Menu

Ezekiel 16:34 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוַיְהִי־ בָ֨ךְ הֵ֤פֶךְ מִן־ הַנָּשִׁים֙ בְּתַזְנוּתַ֔יִךְ וְאַחֲרַ֖יִךְ לֹ֣א זוּנָּ֑ה וּבְתִתֵּ֣ךְ אֶתְנָ֗ן וְאֶתְנַ֛ן לֹ֥א נִתַּן־ לָ֖ךְ וַתְּהִ֥י לְהֶֽפֶךְ׃

BSAprostitutiontaznûwth [fornication, idolatrous unfaithfulness] ishâyâh the oppositehephek [contrariness, a reversal] of thatmin of other womenʼishshâh [females, wives] No onelôʼ solicitedʼachar [followed after, pursued] your favorszânâh [sexual attentions, affection] and you paidnâthan [gave, offered] a feeʼethnan [wages, reward] instead oflôʼ receivingnâthan [getting, taking] oneʼethnan arehâyâh the very oppositehephek [a complete reversal, utterly different]

Word
Listen & take awayEzekiel 16
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 34 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 (le.He.fekh) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Ezekiel 16:34quick helps
In a sentenceEzekiel describes Israel's unfaithfulness, highlighting how it is contrary to the behavior of other nations.
Who is speakingThe prophet Ezekiel, conveying God's message.
Where we areThe context of Israel's infidelity, comparing it to other nations' actions.
The hard wordהֶפֶךְ
Take awayIsrael's actions are a complete reversal of expected behavior.
6 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectהֶפֶךְ verbהָיָה 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 — Ezekiel 16:34

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 Allegory of Israel's Infidelitygenerated

33Men give gifts to all their prostitutes, but you gave gifts to all your lovers. You bribed them to come to you from everywhere for your illicit favors.
34So your prostitution is the opposite of that of other women: No one solicited your favors, and you paid a fee instead of receiving one; so you are the very opposite!
35Therefore, O prostitute, hear the word of the LORD!
36This is what the Lord GOD says: Because you poured out your wealth and exposed your nakedness in your promiscuity with your lovers and with all your detestable idols, and because of the blood of your children which you gave to them,

Ezekiel 16:34 presents a stark portrayal of Israel's unfaithfulness, contrasting it with the actions of other nations. While other nations receive gifts for their favors, Israel pays for its own unfaithful actions. This highlights a profound reversal of expected behavior, illustrating the depth of Israel's infidelity and spiritual corruption.


Cross References


The Key Word הֶפֶךְ, He.fekhgenerated

The noun הֶפֶךְ (hephek) signifies contrariness or reversal, indicating a complete opposition to what is typically expected. It appears in contexts where behaviors or situations are contrary to norms, as seen in this verse.

In this passage, הֶפֶךְ emphasizes the shocking nature of Israel's actions, which are not only unfaithful but also a complete reversal of the norm, where typically, favors are solicited rather than paid for.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the opposite to convey the meaning of הֶפֶךְ.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb הָיָה (hayah) governs the structure of the verse, with multiple phrases detailing Israel's actions and their implications. The sentence is complex, with several clauses that elaborate on the main idea of reversal.

The order of phrases emphasizes the contrast between Israel and other nations, with the subject of Israel's actions placed prominently, highlighting the shocking nature of their behavior.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates הֶפֶךְ as διεστραμμένον, which carries a sense of being twisted or distorted. This choice suggests an interpretation that emphasizes the moral and spiritual corruption of Israel's actions.

This rendering in the Septuagint indicates a broader understanding of the implications of Israel's unfaithfulness, suggesting not just a reversal but a perversion of expected conduct.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Ezekiel 16:34 illustrates how Israel's unfaithfulness is the opposite of what is expected. Other nations receive gifts for their favors, while Israel pays for its own unfaithful actions, highlighting a shocking reversal of behavior.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does Ezekiel mean by 'the opposite of other women'?

Ezekiel is emphasizing that Israel's actions are contrary to what is typical; while other nations receive gifts, Israel pays for its unfaithfulness.

Why is the term 'contrariness' significant in this context?

The term underscores the depth of Israel's infidelity, showing that their behavior is not just wrong, but a complete reversal of expected norms.

How does this verse reflect on Israel's relationship with God?

This verse highlights Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness, indicating a profound disconnect from the covenant relationship they had with God.

What can we learn from Israel's actions in this verse?

We can learn about the seriousness of unfaithfulness and the importance of maintaining a right relationship with God, avoiding actions that contradict His expectations.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways might I be acting contrary to God's expectations in my own life?
  2. How can I ensure that my actions align with my commitments and beliefs?
  3. What are some examples of spiritual unfaithfulness that I should be aware of?
  4. How can I encourage others to remain faithful in their commitments to God?

Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Ezekiel 16:34 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And the contrary is in thee from [other] women in thy whoredoms,.... Of which an instance is given before, and another is added, with the repetition of the former: whereas none followeth thee to

Read John Gill on Ezekiel 16 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

They give gifts to all whores: but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and hirest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom.

Read Robert Jamieson on Ezekiel 16 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

That which subverts the order of nature, is contrary to the innate modesty of thy sex. Thou followest them, treatest, importunest, promisest, payest, and caressest them. Thus, as a shameless adulteress, Israel had carried it toward her God, who espoused, enriched, beautified, and delighted in her; but she hired the nations round about her to enter covenant with her; entertained and maintained all their idolatrous worship, gave the nuptial gifts to hateful idols.

Read Matthew Poole on Ezekiel 16 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Ezekiel 16:34 And the contrary is in thee from [other] women in thy whoredoms, whereas none followeth thee to commit whoredoms: and in that thou givest a reward, and no reward is given unto thee, therefore thou art contrary.Ver. 34. And the contrary is in thee, &c.] The Jews, before the Babylonish captivity, were madly and above measure set upon the sin of idolatry, say their own Rabbis; so that if one clothed never so richly had seen an idol on the further side of a broad pool, he would have gone through thick and thin, etiam in cloacalem foetulentam, end even in foul smelling sewers to have worshipped it. Oecolamp.

Read John Trapp on Ezekiel 16 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

34. from other women] Point thus: “from other women: in that thou committest whoredom, and none goeth a whoring after thee; and in that thou givest hire, and no hire is given unto thee; therefore thou art contrary.” Hosea 8:9, Ephraim hireth lovers; Jeremiah 2:23-25; Jeremiah 3:1-2.

Read Cambridge on Ezekiel 16 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

34. Whereas — Literally, seeing that. A reward — Literally, hire.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ezekiel 16 →

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

So your prostitution is the opposite of that of other women: No one solicited your favors, and you paid a fee instead of receiving one; so you are the very opposite!

WEBWorld English Bible2000

You are different from other women in your prostitution, in that no one follows you to play the prostitute; and whereas you give hire, and no hire is given to you, therefore you are different.”’

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

So your prostitution is the opposite of that of other women: No one solicited your favors, and you paid a fee instead of receiving one; so you are the very opposite!

NETBNew English Translation2006

You were different from other prostitutes because no one solicited you. When you gave payment and no payment was given to you, you became the opposite!

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And the contrary is in thee from other women in thy whoredoms, whereas none followeth thee to commit whoredoms: and in that thou givest a reward, and no reward is given unto thee, therefore thou art contrary.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And thou art different from other women in thy whoredoms, in that none followeth thee to play the harlot; and whereas thou givest hire, and no hire is given unto thee, therefore thou art different.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And the contrary is in thee from other women in thy whoredoms, in that none followeth thee to commit whoredom: and whereas thou givest hire, and no hire is given unto thee, therefore thou art contrary.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And the contrary is in thee from other women in thy unlawful commerce, whereas none followeth thee to commit lewdness: and in that thou givest a reward, and no reward is given to thee, therefore thou art contrary.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And the contrary is in thee from other women in thy fornications, neither the like fornication shall be after thee: for in that thou giuest a rewarde, and no reward is giuen vnto thee, therefore thou art contrary.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And in thee is the contrary from [other] women, in thy whoredoms, in that none followeth thee to commit fornication; and whereas thou givest a reward, and no reward is given unto thee, so art thou contrary.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And the contrary is in thee from women in thy whoredoms, That after thee none doth go a-whoring; And in thy giving a gift, And a gift hath not been given to thee; And thou art become contrary.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And you are opposite from [other] women in your whoredoms, || That none go whoring after you; And in your giving a wage, || And a wage has not been given to you; Therefore you are the opposite.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And the reverse was the case with thee from [other] women in thy acts of lewdness, that men did not follow thee to seek thy lewd caresses; and because thou gavest the wages, and no wages were given thee: so was it the reverse with thee.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

So there is a difference between you and those other women, since no one goes to you to ask you to sleep with them. Instead, you pay them. No one pays you.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And it hath happened in thee contrary to the custom of women in thy fornications, and after thee there shall be no such fornication: for in that thou gavest rewards, and didst not take rewards, the contrary hath been done in thee.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

So you're the opposite of other prostitutes. No one comes to you asking for sex, and you pay the prostitute's fee instead of receiving it. You're the exact opposite!

