻ be weakchâlâh Providerrâʼâh underneathtachath sunshemesh richesʻôsher to keepshâmar masterbaʻal badraʻ
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| מְתוּקָה֙ | [is] sweet | |
| שְׁנַ֣ת | [the] sleep of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| הָעֹבֵ֔ד | the laborer | Particle, verb qal participle (active) masculine singular |
| אִם־ | whether | Particle |
| מְעַ֥ט | a little | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וְאִם־ | and or | Conjunction, particle |
| הַרְבֵּ֖ה | [surely] much | Verb, Hiphil, infinitive absolute |
| יֹאכֵ֑ל | he will eat | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| וְהַשָּׂבָע֙ | and the plenty | Conjunction, particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| לֶֽעָשִׁ֔יר | of the rich [person] | Preposition |
| אֵינֶ֛נּוּ | not it | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| מַנִּ֥יחַֽ | [is] permitting | Verb, Hiphil, participle (active) masculine singular |
| ל֖וֹ | him | Preposition, suffix |
| לִישֽׁוֹן׃ | to sleep | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep. |
| KJV | The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. |
| ASV | The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much; but the fulness of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. |
| YLT | Sweet [is] the sleep of the labourer whether he eat little or much; and the sufficiency of the wealthy is not suffering him to sleep. |
| WEB | The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not allow him to sleep. |
| BBE | The sleep of a working man is sweet, if he has little food or much; but to him who is full, sleep will not come. |
All translations agree on the depiction of the laborer's sweet sleep and the rich man's lack of rest.
The sentence has a main clause with two subordinate clauses that provide conditions and contrast.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbשָׁמַר
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 5:12
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 — Reflections on Work and Wealthgenerated
Ecclesiastes 5:12 discusses the contrasting experiences of the laborer and the wealthy. The laborer enjoys sweet sleep regardless of how much he eats, while the rich man, burdened by his abundance, cannot find rest. This reflects a broader theme in Ecclesiastes about the fleeting nature of wealth and the peace that comes from simple, honest work. The surrounding verses emphasize the futility of hoarding wealth and the anxiety it brings, as seen in Ecclesiastes 5:11 and 5:13.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 4:8 | I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. |
| 2 | Psalm 127:2 | In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat— for He gives sleep to His beloved. |
| 3 | Proverbs 3:24 | When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 31:26 | At this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been most pleasant to me. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — מְתוּקָה֙, me.tu.Kahgenerated
The word מְתוּקָה֙ (me.tu.Kah) means 'sweet' and is used to describe something that is pleasant or delightful. It is derived from the root מָתוֹק (mathowq), which also conveys the idea of sweetness. In this verse, it describes the quality of sleep that the laborer experiences, highlighting the contrast with the anxiety of the wealthy.
The use of this word emphasizes the idea that true satisfaction and peace come from the simple pleasures of life, such as restful sleep after a day of honest work.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses sweet to describe the sleep of the worker, a choice echoed by the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main finite verb in this verse is מַנִּ֥יחַֽ, permits, which governs the overall structure. The sentence presents two contrasting clauses: the first describes the pleasant sleep of the worker, and the second details the rich man's lack of sleep due to his wealth.
The structure emphasizes the contrast between the two subjects: the laborer and the rich man, highlighting the different experiences tied to their respective lifestyles.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word מְתוּקָה֙ is rendered as ἔστιν (estin), meaning 'is.' This choice reflects a straightforward translation that maintains the essence of the original Hebrew, focusing on the state of the laborer's sleep.
The Septuagint's translation choices suggest a similar understanding of the concepts of rest and abundance, aligning with the Hebrew text.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Ecclesiastes 5:12 tells us that the sleep of a worker is sweet, regardless of how much he eats, while the rich man cannot sleep due to his abundance. This highlights the peace found in honest work compared to the anxiety that wealth can bring.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The verse states that the sleep of the worker is sweet, indicating that those who labor find rest and satisfaction in their work.
It contrasts the sweet sleep of the worker with the inability of the rich man to sleep due to his abundance, illustrating the burdens that wealth can bring.
The mention of eating little or much emphasizes that the worker's peace is not dependent on the quantity of food he consumes, but rather on the satisfaction derived from his labor.
The verse teaches that wealth does not guarantee peace or rest; instead, it can lead to anxiety and unrest.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I experienced peace from my work, regardless of my circumstances?
- How can I cultivate a mindset that values rest and satisfaction over the pursuit of wealth?
- What are some examples in my life where I have prioritized work over worry?
