Menu

Ezra 8:24 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוָאַבְדִּ֛ילָה מִשָּׂרֵ֥י הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים שְׁנֵ֣ים עָשָׂ֑ר לְשֵׁרֵֽבְיָ֣ה חֲשַׁבְיָ֔ה וְעִמָּהֶ֥ם מֵאֲחֵיהֶ֖ם עֲשָׂרָֽה׃

BSAThen I set apartbâdal [separated, divided] twelveshᵉnayim of the leadingsar [chief, ruling] priestskôhên together with SherebiahShêrêbᵉyâh [a Levite, minister of God] HashabiahChăshabyâh [Jehovah has considered] andʻim tenʻeser [a decade, a group of ten] of their brothersʼâch [relatives, kin]

Word
Listen & take awayEzra 8
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 24 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 ('a.sa.Rah) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Ezra 8:24quick helps
In a sentenceEzra designates twelve leading priests, including Sherebiah and Hashabiah, along with ten of their brothers.
Who is speakingEzra, the scribe and priest, is recounting his actions during the return from exile.
Where we areEzra is organizing the priests and Levites for the journey back to Jerusalem.
The hard wordוָאַבְדִּ֛ילָה
Take awayEzra's careful organization reflects the importance of leadership in restoring worship.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectעֲשָׂרָה 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 — Ezra 8:24

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 — Ezra Organizes the Priestsgenerated

23So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request.
24Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, together with Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers,
25and I weighed out to them the contribution of silver and gold and the articles that the king, his counselors, his leaders, and all the Israelites there had offered for the house of our God.
26I weighed out into their hands 650 talents of silver, articles of silver weighing 100 talents, 100 talents of gold,

Ezra 8:24 describes Ezra's actions in setting apart twelve leading priests for the journey back to Jerusalem. This organization was crucial for the restoration of worship and the community after the Babylonian exile. Ezra's leadership ensured that the priests were prepared to fulfill their roles in the temple service, as seen in the preceding verses where he sought God's guidance and provision.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Ezra 8:18–19And since the gracious hand of our God was upon us, they brought us Sherebiah—a man of insight from the descendants of Mahli son of Levi, the son of Israel—along with his sons and brothers, 18 men;

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 1 reference, hung on the phrase they belong to

SherebiahEzra 8:18–19

The Key Word וָאַבְדִּ֛ילָה, va.'av.Di.lahgenerated

The verb וָאַבְדִּ֛ילָה (va'avdilah) is a hiphil form meaning 'to set apart' or 'to separate.' It indicates an intentional act of distinction, which is important in the context of religious leadership and service.

This word is derived from the root בָּדַל (badal), which emphasizes the act of dividing or distinguishing. In this verse, it reflects Ezra's role in organizing the priests for their sacred duties.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

In the Berean Standard Bible, the term used is set apart, which aligns with the KJV and ASV, both of which also convey the idea of separation for a specific purpose.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb וָאַבְדִּ֛ילָה governs the sentence, indicating Ezra's action of setting apart. The structure includes several noun phrases describing the priests and their companions, highlighting the organization of leadership.

The sentence is constructed with the verb at the forefront, establishing Ezra's decisive action, followed by details about the individuals involved, which underscores the importance of these leaders in the context of the community.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates וָאַבְדִּ֛ילָה as διέστειλα (diestēla), meaning 'I separated.' This choice reflects a similar understanding of the act of setting apart for a specific purpose.

The use of this Greek term suggests continuity in the concept of separation within the religious context, maintaining the significance of Ezra's leadership.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Ezra 8:24 recounts how Ezra set apart twelve leading priests, including Sherebiah and Hashabiah, along with ten of their brothers. This action was part of his preparation for the return to Jerusalem, ensuring that the right leaders were in place for the worship and service of God.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

Why did Ezra set apart these priests?

Ezra set apart these priests to ensure that they would lead the people in worship and fulfill their responsibilities in the temple after the return from exile.

What is the significance of the number twelve?

The number twelve often symbolizes completeness and is significant in the context of Israel's leadership, reflecting the twelve tribes.

Who were Sherebiah and Hashabiah?

Sherebiah and Hashabiah were Levites who played important roles in assisting Ezra and leading the people in worship and the reading of the Law.

What does it mean to 'set apart' in this context?

