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Ezekiel 40:41 — Word Study

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WLCאַרְבָּעָ֨ה שֻׁלְחָנ֜וֹת מִפֹּ֗ה וְאַרְבָּעָ֧ה שֻׁלְחָנ֛וֹת מִפֹּ֖ה לְכֶ֣תֶף הַשָּׁ֑עַר שְׁמוֹנָ֥ה שֻׁלְחָנ֖וֹת אֲלֵיהֶ֥ם יִשְׁחָֽטוּ׃

BSASo there were fourʼarbaʻ [a specific, limited number] tablesshulchân [a place of communion] insidepôh the gatewayshaʻar [entrance, by the side of the gate] and fourʼarbaʻ [another set of the same number] outsidepôh eightshᵉmôneh tablesshulchân in allʼêl on which the sacrifices were to be slaughteredshâchaṭ [animals to be slaughtered, offerings to God, killed, offered as a sacrifice]

Word
Listen & take awayEzekiel 40
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 41 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 (yish.Cha.tu) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Ezekiel 40:41quick helps
In a sentenceEzekiel describes the arrangement of tables for sacrifices at the gateway.
What is presentThere are four tables inside and four outside, totaling eight.
Where we areThe description of the temple structure, focusing on sacrificial tables.
The hard wordשָׁחַט
Take awayThe tables serve as designated places for sacrificial offerings.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbשָׁחַט 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 40:41

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 Temple's Sacrificial Systemgenerated

40Outside, as one goes up to the entrance of the north gateway, there were two tables on one side and two more tables on the other side of the gate’s portico.
41So there were four tables inside the gateway and four outside—eight tables in all—on which the sacrifices were to be slaughtered.
42There were also four tables of dressed stone for the burnt offering, each a cubit and a half long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit high. On these were placed the utensils used to slaughter the burnt offerings and the other sacrifices.
43The double-pronged hooks, each a handbreadth long, were fastened all around the inside of the room, and the flesh of the offering was to be placed on the tables.

Ezekiel 40:41 describes the layout of the temple, specifically detailing the number and placement of tables used for sacrifices. This passage emphasizes the importance of order and structure in worship practices as prescribed in the temple design. The mention of eight tables highlights the significance of these locations for offering sacrifices to God, which is a central theme in the sacrificial system outlined in the book of Ezekiel.


The Key Word שֻׁלְחָן, shul.cha.Notgenerated

The Hebrew word שֻׁלְחָן (shulchan) means 'table' and refers to a flat surface used for various purposes, including meals and sacred rituals. This word is a feminine noun in the plural form, indicating multiple tables, which are essential for communal activities, especially in the context of sacrifices.

The root of שֻׁלְחָן emphasizes the idea of spreading out, which aligns with its use in religious contexts where food and offerings are shared. In this verse, the tables are designated specifically for the slaughtering of sacrifices, highlighting their functional and symbolic roles in worship.


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 of the verse is יִשְׁחָֽטוּ, they shall slaughter, which governs the entire sentence. The structure includes two noun phrases indicating the subject (the tables) and multiple prepositional phrases that describe their location and function.

The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the number of tables and their specific locations, first mentioning the tables inside the gateway and then those outside, illustrating the comprehensive arrangement for sacrificial practices.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates ש׻לְחָן as τραπεζῶν, which means 'tables' and aligns with the Hebrew meaning. This choice reflects a direct correspondence in function and purpose.

The Greek word σφάχουσι is used for יִשְׁחָֽטוּ, indicating the act of slaughtering, consistent with the sacrificial context of the verse.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Ezekiel 40:41 states there are four tables inside the gateway and four outside, making a total of eight tables. These tables are specifically designated for the slaughtering of sacrifices, which is an important aspect of the worship practices described in the temple.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What is the significance of the number of tables mentioned?

The eight tables signify a complete and organized setup for sacrificial offerings, reflecting the orderliness required in worship.

Why are the tables located both inside and outside?

The placement of tables both inside and outside the gateway allows for a functional arrangement that accommodates different types of sacrifices and the flow of worship.

What types of sacrifices were performed on these tables?

The tables were used for slaughtering various sacrifices, including burnt offerings and peace offerings, which were central to the worship practices of ancient Israel.

