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Ezekiel 17:2 — Word Study

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WLCבֶּן־ אָדָ֕ם ח֥וּד חִידָ֖ה וּמְשֹׁ֣ל מָשָׁ֑ל אֶל־ בֵּ֖ית יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

BSASonbên [descendant, human] of manʼâdâm [Adam, humanity] posechûwd [put forth, present] a riddlechîydâh [puzzle, enigma] speak a parablemâshal [tell, share, proverb, lesson] toʼêl [toward, for] the housebayith [family, nation] of IsraelYisrâʼêl [God's chosen people]

Word
Listen & take awayEzekiel 17
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 2 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 (Yis.ra.'El) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Ezekiel 17:2quick helps
In a sentenceEzekiel is commanded to present a riddle and a parable to the people of Israel.
Who is speakingEzekiel, referred to as 'son of man', a term emphasizing his humanity.
Where we areIn a prophetic message directed toward the house of Israel.
The hard wordחִידָה
Take awayEzekiel uses riddles and parables to convey deeper truths.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbחוּד 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 17:2

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 — Ezekiel's Prophetic Callgenerated

1Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
2“Son of man, pose a riddle; speak a parable to the house of Israel
3and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers of many colors, came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar.
4He plucked off its topmost shoot, carried it to the land of merchants, and planted it in a city of traders.

Ezekiel 17:2 records God's command to Ezekiel to use riddles and parables as a means of communication with the Israelites. This method engages the audience and encourages them to reflect on the meanings behind the messages. The context shows that God is addressing His chosen people, urging them to understand their situation through these figurative expressions.


Cross References


The Key Word בֵּן, ben-generated

The word בֵּן (ben) means 'son' or 'descendant', indicating familial relationships and lineage. It can refer to a male child or a broader range of descendants, emphasizing the connection to family.

In this verse, it highlights Ezekiel's role as a human messenger of God, connecting him to the people he is addressing. The use of 'son of man' emphasizes his humanity and relatability.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

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


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb governing the verse is ח֥וּד, pose, with two imperative phrases following: one commanding to present a riddle and another to speak a parable. This structure emphasizes the active role Ezekiel is to take in delivering God's message.

The Hebrew word order places the imperative verbs first, highlighting the urgency and importance of the commands given to Ezekiel.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates בֵּן as υἱὲ, which also means 'son' and aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning. This choice maintains the familial aspect of Ezekiel's address.

For חִידָה, the translation is διήγημα, which suggests a narrative or account, slightly shifting the focus from a simple riddle to a more elaborate story.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Ezekiel 17:2 shows God instructing Ezekiel to present a riddle and speak a parable to the house of Israel. This command emphasizes the use of figurative language to convey deeper truths and engage the people in understanding their situation.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What is the significance of Ezekiel being called 'son of man'?

This title emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and his role as a representative of the people, making his messages more relatable.

Why does God ask Ezekiel to use riddles and parables?

Riddles and parables provoke thought and reflection, encouraging the audience to engage with the message on a deeper level.

What does the term 'house of Israel' refer to?

It refers to the collective people of Israel, God's chosen nation, emphasizing their identity and relationship with Him.

How do riddles and parables function in prophetic literature?

They serve as tools for conveying complex ideas and truths, often challenging the audience to think critically about their meanings.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways can I use figurative language to explain complex ideas to others?
  2. How does understanding my identity as part of God's family influence my relationship with Him?
  3. What are some examples of riddles or parables that have impacted my understanding of faith?
  4. How can I engage others in deeper conversations about their spiritual beliefs?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Ezekiel 17:2 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Son of man, put forth a riddle,.... A dark saying, but a smart one: "whet a whetting" (k), as in the Hebrew; something at first sight difficult to be understood, yet amusing and entertaining; and,

Read John Gill on Ezekiel 17 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel; Put forth a riddle - a continued allegory, expressed enigmatically, requiring more than common acumen and serious thought.

