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Isaiah 29:5 — Word Study

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WLCוְהָיָ֛ה כְּאָבָ֥ק דַּ֖ק הֲמ֣וֹן זָרָ֑יִךְ וּכְמֹ֤ץ עֹבֵר֙ הֲמ֣וֹן עָֽרִיצִ֔ים וְהָיָ֖ה לְפֶ֥תַע פִּתְאֹֽם׃

BSABut your manyhâmôwn foeszûwr [like fine powder, small dust] will behâyâh like finedaq dustʼâbâq [small particles easily blown away] the multitudehâmôwn [large crowd, turmoil] of the ruthlessʻârîyts [fearful, awe-inspiring, having great power] like blowingʻâbar chaffmôts [loose outer covering of grain, worthless material] Then suddenlypithʼôwm [quickly] in an instantpethaʻ [suddenness, quickness, without warning]

Word
Listen & take awayIsaiah 29
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 5 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 (pit.'Om) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Isaiah 29:5quick helps
In a sentenceThe verse describes the fate of foes and ruthless people, comparing them to fine dust and chaff that will be blown away.
Who is speakingThe prophet Isaiah, conveying a message about divine judgment.
Where we areA prophetic declaration about the downfall of enemies and the suddenness of God's intervention.
The hard wordעָרִיץ, 'a.ri.Tzim
Take awayThe enemies will be rendered powerless and insignificant, like dust and chaff.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbהָיָה 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 — Isaiah 29:5

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — The Judgment on Enemiesgenerated

4You will be brought low, you will speak from the ground, and out of the dust your words will be muffled. Your voice will be like a spirit from the ground; your speech will whisper out of the dust.
5But your many foes will be like fine dust, the multitude of the ruthless like blowing chaff. Then suddenly, in an instant,
6you will be visited by the LORD of Hosts with thunder and earthquake and loud noise, with windstorm and tempest and consuming flame of fire.
7All the many nations going out to battle against Ariel— even all who war against her, laying siege and attacking her— will be like a dream, like a vision in the night,

Isaiah 29:5 is part of a larger passage where God speaks about the fate of His people's enemies. The imagery of dust and chaff highlights their insignificance and the swift nature of their downfall. This passage emphasizes God's sovereignty and the inevitable judgment that will come upon those who oppose His people, setting the stage for the following verses that describe God's powerful intervention.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Isaiah 10:16–19Therefore the Lord GOD of Hosts will send a wasting disease among Assyria’s stout warriors, and under his pomp will be kindled a fire like a burning flame.
2Isaiah 25:5like heat in a dry land. You subdue the uproar of foreigners. As the shade of a cloud cools the heat, so the song of the ruthless is silenced.
3Isaiah 31:3–8But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together.
4Isaiah 37:36Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!
5Isaiah 17:13The nations rage like the rush of many waters. He rebukes them, and they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweeds before a gale.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word עָרִיץ, 'a.ri.Tzimgenerated

The word עָרִיץ ('a.ri.Tzim) describes individuals who are ruthless or oppressive, evoking a sense of fear and power. It is an adjective that characterizes those who inspire terror due to their might or authority.

This term reflects a broader range of meanings including being awe-inspiring and tyrannical. In this verse, it underscores the nature of the foes who will ultimately be judged and rendered powerless.


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.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The verse is structured around two main clauses connected by conjunctions. The first clause describes the enemies being like fine dust, while the second clause compares the ruthless to chaff.

The finite verbs הָיָ֛ה (ve.ha.Yah) appear twice, indicating a sequential action. The use of prepositional phrases enhances the imagery of insignificance and suddenness.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, עָרִיץ is translated as ἀσεβῶν, meaning 'ungodly' or 'wicked.' This choice reflects a broader interpretation of the ruthless as morally corrupt, emphasizing their opposition to God.

This interpretation may suggest a deeper theological implication about the nature of those who oppose God's people, framing them not just as powerful, but as fundamentally unrighteous.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Isaiah 29:5 describes how many enemies will become insignificant like fine dust and chaff, emphasizing their powerlessness against God's impending judgment. The verse highlights the suddenness of this judgment, which will come without warning.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that foes will be like fine dust?

This imagery suggests that the enemies will be rendered powerless and insignificant, easily blown away like dust.

How does this verse relate to God's judgment?

The verse emphasizes God's sovereignty and the certainty of judgment against those who oppose His people.

What is the significance of the word 'ruthless'?

The term describes the nature of the enemies as oppressive and fearsome, highlighting their moral corruption.

Why is suddenness emphasized in this verse?

