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Isaiah 54:16 — Word Study

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WLCהִנֵּ֤ה אָֽנֹכִי֙ בָּרָ֣אתִי חָרָ֔שׁ נֹפֵ֙חַ֙ בְּאֵ֣שׁ פֶּחָ֔ם וּמוֹצִ֥יא כְלִ֖י לְמַעֲשֵׂ֑הוּ וְאָנֹכִ֛י בָּרָ֥אתִי מַשְׁחִ֖ית לְחַבֵּֽל׃

BSABeholdhên [look, see] Iʼânôkîy [the Lord, God] have createdbârâʼ [brought into existence, formed] the craftsmanchârâsh [artificer, skilled worker] who fansnâphach [blows, breathes on] the coalspechâm [burning embers] into flameʼêsh [fire] and forgesyâtsâʼ [makes, shapes] a weaponkᵉlîy [instrument, tool] fit for its taskmaʻăseh [suitable, appropriate, work, purpose] and Iʼânôkîy have createdbârâʼ [formed, made] the destroyershâchath [waster, one who ruins] to wreak havocchâbal [cause, bring about, destruction, chaos]

Word
Listen & take awayIsaiah 54
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 16 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 (le.cha.Bel) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Isaiah 54:16quick helps
In a sentenceGod declares He has created both the craftsman and the destroyer, highlighting His sovereignty over all creation.
Who is speakingThe Lord, asserting His role as Creator.
Where we areThis verse is part of a message of reassurance to Israel, emphasizing God's control over their circumstances.
The hard wordבָּרָ֣אתִי
Take awayGod's creative power includes both the skilled craftsman and the one who brings destruction.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectאָנֹכִי verbבָּרָא 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 54:16

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 — God's Sovereignty and Protectiongenerated

14In righteousness you will be established, far from oppression, for you will have no fear. Terror will be far removed, for it will not come near you.
15If anyone attacks you, it is not from Me; whoever assails you will fall before you.
16Behold, I have created the craftsman who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its task; and I have created the destroyer to wreak havoc.
17No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.

Isaiah 54:16 is a declaration from God, emphasizing His authority as the Creator of both the craftsman and the destroyer. This verse is situated in a passage that reassures Israel of their safety and God's control over their enemies. The surrounding verses reinforce the idea that no weapon formed against them will prosper, highlighting God's protective nature.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Isaiah 10:5–6Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath.
2Isaiah 37:26Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it; in days of old I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass, that you should crush fortified cities into piles of rubble.
3Isaiah 46:11I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it.
4Exodus 9:16But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power to you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.
5Proverbs 16:4The LORD has made everything for His purpose— even the wicked for the day of disaster.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word בָּרָ֣אתִי, ba.Ra.tigenerated

The verb בָּרָא (bara') means to create or bring into existence. It is often used in the context of God's creative acts, such as in Genesis 1:1, where it describes the creation of the heavens and the earth.

In this verse, the speaker emphasizes that God is the one who has created the craftsman and the destroyer, indicating His ultimate authority over all aspects of creation, whether for construction or destruction.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The verse is rendered in the Berean Standard Bible as 'Behold, I have created the craftsman who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its task; and I have created the destroyer to wreak havoc.' Other translations, like the KJV and ASV, maintain similar wording.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The structure of the verse is built around multiple clauses, with the main subject being אָֽנֹכִי (I) followed by two verbs: בָּרָ֣אתִי (I created) and מוֹצִ֥יא ([who] produces). Each clause elaborates on what God has created.

The Hebrew word order emphasizes God's actions, with the verbs prominently placed to highlight His creative authority.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew בָּרָ֣אתִי is rendered as κτίζω, which also means 'to create.' This choice aligns with the understanding of God as the ultimate creator, maintaining the focus on His sovereignty.

The translation choice shows a consistent interpretation of God's creative power, emphasizing His role in both crafting and destruction.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Isaiah 54:16 states that God has created both the craftsman who forges weapons and the destroyer who brings ruin. This emphasizes God's control over all aspects of creation, assuring Israel of His protection.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that God created the craftsman?

It signifies that God is in control of all creation, including those who may oppose His people.

Why does God mention the destroyer?

The mention of the destroyer highlights God's sovereignty over all forces, including those that bring chaos and destruction.

How does this verse relate to God's protection of Israel?

This verse reassures Israel that despite the presence of adversaries, God is ultimately in control and will protect them.

What is the significance of the craftsman fanning the coals?