How does this verse connect to the overall theme of the temple?

This verse illustrates the meticulous design of the temple and its components, highlighting the importance of proper worship and sacrifice in the relationship between God and His people.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What does the arrangement of the tables tell us about the importance of order in worship?
  2. How can we apply the concept of designated spaces for worship in our own lives?
  3. In what ways do the sacrifices mentioned here reflect our understanding of offerings to God today?
  4. How does the number eight, often seen as significant in biblical texts, relate to the themes of new beginnings or completeness?

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

Gregory the Dialogist comments on the significance of the tables in the context of the temple's sacrificial system, emphasizing their placement by the gate.

Gregory the DialogistHomilies on Ezekiel, Book 2, Homily 9 c. 540–604
Four tables on this side, and four tables on that side, by the sides of the gate. But let it be said: Four tables on this side, and four tables on that side by the sides of the gate.
Early Church Fathers on Ezekiel 40 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Ezekiel 40:41 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Four tables were on this side, and four tables were on that side, by the side of the gate,.... These are the same tables repeated, to observe more diligently the situation and use of them; there were

Read John Gill on Ezekiel 40 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And in the porch of the gate were two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to slay thereon the burnt offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Read Robert Jamieson on Ezekiel 40 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Either within the porch two, and without it two, on either side, or else, as some will, four without the porch and gate, in the cloisters on the right and left hand of the gate. However placed, they were eight for number, and designed for slaying the sacrifices on.

Read Matthew Poole on Ezekiel 40 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Ezekiel 40:41 Four tables [were] on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate; eight tables, whereupon they slew [their sacrifices].Ver. 41. Four tables.] Not altars, nor yet oyster boards, as the Papists scornfully call our communion tables.

Read John Trapp on Ezekiel 40 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(41) Four tables.—The eight tables of this verse are evidently meant to be distinguished from those of Eze 40:40; Ezekiel 40:42, and make twelve tables in all. They stood four on each side of the gate, somewhat nearer, therefore, than the others to the wall of the inner court. They were used for the same sacrificial purpose, except that the others only are mentioned (Ezekiel 40:42) as places “whereupon they laid” the sacrificial instruments.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Ezekiel 40 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 41. Four tables] These were in the porch of the north gate, in the court of the priests: on them they slew, flayed, and cut up the victims. See dddd in the plan. See Clarke on Ezekiel 48:35.

Read AdamClarke on Ezekiel 40 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

38–43. Sacrificial appointments connected with the inner gate. The verses are in some respects obscure. The text of LXX. differs in some points, but is hardly consistent with itself. The arrangements for slaughtering spoken of are of course connected with the inner gateway, but points not clear are: (1) which gateway, the N. or the E.? And (2) the position of the tables, Ezekiel 40:40; were they situated in the inner court at the long sides of the gateway, or in the outer court in front of the gateway, on either side of the steps leading up to it?

Read Cambridge on Ezekiel 40 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

38-43. The description of these chambers of sacrifice must always remain obscure.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ezekiel 40 →

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 there were four tables inside the gateway and four outside—eight tables in all—on which the sacrifices were to be slaughtered.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Four tables were on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate: eight tables, on which they killed the sacrifices.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

So there were four tables inside the gateway and four outside—eight tables in all—on which the sacrifices were to be slaughtered.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Four tables were on each side of the gate, eight tables on which the sacrifices were to be slaughtered.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Four tables were on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate; eight tables, whereupon they slew their sacrifices.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Four tables were on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate; eight tables, whereupon they slew the sacrifices.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Four tables were on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate; eight tables, whereupon they slew the sacrifices.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Four tables were on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate; eight tables, upon which they slew their sacrifices .

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Foure tables were on this side, and foure tables on that side by the side of the gate, euen eight tables whereupon they slew their sacrifice.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

four tables on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate, — eight tables, whereon they slew [the sacrifice],

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

four tables [are] on this side, and four tables on that side, at the side of the gate, eight tables on which they slaughter.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

four tables [are] on this side and four tables on that side, at the side of the gate, eight tables on which they slaughter.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Four tables being on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate, eight tables, whereupon they slaughtered [the sacrifices].

