Joshua 8:12 — Word Study
WLCוַיִּקַּ֕ח כַּחֲמֵ֥שֶׁת אֲלָפִ֖ים אִ֑ישׁ וַיָּ֨שֶׂם אוֹתָ֜ם אֹרֵ֗ב בֵּ֧ין בֵּֽית־ אֵ֛ל וּבֵ֥ין הָעַ֖י מִיָּ֥ם לָעִֽיר׃
BSANow Joshua had takenlâqach▸ [approximately] about fivechâmêsh thousandʼeleph menʼîysh [individuals, warriors] and set upsûwm▸ [positioned, placed] an ambushʼârab [to lie in wait, surprise attack] betweenbêyn [in the midst of, separating] BethelBêyth-ʼÊl [house of God, sacred place] andbêyn AiʻAy [heap of ruins, city of destruction] to the westyâm [on the, toward the, direction of the setting sun] of the cityʻîyr [town, urban center]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיִּקַּ֕ח | and he took | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| כַּחֲמֵ֥שֶׁת | about five | Preposition |
| אֲלָפִ֖ים | thousand | Adj |
| אִ֑ישׁ | man | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וַיָּ֨שֶׂם | and he set | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אוֹתָ֜ם | the object marker them | Particle, suffix |
| אֹרֵ֗ב | an ambush | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine singular |
| בֵּ֧ין | between | Prep |
| בֵּֽית־ | Beth- | Noun proper |
| אֵ֛ל | -el | Noun proper |
| וּבֵ֥ין | and between | Conjunction |
| הָעַ֖י | Ai | Particle, noun proper |
| מִיָּ֥ם | from [the] west | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| לָעִֽיר׃ | of the city | Preposition, noun common feminine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Now Joshua had taken about five thousand men and set up an ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city. |
| KJV | And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of the city. |
| ASV | And he took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of the city. |
| YLT | And he taketh about five thousand men, and setteth them an ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west of the city; |
| WEB | He took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city. |
| BBE | And taking about five thousand men, he put them in position for a surprise attack on the west side of Ai, between Beth-el and Ai. |
All translations agree on the concept of an ambush in this verse.
The sentence has a main clause followed by two subordinate phrases detailing the ambush's setup and location.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbלָקַח
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Joshua 8:12
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 Conquest of Aigenerated
Joshua 8:12 describes how Joshua took about five thousand men and set up an ambush between Bethel and Ai. This strategic move was part of the Israelite campaign to conquer the land of Canaan. The context shows the meticulous planning involved in military operations during this period, as Joshua sought to surprise the inhabitants of Ai, following the earlier defeat the Israelites faced at the same city.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 8:2–3 | And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set up an ambush behind the city.” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 1 reference, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אֹרֵ֗ב, 'o.Revgenerated
The Hebrew word אֹרֵ֗ב (*'orev*) is a participle form of the verb אָרַב (*arab*), meaning to lie in wait or ambush. This word conveys the idea of a surprise attack, emphasizing the element of stealth in military tactics.
The participial form indicates an ongoing action, highlighting that the ambush was actively set and ready to engage the enemy. This choice of word reflects the cunning strategy employed by Joshua and the Israelites.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In the Berean Standard Bible, the term used is an ambush, which aligns with the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb וַיִּקַּ֕ח, and he took, governs the sentence, with two clauses following: one detailing the number of men taken and another describing the ambush set up.
The structure emphasizes the actions taken by Joshua, with the ambush as a critical tactical element positioned between two locations, Bethel and Ai.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates this verse with the word πόλεως (city), which indicates a focus on the urban aspect of Ai. This choice reflects the Greek translators' understanding of Ai as a significant location.
The translation shows an interpretation that emphasizes the city's role in the narrative, aligning with the Hebrew context while adapting to the Greek audience.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Joshua 8:12 tells us that Joshua took about five thousand men and set up an ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city. This action was part of the Israelites' strategy to conquer Ai after their previous defeat, showing the importance of careful planning in warfare.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Setting an ambush means that Joshua strategically placed his men to surprise the enemy, allowing for a more effective attack.
Five thousand men were likely chosen for their ability to effectively execute the ambush while maintaining the strength needed for the battle.
Bethel and Ai were significant cities in Canaan, with Bethel being a place of worship and Ai representing a stronghold that needed to be conquered.
This ambush demonstrates Joshua's strategic thinking and ability to adapt to previous failures, showcasing his leadership skills in guiding Israel.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What strategies can I apply from Joshua's ambush in my own life when facing challenges?
- How does understanding the context of this battle enhance my view of God's guidance in difficult situations?
- In what ways can I prepare for unexpected challenges, as Joshua did with his ambush?
- How can I learn from Joshua's leadership to make wise decisions in my own responsibilities?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentary on this verse reflects on the military strategy used by Joshua, noting the significance of the number of men involved.
Five thousand: These were part of the thirty thousand mentioned above, ver. 3.Early Church Fathers on Joshua 8 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Joshua 8:12 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush,.... This was another ambush, as both Jarchi and Kimchi observe; and the latter adds, perhaps he set them nearer the city than the
Read John Gill on Joshua 8 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Read Robert Jamieson on Joshua 8 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleAnd he took, or, rather, but he had taken, to wit, out of the said number of thirty thousand, for this is added by way of recapitulation and further explication of what is said in general, .
Read Matthew Poole on Joshua 8 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJoshua 8:12 And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city.Ver. 12. Between Bethel and Ai.] Those two confederate cities, in woods and coverts, probably in the wilderness of Bethaven.
Read John Trapp on Joshua 8 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(12) And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush . . .—Is this a fresh body, or only a portion of the thirty thousand mentioned in Joshua 8:3? It is, of course, possible that the body of thirty thousand, having closed the communications between Bethel and Ai on the first night, and finding that they were more numerous than was necessary, had rejoined Joshua when he came up, and that a small body of five thousand was told off for the service on the next day. But after carefully studying the natural features of the position by the Ordnance map (of which I have been able to enjoy the advantage at this point of my work), I am inclined to think that both forces were…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Joshua 8 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges12. he took] Or rather, had taken.between Beth-el and Ai] Comp. ch. Joshua 7:2 with Genesis 12:8; Genesis 13:3.
Read Cambridge on Joshua 8 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleHe took - Rather “had taken;” the words refer to the ambuscade which Joshua had detached during the previous night.
Read Albert Barnes on Joshua 8 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible12. And he took about five thousand — The Hebrew has no separate form for the pluperfect tense, hence we are justified in rendering an indefinite past tense by the pluperfect when the context
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Joshua 8 →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
Now Joshua had taken about five thousand men and set up an ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city.
He took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city.
Now Joshua had taken about five thousand men and set up an ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city.
He took five thousand men and set an ambush west of the city between Bethel and Ai.
Tyndale line
And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of the city.
And he took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of the city.
And he took about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of the city.
And he took about five thousand men; and set them to lie in ambush between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of the city.
And hee tooke about fiue thousande men, and set them to lye in waite betweene Beth-el and Ai, on the Westside of the citie.
Strictly literal
Now he had taken about five thousand men, and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west of the city.
And he taketh about five thousand men, and setteth them an ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west of the city;
And he takes about five thousand men, and sets them [for] an ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west of the city;
And he took about five thousand men, and set them as an ambush between Beth-el and 'Ai, on the west side of 'Ai.
He took about five thousand men and set them in ambush on the west side of the city between Bethel and Ai.
From the Latin
And he had chosen five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Bethel and Hai, on the west side of the same city:
Simplified
He took about five thousand men and had them lie in ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the town.
And taking about five thousand men, he put them in position for a surprise attack on the west side of Ai, between Beth-el and Ai.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text provides the basis for this verse, and the Septuagint agrees with nine of the fourteen words in the Hebrew text, indicating a close relationship between the two versions, though the Septuagint's word order differs.
וַיִּקַּ֕ח כַּחֲמֵ֥שֶׁת אֲלָפִ֖ים אִ֑ישׁ וַיָּ֨שֶׂם אוֹתָ֜ם אֹרֵ֗ב בֵּ֧ין בֵּֽית־ אֵ֛ל וּבֵ֥ין הָעַ֖י מִיָּ֥ם לָעִֽיר׃
9 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.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Joshua 8:12
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.
The Hebrew word לָקַח (*laqach*) means 'to take' and encompasses a wide range of actions, including to receive, seize, capture, and carry away. It can refer to taking something in hand, taking a wife, or even taking vengeance. The verb has various forms indicating different nuances, such as being taken away or captured.
לָקַח 965 vb. take
Qal
take, take in hand
take and carry along with oneself
take from, or out of
take, carry away
take away from, so as to deprive of
esp. take away life
take to or for a person
take up, upon = put upon
= fetch
take = lead, conduct (with or without contact)
take = capture, seize
take = carry off
in phr. take vengeance
Niph.
be captured, of ark
be taken away, removed
be taken, brought unto
Pu.
be taken from, out of
= be stolen from
be taken captive
be taken away, removed
Hoph.
be taken, brought unto
be taken out of
be taken away from
Hithp. lit. fire taking hold of itself, of lightning
base
H3947 לָקַח take .. take, take in hand
. take and carry along with oneself
. . take from, or out of
. take, carry away
. take away from, so as to deprive of
. esp. take away life
. take to or for a person
. take up, upon = put upon
. = fetch
. take = lead, conduct (with or without contact)
. take = capture, seize
. take = carry off
. in phr. take vengeance
. . be captured, of ark
. be taken away, removed
. be taken, brought unto
. . be taken from, out of
. = be stolen from
. be taken captive
. be taken away, removed
. . be taken, brought unto
. be taken out of
. be taken away from
. lit. fire taking hold of itself, of lightning
3947 laqach law-kakh'
a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of
applications):--accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch,
get, infold, X many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve,
seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win.
לָקַח (la.qach) — to take: take.
: take
1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to take, take in the hand
1a2) to take and carry along
1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away
1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept
1a5) to take up or upon, put upon
1a6) to fetch
1a7) to take, lead, conduct
1a8) to take, capture, seize
1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance)
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be captured
1b2) to be taken away, be removed
1b3) to be taken, brought unto
1c) (Pual)
1c1) to be taken from or out of
1c2) to be stolen from
1c3) to be taken captive
1c4) to be taken away, be removed
1d) (Hophal)
1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto
1d2) to be taken out of
1d3) to be taken away
1e) (Hithpael)
1e1) to take hold of oneself
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
חָמֵשׁ (chamesh) means 'five' in Hebrew. It serves as both a cardinal number and can indicate a multiple of five when combined with another number. The word also has an ordinal form, 'fifth.' The entries consistently define this numeral without any noted disagreement.
חָמֵשׁ, חֲמִשָּׁה 342 n.m. and f. five
base
H2568 חָמֵשׁ, חֲמִשָּׁה five
2568 chamesh khaw-maysh'
masculine chamishshah {kham-ish-shaw}; a primitive numeral;
five:--fif(-teen), fifth, five (X apiece).
חָמֵשׁ (cha.mesh) — five.
1) five
1a) five (cardinal number)
1b) a multiple of five (with another number)
1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Prep | Adj — PrepositionHR/Acbsc
fiv (chamesh; pente).
See NUMBER.
אֶ֫לֶף (eleph) means 'thousand' in Hebrew. It can refer to the numeral itself or denote a company or clan, particularly a group of men under one leader. The word is built from the concept of a thousand, and it is associated with the ox's head, which is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
אֶ֫לֶף n.m. thousand
base
H505 אֶ֫לֶף thousand
505 'eleph eh'-lef
prop, the same as 504; hence (the ox's head being the first
letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral)
a thousand:--thousand.
see HEBREW for 0504
אֶ֫לֶף (e.leph) — thousand.
: thousand
1) a thousand
1a) as numeral
2) a thousand, company
2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
אֶ֫לֶף (e.leph) — thousand: clan.
: clan
1) a thousand
1a) as numeral
2) a thousand, company
2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Adj — AdjHAcbpa
thou'-zand ('eleph; chilioi).
See NUMBER.
The Hebrew word אִישׁ (iysh) means 'man' and can refer to an individual male, a husband, or a human being in general. It encompasses various meanings, including champion and great man, and can also imply 'whosoever' or 'each.' The word is built from a root suggesting existence and is used throughout the Old Testament.
אִישׁ 2166 n.m. man (= vir)
base
H376 אִישׁ man (= vir)
376 'iysh eesh
contracted for 582 (or perhaps rather from an unused root
meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male
person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and
in such cases frequently not expressed in
translation):--also, another, any (man), a certain, +
champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-,
husband-)man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree),
him (that is), husband, man(-kind), + none, one, people,
person, + steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy.
Compare 802.
see HEBREW for 0582
see HEBREW for 0802
אִישׁ (ish) — man.
: man
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
אִישׁ (ish) — man: husband.
: husband
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
אִישׁ (ish) — man: anyone.
: anyone/someone
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
See ANTHROPOLOGY.
Man
(1.) Heb. ‘Adam, used as the proper name of the first man. The name is derived from a word meaning “to be red,” and thus the first man was called Adam because he was formed from the red earth. It is also the generic name of the human race (Gen. 1:26, 27; 5:2; 8:21; Deut. 8:3). Its equivalents are the Latin homo and the Greek anthropos (Matt. 5:13, 16). It denotes also man in opposition to woman (Gen. 3:12; Matt. 19:10).
(2.) Heb. ‘ish, like the Latin vir and Greek aner, denotes properly a man in opposition to a woman (1 Sam. 17:33;
Four Hebrew terms are rendered "man" in the Authorized Version: Adam, the name of the man created in the image of God. It appears to be derived from adam , "he or it was red or ruddy," like Edom. This was the generic term for the human race. Ish , "man," as distinguished from woman, husband. Geber , "a man," from gabar , "to be strong," generally with reference to his strength. Methim , "men," always masculine. Perhaps it may be derived from the root muth , "he died."
The Hebrew word שׂוּם (sum) is a verb meaning to put, place, or set, with a wide range of applications including appointing, establishing, and making. It can also refer to laying something upon or directing it. There is a related noun שׂוּמָה (sumah), which may denote a token of unluckiness. The entries do not present any significant disagreement.
שׂוּם, שִׂים 582 vb. put, place, set
Qal
put, set, in a place
put something upon
put, lay, set
put, c. בֵּין
set, direct
set, ordain, in a place
set, establish a law, statute
set, found a nation
set, appoint (as ruler, official)
set, constitute, make
set, determine, fix, bounds
set, station, at a post
put in position, sacred bread, sword, staves, bars
set up altars
= plant, wheat
set, fix (countenance)
make a thing, or pers. (acc.), for, transform into
make, constitute
work, bring to pass
appoint, give
set, fix (countenance)
Hiph. I will make him for a sign
Hoph. there was set before him
base
שׂוּמָה perhaps n. f. token of unluckiness, scowl;—2 S 13:32
ref
H7760a שׂוּם, שִׂים put, place, set .. . put, set, in a place
. put something upon
. put, lay, set
. put, c. בֵּין
. set, direct
. . set, ordain, in a place
. set, establish a law, statute
. set, found a nation
. set, appoint (as ruler, official)
. set, constitute, make
. set, determine, fix, bounds
. . set, station, at a post
. put in position, sacred bread, sword, staves, bars
. set up altars
. = plant, wheat
. set, fix (countenance)
. . make a thing, or pers. (acc.), for, transform into
. make, constitute
. work, bring to pass
. appoint, give
. set, fix (countenance)
. I will make him for a sign
. there was set before him
H7760b שׂוּמָה perhaps n. f. token of unluckiness, scowl
7760 suwm soom
or siym {seem}; a primitive root; to put (used in a great
variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially,
and elliptically):--X any wise, appoint, bring, call (a
name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider,
convey, determine, + disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap
up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out),
mark, + name, X on, ordain, order, + paint, place, preserve,
purpose, put (on), + regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set
(on, up), shew, + stedfastly, take, X tell, + tread down,
((over-))turn, X wholly, work.
שׂוּם (sum) — to set: make.
: make/establish
1) to put, place, set, appoint, make
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on
1a2) to set, direct, direct toward
1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig)
1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix
1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix
1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give
1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign
1c) (Hophal) to be set
שׂוּמָה (su.mah) — fate.
token of unluckiness, scowl
שׂוּם (sum) — to set: put.
: put/give
1) to put, place, set, appoint, make
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on
1a2) to set, direct, direct toward
1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig)
1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
Few words in the English language have such a rich variety of meaning and are used in so rich a variety of idiomatic expression as the word "set." A glance at any of the great dictionaries will convince anyone of the truth of this statement. The Standard Dictionary devotes three and a half columns to the word. In its primary meaning it there denotes 22 distinct things, in its secondary meaning 17 more, while 18 distinct phrases are given in which it is used, in some cases again in a variety of meanings. It is indeed a word calculated to drive a foreigner to despair. Some 70 Hebrew and about 30 Greek words in the original tongues of the Holy Scriptures have been rendered by the word "set," in the King James Version and also in the Revised Version (British and American). A careful comparative study of the original and of translations in other tongues will at once indicate that a lack of…
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HTo/Sp3mp — Particle · suffixHTo/Sp3mp
אָרַב (arab) is a primitive root meaning to lie in wait or ambush. It covers actions like lurking or setting an ambush, with forms in Qal, Piel, and Hiphil that indicate different nuances of waiting or attacking. The entries consistently emphasize its hostile connotation.
אָרַב vb. lie in wait
Qal lie in wait (with hostile purpose)
Pi. Pt. pl. liers-in-wait
Hiph. Impf. but txt. dub.
base
H693 אָרַב lie in wait
693 'arab aw-rab'
a primitive root; to lurk:--(lie in) ambush(-ment), lay (lie
in) wait.
אָרַב (a.rav) — to ambush.
1) to lie in wait, ambush, lurk
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to lie in wait
1a2) ambush (participle as subst)
1b) (Piel) ambushers, liers-in-wait (pl. participle)
1c) (Hiphil) to lay an ambush
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singularHVqrmsa
am'-boosh ('arabh, "to set an ambush"; ma'arabh, "an ambush"): A military stratagem in which a body of men are placed in concealment to surprise an enemy unawares, or to attack a point when temporarily undefended. This stratagem was employed successfully by Joshua at Ai (Jos 8). Jeremiah calls upon the Medes to "set up a standard against the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set the watchmen, prepare the ambushes" (Jer 51:12).
Ambush
Joshua at the capture of Ai lay in ambush, and so deceived the inhabitants that he gained an easy victory (Josh. 8:4-26). Shechem was taken in this manner (Judg. 9:30-45. Comp. Jer. 51:12).
בַּ֫יִן (beyn) is a noun meaning 'interval' or 'space between.' It primarily functions as a preposition meaning 'between' or 'among,' and can also indicate distinctions or choices. The dual form בֵּנַ֫יִם refers specifically to the space between two entities, such as armies. The entries do not indicate any significant disagreement.
בַּ֫יִן subst. prop. interval, space between
always (exc. dual) as prep. in the interval of, between
Dual בֵּנַ֫יִם space between two armies
base
H996 בַּ֫יִן subst. prop. interval, space between . always (exc. dual) as prep. in the interval of, between
. Dual בֵּנַ֫יִם space between two armies
996 beyn bane
(sometimes in the plural masculine or feminine); properly,
the constructive form of an otherwise unused noun from 995; a
distinction; but used only as a prep, between (repeated before
each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction,
either...or:--among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), +
from (the widest), X in, out of, whether (it be...or), within.
see HEBREW for 0995
בַּ֫יִן (ba.yin) — between.
: between
between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
בַּ֫יִן (ba.yin) — between: among.
: among
between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
A sub-meaning of ben (בַּ֫יִן ": between" H0996)
Prep — PrepHAcmsc
בֵּֽיתְאֵל (Bethel) means 'house of God' and refers to a significant ancient location in Palestine, identified with Luz. It is described as a seat of worship situated in Ephraim on the border of Benjamin, as well as a place in the southern region of Judah.
בֵּֽיתְאֵל 71 n.pr.loc. Bethel
ancient place and seat of worship in Ephraim on border of Benjamin, identif. with Luz (former name)
place in south country of Judah, not far from Beersheba & Ziklag
base
H1008 בֵּֽיתְאֵל Bethel
1008 Beyth-'El bayth-ale'
from 1004 and 410; house of God; Beth-El, a place in
Palestine:--Beth-el.
see HEBREW for 01004
see HEBREW for 0410
בֵּֽיתְ־אֵל (bet-el) — Bethel.
§ Bethel = "house of God"
ancient place and seat of worship in Ephraim on border of Benjamin, identified with Luz (former name)
בֵּֽיתְ־אֵל (bet-el) — Bethel.
§ Bethel = "house of God"
a place in south country of Judah
N-proper — Noun properHNpl
Beth
Occurs frequently as the appellation for a house, or dwelling-place, in such compounds as the words immediately following:
the most general word for a house or habitation. It has the special meaning of a temple or house of worship Beth is more frequently employed in compound names of places than any other word.
House, forms a part of many compounds names of places, and sometimes means the place or dwelling; and at others the temple. This word becomes Beit in modern Arabic.
בֵּֽיתְאֵל (Bethel) means 'house of God' and refers to a significant ancient location in Palestine, identified with Luz. It is described as a seat of worship situated in Ephraim on the border of Benjamin, as well as a place in the southern region of Judah.
בֵּֽיתְאֵל 71 n.pr.loc. Bethel
ancient place and seat of worship in Ephraim on border of Benjamin, identif. with Luz (former name)
place in south country of Judah, not far from Beersheba & Ziklag
base
H1008 בֵּֽיתְאֵל Bethel
1008 Beyth-'El bayth-ale'
from 1004 and 410; house of God; Beth-El, a place in
Palestine:--Beth-el.
see HEBREW for 01004
see HEBREW for 0410
בֵּֽיתְ־אֵל (bet-el) — Bethel.
§ Bethel = "house of God"
ancient place and seat of worship in Ephraim on border of Benjamin, identified with Luz (former name)
בֵּֽיתְ־אֵל (bet-el) — Bethel.
§ Bethel = "house of God"
a place in south country of Judah
HNpl — Noun properHNpl
See GOD, NAMES OF.
Strength, one of the names of God, especially in poetry,
Ge 33:18-20. It is very often found in proper names, as Bethel, Daniel, Elijah, etc. Eloi, like Eli, means, My God.
בַּ֫יִן (beyn) is a noun meaning 'interval' or 'space between.' It primarily functions as a preposition meaning 'between' or 'among,' and can also indicate distinctions or choices. The dual form בֵּנַ֫יִם refers specifically to the space between two entities, such as armies. The entries do not indicate any significant disagreement.
בַּ֫יִן subst. prop. interval, space between
always (exc. dual) as prep. in the interval of, between
Dual בֵּנַ֫יִם space between two armies
base
H996 בַּ֫יִן subst. prop. interval, space between . always (exc. dual) as prep. in the interval of, between
. Dual בֵּנַ֫יִם space between two armies
996 beyn bane
(sometimes in the plural masculine or feminine); properly,
the constructive form of an otherwise unused noun from 995; a
distinction; but used only as a prep, between (repeated before
each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction,
either...or:--among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), +
from (the widest), X in, out of, whether (it be...or), within.
see HEBREW for 0995
בַּ֫יִן (ba.yin) — between.
: between
between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
בַּ֫יִן (ba.yin) — between: among.
: among
between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
A sub-meaning of ben (בַּ֫יִן ": between" H0996)
Conj | Prep — ConjunctionHC/Acmsc
עַי (Ay) refers to an ancient city in Canaan, known as Ai or Aija, which is described as a 'heap of ruins.' It is located east of Bethel and near Jericho, and it is mentioned as the second city taken during the invasion of Canaan. Additionally, it is noted as a city of the Ammonites east of the Jordan, associated with Heshbon.
עַי, עַיָּ֑ת, עַיָּה 40 n.pr.loc.
old Canaanit. city
E. Jordan city
base
H5857 עַי, עַיָּ֑ת, עַיָּה . old Canaanit. city
. E. Jordan city
5857 `Ay ah'ee
or (feminine) uAya( (Neh. 11:31) {ah-yaw'}; or eAyath (Isaiah
10:28) {ah-yawth'}; for 5856; Ai, Aja or Ajath, a place in
Palestine:--Ai, Aija, Aijath, Hai.
see HEBREW for 05856
עַי (ay) — Ai.
§ Ai or Aija or Aiath or Hai = "heap of ruins"
a city lying east of Bethel and beside Bethaven near Jericho and the second city taken on the invasion of Canaan
עַי (ay) — Ai.
§ Ai or Aija or Aiath or Hai = "heap of ruins"
a city of the Ammonites on the east of the Jordan and apparently attached to Heshbon
Art | N-proper — Particle · noun properHTd/Npl
a'-i (`ay, written always with the definite article, ha-`ay, probably meaning "the ruin," kindred root, `awah):
(1) A town of central Palestine, in the tribe of Benjamin, near and just east of Bethel (Ge 12:8). It is identified with the modern Haiyan, just south of the village Der Diwan (Conder in HDB; Delitzsch in Commentary on Ge 12:8) or with a mound, El-Tell, to the north of the modern village (Davis, Dict. Biblical). The name first appears in the earliest journey of Abraham through Palestine (Ge 12:8), where its location is given as east of Bethel, and near the altar which Abraham built between the two places. It is given similar mention as he returns from his sojourn in Egypt (
Ai
Ruins. (1.) One of the royal cities of the Canaanites (Josh. 10:1; Gen. 12:8; 13:3). It was the scene of Joshua’s defeat, and afterwards of his victory. It was the second Canaanite city taken by Israel (Josh. 7:2-5; 8:1-29). It lay rebuilt and inhibited by the Benjamites (Ezra 2:28; Neh. 7:32; 11:31). It lay to the east of Bethel, “beside Beth-aven.” The spot which is most probably the site of this ancient city is Haiyan, 2 miles east from Bethel. It lay up the Wady Suweinit, a steep, rugged valley, extending from the Jordan valley to Bethel.
(heap of ruins). A city lying east of Bethel and "beside Bethaven." (Joshua 7:2; 8:9) It was the second city taken by Israel after the passage of the Jordan, and was "utterly destroyed." (Joshua 7:3-5; 8:1; Joshua 9:3; 10:1,2; 12:9) A city of the Ammonites, apparently attached to Heshbon. (Jeremiah 49:3)
Called also Hai, Ge 12:8; Aija, Ne 11:31; and Aiath, Isa 10:28. A royal city of the Canaanites, east of Bethel, near which Abraham once sojourned and built an altar, Ge 12:8; 13:3. It is memorable for Joshua’s defeat on account of Achan, and his subsequent victory, Jos 7:2-5; 8:1-29. It was rebuilt, and is mentioned by Isaiah. Its ruins are spoken of by Eusebius and Jerome, but the exact site cannot now be fixed with certainty.
יָם (yam) means 'sea' and refers to various large bodies of water, including the Mediterranean, Red, and Dead Seas, as well as the Sea of Galilee. It can also denote a mighty river like the Nile and has geographical implications, indicating directions such as west or south. The term is derived from a root meaning to roar, suggesting the noise of breaking surf.
יָם 390 n.m. sea
base
H3220 יָם sea
3220 yam yawm
from an unused root meaning to roar; a sea (as breaking in
noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the
article), the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river, or
an artifical basin; locally, the west, or (rarely) the
south:--sea (X -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern,
side, -ward).
יָם (yam) — sea.
: sea
1) sea
1a) Mediterranean Sea
1b) Red Sea
1c) Dead Sea
1d) Sea of Galilee
1e) sea (general)
1f) mighty river (Nile)
1g) the sea (the great basin in the temple court)
1h) seaward, west, westward
יָם (yam) — sea: west.
: west
1) sea
1a) Mediterranean Sea
1b) Red Sea
1c) Dead Sea
1d) Sea of Galilee
1e) sea (general)
1f) mighty river (Nile)
1g) the sea (the great basin in the temple court)
1h) seaward, west, westward
יָם (yam) — (Mt. Ephron in the) West.
This name means sea, seaward, westward
Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
(1) Usually (yam), "sea" because the Mediterranean lies to the West of Palestine; not usually in figurative expressions; but compare Ho 11:10.
(2) Often (ma`arabh); compare Arabic (gharb), and (maghrib), "west" (maghrib-ush-shems), or simply (maghrib), "sunset."
(3) (mebho' ha-chemesh), "entrance of the sun," (mabho', bo'), "to come in." (Just as mizrach, is the rising of the sun, or east, so mabho' (or ma'arabh], is the setting of the sun, or west: "From the rising of the sun (mizrach-shemesh) unto the going down (mabho) thereof" (Ps 50:1; compare 113:3; Mal 1:11).)
(4) (dusme, from duo), "to enter," "sink," "set." The Greek usage is parallel to the Hebrew just cited: "Many shall come from the east anatole, "rising") and the…
The Hebrew word עִיר (*'iyr*) has meanings related to both excitement and city. It can denote excitement, particularly of terror or rage, as well as refer to a city or town, indicating a place that is guarded or inhabited. The entries suggest a broad application, from fortified cities to simple encampments. There is a specific mention of a man named Ir in 1 Chronicles 4:12.
עִיר n.[m.] excitement;—of terror; of rage
base
עִיר 1092 n.f. city, town
city, town, abode of men
of fortress in a city
appar. fortified place, of any size
base
H5892a עִיר excitement;—of terror; of rage H5892b עִיר city, town . city, town, abode of men
. of fortress in a city
. appar. fortified place, of any size
5892 `iyr eer
or (in the plural) par {awr}; or ayar (Judges 10:4)
{aw-yar'}; from 5782 a city (a place guarded by waking or a
watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or
post):--Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town.
see HEBREW for 05782
עִיר (ir) — excitement.
1) excitement, anguish
1a) of terror
עִיר (ir) — city.
1) city, town (a place of waking, guarded)
1a) city, town (a place of waking, guarded)
1a) city, town
עִיר (ir) — City (of On).
Combined with on (אֹן "On" H0204)
This name means city, town
Another name of on (אֹן "On" H0204)
עִיר (ir) — Ir-.
#A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.12;
son of: Tehinnah (H8468)
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absoluteHRd/Ncfsa
sit'-i (`ir, qiryah; polis):
I. THE CANAANITE CITY
1. Origin
2. Extent
3. Villages
4. Sites
5. External Appearance
6. General
II. THE CITY OF THE JEWISH OCCUPATION
1. Tower or Stronghold
2. High Place
3. Broad Place
4. Streets
5. General Characteristics
III. STORE CITIES
IV. LEVITICAL CITIES
LITERATURE
I. The Canaanite City.
1. Origin:
The development of the Canaanite city has been traced by Macalister in his report on the excavation at Gezer (Palestine Exploration Fund Statement, 1904, 108 ff). It originated on the slopes of a bare rocky spur, in which the Neolithic Troglodytes quarried their habitations out of the solid rock, the stones therefrom being used to form a casing to the earthen ramparts, with which the site was afterwards surrounded and which served as a protection against the intrusion of enemies. Later Semitic intruders occupied the site, stone houses were built, and high stone defense…
City
The earliest mention of city-building is that of Enoch, which was built by Cain (Gen. 4:17). After the confusion of tongues, the descendants of Nimrod founded several cities (10:10-12). Next, we have a record of the cities of the Canaanites, Sidon, Gaza, Sodom, etc. (10:12, 19; 11:3, 9; 36:31-39). The earliest description of a city is that of Sodom (19:1-22). Damascus is said to be the oldest existing city in the world. Before the time of Abraham there were cities in Egypt (Num. 13:22). The Israelites in Egypt were employed in building the “treasure cities” of Pithom and Raamses (Ex. 1:11); but it does not seem that they had any cities of their own in Goshen (Gen.…
The towns and cities of Palestine were commonly built on heights, for better security against robbers or invaders. These heights, surrounded by walls, sometimes formed the entire city. In other cases, the citadel alone crowned the hill, around and at the base of which the town was built; and in time of danger the surrounding population all took refuge in the fortified place. Larger towns and cities were often not only defended by strong outer walls, with towers and gates, but by a citadel or castle within these limits-a last resort when the rest of the city was taken, Jud 9:46,51. The "fenced cities" of the Jews, De 3:5, were of various sizes and degrees of strength; some being surrounded by high and thick stone walls, and others by feebler ramparts, often of clay or sun-dried…