Isaiah 44:12 — Word Study
WLCחָרַ֤שׁ בַּרְזֶל֙ מַֽעֲצָ֔ד וּפָעַל֙ בַּפֶּחָ֔ם וּבַמַּקָּב֖וֹת יִצְּרֵ֑הוּ וַיִּפְעָלֵ֙הוּ֙ בִּזְר֣וֹעַ כֹּח֔וֹ גַּם־ רָעֵב֙ וְאֵ֣ין כֹּ֔חַ לֹא־ שָׁ֥תָה מַ֖יִם וַיִּיעָֽף׃
BSAThe blacksmithchârâsh [metalworker, artisan] takes a toolmaʻătsâd [axe, instrument] and laborspâʻal■ [works, toils] over the coalspechâm [burning embers] he fashions [an idol]yâtsar▸ [shapes, forms, image, false god] with hammersmaqqâbâh [blows, strikes] and forges [it]pâʻal▸ [shapes, molds] with his strongkôach [powerful, mighty] armszᵉrôwaʻ [strength, force] Yetgam he grows hungryrâʻêb■ [famished, weak] and loses his strengthkôach [power, might] he failslôʼ [neglects, forgets] to drinkshâthâh■ watermayim [refresh, quench] and grows faintyâʻaph▸ [weary, exhausted]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| חָרַ֤שׁ | a craftsman of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| בַּרְזֶל֙ | iron | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| מַֽעֲצָ֔ד | a tool | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וּפָעַל֙ | and he works [it] | Verb, Qal, sequential perfect third person masculine singular |
| בַּפֶּחָ֔ם | on the coal[s] | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וּבַמַּקָּב֖וֹת | and with hammers | Conjunction, preposition, noun common feminine plural absolute |
| יִצְּרֵ֑הוּ | he forms it | Verb qal imperfect third person masculine singular, suffix |
| וַיִּפְעָלֵ֙הוּ֙ | and he worked it | Verb qal sequential imperfect third person masculine singular, suffix |
| בִּזְר֣וֹעַ | with [the] arm of | Preposition, noun common feminine singular construct |
| כֹּח֔וֹ | strength his | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| גַּם־ | also | Adverb |
| רָעֵב֙ | he is hungry | Verb, Qal, perfect third person masculine singular |
| וְאֵ֣ין | and there not | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular construct |
| כֹּ֔חַ | [is] strength | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| לֹא־ | not | Particle |
| שָׁ֥תָה | he drinks | Verb, Qal, perfect third person masculine singular |
| מַ֖יִם | water | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| וַיִּיעָֽף׃ | and he grew weary | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The blacksmith takes a tool and labors over the coals; he fashions an idol with hammers and forges it with his strong arms. Yet he grows hungry and loses his strength; he fails to drink water and grows faint. |
| KJV | The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint. |
| ASV | The smith maketh an axe, and worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with his strong arm: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth; he drinketh no water, and is faint. |
| YLT | He hath wrought iron [with] an axe, And hath wrought with coals, And with hammers doth form it, And doth work it by his powerful arm, Yea, he is hungry, and there is no power, He doth not drink water, and he is wearied. |
| WEB | The blacksmith takes an ax, works in the coals, fashions it with hammers, and works it with his strong arm. He is hungry, and his strength fails; he drinks no water, and is faint. |
| BBE | The iron-worker is heating the metal in the fire, giving it form with his hammers, and working on it with his strong arm: then for need of food his strength gives way, and for need of water he becomes feeble. |
The translations agree on the overall meaning of the verse, with variations primarily in specific word choices.
