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Jeremiah 23:13 — Word Study

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WLCוּבִנְבִיאֵ֥י שֹׁמְר֖וֹן רָאִ֣יתִי תִפְלָ֑ה הִנַּבְּא֣וּ בַבַּ֔עַל וַיַּתְע֥וּ אֶת־ עַמִּ֖י אֶת־ יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ ס

BSAAmong the prophetsnâbîyʼ [false spokesmen, claiming to speak for God] of SamariaShômᵉrôwn [watch mountain, a region in northern Palestine] I sawrâʼâh [perceived, looked upon] an offensive thingtiphlâh [folly, foolish behavior] They prophesiednâbâʼ [spoke under the influence of the divine spirit, but falsely] by BaalBaʻal [the Phoenician deity, a false god] and led My peopleʻam [caused to err, deceived, nation] IsraelYisrâʼêl [the descendants of Jacob, God's chosen nation] astraytâʻâh [to go astray, wander morally]

Word
Listen & take awayJeremiah 23
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 13 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 (Yis.ra.'El) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Jeremiah 23:13quick helps
In a sentenceJeremiah observes the false prophets of Samaria leading Israel astray by prophesying in the name of Baal.
Who is speakingThe prophet Jeremiah, conveying God's message.
Where we areIn a section that condemns false prophecies and warns of impending judgment.
The hard wordתִפְלָ֑ה
Take awayThe actions of the prophets are seen as offensive and lead the people away from God.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbרָאָה 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 — Jeremiah 23:13

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 — Condemnation of False Prophetsgenerated

12“Therefore their path will become slick; they will be driven away into the darkness and fall into it. For I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD.
13“Among the prophets of Samaria I saw an offensive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led My people Israel astray.
14And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: They commit adultery and walk in lies. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns his back on wickedness. They are all like Sodom to Me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.”
15Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says concerning the prophets: “I will feed them wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land.”

Jeremiah 23:13 presents a stark warning about the false prophets of Samaria, who mislead the people of Israel by claiming to speak for God while actually prophesying by Baal. This passage highlights the serious consequences of such deception, as it leads the nation astray and away from their true God. The surrounding verses further emphasize the moral decay among the prophets and the impending judgment from God for their actions.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Hosea 9:7–8The days of punishment have come; the days of retribution have arrived— let Israel know it. The prophet is called a fool, and the inspired man insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and hostility.
2Jeremiah 2:8The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD?’ The experts in the law no longer knew Me, and the leaders rebelled against Me. The prophets prophesied by Baal and followed useless idols.
31 Kings 18:18–21“I have not troubled Israel,” Elijah replied, “but you and your father’s house have, for you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals.
42 Chronicles 33:9So Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem astray, so that they did greater evil than the nations that the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites.
5Isaiah 9:16For those who guide this people mislead them, and those they mislead are swallowed up.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

prophetsHosea 9:7–8

The Key Word נָבִיא, u.vin.vi.'Eigenerated

The word נָבִיא (nabiy') refers to a prophet or inspired speaker, encompassing both true and false prophets. Its root suggests a bubbling forth, indicating the act of speaking on behalf of God.

In this verse, it underscores the role of the prophets as spokesmen for God, but in this case, they are false prophets who mislead the people of Israel, demonstrating the serious implications of their role.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The verse is rendered consistently across translations, with all versions acknowledging the false prophecies of the prophets of Samaria.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb of the verse is רָאִ֣יתִי, I saw, which governs the subsequent clauses that describe what Jeremiah observed. The structure includes a prepositional phrase indicating the location, a noun phrase describing the offensive thing, and additional clauses detailing the actions of the prophets.

The order emphasizes Jeremiah's perception of the prophets’ actions and the seriousness of their misleading prophecies.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates נָבִיא as προφήταις (prophētais), which retains the meaning of 'prophets' but may imply a broader interpretation of prophetic roles in the Greek context.

This choice reflects the translators' understanding of the prophetic function, emphasizing the contrast between true and false prophecy.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Jeremiah 23:13 warns about the false prophets of Samaria who mislead the people of Israel by prophesying in the name of Baal. They engage in offensive behavior that leads the nation astray, highlighting the dangers of false prophecy.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does Jeremiah mean by 'an offensive thing'?

