Habakkuk 2:9 — Word Study
WLCה֗וֹי בֹּצֵ֛עַ בֶּ֥צַע רָ֖ע לְבֵית֑וֹ לָשׂ֤וּם בַּמָּרוֹם֙ קִנּ֔וֹ לְהִנָּצֵ֖ל מִכַּף־ רָֽע׃
BSAWoehôwy [a cry of sorrow, deep distress] to him who buildsbâtsaʻ his housebayith [dwelling place, family] by unjustraʻ gainbetsaʻ [evil covetousness, dishonest profit] to placesûwm [set, establish] his nestqên [resting place, refuge] on highmârôwm [in a lofty, secure position] [and] escapenâtsal [be delivered, rescued] the handkaph [power, grasp] of disasterraʻ [evil, calamity]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| ה֗וֹי | woe to! | Particle |
| בֹּצֵ֛עַ | [one who] gains | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine singular |
| בֶּ֥צַע | unjust gain | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| רָ֖ע | evil | Adj |
| לְבֵית֑וֹ | for house his | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| לָשׂ֤וּם | to set | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
| בַּמָּרוֹם֙ | on the high places | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| קִנּ֔וֹ | nest his | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| לְהִנָּצֵ֖ל | to deliver himself | Preposition, verb niphal infinitive construct common |
| מִכַּף־ | from [the] hand of | Preposition, noun common feminine singular construct |
| רָֽע׃ | harm | Adj |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster! |
| KJV | ¶ Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil! |
| ASV | Woe to him that getteth an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil! |
| YLT | Woe [to] him who is gaining evil gain for his house, To set on high his nest, To be delivered from the hand of evil, |
| WEB | Woe to him who gets an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil! |
| BBE | A curse on him who gets evil profits for his family, so that he may put his resting-place on high and be safe from the hand of the wrongdoer! |
Where they part company is בֶּ֥צַע — see How Translations Differ.
One main clause with three phrases detailing the actions and their intended outcomes.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbבָּצַע
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Habakkuk 2:9
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 — Woe to the Unjust Buildergenerated
Habakkuk 2:9 presents a dire warning against those who build their lives on unethical practices. The prophet addresses the consequences of seeking security through unjust means, highlighting the futility of such actions. This verse is part of a larger discourse on the judgment that awaits those who exploit others for personal gain, as seen in the surrounding verses.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 13:10–13 | And Lot looked out and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan, all the way to Zoar, was well watered like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) |
| 2 | Genesis 19:26–38 | But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 7:25–26 | You must burn up the images of their gods; do not covet the silver and gold that is on them or take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it; for it is detestable to the LORD your God. |
| 4 | Joshua 7:21–26 | When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.” |
| 5 | 1 Kings 21:2–4 | So Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard to use as a vegetable garden, since it is next to my palace. I will give you a better vineyard in its place—or if you prefer, I will give you its value in silver.” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 19 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — בֶּ֥צַע, Be.tza'generated
The noun בֶ֫צַע (betsah) signifies unjust gain, often acquired through dishonest or violent means. It implies a focus on unethical profit, suggesting that such gains are not only morally wrong but also lead to ruin. The parsing indicates it is a common noun in masculine singular form, emphasizing its role as a central concept in this warning.
The word is derived from a root that conveys notions of plunder and covetousness, underscoring the negative implications of seeking wealth through immoral actions. In this context, it highlights the broader theme of justice and the moral order that God upholds.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the phrase unjust gain.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb בֹּצֵ֛עַ (bo.Tze.a') governs the entire verse, with several phrases hanging off it: a prepositional phrase indicating how the house is built, a noun phrase describing the nest, and an infinitive phrase expressing the purpose of the actions. Hebrew syntax allows for a layered structure that emphasizes the actions and their consequences.
The structure reveals a clear progression: the unjust gain leads to the establishment of a high nest, which is ultimately futile in escaping disaster. The arrangement of phrases highlights the relationship between the actions and the impending judgment.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates בֶּ֥צַע as πλεονεχίαν (pleonechian), which conveys a sense of greed or excessive gain. This choice reflects a broader interpretation of the Hebrew term, emphasizing not just the unjust nature of the gain but also the greed that drives such actions.
This translation choice suggests a widening of the term's implications, linking it to a more general moral failing rather than simply focusing on the act of gaining through injustice.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Habakkuk 2:9 warns that those who build their lives on unjust gain will ultimately face disaster. The verse highlights the futility of seeking security through unethical means, emphasizing that such actions lead to ruin.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Unjust gain refers to profit obtained through unethical or dishonest means, often at the expense of others.
