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Joel 1:18 — Word Study

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WLCמַה־ נֶּאֶנְחָ֣ה בְהֵמָ֗ה נָבֹ֙כוּ֙ עֶדְרֵ֣י בָקָ֔ר כִּ֛י אֵ֥ין מִרְעֶ֖ה לָהֶ֑ם גַּם־ עֶדְרֵ֥י הַצֹּ֖אן נֶאְשָֽׁמוּ׃

BSAHowmâh the cattlebᵉhêmâh [beasts, livestock] groanʼânach [sigh, mourn] The herdsʻêder [flocks] wander in confusionbûwk [perplexed, at a loss] becausekîy they have noʼayin [none, nothing] pasturemirʻeh [grazing land, feeding ground] Evengam the flocksʻêder [herds] of sheeptsôʼn [sheep or goats] are sufferingʼâsham [made desolate, in distress]

Word
Listen & take awayJoel 1
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 18 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 (ne'.Sha.mu) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Joel 1:18quick helps
In a sentenceThe cattle are groaning and confused, suffering from a lack of pasture.
Who is speakingThe prophet Joel, lamenting the state of livestock due to a drought.
Where we areIn a lamentation about the devastation caused by a locust plague.
The hard wordנֶּאֶנְחָ֣ה
Take awayThe animals are in distress due to the lack of grazing land.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectבְּהֵמָה verbאָנַח 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 — Joel 1:18

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 — The Lament Over the Landgenerated

17The seeds lie shriveled beneath the clods; the storehouses are in ruins; the granaries are broken down, for the grain has withered away.
18How the cattle groan! The herds wander in confusion because they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep are suffering.
19To You, O LORD, I call, for fire has consumed the open pastures and flames have scorched all the trees of the field.
20Even the beasts of the field pant for You, for the streams of water have dried up, and fire has consumed the open pastures.

Joel 1:18 expresses the deep sorrow for the suffering of livestock due to a devastating drought. The entire land is affected, leading to confusion and distress among the animals, as they cannot find pasture to graze. This verse captures the broader impact of natural disasters on both the land and its inhabitants, as seen in the preceding verses that describe the desolation of the crops and the call to the Lord for relief.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Joel 1:20Even the beasts of the field pant for You, for the streams of water have dried up, and fire has consumed the open pastures.
21 Kings 18:5Then Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go throughout the land to every spring and every valley. Perhaps we will find grass to keep the horses and mules alive so that we will not have to destroy any livestock.”
3Jeremiah 12:4How long will the land mourn and the grass of every field be withered? Because of the evil of its residents, the animals and birds have been swept away, for the people have said, “He cannot see what our end will be.”
4Jeremiah 14:5–6Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass.
5Hosea 4:3Therefore the land mourns, and all who dwell in it will waste away with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air; even the fish of the sea disappear.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.Joel 1:20 1 Kings 18:5 Jeremiah 12:4 Jeremiah 14:5–6 Hosea 4:3 Romans 8:22

The Key Word נֶּאֶנְחָ֣ה, ne.'en.Chahgenerated

The verb אָנַח (anach) means to groan or sigh, often in contexts of pain or grief. In this verse, it describes the emotional state of the cattle, expressing their suffering in response to the dire conditions they face.

The Niphal form indicates a passive or reflexive action, suggesting that the cattle are not just groaning but are in a state of distress due to external circumstances. This word emphasizes the physical and emotional suffering of the livestock.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

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


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb נֶּאֶנְחָ֣ה (it has groaned) governs the sentence, with two clauses following it: one describing the state of the herds and the other detailing the lack of pasture. The structure emphasizes the groaning of the cattle as the focal point of the lament.

The sentence's construction highlights the animals' suffering and confusion as a direct result of the absence of grazing land, illustrating the interconnectedness of nature and the consequences of environmental distress.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates נֶּאֶנְחָ֣ה as ἀποθήσομεν (we will groan), which suggests a more communal expression of distress among the livestock, possibly indicating a collective suffering rather than individual.

This choice reflects a broader interpretation of the animals' plight, emphasizing the communal aspect of suffering in the face of environmental disaster.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Joel 1:18 describes the suffering of cattle and sheep due to a lack of pasture. The animals are groaning and confused, reflecting the impact of drought on their well-being.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that the cattle groan?

The groaning signifies the distress and suffering of the livestock due to the lack of food and water, illustrating the severity of the drought.

Why are the herds wandering in confusion?

The herds are confused because they cannot find pasture to graze, which leads to their disorientation and suffering.

How does this verse reflect the state of the land?

This verse highlights the devastation caused by the drought, affecting not only crops but also the animals that depend on the land for sustenance.

What can we learn from the suffering of the animals?

The suffering of the animals serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all creation and the impact of environmental changes on both animals and humans.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How do I see the effects of environmental changes in my own community?
  2. In what ways can I be more aware of the needs of animals and nature around me?
  3. What actions can I take to support sustainable practices that protect the land?
  4. How does understanding the suffering of animals deepen my compassion for all living creatures?

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

Gregory the Dialogist uses this verse to illustrate the consequences of materialism and the spiritual implications of the animals' suffering.

Gregory the Dialogist40 Homilies on the Gospels, Homily X c. 540–604
The prophet says, “The beasts of burden have become putrid in their own dung.” For beasts of burden to become putrid in their own dung means for all those who are materialistic to end their lives in the stench of dissipation.
Early Church Fathers on Joel 1 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Joel 1:18 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

How do the beasts groan?.... For want of fodder, all green grass and herbs being eaten up by the locusts; or devoured, or trampled upon, and destroyed, by the Chaldeans; and also for want of water to

Read John Gill on Joel 1 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.

Read Robert Jamieson on Joel 1 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

How do the beasts groan? so great was the penury and want of sustenance, that the beasts in the field, pinched with hunger, groaned, made dismal noise for fodder and water; the word beasts is general, and contains all sorts. The herds of cattle; the greater cattle, which go wandering about, and range over all places, yet can find no pasturage. The flocks of sheep; which, led by shepherds, might likely be supposed better secured; yet their shepherds find no pasture, and the sheep pine away and starve. These things are mentioned, either as convincing men of their stupidity, who were less sensible of present miseries than brute beasts were, or to provoke them to lay to heart the pressing…

Read Matthew Poole on Joel 1 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Joe 1:18 How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.Ver. 18. How do the beasts groan] The wild beasts groan in their kind. The herds of cattle] Home and tame beasts, as oxen, &c., are perplexed] as not knowing what to do; it is the same word with that, Esther 3:15. God had "hid his face" (withdrawn his hand), "and they were troubled; he taketh away their breath" (for lack of pasture), "they die and return to their dust," as David telleth us in his psalm, Psalms 104:29. Epiphanius’ s physiologer reporteth of the bird called Charadius, that being brought where a sick man lieth, if he look upon the sick…

Read John Trapp on Joel 1 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(18) How do the beasts groan.—All creation is represented as sharing in the dread perplexity; the beasts are involved in it, as also in Nineveh the animals were united in the proclamation of the general fast by the king’s decree, when he had heard of the preaching of Jonah.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Joel 1 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 18. How do the beasts groan!] I really think that the neighing of horses, or braying of asses, is wonderfully expressed by the sound of the original: מה נאנחה בהמה mah NEENCHAH behemah, how do the horses neigh! how do the asses bray! בהמה behemah is a collective name for all domestic cattle, and those used in husbandry. Cattle are perplexed] They are looking everywhere, and wandering about to find some grass, and know not which way to run.

Read AdamClarke on Joel 1 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

18. The distress of the cattle through lack of pasture (cf. Jeremiah 14:5-6). are perplexed] wandering hither and thither in quest of food[33]. [33] LXX. for ξδπΰπηδαδξδ express ξַ ?δΞπַּ ?πִּ ?ηָ ?δαָ ?δֵ ?ξָּ ?δ, “what shall we lay up (Deuteronomy 14:28) in them?” connecting the words with Joe 1:17. But such a clause would be a very weak addition to λιδεαιωγβο.yea (or even) the flocks of sheep, &c.] even the sheep, which do not require such moist or rich pasture as kine, suffer with them. are made desolate] are held guilty, or (R.V. marg.) suffer punishment. βsham, to be guilty, is sometimes used in the sense of to be held guilty, to bear the consequences of guilt, i.e. to suffer…

Read Cambridge on Joel 1 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

How do the beasts groan! - There is something very pitiable in the cry of the brute creation, even because they are innocent, yet bear man’s guilt. Their groaning seems to the prophet to be beyond expression.

Read Albert Barnes on Joel 1 →

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

How the cattle groan! The herds wander in confusion because they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep are suffering.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

How the animals groan! The herds of livestock are perplexed, because they have no pasture. Yes, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

How the cattle groan! The herds wander in confusion because they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep are suffering.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Listen to the cattle groan! The herds of livestock wander around in confusion because they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep are suffering.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.

RVARevised Version, American1894

How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yes, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

How did the beasts mourne! the herdes of cattel pine away, because they haue no pasture, and the flockes of sheepe are destroyed.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

How do the beasts groan! The herds of cattle are bewildered, for they have no pasture; the flocks of sheep also are in suffering.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

How have cattle sighed! Perplexed have been droves of oxen, For there is no pasture for them, Also droves of sheep have been desolated.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

How livestock have sighed! Perplexed have been droves of oxen, || For there is no pasture for them, || Also droves of sheep have been desolated.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

How do the beasts groan! how do the herds of cattle roam about; because there is no pasture for them: yea, the flocks of sheep are made to perish.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

How the animals groan! The herds of cattle are suffering because they have no pasture. Also, the flocks of sheep suffer.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Why did the beast groan, why did the herds of cattle low? because there is no pasture for them: yea, and the flocks of sheep are perished.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

The farm animals moan with hunger. The herds of cattle wander everywhere because they can't find grass to eat; the flocks of sheep are suffering.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

What sounds of pain come from the beasts! the herds of cattle are at a loss because there is no grass for them; even the flocks of sheep are no longer to be seen.

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.

clauseadverbialמַהhow!verbנֶּאֶנְחָ֣הit.has.groanedsubjectבְהֵמָ֗ה[the].livestockclauseverbנָבֹ֨כוּ֙they.have.wandered.in.confusionnoun phrase · subjectעֶדְרֵ֣י[the].herdsבָקָ֔רof.cattleכִּ֛י(dm)clausepredicateאֵ֥יןthere.[is].notsubjectמִרְעֶ֖הpastureprepositional phrase · prepositionalלָforהֶ֑םthemclausenoun phrase · subjectגַּםalsonoun phraseעֶדְרֵ֥יthe.flocksnoun phraseהַof.(the)צֹּ֖אןsheepverbנֶאְשָֽׁמוּthey.have.suffered

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 align closely, with 13 of the 14 words matched. The Dead Sea Scrolls show some restoration but also align with the MT's message of distress among the livestock.

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

מַה־ נֶּאֶנְחָ֣ה בְהֵמָ֗ה נָבֹ֙כוּ֙ עֶדְרֵ֣י בָקָ֔ר כִּ֛י אֵ֥ין מִרְעֶ֖ה לָהֶ֑ם גַּם־ עֶדְרֵ֥י הַצֹּ֖אן נֶאְשָֽׁמוּ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
מַה־τίנֶּאֶנְחָ֣הἀποθήσομενבְהֵמָ֗הἑαυτοῖςנָבֹ֙כוּ֙ἔκλαυσανעֶדְרֵ֣יβουκόλιαבָקָ֔רβοῶνכִּ֛יὅτιאֵ֥יןοὐξמִרְעֶ֖הνομὴלָהֶ֑םαὐτοῖςגַּם־καὶהַצֹּ֖אןπροβάτωνנֶאְשָֽׁמוּ׃ἠφανίσθησαν

13 of the 14 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.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q78a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[מה] [נאנחה] בהמה נבוכו עדרי הבקר כי אין [מרעה] [ל׳הם] [גם] [עדרי] [הצאן] [נאשמו]

5 words on the leather — 1 partly restored, 8 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.

Joel 1:18מָהhow!how!מָהאָנַחit has groait has groanedאָנַחבְּהֵמָה[the] lives[the] livestockבְּהֵמָהבּוּךְthey have wthey have wandeבּוּךְעֵ֫דֶר[the] herds[the] herds ofעֵ֫דֶרבָּקַרcattlecattleבָּקַרכִּיforforכִּיאַ֫יִןnotnotאַ֫יִןמִרְעֶהpasturepastureמִרְעֶההֶם[belongs] t[belongs] to thהֶםגַּםalsoalsoגַּםעֵ֫דֶר[the] flock[the] flocks ofעֵ֫דֶרצֹאןsheepsheepצֹאןאָשַׁםthey have sthey have suffeאָשַׁםעָדַרto helpto helpעָדַרבֵּית־עֵ֫קֶדHouse of SHouse of Shepheבֵּית־עֵ֫קֶדבָּקַרto enquireto enquireבָּקַראַ֫יִןwhere?where?אַ֫יִןרָבַץto stretchto stretchרָבַץכָּ֫כָהthusthusכָּ֫כָהפָּעַלto workto workפָּעַלמְרִירוּתbitternessbitternessמְרִירוּתשִׁבָּרוֹןbreakingbreakingשִׁבָּרוֹןעוֹףbirdbirdעוֹףאָדָםthe man (Athe man (Adam)אָדָםצֹאןSheep (GatSheep (Gate)צֹאןפַּרbullockbullockפַּריָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעכְּמוֹlikelikeכְּמוֹשָׁמֵןrichrichשָׁמֵןעֵ֫דֶרflockflockעֵ֫דֶרתְּמוֹלyesterdayyesterdayתְּמוֹל
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 Joel 1:18

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.

how! it has groaned [the] livestock they have wandered in confusion [the] herds of cattle for not pasture [belongs] to them also [the] flocks of sheep they have suffered
מַה־mah- how! H4100 Pronoun
753× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Tyndale gloss
what?
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מָה (mah) is a Hebrew word primarily used as an interrogative particle meaning 'what?' or 'how?'. It can also function as an indefinite pronoun, encompassing meanings like 'anything' or 'whatever'. The word is versatile, appearing in various adverbial forms and often used with prefixes to express different nuances, such as reason or manner.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מָה, rarely מָה־, מַה־, מַה‍ּ, מֶה, מַ‍ּ, מָ—pron.interrog. and indef. what? how? aught

interrog. what?

Used adverbially

Indef. pron.

With preps.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4100 מָה, rarely מָה־, מַה־, מַה‍ּ, מֶה, מַ‍ּ, מָ—pron. interrog. and indef. what? how? aught . interrog. what?

. Used adverbially

. Indef. pron.

. With preps.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4100 mah maw

or mah {mah}; or ma {maw}; or ma {mah}; also meh {meh}; a

primitive particle; properly, interrogative what? (including

how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including

how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and even

relatively, that which); often used with prefixes in various

adverbial or conjunctive senses:--how (long, oft, (-

soever)), (no-)thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing),

whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָה (mah) — what?.

interr pron

1) what, how, of what kind

1a) (interrogative)

1a1) what?

1a2) of what kind

1a3) what? (rhetorical)

1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what

1b) (adverb)

1b1) how, how now

1b2) why

1b3) how! (exclamation)

1c) (with prep)

1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means?

1c2) because of what?

1c3) the like of what?

1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often?

1c3b) for how long?

1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose?

1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore?

indef pron

2) anything, aught, what may

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Pronoun
HPi
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Represents various Hebrew and Greek words, interrogative, interjectional and relative. Its different uses refer to

(1) the manner or way, e.g. Ge 44:34, "How shall I go up to my father?" ('ekh); Mt 6:28, "how they grow" (pos); 1Co 15:35, "How are the dead raised?";

(2) degree, extent, frequently, "how great" (Da 4:3, mah; Mr 5:19, hosos, "how much"); "how many" (Mt 27:13, posos); "how much" (Ac 9:13, hosos); "how much more" (Mt 7:11, posos;

how! it has groaned [the] livestock they have wandered in confusion [the] herds of cattle for not pasture [belongs] to them also [the] flocks of sheep they have suffered
נֶּאֶנְחָ֣הne.'en.Chah it has groaned H584 Verb · Niphal · perfect third person feminine singular
13× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To sigh means to groan or mourn in pain or grief, like an animal moaning, and is used to express deep emotional distress in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
sigh, mourn
Tyndale gloss
to sigh
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָנַח (anach) is a Hebrew verb that primarily appears in the Niphal form, meaning to sigh or groan, often in contexts of pain or grief. It can also refer to the moaning of cattle. The entries consistently emphasize its emotional and physical connotations without significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[אָנַח] vb. only Niph. sigh, groan

sigh, in token of grief

in physical distress

groan of cattle

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H584 אָנַח only Niph. sigh, groan

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

584 'anach aw-nakh'

a primitive root; to sigh:--groan, mourn, sigh.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָנַח (a.nach) — to sigh.