To 'set apart' means to designate individuals for specific roles or responsibilities, particularly in the context of religious service.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How can I recognize and support leaders in my community who serve in spiritual roles?
  2. What does it mean to be set apart for a specific purpose in my own life?
  3. In what ways can I contribute to the organization and leadership within my faith community?
  4. How does understanding the roles of leaders in the Bible influence my view of leadership today?

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

Early commentators like Bede reference Ezra's actions to emphasize the significance of leadership in spiritual matters.

BedeCommentary on Ezra and Nehemiah c. 673–735
And I separated twelve of the chiefs of the priests, etc. It has been frequently said that the silver and gold and vessels sent from Babylon to Jerusalem signify souls,
Early Church Fathers on Ezra 8 →

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Ezra 8:24 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests,.... That were in company with him; so that it seems there were more than the two mentioned, Ezra 8:2, very probably their families, or some of

Read John Gill on Ezra 8 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them, Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests ...

Read Robert Jamieson on Ezra 8 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Or, and Sherebiah, & c., who were the Levites mentioned , who were jointly intrusted together with the priests with the charge of carrying these things carefully and safely. The particle and is oft understood.

Read Matthew Poole on Ezra 8 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Ezra 8:24 Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,Ver. 24. Then I separated twelve] I singled them and set them apart for this great trust, vide cui fidas. See the faith of these. Sherebiah, Hashabiah] Heb. With Sherebiah, Hashabiah (men of known integrity, Ezra 8:18-19), and ten of their brethren with them] twenty-four in all, a complete company of faithful trustees.

Read John Trapp on Ezra 8 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(24) Sherebiah.—Rather, to Sherebiah—that is, these two Levites, alone mentioned, with ten others, were associated with an equal number of priests in the charge of the Temple treasure.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Ezra 8 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

24–30. (b) Provision for the custody of the votive gifts and offerings during the march24. twelve of the chief of the priests] R.V. twelve of the chiefs of the priests. Literally ‘twelve of the princes of the priests’. The R.V. margin adds, In Nehemiah 12:24, Levites. Sherebiah, Hashabiah] R.V. even Sherebiah, Hashabiah. Marg. besides. The exact meaning is not very evident. (a) The A.V. follows the Vulgate, “et separavi de principibus sacerdotum duodecim, Sarabiam et Hasabiam et cum eis de fratribus eorum decem”. The preposition which in the original stands before ‘Sherebiah’ is then treated (as in Ezra 8:16) as the sign of the object. The objection to this is that Sherebiah and Hashabiah…

Read Cambridge on Ezra 8 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

24. Twelve of the chief of the priests — Not high priests, but leading men, specially distinguished for age or wisdom, among the priests that were with Ezra.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ezra 8 →

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

Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, together with Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers,

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Then I set apart twelve of the chiefs of the priests, even Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers with them,

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, together with Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers,

NETBNew English Translation2006

Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, together with Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers,

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

¶ Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Then I set apart twelve of the chiefs of the priests, even Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

RVARevised Version, American1894

Then I separated twelve of the chiefs of the priests, even Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Then I separated twelue of the chiefe of the Priests, Sherebiah, and Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And I separated twelve of the chiefs of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And I separate from the heads of the priests, twelve, even Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and with them of their brethren ten,

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And I separate from the heads of the priests, twelve, even Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and with them of their brothers ten,

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Then set I apart of the chiefs of the priests twelve persons, Sherebyah, Chashabyah, and with them ten of their brethren.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Next I selected twelve men from the priestly officials: Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sarabias, and Hasabias, and with them ten of their brethren,

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Then I designated twelve of the leading priests, and Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers,

BBEBible in Basic English1949

So I put on one side twelve of the chiefs of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers with them,

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

וָandclauseverb phrase · verbאַבְדִּ֛ילָIהset.apartprepositional phrase · prepositionalמִofnoun phraseשָּׂרֵ֥יthe.leadersnoun phraseהַofכֹּהֲנִ֖יםthe.priestsnoun phrase · objectnumeral phraseשְׁנֵ֣יםtwo.plusעָשָׂ֑רtenprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְtonoun phraseשֵׁרֵֽבְיָ֣הSherebiahחֲשַׁבְיָ֔הHashabiahוְandclauseprepositional phrase · predicateעִמָּwithהֶ֥םthemprepositional phrase · prepositionalמֵofnoun phraseאֲחֵיbrothersהֶ֖םtheirsubjectעֲשָׂרָֽהten

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 content, with a close correspondence in wording. The Septuagint's translation reflects the same essential meaning, although the word order differs.

