Job 23:8 — Word Study
WLCהֵ֤ן קֶ֣דֶם אֶהֱלֹ֣ךְ וְאֵינֶ֑נּוּ וְ֝אָח֗וֹר וְֽלֹא־ אָבִ֥ין לֽוֹ׃
BSAIfhên I gohâlak▸ [to the front, eastward] ◂eastqedem He is not thereʼayin [cannot be found, I do not see Him] and if I go westʼâchôwr [to the back, westward] I cannotlôʼ findbîyn▸ [perceive, understand]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| הֵ֤ן | here! | Particle |
| קֶ֣דֶם | forward | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| אֶהֱלֹ֣ךְ | I go | Verb, Qal, imperfect first person common singular |
| וְאֵינֶ֑נּוּ | and there not [is] he | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| וְ֝אָח֗וֹר | and backwards | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְֽלֹא־ | and not | Conjunction, particle |
| אָבִ֥ין | I perceive | Verb, Qal, imperfect first person common singular |
| לֽוֹ׃ | him | Preposition, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | If I go east, He is not there, and if I go west, I cannot find Him. |
| KJV | Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: |
| ASV | Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; And backward, but I cannot perceive him; |
| YLT | Lo, forward I go — and He is not, And backward — and I perceive him not. |
| WEB | “If I go east, he is not there. If I go west, I can’t find him. |
| BBE | See, I go forward, but he is not there; and back, but I do not see him; |
Where they part company is אֵינֶ֑נּוּ — see How Translations Differ.
The verse contains two main clauses connected by 'and', each with a conditional phrase indicating Job's search and the resulting absence of God.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbהָלַךְ
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 23:8
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 Search for Godgenerated
Job 23:8 captures Job's lament as he searches for God in his distress. He feels that no matter which direction he goes, God remains hidden from him. This reflects Job's deep anguish and the struggle to understand his suffering in the absence of divine clarity. The surrounding verses illustrate Job's desire to confront God and seek understanding, highlighting the tension between human suffering and the perceived silence of God.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 9:11 | Were He to pass by me, I would not see Him; were He to move, I would not recognize Him. |
| 2 | Psalm 10:1 | Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble? |
| 3 | Psalm 13:1–3 | How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? |
| 4 | Isaiah 45:15 | Truly You are a God who hides Himself, O God of Israel, the Savior. |
| 5 | 1 Timothy 6:16 | He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אֶהֱלֹ֣ךְ, 'e.he.Lokhgenerated
The verb אֶהֱלֹ֣ךְ ('e.he.Lokh) is derived from the root הָלַךְ (halak), meaning 'to go' or 'to walk.' It is in the imperfect tense, first person singular, indicating an ongoing action or intention. In this context, Job expresses his determination to seek God, emphasizing his active pursuit despite the futility he feels.
This word conveys both physical movement and a metaphorical journey, reflecting Job's inner turmoil as he seeks understanding and connection with God amidst his suffering.
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 verse is structured with two main clauses connected by the conjunction וְ (ve, 'and'), each beginning with a conditional phrase: אֶהֱלֹ֣ךְ ('I go') and וְאֵינֶ֑נּוּ ('He is not'). The first clause presents Job's action of going east, while the second expresses the result of that action, emphasizing the elusive nature of God.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on Job's search, leading with the verb אֶהֱלֹ֣ךְ to highlight his active pursuit, followed by the negation of finding God, which underscores his despair.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew אֶהֱלֹ֣ךְ is rendered as πορεύσομαι (poreusomai), which also means 'to go' or 'to journey.' This choice reflects a similar emphasis on movement, but the Greek word may carry a slightly different nuance of intention or purpose in the journey.
The translation of וְאֵינֶ֑נּוּ with εἰμί (eimi, 'to be') suggests a focus on existence, reinforcing Job's feeling of God's absence in a more existential sense.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 23:8 shows Job's deep anguish as he declares that no matter if he goes east or west, he cannot find God. This highlights his feeling of abandonment and the struggle to understand his suffering, as he longs for a connection with the divine.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Job expresses his feeling of God's absence during his suffering, indicating a deep sense of despair and longing for understanding.
Job uses these directions to illustrate the extent of his search for God, emphasizing that no matter where he looks, he feels God is not present.
This verse encapsulates Job's struggle with his faith and understanding of divine justice, as he seeks answers in the midst of his pain.
Job's search reflects the human experience of seeking God in times of trouble, reminding us that feelings of abandonment can occur even in the faithful.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I felt distant from God during difficult times?
- How can I seek God more actively in my life, even when I feel He is absent?
- What does this verse teach me about the nature of suffering and the search for understanding?
- How can I support others who may feel abandoned or lost in their faith?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentators, such as Gregory the Dialogist, reflect on Job's search for God, discussing the implications of divine absence in the face of suffering.
If I go to the East, He appeareth not; if I go to the West, I shall not understand Him; if I go to the left hand, what shall I do? I shall not comprehend Him; if I turn myself to the right hand I shall not see Him.Early Church Fathers on Job 23 →
The real meaning is this, “Suppose I willingly submit the judgment of my actions to the eyes of the Lord.” What happens to me? God is invisible in his nature.Early Church Fathers on Job 23 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 23:8 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleBehold, I go forward, but he [is] not [there],.... Job here returns to what he had said before, Job 23:3; as Jarchi observes, where he expresses his earnest desire after God, that he might know where
Read John Gill on Job 23 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryBehold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: But I wish in vain. For "behold," etc.
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 23 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleI go forward, i.e. towards the east, which in Scripture is accounted the forepart of the world, as the Hebrew name of it signifies, because of the light of the sun, which ariseth there, and draweth the eye of men towards it. He is not there, to wit, so as I would have him, as a judge to hear and determine my cause, of which he is here speaking; for otherwise he knew and believed that God was essentially present in all places. Backward, i.e. towards the west; so also the north is called the left hand, and the south the right hand, , because so they all are to a man who looks towards the east. He names all the several parts of the world, to show his eager desire and restless endeavours to…
Read Matthew Poole on Job 23 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 23:8 Behold, I go forward, but he [is] not [there]; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:Ver. 8. Behold, I go forward] Heb. Eastward, which is reckoned the forepart of the world; because that eye of the world, the sun, riseth there; and every man looketh to the rising sun. But he is not there] sc. In that sort, as I desired to find him, Job 23:3, he is not visible to me; he is too subtile for sinew or sight to seize upon; his judgments also are unsearchable, and his paths past finding out. True it is, that the whole world is nothing else but Deus explicatus, God expounded, a mirror or theatre wherein God may he seen; yea, felt and found out by those who are blind, Acts 17:27. If a…
Read John Trapp on Job 23 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 8. Behold, I go forward] These two verses paint in vivid colours the distress and anxiety of a soul in search of the favour of God. No means are left untried, no place unexplored, in order to find the object of his research. This is a true description of the conduct of a genuine penitent.
Read AdamClarke on Job 23 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges8–9. From this fascinating dream of a Divine tribunal after the manner of that of a human judge, Job awakens to realise the actual circumstances in which he is placed. God, everywhere present, everywhere eludes him; he feels His omnipotent power, but in vain seeks to see His face.
Read Cambridge on Job 23 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleBehold, I go forward - The meaning of these verses is, I go in all directions, but I cannot find God. I am excluded from the trial which I seek, and I cannot bring my cause to his throne.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 23 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible8. Forward — Or, eastward. The Orientals determined the cardinal points by facing the east; unlike ourselves, who, for reasons not so natural, confront the north, making this the starting point.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Job 23 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
If I go east, He is not there, and if I go west, I cannot find Him.
“If I go east, he is not there. If I go west, I can’t find him.
If I go east, He is not there, and if I go west, I cannot find Him.
“If I go to the east, he is not there, and to the west, yet I do not perceive him.
Tyndale line
Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; And backward, but I cannot perceive him;
Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
Behold, I go forward, but he is not there ; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
Behold, if I go to the East, he is not there: if to the West, yet I can not perceiue him:
Strictly literal
Lo, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I do not perceive him;
Lo, forward I go — and He is not, And backward — and I perceive him not.
Behold, I go forward—and He is not, || And backward—and I do not perceive Him.
But, lo, I go eastward—and he is not there; and to the west— and I cannot perceive him;
See, I go eastward, but he is not there, and westward, but I cannot perceive him.
From the Latin
But if I go to the east, he appeareth not; if to the west, I shall not understand him.
Simplified
If I go to the east, he's not there; if I go the west, I don't find him.
See, I go forward, but he is not there; and back, but I do not see him;
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 presents Job 23:8 as הֵ֤ן קֶ֣דֶם אֶהֱלֹ֣ךְ וְאֵינֶ֑נּוּ וְ֝אָח֗וֹר וְֽלֹא־ אָבִ֥ין לֽוֹ׃, while the Septuagint matches 7 of the 8 words. The slight differences in word choice reflect the translators' interpretations but maintain the core message of Job's search for God.
הֵ֤ן קֶ֣דֶם אֶהֱלֹ֣ךְ וְאֵינֶ֑נּוּ וְ֝אָח֗וֹר וְֽלֹא־ אָבִ֥ין לֽוֹ׃
7 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.
Lexicons — every word in Job 23:8
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.
הֵן (hen) is a demonstrative adverb or interjection meaning 'lo!' or 'behold!'. It is primarily used to draw attention to a fact that prompts action or leads to a conclusion. The word can also express surprise and is less common than its counterpart הִנֵּה (hinneh). Additionally, it can function hypothetically as 'if'.
הֵן 100 demonstr.adv. or interj. lo!, behold (on etym. v. הִנֵּה), less widely used than הִנֵּה, and in prose mostly confined to calling attention to some fact upon which action is to be taken, or a conclusion based
base
H2005 הֵן demonstr. adv. or interj. lo!, behold (on etym. v. הִנֵּה), less widely used than הִנֵּה, and in prose mostly confined to calling attention to some fact upon which action is to be taken, or a conclusion based
2005 hen hane
a primitive particle; lo!; also (as expressing surprise)
if:--behold, if, lo, though.
הֵן (hen) — look!.
interj
1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part
2) if
Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Part — ParticleHTj
her, in composition:
The Hebrew word קֶ֫דֶם (*qedem*) means 'east' and also refers to 'front' or 'ancient time.' It is derived from another root and can indicate direction (eastward) or time (aforetime, antiquity). The entries highlight its use in various contexts, including geographical and temporal references, but do not present any significant disagreements among lexicons.
קֶ֫דֶם n.[m.] front, east, aforetime
loc.
front
East; elsewh. מִקּ׳ = eastward
temp., ancient time, aforetime:
הַרְרֵי ק׳ Dt 33:15 ancient mts.
בִּימֵי ק׳ ψ 44:2 in ancient days
מִקּ׳ from of old
ק׳ alone, as adv. anciently, of old
beginning
base
[קֵ֫דֶם], קֵ֫דְמָה adv. eastward, to, toward the E.
base
H6924a קֶ֫דֶם front, east, aforetime . loc. . front
. East
. temp. ancient time, aforetime
H6924b קֵ֫דֶם, קֵ֫דְמָה eastward, to, toward the E.
6924 qedem keh'-dem
or qedmah {kayd'-maw}; from 6923; the front, of place
(absolutely, the fore part, relatively the East) or time
(antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently,
eastward):--aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end,
part, side, -ward), eternal, X ever(-lasting), forward, old,
past. Compare 6926.
see HEBREW for 06923
see HEBREW for 06926
קֶ֫דֶם (qe.dem) — East.
This name means east, antiquity, front
קֵ֫דֶם (qe.dem) — east.
adv
eastward, to or toward the East
Another spelling of qe.dem (קֶ֫דֶם ": east" H6924)
קֶ֫דֶם (qe.dem) — front: east.
: east
1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime
1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East
1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time
1c) anciently, of old (adverb)
1d) beginning
1e) east
קֶ֫דֶם (qe.dem) — front: old.
: old/ancient
1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime
1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East
1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time
1c) anciently, of old (adverb)
1d) beginning
1e) east
קֶ֫דֶם (qe.dem) — front: forward.
: forward
1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
הָלַךְ (halak) means 'to go,' 'come,' or 'walk,' and covers a wide range of literal and figurative uses, including aspects of life and death. It can describe physical movement, moral conduct, and even influence on character. The verb appears in various forms, such as Qal, Piel, and Hithpael, indicating different nuances like leading or traversing.
הָלַךְ 1546 vb. go, come, walk
Qal Impf. usually (629 t.) as if from ילך
lit.
of persons
Also of animals, in similar meanings and combinations
in like manner of inanimate things
The inf. abs. is often used
as in other vbs., quite independently
to intensify meaning of finite form
most noteworthy is the joining of the Inf. abs.
with a following Inf. abs. denoting a simutaneous action or process, and so emphasizing duration or continuance
with a foll. vb. fin. c. ו consec. (rare)
in cases where vb. fin. is foll. by Inf. abs. adj. denoting progress, advance
twice, where vb. fin. is not הלך, but another vb. denoting motion
quite by itself
13 t. the Inf. abs. = Imv. & is followed by Pf. consec.
akin to the use of Inf. abs. are some instances of Pt.
In combination with other verbal forms
Fig.; the most common uses follow; in most the origin in a literal meaning is evident:
pass away, die
H1980 הָלַךְ go, come, walk .Impf. usually (629 t.) as if from ילך . lit. . of persons
. Also of animals, in similar meanings and combinations
. in like manner of inanimate things
. The inf. abs. is often used . as in other vbs., quite independently
. to intensify meaning of finite form
. most noteworthy is the joining of the Inf. abs. . with a following Inf. abs. denoting a simutaneous action or process, and so emphasizing duration or continuance
. with a foll. vb. fin. c. ו consec. (rare)
. in cases where vb. fin. is foll. by Inf. abs. + adj. denoting progress, advance
. twice, where vb. fin. is not הלך, but another vb. denoting motion
. quite by itself
. 13 t. the Inf. abs. = Imv. & is followed by Pf. consec.
. akin to the use of Inf. abs. are some instances of Pt.
. In combination with other verbal forms
1980 halak haw-lak'
akin to 3212; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety
of applications, literally and figuratively):--(all) along,
apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant,
depart, + be eased, enter, exercise (self), + follow, forth,
forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on,
out, up and down), + greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead,
march, X more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away),
be at the point, quite, run (along), + send, speedily, spread,
still, surely, + tale-bearer, + travel(-ler), walk (abroad,
on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax,
(way-)faring man, X be weak, whirl.
see HEBREW for 03212
הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: went.
: went/go[away]
1) to go, walk, come
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away
1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to walk
1b2) to walk (fig.)
1c) (Hithpael)
1c1) to traverse
1c2) to walk about
1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: come.
: come[nearer]
1) to go, walk, come
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away
1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to walk
1b2) to walk (fig.)
1c) (Hithpael)
1c1) to traverse
1c2) to walk about
1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: walk.
: walk/move
1) to go, walk, come
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away
1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to walk
1b2) to walk (fig.)
1c) (Hithpael)
1c1) to traverse
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs — Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common singularHVqi1cs
(halakh, yalakh, bo', yatsa'; ago, hupago, anabaino, erchomi, aperchomai, poreuomai): "Go" ("went," etc.) occurs very frequently in the English Bible, and is the translation of a great many different Hebrew and Greek terms. As the word implies movement of all kinds, physical and mental, it has naturally many applications.
1. In the Old Testament:
In the Old Testament halakh and yalakh are among the commonest words, meaning "to go" in its original sense of "to walk," but also in the most varied senses, according to the verbal conjugations, etc., the preposition attached, and the words in connection with which the terms stand; halakh and yalakh are often used figuratively (translated "to walk," etc.) for to live, to pursue a way of life, e.g. "to walk ever in his ways" (De 19:9; compare
אַ֫יִן (ayin) primarily means 'nothing' or 'nought' and serves as a negative particle indicating absence or negation, such as 'is not' or 'there is not.' It can also express lack of possession or existence. The word is derived from a root meaning to be non-existent, and it appears frequently in various grammatical constructions.
אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought
to nothing, as nothing
cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not
אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not
in circumst. clauses
with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …
with prefixes
base
H369 אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought . to nothing, as nothing
. cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not
. אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not
. in circumst. clauses
. with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …
. with prefixes
369 'ayin ah'-yin
as if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not
exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative
particle:--else, except, fail, (father-)less, be gone,
in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any,
thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable),
well-nigh, without. Compare 370.
see HEBREW for 0370
אַ֫יִן (a.yin) — nothing.
1) nothing, not, nought n
1a) nothing, nought neg
1b) not
1c) to have not (of possession) adv
1d) without w/prep
1e) for lack of
Conj | Part | Suff — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHC/Ncmsc/Sp3ms
ha: The fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet; transliterated in this Encyclopedia as "h." It came also to be used for the number 5. For name, etc., see ALPHABET.
אָחוֹר (achowr) refers to the hinder side or back part of something. It can also imply a direction, meaning backward or behind, and has temporal uses, indicating a time to come or hereafter. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to be behind' and encompasses various contexts, including physical and temporal references.
אָחוֹר 41 subst. the hinder side, back part
base
H268 אָחוֹר the hinder side, back part
268 'achowr aw-khore'
or (shortened) achor {aw-khore'}; from 299; the hinder part;
hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the
West:--after(-ward), back (part, -side, -ward), hereafter,
(be-)hind(-er part), time to come, without.
see HEBREW for 0299
אָחוֹר (a.chor) — back.
1) the back side, the rear
1a) backwards
1b) hereafter (of time)
1c) behind
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Conj | Part — Conjunction · particleHC/Tn
בִּין (biyn) is a Hebrew verb meaning to discern or understand. It encompasses a range of meanings including perceiving, considering, and teaching, with various forms indicating different nuances, such as being intelligent or discreet. The entries highlight its use in contexts requiring mental separation or insight, but do not present any significant disagreement among lexicographers.
בִּין vb. discern
Qal
perceive
understand, know (with mind)
observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)
have discernment, insight, understanding
Niph. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding
Po. he attentively considereth him
Hiph.
understand
give heed to, attend to, observe, discern
give understanding, make understand, teach
Hithp.
shew oneself attentive, consider diligently
get understanding, understand
shew oneself to have understanding
base
H995 בִּין discern .. perceive
. understand, know (with mind)
. observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)
. have discernment, insight, understanding
. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding
. he attentively considereth him
. . understand
. give heed to, attend to, observe, discern
. give understanding, make understand, teach
. . shew oneself attentive, consider diligently
. get understanding, understand
. shew oneself to have understanding
995 biyn bene
a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish),
i.e.(generally) understand:--attend, consider, be cunning,
diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct,
have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be
prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause,
make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal)
wise(-ly, man).
בִּין (bin) — to understand.
1) to discern, understand, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to perceive, discern
1a2) to understand, know (with the mind)
1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider
1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding
1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to understand
1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach
1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently
1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct
2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs — Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common singularHVqi1cs
וֹ (o) — him.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine singular
HR/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp3ms
