Ezekiel 9:5 — Word Study
WLCוּלְאֵ֙לֶּה֙ אָמַ֣ר בְּאָזְנַ֔י עִבְר֥וּ בָעִ֛יר אַחֲרָ֖יו וְהַכּ֑וּ אַל תָּחֹ֥ס עֵינְכֶ֖ם וְאַל־ תַּחְמֹֽלוּ׃
BSAAnd as I listenedʼôzen He saidʼâmar■ ◂to the othersʼêl-leh [these specific ones] Follow himʻâbar through the cityʻîyr [a place with walls and a watchman] and start killingnâkâh [to smite] do notchûwç▸ show pityʻayin [to have compassion] or spare anyonechâmal▸ [to have mercy, no one]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וּלְאֵ֙לֶּה֙ | and to these | Conjunction, preposition, particle |
| אָמַ֣ר | he said | Verb, Qal, perfect third person masculine singular |
| בְּאָזְנַ֔י | in ears my | Preposition, noun common feminine dual construct, suffix |
| עִבְר֥וּ | pass | Verb, Qal, imperative second person masculine plural |
| בָעִ֛יר | in the city | Preposition, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| אַחֲרָ֖יו | after him | Suffix |
| וְהַכּ֑וּ | and strike | Conjunction, verb hiphil imperative second person masculine plural |
| אַל | not | Particle |
| תָּחֹ֥ס | let it look with compassion | Verb, Qal, jussive third person feminine singular |
| עֵינְכֶ֖ם | eye your | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| וְאַל־ | and may not | Conjunction, particle |
| תַּחְמֹֽלוּ׃ | you show pity | Verb, Qal, jussive second person masculine plural |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | And as I listened, He said to the others, “Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone! |
| KJV | ¶ And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: |
| ASV | And to the others he said in my hearing, Go ye through the city after him, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity; |
| YLT | And to the others he said in mine ears, 'Pass on into the city after him, and smite; your eye doth not pity, nor do ye spare; |
| WEB | To the others he said in my hearing, “Go through the city after him, and strike. Don’t let your eye spare, neither have pity. |
| BBE | And to these he said in my hearing, Go through the town after him using your axes: do not let your eyes have mercy, and have no pity: |
The translations agree on the rendering of תָּחֹס as 'show pity'.
The sentence is structured around a main clause with several dependent phrases providing commands and prohibitions.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbאָמַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
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 9:5
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 Vision of Judgment in Jerusalemgenerated
Ezekiel 9:5 presents a stark command from God to execute judgment in Jerusalem. This follows a previous instruction to mark those who mourn for the city's sins, indicating a severe separation between the righteous and the wicked. The context is a prophetic vision where divine justice is about to be enacted, emphasizing God's holiness and the seriousness of sin.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 9:15 | Now on the day before Saul’s arrival, the LORD had revealed to Samuel, |
| 2 | Isaiah 5:9 | I heard the LORD of Hosts declare: “Surely many houses will become desolate, great mansions left unoccupied. |
| 3 | Isaiah 22:14 | The LORD of Hosts has revealed in my hearing: “Until your dying day, this sin of yours will never be atoned for,” says the Lord GOD of Hosts. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 9:10 | But as for Me, I will not look on them with pity, nor will I spare them. I will bring their deeds down upon their own heads.” |
| 5 | Ezekiel 5:11 | Therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, because you have defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable idols and abominations, I Myself will withdraw My favor; I will not look upon you with pity, nor will I spare you. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תָּחֹ֥ס, ta.Chosgenerated
The verb חוּס (chus) means to show pity or compassion, derived from a root that suggests covering or sparing. It is used in contexts where mercy is expected, but here it is explicitly prohibited.
The jussive form in this verse indicates a command, emphasizing that the act of showing pity is not an option. The structure of the command is forceful, reflecting the seriousness of the judgment being pronounced.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses show pity to translate תָּחֹס.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb אָמַר (he said) governs the entire verse, with several clauses and phrases dependent on it. The command structure is clear: God instructs the angel to act without mercy.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the actions commanded, with the imperative verbs עִבְר֥וּ (pass) and הַכּ֑וּ (strike) following the directive, highlighting the urgency and severity of the command.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the command to תָּחֹס is rendered with the Greek word φείδεσθε, which also means to spare or show mercy. This choice indicates a direct translation of the Hebrew intent, emphasizing the prohibition against compassion.