The warning emphasizes that relying on unethical practices for security will lead to eventual judgment and disaster.
Placing a nest on high symbolizes seeking safety and security, but the verse warns that such security is illusory when built on injustice.
This verse is part of a broader discourse on the consequences of injustice and exploitation, highlighting God's judgment on such practices.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I see the pursuit of gain affecting my choices or the choices of those around me?
- How can I ensure that my actions align with ethical principles in my personal and professional life?
- What does true security look like, and how can I seek it without resorting to unjust means?
- How can I be a voice for justice in my community, especially against practices that exploit others?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentators reference this verse to discuss the consequences of greed and injustice, emphasizing the moral lessons it imparts.
Woe to him who gathers evil greed to his house, that his nest may be on high and he may escape from the power of evil. You have devised ruin to your house, you have destroyed many peoples, and your soul has sinned.Early Church Fathers on Habakkuk 2 →
You shall not speak evil; for he says, “Love not to speak evil, lest you be taken away.” You shall not be mindful of injuries,Early Church Fathers on Habakkuk 2 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Habakkuk 2:9 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleWoe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house,.... The bishops of Rome, being enriched by the donations of Constantine, were not satisfied, but coveted more; these are the greedy dogs
Read John Gill on Habakkuk 2 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryWoe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!
Read Robert Jamieson on Habakkuk 2 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleWoe! it is a general and comprehensive threat against all tyrants and oppressors. To him; every one that is guilty of the sin. That coveteth an evil covetousness; or driveth a trade of oppression, to gain by what means soever, right or wrong. This is evil of sin, and will end in evil of trouble. To his house; his family, which he would enrich and greaten by raising it on the ruins of oppressed innocents. That he may set his nest on high; a proverbial speech, in allusion to birds of prey, which build their nests in the greatest heights, Obadiah 4. Greatness and an advanced estate gotten by rapine and prey may seem, but never can be, a security to any monarch. On high; higher than God and…
Read Matthew Poole on Habakkuk 2 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsHabakkuk 2:9 Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!Ver. 9. Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness] For there is a good covetousness (which few are guilty of), 1 Corinthians 12:31, "Covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way." Covet earnestly the best graces, such as are faith, hope, and charity, these are better than gifts. A shop full of barrels enrich not unless they be full of commodities. Gifts (as to heaven) are but the lumber of a Christian; it is grace makes him rich toward God, and of that he cannot be too covetous. But the covetousness of…
Read John Trapp on Habakkuk 2 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(6-20) The destruction of the Chaldæans has hitherto been only implied. It is now plainly foretold in a denunciatory song, put into the mouths of the invader’s victims. In this song there are five strophes, of three verses each, 6-8; 9-11; 12-14; 15-17; 18-20.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Habakkuk 2 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 9. An evil covetousness to his house] Nebuchadnezzar wished to aggrandize his family, and make his empire permanent: but both family and empire were soon cut off by the death of his son Belshazzar, and the consequent destruction of the Chaldean empire.
Read AdamClarke on Habakkuk 2 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges9–11. Second woe: the Chaldean’s rapacity and self-aggrandisement 9. coveteth an evil covetousness] gaineth evil gains for his house. His “house” is his family or dynasty, or, if the Chaldean represent the nation, his people. set his nest on high] A figure from the eagle or other birds that build in inaccessible places. He sought evil gains for the purpose of fortifying his abode and making it unassailable. Numbers 24:21; Jeremiah 49:16; Obadiah 1:4. power of evil] lit. hand of evil, i.e. calamity from assailants. The “evil” is not present but eventual and possible.
Read Cambridge on Habakkuk 2 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleWoe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house - (or, with accents, “that coveteth covetousness or unjust gain, an evil to his house.”) What man coveteth seems gain, but is evil “to his
Read Albert Barnes on Habakkuk 2 →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
Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster!
Woe to him who gets an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil!
Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster!
The one who builds his house by unjust gain is as good as dead. He does this so he can build his nest way up high and escape the clutches of disaster.
Tyndale line
¶ Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!
Woe to him that getteth an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil!
Woe to him that getteth an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil!
Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!
Ho, he that coueteth an euil couetousnesse to his house, that he may set his nest on hie, to escape from the power of euil.
