Hosea 6:8 — Word Study
WLCגִּלְעָ֕ד קִרְיַ֖ת פֹּ֣עֲלֵי אָ֑וֶן עֲקֻבָּ֖ה מִדָּֽם׃
BSAGileadGilʻâd [a city in a mountainous region] is a cityqiryâh [town, urban center] of evildoerspâʻal [those who work iniquity, wickedness] tracked with footprintsʻâqôb [stained, polluted, slippery, marked] of blooddâm [the liquid that flows through the body]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| גִּלְעָ֕ד | Gilead | Noun proper |
| קִרְיַ֖ת | [is] a town of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| פֹּ֣עֲלֵי | doers of | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine plural common |
| אָ֑וֶן | wickedness | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| עֲקֻבָּ֖ה | tracked | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| מִדָּֽם׃ | from blood | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Gilead is a city of evildoers, tracked with footprints of blood. |
| KJV | Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity, and is polluted with blood. |
| ASV | Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity; it is stained with blood. |
| YLT | Gilead [is] a city of workers of iniquity, Slippery from blood. |
| WEB | Gilead is a city of those who work iniquity; it is stained with blood. |
| BBE | Gilead is a town of evil-doers, marked with blood. |
Where they part company is עֲקֻבָּ֖ה — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence consists of a main clause with two modifying phrases that elaborate on the nature of Gilead.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectגִּלְעָד
verbפָּעַל
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 — Hosea 6:8
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 Condemnation of Gileadgenerated
Hosea 6:8 presents Gilead as a city characterized by wrongdoing, where the actions of its inhabitants leave a trail of blood. This verse fits into a broader message where Hosea critiques Israel's unfaithfulness and moral decay, particularly in relation to their leaders and practices. The surrounding verses highlight the consequences of their actions, illustrating a pattern of betrayal and violence.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 12:11 | Is there iniquity in Gilead? They will surely come to nothing. Do they sacrifice bulls in Gilgal? Indeed, their altars will be heaps of stones in the furrows of the field. |
| 2 | Joshua 21:38 | And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Mahanaim, |
| 3 | Hosea 5:1 | “Hear this, O priests! Take heed, O house of Israel! Give ear, O royal house! For this judgment is against you because you have been a snare at Mizpah, a net spread out on Tabor. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 3:27 | When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 20:8 | And while they were at the great stone in Gibeon, Amasa joined them. Now Joab was dressed in military attire, with a dagger strapped to his belt. And as he stepped forward, he slipped the dagger from its sheath. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 14 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — עֲקֻבָּ֖ה, 'a.ku.Bahgenerated
The word עָקֹב ('āqōb) translates to 'tracked' and carries connotations of crookedness or deceit. It is derived from a root that implies something insidious or not straight, often used to describe actions that are morally corrupt.
In this context, it emphasizes the idea of Gilead being marked by blood, suggesting a history of violence and wrongdoing. The participial form indicates an ongoing state of being, reinforcing the notion that Gilead's identity is defined by these corrupt actions.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against. The BSB uses tracked, while other translations offer various renderings.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause centers on the subject גִּלְעָ֕ד (gil.'Ad), with the predicate עֲקֻבָּ֖ה ('āqōb) indicating its state. The structure highlights Gilead's identity as defined by its actions.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on Gilead, suggesting that its character as a city of evildoers is paramount to the message being conveyed.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates גִּלְעָ֕ד as γαλααδ, maintaining the geographical reference. This choice reflects the continuity of the name across the Hebrew and Greek texts.
The Greek term for עֲקֻבָּ֖ה is not provided, but the translation aligns with the Hebrew's implication of moral corruption.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Hosea 6:8 describes Gilead as a city of evildoers, marked by blood. This verse highlights the corruption and violence present in the city, linking its identity directly to these sinful actions.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It indicates that the people of Gilead are engaged in wicked actions, particularly those that involve violence and betrayal.
Blood symbolizes violence and wrongdoing, suggesting that the city is stained by the consequences of its inhabitants' actions.
This verse exemplifies Hosea's critique of Israel's unfaithfulness and moral decay, particularly highlighting the role of leaders and societal practices in contributing to this state.
The verse serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from righteousness and the impact of collective wrongdoing on a community.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I see moral decay in my own community, similar to Gilead?
- How can I contribute to a culture of integrity and righteousness?
- What steps can I take to address wrongdoing when I see it in my surroundings?
- How does the imagery of blood influence my understanding of justice and accountability?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early interpretations of this verse highlight its condemnation of Gilead's wickedness. Quotations from Jerome and Richard Challoner illustrate the moral implications drawn from this passage.