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

וָאַבְדִּ֛ילָה מִשָּׂרֵ֥י הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים שְׁנֵ֣ים עָשָׂ֑ר לְשֵׁרֵֽבְיָ֣ה חֲשַׁבְיָ֔ה וְעִמָּהֶ֥ם מֵאֲחֵיהֶ֖ם עֲשָׂרָֽה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וָאַבְדִּ֛ילָהδιέστειλαמִשָּׂרֵ֥יἀρξόντωνהַכֹּהֲנִ֖יםἱερέωνעָשָׂ֑רδώδεκαלְשֵׁרֵֽבְיָ֣הσαραιαחֲשַׁבְיָ֔הασαβιαוְעִמָּהֶ֥םαὐτῶνמֵאֲחֵיהֶ֖םαὐτῶνעֲשָׂרָֽה׃δέκα

9 of the 10 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.

Ezra 8:24בָּדַלand I set aand I set apartבָּדַלשַׂרof [the] leof [the] leaderשַׂרכֹּהֵןthe prieststhe priestsכֹּהֵןשְׁנַ֫יִםtwo [plus]two [plus]שְׁנַ֫יִםעָשָׂרtentenעָשָׂרשֵׁרֵֽבְיָהto Sherebiato SherebiahשֵׁרֵֽבְיָהחֲשַׁבְיָהוּHashabiahHashabiahחֲשַׁבְיָהוּעִםand with thand with themעִםאָחof brothersof brothers theאָחעֶשֶׂרtentenעֶשֶׂרשָׂרַרto ruleto ruleשָׂרַרשָׁרָבscorchingscorchingשָׁרָבחָשַׁבto devise:to devise: counחָשַׁבעָמַםto darkento darkenעָמַםעָשַׂרto titheto titheעָשַׂרכָּהַןto ministeto ministerכָּהַןשֵׁנִיsecondsecondשֵׁנִיעֶשֶׂרtentenעֶשֶׂראָבfatherfatherאָבבַּ֫יִןbetweenbetweenבַּ֫יִןקֹ֫דֶשׁHoly PlaceHoly Placeקֹ֫דֶשׁחֲמִשִּׁיםfiftyfiftyחֲמִשִּׁיםאֶלְעָזָרEleazarEleazarאֶלְעָזָרצָדוֹקZadokZadokצָדוֹקעָשָׂרtentenעָשָׂראַ֫יִלramramאַ֫יִלשְׁמֹנֶהeighteightשְׁמֹנֶהחֹ֫דֶשׁmonthmonthחֹ֫דֶשׁ
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 Ezra 8:24

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and I set apart ! of [the] leaders of the priests two [plus] ten to Sherebiah Hashabiah and with them of brothers their ten
וָאַבְדִּ֛ילָהva.'av.Di.lah and I set apart ! H914 Verb hiphil sequential imperfect first person common singular · suffix
42× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to separate or divide, and is used in various contexts, including to set apart or make a distinction. It is translated as divide, separate, or difference in the KJV.
Amplified meaning
separated, divided
Tyndale gloss
to separate
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּדַל (badal) is a Hebrew verb meaning to divide or separate. It encompasses various senses, including making distinctions between clean and unclean or holy and profane. The word can also imply setting apart or severing, with reflexive forms indicating self-separation. The entries consistently highlight its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[בָּדַל] vb. be divided, separate

Hiph. divide, separate

divide, separate, subj. God

separate, set apart

make a distinction between clean and unclean, holy and profane

divide into parts

Niph.

(reflex. of Hiph. 2)

pass. be separated

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H914 בָּדַל be divided, separate . divide, separate . divide, separate, subj. God

. separate, set apart

. make a distinction between clean and unclean, holy and profane

. divide into parts

. . (reflex. of Hiph. 2)

. pass. be separated

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

914 badal baw-dal'

a primitive root; to divide (in variation senses literally or

figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.):--

(make, put) difference, divide (asunder), (make) separate

(self, -ation), sever (out), X utterly.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּדַל (ba.dal) — to separate.