Strictly literal
Woe to him that getteth iniquitous gain to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the grasp of evil!
Woe [to] him who is gaining evil gain for his house, To set on high his nest, To be delivered from the hand of evil,
Woe [to] him who is gaining evil gain for his house, || To set his nest on high, || To be delivered from the hand of evil,
Woe to him that obtaineth an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the grasp of the wicked!
'Woe to the one who carves out evil gains for his house, so he can set his nest on high to keep himself safe from the hand of evil.'
From the Latin
Woe to him that gathereth together an evil covetousness to his house, that his nest may be on high, and thinketh he may be delivered out of the hand of evil.
Simplified
What disaster is coming to you who build houses through dishonest gain! You think you can place your “nest” so high it will be safe from disaster.
A curse on him who gets evil profits for his family, so that he may put his resting-place on high and be safe from the hand of the wrongdoer!
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text presents the verse consistently, while the Septuagint matches 10 of the 11 words. The Dead Sea Scrolls show one word on the leather, with the rest supplied by an editor, indicating a similar understanding of the text but with some textual restoration.
ה֗וֹי בֹּצֵ֛עַ בֶּ֥צַע רָ֖ע לְבֵית֑וֹ לָשׂ֤וּם בַּמָּרוֹם֙ קִנּ֔וֹ לְהִנָּצֵ֖ל מִכַּף־ רָֽע׃
10 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.
[הוי] [בצע] [בצע] [רע] [לבית׳ו] [לשום] [במרום] [קנ׳ו] [להנצל] [מכף] רע
1 word on the leather — 10 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Habakkuk 2:9
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.
הוֹי (hoy) is an interjection expressing dissatisfaction and pain, often translated as 'ah,' 'alas,' or 'woe.' It is used in lamentations and conveys a sense of sorrow or distress. The word is a prolonged form of another Hebrew term, indicating its emotional weight.
הוֹי 81 interj. expressing usually dissatisfaction and pain, Ah, Alas, Ha (not distinctly Woe!) used in lamentations
base
H1945 הוֹי expressing usually dissatisfaction and pain, Ah, Alas, Ha (not distinctly Woe!) used in lamentations
1945 howy hoh'ee
a prolonged form of 1930 (akin to 188); oh!:--ah, alas, ho,
O, woe.
see HEBREW for 01930
see HEBREW for 0188
הוֹי (hoy) — woe!.
ah!, alas!, ha!, ho!, O!, woe!
Part — ParticleHTj
Is sometimes used in our Bibles where a softer expression would be at least equally proper: "Woe to such a one!" is in our language a threat or imprecation of some calamity, natural or judicial, to befall a person; but this is not always the meaning of the word in Scripture. We find the expression, "Woe is me!" that is, Alas for my sufferings! And, "Woe to the women with child, and those who give suck!" that is, Alas for their redoubled sufferings in times of distress! If in the denunciatory language of Christ, we should read, "Alas for thee, Chorazin! Alas for thee, Bethsaida!" we should do not injustice to the general sentiments of the passage.
Yet in many cases the word woe is used in a fuller and more awful sense, expressing an inspired denunciation and foreshadowing of God’s wrath upon sinners; as when we read, "Woe to those who build houses by unrighteousness, and cities by blood;"…
בָּצַע (batsa`) is a Hebrew verb meaning to cut off or break off. It encompasses actions like gaining through violence, finishing, or fulfilling something. The entries suggest a range of meanings from wrongful gain to completion. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons on its definitions.
[בָּצַע] vb. cut off, break off, gain by violence
Qal cut off, break off
Pi. cut off, (dis)sever; = finish, complete; accomplish (= carry out, fulfil); violently make gain of
base
H1214 [בָּצַע] cut off, break off, gain by violence .cut off, break off
. cut off, (dis)sever; = finish, complete; accomplish (= carry out, fulfil); violently make gain of
1214 batsa` baw-tsah'
a primitive root to break off, i.e. (usually) plunder;
figuratively, to finish, or (intransitively) stop:--(be)
covet(- ous), cut (off), finish, fulfill, gain (greedily),
get, be given to (covetousness), greedy, perform, be wounded.
בָּצַע (ba.tsa) — to cut off.
: to cut off
1) to cut off, break off, gain by unrighteous violence, get, finish, be covetous, be greedy
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to cut off
1a2) to stop
1a3) to gain wrongfully or by violence
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to cut off, sever
1b2) to finish, complete, accomplish
1b3) to violently make gain of
בָּצַע (ba.tsa) — to cut off: to end.