The structure features a main clause followed by several subordinate clauses detailing the actions and consequences faced by the blacksmith.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectהוּא
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 — Isaiah 44:12
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 Futility of Idolatrygenerated
Isaiah 44:12 describes the blacksmith's labor in crafting an idol, illustrating the effort and skill involved in making false gods. Despite the craftsmanship, the blacksmith faces hunger and exhaustion, highlighting the limitations of human strength and the absurdity of relying on created images for power. This passage serves as a critique of idolatry, emphasizing that even the most skilled artisans cannot escape their basic human needs.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 40:19 | To an idol that a craftsman casts and a metalworker overlays with gold and fits with silver chains? |
| 2 | Isaiah 41:6–7 | Each one helps the other and says to his brother, “Be strong!” |
| 3 | Isaiah 46:6–7 | They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship. |
| 4 | Exodus 32:4–8 | He took the gold from their hands, and with an engraving tool he fashioned it into a molten calf. And they said, “These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 10:3–11 | For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — חָרַשׁ, cha.Rashgenerated
The Hebrew word חָרָשׁ (cha.Rash) refers to a skilled craftsman or artisan, capable of working with materials like metal or wood. This term is often used to describe individuals who engage in various forms of craftsmanship, including carpentry and metalworking. The parsing indicates it is a noun in the masculine singular form, emphasizing the role of the craftsman in the creation process.
This word is rooted in the idea of fabrication and skillful work. The lexicons highlight its connection to craftsmanship without notable disagreement, indicating its significance in the context of labor and creation.
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 main verb driving the sentence is פָּעַל, he works, which governs several phrases: a noun phrase identifying the craftsman, a prepositional phrase indicating the materials used, and another clause describing the outcome of his labor. The structure emphasizes the sequence of actions taken by the blacksmith.
The Hebrew word order places the craftsman at the forefront, highlighting his role in the creation of the idol, while the subsequent clauses detail the process and the resulting state of weariness.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates חָרַשׁ as τέκτων (tekton), meaning 'builder' or 'craftsman'. This choice broadens the concept of the craftsman to include various types of builders, not limited to metalwork, which may reflect a more general critique of human craftsmanship in idol-making.
The translation of מַעֲצָד as σκεπάρνῳ (skaparnō) suggests a specific tool, possibly emphasizing the practical aspects of the blacksmith's work.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Isaiah 44:12 describes a blacksmith who takes a tool and works over the coals to create an idol. Despite his skill and strength, he becomes hungry and weak, unable to drink water, and ultimately grows faint. This passage illustrates the futility of idol-making and the limitations of human effort.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The blacksmith symbolizes those who create idols, emphasizing the human effort involved in crafting false gods.
The blacksmith grows hungry as a reminder of human limitations, even while engaged in skilled labor.
The idol represents the futility of relying on created images for strength and power, contrasting with the true power of God.
This verse critiques idolatry by showcasing the effort and skill of the craftsman, ultimately revealing the weakness and limitations of the idols they create.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some modern-day idols that people create or rely on instead of God?
- How can I recognize the limitations of my own strength in my daily life?
- In what ways can I ensure that I am not placing my trust in created things rather than in God?
- How does understanding the futility of idolatry affect my relationship with God?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Church Fathers commented on this passage to illustrate the futility of idol-making and the dependence of the craftsmen on their own needs.
[Isaiah] has demonstrated that the production of these so-called gods relies on contributions. Their creator needs the blacksmith to prepare the tools and the whetstone for sharpening them;Early Church Fathers on Isaiah 44 →
“He becomes hungry, and his strength fails.” The first reason for the making of idols is the need of their makers. They are hungry and thirsty and have no food, and, therefore, they make idols, so that their need may be satisfied,Early Church Fathers on Isaiah 44 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Isaiah 44:12 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe smith with the tongs,.... Or, "the worker of iron" (c); the blacksmith, who had a concern in making of idols, for some were made of iron, Daniel 5:4, or in making plates to cover them, or nails
Read John Gill on Isaiah 44 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.