It illustrates the skill and effort involved in creating weapons, emphasizing the seriousness of conflict and God's authority over it.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How can I recognize God's hand in both creation and destruction in my life?
  2. In what ways does understanding God's sovereignty provide comfort in difficult times?
  3. How can I apply the assurance of God's protection in my daily life?
  4. What does it mean for me to trust in God's creative power when facing challenges?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

Early Church Fathers reference this verse to discuss God's creative authority and the implications for His people.

Ephrem the SyrianCOMMENTARY ON Isaiah 54:16 c. 306–373
“Behold, I have created the blacksmith, who made the vases in his work,” that is, I elected the apostles and the disciples of the apostles, who perfectly instruct the peoples through the doctrine of truth.
Early Church Fathers on Isaiah 54 →
JeromeVerse 16, 17. c. 347–420
Behold, I have created the blacksmith who blows the coals in the fire, and brings forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the destroyer to destroy.
Early Church Fathers on Isaiah 54 →
JeromeCOMMENTARY ON Isaiah 15:10 c. 347–420
“I, who created the smith who blows the fire of coals, that is, the devil of all evil arts, was not forced by nature to create him but freely chose to do so.
Early Church Fathers on Isaiah 54 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Isaiah 54:16 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire,.... Into which he puts his iron to soften it, that he may beat it, and form it into what shape he pleases; which descriptive

Read John Gill on Isaiah 54 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. Behold, I have created the smith.

Read Robert Jamieson on Isaiah 54 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Both the smith that maketh all warlike instruments, and the soldier that useth them, are my creatures, and totally at my command, and therefore they cannot hurt you without my leave. To destroy; to destroy only whom and when I please.

Read Matthew Poole on Isaiah 54 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Isaiah 54:16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.Ver. 16. Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals,] i.e., The devil, say some; rather his imps and instruments, those kindle coals and tools of his. And I have created the waster to destroy.] Those brats of Abaddon. I have determined their evil doings, overruling the same, and directing them to a good end.

Read John Trapp on Isaiah 54 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16) Behold, I have created the smith . . .—The words assert the same thought. The “axe,” the “hammer,” the “sword,” of the great ravagers of the earth are formed by the great Work-Master, and He would fashion no such weapon against the new Jerusalem.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Isaiah 54 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

16, 17. No weapon formed against Zion shall prosper, because both the makers of weapons and those who use them are alike created by Jehovah, and all their activity is under His control. the smith that bloweth the fire of coals (R.V.)] Cf. ch. Isaiah 44:12. an instrument for his work] rather for its work, or perhaps “according to its work,” adapted to the particular work for which it is intended,—a scythe for reaping, a sword for slaughter, and so on. The smith will turn out anything, amongst other things deadly weapons, but all by the permission of Jehovah who has made him. the waster to destroy] Not “to destroy the weapon that the smith has made”; the “waster” is the one for whose use the…

Read Cambridge on Isaiah 54 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Behold, I have created the smith - The sense of this verse is, ‘Everything that can effect your welfare is under my control. The smith who manufactures the instruments of war or of torture is under me.

Read Albert Barnes on Isaiah 54 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

16, 17. I have created the smith — Every instrument which is employed against God’s people, as well as its maker, is in God’s hands to overrule and to foreclose.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Isaiah 54 →

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

Behold, I have created the craftsman who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its task; and I have created the destroyer to wreak havoc.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

“Behold, I have created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame, and forges a weapon for his work; and I have created the destroyer to destroy.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Behold, I have created the craftsman who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its task; and I have created the destroyer to wreak havoc.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Look, I create the craftsman, who fans the coals into a fire and forges a weapon. I create the destroyer so he might devastate.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the fire of coals, and bringeth forth a weapon for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the fire of coals, and bringeth forth a weapon for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Beholde, I haue created the smith that bloweth the coales in the fire, and him that bringeth forth an instrument for his worke, and I haue created the destroyer to destroy.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Behold, it is I who have created the smith that bloweth in the fire of coal, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the destroyer to ravage.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Lo, I — I have prepared an artisan, Blowing on a fire of coals, And bringing out an instrument for his work, And I have prepared a destroyer to destroy.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Behold, I have created an artisan, || Blowing on a fire of coals, || And bringing out an instrument for his work, || And I have created a destroyer to destroy.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have also created the waster to destroy.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

See, I have created the craftsman, who blows the burning coals and forges weapons as his work, and I have created the destroyer to destroy.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and bringeth forth an instrument for his work, and I have created the killer to destroy.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Look—I have created a blacksmith who blows the coals into a hot flame and forges a suitable weapon; and I have created the destroyer who brings destruction.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

See, I have made the iron-worker, blowing on the burning coals, and making the instrument of war by his work; and I have made the waster for destruction.

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.

clauseclauseהִנֵּ֤הhere!clausesubjectאָֽנֹכִי֙Iverbבָּרָ֣אתִיI.creatednoun phrase · objectחָרָ֔שׁa.craftsmanadjective phraseclauseclauseverbנֹפֵ֨חַ֙[who].blowsprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּonאֵ֣שׁa.fireobjectפֶּחָ֔םof.charcoalוּand.[who]clauseverbמוֹצִ֥יאproducesobjectכְלִ֖יa.weaponprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְfornoun phraseמַעֲשֵׂ֑workהוּitsוְandclausesubjectאָנֹכִ֛יIverbבָּרָ֥אתִיI.createdobjectמַשְׁחִ֖יתa.destroyerprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְtoclauseverbחַבֵּֽלruin

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text aligns closely with the Septuagint, with 12 of the 14 words matching. The Dead Sea Scrolls also provide evidence that supports the Masoretic Text, with slight variations in restoration but no significant differences in meaning.

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

הִנֵּ֤ה אָֽנֹכִי֙ בָּרָ֣אתִי חָרָ֔שׁ נֹפֵ֙חַ֙ בְּאֵ֣שׁ פֶּחָ֔ם וּמוֹצִ֥יא כְלִ֖י לְמַעֲשֵׂ֑הוּ וְאָנֹכִ֛י בָּרָ֥אתִי מַשְׁחִ֖ית לְחַבֵּֽל׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
הִנֵּ֤הἰδοὺאָֽנֹכִי֙ἐγὼבָּרָ֣אתִיκτίζωנֹפֵ֙חַ֙φυσῶνפֶּחָ֔םἄνθρακαςוּמוֹצִ֥יאἐκφέρωνכְלִ֖יσκεῦοςלְמַעֲשֵׂ֑הוּἔργονוְאָנֹכִ֛י^δὲבָּרָ֥אתִיἔκτמַשְׁחִ֖יתἀπώλειανלְחַבֵּֽל׃φθεῖραι

12 of the 14 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 — 4Q57a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

הן [אנוכי] [בראתי] [חרש] נופח באש פחם ומוציא כלי למעש׳הו [ואנוכי] בראתי משחית [לחבל]

6 words on the leather — 3 partly restored, 5 supplied entire by an editor.

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

הנה אנוכי בראתי חרש נופח באש פחם ומוציא כלי למעשו׳הי אנוכי בראתי משחית לחבל

14 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.

Isaiah 54:16הִנֵּהhere!here!הִנֵּהאָֽנֹכִ֫יIIאָֽנֹכִ֫יבָּרָאI createdI createdבָּרָאחָרָשׁa craftsmana craftsmanחָרָשׁנָפַח[who] blows[who] blowsנָפַחאֵשׁon a fire oon a fire ofאֵשׁפֶּחָםcharcoalcharcoalפֶּחָםיָצָאand [who] pand [who] produיָצָאכְּלִיa weapona weaponכְּלִימַעֲשֶׂהfor work itfor work itsמַעֲשֶׂהאָֽנֹכִ֫יand Iand Iאָֽנֹכִ֫יבָּרָאI createdI createdבָּרָאשָׁחַתa destroyera destroyerשָׁחַתחָבַלto ruinto ruinחָבַלחָרַשׁto plow/plto plow/plotחָרַשׁכָּלָהto end: fito end: finishכָּלָהעָשָׂהto maketo makeעָשָׂההֵןlook!look!הֵןצָוָהto commandto commandצָוָהמִצְוָהcommandmencommandmentמִצְוָהיָצַרto form: fto form: formedיָצַראָדָםthe man (Athe man (Adam)אָדָםאֵשׁfirefireאֵשׁנֶ֫גַעplagueplagueנֶ֫גַעחֲלוֹםdreamdreamחֲלוֹםמַסְגֵּרlocksmithlocksmithמַסְגֵּררוּחַspiritspiritרוּחַלֶהָבָהflameflameלֶהָבָהיָצַתto kindleto kindleיָצַתפָּעַלto workto workפָּעַלקָרָאto encountto encounter: mקָרָאגּוֹרָלallottedallottedגּוֹרָל
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 54:16

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.

here! I I created a craftsman [who] blows on a fire of charcoal and [who] produces a weapon for work its and I I created a destroyer to ruin
הִנֵּ֤הhen here! H2009 Particle
843× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Tyndale gloss
behold
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הִנֵּה (hinneh) is a Hebrew word meaning 'behold' or 'lo!' It serves as a demonstrative particle used to draw attention, appearing in contexts such as Genesis 19:2. The word is derived from a prolongation of another Hebrew term, but the entries do not provide further details on its usage beyond this.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הִנֵּה, once הִנֶּה־ Gn 19:2, demonstr.part. lo!, behold!

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2009 הִנֵּה, הִנֶּה־ lo!, behold!

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2009 hinneh hin-nay'

prolongation for 2005; lo!:--behold, lo, see.

see HEBREW for 02005

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הִנֵּה (hin.neh) — behold.

behold, lo, see, if

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTj — Particle
HTj
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

her, in composition:

here! I I created a craftsman [who] blows on a fire of charcoal and [who] produces a weapon for work its and I I created a destroyer to ruin
אָֽנֹכִי֙'a.no.Khi I H595 Pronoun
359× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Amplified meaning
the Lord, God
Tyndale gloss
I
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אָֽנֹכִ֫י (*anokiy*) is a first-person singular pronoun meaning 'I' or 'me.' It is a variant spelling of אֲנִי (*ani*), which also means 'I.' The entries confirm its use as a personal pronoun without significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָֽנֹכִ֫י, אָנֹ֑כִי pron. 1s. comm. I

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H595 אָֽנֹכִ֫י, אָנֹ֑כִי I

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

595 'anokiy aw-no-kee'

sometimes {aw-no'-kee}; a primitive pro.; I:--I, me, X

which.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָֽנֹכִ֫י (a.no.khi) — I.

I (first pers. sing.)

Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Pron — Pronoun
HPp1bs
here! I I created a craftsman [who] blows on a fire of charcoal and [who] produces a weapon for work its and I I created a destroyer to ruin
בָּרָ֣אתִיba.Ra.ti I created H1254 Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singular
55× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to create or make something, often used to describe God's creative power. It can also mean to choose or select something. The Bible uses it to describe God's creation of the world.
Amplified meaning
brought into existence, formed
Tyndale gloss
to create
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּרָא (bara') is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning to create or shape, often with God as the subject. It encompasses the creation of the heavens, earth, and new circumstances, and can also refer to cutting down or out. Additionally, it has a secondary meaning related to becoming fat or making oneself fat, as noted in 1 Samuel 2:29.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בָּרָא 53 vb. shape, create

Qal Pf.—shape, fashion, create

Niph.—Pass.

be created

with reference to birth

of something new, astonishing

Pi.

cut down

cut out

base

[בָּרָא] vb. be fat—Hiph. 1 S 2:29 to make yourself fat.

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1254a בָּרָא shape, create .Pf.—shape, fashion, create

.—Pass. . be created

. with reference to birth

. of something new, astonishing

. . cut down

. cut out

H1254b בָּרָא be fat

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1254 bara' baw-raw'

a primitive root; (absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut

down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes):--

choose, create (creator), cut down, dispatch, do, make (fat).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּרָא (ba.ra) — to create.

1) to create, shape, form

1a) (Qal) to shape, fashion, create (always with God as subject)

1a1) of heaven and earth

1a2) of individual man

1a3) of new conditions and circumstances

1a4) of transformations

1b) (Niphal) to be created

1b1) of heaven and earth

1b2) of birth

1b3) of something new

1b4) of miracles

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to cut down

1c2) to cut out

בָּרָא (ba.ra) — to fatten.

1) to be fat

1a) (Hiphil) to make yourselves fat

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singular
HVqp1cs
here! I I created a craftsman [who] blows on a fire of charcoal and [who] produces a weapon for work its and I I created a destroyer to ruin
חָרָ֔שׁcha.Rash a craftsman H2796 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
37× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A chârâsh was a skilled craftsman or artisan, able to work with various materials like wood or metal. This term is used in the Bible to describe carpenters, engravers, and other skilled workers.
Amplified meaning
artificer, skilled worker
Tyndale gloss
artificer
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָרָשׁ n.m. graver, artificer

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2796 חָרָשׁ graver, artificer

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָרָשׁ, חֲרָשִׁים (cha.rash) — artificer.

1) craftsman, artisan, engraver, graver, artificer

1a) graver, artificer

1b) skilful to destroy (warriors) (fig.)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Nave's Topical Bible

→ See ART

→ See MASTER WORKMAN

here! I I created a craftsman [who] blows on a fire of charcoal and [who] produces a weapon for work its and I I created a destroyer to ruin
נֹפֵ֙חַ֙no.Fe.ach [who] blows H5301 Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singular
12× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for to breathe, meaning to puff, inflate, or blow hard. It can also mean to give up or lose life, as seen in KJV translations of blow, breath, and snuff. This word has various applications in the Bible, including literal and figurative uses.
Amplified meaning
blows, breathes on
Tyndale gloss
to breathe
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָפַח (naphach) is a Hebrew verb meaning to breathe or blow. It encompasses a range of actions including inflating, scattering, and even causing life to expire. The word can be used in various forms, such as Qal (to breathe), Pual (to be blown), and Hiphil (to cause to breathe out). The entries do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָפַח] vb. breathe, blow

Qal breathe, blow

Pu. a fire not blown

Hiph. (or if) the life of its (the land’s) owners I have caused them to breathe out

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5301 נָפַח breathe, blow

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5301 naphach naw-fakh'

a primitive root; to puff, in various applications

(literally, to inflate, blow hard, scatter, kindle, expire;

figuratively, to disesteem):--blow, breath, give up, cause to

lose (life), seething, snuff.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָפַח (na.phach) — to breathe.

1) to breathe, blow, sniff at, seethe, give up or lose (life)

1a) (Qal) to breathe, blow

1b) (Pual) to be blown

1c) (Hiphil) to cause to breathe out

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singular
HVqrmsa
here! I I created a craftsman [who] blows on a fire of charcoal and [who] produces a weapon for work its and I I created a destroyer to ruin
בְּאֵ֣שׁbe.'Esh on a fire of H784 Preposition · noun common both singular construct
378× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Amplified meaning
fire
Tyndale gloss
fire
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵשׁ (esh) means 'fire' and encompasses various types, including natural fire, supernatural fire associated with divine appearances, and fire used for cooking or on altars. It can also figuratively represent God's anger. The entries consistently highlight its literal and metaphorical uses, with no significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵשׁ 377 n.f. fire

fire, of conflagration

of supernatural fire

fire for cooking, roasting, parching

esp. of altar fire

fig. of Yahweh's anger

in various combinations

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H784 אֵשׁ fire . fire, of conflagration

. of supernatural fire

. fire for cooking, roasting, parching

. esp. of altar fire

. fig. of Yahweh's anger

. in various combinations

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

784 'esh aysh

a primitive word; fire (literally or figuratively):--

burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵשׁ (esh) — fire.

1) fire

1a) fire, flames

1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany)

1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching)

1d) altar-fire

1e) God's anger (fig.)

Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-cs — Preposition · noun common both singular construct
HR/Ncbsc
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…

here! I I created a craftsman [who] blows on a fire of charcoal and [who] produces a weapon for work its and I I created a destroyer to ruin
פֶּחָ֔םpe.Cham charcoal H6352 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
3× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a piece of coal, whether it is still burning or has been charred. It is used in the Bible to describe coals or embers. In the KJV, it is translated as 'coals'.
Amplified meaning
burning embers
Tyndale gloss
coal
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פֶּחָם n.[m.] coal (coll.)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6352 פֶּחָם coal (coll.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6352 pecham peh-khawm'

perhaps from an unused root probably meaning to be black; a

coal, whether charred or live:--coals.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פֶּחָם (pe.cham) — coal.

coal, charcoal, ember

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
here! I I created a craftsman [who] blows on a fire of charcoal and [who] produces a weapon for work its and I I created a destroyer to ruin
וּמוֹצִ֥יאu.mo.Tzi' and [who] produces H3318 Conjunction · verb hiphil participle (active) masculine singular
1,067× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Amplified meaning
makes, shapes
Tyndale gloss
to come out: come
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָצָא (yatsa') is a Hebrew verb meaning to go or come out, with various applications including departure, escape, and emergence. It can refer to both animate and inanimate subjects and emphasizes the idea of origin or source. The verb appears in different forms, such as Qal, Hiphil, and Hophal, indicating actions like leading out or being brought forth.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָצָא 1068 vb. go or come out

Qal

go or come out or forth

from (מִן) a place

go forth from (the presence of) a person

in technical senses

of flight, involving escape

depart

of inanimate things

with especial emphasis on idea of origin, source

of children as going forth from loins (of father)

go forth to a place

go forward, proceed to or toward something

come or go forth, with esp. ref. to purpose or result

of combinations

Hiph.

cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out

fig. obj. persons, bring out of (מִן) distress, etc.

bring out animals

inanimate obj.

fig. subj. י׳, bring forth from (מִן)

Hoph. be brought forth

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3318 יָצָא go or come out .. go or come out or forth . from (מִן) a place

. go forth from (the presence of) a person

. in technical senses

. of flight, involving escape

. depart

. of inanimate things

. with especial emphasis on idea of origin, source

. of children as going forth from loins (of father)

. . go forth to a place

. go forward, proceed to or toward something

. come or go forth, with esp. ref. to purpose or result

. of combinations

. . cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out

. fig. obj. persons, bring out of (מִן) distress, etc.

. bring out animals

. inanimate obj.

. fig. subj. י׳, bring forth from (מִן)

. be brought forth

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3318 yatsa' yaw-tsaw'

a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great

variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct

and proxim.:--X after, appear, X assuredly, bear out, X

begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come

(abroad, out, thereat, without), + be condemned,

depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact,

fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence,

out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out),

going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out,

lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, X

scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring

out, stand out, X still, X surely, take forth (out), at any

time, X to (and fro), utter.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָצָא (ya.tsa) — to come out: come.

: come/go_out/escape

1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart

1a2) to go forth (to a place)

1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something)

1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result)

1a5) to come out of

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out

1b2) to bring out of

1b3) to lead out

1b4) to deliver

1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

יָצָא (ya.tsa) — to come out: send.

: send/take_out/release

1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart

1a2) to go forth (to a place)

1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something)

1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result)

1a5) to come out of

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out

1b2) to bring out of

1b3) to lead out

1b4) to deliver

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Hiphil — Conjunction · verb hiphil participle (active) masculine singular
HC/Vhrmsa
here! I I created a craftsman [who] blows on a fire of charcoal and [who] produces a weapon for work its and I I created a destroyer to ruin
כְלִ֖יkhe.Li a weapon H3627 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
325× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Amplified meaning
instrument, tool
Tyndale gloss
article/utensil
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כְּלִי (kliy) refers to an article or utensil, encompassing a wide range of objects such as vessels, tools, and implements used for various purposes, including music and warfare. It is derived from a root meaning 'to prepare' and can denote anything from furniture to weapons. The entries highlight its general use in the Old Testament without significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כְּלִי 324 n.m. article, utensil, vessel

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3627 כְּלִי article, utensil, vessel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3627 kliy kel-ee'

from 3615; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an

implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon):--armour

((-bearer)), artillery, bag, carriage, + furnish, furniture,

instrument, jewel, that is made of, X one from another, that

which pertaineth, pot, + psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool,

vessel, ware, weapon, + whatsoever.

see HEBREW for 03615

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כְּלִי (ke.li) — article/utensil.

1) article, vessel, implement, utensil

1a) article, object (general)

1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel

1b1) implement (of hunting or war)

1b2) implement (of music)

1b3) implement, tool (of labour)

1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen)

1b5) utensils, furniture

1c) vessel, receptacle (general)

1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
here! I I created a craftsman [who] blows on a fire of charcoal and [who] produces a weapon for work its and I I created a destroyer to ruin
לְמַעֲשֵׂ֑הוּle.ma.'a.Se.hu for work its H4639 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
236× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Amplified meaning
suitable, appropriate, work, purpose
Tyndale gloss
deed: judgement
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מַעֲשֶׂה (ma`aseh) means deed or work, encompassing a range of actions from good to bad, and includes concepts like business, labor, and products made. It can refer to specific achievements, works of God, or even customs. The entries suggest a broad application in various contexts, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מַעֲשֶׂה 233 n.m. deed, work

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4639 מַעֲשֶׂה deed, work

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4639 ma`aseh mah-as-eh'

from 6213; an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction;

abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically,

a poem) or (generally) property:--act, art, + bakemeat,

business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making,

occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, X well,

((handy-, needle-, net-))work(ing, - manship), wrought.

see HEBREW for 06213

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מַעֲשֶׂה (ma.a.seh) — deed: work.

: work/product

1) deed, work

1a) deed, thing done, act

1b) work, labour

1c) business, pursuit

1d) undertaking, enterprise

1e) achievement

1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment)

1g) work, thing made

1h) work (of God)

1i) product

מַעֲשֶׂה (ma.a.seh) — deed: justice.

: justice/right/righteousness

1) deed, work

1a) deed, thing done, act

1b) work, labour

1c) business, pursuit

1d) undertaking, enterprise

1e) achievement

1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment)

1g) work, thing made

1h) work (of God)

1i) product

מַעֲשֶׂה (ma.a.seh) — deed: judgement.

: judgement/punishment

1) deed, work

1a) deed, thing done, act

1b) work, labour

1c) business, pursuit

1d) undertaking, enterprise

1e) achievement

1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment)

1g) work, thing made

1h) work (of God)

1i) product

מַעֲשֶׂה (ma.a.seh) — deed: custom.

: custom/manner

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HR/Ncmsc/Sp3ms
here! I I created a craftsman [who] blows on a fire of charcoal and [who] produces a weapon for work its and I I created a destroyer to ruin
וְאָנֹכִ֛יve.'a.no.Khi and I H595 Conjunction · pronoun
359× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Tyndale gloss
I
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אָֽנֹכִ֫י (*anokiy*) is a first-person singular pronoun meaning 'I' or 'me.' It is a variant spelling of אֲנִי (*ani*), which also means 'I.' The entries confirm its use as a personal pronoun without significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָֽנֹכִ֫י, אָנֹ֑כִי pron. 1s. comm. I

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H595 אָֽנֹכִ֫י, אָנֹ֑כִי I

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

595 'anokiy aw-no-kee'

sometimes {aw-no'-kee}; a primitive pro.; I:--I, me, X

which.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָֽנֹכִ֫י (a.no.khi) — I.

I (first pers. sing.)

Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Pron — Conjunction · pronoun
HC/Pp1bs
here! I I created a craftsman [who] blows on a fire of charcoal and [who] produces a weapon for work its and I I created a destroyer to ruin
בָּרָ֥אתִיba.Ra.ti I created H1254 Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singular
55× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to create or make something, often used to describe God's creative power. It can also mean to choose or select something. The Bible uses it to describe God's creation of the world.
Amplified meaning
formed, made
Tyndale gloss
to create
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּרָא (bara') is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning to create or shape, often with God as the subject. It encompasses the creation of the heavens, earth, and new circumstances, and can also refer to cutting down or out. Additionally, it has a secondary meaning related to becoming fat or making oneself fat, as noted in 1 Samuel 2:29.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בָּרָא 53 vb. shape, create

Qal Pf.—shape, fashion, create

Niph.—Pass.

be created

with reference to birth

of something new, astonishing

Pi.

cut down

cut out

base

[בָּרָא] vb. be fat—Hiph. 1 S 2:29 to make yourself fat.

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1254a בָּרָא shape, create .Pf.—shape, fashion, create

.—Pass. . be created

. with reference to birth

. of something new, astonishing

. . cut down

. cut out

H1254b בָּרָא be fat

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1254 bara' baw-raw'

a primitive root; (absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut

down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes):--

choose, create (creator), cut down, dispatch, do, make (fat).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּרָא (ba.ra) — to create.

1) to create, shape, form

1a) (Qal) to shape, fashion, create (always with God as subject)

1a1) of heaven and earth

1a2) of individual man

1a3) of new conditions and circumstances

1a4) of transformations

1b) (Niphal) to be created

1b1) of heaven and earth

1b2) of birth

1b3) of something new

1b4) of miracles

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to cut down

1c2) to cut out

בָּרָא (ba.ra) — to fatten.

1) to be fat

1a) (Hiphil) to make yourselves fat

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singular
HVqp1cs
here! I I created a craftsman [who] blows on a fire of charcoal and [who] produces a weapon for work its and I I created a destroyer to ruin
מַשְׁחִ֖יתmash.Chit a destroyer H7843 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
146× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.
Amplified meaning
waster, one who ruins
Tyndale gloss
to ruin
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׁחַת (shachath) is a Hebrew verb meaning to ruin or corrupt. It encompasses a range of actions including decay, spoilage, and moral perversion, with various grammatical forms indicating different nuances of destruction or corruption. The word appears in contexts that suggest both physical and moral degradation.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[שָׁחַת] 161 vb. go to ruin (?)

Niph. be marred, spoiled

Pi.

spoil, ruin

pervert, corrupt

Hiph.

spoil, ruin

pervert, corrupt

Hoph. spoiled, ruined

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7843 [שָׁחַת] go to ruin (?) . be marred, spoiled

. . spoil, ruin

. pervert, corrupt

. . spoil, ruin

. pervert, corrupt

. spoiled, ruined

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7843 shachath shaw-khath'

a primitive root; to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin

(literally or figuratively):--batter, cast off, corrupt(-er,

thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill,

spoiler, X utterly, waste(-r).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁחַת (sha.chat) — to ruin.

1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay

1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to spoil, ruin

1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally)

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy

1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally)

1c3) destroyer (participle)

1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle)

Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

de-stroi'-er: In several passages the word designates a supernatural agent of destruction, or destroying angel, executing Divine judgment.

(1) In Ex 12:23, of the "destroyer" who smote the first-born in Egypt, again referred to under the same title in Heb 11:28 the Revised Version (British and American) (the King James Version "he that destroyed").

(2) In Job 33:22, "the destroyers" (literally, "they that cause to die") = the angels of death that are ready to take away a man's life during severe illness. No exact parallel to this is found in the Old Testament. The nearest approach is "the angel that destroyed the people" by pestilence (2Sa 24:16,17 parallel

Destroyer

(Ex. 12:23), the agent employed in the killing of the first-born; the destroying angel or messenger of God. (Comp. 2 Kings 19:35; 2 Sam. 24:15, 16; Ps. 78:49; Acts 12:23.)

here! I I created a craftsman [who] blows on a fire of charcoal and [who] produces a weapon for work its and I I created a destroyer to ruin
לְחַבֵּֽל׃le.cha.Bel to ruin H2254 Preposition · verb piel infinitive construct common
27× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to be in labor or to twist in pain, like a woman giving birth. It can also mean to corrupt or destroy something. In the KJV, it is translated in various ways, including 'travail' or 'corrupt'.
Amplified meaning
cause, bring about, destruction, chaos
Tyndale gloss
to pledge
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חָבַל (chabal) is a Hebrew root meaning to bind or pledge, often in the context of taking a pledge. It also conveys the ideas of destruction or corruption, as well as the physical act of writhing or travailing, particularly in childbirth. The lexicons note its use in various forms, including to spoil or be ruined, but do not indicate significant disagreement among them.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[חָבַל] vb. bind, pledge

Qal

bind

bind by taking a pledge of

Niph. Impf. becometh pledged to it

Pi. writhe, twist, hence travail

base

חָבַל vb. act (ruinously) corruptly

Qal act corruptly against

Niph. Impf. shall be ruined

Pi. ruin, destroy

Pu. be ruined, broken

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2254a חָבַל bind, pledge .. bind

. bind by taking a pledge of

. Impf. becometh pledged to it

H2254b חָבַל act (ruinously) corruptly .act corruptly against

. Impf. shall be ruined

. ruin, destroy

. be ruined, broken

H2254c חָבַל bind, pledge . writhe, twist, hence travail

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2254 chabal khaw-bal'

a primitive root; to wind tightly (as a rope), i.e. to bind;

specifically, by a pledge; figuratively, to pervert, destroy;

also to writhe in pain (especially of parturition):--X at all,

band, bring forth, (deal) corrupt(-ly), destroy, offend, lay

&Š to (take a) pledge, spoil, travail, X very, withhold.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָבַל (cha.val) — to pledge.

1) to bind

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to bind

2) to take a pledge, lay to pledge

2a) (Qal) to hold by a pledge, take in pledge, hold in pledge

2b) (Niphal) to give a pledge, become pledged

חָבַל (cha.val) — to destroy.

1) to destroy, spoil, deal corruptly, offend

1a) (Qal) to spoil, corrupt, offend

1b) (Niphal) to be ruined

1c) (Piel) to destroy, ruin

1d) (Pual) to be ruined, be broken

Aramaic equivalent: cha.val (חֲבַל "to destroy" H2255)

חָבַל (cha.val) — be in labour.

1) to bring forth, travail

1a) (Piel) to writhe, twist, travail

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a — Preposition · verb piel infinitive construct common
HR/Vpcc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

roo'-in (haricah, etc.; rhegma): "Ruin," the translation of haricah (Am 9:11; compare Ac 15:16, where the Revised Version (British and American) Greek text, ta katestrammena), and of a number of other Hebrew words: in Lu 6:49 rhegma, "breakage," is used both in a literal sense (Isa 23:13; 25:2, of fallen buildings; Eze 27:27; 31:13, of a state or people; Lu 6:49, of a house, etc.) and with a moral significance (Pr 26:28). the Revised Version margin correctly renders mikhshol in

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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