Jeremiah refers to the foolish and morally corrupt actions of the false prophets who mislead the people.

How do these false prophets lead the people astray?

They prophesy in the name of Baal, a false god, which diverts the people from worshiping the true God.

What is the significance of prophesying by Baal?

Prophesying by Baal represents a rejection of God's authority and a serious moral failing among the prophets.

What can we learn from this passage about false prophets?

This passage serves as a warning to be discerning about those who claim to speak for God, emphasizing the importance of aligning with true prophetic voices.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways can we discern true prophets from false ones in our own context?
  2. How can we ensure that we are not led astray by misleading teachings?
  3. What role do we play in supporting or challenging the voices we hear in our communities?
  4. How does understanding the historical context of false prophets enhance our reading of this passage?

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

Jerome comments on this verse, highlighting the foolishness of the prophets of Samaria and their misleading prophecies.

JeromeVerse 13 c. 347–420
And in the prophets of Samaria I saw foolishness (or wickedness (Vulgate: foolishness))); they prophesied in Baal and deceived my people Israel.
Early Church Fathers on Jeremiah 23 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Jeremiah 23:13 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria,.... The ten tribes of Israel, among whom, in Ahab's time there were many false prophets, Baal's prophets, even four hundred and fifty; whose "folly"

Read John Gill on Jeremiah 23 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err. I have seen folly - literally, insipidity unsavouriness (Job 6:6) not having the salt of godliness (Colossians 4:6).

Read Robert Jamieson on Jeremiah 23 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

There was a time when I saw folly in the prophets that belonged to the ten tribes, whose chief city was Samaria. The word translated folly signifies unsavoury, or an absurd thing. Our Saviour compareth wicked ministers to unsavoury salt, , salt that is turned foolish (as the Greek word signifies). The ministers of God’ s word are, or ought to be, the salt of the earth, to season people with sound doctrine, and by the good example of a holy life; if they be corrupt in doctrine or manners, they become unsavoury, and the very worst of men. Such God says the prophets of the ten tribes were, before they were carried away captive. They prophesied, pretending they had their instructions and…

Read Matthew Poole on Jeremiah 23 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Jeremiah 23:13 And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.Ver. 13. And I have seen folly.] Heb., Insalsity. Folly is as unpleasant to the intelligent as unsavoury meat is to him that tasteth it. They prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.] They sold poison to the people, as Laertius saith Aristotle did - Epicurus is his witness - having first wasted his estate. Lib. x. in Epic

Read John Trapp on Jeremiah 23 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(13) I have seen folly . . .—Literally, as in Job 6:6, that which is unsavoury—i.e., insipid, and so, ethically, foolish. The guilt of the prophets of Samaria cannot be passed over, but it is noticed, as in Jeremiah 3:6-10, only in order to compare it with the darker evils of those of Judah and Jerusalem. They prophesied in Baal.—i.e., in the name and as if by the power of Baal. Comp. 1 Kings 18:19; 1 Kings 22:6-7.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Jeremiah 23 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 13. I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria] This was not to be wondered at, for their religion was a system of corruption.

Read AdamClarke on Jeremiah 23 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

13. folly] lit. that which is tasteless, insipid (cp. cognate substantive in Job 6:6 rendered “that which hath no savour”), hence moral unsavouriness, unseemliness. prophets of Samaria] They were simply idolaters, who made no secret of their belief or practice. The prophets of Jerusalem on the other hand were thoroughly immoral besides. Baal] See on Jeremiah 2:8.

Read Cambridge on Jeremiah 23 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

And I have seen folly ... - Rather, “Also I have seen.” The prophet contrasts the prophets of Samaria with those of Jerusalem. In the conduct of the former God saw folly (literally that which is insipid, as being unsalted).

Read Albert Barnes on Jeremiah 23 →

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

“Among the prophets of Samaria I saw an offensive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led My people Israel astray.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

“I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria. They prophesied by Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

“Among the prophets of Samaria I saw an offensive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led My people Israel astray.

