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Jeremiah 50:36 — Word Study

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WLCחֶ֥רֶב אֶל־ הַבַּדִּ֖ים וְנֹאָ֑לוּ חֶ֥רֶב אֶל־ גִּבּוֹרֶ֖יהָ וָחָֽתּוּ׃

BSAA swordchereb [cutting instrument, tool for destruction] [is] againstʼêl her false prophetsbad [liars, boasters, soothsayers] and they will become foolsyâʼal [senseless, acting wickedly] A swordchereb [weapon of war] is againstʼêl her warriorsgibbôwr [mighty men, strong champions] and they will be filled with terrorchâthath [dismayed, broken, shattered]

Word
Listen & take awayJeremiah 50
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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 (va.Cha.tu) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Jeremiah 50:36quick helps
In a sentenceJudgment is pronounced against Babylon's false prophets and warriors, leading to their downfall.
Who is speakingThe LORD, declaring judgment.
Where we areIn a prophecy concerning the fate of Babylon.
The hard wordחֶ֥רֶב
Take awayThe sword symbolizes divine judgment and destruction.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectחֶרֶב verbיָאַל 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 50:36

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 — Prophecy Against Babylongenerated

35A sword is against the Chaldeans, declares the LORD, against those who live in Babylon, and against her officials and wise men.
36A sword is against her false prophets, and they will become fools. A sword is against her warriors, and they will be filled with terror.
37A sword is against her horses and chariots and against all the foreigners in her midst, and they will become like women. A sword is against her treasuries, and they will be plundered.
38A drought is upon her waters, and they will be dried up. For it is a land of graven images, and the people go mad over idols.

Jeremiah 50:36 is part of a series of judgments against Babylon, emphasizing the consequences of their actions. The chapter outlines the fate of the Chaldeans, highlighting the impending doom that will befall their false prophets and warriors, who have led the people astray. This prophecy serves as a warning of the divine retribution that awaits those who oppose the LORD.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Jeremiah 48:30I know his insolence,” declares the LORD, “but it is futile. His boasting is as empty as his deeds.
2Isaiah 43:14Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sake, I will send to Babylon and bring them all as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice.
3Isaiah 44:25who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense,
42 Thessalonians 2:9–11The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder,
51 Timothy 4:2influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.

The Key Word חֶ֥רֶב, Che.revgenerated

The Hebrew word חֶ֫רֶב (chereb) means 'sword' and encompasses cutting instruments including knives and tools. It is derived from a root meaning 'drought,' which underscores its destructive nature. In this verse, it signifies the weapon of divine judgment against Babylon's false prophets.

The use of חֶ֫רֶב emphasizes the severity of the judgment. It is not merely a physical sword but represents the LORD's active role in executing justice against those who deceive and lead others into folly.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main finite verb is נֹאָ֑לוּ, they will become fools, governing two subjects: the false prophets and the warriors. The structure is straightforward, with two clauses following the main verb, each introduced by חֶ֥רֶב, indicating the sword's role in judgment.

The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the subjects affected by the sword, highlighting the impending doom over both the false prophets and the warriors.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates חֶ֥רֶב as μάχαιραν, which also means 'sword'. This choice aligns with the Hebrew meaning but can imply a broader sense of a cutting instrument.

The translation of וְנֹאָ֑לוּ is less direct in the Septuagint, indicating a possible interpretative shift in understanding the consequences of foolishness in the Greek context.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Jeremiah 50:36 declares that a sword is against Babylon's false prophets and warriors. This sword symbolizes judgment from the LORD, leading to their foolishness and terror. The verse emphasizes the consequences of leading others astray.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that a sword is against the false prophets?

It signifies divine judgment against those who deceive and mislead others, leading to their downfall.

What is the significance of the warriors being filled with terror?

It indicates that even the mightiest will not escape judgment and will be overcome by fear.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Jeremiah?

It underscores the theme of judgment against those who oppose God and the consequences of their actions.

Why is the sword a common symbol in the Bible?

The sword often represents judgment, conflict, and the power of God to execute justice.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways do I see false teachings affecting my community today?
  2. How can I discern between truth and deception in what I hear?
  3. What actions can I take to stand firm against misleading influences?
  4. How does understanding God's judgment help me in my own spiritual journey?

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Jeremiah 50:36 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

A sword [is] upon the liars,.... Some render it "bars" (m), as the word sometimes signifies; and interpret it of great men, who are the strength and security of cities and commonwealths; but these

Read John Gill on Jeremiah 50 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

A sword is upon the Chaldeans, saith the LORD, and upon the inhabitants of Babylon, and upon her princes, and upon her wise men. A sword ... A sword ... A sword.

Read Robert Jamieson on Jeremiah 50 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

A sword is upon the liars; and they shall dote: the word here translated liars is by some translated bars, by some liars; and in the Hebrew it hath both significations; which makes some think it is to be understood of the chief men, who are the props, stays, and bars of a place, whose wisdom God threatens should fail them, so as they should dote, and show themselves fools. Others translating it liars as we do, understand it of their soothsayers and wizards, whom he calls liars, because they divined false, and saith they should dote, not foreseeing what should be. A sword is upon her mighty men; and they shall be dismayed: and though they were full of valiant, mighty men, yet their hearts…

Read Matthew Poole on Jeremiah 50 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Jeremiah 50:36 A sword [is] upon the liars; and they shall dote: a sword [is] upon her mighty men; and they shall be dismayed.Ver. 36. A sword is upon the liars,] i.e., The prognosticators and wizards. Mendaces nominat divines, as it was wont here to be said - a friar, a liar.

Read John Trapp on Jeremiah 50 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(36) A sword is upon the liars; and they shall dote.—The Hebrew word for “liars”—literally, boastings—implies the falsehood of folly rather than of purpose. Better, perhaps, the prating fools. The marginal readings “chief stays” and “bars” rest on no adequate authority. Here the word applies to the diviners and magicians (comp. Isaiah 44:25).

Read Charles John Ellicott on Jeremiah 50 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

36. boasters] better than mg. boastings. The reference is to prophets and diviners who promised permanent empire to Babylon. dote] The same word is rendered are foolish in Jeremiah 5:4.

Read Cambridge on Jeremiah 50 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

36. Liars — The original word means to babble, to talk at random, and here the sense is soothsayers. Dismayed — Better, confounded.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Jeremiah 50 →

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

A sword is against her false prophets, and they will become fools. A sword is against her warriors, and they will be filled with terror.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

A sword is on the boasters, and they will become fools. A sword is on her mighty men, and they will be dismayed.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

A sword is against her false prophets, and they will become fools. A sword is against her warriors, and they will be filled with terror.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Destructive forces will come against her false prophets; they will be shown to be fools! Destructive forces will come against her soldiers; they will be filled with terror!

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

A sword is upon the liars; and they shall dote: a sword is upon her mighty men; and they shall be dismayed.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

A sword is upon the boasters, and they shall become fools; a sword is upon her mighty men, and they shall be dismayed.

RVARevised Version, American1894

A sword is upon the boasters, and they shall dote: a sword is upon her mighty men, and they shall be dismayed.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

A sword is upon the liars; and they shall be sottish: a sword is upon her mighty men; and they shall be dismayed.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

A sworde is vpon the soothsaiers, and they shall dote: a sword is vpon her strong men, and they shalbe afraide.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

the sword is upon the liars, and they shall become fools; the sword is upon her mighty men, and they shall be dismayed;

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

A sword [is] on the princes, And they have become foolish; A sword [is] on her mighty ones, And they have been broken down;

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

A sword [is] on the princes, || And they have become foolish; A sword [is] on her mighty ones, || And they have been broken down;

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

The sword is against the lying soothsayers, and they shall be made foolish: the sword is against her mighty men, and they shall be dismayed.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

A sword against those who say empty words! They will become fools! A sword against her soldiers! They will be filled with terror.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

A sword upon her diviners, and they shall be foolish: a sword upon her valiant ones, and they shall be dismayed.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

A sword is raised to attack her false prophets, and they will become fools. A sword is raised to attack her soldiers, and they will be terrified.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

A sword is on the men of pride, and they will become foolish: a sword is on her men of war, and they will be broken.

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.

clausesubjectחֶ֥רֶבa.swordprepositional phrase · predicateאֶלagainstnoun phraseהַthe.emptyבַּדִּ֖יםtalkersוְandclauseverbנֹאָ֑לוּthey.will.become.foolsclausesubjectחֶ֥רֶבa.swordprepositional phrase · predicateאֶלagainstnoun phraseגִּבּוֹרֶ֖יitsהָwarriorsוָandclauseverbחָֽתּוּthey.will.be.shattered

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 agree on the wording of this verse, with all eight words matched. This indicates a consistent understanding of the judgment being pronounced against Babylon's false prophets and warriors.

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

חֶ֥רֶב אֶל־ הַבַּדִּ֖ים וְנֹאָ֑לוּ חֶ֥רֶב אֶל־ גִּבּוֹרֶ֖יהָ וָחָֽתּוּ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
חֶ֥רֶב’’אֶל־’’הַבַּדִּ֖ים’’וְנֹאָ֑לוּ’’חֶ֥רֶבμάξαιρανאֶל־ἐπὶגִּבּוֹרֶ֖יהָτοὺςוָחָֽתּוּ׃παραλυθήσονται

8 of the 8 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 50:36חֶ֫רֶבa sworda swordחֶ֫רֶבאֶלagainstagainstאֶלבַּדthe empty tthe empty talkeבַּדיָאַלand they wiand they will bיָאַלחֶ֫רֶבa sworda swordחֶ֫רֶבאֶלagainstagainstאֶלגִּבּוֹרwarriors itwarriors itsגִּבּוֹרחָתַתand they wiand they will bחָתַתחָרֵבto dryto dryחָרֵבבָּדָאto deviseto deviseבָּדָאגֶּ֫בֶרgreat mangreat manגֶּ֫בֶררָעָבfaminefamineרָעָבחָלָלslain: kilslain: killedחָלָלפָּלַלto prayto prayפָּלַליִרְמְיָ֫הJeremiahJeremiahיִרְמְיָ֫העֶבְרָהfuryfuryעֶבְרָהחָרַשׁto plow/plto plow/plotחָרַשׁחֶ֫רֶבswordswordחֶ֫רֶבאֶלto(wards)to(wards)אֶלחַ֫יִלHelechHelechחַ֫יִלמִלְחָמָהbattlebattleמִלְחָמָהאָזַרto girdto girdאָזַר
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 50:36

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.

a sword against the empty talkers and they will become fools a sword against warriors its and they will be shattered
חֶ֥רֶבChe.rev a sword H2719 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
413× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Amplified meaning
cutting instrument, tool for destruction
Tyndale gloss
sword
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֶ֫רֶב (chereb) means 'sword' and can also refer to other cutting instruments like knives and tools. It is derived from a root meaning 'drought,' highlighting its destructive nature. The term is used in various contexts in the Old Testament, primarily to denote weapons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֶ֫רֶב 411 n.f. sword (as weapon)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2719 חֶ֫רֶב sword (as weapon)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2719 chereb kheh'-reb

from 2717; drought; also a cutting instrument (from its

destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp

implement:--axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool.

see HEBREW for 02717

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֶ֫רֶב (che.rev) — sword.

1) sword, knife

1a) sword

1b) knife

1c) tools for cutting stone

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

sord.

See ARMOR, III, 5.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Sword

Of the Hebrew was pointed, sometimes two-edged, was worn in a sheath, and suspended from the girdle (Ex. 32:27; 1 Sam. 31:4; 1 Chr. 21:27; Ps. 149:6: Prov. 5:4; Ezek. 16:40; 21:3-5).

It is a symbol of divine chastisement (Deut. 32:25; Ps. 7:12; 78:62), and of a slanderous tongue (Ps. 57:4; 64:3; Prov. 12:18). The word of God is likened also to a…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

[ARMS, ARMOR]

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Used by

Gideon Jud 7:20

Goliath 1Sa 21:9

Peter Mt 26:51; Joh 18:10

→ David' s army equipped with 1Ch 21:5

→ To be beaten into plowshares Isa 2:4; Mic 4:3

→ Made of plowshares Joe 3:10

→ Two-edged Heb 4:12; Re 1:16; 2:12

→ FIGURATIVE

Of war Ge 27:40

a sword against the empty talkers and they will become fools a sword against warriors its and they will be shattered
אֶל־'el- against H413 Preposition
5,518× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Tyndale gloss
to(wards)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),

prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place

Where the limit is actually entered, into

Of direction towards anything

Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

Of rule or standard according to (rare)

Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place

. Where the limit is actually entered, into

. Of direction towards anything

. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

. Of rule or standard according to (rare)

. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

413 'el ale

(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});

a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but

occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or

among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,

against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,

by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,

over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,

with(-in).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶל (el) — to(wards).

1) to, toward, unto (of motion)

2) into (limit is actually entered)

2a) in among

3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)

4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)

5) in addition to, to

6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of

7) according to (rule or standard)

8) at, by, against (of one's presence)

9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a-genst' (kata; enantion; pros): Preposition expressing contrast. When used of direction, equivalent to "toward" (Mt 10:35; 12:14, etc.); when of position, meaning "opposite," "facing," "in front of" (1Ki 7:5; Ge 15:10, Ro 8:31); when of action, "opposed to" (Mt 5:11; 26:59; 1Co 4:6); "in resistance to" (Heb 12:4); "provision for" (Greek eis, literally, "unto, toward" (1Ti 6:19)). Sometimes also applied to what breaks an established order as "customs" (

a sword against the empty talkers and they will become fools a sword against warriors its and they will be shattered
הַבַּדִּ֖יםha.ba.Dim the empty talkers H907 Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
7× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for empty or false talk, like a lie or brag, is used to describe someone who speaks falsely. It appears in the Bible as a warning against dishonesty. In the KJV, it is translated as liar or lie.
Amplified meaning
liars, boasters, soothsayers
Tyndale gloss
bluster
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בַּד (bad) refers to empty or idle talk, as well as to those who engage in such speech, described as empty talkers or praters. It can also denote a brag or lie, and is associated with the concept of a liar. The word is built from a root that suggests emptiness, and it appears in contexts related to deceitful speech.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[בַּד] n.m.

empty, idle talk

concr. empty talkers, praters

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H907 [בַּד] . empty, idle talk

. concr. empty talkers, praters

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

907 bad bad

from 908; a brag or lie; also a liar:--liar, lie.

see HEBREW for 0908

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בַּד (bad) — bluster.

empty talk, idle talk, liar, lie

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-mp — Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
HTd/Ncmpa
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
a sword against the empty talkers and they will become fools a sword against warriors its and they will be shattered
וְנֹאָ֑לוּve.no.'A.lu and they will become fools H2973 Verb · Niphal · sequential perfect third person common plural
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to be foolish or act senselessly, showing wicked folly. It appears in the Bible as a warning against foolish behavior, like doting on something or someone.
Amplified meaning
senseless, acting wickedly
Tyndale gloss
be foolish
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָאַל (ya'al) means to be foolish or act foolishly, often implying a lack of insight or judgment. It can denote showing wicked folly and is used in the Niphal form to express these actions. The word is built from a primitive root that suggests being slack, figuratively relating to foolishness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[יָאַל] vb. be foolish

Niph. do or act foolishly

shew wicked folly = sin

become fools, lacking insight and judgment

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2973 [יָאַל] be foolish

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2973 ya'al yaw-al'

a primitive root; properly, to be slack, i.e. (figuratively)

to be foolish:--dote, be (become, do) foolish(-ly).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָאַל (ya.al) — be foolish.

1) to be foolish, become fools, act foolishly, show wicked folly

1a) (Niphal)

1a1) to show wicked folly

1a2) to become fools

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp — Verb · Niphal · sequential perfect third person common plural
Hc/VNq3cp
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Torrey's New Topical Textbook

- All men are, without the knowledge of God

Tit 3:3

- Deny God

Ps 14:1; 53:1

- Blaspheme God

Ps 74:18

- Reproach God

Ps 74:22

- Make a mock at sin

Pr 14:9

- Despise instruction

Pr 1:7; 15:5

- Hate knowledge

Pr 1:22

- Delight not in understanding

Pr 18:2

- Sport themselves in mischief

Pr 10:23

- Walk in darkness

Ec 2:14

- Hate to depart from evil

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
a sword against the empty talkers and they will become fools a sword against warriors its and they will be shattered
חֶ֥רֶבChe.rev a sword H2719 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
413× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Amplified meaning
weapon of war
Tyndale gloss
sword
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֶ֫רֶב (chereb) means 'sword' and can also refer to other cutting instruments like knives and tools. It is derived from a root meaning 'drought,' highlighting its destructive nature. The term is used in various contexts in the Old Testament, primarily to denote weapons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֶ֫רֶב 411 n.f. sword (as weapon)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2719 חֶ֫רֶב sword (as weapon)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2719 chereb kheh'-reb

from 2717; drought; also a cutting instrument (from its

destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp

implement:--axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool.

see HEBREW for 02717

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֶ֫רֶב (che.rev) — sword.

1) sword, knife

1a) sword

1b) knife

1c) tools for cutting stone

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

sord.

See ARMOR, III, 5.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Sword

Of the Hebrew was pointed, sometimes two-edged, was worn in a sheath, and suspended from the girdle (Ex. 32:27; 1 Sam. 31:4; 1 Chr. 21:27; Ps. 149:6: Prov. 5:4; Ezek. 16:40; 21:3-5).

It is a symbol of divine chastisement (Deut. 32:25; Ps. 7:12; 78:62), and of a slanderous tongue (Ps. 57:4; 64:3; Prov. 12:18). The word of God is likened also to a…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

[ARMS, ARMOR]

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Used by

Gideon Jud 7:20

Goliath 1Sa 21:9

Peter Mt 26:51; Joh 18:10

→ David' s army equipped with 1Ch 21:5

→ To be beaten into plowshares Isa 2:4; Mic 4:3

→ Made of plowshares Joe 3:10

→ Two-edged Heb 4:12; Re 1:16; 2:12

→ FIGURATIVE

Of war Ge 27:40

a sword against the empty talkers and they will become fools a sword against warriors its and they will be shattered
אֶל־'el- against H413 Preposition
5,518× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Tyndale gloss
to(wards)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),

prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place

Where the limit is actually entered, into

Of direction towards anything

Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

Of rule or standard according to (rare)

Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place

. Where the limit is actually entered, into

. Of direction towards anything

. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

. Of rule or standard according to (rare)

. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

413 'el ale

(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});

a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but

occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or

among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,

against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,

by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,

over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,

with(-in).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶל (el) — to(wards).

1) to, toward, unto (of motion)

2) into (limit is actually entered)

2a) in among

3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)

4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)

5) in addition to, to

6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of

7) according to (rule or standard)

8) at, by, against (of one's presence)

9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a-genst' (kata; enantion; pros): Preposition expressing contrast. When used of direction, equivalent to "toward" (Mt 10:35; 12:14, etc.); when of position, meaning "opposite," "facing," "in front of" (1Ki 7:5; Ge 15:10, Ro 8:31); when of action, "opposed to" (Mt 5:11; 26:59; 1Co 4:6); "in resistance to" (Heb 12:4); "provision for" (Greek eis, literally, "unto, toward" (1Ti 6:19)). Sometimes also applied to what breaks an established order as "customs" (

a sword against the empty talkers and they will become fools a sword against warriors its and they will be shattered
גִּבּוֹרֶ֖יהָgi.bo.Rei.ha warriors its H1368 Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
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 champions
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 | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HNcmpc/Sp3fs
a sword against the empty talkers and they will become fools a sword against warriors its and they will be shattered
וָחָֽתּוּ׃va.Cha.tu and they will be shattered H2865 Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person common plural
52× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To be completely broken or shattered, either physically or emotionally, causing fear or dismay, as in Psalm 6:2.
Amplified meaning
dismayed, broken, shattered
Tyndale gloss
to to be dismayed
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word חָתַת (chathath) is a primitive root meaning to prostrate, break down, or cause dismay. It encompasses a range of meanings including being shattered, dismayed, or terrified, and can be used in various forms such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of breaking or causing fear. The entries do not indicate any significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[חָתַת] vb. be shattered, dismayed

Qal

be shattered, broken

be dismayed

Niph. and at my name he is put in awe

Pi. dismay, scare

Hiph.

shatter

cause to be dismayed

dismay, terrify

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2865 חָתַת be shattered, dismayed

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2865 chathath khaw-thath'

a primitive root; properly, to prostrate; hence, to break

down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by

confusion and fear:--abolish, affright, be (make) afraid,

amaze, beat down, discourage, (cause to) dismay, go down,

scare, terrify.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָתַת (cha.tat) — to to be dismayed.

1) to be shattered, be dismayed, be broken, be abolished, be afraid

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to be shattered, be broken

1a2) to be dismayed

1b) (Niphal) to be broken, be dismayed

1c) (Piel) to be shattered, be dismayed, be scared

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to be dismayed

1d2) to dismay, terrify

1d3) to shatter

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-3cp — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person common plural
Hc/Vqq3cp
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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