Job 20:3 — Word Study
WLCמוּסַ֣ר כְּלִמָּתִ֣י אֶשְׁמָ֑ע וְ֝ר֗וּחַ מִֽבִּינָתִ֥י יַעֲנֵֽנִי׃
BSAI have heardshâmaʻ▸ [listened to, given attention to] a rebukemûwçâr [reproof, correction] that insults mekᵉlimmâh [puts to shame, disgraces] and my understandingbîynâh [discernment, wisdom] prompts a replyʻânâh▸ [causes, leads, answer, response]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| מוּסַ֣ר | [the] correction of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| כְּלִמָּתִ֣י | insult my | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| אֶשְׁמָ֑ע | I have heard | Verb, Qal, imperfect first person common singular |
| וְ֝ר֗וּחַ | and a spirit | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| מִֽבִּינָתִ֥י | from understanding my | Preposition, noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| יַעֲנֵֽנִי׃ | it answers me | Verb qal imperfect third person masculine singular, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply. |
| KJV | I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer. |
| ASV | I have heard the reproof which putteth me to shame; And the spirit of my understanding answereth me. |
| YLT | The chastisement of my shame I hear, And the spirit of mine understanding Doth cause me to answer: |
| WEB | I have heard the reproof which puts me to shame. The spirit of my understanding answers me. |
| BBE | I have to give ear to arguments which put me to shame, and your answers to me are wind without wisdom. |
Where they part company is מוּסָר — see How Translations Differ.
One main clause with two subordinate phrases detailing the nature of the rebuke and Job's understanding.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectרוּחַ
verbשָׁמַע
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Job 20:3
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 — Job's Response to Rebukegenerated
Job 20:3 captures Job's reaction to a rebuke that he finds insulting. He acknowledges the correction he has heard and feels a strong urge to respond, driven by his understanding and the turmoil within him. This verse is part of Job's larger dialogue on the nature of suffering and the fleeting triumph of the wicked, as he grapples with his own experiences of injustice and pain.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 19:29 | then you should fear the sword yourselves, because wrath brings punishment by the sword, so that you may know there is a judgment.” |
| 2 | Job 20:2 | “So my anxious thoughts compel me to answer, because of the turmoil within me. |
| 3 | Job 27:11 | I will instruct you in the power of God. I will not conceal the ways of the Almighty. |
| 4 | Job 33:3 | My words are from an upright heart, and my lips speak sincerely what I know. |
| 5 | Psalm 49:3 | My mouth will impart wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will bring understanding. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — מוּסָר, mu.Sargenerated
The noun מוּסָר (mūsar) denotes correction or discipline, often associated with moral instruction. It emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and is frequently used in contexts where guidance is necessary. The parsing indicates it is a masculine singular construct noun, suggesting it functions as a specific type of correction directed at Job in this instance.
This term can imply a broader moral teaching, as seen in its occurrences throughout the Hebrew Bible, where it often relates to divine guidance. The lexicons reinforce this by highlighting its instructional nature and moral implications, making it clear that Job is not merely hearing a reprimand but is also being offered a chance for growth through understanding.
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 finite verb אֶשְׁמָע (eshma'), meaning I have heard, governs the entire verse, with two noun phrases following: one describing the rebuke and the other the understanding that prompts a response. The structure indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, where Job's hearing leads directly to his need to reply.
The arrangement of the clauses highlights Job's emotional state, with the rebuke and his understanding presented as interconnected elements that drive his response. The word order emphasizes the significance of the rebuke in relation to Job's inner turmoil.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates מוּסָר as παιδείαν (paideian), which means discipline. This choice reflects a broader understanding of correction, emphasizing the educational aspect of the rebuke Job has received.
The use of μου for כְּלִמָּה indicates a direct connection to Job's feelings of shame, suggesting that the translators recognized the emotional weight of the term in this context.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 20:3 shows Job responding to a rebuke that he finds insulting. He acknowledges the correction he has heard and feels compelled to reply, driven by his understanding. This moment reflects Job's struggle with the injustices he faces and his desire to articulate his thoughts.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Job refers to a correction he has received that he perceives as shameful or degrading, highlighting his emotional response to the criticism.
Job's understanding and discernment prompt him to articulate his thoughts, indicating that he has a strong need to defend himself and clarify his position.
This verse encapsulates Job's struggle with suffering and injustice, as he grapples with the rebukes he receives while seeking to understand his own experiences.
In this context, 'understanding' refers to Job's discernment and wisdom, which lead him to feel the need to respond to the rebuke he has heard.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How do I respond to criticism or rebuke in my own life? Do I take time to reflect before replying?
- What role does understanding play in how I interpret the words of others?
- In what ways can I learn from the corrections I receive, even when they feel insulting?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of discernment to navigate difficult conversations?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early commentary from Gregory the Dialogist interprets Job's response to the rebuke, emphasizing the lesson he learns from it.
Ver. 3. The lesson whereby thou dost reproach me I will hear; and the spirit of my understanding will answer me. 2. As though he said in plain words;Early Church Fathers on Job 20 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 20:3 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleI have heard the check of my reproach,.... He took it that Job had reproached him and his friends, by representing them as hardhearted men, and persecuting him wrongly in a violent manner; and he had
Read John Gill on Job 20 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryI have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer. Check of my reproach - i:e., the castigation intended as a reproach (literally, shame) to me (Job 19:29).
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 20 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleI have heard from thy mouth. Or, Shall I hear, to wit, with patience, and without a reply? Who can endure it? The check of my reproach, i.e. thy shameful and opprobrious reproofs of us, as if we and all thy friends were void of all humanity and natural affection towards them, and were haters, and cruel persecutors, and even devourers, of thee, ,22; and as if we were guilty of most heinous crimes, and might expect God’ s vengeance upon us. The spirit, i.e. my soul or mind. Of my understanding, or, because of (for so the Hebrew mem oft signifies) my understanding i.e. out of, or because of, that certain knowledge which I have of this matter from study and experience; I have not spoken, and I…
Read Matthew Poole on Job 20 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 20:3 I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.Ver. 3. I have heard the check of my reproach] Zophar conceived himself disgraced as well as menaced by Job; and this kindled him. Some are of so testy a nature, saith one, so skittish and unquiet humour, that a little offensive breath, a disgraceful word, blows them up into a rage that will not be laid down, without revenge, or reparation of their credits. Job’ s reproofs were by this man construed for reproaches; and what was spoken to them all he applied to himself. It appeareth that he was sick of a Noli me tangere, when being touched so gently, nettle like, he stingeth him who…
Read John Trapp on Job 20 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(3) I have heard the check of my reproach.—Rather, I have heard, or, I hear the reproof of my shame: that is, a reproof that puts me to shame, or is intended to do so. The spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.—Or, more literally, Out of my understanding my spirit answereth me, or causeth me to answer. He professes to be moved by an impulse within, which he cannot but obey.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Job 20 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 3. I have heard the check of my reproach] Some suppose that Zophar quotes the words of Job, and that some words should be supplied to indicate this meaning; e.g., "I have heard (sayest thou) the check or charge of my reproach?" Or it may refer to what Job says of Zophar and his companions, Job 19:2; Job 19:3: How long will ye vex may soul-these ten times have ye reproached me. Zophar therefore assumes his old ground, and retracts nothing of what he had said. Like many of his own complexion in the present day, he was determined to believe that his judgment was infallible, and that he could not err.
Read AdamClarke on Job 20 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges2, 3. Zophar is roused to indignation by Job’s perverse blindness to unalterable principles experienced since the world was. The verses should perhaps read, 2. Therefore do my thoughts make answer to me, And because of this have I haste within me: 3. I hear the rebuke that putteth me to shame— But the spirit out of my understanding answereth me. The words “therefore” and “because of this” refer to the first clause of Job 20:3.—I hear the rebuke that puts me to shame (i. e. Job’s last words), therefore do my thoughts make answer to me, and because of this have I inward haste, i. e. strong feeling. The speaker means that he feels driven to answer Job by the exasperating words of the latter…
Read Cambridge on Job 20 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleI have heard the check of my reproach - I have heard your violent and severe language reproaching us.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 20 →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
I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply.
I have heard the reproof which puts me to shame. The spirit of my understanding answers me.
I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply.
When I hear a reproof that dishonors me, then my understanding prompts me to answer.
Tyndale line
I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.
I have heard the reproof which putteth me to shame; And the spirit of my understanding answereth me.
I have heard the reproof which putteth me to shame, and the spirit of my understanding answereth me.
I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.
I haue heard the correction of my reproch: therefore the spirite of mine vnderstanding causeth me to answere.
Strictly literal
I hear a reproof putting me to shame; and [my] spirit answereth me by mine understanding.
The chastisement of my shame I hear, And the spirit of mine understanding Doth cause me to answer:
I hear the discipline of my shame, || And the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer:
Reproof which casteth shame on me must I hear; yet out of my understanding will the spirit give me an answer.
I hear a rebuke that dishonors me, but a spirit from my understanding answers me.
From the Latin
The doctrine with which thou reprovest me, I will hear, and the spirit of my understanding shall answer for me.
Simplified
What I hear you say insults me, but I know how to reply to you!
I have to give ear to arguments which put me to shame, and your answers to me are wind without wisdom.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text of Job 20:3 reads, "מוּסַ֣ר כְּלִמָּתִ֣י אֶשְׁמָ֑ע וְ֝ר֗וּחַ מִֽבִּינָתִ֥י יַעֲנֵֽנִי׃" which translates to, "I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply." The Septuagint agrees closely with the Masoretic Text, maintaining the same meaning and structure, but it presents the words in a different order and uses its own articles. The Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls do not provide a variant reading for this verse, thus supporting the text found in the Masoretic Text.
מוּסַ֣ר כְּלִמָּתִ֣י אֶשְׁמָ֑ע וְ֝ר֗וּחַ מִֽבִּינָתִ֥י יַעֲנֵֽנִי׃
6 of the 6 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.
Lexicons — every word in Job 20:3
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.
מוּסָר (mūsar) refers to discipline, chastening, and correction, particularly of a moral nature. It encompasses concepts like reproof, warning, and instruction, and can also imply restraint or bonds. The entries consistently highlight its focus on moral and instructional aspects, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
מוּסָר n.m. discipline (of the moral nature), chastening, correction
base
H4148 מוּסָר discipline (of the moral nature), chastening, correction
4148 muwcar moo-sawr'
from 3256; properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof,
warning or instruction; also restraint:--bond, chastening
((-eth)), chastisement, check, correction, discipline,
doctrine, instruction, rebuke.
see HEBREW for 03256
מוּסָר (mu.sar) — discipline.
: discipline/punishment
1) discipline, chastening, correction
1a) discipline, correction
1b) chastening
מוּסָר (mu.sar) — discipline: instruction.
: instruction
1) discipline, chastening, correction
1a) discipline, correction
1b) chastening
מוּסָר (mu.sar) — discipline: bonds.
: bonds/noose
1) discipline, chastening, correction
1a) discipline, correction
1b) chastening
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
כְּלִמָּה (klimmah) refers to concepts of disgrace, reproach, and shame. It encompasses meanings such as insult, dishonor, and ignominy. The word is derived from a root that suggests confusion or dishonor, reflecting a range of negative social perceptions.
כְּלִמָּה n.f. insult, reproach, ignominy
base
H3639 כְּלִמָּה insult, reproach, ignominy
3639 klimmah kel-im-maw'
from 3637; disgrace:--confusion, dishonour, reproach, shame.
see HEBREW for 03637
כְּלִמָּה (ke.lim.mah) — shame.
1) disgrace, reproach, shame, confusion, dishonour, insult, ignominy
1a) insult, reproach
1b) reproach, ignominy
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp1bs
The Hebrew word שָׁמַע (shama`) means 'to hear' and encompasses a range of meanings including listening, obeying, and proclaiming. It is built from a primitive root and can imply attention and understanding. The entries highlight various grammatical forms, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of hearing and obeying. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
שָׁמַע 1152 vb. hear
Qal 1052
subj. pers. hum.
י׳ (God) subj.
Niph. 42 be heard, of voice, sound
be heard of
be regarded, obeyed
= (favourable) hearing was granted to their voice.
Pi. he caused the people to hear
Hiph. 63
of man
י׳ subj.
base
H8085 שָׁמַע hear
8085 shama` shaw-mah'
a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with
implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to
tell, etc.):--X attentively, call (gather) together, X
carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content,
declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make
to) hear(-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be)
obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish,
regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell,
understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.
שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: hear.
: hear
v
1) to hear, listen to, obey
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)
1a2) to hear of or concerning
1a3) to hear (have power to hear)
1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to
1a5) to understand (language)
1a6) to hear (of judicial cases)
1a7) to listen, give heed
1a7a) to consent, agree
1a7b) to grant request
1a8) to listen to, yield to
1a9) to obey, be obedient
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound)
1b2) to be heard of
1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed
1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound
1d2) to sound aloud (musical term)
1d3) to make proclamation, summon
1d4) to cause to be heard
n m
2) sound
שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: obey.
: obey
v
1) to hear, listen to, obey
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)
1a2) to hear of or concerning
1a3) to hear (have power to hear)
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs — Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common singularHVqi1cs
רוּחַ (ruach) means breath, wind, or spirit. It encompasses various meanings, including the breath of life, emotional disposition, and the spirit of God. The term can refer to both physical phenomena, like wind, and abstract concepts, such as moral character or mental acts. Notably, it is used frequently in the context of divine inspiration and the Holy Spirit.
רוּחַ 378 n.f. (less oft. m.) breath, wind, spirit
breath of mouth or nostrils (33 t.)
wind (117 t.)
spirit, as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation = temper, disposition (76 t.)
spirit of the living, breathing being
spirit as seat of emotion
occasionally (and late) = seat or organ of mental acts
rarely of the will
רוּחַ esp. of moral character
spirit of God (94 t.)
base
H7307 רוּחַ breath, wind, spirit . breath of mouth or nostrils (33 t.)
. wind (117 t.)
. spirit, as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation = temper, disposition (76 t.)
. spirit of the living, breathing being
. spirit as seat of emotion
. occasionally (and late) = seat or organ of mental acts
. rarely of the will
. רוּחַ esp. of moral character
. spirit of God (94 t.)
7307 ruwach roo'-akh
from 7306; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or
even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger,
unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by
resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including
its expression and functions):--air, anger, blast, breath, X
cool, courage, mind, X quarter, X side, spirit((-ual)),
tempest, X vain, ((whirl-))wind(-y).
see HEBREW for 07306
רוּחַ (ru.ach) — spirit.
: spirit
1) wind, breath, mind, spirit
1a) breath
1b) wind
1b1) of heaven
1b2) quarter (of wind), side
1b3) breath of air
1b4) air, gas
1b5) vain, empty thing
1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation)
1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour
1c2) courage
1c3) temper, anger
1c4) impatience, patience
1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented)
1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse
1c7) prophetic spirit
1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals)
1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being
1e) spirit (as seat of emotion)
1e1) desire
1e2) sorrow, trouble
1f) spirit
1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts
1f2) rarely of the will
1f3) as seat especially of moral character
HC/Ncfsa — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular absoluteHC/Ncfsa
spir'-it (ruach; pneuma; Latin, spiritus):
1. Primary and Figurative Senses
(1) As Wind, Breath
(2) As Anger or Fury
(3) As Mental and Moral Qualities in Man
2. Shades of Meaning
(1) As Life-Principle
(2) As Surviving Death
(3) Spiritual Manifestations
3. Human and Divine Spirit
(1) The Human as Related with the Divine
(2) Operations of the Divine Spirit as Third Person of the Trinity
4. Old Testament Applications
5. Various Interpretations
1. Primary and Figurative Senses:
Spirit
(Heb. ruah; Gr. pneuma), properly wind or breath. In 2 Thess. 2:8 it means “breath,” and in Eccl. 8:8 the vital principle in man. It also denotes the rational, immortal soul by which man is distinguished (Acts 7:59; 1 Cor. 5:5; 6:20; 7:34), and the soul in its separate state (Heb. 12:23), and hence also an apparition (Job 4:15; Luke 24:37, 39), an angel (Heb. 1:14), and a demon (Luke 4:36; 10:20). This…
A word employed in various senses in Scripture.
1. For THE HOLY, HOLINESS SPIRIT, the third person of the Holy Trinity, who inspired the prophets, animates good men, pours his unction into our hearts, imparts to us life and comfort; and in whose name we are baptized and blessed, as well as in that of the Father and the Son. When the adjective Holy is applied to the term Spirit, we should always understand it as here explained; but there are many places whether it must be taken in this sense, although the term Holy is omitted. See HOLY, HOLINESS SPIRIT.
2. BREATH, respiration; or the principle of animal life, common to men and animal: this God has given, and this he recalls when he takes away life, Ec 3:21. See SOUL.
בִּינָה (biynah) means understanding and encompasses the act, faculty, and object of knowledge, even personified in some contexts. It is derived from the root meaning to discern or comprehend. The Aramaic equivalent is בִּינָה (H0999).
בִּינָה n.f. understanding
the act
the faculty
the object of knowledge
personified
base
H998 בִּינָה understanding . the act
. the faculty
. the object of knowledge
. personified
998 biynah bee-naw'
from 995; understanding:--knowledge, meaning, X perfectly,
understanding, wisdom.
see HEBREW for 0995
בִּינָה (bi.nah) — understanding.
1) understanding, discernment
1a) act
1b) faculty
1c) object
1d) personified
Aramaic equivalent: bi.nah (בִּינָה "understanding" H0999)
Prep | N-fs | Suff — Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncfsc/Sp1bs
The Hebrew word עָנָה (*anah*) is built from a primitive root meaning to heed or pay attention, covering a range of meanings including to answer, respond, testify, and sing. It appears in contexts where one responds to speech or circumstances, and can also refer to singing. The lexicons indicate that it can imply both verbal responses and musical expression.
[עוּן] vb. dwell
base
עָנָה 316 vb. answer, respond
Qal
answer, respond to sthg. said, actual or implied
respond to an occasion, speak in view of circumstances
money meets all demands
specif. respond as a witness, testify
less oft. make response as one accused (respondent)
Niph.
make answer
be answered
Hiph. wholly dub.; causes all things to respond in the joy of his heart
base
עָנָה vb. sing
Qal sing, utter tunefully
Pi. sing sweetly of it
base
H6030a עוּן dwell H6030b עָנָה answer, respond .. answer, respond to sthg. said, actual or implied
. . respond to an occasion, speak in view of circumstances
. money meets all demands
. . specif. respond as a witness, testify
. less oft. make response as one accused (respondent)
. . make answer
. be answered
. wholly dub.; causes all things to respond in the joy of his heart
H6030c עָנָה sing
6030 `anah aw-naw'
a primitive root; properly, to eye or (generally) to heed,
i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extens. to
begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify,
announce:--give account, afflict (by mistake for 6031),
(cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for 6031), cry,
hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, X scholar, (give a) shout, sing
(together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness.
See also 1042, 1043.
see HEBREW for 06031
see HEBREW for 06031
see HEBREW for 01042
see HEBREW for 01043
עוּן (un) — to dwell.
(Qal) to dwell
עָנָה (a.nah) — to answer.
1) to answer, respond, testify, speak, shout
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to answer, respond to
1a2) to testify, respond as a witness
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to make answer
1b2) to be answered, receive answer
Aramaic equivalent: a.nah (עֲנָה "to answer" H6032)
עָנָה (a.nah) — to sing.
(Qal) to sing, utter tunefully
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff — Verb qal imperfect third person masculine singular · suffixHVqi3ms/Sp1bs