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

There were four tables on either side by the gate; they slaughtered animals on the eight tables.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Four tables were on this side, and four tables on that side: at the sides of the gate were eight tables, upon which they slew the victims.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

So there were four tables on the inside the of gateway and another four outside, making a total of eight tables. This is where the sacrifices were slaughtered.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

There were four tables on one side and four tables on the other, by the side of the doorway; eight tables, on which they put to death the beasts for the offerings.

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.

clausenoun phrase · subjectאַרְבָּעָ֨הfourשֻׁלְחָנ֜וֹתtablesprepositional phrase · predicateמִfromפֹּ֗הhereוְandclausenoun phrase · subjectאַרְבָּעָ֧הfourשֻׁלְחָנ֛וֹתtablesprepositional phrase · predicateמִfromפֹּ֖הhereprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְ[were].tonoun phraseכֶ֣תֶףthe.sidenoun phraseהַofשָּׁ֑עַרthe.gateclausenoun phrase · predicateשְׁמוֹנָ֥הeightשֻׁלְחָנ֖וֹתtablesclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֲלֵי[which].toהֶ֥םthemverbיִשְׁחָֽטוּpeople.slaughter

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 on the core details of this verse, with ten of the twelve words matched between them. The differences in word order and articles in the Septuagint reflect its unique syntactical structure rather than a divergence in meaning.

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

אַרְבָּעָ֨ה שֻׁלְחָנ֜וֹת מִפֹּ֗ה וְאַרְבָּעָ֧ה שֻׁלְחָנ֛וֹת מִפֹּ֖ה לְכֶ֣תֶף הַשָּׁ֑עַר שְׁמוֹנָ֥ה שֻׁלְחָנ֖וֹת אֲלֵיהֶ֥ם יִשְׁחָֽטוּ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
אַרְבָּעָ֨הτέσσαρεςמִפֹּ֗הἔνθενוְאַרְבָּעָ֧הτέσσαρεςמִפֹּ֖הἔνθενלְכֶ֣תֶףνώτουהַשָּׁ֑עַרπύληςשְׁמוֹנָ֥הὀκτὼשֻׁלְחָנ֖וֹתτραπεζῶνאֲלֵיהֶ֥םαὐτὰςיִשְׁחָֽטוּ׃σφάχουσι

10 of the 12 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 40:41אַרְבַּעfourfourאַרְבַּעשֻׁלְחָןtablestablesשֻׁלְחָןפֹּהfrom herefrom hereפֹּהאַרְבַּעand fourand fourאַרְבַּעשֻׁלְחָןtablestablesשֻׁלְחָןפֹּהfrom herefrom hereפֹּהכָּתֵף[were] to [[were] to [the]כָּתֵףשַׁ֫עַרthe gatethe gateשַׁ֫עַרשְׁמֹנֶהeighteightשְׁמֹנֶהשֻׁלְחָןtablestablesשֻׁלְחָןאֶל[which] to [which] to themאֶלשָׁחַטpeople slaupeople slaughteשָׁחַטשָׁלַחto send: dto send: departשָׁלַחרָבַעto squareto squareרָבַעהוּאhe/she/ithe/she/itהוּאשָׁעַרto calculato calculateשָׁעַרשָׁמֵןrichrichשָׁמֵןעָשָׂרtentenעָשָׂרמַעֲרֶ֫כֶתrowrowמַעֲרֶ֫כֶתתִּמֹרָהpalmpalmתִּמֹרָהיְמָנִיrightrightיְמָנִימוּלoppositeoppositeמוּלמָדַדto measureto measureמָדַדפֶּ֫תַחentranceentranceפֶּ֫תַחמֵאָהhundredhundredמֵאָהפָּלַלto prayto prayפָּלַליִרְמְיָ֫הJeremiahJeremiahיִרְמְיָ֫הזָרַקto scatterto scatterזָרַקפֶּ֫סַחPassoverPassoverפֶּ֫סַח
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 40:41

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.

four tables from here and four tables from here [were] to [the] side of the gate eight tables [which] to them people slaughter
אַרְבָּעָ֨ה'ar.ba.'Ah four H702 Adj
318× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Amplified meaning
a specific, limited number
Tyndale gloss
four
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַרְבַּע (arba) means 'four' in Hebrew. It is a masculine noun derived from the root associated with the number four. The entries consistently affirm this meaning without any significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַרְבַּע, אַרְבָּעָה four

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H702 אַרְבַּע, אַרְבָּעָה four

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

702 'arba` ar-bah'

masculine oarbaah {ar-baw-aw'}; from 7251; four:--four.

see HEBREW for 07251

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַרְבַּע (ar.ba) — four.

four

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAcbsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

for ('arba`; tessares): "Four" (cardinal number) was a sacred and complete number with the Hebrews, as well as with several other peoples. It occurs very frequently in the Old Testament and the New Testament.