Read Robert Jamieson on Ezekiel 17 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

These two verses are preface to what follows in the chapter. A riddle; a dark saying, which calls for thorough consideration to understand and apply it, because the meaning is different to the sound of the words. A parable; the same thing redoubled in different words. And it is likely the prophet is commanded to use a parable, because those Eastern people were much used to and taken with this kind of discourse. The house of Israel, i.e. the remainders of the house of Israel, whether of the ten tribes, or of the two tribes.

Read Matthew Poole on Ezekiel 17 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Ezekiel 17:2 Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;Ver. 2. Son of man, put forth a riddle.] Acue acumen, sharpen a sharpening, or whet a whetting. The prophet might have expressed God’ s mind in fewer words; but then it would not have taken so deep an impression. Parents must whet God’ s word upon their children, ministers upon their people, and Christians upon one another for the increase of love and good works. Riddles exercise the wit, and parables help the memory, and excite both attention and affection.

Read John Trapp on Ezekiel 17 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(2) A riddle . . . a parable.—What the prophet has to say is called a riddle as well as a parable, because there is something in it recondite and obscure—something which, until it is explained, should excite the minds of the people to guess its meaning.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Ezekiel 17 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 2. Son of man, put forth a riddle] Riddle, [Anglo-Saxon] or [A.S.], Anglo-Saxon, from [A.S.] to divine; a thing that must be curiously investigated and sifted, to find out the meaning; and hence, riddle, a sort of coarse sieve to clean corn, to separate coarse chaff and straws from the pure grain. An instrument formerly used for divination. This is not far removed from the Hebrew חידה chidah, from חד chad, to penetrate; not that which penetrates the mind, but which we must penetrate to find out the sense.

Read AdamClarke on Ezekiel 17 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

2. a riddle] As requiring interpretation; the passage is also called a “parable,” as containing a similitude or comparison. The eagle is Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Conquerors are often compared to the eagle, Deuteronomy 28:49; Isaiah 46:11; Jeremiah 4:13; Jeremiah 48:40; Hosea 8:1; Lamentations 4:19.

Read Cambridge on Ezekiel 17 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

2. A riddle… a parable — It was a riddle because it was couched in dark language; it was a parable because of the comparison drawn between the material and the spiritual.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ezekiel 17 →

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

“Son of man, pose a riddle; speak a parable to the house of Israel

WEBWorld English Bible2000

“Son of man, tell a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel;

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

“Son of man, pose a riddle; speak a parable to the house of Israel

NETBNew English Translation2006

“Son of man, offer a riddle, and tell a parable to the house of Israel.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;

RVARevised Version, American1894

Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel;

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Sonne of man, put foorth a parable and speake a prouerbe vnto the house of Israel,

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel,

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

'Son of man, put forth a riddle, and use a simile unto the house of Israel,

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

“Son of man, put forth a riddle, and use an allegory to the house of Israel,

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Son of man, put forth a riddle, and propound a parable unto the house of Israel;

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

“Son of man, present a riddle and speak a parable to the house of Israel.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel,

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

“Son of man, present this riddle—share it as a parable with the people of Israel.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Son of man, give out a dark saying, and make a comparison for the children of Israel,

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.

clauseclausenoun phraseבֶּןO.sonאָדָ֕םof.humankindclauseclauseverbח֥וּדask.a.riddleobjectחִידָ֖הa.riddleוּandclauseverbמְשֹׁ֣לspeak.a.parableobjectמָשָׁ֑לa.parableprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֶלconcerningnoun phraseבֵּ֖יתthe.houseיִשְׂרָאֵֽלof.Israel

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 agree closely in this verse, with all nine words matched. The Septuagint preserves the meaning while employing its own grammatical structure.