1) to divide, separate

1a) (Hiphil)

1a1) to divide, separate, sever

1a2) to separate, set apart

1a3) to make a distinction, difference

1a4) to divide into parts

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to separate oneself from (reflexive of 1a2)

1b2) to withdraw from

1b3) to separate oneself unto

1b4) to be separated

1b5) to be excluded

1b6) to be set apart

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff — Verb hiphil sequential imperfect first person common singular · suffix
Hc/Vhw1cs/Sh
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a-part' (badh, "separation," i.e. alone, by oneself; niddah, "uncleanness" i.e. something put away: "an abomination"): In Zec 12:12-14 the former word is used eleven times with powerful effect to indicate the separation of families and the isolation of wives through excessive grief in Jerusalem on account of the slain Messiah. The latter word signifies removal from ceremonial uncleanness (Le 15:19; 18:19; Eze 22:10). In Greek, kat' idian, "by themselves," of marked significance as expressing Christ's desire for privacy in prayer, alone or with His disciples; either in a desert (Mt 14:13); a mountain (Mt 14:23); or a…

and I set apart ! of [the] leaders of the priests two [plus] ten to Sherebiah Hashabiah and with them of brothers their ten
מִשָּׂרֵ֥יmi.sa.Rei of [the] leaders of H8269 Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct
421× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Amplified meaning
chief, ruling
Tyndale gloss
ruler
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שַׂר (sar) refers to a leader or ruler, encompassing a range of meanings from prince and chief to official and captain. It denotes various ranks, including military commanders and religious leaders, and can also imply a noble or merchant of high status. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to rule'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שַׂר 420 n.m. chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8269 שַׂר chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8269 sar sar

from 8323; a head person (of any rank or class):--captain

(that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper,

lord, ((-task- ))master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward.

see HEBREW for 08323

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שַׂר (sar) — ruler.

1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain

1a) chieftain, leader

1b) vassal, noble, official (under king)

1c) captain, general, commander (military)

1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes)

1e) heads, princes (of religious office)

1f) elders (of representative leaders of people)

1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity)

1h) patron-angel

1i) Ruler of rulers (of God)

1j) warden

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-mp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct
HR/Ncmpc
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…

and I set apart ! of [the] leaders of the priests two [plus] ten to Sherebiah Hashabiah and with them of brothers their ten
הַכֹּהֲנִ֖יםha.ko.ha.Nim the priests H3548 Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
750× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Tyndale gloss
priest
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כֹּהֵן (kohen) means 'priest' and is derived from the active participle of a related root. It encompasses various types of priests, including Levitical, Aaronic, and even pagan priests, as well as chief rulers or principal officers. The term is used in contexts referring to both Jewish and non-Jewish priestly roles.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּהֵן 750 n.m. priest

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3548 כֹּהֵן priest

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3548 kohen ko-hane'

active participle of 3547; literally, one officiating, a

priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a

layman):--chief ruler, X own, priest, prince, principal

officer.

see HEBREW for 03547

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּהֵן (ko.hen) — priest.

1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler

1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah)

1b) pagan priests

1c) priests of Jehovah

1d) Levitical priests

1e) Zadokite priests

1f) Aaronic priests

1g) the high priest

Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-mp — Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
HTd/Ncmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Torrey's New Topical Textbook

- First notice of persons acting as

Ge 4:3,4

- During patriarchal age heads of families acted as

Ge 8:20; 12:8; 35:7

- After the exodus young men (first-born) deputed to act as

Ex 24:5; 19:22

- The sons of Aaron appointed as, by perpetual statute

Ex 29:9; 40:15

- All except seed of Aaron excluded from being

Nu 3:10; 16:40; 18:7

- Sanctified by God for the office

Ex 29:44

- Publicly consecrated

Ex 28:3; Nu 3:3

- CEREMONIES AT CONSECRATION OF

. Washing in water

and I set apart ! of [the] leaders of the priests two [plus] ten to Sherebiah Hashabiah and with them of brothers their ten
שְׁנֵ֣יםshe.Neim two [plus] H8147 Adj
769× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Tyndale gloss
two
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שְׁנַ֫יִם (shnayim) means 'two' and serves as both a cardinal and ordinal number. It can denote 'both,' 'double,' or 'twice,' and is used in various combinations with other numbers. The word is derived as a dual form of שָׁנָה (shanah), which relates to the concept of pairs.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שְׁנַ֫יִם, שְׁתַּיִם 768 n.m. et f. du. two

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8147 שְׁנַ֫יִם, שְׁתַּיִם two

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8147 shnayim shen-ah'-yim

dual of 8145; feminine shttayim {shet-tah'-yim}; two; also

(as ordinal) twofold:--both, couple, double, second, twain, +

twelfth, + twelve, + twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two.

see HEBREW for 08145

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שְׁנַ֫יִם (she.na.yim) — two.

