Isaiah 5:17 — Word Study
WLCוְרָע֥וּ כְבָשִׂ֖ים כְּדָבְרָ֑ם וְחָרְב֥וֹת מֵחִ֖ים גָּרִ֥ים יֹאכֵֽלוּ׃
BSALambskebes [young rams, sheep] will grazerâʻâh [feed, eat] as in their own pasturesdôber [assigned, designated, grazing lands, fields] ◂and strangersgûwr [sojourners, wanderers] will feedʼâkal▸ [eat, devour] in the ruinschorbâh [desolate places, waste lands] of the wealthymêach [fat ones, rich]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְרָע֥וּ | and they will graze | Verb, Qal, sequential perfect third person common plural |
| כְבָשִׂ֖ים | lambs | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| כְּדָבְרָ֑ם | like own pasture their | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| וְחָרְב֥וֹת | and [the] ruins of | Conjunction, noun common feminine plural construct |
| מֵחִ֖ים | fatlings | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| גָּרִ֥ים | sojourners | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine plural |
| יֹאכֵֽלוּ׃ | they will eat | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine plural |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Lambs will graze as in their own pastures, and strangers will feed in the ruins of the wealthy. |
| KJV | Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat. |
| ASV | Then shall the lambs feed as in their pasture, and the waste places of the fat ones shall wanderers eat. |
| YLT | And fed have lambs according to their leading, And waste places of the fat ones Do sojourners consume. |
| WEB | Then the lambs will graze as in their pasture, and strangers will eat the ruins of the rich. |
| BBE | Then the lambs will get food as in their grass-lands, and the fat cattle will be feasting in the waste places. |
Translations agree on the imagery of grazing and feeding in this verse.
The sentence consists of a main clause followed by descriptive phrases, emphasizing the contrast between the grazing lambs and the feeding strangers.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectכֶּבֶשׂ
verbרָעָה
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 5:17
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 Consequences of Injusticegenerated
Isaiah 5:17 presents a vivid imagery of a future where lambs graze peacefully in their pastures, symbolizing safety and abundance. This stands in stark contrast to the previous verses that discuss the consequences of injustice and the downfall of the wealthy. The passage highlights the reversal of fortunes, where the humble thrive in the aftermath of destruction, while the proud face desolation. This theme of restoration is echoed throughout the book of Isaiah, reflecting God's promise to care for His people even in times of judgment.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 7:21–22 | On that day a man will raise a young cow and two sheep, |
| 2 | Isaiah 17:2 | The cities of Aroer are forsaken; they will be left to the flocks, which will lie down with no one to fear. |
| 3 | Isaiah 32:14 | For the palace will be forsaken, the busy city abandoned. The hill and the watchtower will become caves forever— the delight of wild donkeys and a pasture for flocks— |
| 4 | Isaiah 40:11 | He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes. |
| 5 | Isaiah 65:10 | Sharon will become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, for My people who seek Me. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 19 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — וְרָע֥וּ, ve.ra.'Ugenerated
The verb רָעָה (*ra'ah*) is a Qal perfect form, indicating a completed action in the third person plural. It encompasses meanings related to tending or grazing, much like a shepherd cares for sheep. This word is often used in contexts that imply care, companionship, and leadership, reflecting the relationship between a shepherd and his flock.
In this verse, it conveys the idea of lambs grazing freely, suggesting a time of peace and provision. The verb’s usage here emphasizes the nurturing aspect of the environment being described, where the lambs are well-cared for, contrasting with the previous themes of desolation.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses grazing for וְרָע֥וּ, while the KJV and ASV also agree on graze.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb וְרָע֥וּ, and they will graze, governs the sentence, with two subjects: כְבָשִׂ֖ים (lambs) and גָּרִ֥ים (sojourners). The structure highlights the action of grazing and feeding as central to the imagery of the verse.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the grazing lambs and the sojourners who will eat, creating a vivid picture of abundance in a desolate context.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates וְרָע֥וּ as βοσκηθήσονται (*boskēthēsontai*), which means 'they will be fed'. This choice reflects a focus on the action of being provided for, aligning with the nurturing aspect of the original Hebrew.
This translation emphasizes the idea of provision and care, suggesting a divine orchestration of the peace and abundance described in the verse.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Isaiah 5:17 depicts a future where lambs graze in their own pastures, symbolizing safety and abundance, while strangers feed in the ruins of the wealthy. This imagery highlights a reversal of fortunes, suggesting that the humble will thrive after destruction.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
This imagery suggests a time of peace and security for the humble, indicating that they will have their needs met in a safe environment.
The strangers represent those who are not part of the wealthy class but will benefit from the abundance that comes after the downfall of the proud.
The ruins symbolize the consequences of injustice and pride, showing that those who were once powerful will face desolation, while the humble will be provided for.
