Exodus 34:20 — Word Study
WLCוּפֶ֤טֶר חֲמוֹר֙ תִּפְדֶּ֣ה בְשֶׂ֔ה וְאִם־ לֹ֥א תִפְדֶּ֖ה וַעֲרַפְתּ֑וֹ כֹּ֣ל בְּכ֤וֹר בָּנֶ֙יךָ֙ תִּפְדֶּ֔ה וְלֹֽא־ יֵרָא֥וּ פָנַ֖י רֵיקָֽם׃
BSAYou must redeempâdâh▸ [with a price, ransom] the firstbornpeṭer [the first child, initial offspring] of a donkeychămôwr [male ass, beast of burden] with a lambseh [sheep, young animal] but ifʼim you do notlôʼ redeem itpâdâh▸ [pay the price, set free] you are to break its neckʻâraph [destroy, behead] You must redeempâdâh▸ [buy back, rescue] allkôl [every, the entire] the firstbornbᵉkôwr [initial, premier] of your sonsbên [male children, descendants] Nolôʼ one shall appearrâʼâh▸ [come, stand] before Mepânîym [in My presence, face to face] empty-handedrêyqâm [without an offering, vacant]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וּפֶ֤טֶר | and [the] firstborn of | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular construct |
| חֲמוֹר֙ | a donkey | Noun common, both singular absolute |
| תִּפְדֶּ֣ה | you will redeem | Verb, Qal, imperfect second person masculine singular |
| בְשֶׂ֔ה | with a sheep | Preposition, noun common both singular absolute |
| וְאִם־ | and if | Conjunction, particle |
| לֹ֥א | not | Particle |
| תִפְדֶּ֖ה | you will redeem [it] | Verb, Qal, imperfect second person masculine singular |
| וַעֲרַפְתּ֑וֹ | and you will break neck its | Verb qal sequential perfect second person masculine singular, suffix |
| כֹּ֣ל | all | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| בְּכ֤וֹר | [the] firstborn of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| בָּנֶ֙יךָ֙ | sons your | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| תִּפְדֶּ֔ה | you will redeem | Verb, Qal, imperfect second person masculine singular |
| וְלֹֽא־ | and not | Conjunction, particle |
| יֵרָא֥וּ | people will present themselves | Verb, Niphal, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| פָנַ֖י | face my | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| רֵיקָֽם׃ | empty | Adverb |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | You must redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb; but if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before Me empty-handed. |
| KJV | But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty. |
| ASV | And the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break its neck. All the first-born of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty. |
| YLT | and the firstling of an ass thou dost ransom with a lamb; and if thou dost not ransom, then thou hast beheaded it; every first-born of thy sons thou dost ransom, and they do not appear before Me empty. |
| WEB | You shall redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb. If you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before me empty. |
| BBE | A lamb may be given in payment for the young of an ass, but if you will not make payment for it, its neck will have to be broken. For all the first of your sons you are to make payment. No one is to come before me without an offering. |
Where they part company is רֵיקָֽם — see How Translations Differ.
The structure includes a main command followed by conditions and consequences, emphasizing the requirements for redemption.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbפָּדָה
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 34:20
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 About Firstbornsgenerated
Exodus 34:20 is part of a series of laws given to the Israelites regarding their worship and offerings. This particular verse emphasizes the necessity of redeeming the firstborn of animals and sons, illustrating the significance of sacrifice in their relationship with God. It reflects the broader theme of redemption found throughout the Torah, where the firstborn holds a special status.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 13:10 | Therefore you shall keep this statute at the appointed time year after year. |
| 2 | Numbers 18:15 | The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals. |
| 3 | Exodus 13:15 | And when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of man and beast. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb, but I redeem all the firstborn of my sons.’ |
| 4 | Numbers 3:45–51 | “Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites belong to Me; I am the LORD. |
| 5 | Exodus 23:15 | You are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread as I commanded you: At the appointed time in the month of Abib you are to eat unleavened bread for seven days, because that was the month you came out of Egypt. No one may appear before Me empty-handed. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תִּפְדֶּ֣ה, tif.Dehgenerated
The verb תִּפְדֶּ֣ה (tif.Deh) is in the imperfect tense, indicating an ongoing action or command: 'you will redeem.' It is derived from the root פָּדָה (padah), which means to ransom or redeem, emphasizing the act of paying a price to set free something or someone. The use of this verb here highlights the requirement for a substitutionary sacrifice.
