Leviticus 14:5 — Word Study
WLCוְצִוָּה֙ הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְשָׁחַ֖ט אֶת־ הַצִּפּ֣וֹר הָאֶחָ֑ת אֶל־ כְּלִי־ חֶ֖רֶשׂ עַל־ מַ֥יִם חַיִּֽים׃
BSAThen the priestkôhên [holy servant, spiritual leader] shall commandtsâvâh [to give orders, appoint] that oneʼechâd [a single, unique] of the birdstsippôwr [little bird, sparrow] be slaughteredshâchaṭ [killed, sacrificed] overʻal freshchay [running, living] watermayim inʼêl a claycheres [earthenware, pottery] potkᵉlîy [vessel, container]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְצִוָּה֙ | and he will command | Verb, Piel, sequential perfect third person masculine singular |
| הַכֹּהֵ֔ן | the priest | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְשָׁחַ֖ט | and someone will cut [the] throat of | Verb, Qal, sequential perfect third person masculine singular |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| הַצִּפּ֣וֹר | the bird | Particle, noun common both singular absolute |
| הָאֶחָ֑ת | one | Particle |
| אֶל־ | into | Preposition |
| כְּלִי־ | a vessel of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| חֶ֖רֶשׂ | earthenware | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| עַל־ | over | Preposition |
| מַ֥יִם | water | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| חַיִּֽים׃ | living | Adj |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Then the priest shall command that one of the birds be slaughtered over fresh water in a clay pot. |
| KJV | And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water: |
| ASV | and the priest shall command to kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water. |
| YLT | 'And the priest hath commanded, and he hath slaughtered the one bird upon an earthen vessel, over running water; |
| WEB | The priest shall command them to kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water. |
| BBE | And the priest will give orders for one of the birds to be put to death in a vessel made of earth, over flowing water. |
Where they part company is חַיִּֽים׃ — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence begins with the main clause followed by a series of phrases that provide details about the command and the ritual.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbצָוָה
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 — Leviticus 14:5
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 — Instructions for Cleansinggenerated
Leviticus 14:5 provides specific instructions for the priest regarding the ritual cleansing of a person afflicted with a skin disease. This verse highlights the role of the priest in commanding the actions necessary for purification, including the slaughter of a bird over fresh water in a clay pot. These rituals underscore the importance of cleanliness and adherence to God's laws, as seen throughout the book of Leviticus.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 14:50 | and he shall slaughter one of the birds over fresh water in a clay pot. |
| 2 | Numbers 5:17 | Then he is to take some holy water in a clay jar and put some of the dust from the tabernacle floor into the water. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 4:7 | Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 5:1 | Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 13:4 | For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. And though we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him to serve you. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — צָוָה, ve.tzi.Vahgenerated
The verb צָוָה (tsavah) means to command or give orders. It is derived from a primitive root and is primarily used in the Piel form, indicating actions like appointing or charging someone with a task. The parsing as a sequential perfect third person masculine singular shows that it is the priest who is performing the action of commanding.
This word is significant in the context of the priest's authority and responsibility to lead the community in worship and ritual. The use of this term emphasizes the structured nature of the religious practices in ancient Israel, where commands were given to ensure proper observance of God's laws.
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. The BSB has command, and so do the KJV and the ASV: all three maintain the authoritative tone of צָוָה.
Where others part company with the BSB they part company over a real fork in the lexicon, not over style. Order (YLT) captures the sense of authority, while instruct (WEB) conveys a similar meaning but with a slightly softer tone.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb צִוָּה֙ governs the main clause, indicating the priest's command. The structure includes a noun phrase as the subject, followed by a sequence of actions and descriptions that elaborate on the ritual.
The order of the Hebrew words places emphasis on the priest's authority at the beginning, followed by the details of the command. This structure reflects the formal nature of the instructions being given.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates צָוָה as προστάχει, which means 'to command' or 'to order.' This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning and emphasizes the authoritative nature of the priest's role in the ritual.
The use of this Greek term in the Septuagint suggests a continuity in the understanding of the priest's responsibilities across both Hebrew and Greek traditions.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Leviticus 14:5 describes how the priest commands that one of the birds be slaughtered over fresh water in a clay pot. This instruction is part of the ritual for cleansing a person with a skin disease, emphasizing the importance of proper procedures in worship.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The priest's command is crucial for maintaining the purity and order of the ritual, reflecting the structure of worship in ancient Israel.
Fresh water symbolizes life and purity, making it essential for the cleansing process in the ritual.
The clay pot is a vessel used for the ritual, emphasizing the earthly and humble materials used in sacred practices.
This verse highlights the themes of holiness, purity, and the proper conduct of rituals as central to the community's relationship with God.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I apply the concept of authority in my own life, similar to the priest's role in this verse?
- What rituals or practices in my faith help me maintain a sense of purity and connection to God?
- In what ways can I ensure I follow the guidelines set forth in my spiritual community?
- How does understanding the significance of rituals enhance my appreciation for my faith?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The commentary on this verse includes insights from early writers, focusing on the significance of living waters in the ritual.
Living waters: That is, waters taken from a spring, brook, or river.Early Church Fathers on Leviticus 14 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Leviticus 14:5 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed,.... That is, shall command another priest to kill one of them, or an Israelite, as Aben Ezra; and who also observes, that some say the
Read John Gill on Leviticus 14 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water: The priest shall command that one of the birds be killed.
Read Robert Jamieson on Leviticus 14 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleTo wit, by some other man. The priest did not kill it himself, because it was not properly a sacrifice, as being killed without the camp, and not in that place to which all sacrifices were confined; and if it had been a sacrifice, that might be killed by another, so long as the sprinkling of the blood of it, which was the most proper and essential act in the sacrifice, was done by the priest. Over running water; it seems to be a metathesis or transplacing of words, for over running water put in an earthen vessel. Thus the blood of the bird and the water were mixed together, partly for the conveniency of sprinkling, and partly to signify Christ, who came by water and blood, . The running…
Read Matthew Poole on Leviticus 14 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsLeviticus 14:5 And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water:Ver. 5. Over running water.] Heb., Living water. Life consists in motion, in action: hence waters that spring and run, are, for their continual motion, called living waters. O Lord, saith Hezekiah, "By these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit."
Read John Trapp on Leviticus 14 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(5) And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed.—Rather, And the priest shall command, and he shall kill the one bird, that is, upon the priest ordering it, the cured leper is to kill the one which is the fairer and better bird of the two, as was the rule during the second Temple. Not being a sacrifice, the victim was killed outside the camp. In an earthen vessel over running water.—Better, over an earthen vessel upon (or into) living water, that is, the bird was killed over the dish, so as to let the blood flow into the water. The vessel had to be a new one; into it was poured a fourth part of a log, or as much as an egg and a-half of “living water:” that is, water taken…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Leviticus 14 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 5. Over running water.] Literally, living, that is, spring water. The meaning appears to be this: Some water (about a quarter of a log, an eggshell and a half full, according to the rabbins) was taken from a spring, and put into a clean earthen vessel, and they killed the bird over this water, that the blood might drop into it; and in this blood and water mixed, they dipped the instrument before described, and sprinkled it seven times upon the person who was to be cleansed. The living or spring water was chosen because it was purer than what was taken from pits or wells, the latter being often in a putrid or corrupt state; for in a ceremony of purifying or cleansing, every thing must…
Read AdamClarke on Leviticus 14 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges5. in an earthen vessel over running water] The word ‘running’ is somewhat misleading. The Heb. expression is ‘living water,’ i.e. water from a spring. It was to be put into the vessel over which the bird was killed: the water served as a medium for conveying the blood of the slain bird (Leviticus 14:6); so the ashes of the red heifer were mixed with water (Numbers 19:9; Numbers 19:17).
Read Cambridge on Leviticus 14 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleRunning water - literally, living water, i. e. water fresh from the spring Genesis 26:19; Numbers 19:17.
Read Albert Barnes on Leviticus 14 →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
Then the priest shall command that one of the birds be slaughtered over fresh water in a clay pot.
The priest shall command them to kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water.
Then the priest shall command that one of the birds be slaughtered over fresh water in a clay pot.
The priest will then command that one bird be slaughtered into a clay vessel over fresh water.
Tyndale line
And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water:
and the priest shall command to kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water.
And the priest shall command to kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water:
And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel, over running water.
And the Priest shall commaund to kill one of the birdes ouer pure water in an earthen vessell.
Strictly literal
And the priest shall command that one bird be killed in an earthen vessel over running water:
'And the priest hath commanded, and he hath slaughtered the one bird upon an earthen vessel, over running water;
And the priest has commanded, and he has slaughtered one bird on an earthen vessel, over running water;
And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water.
The priest will command him to kill one of the birds over fresh water that is in a clay pot.
From the Latin
And he shall command one of the sparrows to be immolated in an earthen vessel over living waters:
Simplified
The priest will order one of the birds to be killed over a clay pot filled with fresh water.
And the priest will give orders for one of the birds to be put to death in a vessel made of earth, over flowing water.
Word by word, the decisions they made
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 and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording, with 11 of the 12 words matched. However, the Samaritan Pentateuch differs by using the word שׁחטו (slaughter) instead of the form found in the Masoretic Text.
וְצִוָּה֙ הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְשָׁחַ֖ט אֶת־ הַצִּפּ֣וֹר הָאֶחָ֑ת אֶל־ כְּלִי־ חֶ֖רֶשׂ עַל־ מַ֥יִם חַיִּֽים׃
11 of the 12 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.
וצוה הכהן ושׁחטו את הצפור האחת אל כלי חרשׂ על מים חיים
1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: שׁחטו (slaughter)
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 Leviticus 14:5
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.
צָוָה (tsavah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to command or give orders. It is built from a primitive root and primarily used in the Piel form, indicating actions like appointing or charging someone with a task. The entries highlight its various applications, including laying charges and sending messengers. There are no noted disagreements among the lexicons.
[צָוָה] 485 vb. Pi. lay charge (upon), give charge (to), charge, command, order
base
H6680 צָוָה Pi. lay charge (upon), give charge (to), charge, command, order
6680 tsavah tsaw-vaw'
a primitive root; (intensively) to constitute,
enjoin:--appoint, (for-)bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give
in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put,
(set) in order.
צָוָה (tsa.vah) — to command.
1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order
1a)(Piel)
1a1) to lay charge upon
1a2) to give charge to, give command to
1a3) to give charge unto
1a4) to give charge over, appoint
1a5) to give charge, command
1a6) to charge, command
1a7) to charge, commission
1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act)
1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Conj | V-Piel-3ms — Verb · Piel · sequential perfect third person masculine singularHc/Vpq3ms
כֹּהֵן (kohen) means 'priest' and is derived from the active participle of a related root. It encompasses various types of priests, including Levitical, Aaronic, and even pagan priests, as well as chief rulers or principal officers. The term is used in contexts referring to both Jewish and non-Jewish priestly roles.
כֹּהֵן 750 n.m. priest
base
H3548 כֹּהֵן priest
3548 kohen ko-hane'
active participle of 3547; literally, one officiating, a
priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a
layman):--chief ruler, X own, priest, prince, principal
officer.
see HEBREW for 03547
כֹּהֵן (ko.hen) — priest.
1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler
1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah)
1b) pagan priests
1c) priests of Jehovah
1d) Levitical priests
1e) Zadokite priests
1f) Aaronic priests
1g) the high priest
Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
prest (kohen, "priest," "prince," "minister"; hiereus archiereus; for hiereus megas, of Heb 10:21, see Thayer's Lexicon, under the word hiereus:
I. NATURE OF THE PRIESTLY OFFICE
1. Implies Divine Choice
2. Implies Representation
3. Implies Offering Sacrifice
4. Implies Intercession
II. THE TWO GREAT PRIESTS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT, MELCHIZEDEK AND AARON
III. PRIESTLY FUNCTIONS AND CHARACTER
1. A Strictly Religious Order
2. Priestism Denied
3. The High Priest's Qualifications
4. Symbolism of Aaron's Rod
IV. CONSECRATION OF AARON AND HIS SONS (EXODUS 29; LEVITICUS 8)
1. Symbolism of Consecration
2. Type and Archetype
LITERATURE
A priest is one who is duly authorized to minister in sacred things, particularly to offer sacrifices at the altar, and who acts as mediator between men and God. In the New Testament the term is applied to priests of the Gentiles…
Priest
The Heb. kohen, Gr. hierus, Lat. sacerdos, always denote one who offers sacrifices.
At first every man was his own priest, and presented his own sacrifices before God. Afterwards that office devolved on the head of the family, as in the cases of Noah (Gen. 8:20), Abraham (12:7; 13:4), Isaac (26:25), Jacob (31:54), and Job (Job 1:5).
The name first occurs as applied to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18). Under the Levitical arrangements the office of the priesthood was limited to the tribe of Levi, and to only one family of that tribe, the family of Aaron. Certain laws respecting the qualifications of priests are given in Lev. 21:16-23. There are ordinances also regarding the…
The English word is derived from the Greek presbyter , signifying an "elder" (Heb. cohen). Origin. --The idea of a priesthood connects itself in all its forms, pure or corrupted, with the consciousness, more or less distinct of sin. Men feel that they have broken a law. The power above them is holier than they are, and they dare not approach it. They crave for the intervention of some one of whom they can think as likely to be more acceptable than themselves. He must offer up their prayers, thanksgivings, sacrifices. He becomes their representative in "things pertaining unto God." He may become also (though this does not always follow) the representative of God to man. The functions of the priest and prophet may exist in the same person. No trace of a hereditary or caste priesthood meets us in the worship of the patriarchal age. Once and once only does the word cohen meet us as…
One who officiated in the public worship of God, especially in making expiation for sin, being "ordained for men in things pertaining to God, to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins." In the Old Testament, the priesthood was not annexed to a certain family till after the promulgation of the law by Moses. Before that time, the firstborn of each family, the fathers, the princes, the kings, were priests in their own cities and in their own houses. Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham, and Job, Abimelech and Laban, Isaac and Jacob offered personally their own sacrifices. In the solemnity of the covenant made by the Lord with his people, at the foot of Mount Sinai, Moses performed the office of mediator, and young men were chosen from among Israel to perform the office of priests, Ex 24:5. But after the Lord had chosen the tribe of Levi to…
שָׁחַט (shachat) is a Hebrew verb meaning to slaughter or kill, often in the context of sacrifice. It can refer to the slaughtering of animals for food or ritual purposes, as well as the killing of people in a sacrificial context. The noun form שַׁחֲטָה (shachat) is noted as a doubtful term, with a reference in Hosea 5:2.
שָׁחַט 84 vb. slaughter, beat
Qal slaughter
Niph. be slaughtered for food
base
שַׁחֲטָה n.f. doubtful word;—Ho 5:2 RV (cf. AV) the revolters are gone deep in slaughtering
ref
H7819a שָׁחַט slaughter, beat H7819b שַׁחֲטָה doubtful word
7819 shachat shaw-khat'
a primitive root; to slaughter (in sacrifice or
massacre):--kill, offer, shoot out, slay, slaughter.
שָׁחַט (sha.chat) — to slaughter.
v
1) to kill, slaughter, beat
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to slaughter
1a1a) beast for food
1a1b) sacrifice
1a1c) person in human sacrifice
1a1d) beaten, hammered (of shekels)
1b) (Niphal) to be slaughtered, be slain (of food or sacrifice)
Also means: sha.chat (שָׁחוּט "beaten" H7820)
שַׁחֲטָה (sha.cha.tah) — slaughtering.
1) (BDB) slaughtering
1a) word doubtful
Conj | V-Qal-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqq3ms
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
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 — ParticleHTo
צִפּוֹר (tsippowr) means 'bird' and can refer to a singular bird or birds collectively. It is derived from a root meaning 'to hop' and is associated with small birds like sparrows. The Aramaic equivalent is צְפַר (tse.phar).
צִפּוֹר, צִפֹּר 40 n.f. bird
base
H6833 צִפּוֹר, צִפֹּר bird
6833 tsippowr tsip-pore'
or tsippor {tsip-pore'}; from 6852; a little bird (as
hopping):--bird, fowl, sparrow.
see HEBREW for 06852
צִפּוֹר (tsip.por) — bird.
1) bird, fowl
1a) bird (singular)
1b) birds (coll)
Aramaic equivalent: tse.phar (צְפַר "bird" H6853)
Art | N-cs — Particle · noun common both singular absoluteHTd/Ncbsa
Bird
Birds are divided in the Mosaic law into two classes, (1) the clean (Lev. 1:14-17; 5:7-10; 14:4-7), which were offered in sacrifice; and (2) the unclean (Lev. 11:13-20). When offered in sacrifice, they were not divided as other victims were (Gen. 15:10). They are mentioned also as an article of food (Deut. 14:11). The art of snaring wild birds is referred to (Ps. 124:7; Prov. 1:17; 7:23; Jer. 5:27). Singing birds are mentioned in Ps. 104:12;
אֶחָד (echad) means 'one' and is derived from a numeral. It encompasses meanings such as each, every, a certain, and can serve as an indefinite article. It is also used as an ordinal to denote 'first' and appears in various combinations, including eleven. The entries consistently emphasize its numerical and qualitative aspects.
אֶחָד 972 adj.num. one
one
= each, every
= a certain
= indef. art.
only, & (fem.) once
one … another, one … the other
as ordinal first
in combin.
base
H259 אֶחָד one . one
. = each, every
. = a certain
. = indef. art.
. only, & (fem.) once
. one … another, one … the other
. as ordinal first
. in combin.
259 'echad ekh-awd'
a numeral from 258; properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an
ordinal) first:--a, alike, alone, altogether, and,
any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-)ly, each (one), +
eleven, every, few, first, + highway, a man, once, one, only,
other, some, together,
see HEBREW for 0258
אֶחָד (e.chad) — one.
1) one (number)
1a) one (number)
1b) each, every
1c) a certain
1d) an (indefinite article)
1e) only, once, once for all
1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one
1g) first
1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Art | Adj — ParticleHTd/Acfsa
wun.
See NUMBER.
The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),
prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place
Where the limit is actually entered, into
Of direction towards anything
Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
Of rule or standard according to (rare)
Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
base
H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place
. Where the limit is actually entered, into
. Of direction towards anything
. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
. Of rule or standard according to (rare)
. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
413 'el ale
(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});
a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but
occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or
among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,
against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,
by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,
over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,
with(-in).
אֶל (el) — to(wards).
1) to, toward, unto (of motion)
2) into (limit is actually entered)
2a) in among
3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)
4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)
5) in addition to, to
6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of
7) according to (rule or standard)
8) at, by, against (of one's presence)
9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Prep — PrepositionHR
כְּלִי (kliy) refers to an article or utensil, encompassing a wide range of objects such as vessels, tools, and implements used for various purposes, including music and warfare. It is derived from a root meaning 'to prepare' and can denote anything from furniture to weapons. The entries highlight its general use in the Old Testament without significant disagreement among lexicons.
כְּלִי 324 n.m. article, utensil, vessel
base
H3627 כְּלִי article, utensil, vessel
3627 kliy kel-ee'
from 3615; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an
implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon):--armour
((-bearer)), artillery, bag, carriage, + furnish, furniture,
instrument, jewel, that is made of, X one from another, that
which pertaineth, pot, + psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool,
vessel, ware, weapon, + whatsoever.
see HEBREW for 03615
כְּלִי (ke.li) — article/utensil.
1) article, vessel, implement, utensil
1a) article, object (general)
1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel
1b1) implement (of hunting or war)
1b2) implement (of music)
1b3) implement, tool (of labour)
1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen)
1b5) utensils, furniture
1c) vessel, receptacle (general)
1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
חֶ֫רֶשׂ (cheres) refers to earthenware or pottery, including terms like sherd and potsherd. It is derived from a form that connects to other Hebrew words related to pottery. The entries consistently emphasize its use in describing clay vessels and fragments.
חֶ֫רֶשׂ n.[m.] earthenware, earthen vessel, sherd potsherd
base
H2789 חֶ֫רֶשׂ earthenware, earthen vessel, sherd potsherd
2789 cheres kheh'-res
a collateral form mediating between 2775 and 2791; a piece of
pottery:--earth(-en), (pot-)sherd, + stone.
see HEBREW for 02775
see HEBREW for 02791
חֶ֫רֶשׂ (che.re.s) — earthenware.
earthenware, clay pottery, shard, potsherd, earthen vessel
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
[POTTERY]
→ See POTTERY
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
Prep — PrepositionHR
מַי (mayim) is a Hebrew word meaning 'water' and is used in the plural form. It encompasses various meanings, including literal water, urine, and metaphorical uses related to refreshment or danger. The entries indicate it is derived from a primitive noun and is primarily referenced in contexts involving water.
[מַי] 580 n.m. only pl. מַ֫יִם waters, water
base
H4325 מַי only pl. מַ֫יִם waters, water
4325 mayim mah'-yim
dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense);
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen:--+
piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)).
מַי (ma.yim) — water.
1) water, waters
1a) water
1b) water of the feet, urine
1c) of danger, violence, transitory things, refreshment (fig.)
מַי (ma.yim) — Water (Gate).
This name means water, refreshment
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
wo'-ter (mayim; hudor):
(1) The Greek philosophers believed water to be the original substance and that all things were made from it. The Koran states, "From water we have made all things." In the story of the creation (Ge 1:2) water plays an elemental part.
(2) Because of the scarcity of water in Palestine it is especially appreciated by the people there. They love to go and sit by a stream of running water. Men long for a taste of the water of their native village (1Ch 11:17). A town or village is known throughout the country for the quality of its water, which is described by many adjectives, such as "light," "heavy," etc.
(3) The rainfall is the only source of supply of water for Palestine. The moisture is carried up from the sea in clouds and falls on the hills as rain or snow.…
See CISTERN and WELLS.
In Isa 35:7, the Hebrew word for "parched ground" that shall become a pool of water, is the same with the Arabic term for the mirage, a peculiar optical illusion by which travelers in hot and dry deserts think they see broad lakes and flowing waters; they seem to discern the very ripple of the waves, and the swaying of tail trees on the margin in the cool breeze; green hills and houses and city ramparts rise before the astonished sight, recede as the traveler advances, and at length melt away in the hot haze. Not so the blessings of the gospel; they are no alluring mockery, but real waters of everlasting life, Isa 55:1 Joh 4:14 Re 22:1. Compare
→ Creation of Ps 148:4,5
→ Covered the whole earth Ge 1:9
→ Daily allowance of Eze 4:11
→ City waterworks 2Ki 20:20
→ Vision of, by Ezekiel Eze 47:1-5
→ Of separation Nu 19:2-22
The Hebrew word חַי (*chay*) means 'alive' or 'living' and covers a range of meanings related to life, including living beings, vitality, and freshness. It can refer to God, animals, vegetation, and even concepts like appetite and community. Variants include חַיָּה (*chayyah*), meaning 'living thing' or 'animal,' and חַיִּים (*chayim*), which emphasizes life and sustenance.
חַי adj. alive, living
of God, as the living one, the fountain of life
of man
of animals, alive, living
animals and man
(dub.) of vegetation, as thorns, green
of water, fresh
(dub.) lively, active
reviving
base
[חַי] n.[m.] kinsfolk, pl. sf. 1 S 18:18
ref
חַיָּה n.f. living thing, animal
animal
in general
wild animals, on account of their vital energy and activity
living beings, of the cherubic chariot
life, only in late poetry
appetite, activity of hunger
revival, renewal
base
חַיָּה n.f. community
base
חַיִּים n.m. pl. abstr. emph. life
life: physical
life: as welfare and happiness in king's presence
sustenance, maintenance
base
H2416a חַי alive, living . . of God, as the living one, the fountain of life
. of man
. of animals, alive, living
. animals and man
. (dub.) of vegetation, as thorns, green
. of water, fresh
. (dub.) lively, active
. reviving
H2416b חַי kinsfolk H2416c חַיָּה living thing, animal . animal . in general
. wild animals, on account of their vital energy and activity
. living beings, of the cherubic chariot
. life, only in late poetry
. appetite, activity of hunger
. revival, renewal
H2416d חַיָּה community H2416e חַיִּים pl. abstr. emph. life . life: physical
. life: as welfare and happiness in king's presence
. sustenance, maintenance
2416 chay khah'-ee
from 2421; alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water,
year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine
singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether
literally or figuratively:--+ age, alive, appetite, (wild)
beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living
(creature, thing), maintenance, + merry, multitude, + (be)
old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop.
see HEBREW for 02421
חַי (chay) — alive.
adj
1) living, alive
1a) green (of vegetation)
1b) flowing, fresh (of water)
1c) lively, active (of man)
1d) reviving (of the springtime)
Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
חַי (chay) — kinsfolk.
kinsfolk
חַיָּה (chay.yah) — living thing.
1) living thing, animal
1a) animal
1b) life
1c) appetite
1d) revival, renewal
Aramaic equivalent: che.va (חֵיוָא "beast" H2423)
חַיָּה (chay.yah) — community.
community
חַיִּים (chay.yim) — life.
1) life (abstract emphatic)
1a) life
1b) sustenance, maintenance
Adj — AdjHAampa