This verse reflects the overarching theme of restoration and reversal of fortunes found throughout Isaiah, where God promises to care for His people even in times of judgment.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I see God providing for those who are humble in my own life?
- How can I reflect the care of a shepherd in my relationships with others?
- What does it mean for me to find abundance in places that seem desolate?
- How can I support those who are marginalized or in need, like the sojourners in this verse?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Jerome comments on this verse, noting the abundance that will come from desolation and the feeding of lambs in their order.
And the lambs will be fed in their order: and the deserted places will be turned into abundance, and strangers will feast upon them.Early Church Fathers on Isaiah 5 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Isaiah 5:17 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThen shall the lambs feed after their manner,.... That is, the people of God, the disciples of Christ, either apostles and ministers of the Gospel, whom he sent forth as lambs among wolves, Lu 10:3
Read John Gill on Isaiah 5 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThen shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat. Then shall the lambs feed after their manner - kªdaabªraam (H1699); literally, according to their own word, i:e., at will.
Read Robert Jamieson on Isaiah 5 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThen; when God shall have finished that work of judgment upon the ungodly, he will extend mercy to a remainder. This is very usual in this prophet, in the midst of his threatenings, to insert something for the support of believers. The lambs; the poor and harmless people, who shall be left in the land when the rich are carried into captivity, as it fell out, . Feed after their manner; or, by their fold, as this word is manifestly used, , the only place of Scripture, except this, in which this word is found. The waste places; the lands left by their owners, who were either slain or carried into captivity. Of the fat ones; of the rich and great men, so called 78:31 . Strangers; the poor…
Read Matthew Poole on Isaiah 5 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsIsaiah 5:17 Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.Ver. 17. Then shall the lambs feed after their manner,] i.e., Freely and quietly. By lambs here understand the godly poor - those lambs with golden fleeces - who shall be graciously provided for. And the waste places of the fat ones.] Medullatorum, of those fat bulls of Bashan, who had oppressed the poor, and laid waste their dwellings, but are now served in like sort by the enemy. Shall the strangers eat.] Such as had been strangers at home, because held captive in a far country, but are now returned, and repossessed of all.
Read John Trapp on Isaiah 5 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(17) Then shall the lambs feed after their manner.—Better, feed even as on their pasture. The meaning is clear enough. The lands that have been gained by oppression shall, in the day of retribution, become common pasture ground instead of being reserved for the parks and gardens of the rich; and strangers—i.e., invaders, Philistines, Assyrians, or nomadic tribes—shall devour the produce (Isaiah 1:7). Possibly, however, the “lambs” may stand for the poor and meek, as in contrast with the “fat ones” of the earth. The LXX. version follows a different reading in the second clause, and gives “kids” instead of “strangers.”
Read Charles John Ellicott on Isaiah 5 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 17. The lambs - "And the kids"] גרים gerim, "strangers." The Septuagint read, more agreeably to the design of the prophet, כרים carim, αρνες, "the lambs." גדים gedayim, "the kids," Dr. Durell; nearer to the present reading: and so Archbishop Secker. The meaning is, their luxurious habitations shall be so entirely destroyed as to become a pasture for flocks. After their manner - "Without restraint"] כדברם kedobram, secundum duetum eorum; i.e. suo ipsorum ductu; as their own will shall lead them.
Read AdamClarke on Isaiah 5 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges17. The obverse of the picture in Isaiah 5:14. The city, with all its tumult and gaiety, has vanished into the underworld, and now flocks are seen grazing amidst the ruins,—an image of awful desolation rather than of “idyllic peace.” Then shall the lambs … manner] And lambs shall grate as in their pasture (R.V.). strangers] sojourners—perhaps “nomadic shepherds.” But the reading of the LXX. (ἄ ?ñíåò = lambs) can be explained by a slight change in the text and is on some grounds to be preferred.
Read Cambridge on Isaiah 5 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThen shall the lambs feed - This verse is very variously interpreted.
Read Albert Barnes on Isaiah 5 →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
Lambs will graze as in their own pastures, and strangers will feed in the ruins of the wealthy.
Then the lambs will graze as in their pasture, and strangers will eat the ruins of the rich.
Lambs will graze as in their own pastures, and strangers will feed in the ruins of the wealthy.
Lambs will graze as if in their pastures, amid the ruins the rich sojourners will graze.
Tyndale line
Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.
Then shall the lambs feed as in their pasture, and the waste places of the fat ones shall wanderers eat.
Then shall the lambs feed as in their pasture, and the waste places of the fat ones shall wanderers eat.
Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.
Then shall the lambes feede after their maner, and the strangers shall eate the desolate places of the fat.
Strictly literal
And the lambs shall feed as on their pasture, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.
And fed have lambs according to their leading, And waste places of the fat ones Do sojourners consume.
And lambs have fed according to their leading, || And sojourners consume wastelands of the fat ones.