In this context, the redemption of the firstborn signifies the value of life and the importance of offerings in worship. The Israelites are instructed to redeem their firstborn animals with a lamb, reinforcing the idea of sacrificial atonement.
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. The BSB has empty-handed, and so do the KJV and the ASV: all three convey the same idea of presenting oneself without an offering.
Where others part company with the BSB they part company over the word רֵיקָֽם — empty (ASV, KJV, BSB) versus without an offering (BBE, FBV), showing a difference in emphasis on the nature of the presentation before God.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb תִּפְדֶּ֣ה governs the main clause, with several phrases following it: a prepositional phrase that specifies what is being redeemed, a conditional clause introducing the alternative of breaking the neck if not redeemed, and a final clause stating the requirement for the firstborn of sons. The structure emphasizes the commands given by God in a clear sequence.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the actions required of the Israelites, particularly the imperative nature of redemption and the consequences of neglecting this command.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates תִּפְדֶּ֣ה as λυτρώσῃ (lytrōsē), meaning 'you will redeem.' This choice aligns with the idea of ransom and emphasizes the necessity of a price for redemption, consistent with the Hebrew meaning.
The use of κενός (kenos) for רֵיקָֽם reflects a straightforward translation of 'empty,' which captures the essence of the instruction to not come before God without an offering.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Exodus 34:20 explains that the firstborn of a donkey must be redeemed with a lamb, and if not redeemed, its neck must be broken. It also states that all firstborn sons must be redeemed, and no one should come before God empty-handed.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
To redeem the firstborn means to pay a price, often with a sacrificial animal, to free the firstborn from a requirement that would otherwise lead to its death.
The firstborn holds a special status in biblical culture, often receiving a greater inheritance and responsibility within the family.
If the firstborn is not redeemed, the law requires that its neck be broken, symbolizing the loss of life without redemption.
To appear before God empty-handed means to come without an offering, which is seen as disrespectful and unacceptable in worship.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What does redemption mean in my life today?
- How can I ensure that I do not come before God empty-handed?
- In what ways can I honor the significance of firstborns in my family or community?
- How does understanding the concept of redemption deepen my faith?
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Exodus 34:20 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleEvery firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem,.... This goes along with the former, [See comments on Exodus 13:13]: and none shall appear before me empty; at the grand festivals, the passover,
Read John Gill on Exodus 34 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThou shalt make thee no molten gods. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Read Robert Jamieson on Exodus 34 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleEither without a gift to me, so it is a precept; or without benefit to himself, so it is a promise. See .
Read Matthew Poole on Exodus 34 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsExodus 34:20 But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem [him] not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty. Ver. 20.
Read John Trapp on Exodus 34 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(20) The firstling of an ass.—See Notes 1-3 on Exodus 13:13.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Exodus 34 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges10–28. The (re-)establishment of the covenant, with the laws upon which it is based. The passage belongs in the main to E; but it has probably been enlarged in parts with hortatory additions by the compiler. We have met with some such additions before, in Exodus 20:22 to Exodus 23:33; and they are found elsewhere also in connexion with laws, as in Leviticus 18:1-5; Leviticus 18:24-29; Leviticus 20:22-24 (H), and Deuteronomy 12-26 passim.
Read Cambridge on Exodus 34 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible12-26. Take heed to thyself — Here follows a brief resume of the laws previously ordained, and written in the Book of the Covenant, 21-23. They may be resolved into ten precepts, as follows:1.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Exodus 34 →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
You must redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb; but if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before Me empty-handed.
You shall redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb. If you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before me empty.
You must redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb; but if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before Me empty-handed.
Now the firstling of a donkey you may redeem with a lamb, but if you do not redeem it, then break its neck. You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons. “No one will appear before me empty-handed.
