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Genesis 41:9 — Word Study

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WLCוַיְדַבֵּר֙ שַׂ֣ר הַמַּשְׁקִ֔ים אֶת־ פַּרְעֹ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר אֶת־ חֲטָאַ֕י אֲנִ֖י מַזְכִּ֥יר הַיּֽוֹם׃

BSAThen the chiefsar [ruler, person in charge] cupbearermashqeh [butler, one who gives drink] saiddâbar toʼêth PharaohParʻôh [the king of Egypt] Todayyôwm [this day, at this moment] Iʼănîy recallzâkar [remember, call to mind] my failureschêṭᵉʼ [sins, mistakes, faults]

Word
Listen & take awayGenesis 41
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 9 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 (hai.Yom) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Genesis 41:9quick helps
In a sentenceThe chief cupbearer recalls his failures to Pharaoh.
Who is speakingThe chief cupbearer, a servant of Pharaoh.
Where we areIn the context of Pharaoh's troubled dreams and the cupbearer's remembrance.
The hard wordמַזְכִּ֥יר
Take awayAcknowledgment of personal failure is a step towards redemption.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectאֲנִי verbדָבַר 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 — Genesis 41:9

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 Chief Cupbearer Remembersgenerated

8In the morning his spirit was troubled, so he summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him.
9Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I recall my failures.
10Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guard.
11One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning.

Genesis 41:9 recounts how the chief cupbearer, after a period of forgetfulness, remembers his past mistakes while in the presence of Pharaoh. This moment is significant as it leads to Joseph's eventual rise to power through the interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, as seen in the preceding context of Genesis 40:1-3.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Genesis 40:1–3Some time later, the king’s cupbearer and baker offended their master, the king of Egypt.

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

I do rememberGenesis 40:1–3

The Key Word מַזְכִּ֥יר, maz.Kirgenerated

The verb זָכַר (zakar) means 'to remember' and is derived from a root implying recognition. It encompasses a range of meanings, including recalling thoughts and commemorating events. In this verse, the chief cupbearer is actively bringing to mind his past failures, which indicates a moment of self-reflection and acknowledgment.

The use of the Hiphil participle form here suggests an ongoing action — he is in the process of remembering. This is not merely a passive recollection but an active engagement with his past, which sets the stage for future events.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

In this study, we reference the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the phrase I recall my failures.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb of the sentence is וַיְדַבֵּר֙, and he spoke, which governs the entire clause. The structure is straightforward, with the subject שַׂ֣ר (the chief) and the object אֶת־פַּרְעֹ֖ה (Pharaoh) clearly defined.

The sentence flows from the chief cupbearer addressing Pharaoh, leading to the infinitive phrase לֵאמֹ֑ר (saying), which introduces the content of his speech. The order emphasizes the act of speaking to Pharaoh as the central action.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates וַיְדַבֵּר֙ as ἐλάλησεν, which means 'he spoke.' This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning, preserving the action of communication.

For the phrase מַזְכִּ֥יר, the Septuagint uses ἀναμιμνῄσκω, which emphasizes the act of bringing to remembrance. This choice highlights the importance of memory in the narrative.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Genesis 41:9 tells us that the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, recalling his past mistakes. This moment is crucial as it leads to Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, which changes the course of events in Egypt.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does the chief cupbearer mean by recalling his failures?

He is acknowledging his past mistakes, which likely contributed to his previous imprisonment alongside Joseph.

Why is this moment significant in the narrative?

This recollection leads to Joseph's introduction to Pharaoh, setting the stage for his rise to power and the subsequent events in Egypt.

How does this verse relate to the themes of memory and redemption?

The act of remembering one's failures can be a step towards redemption, as it prompts the cupbearer to seek help and ultimately leads to a significant change in his life.

What role does Pharaoh play in this context?

Pharaoh is the king of Egypt, and his interactions with the cupbearer and Joseph are pivotal in the unfolding of the story.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What personal failures have I acknowledged in my own life, and how have they shaped my journey?
  2. In what ways can I be more mindful of my past experiences to learn and grow?
  3. How can I support others in their moments of reflection and acknowledgment of failures?
  4. What steps can I take to turn my own failures into opportunities for growth and redemption?