: to end
1) to cut off, break off, gain by unrighteous violence, get, finish, be covetous, be greedy
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to cut off
1a2) to stop
1a3) to gain wrongfully or by violence
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to cut off, sever
1b2) to finish, complete, accomplish
1b3) to violently make gain of
בָּצַע (ba.tsa) — to cut off: to gain.
: to end
1) to cut off, break off, gain by unrighteous violence, get, finish, be covetous, be greedy
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to cut off
1a2) to stop
1a3) to gain wrongfully or by violence
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to cut off, sever
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singularHVqrmsa
בֶ֫צַע (betsah) refers to gain that is typically acquired through violence or unjust means. The term encompasses notions of profit and covetousness, often implying dishonesty in the acquisition of wealth. It is derived from a root that suggests plunder, indicating a focus on unethical or violent means of obtaining gain.
בֶ֫צַע n.m. gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit
base
H1215 בֶ֫צַע gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit
1215 betsa` beh'-tsah
from 1214; plunder; by extension, gain (usually
unjust):--covetousness, (dishonest) gain, lucre, profit.
see HEBREW for 01214
בֶּ֫צַע (be.tsa) — unjust-gain.
profit, unjust gain, gain (profit) acquired by violence
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
gan: In the Old Testament the translation of three Hebrew substantives, betsa`, "unjust gain," "any gain" (Jud 5:19; Job 22:3; Pr 1:19; 15:27; Isa 33:15; 56:11; Eze 22:13,17; Mic 4:13); mechir, "price" for which a thing is sold (Da 11:39, the only place where the Hebrew word is translated "gain" in the King James Version, though it occurs in other places translated "price"); tebhu'ah, "produce," "profits," "fruit" (Pr 3:14). It is the translation of one Hebrew…
רַע (ra) is a Hebrew word meaning bad or evil, encompassing a range of negative qualities such as distress, misery, and ethical wrongdoing. It can describe unpleasantness, harm, or low value, and is used in various contexts, including emotional states and moral judgments. The entries also note its comparative form, indicating worse than or worst. The word has feminine forms, such as רָעָה (ra.ah), which similarly convey concepts of evil and distress.
רַע 228 adj. bad, evil
bad, disagreeable, malignant
bad, unpleasant, giving pain, unhappiness, misery
evil, displeasing
bad of its kind
bad, , i.e. of low value
מִן comp., worse than
sad, unhappy
devise evil (hurtful) device
bad, unkind, vicious in disposition or temper
ethically bad, evil, wicked
base
רַע 126 n.m. evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity
evil, distress, adversity
evil, injury, wrong
ethical evil
base
רָעָה 310 n.f. evil, misery, distress, injury
evil, misery, distress
evil, injury, wrong
ethical evil
base
H7451a רַע bad, evil . bad, disagreeable, malignant
. bad, unpleasant, giving pain, unhappiness, misery
. evil, displeasing
. bad of its kind
. bad, , i.e. of low value
. + מִן comp., worse than
. sad, unhappy
. devise evil (hurtful) device
. bad, unkind, vicious in disposition or temper
. ethically bad, evil, wicked
H7451b רַע evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity . evil, distress, adversity
. evil, injury, wrong
. ethical evil
H7451c רָעָה evil, misery, distress, injury . evil, misery, distress
. evil, injury, wrong
. ethical evil
7451 ra` rah
from 7489; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral):--
adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, + displease(-ure),
distress, evil((- favouredness), man, thing), + exceedingly, X
great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured),
+ mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, + not
please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex,
wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong.
(Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.).
see HEBREW for 07489
רַע (ra) — bad: harmful.
: harmful
adj
1) bad, evil
1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant
1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery)
1c) evil, displeasing
1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc)
1e) bad (of value)
1f) worse than, worst (comparison)
1g) sad, unhappy
1h) evil (hurtful)
1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition)
1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically)
1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts
1j2) deeds, actions
רַע (ra) — bad: evil.
1) evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity
1a) evil, distress, adversity
1b) evil, injury, wrong
1c) evil (ethical)
רָעָה (ra.ah) — distress: harm.
: harm
1) evil, misery, distress, injury
1a) evil, misery, distress
1b) evil, injury, wrong
1c) evil (ethical)
רַע (ra) — bad: evil.
: evil
adj
1) bad, evil
1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant
1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery)
1c) evil, displeasing
Adj — AdjHAamsa
ev'-'-l, e'-vil ra`; poneros, @kakos, @kakon:
In the Bible it is represented as moral and physical. We choose to discuss the subject under these heads. Many of the evils that come upon men have not been intended by those who suffer for them. Disease, individual and national calamity, drought, scarcity of food, may not always be charged to the account of intentional wrong. Many times the innocent suffer with, and even for, the guilty. In such cases, only physical evil is apparent. Even when the suffering has been occasioned by sin or dereliction of duty, whether the wrong is active or passive, many, perhaps the majority of those who are injured, are not accountable in any way for the ills which come upon them. Neither is God the author of moral evil. "God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempteth no man" (Jas 1:13).
→ APPEARANCE OF, TO BE AVOIDED Ro 14:1-23; 1Co 8:7-13; 10:28-33; 1Th 4:11,12; 5:22
→ INSTANCES OF
Paul, in refusing to eat what had been offered to idols 1Co 8:13
In supporting himself 1Co 9:7-23
The Hebrew word בַּיִת (*bayith*) means 'house' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including dwelling, family, and place. It can refer to physical structures, such as homes and temples, as well as metaphorical uses like the body or household affairs. The word is built from the root related to 'between' and appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.
בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between
base
בַּ֫יִת 2034 n.m. house
house
place
receptacle
of house as containing a family
household, family (592 t.)
house, including household affairs
lit. housewards, hence metaph. inwards
מִבַּיִת
adv. on the inside
prep. within
base
H1004a בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between H1004b בַּ֫יִת house
1004 bayith bah'-yith
probably from 1129 abbreviated; a house (in the greatest
variation of applications, especially family, etc.):--court,
daughter, door, + dungeon, family, + forth of, X great as
would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter)house(-hold),
inside(-ward), palace, place, + prison, + steward, + tablet,
temple, web, + within(-out).
see HEBREW for 01129
בֵּית (bet) — place.
nm
place, origin, between
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — house: home.
: home/temple/building
nm
1) house
1a) house, dwelling habitation
1b) shelter or abode of animals
1c) human bodies (fig.)
1d) of Sheol
1e) of abode of light and darkness
1f) of land of Ephraim
2) place
3) receptacle
4) home, house as containing a family
5) household, family
5a) those belonging to the same household
5b) family of descendants, descendants as organized body
6) household affairs
7) inwards (metaph.)
8) (TWOT) temple
adv
9) on the inside
prep
10) within
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(ashbea).
nm
This name is used for a house, habitation
Combined with ash.be.a (אַשְׁבֵּעַ "Ashbea" H0791)
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth (Haggan).
nm
This name is used for a house, habitation
Combined with hag (גַּן "Haggan" H1588)
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(togarmah).
nm
This name is used for a house, habitation
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp3ms
The Hebrew word שׂוּם (sum) is a verb meaning to put, place, or set, with a wide range of applications including appointing, establishing, and making. It can also refer to laying something upon or directing it. There is a related noun שׂוּמָה (sumah), which may denote a token of unluckiness. The entries do not present any significant disagreement.
שׂוּם, שִׂים 582 vb. put, place, set
Qal
put, set, in a place
put something upon
put, lay, set
put, c. בֵּין
set, direct
set, ordain, in a place
set, establish a law, statute
set, found a nation
set, appoint (as ruler, official)
set, constitute, make
set, determine, fix, bounds
set, station, at a post
put in position, sacred bread, sword, staves, bars
set up altars
= plant, wheat
set, fix (countenance)
make a thing, or pers. (acc.), for, transform into
make, constitute
work, bring to pass
appoint, give
set, fix (countenance)
Hiph. I will make him for a sign
Hoph. there was set before him
base
שׂוּמָה perhaps n. f. token of unluckiness, scowl;—2 S 13:32
ref
H7760a שׂוּם, שִׂים put, place, set .. . put, set, in a place
. put something upon
. put, lay, set
. put, c. בֵּין
. set, direct
. . set, ordain, in a place
. set, establish a law, statute
. set, found a nation
. set, appoint (as ruler, official)
. set, constitute, make
. set, determine, fix, bounds
. . set, station, at a post
. put in position, sacred bread, sword, staves, bars
. set up altars
. = plant, wheat
. set, fix (countenance)
. . make a thing, or pers. (acc.), for, transform into
. make, constitute
. work, bring to pass
. appoint, give
. set, fix (countenance)
. I will make him for a sign
. there was set before him
H7760b שׂוּמָה perhaps n. f. token of unluckiness, scowl
7760 suwm soom
or siym {seem}; a primitive root; to put (used in a great
variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially,
and elliptically):--X any wise, appoint, bring, call (a
name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider,
convey, determine, + disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap
up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out),
mark, + name, X on, ordain, order, + paint, place, preserve,
purpose, put (on), + regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set
(on, up), shew, + stedfastly, take, X tell, + tread down,
((over-))turn, X wholly, work.