1) two

1a) two (the cardinal number)

1a1) two, both, double, twice

1b) second (the ordinal number)

1c) in combination with other numbers

1d) both (a dual number)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAcbda
and I set apart ! of [the] leaders of the priests two [plus] ten to Sherebiah Hashabiah and with them of brothers their ten
עָשָׂ֑ר'a.Sar ten H6240
339× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Tyndale gloss
ten
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָשָׂר (asar) means 'ten' and is used exclusively in combination with other numbers to form the teen numbers (11-19), both as cardinal and ordinal forms. The entries indicate that it is derived from another Hebrew root, but do not elaborate on its etymology.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָשָׂר, עֶשְׂרֵה ten, only after units to make num. 11-19, both cardinal and ordinal

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6240 עָשָׂר, עֶשְׂרֵה ten, only after units to make num. 11-19, both cardinal and ordinal

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6240 `asar aw-sawr'

for 6235; ten (only in combination), i.e. -teen; also

(ordinal) -teenth:--(eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-,

six-, thir-)teen(-th), + eleven(-th), + sixscore thousand, +

twelve(-th).

see HEBREW for 06235

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָשָׂר (a.sar) — ten.

1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers)

1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19

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

(`eser; deka).

See NUMBER.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ (Used for an indefinite number) Ge 31:7; Le 26:26; Nu 14:22; Zec 8:23

and I set apart ! of [the] leaders of the priests two [plus] ten to Sherebiah Hashabiah and with them of brothers their ten
לְשֵׁרֵֽבְיָ֣הle.she.re.ve.Yah to Sherebiah H8274 Preposition · noun proper masculine
8× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Sherebiah was a Levite who helped Ezra read the Law and sealed a covenant with Nehemiah after the Exile. His name means Jehovah has scorched, reflecting his connection to a powerful God. He's mentioned in Nehemiah 10:12.
Amplified meaning
a Levite, minister of God
Tyndale gloss
Sherebiah
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֵׁרֵֽבְיָה (Sherebyah) is a personal name meaning 'Jehovah has scorched.' It refers to a Levite who assisted Ezra during the Exile and Return, mentioned in Ezra 8:18 and Nehemiah 10:12. The name is derived from roots meaning 'heat' and 'Jah,' indicating a connection to divine intensity.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֵׁרֵֽבְיָה n.pr.m. a Levite with Ezra (? י׳ hath sent burning heat)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8274 שֵׁרֵֽבְיָה

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8274 Sherebyah shay-rayb-yaw'

from 8273 and 3050; Jah has brought heat; Sherebjah, the name

of two Israelites:--Sherebiah.

see HEBREW for 08273

see HEBREW for 03050

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֵׁרֵֽבְיָה (she.re.ve.yah) — Sherebiah.

A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.8.18

§ Sherebiah = "Jehovah has scorched"

a Levite who assisted Ezra at the reading of the Law and who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah

שֵׁרֵֽבְיָה (she.re.ve.yah) — Sherebiah.

A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.10.12

§ Sherebiah = "Jehovah has scorched"

a Levite who assisted Ezra at the reading of the Law and who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun proper masculine
HR/Npm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

sher-e-bi'-a, she-reb'-ya (sherebhyah, "God has sent burning heat"(?); the form is doubtful): A post-exilic priest and family. Sherebiah, who joined Ezra at the river Ahava (Ezr 8:18; the Septuagint omits), and had charge, along with eleven others, of the silver and gold and vessels for the Temple (Ezr 8:24, Codex Vaticanus and Codex Alexandrinus Saraia, Lucian, Sarabias). He aided in the exposition of the Law (Ne 8:7), was among those who made public confession (Ne 9:4) and sealed the covenant (Ne 10:12 (13)). His name also appears in Ne 12:8,24. In every passage…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Sherebiah

Flame of the Lord, a priest whose name is prominent in connection with the work carried on by Ezra and Nehemiah at Jerusalem (Ezra 8:17, 18, 24-30; Neh. 8:7; 9:4, 5; 10:12).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(heat of Jehovah) a Levite in the time of Ezra. (Ezra 8:18,24) (B.C. 459.) When Ezra read the law to the people, Sherebiah was among the Levites who assisted him. (Nehemiah 8:7) He signed the covenant with Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 10:12)