(1) It indicates completeness. We have the four rivers of Paradise (Ge 2:10); the four winds of heaven (Eze 37:9; Da 7:2; 8:8; 11:4; Zec 6:5, the Revised Version, margin "spirits"; /APC 2Esdras 13:5); "the four winds" (Mt 24:31; Mr 13:27); "the four corners of the earth" (Isa 11:12;

four tables from here and four tables from here [were] to [the] side of the gate eight tables [which] to them people slaughter
שֻׁלְחָנ֜וֹתshul.cha.Not tables H7979 Noun common · feminine plural absolute
71× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A shulchan refers to a table, often used for meals or sacred purposes, like a king's table. It symbolizes a place of community and sharing.
Amplified meaning
a place of communion
Tyndale gloss
table
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שֻׁלְחָן (shulchan) means 'table' and is derived from the root meaning to spread out. It can refer to various types of tables, including those used for kings, private use, or sacred purposes. The entries consistently emphasize its primary meaning as a table.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֻׁלְחָן 71 n.m. table

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7979 שֻׁלְחָן table

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7979 shulchan shool-khawn'

from 7971; a table (as spread out); by implication, a

meal:--table.

see HEBREW for 07971

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֻׁלְחָן (shul.chan) — table.

1) table

1a) table

1a1) of king's table, private use, sacred uses

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · feminine plural absolute
HNcfpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Tables

(Mark 7:4) means banqueting-couches or benches, on which the Jews reclined when at meals. This custom, along with the use of raised tables like ours, was introduced among the Jews after the Captivity. Before this they had, properly speaking, no table. That which served the purpose was a skin or piece of leather spread out on the carpeted floor. Sometimes a stool was placed in the middle of this skin. (See ABRAHAM’S BOSOM; BANQUET; MEALS.)

four tables from here and four tables from here [were] to [the] side of the gate eight tables [which] to them people slaughter
מִפֹּ֗הmi.Poh from here H6311 Preposition · adverb
82× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'here' or 'this place', and is used to indicate a specific location. It can also mean 'from here' or 'hither', showing movement or direction from a certain spot.
Tyndale gloss
here
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פֹּה (poh) means 'here' or 'hither' in Hebrew. It is derived from a primitive particle indicating location. The word is used to denote a specific place, as seen in Job 38:11. Various lexicons confirm its meaning, with no significant disagreement among them.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פֹּה 58, and פּוֹ, also פֹּא, adv.loc. here, hither

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6311 פֹּה, and פּוֹ, also פֹּא here, hither

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6311 poh po

or po6 (Job 38:11) {po}; or pow {po}; probably from a

primitive inseparable particle "p" (of demonstrative force)

and 1931; this place (French ici), i.e. here or hence:--here,

hither, the one (other, this, that) side.

see HEBREW for 0po6

see HEBREW for 01931

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פֹּה (poh) — here.

1) here, from here, hither

1a) here

1b) hither

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Adv — Preposition · adverb
HR/D
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

her, in composition:

four tables from here and four tables from here [were] to [the] side of the gate eight tables [which] to them people slaughter
וְאַרְבָּעָ֧הve.'ar.ba.'Ah and four H702 Conjunction
318× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Amplified meaning
another set of the same number
Tyndale gloss
four
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַרְבַּע (arba) means 'four' in Hebrew. It is a masculine noun derived from the root associated with the number four. The entries consistently affirm this meaning without any significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַרְבַּע, אַרְבָּעָה four

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H702 אַרְבַּע, אַרְבָּעָה four

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

702 'arba` ar-bah'

masculine oarbaah {ar-baw-aw'}; from 7251; four:--four.

see HEBREW for 07251

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַרְבַּע (ar.ba) — four.

four

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Adj — Conjunction
HC/Acbsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

for ('arba`; tessares): "Four" (cardinal number) was a sacred and complete number with the Hebrews, as well as with several other peoples. It occurs very frequently in the Old Testament and the New Testament.

(1) It indicates completeness. We have the four rivers of Paradise (Ge 2:10); the four winds of heaven (Eze 37:9; Da 7:2; 8:8; 11:4; Zec 6:5, the Revised Version, margin "spirits"; /APC 2Esdras 13:5); "the four winds" (Mt 24:31; Mr 13:27); "the four corners of the earth" (Isa 11:12;

four tables from here and four tables from here [were] to [the] side of the gate eight tables [which] to them people slaughter
שֻׁלְחָנ֛וֹתshul.cha.Not tables H7979 Noun common · feminine plural absolute
71× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A shulchan refers to a table, often used for meals or sacred purposes, like a king's table. It symbolizes a place of community and sharing.
Tyndale gloss
table
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שֻׁלְחָן (shulchan) means 'table' and is derived from the root meaning to spread out. It can refer to various types of tables, including those used for kings, private use, or sacred purposes. The entries consistently emphasize its primary meaning as a table.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֻׁלְחָן 71 n.m. table

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7979 שֻׁלְחָן table

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7979 shulchan shool-khawn'

from 7971; a table (as spread out); by implication, a

meal:--table.

see HEBREW for 07971

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֻׁלְחָן (shul.chan) — table.

1) table

1a) table

1a1) of king's table, private use, sacred uses

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · feminine plural absolute
HNcfpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Tables

(Mark 7:4) means banqueting-couches or benches, on which the Jews reclined when at meals. This custom, along with the use of raised tables like ours, was introduced among the Jews after the Captivity. Before this they had, properly speaking, no table. That which served the purpose was a skin or piece of leather spread out on the carpeted floor. Sometimes a stool was placed in the middle of this skin. (See ABRAHAM’S BOSOM; BANQUET; MEALS.)

four tables from here and four tables from here [were] to [the] side of the gate eight tables [which] to them people slaughter
מִפֹּ֖הmi.Poh from here H6311 Preposition · adverb
82× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'here' or 'this place', and is used to indicate a specific location. It can also mean 'from here' or 'hither', showing movement or direction from a certain spot.
Tyndale gloss
here
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פֹּה (poh) means 'here' or 'hither' in Hebrew. It is derived from a primitive particle indicating location. The word is used to denote a specific place, as seen in Job 38:11. Various lexicons confirm its meaning, with no significant disagreement among them.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פֹּה 58, and פּוֹ, also פֹּא, adv.loc. here, hither

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6311 פֹּה, and פּוֹ, also פֹּא here, hither

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6311 poh po

or po6 (Job 38:11) {po}; or pow {po}; probably from a

primitive inseparable particle "p" (of demonstrative force)

and 1931; this place (French ici), i.e. here or hence:--here,

hither, the one (other, this, that) side.

see HEBREW for 0po6

see HEBREW for 01931

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פֹּה (poh) — here.

1) here, from here, hither

1a) here

1b) hither

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Adv — Preposition · adverb
HR/D
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

her, in composition:

four tables from here and four tables from here [were] to [the] side of the gate eight tables [which] to them people slaughter
לְכֶ֣תֶףle.Khe.tef [were] to [the] side of H3802 Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct
67× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for shoulder describes the upper end of the arm, where garments hang, and is used in Exodus 28:7 to describe the shoulder pieces of the ephod.
Tyndale gloss
shoulder
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כָּתֵף (katheph) means 'shoulder' and can refer to the shoulder-blade, side, or slope of a mountain. It is derived from a root meaning to clothe, indicating the shoulder as the place where garments hang. The term can also describe shoulder-pieces of animals and supports, as well as lateral projections.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כָּתֵף n.f. shoulder, shoulder-blade, side

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3802 כָּתֵף shoulder, shoulder-blade, side

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3802 katheph kaw-thafe'

from an unused root meaning to clothe; the shoulder (proper,

i.e. upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the

garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection

of anything:--arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side,

undersetter.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כָּתֵף (ka.teph) — shoulder.

1) shoulder, shoulder-blade, side, slope

1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade (of man)

1b) shoulder, shoulder-pieces (of animals)

1c) side, slope (of mountain)

1d) supports (of laver)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Ncfsc — Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct
HR/Ncfsc
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…

four tables from here and four tables from here [were] to [the] side of the gate eight tables [which] to them people slaughter
הַשָּׁ֑עַרha.Sha.'ar the gate H8179 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
374× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
entrance, by the side of the gate
Tyndale gloss
gate
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שַׁ֫עַר (sha'ar) means 'gate' and is derived from a root that signifies an opening. It encompasses various types of gates, including those of cities, palaces, and temples, as well as metaphorical uses like 'gate of heaven.' The entries consistently highlight its role as an entrance or threshold.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שַׁ֫עַר 373 n.m. gate

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8179 שַׁ֫עַר gate

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8179 sha`ar shah'-ar

from 8176 in its original sense; an opening, i.e. door or

gate:--city, door, gate, port (X -er).

see HEBREW for 08176

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שַׁ֫עַר (sha.ar) — gate.

: gate

1) gate

1a) gate (of entrance)

1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place)

1b1) city, town

1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle)

1d) heaven

שַׁ֫עַר (sha.ar) — gate: town.

: town

1) gate

1a) gate (of entrance)

1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place)

1b1) city, town

1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle)

1d) heaven

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

gat (Hebrew normally (over 300 times) sha`ar; occasionally deleth, properly, "gateway" (but compare De 3:5); elsewhere the gateway is pethach (compare especially Ge 19:6); Aramaic tera`; Greek pulon, pule; the English Revised Version and the King James Version add caph, "threshold," in 1Ch 9:19,22; and the King James Version adds delathayim, "double-door," in Isa 45:1; thura, "door," Ac 3:2):

(1) The usual gateway was provided with double doors, swung on projections that fitted into sockets in the sill and lintel. Ordinarily the material was wood (Ne 2:3,17), but greater…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Gate

(1.) Of cities, as of Jerusalem (Jer. 37:13; Neh. 1:3; 2:3; 3:3), of Sodom (Gen. 19:1), of Gaza (Judg. 16:3).

(2.) Of royal palaces (Neh. 2:8).

(3.) Of the temple of Solomon (1 Kings 6:34, 35; 2 Kings 18:16); of the holy place (1 Kings 6:31, 32; Ezek. 41:23, 24); of the outer courts of the temple, the beautiful gate (Acts 3:2).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The gate and gateways of eastern cities anciently held and still hold an important part, not only in the defence but in the public economy of the place. They are thus sometimes taken as representing the city itself. (Genesis 22:17; 24:60; 12:12; Judges 5:8; Ruth 4:10; Psalms 87:2; 122:2) Among the special purposes for which they were used may be mentioned. As places of public resort. (Genesis 19:1; 23:10; 34:20; 24; 1 Samuel 4:18) etc. Places for public deliberation, administration of Justice, or of audience for kings and rulers or ambassadors. (16:18; 21:19; 25:7;

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The gates of eastern walled towns were usually of wood, Jud 16:3, often covered with thick plates of iron or copper, Ps 107:16 Isa 45:2 Ac 12:10, secured by bolts and bars, De 3:5 1Ki 4:13, and flanked by towers, 2Sa 18:24,33. A city was usually regarded as taken when its gates were won, De 28:52 Jud 5:8. Hence "gate" sometimes signifies power, dominion; almost in the same sense as the Turkish sultan’s…

four tables from here and four tables from here [were] to [the] side of the gate eight tables [which] to them people slaughter
שְׁמוֹנָ֥הshe.mo.Nah eight H8083 Adj
109× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for the number eight, which was considered a special number in biblical times. It is used to describe quantities, such as eight days or eight years, and also appears in ordinal forms, like eighth or eighth day.
Tyndale gloss
eight
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שְׁמֹנֶה (shmoneh) means 'eight' and can also denote 'eighth' as an ordinal number. It is derived from the idea of plumpness, suggesting a surplus beyond seven, which is considered a perfect number. The term appears in various contexts, including combinations with other numbers.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שְׁמֹנֶה, (less oft. שְׁמוֹנֶה), שְׁמֹנָה 109 n.m. et f. eight