The use of the Greek reflects the same urgency found in the Hebrew, maintaining the original command's force.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Ezekiel 9:5 shows God commanding judgment on Jerusalem, instructing an angel to pass through the city and kill without showing pity. This highlights the seriousness of the sins committed and the need for divine justice.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means to carry out judgment without compassion, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Judgment is pronounced due to the city's sins and the lack of mourning for them, indicating a complete rejection of God's ways.
The ones being marked are those who mourn for the abominations committed in the city, showing their righteousness.
It signifies the seriousness of divine judgment and the consequences of sin, calling for a clear separation between the righteous and the wicked.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What does it mean to me that God calls for judgment on those who do not mourn for sin?
- How can I ensure that I am among those who are marked for mercy?
- In what ways do I see God's justice at work in the world today?
- How can I cultivate a heart that mourns for the sins around me?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers referenced this verse to discuss themes of judgment and mercy, drawing on its implications for understanding God's justice.
You have given a sign, the blood itself of a lamb without blemish, slain for the sin of the world. And Ezekiel says that a sign was given on the foreheads of the persons.Early Church Fathers on Ezekiel 9 →
In Ezekiel the prophet, when the angel who had been sent had slain everyone and the slaughter had begun at the holy places, only those whom he had signed with the letter tau—that is, with the mark of the cross—remained unharmed.Early Church Fathers on Ezekiel 9 →
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Ezekiel 9:5 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd, to the others he said in mine hearing,.... To the other six men that had the slaughter weapons in their hands: go ye after him through the city; that is, after the man clothed with linen; for he
Read John Gill on Ezekiel 9 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: To the others he said - to the six officers of judgment (Ezekiel 9:2).
Read Robert Jamieson on Ezekiel 9 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe others; the six slaughtermen. He said; the God of glory, or Christ, who appeared in great glory. In my hearing; a note of certainty of the thing. Go ye after him; linger not ere you set forward against the wicked, yet still go after, that you destroy none that are to be sealed; so also . Through the city; this order must be observed through the whole city, and through the whole execution. Smite; strike each with his weapon of perdition, so let every one fall by the sword, or famine, &c. Let not your eye spare; do all with severity, act the Chaldeans’ part indeed, and without remorse execute my just displeasure by your cruelty.
Read Matthew Poole on Ezekiel 9 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsEzekiel 9:5 And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:Ver. 5. Go ye after him.] Go not till he hath marked the mourners, so chary and choice is God of his jewels. Mercy is his firstborn, saith one, and visits the saints ere judgments break out.
Read John Trapp on Ezekiel 9 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(5) Go ye after him.—No interval is allowed. Here, as in the corresponding visions in Revelation referred to above, judgment waits only until those whom mercy will spare have been protected. (Comp. the deliverance of Lot, Genesis 19:22-25.) The destruction was to be utter and complete, and was to begin at the sanctuary, where the gross sin of the people had culminated. This is one of those many important passages in Scripture (comp. Matthew 25:41; Luke 23:30; Revelation 6:16, &c.) in which God reveals Himself as one who will ultimately take vengeance without pity upon those who have rejected and insulted His mercy and long-suffering kindness. The revelation of future wrath is no less clear…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Ezekiel 9 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges5. The other executioners were to follow the footsteps of the seventh man, and slay without discrimination all not marked by him.
Read Cambridge on Ezekiel 9 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible5. Let not your eye spare — See notes Ezekiel 7:4; Ezekiel 8:18.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ezekiel 9 →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
And as I listened, He said to the others, “Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone!
To the others he said in my hearing, “Go through the city after him, and strike. Don’t let your eye spare, neither have pity.
And as I listened, He said to the others, “Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone!
While I listened, he said to the others, “Go through the city after him and strike people down; do no let your eye pity nor spare anyone!
Tyndale line
¶ And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:
And to the others he said in my hearing, Go ye through the city after him, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity;
And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye through the city after him, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:
And to the others he said in my hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:
And to the other he said, that I might heare, Goe ye after him through the citie, and smite: let your eye spare none, neither haue pitie.
Strictly literal
And to the others he said in my hearing, Go after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have pity.