Tyndale line
But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.
And the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break its neck. All the first-born of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.
And the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break its neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.
But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou shalt not redeem him, then shalt thou break his neck. All the first-born of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.
But ye first of ye asse thou shalt bie out with a lambe: and if thou redeeme him not, then thou shalt breake his necke: all the first borne of thy sonnes shalt thou redeeme, and none shall appeare before me emptie.
Strictly literal
But the firstling of an ass thou shalt ransom with a lamb; and if thou ransom [it] not, then shalt thou break its neck. All the first-born of thy sons thou shalt ransom; and none shall appear before me empty.
and the firstling of an ass thou dost ransom with a lamb; and if thou dost not ransom, then thou hast beheaded it; every first-born of thy sons thou dost ransom, and they do not appear before Me empty.
and you ransom the firstling of a donkey with a lamb; and if you do not ransom, then you have beheaded it; you ransom every firstborn of your sons, and they do not appear before Me empty.
But the firstling of an ass shalt thou redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck; all the first-born of thy sons shalt thou redeem; and none shall appear before me empty.
You must buy back the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb, but if you do not buy it back, then you must break its neck. You must buy back all the firstborn of your sons. No one may appear before me empty-handed.
From the Latin
The firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a sheep: but if thou wilt not give a price for it, it shall be slain. The firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem: neither shalt thou appear before me empty.
Simplified
You can redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb, but if you don't, you must break its neck. All your firstborn sons must be redeemed. No one is to come before me without an offering.
A lamb may be given in payment for the young of an ass, but if you will not make payment for it, its neck will have to be broken. For all the first of your sons you are to make payment. No one is to come before me without an offering.
Word by word, the decisions they made
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 is supported by the Septuagint, which closely matches the Hebrew wording. However, the Samaritan Pentateuch differs in three words: it uses תפדנו (buy off), אדם (human), and רקים (empty), indicating a variation in the understanding of the text.
וּפֶ֤טֶר חֲמוֹר֙ תִּפְדֶּ֣ה בְשֶׂ֔ה וְאִם־ לֹ֥א תִפְדֶּ֖ה וַעֲרַפְתּ֑וֹ כֹּ֣ל בְּכ֤וֹר בָּנֶ֙יךָ֙ תִּפְדֶּ֔ה וְלֹֽא־ יֵרָא֥וּ פָנַ֖י רֵיקָֽם׃
15 of the 16 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.
ופטר חמור תפדה בשׂה ואם לא תפדנו וערפתו וכל בכור אדם בבניך תפדה ולא יראו פני רקים
3 words differ from the Masoretic Text: תפדנו (buy off), אדם (human, mankind), רקים (empty)
[פנ׳י] ריקם
2 words of the verse are on this fragment — 1 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Exodus 34:20
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.
פֶּ֫טֶר (peter) refers to that which separates or first opens, often translated as 'firstborn' or 'firstling.' It is derived from a root meaning to open, and is closely related to the feminine form פִּטְרָה (pitrah), which carries the same meanings. The term appears in contexts such as Numbers 8:16.
ref
H6363a פֶּ֫טֶר that which separates, first opens H6363b פִּתְרָה id. [6363a]
6363 peter peh'-ter
or pitrah {pit-raw'}; from 6362; a fissure, i.e. (concretely)
firstling (as opening the matrix):--firstling, openeth, such
as open.
see HEBREW for 06362
פֶּ֫טֶר (pe.ter) — firstborn.
firstborn, firstling, that which separates or first opens
Also means: pit.rah (פִּטְרָה "firstborn" H6363B)
פִּטְרָה (pit.rah) — firstborn.
firstborn, firstling, that which separates or first opens
Another spelling of pe.ter (פֶּ֫טֶר "firstborn" H6363A)
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular constructHC/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…
חֲמוֹר (chamor) refers to a male donkey, derived from a root meaning 'to be red' or 'dun.' The term is consistently translated as 'ass' or 'donkey' across various lexicons, indicating its specific reference to this animal in the Old Testament.
