Exodus 21:20 — Word Study
WLCוְכִֽי־ יַכֶּה֩ אִ֨ישׁ אֶת־ עַבְדּ֜וֹ א֤וֹ אֶת־ אֲמָתוֹ֙ בַּשֵּׁ֔בֶט וּמֵ֖ת תַּ֣חַת יָד֑וֹ נָקֹ֖ם יִנָּקֵֽם׃
BSAIfkîy a manʼîysh [a male person, individual] strikesnâkâh▸ [hits, smites] his manservantʻebed [servant, slave, one who serves] orʼôw maidservantʼâmâh [female slave, servant] with a rodshêbeṭ [a stick, staff] and the servant diesmûwth [one who serves, a slave, passes away, meets death] bytachath his handyâd [under his power, direction] ◂he shall surely be punishednâqam [certainly, without a doubt, avenged, held accountable]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְכִֽי־ | and if | Conjunction, particle |
| יַכֶּה֩ | he will strike | Verb, Hiphil, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אִ֨ישׁ | anyone | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| עַבְדּ֜וֹ | [male] slave his | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| א֤וֹ | or | Conjunction |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| אֲמָתוֹ֙ | female slave his | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| בַּשֵּׁ֔בֶט | with the rod | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וּמֵ֖ת | and he will die | Verb, Qal, sequential perfect third person masculine singular |
| תַּ֣חַת | under | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| יָד֑וֹ | hand his | Noun common both singular construct, suffix |
| נָקֹ֖ם | certainly | Verb, Qal, infinitive absolute |
| יִנָּקֵֽם׃ | he will be avenged | 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 | If a man strikes his manservant or maidservant with a rod, and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished. |
| KJV | ¶ And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished. |
| ASV | And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall surely be punished. |
| YLT | 'And when a man smiteth his man-servant or his handmaid, with a rod, and he hath died under his hand — he is certainly avenged; |
| WEB | “If a man strikes his servant or his maid with a rod, and he dies under his hand, the man shall surely be punished. |
| BBE | If a man gives his man-servant or his woman-servant blows with a rod, causing death, he is certainly to undergo punishment. |
Where they part company is נָקֹם — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence is structured around the conditional statement of striking and the resulting consequences, with clear delineation of subjects and objects.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאִישׁ
verbנָכָה
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 — Exodus 21:20
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 — Laws Concerning Servantsgenerated
Exodus 21:20 is part of a series of laws that govern the treatment of servants and the responsibilities of their masters. These laws reflect the societal norms of ancient Israel, emphasizing the value of life and the consequences of violence. The surrounding verses detail various scenarios of injury and the appropriate legal responses, illustrating the importance of justice within the community.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 21:26–27 | If a man strikes and blinds the eye of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the eye. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 19:21 | You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot. |
| 3 | Proverbs 29:19 | A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond. |
| 4 | Isaiah 58:3–4 | “Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you oppress all your workers. |
| 5 | Genesis 9:6 | Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — נָקֹם, na.Komgenerated
The verb נָקַם (naqam) means 'to avenge' or 'to take vengeance.' It is used in contexts where justice is sought for wrongdoing, indicating a strong moral imperative. The parsing as a Qal infinitive absolute emphasizes the certainty of the action — the master will indeed face consequences for his actions.
This word carries the weight of accountability, particularly in the context of life and death. It reflects the seriousness with which the law treats the loss of life, especially that of a servant, who is considered a valuable member of the household.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb יַכֶּה֩ (ya.Keh), 'he will strike,' governs the sentence, with several phrases detailing the subject and objects involved. The structure emphasizes the action of striking and the resulting consequences, highlighting the relationship between the master and his servants.
The sentence is built around the actions and their consequences, with the subject אִ֨ישׁ ('ish) clearly identified as the one responsible for the act, and the subsequent clauses outlining the legal repercussions.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew verb נָקַם is rendered as ἐκδικηθήτω (ekdikēthētō), meaning 'let him be avenged.' This choice emphasizes the legal and moral obligation to seek justice for the wrong done, aligning with the Hebrew intent.
The Greek translation retains the sense of accountability inherent in the Hebrew text, reinforcing the seriousness of the act of striking a servant.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Exodus 21:20 states that if a man strikes his servant or maidservant and the servant dies, he will be punished. This law emphasizes the seriousness of causing harm to those in one's service and the accountability that comes with such actions.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The punishment signifies that the master will face consequences for taking a life, reflecting the value of the servant's life in the eyes of the law.
