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Nehemiah 13:24 — Word Study

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WLCוּבְנֵיהֶ֗ם חֲצִי֙ מְדַבֵּ֣ר אַשְׁדּוֹדִ֔ית וְאֵינָ֥ם מַכִּירִ֖ים לְדַבֵּ֣ר יְהוּדִ֑ית וְכִלְשׁ֖וֹן עַ֥ם וָעָֽם׃

BSAHalfchêtsîy [a significant portion] of their childrenbên spokedâbar the language of AshdodʼAshdôwdîyth [tongue, dialect, Ashdodite, a distinct dialect] or oflâshôwn the other peoplesʻam [nations, tribes] but couldnâkar notʼayin speakdâbar [communicate, express themselves] the language of JudahYᵉhûwdîyth [Jewish, Hebrew, the people of God, the chosen nation]

Word
Listen & take awayNehemiah 13
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 24 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 (va.'Am) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Nehemiah 13:24quick helps
In a sentenceHalf of the children of the Jews spoke the language of Ashdod or other peoples, but could not speak the language of Judah.
Who is speakingNehemiah, observing the cultural assimilation of the Jewish people.
Where we areNehemiah's account of the challenges faced by the returning exiles.
The hard wordאַשְׁדּוֹדִ֔ית
Take awayLanguage reflects identity; the children of Judah are losing their heritage.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbדָבַר The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

1 of 11 occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament — a word chosen on purpose.

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 — Nehemiah 13:24

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 Language of the Exilesgenerated

23In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab.
24Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or of the other peoples, but could not speak the language of Judah.
25I rebuked them and called down curses on them. I beat some of these men and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God and said, “You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves!
26Did not King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this? There was not a king like him among many nations, and he was loved by his God, who made him king over all Israel—yet foreign women drew him into sin.

Nehemiah 13:24 describes a troubling situation where half of the children of the Jewish returnees could not speak their ancestral language, the language of Judah. This reflects a significant cultural shift and assimilation into surrounding nations, particularly Ashdod. Nehemiah's concern highlights the importance of language in maintaining cultural identity and heritage among the people of God.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Zephaniah 3:9For then I will restore pure lips to the peoples, that all may call upon the name of the LORD and serve Him shoulder to shoulder.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 1 reference, hung on the phrase they belong to

could not speakZephaniah 3:9

The Key Word אַשְׁדּוֹדִ֔ית, 'ash.do.Ditgenerated

The term אַשְׁדּוֹדִ֔ית (ashdodit) refers specifically to the language or dialect of Ashdod, a city associated with the Philistines. It emphasizes the cultural and linguistic diversity present among the Jews who returned from exile.

This word is a feminine form derived from the root for Ashdod. Its use here indicates a distinct dialect that the children of the Jews were adopting, which posed a risk to their identity as the people of Judah.


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.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb of the sentence is מְדַבֵּ֣ר, [were] speaking, which governs the subject וּבְנֵיהֶ֗ם, and their children. The structure indicates that the children are the focus, showing their linguistic capabilities.

The sentence includes a prepositional phrase לְדַבֵּ֣ר, to speak, which clarifies the action regarding the language of Judah, emphasizing the contrast between what they spoke and what they could not.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates אַשְׁדּוֹדִ֔ית as ἀζωτιστὶ, which suggests a specific cultural context. This choice indicates that the translators recognized the distinctiveness of the Ashdodite language, aligning with the Hebrew text's emphasis on cultural identity.

The Greek term reflects a broader understanding of the peoples and languages involved, as the Septuagint often aimed to clarify for a Hellenistic audience.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Nehemiah 13:24 tells us that half of the children of the Jewish returnees spoke the language of Ashdod or other peoples, but they could not speak the language of Judah. This situation indicates a loss of cultural identity among the children, as they were not able to communicate in their ancestral tongue.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that the children spoke the language of Ashdod?

It indicates that they were adopting the language and culture of the surrounding nations, which posed a threat to their Jewish identity.