Galaad a city of idolaters, supplanted by blood, and like the throats of robbers (or "the city of a robber") for both readings are possible.Early Church Fathers on Hosea 6 →
Supplanted with blood: that is, undermined and brought to ruin, for shedding of blood: and, as it is signified in the following verse, for conspiring with the priests (of Bethel) like robbers,Early Church Fathers on Hosea 6 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Hosea 6:8 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleGilead [is] a city of them that work iniquity,.... The chief city in the land of Gilead, which lay beyond Jordan, inhabited by Gad and Reuben, and the half tribe of Manasseh; and so belonged to the
Read John Gill on Hosea 6 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryGilead is a city of them that work iniquity, and is polluted with blood. Gilead is a city - probably Ramoth-gilead, metropolis of the hilly region beyond Jordan, south of the Jabbok, known as "Gilead" (1 Kings 4:13 : cf.
Read Robert Jamieson on Hosea 6 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleGilead; one of the six cities of refuge, situate in the country of that name, on a high hill, whence it is called Ramoth-gilead: now as a city of refuge it was a city pertaining to the priests and Levites, as all the cities of refuge did, in what tribe soever they were, . Is a city of them that work iniquity; a sacerdotal city, where priests did, and religion, i.e. knowledge of God and mercy to man, should, dwell; but Gilead is a city full of most notorious transgressors, the inhabitants, though Levites and priests, are a generation of men that work all manner of wickedness. And is polluted with blood; murders committed there have polluted it, or murderers protected there against the law of…
Read Matthew Poole on Hosea 6 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsHosea 6:8 Gilead [is] a city of them that work iniquity, [and is] polluted with blood.Ver. 8. Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity] Another πονηροπολις; such a city there was in Greece, and so called by King Philip, for the naughtiness of the inhabitants. This Gilead was one of those ten cities of refuge beyond Jordan, given to the priests for a possession, Joshua 21:38, &c., and probably the chief city, which therefore bare the name of the whole country, as Athens was called the Greece of Greece (’Eλλας ‘Eλλαδος). The inhabitants thereof (though Levites) were the worst of men, workers of iniquity, such as did wickedly with both hands, earnestly wearying themselves in the devil’ s…
Read John Trapp on Hosea 6 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(8) Polluted . . .—More accurately, betrodden (or foot-tracked) with blood. We infer from Judges 10:17 that there was a town called Gilead east of the Jordan distinct altogether from Mizpah (identified by many with the city of refuge Ramoth-Gilead), and this is confirmed by notices in Eusebius and Cyril. Murder in a “city of refuge” adds to the horror. On the murderous propensities of the Gileadites see 2 Kings 15:25.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Hosea 6 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 8. Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity] In this place Jacob and Laban made their covenant, and set up a heap of stones, which was called Galeed, the heap of testimony; and most probably idolatry was set up here. Perhaps the very heap became the object of superstitious adoration.
Read AdamClarke on Hosea 6 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges8, 9. Two spots of specially ill fame are singled out—Gilead and the road to Shechem.
Read Cambridge on Hosea 6 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleGilead is a city of them that work iniquity - If we regard “Gilead,” (as it elsewhere is,) as the country beyond Jordan, where the two tribes and a half dwelt, this will mean that the whole land was
Read Albert Barnes on Hosea 6 →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
Gilead is a city of evildoers, tracked with footprints of blood.
Gilead is a city of those who work iniquity; it is stained with blood.
Gilead is a city of evildoers, tracked with footprints of blood.
Gilead is a city full of evildoers; its streets are stained with bloody footprints!
Tyndale line
Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity, and is polluted with blood.
Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity; it is stained with blood.
Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity, it is stained with blood.
Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity, and is polluted with blood.
Gilead is a citie of them that worke iniquitie, and is polluted with blood.
Strictly literal
Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity; it is tracked with blood.
Gilead [is] a city of workers of iniquity, Slippery from blood.
Gilead [is] a city of workers of iniquity, || Slippery from blood.
Gil'ad is become a city of workers of wickedness, is full of traces of blood.
Gilead is a city of evildoers with footprints of blood.
From the Latin
Galaad is a city of workers of idols, supplanted with blood.
Simplified
Gilead is a city of evil people where footprints are tracked in blood.
Gilead is a town of evil-doers, marked with blood.
Word by word, the decisions they made
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint align closely, with all six words matched in the Hebrew text. The Dead Sea Scrolls show some restoration, but the core message remains consistent across the witnesses, emphasizing Gilead's moral failures.
גִּלְעָ֕ד קִרְיַ֖ת פֹּ֣עֲלֵי אָ֑וֶן עֲקֻבָּ֖ה מִדָּֽם׃
6 of the 6 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.
[גלעד] [קרית] [פעלי] [און] עקובה [מדם]
nothing on the leather here — 1 partly restored, 5 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 Hosea 6:8
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.