The distinction highlights the roles and responsibilities within the household, though both are afforded protection under the law.
If the servant recovers, the master is not punished, as the servant is considered property, illustrating the complexities of servitude in ancient Israel.
This law underscores the importance of justice and accountability, ensuring that even those in positions of power are held responsible for their actions.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How do modern laws reflect the principles of accountability found in this verse?
- In what ways can we ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their status?
- What lessons about justice can we learn from the consequences outlined in this law?
- How can we apply the principles of responsibility and care in our relationships today?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Exodus 21:20 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd if a man smite his servant or his maid with a rod,.... A Canaanitish servant or maid, as the Targum of Jonathan, and so Jarchi; and that only with a rod for the correction of them, and not with a
Read John Gill on Exodus 21 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished. If a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die ... [ basheebeT (H7626)] - with the rod.
Read Robert Jamieson on Exodus 21 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleHis servant, namely, a stranger; for an Israelite was to be better used. See ,40, &c. With a rod; a fit and usual instrument for correction, whereby it is implied, that if he killed him with a sword, or any such weapon, he was to die for it. Under his hand, i.e. whilst the master is correcting him. He shall be surely punished; not with death, for then it would have been said so, as it is before and after; but as the magistrate or judge shall think fit, according to the diversity of circumstances; and therefore no particular punishment is set down.
Read Matthew Poole on Exodus 21 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsExodus 21:20 And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.Ver. 20. He shall be surely punished.] At the discretion of the magistrate, who is the "revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."
Read John Trapp on Exodus 21 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(20) And if a man smite his servant.—The homicide hitherto considered has been that of freemen; but the Mosaic Law was not content to stop at this point. Unlike most other codes, it proceeded to forbid the homicide of slaves. Hitherto, throughout the East, and also in many parts of the West, slaves had been regarded as so absolutely their master’s property that he was entitled to do as he pleased with them. Now, for the first time—so far as we know—was the life of the slave protected. The exact extent of the protection is uncertain. According to the Talmud, the master who killed his slave was put to death; according to some modern Jews, as Kalisch, he had merely to pay a fine. In any case…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Exodus 21 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges18–36. Bodily injuries, caused (a) by human beings, vv. 18–27; (b) by animals, or through the neglect of reasonable precautions, vv. 28–36.
Read Cambridge on Exodus 21 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe Jewish authorities appear to be right in referring this law, like those in Exodus 21:26-27, Exodus 21:32, to foreign slaves (see Leviticus 25:44-46).
Read Albert Barnes on Exodus 21 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible20. Smite his servant — Many writers assume that foreign bondservants, not Hebrew servants, are intended here; but the law itself does not so discriminate.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Exodus 21 →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
If a man strikes his manservant or maidservant with a rod, and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished.
“If a man strikes his servant or his maid with a rod, and he dies under his hand, the man shall surely be punished.
If a man strikes his manservant or maidservant with a rod, and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished.
“If a man strikes his male servant or his female servant with a staff so that he or she dies as a result of the blow, he will surely be punished.
Tyndale line
¶ And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.
And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall surely be punished.
And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall surely be punished.
And if a man shall smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he shall die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.
And if a man smite his seruant, or his maide with a rod, and he die vnder his hande, he shalbe surely punished.
Strictly literal
And if a man strike his bondman or his handmaid with a staff, and he die under his hand, he shall certainly be avenged.
'And when a man smiteth his man-servant or his handmaid, with a rod, and he hath died under his hand — he is certainly avenged;
And when a man strikes his manservant or his handmaid with a rod, and he has died under his hand—he is certainly avenged;
And if a man smite his servant or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand, it shall be surely avenged.
If a man hits his male servant or his female servant with a staff, and if the servant dies as a result of the blow, then that man must surely be punished.
From the Latin
He that striketh his bondman or bondwoman with a rod, and they die under his hands, shall be guilty of the crime.
Simplified
Anyone who hits their male or female slave with a rod, and the slave dies as a result, must be punished.
If a man gives his man-servant or his woman-servant blows with a rod, causing death, he is certainly to undergo punishment.
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 Samaritan Pentateuch differs from the Masoretic Text in two words: it uses מות (mut) instead of מוּת (mūth), and יומת (yumat) instead of יִנָּקֵם (yi.na.Kem). This indicates a variation in the understanding of the consequences for the master.