שׂוּם (sum) — to set: make.
: make/establish
1) to put, place, set, appoint, make
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on
1a2) to set, direct, direct toward
1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig)
1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix
1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix
1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give
1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign
1c) (Hophal) to be set
שׂוּמָה (su.mah) — fate.
token of unluckiness, scowl
שׂוּם (sum) — to set: put.
: put/give
1) to put, place, set, appoint, make
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on
1a2) to set, direct, direct toward
1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig)
1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHR/Vqcc
Few words in the English language have such a rich variety of meaning and are used in so rich a variety of idiomatic expression as the word "set." A glance at any of the great dictionaries will convince anyone of the truth of this statement. The Standard Dictionary devotes three and a half columns to the word. In its primary meaning it there denotes 22 distinct things, in its secondary meaning 17 more, while 18 distinct phrases are given in which it is used, in some cases again in a variety of meanings. It is indeed a word calculated to drive a foreigner to despair. Some 70 Hebrew and about 30 Greek words in the original tongues of the Holy Scriptures have been rendered by the word "set," in the King James Version and also in the Revised Version (British and American). A careful comparative study of the original and of translations in other tongues will at once indicate that a lack of…
מָרוֹם (marowm) means 'height' and encompasses both concrete and abstract uses, referring to elevated places, elevation, and even pride. It can describe physical heights or be used figuratively for dignity and nobility. The word is poetically used in the Old Testament, with its root linked to the concept of altitude.
מָרוֹם n.m. height (poet.)
height, elevation (concr.), elevated place
alone = height of heaven
adv. fig., = proudly
fig. of nobles
base
H4791 מָרוֹם height (poet.)
4791 marowm maw-rome'
from 7311; altitude, i.e. concretely (an elevated place),
abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially
(aloft):--(far) above, dignity, haughty, height, (most, on)
high (one, place), loftily, upward.
see HEBREW for 07311
מָרוֹם (ma.rom) — height.
1) height
1a) height, elevation, elevated place
1a1) in a high place (adv)
1b) height
1c) proudly (adv)
1d) of nobles (fig.)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
קֵן (qen) means 'nest' in Hebrew, specifically referring to a bird's nest. It can also denote cells resembling nests, as seen in Noah's ark. The word is derived from a root meaning to be fixed, and it can figuratively refer to a dwelling or chamber.
קֵן n.m. nest
nest, of bird
cells, like nests, in Noah’s ark
base
H7064 קֵן nest . nest, of bird
. cells, like nests, in Noah’s ark
7064 qen kane
contracted from 7077; a nest (as fixed), sometimes including
the nestlings; figuratively, a chamber or dwelling:--nest,
room.
see HEBREW for 07077
קֵן (qen) — nest.
1) nest
1a) nest (of bird)
1b) cells (like nests in Noah's ark)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
The Hebrew word נָצַל (natsal) is built from a primitive root meaning to snatch away, with various usages across different stems. It covers a range of meanings including to rescue, deliver, plunder, and strip. The word appears in contexts of delivering oneself or being delivered, as well as rescuing from enemies or sin.
[נָצַל] 212 vb. not in Qal; Pi. strip, plunder; Niph. deliver oneself, be delivered Hiph. snatch away, deliver
Niph.
reflex. tear oneself away, deliver oneself
passive, be torn out or away
Pi.
strip off, spoil
deliver
Hiph.
take away, snatch away
rescue, recover
deliver from
deliver from sin and guilt
Hoph. as a brand plucked out of the burning
Hithp. and they stripped themselves of their ornaments.
base
H5337 נָצַל not in Qal; Pi. strip, plunder; Niph. deliver oneself, be delivered Hiph. snatch away, deliver
5337 natsal naw-tsal'
a primitive root; to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad
sense:- X at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, X without
fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save,
spoil, strip, X surely, take (out).
