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Leviticus 6:13 — Word Study

Depth

WLCאֵ֗שׁ תָּמִ֛יד תּוּקַ֥ד עַל־ הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ לֹ֥א תִכְבֶֽה׃ ס

BSAcontinuallytâmîyd [at all times, day and night]

Word
Listen & take awayLeviticus 6
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 13 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 (tikh.Veh) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Leviticus 6:13quick helps
In a sentenceThe fire on the altar must always be kept burning without interruption.
Who is speakingThe Lord, giving instructions about the altar.
Where we areThis verse is part of the laws concerning offerings and sacrifices.
The hard wordתּוּקַ֥ד
Take awayThe fire is a continual symbol of God's presence.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them › clause subjectזֶה verbאַהֲרֹן 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 6:13

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 Sacrificesgenerated

12The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it must not be extinguished. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it.
13The fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished.
14Now this is the law of the grain offering: Aaron’s sons shall present it before the LORD in front of the altar.
15The priest is to remove a handful of fine flour and olive oil, together with all the frankincense from the grain offering, and burn the memorial portion on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Leviticus 6:13 is part of the instructions regarding the sacrificial system in Israel, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the fire on the altar as a symbol of continuous worship and divine presence. This command reflects the seriousness of the sacrificial practices and the need for constant readiness in the service of God.


Cross References


The Key Word אֵשׁ, 'Eshgenerated

The word אֵשׁ (esh) means 'fire' and covers various types, including natural and supernatural fire. It is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing God's presence and purity, as well as being used for cooking and warmth.

In this verse, the fire signifies the ongoing relationship between God and His people, requiring constant attention and care. The use of fire in sacrificial contexts highlights its role in worship and the need for a perpetual flame to symbolize devotion.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

In this study, we refer to the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), which uses the term burning.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb תּוּקַ֥ד (it will burn) governs the entire sentence, with the subject אֵשׁ (fire) and adverbial phrases describing its continuous nature. The structure emphasizes the importance of the fire being maintained without ceasing.

The Hebrew word order places the subject first, highlighting the fire as the focal point of the command, followed by its continuous nature and the prohibition against extinguishing it.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates אֵשׁ as τοῦτο, indicating a direct correspondence to the Hebrew term for fire. This choice reflects the translators' understanding of the fire's significance in sacrificial worship.

The Greek word choice does not alter the meaning but reinforces the concept of a sacred fire that must be maintained, aligning with the Hebrew emphasis on continual burning.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Leviticus 6:13 commands that the fire on the altar must always be kept burning and must not be extinguished. This highlights the importance of constant worship and readiness in the sacrificial system.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does the fire on the altar symbolize?

The fire represents God's presence and the ongoing worship of His people.

Why is it important for the fire to be kept burning continually?

It signifies the need for constant devotion and readiness in the service of God.

What happens if the fire is extinguished?

Extinguishing the fire would symbolize a break in the relationship and worship practices between God and His people.

How does this command relate to the sacrificial system?

The command emphasizes the central role of the altar and the sacrifices made to God, requiring that worship be maintained at all times.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways can I keep my spiritual fire burning in my daily life?
  2. How does understanding the significance of the altar change my perception of worship?
  3. What are some practices I can adopt to ensure my devotion to God remains constant?
  4. How can I encourage others to maintain their spiritual fervor?

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

Early commentators have noted the significance of the perpetual fire on the altar, relating it to the divine love that should always be present in a believer's heart.

Richard Challoner 1691–1781
The perpetual fire: This fire came from heaven, (infra. chap. 9. 24,) and was always kept burning on the altar, as a figure of the heavenly fire of divine love, which ought to be always burning in the heart of a Christian.
Early Church Fathers on Leviticus 6 →

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Leviticus 6:13 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar,.... This was what first fell from heaven, Leviticus 9:24 and which in after ages was maintained by constant fuel put unto it, there being every day

Read John Gill on Leviticus 6 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar.

Read Robert Jamieson on Leviticus 6 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Leviticus 6:13 The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.Ver. 13. The fire shall ever be burning.] The Gentiles, by an apish imitation hereof, had their vestal fire, salted meal, and many other sacred rites. Basil chargeth the devil as "a thief of the truth," in that he had decked his crows with her feathers.

Read John Trapp on Leviticus 6 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(13) The fire shall ever be burning.—This fire, which first came down from heaven (Leviticus 9:24), was to be continually fed with the fuel especially provided by the congregation, and with the daily burnt offerings. During the second Temple, this perpetual fire consisted of three parts or separate piles of wood on the same altar: on the largest one the daily sacrifice was burnt; the second, which was called the pile of incense, supplied the fire for the censers to burn the morning and evening incense; and the third was the perpetual fire from which the other two portions were fed. It never was quenched till the destruction of the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar. Indeed, we are positively assured…

Read Charles John Ellicott on Leviticus 6 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 13. The fire shall ever be burning] See on Leviticus 6:9 and Leviticus 6:20. In imitation of this perpetual fire, the ancient Persian Magi, and their descendants the Parsees, kept up a perpetual fire; the latter continue it to the present day. This is strictly enjoined in the Zend Avesta, which is a code of laws as sacred among them as the Pentateuch is among the Jews. A Sagnika Brahmin preserves the fire that was kindled at his investiture with the poita, and never suffers it to go out, using the same fire at his wedding and in all his burnt-offerings, till at length his body is burnt with it. - WARD's Customs.

Read AdamClarke on Leviticus 6 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The fire shall ever be burning - This was a symbol of the never-ceasing worship which Yahweh required of His people. It was essentially connected with their acts of sacrifice.

Read Albert Barnes on Leviticus 6 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

13. The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar — This altar-fire was of a supernatural origin, (Leviticus 9:24,) as the fire of love to God in a fallen soul is not spontaneously ignited, but is a spark dropped from above.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Leviticus 6 →

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

The fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

The fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished.

NETBNew English Translation2006

A continual fire must be kept burning on the altar. It must not be extinguished.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Fire shall be kept burning upon the altar continually; it shall not go out.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Fire shall be kept burning upon the altar continually; it shall not go out.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

The fire shall euer burne vpon the altar, and neuer go out.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

A continual fire shall be kept burning on the altar: it shall never go out.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

fire is continually burning on the altar, it is not quenched.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

fire is continually burning on the altar, it is not quenched.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

(6:6) A perpetual fire shall be burning upon the altar; it shall not go out.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Fire must be kept burning on the altar continually. It must not go out.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

This is the perpetual fire which shall never go out on the altar.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

The fire must be kept burning on the altar continually—don't let it go out.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Let the fire be kept burning on the altar at all times; it is never to go out.

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.

clausesubjectאֵ֗שׁa.fireadverbialתָּמִ֛ידcontinuallyverbתּוּקַ֥דit.will.burnprepositional phrase · prepositionalעַלonnoun phraseהַtheמִּזְבֵּ֖חַaltarclauseadverbialלֹ֥אnotverbתִכְבֶֽהit.will.be.extinguished

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


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

The Masoretic Text states, אֵ֗שׁ תָּמִ֛יד תּוּקַ֥ד עַל־ הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ לֹ֥א תִכְבֶֽה׃ ס, while the Septuagint matches six of the seven words. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs in four words, indicating variations in the sacrificial instructions.

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

אֵ֗שׁ תָּמִ֛יד תּוּקַ֥ד עַל־ הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ לֹ֥א תִכְבֶֽה׃ ס

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
אֵ֗שׁτοῦτοתּוּקַ֥דααρωνעַל־καὶהַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַαὐτοῦלֹ֥אתִכְבֶֽה׃ סπροσοίσουσιν

6 of the 7 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

זה קרבן אהרן ובניו אשׁר יקריבו ליהוה ביום המשׁיח אתו עשׂירת האיפה סלת למנחה תמיד מחציתה בבקר ומחציתה בין הערבים

4 words differ from the Masoretic Text: המשׁיח (smear), איפה (ephah), בין (interval), ערבים (evening)

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 6:13אֵשׁa firea fireאֵשׁתָּמִידcontinuallycontinuallyתָּמִידיָקַדit will burit will burnיָקַדעַלononעַלמִזְבֵּחַthe altarthe altarמִזְבֵּחַלֹאnotnotלֹאכָּבָהit will be it will be extiכָּבָהזָבַחto sacrifito sacrificeזָבַחעַלheightheightעַלעֹלָהburnt offeburnt offeringעֹלָהלֶהָבָהflameflameלֶהָבָהיָצַתto kindleto kindleיָצַתנֶ֫סֶךְdrink offedrink offeringנֶ֫סֶךְיְקוֹדburningburningיְקוֹדקָדַחto kindleto kindleקָדַחכִּפֶּרto atoneto atoneכִּפֶּרכִּסֵּאthronethroneכִּסֵּאקָטַרto offer: to offer: burnקָטַריָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדרֹעַevilevilרֹעַנֵרlamplampנֵר
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 6:13

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.

a fire continually it will burn on the altar not it will be extinguished
אֵ֗שׁ'Esh a fire H784 Noun common · both singular absolute
378× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Tyndale gloss
fire
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵשׁ (esh) means 'fire' and encompasses various types, including natural fire, supernatural fire associated with divine appearances, and fire used for cooking or on altars. It can also figuratively represent God's anger. The entries consistently highlight its literal and metaphorical uses, with no significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵשׁ 377 n.f. fire

fire, of conflagration

of supernatural fire

fire for cooking, roasting, parching

esp. of altar fire

fig. of Yahweh's anger

in various combinations

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H784 אֵשׁ fire . fire, of conflagration

. of supernatural fire

. fire for cooking, roasting, parching

. esp. of altar fire

. fig. of Yahweh's anger

. in various combinations

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

784 'esh aysh

a primitive word; fire (literally or figuratively):--

burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵשׁ (esh) — fire.

1) fire

1a) fire, flames

1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany)

1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching)

1d) altar-fire

1e) God's anger (fig.)

Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)

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

fir ('esh; pur):

These are the common words for fire, occurring very frequently. 'Ur, "light" (Isa 24:15 the King James Version; compare the Revised Version (British and American); Isa 31:9, and see FIRES), nur (Aramaic) (Da 3:22 ff) are found a few times, also 'eshshah (Jer 6:29), and be`erah (Ex 22:6), once each. Ac 28:2,3 has pura, "pyre," and Mr 14:54; Lu 22:56, phos, "light," the Revised Version (British and American) "in the light (of the fire)." "To set…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Fire

(1.) For sacred purposes. The sacrifices were consumed by fire (Gen. 8:20). The ever-burning fire on the altar was first kindled from heaven (Lev. 6:9, 13; 9:24), and afterwards rekindled at the dedication of Solomon’s temple (2 Chr. 7:1, 3). The expressions “fire from heaven” and “fire of the Lord” generally denote lightning, but sometimes also the fire of the altar was so called (Ex. 29:18; Lev. 1:9; 2:3; 3:5, 9).

Fire for a sacred purpose obtained otherwise than from the altar was called “strange fire” (Lev. 10:1, 2;

is represented as the symbol of Jehovah’s presence and the instrument of his power, in the way either of approval or of destruction. (Exodus 3:2; 14:19) etc. There could not be a better symbol for Jehovah than this of fire, it being immaterial, mysterious, but visible, warming, cheering, comforting, but also terrible and consuming. Parallel with this application of fire and with its symbolical meaning are to be noted the similar use for sacrificial purposes and the respect paid to it, or to the heavenly bodies as symbols of deity, which prevailed among so many nations of antiquity, and of which the traces are not even now extinct; e.g. the Sabean and Magian systems of worship. (Isaiah 27:9) Fire for sacred purposes obtained elsewhere than from the altar was called "strange fire," and for the use of such Nadab and Abihu were punished…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

In Scripture, is often connected with the presence of Jehovah; as in the burning bush, and on Mount Sinai, Ex 3:2 19:18 Ps 18:1-50 Hab 1:1-3:19. The second coming of Christ will be "in flaming fire," 2Th 1:8. In the New Testament it illustrates the enlightening, cheering, and purifying agency of the Holy Spirit, Mt 3:11 Ac 2:3. By sending fire from heaven to consume sacrifices, God often signified his acceptance of them: as in the case of Abel, Ge 4:4; Abraham, Ge…

a fire continually it will burn on the altar not it will be extinguished
תָּמִ֛ידta.Mid continually H8548 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
104× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.
Amplified meaning
at all times, day and night
Tyndale gloss
continually
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

תָּמִיד (tamiyd) refers to continuity or perpetuity, often used adverbially to mean continually or constantly. It is derived from a root meaning to stretch, indicating indefinite extension. The term is also associated with the regular daily sacrifice in the Old Testament, emphasizing its constant nature.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

תָּמִיד n.m. continuity

earliest and oftenest as adv., continually

as subst.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8548 תָּמִיד continuity . earliest and oftenest as adv., continually

. as subst.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8548 tamiyd taw-meed'

from an unused root meaning to stretch; properly, continuance

(as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as

adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); ellipt. the

regular (daily) sacrifice:--alway(-s), continual

(employment, -ly), daily, ((n-))ever(-more), perpetual.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תָּמִיד (ta.mid) — continually.

1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch

1a) continually, continuously (as adverb)

1b) continuity (subst)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
a fire continually it will burn on the altar not it will be extinguished
תּוּקַ֥דtu.Kad it will burn H3344 Verb · Hophal · imperfect third person feminine singular
9× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To burn means to be on fire or to kindle something, and can also mean to be burning or to start a fire. It is used in the Bible to describe fire or burning things.
Tyndale gloss
to burn
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָקַד (ya.qad) is a Hebrew verb meaning to burn or be kindled. It is a primitive root with forms in both the Qal and Hoph'al stems, indicating actions of burning or being set on fire. The entries suggest a focus on physical burning, with a figurative use related to judgment noted in the Brown-Driver-Briggs lexicon.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[יָקַד] vb. be kindled, burn

Qal be kindled, fig. of judgment; so burn

Hoph. be burning, burn

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3344 [יָקַד] be kindled, burn

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3344 yaqad yaw-kad'

a primitive root; to burn:--(be) burn(-ing), X from the

hearth, kindle.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָקַד (ya.qad) — to burn.

1) to burn, kindle, be kindled

1a) (Qal) to be kindled

1b) (Hophal) to burn, be burning,

Aramaic equivalent: ye.qad (יְקַד "to burn" H3345)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVHi3fs — Verb · Hophal · imperfect third person feminine singular
HVHi3fs
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
a fire continually it will burn on the altar not it will be extinguished
עַל־'al- on H5921 Preposition
5,774× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Tyndale gloss
upon
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

עַל, עָ֑ל

subst. height

As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against

Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed

of clothing, etc., which any one wears

With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it

Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him

Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him

על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him

חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears

. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it

. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him

. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him

. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him

. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5921 `al al

properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the

singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a

particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always

in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great

variety of applications (as follow):--above, according

to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because

of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both

and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in

(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,

through(-out), to, touching, X with.

see HEBREW for 05920

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַל (al) — upon.

prep

1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against

1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards

1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)

1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)

1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)

1e) over (of suspension or extension)

1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)

1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)

1h) to (as a dative)

[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.

conj

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR — Preposition
HR
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

On

Light; the sun, (Gen. 41:45, 50), the great seat of sun-worship, called also Bethshemesh (Jer. 43:13) and Aven (Ezek. 30:17), stood on the east bank of the Nile, a few miles north of Memphis, and near Cairo, in the north-east. The Vulgate and the LXX. Versions have “Heliopolis” (“city of the sun”) instead of On in Genesis and of Aven in Ezekiel. The “city of destruction” Isaiah speaks of (19:18, marg. “of Heres;” Heb. ‘Ir-ha-heres, which some MSS. read Ir-ha-heres, i.e., “city of the sun”) may be the name given to On, the prophecy being that the time will come when that city which was known as the “city of the sun-god” shall become the “city of destruction” of the sun-god, i.e., when idolatry shall cease, and the worship…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(abode or city of the sun), a town of lower Egypt, called BETH-SHEMESH in (Jeremiah 43:13) On is better known under its Greek name Heliopolis. It was situated on the east side of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, just below the point of the Delta, and about twenty miles northeast of Memphis. The chief object of worship at Heliopolis was the sun, whose temple, described by Strabo, is now only represented by the single beautiful obelisk, of red granite so feet 2 inches high above the pedestal which has stood for more than 4000 years, having been erected by Usirtesen, the second king of the twelfth dynasty. Heliopolis was anciently famous for its learning, and Eudoxus and Plato studied under its priests. The first mention of this place in the Bible is in the history of Joseph, to whom we read Pharaoh gave "to wife Asenath the daughter…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

See HELIOPOLIS.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

pain; force; iniquity

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
a fire continually it will burn on the altar not it will be extinguished
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַha.miz.Be.ach the altar H4196 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
401× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Tyndale gloss
altar
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach) means 'altar' in Hebrew. It is derived from the root word meaning to slay or kill, indicating its use in sacrificial contexts. The term is consistently used throughout the Old Testament to refer to places of sacrifice and worship.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִזְבֵּחַ 401 n.m. altar

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4196 מִזְבֵּחַ altar

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4196 mizbeach miz-bay'-akh

from 2076; an altar:--altar.

see HEBREW for 02076

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִזְבֵּחַ (miz.be.ach) — altar.

altar

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTd/Ncmsa — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ol'-ter (mizbeach, literally, "place of slaughter or sacrifice," from zabhach, which is found in both senses; bomos, (only in Ac 17:23), thusiasterion):

I. CLASSIFICATION OF HEBREW ALTARS

Importance of the Distinction

II. LAY ALTARS

1. Pre-Mosaic

2. In the Mosaic Age

3. Dangers of the Custom

4. The Mosaic Provisions

III. HORNED ALTARS OF BURNT OFFERING

1. The Tabernacle Altar

2. The Altar of Jos 22

3. The Altar till Solomon

4. The Horned Altar in Use

5. The Temple of Solomon

6. The Altar of Ahaz

7. Ezekiel

8. The Post-exilic Altar

9. Idolatrous and Unlawful Altars

10. The Horns

IV. ALTARS OF INCENSE

V. RECENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL MATERIALS 1. A Gezer Altar

2. The Taanach Altar of Incense

LITERATURE

A. CRITICAL

I. Classification of Hebrew Altars.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Altar

(Heb. mizbe’ah, from a word meaning “to slay”), any structure of earth (Ex. 20:24) or unwrought stone (20:25) on which sacrifices were offered. Altars were generally erected in conspicuous places (Gen. 22:9; Ezek. 6:3; 2 Kings 23:12; 16:4; 23:8; Acts 14:13). The word is used in Heb. 13:10 for the sacrifice offered upon it—the sacrifice Christ offered.

Paul found among the many altars erected in Athens one bearing the inscription, “To the unknown God” (Acts 17:23), or rather “to an [i.e., some]…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The first altar of which we have any account is that built by Noah when he left the ark. (Genesis 8:20) In the early times altars were usually built in certain spots hallowed by religious associations, e.g., where God appeared. (Genesis 12:7; 13:18; 26:25; 35:1) Though generally erected for the offering of sacrifice, in some instances they appear to have been only memorials. (Genesis 12:7; Exodus 17:15,16) Altars were most probably originally made of earth. The law of Moses allowed them to be made of either earth or unhewn stones. (Exodus 20:24,25) I. The Altar of Burnt Offering . It differed in construction at…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A table-like structure, on which sacrifices and incense were offered, built of various materials, usually of stone, but sometimes of brass, etc. It is evident that sacrifices were offered long before the flood; but the first mention of an altar in Scripture is when Noah left the ark. Mention is made of altars reared by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses. The latter was commanded to build an altar of earth, Ex 20:24. If stone was employed, it must be rough and unhewn, probably lest the practice of sculpture should lead them to violate the second commandment. It was not to be furnished with steps, De 27:2-6.

The altars in the Jewish tabernacle, and in the temple at Jerusalem, were the following: 1. The altar of burnt offerings. 2. The altar of incense. 3. The table of showbread, for…

a fire continually it will burn on the altar not it will be extinguished
לֹ֥אlo' not H3808 Particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTn — Particle
HTn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
a fire continually it will burn on the altar not it will be extinguished
תִכְבֶֽה׃ סtikh.Veh it will be extinguished H3518 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person feminine singular
24× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To quench means to put out or extinguish something, like a fire or a flame, as seen in Ezekiel 20:47 where God warns of a fire that will not be quenched. It can also refer to satisfying a desire or need.
Tyndale gloss
to quench
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כָּבָה (kabah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to quench or extinguish, particularly in reference to fire or light. It has a range of uses, including both the action of putting out a flame and the state of being extinguished. The entries highlight its forms in different stems, such as Qal and Piel, which indicate the verb's active and causative aspects.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[כָּבָה] vb. be quenched, extinguished, go out, of fire or lamp

Qal be quenched, extinguished

Pi. quench, extinguish

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3518 כָּבָה be quenched, extinguished, go out, of fire or lamp .be quenched, extinguished

. quench, extinguish

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3518 kabah kaw-baw'

a primitive root; to expire or (causatively) to extinguish

(fire, light, anger):--go (put) out, quench.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כָּבָה (ka.vah) — to quench.

1) to quench, put out, be put out, be quenched, be extinguished

1a) (Qal) to be quenched, be extinguished

1b) (Piel) to quench, extinguish

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqi3fs — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person feminine singular
HVqi3fs
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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