NETBNew English Translation2006

The Lord says, “I saw the prophets of Samaria doing something that was disgusting. They prophesied in the name of the god Baal and led my people Israel astray.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied by Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied by Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And I haue seene foolishnesse in the prophets of Samaria, that prophecied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to erre.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria: they prophesied by Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And in prophets of Samaria I have seen folly, They have prophesied by Baal, And cause my people — Israel — to err.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

“And I have seen folly in prophets of Samaria, || They have prophesied by Ba‘al, || And cause My people—Israel—to err.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And on the prophets of Samaria have I seen absurdity: they prophesied by Ba'al, and misled my people Israel.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

For I have seen the prophets in Samaria doing what is repulsive: They prophesied by Baal and led my people Israel astray.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria: they prophesied in Baal, and deceived my people Israel.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

I saw the prophets of Samaria doing something really offensive: They prophesied in the name of Baal and led my people Israel to sin.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And I have seen ways without sense in the prophets of Samaria; they became prophets of the Baal, causing my people Israel to go wrong.

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.

וּandclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalבִamongnoun phraseנְבִיאֵ֥יthe.prophetsשֹׁמְר֖וֹןof.Samariaverbרָאִ֣יתִיI.sawobjectתִפְלָ֑הoffensivenessclauseverbהִנַּבְּא֣וּthey.prophesiedprepositional phrase · prepositionalבַbynoun phrase(the)בַּ֔עַלBaalוַandclauseverbיַּתְע֥וּthey.caused.to.errnoun phrase · objectnoun phraseאֶת(et)noun phraseעַמִּ֖peopleיmynoun phraseאֶת(et)יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsrael

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


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

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording, with 9 of the 11 words matched. This shows a consistent tradition in the understanding of this verse, despite differences in word order.

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

וּבִנְבִיאֵ֥י שֹׁמְר֖וֹן רָאִ֣יתִי תִפְלָ֑ה הִנַּבְּא֣וּ בַבַּ֔עַל וַיַּתְע֥וּ אֶת־ עַמִּ֖י אֶת־ יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ ס

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וּבִנְבִיאֵ֥יπροφήταιςשֹׁמְר֖וֹןσαμαρείαςרָאִ֣יתִיεἶδονתִפְלָ֑הἀνομήματαהִנַּבְּא֣וּἐπροφήτευσανבַבַּ֔עַלβααλוַיַּתְע֥וּἐπλάνησανעַמִּ֖יμουיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ סισραηλ

9 of the 11 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.

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.

Jeremiah 23:13נָבִיאand among [and among [the]נָבִיאשִׁמְרוֹןSamariaSamariaשִׁמְרוֹןרָאָהI sawI sawרָאָהתִּפְלָהoffensiveneoffensivenessתִּפְלָהנָבָאthey prophethey prophesiedנָבָאבַּ֫עַלby Baalby Baalבַּ֫עַלתָּעָהand they caand they causedתָּעָהאֵתthe object the object markאֵתעַםpeople mypeople myעַםאֵתthe object the object markאֵתיִשְׂרָאֵלIsraelIsraelיִשְׂרָאֵלאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתנָבָאto prophesto prophesyנָבָאעָמַםto darkento darkenעָמַםשָׂרָהto striveto striveשָׂרָהשָׁמַרto keep: oto keep: obeyשָׁמַרתָּפֵלinsipidinsipidתָּפֵלבַּעַלmastermasterבַּעַלמִגְרָשׁpasturepastureמִגְרָשׁנָתָןNathanNathanנָתָןחֲנַנְיָ֫הוּHananiahHananiahחֲנַנְיָ֫הוּאַחְאָבAhabAhabאַחְאָבקָבַרto buryto buryקָבַרעֳנִיafflictionafflictionעֳנִינָבַטto lookto lookנָבַטלֹאnotnotלֹאשֶׁ֫קֶרdeceptiondeceptionשֶׁ֫קֶרנָבִיאprophetprophetנָבִיאנָתַץto tearto tearנָתַץ
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 Jeremiah 23:13

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

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

and among [the] prophets of Samaria I saw offensiveness they prophesied by Baal and they caused to err the object marker people my the object marker Israel
וּבִנְבִיאֵ֥יu.vin.vi.'Ei and among [the] prophets of H5030 Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine plural construct
315× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Amplified meaning
false spokesmen, claiming to speak for God
Tyndale gloss
prophet
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָבִיא (nabiy') refers to a prophet or an inspired speaker, covering genuine, false, and heathen prophets. It is derived from the root meaning to bubble forth, indicating a connection to prophecy. The term appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, highlighting its significance in both true and false prophetic roles.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָבִיא 306 n.m. spokesman, speaker, prophet

genuine prophet of י׳

false prophets

heathen prophets

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5030 נָבִיא spokesman, speaker, prophet

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5030 nabiy' naw-bee'

from 5012; a prophet or (generally) inspired man:--prophecy,

that prophesy, prophet.

see HEBREW for 05012

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָבִיא (na.vi) — prophet.

1) spokesman, speaker, prophet

1a) prophet

1b) false prophet

1c) heathen prophet

Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Prep | N-mp — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine plural construct
HC/R/Ncmpc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and among [the] prophets of Samaria I saw offensiveness they prophesied by Baal and they caused to err the object marker people my the object marker Israel
שֹׁמְר֖וֹןsho.me.Ron Samaria H8111 Noun proper
109× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Samaria means watch mountain, a region in northern Palestine and the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, located near Jerusalem. It was the kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel after Solomon's death.
Amplified meaning
watch mountain, a region in northern Palestine
Tyndale gloss
Samaria
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שִׁמְרוֹן (Shomrown) refers to Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel established during Omri's reign. The name is derived from a root meaning 'watch-station' or 'watch mountain.' It denotes both the city and the surrounding region, which played a significant role in the history of Israel after the kingdom split.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שִׁמְרוֹן 109 n.pr.loc. capital of N. Isr. from Omri's time

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8111 שִׁמְרוֹן capital of N. Isr. from Omri's time

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8111 Shomrown sho-mer-one'

from the active participle of 8104; watch-station; Shomeron,

a place in Palestine:--Samaria.

see HEBREW for 08104

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֹׁמְרוֹן (sho.me.ron) — Samaria.

§ Samaria = "watch mountain"

1) the region of northern Palestine associated with the northern kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel which split from the kingdom after the death of Solomon during the reign of his son Rehoboam and were ruled by Jeroboam

2) the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel located 30 miles (50 km) north of Jerusalem and 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Shechem

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpl
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Samaria

A watch-mountain or a watch-tower. In the heart of the mountains of Israel, a few miles north-west of Shechem, stands the “hill of Shomeron,” a solitary mountain, a great “mamelon.” It is an oblong hill, with steep but not inaccessible sides, and a long flat top. Omri, the king of Israel, purchased this hill from Shemer its owner for two talents of silver, and built on its broad summit the city to which he gave the name of “Shomeron”, i.e., Samaria, as the new capital of his kingdom instead of Tirzah (1 Kings 16:24). As such it possessed many advantages. Here Omri resided during the last six years of his reign. As the result of an unsuccessful war with Syria, he appears to have been obliged to grant to the Syrians the right to “make streets in Samaria”, i.e., probably permission to the Syrian merchants to carry on their trade…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(watch mountain). This city is situated 30 miles north of Jerusalem and about six miles to the northwest of Shechem, in a wide basin-shaped valley, six miles in diameter, encircled with high hills, almost on the edge of the great plain which borders upon the Mediterranean. In the centre of this basin, which is on a lower level than the valley of Shechem, rises a less elevated hill, with steep yet accessible sides and a long fiat top. This hill was chosen by Omri as the site of the capital of the kingdom of Israel. He "bought the hill of Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of the owner of the hill, Samaria." (1 Kings 16:23,24) From the that of Omri’s purchase, B.C. 925, Samaria retained its dignity as the capital of the ten tribes, and the…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

1. One of the three divisions of the Holy Land in the time of our Savior, having Galilee on the north and Judea on the south, the Jordan on the east and the Mediterranean on the west, and occupying parts of the territory assigned at first to Ephraim, Mahasseh, and Issachar, Lu 17:11 Joh 4:4. It is described as having its hills less bare than those of Judea, and its valleys and plains more cultivated and fruitful. See CANAAN. Many gospel churches were early planted here, Ac 8:1,25 9:31 15:3.

2. A city situated near the middle of Palestine, some six miles northwest of Shechem. It was built by Omri king of Israel, about 920 B. C., and named after Shemer the previous owner of the mountain or hill on which the city stood, 1Ki…

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

watch-mountain

and among [the] prophets of Samaria I saw offensiveness they prophesied by Baal and they caused to err the object marker people my the object marker Israel
רָאִ֣יתִיra.'I.ti I saw H7200 Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singular
1,300× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Amplified meaning
perceived, looked upon
Tyndale gloss
Provider
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָאָה (ra'ah) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to see' and encompasses a wide range of visual and perceptual actions, including looking, observing, and causing others to see. It can refer to both literal sight and figurative understanding, with various grammatical forms indicating different nuances, such as appearing or being visible. The entries indicate a rich semantic field without significant disagreement among lexicographers.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רָאָה 1315 vb. see

Qal 1141

see, subj.

see, c. acc. rei

see, sq. acc. cl. or phr. of closer design

see, so as to learn to know

abs. see, have (power of) vision

see = perceive

look at, see, by direct volition

of mental observation

c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest

see, c. acc. rei

Niph.

appear

be seen

be visible

Pu. appar. his bones are not detected

Hithp. recipr. look at each other

Hiph.

cause one to see something, shew

cause to experience something

cause to look intently at, to behold

Hoph.

be caused to see, be shewn

be exhibited to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7200a רָאָה see .. . see, subj.

. see, c. acc. rei

. see, sq. acc. + cl. or phr. of closer design

. see, so as to learn to know

. abs. see, have (power of) vision

. see = perceive

. look at, see, by direct volition

. of mental observation

. . c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest

. see, c. acc. rei

. . appear

. be seen

. be visible

. appar. his bones are not detected

. recipr. look at each other

. . . cause one to see something, shew

. cause to experience something

. cause to look intently at, to behold

. . be caused to see, be shewn

. be exhibited to

H7200b רְאוּת look

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7200 ra'ah raw-aw'

a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in

numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive,

intransitive and causative):--advise self, appear, approve,

behold, X certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have

experience, gaze, take heed, X indeed, X joyfully, lo, look

(on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up,

upon), mark, meet, X be near, perceive, present, provide,

regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one

another), shew (self), X sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, X

surely, X think, view, visions.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: see.

: see/show

1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to see

1a2) to see, perceive

1a3) to see, have vision

1a4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out

1a5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish

1a6) to look at, gaze at

1a7) to provide, choose

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to appear, present oneself

1b2) to be seen

1b3) to be visible

1c) (Pual) to be seen

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to see, show

1d2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at

1e) (Hophal)

1e1) to be caused to see, be shown

1e2) to be exhibited to

1f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face

רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: examine.

: examine/consider

1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to see

1a2) to see, perceive

1a3) to see, have vision

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singular
HVqp1cs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

so.

See TOOLS.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Egyptian saws, so far as has yet been discovered, are single-handed. As is the case in modern Oriental saws, the teeth usually incline toward the handle, instead of away from it like ours. They have, in most cases, bronze blades, apparently attached to the handles by leathern thongs. No evidence exists of the use of the saw applied to stone in Egypt, but we read of sawn stones used in the temple. (1 Kings 7:9) The saws "under" or "in" which David is said to have placed his captives were of iron. The expression in (2 Samuel 12:31) does not necessarily imply torture, but the word "cut" in (1 Chronicles 20:3) can hardly be understood otherwise.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Used as an instrument of torture 2Sa 12:31; Heb 11:37

→ Used for cutting stone 1Ki 7:9

→ FIGURATIVE Isa 10:15

and among [the] prophets of Samaria I saw offensiveness they prophesied by Baal and they caused to err the object marker people my the object marker Israel
תִפְלָ֑הtif.Lah offensiveness H8604 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
3× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes foolish or silly behavior, often used to warn against empty or meaningless actions. It emphasizes the importance of wise decision-making.
Amplified meaning
folly, foolish behavior
Tyndale gloss
folly
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

תִּפְלָה (tiphlah) refers to concepts of folly and moral unsavouriness. It is associated with emptiness and frivolity, indicating something that is foolish or unseemly. The word is built from a root related to frivolity, and it captures a range of meanings related to foolishness and moral shortcomings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

תִּפְלָה n.f. (moral) unsavouriness, unseemliness

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8604 תִּפְלָה (moral) unsavouriness, unseemliness

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8604 tiphlah tif-law'

from the same as 8602; frivolity:--folly, foolishly.

see HEBREW for 08602

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תִּפְלָה (tiph.lah) — folly.

1) that which is empty, folly, silly, foolish

2) (BDB) unsavouriness, unseemliness (moral)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and among [the] prophets of Samaria I saw offensiveness they prophesied by Baal and they caused to err the object marker people my the object marker Israel
הִנַּבְּא֣וּhi.na.be.'U they prophesied H5012 Verb · Hithpael · perfect third person common plural
115× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To prophesy means to speak or sing under the influence of the divine spirit, as seen in the prophets of the Bible. This can include predicting the future or simply speaking God's message to others.
Amplified meaning
spoke under the influence of the divine spirit, but falsely
Tyndale gloss
to prophesy
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָבָא (naba') is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to prophesy.' It encompasses speaking or singing under divine inspiration, often associated with religious ecstasy. The entries note its use in both true and false prophecy, highlighting its application in various contexts, including the influence of the divine spirit and ecstatic states among prophets.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָבָא] vb. denom. prophesy (in oldest forms, of religious ecstasy with or without song and music; later, essentially religious instruction, with occasional predictions)

Niph.

prophesy under influence of divine spirit

of false prophets

cf. heathen prophets

Hithp.

prophesy under influence of divine spirit

of heathen prophets of Baal in ecstatic state

of false prophets

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5012 נָבָא vb. denom. prophesy

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5012 naba' naw-baw'

a primitive root; to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by

inspiration (in prediction or simple

discourse):--prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָבָא (na.va) — to prophesy.

1) to prophesy

1a) (Niphal)

1a1) to prophesy

1a1a) under influence of divine spirit

1a1b) of false prophets

1b)(Hithpael)

1b1) to prophesy

1b1a) under influence of divine spirit

1b1b) of false prophets

Aramaic equivalent: ne.va (נבא "to prophesy" H5013)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hithpael-Perf-3cp — Verb · Hithpael · perfect third person common plural
HVtp3cp
and among [the] prophets of Samaria I saw offensiveness they prophesied by Baal and they caused to err the object marker people my the object marker Israel
בַבַּ֔עַלva.Ba.'al by Baal H1168 Preposition · noun
82× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Refers to the Phoenician deity Baal, mentioned in the books of Numbers and Judges as a false god.
Amplified meaning
the Phoenician deity, a false god
Tyndale gloss
Baal
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בַּעַל (ba'al) means 'owner' or 'lord' and is notably used as a divine name for Baal, a Phoenician deity. It can refer to husbands, rulers, and inhabitants as well. The term also denotes specific individuals and locations, including a town in Simeon and men from the tribes of Benjamin and Reuben. The entries consistently emphasize its meaning as 'lord'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בַּעַל 166 n.m. owner, lord

owner

husband

citizens, inhabitants

rulers, lords

n. of relation

Esp. lord, specif. as divine name, Baal.

base

בַּ֫עַל

n.pr.loc. city in tribe of Simeon

n.pr.m.

a Reubenite

a Gibeonite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1168 בַּ֫עַל owner, lord . . owner

. husband

. citizens, inhabitants

. rulers, lords

. n. of relation

. lord, specif. as divine name, Baal.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1168 Ba`al bah'-al

the same as 1167; Baal, a Phoenician deity:--Baal, (plural)

Baalim.

see HEBREW for 01167

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בַּעַל (ba.al) — Baal.

§ Baal = "lord"

esp. lord, specif. as divine name, Baal

supreme male divinity of the Phoenicians or Canaanites

בַּ֫עַל (ba.al) — Baal.

A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.8.30;

son of: Abiel (H0022) and Maacah (H4601N);

brother of: Kish (H7027), Ner (H5369), Abdon (H5658J), Zur (H6698I), Nadab (H5070J), Gedor (H1446I), Ahio (H0283I), Zecher (H2144) and Mikloth (H4732)

§ Baal = "lord"

בַּ֫עַל (ba.al) — Baal.

A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.5.5;

son of: Reaiah (H7211);

father of: Beerah (H0880)

§ Baal = "lord"

בַּ֫עַל (ba.al) — Baal.

Baal = "lord"

a town of Simeon, probably identical to Baalath-beer

Another name of ba.a.lat be.er (בַּעֲלַת בְּאֵר "Baalath-beer" H1192)

בַּעַל (ba.al) — (Bamoth)-baal.

Baal = "lord"

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun
HRd/Ntmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Baal

Lord. (1.) The name appropriated to the principal male god of the Phoenicians. It is found in several places in the plural BAALIM (Judg. 2:11; 10:10; 1 Kings 18:18; Jer. 2:23; Hos. 2:17). Baal is identified with Molech (Jer. 19:5). It was known to the Israelites as Baal-peor (Num. 25:3; Deut. 4:3), was worshipped till the time of Samuel (1 Sam 7:4), and was afterwards the religion of the ten tribes in the time of Ahab (

geographical. This word occurs as the prefix or suffix to the names of several places in Palestine, some of which are as follows: BAAL a town of Simeon, named only in (1 Chronicles 4:33) which from the parallel list in (Joshua 19:8) seems to have been identical with BAALATH-BEER. BAALAH (mistress). A. Another name for KIRJATH-JEARIM, or KIRJATH BAAL, the well-known town now Kuriet el Enab . (Joshua 15:9,10; 1 Chronicles 13:6) b. A town in the south of Judah, (Joshua 15:29) which in Josh 19:3 Is called BALAH, and in the parallel list, (

Lord,

1. In the Old Testament denotes an idol of the Phoenicians, and particularly of the Tyrians, whose worship was also introduced with great solemnities among the Hebrews, and especially at Samaria, along with that of Astarte, Jud 6:25-32 2Ki 10:18,28. See ASHTORETH, plural ASH’TAROTH. The plural, Baalim, signifies images or statues of Baal, Jud 2:11 10:10. Of the extent to which the worship of this idol was domesticated among the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, we have an evidence in the proper names of persons; as, among the former, Ethbaal, Jerubbaal; and among the latter, Hannibal, Asdrubal, etc. Among the Babylonians, the same idol was worshipped under the name of BEL, which is only another form of the word Baal,

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

master; lord

and among [the] prophets of Samaria I saw offensiveness they prophesied by Baal and they caused to err the object marker people my the object marker Israel
וַיַּתְע֥וּvai.yat.'U and they caused to err H8582 Verb · Hiphil · sequential imperfect third person masculine plural
50× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to go astray or wander, and can be used physically or morally. It can also mean to cause someone to err or stumble.
Amplified meaning
to go astray, wander morally
Tyndale gloss
to go astray
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

תָּעָה (ta`ah) is a Hebrew verb that means to wander or go astray, both physically and ethically. It can refer to being led astray, as in a moral sense, or to the effects of intoxication. The word has various forms, including Qal (to err), Niphal (to be made to wander), and Hiphil (to cause to wander).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

תָּעָה vb. err

Qal

physically wander about

of intoxication

ethically

Niph.

be made to wander about, as a drunkard

ethically: be led astray

Hiph.

physically cause to wander about

of intoxication

mentally and morally, cause to err, mislead

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8582 תָּעָה err .. physically wander about

. of intoxication

. ethically

. . be made to wander about, as a drunkard

. ethically: be led astray

. . physically cause to wander about

. of intoxication

. mentally and morally, cause to err, mislead

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8582 ta`ah taw-aw'

a primitive root; to vacillate, i.e. reel or stray (literally

or figuratively); also causative of both:--(cause to) go

astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant,

seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the

way.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תָּעָה (ta.ah) — to go astray.

1) to err, wander, go astray, stagger

1a) (Qal) to err

1a1) to wander about (physically)

1a2) of intoxication

1a3) of sin (ethically)

1a4) wandering (of the mind)

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be made to wander about, be made to stagger (drunkard)

1b2) to be led astray (ethically)

1c) (Hiphil) to cause to wander

1c1) to cause to wander about (physically)

1c2) to cause to wander (of intoxication)

1c3) to cause to err, mislead (mentally and morally)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp — Verb · Hiphil · sequential imperfect third person masculine plural
Hc/Vhw3mp
and among [the] prophets of Samaria I saw offensiveness they prophesied by Baal and they caused to err the object marker people my the object marker Israel
אֶת־'et- the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and among [the] prophets of Samaria I saw offensiveness they prophesied by Baal and they caused to err the object marker people my the object marker Israel
עַמִּ֖י'a.Mi people my H5971 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
1,873× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Amplified meaning
caused to err, deceived, nation
Tyndale gloss
Amaw
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עַם (am) primarily means 'people' or 'nation,' referring to a collective group, often in the context of tribes such as those of Israel. It can also denote kinsmen or compatriots. The term appears in various contexts, including military and familial references. There is a mention of a specific individual named Ammi in Song of Solomon 6:12.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עַם, עָם 1810 n.m. people

a people, nation

= smaller units

= common people

people in gen., persons

phrases

base

[עַם] n.[m.] kinsman (on father's side)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5971a עַם, עָם people H5971b עַם kinsman (on father's side)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5971 `am am

from 6004; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a

tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or

attendants; figuratively, a flock:--folk, men, nation,

people.

see HEBREW for 06004

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַם (am) — people.

: people/nation

1) nation, people

1a) people, nation

1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men

עַם (am) — kinsman.

kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — Ammi.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at Sng.6.12

§ kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — People's (Gate).

§ kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — (Ibleam)-am.

Combined with yiv.le.am (יִבְלְעָם "Ibleam" H2991)

§ kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — Amaw.

This name means nation, people

עַם (am) — people: soldiers.

: soldiers/army

1) nation, people

1a) people, nation

1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men

עַם (am) — people: creatures.

: creatures

1) nation, people

1a) people, nation

1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp1bs
and among [the] prophets of Samaria I saw offensiveness they prophesied by Baal and they caused to err the object marker people my the object marker Israel
אֶת־'et- the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and among [the] prophets of Samaria I saw offensiveness they prophesied by Baal and they caused to err the object marker people my the object marker Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ סYis.ra.'El Israel H3478 Noun proper
2,508× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Amplified meaning
the descendants of Jacob, God's chosen nation
Tyndale gloss
Israel
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el) refers to both the second name of Jacob, meaning 'God prevails,' and the name of the Hebrew nation descended from him. It is derived from roots meaning 'to rule' and 'God.' The term encompasses Jacob's descendants and is used historically for the northern kingdom of Israel and the nation as a whole after the Babylonian exile.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יִשְׂרָאֵל 2507 n.pr.m. et gent. Israel (Ēl persisteth, persevereth)

n.pr.m. second name of Jacob

n.pr.gent. name of Hebrew nation

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3478 יִשְׂרָאֵל Israel (Ēl persisteth, persevereth) . n. pr. m. second name of Jacob

. n. pr. gent. name of Hebrew nation

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3478 Yisra'el yis-raw-ale'

from 8280 and 410; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical

name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity:

--Israel.

see HEBREW for 08280

see HEBREW for 0410

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יִשְׂרָאֵל (yis.ra.el) — Israel.

A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26;

son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259);

brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A);

father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently

§ Israel = "God prevails"

1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel

2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob

2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpl
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

iz'-ra-el.

See JACOB.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Israel

The name conferred on Jacob after the great prayer-struggle at Peniel (Gen. 32:28), because “as a prince he had power with God and prevailed.” (See JACOB.) This is the common name given to Jacob’s descendants. The whole people of the twelve tribes are called “Israelites,” the “children of Israel” (Josh. 3:17; 7:25; Judg. 8:27; Jer. 3:21), and the “house of Israel” (Ex. 16:31; 40:38).

This name Israel is sometimes used emphatically for the true Israel (Ps. 73:1: Isa. 45:17; 49:3;

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(the prince that prevails with God). The name given, (Genesis 32:28) to Jacob after his wrestling with the angel, (Hosea 12:4) at Peniel. Gesenius interprets Israel "soldier of God." It became the national name of the twelve tribes collectively. They are so called in (Exodus 3:16) and afterward. It is used in a narrower sense, excluding Judah, in (1 Samuel 11:8; 2 Samuel 20:1; 1 Kings 12:16) Thenceforth it was assumed and accepted as the name of the northern kingdom. After the Babylonian captivity, the returned exiles resumed the name Israel as the designation of…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Who prevails with God, a name given to Jacob, after having wrestled with the Angel-Jehovah at Penuel. Ge 32:1,2,28,30 Ho 12:3. See JACOB. By the name Israel is sometimes understood all the posterity of Israel, the seed of Jacob, 1Co 10:18; sometimes all true believers, his spiritual seed, Ro 9:6; and sometimes the kingdom of Israel, or the ten tribes, as distinct from the kingdom of Judah.

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
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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