גִּלְעָד (Gil'ad) refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, known as 'rocky region'. It encompasses both a land area and a city, often divided into northern and southern Gilead. The term also identifies several individuals from the tribe of Manasseh, including a notable figure, Jephthah. The lexicons agree on its geographical significance and historical references.
גִּלְעָד n.pr.loc. of mountain-range or hill-country, land & city, E. of Jordan territory S. of Jabboḳ
Northern Gilead
more generally, of all Gilead
name of a city
of Israelites living E. of Jordan (as a whole)
treated as n.pr.m.
base
H1568 גִּלְעָד of mountain-range or hill-country, land & city, E. of Jordan
1568 Gil`ad ghil-awd'
probably from 1567; Gilad, a region East of the Jordan; also
the name of three Israelites:--Gilead, Gileadite.
see HEBREW for 01567
גִּלְעָד (gil.ad) — Gilead.
Gilead = "rocky region"
a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead
Also named: gil.a.di (גִּלְעָדִי "Gileadite" H1569)
גִּלְעָד (gil.ad) — Gilead.
A man of the tribe of Manasseh living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.26.29;
son of: Machir (H4353);
brother of: daughter_of_Machir (H4353I), Peresh (H6570), Sheresh (H8329) and Hammolecheth (H4447);
father of: Abiezer (H0044I), Helek (H2507), Asriel (H0844), Shechem (H7928), Shemida (H8061) and Hepher (H2660A)
§ Gilead = "rocky region"
N-proper — Noun properHNpl
Gilead
Hill of testimony, (Gen. 31:21), a mountainous region east of Jordan. From its mountainous character it is called “the mount of Gilead” (Gen. 31:25). It is called also “the land of Gilead” (Num. 32:1), and sometimes simply “Gilead” (Ps. 60:7; Gen. 37:25). It comprised the possessions of the tribes of Gad and Reuben and the south part of Manasseh (Deut. 3:13; Num. 32:40). It was bounded on the north by Bashan, and on the south by Moab and Ammon (Gen.…
(rocky region). A mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon. (Genesis 31:21; 3:12-17) It is sometimes called "Mount Gilead," (Genesis 31:25) sometimes "the land of Gilead," (Numbers 32:1) and sometimes simply "Gilead." (Psalms 60:7; Genesis 37:25) The name Gilead, as is usual in Palestine, describes the physical aspect of the country: it signifies "a hard rocky region." The mountains of Gilead, including Pisgah, Abarim and Peor, have a real elevation of from 2000 to 3000 feet; but their apparent elevation on the…
the heap or mass of testimony
1. A region east of the Jordan River allotted to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh Nu 32:1-30; De 3:13; 34:1; 2Ki 10:33
Reubenites expel the Hagarites from 1Ch 5:9,10,18-22
Ammonites make war against; defeated by Jephthah Jud 11
קִרְיָה (qiryah) means 'town' or 'city' and is derived from the root associated with building. It covers general, specific, collective, and indefinite uses of the term. The Aramaic equivalent is also קִרְיָה (qir.yah).
קִרְיָה n.f. town, city
base
H7151 קִרְיָה town, city
7151 qiryah kir-yaw'
from 7136 in the sense of flooring, i.e. building; a
city:--city.
see HEBREW for 07136
קִרְיָה (qir.yah) — town.
1) city, town
1a) in general
1b) in specific
1c) collective
1d) indefinite
Aramaic equivalent: qir.yah (קִרְיָה "town" H7149)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
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…
פָּעַל (pa'al) is a Hebrew verb meaning to do or make, often used in a systematic or habitual sense. It encompasses actions like committing, ordaining, and working, with a poetic nuance compared to the more common verb for 'to do' (עָשָׂה). The entries consistently highlight its usage in the Qal stem, emphasizing its foundational role in expressing action.
פָּעַל 67 vb. do, make (poet. for עָשָׂה)
Qal
do
make
base
H6466 פָּעַל do, make (poet. for עָשָׂה)
6466 pa`al paw-al'
a primitive root; to do or make (systematically and
habitually), especially to practise:--commit, (evil-)
do(-er), make(-r), ordain, work(-er).
פָּעַל (pa.al) — to work.
1) to do, make
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to do
1a2) to make
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine plural commonHVqrmpc
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…
אָ֫וֶן (aven) encompasses meanings related to trouble, sorrow, and wickedness. It may also refer to idolatry and the concept of vanity or nothingness. The entries suggest a range of negative connotations, including affliction and iniquity, indicating a strong moral or ethical dimension. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons.
אָ֫וֶן 85 n.m. trouble, sorrow, wickedness
trouble, sorrow
idolatry
trouble of iniquity, wickedness
base
H205 אָ֫וֶן trouble, sorrow, wickedness
205 'aven aw-ven'
from an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant (hence,
to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught);
strictly nothingness; also trouble. vanity, wickedness;
specifically an idol:--affliction, evil, false, idol,
iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust,
unrighteous, vain ,vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare 369.
see HEBREW for 0369
אָ֫וֶן (a.ven) — evil: wickedness.