And to the others he said in mine ears, 'Pass on into the city after him, and smite; your eye doth not pity, nor do ye spare;
And to the others he said in my ears, “Pass on into the city after him, and strike; your eye does not pity, nor do you spare;
And to the others he said before my ears, Pass ye through the city after him, and smite: let your eye not look with pity, and do not spare;
Then he spoke to the others within my hearing, “Pass through the city after him and kill. Do not let your eyes have compassion, and do not spare
From the Latin
And to the others he said in my hearing: Go ye after him through the city, and strike: let not your eyes spare, nor be ye moved with pity.
Simplified
Then I heard him tell the others, “Follow him all through the city and start killing people. Don't be kind or merciful to anyone!
And to these he said in my hearing, Go through the town after him using your axes: do not let your eyes have mercy, and have no pity:
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.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording, with 11 of the 12 words matched. The differences in word order and articles are characteristic of the Septuagint's translation style.
וּלְאֵ֙לֶּה֙ אָמַ֣ר בְּאָזְנַ֔י עִבְר֥וּ בָעִ֛יר אַחֲרָ֖יו וְהַכּ֑וּ אַל תָּחֹ֥ס עֵינְכֶ֖ם וְאַל־ תַּחְמֹֽלוּ׃
11 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.
Lexicons — every word in Ezekiel 9:5
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.
אֵ֫לֶּה (el-leh) means 'these' and is used in various grammatical contexts, often in apposition to a noun with a pronoun suffix. It can appear with or without the definite article and is sometimes paired with other terms like וְאֵלֶּה (and these). The word conveys a sense of proximity or specification, referring to particular items or people.
אֵ֫לֶּה pr.pl.m. & f. these
in appos. to a subst. with a pron. suff. (always without the article)
repeated, אלה … ואלה, these … those
with the art. (but only after a subst. determined likewise by the art.)
with preps.
base
H428 אֵ֫לֶּה these . in appos. to a subst. with a pron. suff. (always without the article)
. repeated, אלה … ואלה, these … those
. with the art. (but only after a subst. determined likewise by the art.)
. with preps.
428 'el-leh ale'-leh
prolonged from 411; these or those:--an- (the) other; one
sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those,
thus, which, who(-m).
see HEBREW for 0411
אֵ֫לֶּה (el.leh) — these.
1) these
1a) used before antecedent
1b) used following antecedent
Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Conj | Prep | Pron — Conjunction · preposition · particleHC/R/Tm
אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.
אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say
Qal
Say
Say in the heart (= think)
Promise
Command (esp. late)
Niph. be said, told
Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
Hithp. act proudly, boast
base
H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say
. Say in the heart (= think)
. Promise
. Command (esp. late)
. be said, told
. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
. act proudly, boast
559 'amar aw-mar'
a primitive root; to say (used with great
latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,
certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),
commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X
expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,
publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X
suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),
utter, X verily, X yet.
אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.
1) to say, speak, utter
1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called
1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly
1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch
Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singularHVqp3ms
The Hebrew word אֹ֫זֶן (*ozen*) means 'ear' and is derived from a root that suggests broadness. It refers to the physical ear as well as the organ of hearing, and can also imply the act of revealing or receiving divine revelation. The term appears in contexts such as Exodus 29:20.
אֹ֫זֶן 188 n.f. Ex 29:20 ear
ear, as part of body
especially as organ of hearing
open ears of, reveal to
base
H241 אֹ֫זֶן ear
241 'ozen o'-zen
from 238; broadness. i.e. (concrete) the ear (from its form
in man):--+ advertise, audience, + displease, ear, hearing, +
show.
see HEBREW for 0238
אֹ֫זֶן (o.zen) — ear.
: ear
1) ear, as part of the body
2) ear, as organ of hearing
3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
אֹ֫זֶן (o.zen) — ear: hearing.
: hearing
1) ear, as part of the body
2) ear, as organ of hearing
3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
אֹ֫זֶן (o.zen) — ear: to ears.
: to[ears_of](PERSON)
1) ear, as part of the body
2) ear, as organ of hearing
3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Prep | N-fd | Suff — Preposition · noun common feminine dual construct · suffixHR/Ncfdc/Sp1bs
The Hebrew word עָבַר (abar) is a versatile verb meaning to pass over, through, or by, and it encompasses a range of actions including crossing, traversing, and alienating. It can also imply causing something to pass or be transferred, as well as emotional states like anger in its Hithpael form. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, though they do not provide specific verse references.