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

Early Church Fathers have commented on this verse, highlighting themes of confession and divine providence as seen in their reflections.

Ambrose of MilanOn Joseph the Patriarch c. 339–397
Therefore, being warned in a dream by the king, he said: I remember my sin. Indeed, it is late, but I wish it were a true confession! After the sin, you confess what you should have guarded against before the sin.
Early Church Fathers on Genesis 41 →
John ChrysostomHOMILIES ON Genesis 63.13 c. 347–407
See God’s wonderful design. First he let him have recourse to all those considered wise in those parts so that, when their ignorance was demonstrated, then this prisoner, this captive, this slave, this Hebrew,
Early Church Fathers on Genesis 41 →

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Genesis 41:9 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh,.... When the magicians and wise men could not interpret his dreams, he was in distress of mind on that account: saying, I do remember my faults this day;

Read John Gill on Genesis 41 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: Chief butler ... I do remember my faults.

Read Robert Jamieson on Genesis 41 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Not against Joseph by ingratitude, but against the king; by which expression he both acknowledgeth the king’ s justice in imprisoning him, and his clemency in pardoning him.

Read Matthew Poole on Genesis 41 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Genesis 41:9 Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:Ver. 9. I do remember my faults this day.] Oratio vere aulica, saith Pareus, - a right courtier’ s speech. He so relates the history of his imprisonment, that he takes all the blame thereof to himself; gives Pharaoh the full commendation of his justice and clemency. As for Joseph, he mentions him to the king, lest, if any else should have done it before him, he should have been disgraced for his silence; but somewhat slenderly, and more for self-respects, than of any good affection to the innocent prisoner; whom he calls a young man, a bondman, and Hebrew; in whose behalf he neither adviseth, nor…

Read John Trapp on Genesis 41 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 9. I do remember my faults] It is not possible he could have forgotten the circumstance to which he here alludes; it was too intimately connected with all that was dear to him, to permit him ever to forget it. But it was not convenient for him to remember this before; and probably he would not have remembered it now, had he not seen, that giving this information in such a case was likely to serve his own interest. We are justified in thinking evil of this man because of his scandalous neglect of a person who foretold the rescue of his life from imminent destruction, and who, being unjustly confined, prayed to have his case fairly represented to the king that justice might be done him…

Read AdamClarke on Genesis 41 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

9. I do remember] R.V. marg., will make mention of, gives the right meaning of the Heb. LXX ἀναμιμνήσκω, Lat. confiteor. my faults] Lit. “my sins” (cf. Genesis 40:1). He is not referring to his forgetfulness (Genesis 40:23), but to his offences against Pharaoh.

Read Cambridge on Genesis 41 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

JOSEPH PHARAOH’S DREAMS, Genesis 41:9-36. 9. My faults — The sins which caused his imprisonment.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Genesis 41 →

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 the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I recall my failures.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Then the chief cup bearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, “I remember my faults today.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I recall my failures.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I recall my failures.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

¶ Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:

RVARevised Version, American1894

Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Then spoke the chief butler to Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Then spake the chiefe butler vnto Pharaoh, saying, I call to minde my faultes this day.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Then spoke the chief of the cup-bearers to Pharaoh, saying, I remember mine offences this day.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And the chief of the butlers speaketh with Pharaoh, saying, 'My sin I mention this day:

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And the chief of the butlers speaks with Pharaoh, saying, “I mention my sin this day:

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Then spoke the chief of the butlers unto Pharaoh, saying, My faults I must call to remembrance this day:

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I am thinking about my offenses.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Then at length the chief butler remembering, said: I confess my sin:

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

But then the chief cupbearer spoke up. “Today I've just remembered a bad mistake I've made,” he explained.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Then the chief wine-servant said to Pharaoh, The memory of my sin comes back to me now;

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.

וַandclauseverbיְדַבֵּר֙he.spokenoun phrase · subjectשַׂ֣רthe.chiefnoun phraseהַofמַּשְׁקִ֔יםthe.cup.bearersprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֶתwithפַּרְעֹ֖הPharaohprepositional phrase · prepositionalלֵ(cmp)clauseverbאמֹ֑רsayingclause · objectnoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)noun phraseחֲטָאַ֕sinsיmysubjectאֲנִ֖יIverbמַזְכִּ֥יר[am].bringing.to.remembrancenoun phrase · adverbialהַthisיּֽוֹםday

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 it is, while the Samaritan Pentateuch differs slightly by including the word אל (to), indicating a different prepositional nuance. The Dead Sea Scrolls match the Masoretic Text closely, confirming the integrity of this verse.

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

וַיְדַבֵּר֙ שַׂ֣ר הַמַּשְׁקִ֔ים אֶת־ פַּרְעֹ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר אֶת־ חֲטָאַ֕י אֲנִ֖י מַזְכִּ֥יר הַיּֽוֹם׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַיְדַבֵּר֙ἐλάλησενהַמַּשְׁקִ֔יםפַּרְעֹ֖הφαραωלֵאמֹ֑רλέγωνחֲטָאַ֕יμουמַזְכִּ֥ירἀναμιμνῄσκωהַיּֽוֹם׃σήμερον

7 of the 11 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.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

וידבר שׂר המשׁקים אל פרעה לאמר את חטאי אני מזכיר היום

1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: אל (to)

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q3a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

וידבר שר המשקים את פרעה לאמר את חטא׳י אני מזכיר היום

11 words on the leather.

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.

Genesis 41:9דָבַרand he spokand he spokeדָבַרשַׂר[the] chief[the] chief ofשַׂרמַשְׁקֶהthe cup beathe cup bearersמַשְׁקֶהאֵתwithwithאֵתפַּרְעֹהPharaohPharaohפַּרְעֹהאָמַרsayingsayingאָמַראֵתthe object the object markאֵתחֵטְאsins mysins myחֵטְאאֲנִיIIאֲנִיזָכַר[am] bringi[am] bringing tזָכַריוֹםthis daythis dayיוֹםשָׂרַרto ruleto ruleשָׂרַרשָׁקָהto water: to water: waterשָׁקָהאָנָהto meetto meetאָנָהאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתחָטָאto sinto sinחָטָאאָֽנֹכִ֫יIIאָֽנֹכִ֫יזָכָרmalemaleזָכָרבְּרִיתcovenantcovenantבְּרִיתעָוֹןiniquity: iniquity: crimeעָוֹןמֹשֶׁהMosesMosesמֹשֶׁהלָשׁוֹןtonguetongueלָשׁוֹןחֲמִשִּׁיםfiftyfiftyחֲמִשִּׁיםמַעֲמָדofficeofficeמַעֲמָדמַלְבּוּשׁgarmentgarmentמַלְבּוּשׁרִיבto contendto contendרִיביוֹסֵףJosephJosephיוֹסֵףמִצְרַ֫יִם(Sea of) E(Sea of) Egyptמִצְרַ֫יִםכֹּהthusthusכֹּה
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 Genesis 41:9

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 he spoke [the] chief of the cup bearers with Pharaoh saying the object marker sins my I [am] bringing to remembrance this day
וַיְדַבֵּר֙vay.da.Ber and he spoke H1696 Verb · Piel · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
1,142× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Tyndale gloss
to speak: speak
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דָבַר (dabar) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning 'to speak.' It encompasses a range of actions including declaring, commanding, and conversing. The root suggests a figurative use of words, with some entries noting a rare destructive sense of subduing. Various forms of the verb indicate different nuances, such as speaking with one another or making promises.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[דָבַר] 1142 vb. speak (original mng. dub.)

Qal speak

Niph. reciprocal sense, speak with one another, talk

Pi. speak

Pu. in the day when she may be spoken for

Hithp. speaking this word

Hiph. either leads subject, or puts to flight, fig. for subdues

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1696 דָבַר speak (original mng. dub.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1696 dabar daw-bar'

a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used

figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive

sense) to subdue:--answer, appoint, bid, command, commune,

declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse,

say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think,

use (entreaties), utter, X well, X work.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: speak.

: speak/tell/command

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: subdue.

: subdue

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: promise.

: promise/declare

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Piel · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vpw3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

spok (1Ki 7:33).

See SEA, THE MOLTEN.

and he spoke [the] chief of the cup bearers with Pharaoh saying the object marker sins my I [am] bringing to remembrance this day
שַׂ֣רsar [the] chief of H8269 Noun common · masculine singular 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
ruler, person in charge
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
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and he spoke [the] chief of the cup bearers with Pharaoh saying the object marker sins my I [am] bringing to remembrance this day
הַמַּשְׁקִ֔יםha.mash.Kim the cup bearers H4945 Particle · verb hiphil participle (active) masculine plural
19× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word means to give drink or water, and can also refer to a butler or cupbearer. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often describing a well-watered region or a person who serves drinks.
Amplified meaning
butler, one who gives drink
Tyndale gloss
cupbearer
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word מַשְׁקֶה (*mashqeh*) primarily refers to a butler or cup-bearer, as well as concepts related to irrigation and drinking. It is derived from a root meaning to cause to drink and can also imply a well-watered region. The entries emphasize its roles in both service and agriculture.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מַשְׁקֶה n.m. butler, cup-bearer

base

מַשְׁקֶה n.m. irrigation, drink—

irrigation

drink; drinking-vessels

= office of butler, butlership

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4945a מַשְׁקֶה butler, cup-bearer H4945b מַשְׁקֶה irrigation, drink— . irrigation

. drink; drinking-vessels

. = office of butler, butlership

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4945 mashqeh mash-keh'

from 8248; properly, causing to drink, i.e. a butler; by

implication (intransitively), drink (itself); figuratively, a

well-watered region:--butler(-ship), cupbearer, drink(-ing),

fat pasture, watered.

see HEBREW for 08248

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מַשְׁקֶה (mash.qeh) — cupbearer.

butler, cup-bearer

מַשְׁקֶה (mash.qeh) — irrigation.

1) irrigation, drink

1a) irrigation

1b) drink, drinking vessels

1c) butlership (office of butler)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-mp — Particle · verb hiphil participle (active) masculine plural
HTd/Vhrmpa
and he spoke [the] chief of the cup bearers with Pharaoh saying the object marker sins my I [am] bringing to remembrance this day
אֶת־'et- with H854 Preposition
929× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Tyndale gloss
with
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֵת (eth) is a preposition indicating nearness or proximity, often translated as 'with' or 'near.' It conveys a sense of companionship or association, distinguishing itself from similar terms by expressing closer relationships. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, including possession and memory, but do not provide specific verse references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת, prep. with—prep. denoting proximity

Of companionship, together with

Of localities

אֵת פּ׳ denotes specially

in one's possession or keeping

in one's knowledge or memory

מֵאֵת from proximity with

Note. אֵת expresses closer association than עִם: hence while מֵעִם sts. denotes hardly more than from the surroundings or belongings of, מֵאֵת expresses from close proximity to.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H854 אֵת with—prep. denoting proximity . Of companionship, together with

. Of localities

. אֵת פּ׳ denotes specially . in one's possession or keeping

. in one's knowledge or memory

. מֵאֵת from proximity with

Note. אֵת expresses closer association than עִם: hence while מֵעִם sts. denotes hardly more than from the surroundings or belongings of, מֵאֵת expresses from close proximity to.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

854 'eth ayth

probably from 579; properly, nearness (used only as a

preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by,

at, among, etc.:--against, among, before, by, for, from,

in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional

prefix.

see HEBREW for 0579

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — with.

1) with, near, together with

1a) with, together with

1b) with (of relationship)

1c) near (of place)

1d) with (poss.)

1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
and he spoke [the] chief of the cup bearers with Pharaoh saying the object marker sins my I [am] bringing to remembrance this day
פַּרְעֹ֖הpar.'Oh Pharaoh H6547 Noun
274× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Amplified meaning
the king of Egypt
Tyndale gloss
Pharaoh
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word פַּרְעֹה (*par'oh*) means 'Pharaoh,' which is a title for Egyptian kings. It is derived from Egyptian and is commonly associated with various rulers mentioned throughout the Old Testament, including those during the time of the Patriarchs and the Divided Monarchy. The term translates to 'great house,' reflecting its significance in ancient Egypt.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פַּרְעֹה 275 n.m. Pharaoh, title of Egyptian kings

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6547 פַּרְעֹה Pharaoh, title of Egyptian kings

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6547 Par`oh par-o'

of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian

kings:--Pharaoh.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פַּרְעֹה (par.oh) — Pharaoh.

A man of the Egyptians living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.12.15

§ Pharaoh = "great house"

the common title of the king of Egypt

פַּרְעֹה (par.oh) — Pharaoh.

A man of the Egyptians living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.37.36

Also named: Pharaō (Φαραώ "Pharaoh" G5328)

§ Pharaoh = "great house"

the common title of the king of Egypt

פַּרְעֹה (par.oh) — Pharaoh.

A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.1.11

Also named: Pharaō (Φαραώ "Pharaoh" G5328H)

§ Pharaoh = "great house"

the common title of the king of Egypt

פַּרְעֹה (par.oh) — Pharaoh.

A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.3.10

Also named: Pharaō (Φαραώ "Pharaoh" G5328I)

§ Pharaoh = "great house"

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

fa'-ro, fa'-ra-o (par`oh; Pharao); Egyptian per aa, "great house"):em; the King James Version Pharacim): One of the families of temple-servants who returned with Zerubbabel (1 Esdras 5:31; not found in Ezra or Nehemiah).

1. The Use of Name in Egypt:

Many and strange differences of opinion have been expressed concerning the use of this name in Egypt and elsewhere, because of its importance in critical discussions (see below). Encyclopaedia Biblica says "a name given to all Egyptian kings in the Bible"; it also claims that the name could not have been received by the Hebrews before 1000 BC. HDB (III, 819) says that a letter was addressed to Amenhotep as "Pharaoh, lord of," etc. According to Winckler's theory of a North Arabian Musri, it was the Hebrews alone in ancient times who adopted the term Pharaoh from the Egyptians, the name not being found even in the Tell el-Amarna Letters or…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Pharaoh

The official title borne by the Egyptian kings down to the time when that country was conquered by the Greeks. (See EGYPT.) The name is a compound, as some think, of the words Ra, the “sun” or “sun-god,” and the article phe, “the,” prefixed; hence phera, “the sun,” or “the sun-god.” But others, perhaps more correctly, think the name derived from Perao, “the great house” = his majesty = in Turkish, “the Sublime Porte.”

(1.) The Pharaoh who was on the throne when Abram went down into Egypt (Gen. 12:10-20) was probably one of the Hyksos, or “shepherd kings.” The Egyptians called the nomad tribes of Syria Shasu, “plunderers,” their king or chief Hyk, and hence the name of those invaders who conquered the native kings and established a strong government, with Zoan or Tanis as their capital. They were of…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

the common title of the native kings of Egypt in the Bible, corresponding to P-ra or Ph-ra "the sun," of the hieroglyphics. Brugsch, Ebers and other modern Egyptologists define it to mean ’the great house," which would correspond to our "the Sublime Porte." As several kings are mentioned only by the title "Pharaoh" in the Bible, it is important to endeavor to discriminate them: The Pharaoh of Abraham . (Genesis 12:15) --At the time at which the patriarch went into Egypt, it is generally held that the country, or at least lower Egypt, was ruled by the Shepherd kings, of whom the first and moat powerful line was the fifteenth dynasty, the undoubted territories of which would be first entered by one coming from the east. The date at which Abraham visited Egypt was about B.C. 2081, which would accord with the time of Salatis the head of…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Is properly an Egyptian word adopted into the Hebrew, and signifies king; so that when we find this name it means everywhere the king. Thus, also, Pharaoh Hophra is simply king Hophra.

Of the kings of Egypt, there are not less than twelve or thirteen mentioned in Scripture, all of whom bore the general title of Pharaoh, except four. Along with this title, two of them have also other proper names, Necho and Hophra. The following is their order. Some of them have been identified, by the labors of Champollion and others, with kings whose proper names we know from other sources, while others still remain in obscurity. Indeed, so brief, obscure, and conflicting are the details of Egyptian history and ancient chronology, which no name before that of Shishak can be regarded as identified beyond dispute.

and he spoke [the] chief of the cup bearers with Pharaoh saying the object marker sins my I [am] bringing to remembrance this day
לֵאמֹ֑רle.Mor saying H559 Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common
5,309× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Tyndale gloss
to say
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Vqcc — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common
HR/Vqcc
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he spoke [the] chief of the cup bearers with Pharaoh saying the object marker sins my I [am] bringing to remembrance this day
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
and he spoke [the] chief of the cup bearers with Pharaoh saying the object marker sins my I [am] bringing to remembrance this day
חֲטָאַ֕יcha.ta.'Ai sins my H2399 Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
33× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Sin refers to a crime or its punishment, including guilt and offense. It is the result of missing the mark or going wrong, and can have serious consequences.
Amplified meaning
sins, mistakes, faults
Tyndale gloss
sin
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֵטְא (chet) refers to sin, encompassing the concepts of guilt associated with sin and the punishment that follows. It is derived from a root meaning 'to miss' or 'to err.' The term appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, highlighting both the act of sinning and its consequences.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֵטְא n.m. sin

sin

guilt of sin

punishment for sin

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2399 חֵטְא sin . sin

. guilt of sin

. punishment for sin

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2399 chet' khate

from 2398; a crime or its penalty:--fault, X grievously,

offence, (punishment of) sin.

see HEBREW for 02398

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֵטְא (chet) — sin.

1) sin

1a) sin

1b) guilt for sin

1c) punishment for sin

Aramaic equivalent: cha.ti (חֲטָי "sin" H2408)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HNcmpc/Sp1bs
and he spoke [the] chief of the cup bearers with Pharaoh saying the object marker sins my I [am] bringing to remembrance this day
אֲנִ֖י'a.Ni I H589 Pronoun
874× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Tyndale gloss
I
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֲנִי, transliterated as aniy, is a first-person singular pronoun meaning 'I' or 'me.' It is often used for emphasis and can also imply possession, as in 'mine' or 'myself.' The word is derived from a form that indicates self-reference, and it appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי pron. 1s. comm. I

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H589 אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי I

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

589 'aniy an-ee'

contracted from 595; I:--I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, X

which, X who.

see HEBREW for 0595

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲנִי (a.ni) — I.

I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Pron — Pronoun
HPp1bs
and he spoke [the] chief of the cup bearers with Pharaoh saying the object marker sins my I [am] bringing to remembrance this day
מַזְכִּ֥ירmaz.Kir [am] bringing to remembrance H2142 Verb · Hiphil · participle (active) masculine singular
232× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Amplified meaning
remember, call to mind
Tyndale gloss
to remember
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word זָכַר (zakar) means 'to remember' and is built from a primitive root implying recognition. It covers a range of meanings, including recalling thoughts, commemorating days, and causing others to remember. The entries also note its use in various grammatical forms, such as being remembered or making a memorial.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

זָכַר vb. remember

Qal

Human subj.

remember, recall, call to mind, usu. as affecting present feeling, thought or action

remember persons (human subj.)

remember י׳

remember

think of or on, call to mind something present or future

remember a day, to observe, commemorate it

remember, with implied mention of, obj.

Subj. י׳ (אלהִם)

remember persons

remember the distress of his servants

their devotion

remember his own covenant (with them)

his mercy

extenuating circumstances

remember sins, idolatries

Niph.

be brought to remembrance, remembered, thought of, usu. c. neg.

neg. be not remembered = no longer exist, of name of Israel, as nation

be remembered, of particular days, in order to be observed, commemorated

Hiph.

cause to remember, remind

cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance

mention

record, only pt.

of sacrifice, make a memorial

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2142 זָכַר remember .. Human subj. . remember, recall, call to mind, usu. as affecting present feeling, thought or action

. remember persons (human subj.)

