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Exodus 6:14 — Word Study

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WLCאֵ֖לֶּה רָאשֵׁ֣י בֵית־ אֲבֹתָ֑ם בְּנֵ֨י רְאוּבֵ֜ן בְּכֹ֣ר יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל חֲנ֤וֹךְ וּפַלּוּא֙ חֶצְר֣וֹן וְכַרְמִ֔י אֵ֖לֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת רְאוּבֵֽן׃

BSATheseʼêl-leh [specific individuals, the ones mentioned] were the headsrôʼsh [chiefs, leaders] of their fathers’ʼâb [ancestors', forefathers'] housesbayith The sonsbên [descendants, male offspring] of ReubenRᵉʼûwbên [the firstborn son of Jacob] the firstbornbᵉkôwr [the first in birth order, holding a special status] of Israel, [were]Yisrâʼêl [the symbolic name of Jacob, referring to his descendants] HanochChănôwk [dedicated, a son of Reuben] and PalluPallûwʼ [a son of Reuben] HezronChetsrôwn [surrounded by a wall, a son of Reuben] and CarmiKarmîy [a son of Reuben, an Israelite] Theseʼêl-leh [the aforementioned individuals] were the clansmishpâchâh [families, tribes] of ReubenRᵉʼûwbên [the tribe descended from Reuben]

Word
Listen & take awayExodus 6
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 14 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 (re.'u.Ven) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Exodus 6:14quick helps
In a sentenceThis verse lists the heads of the clans descended from Reuben, the firstborn of Israel.
Who is speakingThe narrator, recounting the genealogy of the tribes of Israel.
Where we areIn the context of Israel's lineage, specifically detailing the descendants of Reuben.
The hard wordרָאשֵׁי
Take awayThese names are foundational to understanding the tribes of Israel.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & 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 6:14

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 — The Genealogy of Reubengenerated

13Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron and gave them a charge concerning both the Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt.
14These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi. These were the clans of Reuben.
15The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. These were the clans of Simeon.
16These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.

Exodus 6:14 provides a genealogical record of the heads of the clans descended from Reuben, the firstborn of Israel. This verse is part of a larger narrative that emphasizes the lineage and organization of the Israelite tribes, which is crucial for understanding their identity and heritage. The following verses continue with the descendants of Simeon and Levi, further detailing the structure of the Israelite families.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Exodus 6:25Aaron’s son Eleazar married one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas. These were the heads of the Levite families by their clans.
2Joshua 14:1Now these are the portions that the Israelites inherited in the land of Canaan, as distributed by Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families of the tribes of Israel.
3Joshua 19:51These are the inheritances that Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families distributed by lot to the tribes of Israel at Shiloh before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. So they finished dividing up the land.
41 Chronicles 5:24These were the heads of their families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. They were mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of their families.
51 Chronicles 7:2–7The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, the heads of their families. In the days of David, 22,600 descendants of Tola were numbered in their genealogies as mighty men of valor.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word רָאשֵׁי, ra.Sheigenerated

The word רָאשׁ (ro'sh) means 'head' and signifies a leader or chief. In this verse, it is used in the construct state to indicate the heads of the families, denoting authority and leadership within the clans of Reuben.

As a noun in the masculine plural form, it indicates multiple leaders, emphasizing the importance of these individuals in the tribal structure. This term is often used throughout the Hebrew Bible to refer to leaders, such as in 1 Samuel 10:1, where it denotes a position of authority.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb is implied in the phrase, with the subject אֵ֖לֶּה (these) indicating the heads of the households. The structure of the verse is straightforward, with a noun phrase followed by a series of proper nouns that specify the individuals.

The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the heads of the families first, followed by the names of the sons, which illustrates the importance of lineage in the Israelite culture.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates רָאשֵׁי as ἀρξηγοὶ (chiefs), which reflects a similar meaning of leadership and authority. This choice aligns with the Hebrew understanding of the term as denoting heads of families.

The translation maintains the focus on the leadership structure within the clans, indicating that the Greek translators recognized the significance of these individuals in the genealogy.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Exodus 6:14 lists the heads of the families descended from Reuben, the firstborn of Israel. It names Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi as the sons of Reuben and states that these were the clans of Reuben, highlighting the importance of lineage in Israel's history.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

Who were the heads of the clans mentioned in this verse?

The heads of the clans were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi, all sons of Reuben.

What does it mean that Reuben was the firstborn?

Being the firstborn, Reuben held a special status among his brothers and was the ancestor of the tribe of Reuben.

Why is genealogy important in the Bible?

Genealogy is important in the Bible as it establishes identity, heritage, and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

How does this verse connect to the larger narrative of Exodus?

This verse connects to the larger narrative by emphasizing the organization of the Israelite tribes as they prepare to leave Egypt, highlighting their family structures.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What significance do you think the order of names has in understanding family dynamics in the Bible?
  2. How does knowing the lineage of Reuben help us understand the history of Israel?
  3. What role does genealogy play in your understanding of community and identity?
  4. How can we apply the concept of leadership from this verse in our own lives?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

The early Church Fathers often referenced genealogies to discuss the significance of lineage in God's plan. Here, Augustine of Hippo comments on the importance of understanding Moses' origin in relation to this verse.

Augustine of HippoQUESTIONS ON Exodus 15 354–430
There is no doubt that this is a mysterious passage. The Scripture wishes to demonstrate the origin of Moses, because his action now required it.
Early Church Fathers on Exodus 6 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Exodus 6:14 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

These be the heads of their father's houses,.... Not of the families of Moses and Aaron, but of the children of Israel, though only the heads of three tribes are mentioned; and some think that these

Read John Gill on Exodus 6 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

These be the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben. These be the heads - chiefs or governors of their houses.

Read Robert Jamieson on Exodus 6 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

This genealogy he describes here, to show the lineage of Moses and Aaron, by. whom this great work was to be effected. Only he promiseth in brief the genealogy of his two elder brethren. Reuben and Simeon, to make way for the third, which he intended more largely to insist upon. And he mentions them rather than any other, either to advance the favour of God in preferring that tribe before the descendants of their elder brethren; or to show that, although the parents were sharply censured, and rather cursed than blessed by Jacob, Genesis 49, yet their posterity was not rejected by God, but received to mercy, and admitted to the same privilege with their brethren.

Read Matthew Poole on Exodus 6 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Exodus 6:14 These [be] the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these [be] the families of Reuben.Ver. 14. These be the heads.] This is a digression, to show the descent of Moses and Aaron. Digressions in divine discourses are not always and absolutely unlawful. God’ s Spirit sometimes draws aside the doctrine, to satisfy some soul which the preacher knows not: and sparingly used, it quickeneth attention.

Read John Trapp on Exodus 6 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(14, 15) Reuben . . . Simeon.—It fixes the position of the family of Levi in the house of Jacob to commence the genealogy with a mention of the two elder brothers. As, however, the writer is really concerned only with the Levites, the families of Reuben and Simeon are dismissed with the briefest possible notice. Nothing new is rocorded of them. (See Genesis 46:9-10.)

Read Charles John Ellicott on Exodus 6 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 14. These be the heads] ראשי rashey, the chiefs or captains. The following genealogy was simply intended to show that Moses and Aaron came in a direct line from Abraham, and to ascertain the time of Israel's deliverance. The whole account from Exodus 6:14-26 inclusive, is a sort of parenthesis, and does not belong to the narration; and what follows from Exodus 6:28 is a recapitulation of what was spoken in the preceding chapters.

Read AdamClarke on Exodus 6 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

14–27. Genealogies are frequent in P (Genesis 5, 11, Genesis 25:12-16, Genesis 46:8-27, &c.); and here, at his first mention of Moses and Aaron, he is careful to define their position among the descendants of Jacob: they belonged to the tribe of Levi, which claimed descent from Jacob’s third son, Levi, and the particulars about the descendants of the two elder sons, Reuben and Simeon (vv. 14b–15), are introduced merely for the purpose of leading up to Levi, about which tribe more circumstantial particulars are given (vv. 16–25). The particulars in vv. 14, 15, 16a are identical with those given in the list of Jacob’s descendants who came down into Egypt, Genesis 46:9-11.

Read Cambridge on Exodus 6 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

These be the heads - We have in the following verses, not a complete genealogy, but a summary account of the family of the two brothers.

Read Albert Barnes on Exodus 6 →

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

These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi. These were the clans of Reuben.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

These are the heads of their fathers’ houses. The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi; these are the families of Reuben.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi. These were the clans of Reuben.

NETBNew English Translation2006

These are the heads of their fathers’ households: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn son of Israel, were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi. These were the clans of Reuben.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

¶ These be the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

These are the heads of their fathers’ houses. The sons of Reuben the first-born of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi; these are the families of Reuben.

RVARevised Version, American1894

These are the heads of their fathers’ houses: the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these are the families of Reuben.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

These are the heads of their father's houses: The sons of Reuben the first-born of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these are the families of Reuben.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

These bee the heades of their fathers houses: the sonnes of Reuben the first borne of Israel are Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi: these are ye families of Reuben.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

These are the heads of their fathers' houses: the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: Enoch and Phallu, Hezron and Carmi: these are the families of Reuben.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

These [are] heads of the house of their fathers: Sons of Reuben first-born of Israel [are] Hanoch, and Phallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these [are] families of Reuben.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

These [are] heads of the house of their fathers. Sons of Reuben firstborn of Israel: Enoch, and Phallu, Hezron, and Carmi; these [are] families of Reuben.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

These are the heads of their family divisions: The sons of Reuben the first-born of Israel: Chanoch, and Pallu, Chezron, and Carmi; these are the families of Reuben.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

These were the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanok, Pallu, Hezron, and Karmi. These were the clan ancestors of Reuben.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

These are the heads of their house by their families. The sons of Rubel the firstborn of Israel: Henoch and Phallu, Hesron and Charmi.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

These were the Israelite family heads. The sons of Reuben, the firstborn son of Israel, were Hanok and Pallu, Hezron and Karmi. These were the families of Reuben.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

These are the heads of their fathers' families: the sons of Reuben the oldest son of Israel: Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi: these are the families of Reuben.

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.

clausepredicateאֵ֖לֶּהthesenoun phrase · subjectרָאשֵׁ֣י[were].the.headsnoun phraseבֵיתof.the.housenoun phraseאֲבֹתָ֑their.fathersםtheirclausenoun phrase · subjectבְּנֵ֨יthe.sonsnoun phraseרְאוּבֵ֜ןof.Reubennoun phraseבְּכֹ֣רthe.firstbornיִשְׂרָאֵ֗לof.Israelnoun phrase · predicateחֲנ֤וֹךְ[were].Hanochוּandפַלּוּא֙Palluחֶצְר֣וֹןHezronוְandכַרְמִ֔יCarmiclausesubjectאֵ֖לֶּהthesenoun phrase · predicateמִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת[were].the.clansרְאוּבֵֽןof.Reuben

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 matches 14 of the 15 words. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs in three words, using אבותם (father), בכור (first-born), and משׁפחות (clan), which suggests a variation in the understanding of familial relationships.

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

אֵ֖לֶּה רָאשֵׁ֣י בֵית־ אֲבֹתָ֑ם בְּנֵ֨י רְאוּבֵ֜ן בְּכֹ֣ר יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל חֲנ֤וֹךְ וּפַלּוּא֙ חֶצְר֣וֹן וְכַרְמִ֔י אֵ֖לֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת רְאוּבֵֽן׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
אֵ֖לֶּהοὗτοιרָאשֵׁ֣יἀρξηγοὶבֵית־οἴκωνאֲבֹתָ֑םαὐτῶνבְּנֵ֨יυἱοὶרְאוּבֵ֜ןρουβηνבְּכֹ֣רπρωτοτόκουיִשְׂרָאֵ֗לισραηλחֲנ֤וֹךְενωξוּפַלּוּא֙φαλλουςחֶצְר֣וֹןασρωνוְכַרְמִ֔יξαρμιאֵ֖לֶּהαὕτηרְאוּבֵֽן׃ρουβην

14 of the 15 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

ואלה ראשׁי בית אבותם בני ראובן בכור ישׂראל חנוך ופלוא חצרון וכרמי אלה משׁפחות ראובן

3 words differ from the Masoretic Text: אבותם (father), בכור (first-born), משׁפחות (clan)

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q1a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[אלה] [ראשי] [בית] [אבת׳ם] [בני] [ראובן] בכור ישראל [חנוך] [ופלוא] [חצרון] [וכרמי] [אלה] [משפחת] [ראובן]

1 word on the leather — 1 partly restored, 13 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.