עָבַר 648 vb. pass over, through, by, pass on
Qal
pass over
Pass beyond
Pass through, traverse
pass along by
pass by
sweep by, of scourge
be past, over, of time
pass along (from hand to hand)
Pass on, go on
Pass away
Niph. Impf. a stream which cannot be forded
Pi.
his bull impregnateth
cause one to cross river
cause something to pass over
make over to
devote children to (לְ) heathen god
pass along (from hand to hand)
cause to pass through
let pass through
cause to pass by
let pass by
cause arrow to pass beyond
cause to pass under rod, for counting
cause to pass away, take away
Hiph.
cause to pass over, bring over
he made to pass across with chains of gold
base
[עָבַר] vb. denom. Hithp. be arrogant, infuriate oneself
base
H5674a עָבַר pass over, through, by, pass on .. pass over
. Pass beyond
. Pass through, traverse
. . pass along by
. pass by
. sweep by, of scourge
. be past, over, of time
. pass along (from hand to hand)
. Pass on, go on
. Pass away
. Impf. a stream which cannot be forded
. . his bull impregnateth . cause one to cross river
. cause something to pass over
. make over to
. devote children to (לְ) heathen god
. pass along (from hand to hand)
. . cause to pass through
. let pass through
. . cause to pass by
. let pass by
. cause arrow to pass beyond
. cause to pass under rod, for counting
. cause to pass away, take away
. . cause to pass over, bring over
. he made to pass across with chains of gold
H5674b עָבַר vb. denom. Hithp. be arrogant, infuriate oneself
5674 `abar aw-bar'
a primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any
transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive,
intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
copulation):--alienate, alter, X at all, beyond, bring (over,
through), carry over, (over-)come (on, over), conduct (over),
convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail,
gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way,
in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle,
overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over)
pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over,
through), (cause to, make) + proclaim(-amation), perish,
provoke to anger, put away, rage, + raiser of taxes, remove,
send over, set apart, + shave, cause to (make) sound, X
speedily, X sweet smelling, take (away), (make to)
transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-)faring man, be
wrath.
עָבַר (a.var) — to pass.
1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over
1a2) to pass beyond
1a3) to pass through, traverse
1a3a) passers-through (participle)
1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant)
1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by
1a4a) passer-by (participle)
1a4b) to be past, be over
1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance
1a6) to pass away
1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory)
1a6b) to vanish
1a6c) to perish, cease to exist
1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree)
1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands
1b) (Niphal) to be crossed
1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross
1d) (Hiphil)
V-Qal-Impv-2mp — Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine pluralHVqv2mp
The Hebrew word עִיר (*'iyr*) has meanings related to both excitement and city. It can denote excitement, particularly of terror or rage, as well as refer to a city or town, indicating a place that is guarded or inhabited. The entries suggest a broad application, from fortified cities to simple encampments. There is a specific mention of a man named Ir in 1 Chronicles 4:12.
עִיר n.[m.] excitement;—of terror; of rage
base
עִיר 1092 n.f. city, town
city, town, abode of men
of fortress in a city
appar. fortified place, of any size
base
H5892a עִיר excitement;—of terror; of rage H5892b עִיר city, town . city, town, abode of men
. of fortress in a city
. appar. fortified place, of any size
5892 `iyr eer
or (in the plural) par {awr}; or ayar (Judges 10:4)
{aw-yar'}; from 5782 a city (a place guarded by waking or a
watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or
post):--Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town.
see HEBREW for 05782
עִיר (ir) — excitement.
1) excitement, anguish
1a) of terror
עִיר (ir) — city.
1) city, town (a place of waking, guarded)
1a) city, town (a place of waking, guarded)
1a) city, town
עִיר (ir) — City (of On).
Combined with on (אֹן "On" H0204)
This name means city, town
Another name of on (אֹן "On" H0204)
עִיר (ir) — Ir-.