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

בֶּן־ אָדָ֕ם ח֥וּד חִידָ֖ה וּמְשֹׁ֣ל מָשָׁ֑ל אֶל־ בֵּ֖ית יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
בֶּן־υἱὲאָדָ֕םἀνθρώπουח֥וּדδιήγησαιחִידָ֖הδιήγημαוּמְשֹׁ֣לεἰπὸνמָשָׁ֑לπαραβολὴνאֶל־πρὸςבֵּ֖יתοἶκονיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ισραηλ

9 of the 9 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 17:2בֵּןO son ofO son ofבֵּןאָדָםhumankindhumankindאָדָםחוּדask a riddlask a riddleחוּדחִידָהa riddlea riddleחִידָהמָשַׁלand speak aand speak a parמָשַׁלמָשָׁלa parablea parableמָשָׁלאֶלconcerningconcerningאֶלבֵּית[the] house[the] house ofבֵּיתיִשְׂרָאֵלIsraelIsraelיִשְׂרָאֵלבָּנָהto buildto buildבָּנָהחוּדto riddleto riddleחוּדמָשָׁלproverbproverbמָשָׁלאָדֹםto reddento reddenאָדֹםמָשַׁלto ruleto ruleמָשַׁלשָׂרָהto striveto striveשָׂרָהמְלִיצָהmockerymockeryמְלִיצָהעַמּוֹןAmmonAmmonעַמּוֹןרְאוּבֵןReubenReubenרְאוּבֵןדְּמוּתlikenesslikenessדְּמוּתבְּהֵמָהanimalanimalבְּהֵמָהחִידָהriddleriddleחִידָהבֵּןson: childson: childבֵּןשְׁנִינָהtaunttauntשְׁנִינָהפָּלַלto prayto prayפָּלַליִרְמְיָ֫הJeremiahJeremiahיִרְמְיָ֫האוֹצָרtreasuretreasureאוֹצָרשֵׁ֫בֶטtribetribeשֵׁ֫בֶט
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 17:2

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.

O son of humankind ask a riddle a riddle and speak a parable a parable concerning [the] house of Israel
בֶּן־ben- O son of H1121 Noun common · masculine singular 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
descendant, human
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-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…

O son of humankind ask a riddle a riddle and speak a parable a parable concerning [the] house of Israel
אָדָ֕ם'a.Dam humankind H120 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
551× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Amplified meaning
Adam, humanity
Tyndale gloss
the man (Adam)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָדָם (adam) refers to 'man' or 'mankind,' encompassing both individual humans and the species as a whole. It is also the name of the first man in the Bible, Adam, who is mentioned in various verses, including Genesis 2:19. The term can denote a city in the Jordan valley as well. The entries indicate a range of meanings, but there is no significant disagreement among them.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָדָם 560 n.m. Gn 1:27 man, mankind

a man = human being

coll. man, mankind

n.pr.m. Adam, first man (without art.)

n.pr.loc. city in Jordan valley (as built?)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H120 אָדָם man, mankind . a man = human being

. coll. man, mankind

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

120 'adam aw-dawm'

from 119; ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the

species, mankind, etc.):--X another, + hypocrite, + common

sort, X low, man (mean, of low degree), person.

see HEBREW for 0119

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָדָם (a.dam) — man.

1) man, mankind

1a) man, human being

1b) man, mankind (much more frequently intended sense in OT)

1c) Adam, first man

1d) city in Jordan valley

אָדָם (a.dam) — the man (Adam).

The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19;

married to Eve (H2332);

father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33;

Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121)

man, human being

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
O son of humankind ask a riddle a riddle and speak a parable a parable concerning [the] house of Israel
ח֥וּדchud ask a riddle H2330 Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine singular
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to propose a riddle or puzzle. It involves tying a knot or creating a problem to solve. The KJV translates it as 'put forth'.
Amplified meaning
put forth, present
Tyndale gloss
to riddle
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חוּד (chuwd) is a verb meaning to propose or propound a riddle. It is derived from the idea of tying a knot, used figuratively in the context of riddles. The lexicons consistently emphasize its connection to the act of presenting a riddle.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[חוּד] vb. denom. propound a riddle

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2330 חוּד vb. denom. propound a riddle

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2330 chuwd khood

a primitive root; properly, to tie a knot, i.e.

(figuratively) to propound a riddle:--put forth.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חוּד (chud) — to riddle.

(Qal) to propose a riddle, propound a riddle

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Impv-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine singular
HVqv2ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

rid'-'-l (chidhah; ainigma).

