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Nahum 2:7 — Word Study

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WLCוְהֻצַּ֖ב גֻּלְּתָ֣ה הֹֽעֲלָ֑תָה וְאַמְהֹתֶ֗יהָ מְנַֽהֲגוֹת֙ כְּק֣וֹל יוֹנִ֔ים מְתֹפְפֹ֖ת עַל־ לִבְבֵהֶֽן׃

BSAgateshaʻar rivernâhâr to openpâthach templehêykâl to meltmûwg

Word
Listen & take awayNahum 2
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 (li.ve.Hen) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Nahum 2:7quick helps
In a sentenceNahum describes the decree of exile upon Nineveh, highlighting the sorrow of its maidservants.
Who is speakingThe prophet Nahum, conveying God's message about Nineveh's fate.
Where we areThis verse is part of a prophecy concerning the downfall of Nineveh.
The hard wordגֻּלְּתָ֣ה
Take awayThe city is destined for exile, and its people mourn.
clause subjectהַ verbנָהָר 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 — Nahum 2:7

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — The Decree Against Ninevehgenerated

6The river gates are thrown open and the palace collapses.
7It is decreed that the city be exiled and carried away; her maidservants moan like doves, and beat upon their breasts.
8Nineveh has been like a pool of water throughout her days, but now it is draining away. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one turns back.
9“Plunder the silver! Plunder the gold!” There is no end to the treasure, an abundance of every precious thing.

Nahum 2:7 reveals a prophetic declaration regarding Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, which is to be exiled and stripped of its glory. The passage illustrates the despair of the maidservants, who mourn like doves, expressing their sorrow through lamentation and physical gestures of grief. This reflects the broader theme of divine judgment against a city known for its wickedness, as seen in the context of the preceding and following verses.


The Key Word וְהֻצַּ֖ב, ve.hu.Tzavgenerated

The word וְהֻצַּ֖ב (ve.hu.Tzav) is a verb in the Hophal form, meaning 'it has been fixed' or 'decreed.' It indicates an action that has been established or set in place, often with a sense of authority behind it. This word conveys the certainty of God's decree regarding Nineveh's fate, emphasizing that the city's exile is not merely a possibility but an ordained outcome.

The construction in the Hophal stem suggests that the subject (the city) is acted upon, reinforcing the idea that this decree originates from a higher authority, namely God. This choice of verb underscores the inevitability of the judgment pronounced against Nineveh.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the phrase It is decreed to convey the certainty of the judgment.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb of the verse is וְהֻצַּ֖ב, it has been fixed, which governs the entire sentence. The structure includes a series of clauses that describe the action of exile and the emotional response of the maidservants.

The sentence begins with the decree, followed by two clauses that detail the maidservants' actions: their moaning and beating upon their breasts. This arrangement emphasizes the decree's impact on the people of Nineveh and their resulting sorrow.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word וְהֻצַּ֖ב is rendered with the Greek word τῶν, which indicates a more general reference to the decree rather than a direct translation. This choice may suggest a broader interpretation of the decree's implications.

The translation choices reflect a different emphasis, as the Greek often seeks to convey the overall sense of the narrative rather than a word-for-word correspondence.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Nahum 2:7 states that Nineveh is to be exiled, and its maidservants mourn like doves, beating their breasts in sorrow. This reflects the city's impending destruction and the deep grief of its inhabitants.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that Nineveh is decreed to be exiled?

It indicates that God has determined the city's fate, leading to its removal and punishment for its wickedness.

Why do the maidservants moan like doves?

Their mourning reflects deep sorrow and lamentation, symbolizing the loss and despair of the people as they face exile.

What is the significance of beating upon their breasts?

This action is a traditional expression of grief and mourning, indicating profound emotional pain and loss.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Nahum?

It underscores the theme of divine judgment against Nineveh, emphasizing the consequences of its actions and the sorrow that follows.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What emotions do you think the maidservants felt as they faced exile, and how can we relate to their sorrow?
  2. How does understanding the decree against Nineveh help us grasp the seriousness of God's judgment?
  3. In what ways can we express our grief or lament in our own lives when faced with loss or hardship?
  4. How does this passage challenge us to reflect on our own actions and the consequences they may have?