#A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.12;
son of: Tehinnah (H8468)
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absoluteHRd/Ncfsa
sit'-i (`ir, qiryah; polis):
I. THE CANAANITE CITY
1. Origin
2. Extent
3. Villages
4. Sites
5. External Appearance
6. General
II. THE CITY OF THE JEWISH OCCUPATION
1. Tower or Stronghold
2. High Place
3. Broad Place
4. Streets
5. General Characteristics
III. STORE CITIES
IV. LEVITICAL CITIES
LITERATURE
I. The Canaanite City.
1. Origin:
The development of the Canaanite city has been traced by Macalister in his report on the excavation at Gezer (Palestine Exploration Fund Statement, 1904, 108 ff). It originated on the slopes of a bare rocky spur, in which the Neolithic Troglodytes quarried their habitations out of the solid rock, the stones therefrom being used to form a casing to the earthen ramparts, with which the site was afterwards surrounded and which served as a protection against the intrusion of enemies. Later Semitic intruders occupied the site, stone houses were built, and high stone defense…
City
The earliest mention of city-building is that of Enoch, which was built by Cain (Gen. 4:17). After the confusion of tongues, the descendants of Nimrod founded several cities (10:10-12). Next, we have a record of the cities of the Canaanites, Sidon, Gaza, Sodom, etc. (10:12, 19; 11:3, 9; 36:31-39). The earliest description of a city is that of Sodom (19:1-22). Damascus is said to be the oldest existing city in the world. Before the time of Abraham there were cities in Egypt (Num. 13:22). The Israelites in Egypt were employed in building the “treasure cities” of Pithom and Raamses (Ex. 1:11); but it does not seem that they had any cities of their own in Goshen (Gen.…
The towns and cities of Palestine were commonly built on heights, for better security against robbers or invaders. These heights, surrounded by walls, sometimes formed the entire city. In other cases, the citadel alone crowned the hill, around and at the base of which the town was built; and in time of danger the surrounding population all took refuge in the fortified place. Larger towns and cities were often not only defended by strong outer walls, with towers and gates, but by a citadel or castle within these limits-a last resort when the rest of the city was taken, Jud 9:46,51. The "fenced cities" of the Jews, De 3:5, were of various sizes and degrees of strength; some being surrounded by high and thick stone walls, and others by feebler ramparts, often of clay or sun-dried…
The Hebrew word אַחַר (*achar*) primarily denotes the concept of 'after' or 'behind' in both spatial and temporal contexts. It functions as a substantive, adverb, preposition, and conjunction, indicating a following part or time. The related form אַחֲרַי (*acharai*) refers to a person who turns backwards. There is a reference to Proverbs 28:23 in relation to the latter.
אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part
adv.
of place, behind
of time, afterwards
prep.
of place, behind, after
of time, after
conj. after that.
H310a אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part . adv. . of place, behind
. of time, afterwards
. prep. . of place, behind, after
. of time, after
. conj. after that.
H310b אַחֲרַי a man that turneth backwards.
310 'achar akh-ar'
from 309; properly, the hind part; generally used as an
adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses):--after
(that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side),
behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from,
hereafter, hinder end, + out (over) live, + persecute,
posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth),
when, with.
see HEBREW for 0309
אַחַר (a.char) — after.
1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time)
1a) as an adverb
1a1) behind (of place)
1a2) afterwards (of time)
1b) as a preposition
1b1) behind, after (of place)
1b2) after (of time)
1b3) besides
1c) as a conjunction
1c) after that
1d) as a substantive
1d1) hinder part
1e) with other prepositions
1e1) from behind
1e2) from following after
אַחֲרַי (a.cha.ray) — backwards.
backwards (of a man that turns backwards)
HAcmpc/Sp3ms — SuffixHAcmpc/Sp3ms
נָכָה (nakah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to strike or smite, encompassing a range of actions from lightly hitting to fatal blows. It appears in various forms, indicating actions like attacking, punishing, or causing disease. The entries suggest its use in both literal and figurative contexts, including divine judgment and applause. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
[נָכָה] 501 vb. smite (not in Qal)
Niph. and he shall be smitten [struck by weapon in battle] and die
Pu. both be smitten down by the hail
Hiph.
lit., smite (with a single, non-fatal, blow), strike
smite repeatedly, beat a man
and they clapped hands (in applause)
give a thrust (with fork) into pot; strike roots
rarely smite (in battle) so as (merely) to wound
smite, of sun
Smite fatally
Smite = attack, attack and destroy a company
Of God
smite with a plague, disease, etc.
smite = chastise, or send judgment upon
of God’s destroying palaces
Hoph. be smitten
base
H5221 נָכָה smite (not in Qal) . and he shall be smitten [struck by weapon in battle] and die
. both be smitten down by the hail
. . . lit., smite (with a single, non-fatal, blow), strike
. smite repeatedly, beat a man
. and they clapped hands (in applause)
. give a thrust (with fork) into pot; strike roots
. rarely smite (in battle) so as (merely) to wound
. smite, of sun
. Smite fatally
. Smite = attack, attack and destroy a company
. Of God . smite with a plague, disease, etc.