. remember י׳

. remember

. think of or on, call to mind something present or future

. remember a day, to observe, commemorate it

. remember, with implied mention of, obj.

. Subj. י׳ (אלהִם) . remember persons

. . remember the distress of his servants

. their devotion

. . remember his own covenant (with them)

. his mercy

. extenuating circumstances

. remember sins, idolatries

. . be brought to remembrance, remembered, thought of, usu. c. neg.

. neg. be not remembered = no longer exist, of name of Israel, as nation

. be remembered, of particular days, in order to be observed, commemorated

. . cause to remember, remind

. cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance

. mention

. record, only pt.

. of sacrifice, make a memorial

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2142 zakar zaw-kar'

a primitive root; properly, to mark (so as to be recognized),

i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention; also (as

denominative from 2145) to be male:--X burn (incense), X

earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount,

record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call,

come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, X still, think on, X

well.

see HEBREW for 02145

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זָכַר (za.khar) — to remember.

1) to remember, recall, call to mind

1a) (Qal) to remember, recall

1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to cause to remember, remind

1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance

1c3) to mention

1c4) to record

1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil — Verb · Hiphil · participle (active) masculine singular
HVhrmsa
and he spoke [the] chief of the cup bearers with Pharaoh saying the object marker sins my I [am] bringing to remembrance this day
הַיּֽוֹם׃hai.Yom this day H3117 Particle · noun common masculine singular 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.
Amplified meaning
this day, at this moment
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
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

da (yom; hemera): This common word has caused some trouble to plain readers, because they have not noticed that the word is used in several different senses in the English Bible. When the different uses of the word are understood the difficulty of interpretation vanishes. We note several different uses of the word:

(1) It sometimes means the time from daylight till dark. This popular meaning is easily discovered by the context, e. g. Ge 1:5; 8:22, etc. The marked periods of this daytime were morning, noon and night, as with us. See Ps 55:17. The early hours were sometimes called "the cool of the day" (Ge 3:8). After the exile the day. or daytime was divided into twelve hours and the night into twelve (see

Day

The Jews reckoned the day from sunset to sunset (Lev. 23:32). It was originally divided into three parts (Ps. 55:17). “The heat of the day” (1 Sam. 11:11; Neh. 7:3) was at our nine o’clock, and “the cool of the day” just before sunset (Gen. 3:8). Before the Captivity the Jews divided the night into three watches, (1) from sunset to midnight (Lam. 2:19); (2) from midnight till the cock-crowing (Judg. 7:19); and (3) from the cock-crowing till sunrise (Ex.…

The variable length of the natural day at different seasons led in the very earliest times to the adoption of the civil day (or one revolution of the sun) as a standard of time. The Hebrews reckoned the day from evening to evening, (Leviticus 23:32) deriving it from (Genesis 1:5) "the evening and the morning were the first day." The Jews are supposed, like the modern Arabs, to have adopted from an early period minute specifications of the parts of the natural day. Roughly, indeed, they were content to divide it into "morning, evening and noonday," (Psalms 55:17) but when they wished for greater accuracy they pointed to six unequal parts, each of which was again subdivided. These are held to have been -- "the dawn." "Sunrise."…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The day is distinguished into natural, civil, and artificial. The natural day is one revolution of the earth on its axis. The civil day is that, the beginning and the end of which are determined by the custom of any nation. The Hebrews began their day in the evening, Le 23:32; the Babylonians at sunrise; and we begin at midnight. The artificial day is the time of the sun’s continuance above the horizon, which is unequal according to different seasons, on account of the obliquity of the equator. The sacred writers generally divide the day into twelve hours. The sixth hour always ends at noon throughout the year; and the twelfth hour is the last hour before sunset. But in summer, all the hours of the day were longer than in winter, while those of night were shorter. See HOURS, and THREE.

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

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