חֲמוֹר n.m. (he)-ass
base
H2543 חֲמוֹר (he)-ass
2543 chamowr kham-ore'
or (shortened) chamor {kham-ore}; from 2560; a male ass (from
its dun red):--(he)ass.
see HEBREW for 02560
חֲמוֹר (cha.mor) — donkey.
(he) ass
N-cs — Noun common · both singular absoluteHNcbsa
פָּדָה (padah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to ransom or redeem. It encompasses actions like delivering or rescuing, with various forms indicating different nuances, such as being ransomed or allowing someone to be ransomed. The entries highlight its use in contexts of release and preservation, but do not specify any particular verses.
פָּדָה vb. ransom
Qal ransom
Niph. she hath not been at all ransomed (from bondage)
Hiph. he shall let her be ransomed.
base
H6299 פָּדָה ransom
6299 padah paw-daw'
a primitive root; to sever, i.e. ransom; gener. to release,
preserve:--X at all, deliver, X by any means, ransom, (that
are to be, let be) redeem(-ed), rescue, X surely.
פָּדָה (pa.dah) — to ransom.
1) to ransom, redeem, rescue, deliver
1a) (Qal) to ransom
1b) (Niphal) to be ransomed
1c) (Hiphil) to allow one to be ransomed
1d) (Hophal) redeemed
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singularHVqi2ms
שֶׂה (seh) refers to a member of a flock, specifically a sheep or goat. It encompasses various terms for livestock, including lambs and young goats, and can also denote a collective group. The word is derived from a root meaning to push out to graze, indicating its pastoral context.
שֶׂה n.m. and (less oft.) f. one of a flock, sheep (or goat)
base
H7716 שֶׂה one of a flock, sheep (or goat)
7716 seh seh
or sey {say}; probably from 7582 through the idea of pushing
out to graze; a member of a flock, i.e. a sheep or
goat:--(lesser, small) cattle, ewe, goat, lamb, sheep.
Compare 2089.
see HEBREW for 07582
see HEBREW for 02089
שֶׂה (seh) — sheep.
1) one of a flock, lamb, sheep, goat, young sheep, young goat
1a) sheep, goat
1b) flock (collective)
Also means: zeh (זֶה "lamb" H2089)
Prep | N-cs — Preposition · noun common both singular absoluteHR/Ncbsa
shep:
1. Names:
The usual Hebrew word is tso'n, which is often translated "flock," e.g. "Abel .... brought of the firstlings of his flock" (Ge 4:4); "butter of the herd, and milk of the flock" (De 32:14). The King James Version and the English Revised Version have "milk of sheep." Compare Arabic da'n. The Greek word is probaton. For other names, see notes under CATTLE; EWE; LAMB; RAM.
2. Zoology:
The origin of domestic sheep is unknown. There are 11 wild species, the majority of which are found in Asia, and it is conceivable that they may have spread from the highlands of Central Asia to the other portions of their habitat. In North America is found the "bighorn," which is very closely related to a Kamschatkan species. One species, the urial or sha, is found in India. The Barbary…
Sheep
Are of different varieties. Probably the flocks of Abraham and Isaac were of the wild species found still in the mountain regions of Persia and Kurdistan. After the Exodus, and as a result of intercourse with surrounding nations, other species were no doubt introduced into the herds of the people of Israel. They are frequently mentioned in Scripture. The care of a shepherd over his flock is referred to as illustrating God’s care over his people (Ps. 23:1, 2; 74:1; 77:20; Isa. 40:11; 53:6; John 10:1-5, 7-16).
“The sheep of Palestine are longer in the head than ours, and have tails from 5 inches broad at the narrowest part to 15 inches at the widest, the weight being in proportion, and ranging generally from 10 to 14 lbs.…
Sheep were an important part of the possessions of the ancient Hebrews and of eastern nations generally. The first mention of sheep occurs in (Genesis 4:2) They were used in the sacrificial offering,as, both the adult animal, (Exodus 20:24) and the lamb. See (Exodus 29:28; Leviticus 9:3; 12:6) Sheep and lambs formed an important article of food. (1 Samuel 25:18) The wool was used as clothing. (Leviticus 13:47) "Rams skins dyed red" were used as a covering for the tabernacle. (Exodus 25:5) Sheep and lambs were…
Of the Syrian sheep, according to Dr. Russell, there are two varieties; the one called Bedaween sheep, which differ in no respect from the larger kinds of sheep among us, except that their tails are somewhat longer and thicker; the others are those often mentioned by travellers on account of their extraordinary tails; and this species is by far the most numerous. The tail of one of these animals is very broad and large, terminating in a small appendage that turns back upon it. It is of a substance between fat and marrow, and is not eaten separately, but mixed with the lean meat in many of their dishes, and also often used instead of butter. A common sheep of this sort, without the head, feet, skin, and entrails, weighs from sixty to eighty pounds, of which the tail itself is usually ten or fifteen pounds, and when the animal is fattened, twice or thrice that weight, and very…
אִם (im) is a Hebrew conjunction primarily meaning 'if' and is used in various contexts, including conditional clauses and interrogative situations. It can also express negation, alternatives, or exceptions, and appears frequently in the Old Testament. The lexicons note its use in oaths and its ability to connect different clauses, sometimes altering their meanings.
אִם conj.
hypoth. part. if
Interrog. part.
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
H518a אִם conj. . hypoth. part. if
. Interrog. part.
H518b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
518 'im eem
a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!;
interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh
that!, when; hence, as a negative, not:--(and, can-,
doubtless, if, that) (not), + but, either, + except, +
more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or,
+ save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, + surely (no more,
none, not), though, + of a truth, + unless, + verily, when,
whereas, whether, while, + yet.
אִם (im) — if.
: if/whether_or/though
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
[כִּי] אם (ki im) — if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
אִם (im) — if: surely no.
: surely_no
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: surely yes.
: surely_yes
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: until.
: until/except
Conj | Conj — Conjunction · particleHC/Tc
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Part — ParticleHTn
פָּדָה (padah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to ransom or redeem. It encompasses actions like delivering or rescuing, with various forms indicating different nuances, such as being ransomed or allowing someone to be ransomed. The entries highlight its use in contexts of release and preservation, but do not specify any particular verses.
פָּדָה vb. ransom
Qal ransom
Niph. she hath not been at all ransomed (from bondage)
Hiph. he shall let her be ransomed.
base
H6299 פָּדָה ransom
6299 padah paw-daw'
a primitive root; to sever, i.e. ransom; gener. to release,
preserve:--X at all, deliver, X by any means, ransom, (that
are to be, let be) redeem(-ed), rescue, X surely.
פָּדָה (pa.dah) — to ransom.
1) to ransom, redeem, rescue, deliver
1a) (Qal) to ransom
1b) (Niphal) to be ransomed
1c) (Hiphil) to allow one to be ransomed
1d) (Hophal) redeemed
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singularHVqi2ms
עָרַף (araph) is a verb meaning to break the neck of an animal, derived from a primitive root suggesting bending downward. It is used in a figurative sense to imply destruction. The entries consistently emphasize its connection to the act of beheading or breaking down.
[עָרַף] vb. denom. break the neck of an animal
base
H6202 עָרַף vb. denom. break the neck of an animal
6202 `araph aw-raf'
a primitive root (identical with 6201 through the idea of
sloping); properly, to bend downward; but used only as a
denominative from 6203, to break the neck; hence
(figuratively) to destroy:--that is beheaded, break down,
break (cut off, strike off) neck.
see HEBREW for 06201
see HEBREW for 06203
עָרַף (a.raph) — to break the neck.
(Qal) to break the neck (of an animal)
Conj | V-Qal-2ms | Suff — Verb qal sequential perfect second person masculine singular · suffixHc/Vqq2ms/Sp3ms
כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.
כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all
with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
Absolutely:
without the art., all things, all
with the art. הַכֹּל
where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
base
H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all
. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
3605 kol kole
or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;
hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a
plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any
(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as
many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,
whoso(-ever).
see HEBREW for 03634
כֹּל (kol) — all.
1) all, the whole
1a) all, the whole of
1b) any, each, every, anything
1c) totality, everything
Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ol: Used in various combinations, and with different meanings.
(1) All along, "Weeping all along as he went" (Jer 41:6), i.e. throughout the whole way he went, feigning equal concern with the men from Shiloh, etc., for the destruction of the Temple, so as to put them off their guard.
(2) All in all, "That God may be all in all" (1Co 15:28, Greek: panta en pasin, "all things in all (persons and) things"). "The universe, with all it comprises, will wholly answer to God's will and reflect His mind" (Dummelow).
בְּכוֹר (bekor) means 'first-born' and can refer to both humans and animals. It denotes the eldest son or daughter and can also be used figuratively. The word is derived from a root that emphasizes the concept of being first or chief.
בְּכוֹר 122 n.m. first-born
men and women
animals
figurative
base
H1060 בְּכוֹר first-born
1060 bkowr bek-ore'
from 1069; firstborn; hence, chief:--eldest (son),
firstborn(-ling).
see HEBREW for 01069
בְּכוֹר (be.khor) — firstborn.
1) firstborn, firstling
1a) of men and women
1b) of animals
1c) noun of relation (fig.)
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…
בֵּן (ben) means 'son' or 'male child' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including descendants, young animals, and even figurative uses like sparks or arrows. It can refer to members of a tribe or class and is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, such as in 1 Chronicles 24:26. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to build' and implies a connection to family or lineage.
בֵּן 4870 n.m. son
son, male child, born of a woman
children (male and female)
youth, young men
the young of animals
of plant shoots
fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows
member of a guild, order or class
of animals son of (the) herd
ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.
n. relat. of age
base
בְּנוֹ 1 Ch 24:26, 27 as n.pr.m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son, cf. VB & Be Öt.
done
H1121a בֵּן son . son, male child, born of a woman
. children (male and female)
. youth, young men
. the young of animals
. of plant shoots
. fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows
. . member of a guild, order or class
. of animals son of (the) herd
. ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.
. n. relat. of age
H1121b בְּנוֹ as n. pr. m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son
1121 ben bane
from 1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the
widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship,
including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,
etc., (like 1, 251, etc.)):--+ afflicted, age, (Ahoh-)
(Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-)ite, (anoint-)ed one, appointed to,
(+) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-)ian, one born,
bough, branch, breed, + (young) bullock, + (young) calf, X
came up in, child, colt, X common, X corn, daughter, X of
first, + firstborn, foal, + very fruitful, + postage, X in, +
kid, + lamb, (+) man, meet, + mighty, + nephew, old, (+)
people, + rebel, + robber, X servant born, X soldier, son, +
spark, + steward, + stranger, X surely, them of, + tumultuous
one, + valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
see HEBREW for 01129
see HEBREW for 01
see HEBREW for 0251
בֵּן (ben) — son: child.
: child/son
בְּנוֹ (be.no) — Beno.
A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.24.26;
son of: Jaaziah (H3269);
brother of: Shoham (H7719), Zaccur (H2139I) and Ibri (H5681)
§ Beno = "his son"
the sons of Jaaziah and the sons of Merari by Jaahziah (his son)
בֵּן (ben) — son: descendant/people.
: descendant, people, tribe, nation
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : child/son
בֵּן (ben) — son: young animal.
: calf/lamb/young(ANIMAL)
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : descendant
בֵּן (ben) — son: type of.
: rebel/son(Belial)
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : people/men/nation/tribe
בֵּן (ben) — son.
: [inheriting]son/heir
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
בֵּן (ben) — son: warrior.
: warrior/son(strong)
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp2ms
פָּדָה (padah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to ransom or redeem. It encompasses actions like delivering or rescuing, with various forms indicating different nuances, such as being ransomed or allowing someone to be ransomed. The entries highlight its use in contexts of release and preservation, but do not specify any particular verses.
פָּדָה vb. ransom
Qal ransom
Niph. she hath not been at all ransomed (from bondage)
Hiph. he shall let her be ransomed.
base
H6299 פָּדָה ransom
6299 padah paw-daw'
a primitive root; to sever, i.e. ransom; gener. to release,
preserve:--X at all, deliver, X by any means, ransom, (that
are to be, let be) redeem(-ed), rescue, X surely.
פָּדָה (pa.dah) — to ransom.
1) to ransom, redeem, rescue, deliver
1a) (Qal) to ransom
1b) (Niphal) to be ransomed
1c) (Hiphil) to allow one to be ransomed
1d) (Hophal) redeemed
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singularHVqi2ms
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Conj | Part — Conjunction · particleHC/Tn
רָאָה (ra'ah) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to see' and encompasses a wide range of visual and perceptual actions, including looking, observing, and causing others to see. It can refer to both literal sight and figurative understanding, with various grammatical forms indicating different nuances, such as appearing or being visible. The entries indicate a rich semantic field without significant disagreement among lexicographers.
רָאָה 1315 vb. see
Qal 1141
see, subj.
see, c. acc. rei
see, sq. acc. cl. or phr. of closer design
see, so as to learn to know
abs. see, have (power of) vision
see = perceive
look at, see, by direct volition
of mental observation
c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
see, c. acc. rei
Niph.
appear
be seen
be visible
Pu. appar. his bones are not detected
Hithp. recipr. look at each other
Hiph.
cause one to see something, shew
cause to experience something
cause to look intently at, to behold
Hoph.
be caused to see, be shewn
be exhibited to
base
H7200a רָאָה see .. . see, subj.
. see, c. acc. rei
. see, sq. acc. + cl. or phr. of closer design
. see, so as to learn to know
. abs. see, have (power of) vision
. see = perceive
. look at, see, by direct volition
. of mental observation
. . c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
. see, c. acc. rei
. . appear
. be seen
. be visible
. appar. his bones are not detected
. recipr. look at each other
. . . cause one to see something, shew
. cause to experience something
. cause to look intently at, to behold
. . be caused to see, be shewn
. be exhibited to
H7200b רְאוּת look
7200 ra'ah raw-aw'
a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in
numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive,
intransitive and causative):--advise self, appear, approve,
behold, X certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have
experience, gaze, take heed, X indeed, X joyfully, lo, look
(on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up,
upon), mark, meet, X be near, perceive, present, provide,
regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one
another), shew (self), X sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, X
surely, X think, view, visions.
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: see.
: see/show
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
1a4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out
1a5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish
1a6) to look at, gaze at
1a7) to provide, choose
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to appear, present oneself
1b2) to be seen
1b3) to be visible
1c) (Pual) to be seen
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to see, show
1d2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at
1e) (Hophal)
1e1) to be caused to see, be shown
1e2) to be exhibited to
1f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: examine.
: examine/consider
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVNi3mp
The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.
[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces
face, faces
presence, person
technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
face of seraphim
face of animals
face (= surface) of ground
as adv.loc. before
for other phrases
with prepositions
base
H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces
. . presence, person
. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
. face of seraphim
. face of animals
. face (= surface) of ground
. as adv. loc. before
. for other phrases
. with prepositions
6440 paniym paw-neem'
plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh
{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);
used in a great variety of applications (literally and
figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a
preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),
against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),
+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,
face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er
time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +
honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +
meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,
open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,
presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right
forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,
X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.
: before/to/front
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.
: face
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…
N-cp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp1bs
רֵיקָם (reyqam) means 'emptily' or 'vainly,' indicating a state of being empty or without effect. It can refer to actions done in vain or without cause. The word is built from a root that conveys emptiness and ineffectiveness, and it appears in contexts where something is done without result.
רֵיקָם adv. emptily, vainly
in empty condition, empty = with empty hands
in vain, without effect
base
H7387 רֵיקָם emptily, vainly . in empty condition, empty = with empty hands
. in vain, without effect
7387 reyqam ray-kawm'
from 7386; emptily; figuratively (objective) ineffectually,
(subjective) undeservedly:--without cause, empty, in vain,
void.
see HEBREW for 07386
רֵיקָם (re.qam) — emptily.
1) vainly, emptily
1a) in empty condition, empty, emptily
1b) in vain, without effect, vainly
Adv — AdverbHD