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Job 41:3 — Word Study

Depth

WLCהֲיַרְבֶּ֣ה אֵ֭לֶיךָ תַּחֲנוּנִ֑ים אִם־ יְדַבֵּ֖ר אֵלֶ֣יךָ רַכּֽוֹת׃

BSAwho?mîy to meetqâdam to completeshâlam underneathtachath allkôl heavenshâmayim he/she/ithûwʼ

Word
Listen & take awayJob 41
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 3 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (ra.Kot) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Job 41:3quick helps
In a sentenceJob questions whether the great creature will plead for mercy or speak gently.
Who is speakingGod, speaking to Job about the great creature.
Where we areIn a section where God challenges Job's understanding of His creation.
The hard wordהֲיַרְבֶּ֣ה
Take awayThe creature's nature is beyond human control.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbכֹּל 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 — Job 41:3

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 — God's Challenge to Jobgenerated

2Can you put a cord through his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook?
3Will he beg you for mercy or speak to you softly?
4Will he make a covenant with you to take him as a slave for life?
5Can you pet him like a bird or put him on a leash for your maidens?

Job 41:3 presents a rhetorical question about the great creature, emphasizing its power and the futility of expecting it to plead for mercy. This verse is part of a larger discourse where God reveals His sovereignty over creation and challenges Job's understanding. The surrounding verses illustrate the creature's might and the limitations of human authority over it.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 55:21His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.
2Proverbs 15:1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
3Proverbs 18:23The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
4Proverbs 25:15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
5Isaiah 30:10They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee?Psalm 55:21 Proverbs 15:1 Proverbs 18:23 Proverbs 25:15 Isaiah 30:10

The Key Word הֲיַרְבֶּ֣ה, ha.yar.Behgenerated

The verb הֲיַרְבֶּ֣ה (ha.yar.Beh) is in the Hiphil form, indicating a causative action, meaning 'will it multiply' or 'increase'. This word suggests a sense of abundance or repetition, as it is often associated with growing or becoming numerous.

In this context, it questions whether the creature will make many supplications, highlighting the creature's nature as one that does not plead or beg. The use of this verb emphasizes the creature's strength and independence, contrasting with the expectation of vulnerability.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

In the Berean Standard Bible, the verse reads: 'Will he beg you for mercy or speak to you softly?' The translations are consistent in conveying the essence of the question about the creature's behavior.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb הֲיַרְבֶּ֣ה (ha.yar.Beh) governs the sentence, with two clauses following it: one regarding supplications and the other about speaking softly. The structure highlights the rhetorical nature of the question posed by God.

The word order places the verb first, drawing attention to the action of pleading, while the subsequent clauses elaborate on the nature of that action, emphasizing the creature's lack of submission.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates הֲיַרְבֶּ֣ה as ἀντιστήσεταί, suggesting a sense of resistance or standing against rather than pleading. This choice reflects a broader interpretation of the creature's nature as one that does not seek mercy.

This translation indicates a shift in focus from the act of pleading to the inherent strength of the creature, aligning with the overall theme of God's sovereignty over creation.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Job 41:3 asks whether the great creature will plead for mercy or speak gently. This question emphasizes the creature's power and independence, suggesting it does not seek compassion or soft words.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What is the significance of the creature not begging for mercy?

This highlights the creature's strength and autonomy, illustrating that it is not subject to human control or compassion.

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

It emphasizes God's sovereignty over creation and challenges Job's understanding of power and authority.

What does the question about soft words imply?

It suggests that the creature does not communicate in a way that seeks to appease or soften its position, reinforcing its formidable nature.

Why is the rhetorical question used here?

Rhetorical questions serve to provoke thought and reflection, encouraging Job to consider the nature of God's creation and his own limitations.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What does this verse teach us about the nature of power and authority?
  2. How can we apply the idea of strength without the need for mercy in our own lives?
  3. In what ways do we sometimes expect vulnerability from those who are strong?
  4. How does understanding God's sovereignty over creation affect our perspective on our own challenges?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

The early commentators reference this verse to discuss the nature of the creature in relation to God's authority. Quotations from Gregory the Dialogist and Olympiodorus of Alexandria are included.

Gregory the DialogistMorals on the Book of Job, Book XXXIII c. 540–604
Will he multiply prayers to thee, or will he speak soft words to thee? 27. Thou understandest, As to Me. For if these words are referred to the person of the Son, he spake soft words to Him Incarnate, when he said, I know Thee,
Early Church Fathers on Job 41 →
Olympiodorus of AlexandriaCOMMENTARY ON Job 40:22-23 6th c.
He said this because the demons asked the Lord not to cast them into the abyss, or because Satan said to Christ, “I will give you all these things.” Will he now, he says, implore you with a soft speech? Will he make a covenant with you,
Early Church Fathers on Job 41 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Job 41:3 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Will he make many supplications unto thee?.... To cease pursuing him, or to let him go when taken, or to use him well and not take away his life; no, he is too spirited and stouthearted to ask any

Read John Gill on Job 41 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee? Soft words - that thou mayest spare his life. No; he is untameable.

Read Robert Jamieson on Job 41 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Doth he dread thine anger or power? or will he humbly and earnestly beg thy favour, that thou wouldst spare him, and not pursue him, or release him out of prison? It is a metaphor from men in distress and misery, who use these means to them to whose power they are subject.

Read Matthew Poole on Job 41 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Job 41:3 Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft [words] unto thee?Ver. 3. Will he make many supplications unto thee?] As conquered captives use to do; witness Benhadad, 1 Kings 20:32, and Teridates, king of Parthians, who being brought prisoner to Nero, thus bespake him: I come unto thee as unto my god, and will henceforth worship thee as I do the sun in heaven; I will be whatsoever thou shalt appoint me; for thou art my fate and fortune, Sυγαρμοι, καιμοιραεικαιτυχη (Dio in Neron.). Will he speak soft words unto thee?] Verba byssina; as unto his lord and master. An elegant and pleasant prosopopoeia (personification). No, his stomach is too great to stoop so low.

Read John Trapp on Job 41 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 3. Will he make many supplications] There are several allusions in these verses to matters of which we know nothing.

Read AdamClarke on Job 41 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

3. Ironical question whether Leviathan will beg to be spared or treated kindly.

Read Cambridge on Job 41 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Will he make many supplications unto thee? - In the manner of a captive begging for his life. That is, will he quietly submit to you? Prof.

Read Albert Barnes on Job 41 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

3. Many supplications unto thee? — That thou mayest set him, a captive, at liberty. The preceding verses evidently refer to the taking of the crocodile alive.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Job 41 →

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

Will he beg you for mercy or speak to you softly?

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Will he make many petitions to you, or will he speak soft words to you?

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Will he beg you for mercy or speak to you softly?

NETBNew English Translation2006

Will it make numerous supplications to you, will it speak to you with tender words?

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee?

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Will he make many supplications unto thee? Or will he speak soft words unto thee?

RVARevised Version, American1894

Will he make many supplications unto thee? or will he speak soft words unto thee?

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Will he make many supplications to thee? will he speak soft words to thee?

GNVGeneva Bible1599

I will not keepe silence concerning his partes, nor his power nor his comely proportion.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Will he make many supplications unto thee? or will he speak softly unto thee?

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Doth he multiply unto thee supplications? Doth he speak unto thee tender things?

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Does he multiply supplications to you? Does he speak tender things to you?

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

(40:27) Will he address many supplications unto thee? or will he speak submissively unto thee?

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Will he make many pleas to you? Will he speak soft words to you?

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

I will not spare him, nor his mighty words, and framed to make supplication.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Will it beg you to let it go? Or will it talk softly to you?

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Will he make prayers to you, or say soft words to you?

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.

clauseהֲwillclauseverbיַרְבֶּ֣הit.multiply?prepositional phrase · prepositionalאֵ֭לֶיtoךָyouobjectתַּחֲנוּנִ֑יםsupplicationsclauseאִםor?clauseverbיְדַבֵּ֖רwill.it.speakprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֵלֶ֣יtoךָyouobjectרַכּֽוֹתsoft.[words]

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 largely agree on the wording of this verse, with five of the seven words matched. The differences in word order and phrasing highlight the unique interpretative choices made by the translators.

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

הֲיַרְבֶּ֣ה אֵ֭לֶיךָ תַּחֲנוּנִ֑ים אִם־ יְדַבֵּ֖ר אֵלֶ֣יךָ רַכּֽוֹת׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
הֲיַרְבֶּ֣הἀντιστήσεταίאֵ֭לֶיךָκαὶתַּחֲנוּנִ֑יםὑπομενεῖאִם־ὑπ’אֵלֶ֣יךָοὐρανὸν

5 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.

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.

Job 41:3רָבָה¿ will it m¿ will it multiרָבָהאֶלto youto youאֶלתַּחֲנוּןsupplicatiosupplicationsתַּחֲנוּןאִםor?or?אִםדָבַרwill it spewill it speakדָבַראֶלto youto youאֶלרַךְsoft [wordssoft [words]רַךְחָנַןbe gracioube graciousחָנַןרָכַךְbe tenderbe tenderרָכַךְרָבַבto multiplto multiply tenרָבַבפָּלַלto prayto prayפָּלַליִרְמְיָ֫הJeremiahJeremiahיִרְמְיָ֫הפָּרָהbe fruitfube fruitfulפָּרָהמָעַטto diministo diminishמָעַטבְּכִיweepingweepingבְּכִיתְּפִלָּהprayerprayerתְּפִלָּהחֵןfavorfavorחֵןיֵשׁtherethereיֵשׁמֹשֶׁהMosesMosesמֹשֶׁהלָשׁוֹןtonguetongueלָשׁוֹןעָנֹגdaintydaintyעָנֹגנַ֫עַרyouthyouthנַ֫עַר
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 Job 41:3

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.

¿ will it multiply to you supplications or? will it speak to you soft [words]
הֲיַרְבֶּ֣הha.yar.Beh ¿ will it multiply H7235 Particle · verb hiphil imperfect third person masculine singular
227× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Tyndale gloss
to multiply
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָבָה (rabah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to increase or multiply, encompassing ideas of becoming great, numerous, or abundant. It has various forms, including Qal (to become many), Piel (to make large), and Hiphil (to make much). The word also appears in a context related to shooting in Genesis 21:20. There is a noted Aramaic equivalent, רְבָה.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[רָבָה] 225 vb. be, or become, much, many, great

Qal 59

become many, numerous

be great

grow great (Aramaism)

Pi. 4 make large, increase

Hiph. 162

make much or many

make great, obj. pers.

base

[רָבָה] vb. shoot;—only Qal Gn 21:20

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7235a רָבָה be, or become, much, many, great .. become many, numerous

. . be great

. grow great (Aramaism)

. make large, increase

. . make much or many

. make great, obj. pers.

H7235b רָבָה shoot

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7235 rabah raw-baw'

a primitive root; to increase (in whatever respect):--(bring

in) abundance (X -antly), + archer (by mistake for 7232), be

in authority, bring up, X continue, enlarge, excel,

exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly,

X -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have,

make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more

(in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much

(greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), X

process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very.

see HEBREW for 07232

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָבָה (ra.vah) — to multiply.

1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things)

1a2) to be or grow great

1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to make much, make many, have many

1c1a) to multiply, increase

1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly

1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly

1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much

Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)

רָבָה (ra.vah) — to shoot.

(Qal) to shoot

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTi/Vhi3ms — Particle · verb hiphil imperfect third person masculine singular
HTi/Vhi3ms
¿ will it multiply to you supplications or? will it speak to you soft [words]
אֵ֭לֶיךָ'E.lei.kha to you H413 Preposition · suffix
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
HRd/Sp2ms — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp2ms
¿ will it multiply to you supplications or? will it speak to you soft [words]
תַּחֲנוּנִ֑יםta.cha.nu.Nim supplications H8469 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
18× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word describes an earnest or heartfelt prayer, often used to express a deep desire for God's help or favor. It can be a plea to man or God, seeking kindness or mercy. The KJV translates it as intreaty or supplication.
Tyndale gloss
supplication
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

תַּחֲנוּן (tachanuwn) refers to a form of earnest prayer or supplication, specifically a request for favor, either to man or to God. It is derived from a root meaning to plead or entreat, and is noted as a masculine noun used in the plural abstract form.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[תַּחֲנוּן] n.[m.] only pl.abstr. supplication for favour

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8469 תַּחֲנוּן supplication for favour

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8469 tachanuwn takh-an-oon'

or (feminine) tachanuwnah {takh-an-oo-naw'}; from 2603;

earnest prayer:--intreaty, supplication.

see HEBREW for 02603

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תַּחֲנוּן (ta.cha.nun) — supplication.

1) supplication, supplication for favour

1a) to man

1b) to God

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmpa — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
¿ will it multiply to you supplications or? will it speak to you soft [words]
אִם־'im- or? H518 Particle
1,070× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Tyndale gloss
if
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTc — Particle
HTc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

or: The word is used once for either (1Sa 26:10), and is still in poetic use in this sense; as in, "Without or wave or wind" (Coleridge); "Or the bakke or some bone he breketh in his dzouthe" (Piers Plowman (B), VII, 93; compare Merchant of Venice, III, ii, 65). It is also used with "ever" for before (Ps 90:2; Ecclesiasticus 18:19), which the American Standard Revised Version substitutes in Ec 12:6 (compare 12:1,2); So 6:12; Da 6:24.

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
¿ will it multiply to you supplications or? will it speak to you soft [words]
יְדַבֵּ֖רye.da.Ber will it speak H1696 Verb · Piel · imperfect third person masculine singular
1,142× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Tyndale gloss
to speak: speak
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דָבַר (dabar) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning 'to speak.' It encompasses a range of actions including declaring, commanding, and conversing. The root suggests a figurative use of words, with some entries noting a rare destructive sense of subduing. Various forms of the verb indicate different nuances, such as speaking with one another or making promises.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[דָבַר] 1142 vb. speak (original mng. dub.)

Qal speak

Niph. reciprocal sense, speak with one another, talk

Pi. speak

Pu. in the day when she may be spoken for

Hithp. speaking this word

Hiph. either leads subject, or puts to flight, fig. for subdues

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1696 דָבַר speak (original mng. dub.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1696 dabar daw-bar'

a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used

figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive

sense) to subdue:--answer, appoint, bid, command, commune,

declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse,

say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think,

use (entreaties), utter, X well, X work.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: speak.

: speak/tell/command

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: subdue.

: subdue

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: promise.

: promise/declare

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVpi3ms — Verb · Piel · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVpi3ms
¿ will it multiply to you supplications or? will it speak to you soft [words]
אֵלֶ֣יךָ'e.Lei.kha to you H413 Preposition · suffix
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
HR/Sp2ms — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp2ms
¿ will it multiply to you supplications or? will it speak to you soft [words]
רַכּֽוֹת׃ra.Kot soft [words] H7390
16× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means tender or weak, and can be used to describe something that is soft or delicate. It can also be used to describe someone who is faint-hearted or timid.
Tyndale gloss
tender
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רַךְ (rak) means tender, delicate, or soft, and can describe both physical qualities and emotional states, such as weakness or timidity. It is derived from a root that conveys the idea of being weak or faint-hearted. The entries consistently emphasize its use in contexts relating to gentleness or softness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רַךְ adj. tender, delicate, soft

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7390 רַךְ tender, delicate, soft

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7390 rak rak

from 7401; tender (literally or figuratively); by

implication, weak:--faint((-hearted), soft, tender

((-hearted), one), weak.

see HEBREW for 07401

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רַךְ (rakh) — tender.

1) tender, soft, delicate, weak

1a) tender, delicate (of flesh)

1b) weak of heart, timid

1c) soft (of words)

1c1) gentle words (subst)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HAafpa
HAafpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Nave's Topical Bible

→ Of Jesus

Gracious Lu 4:22

Are spirit and life Joh 6:63

Of eternal life Joh 6:68

Will judge Joh 12:47,48

→ Of the wise

As goads, and as well-fastened nails Ec 12:11

Gracious Ec 10:12

→ Spoken at the proper moment Pr 15:23; Isa 50:4

→ Aptly spoken, like apples of gold in filigree of silver Pr 25:11

→ Of the complete man, gentle Jas 3:2

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
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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