1) (Niphal) sigh, groan (in pain or grief), gasp

1a) moan (of cattle)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs — Verb · Niphal · perfect third person feminine singular
HVNp3fs
how! it has groaned [the] livestock they have wandered in confusion [the] herds of cattle for not pasture [belongs] to them also [the] flocks of sheep they have suffered
בְהֵמָ֗הve.he.Mah [the] livestock H929 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
190× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Amplified meaning
beasts, livestock
Tyndale gloss
animal
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בְּהֵמָה (bhemah) refers to a beast or animal, typically denoting domesticated livestock or cattle, and occasionally wild beasts. It is derived from a root that suggests being mute, implying a 'dumb beast.' The term encompasses all living creatures other than humans, with a specific mention of large quadrupeds.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בְּהֵמָה 187 n.f. beast, animal, cattle

of living creatures other than man

opp. also to wild beasts

rarely of wild beasts, esp. carnivora

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H929 בְּהֵמָה beast, animal, cattle . of living creatures other than man

. opp. also to wild beasts

. rarely of wild beasts, esp. carnivora

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

929 bhemah be-hay-maw'

from an unused root (probably meaning to be mute); properly,

a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often

collective):--beast, cattle.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בְּהֵמָה (be.he.mah) — animal.

1) beast, cattle, animal

1a) beasts (coll of all animals)

1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals)

1c) wild beasts

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
how! it has groaned [the] livestock they have wandered in confusion [the] herds of cattle for not pasture [belongs] to them also [the] flocks of sheep they have suffered
נָבֹ֙כוּ֙na.Vo.khu they have wandered in confusion H943 Verb · Niphal · perfect third person common plural
3× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To perplex or confuse, as seen in the Bible when people are entangled in difficult situations. This word involves being mixed up or disordered. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
perplexed, at a loss
Tyndale gloss
to perplex
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בּוּךְ (buwk) is a Hebrew verb meaning to perplex or confuse, specifically in the Niphal form, which indicates a passive or reflexive action. The entries highlight its usage in contexts of confusion or being entangled, but do not provide specific verse references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בּוּךְ vb. perplex, confuse—only Niph.;—be confused, in confusion

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H943 בּוּךְ perplex, confuse—only Niph.;—be confused, in confusion

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

943 buwk book

a primitive root; to involve (literally or

figuratively):--be entangled, (perplexed).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בּוּךְ (bukh) — to perplex.

1) to perplex, confuse, be confused

1a) (Niphal) to be confused, be in confusion

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Niphal · perfect third person common plural
HVNp3cp
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

kon-fu'-zhun (bosheth, "shame, paleness," kelimmah, "blushing," tohu; akatastasia, sugchusis): In the Old Testament bosheth (1Sa 20:30; Ps 109:29 the King James Version) and kelimmah (Ps 44:15; Isa 30:3) are the words most frequently translated "confusion"; tohu, "wastiness," "emptiness" is so translated (Isa 24:10; 34:11; 41:29), also qalon, "lightness," "contempt" (Job 10:15 = ignominy, the American Standard Revised Version) and tebhel, "profanation" (Le 18:23; 20:12); ra`ash, "shaking," "trembling,"…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Of tongues Ge 11:1-9

how! it has groaned [the] livestock they have wandered in confusion [the] herds of cattle for not pasture [belongs] to them also [the] flocks of sheep they have suffered
עֶדְרֵ֣י'ed.Rei [the] herds of H5739 Noun common · masculine plural construct
38× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A flock refers to a group of animals, like sheep or cattle, that are herded together. In the Bible, it can also mean a herd or a drove of animals. This term is used to describe various scenes in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
flocks
Tyndale gloss
flock
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עֵ֫דֶר (eder) refers to a flock or herd of animals. It is derived from a root meaning to arrange or muster, indicating a gathering of livestock. The term encompasses both flocks and herds, highlighting its use in contexts related to groups of animals.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֵ֫דֶר n.m. flock, herd

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5739 עֵ֫דֶר flock, herd

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5739 `eder ay'-der

from 5737; an arrangement, i.e. muster (of animals):--drove,

flock, herd.

see HEBREW for 05737

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֵ֫דֶר (e.der) — flock.

1) flock, herd

1a) flock

1b) herds, flocks and herds

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural construct
HNcmpc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

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…

how! it has groaned [the] livestock they have wandered in confusion [the] herds of cattle for not pasture [belongs] to them also [the] flocks of sheep they have suffered
בָקָ֔רva.Kar cattle H1241 Noun common · both singular absolute
183× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Tyndale gloss
cattle
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּקַר (baqar) refers to cattle, specifically oxen and herds, and can denote individual animals or a collective group. It is derived from a root meaning related to cattle and encompasses various forms such as beef cattle and oxen used for plowing. The term appears in contexts discussing livestock in the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בָּקַר 182 n.m. cattle, herd, ox

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1241 בָּקַר cattle, herd, ox

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1241 baqar baw-kawr'

from 1239; beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of

either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd:--

beeve, bull (+ -ock), + calf, + cow, great (cattle), + heifer,

herd, kine, ox.

see HEBREW for 01239

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּקָר (ba.qar) — cattle.

1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox

1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll)

1b) herd (particular one)

1c) head of cattle (individually)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcbsa — Noun common · both singular absolute
HNcbsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

kat'-'-l (behemah, "a dumb beast"; miqneh, "a possession" from qanah, "to acquire" (compare Arabic qana', "to acquire," and Greek kienos, "beast," and plural ktenea, "flocks," from ktaomai, "to acquire," flocks being both with the Homeric peoples and with the patriarchs an important form of property; compare English "fee"); tso'n "small cattle," "sheep" or goats (compare Arabic da'n, "sheep"); seh, a single sheep or goat (compare Arabic shah); mela'khah, "property," from la'akh, "to minister" (compare Arabic malakah and mulk, "property," from malak, "to possess"); meri' "fatling" (1Ki 19); thremma (Joh 4:12), "cattle," i.e. "that which is nourished," from trepho, "to nourish"; baqar, "kine," "oxen" (compare Arabic baqar, "cattle"); shor, tor (Da 4:25), tauros (

Cattle

Abounded in the Holy Land. To the rearing and management of them the inhabitants chiefly devoted themselves (Deut. 8:13; 12:21; 1 Sam. 11:5; 12:3; Ps. 144:14; Jer. 3:24). They may be classified as,

(1.) Neat cattle. Many hundreds of these were yearly consumed in sacrifices or used for food. The finest herds were found in Bashan, beyond Jordan (Num. 32:4). Large herds also pastured on the wide fertile plains of Sharon. They were yoked to the plough (1 Kings 19:19), and were employed for carrying burdens (1 Chr.…

→ (Of the bovine species)

→ Used for sacrifice 1Ki 8:63

→ See HEIFER

→ See OFFERINGS

→ Sheltered Ge 33:17

→ Stall-fed Pr 15:17

→ Gilead adapted to the raising of Nu 32:1-4

→ Bashan suitable to the raising of Ps 22:12; Eze 39:18; Am 4:1

→ See ANIMALS

→ See BULL

→ See BULLOCK

→ See COW

→ See HEIFER

→ See KINE

→ See OFFERING

how! it has groaned [the] livestock they have wandered in confusion [the] herds of cattle for not pasture [belongs] to them also [the] flocks of sheep they have suffered
כִּ֛יki for H3588 Particle
4,483× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Tyndale gloss
for
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי conj. that, for, when

that

Of time, when, of the past

elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

Because, since

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

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that

. . Of time, when, of the past

. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

. Because, since

H3588b 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

H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3588 kiy kee

a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional

prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent

or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative

conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by

other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,

where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,

even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +

nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,

therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,

whether, while, whom, yea, yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּי (ki) — for.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if

1f) but rather, but

1g) except that

1h) only, nevertheless

1i) surely

1j) that is

1k) but if

1l) for though

1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

1b) even though

כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

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

for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.

In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
how! it has groaned [the] livestock they have wandered in confusion [the] herds of cattle for not pasture [belongs] to them also [the] flocks of sheep they have suffered
אֵ֥ין'ein not H369 Noun common · masculine singular construct
789× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Amplified meaning
none, nothing
Tyndale gloss
nothing
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
how! it has groaned [the] livestock they have wandered in confusion [the] herds of cattle for not pasture [belongs] to them also [the] flocks of sheep they have suffered
מִרְעֶ֖הmir.'Eh pasture H4829 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
13× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Pasture refers to a place where animals graze, like a feeding ground. It can also describe the act of grazing itself. In the Bible, pasture is often used to describe the care of sheep by a shepherd.
Amplified meaning
grazing land, feeding ground
Tyndale gloss
pasture
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִרְעֶה (mir'eh) refers to pasture or pasturage, indicating both the place where animals feed and the act of feeding itself. It is derived from a root meaning to feed and can also denote a haunt for wild animals. The term captures the concept of a feeding area in agricultural contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִרְעֶה n.m. pasturage, pasture

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4829 מִרְעֶה pasturage, pasture

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4829 mir`eh meer-eh'

from 7462 in the sense of feeding; pasture (the place or the

act); also the haunt of wild animals:--feeding place,

pasture.

see HEBREW for 07462

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִרְעֶה (mir.eh) — pasture.

pasture, pasturage

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
how! it has groaned [the] livestock they have wandered in confusion [the] herds of cattle for not pasture [belongs] to them also [the] flocks of sheep they have suffered
לָהֶ֑םla.Hem [belongs] to them H9038 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הֶם (hem) — them.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine plural

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Sp3mp — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp3mp
how! it has groaned [the] livestock they have wandered in confusion [the] herds of cattle for not pasture [belongs] to them also [the] flocks of sheep they have suffered
גַּם־gam- also H1571 Adverb
769× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Tyndale gloss
also
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

גַּם (gam) is an adverb meaning 'also' or 'moreover,' indicating addition or emphasis. It can express various nuances, such as 'even,' 'indeed,' or 'but.' The term is often used in a correlational manner, as in 'both...and.' It appears in contexts that require clarification or reinforcement of a statement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

גַּם 768 adv. denoting addition, also, moreover, yea

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1571 גַּם denoting addition, also, moreover, yea

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1571 gam gam

by contraction from an unused root meaning to gather;

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea,

though; often repeated as correl. both...and:--again, alike,

also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and , but, either...or,

even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover,

nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

גַּם (gam) — also.

1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea

1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis)

1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative)

1c) even (for stress)

1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax)

1e) also (of correspondence or retribution)

1f) but, yet, though (adversative)

1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case)

2) (TWOT) again, alike

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
DirObjM — Adverb
HD
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ol'-so: In the Greek kai, when it is equivalent to "also" or "even," is always placed before the word or phrase which it is intended to emphasize (e.g. Ac 12:3; 1 Joh 4:21). Mt 6:14 should therefore read, "Your heavenly Father will forgive you also"; Lu 6:13, "Whom also he named apostles"; Heb 8:6, "The mediator of a better covenant also"; and 1Th 4:14, `If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also (we believe that) those who are fallen asleep in Jesus, God will bring with Him.'

how! it has groaned [the] livestock they have wandered in confusion [the] herds of cattle for not pasture [belongs] to them also [the] flocks of sheep they have suffered
עֶדְרֵ֥י'ed.Rei [the] flocks of H5739 Noun common · masculine plural construct
38× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A flock refers to a group of animals, like sheep or cattle, that are herded together. In the Bible, it can also mean a herd or a drove of animals. This term is used to describe various scenes in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
herds
Tyndale gloss
flock
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עֵ֫דֶר (eder) refers to a flock or herd of animals. It is derived from a root meaning to arrange or muster, indicating a gathering of livestock. The term encompasses both flocks and herds, highlighting its use in contexts related to groups of animals.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֵ֫דֶר n.m. flock, herd

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5739 עֵ֫דֶר flock, herd

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5739 `eder ay'-der

from 5737; an arrangement, i.e. muster (of animals):--drove,

flock, herd.

see HEBREW for 05737

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֵ֫דֶר (e.der) — flock.

1) flock, herd

1a) flock

1b) herds, flocks and herds

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural construct
HNcmpc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

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…

how! it has groaned [the] livestock they have wandered in confusion [the] herds of cattle for not pasture [belongs] to them also [the] flocks of sheep they have suffered
הַצֹּ֖אןha.Tzon sheep H6629 Particle · noun common both singular absolute
274× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Amplified meaning
sheep or goats
Tyndale gloss
Sheep (Gate)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

צֹאן (tso'n) refers to small cattle, specifically sheep and goats, and is used to denote a flock or flocks. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a multitude. The term appears in contexts such as Psalm 144:13, where it emphasizes the collective nature of these animals.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

צֹאן 273 n.coll.f. small cattle, sheep and goats, flock, flocks

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6629 צֹאן small cattle, sheep and goats, flock, flocks

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6629 tso'n tsone

or tsaown (Psalm 144:13) {tseh-one'}; from an unused root

meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock (of sheep or

goats); also figuratively (of men):--(small) cattle, flock

(+ -s), lamb (+ -s), sheep((-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds)).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

צֹאן (tson) — flock.

1) small cattle, sheep, sheep and goats, flock, flocks

1a) small cattle (usually of sheep and goats)

1b) of multitude (simile)

1c) of multitude (metaphor)

צֹאן (tson) — Sheep (Gate).

This name means sheep and goats

Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-cs — Particle · noun common both singular absolute
HTd/Ncbsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

shep:

1. Names:

The usual Hebrew word is tso'n, which is often translated "flock," e.g. "Abel .... brought of the firstlings of his flock" (Ge 4:4); "butter of the herd, and milk of the flock" (De 32:14). The King James Version and the English Revised Version have "milk of sheep." Compare Arabic da'n. The Greek word is probaton. For other names, see notes under CATTLE; EWE; LAMB; RAM.

2. Zoology:

The origin of domestic sheep is unknown. There are 11 wild species, the majority of which are found in Asia, and it is conceivable that they may have spread from the highlands of Central Asia to the other portions of their habitat. In North America is found the "bighorn," which is very closely related to a Kamschatkan species. One species, the urial or sha, is found in India. The Barbary…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Sheep

Are of different varieties. Probably the flocks of Abraham and Isaac were of the wild species found still in the mountain regions of Persia and Kurdistan. After the Exodus, and as a result of intercourse with surrounding nations, other species were no doubt introduced into the herds of the people of Israel. They are frequently mentioned in Scripture. The care of a shepherd over his flock is referred to as illustrating God’s care over his people (Ps. 23:1, 2; 74:1; 77:20; Isa. 40:11; 53:6; John 10:1-5, 7-16).

“The sheep of Palestine are longer in the head than ours, and have tails from 5 inches broad at the narrowest part to 15 inches at the widest, the weight being in proportion, and ranging generally from 10 to 14 lbs.…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Sheep were an important part of the possessions of the ancient Hebrews and of eastern nations generally. The first mention of sheep occurs in (Genesis 4:2) They were used in the sacrificial offering,as, both the adult animal, (Exodus 20:24) and the lamb. See (Exodus 29:28; Leviticus 9:3; 12:6) Sheep and lambs formed an important article of food. (1 Samuel 25:18) The wool was used as clothing. (Leviticus 13:47) "Rams skins dyed red" were used as a covering for the tabernacle. (Exodus 25:5) Sheep and lambs were…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Of the Syrian sheep, according to Dr. Russell, there are two varieties; the one called Bedaween sheep, which differ in no respect from the larger kinds of sheep among us, except that their tails are somewhat longer and thicker; the others are those often mentioned by travellers on account of their extraordinary tails; and this species is by far the most numerous. The tail of one of these animals is very broad and large, terminating in a small appendage that turns back upon it. It is of a substance between fat and marrow, and is not eaten separately, but mixed with the lean meat in many of their dishes, and also often used instead of butter. A common sheep of this sort, without the head, feet, skin, and entrails, weighs from sixty to eighty pounds, of which the tail itself is usually ten or fifteen pounds, and when the animal is fattened, twice or thrice that weight, and very…

how! it has groaned [the] livestock they have wandered in confusion [the] herds of cattle for not pasture [belongs] to them also [the] flocks of sheep they have suffered
נֶאְשָֽׁמוּ׃ne'.Sha.mu they have suffered H816 Verb · Niphal · perfect third person common plural
35× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To be guilty means to have done something wrong and deserve punishment, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:8-10.
Amplified meaning
made desolate, in distress
Tyndale gloss
be guilty
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָשַׁם (asham) means to offend or be guilty, covering actions like committing an offense or trespass. It can also imply suffering punishment or being declared guilty. The entries indicate that it can denote both personal guilt and the consequences of wrongdoing, with some nuances in how it is used in different grammatical forms.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָשַׁם, אָשֵׁם vb. offend, be guilty

commit an offence, a trespass, do a wrong, or an injury

be or become guilty

be held guilty, bear punishment

Niph. suffer punishment

Hiph. declare them guilty

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H816 אָשַׁם, אָשֵׁם offend, be guilty

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

816 'asham aw-sham'

or mashem {aw-shame'}; a primitive root; to be guilty; by

implication to be punished or perish:--X certainly, be(-come,

made) desolate, destroy, X greatly, be(-come, found, hold)

guilty, offend (acknowledge offence), trespass.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָשַׁם (a.sham) — be guilty.

1) to offend, be guilty, trespass

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to do wrong, offend, trespass, commit an offense, do injury

1a2) to be or become guilty

1a3) to be held guilty

1a4) to be incriminated

1b) (Niphal) to suffer punishment

1c) (Hiphil) to declare guilty

2) (TWOT) to be desolate, acknowledge offense

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Niphal · perfect third person common plural
HVNp3cp
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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