- How can I help others find peace in their labor, as this verse suggests?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentators like Didymus the Blind and Ambrose of Milan reflect on the themes of wealth and labor in this verse, discussing its implications for human experience.
Of what use is wealth that belongs to someone? He is obviously lord over his wealth. The wealth somebody owns is his amenity and he himself is lord over his wealth.Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 5 →
People use their children as an excuse for gathering riches. At times they do injustice, rob and do similar things, saying: “I’m doing this for my children.” … I have seen a person who struggled to become rich,Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 5 →
Ecclesiastes sees that riches are kept for ill by one who possesses them, for their loss causes a very great anxiety and disquiet. Indeed they are lost, for they are left here and can be of no advantage to one who is dead.Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 5 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Ecclesiastes 5:12 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe sleep of a labouring man [is] sweet, whether he eat little or much,.... Or "of a servant" (i), who enjoys sleep equally as a king; a tiller of the ground, as Jarchi; who also interprets it of one
Read John Gill on Ecclesiastes 5 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. The sleep of a labouring man is sweet ... Another argument against anxiety to gain riches.
Read Robert Jamieson on Ecclesiastes 5 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleIs sweet; because he is free from those cares and fears, wherewith the minds of rich men are oft distracted, and their sleep disturbed. Whether he eat little, then his weariness disposeth him to sleep, or much, in which case his healthful constitution and laborious course of life prevents those crudities and indigestions which ofttimes break the sleep of rich men. The abundance, Heb. the fulness, either, 1. Of his diet, which commonly discomposeth their stomachs, and hinders their rest; or, 2. Of wealth, which is commonly attended with many perplexing cares, which disquiet men both by day and by night. The Hebrew word is used in Scripture both ways, and possibly it is thus generally…
Read Matthew Poole on Ecclesiastes 5 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsEcclesiastes 5:12 The sleep of a labouring man [is] sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.Ver. 12. The sleep of a labouring man is sweet.] Sleep is the nurse of nature, the wages that she pays the poor man for his incessant pains. His fare is not so high, his care is not so great, but that without distemper or distraction he can hug his rest most sweetly, and feel no disturbance, until the due time of rising awakeneth him. These labouring men are as sound as a rock, as hungry as hunters, as weary as ever was dog of day, as they say, and therefore no sooner laid in their beds but fast asleep, their hard labour causing easy digestion…
Read John Trapp on Ecclesiastes 5 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 12. The sleep of a labouring man is sweet] His labour is healthy exercise. He is without possessions, and without cares; his sleep, being undisturbed, is sound and refreshing.
Read AdamClarke on Ecclesiastes 5 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges12. The sleep of a labouring man is sweet] We may probably, as suggested in the “Ideal Biography” of the Introduction ch. iii., see in this reflection the reminiscence of a state with which the writer had once been familiar, and after which, now that it had passed away, he yearned regretfully. Again we get on the track of the maxims of Epicurean teachers. So Horace; “Somnus agrestiumLenis virorum non humiles domosFastidit umbrosamque ripam,Non Zephyris agitata Tempe.”“Gentle slumber scorneth notThe ploughman’s poor and lowly cot,Nor yet the bank with sheltering shade,Nor Tempe with its breezy glade.”Od. iii. 1. 21–24. See the passage from Virgil, Georg. iv., already quoted in the note on…
Read Cambridge on Ecclesiastes 5 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleLabouring man - Not a slave (Septuagint), but everyone who, according to the divine direction, earns his bread in the sweat of his brow.
Read Albert Barnes on Ecclesiastes 5 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible12. Sleep of a labouring man — That is, of the husbandman, or farmer. Is sweet — Freedom from carking care has often, and even beyond what is true, been imputed to the plain tillers of the soil.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ecclesiastes 5 →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
The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep.
The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not allow him to sleep.
The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep.
The sleep of the laborer is pleasant – whether he eats little or much – but the wealth of the rich will not allow him to sleep.
Tyndale line
The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much; but the fulness of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the fulness of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eateth little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
There is an euill sickenes that I haue seene vnder the sunne: to wit, riches reserued to the owners thereof for their euill.
Strictly literal
The sleep of the labourer is sweet, whether he have eaten little or much; but the fulness of the rich doth not suffer him to sleep.
Sweet [is] the sleep of the labourer whether he eat little or much; and the sufficiency of the wealthy is not suffering him to sleep.
Sweet [is] the sleep of the laborer whether he eat little or much; and the sufficiency of the wealthy is not permitting him to sleep.
(5:11) Sweet is the sleep of the laboring man, whether he eat little or much; but the overabundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
The sleep of a working man is sweet, whether he eats little or a lot, but the wealth of a rich person does not allow him to sleep well.
From the Latin
There is also another grievous evil, which I have seen under the sun: riches kept to the hurt of the owner.
Simplified
Those who work hard sleep well, whether they have a little to eat or plenty, but the rich own so much they don't get any rest.
The sleep of a working man is sweet, if he has little food or much; but to him who is full, sleep will not come.
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 largely agree in their wording, with 9 of the 14 words matched. The Septuagint's rendering reflects the same ideas present in the Hebrew, although its word order differs.
מְתוּקָה֙ שְׁנַ֣ת הָעֹבֵ֔ד אִם־ מְעַ֥ט וְאִם־ הַרְבֵּ֖ה יֹאכֵ֑ל וְהַשָּׂבָע֙ לֶֽעָשִׁ֔יר אֵינֶ֛נּוּ מַנִּ֥יחַֽ ל֖וֹ לִישֽׁוֹן׃
9 of the 14 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
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 5:12
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.
מָתוֹק (mathowq) means 'sweet' and can refer to both the adjective and noun forms, indicating sweetness or pleasantness. It is derived from another Hebrew root, noted as H4985, but the specific details of that root are not provided here. The word appears in contexts related to taste and pleasant experiences.
מָתוֹק adj. sweet, and n.[m.] sweetness
base
H4966 מָתוֹק sweet, and sweetness
4966 mathowq maw-thoke'
or mathuwq {maw-thook'}; from 4985; sweet:--
sweet(-er, -ness).
see HEBREW for 04985
מָתוֹק (ma.toq) — sweet.
adj
1) sweet
n m
2) sweetness, pleasant (thing)
HAafsa — HAafsa
The Hebrew word שֵׁנָה, transliterated as she.nah, means 'sleep.' It is derived from a root that suggests a state of rest. The word appears in contexts related to sleep, such as in Psalm 127:2. There is an Aramaic equivalent, also meaning 'sleep,' noted in the entries.
שֵׁנָה, שֵׁנָא, שֵׁנָת n.f. sleep
base
H8142 שֵׁנָה, שֵׁנָא, שֵׁנָת sleep
8142 shehah shay-naw'
or shena (Psa. 127:2) {shay-naw'}; from 3462;
sleep:--sleep.
see HEBREW for 03462
שֵׁנָה (she.nah) — sleep.
sleep
Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "sleep" H8139)
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…
עָבַד (abad) is a Hebrew verb meaning to work or serve, encompassing a range of activities from laboring for others to serving God, including Levitical service. It can also refer to the cultivation of land or the act of enslaving. The word appears in various forms, indicating different nuances of service and labor.
עָבַד 290 vb. work, serve
Qal
labour, work, do work
work for another, serve him by labour
serve as subjects
serve God
serve י׳ with Levitical service
Niph.
be tilled, of land
dub. cultivated field
Pu. worked
Hiph.
compel to labour as slaves
make to serve as subjects
cause to serve God
Hoph. be led or enticed to serve
base
H5647 עָבַד work, serve .. labour, work, do work
. work for another, serve him by labour
. serve as subjects
. serve God
. serve י׳ with Levitical service
. . be tilled, of land
. dub. cultivated field
. worked
. . compel to labour as slaves
. make to serve as subjects
. cause to serve God
. be led or enticed to serve
5647 `abad aw-bad'
a primitive root; to work (in any sense); by implication, to
serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc.:--X be, keep in
bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear,
execute, + husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass,
(cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become)
servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from
margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper,
עָבַד (a.vad) — to serve.
: serve[someone]
1) to work, serve
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to labour, work, do work
1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour
1a3) to serve as subjects
1a4) to serve (God)
1a5) to serve (with Levitical service)
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land)
1b2) to make oneself a servant
1c) (Pual) to be worked
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve
1d2) to cause to serve as subjects
1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
עָבַד (a.vad) — to serve: minister.
: minister/serve[God/tabernacle/temple]/worship
1) to work, serve
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to labour, work, do work
1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour
1a3) to serve as subjects
1a4) to serve (God)
1a5) to serve (with Levitical service)
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land)
1b2) to make oneself a servant
1c) (Pual) to be worked
1d) (Hiphil)
HTd/Vqrmsa — Particle · verb qal participle (active) masculine singularHTd/Vqrmsa
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
HTc — ParticleHTc
מְעַט (m`at) refers to something that is small in quantity or degree, encompassing meanings like 'a little' or 'few.' It can be used adverbially to indicate a small amount or to describe something as almost or hardly. The term is derived from a root meaning 'to be small' and is associated with concepts of littleness and fewness.
מְעַט 101 subst. a little, fewness, a few
base
H4592 מְעַט a little, fewness, a few
4592 m`at meh-at'
or miat {meh-awt'}; from 4591; a little or few (often
adverbial or compar.):--almost (some, very) few(-er, -est),
lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some,
soon, X very.
see HEBREW for 04591
מְעַט (me.at) — little.
1) littleness, few, a little, fewness
1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little
1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
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
HC/Tc — Conjunction · particleHC/Tc
or: The word is used once for either (1Sa 26:10), and is still in poetic use in this sense; as in, "Without or wave or wind" (Coleridge); "Or the bakke or some bone he breketh in his dzouthe" (Piers Plowman (B), VII, 93; compare Merchant of Venice, III, ii, 65). It is also used with "ever" for before (Ps 90:2; Ecclesiasticus 18:19), which the American Standard Revised Version substitutes in Ec 12:6 (compare 12:1,2); So 6:12; Da 6:24.
רָבָה (rabah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to increase or multiply, encompassing ideas of becoming great, numerous, or abundant. It has various forms, including Qal (to become many), Piel (to make large), and Hiphil (to make much). The word also appears in a context related to shooting in Genesis 21:20. There is a noted Aramaic equivalent, רְבָה.
[רָבָה] 225 vb. be, or become, much, many, great
Qal 59
become many, numerous
be great
grow great (Aramaism)
Pi. 4 make large, increase
Hiph. 162
H7235a רָבָה be, or become, much, many, great .. become many, numerous
. . be great
. grow great (Aramaism)
. make large, increase
. . make much or many
. make great, obj. pers.
H7235b רָבָה shoot
7235 rabah raw-baw'
a primitive root; to increase (in whatever respect):--(bring
in) abundance (X -antly), + archer (by mistake for 7232), be
in authority, bring up, X continue, enlarge, excel,
exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly,
X -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have,
make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more
(in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much
(greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), X
process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very.
see HEBREW for 07232
רָבָה (ra.vah) — to multiply.
1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things)
1a2) to be or grow great
1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to make much, make many, have many
1c1a) to multiply, increase
1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly
1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly
1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much
Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
רָבָה (ra.vah) — to shoot.
(Qal) to shoot
HVhaa — Verb · Hiphil · infinitive absoluteHVhaa
אָכַל (akal) means 'to eat' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including literal consumption by humans and animals, as well as figurative uses like devouring by fire or destruction. It can describe actions such as feeding or causing to eat, and it also appears in contexts of oppression and destruction. The verb has various forms, indicating different subjects and nuances.
אָכַל 806 vb. eat
Qal
eat, human subject
of beasts, birds, etc., eat, devour
fig. of fire, devour, consume
of sword, devour, slay
in genl., devour, consume, destroy
fig. of oppression, devour the poor
Niph.
be eaten by man
be devoured by fire, consumed
be wasted, destroyed, of flesh
Pu. be consumed
Hiph.
cause to eat, feed with
cause to devoure, obj. sword
base
H398 אָכַל eat .. eat, human subject
. of beasts, birds, etc., eat, devour
. fig. of fire, devour, consume
. of sword, devour, slay
. in genl., devour, consume, destroy
. fig. of oppression, devour the poor
. . be eaten by man
. be devoured by fire, consumed
. be wasted, destroyed, of flesh
. be consumed
. . cause to eat, feed with
. cause to devoure, obj. sword
398 'akal aw-kal'
a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively):--X at
all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up),
feed (with), food, X freely, X in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay)
meat, X quite.
אָכַל (a.khal) — to eat.
1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to eat (human subject)
1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds)
1a3) to devour, consume (of fire)
1a4) to devour, slay (of sword)
1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought)
1a6) to devour (of oppression)
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be eaten (by men)
1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire)
1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh)
1c) (Pual)
1c1) to cause to eat, feed with
1c2) to cause to devour
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to feed
1d2) to cause to eat
1e) (Piel)
1e1) consume
Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
HVqi3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
שָׂבָע (saba`) refers to abundance or satiety, indicating a state of having plenty, particularly in terms of food. The word is derived from a root that emphasizes copiousness and is associated with the idea of being filled or satisfied.
שָׂבָע n.m. plenty, satiety
base
H7647 שָׂבָע plenty, satiety
7647 saba` saw-baw'
from 7646; copiousness:--abundance, plenteous(- ness, -ly).
see HEBREW for 07646
שָׂבָע (sa.va) — abundance.
1) plenty, satiety
1a) plenty (of breadstuffs)
1b) satiety
HC/Td/Ncmsa — Conjunction · particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Td/Ncmsa
עָשִׁיר (ashiyr) means 'rich' and can refer to wealth in both a literal and figurative sense. It is primarily used as a noun to denote a rich person or the wealthy. The word is derived from another Hebrew root, but the entries do not provide further details on its usage in specific verses.
עָשִׁיר rich; usu. n. m. the rich
base
H6223 עָשִׁיר rich; usu. n. m. the rich
6223 `ashiyr aw-sheer'
from 6238; rich, whether literal or figurative
(noble):--rich (man).
see HEBREW for 06238
עָשִׁיר (a.shir) — rich.
adj
1) rich, wealthy
n
2) the rich, the wealthy, rich man
HRd/Aamsa — PrepositionHRd/Aamsa
אַ֫יִן (ayin) primarily means 'nothing' or 'nought' and serves as a negative particle indicating absence or negation, such as 'is not' or 'there is not.' It can also express lack of possession or existence. The word is derived from a root meaning to be non-existent, and it appears frequently in various grammatical constructions.
אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought
to nothing, as nothing
cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not
אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not
in circumst. clauses
with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …
with prefixes
base
H369 אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought . to nothing, as nothing
. cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not
. אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not
. in circumst. clauses
. with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …
. with prefixes
369 'ayin ah'-yin
as if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not
exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative
particle:--else, except, fail, (father-)less, be gone,
in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any,
thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable),
well-nigh, without. Compare 370.
see HEBREW for 0370
אַ֫יִן (a.yin) — nothing.
1) nothing, not, nought n
1a) nothing, nought neg
1b) not
1c) to have not (of possession) adv
1d) without w/prep
1e) for lack of
HNcmsc/Sp3ms — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
נוּחַ (nuwach) is a Hebrew verb meaning to rest or settle down. It encompasses a wide range of applications, including both literal and figurative uses, such as to dwell, be quiet, or let something remain. The verb can appear in various forms, indicating actions like causing rest or allowing to depart. It is noted for its versatility in expressing different aspects of rest and stillness.
נוּחַ vb. rest
Qal
rest, settle down and remain
repose, be quiet, have rest
Hiph.
cause to rest = give rest to
cause to rest (i.e. light) upon
lay or set down, deposit, let lie
let remain, leave (in present condition)
leave = depart from
abandon
let alone (refrain from interfering with)
permit
Hoph.
no rest is granted to us
as subst. = space left, open space
base
H5117 נוּחַ rest
5117 nuwach noo'-akh
a primitive root; to rest, i.e. settle down; used in a great
variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive,
transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, let fall, place, let
alone, withdraw, give comfort, etc.):--cease, be confederate,
lay, let down, (be) quiet, remain, (cause to, be at, give,
have, make to) rest, set down. Compare 3241.
see HEBREW for 03241
נוּחַ (nu.ach) — to rest.
1) to rest
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to rest, settle down and remain
1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet
1b) (Hiph)
1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet
1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down
1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place
1b4) to let remain, leave
1b5) to leave, depart from
1b6) to abandon
1b7) to permit
1c) (Hoph)
1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest
1c2) to be left, be placed
1c3) open space (subst)
Also means: ya.nach (יָנַח "to rest" H3240)
HVhrmsa — Verb · Hiphil · participle (active) masculine singularHVhrmsa
וֹ (o) — him.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine singular
HRd/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp3ms
יָשֵׁן (yashen) means to sleep or to go to sleep, with implications of becoming inactive or stationary. It can also refer to causing someone to sleep or enticing them to sleep. The word may suggest growing old or becoming stale, and it is associated with remaining long or being stored up.
[יָשֵׁן] vb. sleep
Qal sleep, go to sleep, and be sleep
Niph. only in deriv. sense of become inactive or stationary
Pi. causat. she made him sleep
base
H3462 יָשֵׁן sleep .sleep, go to sleep, and be sleep
. only in deriv. sense of become inactive or stationary
. causat. she made him sleep
3462 yashen yaw-shane'
a primitive root; properly, to be slack or languid, i.e. (by
implication) sleep (figuratively, to die); also to grow old,
stale or inveterate: -old (store), remain long, (make to)
sleep.
יָשֵׁן (ya.shen) — to sleep.
1) to sleep, be asleep
1a) (Qal) to sleep, go to sleep, be asleep
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to remain a long time, be stored up
1b2) to be festering (of leprosy)
1c) (Piel) to cause to sleep, entice to sleep
HR/Vqcc — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHR/Vqcc