The suddenness indicates that God's intervention will come unexpectedly, reinforcing His control over the situation.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How can I recognize the 'ruthless' in my own life and seek to avoid their ways?
  2. In what areas do I need to trust in God's sudden intervention?
  3. How does the imagery of dust and chaff help me understand the nature of my challenges?
  4. What does this passage teach me about the nature of God's judgment?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Isaiah 29:5 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Moreover, the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust,.... Or "of those that fan thee" (q), as the Vulgate Latin Version; and so the Targum, "of those that scatter thee;'' or of thine

Read John Gill on Isaiah 29 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.

Read Robert Jamieson on Isaiah 29 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Of thy strangers; either, 1. Of the strangers that encamp and fight against thee. Or, 2. Of the Egyptians, and other strangers, whom thou hast hired to assist thee, as indeed they did, when the Chaldeans came against them. This exposition seems to agree best, as with the phrase, thy strangers, so with the scope of the place, and with the whole context, especially the foregoing verses; which plainly shows that this is not a promise to Jerusalem, but a threatening against it. Like small dust; quickly blown away with the least wind, by comparing this with the following clause. Of the terrible ones; of thy great commanders and stoutest soldiers. It shall be; this dissipation and destruction of…

Read Matthew Poole on Isaiah 29 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Isaiah 29:5 Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones [shall be] as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.Ver. 5. Moreover, the multitude of thy strangers.] Thy foreign auxiliaries; these shall do thee no good, but be blown away as with a whirlwind. It shall be at an instant, suddenly.] The last siege and sack of Jerusalem was so by a specialty, as is to be read in Josephus. And some interpreters understand this whole chapter of the times of the New Testament, because our Saviour and St Paul do cite some places herehence, and apply the same to those their times, not by way of accommodation only, but as…

Read John Trapp on Isaiah 29 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(5) Moreover the multitude . . .—Better, But. The words interpret those of Isa 30:28. The tribulation should be great, but it should last but for a while. As in Isaiah 25:5, the “strangers”—i.e., the “enemies,” and the “terrible ones”—should be brought low. A sudden catastrophe, pointing, probably, to the destruction of Sennacherib’s army, should bring them low. They, too, should pass under the “threshing instrument” of God’s judgments, and be as chaff before the wind.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Isaiah 29 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 5. The multitude of thy strangers - "The multitude of the proud"] For זריך zarayich, thy strangers, read זדים zedim, the proud, according to the Septuagint; parallel to and synonymous with עריצים aritsim, the terrible, in the next line: the ר resh was at first ד daleth in a MS. See Clarke on Isaiah 25:2. The fifth, sixth, and seventh verses contain an admirable description of the destruction of Sennacherib's army, with a beautiful variety of the most expressive and sublime images: perhaps more adapted to show the greatness, the suddenness, and horror of the event, than the means and manner by which it was effected. Compare Isaiah 30:30-33.

Read AdamClarke on Isaiah 29 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

ch. Isaiah 29:1-14. The announcement of Jehovah’s wonderful purpose regarding Jerusalem, and its reception on the part of the peopleUnder the second “Woe” (Isaiah 29:1) are grouped two oracles, which may have been originally independent; or they may be intimately connected, the second describing the effect of the first on the minds of Isaiah’s hearers. i. Isaiah 29:1-8. The impending humiliation and deliverance of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, apostrophised by the mystic name of “Ariel,” is at present gay and careless and secure, the festal calendar follows its accustomed course, and this state of things may endure for a short time longer (1). But already in vision the prophet sees her beset by…

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Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Moreover - These verses Isaiah 29:5, Isaiah 29:7-8 contain a beautiful description of the destruction of the army of Sennacherib.

Read Albert Barnes on Isaiah 29 →

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

But your many foes will be like fine dust, the multitude of the ruthless like blowing chaff. Then suddenly, in an instant,

WEBWorld English Bible2000

But the multitude of your foes will be like fine dust, and the multitude of the ruthless ones like chaff that blows away. Yes, it will be in an instant, suddenly.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

But your many foes will be like fine dust, the multitude of the ruthless like blowing chaff. Then suddenly, in an instant,

NETBNew English Translation2006

But the horde of invaders will be like fine dust, the horde of tyrants like chaff that is blown away. It will happen suddenly, in a flash.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

But the multitude of thy foes shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be in an instant suddenly.