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

singing with the Lord

and I set apart ! of [the] leaders of the priests two [plus] ten to Sherebiah Hashabiah and with them of brothers their ten
חֲשַׁבְיָ֔הcha.shav.Yah Hashabiah H2811 Noun proper masculine
15× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Hashabiah was a common name in the Bible, meaning Jehovah has considered, and was given to several Israelites, including a Merarite Levite in Nehemiah 12.
Amplified meaning
Jehovah has considered
Tyndale gloss
Hashabiah
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word חֲשַׁבְיָהוּ (*Chashabyah*) means 'Jehovah has regarded' and refers to a name associated with several Levites in the Old Testament. It is built from roots meaning 'to consider' and the divine name. The entries highlight various individuals named Hashabiah, including musicians and leaders during different periods, such as the time of David and the return from Babylon.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֲשַׁבְיָ֫הוּ, חֲשַׁבְיָה n.pr.m. (Yah(u) has taken account)

a temple musician

a Levite, David’s time

a Levite, Josiah’s time

Levite in line of Merari

Levite

Levite, Ezra’s time

head of a family of priests

a builder of the wall

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2811 חֲשַׁבְיָהוּ, חֲשַׁבְיָה

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2811 Chashabyah khash-ab-yaw'

or Chashabyahuw {khash-ab-yaw'-hoo}; from 2803 and 3050; Jah

has regarded; Chashabjah, the name of nine

Israelites:--Hashabiah.

see HEBREW for 02803

see HEBREW for 03050

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֲשַׁבְיָ֫הוּ (cha.shav.yah) — Hashabiah.

A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.6.45;

son of: Amaziah (H0558I);

father of: Malluch (H4409)

§ Hashabiah = "Jehovah has considered"

1) a Merarite Levite

2) the 4th of the 6 sons of Jeduthun who had charge of the 12th course

3) one of the descendants of Hebron the son of Kohath

4) the son of Kemuel, who was prince of the tribe of Levi in the time of David

5) a Levite, one of the chiefs of his tribe who officiated for Josiah at his great passover feast

6) a Merarite Levite, one of the chief priests who accompanied Ezra from Babylon; ruler of half the circuit of Keilah and one who repaired a portion of the wall of Jerusalem under Nehemiah. He sealed the covenant of reformation after the return from captivity

7) a Levite, son of Bunni in the time of Nehemiah

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hash-a-bi'-a (chashabhyah):

(1) Two Levites of the family of Merari (1Ch 6:45; 9:14).

(2) A Levite who dwelt in Jerusalem at the time of Nehemiah (Ne 11:15).

(3) A son of Jeduthun (1Ch 25:3).

(4) A Hebronite, chief of a clan of warriors who had charge of West Jordan in the interests of Yahweh and the king of Israel (1Ch 26:30).

(5) A Levite who was a "ruler" (1Ch 27:17).

(6) One of the Levite chiefs in the time of Josiah, who gave liberally toward the sacrifices (2Ch 35:9). In 1 Esdras 1:9 it is "Sabias."

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Hashabiah

Regarded by Jehovah. (1.) Merarite Levite (1 Chr. 6:45; 9:14). (2.) A son of Jeduthun (25:3, 19). (3.) Son of Kemuel (26:30). (4.) One of the chief Levites (2 Chr. 35:9). (5.) A Levite (Neh. 11:22). (6.) One of the chief priests in the time of Ezra (Ezra 8:24). (7.) A chief of the Levites (Neh. 12:24). (8.) Ezra 8:19. (9.) Neh. 3:17.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(whom God regards). A Merarite Levite. (1 Chronicles 6:45) Another Merarite Levite. (1 Chronicles 9:14) The fourth of the six sons of Jeduthun, (1 Chronicles 25:3) who had charge of the twelfth course. ver. 19. (B.C. 1014.) One of the descendants of Hebron the son of Kohath- (1 Chronicles 26:30) The son of Kemuel, who was prince of the tribe of Levi in the time of David (1 Chronicles 27:17) (B.C. 1014.) A Levite one of the "chiefs" of his tribe, who officiated for King Josiah at his great Passover feast. (2 Chronicles 35:9) (B.C. 623). A Merarite Levite who…