Read Robert Jamieson on Isaiah 44 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleBoth worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers; first he makes the metal soft and pliable, by putting it among burning coals, and then he taketh it out, and beateth it into what form he pleaseth. It must be here noted, that some of these images were made of brass and iron, as others were of gold and silver, . He is hungry, and his strength faileth; he drinketh no water, and is faint: this is mentioned, either, 1. As an argument of the vanity of idols, which cannot relieve their poor workmen, when they are ready to faint away through hunger, and thirst, and weariness. Or, 2. As an evidence of great zeal and industry in carrying on this work, so that they forget or neglect to eat…
Read Matthew Poole on Isaiah 44 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsIsaiah 44:12 The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.Ver. 12. The smith with the tongs, &c.] He lively setteth forth the weakness of the workmen, that thereby may be understood the weakness of the idols, since they cannot help in the least those that take such pains about them. All these things must be taken as spoken with utmost scorn and stomach. And fashioneth it with hammers.] He knocks and works his idol in manner as he doth his coulter or ploughshare. With the strength of his arms.] Tanto conatu tantas nugas agit, cum…
Read John Trapp on Isaiah 44 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(12) The smith with the tongs.—We begin with the metal idol. Better, The smith uses a chisel. The work involves stooping over the charcoal furnace. The maker of the god is exhausted with his toil, and requires food and drink to sustain him.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Isaiah 44 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 12. The smith with the tongs, c. - "The smith cutteth off a portion of iron"] מעצד meatstsed, Participium Pihel of עצד atsad, to cut still used in that sense in the Arabic. See Simonis Lex. Heb. The Septuagint and Syriac take the word in this form: but they render it sharpeneth the iron. See Castell. Lex. in voce. The sacred writers are generally large and eloquent upon the subject of idolatry; they treat it with great severity, and set forth the absurdity of it in the strongest light. But this passage of Isaiah, Isaiah 44:12-20, far exceeds any thing that ever was written upon the subject, in force of argument, energy of expression, and elegance of composition. One or two of the…
Read AdamClarke on Isaiah 44 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and CollegesCh. Isaiah 44:6-23. The Reality of Jehovah’s Godhead, evinced by His Predictions, and contrasted with the manifold absurdities of IdolatryThe passage, which is merely a restatement of ideas already expressed, consists of three divisions: i. Isaiah 44:6-8. A re-assertion and demonstration of the eternity and sole Divinity of Jehovah. ii. Isaiah 44:9-20. A fresh exposure—the most complete and remorseless that the book contains—of the irrationality of idol-worship. iii. Isaiah 44:21-23. An exhortation to the exiles to lay these truths to heart, and cleave to the God who forgives their sins and who alone can deliver. Isaiah 44:23 is a lyrical effusion, such as the thought of the redemption…
Read Cambridge on Isaiah 44 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe smith with the tongs - The prophet proceeds here to show the folly and absurdity of idolatry; and in order to this he goes into an extended statement Isaiah 44:12-19 of the manner in which idols were usually made.
Read Albert Barnes on Isaiah 44 →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
The blacksmith takes a tool and labors over the coals; he fashions an idol with hammers and forges it with his strong arms. Yet he grows hungry and loses his strength; he fails to drink water and grows faint.
The blacksmith takes an ax, works in the coals, fashions it with hammers, and works it with his strong arm. He is hungry, and his strength fails; he drinks no water, and is faint.
The blacksmith takes a tool and labors over the coals; he fashions an idol with hammers and forges it with his strong arms. Yet he grows hungry and loses his strength; he fails to drink water and grows faint.
A blacksmith works with his tool and forges metal over the coals. He forms it with hammers; he makes it with his strong arm. He gets hungry and loses his energy; he drinks no water and gets tired.
Tyndale line
The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.
The smith maketh an axe, and worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with his strong arm: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth; he drinketh no water, and is faint.
The smith maketh an axe, and worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with his strong arm: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth; he drinketh no water, and is faint.
The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yes, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.
The smith taketh an instrument, and worketh in the coles, and facioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his armes: yea, he is an hungred, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.
Strictly literal
The iron-smith [hath] a chisel, and he worketh in the coals, and he fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with his strong arm; — but he is hungry, and his strength faileth; he hath not drunk water, and he is faint.
He hath wrought iron [with] an axe, And hath wrought with coals, And with hammers doth form it, And doth work it by his powerful arm, Yea, he is hungry, and there is no power, He doth not drink water, and he is wearied.
He has worked iron [with] an axe, || And has worked with coals, || And forms it with hammers, || And works it by his powerful arm, || Indeed, he is hungry, and there is no power, || He does not drink water, and he is wearied.