Why is the language of Judah significant?

The language of Judah represents the heritage and identity of the Jewish people, crucial for maintaining their cultural and religious practices.

What actions did Nehemiah take in response to this situation?

Nehemiah rebuked those involved and emphasized the importance of not intermarrying with foreign peoples, to preserve the Jewish identity.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of cultural identity in the Bible?

It highlights the ongoing struggle of the Jewish people to maintain their identity amidst surrounding influences, a theme present throughout the Old Testament.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways do I see cultural influences affecting my own identity today?
  2. How can I ensure that I maintain my heritage and values in a diverse environment?
  3. What steps can I take to learn more about my cultural background?
  4. How does language play a role in shaping our identity as individuals and communities?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Nehemiah 13:24 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And their children spoke half in the speech of Ashdod,.... Which they learned of their mothers, so that it was a mixed language they spoke, partly Jewish and partly Philistine; but some refer this

Read John Gill on Nehemiah 13 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.

Read Robert Jamieson on Nehemiah 13 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Which their mothers instilled into them, together with their principles and manners.

Read Matthew Poole on Nehemiah 13 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Nehemiah 13:24 And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews’ language, but according to the language of each people.Ver. 24. And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod] They had a mixture of their mother’ s both speech and spirit: the birth followed the belly, the conclusion followed the weaker proposition. And could not speak in the Jews’ language] Though it were that of their fathers. Mothers are most about children, and have the greater advantage to perfume them, or poison them. But what mad fellows were those old Britons or Welshmen, who driven out of their own country by the Saxons, came into Little Britain in France; where, when…

Read John Trapp on Nehemiah 13 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(24) Half in the speech of Ashdod.—A mixture of Philistine and Aramaic.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Nehemiah 13 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 24. Half in the speech of Ashdod] There were children in the same family by Jewish and Philistine mothers. As the Jewish mother would always speak to her children in Hebrew or Chaldee, so they learnt to speak these languages; and as the Ashdod mother would always speak to her children in the Ashdod language, so they learnt that tongue. Thus there were, in the same family, children who could not understand each other; half, or one part, speaking one language, and the other part another. Children of different wives did not ordinarily mingle together; and the wives had separate apartments. This is a better explanation than that which intimates that the same child spoke a jargon, half…

Read AdamClarke on Nehemiah 13 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

24. spake half in the speech of Ashdod] LXX. οἱυἱοὶαὐτῶνἥμισυλαλοῦσινἈζωτιστί. Vulg. ‘filii eorum ex media parte loquebantur Azotice,’ half their words were framed in the dialect of Philistia. This dialect would be very similar to Hebrew, but from accent and the use of peculiar words almost unintelligible to the Jews. On the relations of the Jews with Ashdod, see on Nehemiah 4:7, and compare Zechariah 9:6. in the Jews’ language] i.e. Hebrew (‘Yehudξth’) LXX. Ἰουδαϊστί. Vulg. ‘Judaice’ as in 2 Kings 18:26; 2 Kings 18:28; Isaiah 36:11; Isaiah 36:13; 2 Chronicles 32:18. The language of Hezekiah’s reign was still spoken by the Jews after the Return, as indeed would be abundantly shown by these…

Read Cambridge on Nehemiah 13 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The speech of Ashdod - The Philistine language, which was akin to that of Egypt. According to the language of each people - The children spoke a mixed dialect - half-Philistine, half-Hebrew.

Read Albert Barnes on Nehemiah 13 →

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

Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or of the other peoples, but could not speak the language of Judah.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

and their children spoke half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews’ language, but according to the language of each people.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or of the other peoples, but could not speak the language of Judah.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod (or the language of one of the other peoples mentioned ) and were unable to speak the language of Judah.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews’ language, but according to the language of each people.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

and their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews’ language, but according to the language of each people.