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And in your loose behaviour you are different from other women, for no one goes after you to make love to you: and because you give payment and no payment is given to you, in this you are different from them.

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.

וַandclauseverbיְהִיit.wasprepositional phrase · prepositionalבָ֨inךְyousubjectהֵ֤פֶךְcontrarinessprepositional phrase · prepositionalמִןfromnoun phraseהַtheנָּשִׁים֙womenprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּinnoun phraseתַזְנוּתַ֔יִprostitution(s)ךְyourוְandclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalאַחֲרַ֖יִafterךְyouadverbialלֹ֣אnotverbזוּנָּ֑הit.was.approached.for.prostitutionוּandclauseclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְbecauseclauseclauseverbתִתֵּ֣gavesubjectךְyouobjectאֶתְנָ֗ן[the].hireוְand.[the]clausesubjectאֶתְנַ֛ןhireadverbialלֹ֥אnotverbנִתַּןit.was.givenprepositional phrase · prepositionalלָ֖toךְyouוַandclauseverbתְּהִ֥יyou.becameprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְ(into)הֶֽפֶךְcontrariness

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording, with 16 out of 17 words matched. The Septuagint's rendering, however, reflects its own grammatical structure and interpretation, which may differ from the Hebrew.

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

וַיְהִי־ בָ֨ךְ הֵ֤פֶךְ מִן־ הַנָּשִׁים֙ בְּתַזְנוּתַ֔יִךְ וְאַחֲרַ֖יִךְ לֹ֣א זוּנָּ֑ה וּבְתִתֵּ֣ךְ אֶתְנָ֗ן וְאֶתְנַ֛ן לֹ֥א נִתַּן־ לָ֖ךְ וַתְּהִ֥י לְהֶֽפֶךְ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַיְהִי־ἐγένετοבָ֨ךְσοὶהֵ֤פֶךְδιεστραμμένονמִן־παρὰהַנָּשִׁים֙γυναῖκαςבְּתַזְנוּתַ֔יִךְσουוְאַחֲרַ֖יִךְσοῦזוּנָּ֑הπεπορνεύκασινוּבְתִתֵּ֣ךְσεאֶתְנָ֗ןμισθώματαוְאֶתְנַ֛ןκαὶלֹ֥אοὐκנִתַּן־ἐδόθηלָ֖ךְσοὶוַתְּהִ֥יἐγένετοלְהֶֽפֶךְ׃διεστραμμένα

16 of the 17 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Ezekiel 16:34הָיָהand it wasand it wasהָיָהךְin youin youךְהֶ֫פֶךְcontrarinescontrarinessהֶ֫פֶךְמִן־fromfromמִן־אִשָּׁהthe womenthe womenאִשָּׁהתַּזְנוּתin prostituin prostitutionתַּזְנוּתאַחַרand after yand after youאַחַרלֹאnotnotלֹאזָנָהit was apprit was approachזָנָהנָתַןand becauseand because gavנָתַןאֶתְנַן[the] hire [the] hire of aאֶתְנַןאֶתְנַןand [the] hand [the] hire אֶתְנַןלֹאnotnotלֹאנָתַןit was giveit was givenנָתַןךְto youto youךְהָיָהand you becand you becameהָיָההֶ֫פֶךְcontrarinescontrarinessהֶ֫פֶךְזָנָהto fornicato fornicateזָנָההָפַךְto overturto overturnהָפַךְהָוָאto fallto fallהָוָאאָחַרto delayto delayאָחַראֶתְנָהwageswagesאֶתְנָהמֵןstringstringמֵןאִישׁmanmanאִישׁאֱנוֹשׁhumanhumanאֱנוֹשׁיָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדנַחֲלָהinheritancinheritanceנַחֲלָהזֶ֫רַעseedseedזֶ֫רַערָחַקto removeto removeרָחַקיָתַרto remainto remainיָתַרטַףchildchildטַףנָכְרִיforeignforeignנָכְרִיעֶרְוָהnakednessnakednessעֶרְוָהרָדַףto pursueto pursueרָדַף
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 Ezekiel 16:34

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 it was in you contrariness from the women in prostitution your and after you not it was approached for prostitution and because gave you [the] hire of a prostitute and [the] hire of a prostitute not it was given to you and you became contrariness
וַיְהִי־vay.hi- and it was H1961 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Tyndale gloss
to be
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be

Qal

Fall out, happen

occur, take place, come about, come to pass

esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass

וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

Come into being, become

abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

sq. prep.

become

sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

sq. pred. adj.

become like

sq. pred. לְ pers.

sq. לְ pred.

oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.

with עַל and לְ

sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)

exist, be in existence

abide, remain, continue

with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie

as copula, joining subj. & pred.