The iron-smith [maketh] an axe and worketh it in the coals, and with hammers he fashioneth it, and worketh it with his powerful arm; he also, when he is hungry, loseth his strength: when he drinketh no water, he becometh faint.
The smith works with his tools, forming it, working over the coals. He shapes it with hammers and works it with his strong arm. He is hungry, and his strength wanes; he drinks no water and becomes faint.
From the Latin
The smith hath wrought with his file, with coals, and with hammers he hath formed it, and hath wrought with the strength of his arm: he shall hunger and faint, he shall drink no water, and shall be weary.
Simplified
The blacksmith makes an iron tool for woodcarving. Working over hot coals, he hammers it into shape as hard as he can. He gets hungry and loses his strength, and because he doesn't drink he grows weak.
The iron-worker is heating the metal in the fire, giving it form with his hammers, and working on it with his strong arm: then for need of food his strength gives way, and for need of water he becomes feeble.
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 describes a blacksmith working with iron and using various tools to create an idol, emphasizing his physical struggle and fatigue. The Septuagint largely aligns with the Masoretic Text, matching 16 of the 18 words, though it presents them with different word order and articles. The Dead Sea Scrolls (1Qisaa) also agree with the Masoretic Text in content, preserving similar wording and structure, indicating a consistent transmission of this verse across these ancient witnesses.
חָרַ֤שׁ בַּרְזֶל֙ מַֽעֲצָ֔ד וּפָעַל֙ בַּפֶּחָ֔ם וּבַמַּקָּב֖וֹת יִצְּרֵ֑הוּ וַיִּפְעָלֵ֙הוּ֙ בִּזְר֣וֹעַ כֹּח֔וֹ גַּם־ רָעֵב֙ וְאֵ֣ין כֹּ֔חַ לֹא־ שָׁ֥תָה מַ֖יִם וַיִּיעָֽף׃
16 of the 18 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.
חרש ברזל מעצד ופ יפעל בפחם ובמקבות ויצור׳הו ויפעל׳הו בזרוע כוח׳וה גמ רעב ואין כוח לוא שותה מים ויועף
19 words on the leather.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Isaiah 44:12
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.
חָרָשׁ (charash) refers to a craftsman or artificer, encompassing roles such as engraver, carpenter, and worker in various materials. The word is derived from a root meaning to fabricate or work skillfully. It can also figuratively describe someone skilled in destruction, like warriors. The entries consistently highlight its connection to craftsmanship without notable disagreement.
חָרָשׁ n.m. graver, artificer
base
H2796 חָרָשׁ graver, artificer
2796 charash khaw-rawsh'
from 2790; a fabricator or any material:--artificer, (+)
carpenter, craftsman, engraver, maker, + mason, skilful, (+)
smith, worker, workman, such as wrought.
see HEBREW for 02790
חָרָשׁ, חֲרָשִׁים (cha.rash) — artificer.
1) craftsman, artisan, engraver, graver, artificer
1a) graver, artificer
1b) skilful to destroy (warriors) (fig.)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
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…
בַּרְזֶל (barzel) means 'iron' and can refer to iron ore or iron implements like tools and utensils. It also carries figurative meanings related to harshness, strength, or oppression. The word may be derived from a root associated with cutting. There is an Aramaic equivalent, פַּרְזֶל (parzel), also meaning 'iron'.
בַּרְזֶל n.m. iron
iron, lit.
tool of iron
iron in fig. of unwatered earth
base
H1270 בַּרְזֶל iron
1270 barzel bar-zel'
perhaps from the root of 1269; iron (as cutting); by
extension, an iron implement:--(ax) head, iron.
see HEBREW for 01269
בַּרְזֶל (bar.zel) — iron.
1) iron
1a) iron
1a1) iron ore
1a2) as material of furniture, utensils, implements
2) tool of iron
3) harshness, strength, oppression (fig.)