RVARevised Version, American1894

But the multitude of thy foes shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Moreover, the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away: yes, it shall be at an instant suddenly.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Moreouer, the multitude of thy strangers shalbe like small dust, and the multitude of strong men shalbe as chaffe that passeth away, and it shall be in a moment, euen suddenly.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And the multitude of thine enemies shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones as chaff that passeth away; and it shall be in an instant, suddenly.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And as small dust hath been The multitude of those scattering thee, And as chaff passing on the multitude of the terrible, And it hath been at an instant — suddenly.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And as small dust has been || The multitude of those scattering you, || And as chaff passing on the multitude of the terrible, || And it has been in an instant—suddenly.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And like the small dust shall be the multitude of thy barbarian enemies, and like the passing chaff the multitude of tyrants; and [this] shall be at unawares, suddenly.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

The great number of your invaders will become like fine dust, and the multitude of the ruthless ones as chaff that passes away. It will happen suddenly, in an instant.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And the multitude of them that fan thee, shall be like small dust: and as ashes passing away, the multitude of them that have prevailed against thee.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

But then all your enemies will become like fine dust; all your cruel oppressors like chaff that's blown away. Then suddenly, in no time at all,

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And the army of your attackers will be like small dust, and all the cruel ones like dry stems gone before the wind; suddenly it will come about.

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.

וְandclauseclauseverbהָיָ֛הit.will.beprepositional phrase · prepositionalכְּlikenoun phraseאָבָ֥קdustדַּ֖קfinenoun phrase · subjectהֲמ֣וֹןthe.multitudenoun phraseזָרָ֑יִofךְyour.strangersוּandclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalכְ[willnoun phraseמֹ֤ץbe].like.chaffעֹבֵר֙[which].passes.awaynoun phrase · subjectהֲמ֣וֹןthe.multitudeעָֽרִיצִ֔יםof.ruthless.[people]וְandclauseverbהָיָ֖הit.will.happenprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְtoפֶ֥תַעsuddennessadverbialפִּתְאֹֽםsuddenly

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 Dead Sea Scrolls generally agree on the wording, with the 1Qisaa scroll providing a close match to the MT. However, the 4Q64 scroll shows some words supplied by an editor, indicating possible variations in transmission.

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

וְהָיָ֛ה כְּאָבָ֥ק דַּ֖ק הֲמ֣וֹן זָרָ֑יִךְ וּכְמֹ֤ץ עֹבֵר֙ הֲמ֣וֹן עָֽרִיצִ֔ים וְהָיָ֖ה לְפֶ֥תַע פִּתְאֹֽם׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְהָיָ֛הἔσταιכְּאָבָ֥קκονιορτὸςזָרָ֑יִךְἀσεβῶνוּכְמֹ֤ץξνοῦςעֹבֵר֙φερόμενοςוְהָיָ֖הἔσταιלְפֶ֥תַעστιγμὴפִּתְאֹֽם׃παραξρῆμα

8 of the 12 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 1Qisaaa copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

והיה כאבק דק המון זדי׳ך וכמוץ עובר המון עריצים והיה לפתע פתאמ

12 words on the leather.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q64a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[והיה] [כאבק] [דק] [המון] [זרי׳ך] [וכמץ] [עבר] [המון] [עריצים] [והיה] [לפתע] [פתאם]

nothing on the leather here — 12 supplied entire by an editor.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 1Q8a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[והיה] [וכמץ] עובר המון עריצים [והיה] [לפתע] [פתאם]

8 words of the verse are on this fragment — 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.

Isaiah 29:5הָיָהand it willand it will beהָיָהאָבָקlike dustlike dustאָבָקדַּקfinefineדַּקהָמוֹן[the] multi[the] multitudeהָמוֹןזוּרstrangers ystrangers yourזוּרמוֹץand like chand like chaffמוֹץעָבַר[which] pas[which] passes עָבַרהָמוֹן[the] multi[the] multitudeהָמוֹןעָרִיץruthless [pruthless [peoplעָרִיץהָיָהand it willand it will hapהָיָהפֶּתַעto suddenneto suddennessפֶּתַעפִּתְאֹםsuddenlysuddenlyפִּתְאֹםהָמָהto roarto roarהָמָהפֶּתַעsuddennesssuddennessפֶּתַעהָוָאto fallto fallהָוָאדָּקַקto crushto crushדָּקַקמֵץextortioneextortionerמֵץעָרַץto trembleto trembleעָרַץפִּתְאֹםsuddenlysuddenlyפִּתְאֹםאָבַקto wrestleto wrestleאָבַקרַבmanymanyרַבהָיָהto beto beהָיָהאֶ֫רֶץland: soilland: soilאֶ֫רֶץחַסְפַּסto peelto peelחַסְפַּסשָׁדַףto scorchto scorchשָׁדַףקָרֵבapproachinapproachingקָרֵבעָרַבto pledgeto pledgeעָרַבטֶ֫רֶםbeforebeforeטֶ֫רֶםהָמוֹןcrowdcrowdהָמוֹןיַרְדֵןJordanJordanיַרְדֵן
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 Isaiah 29:5

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

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

and it will be like dust fine [the] multitude of strangers your and like chaff [which] passes away [the] multitude of ruthless [people] and it will happen to suddenness suddenly
וְהָיָ֛הve.ha.Yah and it will be H1961 Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person masculine singular
3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Tyndale gloss
to be
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be

Qal

Fall out, happen

occur, take place, come about, come to pass

esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass

וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

Come into being, become

abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

sq. prep.

become

sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

sq. pred. adj.

become like

sq. pred. לְ pers.

sq. לְ pred.

oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.

with עַל and לְ

sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)

exist, be in existence

abide, remain, continue

with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie

as copula, joining subj. & pred.

