Leviticus 18:9 — Word Study
WLCעֶרְוַ֨ת אֲחֽוֹתְךָ֤ בַת־ אָבִ֙יךָ֙ א֣וֹ בַת־ אִמֶּ֔ךָ מוֹלֶ֣דֶת בַּ֔יִת א֖וֹ מוֹלֶ֣דֶת ח֑וּץ לֹ֥א תְגַלֶּ֖ה עֶרְוָתָֽן׃ ס
BSAYou must notlôʼ have sexual relations withgâlâh▸ [or uncover the nakedness] your sisterʼâchôwth [by birth or close relative] either your father’sʼâb daughterbath [born at home or elsewhere] orʼôw your mother’s daughterʼêm [biological or half-sister] whether she was bornmôwledeth in the same homebayith orʼôw elsewherechûwts [in a different location or country]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| עֶרְוַ֨ת | [the] nakedness of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| אֲחֽוֹתְךָ֤ | sister your | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| בַת־ | [the] daughter of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| אָבִ֙יךָ֙ | father your | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| א֣וֹ | or | Conjunction |
| בַת־ | [the] daughter of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| אִמֶּ֔ךָ | mother your | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| מוֹלֶ֣דֶת | one born of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| בַּ֔יִת | house | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| א֖וֹ | or | Conjunction |
| מוֹלֶ֣דֶת | one born | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| ח֑וּץ | outside | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| לֹ֥א | not | Particle |
| תְגַלֶּ֖ה | you will uncover | Verb, Piel, imperfect second person masculine singular |
| עֶרְוָתָֽן׃ ס | nakedness their | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | You must not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere. |
| KJV | The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover. |
| ASV | The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or the daughter of thy mother, whether born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover. |
| YLT | 'The nakedness of thy sister, daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, born at home or born without; thou dost not uncover their nakedness. |
| WEB | “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, the daughter of your father, or the daughter of your mother, whether born at home or born abroad. |
| BBE | You may not take your sister, the daughter of your father or of your mother, wherever her birth took place, among you or in another country. |
Where they part company is in the rendering of עֶרְוָה — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause is straightforward, with several noun phrases providing necessary details about the relationships involved.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbגָּלָה
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 18:9
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 — Laws Concerning Forbidden Relationshipsgenerated
Leviticus 18:9 is part of a series of laws given to the Israelites regarding sexual conduct. This verse specifically addresses the prohibition of incestuous relationships, highlighting the importance of maintaining family integrity and moral boundaries. Similar prohibitions can be found throughout the Torah, reinforcing the need for ethical behavior within familial relationships.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 20:17 | If a man marries his sister, whether the daughter of his father or of his mother, and they have sexual relations, it is a disgrace. They must be cut off in the sight of their people. He has uncovered the nakedness of his sister; he shall bear his iniquity. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 27:22 | ‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 13:11–14 | And when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her and said, “Come lie with me, my sister!” |
| 4 | Ezekiel 22:11 | One man commits an abomination with his neighbor’s wife; another wickedly defiles his daughter-in-law; and yet another violates his sister, his own father’s daughter. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — עֶרְוָה, 'er.Vatgenerated
The word עֶרְוָה ('ervah) refers to nakedness, often implying shame or exposure. It is used in contexts that warn against improper behavior, as seen in other passages like Genesis 9:22 and Leviticus 18:6. The term emphasizes the seriousness of revealing one's nakedness, particularly in familial relationships.
In this verse, עֶרְוָה indicates the shame associated with sexual relations between close relatives, underscoring the moral and ethical boundaries that should not be crossed.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB wording serves as the basis for comparison.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse consists of a main clause with the finite verb תְגַלֶּ֖ה, you will uncover, governing the entire sentence. The structure includes multiple noun phrases that specify the relatives involved, emphasizing the relationships that are prohibited.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the relationships at the beginning, making clear the focus on familial connections that are not to be violated.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates עֶרְוָה as ἀσχημοσύνην (aschēmousynēn), which conveys a sense of disgrace or indecency. This choice reflects a broader interpretation of the term, emphasizing the moral implications of such relationships.
This translation shows a slight widening of the concept, focusing not just on nakedness but also on the shame associated with the act.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Leviticus 18:9 clearly states that one must not have sexual relations with a sister, whether she is a full sister or a half-sister, and regardless of whether she was born in the same house or elsewhere. This command underscores the importance of maintaining proper boundaries within family relationships.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
To uncover the nakedness of a sister refers to engaging in sexual relations with her, which is strictly prohibited in this context.
These laws are important because they establish moral boundaries within family relationships, promoting respect and integrity.
Violating this command would lead to shame and dishonor within the family and community, as well as potential legal repercussions as outlined in other parts of the Torah.
This verse relates to other laws in Leviticus that address sexual conduct and familial relationships, emphasizing the need for ethical behavior and respect for family ties.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What boundaries do I recognize in my own family relationships, and how do I uphold them?
- How can understanding these laws help me navigate my own moral decisions?
- In what ways do I see the importance of family integrity reflected in my community?
- How can I educate others about the significance of these prohibitions in a respectful manner?
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Leviticus 18:9 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe nakedness of thy sister,.... To lie with one in so near a relation is exceeding criminal, and for which the law curses a man, Deuteronomy 27:22; and to marry her is not lawful; for though it was
Read John Gill on Leviticus 18 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.
Read Robert Jamieson on Leviticus 18 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThy sister, by both parents. The daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother; thy sister by either of thy parents. Whether she be born at home, to wit, of thy father by another wife, whom he hath taken into his house. Or born abroad; either of thy mother, by another, whether a former or a second husband, in another house and family; or of thy father by some strange woman, for there might be some doubt in these cases.
Read Matthew Poole on Leviticus 18 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsLeviticus 18:9 The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, [whether she be] born at home, or born abroad, [even] their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.Ver. 9. Or born abroad,] i.e., Base born, which our English laws call natural children. The Hebrews call them brambles, and Mamzerim, spots abroad, and Shatukim, such as must say nothing when others are praising their parents. The Greeks call bastards, υβριδες, because they are their fathers’ reproach, and are subject to contempt and contumelies of others.
Read John Trapp on Leviticus 18 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(9) The nakedness of thy sister.—The fact that Adam married “bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh,” and that his sons married their own sisters, encouraged the ancient Hebrew to imitate their example. Hence we find Abraham, the father of the faithful, married his half-sister (Genesis 20:12). The same practice obtained amongst other nations of antiquity. Thus the Athenians married their half-sisters by their father’s side, and the Spartans married half-sisters by the same mother, whilst the Assyrians and Egyptians married full sisters. Though nothing can be more explicit than the law here laid down, and though the transgression of it is denounced as an accursed and impious crime, to be…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Leviticus 18 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThy sister - What was here spoken of was the distinguishing offence of the Egyptians.
Read Albert Barnes on Leviticus 18 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible9. Thy sister — The half-sister is here described; born at home, or born abroad — This has generally been understood as equivalent to “in or out of wedlock,” that is, the daughter of the father’s
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Leviticus 18 →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
You must not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere.
“‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, the daughter of your father, or the daughter of your mother, whether born at home or born abroad.
You must not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere.
You must not have sexual intercourse with your sister, whether she is your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she is born in the same household or born outside it; you must not have sexual intercourse with either of them.
Tyndale line
The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.
The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or the daughter of thy mother, whether born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.
The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or the daughter of thy mother, whether born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.
The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.
Thou shalt not discouer the shame of thy sister the daughter of thy father, or the daughter of thy mother, whether shee bee borne at home, or borne without: thou shalt not discouer their shame.
Strictly literal
The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, born at home, or born abroad — their nakedness shalt thou not uncover.
'The nakedness of thy sister, daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, born at home or born without; thou dost not uncover their nakedness.
The nakedness of your sister, daughter of your father, or daughter of your mother, born at home or born outside—you do not uncover their nakedness.
The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or the daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad,—even the nakedness of any of these shalt thou not uncover.
Do not sleep with any sister of yours, whether she is the daughter of your father or the daughter of your mother, whether she was raised at your home or distant from you. You must not sleep with your sisters.
From the Latin
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy sister by father or by mother, whether born at home or abroad.
Simplified
Don't have sex with your sister, whether she's your father's daughter or your mother's daughter, or whether she was born in the same house as you or somewhere else.
You may not take your sister, the daughter of your father or of your mother, wherever her birth took place, among you or in another country.
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 Samaritan Pentateuch agree on most of the wording, with the Samaritan Pentateuch differing in the use of the word for nakedness, reading ערותה instead of עֶרְוָה. This variation highlights the importance of the term in the context of the prohibition.
עֶרְוַ֨ת אֲחֽוֹתְךָ֤ בַת־ אָבִ֙יךָ֙ א֣וֹ בַת־ אִמֶּ֔ךָ מוֹלֶ֣דֶת בַּ֔יִת א֖וֹ מוֹלֶ֣דֶת ח֑וּץ לֹ֥א תְגַלֶּ֖ה עֶרְוָתָֽן׃ ס
14 of the 15 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.
ערות אחותך בת אביך או בת אמך מולדת בית או מולדת חוץ לא תגלה ערותה
1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: ערותה (nakedness)
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 18:9
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.
עֶרְוָה (ervah) refers to nakedness or nudity, particularly emphasizing the pudenda. It can also denote shame, disgrace, or improper behavior. The term has a figurative use, suggesting exposure or vulnerability. The Aramaic equivalent is עַרְוָה (arvah), meaning dishonor.
עֶרְוָה 54 n.f. nakedness, pudenda
base
H6172 עֶרְוָה nakedness, pudenda
6172 `ervah er-vaw'
from 6168; nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or
figuratively (disgrace, blemish):--nakedness, shame,
unclean(-ness).
see HEBREW for 06168
עֶרְוָה (er.vah) — nakedness.
1) nakedness, nudity, shame, pudenda
1a) pudenda (implying shameful exposure)
1b) nakedness of a thing, indecency, improper behaviour
1c) exposed, undefended (fig.)
Aramaic equivalent: ar.vah (עַרְוָה "dishonor" H6173)
HNcfsc — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
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…
אָחוֹת (achowth) means 'sister' and can refer to a full sister, half-sister, or a relative. It is used both literally and figuratively, symbolizing relationships such as that of Israel and Judah, and can also imply intimacy or connection. The word is built from a feminine form related to other terms for kinship.
אָחוֹת 114 n.f. sister
sister
= beloved
symbol. of Judah, Samaria, Sodom & Jerusalem
fig. of intimate connection
another
base
H269 אָחוֹת sister
269 'achowth aw-khoth'
irregular feminine of 251; a sister (used very widely (like
250), literally and figuratively):--(an-)other, sister,
together.
see HEBREW for 0251
see HEBREW for 0250
אָחוֹת (a.chot) — sister.
1) sister
1a) sister (same parents)
1b) half-sister (same father)
1c) relative
1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship
1d) beloved
1d1) bride
1e) (fig.) of intimate connection
1f) another
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp2ms
בַּת (bat) means 'daughter' and encompasses a range of meanings including female child, young women, and even personifications of cities or inhabitants. It can also refer to villages in certain contexts. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to build' and is used in various figurative senses, such as 'branch' or 'apple of the eye.'
בַּת 587 n.f. daughter
daughter, female child
young women, women
with name of city, land, or people, poet. personif. of that city or inhabitants
pl. = villages, after name of city
in phrases denoting character, quality, etc.
ostrich
fig.
of vine = branch
as n. relat.
base
H1323 בַּת daughter . daughter, female child
. young women, women
. with name of city, land, or people, poet. personif. of that city or inhabitants
. pl. = villages, after name of city
. in phrases denoting character, quality, etc.
. ostrich
. fig.
. of vine = branch
. as n. relat.
1323 bath bath
from 1129 (as feminine of 1121); a daughter (used in the same
wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and
figuratively):--apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter,
X first, X old, + owl, town, village.
see HEBREW for 01129
see HEBREW for 01121
בַּת (bat) — daughter.
: daughter
1) daughter
1a) daughter, girl, adopted daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, granddaughters, female child, cousin
1a1) as polite address
1a2) as designation of women of a particular place
2) young women, women
1a3) as personification
1a4) daughter-villages
1a5) description of character
Also means: bat (בַּת ": village" H1323H)
בַּת (bat) — daughter: village.
: village
1) daughter
1a) daughter, girl, adopted daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, granddaughters, female child, cousin
1a1) as polite address
1a2) as designation of women of a particular place
2) young women, women
1a3) as personification
1a4) daughter-villages
1a5) description of character
בַּת (bat) — Bath (Shua).
A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2;
daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063);
mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
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…
אָב (av) means 'father' and encompasses various roles such as the literal father of an individual, God as the father of His people, and the head of a household or clan. It can also refer to an ancestor, originator of a profession, or a figure of respect and protection. Notably, it can imply a ruler or chief in later contexts.
אָב 1101 n.m. father
father of individual
of God as father of his people
head of household, family or clan
ancestor
originator or patron of a class, profession, or art
fig. of producer, generator
fig. of benevolence & protection
term of respect & honor
specif., ruler, chief (late)
base
H1 אָב father . father of individual
. of God as father of his people
. head of household, family or clan
. ancestor
. originator or patron of a class, profession, or art
. fig. of producer, generator
. fig. of benevolence & protection
. term of respect & honor
. specif., ruler, chief (late)
1 'ab awb
a primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or
figurative and remote application):--chief,
(fore-)father(-less), X patrimony, principal. Compare names
in "Abi-".
אָב (av) — father.
1) father of an individual
2) of God as father of his people
3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan
4) ancestor
4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person
4b) of people
5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art
6) of producer, generator (fig.)
7) of benevolence and protection (fig.)
8) term of respect and honour
9) ruler or chief (spec.)
Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
אָב (av) — (Huram)-abi.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.7.13; also called Huram-abi (KJV: "Huram my father's") at 2Ch.2.13; 4.16;
Combined with chi.ram (חִירָם "Hiram" H2438H)
אָב (av) — father of.
The father of Gibeon, also known as Abiel - a man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.9.1;
son of: Zeror (H6872C); married to Maacah (H4601N);
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp2ms
The Hebrew word אוֹ (*'ow*) primarily functions as a conjunction meaning 'or,' often indicating a preference or choice between options. It can also introduce examples, express conditions, or imply alternatives. Additionally, it is associated with the noun meaning 'desire' in Proverbs 31:4. The entries reflect a range of uses, but do not present significant disagreement.
אוֹ 320 conj. or
sometimes implying a preference, nearly or rather
introducing a sentence, esp. a particular case under a general principle, or = or if
if perchance
once, with the juss. = except
base
[אֵו] n.m. אוֹ, Kt Pr 31:4 desire, so Thes MV; but < Qr אֵי q.v.
done
H176 אוֹ or . sometimes implying a preference, nearly or rather
. introducing a sentence, esp. a particular case under a general principle, or = or if
. if perchance
. once, with the juss. = except
176 'ow o
presumed to be the "constructive" or genitival form of -av
{av}; short for 185; desire (and so probably in Prov. 31:4);
hence (by way of alternative) or, also if:--also, and,
either, if, at the least, X nor, or, otherwise, then, whether.
see HEBREW for 0185
אוֹ (o) — or.
1) or, rather
1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred
1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle
1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or
1d) if perchance
1e) except, or else
2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
אוֹ (o) — desire.
desire
Conj — ConjunctionHC
or: The word is used once for either (1Sa 26:10), and is still in poetic use in this sense; as in, "Without or wave or wind" (Coleridge); "Or the bakke or some bone he breketh in his dzouthe" (Piers Plowman (B), VII, 93; compare Merchant of Venice, III, ii, 65). It is also used with "ever" for before (Ps 90:2; Ecclesiasticus 18:19), which the American Standard Revised Version substitutes in Ec 12:6 (compare 12:1,2); So 6:12; Da 6:24.
בַּת (bat) means 'daughter' and encompasses a range of meanings including female child, young women, and even personifications of cities or inhabitants. It can also refer to villages in certain contexts. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to build' and is used in various figurative senses, such as 'branch' or 'apple of the eye.'
בַּת 587 n.f. daughter
daughter, female child
young women, women
with name of city, land, or people, poet. personif. of that city or inhabitants
pl. = villages, after name of city
in phrases denoting character, quality, etc.
ostrich
fig.
of vine = branch
as n. relat.
base
H1323 בַּת daughter . daughter, female child
. young women, women
. with name of city, land, or people, poet. personif. of that city or inhabitants
. pl. = villages, after name of city
. in phrases denoting character, quality, etc.
. ostrich
. fig.
. of vine = branch
. as n. relat.
1323 bath bath
from 1129 (as feminine of 1121); a daughter (used in the same
wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and
figuratively):--apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter,
X first, X old, + owl, town, village.
see HEBREW for 01129
see HEBREW for 01121
בַּת (bat) — daughter.
: daughter
1) daughter
1a) daughter, girl, adopted daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, granddaughters, female child, cousin
1a1) as polite address
1a2) as designation of women of a particular place
2) young women, women
1a3) as personification
1a4) daughter-villages
1a5) description of character
Also means: bat (בַּת ": village" H1323H)
בַּת (bat) — daughter: village.
: village
1) daughter
1a) daughter, girl, adopted daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, granddaughters, female child, cousin
1a1) as polite address
1a2) as designation of women of a particular place
2) young women, women
1a3) as personification
1a4) daughter-villages
1a5) description of character
בַּת (bat) — Bath (Shua).
A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2;
daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063);
mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956)
HNcfsc — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
The Hebrew word אֵם (em) means 'mother' and can refer to a human mother, an animal's dam, or even a figurative sense, such as Deborah's nurturing role for her people. It also conveys the idea of a point of departure or division. This word is built from a primitive root and encompasses both literal and figurative meanings.
אֵם 221 n.f. mother
lit. (human) mother
fig. of Deborah as caring for her people
of animals, dam
= point of departure or division
base
H517 אֵם mother . lit. (human) mother
. fig. of Deborah as caring for her people
. of animals, dam
. = point of departure or division
517 'em ame
a primitive word; a mother (as the bond of the family); in a
wide sense (both literally and figuratively (like 1):--dam,
mother, X parting.
see HEBREW for 01
אֵם (em) — mother.
1) mother
1a) of humans
1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.)
1c) of animals
2) point of departure or division
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp2ms
מוֹלֶ֫דֶת (mowledeth) refers to concepts related to kinship and birth, encompassing terms like kindred, offspring, and lineage. It is derived from the root meaning 'to bear' or 'to give birth' and covers aspects of nativity and family connections. The entries consistently highlight its association with relatives and the circumstances of birth.
מוֹלֶ֫דֶת n.f. kindred, birth, offspring
base
H4138 מוֹלֶ֫דֶת kindred, birth, offspring
4138 mowledeth mo-leh'-deth
from 3205; nativity (plural birth-place); by implication,
lineage, native country; also offspring, family:--begotten,
born, issue, kindred, native(-ity).
see HEBREW for 03205
מוֹלֶ֫דֶת (mo.le.det) — relatives.
1) kindred, birth, offspring, relatives
1a) kindred
1b) birth, circumstances of birth
1c) one born, begotten, issue, offspring, female offspring
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
The Hebrew word בַּיִת (*bayith*) means 'house' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including dwelling, family, and place. It can refer to physical structures, such as homes and temples, as well as metaphorical uses like the body or household affairs. The word is built from the root related to 'between' and appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.
בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between
base
בַּ֫יִת 2034 n.m. house
house
place
receptacle
of house as containing a family
household, family (592 t.)
house, including household affairs
lit. housewards, hence metaph. inwards
מִבַּיִת
adv. on the inside
prep. within
base
H1004a בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between H1004b בַּ֫יִת house
1004 bayith bah'-yith
probably from 1129 abbreviated; a house (in the greatest
variation of applications, especially family, etc.):--court,
daughter, door, + dungeon, family, + forth of, X great as
would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter)house(-hold),
inside(-ward), palace, place, + prison, + steward, + tablet,
temple, web, + within(-out).
see HEBREW for 01129
בֵּית (bet) — place.
nm
place, origin, between
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — house: home.
: home/temple/building
nm
1) house
1a) house, dwelling habitation
1b) shelter or abode of animals
1c) human bodies (fig.)
1d) of Sheol
1e) of abode of light and darkness
1f) of land of Ephraim
2) place
3) receptacle
4) home, house as containing a family
5) household, family
5a) those belonging to the same household
5b) family of descendants, descendants as organized body
6) household affairs
7) inwards (metaph.)
8) (TWOT) temple
adv
9) on the inside
prep
10) within
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(ashbea).
nm
This name is used for a house, habitation
Combined with ash.be.a (אַשְׁבֵּעַ "Ashbea" H0791)
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth (Haggan).
nm
This name is used for a house, habitation
Combined with hag (גַּן "Haggan" H1588)
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(togarmah).
nm
This name is used for a house, habitation
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
hous (bayith; oikos, in classical Greek generally "an estate," oikia, oikema (literally, "habitation"), in Ac 12:1, "prison"):
I. CAVE DWELLINGS
II. STONE-BUILT AND MUD/BRICK-BUILT HOUSES
1. Details of Plan and Construction
(1) Corner-Stone
(2) Floor
(3) Gutter
(4) Door
(5) Hinge
(6) Lock and Key
(7) Threshold
(8) Hearth
(9) Window
(10) Roof
2. Houses of More than One Story
(1) Upper Chambers and Stairs
(2) Palaces and Castles
3. Internal Appearance
III. OTHER MEANINGS
LITERATURE
I. Cave Dwellings.
The earliest permanent habitations of the prehistoric inhabitants of Palestine were the natural caves which abound throughout the country. As the people increased and grouped themselves into communities, these abodes were supplemented by systems of artificial caves which, in some cases, developed into extensive burrowings of many adjoining compartments, having…
House
Till their sojourn in Egypt the Hebrews dwelt in tents. They then for the first time inhabited cities (Gen. 47:3; Ex. 12:7; Heb. 11:9). From the earliest times the Assyrians and the Canaanites were builders of cities. The Hebrews after the Conquest took possession of the captured cities, and seem to have followed the methods of building that had been pursued by the Canaanites. Reference is made to the stone (1 Kings 7:9; Isa. 9:10) and marble (1 Chr. 29:2) used in building, and to the internal wood-work of the houses (
The houses of the rural poor in Egypt, as well as in most parts of Syria, Arabia and Persia, are generally mere huts of mud or sunburnt bricks. In some parts of Palestine and Arabia stone is used, and in certain districts caves in the rocks are used as dwellings. (Amos 5:11) The houses are usually of one story only, viz., the ground floor, and often contain only one apartment. Sometimes a small court for the cattle is attached; and in some cases the cattle are housed in the same building, or the live in a raised platform, and, the cattle round them on the ground. (1 Samuel 28:24) The windows are small apertures high up in the walls, sometimes grated with wood. The roofs are commonly but not always flat, and are usually formed of plaster of mud and straw laid upon boughs or…
Is often put for dwelling, residence; and hence the temple, and even the tabernacle, are called the house of God.
The universal mode of building houses in the East, is in the form of a hollow square, with an open court or yard in the center; which is thus entirely shut in by the walls of the house around it. Into this court all the windows open, there being usually no windows towards the street. Some houses of large size require several courts, and these usually communicate with each other. These courts are commonly paved; and in many large houses parts of them are planted with shrubs and trees, Ps 84:3 128:3; they have also, when possible, a fountain in them, often with a jet d’ eau, 2Sa 17:18. It is customary in many houses to extend an awning over the whole court in hot…
The Hebrew word אוֹ (*'ow*) primarily functions as a conjunction meaning 'or,' often indicating a preference or choice between options. It can also introduce examples, express conditions, or imply alternatives. Additionally, it is associated with the noun meaning 'desire' in Proverbs 31:4. The entries reflect a range of uses, but do not present significant disagreement.
אוֹ 320 conj. or
sometimes implying a preference, nearly or rather
introducing a sentence, esp. a particular case under a general principle, or = or if
if perchance
once, with the juss. = except
base
[אֵו] n.m. אוֹ, Kt Pr 31:4 desire, so Thes MV; but < Qr אֵי q.v.
done
H176 אוֹ or . sometimes implying a preference, nearly or rather
. introducing a sentence, esp. a particular case under a general principle, or = or if
. if perchance
. once, with the juss. = except
176 'ow o
presumed to be the "constructive" or genitival form of -av
{av}; short for 185; desire (and so probably in Prov. 31:4);
hence (by way of alternative) or, also if:--also, and,
either, if, at the least, X nor, or, otherwise, then, whether.
see HEBREW for 0185
אוֹ (o) — or.
1) or, rather
1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred
1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle
1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or
1d) if perchance
1e) except, or else
2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
אוֹ (o) — desire.
desire
Conj — ConjunctionHC
or: The word is used once for either (1Sa 26:10), and is still in poetic use in this sense; as in, "Without or wave or wind" (Coleridge); "Or the bakke or some bone he breketh in his dzouthe" (Piers Plowman (B), VII, 93; compare Merchant of Venice, III, ii, 65). It is also used with "ever" for before (Ps 90:2; Ecclesiasticus 18:19), which the American Standard Revised Version substitutes in Ec 12:6 (compare 12:1,2); So 6:12; Da 6:24.
מוֹלֶ֫דֶת (mowledeth) refers to concepts related to kinship and birth, encompassing terms like kindred, offspring, and lineage. It is derived from the root meaning 'to bear' or 'to give birth' and covers aspects of nativity and family connections. The entries consistently highlight its association with relatives and the circumstances of birth.
מוֹלֶ֫דֶת n.f. kindred, birth, offspring
base
H4138 מוֹלֶ֫דֶת kindred, birth, offspring
4138 mowledeth mo-leh'-deth
from 3205; nativity (plural birth-place); by implication,
lineage, native country; also offspring, family:--begotten,
born, issue, kindred, native(-ity).
see HEBREW for 03205
מוֹלֶ֫דֶת (mo.le.det) — relatives.
1) kindred, birth, offspring, relatives
1a) kindred
1b) birth, circumstances of birth
1c) one born, begotten, issue, offspring, female offspring
HNcfsc — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
See BORN.
חוּץ (chuwts) refers to the concept of being outside or outward, often associated with streets or highways. It is derived from a root meaning to sever, indicating separation by a wall. The term covers various contexts, including outdoors and fields.
חוּץ n.[m.] the outside, sts., esp. in pl., spec. a street
base
H2351 חוּץ
2351 chuwts khoots
or (shortened) chuts {khoots}; (both forms feminine in the
plural) from an unused root meaning to sever; properly,
separate by a wall, i.e. outside, outdoors:--abroad, field,
forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without.
חוּץ (chuts) — outside.
outside, outward, street, the outside
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Part — ParticleHTn
The Hebrew word גָּלָה (galah) is a primitive root meaning to uncover or remove, with implications of revealing, disclosing, or going into exile. It encompasses various forms, including reflexive and passive uses, and can refer to both physical uncovering and metaphorical revelation. The word is notably associated with disgraceful exposure and the act of exile.
גָּלָה 189 vb. uncover, remove
Qal
uncover the ear of one, i.e. reveal to him
intr. remove, depart
go into exile
Niph.
refl.
uncover oneself (one’s nakedness)
discover or shew oneself
pass.
be uncovered (one’s nakedness)
be disclosed, discovered
be removed
Pi.
uncover
disclose, discover, lay bare
make known, shew, reveal
Pu. be uncovered
Hiph. carry away into exile, take into exile
Hoph. carried into exile
Hithp.
was uncovered (naked)
that his heart may reveal itself
base
H1540 גָּלָה uncover, remove .. uncover the ear of one, i.e. reveal to him
. intr. remove, depart
. go into exile
. . refl. . uncover oneself (one’s nakedness)
. discover or shew oneself
. pass. . be uncovered (one’s nakedness)
. be disclosed, discovered
. be removed
. . uncover
. disclose, discover, lay bare
. make known, shew, reveal
. be uncovered
. carry away into exile, take into exile
. carried into exile
. . was uncovered (naked)
. that his heart may reveal itself
1540 galah gaw-law'
a primitive root; to denude (especially in a disgraceful
sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually
stripped); figuratively, to reveal:--+ advertise, appear,
bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity),
depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, X plainly,
publish, remove, reveal, X shamelessly, shew, X surely, tell,
uncover.
הֶגְלָם (ga.lah) — Heglam.
A man of the tribe of Benjamin living before Israel's Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.8.7;
son of: Ehud (H0164);
brother of: Naaman (H5283J), Ahijah (H0281K), Uzza (H5798H) and Ahihud (H0284); also called Heglam (KJV: "removed"; NIV: "deported") at 1Ch.8.7;
Another name of ge.ra (גֵּרָא "Gera" H1617J)
to reveal oneself
גָּלָה (ga.lah) — to reveal: reveal.
: reveal[information]
1) to uncover, remove
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to uncover
1a2) to remove, depart
1a3) to go into exile
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) (reflexive)
1b1a) to uncover oneself
1b1b) to discover or show oneself
1b1c) to reveal himself (of God)
1b2) (passive)
1b2a) to be uncovered
1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered
1b2c) to be revealed
1b3) to be removed
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to uncover (nakedness)
1c1a) nakedness
1c1b) general
1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare
1c3) to make known, show, reveal
1d) (Pual) to be uncovered
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms — Verb · Piel · imperfect second person masculine singularHVpi2ms
עֶרְוָה (ervah) refers to nakedness or nudity, particularly emphasizing the pudenda. It can also denote shame, disgrace, or improper behavior. The term has a figurative use, suggesting exposure or vulnerability. The Aramaic equivalent is עַרְוָה (arvah), meaning dishonor.
עֶרְוָה 54 n.f. nakedness, pudenda
base
H6172 עֶרְוָה nakedness, pudenda
6172 `ervah er-vaw'
from 6168; nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or
figuratively (disgrace, blemish):--nakedness, shame,
unclean(-ness).
see HEBREW for 06168
עֶרְוָה (er.vah) — nakedness.
1) nakedness, nudity, shame, pudenda
1a) pudenda (implying shameful exposure)
1b) nakedness of a thing, indecency, improper behaviour
1c) exposed, undefended (fig.)
Aramaic equivalent: ar.vah (עַרְוָה "dishonor" H6173)
HNcfsc/Sp3fp — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp3fp