RVARevised Version, American1894

and their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews’ language, but according to the language of each people.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And their children spoke half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews language, but according to the language of each people.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And their children spake halfe in ye speach of Ashdod, and could not speake in the Iewes language, and according to the language of the one people, and of the other people.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And their children spoke half in the language of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And of their sons, half are speaking Ashdoditish — and are not knowing to speak Jewish — and according to the language of people and people.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And of their sons, half are speaking Ashdoditish—and are not knowing to speak Jewish—and according to the language of people and people.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And their children spoke partly in the speech of Ashdod, and did not understand to speak in the Jewish language, but according to the language of one or the other people.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod. None of them could speak the language of Judah, but only the language of one of the other peoples.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And their children spoke half in the speech of Azotus, and could not speak the Jews’ language, but they spoke according to the language of this and that people.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Half their children could only speak the language of Ashdod or that of another people, and didn't know how to speak the language of Judah.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And their children were talking half in the language of Ashdod; they had no knowledge of the Jews' language, but made use of the language of the two peoples.

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.

וּandclausenoun phrase · subjectnoun phraseבְנֵיchildrenהֶ֗םtheirחֲצִי֙halfverbמְדַבֵּ֣ר[was].speakingobjectאַשְׁדּוֹדִ֔יתAshdoditeוְandclauseadverbialאֵינָ֥notsubjectםtheyverbמַכִּירִ֖ים[were].knowingprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְtoclauseverbדַבֵּ֣רspeakobjectיְהוּדִ֑יתJudeanוְandclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalכִaccordingnoun phraseלְשׁ֖וֹןto.[the].languagenoun phraseעַ֥םof.peopleוָandעָֽםpeople

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 that half of the children spoke Ashdodite and could not speak the language of Judah, while the Septuagint has a word-by-word correspondence with 8 of the 11 words matched, but it does not provide a complete translation of the verse. The Septuagint's wording and structure differ from the Masoretic Text, indicating a variation in how the text was understood or translated in the Greek tradition. The Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls do not provide additional evidence for this specific verse, so their stance remains unexamined in this context.

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

וּבְנֵיהֶ֗ם חֲצִי֙ מְדַבֵּ֣ר אַשְׁדּוֹדִ֔ית וְאֵינָ֥ם מַכִּירִ֖ים לְדַבֵּ֣ר יְהוּדִ֑ית וְכִלְשׁ֖וֹן עַ֥ם וָעָֽם׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וּבְנֵיהֶ֗םυἱοὶחֲצִי֙ἥμισυמְדַבֵּ֣רλαλοῦντεςאַשְׁדּוֹדִ֔יתἀζωτιστὶוְאֵינָ֥םεἰσινמַכִּירִ֖יםἐπιγινώσκοντεςלְדַבֵּ֣רλαλεῖνיְהוּדִ֑יתιουδαϊστί

8 of the 11 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.

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.

Nehemiah 13:24בֵּןand childreand children thבֵּןחֲצִיhalfhalfחֲצִידָבַר[were] spea[were] speakingדָבַראַשְׁדּוֹדִיתAshdoditeAshdoditeאַשְׁדּוֹדִיתאַ֫יִןand not theand not theyאַ֫יִןנָכַר[were] know[were] knowingנָכַרדָבַרto speakto speakדָבַריְהוּדִית[in] Judean[in] Judeanיְהוּדִיתלָשׁוֹןand accordiand according tלָשׁוֹןעַםpeoplepeopleעַםעַםand peopleand peopleעַםעָמַםto darkento darkenעָמַםבָּנָהto buildto buildבָּנָהחָצָהto divideto divideחָצָהלָשַׁןto slanderto slanderלָשַׁןאַשְׁדּוֹדִיAshdodAshdodאַשְׁדּוֹדִיאַ֫יִןwhere?where?אַ֫יִןיְהוּדִיof Judahof JudahיְהוּדִימֹשֶׁהMosesMosesמֹשֶׁהלָשׁוֹןtonguetongueלָשׁוֹןעַמּוֹןAmmonAmmonעַמּוֹןרְאוּבֵןReubenReubenרְאוּבֵןמְנַשֶּׁהMosesMosesמְנַשֶּׁהכְּמוֹlikelikeכְּמוֹאָחbrother: mbrother: male-sאָחאָֽנֹכִ֫יIIאָֽנֹכִ֫יאֹ֫זֶןearearאֹ֫זֶןקוֹלvoice: souvoice: soundקוֹלחֵךְpalatepalateחֵךְ
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 Nehemiah 13:24

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 children their half [were] speaking Ashdodite and not they [were] knowing to speak [in] Judean and according to [the] language of people and people
וּבְנֵיהֶ֗םu.ve.nei.Hem and children their H1121 Conjunction · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
4,943× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Tyndale gloss
son: child
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בֵּן (ben) means 'son' or 'male child' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including descendants, young animals, and even figurative uses like sparks or arrows. It can refer to members of a tribe or class and is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, such as in 1 Chronicles 24:26. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to build' and implies a connection to family or lineage.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֵּן 4870 n.m. son

son, male child, born of a woman

children (male and female)

youth, young men

the young of animals

of plant shoots

fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows

member of a guild, order or class

of animals son of (the) herd

ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.

n. relat. of age

base

בְּנוֹ 1 Ch 24:26, 27 as n.pr.m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son, cf. VB & Be Öt.

done

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1121a בֵּן son . son, male child, born of a woman

. children (male and female)

. youth, young men

. the young of animals

. of plant shoots

. fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows

. . member of a guild, order or class

. of animals son of (the) herd

. ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.

. n. relat. of age

H1121b בְּנוֹ as n. pr. m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1121 ben bane

from 1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the

widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship,

including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,

etc., (like 1, 251, etc.)):--+ afflicted, age, (Ahoh-)

(Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-)ite, (anoint-)ed one, appointed to,

(+) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-)ian, one born,

bough, branch, breed, + (young) bullock, + (young) calf, X

came up in, child, colt, X common, X corn, daughter, X of

first, + firstborn, foal, + very fruitful, + postage, X in, +

kid, + lamb, (+) man, meet, + mighty, + nephew, old, (+)

people, + rebel, + robber, X servant born, X soldier, son, +

spark, + steward, + stranger, X surely, them of, + tumultuous

one, + valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.

see HEBREW for 01129

see HEBREW for 01

see HEBREW for 0251

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֵּן (ben) — son: child.

: child/son

בְּנוֹ (be.no) — Beno.

A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.24.26;

son of: Jaaziah (H3269);

brother of: Shoham (H7719), Zaccur (H2139I) and Ibri (H5681)

§ Beno = "his son"

the sons of Jaaziah and the sons of Merari by Jaahziah (his son)

בֵּן (ben) — son: descendant/people.

: descendant, people, tribe, nation

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : child/son

בֵּן (ben) — son: young animal.

: calf/lamb/young(ANIMAL)

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : descendant

בֵּן (ben) — son: type of.

: rebel/son(Belial)

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : people/men/nation/tribe

בֵּן (ben) — son.

: [inheriting]son/heir

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

בֵּן (ben) — son: warrior.

: warrior/son(strong)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-mp | Suff — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HC/Ncmpc/Sp3mp
and children their half [were] speaking Ashdodite and not they [were] knowing to speak [in] Judean and according to [the] language of people and people
חֲצִי֙cha.Tzi half H2677 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
125× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Amplified meaning
a significant portion
Tyndale gloss
half
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֲצִי (chetsiy) means 'half' or 'middle,' referring to a division of something into two parts. It can denote the concept of 'midnight' as well. The word is derived from a root that also relates to 'midst' or 'part.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֲצִי 123 n.m. half

half of anything

middle … midnight

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2677 חֲצִי half . half of anything

. middle … midnight

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2677 chetsiy khay-tsee'

from 2673; the half or middle:--half, middle, mid(-night),

midst, part, two parts.

see HEBREW for 02673

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֲצִי (che.tsi) — half.

1) half

1a) half

1b) middle

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

haf.

See NUMBER.

and children their half [were] speaking Ashdodite and not they [were] knowing to speak [in] Judean and according to [the] language of people and people
מְדַבֵּ֣רme.da.Ber [were] speaking H1696 Verb · Piel · participle (active) masculine singular
1,142× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Tyndale gloss
to speak: speak
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דָבַר (dabar) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning 'to speak.' It encompasses a range of actions including declaring, commanding, and conversing. The root suggests a figurative use of words, with some entries noting a rare destructive sense of subduing. Various forms of the verb indicate different nuances, such as speaking with one another or making promises.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[דָבַר] 1142 vb. speak (original mng. dub.)

Qal speak

Niph. reciprocal sense, speak with one another, talk

Pi. speak

Pu. in the day when she may be spoken for

Hithp. speaking this word

Hiph. either leads subject, or puts to flight, fig. for subdues

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1696 דָבַר speak (original mng. dub.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1696 dabar daw-bar'

a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used

figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive

sense) to subdue:--answer, appoint, bid, command, commune,

declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse,

say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think,

use (entreaties), utter, X well, X work.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: speak.

: speak/tell/command

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: subdue.

: subdue

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: promise.

: promise/declare

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel — Verb · Piel · participle (active) masculine singular
HVprmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Nave's Topical Bible

→ EVIL Ex 22:28; Job 19:18; Ps 10:7,8; 12:3,4; 34:13; 35:21; 41:5-9; 52:2-4; 59:12; 64:2-5; 69:12,26; 70:3; 102:8; 106:33; 119:23; 120:1-7; 140:3,11; Pr 4:24; 6:16-19; 8:13; 10:11,19,31,32; 11:11; 12:5,6,13,17-19; 13:3; 14:25; 15:1,4,28; 16:27,28; 17:4,9,20; 18:8,21,23; 19:1,22,28; 24:2; 25:23; 26:20-23,28; Ec 7:22; 10:11,20; Isa 6:5; 32:6,7; Jer 20:10; Mt 5:22,37; 12:34-37; Ac 23:5;

and children their half [were] speaking Ashdodite and not they [were] knowing to speak [in] Judean and according to [the] language of people and people
אַשְׁדּוֹדִ֔ית'ash.do.Dit Ashdodite H797 Noun gentilic · feminine singular absolute
1× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Ashdodite refers to the language spoken in Ashdod, a city in the Bible. It is mentioned as a distinct dialect in the KJV translation.
Amplified meaning
tongue, dialect, Ashdodite, a distinct dialect
Tyndale gloss
Ashdod
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַשְׁדּוֹדִית (Ashdowdiyth) refers to the language or speech of Ashdod, a city associated with the Philistines. It is a feminine form derived from the root word for Ashdod. The term appears in Nehemiah 13:24, highlighting its specific cultural context.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַשְׁדּוֹדִית adv. in the language of Ashdod, i.e. of Philistines Ne 13:24

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H797 אַשְׁדּוֹדִית

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

797 'Ashdowdiyth ash-do-deeth'

feminine of 796; (only adverb) in the language of

Ashdod:--in the speech of Ashdod.

see HEBREW for 0796

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַשְׁדּוֹדִית (ash.do.dit) — Ashdod.

Ashdodites = "I will spoil"

language of Ashdod

Another spelling of ash.dod (אַשְׁדּוֹד "Ashdod" H0795)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Ngfsa — Noun gentilic · feminine singular absolute
HNgfsa
and children their half [were] speaking Ashdodite and not they [were] knowing to speak [in] Judean and according to [the] language of people and people
וְאֵינָ֥םve.'ei.Nam and not they H369 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
789× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Tyndale gloss
nothing
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַ֫יִן (ayin) primarily means 'nothing' or 'nought' and serves as a negative particle indicating absence or negation, such as 'is not' or 'there is not.' It can also express lack of possession or existence. The word is derived from a root meaning to be non-existent, and it appears frequently in various grammatical constructions.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought

to nothing, as nothing

cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not

אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not

in circumst. clauses

with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …

with prefixes

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H369 אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought . to nothing, as nothing

. cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not

. אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not

. in circumst. clauses

. with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …

. with prefixes

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

369 'ayin ah'-yin

as if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not

exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative

particle:--else, except, fail, (father-)less, be gone,

in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any,

thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable),

well-nigh, without. Compare 370.

see HEBREW for 0370

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַ֫יִן (a.yin) — nothing.

1) nothing, not, nought n

1a) nothing, nought neg

1b) not

1c) to have not (of possession) adv

1d) without w/prep

1e) for lack of

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Part | Suff — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HC/Ncmsc/Sp3mp
and children their half [were] speaking Ashdodite and not they [were] knowing to speak [in] Judean and according to [the] language of people and people
מַכִּירִ֖יםma.ki.Rim [were] knowing H5234 Verb · Hiphil · participle (active) masculine plural
49× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To alienate or treat as foreign, as seen in the story of Moses and the Egyptians in Exodus. This verb means to scrutinize or look intently at someone, often with suspicion or disregard. It is used to describe the actions of biblical characters towards others.
Tyndale gloss
to recognize
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word נָכַר (nakar) encompasses meanings related to recognition and alienation. It can signify acknowledging, regarding, or understanding someone or something, as well as treating something as foreign or strange. The entries highlight its use in various forms, including recognizing and disguising, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָכַר] vb. (not Qal) regard, recognize

Niph. they are not recognized

Pi. he regardeth not the opulent above the poor

Hiph.

regard, observe, esp. with a view to recognition

Recognize (as formerly known)

Be willing to recognize, acknowledge

Be acquianted with

Distinguish, understand

Hithp. Impf by his deeds a youth maketh himself known, whether his doing be pure, etc.

base

[נכר] vb. denom. act or treat as foreign, or strange; disguise, misconstrue

Niph. with his lips a hater disguiseth himself

Pi. and they have treated this place as foreign

Hithp. he acted as a stranger toward them

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5234a נָכַר (not Qal) regard, recognize . they are not recognized

. he regardeth not the opulent above the poor

. . regard, observe, esp. with a view to recognition

. Recognize (as formerly known)

. Be willing to recognize, acknowledge

. Be acquianted with

. Distinguish, understand

. Impf by his deeds a youth maketh himself known, whether his doing be pure, etc.

H5234b נכר vb. denom. act or treat as foreign, or strange; disguise, misconstrue

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5234 nakar naw-kar'

a primitive root; properly, to scrutinize, i.e. look intently

at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be

acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (with suspicion

implied), to disregard, ignore, be strange toward, reject,

resign, dissimulate (as if ignorant or

disowning):--acknowledge, X could, deliver, discern,

dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take

knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave

(make) self strange(-ly).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָכַר (na.khar) — to recognize.

1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard

1a) (Niphal) to be recognised

1b) (Piel) to regard

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice

1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive

1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour

1c4) to be acquainted with

1c5) to distinguish, understand

1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known

נָכַר (na.khar) — to alienate.

1) to act or treat as foreign or strange, disguise, misconstrue

1a) (Niphal) to disguise oneself

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to treat as foreign (profane)

1b2) to misconstrue

1c) (Hithpael)

1c1) to act as alien

1c2) to disguise oneself

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil — Verb · Hiphil · participle (active) masculine plural
HVhrmpa
and children their half [were] speaking Ashdodite and not they [were] knowing to speak [in] Judean and according to [the] language of people and people
לְדַבֵּ֣רle.da.Ber to speak H1696 Preposition · verb piel infinitive construct common
1,142× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Amplified meaning
communicate, express themselves
Tyndale gloss
to speak: speak
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דָבַר (dabar) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning 'to speak.' It encompasses a range of actions including declaring, commanding, and conversing. The root suggests a figurative use of words, with some entries noting a rare destructive sense of subduing. Various forms of the verb indicate different nuances, such as speaking with one another or making promises.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[דָבַר] 1142 vb. speak (original mng. dub.)

Qal speak

Niph. reciprocal sense, speak with one another, talk

Pi. speak

Pu. in the day when she may be spoken for

Hithp. speaking this word

Hiph. either leads subject, or puts to flight, fig. for subdues

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1696 דָבַר speak (original mng. dub.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1696 dabar daw-bar'

a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used

figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive

sense) to subdue:--answer, appoint, bid, command, commune,

declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse,

say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think,

use (entreaties), utter, X well, X work.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: speak.

: speak/tell/command

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: subdue.

: subdue

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: promise.

: promise/declare

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a — Preposition · verb piel infinitive construct common
HR/Vpcc
and children their half [were] speaking Ashdodite and not they [were] knowing to speak [in] Judean and according to [the] language of people and people
יְהוּדִ֑יתye.hu.Dit [in] Judean H3066 Noun gentilic · feminine singular absolute
6× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Refers to the Jewish language, as seen in the Bible when Jesus spoke in the Jews' language. This term is used to describe the Hebrew language. It appears in the New Testament.
Amplified meaning
Jewish, Hebrew, the people of God, the chosen nation
Tyndale gloss
Jewish
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יְהוּדִית (yehudith) refers to the Jewish language, primarily used adverbially. It is derived from the root related to Judah, indicating a connection to the tribe of Judah. The term appears in contexts discussing the language of the Jews, with no significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יְהוּדִית adj.gent., but only as adv. in Jewish = in the Jewish language

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3066 יְהוּדִית in Jewish = in the Jewish language

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3066 Yhuwdiyth yeh-hoo-deeth'

feminine of 3064; the Jewish (used adverbially) language:--in

the Jews' language.

see HEBREW for 03064

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְהוּדִית (ye.hu.dit) — Judahite.

A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.35;

son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812);

brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783);

half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); married to Bath-shua (H1323I) and Tamar (H8559);

father of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209), Shelah (H7956), Perez (H6557) and Zerah (H2226I)

Another spelling of ye.hu.dah (יְהוּדָה "Judah" H3063)

§ in the Jewish language, in Hebrew

יְהוּדִית (ye.hu.dit) — Jewish.

§ in the Jewish language, in Hebrew

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Ngfsa — Noun gentilic · feminine singular absolute
HNgfsa
and children their half [were] speaking Ashdodite and not they [were] knowing to speak [in] Judean and according to [the] language of people and people
וְכִלְשׁ֖וֹןve.khil.Shon and according to [the] language of H3956 Conjunction · preposition · noun common both singular construct
117× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Tyndale gloss
tongue
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word לָשׁוֹן (*lashon*) primarily means 'tongue,' referring to both the organ of speech in humans and animals. It can also denote 'language' and has figurative uses, such as a 'tongue-shaped' wedge or bay. The entries highlight its literal and metaphorical applications, but do not present any significant disagreements among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לָשׁוֹן n.m. and (more oft.) f. tongue

tongue of men

= language

tongue of animals

tongue of fire

= (tongue-shaped) wedge of gold

= (tongue-shaped) bay of sea

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3956 לָשׁוֹן tongue . tongue of men

. = language

. tongue of animals

. tongue of fire

. = (tongue-shaped) wedge of gold

. = (tongue-shaped) bay of sea

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3956 lashown law-shone'

or lashon {law-shone'}; also (in plural) feminine lshonah

{lesh-o-naw'}; from 3960; the tongue (of man or animals), used

literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech),

and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame, a cove of

water):--+ babbler,bay, + evil speaker, language, talker,

tongue, wedge.

see HEBREW for 03960

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לָשׁוֹן (la.shon) — tongue.

: tongue/words

1) tongue

1a) tongue (of men)

1a1) tongue (literal)

1a2) tongue (organ of speech)

1b) language

1c) tongue (of animals)

1d) tongue (of fire)

1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)

לָשׁוֹן (la.shon) — tongue: language.

: language

1) tongue

1a) tongue (of men)

1a1) tongue (literal)

1a2) tongue (organ of speech)

1b) language

1c) tongue (of animals)

1d) tongue (of fire)

1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)

לָשׁוֹן (la.shon) — tongue: bar.

: bar/projection/bay

1) tongue

1a) tongue (of men)

1a1) tongue (literal)

1a2) tongue (organ of speech)

1b) language

1c) tongue (of animals)

1d) tongue (of fire)

1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Prep | N-cs — Conjunction · preposition · noun common both singular construct
HC/R/Ncbsc
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 children their half [were] speaking Ashdodite and not they [were] knowing to speak [in] Judean and according to [the] language of people and people
עַ֥ם'am people H5971 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
1,873× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Amplified meaning
nations, tribes
Tyndale gloss
Amaw
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עַם (am) primarily means 'people' or 'nation,' referring to a collective group, often in the context of tribes such as those of Israel. It can also denote kinsmen or compatriots. The term appears in various contexts, including military and familial references. There is a mention of a specific individual named Ammi in Song of Solomon 6:12.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עַם, עָם 1810 n.m. people

a people, nation

= smaller units

= common people

people in gen., persons

phrases

base

[עַם] n.[m.] kinsman (on father's side)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5971a עַם, עָם people H5971b עַם kinsman (on father's side)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5971 `am am

from 6004; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a

tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or

attendants; figuratively, a flock:--folk, men, nation,

people.

see HEBREW for 06004

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַם (am) — people.

: people/nation

1) nation, people

1a) people, nation

1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men

עַם (am) — kinsman.

kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — Ammi.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at Sng.6.12

§ kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — People's (Gate).

§ kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — (Ibleam)-am.

Combined with yiv.le.am (יִבְלְעָם "Ibleam" H2991)

§ kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — Amaw.

This name means nation, people

עַם (am) — people: soldiers.

: soldiers/army

1) nation, people

1a) people, nation

1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men

עַם (am) — people: creatures.

: creatures

1) nation, people

1a) people, nation

1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…

and children their half [were] speaking Ashdodite and not they [were] knowing to speak [in] Judean and according to [the] language of people and people
וָעָֽם׃va.'Am and people H5971 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
1,873× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Tyndale gloss
Amaw
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עַם (am) primarily means 'people' or 'nation,' referring to a collective group, often in the context of tribes such as those of Israel. It can also denote kinsmen or compatriots. The term appears in various contexts, including military and familial references. There is a mention of a specific individual named Ammi in Song of Solomon 6:12.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עַם, עָם 1810 n.m. people

a people, nation

= smaller units

= common people

people in gen., persons

phrases

base

[עַם] n.[m.] kinsman (on father's side)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5971a עַם, עָם people H5971b עַם kinsman (on father's side)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5971 `am am

from 6004; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a

tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or

attendants; figuratively, a flock:--folk, men, nation,

people.

see HEBREW for 06004

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַם (am) — people.

: people/nation

1) nation, people

1a) people, nation

1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men

עַם (am) — kinsman.

kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — Ammi.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at Sng.6.12

§ kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — People's (Gate).

§ kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — (Ibleam)-am.

Combined with yiv.le.am (יִבְלְעָם "Ibleam" H2991)

§ kinsman, kindred

עַם (am) — Amaw.

This name means nation, people

עַם (am) — people: soldiers.

: soldiers/army

1) nation, people

1a) people, nation

1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men

עַם (am) — people: creatures.

: creatures

1) nation, people

1a) people, nation

1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men

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

pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…

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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