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen

. occur, take place, come about, come to pass

. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

. sq. prep.

. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

. sq. pred. adj.

. become like

. sq. pred. + לְ pers.

. sq. לְ pred.

. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.

. with עַל and לְ

. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence

. abide, remain, continue

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1961 hayah haw-yaw

a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,

come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or

auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,

committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,

fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit

(one-)self, require, X use.

see HEBREW for 01933

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.

1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) ---

1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass

1a1b) to come about, come to pass

1a2) to come into being, become

1a2a) to arise, appear, come

1a2b) to become

1a2b1) to become

1a2b2) to become like

1a2b3) to be instituted, be established

1a3) to be

1a3a) to exist, be in existence

1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)

1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)

1a3d) to accompany, be with

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about

1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
and it was in you contrariness from the women in prostitution your and after you not it was approached for prostitution and because gave you [the] hire of a prostitute and [the] hire of a prostitute not it was given to you and you became contrariness
בָ֨ךְvakh in you H9032 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

ךְ (kh) — you.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 2nd person feminine singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Sp2fs — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp2fs
and it was in you contrariness from the women in prostitution your and after you not it was approached for prostitution and because gave you [the] hire of a prostitute and [the] hire of a prostitute not it was given to you and you became contrariness
הֵ֤פֶךְHe.fekh contrariness H2016 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
2× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Contrariness refers to something that is opposite or reversed, often implying a difference or perversity. It is used to describe something that is contrary to what is expected or normal.
Amplified meaning
contrariness, a reversal
Tyndale gloss
contrariness
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הֶ֫פֶךְ (hephek) refers to a concept of contrariness or reversal. It encompasses meanings such as opposite, difference, and perversity. The term appears in contexts like Ezekiel 16:34 and Isaiah 29:16, highlighting its use in describing contrary situations or behaviors.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הֶ֫פֶךְ n.m. the contrary, contrariness, perversity

the contrary, opposite thing Ez 16:34

Is 29:16 Oh, your perversity!

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2016 הֶ֫פֶךְ, הֹפֶךְ, הֵפֶךְ

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2016 hephek heh'-fek

: or hephek {hay'-fek}; from 2015; a turn, i.e. the

reverse:--contrary.

see HEBREW for 02015

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הֶ֫פֶךְ (he.phekh) — contrariness.

contrary, opposite, a difference, reversed, contrariness, perversity

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
and it was in you contrariness from the women in prostitution your and after you not it was approached for prostitution and because gave you [the] hire of a prostitute and [the] hire of a prostitute not it was given to you and you became contrariness
מִן־min- from H4480 Preposition
1,189× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Tyndale gloss
from
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word מִן־ (*min*) is a preposition meaning 'from' or 'out of,' indicating separation or origin. It covers various uses, including temporal references, comparisons, and causal relationships. Additionally, it can denote a portion when used as a noun מֵן (*men*). The entries highlight its versatility in expressing different nuances of separation and position.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִן־, and מִ, before יְ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not

with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal

from, against

מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from

of position, off, on the side of, on

Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex

Partitively

Of time—

as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since

as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after

towards, to

(וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to

In comparisons, beyond, above

מן is prefixed to an infin.:

with causal force, from, on account of, through

after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.

with a temporal force, since, after

Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that

In compounds:

base

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4480a מִן־, מִ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not . with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal . from, against

. מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from

. of position, off, on the side of, on

. Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex

. Partitively

. Of time— . as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since

. as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after

. towards, to

. (וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to

. In comparisons, beyond, above

. מן is prefixed to an infin.: . with causal force, from, on account of, through

. after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.

. with a temporal force, since, after

. Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4480 min min

or minniy {min-nee'}; or minney (constructive plural)

{min-nay'}; (Isaiah 30:11); for 4482; properly, a part of;

hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses (as

follows):--above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason

of), from (among), in, X neither, X nor, (out) of, over,

since, X then, through, X whether, with.

see HEBREW for 04482

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִן־ (min) — from.

prep

1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than

1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of

1b) out of

1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling)

1b2) (of material from which something is made)

1b3) (of source or origin)

1c) out of, some of, from (partitively)

1d) from, since, after (of time)

1e) than, more than (in comparison)

1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or

1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons)

1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive)

conj

2) that

Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

מֵן (men) — portion.

n.m.

portion

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
and it was in you contrariness from the women in prostitution your and after you not it was approached for prostitution and because gave you [the] hire of a prostitute and [the] hire of a prostitute not it was given to you and you became contrariness
הַנָּשִׁים֙ha.na.Shim the women H802 Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
781× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Amplified meaning
females, wives
Tyndale gloss
woman
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אִשָּׁה (ishshah) means 'woman,' 'wife,' or 'female.' It can refer to a woman in general, a wife in relation to a man, or the female of animals. The term also has distributive and reciprocal uses, indicating 'each woman' from her neighbor. The word is derived from the masculine forms אִישׁ (ish) and אִישָׁה (ishah), indicating a broad range of meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אִשָּׁה 773 n.f. woman, wife, female

woman

Wife (woman belonging to a man, usually cstr. or sf.)

