Job 31:16 — Word Study
WLCאִם־ אֶ֭מְנַע מֵחֵ֣פֶץ דַּלִּ֑ים וְעֵינֵ֖י אַלְמָנָ֣ה אֲכַלֶּֽה׃
BSAIfʼim I have deniedmânaʻ▸ [withheld from pleasure, restrained] the desireschêphets [pleasure, delight] of the poordal [needy, weak] or allowed the widow’sʼalmânâh [caused to fail, made to wait, a woman whose husband has died, alone and vulnerable] eyesʻayin [source of hope] to failkâlâh▸ [end, come to nothing]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אִם־ | if | Particle |
| אֶ֭מְנַע | I withheld | Verb, Qal, imperfect first person common singular |
| מֵחֵ֣פֶץ | any of [the] desire of | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| דַּלִּ֑ים | poor [people] | Adj |
| וְעֵינֵ֖י | and [the] eyes of | Conjunction, noun common feminine dual construct |
| אַלְמָנָ֣ה | a widow | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| אֲכַלֶּֽה׃ | I caused to fail | Verb, Piel, imperfect first person common singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail, |
| KJV | If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; |
| ASV | If I have withheld the poor from their desire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, |
| YLT | If I withhold from pleasure the poor, And the eyes of the widow do consume, |
| WEB | “If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, |
| BBE | If I kept back the desire of the poor; if the widow's eye was looking for help to no purpose; |
The translations agree on Job's commitment to not deny the desires of the poor and the widow's eyes failing.
The sentence begins with a conditional clause, establishing Job's ethical stance, followed by two phrases detailing what he has not done.
6 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbמָנַע
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 31:16
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 Defense of His Integritygenerated
Job 31:16 is part of Job's lengthy defense, where he asserts his righteousness and the ethical treatment of the poor and widows. He emphasizes that he has not denied their desires, highlighting his commitment to justice and compassion in his life. This passage is situated in a broader context where Job reflects on his actions and their alignment with God's expectations, particularly in caring for the vulnerable.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 22:7–9 | You gave no water to the weary and withheld food from the famished, |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 15:7–10 | If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. |
| 3 | Psalm 112:9 | He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. |
| 4 | Luke 16:21 | and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. |
| 5 | Acts 11:29 | So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אֶ֭מְנַע, 'Em.na'generated
The verb מָנַע (mana) means 'to withhold' and is used here in the first person singular imperfect form, indicating an ongoing action or state. Job asserts that he has not withheld anything from the poor, emphasizing his moral responsibility to provide for those in need.
This word carries a weight of ethical obligation. It implies not just a physical withholding but also a moral failure to support the desires of the needy. Job's use of this word highlights his integrity and the seriousness with which he regards the needs of others.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree here, all conveying the sense of Job denying the desires of the poor and the widow's eyes failing.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb אֶ֭מְנַע (I withheld) governs the clause, with the object דַּלִּ֑ים (the poor) directly linked to it. The structure emphasizes Job's action and its implications for those in need.
The sentence is built around Job's declaration, with a conditional 'if' at the beginning, setting the stage for his moral reasoning and the consequences of his actions.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates אֶ֭מְנַע as ἐχέτηχα, which conveys a sense of causing to fail or to let down. This choice reflects a similar moral concern for the vulnerable, aligning with Job's assertion of integrity.
This translation choice indicates a focus on the consequences of withholding, reinforcing the ethical implications of Job's statement.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 31:16 shows Job declaring that he has not denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow's eyes to fail. This reflects his commitment to justice and care for those who are vulnerable, emphasizing the importance of compassion in his life.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Job is asserting that he has not withheld anything from the poor that they needed or desired, reflecting his ethical commitment to help those in need.
The widow represents vulnerability and need; by mentioning her, Job emphasizes his moral obligation to care for the most defenseless members of society.
Job's assertion of not withholding from the needy is part of his broader defense of his integrity and righteousness in the face of suffering and accusations.
Job's commitment highlights the importance of compassion and ethical responsibility towards those who are less fortunate, a principle that is relevant in many contexts today.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I ensure that I am not withholding help from those in need?
- How can I be more aware of the desires and needs of the vulnerable in my community?
- What actions can I take to support widows and the poor in my life?
- How does Job's example inspire me to act justly and compassionately?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentators reference Job's ethical stance, arguing from this verse to highlight the importance of caring for the poor and vulnerable.
“If I have withheld anything that the poor desired.” In order that it might not appear that by humanely treating his servants, he did not practice a real liberality but only took care of his property,Early Church Fathers on Job 31 →
If I have denied what they wished for to the poor, or have caused the eyes of the widow to wait. By these words the holy man is shewn not only to have ministered to the need of the poor, but also to their desire of having.Early Church Fathers on Job 31 →
Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 31:16 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIf I have withheld the poor from [their] desire,.... Their reasonable desires, and which it was in his power to grant; as when they desired a piece of bread, being hungry, or clothes to cover them,
Read John Gill on Job 31 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryIf I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me; Job affirms his freedom from unfairness toward his servants: from harshness and oppression toward the needy.
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 31 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleWithheld the poor from their desire, i.e. denied them what they desired of me, either in justice or from necessity; for he was not obliged to grant their vain or inordinate desires. Caused the eyes of the widow to fail, to wit, with tedious expectation of my justice or charity. I durst neither deny nor delay my help when they required and needed it.
Read Matthew Poole on Job 31 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 31:16 If I have withheld the poor from [their] desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;Ver. 16. If I have withheld the poor from their desire] The poor man speaketh supplications, he comes to the rich with his God help me, as Lazarus did, Luke 16:20-21, his very name speaks as much, but the rich answereth him roughly, Proverbs 18:23 Either the answer cutteth off half the petition, as the echo doth the voice; or else he is commanded ad quercum dicere, to tell his tale to the statues and images, as Diogenes used to do; for of living men he could get no hearing. But Job’ s suitors sped better. Pennyless they were, but not friendless; drawn dry (as the Hebrew word importeth)…
Read John Trapp on Job 31 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges16. eyes of the widow to fail] i. e. with looking in vain for help, Psalms 69:3.
Read Cambridge on Job 31 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleIf I have withheld the poor from their desire - Job now turns to another class of virtues, regarded also as of great importance in the patriarchal ages, kindness to the poor and the afflicted; to the fatherless and the widow.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 31 →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 have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail,
“If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail,
If I have refused to give the poor what they desired, or caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
Tyndale line
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
If I restrained the poore of their desire, or haue caused the eyes of the widow to faile,
Strictly literal
If I have withheld the poor from [their] desire, or caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
If I withhold from pleasure the poor, And the eyes of the widow do consume,
If I withhold the poor from pleasure, || And consume the eyes of the widow,
If ever I denied the wish of the indigent, or ever allowed the eyes of the widow to fall [in vain hopes];
If I have withheld poor people from their desire, or if I have caused the eyes of the widow to grow dim from crying,
From the Latin
If I have denied to the poor what they desired, and have made the eyes of the widow wait:
Simplified
Have I refused to give the poor what they needed, or caused widows to despair?
If I kept back the desire of the poor; if the widow's eye was looking for help to no purpose;
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 reads: אִם־ אֶ֭מְנַע מֵחֵ֣פֶץ דַּלִּ֑ים וְעֵינֵ֖י אַלְמָנָ֣ה אֲכַלֶּֽה׃. The Septuagint matches only three of the seven words, indicating some variation in wording but maintaining the core message. The Dead Sea Scrolls show a similar structure, with some words restored by an editor, confirming the general agreement with the Masoretic Text.
אִם־ אֶ֭מְנַע מֵחֵ֣פֶץ דַּלִּ֑ים וְעֵינֵ֖י אַלְמָנָ֣ה אֲכַלֶּֽה׃
3 of the 7 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.
אם אמנע מחפץ דלים ועיני אלמנה [אכלה]
5 words on the leather — 1 partly restored, 1 supplied entire by an editor.
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 31:16
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.
אִם (im) is a Hebrew conjunction primarily meaning 'if' and is used in various contexts, including conditional clauses and interrogative situations. It can also express negation, alternatives, or exceptions, and appears frequently in the Old Testament. The lexicons note its use in oaths and its ability to connect different clauses, sometimes altering their meanings.
אִם conj.
hypoth. part. if
Interrog. part.
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
H518a אִם conj. . hypoth. part. if
. Interrog. part.
H518b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
518 'im eem
a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!;
interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh
that!, when; hence, as a negative, not:--(and, can-,
doubtless, if, that) (not), + but, either, + except, +
more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or,
+ save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, + surely (no more,
none, not), though, + of a truth, + unless, + verily, when,
whereas, whether, while, + yet.
אִם (im) — if.
: if/whether_or/though
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
[כִּי] אם (ki im) — if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
אִם (im) — if: surely no.
: surely_no
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: surely yes.
: surely_yes
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: until.
: until/except
Conj — ParticleHTc
מָנַע (mana) is a Hebrew verb meaning to withhold or hold back. It can refer to denying or restraining something, either positively or negatively. The verb appears in different forms, such as Qal (to withhold) and Niphal (to be withheld). The entries do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.
מָנַע vb. withhold, hold back
Qal withhold
Niph. be withholden
base
H4513 מָנַע withhold, hold back
4513 mana` maw-nah'
a primitive root; to debar (negatively or positively) from
benefit or injury:--deny, keep (back), refrain, restrain,
withhold.
מָנַע (ma.na) — to withhold.
1) to withhold, hold back, keep back, refrain, deny, keep restrain, hinder
1a) (Qal) to withhold
1b) (Niphal) to be withheld
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs — Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common singularHVqi1cs
The Hebrew word חֵ֫פֶץ (*chephets*) primarily means delight or pleasure. It encompasses concepts of desire and longing, as well as the good pleasure or purpose of Yahweh. The word can also refer to something valuable or a matter of interest. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
חֵ֫פֶץ n.m. delight, pleasure
delight
desire, longing
the good pleasure, will, purpose, of Yahweh
that in which one takes delight, his business (late), or matter
base
H2656 חֵ֫פֶץ delight, pleasure
2656 chephets khay'-fets
from 2654; pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a
valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in
mind):--acceptable, delight(-some), desire, things desired,
matter, pleasant(-ure), purpose, willingly.
see HEBREW for 02654
חֵ֫פֶץ (che.phets) — pleasure.
1) delight, pleasure
1a) delight
1b) desire, longing
1c) the good pleasure
1d) that in which one takes delight
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
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…
The Hebrew word דַּל (dal) is built from the root meaning 'dangling' or 'weak.' It covers a range of meanings including low, weak, poor, and thin, and is particularly noted in wisdom literature and poetry. The entries consistently emphasize its connotations of neediness and weakness.
דַּל adj. low, weak, poor, thin (especially common in Wisd. lit. and poet.)
base
H1800 דַּל low, weak, poor, thin (especially common in Wisd. lit. and poet.)
1800 dal dal
from 1809; properly, dangling, i.e. (by implication) weak or
thin:--lean, needy, poor (man), weaker.
see HEBREW for 01809
דַּל (dal) — poor.
low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Adj — AdjHAampa
pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…
The Hebrew word עַ֫יִן (*'ayin*) means 'eye' and can refer to both the physical organ and its figurative uses, such as mental qualities and desires. It also denotes a 'spring' or 'fountain' of water. The entries highlight various phrases and contexts, including appearances and expressions of emotion, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.
עַ֫יִן 859 n.f. eye
lit. as physical organ
eyes as showing mental qualities
desire of the eyes, abominations of the eyes
Fig. of mental and physical faculties, acts and states
Transferred mngs.:
visible surface of earth
appearance
gleam, sparkle
Other phrases are: an eye for an eye; eye to eye; in the presence of, in full view of; of business transaction; on the forehead
base
עַ֫יִן n.f. spring (of water). Particular springs are:
ע׳ חֲרֹר Ju 7:1
ע׳ הַקּוֹרֵא (partridge-spring) Ju 15:19
ע׳ רֹגֵל near Jerus.
ע׳ הַתַּנִּין (dragon-spring)
base
H5869a עַ֫יִן eye . lit. as physical organ
. . eyes as showing mental qualities
. desire of the eyes, abominations of the eyes
. Fig. of mental and physical faculties, acts and states
. Transferred mngs.: . visible surface of earth
. appearance
. gleam, sparkle
. Other phrases are: an eye for an eye; eye to eye; in the presence of, in full view of; of business transaction; on the forehead
H5869b עַ֫יִן spring (of water)
5869 `ayin ah'-yin
probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or
figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the
landscape):--affliction, outward appearance, + before, +
think best, colour, conceit, + be content, countenance, +
displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, + favour,
fountain, furrow (from the margin), X him, + humble,
knowledge, look, (+ well), X me, open(-ly), + (not) please,
presence, + regard, resemblance, sight, X thee, X them, +
think, X us, well, X you(-rselves).
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye.
: eye
1) eye
1a) eye
1a1) of physical eye
1a2) as showing mental qualities
1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — Fountain (Gate).
§ spring, fountain
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — Fountain of.
§ spring, fountain
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: seeing.
: seeing
1) eye
1a) eye
1a1) of physical eye
1a2) as showing mental qualities
1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: appearance.
: appearance
1) eye
1a) eye
1a1) of physical eye
1a2) as showing mental qualities
1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: before(the eyes).
: before(the_eyes)
1) eye
1a) eye
1a1) of physical eye
1a2) as showing mental qualities
1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: sin.
: sin
1) eye
1a) eye
1a1) of physical eye
1a2) as showing mental qualities
Conj | N-cd — Conjunction · noun common feminine dual constructHC/Ncfdc
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…
The Hebrew word אַלְמָנָה (*almanah*) means 'widow' and is derived from the root of another word. It can also refer to a desolate place, such as a desolate house or palace. The entries consistently emphasize its primary meaning as 'widow'.
אַלְמָנָה 61 n.f. widow
base
H490 אַלְמָנָה widow
490 'almanah al-maw-naw'
fem of 488; a widow; also a desolate place:--desolate house
(palace), widow.
see HEBREW for 0488
אַלְמָנָה (al.ma.nah) — widow.
widow
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
wid'-o ('almanah; chera): In the Old Testament widows are considered to be under the special care of Yahweh (Ps 68:5; 146:9; Pr 15:25). Sympathetic regard for them comes to be viewed as a mark of true religion (Job 31:16; Jas 1:27). Deuteronomy is rich in counsel in their behalf (24:17, etc.).
The word is first mentioned in the New Testament in Ac 6:1: "There arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration." Paul charges that they be particularly cared for, especially those that are "widows indeed," i.e. poor, without support and old (
Under the Mosaic dispensation no legal provision was made for the maintenance of widows. They were left dependent partly on the affection of relations, more especially of the eldest son, whose birthright, or extra share of the property, imposed such a duty upon him, and partly on the privileges accorded to other distressed classes, such as a participation in the triennial third tithe, (14:29; 26:12) in leasing, (24:19-21) and in religious feasts. (16:11,14) With regard to the remarriage of widows, the only restriction imposed by the Mosaic law had reference to the contingency of one being left childless in which case the brother of the deceased husband had a right to marry the widow. (25:5,6; Matthew 22:23-30) In the apostolic Church the widows were sustained at the public expense, the relief being daily administered in kind, under…
A custom was prevalent in patriarchal times, Ge 38:1-30, and was afterwards confirmed by the Mosaic law, De 25:5-10, that a widow without children, in order to preserve the family name and inheritance, should marry the brother of her deceased husband; or he failing his nearest kinsman, Ru 3:12,13 4:1-11 Mt 22:23-30. The high-priest was forbidden to marry a widow, Le 21:14. The humanity and justice of true religion are shown in the Bible, as might be expected, by numerous indications that God and the friends of God sympathize with the sorrows, supply the wants, and defend the rights of the widow,
→ Vows of, binding Nu 30:9
→ When they are daughters of priests, they are to be supported by their fathers Le 22:13
→ Priests forbidden to marry Le 21:14
→ Widows' dower
See DOWRY
→ UNCLASSIFIED SCRIPTURES RELATING TO Ex 22:22-24; De 10:18; 14:28,29; 16:11-14; 24:17,19-21; 25:5-10; 27:19; Job 22:5,9; 24:3,21; 29:13; 31:16,22; Ps 68:5; 94:6; 146:9;
The Hebrew word כָּלָה (*kalah*) is a primitive root meaning to end or finish. It encompasses a range of meanings, including to complete, accomplish, perish, and destroy. The entries indicate various uses in both intransitive and transitive forms, covering actions like finishing a task or causing something to cease. Notably, it can also imply negative connotations, such as plotting or destruction.
כָּלָה 204 vb. be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, spent
Qal
be complete, at an end, of a period of time
be completed, finished, of a work
be accomplished, fulfilled
be idealy complete, be determined, always in a bad sense, plotted
be spent, used up (prop. come to an end), of water
waste away, be exhausted, fail
come to an end, vanish = perish, be destroyed
Pi.
complete, bring to an end, finish, a thing, task, work, etc.
complete a period of time
finish doing a thing
make an end, end
accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass
accomplish in thought, determine
put an end to, cause to cease
cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend
destroy, sts. exterminate
base
H3615 כָּלָה be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, spent .. . be complete, at an end, of a period of time
. be completed, finished, of a work
. be accomplished, fulfilled
. be idealy complete, be determined, always in a bad sense, plotted
. . be spent, used up (prop. come to an end), of water
. waste away, be exhausted, fail
. come to an end, vanish = perish, be destroyed
. . . complete, bring to an end, finish, a thing, task, work, etc.
. complete a period of time
. finish doing a thing
. make an end, end
. accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass
. accomplish in thought, determine
. . put an end to, cause to cease
. cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend
. destroy, sts. exterminate
3615 kalah kaw-law'
a primitive root; to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be
finished, perish) or transitived (to complete, prepare,
consume):--accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine,
destroy (utterly), be (when ... were) done, (be an) end (of),
expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, X fully, X
have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make
clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste.
כָּלָה (ka.lah) — to end: finish.
: finish
1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be complete, be at an end
1a2) to be completed, be finished
1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled
1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense)
1a5) to be spent, be used up
1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail
1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish
1b2) to complete (a period of time)
1b3) to finish (doing a thing)
1b4) to make an end, end
1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass
1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought)
1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease
1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend
1b9) to destroy, exterminate
1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
כָּלָה (ka.lah) — to end: destroy.
: destroy
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs — Verb · Piel · imperfect first person common singularHVpi1cs
fal (kalah, karath; ekleipo): "Fail" is both intransitive, "to fall short," "be wanting," and trans, "to be wanting to."
Of the many words translated "fail" in the Old Testament, kalah is the most frequent, meaning "to be consumed," "ended" (Job 11:20; 17:5; Ps 69:3; 71:9, etc.; Pr 22:8; Isa 15:6, etc.; Jer 14:6; La 2:11; 3:22; 4:17); it is the translation of karath, "to be cut off" (2Sa 3:29, of failure in succession; so 1Ki 2:4, etc.); `adhar, "to marshal," "to…