Aramaic equivalent: par.zel (פַּרְזֶל "iron" H6523)
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
Iron
Tubal-Cain is the first-mentioned worker in iron (Gen. 4:22). The Egyptians wrought it at Sinai before the Exodus. David prepared it in great abundance for the temple (1 Chr. 22:3: 29:7). The merchants of Dan and Javan brought it to the market of Tyre (Ezek. 27:19). Various instruments are mentioned as made of iron (Deut. 27:5; 19:5; Josh. 17:16, 18; 1 Sam. 17:7; 2 Sam. 12:31; 2 Kings 6:5, 6; 1 Chr.…
is mentioned with brass as the earliest of known metals. (Genesis 4:22) The natural wealth in iron of the soil of Canaan is indicated by describing it as a land whose stones are iron." (8:9) (Recent explorations have shown that iron ore is abundant in the northern part of Palestine. --ED.) The book of Job contains passages which indicate that iron was a metal well known. Sheet-iron was used for cooking utensils. (Ezekiel 4:3) cf. Levi 7:9 That it was plentiful in the time of David appears from (1 Chronicles 22:3) The market of Tyre was supplied with bright or polished iron by the merchants of by Dan and Javan. (Ezekiel 27:19) The Chalybes of the Pontus were celebrated as…
Was early known and wrought, Ge 4:22. Moses often alludes to it. He compares the bondage in Egypt to a furnace for smelting iron, and speaks of the iron ore of Canaan, De 3:11 4:20 8:9. Many different articles and tools were anciently made of it. Immense quantities were provided for the building of the temple, 1Ch 29:2,7. "Iron" is used to illustrated slavery, strength, obstinacy, fortitude, affliction, etc., De 28:48 Job 40:18 Isa 48:4 Jer 1:18 Eze 22:18,20…
מַעֲצָד (ma`atsad) means 'axe' and is derived from a root meaning to hew. The entries consistently define it as an axe or tongs, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
מַעֲצָד n.[m.] axe
base
H4621 מַעֲצָד axe
4621 ma`atsad mah-ats-awd'
from an usused root meaning to hew; an axe:--ax, tongs.
מַעֲצָד (ma.a.tsad) — axe.
axe
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
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
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqq3ms
פֶּחָם (pecham) refers to coal, encompassing both charred and live forms. The word may derive from a root meaning 'to be black.' It is classified as a masculine noun and is used in a collective sense.
פֶּחָם n.[m.] coal (coll.)
base
H6352 פֶּחָם coal (coll.)
6352 pecham peh-khawm'
perhaps from an unused root probably meaning to be black; a
coal, whether charred or live:--coals.
פֶּחָם (pe.cham) — coal.
coal, charcoal, ember
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
The Hebrew word מַקֶּ֫בֶת (*maqqabah*) means 'hammer,' specifically one used for driving in nails and pegs. It is derived from the root meaning to pierce. The entries consistently define it as a type of hammer, and it is noted as another spelling of מַקֶּ֫בֶת (*maq.qe.vet*), which also means 'hammer.'
מַקֶּ֫בֶת n.f. hammer (by means of which one drives in nails and pegs)
base
H4717 מַקֶּ֫בֶת hammer (by means of which one drives in nails and pegs)
4717 maqqabah mak-kaw-baw'
from 5344; properly, a perforatrix, i.e. a hammer (as
piercing):--hammer.
see HEBREW for 05344
מַקָּבָה (maq.qa.vah) — hammer.
hammer
Another spelling of maq.qe.vet (מַקֶּ֫בֶת "hammer" H4718A)
Conj | Prep | N-fp — Conjunction · preposition · noun common feminine plural absoluteHC/Rd/Ncfpa
The Hebrew word יָצַר (yatsar) means to form or fashion, often in the context of creation, whether by human or divine activity. It encompasses the act of shaping, as a potter does, and can refer to the formation of individuals or the people of Israel. The word also implies planning or preordaining in a figurative sense.