וְכִֽי־ יַכֶּה֩ אִ֨ישׁ אֶת־ עַבְדּ֜וֹ א֤וֹ אֶת־ אֲמָתוֹ֙ בַּשֵּׁ֔בֶט וּמֵ֖ת תַּ֣חַת יָד֑וֹ נָקֹ֖ם יִנָּקֵֽם׃
11 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.
וכי יכה אישׁ את עבדו או את אמתו ומת תחת ידו מות יומת
2 words differ from the Masoretic Text: מות (die), יומת (die)
וכי יא
2 words of the verse are on this fragment. The rest of the verse is not on it.
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 Exodus 21:20
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.
כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'
כִּי conj. that, for, when
that
Of time, when, of the past
elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
Because, since
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that
. . Of time, when, of the past
. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
. Because, since
H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
3588 kiy kee
a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional
prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent
or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative
conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by
other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,
where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,
even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +
nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,
therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,
whether, while, whom, yea, yet.
כִּי (ki) — for.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if
1f) but rather, but
1g) except that
1h) only, nevertheless
1i) surely
1j) that is
1k) but if
1l) for though
1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
1b) even though
כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
Conj | Conj — Conjunction · particleHC/Tc
נָכָה (nakah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to strike or smite, encompassing a range of actions from lightly hitting to fatal blows. It appears in various forms, indicating actions like attacking, punishing, or causing disease. The entries suggest its use in both literal and figurative contexts, including divine judgment and applause. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
[נָכָה] 501 vb. smite (not in Qal)
Niph. and he shall be smitten [struck by weapon in battle] and die
Pu. both be smitten down by the hail
Hiph.
lit., smite (with a single, non-fatal, blow), strike
smite repeatedly, beat a man
and they clapped hands (in applause)
give a thrust (with fork) into pot; strike roots
rarely smite (in battle) so as (merely) to wound
smite, of sun
Smite fatally
Smite = attack, attack and destroy a company
Of God
smite with a plague, disease, etc.
smite = chastise, or send judgment upon
of God’s destroying palaces
Hoph. be smitten
base
H5221 נָכָה smite (not in Qal) . and he shall be smitten [struck by weapon in battle] and die
. both be smitten down by the hail
. . . lit., smite (with a single, non-fatal, blow), strike
. smite repeatedly, beat a man
. and they clapped hands (in applause)
. give a thrust (with fork) into pot; strike roots
. rarely smite (in battle) so as (merely) to wound
. smite, of sun
. Smite fatally
. Smite = attack, attack and destroy a company
. Of God . smite with a plague, disease, etc.
. smite = chastise, or send judgment upon
. of God’s destroying palaces
. be smitten
5221 nakah naw-kaw'
a primitive root; to strike (lightly or severely, literally
or figuratively):--beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), X
go forward, X indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer,
punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike,
be stricken, (give) stripes, X surely, wound.
נָכָה (na.khah) — to smite.
1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill
1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten
1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust
1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast)
1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage
1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy
1d) (Hophal) to be smitten
1d1) to receive a blow
1d2) to be wounded
1d3) to be beaten
1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain
1d5) to be attacked and captured
1d6) to be smitten (with disease)
1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person masculine singularHVhi3ms
strik: The verbs "to strike" and "to stroke" (latter not in English Versions) have the same derivation, and originally "strike" was the intrans, "stroke" the transitive form. "Strike" however, became used in both senses (always transitive in English Versions of the Bible), while "to stroke" took on the meaning "to, rub gently." But in the King James Version this last force still belonged sometimes to "strike" and is so found in 2Ki 5:11, "strike his hand over the place" (the Revised Version (British and American) "wave"), and perhaps Ex 12:7,22; Tobit 11:11 Otherwise AV's uses of the simple "strike" are modern, including "strike sail" (Ac 27:17; here and in /RAPC Tob 11:11 with an archaic preterite "strake," elsewhere…
The Hebrew word אִישׁ (iysh) means 'man' and can refer to an individual male, a husband, or a human being in general. It encompasses various meanings, including champion and great man, and can also imply 'whosoever' or 'each.' The word is built from a root suggesting existence and is used throughout the Old Testament.