. smite = chastise, or send judgment upon
. of God’s destroying palaces
. be smitten
5221 nakah naw-kaw'
a primitive root; to strike (lightly or severely, literally
or figuratively):--beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), X
go forward, X indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer,
punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike,
be stricken, (give) stripes, X surely, wound.
נָכָה (na.khah) — to smite.
1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill
1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten
1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust
1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast)
1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage
1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy
1d) (Hophal) to be smitten
1d1) to receive a blow
1d2) to be wounded
1d3) to be beaten
1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain
1d5) to be attacked and captured
1d6) to be smitten (with disease)
1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp — Conjunction · verb hiphil imperative second person masculine pluralHC/Vhv2mp
strik: The verbs "to strike" and "to stroke" (latter not in English Versions) have the same derivation, and originally "strike" was the intrans, "stroke" the transitive form. "Strike" however, became used in both senses (always transitive in English Versions of the Bible), while "to stroke" took on the meaning "to, rub gently." But in the King James Version this last force still belonged sometimes to "strike" and is so found in 2Ki 5:11, "strike his hand over the place" (the Revised Version (British and American) "wave"), and perhaps Ex 12:7,22; Tobit 11:11 Otherwise AV's uses of the simple "strike" are modern, including "strike sail" (Ac 27:17; here and in /RAPC Tob 11:11 with an archaic preterite "strake," elsewhere…
אַל (al) is a negative particle meaning 'not' or 'no,' often used to express a wish or prohibition rather than an objective fact. It can also function as a noun meaning 'nothing.' The lexicons highlight its use in various contexts, including deprecative forms, but do not show significant disagreement.
אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
base
H408 אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
408 'al al
a negative particle (akin to 3808); not (the qualified
negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun,
nothing:--nay, neither, + never, no ,nor, not, nothing
(worth), rather than.
see HEBREW for 03808
אַל (al) — not.
1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference)
1a) do not, let not (with a verb)
1b) let there not be (with a verb understood)
1c) not, no (with substantive)
1d) nothing (as substantive)
Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
HTn — ParticleHTn
חוּס (chus) is a Hebrew verb meaning to pity or show compassion. It is built from a primitive root that conveys the idea of covering or sparing. The word covers the concepts of having compassion and regarding someone with mercy. It is noted in various lexicons for its emphasis on compassion.
[חוּס] vb. pity, look upon with compassion
base
H2347 חוּס pity, look upon with compassion
2347 chuwc khoos
a primitive root; properly, to cover, i.e. (figuratively) to
compassionate:--pity, regard, spare.
חוּס (chus) — to pity.
(Qal) to pity, have compassion, spare, look upon with compassion
V-Qal-Juss-3fs — Verb · Qal · jussive third person feminine singularHVqj3fs
kom-pash'-un: Compassion is the translation of racham, "to love," "pity," "be merciful" (De 13:17; 30:3); of rachamim, "mercies" (1Ki 8:50); of chamal, "to pity," "spare" (Ex 2:6; 1Sa 23:21); rachum (Ps 78:38; 86:15; 111:4; 112:4; 145:8), is rendered by the American Standard Revised Version "merciful." We have splagchnizomai, "to have the bowels yearning," in Mt 9:36; 14:14, etc.; sumpatheo (Heb 10:34), "to suffer with (another)"; sumpathes (1Pe 3:8, the…
→ OF GOD
See GOD, MERCY OF
→ OF CHRIST
See JESUS, COMPASSION OF
The Hebrew word עַ֫יִן (*'ayin*) means 'eye' and can refer to both the physical organ and its figurative uses, such as mental qualities and desires. It also denotes a 'spring' or 'fountain' of water. The entries highlight various phrases and contexts, including appearances and expressions of emotion, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.