יָצַר vb. form, fashion
Qal
of human activity
of divine activity
Niph. before me a god was not formed (created)
Pu. days (that) were pre-ordained (in divine purpose)
Hoph. any weapon that is formed against thee will not prosper.
base
H3335 יָצַר form, fashion
3335 yatsar yaw-tsar'
probably identical with 3334 (through the squeezing into
shape); ((compare 3331)); to mould into a form; especially as
a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e. form a
resolution):--X earthen, fashion, form, frame, make(-r),
potter, purpose.
see HEBREW for 03334
see HEBREW for 03331
יָצַר (ya.tsar) — to form: formed.
: formed
1) to form, fashion, frame
1a) (Qal) to form, fashion
1a1) of human activity
1a2) of divine activity
1a2a) of creation
1a2a1) of original creation
1a2a2) of individuals at conception
1a2a3) of Israel as a people
1a2b) to frame, pre-ordain, plan (fig. of divine) purpose of a situation)
1b) (Niphal) to be formed, be created
1c) (Pual) to be predetermined, be pre-ordained
1d) (Hophal) to be formed
יָצַר (ya.tsar) — to form: potter.
: potter
1) to form, fashion, frame
1a) (Qal) to form, fashion
1a1) of human activity
1a2) of divine activity
1a2a) of creation
1a2a1) of original creation
1a2a2) of individuals at conception
1a2a3) of Israel as a people
1a2b) to frame, pre-ordain, plan (fig. of divine) purpose of a situation)
1b) (Niphal) to be formed, be created
1c) (Pual) to be predetermined, be pre-ordained
1d) (Hophal) to be formed
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff — Verb qal imperfect third person masculine singular · suffixHVqi3ms/Sp3ms
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
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff — Verb qal sequential imperfect third person masculine singular · suffixHc/Vqw3ms/Sp3ms
זְרוֹעַ (z'roa) refers to an arm or shoulder, often symbolizing strength. It can denote the physical arm, the shoulder of a sacrificed animal, or military and political forces. The word is derived from a root meaning to stretch out, indicating both physical and metaphorical strength.
זְרוֹעַ, זְרֹעַ n.f. and (rare) m. arm, shoulder, strength
arm
arm, as symbol of strength
Pl. forces, political and military
Shoulder of animal sacrificed, belonging to priest
base
H2220 זְרוֹעַ, זְרֹעַ arm, shoulder, strength . arm
. arm, as symbol of strength
. Pl. forces, political and military
. Shoulder of animal sacrificed, belonging to priest
2220 zrowa` zer-o'-ah
or (shortened) zroao {zer-o'-ah}; and (feminine) zrowpah
{zer-o-aw'}; or zrowah {zer-o-aw'}; from 2232; the arm (as
stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively,
force:--arm, + help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength.
see HEBREW for 02232
זְרוֹעַ (ze.ro.a) — arm.
1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength
1a) arm
1b) arm (as symbol of strength)
1c) forces (political and military)
1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)
Prep | N-cs — 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…
כֹּחַ (koach) refers to both a small reptile, likely a type of lizard, and the concepts of strength and power. The entries highlight its use in contexts of human and divine strength, as well as its association with wealth and capacity. Notably, it appears in Leviticus 11:30 regarding unclean animals.
כֹּחַ n.[m.] a small reptile, prob. a kind of lizard, in list of unclean creeping things Lv 11:30; chameleon
ref
כֹּחַ and כּוֹחַ n.m. strength, power
base
H3581a כֹּחַ a small reptile, prob. a kind of lizard, in list of unclean creeping things; chameleon H3581b כֹּחַ and כּוֹחַ strength, power
3581 koach ko'-akh
or (Dan. 11:6) kowach {ko'-akh}; from an unused root meaning
to be firm; vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense)
or figuratively (capacity, means, produce); also (from its
hardiness) a large lizard: -ability, able, chameleon, force,
fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth.
כֹּחַ (ko.ach) — reptile.
1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean
1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
כֹּחַ (ko.ach) — strength.
1) strength, power, might
1a) human strength
1b) strength (of angels)
1c) power (of God)
1d) strength (of animals)
1e) strength, produce, wealth (of soil)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
גַּם (gam) is an adverb meaning 'also' or 'moreover,' indicating addition or emphasis. It can express various nuances, such as 'even,' 'indeed,' or 'but.' The term is often used in a correlational manner, as in 'both...and.' It appears in contexts that require clarification or reinforcement of a statement.