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen

. occur, take place, come about, come to pass

. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

. sq. prep.

. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

. sq. pred. adj.

. become like

. sq. pred. + לְ pers.

. sq. לְ pred.

. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.

. with עַל and לְ

. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence

. abide, remain, continue

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1961 hayah haw-yaw

a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,

come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or

auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,

committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,

fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit

(one-)self, require, X use.

see HEBREW for 01933

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.

1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) ---

1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass

1a1b) to come about, come to pass

1a2) to come into being, become

1a2a) to arise, appear, come

1a2b) to become

1a2b1) to become

1a2b2) to become like

1a2b3) to be instituted, be established

1a3) to be

1a3a) to exist, be in existence

1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)

1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)

1a3d) to accompany, be with

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about

1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqq3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

See TESTAMENT.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ THE MENTAL FACULTY

Freedom of, recognized by God Ge 4:6-10; De 5:29; 1Ki 20:42; Isa 1:18-20; 43:26; Jer 36:3,7; Joh 7:17

See BLESSINGS, CONTINGENT UPON OBEDIENCE

See CHOICE

See CONTINGENCY

→ OF GOD, THE SUPREME RULE OF DUTY Mt 6:10; 12:50; 26:39,42; Mr 3:35; 14:36; Lu 11:2; 22:42; Joh 4:34; 5:30; 6:38-40; Ac…

and it will be like dust fine [the] multitude of strangers your and like chaff [which] passes away [the] multitude of ruthless [people] and it will happen to suddenness suddenly
כְּאָבָ֥קke.'a.Vak like dust H80 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
6× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to dust or small particles that are easily blown away, like powder or clouds. It's used in the Bible to describe the ground or a cloudy sky.
Amplified meaning
small particles easily blown away
Tyndale gloss
dust
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָבָק (abaq) means dust, referring to light particles or powder. It can denote dust on the ground or figuratively represent clouds. The entries consistently emphasize its connection to small, volatile particles.

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H80 אָבָק dust

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

80 'abaq aw-bawk'

from root of 79; light particles (as volatile):--(small)

dust, powder.

see HEBREW for 079

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָבָק (a.vaq) — dust.

1) dust

1a) on ground

1b) clouds (fig.)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HR/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

dust (`aphar; koniortos, chous): Small particles of earth. The word has several figurative and symbolic meanings:

(1) Dust being the material out of which God is said to have formed man (Ge 2:7), it became a symbol of man's frailty (Ps 103:14, "For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust"; compare Ge 18:27; Job 4:19, etc.), and of his mortality (Ge 3:19, "Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return"; compare Job 34:15; Ps 104:29; Ec 3:20

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Dust

Storms of sand and dust sometimes overtake Eastern travellers. They are very dreadful, many perishing under them. Jehovah threatens to bring on the land of Israel, as a punishment for forsaking him, a rain of “powder and dust” (Deut. 28:24).

To cast dust on the head was a sign of mourning (Josh. 7:6); and to sit in dust, of extreme affliction (Isa. 47:1). “Dust” is used to denote the grave (Job 7:21). “To shake off the dust from one’s feet” against another is to renounce all future intercourse with him (Matt. 10:14; Acts 13:51). To “lick the dust” is a sign of…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

[MOURNING]

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Jos 7:6. Dust or ashes put upon the head was a sign of mourning; sitting in the dust, a sign of affliction, La 3:29 Isa 47:1. "Dust" is also put for the grave, Ge 3:19 Job 7:21. It signifies a multitude, Ge 13:16, and a low and mean condition, 1Sa 2:8. We have two remarkable instances of casting dust recorded in Scripture, and they seem to illustrate a practice common in Asia: those who demanded justice against a criminal were accustomed to throw dust upon him, signifying that he deserved to be cast into the grave.…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and it will be like dust fine [the] multitude of strangers your and like chaff [which] passes away [the] multitude of ruthless [people] and it will happen to suddenness suddenly
דַּ֖קdak fine H1851 Adj
14× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means thin or small, like a thin cloth or a gaunt person, used to describe something or someone as fragile or weak.
Tyndale gloss
thin
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דַּק (daq) means thin, small, or fine. It is derived from a root that implies being crushed or reduced in size. The word covers various nuances, including descriptions of physical thinness or smallness. Brown-Driver-Briggs and Strong's agree on its meanings, with no significant disagreement noted.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

דַּק adj. thin, small, fine

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1851 דַּק thin, small, fine

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1851 daq dak

from 1854; crushed, i.e. (by implication) small or

thin:--dwarf, lean(-fleshed), very little thing, small, thin.

see HEBREW for 01854

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דַּק (daq) — thin.

1) thin, small, fine, gaunt

1a) thin

1b) small, fine

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAamsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

fin (adj., from Latin finire, "to finish"):

Indicates superior quality. Only in a few instances does "fine" represent a separate word: (1) Tobh, "good," qualifies gold (2Ch 3:5,8, "fine gold"; compare Ge 2:12, "good"); fine gold (La 4:1, the King James Version "most fine gold," the Revised Version (British and American) "most pure gold," literally, "good fine gold"), copper (Ezr 8:27, the Revised Version (British and American) "fine bright brass"); Tabh, Aramaic (Da 2:32, "fine gold"). (2) paz, "refined" (So 5:11, "the most fine gold"). (3) chelebh, "fatness," "the best…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ (A penalty) Ex 22:1,4,7-9; Le 5:15,16; 6:5,6; Pr 6:30,31

→ See DAMAGES

and it will be like dust fine [the] multitude of strangers your and like chaff [which] passes away [the] multitude of ruthless [people] and it will happen to suddenness suddenly
הֲמ֣וֹןha.Mon [the] multitude of H1995 Noun common · masculine singular construct
83× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Being in a state of turmoil or having a lot of noise is what this Hebrew word means. It can also refer to a large crowd or abundance of something, like in the book of Proverbs where it describes a multitude of people.
Tyndale gloss
crowd
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הָמוֹן (hamown) refers to a sound or noise, encompassing meanings like murmur, roar, tumult, and crowd. It also conveys concepts of abundance and wealth. The verb form הָמַן (haman) means to rage or be turbulent. The entries highlight a range of uses, from describing a multitude to expressing confusion or disquiet.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָמוֹן n.m. sound, murmur, roar, crowd, abundance

sound, murmur, rush, roar

tumult, confusion (as occasioning a roar)

crowd, multitude

great number, abundance (late)

abundance, wealth

base

[הָמַן] vb. rage, be turbulent

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1995a הָמוֹן sound, murmur, roar, crowd, abundance H1995b הָמַן rage, be turbulent

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1995 hamown haw-mone'

or hamon (Ezek. 5:7) {haw-mone'}; from 1993; a noise, tumult,

crowd; also disquietude, wealth:--abundance, company, many,

multitude, multiply, noise, riches, rumbling, sounding, store,

tumult.

see HEBREW for 01993

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָמוֹן (ha.mon) — crowd.

1) murmur, roar, crowd, abundance, tumult, sound

1a) sound, murmur, rush, roar

1b) tumult, confusion

1c) crowd, multitude

1d) great number, abundance

1e) abundance, wealth

הָמַן (ha.man) — be turbulent.

to rage, be turbulent

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 it will be like dust fine [the] multitude of strangers your and like chaff [which] passes away [the] multitude of ruthless [people] and it will happen to suddenness suddenly
זָרָ֑יִךְza.Ra.yikh strangers your H2114 Suffix
77× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word has several meanings, including being a stranger or foreigner, like when Abraham lived in Egypt as a foreigner. It can also mean to commit adultery, highlighting the idea of turning aside from what is right and proper, as warned against in Proverbs 5.
Amplified meaning
like fine powder, small dust
Tyndale gloss
be a stranger
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זוּר (zuwr) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be a stranger or to become estranged. It can describe a person as strange or foreign, and it also has connotations of loathsomeness. The word can refer to committing adultery or being alienated, with its usage found in contexts involving estrangement or foreignness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[זוּר] vb. be a stranger

Qal

Pf. become estranged

Pt. as adj. strange, or as noun stranger

Niph. Pf. be estranged

Hoph. Pt. estranged

base

[זוּר, זִיר] vb. be loathsome, only 3 fs. Jb 19:17

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2114a זוּר be a stranger .. Pf. become estranged

. Pt. as adj. strange, or as noun stranger

. Pf. be estranged

. Pt. estranged

H2114b זוּר, זִיר be loathsome

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2114 zuwr zoor

a primitive root; to turn aside (especially for lodging);

hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically

(active participle) to commit adultery:--(come from) another

(man, place), fanner, go away, (e-)strange(-r, thing, woman).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זוּר (zur) — be a stranger.

1) to be strange, be a stranger

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to become estranged

1a2) strange, another, stranger, foreigner, an enemy (participle)

1a3) strange woman, prostitute, harlot (meton)

1b) (Niphal) to be estranged

1c) (Hophal) to be a stranger, be one alienated

זוּר (zur) — be loathsome.

loathsome (of breath) (participle)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj | Suff — Suffix
HAampc/Sp2fs
and it will be like dust fine [the] multitude of strangers your and like chaff [which] passes away [the] multitude of ruthless [people] and it will happen to suddenness suddenly
וּכְמֹ֤ץu.khe.Motz and like chaff H4671 Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
8× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Mots refers to chaff, the loose outer covering of grain that is blown away by the wind, as described in the KJV.
Amplified meaning
loose outer covering of grain, worthless material
Tyndale gloss
chaff
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מוֹץ (mots) means chaff, specifically the lightweight husks separated from grain during threshing. It is often depicted as being driven by the wind and is used metaphorically in contexts such as the fate of the wicked (Job 21:18) and the power of nations (Isaiah 17:13). The term appears in several Old Testament verses, highlighting its symbolic significance.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[מוֹץ], מֹץ n.m. Is 29:5 chaff;—מ׳ abs. Ho 13:3 + 6 t.; cstr. Is 17:13;—chaff, always as driven by wind, and alw. c. כְּ, in sim.; of wicked Jb 21:18 (∥ תֶּבֶן לִפְנֵי רוּחַ), cf. ψ 1:4 35:5 Ho 13:3; of hostile nations Is 17:13 (מ׳ הָרִים), 29:5 (∥ אָבָק דַּךְ); hyperb. of Judah's power, גְּבָעוֹת כַּמֹּץ תָּשִׂים Is 41:15 (∥ תָּדוּשׁ הָרִים וְתָדֹק); of passing time, יוֹם Zp…

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4671 [מוֹץ], מֹץ chaff

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4671 mots motes

or mowts (Zephaniah 2:2) {motes}; from 4160; chaff (as

pressed out, i.e. winnowed or (rather) threshed

loose):--chaff.

see HEBREW for 04160

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מוֹץ (mots) — chaff.

1) chaff

1a) always as driven by wind

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Prep | N-ms — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HC/R/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

chaf: Four different words have been translated "chaff" in the Old Testament:

(1) mots, is found in Job 21:18; Ps 1:4; 35:5; Isa 17:13; 29:5; 41:15; Ho 13:3; Ze 2:2.

(2) chashash, occurs in two verses (Isa 5:24; 33:11). Compare "chashish," an Arabic word which, as commonly used, denotes grass either standing or cut, green or dry, although, strictly speaking, dry or cut grass alone. In the Revised Version (British and American) Isa 5:24 the translation is "dry grass."

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Chaff

The refuse of winnowed corn. It was usually burned (Ex. 15:7; Isa. 5:24; Matt. 3:12). This word sometimes, however, means dried grass or hay (Isa. 5:24; 33:11). Chaff is used as a figure of abortive wickedness (Ps. 1:4; Matt. 3:12). False doctrines are also called chaff (Jer. 23:28), or more correctly rendered “chopped straw.” The destruction of the wicked, and their powerlessness, are likened to the carrying away of chaff by the wind (Isa. 17:13;

Smith's Bible Dictionary

the husk of corn or wheat which was separated from the grain by being thrown into the air, the wind blowing away the chaff, while the grain was saved. The carrying away of chaff by the wind is an ordinary scriptural image of the destruction of the wicked and of their powerlessness to resist God’s judgments. (Psalms 1:4; Isaiah 17:13; Hosea 13:3; Zephaniah 2:2)

Nave's Topical Bible

→ General scriptures concerning Jer 23:28

→ FIGURATIVE Job 21:18; Ps 1:4; 35:5; Isa 5:24; 17:13; Da 2:35; Ho 13:3; Mt 3:12; Lu 3:17

and it will be like dust fine [the] multitude of strangers your and like chaff [which] passes away [the] multitude of ruthless [people] and it will happen to suddenness suddenly
עֹבֵר֙'o.Ver [which] passes away H5674 Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singular
556× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Tyndale gloss
to pass
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עָבַר (abar) is a versatile verb meaning to pass over, through, or by, and it encompasses a range of actions including crossing, traversing, and alienating. It can also imply causing something to pass or be transferred, as well as emotional states like anger in its Hithpael form. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, though they do not provide specific verse references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָבַר 648 vb. pass over, through, by, pass on

Qal

pass over

Pass beyond

Pass through, traverse

pass along by

pass by

sweep by, of scourge

be past, over, of time

pass along (from hand to hand)

Pass on, go on

Pass away

Niph. Impf. a stream which cannot be forded

Pi.

his bull impregnateth

cause one to cross river

cause something to pass over

make over to

devote children to (לְ) heathen god

pass along (from hand to hand)

cause to pass through

let pass through

cause to pass by

let pass by

cause arrow to pass beyond

cause to pass under rod, for counting

cause to pass away, take away

Hiph.

cause to pass over, bring over

he made to pass across with chains of gold

base

[עָבַר] vb. denom. Hithp. be arrogant, infuriate oneself

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5674a עָבַר pass over, through, by, pass on .. pass over

. Pass beyond

. Pass through, traverse

. . pass along by

. pass by

. sweep by, of scourge

. be past, over, of time

. pass along (from hand to hand)

. Pass on, go on

. Pass away

. Impf. a stream which cannot be forded

. . his bull impregnateth . cause one to cross river

. cause something to pass over

. make over to

. devote children to (לְ) heathen god

. pass along (from hand to hand)

. . cause to pass through

. let pass through

. . cause to pass by

. let pass by

. cause arrow to pass beyond

. cause to pass under rod, for counting

. cause to pass away, take away

. . cause to pass over, bring over

. he made to pass across with chains of gold

H5674b עָבַר vb. denom. Hithp. be arrogant, infuriate oneself

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5674 `abar aw-bar'

a primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any

transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive,

intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

copulation):--alienate, alter, X at all, beyond, bring (over,

through), carry over, (over-)come (on, over), conduct (over),

convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail,

gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way,

in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle,

overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over)

pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over,

through), (cause to, make) + proclaim(-amation), perish,

provoke to anger, put away, rage, + raiser of taxes, remove,

send over, set apart, + shave, cause to (make) sound, X

speedily, X sweet smelling, take (away), (make to)

transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-)faring man, be

wrath.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָבַר (a.var) — to pass.

1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over

1a2) to pass beyond

1a3) to pass through, traverse

1a3a) passers-through (participle)

1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant)

1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by

1a4a) passer-by (participle)

1a4b) to be past, be over

1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance

1a6) to pass away

1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory)

1a6b) to vanish

1a6c) to perish, cease to exist

1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree)

1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands

1b) (Niphal) to be crossed

1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross

1d) (Hiphil)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singular
HVqrmsa
and it will be like dust fine [the] multitude of strangers your and like chaff [which] passes away [the] multitude of ruthless [people] and it will happen to suddenness suddenly
הֲמ֣וֹןha.Mon [the] multitude of H1995 Noun common · masculine singular construct
83× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Being in a state of turmoil or having a lot of noise is what this Hebrew word means. It can also refer to a large crowd or abundance of something, like in the book of Proverbs where it describes a multitude of people.
Amplified meaning
large crowd, turmoil
Tyndale gloss
crowd
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הָמוֹן (hamown) refers to a sound or noise, encompassing meanings like murmur, roar, tumult, and crowd. It also conveys concepts of abundance and wealth. The verb form הָמַן (haman) means to rage or be turbulent. The entries highlight a range of uses, from describing a multitude to expressing confusion or disquiet.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָמוֹן n.m. sound, murmur, roar, crowd, abundance

sound, murmur, rush, roar

tumult, confusion (as occasioning a roar)

crowd, multitude

great number, abundance (late)

abundance, wealth

base

[הָמַן] vb. rage, be turbulent

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1995a הָמוֹן sound, murmur, roar, crowd, abundance H1995b הָמַן rage, be turbulent

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1995 hamown haw-mone'

or hamon (Ezek. 5:7) {haw-mone'}; from 1993; a noise, tumult,

crowd; also disquietude, wealth:--abundance, company, many,

multitude, multiply, noise, riches, rumbling, sounding, store,

tumult.

see HEBREW for 01993

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָמוֹן (ha.mon) — crowd.

1) murmur, roar, crowd, abundance, tumult, sound

1a) sound, murmur, rush, roar

1b) tumult, confusion

1c) crowd, multitude

1d) great number, abundance

1e) abundance, wealth

הָמַן (ha.man) — be turbulent.

to rage, be turbulent

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 it will be like dust fine [the] multitude of strangers your and like chaff [which] passes away [the] multitude of ruthless [people] and it will happen to suddenness suddenly
עָֽרִיצִ֔ים'a.ri.Tzim ruthless [people] H6184 Adj
20× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes someone or something that inspires fear or awe, often due to great power or strength. It can be translated as mighty, oppressor, or ruthless in different contexts.
Amplified meaning
fearful, awe-inspiring, having great power
Tyndale gloss
ruthless
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָרִיץ (ariyts) describes something that is awe-inspiring or terror-stricken, with connotations of being powerful, ruthless, or tyrannical. It is built from the root associated with fearfulness and strength. The range of meanings includes mighty, oppressive, and violent, reflecting a sense of great power.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָרִיץ adj. awe-inspiring, terror-stricken

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6184 עָרִיץ awe-inspiring, terror-stricken