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

It is decreed that the city be exiled and carried away; her maidservants moan like doves, and beat upon their breasts.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

It is decreed: she is uncovered, she is carried away; and her servants moan as with the voice of doves, beating on their breasts.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

It is decreed that the city be exiled and carried away; her maidservants moan like doves, and beat upon their breasts.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Nineveh is taken into exile and is led away; her slave girls moan like doves while they beat their breasts.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And Huzzab shall be led away captive, she shall be brought up, and her maids shall lead her as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And it is decreed: she is uncovered, she is carried away; and her handmaids moan as with the voice of doves, beating upon their breasts.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And Huzzab is uncovered, she is carried away, and her handmaids mourn as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And Huzzab shall be led away captive, she shall be brought up, and her maids shall lead her as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And Huzzab the Queene shalbe led away captiue, and her maides shall leade her as with the voyce of doues, smiting vpon their breastes.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And it is decreed: she shall be uncovered, she shall be led away, and her maids shall moan as with the voice of doves, drumming upon their breasts.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And it is established — she hath removed, She hath been brought up, And her handmaids are leading as the voice of doves, Tabering on their hearts.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And it is established—she has removed, || She has been brought up, || And her handmaids are leading as the voice of doves, || Tabering on their hearts.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

(2:8) And the queen is carried away into exile stripped of her attire, and her maids moan as with the voice of doves, striking their hand upon their breast.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Huzzab is stripped of her clothes and is taken away; her female servants moan like doves, beating on their breasts.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And the soldier is led away captive: and her bondwomen were led away mourning as doves, murmuring in their hearts.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

“Queen” Nineveh is stripped, and led away into exile, with her servant girls mourning like doves, and beating their breasts.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And the queen is uncovered, she is taken away and her servant-girls are weeping like the sound of doves, hammering on their breasts.

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.

וְandclauseclausesubjectהֻצַּ֖בit.has.been.fixedverbגֻּלְּתָ֣הit.was.uncoveredclauseverbהֹֽעֲלָ֑תָהit.was.taken.awayוְandclausenoun phrase · subjectאַמְהֹתֶ֗יmaidservantsהָitsverbמְנַֽהֲגוֹת֙[are].moaningprepositional phrase · prepositionalכְּlike.[the]noun phraseק֣וֹלsoundיוֹנִ֔יםof.dovesclauseverbמְתֹפְפֹ֖ת[they.are].beatingprepositional phrase · prepositionalעַלonnoun phraseלִבְבֵheartsהֶֽןtheir

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


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

The Masoretic Text presents the verse as it stands, while the Septuagint matches only five of the ten words, indicating some divergence in translation approach. The Dead Sea Scrolls fragment includes parts of the verse but shows evidence of restoration, suggesting that the original text has been partially lost.

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

וְהֻצַּ֖ב גֻּלְּתָ֣ה הֹֽעֲלָ֑תָה וְאַמְהֹתֶ֗יהָ מְנַֽהֲגוֹת֙ כְּק֣וֹל יוֹנִ֔ים מְתֹפְפֹ֖ת עַל־ לִבְבֵהֶֽן׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְהֻצַּ֖בτῶνגֻּלְּתָ֣הποταμῶνהֹֽעֲלָ֑תָהδιηνοίξθησανוְאַמְהֹתֶ֗יהָβασίλειαמְנַֽהֲגוֹת֙διέπεσεν

5 of the 10 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.

Dead Sea Scrolls — Mur88a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[שערי] [הנהרות] נפתחו וההיכל נמוג

5 words of the verse are on this fragment — 2 partly restored, 2 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.

Nahum 2:7נָצַבand it has and it has beenנָצַבגָּלָהit was uncoit was uncovereגָּלָהעָלָהit was takeit was taken awעָלָהאָמָהand maidserand maidservantאָמָהנָהַג[are] moani[are] moaningנָהַגקוֹלlike [the] like [the] sounקוֹליוֹנָהdovesdovesיוֹנָהתָּפַף[they are] [they are] beatתָּפַףעַלononעַללֵבָבhearts theihearts theirלֵבָבלבבto encourato encourageלבביַ֫יִןwinewineיַ֫יִןעַלheightheightעַלפֶּ֫תַחentranceentranceפֶּ֫תַחקָרָאto encountto encounter: mקָרָאעֶרְוָהnakednessnakednessעֶרְוָהגּוֹלָהcaptivitycaptivityגּוֹלָהעֹלָהburnt offeburnt offeringעֹלָהיְאֹרstreamstreamיְאֹרשׁוֹרcattlecattleשׁוֹרחֲמוֹרdonkeydonkeyחֲמוֹרמִקְנֶהlivestocklivestockמִקְנֶהצֹאןSheep (GatSheep (Gate)צֹאןתְּרוּעָהshoutshoutתְּרוּעָהשֹׁפָרtrumpettrumpetשֹׁפָרהָגָהto mutterto mutterהָגָההָמָהto roarto roarהָמָהכִּפֶּרto atoneto atoneכִּפֶּר
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 Nahum 2:7

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 it has been fixed it was uncovered it was taken away and maidservants its [are] moaning like [the] sound of doves [they are] beating on hearts their
וְהֻצַּ֖בve.hu.Tzav and it has been fixed H5324 Conjunction · verb hophal perfect third person masculine singular
75× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.
Tyndale gloss
to stand
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָצַב (natsab) is a Hebrew verb meaning to stand or take one's stand, with various applications including to be stationed, appointed, or established. It can refer to standing upright, setting up a pillar, or fixing a boundary. The entries highlight its use in different forms, such as Niphal and Hiphil, indicating both active and passive meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָצַב] vb. Niph. take one's stand, stand

Niph.

station oneself, take one's stand, for definite purpose

stand = be stationed (by appointment, or in fulfillment of duty)

take an upright position, stand

be stationed = appointed over

Pt. as subst. deputy = prefect (as appointed, deputed)

stand firm

Hiph.

station, set

set up, erect pillar

cause to stand erect, waters

fix, establish boundary

Hoph. fixed, determined

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5324 נָצַב Niph. take one's stand, stand . . . station oneself, take one's stand, for definite purpose

. stand = be stationed (by appointment, or in fulfillment of duty)

. take an upright position, stand

. be stationed = appointed over

. Pt. as subst. deputy = prefect (as appointed, deputed)

. stand firm

. . station, set

. set up, erect pillar

. cause to stand erect, waters

. fix, establish boundary

. fixed, determined

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5324 natsab naw-tsab'

a prim root; to station, in various applications (literally

or figuratively):--appointed, deputy, erect, establish, X

Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar,

present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish,

(make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָצַב (na.tsav) — to stand.

1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish

1a) (Niphal)

1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand

1a2) to stand, be stationed

1a3) to stand, take an upright position

1a4) to be stationed, be appointed

1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst)

1a6) to stand firm

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to station, set

1b2) to set up, erect

1b3) to cause to stand erect

1b4) to fix, establish

1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HC/VHp3ms — Conjunction · verb hophal perfect third person masculine singular
HC/VHp3ms
and it has been fixed it was uncovered it was taken away and maidservants its [are] moaning like [the] sound of doves [they are] beating on hearts their
גֻּלְּתָ֣הgu.le.Tah it was uncovered H1540 Verb · Pual · perfect third person feminine 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.
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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVPp3fs — Verb · Pual · perfect third person feminine singular
HVPp3fs
and it has been fixed it was uncovered it was taken away and maidservants its [are] moaning like [the] sound of doves [they are] beating on hearts their
הֹֽעֲלָ֑תָהho.'a.La.tah it was taken away H5927 Verb · Hophal · perfect third person feminine singular
890× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Tyndale gloss
to ascend: rise
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עָלָה (alah) means 'to ascend' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including going up, climbing, and rising in various contexts such as personal, natural, and spiritual. It can refer to actions involving people, animals, vegetation, and even thoughts, and includes nuances of being exalted or offering sacrifices. The word is built from a primitive root and appears in various grammatical forms, indicating different aspects of ascent or elevation.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָלָה 890 vb. go up, ascend, climb

Qal

of persons, go up, ascend, in local relations

go up, in personal relations

of animals, go or come up

of vegetation, spring up, grow, shoot forth

of natural phenom., go up, rise

of inanimate things, instead of passive construction

of thoughts

come up before God, arrogance

go up, extend, of boundary

excel

Niph.

be brought up

be taken up

pass., be taken up, away

reflex., take oneself away from, get up from

reflex.: take oneself away

be exalted, of God

Hiph.

bring up persons

in personal relations

bring up animals

cause to ascend

mentally

offer a present; bring up tithe to

exalt

cause to ascend (in flame), offer sacrifice

Hoph.

be carried away

be taken up into, inserted in

be offered

Hithp. lift oneself

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5927 עָלָה go up, ascend, climb .. of persons, go up, ascend, in local relations

. go up, in personal relations

. of animals, go or come up

. of vegetation, spring up, grow, shoot forth

. of natural phenom., go up, rise

. of inanimate things, instead of passive construction

. of thoughts

. come up before God, arrogance

. go up, extend, of boundary

. excel

. . . be brought up

. be taken up

. . pass., be taken up, away

. reflex., take oneself away from, get up from

. reflex.: take oneself away

. be exalted, of God

. . bring up persons

. in personal relations

. bring up animals

. cause to ascend

. mentally

. offer a present; bring up tithe to

. exalt

. cause to ascend (in flame), offer sacrifice

. . be carried away

. be taken up into, inserted in

. be offered

. lift oneself

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5927 `alah aw-law'

a primitive root; to ascend, intransitively (be high) or

actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary

and secondary, literal and figurative (as follow):--arise

(up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up),

bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, + shew, climb

(up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart,

exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up);

grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light,

(make) up, X mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, + perfect,

prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise

(up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring

(up), stir up, take away (up), work.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָלָה (a.lah) — to ascend: rise.

: rise/go

1) to go up, ascend, climb

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go up, ascend

1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat

1a3) to go up, come up (of animals)

1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation)

1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon)

1a6) to come up (before God)

1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary)

1a8) to excel, be superior to

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away

1b2) to take oneself away

1b3) to be exalted

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up

1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away

1c3) to bring up, draw up, train

1c4) to cause to ascend

1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally)

1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts)

1c7) to exalt

1c8) to cause to ascend, offer

1d) (Hophal)

1d1) to be carried away, be led up

1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in

1d3) to be offered

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVHp3fs — Verb · Hophal · perfect third person feminine singular
HVHp3fs
and it has been fixed it was uncovered it was taken away and maidservants its [are] moaning like [the] sound of doves [they are] beating on hearts their
וְאַמְהֹתֶ֗יהָve.'am.ho.Tei.ha and maidservants its H519 Conjunction · noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
56× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A maidservant is a female slave or servant, like the ones mentioned in the stories of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis.
Tyndale gloss
maidservant
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָמָה (amah) refers to a maid or handmaid, often indicating a female servant or slave. The term can also imply humility in certain contexts. It is derived from a primitive root and is consistently used to denote a female in servitude.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָמָה n.f. maid, handmaid

lit. maidservant

fig. in address

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H519 אָמָה maid, handmaid

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

519 'amah aw-maw'

apparently a primitive word; a maid-servant or female

slave:--(hand-)bondmaid(-woman), maid(-servant).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָמָה (a.mah) — maidservant.

1) maid-servant, female slave, maid, handmaid, concubine

1a) of humility (fig.)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HC/Ncfpc/Sp3fs — Conjunction · noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
HC/Ncfpc/Sp3fs
and it has been fixed it was uncovered it was taken away and maidservants its [are] moaning like [the] sound of doves [they are] beating on hearts their
מְנַֽהֲגוֹת֙me.na.ha.goyT [are] moaning H5090 Verb · Piel · participle (active) feminine plural
31× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To moan means to sigh or lament, like in Psalm 77:3 when the psalmist moaned in his sleepless night. It can also mean to lead or guide someone, like in 1 Samuel 25:42 when Abigail led her maids to follow David.
Tyndale gloss
to lead
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָהַג (nahag) is a Hebrew verb meaning to drive, lead, or guide. It can refer to driving animals or chariots, as well as guiding oneself or others. Additionally, in the Piel form, it can mean to moan or lament. The word appears in contexts that emphasize both physical guidance and emotional expression.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָהַג vb. drive, conduct

Qal

drive

fig. my heart behaving itself in wisdom

Pi.

drive away, lead off

lead on, guide

cause to drive

base

[נָהַג] vb. Pi. moan, lament;—Pi. Na 2:8

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5090a נָהַג drive, conduct .. drive

. fig. my heart behaving itself in wisdom

. . drive away, lead off

. lead on, guide

. cause to drive

H5090b נָהַג Pi. moan, lament

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5090 nahag naw-hag'

a primitive root; to drive forth (a person, an animal or

chariot), i.e. lead, carry away; reflexively, to proceed (i.e.

impel or guide oneself); also (from the panting induced by

effort), to sigh:--acquaint, bring (away), carry away, drive

(away), lead (away, forth), (be) guide, lead (away, forth).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָהַג (na.hag) — to lead.

1) to drive, lead, guide, conduct

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to drive, lead on, drive away, drive off

1a2) to behave itself (fig.) (of heart)

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to drive away, lead off

1b2) to lead on, guide, guide on

1b3) to cause to drive

נָהַג (na.hag) — to moan.

(Piel) to moan, lament

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVprfpa — Verb · Piel · participle (active) feminine plural
HVprfpa
and it has been fixed it was uncovered it was taken away and maidservants its [are] moaning like [the] sound of doves [they are] beating on hearts their
כְּק֣וֹלke.Kol like [the] sound of H6963 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
506× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Tyndale gloss
voice: sound
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

קוֹל (qol) primarily means 'voice' or 'sound,' encompassing various contexts such as music, noise, and even thunder. It can also denote lightness or frivolity. The word is built from a root meaning to call aloud and appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including a reference in Jeremiah 3:9.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

קוֹל 506 n.m. sound, voice

base

קֹל n.[m.] lightness, frivolity;—Je 3:9

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6963a קוֹל sound, voice H6963b קֹל lightness, frivolity

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6963 qowl kole

or qol {kole}; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a

voice or sound:--+ aloud, bleating, crackling, cry (+ out),

fame, lightness, lowing, noise, + hold peace, (pro-)claim,

proclamation, + sing, sound, + spark, thunder(-ing), voice, +

yell.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קוֹל (qol) — voice.

: voice/shout/loud

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

קֹל (qol) — frivolity.

lightness, frivolity

קוֹל (qol) — voice: sound.

: sound/noise

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

קוֹל (qol) — voice: thunder.

: thunder

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

קוֹל (qol) — voice: message.

: message/proclaim

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

קוֹל (qol) — voice: [sound of].

: [sound_of](THING)

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

קוֹל (qol) — voice: listen.

: listen

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Ncmsc — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
HR/Ncmsc
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 it has been fixed it was uncovered it was taken away and maidservants its [are] moaning like [the] sound of doves [they are] beating on hearts their
יוֹנִ֔יםyo.Nim doves H3123 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
31× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Represents a dove, possibly due to the warmth of their mating, and is also used to describe a pigeon. This bird is often seen as a symbol of peace and gentleness in the Bible.
Tyndale gloss
dove
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יוֹנָה (yownah) means 'dove' or 'pigeon.' It is likely derived from a root related to warmth, possibly reflecting the bird's mating behavior. The entries consistently refer to this word without significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יוֹנָה n.f. dove

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3123 יוֹנָה dove

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3123 yownah yo-naw'

probably from the same as 3196; a dove (apparently from the

warmth of their mating):--dove, pigeon.

see HEBREW for 03196

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יוֹנָה (yo.nah) — dove.

dove, pigeon

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmpa — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Were clean according to the Mosaic ritual, and were offered in sacrifice, especially by the poor, Ge 15:9 Le 5:7 12:6-8 Lu 2:24. Several kinds of doves or pigeons frequented the Holy Land; and the immense flocks of them sometimes witnessed illustrate a passage in Isa 60:8. They are symbols of simplicity, innocence, and fidelity, Ho 7:11 Mt 10:16. The dove was the chosen harbinger of God’s returning favor after the flood, Ge 8:1-22, and was honored as an emblem of the Holy Spirit,

and it has been fixed it was uncovered it was taken away and maidservants its [are] moaning like [the] sound of doves [they are] beating on hearts their
מְתֹפְפֹ֖תme.to.fe.Fot [they are] beating H8608 Verb · Piel · participle (active) feminine plural
2× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to play a drum or tambourine, often used in celebrations or worship. In the Bible, it describes the sound of music and joyful noise, like the playing of timbrels. It is translated as taber or play with timbrels in the KJV.
Tyndale gloss
to beat
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

תָּפַף (taphaph) is a Hebrew verb meaning to beat or play, specifically on a timbrel or tambourine. It is derived from a primitive root and covers actions related to drumming or making sound. The entries indicate its use in various forms, including participles, but do not show any significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[תָּפַף] vb. denom. sound the timbrel, beat

Qal 

Po‛ēl twittering

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8608 תָּפַף vb. denom. sound the timbrel, beat

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8608 taphaph taw-faf'

a primitive root; to drum, i.e. play (as) on the

tambourine:--taber, play with timbrels.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תָּפַף (ta.phaph) — to beat.

1) to play or sound the timbrel, beat, play upon, drum (on a timbrel or other object)

1a) (Qal) playing (participle)

1b) (Poel) beating (participle)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVprfpa — Verb · Piel · participle (active) feminine plural
HVprfpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

bet'-ing.

See PUNISHMENTS.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ As a punishment Ex 5:14; De 25:3; Mr 13:9; Ac 5:40; 16:22,37

→ See ASSAULT

→ See PUNISHMENT

and it has been fixed it was uncovered it was taken away and maidservants its [are] moaning like [the] sound of doves [they are] beating on hearts their
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
and it has been fixed it was uncovered it was taken away and maidservants its [are] moaning like [the] sound of doves [they are] beating on hearts their
לִבְבֵהֶֽן׃li.ve.Hen hearts their H3824 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
252× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Tyndale gloss
heart
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֵבָב (lebab) refers to the inner man, encompassing the mind, will, and heart. It highlights aspects like emotions, moral character, and conscience, often contrasting the inner self with the outer. The term is used primarily for humans and can also denote courage and appetites.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֵבָב 251 n.m. inner man, mind, will, heart

seldom of things in the midst of the seas

usu. of men

the inner man in contrast with the outer

the inner man, indef. the soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

specific ref. to mind

spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions, determinations of the will

spec. ref. to conscience

spec. ref. to moral character

= the man himself

spec. as seat of appetites

spec. of seat of the emotions and passions

seat of courage

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3824 לֵבָב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the seas

. usu. of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer

. the inner man, indef. the soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

. specific ref. to mind

. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions, determinations of the will

. spec. ref. to conscience

. spec. ref. to moral character

. = the man himself

. spec. as seat of appetites

. spec. of seat of the emotions and passions

. seat of courage

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3824 lebab lay-bawb'

from 3823; the heart (as the most interior organ); used also

like 3820:--+ bethink themselves, breast, comfortably,

courage, ((faint), (tender-)heart((-ed)), midst, mind, X

unawares, understanding.

see HEBREW for 03823

see HEBREW for 03820

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֵבָב (le.vav) — heart.

1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding

1a) inner part, midst

1a1) midst (of things)

1a2) heart (of man)

1a3) soul, heart (of man)

1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory

1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)

1a6) conscience

1a7) heart (of moral character)

1a8) as seat of appetites

1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmsc/Sp3fp — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp3fp
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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