Menu

Ezekiel 43:26 — Word Study

Depth

WLCשִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֗ים יְכַפְּרוּ֙ אֶת־ הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ וְטִֽהֲר֖וּ אֹת֑וֹ וּמִלְא֖וּ יָדָֽיו׃

BSAFor sevenshebaʻ [a period of, sacred or special] daysyôwm the priests are to make atonementkâphar [those set apart for sacred service, to cover or expiate sin] for the altarmizbêach [place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God] and cleanse itṭâhêr [to purify, make ceremonially clean] so they shall consecratemâlêʼ [dedicate, set apart for sacred use] ityâd

Word
Listen & take awayEzekiel 43
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 26 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 (ya.dov) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Ezekiel 43:26quick helps
In a sentenceThe priests are instructed to make atonement and cleanse the altar over a period of seven days.
Who is speakingEzekiel, relaying God's commands to the priests.
Where we areInstructions for the priests regarding the altar's consecration.
The hard wordיְכַפְּרוּ
Take awayThe process of atonement and purification is essential for sacred service.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbכִּפֶּר 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 43:26

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 — Instructions for the Priestsgenerated

24You must present them before the LORD; the priests are to sprinkle salt on them and sacrifice them as a burnt offering to the LORD.
25For seven days you are to provide a male goat daily for a sin offering; you are also to provide a young bull and a ram from the flock, both unblemished.
26For seven days the priests are to make atonement for the altar and cleanse it; so they shall consecrate it.
27At the end of these days, from the eighth day on, the priests are to present your burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar. Then I will accept you, declares the Lord GOD.’”

Ezekiel 43:26 outlines the process by which the priests are to make atonement for the altar over a span of seven days. This ritual emphasizes the importance of purification and dedication in the worship practices prescribed for the Israelites, ensuring that the altar is fit for offerings to God. This passage reflects the broader themes found in the Torah regarding the sanctity of worship and the role of the priests in mediating between God and the people.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Leviticus 8:34What has been done today has been commanded by the LORD in order to make atonement on your behalf.
2Exodus 29:24Put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons and wave them before the LORD as a wave offering.
3Exodus 32:29Afterward, Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for service to the LORD, since each man went against his son and his brother; so the LORD has bestowed a blessing on you this day.”

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 3 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

they shallLeviticus 8:34
consecrate themselvesExodus 29:24 Exodus 32:29

The Key Word יְכַפְּרוּ, ye.kha.pe.Rugenerated

The verb כִּפֶּר (kaphar) means 'to cover' or 'to atone,' indicating a process of making amends or seeking forgiveness. It is used in a ritual context, particularly in sacrifices, to signify the act of covering sin and restoring a right relationship with God.

In this verse, the priests are commanded to make atonement for the altar, highlighting their role in the sacrificial system. The imperfect tense indicates an ongoing action, emphasizing that this atonement is a necessary part of their duties during the specified period.


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 is יְכַפְּרוּ, they will make atonement, which governs the structure of the verse. It is followed by a noun phrase indicating the object of atonement, הַמִּזְבֵּחַ, the altar, and two additional verbs that describe the actions of cleansing and filling.

The sentence structure emphasizes the sequence of actions: atonement comes first, followed by purification and dedication, reflecting the ritualistic nature of the priests' responsibilities.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates יְכַפְּרוּ as καταλλάξουσιν, which means 'they will reconcile' or 'they will make amends.' This choice suggests a broader interpretation of atonement, emphasizing the relational aspect of the priests' work in restoring the altar's sanctity.

The Greek word καθαριοῦσιν for 'purify' aligns closely with the Hebrew וְטִֽהֲר֖וּ, underscoring the importance of cleanliness in the sacrificial system.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Ezekiel 43:26 instructs the priests to make atonement for the altar and cleanse it over a period of seven days. This is part of their sacred duties to ensure that the altar is dedicated and fit for offerings to God.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What is the significance of making atonement for the altar?

Making atonement for the altar is crucial because it prepares the space for sacrifices, ensuring that the offerings are acceptable to God.

Why are seven days specified for this ritual?

Seven days is a significant period in the Bible, often symbolizing completeness or perfection, indicating that the purification process is thorough.

What does it mean to cleanse the altar?

To cleanse the altar means to remove any impurities, ensuring it is ceremonially clean for the offerings that will be made upon it.

How do these rituals connect to the role of the priests?

These rituals highlight the priests' role as mediators between God and the people, responsible for maintaining the sanctity of worship.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How can I apply the concept of atonement in my own life today?
  2. What does it mean to dedicate something for sacred use in my daily routine?
  3. In what ways can I ensure that I am spiritually 'clean' and prepared for worship?
  4. How do the rituals of the Old Testament inform my understanding of worship today?

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Ezekiel 43:26 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Seven days shall they purge the altar, and purify it,.... Which denotes the perfect purity and sanctification of it; which how to be applied to Christ, [See comments on Ezekiel 43:20]; and they shall

Read John Gill on Ezekiel 43 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And these are the measures of the altar after the cubits: The cubit is a cubit and an hand breadth; even the bottom shall be a cubit, and the breadth a cubit, and the border thereof by the edge

Read Robert Jamieson on Ezekiel 43 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

They, the priests in course, shall purge the altar: the same with what is said of the priests; they and the altar were thus consecrated and dedicated unto God, to be his in peculiar manner.

Read Matthew Poole on Ezekiel 43 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Ezekiel 43:26 Seven days shall they purge the altar and purify it; and they shall consecrate themselves.Ver. 26. They shall purge.] Thou and they together. We must also sanctify the Lord God in our hearts.

Read John Trapp on Ezekiel 43 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(26) Shall consecrate themselves.—Our version has here followed the Masoretic emendation of the text; the literal translation of the text itself is, shall fill its hand, referring to the altar. To “fill the hand” is a synonym for consecration, commonly applied to the priests, who were consecrated by placing in their hands the gifts they were to offer to God. Here it is better to keep to the text as it stands, “filling the hand of the altar” being a strong figurative expression to denote that it shall always be supplied with sacrificial gifts. Nothing is said throughout the passage of the consecration of the priests, the whole family of Aaron having been consecrated once for all by the…

Read Charles John Ellicott on Ezekiel 43 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

26. The ceremonial of consecrating the altar lasts seven days. On to “purge” cf. Ezekiel 43:20. consecrate themselves] consecrate it, i.e. the altar, lit. fill its hand (or, hands). The phrase is properly said of the priests, to install; here of the altar, to inaugurate it. Originally the expression had probably a literal meaning, to put the things to be offered into the hands of the priests (Leviticus 8:25 seq.), but later it came to be used generally in the sense of initiate, consecrate (Exodus 28:41; Exodus 29:9; Exodus 29:29; Exodus 29:33; Exodus 29:35; Leviticus 7:37; Numbers 3:3; Judges 17:5; Judges 17:12), cf. Exodus 32:29. Wellh. Hist. p. 152, argues that the priest’s hand was…

Read Cambridge on Ezekiel 43 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

18-27. The consecration of the altar is here described. It is much like that in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8:63-66; 2 Chronicles 7:4-10) excepting that here there is no need of cleansing the house and

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ezekiel 43 →

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

For seven days the priests are to make atonement for the altar and cleanse it; so they shall consecrate it.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Seven days shall they make atonement for the altar and purify it. So shall they consecrate it.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

For seven days the priests are to make atonement for the altar and cleanse it; so they shall consecrate it.

NETBNew English Translation2006

For seven days they will make atonement for the altar and cleanse it, so they will consecrate it.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Seven days shall they purge the altar and purify it; and they shall consecrate themselves.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Seven days shall they make atonement for the altar and purify it; so shall they consecrate it.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Seven days shall they make atonement for the altar and purify it; so shall they consecrate it.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Seven days shall they purge the altar and purify it; and they shall consecrate themselves.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Thus shall they seuen dayes purifie the altar, and clense it, and consecrate it.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Seven days shall they make atonement for the altar and purify it, and consecrate it.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Seven days they purify the altar, and have cleansed it, and filled their hand.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

[For] seven days they purify the altar, and have cleansed it, and filled their hand.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Seven days shall they atone for the altar and purify it; and they shall consecrate the same.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

They must atone for the altar for seven days and purify it, and in this way they must consecrate it.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Seven days shall they expiate the altar, and shall cleanse it: and they shall consecrate it.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

For seven days the priests are to set the altar right and purify it. This is how they will dedicate it.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

For seven days they are to make offerings to take away sin from the altar and to make it clean; so they are to make it holy.

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 · adverbialשִׁבְעַ֣תsevenיָמִ֗יםdaysverbיְכַפְּרוּ֙they.will.make.atonement.fornoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)noun phraseהַtheמִּזְבֵּ֔חַaltarוְandclauseverbטִֽהֲר֖וּthey.will.purifynoun phrase · objectאֹת֑וֹitוּandclauseverbמִלְא֖וּthey.will.fillnoun phrase · objectיָדָֽיhandsוits

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


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

The Masoretic Text presents the verse as שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֗ים יְכַפְּרוּ֙ אֶת־ הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ וְטִֽהֲר֖וּ אֹת֑וֹ וּמִלְא֖וּ יָדָֽיו׃. The Septuagint matches seven of the nine words, indicating a strong agreement with the Hebrew text, though the word order differs.

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

שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֗ים יְכַפְּרוּ֙ אֶת־ הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ וְטִֽהֲר֖וּ אֹת֑וֹ וּמִלְא֖וּ יָדָֽיו׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
שִׁבְעַ֣תἑπτὰיָמִ֗יםἡμέραςהַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַθυσιαστήριονוְטִֽהֲר֖וּκαθαριοῦσινאֹת֑וֹαὐτὸוּמִלְא֖וּπλήσουσινיָדָֽיו׃αὐτῶν

7 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 43:26שֶׁ֫בַעsevensevenשֶׁ֫בַעיוֹםdaysdaysיוֹםכִּפֶּרthey will mthey will make כִּפֶּראֵתthe object the object markאֵתמִזְבֵּחַthe altarthe altarמִזְבֵּחַטָהֵרand they wiand they will pטָהֵראֵתthe object the object markאֵתמָלֵאand they wiand they will fמָלֵאיָדhands itshands itsיָדאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתשָׁבַעto swearto swearשָׁבַעזָבַחto sacrifito sacrificeזָבַחכַּףpalmpalmכַּףמִגְרָשׁpasturepastureמִגְרָשׁפַּ֫עַםbeatbeatפַּ֫עַםשְׁבִיעִיseventhseventhשְׁבִיעִישַׁבָּתSabbathSabbathשַׁבָּתבַּ֫עַדabout/throabout/through/fבַּ֫עַדטָהֵרbe purebe pureטָהֵרקָטַרto offer: to offer: burnקָטַרעֹלָהburnt offeburnt offeringעֹלָהטֻמְאָהuncleannesuncleannessטֻמְאָהכָּבַסto washto washכָּבַסחָמָסviolenceviolenceחָמָסעָנָןcloudcloudעָנָןחָזָקstrongstrongחָזָקנָצַלto rescueto rescueנָצַל
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 43:26

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.

seven days they will make atonement for the object marker the altar and they will purify the object marker it and they will fill hands its
שִׁבְעַ֣תshiv.'At seven H7651 Adj
395× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Amplified meaning
a period of, sacred or special
Tyndale gloss
seven
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֶׁ֫בַע (sheba`) means 'seven' and is a cardinal number. It can also imply 'seven times' or refer to a week. The term appears in various contexts, including combinations like 17 or 700. Its Aramaic equivalent is שִׁבְעָה (shiv.ah), also meaning 'seven'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֶׁ֫בַע, שִׁבְעָה 394 n.m. et f. seven

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7651 שֶׁ֫בַע, שִׁבְעָה seven

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7651 sheba` sheh'-bah

or (masculine) shibrah {shib-aw'}; from 7650; a primitive

cardinal number; seven (as the sacred full one); also

(adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by

extension, an indefinite number:--(+ by) seven(-fold),-s,

(-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare 7658.

see HEBREW for 07650

see HEBREW for 07658

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֶׁ֫בַע (she.va) — seven.

1) seven (cardinal number)

1a) as ordinal number

1b) in combination-17, 700 etc

Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)

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

sev'-'-n (shebha`; hepta).

See NUMBER.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Seven

This number occurs frequently in Scripture, and in such connections as lead to the supposition that it has some typical meaning. On the seventh day God rested, and hallowed it (Gen. 2:2, 3). The division of time into weeks of seven days each accounts for many instances of the occurrence of this number. This number has been called the symbol of perfection, and also the symbol of rest. “Jacob’s seven years’ service to Laban; Pharaoh’s seven fat oxen and seven lean ones; the seven branches of the golden candlestick; the seven trumpets and the seven priests who sounded them; the seven days’ siege of Jericho; the seven churches, seven spirits, seven stars, seven seals, seven vials, and many others, sufficiently prove the importance of this sacred number” (see Lev. 25:4;

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The frequent recurrence of certain numbers in the sacred literature of the Hebrews is obvious to the most superficial reader, but seven so far surpasses the rest, both in the frequency with which it recurs and in the importance of the objects with which it is associated, that it may fairly be termed the representative symbolic number. The influence of the number seven was not restricted to the Hebrews; it prevailed among the Persians, ancient Indians, Greeks and Romans. The peculiarity of the Hebrew view consists in the special dignity of the seventh, and not simply in that of seen. The Sabbath being the seventh day suggested the adoption of seven as the coefficient, so to say, for their appointment of all sacred periods; and we thus find the 7th month ushered in by the Feast of Trumpets, and signalized by the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles and the Great Day of Atonement; 7…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

As from the beginning this was the number of days in the week, so it often has in Scripture a sort of emphasis attached to it, and is very generally used as a round or perfect number. Clean beasts were taken into the ark by sevens, Ge 7:1-24. The years of plenty and famine in Egypt were marked by sevens, Ge 41:1-57. With the Jews, not only was there a seventh day Sabbath, but every seventh year was a Sabbath, and after every seven times seven years came a jubilee. Their great feasts of unleavened bread and of tabernacles were observed for seven days; the number of animals in many of their sacrifices was limited to seven. The golden candlestick had seven branches. Seven priests with seven trumpets went around the walls of Jericho seven days, and seven times on the seventh day. In…

seven days they will make atonement for the object marker the altar and they will purify the object marker it and they will fill hands its
יָמִ֗יםya.Mim days H3117 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
2,306× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Tyndale gloss
day
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יוֹם (yowm) means 'day' and refers to a division of time, contrasting with night. It can denote a literal 24-hour period, a general time span, or even a year. The term is used in various contexts, including the 'day of Yahweh,' which signifies a time of divine judgment. It also appears in phrases indicating temporal references like today, yesterday, and tomorrow.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יוֹם 2285 n.m. day

day, opp. night

Day as division of time

יוֹם י׳ day of Yahweh, chiefly as time of his coming in judgment, involving often blessedness for righteous

Pl. days of anyone

Days

יוֹם = time

Phrases

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3117 יוֹם day . day, opp. night

. Day as division of time

. יוֹם י׳ day of Yahweh, chiefly as time of his coming in judgment, involving often blessedness for righteous

. Pl. days of anyone

. Days

. יוֹם = time

. Phrases

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3117 yowm yome

from an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm

hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one

sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by

an associated term), (often used adverb):--age, + always, +

chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to)

day, (now a, two) days (agone), + elder, X end, + evening, +

(for) ever(-lasting, -more), X full, life, as (so) long as

(... live), (even) now, + old, + outlived, + perpetually,

presently, + remaineth, X required, season, X since, space,

then, (process of) time, + as at other times, + in trouble,

weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), X whole

(+ age), (full) year(-ly), + younger.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יוֹם (yom) — day.

: day/when/time/period

1) day, time, year

1a) day (as opposed to night)

1b) day (24 hour period)

1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1

1b2) as a division of time

1b2a) a working day, a day's journey

1c) days, lifetime (pl.)

1d) time, period (general)

1e) year

1f) temporal references

1f1) today

1f2) yesterday

1f3) tomorrow

יוֹם (yom) — day: old.

: old/(full/many)[days]

1) day, time, year

1a) day (as opposed to night)

1b) day (24 hour period)

1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1

1b2) as a division of time

1b2a) a working day, a day's journey

1c) days, lifetime (pl.)

1d) time, period (general)

1e) year

1f) temporal references

1f1) today

1f2) yesterday

1f3) tomorrow

יוֹם (yom) — day: year.

: year[of_days]

1) day, time, year

1a) day (as opposed to night)

1b) day (24 hour period)

1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1

1b2) as a division of time

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
seven days they will make atonement for the object marker the altar and they will purify the object marker it and they will fill hands its
יְכַפְּרוּ֙ye.kha.pe.Ru they will make atonement for H3722 Verb · Piel · imperfect third person masculine plural
102× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To cover means to coat or cover something, like when the ark was covered with pitch to protect it. This word is also used figuratively to describe making amends or forgiving someone, like in a sacrifice or atonement.
Amplified meaning
those set apart for sacred service, to cover or expiate sin
Tyndale gloss
to atone
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word כִּפֶּר (kaphar) is built from a root meaning 'to cover.' It encompasses a range of meanings including to atone, pacify, and make propitiation, often in a legal or ritual context. The word also appears in a more literal sense, such as covering with pitch. There is a distinction between its uses in different grammatical forms, indicating various nuances in meaning.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּפֶּר vb. Pi. etc. denom. cover over (fig.), pacify, make propitiation

Pi.

cover over, pacify, propitiate

cover over, atone for sin, without sacrifice

cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites

Pu. be covered over, atoned for

Hithp. the iniquity of the house of Eli shall not be covered by peace-offering or minchah

Niph. and the blood shall be covered for them

base

כָּפַר vb. denom. Gn 6:14 and thou shalt pitch it with pitch (P).

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3722a כִּפֶּר vb. denom. cover over (fig.), pacify, make propitiation H3722b כָּפַר vb. denom. and thou shalt pitch it with pitch

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3722 kaphar kaw-far'

a primitive root; to cover (specifically with bitumen);

figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel:--

appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be

merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make)

reconcile(-liation).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּפֶּר (ki.pher) — to atone.

1) to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation

1a) (Piel)

1a1) to cover over, pacify, propitiate

1a2) to cover over, atone for sin, make atonement for

1a3) to cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites

1b) (Pual)

1b1) to be covered over

1b2) to be atoned for

1c) (Hithpael) to be covered

כָּפַר (ka.phar) — to cover.

(Qal) to coat or cover with pitch

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Piel · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVpi3mp
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.

In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…

seven days they will make atonement for the object marker the altar and they will purify the object marker it and they will fill hands its
אֶת־'et- the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
seven days they will make atonement for the object marker the altar and they will purify the object marker it and they will fill hands its
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַha.miz.Be.ach the altar H4196 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
401× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Amplified meaning
place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God
Tyndale gloss
altar
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִזְבֵּחַ 401 n.m. altar

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4196 מִזְבֵּחַ altar

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4196 mizbeach miz-bay'-akh

from 2076; an altar:--altar.

see HEBREW for 02076

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִזְבֵּחַ (miz.be.ach) — altar.

altar

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

ol'-ter (mizbeach, literally, "place of slaughter or sacrifice," from zabhach, which is found in both senses; bomos, (only in Ac 17:23), thusiasterion):

I. CLASSIFICATION OF HEBREW ALTARS

Importance of the Distinction

II. LAY ALTARS

1. Pre-Mosaic

2. In the Mosaic Age

3. Dangers of the Custom

4. The Mosaic Provisions

III. HORNED ALTARS OF BURNT OFFERING

1. The Tabernacle Altar

2. The Altar of Jos 22

3. The Altar till Solomon

4. The Horned Altar in Use

5. The Temple of Solomon

6. The Altar of Ahaz

7. Ezekiel

8. The Post-exilic Altar

9. Idolatrous and Unlawful Altars

10. The Horns

IV. ALTARS OF INCENSE

V. RECENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL MATERIALS 1. A Gezer Altar

2. The Taanach Altar of Incense

LITERATURE

A. CRITICAL

I. Classification of Hebrew Altars.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Altar

(Heb. mizbe’ah, from a word meaning “to slay”), any structure of earth (Ex. 20:24) or unwrought stone (20:25) on which sacrifices were offered. Altars were generally erected in conspicuous places (Gen. 22:9; Ezek. 6:3; 2 Kings 23:12; 16:4; 23:8; Acts 14:13). The word is used in Heb. 13:10 for the sacrifice offered upon it—the sacrifice Christ offered.

Paul found among the many altars erected in Athens one bearing the inscription, “To the unknown God” (Acts 17:23), or rather “to an [i.e., some]…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The first altar of which we have any account is that built by Noah when he left the ark. (Genesis 8:20) In the early times altars were usually built in certain spots hallowed by religious associations, e.g., where God appeared. (Genesis 12:7; 13:18; 26:25; 35:1) Though generally erected for the offering of sacrifice, in some instances they appear to have been only memorials. (Genesis 12:7; Exodus 17:15,16) Altars were most probably originally made of earth. The law of Moses allowed them to be made of either earth or unhewn stones. (Exodus 20:24,25) I. The Altar of Burnt Offering . It differed in construction at…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A table-like structure, on which sacrifices and incense were offered, built of various materials, usually of stone, but sometimes of brass, etc. It is evident that sacrifices were offered long before the flood; but the first mention of an altar in Scripture is when Noah left the ark. Mention is made of altars reared by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses. The latter was commanded to build an altar of earth, Ex 20:24. If stone was employed, it must be rough and unhewn, probably lest the practice of sculpture should lead them to violate the second commandment. It was not to be furnished with steps, De 27:2-6.

The altars in the Jewish tabernacle, and in the temple at Jerusalem, were the following: 1. The altar of burnt offerings. 2. The altar of incense. 3. The table of showbread, for…

seven days they will make atonement for the object marker the altar and they will purify the object marker it and they will fill hands its
וְטִֽהֲר֖וּve.ti.ha.Ru and they will purify H2891 Verb · Piel · sequential perfect third person common plural
94× 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 to be pure, either physically, morally, or ceremonially. It appears in Leviticus for purification rituals and in Psalm 51 where David asks God to purify his heart. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian ideas of cleanliness and holiness.
Amplified meaning
to purify, make ceremonially clean
Tyndale gloss
be pure
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

טָהֵר (taher) means to be clean or pure, covering physical, ceremonial, and moral aspects of purity. It can refer to being free from disease, ceremonially clean, or morally innocent. The verb has various forms, including Qal (to be clean), Piel (to cleanse), and Hithpael (to purify oneself). Brown-Driver-Briggs notes a specific instance of miraculous cleansing related to leprosy.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

טָהֵר vb. be clean, pure

Qal

be clean, i.e. (miraculously) freed from leprosy by washing in the Jordan

be clean ceremonially

be clean morally

Pi.

cleanse, purify

pronounce clean, ceremonially

perform the ceremony of cleansing

Pu. a land not cleansed

Hithp.

purify oneself

present oneself for purification

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2891 טָהֵר be clean, pure

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2891 taher taw-hare'

a primitive root; properly, to be bright; i.e. (by

implication) to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated;

Levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy):--be

(make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge,

purify(-ier, self).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

טָהֵר (ta.her) — be pure.

1) to be clean, be pure

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to be clean (physically-of disease)

1a2) to be clean ceremonially

1a3) to purify, be clean morally, made clean

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to cleanse, purify

1b1a) physically

1b1b) ceremonially

1b1c) morally

1b2) to pronounce clean

1b3) to perform the ceremony of cleansing

1c) (Pual) to be cleansed, be pronounced clean

1d) (Hithpael)

1d1) to purify oneself

1d1a) ceremonially

1d1b) morally

1d2) to present oneself for purification

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Piel-3cp — Verb · Piel · sequential perfect third person common plural
Hc/Vpq3cp
seven days they will make atonement for the object marker the altar and they will purify the object marker it and they will fill hands its
אֹת֑וֹ'o.To the object marker it H853 Particle · suffix
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo/Sp3ms — Particle · suffix
HTo/Sp3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
seven days they will make atonement for the object marker the altar and they will purify the object marker it and they will fill hands its
וּמִלְא֖וּu.mil.'U and they will fill H4390 Verb · Piel · sequential perfect third person common plural
249× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Amplified meaning
dedicate, set apart for sacred use
Tyndale gloss
to fill
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מָלֵא (male') means 'to fill' or 'be full,' with applications ranging from literal filling to figurative uses like accomplishing or completing something. It appears in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hithpael, indicating different nuances such as being satisfied or confirming. Notably, it can also refer to massing against someone.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מָלֵא 249 vb. be full, fill

Qal 99

be full, usu. c. acc. material

trans. fill

Niph.

be filled

be accomplished, ended

Pi.

fill

special uses are:

fulfil, accomplish, complete, obj. week, year, day

Pu. filled

Hithp. mass themselves against me

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4390 מָלֵא be full, fill .. be full, usu. c. acc. material

. trans. fill

. . be filled

. be accomplished, ended

. . fill

. special uses are:

. fulfil, accomplish, complete, obj. week, year, day

. filled

. mass themselves against me

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4390 male' maw-lay'

or malae (Esth. 7:5) {maw-law'}; a primitive root, to fill or

(intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally

and figuratively):--accomplish, confirm, + consecrate, be at

an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, X

draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-)flow,

fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume,

replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-)full, + have

wholly.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָלֵא (ma.le) — to fill.

1) to fill, be full

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to be full

1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle)

1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended

1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied

1b2) to be accomplished, be ended

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to fill

1c2) to satisfy

1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete

1c4) to confirm

1d) (Pual) to be filled

1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against

Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Piel-3cp — Verb · Piel · sequential perfect third person common plural
Hc/Vpq3cp
seven days they will make atonement for the object marker the altar and they will purify the object marker it and they will fill hands its
יָדָֽיו׃ya.dov hands its H3027 Noun common both dual construct · suffix
1,619× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Tyndale gloss
hand
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָד (yad) means 'hand' and can also refer to strength or power in a figurative sense. It encompasses various technical uses, such as a sign or monument, parts or shares, and even specific components in construction, like axle-trees and supports for the laver. The word is versatile, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָד 1604 n.f. hand

hand

Fig. = strength, power

Fig. = side

יָד is used in various special, technical senses:—

sign, monument

part, fractional part or share

time, repetition

axle-trees

stays, supports for laver

tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle

a (beckoning) hand

יַד with prep.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3027 יָד hand . hand

. Fig. = strength, power

. Fig. = side

. יָד is used in various special, technical senses:— . sign, monument

. part, fractional part or share

. time, repetition

. axle-trees

. stays, supports for laver

. tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle

. a (beckoning) hand

. יַד with prep.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3027 yad yawd

a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power,

means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed

one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of

applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate

and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes,

at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad,

(broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, +

creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship,

force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in,

labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine,

ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain,

power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay,

draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by

them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing,

+ thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side,

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָד (yad) — hand.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)

1d) (various special, technical senses)

1d1) sign, monument

1d2) part, fractional part, share

1d3) time, repetition

1d4) axle-trees, axle

1d5) stays, support (for laver)

1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)

1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)

1d8) wrists

יָד (yad) — hand: power.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)

1d) (various special, technical senses)

1d1) sign, monument

1d2) part, fractional part, share

1d3) time, repetition

1d4) axle-trees, axle

1d5) stays, support (for laver)

1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)

1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)

1d8) wrists

יָד (yad) — hand: themselves.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs | Suff — Noun common both dual construct · suffix
HNcbdc/Sp3ms
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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

Donate