אִישׁ 2166 n.m. man (= vir)
base
H376 אִישׁ man (= vir)
376 'iysh eesh
contracted for 582 (or perhaps rather from an unused root
meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male
person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and
in such cases frequently not expressed in
translation):--also, another, any (man), a certain, +
champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-,
husband-)man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree),
him (that is), husband, man(-kind), + none, one, people,
person, + steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy.
Compare 802.
see HEBREW for 0582
see HEBREW for 0802
אִישׁ (ish) — man.
: man
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
אִישׁ (ish) — man: husband.
: husband
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
אִישׁ (ish) — man: anyone.
: anyone/someone
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HTo — ParticleHTo
The Hebrew word עֶ֫בֶד (*ebed*) means 'slave' or 'servant' and encompasses various roles, including household servants, subjects, and worshippers of God. It can also refer to Israel as a collective servant of God and is used in polite address among equals. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to work' or 'to serve'.
עֶ֫בֶד 799 n.m. slave, servant
slave, servant of household
Subjects, of chief
Servants, worshippers of God
Servant of י׳, in a special sense
Israel as a people is servant of י׳
In polite address of equals or superiors the Hebrews used עַבְדְּךָ thy servant = 1 pers. sing., I
Phrases
base
H5650 עֶ֫בֶד slave, servant . slave, servant of household
. Subjects, of chief
. Servants, worshippers of God
. Servant of י׳, in a special sense
. Israel as a people is servant of י׳
. In polite address of equals or superiors the Hebrews used עַבְדְּךָ thy servant = 1 pers. sing., I
. Phrases
5650 `ebed eh'-bed
from 5647; a servant:--X bondage, bondman, (bond-)servant,
(man-)servant.
see HEBREW for 05647
עֶ֫בֶד (e.ved) — servant/slave.
1) slave, servant
1a) slave, servant, man-servant
1b) subjects
1c) servants, worshippers (of God)
1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc)
1e) servant (of Israel)
1f) servant (as form of address between equals)
Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
The Hebrew word אוֹ (*'ow*) primarily functions as a conjunction meaning 'or,' often indicating a preference or choice between options. It can also introduce examples, express conditions, or imply alternatives. Additionally, it is associated with the noun meaning 'desire' in Proverbs 31:4. The entries reflect a range of uses, but do not present significant disagreement.
אוֹ 320 conj. or
sometimes implying a preference, nearly or rather
introducing a sentence, esp. a particular case under a general principle, or = or if
if perchance
once, with the juss. = except
base
[אֵו] n.m. אוֹ, Kt Pr 31:4 desire, so Thes MV; but < Qr אֵי q.v.
done
H176 אוֹ or . sometimes implying a preference, nearly or rather
. introducing a sentence, esp. a particular case under a general principle, or = or if
. if perchance
. once, with the juss. = except
176 'ow o
presumed to be the "constructive" or genitival form of -av
{av}; short for 185; desire (and so probably in Prov. 31:4);
hence (by way of alternative) or, also if:--also, and,
either, if, at the least, X nor, or, otherwise, then, whether.
see HEBREW for 0185
אוֹ (o) — or.
1) or, rather
1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred
1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle
1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or
1d) if perchance
1e) except, or else
2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
אוֹ (o) — desire.
desire
Conj — ConjunctionHC
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.
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HTo — ParticleHTo
אָמָה (amah) refers to a maid or handmaid, often indicating a female servant or slave. The term can also imply humility in certain contexts. It is derived from a primitive root and is consistently used to denote a female in servitude.
אָמָה n.f. maid, handmaid
lit. maidservant
fig. in address
base
H519 אָמָה maid, handmaid
519 'amah aw-maw'
apparently a primitive word; a maid-servant or female
slave:--(hand-)bondmaid(-woman), maid(-servant).
אָמָה (a.mah) — maidservant.
1) maid-servant, female slave, maid, handmaid, concubine
1a) of humility (fig.)
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp3ms
שֵׁ֫בֶט (shebet) refers to both a physical object and a social group. It can mean a rod, staff, or sceptre, often associated with authority or punishment, as well as a tribe or clan. The word is built from a root likely meaning to branch off, indicating both literal and figurative uses.
שֵׁ֫בֶט 189 n.m. 1. rod, staff, club, sceptre. 2. tribe
base
H7626 שֵׁ֫בֶט 1. rod, staff, club, sceptre. 2. tribe
7626 shebet shay'-bet
from an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion,
i.e. (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting,
ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan:--X
correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe.
שֵׁ֫בֶט (she.vet) — tribe: staff.