Then shall the sheep feed according to their wont, and the ruins of the fat ones shall sojourners eat.
Then the sheep will feed as in their own pasture, and in the ruins, lambs will graze as foreigners.
From the Latin
And the lambs shall feed according to their order, and strangers shall eat the deserts turned into fruitfulness.
Simplified
Lambs will graze as in their own pasture; fattened livestock and goats will feed among the ruins of the rich.
Then the lambs will get food as in their grass-lands, and the fat cattle will be feasting in the waste places.
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, the Septuagint, and the Dead Sea Scrolls show agreement in the essential wording of this verse. The Septuagint's translation aligns closely with the Hebrew, while the Dead Sea Scrolls provide partial matches, indicating consistency in the core message across these ancient texts.
וְרָע֥וּ כְבָשִׂ֖ים כְּדָבְרָ֑ם וְחָרְב֥וֹת מֵחִ֖ים גָּרִ֥ים יֹאכֵֽלוּ׃
6 of the 7 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.
ורעו כבושים כדבר׳ם וחרבות מיחים גרים יאכלו
7 words on the leather.
[ורעו] [כבשים] [כדבר׳ם] [וחרבות] מחים גרים יאכלו
1 word on the leather — 2 partly restored, 4 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Isaiah 5:17
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.
The Hebrew word רָעָה (*ra'ah*) is built from a primitive root meaning to tend or pasture a flock. It covers a range of meanings including to graze, rule, associate with, and befriend. The term appears in contexts related to shepherding and companionship, with a specific mention of the 'binding-house of shepherds' in 2 Kings 10:12.
בֵּית־עֵ֫קֶד הָרֹעִים perh. n.pr.loc. (binding-house of the shepherds) 2 K 10:12
base
רָעָה 167 vb. pasture, tend, graze
Qal
trans.
intrans.
Niph. poss.
Hiph. v.
base
[רָעָה] vb. prob. associate with
Qal cherish faithfulness
Hithp. do not make companionship with a bad-tempered man
base
[רָעָה] vb. denom. Pi. be a special friend;—Ju 14:20
ref
H7462a בֵּית־עֵ֫קֶד הָרֹעִים binding-house of shepherds H7462b רָעָה pasture, tend, graze H7462c רָעָה prob. associate with H7462d רָעָה vb. denom. Pi. be a special friend
7462 ra`ah raw-aw'
a primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it;
intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively);
generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a
friend):--X break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat
up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with,
herdman, keep (sheep)(-er), pastor, + shearing house,
shepherd, wander, waste.
בֵּית־עֵ֫קֶד הָרֹעִים (bet-e.qed ha.ro.im) — House of Shepherds.
Ra'ah = "pasturing"
perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
רָעָה (ra.ah) — to pasture.
1) to pasture, tend, graze, feed
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to tend, pasture
1a1a) to shepherd
1a1b) of ruler, teacher (fig)
1a1c) of people as flock (fig)
1a1d) shepherd, herdsman (subst)
1a2) to feed, graze
1a2a) of cows, sheep etc (literal)
1a2b) of idolater, Israel as flock (fig)
1b) (Hiphil) shepherd, shepherdess
Also means: ro.i (רֹעִי "to shepherd" H7473)
רָעָה (ra.ah) — to accompany.
1) to associate with, be a friend of (meaning probable)
1a) (Qal) to associate with
1b) (Hithpael) to be companions
רָעָה (ra.ah) — to befriend.
(Piel) to be a special friend
Conj | V-Qal-3cp — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person common pluralHc/Vqq3cp
כֶּ֫בֶשׂ (*kebes*) means 'lamb' and can also refer to a young ram or sheep. The word is derived from an unused root suggesting a meaning related to dominance. It appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, primarily denoting young sheep.
כֶּ֫בֶשׂ 107 n.m. lamb
base
H3532 כֶּ֫בֶשׂ lamb
3532 kebes keh-bes'
from an unused root meaning to dominate; a ram (just old
enough to butt):--lamb, sheep.
כֶּ֫בֶשׂ (ke.ve.s) — lamb.
lamb, sheep, young ram
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
are the young of sheep, but originally included also the young of goats. They formed an important part of almost every sacrifice. (Exodus 29:38-41; Numbers 28:9,11; 29:2,13-40) etc. [On the paschal lamb see PASSOVER]
דֹּ֫בֶר (dover) primarily refers to 'pasture' or 'fold', indicating a place for flocks. It is also associated with the act of 'speaking' or 'statement', as seen in דִּבֵּר (dibber). The word is derived from a root meaning related to arrangement, but the entries do not provide significant disagreement.
ref
H1699a דֹּ֫בֶר pasture H1699b דִּבֵּר speaking
1699 dober do'-ber
from 1696 (in its original sense); a pasture (from its
arrangement of the flock):--fold, manner.
see HEBREW for 01696
דֹּ֫בֶר (do.ver) — pasture.
pasture
דִּבֵּר (dib.ber) — statement.
word, speaking
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp3mp
The Hebrew word חָרְבָּה (chorbah) refers to waste, desolation, or ruin. It is derived from the root meaning drought and implies a place that has been laid waste or destroyed. The entries consistently emphasize its association with desolation and ruin.