1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow
1a) trouble, sorrow
1b) idolatry
1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness
Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
אָ֫וֶן (a.ven) — evil: trouble.
1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow
1a) trouble, sorrow
1b) idolatry
1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
wik'-ed-nes:
1. In the Old Testament:
The state of being wicked; a mental disregard for justice, righteousness, truth, honor, virtue; evil in thought and life; depravity; sinfulness; criminality. See SIN. Many words are rendered "wickedness." There are many synonyms for wickedness in English and also in the Hebrew. Pride and vanity lead to it: "All the proud, and all that work wickedness (rish`ah) shall be stubble" (Mal 4:1). Akin to this is the word `awen, "iniquity," "vanity": "She eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness" (Pr 30:20). Then we have the word hawwah, meaning "mischief," "calamity," coming from inward intent upon evil: "Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in…
The Hebrew word עָקֹב (ʿāqōb) has meanings related to deceitfulness and steepness. It is built from the root associated with tracking or being crooked. The entries indicate it can describe something insidious or hilly, with a specific reference in Isaiah 40:4. There is some variation in the emphasis on its meanings across lexicons.
ref
H6121a עָקֹב . insidious, deceitful
. foot-tracked
H6121b עָקֹב steep
6121 `aqob aw-kobe'
from 6117; in the original sense, a knoll (as swelling up);
in the denominative sense (transitive) fraudulent or
(intransitive) tracked:--crooked, deceitful, polluted.
see HEBREW for 06117
עָקֹב (a.qov) — insidious.
1) deceitful, sly, insidious
1a) deceitful, sly, insidious, slippery
1b) foot-tracked
עָקֹב (a.qov) — steep.
steep, hilly
Adj — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
דָּם (dam) means 'blood' and refers to the blood of both humans and animals. It is often associated with death, particularly when shed, and can also figuratively denote the juice of grapes or bloodshed. The term carries religious significance and is used in various contexts, including references to guilt and innocence.
דָּם 300 n.m. blood
blood of man or animal
usually blood become visible
blood used with religious significance
fig. of wine
base
H1818 דָּם blood
1818 dam dawm
from 1826 (compare 119); blood (as that which when shed
causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of
the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshed
(i.e. drops of blood):--blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), +
innocent.
see HEBREW for 01826
see HEBREW for 0119
דָּם (dam) — blood.
1) blood
1a) of wine (fig.)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
blud (dam, probably from 'adham "to be red"; haima): Used in the Old Testament to designate the life principle in either animal or vegetable, as the blood of man or the juice of the grape (Le 17:11, et al.); in the New Testament for the blood of an animal, the atoning blood of Christ, and in both Old Testament and New Testament in a figurative sense for bloodshed or murder (Ge 37:26; Ho 4:2; Re 16:6).
1. Primitive Ideas:
Although the real function of the blood in the human system was not fully known until the fact of its circulation was established by William Harvey in 1615, nevertheless from the earliest times a singular mystery has been attached to it by all peoples. Blood…
Blood
(1.) As food, prohibited in Gen. 9:4, where the use of animal food is first allowed. Comp. Deut. 12:23; Lev. 3:17; 7:26; 17:10-14. The injunction to abstain from blood is renewed in the decree of the council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:29). It has been held by some, and we think correctly, that this law of prohibition was only ceremonial and temporary; while others regard it as still binding on all. Blood was eaten by the Israelites after the battle of Gilboa (1 Sam. 14:32-34).
(2.) The blood of sacrifices was caught by the priest in a basin, and then sprinkled seven times on the altar; that of the passover on the…
To blood is ascribed in Scripture the mysterious sacredness which belongs to life, and God reserved it to himself when allowing man the dominion over and the use of the lower animals for food. Thus reserved, it acquires a double power: (1) that of sacrificial atonement; and (2) that of becoming a curse when wantonly shed, unless duly expiated. (Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 7:26; 17:11-13)
The life of all animals was regarded as especially in the blood, which was a sacred and essential part of the sacrifices offered to God, Heb 9:22. It was solemnly sprinkled upon the altar and the mercy seat, "for it is the blood that maketh atonement for the soul," Le 17:1-16 the life of the victim for the life of the sinner. It was therefore most sacredly associated with the blood of the Lamb of God which "cleanseth us from all sin," Eph 1:7 1Jo 1:7. Hence the strict prohibition renewed in Ac 15:29. In direct opposition to this are the heathen customs of drinking the blood of animals and even of men- of eating raw flesh, with the blood, and even fresh cut from the living…