נָצַל (na.tsal) — to rescue.
1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder
1a)(Niphal)
1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself
1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to strip off, spoil
1b2) to deliver
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to take away, snatch away
1c2) to rescue, recover
1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death)
1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt
1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out
1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself
Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a — Preposition · verb niphal infinitive construct commonHR/VNcc
כַּף (kaph) refers to the hollow or flat part of the hand, including the palm and the sole of the foot. It can also denote power and is used to describe various hollow objects, such as bowls or handles. The word encompasses a range of meanings related to the shape and function of hands and feet, as well as items that are hand-shaped.
כַּף 192 n.f. hollow, or flat of the hand, palm, sole of foot, hand
base
H3709 כַּף hollow, or flat of the hand, palm, sole of foot, hand
3709 kaph kaf
from 3721; the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an
animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling,
the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-tree);
figuratively, power:--branch, + foot, hand((-ful), -dle,
(-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon.
see HEBREW for 03721
כַּף (kaph) — palm.
: palm/hand
1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand
1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand
1b) power
1c) sole (of the foot)
1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects
1d1) of thigh-joint
1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow)
1d3) hollow (of sling)
1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees)
1d5) handles (as bent)
כַּף (kaph) — palm: sole.
: sole/paw
1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand
1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand
1b) power
1c) sole (of the foot)
1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects
1d1) of thigh-joint
1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow)
1d3) hollow (of sling)
1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees)
1d5) handles (as bent)
כַּף (kaph) — palm: dish.
: dish/socket
1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand
1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand
1b) power
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular constructHR/Ncfsc
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.
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…
רַע (ra) is a Hebrew word meaning bad or evil, encompassing a range of negative qualities such as distress, misery, and ethical wrongdoing. It can describe unpleasantness, harm, or low value, and is used in various contexts, including emotional states and moral judgments. The entries also note its comparative form, indicating worse than or worst. The word has feminine forms, such as רָעָה (ra.ah), which similarly convey concepts of evil and distress.
רַע 228 adj. bad, evil
bad, disagreeable, malignant
bad, unpleasant, giving pain, unhappiness, misery
evil, displeasing
bad of its kind
bad, , i.e. of low value
מִן comp., worse than
sad, unhappy
devise evil (hurtful) device
bad, unkind, vicious in disposition or temper
ethically bad, evil, wicked
base
רַע 126 n.m. evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity
evil, distress, adversity
evil, injury, wrong
ethical evil
base
רָעָה 310 n.f. evil, misery, distress, injury
evil, misery, distress
evil, injury, wrong
ethical evil
base
H7451a רַע bad, evil . bad, disagreeable, malignant
. bad, unpleasant, giving pain, unhappiness, misery
. evil, displeasing
. bad of its kind
. bad, , i.e. of low value
. + מִן comp., worse than
. sad, unhappy
. devise evil (hurtful) device
. bad, unkind, vicious in disposition or temper
. ethically bad, evil, wicked
H7451b רַע evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity . evil, distress, adversity
. evil, injury, wrong
. ethical evil
H7451c רָעָה evil, misery, distress, injury . evil, misery, distress
. evil, injury, wrong
. ethical evil
7451 ra` rah
from 7489; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral):--
adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, + displease(-ure),
distress, evil((- favouredness), man, thing), + exceedingly, X
great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured),
+ mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, + not
please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex,
wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong.
(Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.).
see HEBREW for 07489
רַע (ra) — bad: harmful.
: harmful
adj
1) bad, evil
1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant
1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery)
1c) evil, displeasing
1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc)
1e) bad (of value)
1f) worse than, worst (comparison)
1g) sad, unhappy
1h) evil (hurtful)
1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition)
1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically)
1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts
1j2) deeds, actions
רַע (ra) — bad: evil.
1) evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity
1a) evil, distress, adversity
1b) evil, injury, wrong
1c) evil (ethical)
רָעָה (ra.ah) — distress: harm.
: harm
1) evil, misery, distress, injury
1a) evil, misery, distress
1b) evil, injury, wrong
1c) evil (ethical)
רַע (ra) — bad: evil.
: evil
adj
1) bad, evil
1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant
1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery)
1c) evil, displeasing
Adj — AdjHAamsa