See GAMES.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Riddle

(Heb. hodah). The oldest and, strictly speaking, the only example of a riddle was that propounded by Samson (Judg. 14:12-18). The parabolic prophecy in Ezek. 17:2-18 is there called a “riddle.” It was rather, however, an allegory. The word “darkly” in 1 Cor. 13:12 is the rendering of the Greek enigma; marg., “in a riddle.”

Smith's Bible Dictionary

It is known that all ancient nations, and especially Orientals, were fond of riddles. The riddles which the queen of Sheba came to ask of Solomon, (1 Kings 10:1; 2 Chronicles 9:1) were rather "hard questions" referring to profound inquiries. Solomon is said, however, to have been very fond of riddles. Riddles were generally proposed in verse, like the celebrated riddle of Samson. (Judges 14:14-19)

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Used as a test of wit: at Samson' s feast Jud 14:12-18

→ By Agur Pr 30:15,16,18-31

→ See PARABLE

→ See PROVERBS

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
O son of humankind ask a riddle a riddle and speak a parable a parable concerning [the] house of Israel
חִידָ֖הchi.Dah a riddle H2420 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
17× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A riddle or puzzle is what this Hebrew word represents, often used to describe difficult questions or perplexing sayings. It appears in the Bible as a way to convey complex ideas or challenge people's thinking, such as in the story of Samson and Delilah.
Amplified meaning
puzzle, enigma
Tyndale gloss
riddle
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חִידָה (chiydah) means 'riddle' or 'perplexing question.' It can refer to enigmatic sayings, dark utterances, or difficult questions, often used in a context of testing someone's wisdom, as seen in the story of the Queen of Sheba and Solomon. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to puzzle' and can also imply trickery or double-dealing.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חִידָה n.f. riddle, enigmatic, perplexing saying or question

riddle = dark, obscure utterance

riddle, enigma, to be guessed

perplexing questions by which queen of Sheba put Sol. to the test

skilled in double-dealing

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2420 חִידָה

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2420 chiydah khee-daw'

from 2330; a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious

maxim:--dark saying (sentence, speech), hard question,

proverb, riddle.

see HEBREW for 02330

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חִידָה (chi.dah) — riddle.

1) riddle, difficult question, parable, enigmatic saying or question, perplexing saying or question

1a) riddle (dark obscure utterance)

1b) riddle, enigma (to be guessed)

1c) perplexing questions (difficult)

1d) double dealing (with 'havin')

Aramaic equivalent: a.chi.dah (אֲחִידָה "riddle" H0280)

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

rid'-'-l (chidhah; ainigma).

See GAMES.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Riddle

(Heb. hodah). The oldest and, strictly speaking, the only example of a riddle was that propounded by Samson (Judg. 14:12-18). The parabolic prophecy in Ezek. 17:2-18 is there called a “riddle.” It was rather, however, an allegory. The word “darkly” in 1 Cor. 13:12 is the rendering of the Greek enigma; marg., “in a riddle.”

Smith's Bible Dictionary

It is known that all ancient nations, and especially Orientals, were fond of riddles. The riddles which the queen of Sheba came to ask of Solomon, (1 Kings 10:1; 2 Chronicles 9:1) were rather "hard questions" referring to profound inquiries. Solomon is said, however, to have been very fond of riddles. Riddles were generally proposed in verse, like the celebrated riddle of Samson. (Judges 14:14-19)

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Used as a test of wit: at Samson' s feast Jud 14:12-18

→ By Agur Pr 30:15,16,18-31

→ See PARABLE

→ See PROVERBS

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
O son of humankind ask a riddle a riddle and speak a parable a parable concerning [the] house of Israel
וּמְשֹׁ֣לu.me.Shol and speak a parable H4911 Conjunction · verb qal imperative second person masculine singular
16× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To use a proverb means to speak in a way that teaches a lesson, often using metaphors or poems, as seen in Jesus' parables in the Gospels. This word is about comparing things to make a point. It appears in books like Proverbs and Psalms.
Amplified meaning
tell, share, proverb, lesson
Tyndale gloss
to liken
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מָשַׁל (mashal) means to liken or represent, and can refer to using figurative language such as proverbs or poetry. It encompasses various forms, including comparing and becoming like something. The word appears notably in the context of speaking in parables, particularly in the book of Ezekiel.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[מָשַׁל] vb. represent, be like

Niph. be like, similar

Hiph. compare

Hithp. and I have become like dust

base

מָשַׁל vb. denom. use a proverb, speak in parables or sentences of poetry, esp. Ezek.