עַ֫יִן 859 n.f. eye
lit. as physical organ
eyes as showing mental qualities
desire of the eyes, abominations of the eyes
Fig. of mental and physical faculties, acts and states
Transferred mngs.:
visible surface of earth
appearance
gleam, sparkle
Other phrases are: an eye for an eye; eye to eye; in the presence of, in full view of; of business transaction; on the forehead
base
עַ֫יִן n.f. spring (of water). Particular springs are:
ע׳ חֲרֹר Ju 7:1
ע׳ הַקּוֹרֵא (partridge-spring) Ju 15:19
ע׳ רֹגֵל near Jerus.
ע׳ הַתַּנִּין (dragon-spring)
base
H5869a עַ֫יִן eye . lit. as physical organ
. . eyes as showing mental qualities
. desire of the eyes, abominations of the eyes
. Fig. of mental and physical faculties, acts and states
. Transferred mngs.: . visible surface of earth
. appearance
. gleam, sparkle
. Other phrases are: an eye for an eye; eye to eye; in the presence of, in full view of; of business transaction; on the forehead
H5869b עַ֫יִן spring (of water)
5869 `ayin ah'-yin
probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or
figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the
landscape):--affliction, outward appearance, + before, +
think best, colour, conceit, + be content, countenance, +
displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, + favour,
fountain, furrow (from the margin), X him, + humble,
knowledge, look, (+ well), X me, open(-ly), + (not) please,
presence, + regard, resemblance, sight, X thee, X them, +
think, X us, well, X you(-rselves).
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye.
: eye
1) eye
1a) eye
1a1) of physical eye
1a2) as showing mental qualities
1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — Fountain (Gate).
§ spring, fountain
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — Fountain of.
§ spring, fountain
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: seeing.
: seeing
1) eye
1a) eye
1a1) of physical eye
1a2) as showing mental qualities
1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: appearance.
: appearance
1) eye
1a) eye
1a1) of physical eye
1a2) as showing mental qualities
1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: before(the eyes).
: before(the_eyes)
1) eye
1a) eye
1a1) of physical eye
1a2) as showing mental qualities
1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: sin.
: sin
1) eye
1a) eye
1a1) of physical eye
1a2) as showing mental qualities
N-cd | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp2mp
אַל (al) is a negative particle meaning 'not' or 'no,' often used to express a wish or prohibition rather than an objective fact. It can also function as a noun meaning 'nothing.' The lexicons highlight its use in various contexts, including deprecative forms, but do not show significant disagreement.
אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
base
H408 אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
408 'al al
a negative particle (akin to 3808); not (the qualified
negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun,
nothing:--nay, neither, + never, no ,nor, not, nothing
(worth), rather than.
see HEBREW for 03808
אַל (al) — not.
1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference)
1a) do not, let not (with a verb)
1b) let there not be (with a verb understood)
1c) not, no (with substantive)
1d) nothing (as substantive)
Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
HC/Tn — Conjunction · particleHC/Tn
חָמַל (chamal) is a primitive root meaning to spare or have compassion. It encompasses the ideas of commiseration and pity, primarily in the Qal stem. The entries consistently emphasize its connotation of sparing or showing compassion.
H2550 חָמַל spare
2550 chamal khaw-mal'
a primitive root; to commiserate; by implication, to
spare:--have compassion, (have) pity, spare.
חָמַל (cha.mal) — to spare.
(Qal) to spare, pity, have compassion on
V-Qal-Juss-2mp — Verb · Qal · jussive second person masculine pluralHVqj2mp
pit'-i (chamal, chuc; eleeo): "Pity," probably contracted from "piety," is tender feeling for others in misery or distress. It is allied to compassion (which see), but differs in respect of the object that causes the distress (or feeling). The feeling of pity is excited chiefly by the weakness, miserable or degraded condition of the object; compassion by his uncontrollable and inevitable misfortunes: "We pity a man of weak understanding who exposes his weakness; we compassionate the man who is reduced to a state of beggary and want" (Crabb, English Synonyms). Pity often becomes allied to contempt; "a pity" is something to be regretted. See PITIFUL. In the Old Testament "pity" is closely akin to "mercy." It is most frequently the translation of chamal, "to pity," "to spare," e.g. in Nathan's parable of the poor man's one lamb, it is said that the rich man was worthy to die because he had…