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

the estimation of the Lord

and I set apart ! of [the] leaders of the priests two [plus] ten to Sherebiah Hashabiah and with them of brothers their ten
וְעִמָּהֶ֥םve.'i.ma.Hem and with them H5973 Conjunction · preposition · suffix
1,052× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Tyndale gloss
with
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עִם (im) is a preposition meaning 'with' and covers a range of relationships, including companionship, locality, and possession. It can imply actions done jointly, equality, or even opposition in contexts like combat. The related form מֵעִם (me.im) means 'from with' or 'beside.' The entries reflect various nuances but do not present significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עִם prep. with

of fellowship and companionship

of aid

Of actions done jointly with another

If the common action be of the nature of a contest or combat, with in the sense of against

Of dealing with a person, or of the relation in which one stands with, or towards, another

Of a common lot together with the wicked

Of equality or resemblance generally aid

Of time, as long as

Of a locality, close to, beside

Of persons, עִם is spec.

in the house or family or service of

In possession of

In the custody or care of

Beside = except

With = friendly with

Idiom. of a thought or purpose present with one

Metaph. together with = in spite of, notwithstanding

base

מֵעִם 72 from with or beside

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5973a עִם with . of fellowship and companionship

. Of a locality, close to, beside

. Of persons, עִם is spec. . in the house or family or service of

. In possession of

. In the custody or care of

. Beside = except

. With = friendly with

. Idiom. of a thought or purpose present with one

. Metaph. together with = in spite of, notwithstanding

H5973b מֵעִם from with, beside

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5973 `im eem

from 6004; adverb or preposition, with (i.e. in conjunction

with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with;

often with prepositional prefix (and then usually

unrepresented in English):--accompanying, against, and, as (X

long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from

(among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-)to,

with(-al).

see HEBREW for 06004

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עִם (im) — with.

1) with

1a) with

1b) against

1c) toward

1d) as long as

מֵעִם (me.im) — from with.

1a) beside, except

1b) in spite of

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Prep | Suff — Conjunction · preposition · suffix
HC/R/Sp3mp
and I set apart ! of [the] leaders of the priests two [plus] ten to Sherebiah Hashabiah and with them of brothers their ten
מֵאֲחֵיהֶ֖םme.'a.chei.Hem of brothers their H251 Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
630× 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 brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Amplified meaning
relatives, kin
Tyndale gloss
brother: male-sibling
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָח (ach) means 'brother' and encompasses a broad range of relationships, including literal siblings, half-brothers, and metaphorical kinship. It can refer to any male relative or compatriot, and it may also imply resemblance or reciprocal relationships. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, highlighting both familial and figurative connections.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָח 630 n.m. brother

brother, born of same mother (& father)

indef. = relative

fig. of resemblance

in phr. one … another

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H251 אָח brother

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

251 'ach awkh

a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of

literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance

(like 1)):--another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other.

Compare also the proper names beginning with "Ah-" or "Ahi-".

see HEBREW for 01

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָח (ach) — brother: male-sibling.

: male-sibling

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

אָח (ach) — brother: male-relative.

: male-relative

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

אָח (ach) — brother: compatriot.

: compatriot

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-mp | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HR/Ncmpc/Sp3mp
and I set apart ! of [the] leaders of the priests two [plus] ten to Sherebiah Hashabiah and with them of brothers their ten
עֲשָׂרָֽה׃'a.sa.Rah ten H6235 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
176× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Amplified meaning
a decade, a group of ten
Tyndale gloss
ten
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עֶשֶׂר (eser) means 'ten' in Hebrew. It is a masculine noun derived from the root related to counting, specifically indicating the number ten and its use in combination with other numbers. The Aramaic equivalent is עֲשַׂר (asar), also meaning 'ten.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֶשֶׂר, עֲשָׂרָה 176 n.m. and f. ten

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6235 עֶשֶׂר, עֲשָׂרָה ten

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6235 `eser eh'ser

masculine of term aasarah {as-aw-raw'}; from 6237; ten (as an

accumulation to the extent of the digits):--ten, (fif-,

seven-)teen.

see HEBREW for 06237

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֶשֶׂר (e.ser) — ten.

1) ten

1a) ten

1b) with other numbers

Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)

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

(`eser; deka).

See NUMBER.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ (Used for an indefinite number) Ge 31:7; Le 26:26; Nu 14:22; Zec 8:23

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