Female of animals

With distrib. & recipr. sense, each woman from her neighbor; each one

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H802 אִשָּׁה woman, wife, female . woman

. Wife (woman belonging to a man, usually cstr. or sf.)

. Female of animals

. With distrib. & recipr. sense, each woman from her neighbor; each one

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

802 'ishshah ish-shaw'

feminine of 376 or 582; irregular plural, nashiym

{naw-sheem'}; a woman (used in the same wide sense as

582):--(adulter)ess, each, every, female, X many, + none,

one, + together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English.

see HEBREW for 0376

see HEBREW for 0582

see HEBREW for 0582

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אִשָּׁה (ish.shah) — woman.

: woman

1) woman, wife, female

1a) woman (opposite of man)

1b) wife (woman married to a man)

1c) female (of animals)

1d) each, every (pronoun)

אִשָּׁה (ish.shah) — woman: wife.

: wife/widow

1) woman, wife, female

1a) woman (opposite of man)

1b) wife (woman married to a man)

1c) female (of animals)

1d) each, every (pronoun)

אִשָּׁה (ish.shah) — woman: another.

: another

1) woman, wife, female

1a) woman (opposite of man)

1b) wife (woman married to a man)

1c) female (of animals)

1d) each, every (pronoun)

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

The position of women in the Hebrew commonwealth contrasts favorably with that which in the present day is assigned to them generally in eastern countries. The most salient point of contrast in the usages of ancient as compared with modern Oriental society was the large amount of liberty enjoyed by women. Instead of being immured in a harem, or appearing in public with the face covered. The wives and maidens of ancient times mingled freely and openly with the other sex in the duties and amenities of ordinary life. Rebekah travelled on a camel with her face unveiled until she came into the presence of her affianced. (Genesis 24:64,65) Jacob saluted Rachel with a kiss in the presence of the shepherds. (Genesis 29:11) Women played no inconsiderable part in public celebrations (

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Creation of Ge 1:27; 2:21,22

→ Named Ge 2:23

→ Fall of, and curse upon Ge 3:1-16; 2Co 11:3; 1Ti 2:14

→ Promise to Ge 3:15

→ Had separate apartments in dwellings Ge 24:67; 31:33; Es 2:9,11

→ Veiled the face Ge 24:65

→ See VAIL

→ Vows of Nu 30:3-16

Thompson Chain Reference topics

(A) MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS relating to (Select Reading Prov. 31)

Pr 31:1-31

(1) Creation and Temptation of

Ge 1:27; 2:22; 3:1,6,13; 2Co 11:3; 1Ti 2:14

(2) Rights of

Nu 27:1-8

(3) The Subjection of

Ge 3:16; 1Co 11:3; 14:34; Eph 5:22; 1Ti 2:11; 1Pe 3:1,5

(4) As Wives

and it was in you contrariness from the women in prostitution your and after you not it was approached for prostitution and because gave you [the] hire of a prostitute and [the] hire of a prostitute not it was given to you and you became contrariness
בְּתַזְנוּתַ֔יִךְbe.taz.nu.Ta.yikh in prostitution your H8457 Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
20× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Fornication, or taznuth, refers to harlotry or idolatry, often used figuratively to describe spiritual unfaithfulness. In the KJV, it is translated as fornication or whoredom, emphasizing its negative connotation.
Amplified meaning
fornication, idolatrous unfaithfulness
Tyndale gloss
fornication
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

תַּזְנוּת (taznuwth) refers to fornication or harlotry, and is derived from the root meaning to commit sexual immorality. It can also figuratively denote idolatry. The term appears in contexts related to both sexual and spiritual unfaithfulness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[תַּזְנוּת] n.f.abstr. fornication

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8457 תַּזְנוּת

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8457 taznuwth taz-nooth'

or taznuth {taz-nooth'}; from 2181; harlotry, i.e.