Qal use a proverb

Pi. is he not a maker of parables?

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4911a מָשַׁל represent, be like . be like, similar

. compare

. and I have become like dust

H4911b מָשַׁל vb. denom. use a proverb, speak in parables or sentences of poetry, esp. Ezek.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4911 mashal maw-shal'

denominative from 4912; to liken, i.e. (transitively) to use

figurative language (an allegory, adage, song or the like);

intransitively, to resemble:--be(-come) like, compare, use

(as a) proverb, speak (in proverbs), utter.

see HEBREW for 04912

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָשַׁל (ma.shal) — to liken.

1) to represent, liken, be like

1a) (Niphal) to liken, be like, be similar

1b) (Hiphil) to compare

1c) (Hithpael) to become like

מָשַׁל (ma.shal) — to use a proverb.

1) to speak in a proverb, use a proverb, speak in parables, speak in sentences of poetry

1a) (Qal) to use a proverb, speak a parable or proverb

1b) (Piel) to make a parable

1b1) maker of parables (participle)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms — Conjunction · verb qal imperative second person masculine singular
HC/Vqv2ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

par'-a-b'-l:

1. Name

2. Historical Data

3. Christ's Use of Parables.

4. Purpose of Christ in Using Parables

5. Interpretation of the Parables

6. Doctrinal Value of the Parables

1. Name:

Etymologically the word "parable" (paraballo) signifies a placing of two or more objects together, usually for the purpose of a comparison. In this widest sense of the term there is practically no difference between parable and simile (see Thayer, Dictionary of New Testament Greek, under the word). This is also what substantially some of Christ's parables amount to, which consist of only one comparison and in a single verse (compare Mt 13:33,44-46). In the more usual and technical sense of the word, "parable" ordinarily signifies an imaginary story, yet one that in its details could have actually transpired, the purpose of the story being to illustrate and…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Parable

(Gr. parabole), a placing beside; a comparison; equivalent to the Heb. mashal, a similitude. In the Old Testament this is used to denote (1) a proverb (1 Sam. 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chr. 7:20), (2) a prophetic utterance (Num. 23:7; Ezek. 20:49), (3) an enigmatic saying (Ps. 78:2; Prov. 1:6). In the New Testament, (1) a proverb (Mark 7:17; Luke 4:23), (2) a typical emblem (Heb. 9:9; 11:19), (3) a similitude or…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another. --McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expanded into a…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Derived from a Greek word, which signifies, to compare things together, to form a parallel or similitude of them with other things.

What we call the Proverbs of Solomon, which are moral maxims and sentences, the Greeks call the Parables of Solomon. In like manner, when Job answers his friends, it is said he took up his "parable," Job 27:1 29:1. In the New Testament the word parable denotes sometimes a true history, or an illustrative sketch from nature; sometimes a proverb or adage, Lu 4:23; a truth darkly or figuratively expressed, Mt 15:15; a type, Heb 9:9; or a similitude, Mt 24:32. The parabolical, enigmatical…

O son of humankind ask a riddle a riddle and speak a parable a parable concerning [the] house of Israel
מָשָׁ֑לma.Shal a parable H4912 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
39× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A proverb is a short saying that teaches a lesson, often using comparisons or metaphors, like those found in the book of Proverbs. It's a way of sharing wisdom and insight. Proverbs are used by Solomon and other biblical writers.
Tyndale gloss
proverb
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מָשָׁל (mashal) refers to a proverb or parable, often characterized by parallelism and typically found in Hebrew Wisdom literature. It encompasses various forms such as aphorisms, bywords, and ethical maxims. The word is derived from a root suggesting superiority in mental action, indicating its metaphorical nature.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מָשָׁל n.m. proverb, parable (of sentences constructed in parallelism, usu. of Hebrew Wisdom, but occas. of other types)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4912 מָשָׁל proverb, parable (of sentences constructed in parallelism, usu. of Hebrew Wisdom, but occas. of other types)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4912 mashal maw-shawl'

apparently from 4910 in some original sense of superiority in

mental action; properly, a pithy maxim, usually of

metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem,

discourse):--byword, like, parable, proverb.

see HEBREW for 04910

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָשָׁל (ma.shal) — proverb.