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8083 שְׁמֹנֶה, (less oft. שְׁמוֹנֶה), שְׁמֹנָה eight

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8083 shmoneh shem-o-neh'

or shmowneh {shem-o-neh'}; feminine shmonah {shem-o-naw'}; or

shmownah {shem-o-naw'}; apparently from 8082 through the idea

of plumpness; a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above

the "perfect" seven); also (as ordinal)

eighth:--eight((-een, -eenth)), eighth.

see HEBREW for 08082

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שְׁמֹנֶה (she.mo.neh) — eight.

1) eight, eighth

1a) eight (as cardinal number)

1b) eighth (as ordinal number)

1c) in combination with other numbers

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAcbsa
four tables from here and four tables from here [were] to [the] side of the gate eight tables [which] to them people slaughter
שֻׁלְחָנ֖וֹתshul.cha.Not tables H7979 Noun common · feminine plural absolute
71× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A shulchan refers to a table, often used for meals or sacred purposes, like a king's table. It symbolizes a place of community and sharing.
Tyndale gloss
table
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שֻׁלְחָן (shulchan) means 'table' and is derived from the root meaning to spread out. It can refer to various types of tables, including those used for kings, private use, or sacred purposes. The entries consistently emphasize its primary meaning as a table.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֻׁלְחָן 71 n.m. table

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7979 שֻׁלְחָן table

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7979 shulchan shool-khawn'

from 7971; a table (as spread out); by implication, a

meal:--table.

see HEBREW for 07971

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֻׁלְחָן (shul.chan) — table.

1) table

1a) table

1a1) of king's table, private use, sacred uses

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcfpa — Noun common · feminine plural absolute
HNcfpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Tables

(Mark 7:4) means banqueting-couches or benches, on which the Jews reclined when at meals. This custom, along with the use of raised tables like ours, was introduced among the Jews after the Captivity. Before this they had, properly speaking, no table. That which served the purpose was a skin or piece of leather spread out on the carpeted floor. Sometimes a stool was placed in the middle of this skin. (See ABRAHAM’S BOSOM; BANQUET; MEALS.)

four tables from here and four tables from here [were] to [the] side of the gate eight tables [which] to them people slaughter
אֲלֵיהֶ֥ם'a.lei.Hem [which] to them H413 Preposition · suffix
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'.
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 | Suff — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp3mp
four tables from here and four tables from here [were] to [the] side of the gate eight tables [which] to them people slaughter
יִשְׁחָֽטוּ׃yish.Cha.tu people slaughter H7819 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
81× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to slaughter, often used in the context of sacrifice or massacre, as seen in the KJV translations of kill, offer, or slay.
Amplified meaning
animals to be slaughtered, offerings to God, killed, offered as a sacrifice
Tyndale gloss
to slaughter
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׁחַט (shachat) is a Hebrew verb meaning to slaughter or kill, often in the context of sacrifice. It can refer to the slaughtering of animals for food or ritual purposes, as well as the killing of people in a sacrificial context. The noun form שַׁחֲטָה (shachat) is noted as a doubtful term, with a reference in Hosea 5:2.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁחַט 84 vb. slaughter, beat

Qal slaughter

Niph. be slaughtered for food

base

שַׁחֲטָה n.f. doubtful word;—Ho 5:2 RV (cf. AV) the revolters are gone deep in slaughtering

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7819a שָׁחַט slaughter, beat H7819b שַׁחֲטָה doubtful word

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7819 shachat shaw-khat'

a primitive root; to slaughter (in sacrifice or

massacre):--kill, offer, shoot out, slay, slaughter.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁחַט (sha.chat) — to slaughter.

v

1) to kill, slaughter, beat

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to slaughter

1a1a) beast for food

1a1b) sacrifice

1a1c) person in human sacrifice

1a1d) beaten, hammered (of shekels)

1b) (Niphal) to be slaughtered, be slain (of food or sacrifice)

Also means: sha.chat (שָׁחוּט "beaten" H7820)

שַׁחֲטָה (sha.cha.tah) — slaughtering.

1) (BDB) slaughtering

1a) word doubtful

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVqi3mp
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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