: staff
1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe
1a) rod, staff
1b) shaft (of spear, dart)
1c) club (of shepherd's implement)
1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority)
1e) clan, tribe
שֵׁ֫בֶט (she.vet) — tribe.
: tribe
1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe
1a) rod, staff
1b) shaft (of spear, dart)
1c) club (of shepherd's implement)
1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority)
1e) clan, tribe
שֵׁ֫בֶט (she.vet) — tribe: javelin.
: javelin
1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe
1a) rod, staff
1b) shaft (of spear, dart)
1c) club (of shepherd's implement)
1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority)
1e) clan, tribe
שֵׁ֫בֶט (she.vet) — tribe: ruler.
: ruler
1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe
1a) rod, staff
1b) shaft (of spear, dart)
1c) club (of shepherd's implement)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
(maqqel, maTTeh, shebheT; rhabdos): Little distinction can be drawn between the Hebrew words used for "rod" and "staff." Maqqel is the word used in Ge 30:37 ff for the twigs of poplar put by Jacob before his sheep, and in Jer 1:11 of the "rod of an almond-tree." MaTTeh is used of a rod in the hand, as the "rods" of Moses and of Aaron (Ex 4:2 ff; 7:9 , etc.). ShebheT is used, but sometimes also maTTeh, of the rod used for correction (Ex 21:20; 2Sa 7:14; Pr 10:13; 13:24; Isa 10:5, etc.). In
מוּת (mūth) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to die' or 'to kill.' It encompasses a range of meanings from dying naturally to being executed as a penalty. The word can refer to both humans and animals, and it includes various forms such as causing death or being killed. There is a distinction in usage based on the subject, whether it is a person or God inflicting death.
מוּת vb. die
Qal
die, of natural or other causes
die as a penalty = be put to death
Po‛lel. kill, put to death, despatch (intens.)
Hiph.
abs., elsewhere c. acc., subj. man
subj. God, by inflicting penalty
of animals killing men
bring to a premature death
Hoph. be killed, put to death
base
H4191 מוּת die .. die, of natural or other causes
. die as a penalty = be put to death
. kill, put to death, despatch (intens.)
. . abs., elsewhere c. acc., subj. man
. subj. God, by inflicting penalty
. of animals killing men
. bring to a premature death
. be killed, put to death
4191 muwth mooth
a primitive root: to die (literally or figuratively);
causatively, to kill:--X at all, X crying, (be) dead (body,
man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to,
be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), X must needs,
slay, X surely, X very suddenly, X in (no) wise.
מוּת (mut) — to die.
1) to die, kill, have one executed
1a)(Qal)
1a1) to die
1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death
1a3) to die, perish (of a nation)
1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct)
1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch
1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death
1d) (Hophal)
1d1) to be killed, be put to death
1d1a) to die prematurely
Conj | V-Qal-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqq3ms
(muth, gawa`; apothnesko, teleutao): "To die," etc., is of very frequent occurrence, and in the Old Testament is generally the translation of muth, meaning perhaps originally, "to be stretched out" or "prostrate." "To die," should be the consequence of eating the forbidden fruit (Ge 2:17; compare Ge 20:7; 2Ki 1:4,6). "Die" is commonly used of natural death (Ge 5:8; 25:8). It is used also of violent death (Ge 26:9,11; Ex 21:20); punitive (Ex 19:12; 21:12,14; 28:43; Nu…
תַּחַת (tachath) refers to the concept of being underneath or below. It can function as a noun meaning 'the under part,' or as an adverb and preposition indicating position or substitution, such as 'instead of' or 'for the sake of.' The word encompasses various uses, including physical placement and metaphorical meanings related to subjection or exchange.
תַּחַת n.[m.] the under part, hence as adv. accus. and prep. underneath, below, instead of
base
H8478 תַּחַת the under part, hence as adv. accus. and prep. underneath, below, instead of
8478 tachath takh'-ath
from the same as 8430; the bottom (as depressed); only
adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix
underneath), in lieu of, etc.:--as, beneath, X flat,
in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead
of, under, X unto, X when...was mine, whereas, (where-)fore,
with.
see HEBREW for 08430
תַּחַת (ta.chat) — underneath: under.
: under/below
1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m
1a) the under part adv accus
1b) beneath prep
1c) under, beneath
1c1) at the foot of (idiom)
1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig)
1c3) of subjection or conquest
1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands
1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun)
1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense)
1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged)
conj
1e) instead of, instead of that
1f) in return for that, because that in compounds
1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion)
1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
תַּחַת (ta.chat) — underneath: instead.
: instead/in_place/exchange
Prep — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
יָד (yad) means 'hand' and can also refer to strength or power in a figurative sense. It encompasses various technical uses, such as a sign or monument, parts or shares, and even specific components in construction, like axle-trees and supports for the laver. The word is versatile, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
יָד 1604 n.f. hand
hand
Fig. = strength, power
Fig. = side
יָד is used in various special, technical senses:—
sign, monument
part, fractional part or share
time, repetition
axle-trees
stays, supports for laver
tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
a (beckoning) hand
יַד with prep.
base
H3027 יָד hand . hand
. Fig. = strength, power
. Fig. = side
. יָד is used in various special, technical senses:— . sign, monument
. part, fractional part or share
. time, repetition
. axle-trees
. stays, supports for laver
. tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
. a (beckoning) hand
. יַד with prep.
3027 yad yawd
a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power,
means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed
one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of
applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate
and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes,
at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad,
(broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, +
creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship,
force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in,
labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine,
ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain,
power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay,
draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by
them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing,
+ thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side,
יָד (yad) — hand.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
1d) (various special, technical senses)
1d1) sign, monument
1d2) part, fractional part, share
1d3) time, repetition
1d4) axle-trees, axle
1d5) stays, support (for laver)
1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)
1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
1d8) wrists
יָד (yad) — hand: power.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
1d) (various special, technical senses)
1d1) sign, monument
1d2) part, fractional part, share
1d3) time, repetition
1d4) axle-trees, axle
1d5) stays, support (for laver)
1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)
1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
1d8) wrists
יָד (yad) — hand: themselves.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
N-cs | Suff — Noun common both singular construct · suffixHNcbsc/Sp3ms
נָקַם (naqam) is a Hebrew verb meaning to avenge or take vengeance. It encompasses various forms, including avenging oneself and suffering vengeance. The entries indicate that it can be used in different grammatical constructions, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, Hoph'al, and Hithpael, each with slightly different nuances related to revenge and punishment.
[נָקַם] vb. avenge, take vengeance
Qal
avenge, take vengeance
entertain revengeful feelings
Niph.
avenge oneself
suffer vengeance
Piel avenge
Hoph. be avenged, vengeance be taken
Hithp. avenge oneself
base
H5358 נָקַם avenge, take vengeance
5358 naqam naw-kam'
a primitive root; to grudge, i.e. avenge or
punish:--avenge(-r, self), punish, revenge (self), X surely,
take vengeance.
נָקַם (na.qam) — to avenge.
1) to avenge, take vengeance, revenge, avenge oneself, be avenged, be punished
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to avenge, take vengeance
1a2) to entertain revengeful feelings
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to avenge oneself
1b2) to suffer vengeance
1c) (Piel) to avenge
1d) (Hophal) to be avenged, vengeance be taken (for blood)
1e) (Hithpael) to avenge oneself
V-Qal-Ptc — Verb · Qal · infinitive absoluteHVqaa
נָקַם (naqam) is a Hebrew verb meaning to avenge or take vengeance. It encompasses various forms, including avenging oneself and suffering vengeance. The entries indicate that it can be used in different grammatical constructions, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, Hoph'al, and Hithpael, each with slightly different nuances related to revenge and punishment.
[נָקַם] vb. avenge, take vengeance
Qal
avenge, take vengeance
entertain revengeful feelings
Niph.
avenge oneself
suffer vengeance
Piel avenge
Hoph. be avenged, vengeance be taken
Hithp. avenge oneself
base
H5358 נָקַם avenge, take vengeance
5358 naqam naw-kam'
a primitive root; to grudge, i.e. avenge or
punish:--avenge(-r, self), punish, revenge (self), X surely,
take vengeance.
נָקַם (na.qam) — to avenge.
1) to avenge, take vengeance, revenge, avenge oneself, be avenged, be punished
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to avenge, take vengeance
1a2) to entertain revengeful feelings
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to avenge oneself
1b2) to suffer vengeance
1c) (Piel) to avenge
1d) (Hophal) to be avenged, vengeance be taken (for blood)
1e) (Hithpael) to avenge oneself
HVNi3ms — Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVNi3ms