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Nehemiah 3:7 — Word Study

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WLCוְעַל־ יָדָ֨ם הֶחֱזִ֜יק מְלַטְיָ֣ה הַגִּבְעֹנִ֗י וְיָדוֹן֙ הַמֵּרֹ֣נֹתִ֔י אַנְשֵׁ֥י גִבְע֖וֹן וְהַמִּצְפָּ֑ה לְכִסֵּ֕א פַּחַ֖ת עֵ֥בֶר הַנָּהָֽר׃ ס

BSANextʻal to themyâd repairs were madechâzaq by MelatiahMᵉlaṭyâh [from the hilly city] the GibeoniteGibʻônîy JadonYâdôwn [meaning thankful] the MeronothiteMêrônôthîy of GibeonGibʻôwn [a Levitical city] and MizpahMitspâh [a watchtower, a place of observation] who were under the authoritykiççêʼ [leadership, jurisdiction] of the governorpechâh [a leader, official] of the region westʻêber [area, territory] of the Euphratesnâhâr [a major river]

Word
Listen & take awayNehemiah 3
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 7 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 (ha.na.Har) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Nehemiah 3:7quick helps
In a sentenceMelatiah, Jadon, and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah made repairs to the wall under the governor's authority.
Who is speakingThe author of Nehemiah, recounting the efforts of the builders.
Where we areIn a section detailing the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall.
The hard wordהֶחֱזִ֜יק
Take awayThe work of restoration was a community effort under leadership.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbחָזַק The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

2 of 14 occur nowhere else in the Old Testament — words 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 3:7

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 Rebuilding of Jerusalem's Wallgenerated

6The Jeshanah Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars.
7Next to them, repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, who were under the authority of the governor of the region west of the Euphrates.
8Next to them, Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs, and next to him, Hananiah son of the perfumer made repairs. They fortified Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall.
9Next to them, Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, made repairs;

Nehemiah 3:7 describes the contributions of Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah to the repairs of Jerusalem's wall. This verse highlights the collaborative effort of various individuals under the governance of a local leader, emphasizing the importance of community in restoration efforts.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Joshua 9:3–27But the people of Gibeon, having heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai,
22 Samuel 21:2At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.)
3Nehemiah 3:19And next to him, Ezer son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the Ascent to the Armory, near the angle in the wall.
42 Chronicles 16:6Then King Asa brought all the men of Judah, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and the timbers Baasha had used for building. And with these materials he built up Geba and Mizpah.
5Nehemiah 2:8And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

the throneNehemiah 2:8

The Key Word הֶחֱזִ֜יק, he.che.Zikgenerated

The Hebrew word חָזַק (*chazaq*) means to be strong or to strengthen. In this context, it is used in the Hiphil stem, indicating that Melatiah actively engaged in the work of repairing, thus contributing strength to the rebuilding efforts.

The parsing as a perfect verb in the third person masculine singular shows that this action was completed by Melatiah, indicating his role in the restoration of the wall.


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 finite verb governing the main action is הֶחֱזִ֜יק, he repaired. The structure includes a series of noun phrases that identify the individuals involved in the repairs, along with prepositional phrases that provide context about their authority and location.

The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the individuals performing the repairs, highlighting their roles and contributions to the collective effort.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Nehemiah 3:7 tells us that repairs to the wall of Jerusalem were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah. They worked under the authority of the governor of the region west of the Euphrates.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

Who were Melatiah and Jadon?

Melatiah was a Gibeonite and Jadon was a Meronothite, both of whom contributed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall.

What does the term 'governor' refer to in this context?

The term 'governor' refers to a leader or official who had jurisdiction over the area, overseeing the rebuilding efforts.

What is the significance of the location mentioned?

The mention of Gibeon and Mizpah highlights the involvement of various communities in the restoration of Jerusalem.

Why is the action of repairing emphasized?

The act of repairing signifies a collective effort to restore the city, representing unity and determination among the people.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What can we learn from the collaborative efforts of the builders in Nehemiah 3:7?
  2. How does the role of leadership impact community projects like the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall?
  3. In what ways can we apply the principle of teamwork seen in this verse to our own lives?
  4. What are some areas in our communities that need restoration, and how can we contribute?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Nehemiah 3:7 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and Mizpah,.... Which places were both in the tribe of Benjamin, Joshua 18:25 and one of these men was

Read John Gill on Nehemiah 3 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Read Robert Jamieson on Nehemiah 3 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

i.e. Unto the place where the governor of the country on this side the river Euphrates, for and under the Persian kings, sometimes had a palace or throne, to which all persons living in the adjacent parts were to resort for judgment.

Read Matthew Poole on Nehemiah 3 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Nehemiah 3:7 And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.Ver. 7. Unto the throne of the governor] i.e. Of the king of Persia’ s viceroy, who had there his throne, or tribunal. But to what a height of pride were the bishops grown, that sat in thrones, and from on high despised their fellow servants! this was their ruin, God putts down the mighty from their throne, and exalts them of low degree, Luke 1:52.

Read John Trapp on Nehemiah 3 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(7) Unto the throne.—Unto the seat of the pechah of the whole district this side the Euphrates: his residence when he came to Jerusalem.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Nehemiah 3 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 7. The throne of the governor] His house, and the place where he dispensed justice and judgment. Previously to the days of Nehemiah, Jerusalem was governed by a deputy from the Persian king; (see Ne 5:15;) but after this time they were governed by governors and judges chosen from among themselves.

Read AdamClarke on Nehemiah 3 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

7. Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah] In this arrangement of names it is natural to see the names of two leaders followed by the description of their respective followers. Melatiah is thus at the head of the Gibeonites, Jadon at the head of the men of Mizpah. But as the latter is called ‘the Meronothite’ (see also 1 Chronicles 27:30), we conclude that Meronoth, his native place, must have been a village in the immediate neighbourhood of Mizpah. The men of Gibeon are included in Nehemiah 7:25 among those who returned with Zerubbabel (see the parallel passage, Ezra 2:20). Mizpah, about 3½ miles N. of Jerusalem, the modern Nebi-Samwil. Rulers…

Read Cambridge on Nehemiah 3 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Unto the throne ... - The meaning is thought to be “the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, who, though they worked for Nehemiah, were not under his government, but belonged to the jurisdiction of the governor

Read Albert Barnes on Nehemiah 3 →

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

Next to them, repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, who were under the authority of the governor of the region west of the Euphrates.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Next to them, Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, repaired the residence of the governor beyond the River.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Next to them, repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, who were under the authority of the governor of the region west of the Euphrates.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Adjacent to them worked Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, who were men of Gibeon and Mizpah. These towns were under the jurisdiction of the governor of Trans-Euphrates.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, that appertained to the throne of the governor beyond the River.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, which appertained to the throne of the governor beyond the river.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, to the throne of the governor on this side of the river.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Next vnto them also fortified Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Iadon the Meronothite, men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, vnto the throne of the Duke, which was beyond the Riuer.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, to the seat of the governor on this side the river.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And by their hand hath Melatiah the Gibeonite strengthened, and Jadon the Meronothite, men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, to the throne of the governor beyond the River.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And by their hand Melatiah the Gibeonite has strengthened, and Jadon the Meronothite, men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, [belonging] to the throne of the governor beyond the River.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And alongside of them repaired Melatyah the Gib'onite, and Jadon the Meronothite, men of Gib'on and of Mizpah, unto the seat of the governor on this side of the river.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Next to them Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, who were men from Gibeon and Mizpah, made repairs on the portion where the governor of the Province Beyond the River lived.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And next to them built Meltias the Gabaonite, and Jadon the Meronathite, the men of Gabaon and Maspha, for the governor that was in the country beyond the river.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Next were Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, who were under the jurisdiction of the governor of the province west of the Euphrates.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

By their side were working Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah from the seat of the ruler across the river.

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.

וְandclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalעַלonnoun phraseיָדָ֨handםtheirverbהֶחֱזִ֜יקhe.repairednoun phrase · subjectnoun phraseמְלַטְיָ֣הMelatiahnoun phraseהַtheגִּבְעֹנִ֗יGibeoniteוְandnoun phraseיָדוֹן֙Jadonnoun phraseהַtheמֵּרֹ֣נֹתִ֔יMeronothitenoun phraseאַנְשֵׁ֥יthe.mennoun phraseגִבְע֖וֹןof.Gibeonוְandnoun phraseהַ(the)noun phraseמִּצְפָּ֑הMizpahprepositional phraseלְtonoun phraseכִסֵּ֕אthe.seatnoun phraseפַּחַ֖תof.the.governornoun phraseעֵ֥בֶרof.the.other.sidenoun phraseהַofנָּהָֽרthe.River

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


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

The Masoretic Text provides the primary wording for this verse. The Septuagint matches 9 of the 14 words, but its wording and structure differ from the Hebrew text.

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

וְעַל־ יָדָ֨ם הֶחֱזִ֜יק מְלַטְיָ֣ה הַגִּבְעֹנִ֗י וְיָדוֹן֙ הַמֵּרֹ֣נֹתִ֔י אַנְשֵׁ֥י גִבְע֖וֹן וְהַמִּצְפָּ֑ה לְכִסֵּ֕א פַּחַ֖ת עֵ֥בֶר הַנָּהָֽר׃ ס

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
הֶחֱזִ֜יק’’מְלַטְיָ֣ה’’הַגִּבְעֹנִ֗י’’וְיָדוֹן֙’’הַמֵּרֹ֣נֹתִ֔י’’אַנְשֵׁ֥י’’גִבְע֖וֹן’’לְכִסֵּ֕א’’פַּחַ֖ת’’

9 of the 14 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 3:7עַלand onand onעַליָדhand theirhand theirיָדחָזַקhe repairedhe repairedחָזַקמְלַטְיָהMelatiahMelatiahמְלַטְיָהגִּבְעֹנִיthe Gibeonithe Gibeoniteגִּבְעֹנִייָדוֹןand Jadonand Jadonיָדוֹןמֵרֹנֹתִיthe Meronotthe Meronothiteמֵרֹנֹתִיאֱנוֹשׁ[the] men o[the] men ofאֱנוֹשׁגִּבְעוֹןGibeonGibeonגִּבְעוֹןמִצְפָּהand Mizpahand Mizpahמִצְפָּהכִּסֵּאto [the] seto [the] seat oכִּסֵּאפֶּחָה[the] gover[the] governor פֶּחָהעֵ֫בֶרbeyondbeyondעֵ֫בֶרנָהָרthe Riverthe Riverנָהָרכַּףpalmpalmכַּףמֶ֫לֶטmortarmortarמֶ֫לֶטגִּבְעוֹןGibeonGibeonגִּבְעוֹןיָדָהto give thto give thanksיָדָהאָנַשׁbe incurabbe incurableאָנַשׁמִצְפֶּהMizpahMizpahמִצְפֶּהכָּסָהto coverto coverכָּסָהעָבַרto passto passעָבַרנָהַרto flowto flowנָהַרעַלheightheightעַלגֶּ֫בַעGebaGebaגֶּ֫בַעכִּפֶּרto atoneto atoneכִּפֶּרכִּסֵּאthronethroneכִּסֵּאחָזָקstrongstrongחָזָקנָצַלto rescueto rescueנָצַלבֶ֫דֶקbreachbreachבֶ֫דֶקאָמֵץto strengtto strengthenאָמֵץמָהwhat?what?מָה
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 3:7

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 on hand their he repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite [the] men of Gibeon and Mizpah to [the] seat of [the] governor of beyond the River
וְעַל־ve.'al- and on H5921 Conjunction · 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
Conj | Prep — Conjunction · preposition
HC/R
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 on hand their he repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite [the] men of Gibeon and Mizpah to [the] seat of [the] governor of beyond the River
יָדָ֨םya.Dam hand their H3027 Noun common both singular construct · suffix
1,619× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Tyndale gloss
hand
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָד (yad) means 'hand' and can also refer to strength or power in a figurative sense. It encompasses various technical uses, such as a sign or monument, parts or shares, and even specific components in construction, like axle-trees and supports for the laver. The word is versatile, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָד 1604 n.f. hand

hand

Fig. = strength, power

Fig. = side

יָד is used in various special, technical senses:—

sign, monument

part, fractional part or share

time, repetition

axle-trees

stays, supports for laver

tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle

a (beckoning) hand

יַד with prep.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3027 יָד hand . hand

. Fig. = strength, power

. Fig. = side

. יָד is used in various special, technical senses:— . sign, monument

. part, fractional part or share

. time, repetition

. axle-trees

. stays, supports for laver

. tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle

. a (beckoning) hand

. יַד with prep.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3027 yad yawd

a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power,

means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed

one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of

applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate

and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes,

at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad,

(broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, +

creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship,

force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in,

labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine,

ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain,

power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay,

draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by

them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing,

+ thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side,

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָד (yad) — hand.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)

1d) (various special, technical senses)

1d1) sign, monument

1d2) part, fractional part, share

1d3) time, repetition

1d4) axle-trees, axle

1d5) stays, support (for laver)

1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)

1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)

1d8) wrists

יָד (yad) — hand: power.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)

1d) (various special, technical senses)

1d1) sign, monument

1d2) part, fractional part, share

1d3) time, repetition

1d4) axle-trees, axle

1d5) stays, support (for laver)

1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)

1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)

1d8) wrists

יָד (yad) — hand: themselves.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs | Suff — Noun common both singular construct · suffix
HNcbsc/Sp3mp
and on hand their he repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite [the] men of Gibeon and Mizpah to [the] seat of [the] governor of beyond the River
הֶחֱזִ֜יקhe.che.Zik he repaired H2388 Verb · Hiphil · perfect third person masculine singular
291× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Tyndale gloss
to strengthen: strengthen
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word חָזַק (chazaq) means to be strong or to strengthen. It encompasses a range of meanings including to support, encourage, and make firm, as well as to seize or hold fast. The word can be used in various forms, such as to strengthen oneself or to display strength. There is no significant disagreement among lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָזַק 291 vb. be or grow firm, strong, strengthen

Qal

intrans. be or grow strong

transit. only strengthened him not

Pi.

make strong (physically)

strengthen the hands (acc.) of anyone, sustain, encourage

make strong = bold, encourage

make firm

make rigid, hard, i.e. perverse, obstinate, harden

Hiph.

make strong, strengthen

make firm, the kingdom

display strength

make severe, of battle

support

= repair

prevail

esp. take or keep hold of, seize, grasp

Hithp.

strengthen oneself

put forth strength, use one's strength

withstand

hold strongly with

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2388 חָזַק be or grow firm, strong, strengthen .. intrans. be or grow strong

. transit. only strengthened him not

. . make strong (physically)

. strengthen the hands (acc.) of anyone, sustain, encourage

. make strong = bold, encourage

. make firm

. make rigid, hard, i.e. perverse, obstinate, harden

. . . make strong, strengthen

. make firm, the kingdom

. display strength

. make severe, of battle

. support

. = repair

. prevail

. esp. take or keep hold of, seize, grasp

. . strengthen oneself

. put forth strength, use one's strength

. withstand

. hold strongly with

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2388 chazaq khaw-zak'

a primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong

(figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help,

repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer:--aid,

amend, X calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant,

constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly),

encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make

hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play

the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered,

repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be

stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold),

be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָזַק (cha.zaq) — to strengthen: strengthen.

: strengthen/support/encourage

1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to be strong, grow strong

1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon

1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure

1a1c) to press, be urgent

1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense)

1a1e) to be severe, be grievous

1a2) to strengthen

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to make strong

1b2) to restore to strength, give strength

1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage

1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage

1b5) to make firm

1b6) to make rigid, make hard

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to make strong, strengthen

1c2) to make firm

1c3) to display strength

1c4) to make severe

1c5) to support

1c6) to repair

1c7) to prevail, prevail upon

1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support

1c9) to hold, contain

1d) (Hithpael)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · perfect third person masculine singular
HVhp3ms
and on hand their he repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite [the] men of Gibeon and Mizpah to [the] seat of [the] governor of beyond the River
מְלַטְיָ֣הme.lat.Yah Melatiah H4424 Noun proper masculine
1× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Melatiah was a Gibeonite who helped rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, as mentioned in Nehemiah 3:7. His name means Jehovah delivered, indicating God's rescue or salvation. The KJV translates his name as Melatiah.
Amplified meaning
from the hilly city
Tyndale gloss
Melatiah
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מְלַטְיָה (Melatiah) is a proper name meaning 'Jehovah delivered.' It is derived from the roots for 'deliver' and 'Yah,' referring to a Gibeonite who contributed to rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem during the Exile and Return, specifically mentioned in Nehemiah 3:7.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מְלַטְיָה n.pr.m. (Yahweh delivered) a Gibeonite, a builder at the wall Ne 3:7

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4424 מְלַטְיָה

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4424 Mlatyah mel-at-yaw'

from 4423 and 3050; (whom) Jah has delivered; Melatjah, a

Gibeonite:--Melatiah.

see HEBREW for 04423

see HEBREW for 03050

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מְלַטְיָה (me.lat.yah) — Melatiah.

A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.3.7

§ Melatiah = "Jehovah delivered"

a Gibeonite who assisted in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

mel-a-ti'-a (melatyah, "Yah's deliverance"): A Gibeonite who assisted in building the wall of Jerusalem under Nehemiah (Ne 3:7).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(Jehovah delivers), a Gibeonite who assisted in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 3:7)

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

deliverance of the Lord

Nave's Topical Bible

→ A Gibeonite who assisted in repairing the wall of Jerusalem Ne 3:7

and on hand their he repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite [the] men of Gibeon and Mizpah to [the] seat of [the] governor of beyond the River
הַגִּבְעֹנִ֗יha.giv.'o.Ni the Gibeonite H1393 Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
8× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A Gibeonite is a person from Gibeon, a city in the Bible. The name means 'little hill' or 'hilly' and is mentioned in the book of Joshua. Gibeonites were known for their cleverness and diplomacy.
Tyndale gloss
Gibeonite
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

גִּבְעֹנִי (Gib`oniy) refers to a Gibeonite, an inhabitant of Gibeon, which means 'little hill' or 'hilly.' The word is derived from גִּבְעוֹן (Giv'on, H1391). It is consistently used as an adjective in the context of describing the people from this location.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

גִּבְעֹנִי adj.gent.—alw. c. art.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1393 גִּבְעֹנִי

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1393 Gib`oniy ghib-o-nee'

patrial from 1391; a Gibonite, or inhabitant of

Gibon:--Gibeonite.

see HEBREW for 01391

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

גִּבְעֹנִי (giv.o.ni) — Gibeonite.

Group of giv.on (גִּבְעוֹן "Gibeon" H1391)

§ Gibeonite = "little hill: hilly"

an inhabitant of Gibeon

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | Ngmsa — Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ngmsa
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and on hand their he repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite [the] men of Gibeon and Mizpah to [the] seat of [the] governor of beyond the River
וְיָדוֹן֙ve.ya.dOn and Jadon H3036 Conjunction · noun proper masculine
1× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Jadon was a Meronothite who helped build the walls of Jerusalem, as noted in Nehemiah 3:7. His name means 'thankful'.
Amplified meaning
meaning thankful
Tyndale gloss
Jadon
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָדוֹן (Yadown) refers to a male name meaning 'thankful.' It identifies Jadon, a Meronothite mentioned in Nehemiah 3:7 as one of the builders of Jerusalem's walls. The name is derived from a root meaning 'to thank.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָדוֹן n.pr.m. a Meronothite, one of the builders of the walls of Jerusalem Ne 3:7.

done

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3036 יָדוֹן

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3036 Yadown yaw-done'

from 3034; thankful; Jadon, an Israelite:--Jadon.

see HEBREW for 03034

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָדוֹן (ya.don) — Jadon.

A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.3.7

§ Jadon = "thankful"

a Meronothite and one of the builders of the walls of Jerusalem

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculine
HC/Npm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ja'-don (yadhon, perhaps "he will judge" or "plead"): One who helped to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem in company with the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah (Ne 3:7). He is called the "Meronothite," and another Meronothite is referred to in 1Ch 27:30, but there is no mention of a place Meronoth. Jadon is the name given by Josephus (Ant., VIII, viii, 5; ix, 1) to "the man of God" from Judah who confronted Jeroboam as he burned incense at the altar in Bethel, and who was afterward deceived by the lie of the old prophet (1Ki 13). Josephus may probably have meant Iddo the seer, whose visions concerning Jeroboam (2Ch 9:29) led to his being identified in Jewish tradition with "the man of God", from Judah.

James Crichton

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Jadon

Judge, a Meronothite who assisted in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (Neh. 3:7).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(judge), the Meronothite, who assisted to repair the wall of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 3:7) (B.C. 446.)

and on hand their he repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite [the] men of Gibeon and Mizpah to [the] seat of [the] governor of beyond the River
הַמֵּרֹ֣נֹתִ֔יha.me.Ro.no.Ti the Meronothite H4824 Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
2× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A Meronothite was a person from a place called Meronoth, with the name meaning 'joyful shouter'. The Meronothite is mentioned in the Bible as a resident of a specific location.
Tyndale gloss
Meronothite
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מֵרֹנֹתִי (Meronothiy) refers to a Meronothite, an inhabitant of a place likely called Meronoth. The term is derived from an unused noun, and its meaning is associated with being a native of this location. The Brown-Driver-Briggs entry notes it as a gentilic adjective, while the Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon adds that it can mean 'joyful shouter'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מֵרֹנֹתִי adj.gent. (deriv. unknown) c. art. as subst. = the Merothonite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4824 מֵרֹנֹתִי

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4824 Meronothiy may-ro-no-thee'

patrial from an unused noun; a Meronothite, or inhabitant of

some (otherwise unknown) Meronoth.:--Meronothite.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מֵרֹנֹתִי (me.ro.no.ti) — Meronothite.

§ Meronothite = "joyful shouter"

1) a native of a place probably called 'Meronoth'

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | Ngmsa — Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ngmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

me-ron'-thit, me-ro'-no-thit (meronothi, root meaning "fertility"): The designation of two persons in the Old Testament:

(1) Jehdeiah, who was in charge of the royal asses under David (1Ch 27:30).

(2) Jadon who was among the repairers of the wall under Nehemiah (Ne 3:7). No place of the name Meronoth can be identified. That Jadon worked on the wall near Gibeonites and Mizpahites affords no clear clue to the place, unless it be shown that there was some geographical rota in the wall repairers.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Meronothite

A name given to Jehdeiah, the herdsman of the royal asses in the time of David and Solomon (1 Chr. 27:30), probably as one being a native of some unknown town called Meronoth.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

my singing; rejoicing; bearing rule

and on hand their he repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite [the] men of Gibeon and Mizpah to [the] seat of [the] governor of beyond the River
אַנְשֵׁ֥י'an.Shei [the] men of H582 Noun common · masculine plural construct
566× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Enosh refers to a human or mankind in general, used to describe individuals or people as a whole in the Bible.
Tyndale gloss
human
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֱנוֹשׁ (enowsh) refers to man or mankind, often used in a poetic context. It denotes a mortal individual, distinguishing humans from more dignified terms for man. The word encompasses both singular and collective meanings, indicating people or persons in general. Its Aramaic equivalent is אֱנָשׁ (e.nash), also meaning 'man'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֱנוֹשׁ n.m. man, mankind, mostly poet.

of individ.

coll. men

man, mankind

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H582 אֱנוֹשׁ man, mankind, mostly poet.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

582 'enowsh en-oshe'

from 605; properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the

more dignified 120); hence, a man in general (singly or

collectively):--another, X (blood-)thirsty, certain,

chap(-man); divers, fellow, X in the flower of their age,

husband, (certain, mortal) man, people, person, servant, some

( X of them), + stranger, those, + their trade. It is often

unexpressed in the English versions, especially when used in

apposition with another word . Compare 376.

see HEBREW for 0605

see HEBREW for 0120

see HEBREW for 0376

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֱנוֹשׁ (e.nosh) — human.

1) man, mortal man, person, mankind

1a) of an individual

1b) men (collective)

1c) man, mankind

Aramaic equivalent: e.nash (אֱנָשׁ "man" H0606)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmpc — Noun common · masculine plural construct
HNcmpc
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 on hand their he repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite [the] men of Gibeon and Mizpah to [the] seat of [the] governor of beyond the River
גִבְע֖וֹןgiv.'on Gibeon H1391 Noun proper
38× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Gibeon was a Levitical city in the region of Benjamin, located about 5 miles from Jerusalem, and is now known as el-Jib. The name means hill city, and it is mentioned in various KJV translations as Gibeon.
Amplified meaning
a Levitical city
Tyndale gloss
Gibeon
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

גִּבְעוֹן (Gib`own) refers to Gibeon, a Levitical city in the tribe of Benjamin, described as a 'hill city.' It is located near modern 'el-Jib,' about 5 miles from Jerusalem. The word is derived from a root meaning 'hilly,' linking it to its geographical features.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

גִּבְעוֹן n.pr.loc. Levitical city in tribe of Benjamin; cf. also as n.pr.m.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1391 גִּבְעוֹן Levitical city in tribe of Benjamin

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1391 Gib`own ghib-ohn'

from the same as 1387; hilly; Gibon, a place in

Palestine:--Gibeon.

see HEBREW for 01387

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

גִּבְעוֹן (giv.on) — Gibeon.

§ Gibeon = "hill city"

a Levitical city of Benjamin, modern 'el-Jib', which lies 5 miles or 8 km from Jerusalem

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpl
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

gib'-e-un (gibh`on): One of the royal cities of the Hivites (Jos 9:7). It was a greater city than Ai; and its inhabitants were reputed mighty men (Jos 10:2). It fell within the territory allotted to Benjamin (Jos 18:25), and was one of the cities given to the Levites (Jos 21:17).

1. The Gibeonites:

By a stratagem the Gibeonites secured for themselves and their allies in Chephirah, Beeroth and Kirjath-jearim immunity from attack by the Israelites. Terrified by the fate of Jericho and Ai, a company disguised as ambassadors from a far country, their garments and shoes worn, and their provisions moldy as from the length of their journey, went to Joshua at Gilgal, and persuaded…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Gibeon

Hill-city, “one of the royal cities, greater than Ai, and all the men thereof were mighty” (Josh. 10:2). Its inhabitants were Hivites (11:19). It lay within the territory of Benjamin, and became a priest-city (18:25; 21:17). Here the tabernacle was set up after the destruction of Nob, and here it remained many years till the temple was built by Solomon. It is represented by the modern el-Jib, to the south-west of Ai, and about 5 1/2 miles north-north-west of Jerusalem.

A deputation of the Gibeonites, with their allies from three other cities (Josh. 9;17), visited the camp at Gilgal, and by false representations induced Joshua to enter into a league with them, although the Israelites had been specially warned against any league with the inhabitants of Canaan (Ex. 23:32

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(hill city), one of the four , cities of the Hivites, the inhabitants of which made a league with Joshua, (Joshua 9:3-15) and thus escaped the fate of Jericho and Ai. Comp. ch. (Joshua 11:19) Gibeon lay within the territory of Benjamin, ch. (Joshua 18:25) and with its "suburbs" was allotted to the priests, ch. (Joshua 21:17) of whom it became afterwards a principal station. It retains its ancient name almost intact, el-Jib . Its distance from Jerusalem by the main road is about 6 1/2 miles; but there is a more direct road reducing it to five miles.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A considerable city of the Hivites, afterwards a Levitical city in the tribe of Benjamin, Jos 18:25 21:17. It lay near Geba and Gibeah, and is sometimes wrongly taken for Geba. Its Canaanite inhabitants secured a treaty with Joshua and the elders of Israel by strategem, and were made hewers of wood for the sanctuary. Five neighboring kings unitedly fell upon them; but were defeated by the Jews in a great battle, during which "the sun stood still upon Gibeon," Jos 9:10. Here the tabernacle was set up for many years, 1Ch 16:39 21:29 2Ch 1:3,4; and here god communed by night with young king Solomon, 1Ki 3:4-15. It is also…

and on hand their he repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite [the] men of Gibeon and Mizpah to [the] seat of [the] governor of beyond the River
וְהַמִּצְפָּ֑הve.ha.mitz.Pah and Mizpah H4709 Conjunction · particle · noun proper
40× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Mitspah means watchtower, referring to a place in Palestine near Mount Hermon. It appears in the Bible as a location. The name is associated with a place of observation.
Amplified meaning
a watchtower, a place of observation
Tyndale gloss
Mizpah
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִצְפָּה (Mitspah) refers to a feminine noun meaning 'watchtower' or 'outlook-point.' It denotes two locations in Palestine, one in Gilead north of Jabbok associated with Laban's cairn, and another near Mount Hermon. There is some variation in spelling and interpretation, particularly regarding its connection to other locations like Ramoth.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִצְפָּה 38 n.pr.loc. (prop. outlook-point or -height)

in Gilead, expl. as name given to Laban’s cairn, N. of Jabbok

prob. S. of Jabbok

near Hermon

of sacred place in Benj.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4709 מִצְפָּה (prop. outlook-point or -height) . in Gilead, expl. as name given to Laban’s cairn, N. of Jabbok

. prob. S. of Jabbok

. near Hermon

. of sacred place in Benj.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4709 Mitspah mits-paw'

feminine of 4708; Mitspah, the name of two places in

Palestine:--Mitspah. (This seems rather to be only an

orthographic variation of 4708 when "in pause".)

see HEBREW for 04708

see HEBREW for 04708

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִצְפָּה (mits.pah) — Mizpah.

§ Mizpah = "watchtower"

a place in Gilead south of Jabbok

מִצְפָּה (mits.pah) — Mizpah.

Mizpah = "watchtower"

a place in Gilead north of Jabbok and location of Laban's cairn

Another spelling of ra.mot gi.l.ad (רָמֹת "Ramoth" H7433)

מִצְפָּה (mits.pah) — Mizpah.

§ Mizpah = "watchtower"

a place near Mount Hermon

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Art | N-proper — Conjunction · particle · noun proper
HC/Td/Npl
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Mizpah

Or Miz’peh, watch-tower; the look-out. (1.) A place in Gilead, so named by Laban, who overtook Jacob at this spot (Gen. 31:49) on his return to Palestine from Padan-aram. Here Jacob and Laban set up their memorial cairn of stones. It is the same as Ramath-mizpeh (Josh. 13:26).

(2.) A town in Gilead, where Jephthah resided, and where he assumed the command of the Israelites in a time of national danger. Here he made his rash vow; and here his daughter submitted to her mysterious fate (Judg. 10:17; 11:11, 34). It may be the same as Ramoth-Gilead (Josh. 20:8), but it is more likely that it is identical with the foregoing, the Mizpeh of

and Miz’peh (a watch-tower), the name of several places in Palestine. The earliest of all, in order of the narrative, is the heap of stones piled up by Jacob and Laban, (Genesis 31:48) on Mount Gilead, ver. (Genesis 31:25) to serve both as a witness to the covenant then entered into and as a landmark of the boundary between them. ver. (Genesis 31:52) On this natural watch-tower did the children of Israel assemble for the choice of a leader to resist the children of Ammon. (Judges 10:17) There the fatal meeting took place between Jephthah and his daughter on his return from the war. ch. (Judges 11:34) It seems most…

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

Mizpeh, a watch-tower; speculation

Nave's Topical Bible

1. A city allotted to the tribe of Benjamin Jos 18:26

The Israelites assemble at Jud 20:1-3

And decree the penalty to be visited upon the Benjamites for their maltreatment of the Levite's concubine Jud 20:10

Assembled by Samuel so that he could reprove them for their idolatry 1Sa 7:5

They crown Saul king of Israel at 1Sa 10:17-25

A judgment seat of Samuel 1Sa 7:16

Walled up by Asa 1Ki 15:22; 2Ch 16:6

and on hand their he repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite [the] men of Gibeon and Mizpah to [the] seat of [the] governor of beyond the River
לְכִסֵּ֕אle.khi.Se' to [the] seat of H3678 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
135× 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 throne, symbolizing a seat of power or authority, often canopied or covered. It is used to describe the throne of God or a king, representing royal dignity and power.
Amplified meaning
leadership, jurisdiction
Tyndale gloss
throne
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כִּסֵּא (kis.se) refers to a seat of honour or throne, often associated with royal dignity and authority. It is derived from a root meaning 'covered' and encompasses meanings like stool and seat. The entries consistently highlight its significance in both literal and figurative contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּסֵּא, כִּסֵּה 133 n.m. seat of honour, throne

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3678 כִּסֵּא, כִּסֵּה seat of honour, throne

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3678 kicce' kis-say'

or kicceh {kis-say'}; from 3680; properly, covered, i.e. a

throne (as canopied):--seat, stool, throne.

see HEBREW for 03680

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּסֵּא (kis.se) — throne.

1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool

1a) seat (of honour), throne

1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)

כִּסֵּא (kis.se) — (Hall of) the Throne.

Combined with u.lam (אוּלָם "Hall" H0197I)

This name means throne, seat

כִּסֵּא (kis.se) — throne: seat.

1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool

1a) seat (of honour), throne

1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — 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 on hand their he repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite [the] men of Gibeon and Mizpah to [the] seat of [the] governor of beyond the River
פַּחַ֖תpa.Chat [the] governor of H6346 Noun common · feminine singular construct
28× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to a governor or leader of a city or region. In the Bible, it describes officials in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, such as those appointed by King Solomon or King David.
Amplified meaning
a leader, official
Tyndale gloss
governor
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פֶּחָה (pechah) means 'governor' and refers to a prefect of a city or small district. It is noted in the Brown-Driver-Briggs lexicon and has an Aramaic equivalent. The word is derived from foreign origins, indicating its use in a specific administrative context.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פֶּחָה 28 n.m. governor

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6346 פֶּחָה governor

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6346 pechah peh-khaw'

of foreign origin; a prefect (of a city or small

district):--captain, deputy, governor.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פֶּחָה (pe.chah) — governor.

governor

Aramaic equivalent: pe.chah (פֶּחָה "governor" H6347)

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

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

and on hand their he repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite [the] men of Gibeon and Mizpah to [the] seat of [the] governor of beyond the River
עֵ֥בֶר'E.ver beyond H5676 Noun common · masculine singular construct
90× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes a region or side, often referring to the area beyond or across a river, and can be used to describe a location, direction, or perspective.
Amplified meaning
area, territory
Tyndale gloss
side: beyond
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עֵ֫בֶר (eber) refers to a region across or beyond, often used adverbially to indicate the opposite side, particularly in relation to the Jordan River. It encompasses meanings such as 'side,' 'beyond,' and 'quarter.' The lexicons highlight its usage in various contexts, including geographical references, but do not present significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֵ֫בֶר 91 n.m. region across or beyond, side

region across or beyond anything

(Opposite) side, side

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5676 עֵ֫בֶר region across or beyond, side

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5676 `eber ay'-ber

from 5674; properly, a region across; but used only

adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite

side (especially of the Jordan; ususally meaning the

east):--X against, beyond, by, X from, over, passage,

quarter, (other, this) side, straight.

see HEBREW for 05674

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֵ֫בֶר (e.ver) — side: beside.

: side/beside

1) region beyond or across, side

1a) region across or beyond

1b) side, opposite side

עֵ֫בֶר (e.ver) — side: beyond.

: ahead/beyond

1) region beyond or across, side

1a) region across or beyond

1b) side, opposite side

עֵ֫בֶר (e.ver) — side: west.

: west

1) region beyond or across, side

1a) region across or beyond

1b) side, opposite side

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

be-yond': Found in the Hebrew only in its application to space and time, and for these ideas three words are employed: hale'ah (Ge 35:21) = "to the distance"; `abhar = "to go beyond" "to cross" derivative `ebher (Chald. `abhar) = "across," "beyond" (De 30:13; Jos 18:7; Jud 3:26; 1Sa 20:36; 2Ch 20:2; Ezr 4:17,20; Jer 25:22); and `al (Le 15:25) = "beyond the time." In the New Testament peran, is used to…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Beyond

When used with reference to Jordan, signifies in the writings of Moses the west side of the river, as he wrote on the east bank (Gen. 50:10, 11; Deut. 1:1, 5; 3:8, 20; 4:46); but in the writings of Joshua, after he had crossed the river, it means the east side (Josh. 5:1; 12:7; 22:7).

and on hand their he repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite [the] men of Gibeon and Mizpah to [the] seat of [the] governor of beyond the River
הַנָּהָֽר׃ סha.na.Har the River H5104 Particle · noun proper
119× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.
Amplified meaning
a major river
Tyndale gloss
river
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָהָר (nahar) means 'stream' or 'river' and can refer to various water bodies, including the Nile and Euphrates. It also has a figurative sense of prosperity. The word is derived from a root meaning related to flowing water and has an Aramaic equivalent, נְהַר (ne.har).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָהָר 120 n.m. stream, river

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5104 נָהָר stream, river

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5104 nahar naw-hawr'

from 5102; a stream (including the sea; expec. the Nile,

Euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity:--flood, river.

see HEBREW for 05102

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָהָר (na.har) — River.

This name means stream, river

Another name of pe.rat (פְּרָת "Euphrates" H6578)

נָהָר (na.har) — river.

1) stream, river

1a) stream, river

1b) (underground) streams

Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun proper
HTd/Npl
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

riv'-er:

(1) The usual word is nahar (Aramaic nehar (Ezr 4:10, etc.)), used of the rivers of Eden (Ge 2:10-14), often of the Euphrates (Ge 15:18, etc.), of Abana and Pharpar (2Ki 5:12), the river of Gozan (2Ki 17:6), the river Chebar (Eze 1:1), the rivers (canals?) of Babylon (Ps 137:1), the rivers of Ethiopia (Isa 18:1; Ze 3:10). Compare nahr, the common Arabic word for "river."

Easton's Bible Dictionary

River

(1.) Heb. ‘aphik, properly the channel or ravine that holds water (2 Sam. 22:16), translated “brook,” “river,” “stream,” but not necessarily a perennial stream (Ezek. 6:3; 31:12; 32:6; 34:13).

(2.) Heb. nahal, in winter a “torrent,” in summer a “wady” or valley (Gen. 32:23; Deut. 2:24; 3:16; Isa. 30:28; Lam. 2:18; Ezek. 47:9).

These winter torrents sometimes come down with great suddenness and with desolating force. A distinguished traveller thus describes his experience in this matter…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

In the sense in which we employ the word viz. for a perennial stream of considerable size, a river is a much rarer object in the East than in the West. With the exception of the Jordan and the Litany, the streams of the holy land are either entirely dried up in the summer months converted into hot lanes of glaring stones, or else reduced to very small streamlets, deeply sunk in a narrow bed, and concealed from view by a dense growth of shrubs. The perennial river is called nahar by the Hebrews. With the definite article, "the river," it signifies invariably the Euphrates. (Genesis 31:21; Exodus 23:31; Numbers 24:6; 2 Samuel 10:16) etc. It is never applied to the fleeting…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

This word answers in our Bible to various Hebrew terms, of which the principal are the following:

1. Yeor, an Egyptian word signifying river. It is always applied to the Nile and its various canals, except in Job 28:10 Da 12:5,6,7 2. Nahar, applied, like our word river, to constantly flowing streams, such as the Euphrates. In our version this word is sometimes rendered "flood," Jos 24:2,3, etc.

3. Nahal, a torrent-bed, or valley through which water flows in the rainy season only, Nu 34:5, etc; frequently rendered "brook," Nu 13:28 Job 6:15, etc. Such streams are to the…

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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