גַּם 768 adv. denoting addition, also, moreover, yea
base
H1571 גַּם denoting addition, also, moreover, yea
1571 gam gam
by contraction from an unused root meaning to gather;
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea,
though; often repeated as correl. both...and:--again, alike,
also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and , but, either...or,
even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover,
nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea.
גַּם (gam) — also.
1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea
1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis)
1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative)
1c) even (for stress)
1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax)
1e) also (of correspondence or retribution)
1f) but, yet, though (adversative)
1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case)
2) (TWOT) again, alike
DirObjM — AdverbHD
ol'-so: In the Greek kai, when it is equivalent to "also" or "even," is always placed before the word or phrase which it is intended to emphasize (e.g. Ac 12:3; 1 Joh 4:21). Mt 6:14 should therefore read, "Your heavenly Father will forgive you also"; Lu 6:13, "Whom also he named apostles"; Heb 8:6, "The mediator of a better covenant also"; and 1Th 4:14, `If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also (we believe that) those who are fallen asleep in Jesus, God will bring with Him.'
רָעֵב (ra`eb) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to be hungry.' It is a primitive root that can also imply allowing someone to hunger. The entries indicate its use in both the Qal and Hiphil stems, covering the basic state of hunger and the act of causing hunger.
רָעֵב vb. be hungry
Qal be hungry
Hiph. allow one to hunger
base
H7456 רָעֵב be hungry
7456 ra`eb raw-abe'
a primitive root; to hunger:--(suffer to) famish, (be, have,
suffer, suffer to) hunger(-ry).
רָעֵב (ra.ev) — be hungry.
1) to be hungry, be voracious
1a) (Qal) to be hungry
1b) (Hiphil) to allow one to be hungry, allow to hunger
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singularHVqp3ms
אַ֫יִן (ayin) primarily means 'nothing' or 'nought' and serves as a negative particle indicating absence or negation, such as 'is not' or 'there is not.' It can also express lack of possession or existence. The word is derived from a root meaning to be non-existent, and it appears frequently in various grammatical constructions.
אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought
to nothing, as nothing
cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not
אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not
in circumst. clauses
with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …
with prefixes
base
H369 אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought . to nothing, as nothing
. cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not
. אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not
. in circumst. clauses
. with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …
. with prefixes
369 'ayin ah'-yin
as if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not
exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative
particle:--else, except, fail, (father-)less, be gone,
in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any,
thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable),
well-nigh, without. Compare 370.
see HEBREW for 0370
אַ֫יִן (a.yin) — nothing.
1) nothing, not, nought n
1a) nothing, nought neg
1b) not
1c) to have not (of possession) adv
1d) without w/prep
1e) for lack of
HC/Ncmsc — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular constructHC/Ncmsc
כֹּחַ (koach) refers to both a small reptile, likely a type of lizard, and the concepts of strength and power. The entries highlight its use in contexts of human and divine strength, as well as its association with wealth and capacity. Notably, it appears in Leviticus 11:30 regarding unclean animals.
כֹּחַ n.[m.] a small reptile, prob. a kind of lizard, in list of unclean creeping things Lv 11:30; chameleon
ref
כֹּחַ and כּוֹחַ n.m. strength, power
base
H3581a כֹּחַ a small reptile, prob. a kind of lizard, in list of unclean creeping things; chameleon H3581b כֹּחַ and כּוֹחַ strength, power
3581 koach ko'-akh
or (Dan. 11:6) kowach {ko'-akh}; from an unused root meaning
to be firm; vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense)
or figuratively (capacity, means, produce); also (from its
hardiness) a large lizard: -ability, able, chameleon, force,
fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth.
כֹּחַ (ko.ach) — reptile.
1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean
1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
כֹּחַ (ko.ach) — strength.