Exodus 6:14אֵ֫לֶּהthesetheseאֵ֫לֶּהרֹאשׁ[were] [the[were] [the] heרֹאשׁבֵּית[the] house[the] householdבֵּיתאָבancestors tancestors theirאָבבֵּן[the] sons [the] sons ofבֵּןרְאוּבֵןReubenReubenרְאוּבֵןבְּכוֹר[the] first[the] firstbornבְּכוֹריִשְׂרָאֵלIsraelIsraelיִשְׂרָאֵלחֲנוֹךְ[were] Hano[were] Hanochחֲנוֹךְפַּלּוּאand Palluand PalluפַּלּוּאחֶצְרוֹןHezronHezronחֶצְרוֹןכַּרְמִיand Carmiand Carmiכַּרְמִיאֵ֫לֶּהthesetheseאֵ֫לֶּהמִשְׁפָּחָה[were] [the[were] [the] clמִשְׁפָּחָהרְאוּבֵןReubenReubenרְאוּבֵןבָּנָהto buildto buildבָּנָהאֵלthesetheseאֵלרָאָהProviderProviderרָאָהבֵּןson: childson: childבֵּןבָּכַרto be/bearto be/bear firsבָּכַרשָׂרָהto striveto striveשָׂרָהחָנַךְto dedicatto dedicateחָנַךְפָּלָהbe distingbe distinguisheפָּלָהחָצֵרcourtcourtחָצֵרכֶּרֶםvineyardvineyardכֶּרֶםשָׁפָהbe barebe bareשָׁפָהתּוֹלֵדוֹתgenerationgenerationתּוֹלֵדוֹתחֲנוֹךְHanochHanochחֲנוֹךְאַלּוּףtametameאַלּוּףגָּדGadGadגָּדפַּלּוּאPalluPalluפַּלּוּאכַּרְמִיCarmiCarmiכַּרְמִיעֲטָרָהcrowncrownעֲטָרָה
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 6:14

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.

these [were] [the] heads of [the] household of ancestors their [the] sons of Reuben [the] firstborn of Israel [were] Hanoch and Pallu Hezron and Carmi these [were] [the] clans of Reuben
אֵ֖לֶּה'E.leh these H428 Particle
746× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Amplified meaning
specific individuals, the ones mentioned
Tyndale gloss
these
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵ֫לֶּה (el-leh) means 'these' and is used in various grammatical contexts, often in apposition to a noun with a pronoun suffix. It can appear with or without the definite article and is sometimes paired with other terms like וְאֵלֶּה (and these). The word conveys a sense of proximity or specification, referring to particular items or people.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵ֫לֶּה pr.pl.m. & f. these

in appos. to a subst. with a pron. suff. (always without the article)

repeated, אלה … ואלה, these … those

with the art. (but only after a subst. determined likewise by the art.)

with preps.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H428 אֵ֫לֶּה these . in appos. to a subst. with a pron. suff. (always without the article)

. repeated, אלה … ואלה, these … those

. with the art. (but only after a subst. determined likewise by the art.)

. with preps.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

428 'el-leh ale'-leh

prolonged from 411; these or those:--an- (the) other; one

sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those,

thus, which, who(-m).

see HEBREW for 0411

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵ֫לֶּה (el.leh) — these.

1) these

1a) used before antecedent

1b) used following antecedent

Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Pron — Particle
HTm
these [were] [the] heads of [the] household of ancestors their [the] sons of Reuben [the] firstborn of Israel [were] Hanoch and Pallu Hezron and Carmi these [were] [the] clans of Reuben
רָאשֵׁ֣יra.Shei [were] [the] heads of H7218 Noun common · masculine plural construct
600× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Amplified meaning
chiefs, leaders
Tyndale gloss
head
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רֹאשׁ (ro'sh) means 'head' and encompasses various meanings related to position and rank. It can refer to the head of a person or animal, the top of a mountain, or a chief in various contexts, such as a city or nation. The word also signifies beginnings and sums, appearing in phrases related to enumeration. Additionally, it serves as a proper noun for 'Rosh,' a title for a chief or prince.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רֹאשׁ 599 n.m.

(c. 230 t.) head, of human being

head, of animals

top (88 t.)

height, of stars

head = chief (man)

= chief (city)

chief nation

= chief (place, position)

= chief priest

= head of a family

head = front, leader's place

of time, beginning, of night watch

of things, river-heads

chief, choicest, best, of spices

head = division of army, company, band

= sum, esp. in phr. take sum of, enumerate

other phr.

base

רֹאשׁ n.pr.gent. Rôsh

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7218a רֹאשׁ . . (c. 230 t.) head, of human being

. head, of animals

. . top (88 t.)

. height, of stars

. . head = chief (man)

. = chief (city)

. chief nation

. = chief (place, position)

. = chief priest

. = head of a family

. . head = front, leader's place

. of time, beginning, of night watch

. of things, river-heads

. chief, choicest, best, of spices

. head = division of army, company, band

. = sum, esp. in phr. take sum of, enumerate

. other phr.

H7218b רֹאשׁ n. pr. gent. Rôsh

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7218 ro'sh roshe

from an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head (as

most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many

applications, of place, time, rank, itc.):--band, beginning,

captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company,

end, X every (man), excellent, first, forefront, ((be-))head,

height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), X lead, X poor,

principal, ruler, sum, top.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רֹאשׁ (rosh) — head.

: head

1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning

1a) head (of man, animals)

1b) top, tip (of mountain)

1c) height (of stars)

1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest)

1e) head, front, beginning

1f) chief, choicest, best

1g) head, division, company, band

1h) sum

רֹאשׁ (rosh) — prince.

Rosh, a tite for a chief or prince

רֹאשׁ (rosh) — head: leader.

: leader

1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning

1a) head (of man, animals)

1b) top, tip (of mountain)

1c) height (of stars)

1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest)

1e) head, front, beginning

1f) chief, choicest, best

1g) head, division, company, band

1h) sum

רֹאשׁ (rosh) — head: top.

: top/best

1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning

1a) head (of man, animals)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural construct
HNcmpc
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…

these [were] [the] heads of [the] household of ancestors their [the] sons of Reuben [the] firstborn of Israel [were] Hanoch and Pallu Hezron and Carmi these [were] [the] clans of Reuben
בֵית־veit- [the] household of H1004 Noun common · masculine singular construct
2,049× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Tyndale gloss
place
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word בַּיִת (*bayith*) means 'house' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including dwelling, family, and place. It can refer to physical structures, such as homes and temples, as well as metaphorical uses like the body or household affairs. The word is built from the root related to 'between' and appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between

base

בַּ֫יִת 2034 n.m. house

house

place

receptacle

of house as containing a family

household, family (592 t.)

house, including household affairs

lit. housewards, hence metaph. inwards

מִבַּיִת

adv. on the inside

prep. within

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1004a בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between H1004b בַּ֫יִת house

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1004 bayith bah'-yith

probably from 1129 abbreviated; a house (in the greatest

variation of applications, especially family, etc.):--court,

daughter, door, + dungeon, family, + forth of, X great as

would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter)house(-hold),

inside(-ward), palace, place, + prison, + steward, + tablet,

temple, web, + within(-out).

see HEBREW for 01129

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֵּית (bet) — place.

nm

place, origin, between

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — house: home.

: home/temple/building

nm

1) house

1a) house, dwelling habitation

1b) shelter or abode of animals

1c) human bodies (fig.)

1d) of Sheol

1e) of abode of light and darkness

1f) of land of Ephraim

2) place

3) receptacle

4) home, house as containing a family

5) household, family

5a) those belonging to the same household

5b) family of descendants, descendants as organized body

6) household affairs

7) inwards (metaph.)

8) (TWOT) temple

adv

9) on the inside

prep

10) within

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(ashbea).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

Combined with ash.be.a (אַשְׁבֵּעַ "Ashbea" H0791)

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth (Haggan).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

Combined with hag (גַּן "Haggan" H1588)

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(togarmah).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

Read the full entry →
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…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
these [were] [the] heads of [the] household of ancestors their [the] sons of Reuben [the] firstborn of Israel [were] Hanoch and Pallu Hezron and Carmi these [were] [the] clans of Reuben
אֲבֹתָ֑ם'a.vo.Tam ancestors their H1 Noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
1,213× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Amplified meaning
ancestors', forefathers'
Tyndale gloss
father
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָב (av) means 'father' and encompasses various roles such as the literal father of an individual, God as the father of His people, and the head of a household or clan. It can also refer to an ancestor, originator of a profession, or a figure of respect and protection. Notably, it can imply a ruler or chief in later contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָב 1101 n.m. father

father of individual

of God as father of his people

head of household, family or clan

ancestor

originator or patron of a class, profession, or art

fig. of producer, generator

fig. of benevolence & protection

term of respect & honor

specif., ruler, chief (late)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1 אָב father . father of individual

. of God as father of his people

. head of household, family or clan

. ancestor

. originator or patron of a class, profession, or art

. fig. of producer, generator

. fig. of benevolence & protection

. term of respect & honor

. specif., ruler, chief (late)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1 'ab awb

a primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or

figurative and remote application):--chief,

(fore-)father(-less), X patrimony, principal. Compare names

in "Abi-".

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָב (av) — father.

1) father of an individual

2) of God as father of his people

3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan

4) ancestor

4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person

4b) of people

5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art

6) of producer, generator (fig.)

7) of benevolence and protection (fig.)

8) term of respect and honour

9) ruler or chief (spec.)

Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

אָב (av) — (Huram)-abi.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.7.13; also called Huram-abi (KJV: "Huram my father's") at 2Ch.2.13; 4.16;

Combined with chi.ram (חִירָם "Hiram" H2438H)

אָב (av) — father of.

The father of Gibeon, also known as Abiel - a man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.9.1;

son of: Zeror (H6872C); married to Maacah (H4601N);

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp | Suff — Noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
HNcfpc/Sp3mp
these [were] [the] heads of [the] household of ancestors their [the] sons of Reuben [the] firstborn of Israel [were] Hanoch and Pallu Hezron and Carmi these [were] [the] clans of Reuben
בְּנֵ֨יbe.Nei [the] sons of H1121 Noun common · masculine plural construct
4,943× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Amplified meaning
descendants, male offspring
Tyndale gloss
son: child
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural construct
HNcmpc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

See SON, SONS.

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…

these [were] [the] heads of [the] household of ancestors their [the] sons of Reuben [the] firstborn of Israel [were] Hanoch and Pallu Hezron and Carmi these [were] [the] clans of Reuben
רְאוּבֵ֜ןre.'u.Ven Reuben H7205 Noun proper masculine
72× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and the ancestor of the tribe of Reuben. He is mentioned in Genesis as the brother of Simeon, Levi, and Judah, and the father of Hanoch and Pallu.
Amplified meaning
the firstborn son of Jacob
Tyndale gloss
Reuben
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רְאוּבֵן (Reuben) refers to the eldest son of Jacob and Leah, meaning 'behold a son.' He is the ancestor of the tribe of Reuben, which is mentioned in the context of the Old Testament. The name is derived from the imperative of the verb for 'see' and the word for 'son.' Reuben is first mentioned in Genesis 29:32.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רְאוּבֵן 71 n.pr.m. Reuben

eldest son of Jacob and Leah

as name of clan or tribe

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7205 רְאוּבֵן Reuben

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7205 R'uwben reh-oo-bane'

from the imperative of 7200 and 1121; see ye a son; Reuben, a

son of Jacob:--Reuben.

see HEBREW for 07200

see HEBREW for 01121

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רְאוּבֵן (re.u.ven) — Reuben.

A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.32;

son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812);

brother of: Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783);

half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144);

father of: Hanoch (H2585J), Pallu (H6396), Hezron (H2696) and Carmi (H3756)

§ Reuben = "behold a son"

1) the eldest son of Jacob by Leah

2) the tribe descended from Reuben

3) the territory inhabited by the tribe of Reuben

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

roo'-ben, ru'-ben (re'ubhen; Rhouben): The eldest son of Jacob, born to him by Leah in Paddan-aram (Ge 29:32).

1. Jacob's Oldest Son:

This verse seems to suggest two derivations of the name. As it stands in Massoretic Text it means "behold a son"; but the reason given for so calling him is "The Lord hath looked upon my affliction," which in Hebrew is ra'ah be`onyi, literally, "He hath seen my affliction." Of his boyhood we have only the story of the mandrakes (Ge 30:14). As the firstborn he should really have been leader among his father's sons. His birthright was forfeited by a deed of peculiar infamy (Ge 35:22), and as far as we know his tribe never took the lead in Israel. It is named first, indeed, in

Reuben

Behold a son!, the eldest son of Jacob and Leah (Gen. 29:32). His sinful conduct, referred to in Gen. 35:22, brought down upon him his dying father’s malediction (48:4). He showed kindness to Joseph, and was the means of saving his life when his other brothers would have put him to death (37:21,22). It was he also who pledged his life and the life of his sons when Jacob was unwilling to let Benjamin go down into Egypt. After Jacob and his family went down into Egypt (46:8) no further mention is made of Reuben beyond what is recorded in ch. 49:3,4.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(behold a son), Jacob’s firstborn Child, (Genesis 29:32) the son of Leah. (B.C. 1753.) The notices of the patriarch Reuben give, on the whole a favorable view of his disposition. To him and him alone the preservation of Joseph’s life appears to have been due and afterward he becomes responsible for his safety. (Genesis 37:18-30; 42:37) Of the repulsive crime which mars his history, and which turned the blessing of his dying father into a curse --his adulterous connection with Bilhah-- we know from the Scriptures only the fact. (Genesis 35:22) He was of an ardent, impetuous, unbalanced but not ungenerous nature; not crafty and cruel, as were Simeon and Levi, but rather, to use the metaphor of the dying patriarch, boiling up…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Behold, a son! The eldest son of Jacob and Leah, so-called in reference to the sentiment of his mother, "The Lord hath looked on my affliction," Ge 29:32. Reuben, having defiled his father’s concubine Bilhah, lost his birthright and all the privileges of primogeniture, the preeminence in the family being given to Judah, and the double portion to the two sons of Joseph, Ge 35:22 48:5 49:3,4,8,10 1Ch 5:1,2. He shared in his brother’s jealousy of Joseph, and yet interposed to save his life at Dothan with the design of restoring him privately to his father, Ge 37:18-30. See also his well-meant proposal in Ge 42:27. His…

these [were] [the] heads of [the] household of ancestors their [the] sons of Reuben [the] firstborn of Israel [were] Hanoch and Pallu Hezron and Carmi these [were] [the] clans of Reuben
בְּכֹ֣רbe.Khor [the] firstborn of H1060 Noun common · masculine singular construct
122× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Amplified meaning
the first in birth order, holding a special status
Tyndale gloss
firstborn
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בְּכוֹר 122 n.m. first-born

men and women

animals

figurative

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1060 בְּכוֹר first-born

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1060 bkowr bek-ore'

from 1069; firstborn; hence, chief:--eldest (son),

firstborn(-ling).

see HEBREW for 01069

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בְּכוֹר (be.khor) — firstborn.

1) firstborn, firstling

1a) of men and women

1b) of animals

1c) noun of relation (fig.)

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…

these [were] [the] heads of [the] household of ancestors their [the] sons of Reuben [the] firstborn of Israel [were] Hanoch and Pallu Hezron and Carmi these [were] [the] clans of Reuben
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לYis.ra.'El Israel H3478 Noun proper
2,508× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Amplified meaning
the symbolic name of Jacob, referring to his descendants
Tyndale gloss
Israel
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el) refers to both the second name of Jacob, meaning 'God prevails,' and the name of the Hebrew nation descended from him. It is derived from roots meaning 'to rule' and 'God.' The term encompasses Jacob's descendants and is used historically for the northern kingdom of Israel and the nation as a whole after the Babylonian exile.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יִשְׂרָאֵל 2507 n.pr.m. et gent. Israel (Ēl persisteth, persevereth)

n.pr.m. second name of Jacob

n.pr.gent. name of Hebrew nation

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3478 יִשְׂרָאֵל Israel (Ēl persisteth, persevereth) . n. pr. m. second name of Jacob

. n. pr. gent. name of Hebrew nation

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3478 Yisra'el yis-raw-ale'

from 8280 and 410; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical

name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity:

--Israel.

see HEBREW for 08280

see HEBREW for 0410

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יִשְׂרָאֵל (yis.ra.el) — Israel.

A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26;

son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259);

brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A);

father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently

§ Israel = "God prevails"

1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel

2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob

2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpl
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

iz'-ra-el.

See JACOB.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Israel

The name conferred on Jacob after the great prayer-struggle at Peniel (Gen. 32:28), because “as a prince he had power with God and prevailed.” (See JACOB.) This is the common name given to Jacob’s descendants. The whole people of the twelve tribes are called “Israelites,” the “children of Israel” (Josh. 3:17; 7:25; Judg. 8:27; Jer. 3:21), and the “house of Israel” (Ex. 16:31; 40:38).

This name Israel is sometimes used emphatically for the true Israel (Ps. 73:1: Isa. 45:17; 49:3;

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(the prince that prevails with God). The name given, (Genesis 32:28) to Jacob after his wrestling with the angel, (Hosea 12:4) at Peniel. Gesenius interprets Israel "soldier of God." It became the national name of the twelve tribes collectively. They are so called in (Exodus 3:16) and afterward. It is used in a narrower sense, excluding Judah, in (1 Samuel 11:8; 2 Samuel 20:1; 1 Kings 12:16) Thenceforth it was assumed and accepted as the name of the northern kingdom. After the Babylonian captivity, the returned exiles resumed the name Israel as the designation of…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Who prevails with God, a name given to Jacob, after having wrestled with the Angel-Jehovah at Penuel. Ge 32:1,2,28,30 Ho 12:3. See JACOB. By the name Israel is sometimes understood all the posterity of Israel, the seed of Jacob, 1Co 10:18; sometimes all true believers, his spiritual seed, Ro 9:6; and sometimes the kingdom of Israel, or the ten tribes, as distinct from the kingdom of Judah.

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
these [were] [the] heads of [the] household of ancestors their [the] sons of Reuben [the] firstborn of Israel [were] Hanoch and Pallu Hezron and Carmi these [were] [the] clans of Reuben
חֲנ֤וֹךְcha.Nokh [were] Hanoch H2585 Noun proper masculine
16× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Hanoch means dedicated and refers to several men in the Bible, including a son of Reuben and a son of Jared who was taken to heaven without dying, as seen in Genesis 5:24.
Amplified meaning
dedicated, a son of Reuben
Tyndale gloss
Hanoch
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֲנוֹךְ (Chanowk) refers to several figures in the Old Testament, including the son of Cain, the pious Enoch who walked with God, a son of Midian, and a son of Reuben. The name means 'dedicated.' The entries highlight different genealogical connections and significant events, such as Enoch's unique relationship with God.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֲנוֹךְ n.pr.m.

son of Cain

son of Jered (line of Seth), the pious Enoch, who walked with God and was taken by him

a son of Midian

a son of Reuben

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2585 חֲנוֹךְ . son of Cain

. son of Jered (line of Seth), the pious Enoch, who walked with God and was taken by him

. a son of Midian

. a son of Reuben

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2585 Chanowk khan-oke'

from 2596; initiated; Chanok, an antediluvian

patriach:--Enoch.

see HEBREW for 02596

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֲנוֹךְ (cha.nokh) — Enoch.

A man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.4.17;

son of: Cain (H7014B);

father of: Irad (H5897)

§ Enoch = "dedicated"

1) eldest son of Cain

2) son of Jared and father of Methuselah whom God took home to heaven without dying

3) the city which Cain built and named after his son Enoch (after himself)

Hanoch = "dedicated"

4) a son of Midian, the third child

5) the eldest son of Reuben

חֲנוֹךְ (cha.nokh) — Enoch.

A man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.5.18;

son of: Jared (H3382);

father of: Methuselah (H4968)

Also named: Enōch (Ἐνώχ "Enoch" G1802)

§ Enoch = "dedicated"

1) eldest son of Cain

2) son of Jared and father of Methuselah whom God took home to heaven without dying

3) the city which Cain built and named after his son Enoch (after himself)

Hanoch = "dedicated"

4) a son of Midian, the third child

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Smith's Bible Dictionary

(dedicated). The third in order of the children of Midian. (Genesis 25:4) Eldest son of Reuben, (Genesis 46:9; Exodus 6:14; Numbers 26:5; 1 Chronicles 5:3) and founder of the family of the Hanochites. (Numbers 26:5)

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

dedicated

Nave's Topical Bible

1. Son of Midian Ge 25:4

Called HENOCH 1Ch 1:33

2. The oldest son of Reuben Ge 46:9; Ex 6:14; Nu 26:5; 1Ch 5:3

these [were] [the] heads of [the] household of ancestors their [the] sons of Reuben [the] firstborn of Israel [were] Hanoch and Pallu Hezron and Carmi these [were] [the] clans of Reuben
וּפַלּוּא֙u.fa.Lu' and Pallu H6396 Conjunction · noun proper masculine
5× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Pallu was an Israelite and the son of Reuben, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He is mentioned in the book of Genesis and was the father of Eliab, who was a leader in the Israelite community. Pallu's name means distinguished or special.
Amplified meaning
a son of Reuben
Tyndale gloss
Pallu
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פַּלּוּא (Palluw') refers to a distinguished individual, specifically the second son of Reuben and father of Eliab. He is mentioned in the context of the tribe of Reuben, with references to his brothers and descendants. The name appears in Genesis 46:9 and is associated with the term for his family, the Palluites.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פַּלּוּא n.pr.m. son of Reuben

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6396 פַּלּוּא son of Reuben

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6396 Palluw' pal-loo'

from 6395; distinguished; Pallu, an Israelite:--Pallu,

Phallu.

see HEBREW for 06395

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פַּלּוּא (pal.lu) — Pallu.

A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.9;

son of: Reuben (H7205);

brother of: Hanoch (H2585J), Hezron (H2696) and Carmi (H3756);

father of: Eliab (H0446H)

Also named: pal.lu.i (פַּלֻּאִי "Palluite" H6384)

§ Pallu or Phallu = "distinguished"

the 2nd son of Reuben, father of Eliab, and progenitor of a family of Israel

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculine
HC/Npm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Pallu

Separated, the second son of Reuben (1 Chr. 5:3); called Phallu, Gen. 46:9. He was the father of the Phalluites (Ex. 6:14; Num. 26:5, 8).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(distinguished), the second son of Reuben, father of Eliab, (Isaiah 6:14; Numbers 26:5,8; 1 Chronicles 5:3) and founder of the family of Palluites.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

marvelous; hidden

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Also called PHALLU

→ Son of Reuben Ge 46:9; Ex 6:14; Nu 26:5,8; 1Ch 5:3

these [were] [the] heads of [the] household of ancestors their [the] sons of Reuben [the] firstborn of Israel [were] Hanoch and Pallu Hezron and Carmi these [were] [the] clans of Reuben
חֶצְר֣וֹןchetz.Ron Hezron H2696 Noun proper masculine
18× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Hezron refers to a place in southern Judah and two Israelites. The name means surrounded by a wall, similar to Hazor.
Amplified meaning
surrounded by a wall, a son of Reuben
Tyndale gloss
Hezron
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֶצְרוֹן (Chetsrown) refers to both a geographical location in the extreme south of Judah and two individuals: Hezron, a son of Reuben and a son of Perez, grandson of Judah. The name is interpreted as meaning 'surrounded by a wall.' There is some overlap in the references to Hezron as a location and a person, indicating its significance in both contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֶצְרוֹן, חֶצְרֹן n.pr.loc. et pers.

n. pr. loc.

place in extreme south of Judah

another town of Judah in south

n. pr. m.

son of Reuben

son of Pereṣ and grandson of Judah

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2696 חֶצְרוֹן, חֶצְרֹן . n. pr. loc. . place in extreme south of Judah

. another town of Judah in south

. n. pr. m. . son of Reuben

. son of Pereṣ and grandson of Judah

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2696 Chetsrown khets-rone'

from 2691; court-yard; Chetsron, the name of a place in

Palestine; also of two Israelites:--Hezron.

see HEBREW for 02691

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֶצְרוֹן (chets.ron) — Hezron.

A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.9;

son of: Reuben (H7205);

brother of: Hanoch (H2585J), Pallu (H6396) and Carmi (H3756)

§ Hezron = "surrounded by a wall"

1) a son of Reuben

2) a son of Pharez and grandson of Judah

3) a place in the extreme south of Judah

חֶצְרוֹן (chets.ron) — Hezron.

A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.12;

son of: Perez (H6557);

brother of: Hamul (H2538); married to daughter_of_Machir (H4353I) and Abiah (H0029J);

father of: Ram (H7410), Jerahmeel (H3396), Caleb (H3612H), Segub (H7687H) and Ashhur (H0806)

§ Hezron = "surrounded by a wall"

1) a son of Reuben

2) a son of Pharez and grandson of Judah

3) a place in the extreme south of Judah

חֶצְרוֹן (chets.ron) — (Kerioth)-hezron.

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Hezron

Enclosed. (1.) One of the sons of Reuben (Gen. 46:9; Ex. 6:14). (2.) The older of the two sons of Pharez (Gen. 46:12). (3.) A plain in the south of Judah, west of Kadesh-barnea (Josh. 15:3).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(surrounded by a wall). A son of Reuben. (Genesis 46:9; Exodus 6:14) A son of Pharez. (Genesis 46:12; Ruth 4:18)

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

the dart of joy; the division of the song

Nave's Topical Bible

1. Son of Pharez Ge 46:12

Ancestor of the Hezronites Nu 26:6,21; 1Ch 2:5,9,18,21,24

2. A son of Reuben Ge 46:9; Ex 6:14; 1Ch 4:1; 5:3

Descendants of, called Hezronites Nu 26:6

these [were] [the] heads of [the] household of ancestors their [the] sons of Reuben [the] firstborn of Israel [were] Hanoch and Pallu Hezron and Carmi these [were] [the] clans of Reuben
וְכַרְמִ֔יve.khar.Mi and Carmi H3756 Conjunction · noun proper masculine
8× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Karmi was an Israelite, a descendant of Judah, and the father of several children, including Hur and Jesher, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2. He had multiple wives, including Azubah and Ephrathah.
Amplified meaning
a son of Reuben, an Israelite
Tyndale gloss
Carmi
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כַּרְמִי (kar-mi) refers to a name associated with multiple figures in the Old Testament. It is derived from a root meaning 'gardener' and is interpreted as 'my vineyard.' The entries identify Carmi as the fourth son of Reuben and also a Judaite, father of Achan, who troubled Israel during Joshua's time. Notably, there are three distinct individuals named Carmi, each with different familial connections.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כַּרְמִי n.pr.m.

son of Reuben

a Judaite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3756 כַּרְמִי . son of Reuben

. a Judaite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3756 Karmiy kar-mee'

from 3754; gardener; Karmi, the name of three

Israelites:--Carmi.

see HEBREW for 03754

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כַּרְמִי (kar.mi) — Carmi.

A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.9;

son of: Reuben (H7205);

brother of: Pallu (H6396), Hezron (H2696) and Hanoch (H2585J)

Also named: kar.mi (כַּרְמִי "Carmite" H3757)

§ Carmi = "my vineyard"

1) the 4th son of Reuben and progenitor of the Carmites

2) a Judaite, father of Achan, the 'troubler of Israel' in the time of Joshua

כַּרְמִי (kar.mi) — Carmi.

A man of the tribe of Judah living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.7.1;

son of: Zabdi (H2067);

father of: Achan (H5912)

§ Carmi = "my vineyard"

1) the 4th son of Reuben and progenitor of the Carmites

2) a Judaite, father of Achan, the 'troubler of Israel' in the time of Joshua

כַּרְמִי (kar.mi) — Carmi.

A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at 1Ch.2.9;

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculine
HC/Npm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

(1) A son of Reuben who came to Egypt with Jacob (Ge 46:9; Ex 6:14; 1Ch 5:3). Also the name of a family of which Carmi was the head (Nu 26:6).

(2) A Judahite (1Ch 2:7), son of Zabdi, according to Jos 7:1, and father of Achan, who is given the name of "Achar" in 1Ch 2:7. This last form "Achar" is preferred to the usual "Achan" in order to bring out the play on the Hebrew word for "troubler." The Hebrew runs `akhar `okher yisra'el, "Achar, the troubler of Israel." As regards the phrase "the sons of Carmi" (

Carmi

Vine-dresser. (1.) The last named of the four sons of Reuben (Gen. 46:9).

(2.) A descendant of Judah (1 Chr. 4:1). He is elsewhere (2:18) called Caleb (q.v.).

(3.) The son of Zimri, and the father of Achan (Josh. 7:1), “the troubler of Israel.”

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(vine dresser). The fourth son of Reuben, the progenitor of the family of the Carmites. (Genesis 46:9; Exodus 6:14; Numbers 26:6; 1 Chronicles 5:3) A man of the tribe of Judah, father of Achan, the "troubler of Israel." (Joshua 7:1,18; 1 Chronicles 2:7; 4:1)

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

my vineyard; lamb of the waters

these [were] [the] heads of [the] household of ancestors their [the] sons of Reuben [the] firstborn of Israel [were] Hanoch and Pallu Hezron and Carmi these [were] [the] clans of Reuben
אֵ֖לֶּה'E.leh these H428 Particle
746× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Amplified meaning
the aforementioned individuals
Tyndale gloss
these
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵ֫לֶּה (el-leh) means 'these' and is used in various grammatical contexts, often in apposition to a noun with a pronoun suffix. It can appear with or without the definite article and is sometimes paired with other terms like וְאֵלֶּה (and these). The word conveys a sense of proximity or specification, referring to particular items or people.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵ֫לֶּה pr.pl.m. & f. these

in appos. to a subst. with a pron. suff. (always without the article)

repeated, אלה … ואלה, these … those

with the art. (but only after a subst. determined likewise by the art.)

with preps.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H428 אֵ֫לֶּה these . in appos. to a subst. with a pron. suff. (always without the article)

. repeated, אלה … ואלה, these … those

. with the art. (but only after a subst. determined likewise by the art.)

. with preps.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

428 'el-leh ale'-leh

prolonged from 411; these or those:--an- (the) other; one

sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those,

thus, which, who(-m).

see HEBREW for 0411

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵ֫לֶּה (el.leh) — these.

1) these

1a) used before antecedent

1b) used following antecedent

Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Pron — Particle
HTm
these [were] [the] heads of [the] household of ancestors their [the] sons of Reuben [the] firstborn of Israel [were] Hanoch and Pallu Hezron and Carmi these [were] [the] clans of Reuben
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥תmish.pe.Chot [were] [the] clans of H4940 Noun common · feminine plural construct
303× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Amplified meaning
families, tribes
Tyndale gloss
family
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִשְׁפָּחָה (mishpachah) refers to a clan or family, encompassing a circle of relatives and extending to tribes or peoples. It can also denote a class of persons, species of animals, or kinds of things. The entries highlight its various uses, including guilds and aristocrats, but do not present any significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִשְׁפָּחָה 303 n.f. clan

clan

= guild

= species, kind

pl. = aristocrats

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4940 מִשְׁפָּחָה clan . clan

. = guild

. = species, kind

. pl. = aristocrats

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4940 mishpachah mish-paw-khaw'

from 8192 (compare 8198); a family, i.e. circle of relatives;

figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or

sort (of things); by extens. a tribe or people:--family,

kind(-red).

see HEBREW for 08192

see HEBREW for 08198

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִשְׁפָּחָה (mish.pa.chah) — family.

1) clan, family

1a) clan

1a1) family

1a2) tribe

1a3) people, nation

1b) guild

1c) species, kind

1d) aristocrats

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fp — Noun common · feminine plural construct
HNcfpc
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…

these [were] [the] heads of [the] household of ancestors their [the] sons of Reuben [the] firstborn of Israel [were] Hanoch and Pallu Hezron and Carmi these [were] [the] clans of Reuben
רְאוּבֵֽן׃re.'u.Ven Reuben H7205 Noun proper masculine
72× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and the ancestor of the tribe of Reuben. He is mentioned in Genesis as the brother of Simeon, Levi, and Judah, and the father of Hanoch and Pallu.
Amplified meaning
the tribe descended from Reuben
Tyndale gloss
Reuben
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רְאוּבֵן (Reuben) refers to the eldest son of Jacob and Leah, meaning 'behold a son.' He is the ancestor of the tribe of Reuben, which is mentioned in the context of the Old Testament. The name is derived from the imperative of the verb for 'see' and the word for 'son.' Reuben is first mentioned in Genesis 29:32.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רְאוּבֵן 71 n.pr.m. Reuben

eldest son of Jacob and Leah

as name of clan or tribe

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7205 רְאוּבֵן Reuben

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7205 R'uwben reh-oo-bane'

from the imperative of 7200 and 1121; see ye a son; Reuben, a

son of Jacob:--Reuben.

see HEBREW for 07200

see HEBREW for 01121

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רְאוּבֵן (re.u.ven) — Reuben.

A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.32;

son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812);

brother of: Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783);

half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144);

father of: Hanoch (H2585J), Pallu (H6396), Hezron (H2696) and Carmi (H3756)

§ Reuben = "behold a son"

1) the eldest son of Jacob by Leah

2) the tribe descended from Reuben

3) the territory inhabited by the tribe of Reuben

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

roo'-ben, ru'-ben (re'ubhen; Rhouben): The eldest son of Jacob, born to him by Leah in Paddan-aram (Ge 29:32).

1. Jacob's Oldest Son:

This verse seems to suggest two derivations of the name. As it stands in Massoretic Text it means "behold a son"; but the reason given for so calling him is "The Lord hath looked upon my affliction," which in Hebrew is ra'ah be`onyi, literally, "He hath seen my affliction." Of his boyhood we have only the story of the mandrakes (Ge 30:14). As the firstborn he should really have been leader among his father's sons. His birthright was forfeited by a deed of peculiar infamy (Ge 35:22), and as far as we know his tribe never took the lead in Israel. It is named first, indeed, in

Reuben

Behold a son!, the eldest son of Jacob and Leah (Gen. 29:32). His sinful conduct, referred to in Gen. 35:22, brought down upon him his dying father’s malediction (48:4). He showed kindness to Joseph, and was the means of saving his life when his other brothers would have put him to death (37:21,22). It was he also who pledged his life and the life of his sons when Jacob was unwilling to let Benjamin go down into Egypt. After Jacob and his family went down into Egypt (46:8) no further mention is made of Reuben beyond what is recorded in ch. 49:3,4.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(behold a son), Jacob’s firstborn Child, (Genesis 29:32) the son of Leah. (B.C. 1753.) The notices of the patriarch Reuben give, on the whole a favorable view of his disposition. To him and him alone the preservation of Joseph’s life appears to have been due and afterward he becomes responsible for his safety. (Genesis 37:18-30; 42:37) Of the repulsive crime which mars his history, and which turned the blessing of his dying father into a curse --his adulterous connection with Bilhah-- we know from the Scriptures only the fact. (Genesis 35:22) He was of an ardent, impetuous, unbalanced but not ungenerous nature; not crafty and cruel, as were Simeon and Levi, but rather, to use the metaphor of the dying patriarch, boiling up…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Behold, a son! The eldest son of Jacob and Leah, so-called in reference to the sentiment of his mother, "The Lord hath looked on my affliction," Ge 29:32. Reuben, having defiled his father’s concubine Bilhah, lost his birthright and all the privileges of primogeniture, the preeminence in the family being given to Judah, and the double portion to the two sons of Joseph, Ge 35:22 48:5 49:3,4,8,10 1Ch 5:1,2. He shared in his brother’s jealousy of Joseph, and yet interposed to save his life at Dothan with the design of restoring him privately to his father, Ge 37:18-30. See also his well-meant proposal in Ge 42:27. His…

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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