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6184 `ariyts aw-reets'

from 6206; fearful, i.e. powerful or tyrannical:--mighty,

oppressor, in great power, strong, terrible, violent.

see HEBREW for 06206

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָרִיץ (a.rits) — ruthless.

awe-inspiring, terror-striking, awesome, terrifying, ruthless, mighty

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAampa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…

and it will be like dust fine [the] multitude of strangers your and like chaff [which] passes away [the] multitude of ruthless [people] and it will happen to suddenness suddenly
וְהָיָ֖הve.ha.Yah and it will happen H1961 Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person masculine singular
3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Tyndale gloss
to be
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be

Qal

Fall out, happen

occur, take place, come about, come to pass

esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass

וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

Come into being, become

abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

sq. prep.

become

sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

sq. pred. adj.

become like

sq. pred. לְ pers.

sq. לְ pred.

oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.

with עַל and לְ

sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)

exist, be in existence

abide, remain, continue

with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie

as copula, joining subj. & pred.

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Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen

. occur, take place, come about, come to pass

. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

. sq. prep.

. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

. sq. pred. adj.

. become like

. sq. pred. + לְ pers.

. sq. לְ pred.

. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.

. with עַל and לְ

. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence

. abide, remain, continue

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Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1961 hayah haw-yaw

a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,

come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or

auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,

committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,

fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit

(one-)self, require, X use.

see HEBREW for 01933

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.

1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) ---

1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass

1a1b) to come about, come to pass

1a2) to come into being, become

1a2a) to arise, appear, come

1a2b) to become

1a2b1) to become

1a2b2) to become like

1a2b3) to be instituted, be established

1a3) to be

1a3a) to exist, be in existence

1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)

1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)

1a3d) to accompany, be with

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about

1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Hc/Vqq3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqq3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hap'-'-n (qarah; sumbaino): "Happen" (from "hap"), "to fall out," "befall," etc., "come to anyone," is the translation of qarah, "to meet," etc. (1Sa 28:10, "There shall no punishment happen to thee," the Revised Version margin "guilt come upon thee"; 2Sa 1:6; Es 4:7; Ec 2:14,15; 9:11 Isa 41:22); of qara', "to meet," "cause to happen," etc. (2Sa 20:1); of hayah, "to be" (1Sa 6:9, "It was a chance that happened to us"); of nagha', "to touch," "to come to" (Ec 8:14

and it will be like dust fine [the] multitude of strangers your and like chaff [which] passes away [the] multitude of ruthless [people] and it will happen to suddenness suddenly
לְפֶ֥תַעle.Fe.ta' to suddenness H6621 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
7× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means suddenness or quickness, often used to describe something happening in an instant. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of urgency or surprise. In the KJV, it is translated as 'at an instant' or 'suddenly'.
Amplified meaning
suddenness, quickness, without warning
Tyndale gloss
suddenness
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פֶּתַע (petha`) refers to suddenness or an instant, derived from an unused root meaning to open the eyes. It conveys the idea of something happening quickly or unexpectedly. The entries consistently emphasize this notion of suddenness without notable disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פֶּתַע subst. suddenness (√ unknown)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6621 פֶּתַע suddenness

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6621 petha` peh'-thah

from an unused root meaning to open (the eyes); a wink, i.e.

moment (compare 6597) (used only (with or without preposition)

adverbially, quickly or unexpectedly):--at an instant,

suddenly, X very.

see HEBREW for 06597

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פֶּתַע (pe.ta) — suddenness.

suddenness, in an instant

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HR/Ncmsa
and it will be like dust fine [the] multitude of strangers your and like chaff [which] passes away [the] multitude of ruthless [people] and it will happen to suddenness suddenly
פִּתְאֹֽם׃pit.'Om suddenly H6597 Adverb
25× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means happening suddenly or quickly, like an unexpected event. It is used in the Bible to describe surprising things that happen to people like Jacob and Joseph.
Amplified meaning
quickly
Tyndale gloss
suddenly
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פִּתְאֹם (pit'om) means 'suddenly' and can also refer to 'suddenness.' It is primarily used as an adverb to describe an unexpected occurrence. The word is derived from another Hebrew term, but the entries do not provide specific verses where it is used.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פִּתְאֹם, once פֵּתְאוֹם subst. suddenness, usu. as adv. acc. suddenly

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6597 פִּתְאֹם, once פֵּתְאוֹם suddenness, usu. as adv. acc. suddenly

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6597 pith'owm pith-ome'

or pith.om {pith-ome'}; from 6621; instantly:--straightway,

sudden(-ly).

see HEBREW for 06621

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פִּתְאֹם (pit.om) — suddenly.

adv

1) suddenly, surprisingly

subst

2) suddenness

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adv — Adverb
HD
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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