1) strength, power, might
1a) human strength
1b) strength (of angels)
1c) power (of God)
1d) strength (of animals)
1e) strength, produce, wealth (of soil)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
→ A title given to Jehovah 1Sa 15:29
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Part — ParticleHTn
שָׁתָה (shathah) means 'to drink' and can refer to both literal drinking and figurative uses, such as feasting or experiencing God's wrath. It is a primitive root that appears in various forms, including Qal and Niphal, indicating actions like drinking and being drunk. The lexicons note its connection to the Aramaic equivalent שְׁתָה (she.tah), but do not present significant disagreements.
שָׁתָה 217 vb. drink
Qal 216
Niph. all which is (may be) drunk
base
H8354 שָׁתָה drink
8354 shathah shaw-thaw'
a primitive root; to imbibe (literally or figuratively):--X
assuredly, banquet, X certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk
(X -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of 8248.)
see HEBREW for 08248
שָׁתָה (sha.tah) — to drink.
1) to drink
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to drink
1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig)
1a2) to feast
1b) (Niphal) to be drunk
Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singularHVqp3ms
מַי (mayim) is a Hebrew word meaning 'water' and is used in the plural form. It encompasses various meanings, including literal water, urine, and metaphorical uses related to refreshment or danger. The entries indicate it is derived from a primitive noun and is primarily referenced in contexts involving water.
[מַי] 580 n.m. only pl. מַ֫יִם waters, water
base
H4325 מַי only pl. מַ֫יִם waters, water
4325 mayim mah'-yim
dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense);
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen:--+
piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)).
מַי (ma.yim) — water.
1) water, waters
1a) water
1b) water of the feet, urine
1c) of danger, violence, transitory things, refreshment (fig.)
מַי (ma.yim) — Water (Gate).
This name means water, refreshment
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
wo'-ter (mayim; hudor):
(1) The Greek philosophers believed water to be the original substance and that all things were made from it. The Koran states, "From water we have made all things." In the story of the creation (Ge 1:2) water plays an elemental part.
(2) Because of the scarcity of water in Palestine it is especially appreciated by the people there. They love to go and sit by a stream of running water. Men long for a taste of the water of their native village (1Ch 11:17). A town or village is known throughout the country for the quality of its water, which is described by many adjectives, such as "light," "heavy," etc.
(3) The rainfall is the only source of supply of water for Palestine. The moisture is carried up from the sea in clouds and falls on the hills as rain or snow.…
See CISTERN and WELLS.
In Isa 35:7, the Hebrew word for "parched ground" that shall become a pool of water, is the same with the Arabic term for the mirage, a peculiar optical illusion by which travelers in hot and dry deserts think they see broad lakes and flowing waters; they seem to discern the very ripple of the waves, and the swaying of tail trees on the margin in the cool breeze; green hills and houses and city ramparts rise before the astonished sight, recede as the traveler advances, and at length melt away in the hot haze. Not so the blessings of the gospel; they are no alluring mockery, but real waters of everlasting life, Isa 55:1 Joh 4:14 Re 22:1. Compare
→ Creation of Ps 148:4,5
→ Covered the whole earth Ge 1:9
→ Daily allowance of Eze 4:11
→ City waterworks 2Ki 20:20
→ Vision of, by Ezekiel Eze 47:1-5
→ Of separation Nu 19:2-22
יָעֵף (ya`aph) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be weary or faint. It describes a state of fatigue or weariness, with forms indicating both active and passive states, such as 'to grow weary' in the Qal stem and 'wearied' in the Hophal stem. The entries consistently focus on the concept of tiredness without significant disagreement.
[יָעֵף] vb. be weary, faint
Qal be or grow weary; be faint
Hoph. wearied
base
H3286 יָעֵף be weary, faint
3286 ya`aph yaw-af'
a primitive root; to tire (as if from wearisome
flight):--faint, cause to fly, (be) weary (self).
יָעֵף (ya.aph) — to faint.
1) to be or grow weary, be fatigued, be faint
1a) (Qal) to be or grow weary, be fatigued, be faint
1b) (Hophal) wearied (participle)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms