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Leviticus 20:21 — Word Study

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WLCוְאִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִקַּ֛ח אֶת־ אֵ֥שֶׁת אָחִ֖יו נִדָּ֣ה הִ֑וא עֶרְוַ֥ת אָחִ֛יו גִּלָּ֖ה עֲרִירִ֥ים יִהְיֽוּ׃

BSAIf a manʼîysh [male person, individual] marrieslâqach [takes as wife, becomes the husband of] his brother’sʼâch [male sibling, close relative] wifeʼishshâh ithûwʼ is an act of impurityniddâh [deed, action, uncleanness, moral corruption] He has uncoveredgâlâh [revealed, exposed] the nakednessʻervâh [shame, exposure] of his brotherʼâch they shall behâyâh [will remain, become] childlessʻărîyrîy [without children, barren]

Word
Listen & take awayLeviticus 20
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 21 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (yih.Yu) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Leviticus 20:21quick helps
In a sentenceThis verse outlines the prohibition against a man marrying his brother's wife, labeling it as an act of impurity.
Who is speakingThe text is a directive from God to the Israelites, conveyed through Moses.
Where we areThis verse is part of the laws concerning sexual morality in Leviticus.
The hard wordנִדָּה, ni.Dah
Take awayThe act of marrying a brother's wife is condemned, resulting in barrenness.
6 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectהִיא verbלָקַח The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Leviticus 20:21

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 of Sexual Moralitygenerated

20If a man lies with his uncle’s wife, he has uncovered the nakedness of his uncle. They will bear their sin; they shall die childless.
21If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; they shall be childless.
22You are therefore to keep all My statutes and ordinances, so that the land where I am bringing you to live will not vomit you out.
23You must not follow the statutes of the nations I am driving out before you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them.

Leviticus 20:21 addresses the laws surrounding sexual relationships, specifically prohibiting a man from marrying his brother's wife, which is deemed an act of impurity. This reflects the broader context of maintaining holiness and moral integrity within the community, as outlined throughout the book of Leviticus. The surrounding verses reinforce the importance of adhering to God's statutes to avoid severe consequences, such as being childless, which is a significant concern in the biblical narrative.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Leviticus 18:16You must not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would shame your brother.
2Matthew 14:3–4Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 2 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word נִדָּה, ni.Dahgenerated

The Hebrew word נִדָּה (niddah) refers to impurity, often in the context of ceremonial uncleanness or moral corruption. It is derived from a root meaning 'rejection' and is used to describe conditions that render a person unclean, particularly in relation to sexual conduct.

In this verse, it indicates that the act of marrying a brother's wife is not only morally corrupt but also carries the weight of ceremonial impurity, emphasizing the seriousness of the violation.


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 uses impurity and childless, which are consistent with the KJV and ASV.

Where others part company with the BSB they differ over the word עֲרִירִ֥יםchildless (ASV, BSB, KJV) versus without children (DRA), indicating a slight variation in translation but not in meaning.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb יִקַּ֛ח, he will take, governs the main clause, which describes the act of marrying, while the subsequent clauses explain the implications of that act. The structure emphasizes the direct relationship between the action of taking a wife and the resulting moral consequences.

The phrase נִדָּה serves as the predicate, indicating the nature of the act, while the final clause יִהְיֽוּ states the consequence, creating a clear cause-and-effect relationship in the sentence.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates נִדָּה as ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsia), meaning 'uncleanness'. This choice reflects a broader understanding of impurity beyond just the ceremonial context, implying a moral dimension as well.

The Greek term emphasizes the state of being unclean, aligning with the Hebrew understanding but also expanding its implications for the audience familiar with Greek culture and thought.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Leviticus 20:21 states that if a man marries his brother's wife, it is considered an act of impurity, as he has uncovered his brother's nakedness, and as a result, they will be childless. This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining moral boundaries within family relationships.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that this act is considered an impurity?

It signifies that marrying a brother's wife is not only socially unacceptable but also morally corrupt according to God's laws, leading to a state of ceremonial uncleanness.

Why is being childless mentioned as a consequence?

In biblical times, having children was seen as a blessing and a continuation of family lineage; being childless was viewed as a significant loss and a serious consequence of violating this law.

What are other examples of impurity in the Bible?

Other examples include menstruation, contact with dead bodies, and certain dietary restrictions, all of which are addressed in Leviticus.

How does this verse relate to the laws in Leviticus?

This verse is part of a larger set of laws aimed at establishing holiness and moral order among the Israelites, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries in relationships.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What boundaries do I see in my own life that help maintain moral integrity?
  2. How can understanding these laws help me navigate relationships today?
  3. In what ways do I see the importance of family and lineage reflected in my community?
  4. What lessons can I learn from the consequences outlined in this verse?

Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Leviticus 20:21 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And if a man shall take his brother's wife,.... To his wife, whether in his life, as the Targum of Jonathan adds, or whether after his death, unless when there is no issue, then he was obliged to it

Read John Gill on Leviticus 20 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Read Robert Jamieson on Leviticus 20 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Except in the case allowed by God, . An unclean thing; an abominable thing, like the uncleanness of a menstruous woman, which is oft expressed by this word: Heb. a separation or removing, i.e. a thing deserving separation or exclusion from society with others; or a thing to be removed out of sight or out of the world.

Read Matthew Poole on Leviticus 20 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Leviticus 20:21 And if a man shall take his brother’ s wife, it [is] an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother’ s nakedness; they shall be childless.Ver. 21. They shall be childless.] Either barren or bereft; for this is a sin, saith Job, that roots out all a man’ s increase. Hence that of Hosea, They shall commit whoredom, velo iepparedu, they shall not increase. Pered is a mule, which is a beast very libidinous, but begetting nothing. Solomon had many concubines, yet but one son and two daughters. So had our Henry VIII. He had uncovered his brother’ s nakedness, and was well-nigh childless by her. Afterwards he married many wives, and was blameworthy for women, but left no more…

Read John Trapp on Leviticus 20 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(21) His brother’s wife.—See Leviticus 18:16.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Leviticus 20 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

10–21. Directions on the whole similar to those of Lev 18:6-20; Leviticus 18:22-23, but adding penalties for transgression.

Read Cambridge on Leviticus 20 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; they shall be childless.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

“‘If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is an impurity. He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They shall be childless.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; they shall be childless.

NETBNew English Translation2006

If a man has sexual intercourse with his brother’s wife, it is indecency. He has exposed his brother’s nakedness; they will be childless.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And if a man shall take his brother’s wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And if a man shall take his brother’s wife, it is impurity: he hath uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And if a man shall take his brother’s wife, it is impurity: he hath uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

So the man that taketh his brothers wife, committeth filthines, because he hath vncouered his brothers shame: they shalbe childles.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And if a man take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness: they shall be childless.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

'And a man who taketh his brother's wife — it [is] impurity; the nakedness of his brother he hath uncovered; childless they are.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And a man who takes his brother’s wife—it [is] impurity; he has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; they are childless.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And if a man do take his brother's wife, it is an abominable act: the nakedness of his brother hath he uncovered; childless shall they remain.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

If a man marries his brother's wife while his brother is still living, that is disgraceful. He has dishonored his brother, and I will take away from their children any property they may have inherited from their parents.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

He that marrieth his brother’s wife, doth an unlawful thing, he hath uncovered his brother’s nakedness: they shall be without children.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

A man who marries his brother's wife does something that is unclean. He has brought shame on his brother; the couple will have no children.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And if a man takes his brother's wife, it is an unclean act; he has put shame on his brother; they will have no children.

Word by word, the decisions they made

עֲרִירִ֥ים'a.ri.Rim childless H6185 2 different renderings
childlessASV BSB DBY ILT KJV LSV MSB NETB NWB RVA WEB YLT
without childrenDRA

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.

וְandclauseclausenoun phraseאִ֗ישׁa.manrelpאֲשֶׁ֥רwhoclauseverbיִקַּ֛חhe.will.takenoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)noun phraseאֵ֥שֶׁתthe.wifenoun phraseאָחִ֖יhis.brotherוhisclausepredicateנִדָּ֣ה[is].impuritysubjectהִ֑ואitclausenoun phrase · objectעֶרְוַ֥תthe.nakednessnoun phraseאָחִ֛יhis.brotherוhisverbגִּלָּ֖הhe.has.uncoveredclauseobjectעֲרִירִ֥יםchildlessverbיִהְיֽוּthey.will.be

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text is supported by the Septuagint, which matches 11 of the 13 words. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs in two words, using היא (she) and עררים (childless), while the Dead Sea Scrolls show some restoration but align closely with the Masoretic Text.

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

וְאִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִקַּ֛ח אֶת־ אֵ֥שֶׁת אָחִ֖יו נִדָּ֣ה הִ֑וא עֶרְוַ֥ת אָחִ֛יו גִּלָּ֖ה עֲרִירִ֥ים יִהְיֽוּ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
אֲשֶׁ֥רὃςיִקַּ֛חλάβῃאֵ֥שֶׁתγυναῖκαאָחִ֖יוαὐτοῦנִדָּ֣הἀκαθαρσίαהִ֑ואἐστίνעֶרְוַ֥תἀσξημοσύνηνאָחִ֛יוαὐτοῦגִּלָּ֖הἀπεκάλυψενעֲרִירִ֥יםἄτεκνοιיִהְיֽוּ׃ἀποθανοῦνται

11 of the 13 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.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

ואישׁ אשׁר יקח את אשׁת אחיו נדה היא ערות אחיו גלה עררים יהיו

2 words differ from the Masoretic Text: היא (she), עררים (childless)

Dead Sea Scrolls — 1Q3a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[ואיש] [אשר] [יקח] [את] [אשת] אחי׳ו נדה היא ערות [אחי׳ו] [גלה] [ערירים] [יהיו]

2 words on the leather — 2 partly restored, 9 supplied entire by an editor.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Leviticus 20:21אִישׁand a manand a manאִישׁאֲשֶׁרwhowhoאֲשֶׁרלָקַחhe will takhe will takeלָקַחאֵתthe object the object markאֵתאִשָּׁה[the] wife [the] wife ofאִשָּׁהאָחbrother hisbrother hisאָחנִדָּה[is] impuri[is] impurityנִדָּההוּאititהוּאעֶרְוָה[the] naked[the] nakednessעֶרְוָהאָחbrother hisbrother hisאָחגָּלָהhe has uncohe has uncovereגָּלָהעֲרִירִיchildlesschildlessעֲרִירִיהָיָהthey will bthey will beהָיָהאֱנוֹשׁhumanhumanאֱנוֹשׁאִשָּׁהwomanwomanאִשָּׁהאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתאָבfatherfatherאָבנָדַדto wanderto wanderנָדַדעָרָהto uncoverto uncoverעָרָהעָרַרto stripto stripעָרַראִישׁmanmanאִישׁהָוָאto fallto fallהָוָאעֵשָׂו(Mount) Es(Mount) EsauעֵשָׂויוֹסֵףJosephJosephיוֹסֵףגָּלָהto reveal:to reveal: reveגָּלָהרֵעַneighborneighborרֵעַצָוָהto commandto commandצָוָהמוּסָרdisciplinedisciplineמוּסָרמִגְרָשׁpasturepastureמִגְרָשׁטַףchildchildטַףנָכְרִיforeignforeignנָכְרִי
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Leviticus 20:21

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.

and a man who he will take the object marker [the] wife of brother his [is] impurity it [the] nakedness of brother his he has uncovered childless they will be
וְאִ֗ישׁve.'Ish and a man H376 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
1,664× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Amplified meaning
male person, individual
Tyndale gloss
man
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אִישׁ (iysh) means 'man' and can refer to an individual male, a husband, or a human being in general. It encompasses various meanings, including champion and great man, and can also imply 'whosoever' or 'each.' The word is built from a root suggesting existence and is used throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אִישׁ 2166 n.m. man (= vir)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H376 אִישׁ man (= vir)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

376 'iysh eesh

contracted for 582 (or perhaps rather from an unused root

meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male

person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and

in such cases frequently not expressed in

translation):--also, another, any (man), a certain, +

champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-,

husband-)man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree),

him (that is), husband, man(-kind), + none, one, people,

person, + steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy.

Compare 802.

see HEBREW for 0582

see HEBREW for 0802

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אִישׁ (ish) — man.

: man

1) man

1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)

1b) husband

1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)

1d) servant

1e) mankind

1f) champion

1g) great man

2) whosoever

3) each (adjective)

אִישׁ (ish) — man: husband.

: husband

1) man

1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)

1b) husband

1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)

1d) servant

1e) mankind

1f) champion

1g) great man

2) whosoever

3) each (adjective)

אִישׁ (ish) — man: anyone.

: anyone/someone

1) man

1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)

1b) husband

1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)

1d) servant

1e) mankind

1f) champion

1g) great man

2) whosoever

3) each (adjective)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
HC/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

See ANTHROPOLOGY.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Man

(1.) Heb. ‘Adam, used as the proper name of the first man. The name is derived from a word meaning “to be red,” and thus the first man was called Adam because he was formed from the red earth. It is also the generic name of the human race (Gen. 1:26, 27; 5:2; 8:21; Deut. 8:3). Its equivalents are the Latin homo and the Greek anthropos (Matt. 5:13, 16). It denotes also man in opposition to woman (Gen. 3:12; Matt. 19:10).

(2.) Heb. ‘ish, like the Latin vir and Greek aner, denotes properly a man in opposition to a woman (1 Sam. 17:33;

→ CREATED Ge 1:26,27; 2:7; 5:1,2; De 4:32; Job 4:17; 10:2,3,8,9; 31:15; 33:4; 35:10; Ps 8:5; 100:3; 119:73; 138:8; 139:14; Ec 7:29; Isa 17:7; 42:5; 43:7; 45:12; 64:8; Jer 27:5; Zec 12:1; Mal 2:10; Mr 10:6; Heb 2:7

See CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD, below

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and a man who he will take the object marker [the] wife of brother his [is] impurity it [the] nakedness of brother his he has uncovered childless they will be
אֲשֶׁ֥ר'a.Sher who H834 Particle
5,500× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Tyndale gloss
which
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.

base

בַאֲשֶׁר

in (that) which

adv. in (the place) where

conj. in that, inasmuch as

on account of whom?

base

מֵאֲשֶׁר

from (or than) that which

adv. from (the place) where

conj. from (the fact) that …, since

base

כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when

according to that which, according as, as

with a causal force, in so far as, since

with a temporal force, when

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which

. adv. in (the place) where

. conj. in that, inasmuch as

. on account of whom?

H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which

. adv. from (the place) where

. conj. from (the fact) that …, since

H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as

. with a causal force, in so far as, since

. with a temporal force, when

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

834 'aher ash-er'

a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)

when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X

alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +

from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,

wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where

(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +

whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is

indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun

expletively, used to show the connection.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.

A: 1) (relative part.)

1a) which, who

1b) that which

2) (conj)

2a) that (in obj clause)

2b) when

2c) since

2d) as

2e) conditional if

B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

D: Kaph+

1) (conj.), according as, as, when

1a) according to that which, according as, as

1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since

1c) with a temporal force: when

בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.

1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.

1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.

conj

1) according as, as, when

1a) according to that which, according as, as

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTr — Particle
HTr
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and a man who he will take the object marker [the] wife of brother his [is] impurity it [the] nakedness of brother his he has uncovered childless they will be
יִקַּ֛חyi.Kach he will take H3947 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
966× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Amplified meaning
takes as wife, becomes the husband of
Tyndale gloss
to take: take
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word לָקַח (*laqach*) means 'to take' and encompasses a wide range of actions, including to receive, seize, capture, and carry away. It can refer to taking something in hand, taking a wife, or even taking vengeance. The verb has various forms indicating different nuances, such as being taken away or captured.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לָקַח 965 vb. take

Qal

take, take in hand

take and carry along with oneself

take from, or out of

take, carry away

take away from, so as to deprive of

esp. take away life

take to or for a person

take up, upon = put upon

= fetch

take = lead, conduct (with or without contact)

take = capture, seize

take = carry off

in phr. take vengeance

Niph.

be captured, of ark

be taken away, removed

be taken, brought unto

Pu.

be taken from, out of

= be stolen from

be taken captive

be taken away, removed

Hoph.

be taken, brought unto

be taken out of

be taken away from

Hithp. lit. fire taking hold of itself, of lightning

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3947 לָקַח take .. take, take in hand

. take and carry along with oneself

. . take from, or out of

. take, carry away

. take away from, so as to deprive of

. esp. take away life

. take to or for a person

. take up, upon = put upon

. = fetch

. take = lead, conduct (with or without contact)

. take = capture, seize

. take = carry off

. in phr. take vengeance

. . be captured, of ark

. be taken away, removed

. be taken, brought unto

. . be taken from, out of

. = be stolen from

. be taken captive

. be taken away, removed

. . be taken, brought unto

. be taken out of

. be taken away from

. lit. fire taking hold of itself, of lightning

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3947 laqach law-kakh'

a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of

applications):--accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch,

get, infold, X many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve,

seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לָקַח (la.qach) — to take: take.

: take

1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to take, take in the hand

1a2) to take and carry along

1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away

1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept

1a5) to take up or upon, put upon

1a6) to fetch

1a7) to take, lead, conduct

1a8) to take, capture, seize

1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance)

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be captured

1b2) to be taken away, be removed

1b3) to be taken, brought unto

1c) (Pual)

1c1) to be taken from or out of

1c2) to be stolen from

1c3) to be taken captive

1c4) to be taken away, be removed

1d) (Hophal)

1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto

1d2) to be taken out of

1d3) to be taken away

1e) (Hithpael)

1e1) to take hold of oneself

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVqi3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

tak: Most of the very numerous examples of this word are still in good use and only a few call for special attention. "To take" in the sense of "capture" is still common, but when a person or living animal is in point, modern English usually adds "prisoner" or "captive." English Versions of the Bible not infrequently has this addition (Ge 14:14, etc.), but more commonly "take" is used without it (Jos 10:39; Job 5:13; Sirach 23:21; Joh 7:30, etc.). An occasional obscurity is thus caused, as in Ge 27:3, "take me venison" for "hunt venison for me." "To take advice" (2Ch…

and a man who he will take the object marker [the] wife of brother his [is] impurity it [the] nakedness of brother his he has uncovered childless they will be
אֶת־'et- the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and a man who he will take the object marker [the] wife of brother his [is] impurity it [the] nakedness of brother his he has uncovered childless they will be
אֵ֥שֶׁת'E.shet [the] wife of H802 Noun common · feminine singular construct
781× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Tyndale gloss
woman
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אִשָּׁה (ishshah) means 'woman,' 'wife,' or 'female.' It can refer to a woman in general, a wife in relation to a man, or the female of animals. The term also has distributive and reciprocal uses, indicating 'each woman' from her neighbor. The word is derived from the masculine forms אִישׁ (ish) and אִישָׁה (ishah), indicating a broad range of meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אִשָּׁה 773 n.f. woman, wife, female

woman

Wife (woman belonging to a man, usually cstr. or sf.)

Female of animals

With distrib. & recipr. sense, each woman from her neighbor; each one

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H802 אִשָּׁה woman, wife, female . woman

. Wife (woman belonging to a man, usually cstr. or sf.)

. Female of animals

. With distrib. & recipr. sense, each woman from her neighbor; each one

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

802 'ishshah ish-shaw'

feminine of 376 or 582; irregular plural, nashiym

{naw-sheem'}; a woman (used in the same wide sense as

582):--(adulter)ess, each, every, female, X many, + none,

one, + together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English.

see HEBREW for 0376

see HEBREW for 0582

see HEBREW for 0582

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אִשָּׁה (ish.shah) — woman.

: woman

1) woman, wife, female

1a) woman (opposite of man)

1b) wife (woman married to a man)

1c) female (of animals)

1d) each, every (pronoun)

אִשָּׁה (ish.shah) — woman: wife.

: wife/widow

1) woman, wife, female

1a) woman (opposite of man)

1b) wife (woman married to a man)

1c) female (of animals)

1d) each, every (pronoun)

אִשָּׁה (ish.shah) — woman: another.

: another

1) woman, wife, female

1a) woman (opposite of man)

1b) wife (woman married to a man)

1c) female (of animals)

1d) each, every (pronoun)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular construct
HNcfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and a man who he will take the object marker [the] wife of brother his [is] impurity it [the] nakedness of brother his he has uncovered childless they will be
אָחִ֖יו'a.Chiv brother his H251 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
630× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Amplified meaning
male sibling, close relative
Tyndale gloss
brother: male-sibling
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָח (ach) means 'brother' and encompasses a broad range of relationships, including literal siblings, half-brothers, and metaphorical kinship. It can refer to any male relative or compatriot, and it may also imply resemblance or reciprocal relationships. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, highlighting both familial and figurative connections.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָח 630 n.m. brother

brother, born of same mother (& father)

indef. = relative

fig. of resemblance

in phr. one … another

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H251 אָח brother

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

251 'ach awkh

a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of

literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance

(like 1)):--another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other.

Compare also the proper names beginning with "Ah-" or "Ahi-".

see HEBREW for 01

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָח (ach) — brother: male-sibling.

: male-sibling

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

אָח (ach) — brother: male-relative.

: male-relative

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

אָח (ach) — brother: compatriot.

: compatriot

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hiz: Used often in the King James Version with reference to a neuter or inanimate thing, or to a lower animal (Ge 1:11, "after his kind"; Le 1:16, "pluck away his crop"; Ac 12:10, "of his own accord"; 1Co 15:38, "his own body"), etc. the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "its."

and a man who he will take the object marker [the] wife of brother his [is] impurity it [the] nakedness of brother his he has uncovered childless they will be
נִדָּ֣הni.Dah [is] impurity H5079 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
29× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Impurity, which can refer to ceremonial uncleanness, such as menstruation, or moral corruption, like idolatry, as discussed in Leviticus.
Amplified meaning
deed, action, uncleanness, moral corruption
Tyndale gloss
impurity
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נִדָּה (niddah) refers to impurity, particularly in the context of menstruation and moral issues like idolatry and incest. It is derived from a root meaning 'rejection' and encompasses various forms of ceremonial impurity. The term is associated with being set apart or unclean, reflecting both physical and moral dimensions of impurity.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נִדָּה n.f. impurity (as abhorrent, shunned)

of ceremonial impurity

fig. (with allusion to cerem. usage), impure thing

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5079 נִדָּה

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5079 niddah nid-daw'

from 5074; properly, rejection; by implication, impurity,

especially personal (menstruation) or moral (idolatry,

incest):--X far, filthiness, X flowers, menstruous (woman),

put apart, X removed (woman), separation, set apart,

unclean(-ness, thing, with filthiness).

see HEBREW for 05074

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נִדָּה (nid.dah) — impurity.

1) impurity, filthiness, menstruous, set apart

1a) impurity

1a1) of ceremonial impurity

1a2) of menstruation

1b) impure thing (fig.)

1b1) of idolatry, immorality

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

im-pu'-ri-ti.

See UNCLEANNESS.

and a man who he will take the object marker [the] wife of brother his [is] impurity it [the] nakedness of brother his he has uncovered childless they will be
הִ֑ואhi' it H1931 Pronoun
1,879× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Tyndale gloss
he/she/it
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הוּא (hu) is a third-person singular pronoun meaning he, she, or it, used for emphasis or when no verb is present. It can also refer to oneself or serve as a demonstrative pronoun. The word has various nuances, including resuming the subject with emphasis or expressing it unobtrusively. It can indicate 'that' or 'those' when used with the definite article.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הוּא m. הִיא f., pron. of the 3rd ps. sing. he, she, used also (in both genders) for the neuter it

an emph. he (she, it, they), sometimes equivalent to himself (herself, itself, themselves), or (esp. with the art.) that (those)

It resumes the subj. with emph.

Where, however, the pron. follows the pred., its position gives it the minimum of emphasis, and it expresses (or resumes) the subject as unobtrusively as possible

It anticipates (as it seems) the subject

As an emph. predicate, of God

In a neuter sense, that, it (of an action, occurrence, matte, etc.)

With the art.: so regularly when joined to a subst. defined itself by the art.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1931 הוּא, הִיא he, she, used also (in both genders) for the neuter it . an emph. he (she, it, they), sometimes equivalent to himself (herself, itself, themselves), or (esp. with the art.) that (those)

. It resumes the subj. with emph.

. Where, however, the pron. follows the pred., its position gives it the minimum of emphasis, and it expresses (or resumes) the subject as unobtrusively as possible

. It anticipates (as it seems) the subject

. As an emph. predicate, of God

. In a neuter sense, that, it (of an action, occurrence, matte, etc.)

. With the art.: so regularly when joined to a subst. defined itself by the art.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1931 huw' hoo

of which the feminine (beyond the Pentateuch) is hiyw {he}; a

primitive word, the third person pronoun singular, he (she or

it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also

(intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same;

sometimes (as demonstrative) this or that; occasionally

(instead of copula) as or are:--he, as for her, him(-self),

it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they,

this, those, which (is), who.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הוּא (hu) — he/she/it.

pron 3p s

1) he, she, it

1a) himself (with emphasis)

1b) resuming subj with emphasis

1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate)

1d) (anticipating subj)

1e) (emphasising predicate)

1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron

2) that (with article)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Pron — Pronoun
HPp3fs
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and a man who he will take the object marker [the] wife of brother his [is] impurity it [the] nakedness of brother his he has uncovered childless they will be
עֶרְוַ֥ת'er.Vat [the] nakedness of H6172 Noun common · feminine singular construct
54× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for nakedness, implying shame or exposure. It appears in Genesis 9:22 and Leviticus 18:6, often warning against improper behavior. This concept is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:14.
Amplified meaning
shame, exposure
Tyndale gloss
nakedness
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֶרְוָה 54 n.f. nakedness, pudenda

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6172 עֶרְוָה nakedness, pudenda

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6172 `ervah er-vaw'

from 6168; nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or

figuratively (disgrace, blemish):--nakedness, shame,

unclean(-ness).

see HEBREW for 06168

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular construct
HNcfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and a man who he will take the object marker [the] wife of brother his [is] impurity it [the] nakedness of brother his he has uncovered childless they will be
אָחִ֛יו'a.Chiv brother his H251 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
630× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Tyndale gloss
brother: male-sibling
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָח (ach) means 'brother' and encompasses a broad range of relationships, including literal siblings, half-brothers, and metaphorical kinship. It can refer to any male relative or compatriot, and it may also imply resemblance or reciprocal relationships. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, highlighting both familial and figurative connections.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָח 630 n.m. brother

brother, born of same mother (& father)

indef. = relative

fig. of resemblance

in phr. one … another

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H251 אָח brother

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

251 'ach awkh

a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of

literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance

(like 1)):--another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other.

Compare also the proper names beginning with "Ah-" or "Ahi-".

see HEBREW for 01

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָח (ach) — brother: male-sibling.

: male-sibling

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

אָח (ach) — brother: male-relative.

: male-relative

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

אָח (ach) — brother: compatriot.

: compatriot

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hiz: Used often in the King James Version with reference to a neuter or inanimate thing, or to a lower animal (Ge 1:11, "after his kind"; Le 1:16, "pluck away his crop"; Ac 12:10, "of his own accord"; 1Co 15:38, "his own body"), etc. the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "its."

and a man who he will take the object marker [the] wife of brother his [is] impurity it [the] nakedness of brother his he has uncovered childless they will be
גִּלָּ֖הgi.Lah he has uncovered H1540 Verb · Piel · perfect third person masculine singular
186× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Amplified meaning
revealed, exposed
Tyndale gloss
to reveal: reveal
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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

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Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel-Perf-3ms — Verb · Piel · perfect third person masculine singular
HVpp3ms
and a man who he will take the object marker [the] wife of brother his [is] impurity it [the] nakedness of brother his he has uncovered childless they will be
עֲרִירִ֥ים'a.ri.Rim childless H6185 Adj
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means being childless or without kids. It describes someone who is bare or destitute of children, like Hannah in 1 Samuel 1. This word is used to show a person's emotional pain.
Amplified meaning
without children, barren
Tyndale gloss
childless
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עֲרִירִי (ariyriy) is an adjective meaning 'stripped' or 'childless.' It is derived from the root word for 'bare' or 'destitute of children.' The entries consistently emphasize its specific application to being childless.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֲרִירִי adj. stripped, specif. childless

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6185 עֲרִירִי stripped, specif. childless

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6185 `ariyriy ar-e-ree'

from 6209; bare, i.e. destitute (of children):--childless.

see HEBREW for 06209

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֲרִירִי (a.ri.ri) — childless.

stripped, childless, bare of children

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAampa
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and a man who he will take the object marker [the] wife of brother his [is] impurity it [the] nakedness of brother his he has uncovered childless they will be
יִהְיֽוּ׃yih.Yu they will be H1961 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Amplified meaning
will remain, become
Tyndale gloss
to be
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be

Qal

Fall out, happen

occur, take place, come about, come to pass

esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass

וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

Come into being, become

abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

sq. prep.

become

sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

sq. pred. adj.

become like

sq. pred. לְ pers.

sq. לְ pred.

oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.

with עַל and לְ

sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)

exist, be in existence

abide, remain, continue

with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie

as copula, joining subj. & pred.

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Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen

. occur, take place, come about, come to pass

. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

. sq. prep.

. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

. sq. pred. adj.

. become like

. sq. pred. + לְ pers.

. sq. לְ pred.

. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.

. with עַל and לְ

. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence

. abide, remain, continue

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1961 hayah haw-yaw

a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,

come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or

auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,

committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,

fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit

(one-)self, require, X use.

see HEBREW for 01933

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.

1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) ---

1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass

1a1b) to come about, come to pass

1a2) to come into being, become

1a2a) to arise, appear, come

1a2b) to become

1a2b1) to become

1a2b2) to become like

1a2b3) to be instituted, be established

1a3) to be

1a3a) to exist, be in existence

1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)

1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)

1a3d) to accompany, be with

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about

1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVqi3mp
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

See TESTAMENT.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ THE MENTAL FACULTY

Freedom of, recognized by God Ge 4:6-10; De 5:29; 1Ki 20:42; Isa 1:18-20; 43:26; Jer 36:3,7; Joh 7:17

See BLESSINGS, CONTINGENT UPON OBEDIENCE

See CHOICE

See CONTINGENCY

→ OF GOD, THE SUPREME RULE OF DUTY Mt 6:10; 12:50; 26:39,42; Mr 3:35; 14:36; Lu 11:2; 22:42; Joh 4:34; 5:30; 6:38-40; Ac…

Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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