(figuratively) idolatry:--fornication, whoredom.

see HEBREW for 02181

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תַּזְנוּת (taz.nut) — fornication.

fornication, harlotry

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-fp | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HR/Ncmpc/Sp2fs
and it was in you contrariness from the women in prostitution your and after you not it was approached for prostitution and because gave you [the] hire of a prostitute and [the] hire of a prostitute not it was given to you and you became contrariness
וְאַחֲרַ֖יִךְve.'a.cha.Ra.yikh and after you H310 Conjunction · suffix
716× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Amplified meaning
followed after, pursued
Tyndale gloss
after
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אַחַר (*achar*) primarily denotes the concept of 'after' or 'behind' in both spatial and temporal contexts. It functions as a substantive, adverb, preposition, and conjunction, indicating a following part or time. The related form אַחֲרַי (*acharai*) refers to a person who turns backwards. There is a reference to Proverbs 28:23 in relation to the latter.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part

adv.

of place, behind

of time, afterwards

prep.

of place, behind, after

of time, after

conj. after that.

base

אַחֲרַי adj. Pr 28:23 a man that turneth backwards.

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H310a אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part . adv. . of place, behind

. of time, afterwards

. prep. . of place, behind, after

. of time, after

. conj. after that.

H310b אַחֲרַי a man that turneth backwards.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

310 'achar akh-ar'

from 309; properly, the hind part; generally used as an

adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses):--after

(that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side),

behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from,

hereafter, hinder end, + out (over) live, + persecute,

posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth),

when, with.

see HEBREW for 0309

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַחַר (a.char) — after.

1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time)

1a) as an adverb

1a1) behind (of place)

1a2) afterwards (of time)

1b) as a preposition

1b1) behind, after (of place)

1b2) after (of time)

1b3) besides

1c) as a conjunction

1c) after that

1d) as a substantive

1d1) hinder part

1e) with other prepositions

1e1) from behind

1e2) from following after

אַחֲרַי (a.cha.ray) — backwards.

backwards (of a man that turns backwards)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Prep | Suff — Conjunction · suffix
HC/Acmpc/Sp2fs
and it was in you contrariness from the women in prostitution your and after you not it was approached for prostitution and because gave you [the] hire of a prostitute and [the] hire of a prostitute not it was given to you and you became contrariness
לֹ֣אlo' not H3808 Particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3808 lo' lo

or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often

used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,

ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,

no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out

of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +

of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֹא (lo) — not.

1) not, no

1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)

1b) not (with modifier-negation)

1c) nothing (subst)

1d) without (with particle)

1e) before (of time)

Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and it was in you contrariness from the women in prostitution your and after you not it was approached for prostitution and because gave you [the] hire of a prostitute and [the] hire of a prostitute not it was given to you and you became contrariness
זוּנָּ֑הzu.Nah it was approached for prostitution H2181 Verb · Pual · perfect third person masculine singular
94× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.
Amplified meaning
sexual attentions, affection
Tyndale gloss
to fornicate
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זָנָה (zanah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to commit fornication or to be a harlot. It encompasses a range of actions, including adultery and idolatry, with a focus on unfaithfulness, particularly in a figurative sense regarding one's relationship with God. The entries indicate that it can also refer to cult prostitution and moral defection, with various grammatical forms expressing different nuances of the term.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

זָנָה vb. commit fornication, be a harlot

Qal

be or act as a harlot

fig. of improper intercourse with foreign nations

of intercourse with other deities

of moral defection

Pu. fornication was not done (in going) after thee

Hiph.

cause to commit fornication

commit fornication

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2181 זָנָה commit fornication, be a harlot

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2181 zanah zaw-naw'

a primitive root (highly-fed and therefore wanton); to commit

adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple

fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively,

to commit idolatry (the Jewish people being regarded as the

spouse of Jehovah):--(cause to) commit fornication, X

continually, X great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be,

play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go

a-whoring, whorish.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זָנָה (za.nah) — to fornicate.

1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication

1a2) to commit adultery

1a3) to be a cult prostitute

1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.)

1b) (Pual) to play the harlot

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to cause to commit adultery

1c2) to force into prostitution

1c3) to commit fornication

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Pual-Perf-3ms — Verb · Pual · perfect third person masculine singular
HVPp3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

pros-ti-tu'-shun.

See CRIMES; HARLOT; PUNISHMENTS.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ (Lascivious behavior)

→ Forbidden Le 19:29; De 23:17

→ See ADULTERY

→ See LASCIVIOUSNESS

and it was in you contrariness from the women in prostitution your and after you not it was approached for prostitution and because gave you [the] hire of a prostitute and [the] hire of a prostitute not it was given to you and you became contrariness
וּבְתִתֵּ֣ךְu.ve.ti.Tekh and because gave you H5414 Conjunction · preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common · suffix
2,011× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Amplified meaning
gave, offered
Tyndale gloss
to give: give
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word נָתַן (natan) means 'to give' and encompasses a wide range of applications such as putting, setting, and making. It can also indicate actions like bestowing, delivering, and assigning. The entries describe its use in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hophal, but do not present any significant disagreements among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָתַן 2007 vb. give, put, set

Qal 1917

give

Put, set

Make, constitute

Niph.

82be given

Be put, set

Hoph.

be given, bestowed

= be given to one for wife

be put upon

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5414 נָתַן give, put, set .. give

. Put, set

. Make, constitute

. . be given

. Be put, set

. . . be given, bestowed

. = be given to one for wife

. be put upon

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5414 nathan naw-than'

a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of

application (put, make, etc.):--add, apply, appoint, ascribe,

assign, X avenge, X be ((healed)), bestow, bring (forth,

hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, +

cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, X doubtless, X

without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up),

grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up),

(give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that,

occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X

pull , put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send

(out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), + sing, + slander,

strike, (sub-)mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade,

turn, utter, + weep, + willingly, + withdraw, + would (to)

God, yield.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: give.

: give/deliver/send/produce

1) to give, put, set

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend

1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate

1a3) to make, constitute

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned

1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted

1c) (Hophal)

1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up

1c2) to be put upon

נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: put.

: put/set/apppoint

1) to give, put, set

1a) (Qal)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff — Conjunction · preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common · suffix
HC/R/Vqcc/Sp2fs
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and it was in you contrariness from the women in prostitution your and after you not it was approached for prostitution and because gave you [the] hire of a prostitute and [the] hire of a prostitute not it was given to you and you became contrariness
אֶתְנָ֗ן'et.Nan [the] hire of a prostitute H868 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
11× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to the wages or reward of a prostitute or idolatrous practices in the Bible. It is often used to describe the price of sin or unfaithfulness, as seen in the stories of Israel and Tyre.
Amplified meaning
wages, reward
Tyndale gloss
wages
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֶתְנַן (ethnan) refers to the hire or wages associated with harlotry, and it can also denote a reward or gift linked to idolatry. The term appears in contexts related to prostitution and idolatrous practices, particularly in relation to Israel and cities like Jerusalem and Tyre.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶתְנַן n.m. hire of harlot

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H868 אֶתְנַן hire of harlot

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

868 'ethnan eth-nan'

the same as 866; a gift (as the price of harlotry or

idolatry):--hire, reward.

see HEBREW for 0866

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶתְנַן (et.nan) — wages.

1) hire of prostitute, price

1a) hire (of harlot)

1b) of idolatrous Israel, Jerusalem, Tyre (fig.)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
and it was in you contrariness from the women in prostitution your and after you not it was approached for prostitution and because gave you [the] hire of a prostitute and [the] hire of a prostitute not it was given to you and you became contrariness
וְאֶתְנַ֛ןve.'et.Nan and [the] hire of a prostitute H868 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
11× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to the wages or reward of a prostitute or idolatrous practices in the Bible. It is often used to describe the price of sin or unfaithfulness, as seen in the stories of Israel and Tyre.
Tyndale gloss
wages
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֶתְנַן (ethnan) refers to the hire or wages associated with harlotry, and it can also denote a reward or gift linked to idolatry. The term appears in contexts related to prostitution and idolatrous practices, particularly in relation to Israel and cities like Jerusalem and Tyre.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶתְנַן n.m. hire of harlot

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H868 אֶתְנַן hire of harlot

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

868 'ethnan eth-nan'

the same as 866; a gift (as the price of harlotry or

idolatry):--hire, reward.

see HEBREW for 0866

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶתְנַן (et.nan) — wages.

1) hire of prostitute, price

1a) hire (of harlot)

1b) of idolatrous Israel, Jerusalem, Tyre (fig.)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
HC/Ncmsa
and it was in you contrariness from the women in prostitution your and after you not it was approached for prostitution and because gave you [the] hire of a prostitute and [the] hire of a prostitute not it was given to you and you became contrariness
לֹ֥אlo' not H3808 Particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3808 lo' lo

or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often

used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,

ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,

no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out

of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +

of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֹא (lo) — not.

1) not, no

1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)

1b) not (with modifier-negation)

1c) nothing (subst)

1d) without (with particle)

1e) before (of time)

Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and it was in you contrariness from the women in prostitution your and after you not it was approached for prostitution and because gave you [the] hire of a prostitute and [the] hire of a prostitute not it was given to you and you became contrariness
נִתַּן־ni.tan- it was given H5414 Verb · Niphal · perfect third person masculine singular
2,011× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Amplified meaning
getting, taking
Tyndale gloss
to give: give
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word נָתַן (natan) means 'to give' and encompasses a wide range of applications such as putting, setting, and making. It can also indicate actions like bestowing, delivering, and assigning. The entries describe its use in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hophal, but do not present any significant disagreements among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָתַן 2007 vb. give, put, set

Qal 1917

give

Put, set

Make, constitute

Niph.

82be given

Be put, set

Hoph.

be given, bestowed

= be given to one for wife

be put upon

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5414 נָתַן give, put, set .. give

. Put, set

. Make, constitute

. . be given

. Be put, set

. . . be given, bestowed

. = be given to one for wife

. be put upon

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5414 nathan naw-than'

a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of

application (put, make, etc.):--add, apply, appoint, ascribe,

assign, X avenge, X be ((healed)), bestow, bring (forth,

hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, +

cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, X doubtless, X

without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up),

grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up),

(give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that,

occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X

pull , put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send

(out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), + sing, + slander,

strike, (sub-)mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade,

turn, utter, + weep, + willingly, + withdraw, + would (to)

God, yield.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: give.

: give/deliver/send/produce

1) to give, put, set

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend

1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate

1a3) to make, constitute

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned

1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted

1c) (Hophal)

1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up

1c2) to be put upon

נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: put.

: put/set/apppoint

1) to give, put, set

1a) (Qal)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Niphal · perfect third person masculine singular
HVNp3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and it was in you contrariness from the women in prostitution your and after you not it was approached for prostitution and because gave you [the] hire of a prostitute and [the] hire of a prostitute not it was given to you and you became contrariness
לָ֖ךְlakh to you H9032 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

ךְ (kh) — you.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 2nd person feminine singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Sp2fs — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp2fs
and it was in you contrariness from the women in prostitution your and after you not it was approached for prostitution and because gave you [the] hire of a prostitute and [the] hire of a prostitute not it was given to you and you became contrariness
וַתְּהִ֥יva.te.Hi and you became H1961 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Tyndale gloss
to be
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be

Qal

Fall out, happen

occur, take place, come about, come to pass

esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass

וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

Come into being, become

abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

sq. prep.

become

sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

sq. pred. adj.

become like

sq. pred. לְ pers.

sq. לְ pred.

oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.

with עַל and לְ

sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)

exist, be in existence

abide, remain, continue

with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie

as copula, joining subj. & pred.

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen

. occur, take place, come about, come to pass

. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

. sq. prep.

. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

. sq. pred. adj.

. become like

. sq. pred. + לְ pers.

. sq. לְ pred.

. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.

. with עַל and לְ

. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence

. abide, remain, continue

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1961 hayah haw-yaw

a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,

come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or

auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,

committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,

fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit

(one-)self, require, X use.

see HEBREW for 01933

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.

1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) ---

1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass

1a1b) to come about, come to pass

1a2) to come into being, become

1a2a) to arise, appear, come

1a2b) to become

1a2b1) to become

1a2b2) to become like

1a2b3) to be instituted, be established

1a3) to be

1a3a) to exist, be in existence

1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)

1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)

1a3d) to accompany, be with

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about

1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
Hc/Vqw3fs
and it was in you contrariness from the women in prostitution your and after you not it was approached for prostitution and because gave you [the] hire of a prostitute and [the] hire of a prostitute not it was given to you and you became contrariness
לְהֶֽפֶךְ׃le.He.fekh contrariness H2016 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
2× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Contrariness refers to something that is opposite or reversed, often implying a difference or perversity. It is used to describe something that is contrary to what is expected or normal.
Amplified meaning
a complete reversal, utterly different
Tyndale gloss
contrariness
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הֶ֫פֶךְ (hephek) refers to a concept of contrariness or reversal. It encompasses meanings such as opposite, difference, and perversity. The term appears in contexts like Ezekiel 16:34 and Isaiah 29:16, highlighting its use in describing contrary situations or behaviors.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הֶ֫פֶךְ n.m. the contrary, contrariness, perversity

the contrary, opposite thing Ez 16:34

Is 29:16 Oh, your perversity!

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2016 הֶ֫פֶךְ, הֹפֶךְ, הֵפֶךְ

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2016 hephek heh'-fek

: or hephek {hay'-fek}; from 2015; a turn, i.e. the

reverse:--contrary.

see HEBREW for 02015

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הֶ֫פֶךְ (he.phekh) — contrariness.

contrary, opposite, a difference, reversed, contrariness, perversity

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HR/Ncmsa
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.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate