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Jeremiah 48:41 — Word Study

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WLCנִלְכְּדָה֙ הַקְּרִיּ֔וֹת וְהַמְּצָד֖וֹת נִתְפָּ֑שָׂה וְֽ֠הָיָה לֵ֞ב גִּבּוֹרֵ֤י מוֹאָב֙ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֔וּא כְּלֵ֖ב אִשָּׁ֥ה מְצֵרָֽה׃

BSAKiriothQᵉrîyôwth [Kerioth, a city in Moab] has been takenlâkad [captured, seized] and the strongholdsmᵉtsad [fortresses, fortified cities] seizedtâphas [surprised, caught] In thathûwʼ dayyôwm [at that time, in the future] the heartlêb [feelings, will, intellect] of Moab’sMôwʼâb [the land and descendants of Lot] warriorsgibbôwr [mighty men, strong fighters] will behâyâh like the heartlêb [similar to, comparable with, emotions, inner being] of a womanʼishshâh [female, lady] in labortsârar [travail, childbirth pangs, distress]

Word
Listen & take awayJeremiah 48
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 41 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 (me.tze.Rah) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Jeremiah 48:41quick helps
In a sentenceKirioth has fallen, and Moab's warriors will feel intense fear.
Who is speakingThe prophet Jeremiah, conveying God's message about Moab.
Where we areA prophecy about the fate of Moab, highlighting impending destruction.
The hard wordמְצָד
Take awayThe strongholds are taken, and the warriors' hearts will tremble.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbלָכַד 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 48:41

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

Context — The Prophecy Against Moabgenerated

40For this is what the LORD says: “Behold, an eagle swoops down and spreads his wings against Moab.
41Kirioth has been taken, and the strongholds seized. In that day the heart of Moab’s warriors will be like the heart of a woman in labor.
42Moab will be destroyed as a nation because he vaunted himself against the LORD.
43Terror and pit and snare await you, O dweller of Moab,” declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 48:41 reveals a dire prophecy about Moab, indicating that Kirioth has been captured and its strongholds seized. This moment signifies a turning point for Moab, where the might of its warriors will be compared to the distress of a woman in labor, illustrating their fear and helplessness. The surrounding verses deepen this context, emphasizing the judgment that awaits Moab due to its arrogance against the LORD.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Jeremiah 4:31For I hear a cry like a woman in labor, a cry of anguish like one bearing her first child— the cry of the Daughter of Zion gasping for breath, stretching out her hands to say, “Woe is me, for my soul faints before the murderers!”
2Jeremiah 6:24We have heard the report; our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor.
3Jeremiah 30:6Ask now, and see: Can a male give birth? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor and every face turned pale?
4Jeremiah 49:22–24Look! An eagle will soar and swoop down, spreading its wings over Bozrah. In that day the hearts of Edom’s mighty men will be like the heart of a woman in labor.
5Jeremiah 50:43The king of Babylon has heard the report, and his hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped him, pain like that of a woman in labor.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word נִלְכְּדָה, nil.ke.Dahgenerated

The verb נִלְכְּדָה (nilkeḏah) is a Niphal perfect form, indicating that Kirioth will be captured. This form suggests that the action is passive, emphasizing that Kirioth is being acted upon rather than taking action itself.

This word is derived from the root לָכַד (lakad), which means to capture or seize. It conveys the idea of being caught, often in a net or trap, and is used throughout the Bible to describe taking control of a place or situation.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

In the Berean Standard Bible, the word captured is used for נִלְכְּדָה, which is consistent across the KJV and ASV.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb נִלְכְּדָה governs the clause, indicating that Kirioth has been taken, while נִתְפָּ֑שָׂה follows as another verb indicating that the strongholds have also been seized. The structure emphasizes the sequential actions of capture and seizure.

The phrase לֵ֞ב גִּבּוֹרֵ֤י מוֹאָב֙ describes the heart of Moab’s warriors, using a simile to compare their emotional state to that of a woman in labor, which adds depth to the emotional impact of the prophecy.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates נִלְכְּדָה as ἐλήμφθη, which conveys the same sense of being captured. This choice reflects a straightforward rendering of the Hebrew meaning.

For הַקְּרִיּוֹת, the LXX uses ακκαριωθ, maintaining the identification of the city. This consistency highlights the importance of Kerioth in both texts.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Jeremiah 48:41 tells us that Kirioth has been captured and the strongholds have been seized. In that day, the hearts of Moab’s warriors will be filled with fear, similar to a woman in labor. This illustrates the intense emotional state of the warriors as they face impending doom.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that Kirioth has been taken?

It signifies the defeat of Moab, indicating that a key city has fallen, which would lead to broader consequences for the nation.

Why are the warriors' hearts compared to a woman in labor?

This comparison emphasizes the overwhelming fear and anxiety they will experience, akin to the pain and distress of childbirth.

What is the significance of the strongholds being seized?

The seizure of strongholds indicates a complete military victory, showing that Moab's defenses have been breached.

How does this prophecy reflect on Moab's relationship with God?

The prophecy serves as a warning of judgment due to Moab's arrogance against the LORD, highlighting the consequences of their actions.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What does this passage teach us about the consequences of pride and arrogance?
  2. How can we relate the emotional state of Moab's warriors to our own experiences of fear and anxiety?
  3. In what ways can we find strength in times of distress, similar to the metaphor of a woman in labor?
  4. What can we learn from the fate of Moab about the importance of humility before God?

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Jeremiah 48:41 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Kerioth is taken,.... The name of a city in Moab, as in Jeremiah 48:24; so Jarchi, and others; but Kimchi and Abarbinel observe, that it may be taken for an appellative, and be rendered "the cities";

Read John Gill on Jeremiah 48 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men's hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

Read Robert Jamieson on Jeremiah 48 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Whether Kerioth here be the proper name of a city, as it is , or an appellative noun signifying cities, is doubtful. The latter seems best to agree to this place: The cities and the strong holds are all taken; and though Moab hath in it many mighty and valiant men, yet their hearts will be full of fear, or ready to fail them, like a woman’ s who is in her travail and hath great and sore pains.

Read Matthew Poole on Jeremiah 48 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Jeremiah 48:41 Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men’ s hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.Ver. 41. Kerioth is taken.] Of this city, some say, was Judas Iscariot. As the heart of a woman in her pangs.] Which is very low: neither is such a one in case to defend herself.

Read John Trapp on Jeremiah 48 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(41) Kerioth.—(See Note on Jeremiah 48:24.) Here the word is used with the article, and should probably be translated, as in the margin, the cities, as painting the wide-spread devastation that was to come on all the fortresses. As the heart of a woman in her pangs.—See Notes on Jeremiah 30:6; Isaiah 13:8; Isaiah 21:3. The precise phrase, however, occurs only here and in Jeremiah 49:22.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Jeremiah 48 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

41. Kerioth] See on Jeremiah 48:20-24. But, because of the parallel expression “strong holds” in the next clause, the word may simply mean cities.

Read Cambridge on Jeremiah 48 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

41. Kerioth — The capital. Is taken — Captured. The use of the present term denotes the certainty of the event predicted.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Jeremiah 48 →

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

Kirioth has been taken, and the strongholds seized. In that day the heart of Moab’s warriors will be like the heart of a woman in labor.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Kerioth is taken, and the strongholds are seized. The heart of the mighty men of Moab at that day will be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Kirioth has been taken, and the strongholds seized. In that day the heart of Moab’s warriors will be like the heart of a woman in labor.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Her towns will be captured. Her fortresses will be taken. At that time the soldiers of Moab will be frightened like a woman in labor.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men’s hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Kerioth is taken, and the strongholds are seized, and the heart of the mighty men of Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the heart of the mighty men of Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men's hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

The cities are taken, and the strong holdes are wonne, and ye mightie mens hearts in Moab at that day shalbe as ye heart of a woman in trauaile.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Kerijoth is taken, and the strongholds are seized, and at that day the heart of the mighty men of Moab shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Captured have been the cities, And the strongholds are caught, And the heart of the mighty of Moab Hath been in that day as the heart of a distressed woman.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

The cities have been captured, || And the strongholds are caught, || And the heart of the mighty of Moab || Has been in that day as the heart of a distressed woman.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Captured are the fortresses, and the strong-holds are conquered: and the heart of the mighty men of Moab shall be on that day as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Kerioth has been captured, and its strongholds have been seized. For in that day the hearts of Moab's soldiers will be like the hearts of women in birth labor.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Carioth is taken, and the strong holds are won: and the heart of the valiant men of Moab in that day shall be as the heart of a woman in labour.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Kirioth has been conquered, and the fortresses captured. At that time Moab's warriors will be as scared as a woman in labor.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Kerioth is taken, and the strong places have been forced, and the hearts of Moab's men of war in that day will be like the heart of a woman in birth-pains.

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.

clauseverbנִלְכְּדָה֙it.will.be.capturednoun phrase · subjectהַ(the)קְּרִיּ֔וֹתKeriothוְandclausenoun phrase · subjectהַtheמְּצָד֖וֹתstrongholdsverbנִתְפָּ֑שָׂהit.will.be.seizedוְֽ֠andclauseverbהָיָהit.will.benoun phrase · subjectלֵ֞בthe.heartnoun phraseגִּבּוֹרֵ֤יof.the.warriorsמוֹאָב֙of.Moabprepositional phrase · prepositionalבַּonnoun phrasethenoun phraseיּ֣וֹםdayadjective phraseהַ(the)ה֔וּאthatprepositional phrase · prepositionalכְּlike.[the]noun phraseלֵ֖בheartnoun phraseאִשָּׁ֥הof.a.womanמְצֵרָֽה[who.is].in.labor

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


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

The Masoretic Text states that "Kirioth has been taken, and the strongholds seized. In that day the heart of Moab’s warriors will be like the heart of a woman in labor." The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text in meaning, matching all 13 words in a word-by-word correspondence, though the order and articles may differ due to the nature of the Greek translation. There are no significant differences in the content of this verse among the ancient witnesses, indicating a strong consistency in the text regarding the fate of Moab.

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

נִלְכְּדָה֙ הַקְּרִיּ֔וֹת וְהַמְּצָד֖וֹת נִתְפָּ֑שָׂה וְֽ֠הָיָה לֵ֞ב גִּבּוֹרֵ֤י מוֹאָב֙ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֔וּא כְּלֵ֖ב אִשָּׁ֥ה מְצֵרָֽה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
נִלְכְּדָה֙ἐλήμφθηהַקְּרִיּ֔וֹתακκαριωθוְהַמְּצָד֖וֹתὀξυρώματαנִתְפָּ֑שָׂהσυνελήμφθηוְֽ֠הָיָה’’לֵ֞ב’’גִּבּוֹרֵ֤י’’מוֹאָב֙’’בַּיּ֣וֹם’’הַה֔וּא’’כְּלֵ֖ב’’אִשָּׁ֥ה’’מְצֵרָֽה׃’’

13 of the 13 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 48:41לָכַדit will be it will be captלָכַדקְרִיּוֹתKeriothKeriothקְרִיּוֹתמְצָדand the strand the stronghמְצָדתָּפַשׂit will be it will be seizתָּפַשׂהָיָהand it willand it will beהָיָהלֵב[the] heart[the] heart ofלֵבגִּבּוֹר[the] warri[the] warriors גִּבּוֹרמוֹאָבMoabMoabמוֹאָביוֹםon the dayon the dayיוֹםהוּאthatthatהוּאלֵבlike [the] like [the] hearלֵבאִשָּׁהa womana womanאִשָּׁהצוּרin laborin laborצוּרצוּדto huntto huntצוּדלֵבָבheartheartלֵבָבקִרְיָהtowntownקִרְיָההָוָאto fallto fallהָוָאגֶּ֫בֶרgreat mangreat manגֶּ֫בֶראָבfatherfatherאָבאִישׁmanmanאִישׁאֱנוֹשׁhumanhumanאֱנוֹשׁחָסֵרlackinglackingחָסֵרחָכָםwisewiseחָכָםלָחַםto fightto fightלָחַםחָצוֹרחָצוֹרמוֹאָב(Plains of(Plains of) MoaמוֹאָבעֵיןEngediEngediעֵיןמְעָרָהcavecaveמְעָרָהמָגֵןshieldshieldמָגֵןחַ֫יִלHelechHelechחַ֫יִלמִלְחָמָהbattlebattleמִלְחָמָה
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 48:41

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.

it will be captured Kerioth and the strongholds it will be seized and it will be [the] heart of [the] warriors of Moab on the day that like [the] heart of a woman in labor
נִלְכְּדָה֙nil.ke.Dah it will be captured H3920 Verb · Niphal · perfect third person feminine singular
121× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Amplified meaning
captured, seized
Tyndale gloss
to capture
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לָכַד (lakad) means to capture, seize, or take, often by lot. It can refer to catching in a net or trap, as well as figuratively to describe things sticking together. The verb appears in various forms, including Qal (to capture), Niphal (to be captured), and Hithpael (to grasp each other).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לָכַד 121 vb. capture, seize, take (by lot)

Qal

capture, seize

fig. of entrapping men

of taking by lot

Niph.

be captured in war

of men, be caught

be taken by lot

Hithp. they grasp each other, and cannot be separated

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3920 לָכַד capture, seize, take (by lot)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3920 lakad law-kad'

a primitive root; to catch (in a net, trap or pit);

generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot);

figuratively, to cohere:--X at all, catch (self), be frozen,

be holden, stick together, take.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לָכַד (la.khad) — to capture.

1) to capture, take, seize

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to capture, seize

1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.)

1a3) to take (by lot)

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be captured

1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.)

1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs — Verb · Niphal · perfect third person feminine singular
HVNp3fs
it will be captured Kerioth and the strongholds it will be seized and it will be [the] heart of [the] warriors of Moab on the day that like [the] heart of a woman in labor
הַקְּרִיּ֔וֹתha.ke.ri.Yot Kerioth H7152 Particle · noun common feminine plural absolute
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Kerioth means cities, referring to a city in Moab, also known as Kiriathaim, mentioned in the Bible as a place in Palestine. It appears in the book of Jeremiah. The city had another name, Qir.ya.ta.yim.
Amplified meaning
Kerioth, a city in Moab
Tyndale gloss
Kerioth
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

קְרִיּוֹת (Qriyowth) is the plural form of קְרִיָּה (Qiryah), meaning 'cities' or 'buildings.' It refers to two locations in Palestine: one in Judah and another in Moab. The entries consistently identify Kerioth as a significant place, but they do not provide specific verse references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

קְרִיּוֹת n.pr.loc.

in Judah

in Moab

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7152 קְרִיּוֹת

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7152 Qriyowth ker-ee-yoth'

plural of 7151; buildings; Kerioth, the name of two places in

Palestine:--Kerioth, Kirioth.

see HEBREW for 07151

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קְרִיּוֹת (qe.riy.yot) — Kerioth.

§ Kerioth = "cities"

a town in the southern district of Judah

קְרִיּוֹת (qe.riy.yot) — Kerioth.

Kerioth = "cities"

a city in Moab

Another name of qir.ya.ta.yim (קִרְיָתַ֫יִם "Kiriathaim" H7156G)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-fp — Particle · noun common feminine plural absolute
HTd/Ncfpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ke'-ri-oth, -oth (qeriyoth):

(1) A city of Moab, named with Beth-meon and Bozrah (Jer 48:24,41). Here was a sanctuary of Chemosh, to which Mesha says (M S, l. 13) he dragged "the altar hearths of Davdoh." It may possibly be represented by the modern Kuraiat, between Diban and `Attarus. Some (e.g. Driver on Am 2:2) think it may be only another name for Ar-Moab. Buhl (GAP, 270) would identify it with Kir of Moab (Kerak). No certainty is yet possible.

(2) A city of Judah (Jos 15:25; the Revised Version (British and American) KERIOTH-HEZRON (which see)), possibly the modern el-Kuryatain, to the Northeast of Tell `Arad.

W. Ewing

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Kerioth

Cities. (1.) A town in the south of Judah (Josh. 15:25). Judas the traitor was probably a native of this place, and hence his name Iscariot. It has been identified with the ruins of el-Kureitein, about 10 miles south of Hebron. (See HAZOR [4]).

(2.) A city of Moab (Jer. 48:24, 41), called Kirioth (Amos 2:2).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(cities). A name which occurs among the lists of the towns in the southern district of Judah. (Joshua 15:25) Supposed by some to have been the birthplace of Judas Iscariot. A city of Moab, named by Jeremiah only, (Jeremiah 48:24)

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

the cities; the callings

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
it will be captured Kerioth and the strongholds it will be seized and it will be [the] heart of [the] warriors of Moab on the day that like [the] heart of a woman in labor
וְהַמְּצָד֖וֹתve.ha.me.tza.Dot and the strongholds H4679 Conjunction · particle · noun common feminine plural absolute
11× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A stronghold or fort, often in a mountainous area, providing a safe place for people to hide or defend themselves, like the castle of David in 2 Samuel 5:7. It represents a secure and protected location.
Amplified meaning
fortresses, fortified cities
Tyndale gloss
stronghold
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מְצָד (metsad) refers to a stronghold or fastness, often associated with a place of refuge or ambush. It can denote a castle or fort, and is sometimes specifically linked to mountainous areas. The term is derived from a root meaning to cover or conceal, emphasizing its defensive connotations.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מְצָד, מְצַד n.f. fastness, stronghold (prop. hunting-place ?)

mountain-fastness

more gen., stronghold

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4679 מְצָד, מְצַד fastness, stronghold (prop. hunting-place ?) . mountain-fastness

. more gen., stronghold

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4679 mtsad mets-ad'

or mtsad {mets-awd'}; or (feminine) mtsadah {mets-aw-daw'};

from 6679; a fastness (as a covert of ambush):--castle, fort,

(strong) hold, munition.

see HEBREW for 06679

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מְצָד (me.tsad) — stronghold.

1) fort, stronghold, fastness

1a) mountain-fastness

1b) stronghold

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Art | N-fp — Conjunction · particle · noun common feminine plural absolute
HC/Td/Ncfpa
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
it will be captured Kerioth and the strongholds it will be seized and it will be [the] heart of [the] warriors of Moab on the day that like [the] heart of a woman in labor
נִתְפָּ֑שָׂהnit.Pa.sah it will be seized H8610 Verb · Niphal · perfect third person feminine singular
65× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.
Amplified meaning
surprised, caught
Tyndale gloss
to capture
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

תָּפַשׂ (taphas) is a Hebrew verb meaning to lay hold of or seize. It encompasses actions like capturing, wielding, and handling, with nuances in different forms such as being seized or caught. The entries suggest a range of physical and figurative uses, including the idea of manipulation or unwarranted use.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

תָּפַשׂ vb. lay hold of, wield

Qal

lay hold of, seize

grasp in order to wield, wield, use skilfully

Niph. be seized, arrested, caught

Pi. a lizard thou mayest grasp with the hands

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8610 תָּפַשׂ lay hold of, wield

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8610 taphas taw-fas'

a primitive root; to manipulate, i.e. seize; chiefly to

capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use

unwarrantably:--catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over),

stop, X surely, surprise, take.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תָּפַשׂ (ta.pha.s) — to capture.

1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch

1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully

1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured

1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs — Verb · Niphal · perfect third person feminine singular
HVNp3fs
it will be captured Kerioth and the strongholds it will be seized and it will be [the] heart of [the] warriors of Moab on the day that like [the] heart of a woman in labor
וְֽ֠הָיָהVe.ha.yah and it will be H1961 Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person masculine singular
3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Tyndale gloss
to be
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Qal

Fall out, happen

occur, take place, come about, come to pass

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

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

rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

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

Come into being, become

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

sq. prep.

become

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

sq. pred. adj.

become like

sq. pred. לְ pers.

sq. לְ pred.

oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.

with עַל and לְ

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

Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)

exist, be in existence

abide, remain, continue

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

as copula, joining subj. & pred.

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

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

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

. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

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

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

. sq. prep.

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

. sq. pred. adj.

. become like

. sq. pred. + לְ pers.

. sq. לְ pred.

. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.

. with עַל and לְ

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

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

. abide, remain, continue

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1961 hayah haw-yaw

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

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

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

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

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

(one-)self, require, X use.

see HEBREW for 01933

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.

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

1a) (Qal)

1a1) ---

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

1a1b) to come about, come to pass

1a2) to come into being, become

1a2a) to arise, appear, come

1a2b) to become

1a2b1) to become

1a2b2) to become like

1a2b3) to be instituted, be established

1a3) to be

1a3a) to exist, be in existence

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

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

1a3d) to accompany, be with

1b) (Niphal)

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

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

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

See TESTAMENT.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ THE MENTAL FACULTY

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

See BLESSINGS, CONTINGENT UPON OBEDIENCE

See CHOICE

See CONTINGENCY

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

it will be captured Kerioth and the strongholds it will be seized and it will be [the] heart of [the] warriors of Moab on the day that like [the] heart of a woman in labor
לֵ֞בlev [the] heart of H3820 Noun common · masculine singular construct
595× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Amplified meaning
feelings, will, intellect
Tyndale gloss
heart
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word לֵב (lev) means 'heart' and encompasses the inner man, mind, will, and emotions. It refers to the center of feelings, intellect, and moral character, as well as the seat of appetites and courage. The entries suggest a broad range of meanings related to human experience and thought, with a specific mention of its use in Jeremiah 51:1.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֵב 599 n.m. (f.) inner man, mind, will, heart

seldom of things in the midst of the sea

elsewhere of men

the inner man in contrast with the outer

the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

specific reference to mind

spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will

spec. ref. to conscience

[various]

for the man himself

as seat of appetites

as seat of emotions and passions

seat of courage

base

לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash Je 51:1.

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3820a לֵב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the sea

. elsewhere of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer

. the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

. specific reference to mind

. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will

. spec. ref. to conscience

. [various]

. for the man himself

. as seat of appetites

. as seat of emotions and passions

. seat of courage

H3820b לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3820 leb labe

a form of 3824; the heart; also used (figuratively) very

widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect;

likewise for the centre of anything:--+ care for, comfortably,

consent, X considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-),

(hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart((-ed)), X

heed, X I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), X regard((-ed)), X

themselves, X unawares, understanding, X well, willingly,

wisdom.

see HEBREW for 03824

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֵב (lev) — heart.

1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding

1a) inner part, midst

1a1) midst (of things)

1a2) heart (of man)

1a3) soul, heart (of man)

1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory

1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)

1a6) conscience

1a7) heart (of moral character)

1a8) as seat of appetites

1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

לֵב (lev) — Leb.

§ Leb- = "heart of"

(probably a cryptic name for Babylon by Atbash)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

it will be captured Kerioth and the strongholds it will be seized and it will be [the] heart of [the] warriors of Moab on the day that like [the] heart of a woman in labor
גִּבּוֹרֵ֤יgi.bo.Rei [the] warriors of H1368 Noun common · masculine plural construct
159× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Amplified meaning
mighty men, strong fighters
Tyndale gloss
mighty man
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

גִּבּוֹר (gibbor) means strong or mighty, and can refer to a powerful person, such as a warrior or chief. It is built from a root that implies strength and valor, covering meanings related to strength and bravery. The entries consistently emphasize its use to describe a strong man or mighty figure.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

גִּבּוֹר 159 adj. strong, mighty

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1368 גִּבּוֹר strong, mighty

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1368 gibbowr ghib-bore'

or (shortened) gibbor {ghib-bore'}; intensive from the same

as 1397; powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant:--

champion, chief, X excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one),

strong (man), valiant man.

see HEBREW for 01397

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

גִּבּוֹר (gib.bor) — mighty man.

adj

1) strong, mighty

n m

2) strong man, brave man, mighty man

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Noun common · masculine plural construct
HNcmpc
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…

it will be captured Kerioth and the strongholds it will be seized and it will be [the] heart of [the] warriors of Moab on the day that like [the] heart of a woman in labor
מוֹאָב֙mo.'Av Moab H4124 Noun proper
181× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.
Amplified meaning
the land and descendants of Lot
Tyndale gloss
(Plains of) Moab
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מוֹאָב (Moab) refers to both a person and a territory. It denotes Moab, the son of Lot by his eldest daughter, and the nation and land descended from him. The name means 'of his father,' highlighting the incestuous origins of Moab. The term appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, including references to the Moabites and their territory.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מוֹאָב, מֹאָב 180 n.pr.gent. et terr. Moab

Moab as son of Lot by his elder daughter

Moab:

= nation of which Lot’s son is represented as ancestor

= territory of Moab

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4124 מוֹאָב, מֹאָב Moab

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4124 Mow'ab mo-awb

from a prolonged form of the prepositional prefix m- and 1;

from (her (the mother's)) father; Moab, an incestuous son of

Lot; also his territory and descendants:--Moab.

see HEBREW for 01

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מוֹאָב (mo.av) — Moab.

Moab = "of his father"

the nation descended from the son of Lot

Also named: mo.a.vi (מוֹאָבִי "Moab" H4125)

מוֹאָב (mo.av) — Moab.

A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.19.37;

son of: Lot (H3876) and his first daughter (H3876H);

half-brother of Ben-ammi (H1151);

§ Moab = "of his father"

1) a son of Lot by his eldest daughter

2) the nation descended from the son of Lot

3) the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot

מוֹאָב (mo.av) — (Plains of) Moab.

Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I)

§ Moab = "of his father"

the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot

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

Moab

The seed of the father, or, according to others, the desirable land, the eldest son of Lot (Gen. 19:37), of incestuous birth.

(2.) Used to denote the people of Moab (Num. 22:3-14; Judg. 3:30; 2 Sam. 8:2; Jer. 48:11, 13).

(3.) The land of Moab (Jer. 48:24), called also the “country of Moab” (Ruth 1:2, 6; 2:6), on the east of Jordan and the Dead Sea, and south of the Arnon (Num. 21:13, 26). In a wider sense it included the whole region that had been occupied by…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(of his father), Mo’abites. Moab was the son of the Lot’s eldest daughter, the progenitor of the Moabites. Zoar was the cradle of the race of Lot. From this centre the brother tribes spread themselves. The Moabites first inhabited the rich highlands which crown the eastern side of the chasm of the Dead Sea, extending as far north as the mountain of Gilead, from which country they expelled the Emims, the original inhabitants, (2:11) but they themselves were afterward driven southward by the warlike Amorites, who had crossed the Jordan, and were confined to the country south of the river Arnon, which formed their northern boundary. (Numbers 21:13; Judges 11:18) The territory occupied by Moab at the period of its greatest extent, before the invasion of the Amorites, divided itself…

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

of his father

Nave's Topical Bible

1. Son of Lot Ge 19:37

2. Plains of

Israelites come in De 2:17,18

Military forces numbered in Nu 26:3,63

The law rehearsed in, by Moses Nu 35; 36; De 29; 30; 31; 32; 33

The Israelites renew their covenant in De 29:1

The land of promise allotted in Jos 13:32

it will be captured Kerioth and the strongholds it will be seized and it will be [the] heart of [the] warriors of Moab on the day that like [the] heart of a woman in labor
בַּיּ֣וֹםbai.Yom on the day H3117 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
2,306× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Amplified meaning
at that time, in the future
Tyndale gloss
day
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יוֹם (yowm) means 'day' and refers to a division of time, contrasting with night. It can denote a literal 24-hour period, a general time span, or even a year. The term is used in various contexts, including the 'day of Yahweh,' which signifies a time of divine judgment. It also appears in phrases indicating temporal references like today, yesterday, and tomorrow.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יוֹם 2285 n.m. day

day, opp. night

Day as division of time

יוֹם י׳ day of Yahweh, chiefly as time of his coming in judgment, involving often blessedness for righteous

Pl. days of anyone

Days

יוֹם = time

Phrases

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3117 יוֹם day . day, opp. night

. Day as division of time

. יוֹם י׳ day of Yahweh, chiefly as time of his coming in judgment, involving often blessedness for righteous

. Pl. days of anyone

. Days

. יוֹם = time

. Phrases

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3117 yowm yome

from an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm

hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one

sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by

an associated term), (often used adverb):--age, + always, +

chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to)

day, (now a, two) days (agone), + elder, X end, + evening, +

(for) ever(-lasting, -more), X full, life, as (so) long as

(... live), (even) now, + old, + outlived, + perpetually,

presently, + remaineth, X required, season, X since, space,

then, (process of) time, + as at other times, + in trouble,

weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), X whole

(+ age), (full) year(-ly), + younger.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יוֹם (yom) — day.

: day/when/time/period

1) day, time, year

1a) day (as opposed to night)

1b) day (24 hour period)

1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1

1b2) as a division of time

1b2a) a working day, a day's journey

1c) days, lifetime (pl.)

1d) time, period (general)

1e) year

1f) temporal references

1f1) today

1f2) yesterday

1f3) tomorrow

יוֹם (yom) — day: old.

: old/(full/many)[days]

1) day, time, year

1a) day (as opposed to night)

1b) day (24 hour period)

1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1

1b2) as a division of time

1b2a) a working day, a day's journey

1c) days, lifetime (pl.)

1d) time, period (general)

1e) year

1f) temporal references

1f1) today

1f2) yesterday

1f3) tomorrow

יוֹם (yom) — day: year.

: year[of_days]

1) day, time, year

1a) day (as opposed to night)

1b) day (24 hour period)

1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1

1b2) as a division of time

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

da (yom; hemera): This common word has caused some trouble to plain readers, because they have not noticed that the word is used in several different senses in the English Bible. When the different uses of the word are understood the difficulty of interpretation vanishes. We note several different uses of the word:

(1) It sometimes means the time from daylight till dark. This popular meaning is easily discovered by the context, e. g. Ge 1:5; 8:22, etc. The marked periods of this daytime were morning, noon and night, as with us. See Ps 55:17. The early hours were sometimes called "the cool of the day" (Ge 3:8). After the exile the day. or daytime was divided into twelve hours and the night into twelve (see

Day

The Jews reckoned the day from sunset to sunset (Lev. 23:32). It was originally divided into three parts (Ps. 55:17). “The heat of the day” (1 Sam. 11:11; Neh. 7:3) was at our nine o’clock, and “the cool of the day” just before sunset (Gen. 3:8). Before the Captivity the Jews divided the night into three watches, (1) from sunset to midnight (Lam. 2:19); (2) from midnight till the cock-crowing (Judg. 7:19); and (3) from the cock-crowing till sunrise (Ex.…

The variable length of the natural day at different seasons led in the very earliest times to the adoption of the civil day (or one revolution of the sun) as a standard of time. The Hebrews reckoned the day from evening to evening, (Leviticus 23:32) deriving it from (Genesis 1:5) "the evening and the morning were the first day." The Jews are supposed, like the modern Arabs, to have adopted from an early period minute specifications of the parts of the natural day. Roughly, indeed, they were content to divide it into "morning, evening and noonday," (Psalms 55:17) but when they wished for greater accuracy they pointed to six unequal parts, each of which was again subdivided. These are held to have been -- "the dawn." "Sunrise."…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The day is distinguished into natural, civil, and artificial. The natural day is one revolution of the earth on its axis. The civil day is that, the beginning and the end of which are determined by the custom of any nation. The Hebrews began their day in the evening, Le 23:32; the Babylonians at sunrise; and we begin at midnight. The artificial day is the time of the sun’s continuance above the horizon, which is unequal according to different seasons, on account of the obliquity of the equator. The sacred writers generally divide the day into twelve hours. The sixth hour always ends at noon throughout the year; and the twelfth hour is the last hour before sunset. But in summer, all the hours of the day were longer than in winter, while those of night were shorter. See HOURS, and THREE.

it will be captured Kerioth and the strongholds it will be seized and it will be [the] heart of [the] warriors of Moab on the day that like [the] heart of a woman in labor
הַה֔וּאha.Hu' that H1931 Particle · pronoun
1,879× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Tyndale gloss
he/she/it
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הוּא (hu) is a third-person singular pronoun meaning he, she, or it, used for emphasis or when no verb is present. It can also refer to oneself or serve as a demonstrative pronoun. The word has various nuances, including resuming the subject with emphasis or expressing it unobtrusively. It can indicate 'that' or 'those' when used with the definite article.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הוּא m. הִיא f., pron. of the 3rd ps. sing. he, she, used also (in both genders) for the neuter it

an emph. he (she, it, they), sometimes equivalent to himself (herself, itself, themselves), or (esp. with the art.) that (those)

It resumes the subj. with emph.

Where, however, the pron. follows the pred., its position gives it the minimum of emphasis, and it expresses (or resumes) the subject as unobtrusively as possible

It anticipates (as it seems) the subject

As an emph. predicate, of God

In a neuter sense, that, it (of an action, occurrence, matte, etc.)

With the art.: so regularly when joined to a subst. defined itself by the art.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1931 הוּא, הִיא he, she, used also (in both genders) for the neuter it . an emph. he (she, it, they), sometimes equivalent to himself (herself, itself, themselves), or (esp. with the art.) that (those)

. It resumes the subj. with emph.

. Where, however, the pron. follows the pred., its position gives it the minimum of emphasis, and it expresses (or resumes) the subject as unobtrusively as possible

. It anticipates (as it seems) the subject

. As an emph. predicate, of God

. In a neuter sense, that, it (of an action, occurrence, matte, etc.)

. With the art.: so regularly when joined to a subst. defined itself by the art.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1931 huw' hoo

of which the feminine (beyond the Pentateuch) is hiyw {he}; a

primitive word, the third person pronoun singular, he (she or

it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also

(intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same;

sometimes (as demonstrative) this or that; occasionally

(instead of copula) as or are:--he, as for her, him(-self),

it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they,

this, those, which (is), who.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הוּא (hu) — he/she/it.

pron 3p s

1) he, she, it

1a) himself (with emphasis)

1b) resuming subj with emphasis

1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate)

1d) (anticipating subj)

1e) (emphasising predicate)

1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron

2) that (with article)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | Pron — Particle · pronoun
HTd/Pp3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
it will be captured Kerioth and the strongholds it will be seized and it will be [the] heart of [the] warriors of Moab on the day that like [the] heart of a woman in labor
כְּלֵ֖בke.Lev like [the] heart of H3820 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
595× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Amplified meaning
similar to, comparable with, emotions, inner being
Tyndale gloss
heart
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word לֵב (lev) means 'heart' and encompasses the inner man, mind, will, and emotions. It refers to the center of feelings, intellect, and moral character, as well as the seat of appetites and courage. The entries suggest a broad range of meanings related to human experience and thought, with a specific mention of its use in Jeremiah 51:1.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֵב 599 n.m. (f.) inner man, mind, will, heart

seldom of things in the midst of the sea

elsewhere of men

the inner man in contrast with the outer

the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

specific reference to mind

spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will

spec. ref. to conscience

[various]

for the man himself

as seat of appetites

as seat of emotions and passions

seat of courage

base

לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash Je 51:1.

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3820a לֵב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the sea

. elsewhere of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer

. the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

. specific reference to mind

. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will

. spec. ref. to conscience

. [various]

. for the man himself

. as seat of appetites

. as seat of emotions and passions

. seat of courage

H3820b לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3820 leb labe

a form of 3824; the heart; also used (figuratively) very

widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect;

likewise for the centre of anything:--+ care for, comfortably,

consent, X considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-),

(hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart((-ed)), X

heed, X I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), X regard((-ed)), X

themselves, X unawares, understanding, X well, willingly,

wisdom.

see HEBREW for 03824

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֵב (lev) — heart.

1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding

1a) inner part, midst

1a1) midst (of things)

1a2) heart (of man)

1a3) soul, heart (of man)

1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory

1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)

1a6) conscience

1a7) heart (of moral character)

1a8) as seat of appetites

1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

לֵב (lev) — Leb.

§ Leb- = "heart of"

(probably a cryptic name for Babylon by Atbash)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
HR/Ncmsc
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…

it will be captured Kerioth and the strongholds it will be seized and it will be [the] heart of [the] warriors of Moab on the day that like [the] heart of a woman in labor
אִשָּׁ֥ה'i.Shah a woman H802 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
781× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Amplified meaning
female, lady
Tyndale gloss
woman
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אִשָּׁה (ishshah) means 'woman,' 'wife,' or 'female.' It can refer to a woman in general, a wife in relation to a man, or the female of animals. The term also has distributive and reciprocal uses, indicating 'each woman' from her neighbor. The word is derived from the masculine forms אִישׁ (ish) and אִישָׁה (ishah), indicating a broad range of meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אִשָּׁה 773 n.f. woman, wife, female

woman

Wife (woman belonging to a man, usually cstr. or sf.)

Female of animals

With distrib. & recipr. sense, each woman from her neighbor; each one

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H802 אִשָּׁה woman, wife, female . woman

. Wife (woman belonging to a man, usually cstr. or sf.)

. Female of animals

. With distrib. & recipr. sense, each woman from her neighbor; each one

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

802 'ishshah ish-shaw'

feminine of 376 or 582; irregular plural, nashiym

{naw-sheem'}; a woman (used in the same wide sense as

582):--(adulter)ess, each, every, female, X many, + none,

one, + together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English.

see HEBREW for 0376

see HEBREW for 0582

see HEBREW for 0582

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אִשָּׁה (ish.shah) — woman.

: woman

1) woman, wife, female

1a) woman (opposite of man)

1b) wife (woman married to a man)

1c) female (of animals)

1d) each, every (pronoun)

אִשָּׁה (ish.shah) — woman: wife.

: wife/widow

1) woman, wife, female

1a) woman (opposite of man)

1b) wife (woman married to a man)

1c) female (of animals)

1d) each, every (pronoun)

אִשָּׁה (ish.shah) — woman: another.

: another

1) woman, wife, female

1a) woman (opposite of man)

1b) wife (woman married to a man)

1c) female (of animals)

1d) each, every (pronoun)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

woom'-an ('ishshah, "a woman" (feminine of 'ish, "a man"]; gune, "a woman" "wife"):

I. IN THE CREATIVE PLAN

II. IN OLD TESTAMENT TIMES

1. Prominence of Women

2. Social Equality

3. Marriage Laws

4. Inheritance

5. Domestic Duties

6. Dress and Ornaments

7. Religious Devotion and Service

(1) in Idolatry and False Religion

(2) in Spiritual Religion

III. INTER-TESTAMENTAL ERA

IV. IN NEW TESTAMENT TIMES

1. Mary and Elisabeth

2. Jesus and Women

3. In the Early Church

4. Official Service

5. Widows

6. Deaconesses

IV. LATER TIMES

1. Changes in Character and Condition

2. Notable Examples of Christian Womanhood

3. Woman in the 20th Century

The generic term "man" includes woman. In the narrative of the creation (Ge 1:26,27) Adam is a collective term for mankind. It may signify human being, male or female, or humanity entire. "God said, Let us make man .... and let them"…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Woman

Was “taken out of man” (Gen. 2:23), and therefore the man has the preeminence. “The head of the woman is the man;” but yet honour is to be shown to the wife, “as unto the weaker vessel” (1 Cor. 11:3, 8, 9; 1 Pet. 3:7). Several women are mentioned in Scripture as having been endowed with prophetic gifts, as Miriam (Ex. 15:20), Deborah (Judg. 4:4, 5), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), Noadiah (Neh. 6:14), Anna (Luke 2:36, 37), and the daughters of Philip the evangelist…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Is spoken of in Scripture as the beloved and honored companion and helpmeet, not the servant, of man, Ge 2:23,24, created as the necessary completion of man, Ge 3:16 1Co 11:3,8,9 14:34,35 1Ti 2:11-14, yet specially qualified for that sphere, and as necessary in it as man in his. Man and woman are indeed essentially one, the natural qualities of each so responding to those of the other as to lay the foundation of the most tender and abiding unity. The Bible thus raised the Jewish woman high above the woman of heathenism; and the Old Testament contains some of the finest portraitures of female character. But still greater is the contrast between the women of heathenism and…

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

- Origin and cause of the name

Ge 2:23

- ORIGINALLY MADE

. By God in his own image

Ge 1:27

. From one of Adam's ribs

Ge 2:21,22

. For man

1Co 11:9

. To be an helpmeet for man

Ge 2:18,20

. Subordinate to man

1Co 11:3

. To be the glory of man

1Co 11:7

- Deceived by Satan

Ge 3:1-6; 2Co 11:3; 1Ti 2:14

- Led man to disobey God

it will be captured Kerioth and the strongholds it will be seized and it will be [the] heart of [the] warriors of Moab on the day that like [the] heart of a woman in labor
מְצֵרָֽה׃me.tze.Rah in labor H6887 Verb · Hiphil · participle (active) feminine singular
54× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To rival means to oppose or afflict someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe the struggles of the Israelites, such as when they were oppressed by their enemies or faced internal conflicts and afflictions.
Amplified meaning
travail, childbirth pangs, distress
Tyndale gloss
to confine
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word צָרַר (tsarar) is built from a primitive root meaning to bind or confine. It covers a range of meanings including to besiege, cause distress, and show hostility. The word can also denote making a rival-wife. Notably, it appears in Leviticus 18:18.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

צוּר vb. confine, bind, besiege

base

צָרַר vb. bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, cramped

trans.

Qal bind or tie up

Pu. tied up (mended by tying)

intrans.

Qal be scant, cramped, in straits

Hiph. make narrow for, press hard upon, cause distress to

base

[צָרַר] vb. denom. Hiph. suffer distress

base

צָרַר vb. shew hostility toward, vex

base

[צָרַר] vb. denom. make a rival-wife;—Qal Lv 18:18

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6887a צוּר confine, bind, besiege H6887b צָרַר bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, cramped H6887c צָרַר vb. denom. Hiph. suffer distress H6887d צָרַר shew hostility toward, vex H6887e צָרַר vb. denom. make a rival-wife

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6887 tsarar tsaw-rar'

a primitive root; to cramp, literally or figuratively,

transitive or intransitive (as follows):--adversary, (be in)

afflict(-ion), beseige, bind (up), (be in, bring) distress,

enemy, narrower, oppress, pangs, shut up, be in a strait

(trouble), vex.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

צָרַר (tsa.rar) — to confine.

to confine, besiege

Another spelling of tsur (צוּר "to confine" H6696A)

צָרַר (tsa.rar) — to constrain.

1) to bind, be narrow, be in distress, make narrow, cause distress, besiege, be straitened, be bound

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to bind, tie up, shut up

1a2) to be scant, be cramped, be in straits

1b) (Pual) to be bound, be tied up

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to make narrow for, cause distress to, press hard upon

צָרַר (tsa.rar) — to distress.

to suffer distress

צָרַר (tsa.rar) — to vex.

to show hostility toward, vex

צָרַר (tsa.rar) — to rival.

to make a rival-wife

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil — Verb · Hiphil · participle (active) feminine singular
HVhrfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

la'-ber (yeghia`, `amal; kopos): The word (noun and verb) denoting hard work or "toil" (thus in the Revised Version (British and American) of De 26:7; Jos 7:3; Re 2:2) represents several Hebrew and Greek words, chiefly those above. Occasionally, as in Hab 3:17 (ma`aseh), it stands for "fruit of labor." Sometimes, in conjunction with "travail," it refers to childbirth (Ge 35:16,17, yaladh; compare 1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:8). Examples of the word in the ordinary sense are: of yeghia`,

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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