חָרְבָּה n.f. waste, desolation, ruin
base
H2723 חָרְבָּה waste, desolation, ruin
2723 chorbah khor-baw'
feminine of 2721; properly, drought, i.e. (by implication) a
desolation:--decayed place, desolate (place, -tion),
destruction, (laid) waste (place).
see HEBREW for 02721
חׇרְבָּה (chor.bah) — desolation.
a place laid waste, ruin, waste, desolation
Conj | N-fp — Conjunction · noun common feminine plural constructHC/Ncfpc
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…
מֵחַ (meach) means 'fatling' or 'fat one,' indicating something rich or well-fed. It is derived from a root meaning to grease, suggesting abundance or richness. The entries consistently define it as a term for a young animal that is fattened for slaughter.
[מֵחַ] n.[m.] fatling
base
H4220 [מֵחַ] fatling
4220 meach may'-akh
from 4229 in the sense of greasing; fat; figuratively,
rich:--fatling (one).
see HEBREW for 04229
מֵחַ (me.ach) — fatling.
fatling, fat one
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
גּוּר (gur) is a Hebrew verb with a range of meanings including to sojourn, abide, and seek hospitality, as well as to stir up strife or quarrel, and to dread or fear. It is built from a primitive root that conveys the idea of turning aside from a path, often for lodging. The lexicons indicate that it can imply both positive and negative interactions, such as hospitality and conflict.
גּוּר vb. sojourn
Qal
sojourn
abide
Hithpol. seek hospitality with
base
[גּוּר] vb. stir up strife, quarrel
Qal.
stir up strife
quarrel
Hithpol. they excite themselves, but unlikely
base
[גּוּר] vb. dread
Qal
be afraid of
stand in awe of
base
H1481a גּוּר sojourn .. sojourn
. abide
. seek hospitality with
H1481b גּוּר stir up strife, quarrel H1481c גּוּר dread
1481 guwr goor
a primitive root; properly, to turn aside from the road (for
a lodging or any other purpose), i.e. sojourn (as a guest);
also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place); also to gather
for hostility (as afraid):--abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell,
fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in
awe, (be) stranger, X surely.
גּוּר (gur) — to sojourn.
1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time
1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell
1b) (Hithpolel)
1b1) to seek hospitality with
1b2) to assemble oneself
גּוּר (gur) — to quarrel.
1) to stir up trouble, strife, quarrel, gather together
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to stir up strife
1a2) to quarrel
1b) (Hithpolel) to excite oneself
גּוּר (gur) — to dread.
1) to dread, fear, stand in awe, be afraid
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to fear, be afraid
1a2) to be in awe, stand in awe
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine pluralHVqrmpa
אָכַל (akal) means 'to eat' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including literal consumption by humans and animals, as well as figurative uses like devouring by fire or destruction. It can describe actions such as feeding or causing to eat, and it also appears in contexts of oppression and destruction. The verb has various forms, indicating different subjects and nuances.
אָכַל 806 vb. eat
Qal
eat, human subject
of beasts, birds, etc., eat, devour
fig. of fire, devour, consume
of sword, devour, slay
in genl., devour, consume, destroy
fig. of oppression, devour the poor
Niph.
be eaten by man
be devoured by fire, consumed
be wasted, destroyed, of flesh
Pu. be consumed
Hiph.
cause to eat, feed with
cause to devoure, obj. sword
base
H398 אָכַל eat .. eat, human subject
. of beasts, birds, etc., eat, devour
. fig. of fire, devour, consume
. of sword, devour, slay
. in genl., devour, consume, destroy
. fig. of oppression, devour the poor
. . be eaten by man
. be devoured by fire, consumed
. be wasted, destroyed, of flesh
. be consumed
. . cause to eat, feed with
. cause to devoure, obj. sword
398 'akal aw-kal'
a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively):--X at
all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up),
feed (with), food, X freely, X in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay)
meat, X quite.
אָכַל (a.khal) — to eat.
1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to eat (human subject)
1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds)
1a3) to devour, consume (of fire)
1a4) to devour, slay (of sword)
1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought)
1a6) to devour (of oppression)
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be eaten (by men)
1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire)
1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh)
1c) (Pual)
1c1) to cause to eat, feed with
1c2) to cause to devour
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to feed
1d2) to cause to eat
1e) (Piel)
1e1) consume
Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVqi3mp
