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Exodus 39:38 — Word Study

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WLCוְאֵת֙ מִזְבַּ֣ח הַזָּהָ֔ב וְאֵת֙ שֶׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה וְאֵ֖ת קְטֹ֣רֶת הַסַּמִּ֑ים וְאֵ֕ת מָסַ֖ךְ פֶּ֥תַח הָאֹֽהֶל׃

BSAthe goldzâhâb [precious, highly valued] altarmizbêach [place of sacrifice] the anointingmishchâh [consecrated, set apart] oilshemen [olive oil, ointment] the fragrantçam [sweet, pleasing] incenseqᵉṭôreth [aroma, perfume] and the curtainmâçâk [hanging, screen] for the entrancepethach [doorway, threshold] to the tentʼôhel [tabernacle, sacred dwelling]

Word
Listen & take awayExodus 39
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 38 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (ha.'O.hel) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Exodus 39:38quick helps
In a sentenceThis verse lists key items used in the tabernacle worship.
What is mentionedThe verse includes the gold altar, anointing oil, fragrant incense, and the curtain.
Where we areThis passage describes the items associated with the tabernacle, which was central to Israel's worship.
The hard wordמִזְבֵּחַ, miz.Bach
Take awayThese items were essential for the worship practices of ancient Israel.
4 commentators on this verse Jamieson, Ellicott, Cambridge, Whedon & more — read them › clause The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

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 39:38

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 — Items for the Tabernacle Worshipgenerated

37the pure gold lampstand with its row of lamps and all its utensils, as well as the oil for the light;
38the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent;
39the bronze altar with its bronze grating, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin with its stand;
40the curtains of the courtyard with its posts and bases; the curtain for the gate of the courtyard, its ropes and tent pegs, and all the equipment for the service of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting;

Exodus 39:38 lists significant elements that were part of the tabernacle, which served as the dwelling place of God among His people. These items were vital for the rituals and sacrifices performed by the priests, emphasizing the importance of proper worship in the Israelite community. The tabernacle itself was a physical representation of God's presence and holiness, as outlined in earlier chapters of Exodus.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Exodus 25:6olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense;
2Exodus 30:7And Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps.
3Exodus 31:11in addition to the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them according to all that I have commanded you.”
4Exodus 35:8olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense;
5Exodus 37:29He also made the sacred anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense, the work of a perfumer.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word מִזְבֵּחַ, miz.Bachgenerated

The word מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach) means 'altar' and is derived from a root indicating the act of slaying or killing. This highlights its primary function as a place of sacrifice where offerings to God were made, central to Israel's worship practices.

In this verse, it is specifically the 'gold altar' that is referenced, indicating its value and significance in the sacrificial system established in the tabernacle. The use of gold signifies the altar's importance and the reverence associated with the sacrifices offered there.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The translations agree on the key items listed in this verse.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The structure of the verse consists of a series of noun phrases, each detailing a specific item related to the tabernacle worship. The finite verb is implied, as the list serves to describe what is present.

The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the items themselves, with the conjunction וְ (ve) linking each item, indicating they are all part of a unified whole concerning the worship practices.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Greek word for מִזְבֵּחַ is θυσιαστήριον (thusiastērion), which also means 'altar.' This choice reflects a direct translation of the Hebrew term, maintaining its sacrificial connotation.

The consistency between the Hebrew and Greek terms highlights the importance of the altar in both traditions, emphasizing its role in worship and sacrifice.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Exodus 39:38 lists important items for worship in the tabernacle: the gold altar, anointing oil, fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance. These elements were essential for the rituals performed by the priests and represented God's presence among His people.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What is the significance of the gold altar?

The gold altar was a central place for sacrifices, symbolizing the connection between God and His people through worship.

Why is anointing oil important?

Anointing oil was used to consecrate people and objects, setting them apart for God's service, as seen in various rituals.

What role does incense play in worship?

Incense symbolizes the prayers of the people rising to God, creating a pleasing aroma that represents devotion and worship.

What does the curtain for the entrance signify?

The curtain serves as a barrier, symbolizing the separation between the holy space of God's presence and the outside world, emphasizing the need for holiness in worship.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How do these items reflect the importance of worship in my own life?
  2. What does it mean to me to be set apart for God's service, as symbolized by the anointing oil?
  3. In what ways can I make my prayers a pleasing aroma to God?
  4. How can I ensure that I approach God with the reverence and holiness that He deserves?

Commentators on this verse — 4 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Exodus 39:38 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat, No JFB commentary on these verses.

Read Robert Jamieson on Exodus 39 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

THE OF THE WORK TO MOSES, AND HIS OF IT.(33-43) It is probable that the various parts of the work were presented to Moses for inspection as they were completed; that if they did not satisfy him, they might be altered and amended at once. Moses alone had seen “the pattern in the mount,” and Moses alone could say if the work came up to the required standard. We are not told that anything was rejected; and it is quite possible that all the portions of the work were satisfactorily rendered at their first essay by the several workmen; for the workmen, it must be remembered, besides receiving instructions from Moses, were divinely assisted in the production of their several works (Exo. 36:42).

Read Charles John Ellicott on Exodus 39 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

38. the golden altar] i.e. the altar of incense (see Exodus 30:3). So Exodus 40:5; Exodus 40:26, Numbers 4:11. door] entrance.

Read Cambridge on Exodus 39 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

THE HOLY OF THE PRIESTS, Exodus 39:1-31 See notes on Exodus 28. ALL BROUGHT TO MOSES AND , Exodus 39:32-43.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Exodus 39 →

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

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent;

WEBWorld English Bible2000

the golden altar, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door of the Tent,

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent;

NETBNew English Translation2006

and the gold altar, and the anointing oil, and the fragrant incense; and the curtain for the entrance to the tent;

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

and the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the screen for the door of the Tent;

RVARevised Version, American1894

and the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the screen for the door of the Tent;

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle-door,

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Also the golden Altar and the anoynting oyle, and the sweete incense, and the hanging of the Tabernacle doore,

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

and the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the incense of fragrant drugs; and the curtain for the entrance of the tent;

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the spice-perfume, and the covering of the opening of the tent;

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the spice-incense, and the covering of the opening of the tent;

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the incense of spices, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle;

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

the golden altar, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense; the hanging for the tabernacle entrance;

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And the hanging in the entry of the tabernacle:

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

the gold altar, the anointing oil, the aromatic incense, and the screen for the tent's entrance;

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And the gold altar, and the holy oil, and the sweet perfume for burning, and the curtain for the doorway of the tent;

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.

וְandclausenoun phrase · objectnoun phraseאֵת֙(et)noun phraseמִזְבַּ֣חthe.altarnoun phraseהַof.(the)זָּהָ֔בgoldוְandnoun phraseאֵת֙(et)noun phraseשֶׁ֣מֶןthe.oilnoun phraseהַof.(the)מִּשְׁחָ֔הanointingוְandnoun phraseאֵ֖ת(et)noun phraseקְטֹ֣רֶתthe.incensenoun phraseהַofסַּמִּ֑יםthe.perfume(s)וְandnoun phraseאֵ֕ת(et)noun phraseמָסַ֖ךְthe.screennoun phraseפֶּ֥תַחof.the.entrancenoun phraseהָofאֹֽהֶלthe.tent

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 Samaritan Pentateuch, which agrees word for word with the Hebrew in this verse. The Septuagint matches 10 of the 13 words, showing a close relationship between these ancient texts.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

וְאֵת֙ מִזְבַּ֣ח הַזָּהָ֔ב וְאֵת֙ שֶׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה וְאֵ֖ת קְטֹ֣רֶת הַסַּמִּ֑ים וְאֵ֕ת מָסַ֖ךְ פֶּ֥תַח הָאֹֽהֶל׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְאֵת֙καὶמִזְבַּ֣חθυσιαστήριονוְאֵת֙καὶשֶׁ֣מֶןἔλαιονהַמִּשְׁחָ֔הξρίσεωςוְאֵ֖תκαὶהַסַּמִּ֑יםσυνθέσεωςמָסַ֖ךְ’’פֶּ֥תַח’’הָאֹֽהֶל׃’’

10 of the 13 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.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

את מזבח הזהב ואת שׁמן המשׁחה ואת קטרת הסמים ואת מסך פתח האהל

Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.

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.

Exodus 39:38אֵתand the objand the object אֵתמִזְבֵּחַ[the] altar[the] altar ofמִזְבֵּחַזָהָבgoldgoldזָהָבאֵתand the objand the object אֵתשֶׁ֫מֶן[the] oil o[the] oil ofשֶׁ֫מֶןמִשְׁחָהanointinganointingמִשְׁחָהאֵתand the objand the object אֵתקְטֹ֫רֶת[the] incen[the] incense oקְטֹ֫רֶתסַםthe perfumethe perfumeסַםאֵתand the objand the object אֵתמָסָךְ[the] scree[the] screen ofמָסָךְפֶּ֫תַח[the] entra[the] entrance פֶּ֫תַחאֹ֫הֶלthe tentthe tentאֹ֫הֶלאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתזָבַחto sacrifito sacrificeזָבַחשָׁמֵןto grow fato grow fatשָׁמֵןמָשַׁחto anointto anointמָשַׁחסוּךְto fenceto fenceסוּךְפָּתַחto opento openפָּתַחאָהַלto shineto shineאָהַלמִגְרָשׁpasturepastureמִגְרָשׁקָטַרto offer: to offer: burnקָטַרמִשְׁחָהanointinganointingמִשְׁחָהסַםspicespiceסַםקְטֹ֫רֶתincenseincenseקְטֹ֫רֶתפֶּ֫תַחentranceentranceפֶּ֫תַחמוֹעֵדmeetingmeetingמוֹעֵדעֹלָהburnt offeburnt offeringעֹלָהצָפָהto overlayto overlayצָפָהכֶּ֫סֶףsilver: mosilver: moneyכֶּ֫סֶףבָּלַלto mixto mixבָּלַל
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Exodus 39:38

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.

and the object marker [the] altar of gold and the object marker [the] oil of anointing and the object marker [the] incense of the perfume and the object marker [the] screen of [the] entrance of the tent
וְאֵת֙ve.'Et and the object marker H853 Conjunction · particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HC/To — Conjunction · particle
HC/To
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the object marker [the] altar of gold and the object marker [the] oil of anointing and the object marker [the] incense of the perfume and the object marker [the] screen of [the] entrance of the tent
מִזְבַּ֣חmiz.Bach [the] altar of H4196 Noun common · masculine singular construct
401× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Amplified meaning
place of sacrifice
Tyndale gloss
altar
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach) means 'altar' in Hebrew. It is derived from the root word meaning to slay or kill, indicating its use in sacrificial contexts. The term is consistently used throughout the Old Testament to refer to places of sacrifice and worship.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִזְבֵּחַ 401 n.m. altar

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4196 מִזְבֵּחַ altar

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4196 mizbeach miz-bay'-akh

from 2076; an altar:--altar.

see HEBREW for 02076

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִזְבֵּחַ (miz.be.ach) — altar.

altar

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

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…

and the object marker [the] altar of gold and the object marker [the] oil of anointing and the object marker [the] incense of the perfume and the object marker [the] screen of [the] entrance of the tent
הַזָּהָ֔בha.za.Hav gold H2091 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
389× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Amplified meaning
precious, highly valued
Tyndale gloss
gold
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זָהָב (zahab) means gold and is derived from an unused root that conveys the idea of shimmering. It encompasses various aspects of gold, including its value as a precious metal, its use as a measure of weight, and its figurative brilliance. The term appears in contexts related to wealth, merchandise, and gifts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

זָהָב 385 n.m. gold

= gold-ore, gold in raw state

gold as wealth

gold as spoil of war

gold as merchandise

gold as costly gift

gold as material

gold described by its source

gold defined by var. adj. and pts.

as measure of weight and value

= golden oil, from colour

often named with

the chief vbs. used

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2091 זָהָב gold

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2091 zahab zaw-hawb'

from an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively,

something gold-colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky:--

gold(-en), fair weather.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זָהָב (za.hav) — gold.

1) gold

1a) as precious metal

1b) as a measure of weight

1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.)

Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

gold (zahabh; chrusos):

1. Terms:

No metal has been more frequently mentioned in Old Testament writings than gold, and none has had more terms applied to it. Among these terms the one most used is zahabh. The Arabic equivalent, dhahab, is still the common name for gold throughout Palestine, Syria and Egypt. With zahabh frequently occur other words which, translated, mean "pure" (Ex 25:11), "refined" (1Ch 28:18), "finest" (1Ki 10:18), "beaten" (1Ki 10:17), "Ophir" (Ps 45:9).

Other terms occurring are: paz, "fine gold" (Job 28:17;

Gold

(1.) Heb. zahab, so called from its yellow colour (Ex. 25:11; 1 Chr. 28:18; 2 Chr. 3:5).

(2.) Heb. segor, from its compactness, or as being enclosed or treasured up; thus precious or “fine gold” (1 Kings 6:20; 7:49).

(3.) Heb. paz, native or pure gold (Job 28:17; Ps. 19:10; 21:3, etc.).

(4.) Heb. betzer, “ore of gold or silver” as dug out of the mine (Job 36:19, where it means simply riches).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Gold was known from the very earliest times. (Genesis 2:11) It was at first used chiefly for ornaments, etc. (Genesis 24:22) Coined money was not known to the ancients till a comparatively late period; and on the Egyptian tombs gold is represented as being weighed in rings for commercial purposes. Comp. (Genesis 43:21) Gold was extremely abundant in ancient times, (1 Chronicles 22:14; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 9:9; Daniel 3:1; Nahum 2:9) but this did not depreciate its value, because of the enormous quantities consumed by…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A well-known valuable metal, found in many parts of the world, and obtained anciently in Ophir, Job 28:16; Parvaim, 2Ch 3:6; Sheba, and Raamah, Eze 27:22. Job alludes to gold in various forms, Job 22:24 28:15-19. Abraham was rich in it, and female ornaments were early made of it, Ge 13:2 24:22,35. It is spoken of throughout Scripture; and the use of it among and ancient Hebrews, in its native and mixed state, and for the same purposes as at present, was very common. The Ark of the Covenant was overlaid with pure gold; the mercy seat, the vessels and utensils belonging to the tabernacle, and those also of the house of…

and the object marker [the] altar of gold and the object marker [the] oil of anointing and the object marker [the] incense of the perfume and the object marker [the] screen of [the] entrance of the tent
וְאֵת֙ve.'Et and the object marker H853 Conjunction · particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HC/To — Conjunction · particle
HC/To
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the object marker [the] altar of gold and the object marker [the] oil of anointing and the object marker [the] incense of the perfume and the object marker [the] screen of [the] entrance of the tent
שֶׁ֣מֶןShe.men [the] oil of H8081 Noun common · masculine singular construct
193× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.
Amplified meaning
olive oil, ointment
Tyndale gloss
oil
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֶׁ֫מֶן (shemen) refers to fat or oil, particularly olive oil, and includes meanings related to richness and anointing. It is derived from the root word for grease and can also metaphorically describe fertile land. The entries consistently highlight its use in contexts like medicinal applications and anointing.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֶׁ֫מֶן 192 n.m. fat, oil

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8081 שֶׁ֫מֶן fat, oil

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8081 shemen sheh'-men

from 8080; grease, especially liquid (as from the olive,

often perfumed); figuratively, richness:--anointing, X fat

(things), X fruitful, oil((-ed)), ointment, olive, + pine.

see HEBREW for 08080

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֶׁ֫מֶן (she.men) — oil.

1) fat, oil

1a) fat, fatness

1b) oil, olive oil

1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent

1b2) for anointing

1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

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…

and the object marker [the] altar of gold and the object marker [the] oil of anointing and the object marker [the] incense of the perfume and the object marker [the] screen of [the] entrance of the tent
הַמִּשְׁחָ֔הha.mish.Chah anointing H4888 Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
26× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A consecrated portion refers to something set apart as special or holy, like the anointing oil used in Exodus 30:23-33. It's a gift or substance used for a specific, sacred purpose.
Amplified meaning
consecrated, set apart
Tyndale gloss
anointing
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִשְׁחָה (mishchah) refers to an ointment or an anointing, often associated with consecration. It can denote both the act of anointing and a consecrated portion, as seen in Numbers 18:8. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to anoint' and encompasses the idea of a gift given during consecration.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִשְׁחָה n.f.

ointment

consecrated portion

base

מָשְׁחָה n.f. consecrated portion;—Nu 18:8 (P).

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4888a מִשְׁחָה . ointment

. consecrated portion

H4888b מָשְׁחָה consecrated portion

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4888 mishchah meesh-khaw'

or moshchah {mosh-khaw'}; from 4886; unction (the act); by

implication, a consecratory gift:--(to be) anointed(-ing),

ointment.

see HEBREW for 04886

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִשְׁחָה (mish.chah) — anointing.

1) ointment (used to consecrate by anointing)

2) anointing portion

מָשְׁחָה (mash.chah) — consecrated portion.

consecrated portion, portion

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-fs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
HTd/Ncfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a-noint'-ing: A distinction was made by the ancient Hebrews between anointing with oil in private use, as in making one's toilet (cukh), and anointing as a religious rite (mashach).

1. Ordinary Use:

(1) As regards its secular or ordinary use, the native olive oil, alone or mixed with perfumes, was commonly used for toilet purposes, the very poor naturally reserving it for special occasions only (Ru 3:3). The fierce protracted heat and biting lime dust of Palestine made the oil very soothing to the skin, and it was applied freely to exposed parts of the body, especially to the face (Ps 104:15).

(2) The practice was in vogue before David's time, and traces of it may be found throughout the Old Testament (see De 28:40;

Smith's Bible Dictionary

in Holy Scripture, is either, I. Material--with oil--or II. Spiritual--with the Holy Ghost. I. MATERIAL.-- Ordinary . Anointing the body or head with oil was a common practice with the Jews, as with other Oriental nations. (28:40; Ruth 3:3; Micah 6:15) Anointing the head with oil or ointment seems also to have been a mark of respect sometimes paid by a host to his guests. (Luke 7:46) and Psal 23:5 Official . It was a rite of inauguration into each of the three typical offices of the Jewish commonwealth. a. Prophets were occasionally anointed to their office, (1 Kings 19:16) and were called messiahs, or anointed. (

Was a custom in general use among the Hebrews and other oriental nations, and its omission was one sign of mourning, Isa 61:3. They anointed the hair, head, and beard, Ps 104:15 133:2. At their feasts and rejoicings they anointed the whole body; but sometimes only the head or feet, Ps 23:5 Mt 6:17 Joh 12:3. It was a customary mark of respect to guests, Lu 7:38,46. The use of oil upon the skin was thought to be conducive to health. Anointing was then used, and is still, medicinally, Mr 6:13

and the object marker [the] altar of gold and the object marker [the] oil of anointing and the object marker [the] incense of the perfume and the object marker [the] screen of [the] entrance of the tent
וְאֵ֖תve.'Et and the object marker H853 Conjunction · particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HC/To — Conjunction · particle
HC/To
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the object marker [the] altar of gold and the object marker [the] oil of anointing and the object marker [the] incense of the perfume and the object marker [the] screen of [the] entrance of the tent
קְטֹ֣רֶתke.To.ret [the] incense of H7004 Noun common · feminine singular construct
60× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Incense refers to a sweet smoke from burning sacrifices, used in worship and perfume. It symbolizes a pleasing aroma to God, found in Leviticus and other books.
Amplified meaning
aroma, perfume
Tyndale gloss
incense
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

קְטֹ֫רֶת (qtoreth) refers to smoke or the odour of burning sacrifices, specifically incense or perfume. It is derived from the root word for fumigation. The term encompasses the sweet smoke associated with sacrifices and is used in contexts related to offerings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

קְטֹ֫רֶת 60 n.f. smoke, odour of (burning) sacrifice, incense

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7004 קְטֹ֫רֶת smoke, odour of (burning) sacrifice, incense

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7004 qtoreth ket-o'-reth

from 6999; a fumigation:--(sweet) incense, perfume.

see HEBREW for 06999

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קְטֹ֫רֶת (qe.to.ret) — incense.

1) incense, smoke, odour of (burning) sacrifice

1a) sweet smoke of sacrifice

1b) incense

1c) perfume

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular construct
HNcfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

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…

and the object marker [the] altar of gold and the object marker [the] oil of anointing and the object marker [the] incense of the perfume and the object marker [the] screen of [the] entrance of the tent
הַסַּמִּ֑יםha.sa.Mim the perfume H5561 Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
16× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means a spice or aroma, used in incense and perfumes. It is translated as 'sweet spice' in the KJV Bible, and is mentioned in books like Exodus and Ezekiel.
Amplified meaning
sweet, pleasing
Tyndale gloss
spice
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

סַם (sam) refers to a spice, specifically one used in incense. The word is derived from an unused root that conveys the idea of a sweet aroma. It is consistently defined across entries, focusing on its aromatic qualities.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[סַם] 16 n.m. spice, used in incense

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5561 [סַם] spice, used in incense

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5561 cam sam

from an unused root meaning to smell sweet; an aroma:--

sweet (spice).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

סַם (sam) — spice.

1) spice

1a) a spice used in incense

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-mp — Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
HTd/Ncmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Nave's Topical Bible

→ General scriptures concerning Pr 27:9; So 3:6; Isa 57:9

→ Used in the tabernacle Ex 30:7; 35:28

→ Beds perfumed with myrrh Pr 7:17

→ Smelling bottles, translated “tablets” in A. V Isa 3:20

and the object marker [the] altar of gold and the object marker [the] oil of anointing and the object marker [the] incense of the perfume and the object marker [the] screen of [the] entrance of the tent
וְאֵ֕תve.'Et and the object marker H853 Conjunction · particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HC/To — Conjunction · particle
HC/To
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the object marker [the] altar of gold and the object marker [the] oil of anointing and the object marker [the] incense of the perfume and the object marker [the] screen of [the] entrance of the tent
מָסַ֖ךְma.Sakh [the] screen of H4539 Noun common · masculine singular construct
25× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This term means a cover or veil, like the screen of the tabernacle, used for hiding or protection.
Amplified meaning
hanging, screen
Tyndale gloss
covering
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מָסָךְ (masakh) refers to a covering or screen, often associated with the tabernacle. It is derived from the root meaning to cover, and encompasses terms like curtain and hanging. The entries consistently highlight its function as a veil or protective layer.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מָסָךְ n.[m.] covering, screen

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4539 מָסָךְ covering, screen

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4539 macak maw-sawk'

from 5526; a cover, i.e. veil:--covering, curtain, hanging.

see HEBREW for 05526

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָסָךְ (ma.sakh) — covering.

1) covering, rag, screen

1a) covering

1b) screen (of the tabernacle)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

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…

and the object marker [the] altar of gold and the object marker [the] oil of anointing and the object marker [the] incense of the perfume and the object marker [the] screen of [the] entrance of the tent
פֶּ֥תַחPe.tach [the] entrance of H6607 Noun common · masculine singular construct
164× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.
Amplified meaning
doorway, threshold
Tyndale gloss
entrance
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פֶּ֫תַח (pethach) refers to an opening, such as a doorway or entrance. It is derived from a root meaning to open and encompasses terms like gate and entrance way. The entries consistently highlight its literal and figurative uses, but do not provide specific verse references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פֶּ֫תַח 164 n.m. opening, doorway, entrance

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6607 פֶּ֫תַח opening, doorway, entrance

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6607 pethach peh'-thakh

from 6605; an opening (literally), i.e. door (gate) or

entrance way:--door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate,

opening, place.

see HEBREW for 06605

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פֶּ֫תַח (pe.tach) — entrance.

opening, doorway, entrance

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

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…

and the object marker [the] altar of gold and the object marker [the] oil of anointing and the object marker [the] incense of the perfume and the object marker [the] screen of [the] entrance of the tent
הָאֹֽהֶל׃ha.'O.hel the tent H168 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
345× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Amplified meaning
tabernacle, sacred dwelling
Tyndale gloss
tent
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֹ֫הֶל (*ohel*) means 'tent' and is derived from a root meaning 'to be conspicuous.' It encompasses various meanings, including a nomad's tent, a dwelling or home, and specifically refers to the sacred tent used for worship, known as the tabernacle. The entries consistently highlight its association with transience and habitation.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֹ֫הֶל 343 n.m. tent

tent of nomad

dwelling, habitation

the sacred tent used in worship of God

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H168 אֹ֫הֶל tent

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

168 'ohel o'-hel

from 166; a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a

distance):--covering, (dwelling)(place), home, tabernacle,

tent.

see HEBREW for 0166

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֹ֫הֶל (o.hel) — tent.

: tent

1) tent

1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience

1b) dwelling, home, habitation

1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle)

Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)

אֹ֫הֶל (o.hel) — tent: home.

: home

1) tent

1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience

1b) dwelling, home, habitation

1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

tent ('ohel; skene; 'ohel is a derivative of 'ahal, "to be clear," "to shine"; hence, 'ohel, "to be conspicuous from a distance"): In the great stretches of uncultivated lands in the interior of Syria or Arabia, which probably have much the same aspect today as in Abraham's time, it is an easy matter to espy an encampment of roving Bedouin, "a nation .... that dwelleth without care .... that have neither gates nor bars" (Jer 49:31). The peaks of their black (compare So 1:5) goats' hair tents stand out in contrast against the lighter colors of the soil.

There seems to be little doubt about the antiquity of the Arab tent, and one can rightly believe that-the dwelling-places of Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, and their descendants were made on the same pattern and of the same materials (

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Tent

(1.) Heb. ‘ohel (Gen. 9:21, 27). This word is used also of a dwelling or habitation (1 Kings 8:66; Isa. 16:5; Jer. 4:20), and of the temple (Ezek. 41:1). When used of the tabernacle, as in 1 Kings 1:39, it denotes the covering of goat’s hair which was placed over the mishcan.

(2.) Heb. mishcan (Cant. 1:8), used also of a dwelling (Job 18:21; Ps. 87:2), the grave (

Among the leading characteristics of the nomad races, those two have always been numbered whose origin has been ascribed to Jabal the son of Lameth, (Genesis 4:20) viz., to be tent-dwellers and keepers of cattle. The same may be said of the forefathers of the Hebrew race; nor was it until the return into Canaan from Egypt that the Hebrews became inhabitants of cities. An Arab tent is called beit , "house;" its covering consists of stuff, about three quarters of a yard broad, made of black goat’s-hair, (Solomon 1:5) laid parallel with the tent’s length. This is sufficient to resist the heaviest rain. The tent-poles or columns are usually nine in number, placed in three groups; but many tents have only one pole, others two or three. The ropes which hold the tent in its place are fastened, not to the tent-cover itself, but to loops…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Dwelling in tents was very general in ancient times among Eastern nations, Ge 4:20; their way of life being pastoral, locomotion became necessary for pasturage, and dwellings adapted for such a life became indispensable, Isa 38:12. The patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob dwelt in tents, Ge 18:1 Heb 11:9; and on the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, throughout their peregrinations until they obtained the promised land, and to some extent afterwards, they adopted the same kind of habitation. See BOOTHS. Hence the expression. "Every man to his tents, O Israel," etc.,

Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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