1) proverb, parable

1a) proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism

1b) byword

1c) similitude, parable

1d) poem

1e) sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

par'-a-b'-l:

1. Name

2. Historical Data

3. Christ's Use of Parables.

4. Purpose of Christ in Using Parables

5. Interpretation of the Parables

6. Doctrinal Value of the Parables

1. Name:

Etymologically the word "parable" (paraballo) signifies a placing of two or more objects together, usually for the purpose of a comparison. In this widest sense of the term there is practically no difference between parable and simile (see Thayer, Dictionary of New Testament Greek, under the word). This is also what substantially some of Christ's parables amount to, which consist of only one comparison and in a single verse (compare Mt 13:33,44-46). In the more usual and technical sense of the word, "parable" ordinarily signifies an imaginary story, yet one that in its details could have actually transpired, the purpose of the story being to illustrate and…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Parable

(Gr. parabole), a placing beside; a comparison; equivalent to the Heb. mashal, a similitude. In the Old Testament this is used to denote (1) a proverb (1 Sam. 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chr. 7:20), (2) a prophetic utterance (Num. 23:7; Ezek. 20:49), (3) an enigmatic saying (Ps. 78:2; Prov. 1:6). In the New Testament, (1) a proverb (Mark 7:17; Luke 4:23), (2) a typical emblem (Heb. 9:9; 11:19), (3) a similitude or…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another. --McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expanded into a…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Derived from a Greek word, which signifies, to compare things together, to form a parallel or similitude of them with other things.

What we call the Proverbs of Solomon, which are moral maxims and sentences, the Greeks call the Parables of Solomon. In like manner, when Job answers his friends, it is said he took up his "parable," Job 27:1 29:1. In the New Testament the word parable denotes sometimes a true history, or an illustrative sketch from nature; sometimes a proverb or adage, Lu 4:23; a truth darkly or figuratively expressed, Mt 15:15; a type, Heb 9:9; or a similitude, Mt 24:32. The parabolical, enigmatical…

O son of humankind ask a riddle a riddle and speak a parable a parable concerning [the] house of Israel
אֶל־'el- concerning H413 Preposition
5,518× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Amplified meaning
toward, for
Tyndale gloss
to(wards)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),

prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place

Where the limit is actually entered, into

Of direction towards anything

Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

Of rule or standard according to (rare)

Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place

. Where the limit is actually entered, into

. Of direction towards anything

. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

. Of rule or standard according to (rare)

. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

413 'el ale

(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});

a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but

occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or

among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,

against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,

by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,

over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,

with(-in).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶל (el) — to(wards).

1) to, toward, unto (of motion)

2) into (limit is actually entered)

2a) in among

3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)

4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)

5) in addition to, to

6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of

7) according to (rule or standard)

8) at, by, against (of one's presence)

9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

kon-surn'-ing:

The Revised Version (British and American) makes frequent changes, such as "for," "as for," "from," "about," for "concerning"; "concerning" instead of "for," "of," "over," "in," "against," etc. Some of the other changes are, "unto that which is good" for "concerning" (Ro 16:19), "concerning" instead of "because of" (Jer 23:9), for "the miracle of" (Mr 6:52); for "with" (Mr 10:41), for "of the Lord" (Ac 18:25), "concerning Jesus" (diferent text), "by way of disparagement" (2Co 11:21), instead of "concerning reproach"; "Why askest thou me concerning…

O son of humankind ask a riddle a riddle and speak a parable a parable concerning [the] house of Israel
בֵּ֖יתbeit [the] house 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.
Amplified meaning
family, nation
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
O son of humankind ask a riddle a riddle and speak a parable a parable concerning [the] house of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃Yis.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
God's chosen people
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
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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