Nehemiah 4:1 — Word Study
WLCוַיְהִ֞י כַּאֲשֶׁ֧ר שָׁמַ֣ע סַנְבַלַּ֗ט כִּֽי־ אֲנַ֤חְנוּ בוֹנִים֙ אֶת־ הַ֣חוֹמָ֔ה וַיִּ֣חַר ל֔וֹ וַיִּכְעַ֖ס הַרְבֵּ֑ה וַיַּלְעֵ֖ג עַל־ הַיְּהוּדִֽים׃
BSANowhâyâh▸ whenʼăsher SanballatÇanballaṭ [a Persian satrap, the governor of Samaria] heardshâmaʻ■ thatkîy the wallchôwmâh [a barrier, a means of protection] he was furiouschârâh▸ [enraged, very angry]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיְהִ֞י | and it was | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| כַּאֲשֶׁ֧ר | just when | Preposition, particle |
| שָׁמַ֣ע | he heard | Verb, Qal, perfect third person masculine singular |
| סַנְבַלַּ֗ט | Sanballat | Noun proper masculine |
| כִּֽי־ | that | Particle |
| אֲנַ֤חְנוּ | we | Pronoun |
| בוֹנִים֙ | [were] rebuilding | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine plural |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| הַ֣חוֹמָ֔ה | the wall | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| וַיִּ֣חַר | and it burned | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| ל֔וֹ | to him | Preposition, suffix |
| וַיִּכְעַ֖ס | and he was angry | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| הַרְבֵּ֑ה | greatly | Verb, Hiphil, infinitive absolute |
| וַיַּלְעֵ֖ג | and he mocked | Verb, Hiphil, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| עַל־ | Preposition | |
| הַיְּהוּדִֽים׃ | the Jews | Particle, noun gentilic masculine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews |
| KJV | But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. |
| ASV | But it came to pass that, when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. |
| YLT | And it cometh to pass, when Sanballat hath heard that we are building the wall, that it is displeasing to him, and he is very angry and mocketh at the Jews, |
| WEB | But when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry, and was very indignant, and mocked the Jews. |
| BBE | Now, Sanballat, hearing that we were building the wall, was very angry, and in his wrath made sport of the Jews. |
The translations agree on the meaning of וַיַּלְעֵ֖ג as 'mocked'.
The main clause introduces Sanballat's hearing, followed by his emotional response and subsequent action, illustrating a clear sequence of events.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectסַנְבַלַּט
verbהָיָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Nehemiah 4:1
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 — Opposition to Rebuilding the Wallgenerated
Nehemiah 4:1 describes the reaction of Sanballat when he learns that the Jews are rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. His fury and ridicule highlight the tension between the Jewish exiles and their adversaries during the restoration of their city. This context is crucial as it sets the stage for the challenges faced by the builders, as seen in the subsequent verses where Sanballat's mockery continues.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 2:10–19 | But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were deeply disturbed that someone had come to seek the well-being of the Israelites. |
| 2 | Ezra 4:1–5 | When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, |
| 3 | Acts 5:17 | Then the high priest and all his associates, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They went out |
| 4 | Psalm 35:15–16 | But when I stumbled, they assembled in glee; they gathered together against me. Assailants I did not know slandered me without ceasing. |
| 5 | Psalm 44:13–14 | You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, a mockery and derision to those around us. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — וַיַּלְעֵ֖ג, vai.yal.'Eggenerated
The verb לָעַג (la'ag) means to mock or deride, indicating a strong disdain directed at the Jews. It conveys not just a simple act of ridicule but an intention to belittle and undermine their efforts.
This verb is in the Hiphil stem, which often indicates a causative action. Here, it suggests that Sanballat is actively provoking scorn against the Jews, aiming to diminish their resolve and undermine their rebuilding efforts.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The verse is presented in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses mocked to translate וַיַּלְעֵ֖ג.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb וַיְהִ֞י (va.ye.Hi) governs the entire verse, indicating the sequence of events. The structure presents a main clause followed by a series of actions taken by Sanballat in response to what he heard.
The sentence is layered with clauses that detail Sanballat's reaction: his anger, his indignation, and his mocking of the Jews. This layered structure emphasizes the progression from hearing to emotional response.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates וַיַּלְעֵ֖ג as ἐγέλασεν, meaning 'he mocked'. This choice retains the essence of ridicule but may also suggest a lighter tone compared to the Hebrew, which carries a more intense connotation of derision.
This translation choice reflects a slight interpretative shift, possibly aiming to convey mockery in a way that resonates with a Greek-speaking audience.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Nehemiah 4:1 tells us that when Sanballat heard the Jews were rebuilding the wall, he became very angry and mocked them. His reaction shows the opposition the Jewish people faced during their efforts to restore Jerusalem.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Sanballat's anger stemmed from the Jews' efforts to rebuild the wall, which threatened his authority and control over the region.
Mocking serves to undermine the confidence of the builders and rally support against them, illustrating the psychological warfare present in their opposition.
While this verse does not detail their immediate response, the following verses indicate they continued their work despite the opposition.
The challenges of rebuilding included not only physical labor but also facing hostility and ridicule from adversaries, which required resilience and determination.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some ways I can respond to criticism or mockery in my own life?
- How can I support others who are facing opposition in their endeavors?
- What lessons can I learn from Sanballat's reaction to the rebuilding efforts?
- In what ways can I cultivate resilience in the face of challenges?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Bede comments on this verse, noting it reflects the anger of those who oppose God's work, highlighting the tension between the Jews and their adversaries.
Now it came to pass, when Sanballat heard, etc. Clearly, this is the anger of the heretics, these are their words, who vainly call themselves Samaritans, that is, guardians of God's law,Early Church Fathers on Nehemiah 4 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Nehemiah 4:1 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleBut it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall,.... Or were building it; for as yet it was not finished, see Ne 4:6, he was wroth, and took great indignation; inwardly,
Read John Gill on Nehemiah 4 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryBut it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. When Sanballat heard ... he was wroth.
Read Robert Jamieson on Nehemiah 4 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleCHAPTER 4 The enemies scoff, and are angry, . Nehemiah prayeth against them and continueth the work, . Understanding the wrath and design of their enemies, he setteth a watch, . He armeth and encourageth the labourers, ; and giveth military precepts, . Pretending contempt in his words when he had grief in his heart.
Read Matthew Poole on Nehemiah 4 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsNehemiah 4:1 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.Ver. 1. But it came to pass] The devil and his imps have ever been utter enemies to reformation. So do savage beasts bristle up themselves, and make the most fierce assaults, when they are in danger of losing the prey which they had once seized on. Jabeshgilead would send in none to help the Lord against the mighty, Judges 21:9. No more would Meroz, Judges 5:23. Josiah met with much opposition; so did St Paul wherever he came, to set up evangelical and spiritual worship; which is called a reformation, Hebrews 9:10. All the world was against…
Read John Trapp on Nehemiah 4 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(1) Mocked the Jews.—The mockery comes afterwards. Here, as often in Nehemiah, a general statement is made which is afterwards expanded.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Nehemiah 4 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleCHAPTER IV Sanballat and Tobiah mock the Jews, and endeavour to prevent the completing of the wall, 1-3. Nehemiah prays against them, and the people complete one half of the wall, 4-6. The Arabians, Ammonites, and Ashdodites, conspire together, and come to fight against the Jews, 7, 8. The Jews commend themselves to God, and determine to fight for their lives and liberties; on hearing of which their enemies are disheartened, 9-16. The Jews divide themselves into two bands; one half working, and the other standing ready armed to meet their enemies. Even the workmen are obliged to arm themselves, while employed in building, for fear of their enemies, 17, 18. Nehemiah uses all precautions to…
Read AdamClarke on Nehemiah 4 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and CollegesCh. Nehemiah 4:1-23. The Opposition to the Work. (a) 1–6. The ridicule of the Samaritans. (b) 7–23. The menaces of the foe, and the precautions taken by Nehemiah1. The IVth Chapter in ordinary editions of the Hebrew text does not begin till Nehemiah 4:7. and took great indignation] The form of the word here used in the original is of rare occurrence and is found only in late Hebrew, 2 Chronicles 16:10, ‘was in a rage;’ Ezekiel 16:42, ‘be angry;’ Psalms 112:10, ‘be grieved,’ Ecclesiastes 5:17; Ecclesiastes 7:9. For the common use of the word in its causative sense, ‘provoke to anger’ see Nehemiah 4:5.
Read Cambridge on Nehemiah 4 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the BibleFROM THE , Nehemiah 4:1-23. 1. Sanballat — See on Nehemiah 2:10. That we builded the wall — That is, that we were building it. This chapter describes events that transpired while their work of rebuilding was going on.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Nehemiah 4 →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
Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews
But when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry, and was very indignant, and mocked the Jews.
Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews
Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall he became angry and was quite upset. He derided the Jews,
Tyndale line
But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.
But it came to pass that, when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.
But it came to pass that, when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.
But it came to pass that when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.
But when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, then was he wroth and sore grieued, and mocked the Iewes,
Strictly literal
And it came to pass that when Sanballat heard that we built the wall, he was angry and very indignant, and mocked the Jews.
And it cometh to pass, when Sanballat hath heard that we are building the wall, that it is displeasing to him, and he is very angry and mocketh at the Jews,
And it comes to pass, when Sanballat has heard that we are building the wall, that it is displeasing to him, and he is very angry and mocks at the Jews,
(3:33) And it came to pass, when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, that it displeased him, and he became very angry, and he mocked at the Jews.
Now when Sanballat heard we were building the wall, it burned within him, and he was furiously angry, and he mocked the Jews.
From the Latin
And it came to pass, that when Sanaballat heard that we were building the wall he was angry: and being moved exceedingly he scoffed at the Jews.
Simplified
When Sanballat found out that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious—really mad! He made fun of the Jews
Now, Sanballat, hearing that we were building the wall, was very angry, and in his wrath made sport of the Jews.
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.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely align in this verse, with 15 out of 16 words matching. The differences lie primarily in the order and grammatical structure, not in the content conveyed.
וַיְהִ֞י כַּאֲשֶׁ֧ר שָׁמַ֣ע סַנְבַלַּ֗ט כִּֽי־ אֲנַ֤חְנוּ בוֹנִים֙ אֶת־ הַ֣חוֹמָ֔ה וַיִּ֣חַר ל֔וֹ וַיִּכְעַ֖ס הַרְבֵּ֑ה וַיַּלְעֵ֖ג עַל־ הַיְּהוּדִֽים׃
15 of the 16 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.
Lexicons — every word in Nehemiah 4:1
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.
The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be
Qal
Fall out, happen
occur, take place, come about, come to pass
esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass
וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)
rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה
less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)
Come into being, become
abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come
sq. prep.
become
sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)
sq. pred. adj.
become like
sq. pred. לְ pers.
sq. לְ pred.
oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.
with עַל and לְ
sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of
Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)
exist, be in existence
abide, remain, continue
with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie
as copula, joining subj. & pred.
H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen
. occur, take place, come about, come to pass
. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)
. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה
. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)
. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come
. sq. prep.
. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)
. sq. pred. adj.
. become like
. sq. pred. + לְ pers.
. sq. לְ pred.
. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.
. with עַל and לְ
. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of
. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence
. abide, remain, continue
1961 hayah haw-yaw
a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,
come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or
auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,
committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,
fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit
(one-)self, require, X use.
see HEBREW for 01933
הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.
1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out
1a) (Qal)
1a1) ---
1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass
1a1b) to come about, come to pass
1a2) to come into being, become
1a2a) to arise, appear, come
1a2b) to become
1a2b1) to become
1a2b2) to become like
1a2b3) to be instituted, be established
1a3) to be
1a3a) to exist, be in existence
1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)
1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)
1a3d) to accompany, be with
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about
1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.
אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.
base
בַאֲשֶׁר
in (that) which
adv. in (the place) where
conj. in that, inasmuch as
on account of whom?
base
מֵאֲשֶׁר
from (or than) that which
adv. from (the place) where
conj. from (the fact) that …, since
base
כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when
according to that which, according as, as
with a causal force, in so far as, since
with a temporal force, when
base
H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which
. adv. in (the place) where
. conj. in that, inasmuch as
. on account of whom?
H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which
. adv. from (the place) where
. conj. from (the fact) that …, since
H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as
. with a causal force, in so far as, since
. with a temporal force, when
834 'aher ash-er'
a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)
when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X
alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +
from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,
wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where
(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +
whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is
indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun
expletively, used to show the connection.
אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.
A: 1) (relative part.)
1a) which, who
1b) that which
2) (conj)
2a) that (in obj clause)
2b) when
2c) since
2d) as
2e) conditional if
B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
D: Kaph+
1) (conj.), according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since
1c) with a temporal force: when
בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.
1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.
1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.
conj
1) according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
Prep | Rel — Preposition · particleHR/Tr
The Hebrew word שָׁמַע (shama`) means 'to hear' and encompasses a range of meanings including listening, obeying, and proclaiming. It is built from a primitive root and can imply attention and understanding. The entries highlight various grammatical forms, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of hearing and obeying. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
שָׁמַע 1152 vb. hear
Qal 1052
subj. pers. hum.
י׳ (God) subj.
Niph. 42 be heard, of voice, sound
be heard of
be regarded, obeyed
= (favourable) hearing was granted to their voice.
Pi. he caused the people to hear
Hiph. 63
of man
י׳ subj.
base
H8085 שָׁמַע hear
8085 shama` shaw-mah'
a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with
implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to
tell, etc.):--X attentively, call (gather) together, X
carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content,
declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make
to) hear(-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be)
obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish,
regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell,
understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.
שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: hear.
: hear
v
1) to hear, listen to, obey
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)
1a2) to hear of or concerning
1a3) to hear (have power to hear)
1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to
1a5) to understand (language)
1a6) to hear (of judicial cases)
1a7) to listen, give heed
1a7a) to consent, agree
1a7b) to grant request
1a8) to listen to, yield to
1a9) to obey, be obedient
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound)
1b2) to be heard of
1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed
1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound
1d2) to sound aloud (musical term)
1d3) to make proclamation, summon
1d4) to cause to be heard
n m
2) sound
שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: obey.
: obey
v
1) to hear, listen to, obey
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)
1a2) to hear of or concerning
1a3) to hear (have power to hear)
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singularHVqp3ms
סַנְבַּלַּט (Sanballat) refers to a Persian satrap of Samaria and an opponent of Nehemiah during the time of the Exile and Return. The name is associated with strength and is noted for his opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, as mentioned in Nehemiah 2:10.
סַנְבַּלַּט n.pr.m. leader of Samaritan opponents of Nehemiah
base
H5571 סַנְבַּלַּט, סַנְבַלַּט
5571 Canballat san-bal-lat'
of foreign origin; Sanballat, a Persian satrap of
Samaria:--Sanballat.
סַנְבַלַּט (san.val.lat) — Sanballat.
A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.2.10
§ Sanballat = "strength"
a Moabite of Horonaim and the opponent of Nehemiah and the returned exiles in their goal of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
san-bal'-at (canebhallaT; Greek and Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) Sanaballat; Peshitta, Samballat): Sanballat the Horonite was, if the appellation which follows his name indicates his origin, a Moabite of Horonaim, a city of Moab mentioned in Isa 15:5; Jer 48:2,5,34; Josephus, Ant, XIII, xxiii; XIV, ii. He is named along with Tobiah, the Ammonite slave (Ne 4:1), and Geshem the Arabian (Ne 6:1) as the leading opponent of the Jews at the time when Nehemiah undertook to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Ne 2:10; 4:1; 6:1). He was related by marriage to the son of Eliashib, the high priest at the time of the…
Sanballat
Held some place of authority in Samaria when Nehemiah went up to Jerusalem to rebuild its ruined walls. He vainly attempted to hinder this work (Neh. 2:10, 19; 4:1-12; 6). His daughter became the wife of one of the sons of Joiada, a son of the high priest, much to the grief of Nehemiah (13:28).
(strength), a Moabite of Horonaim. (Nehemiah 2:10,13; 13:28) He held apparently some command in Samaria at the time Nehemiah was preparing to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, B.C. 445, (Nehemiah 4:2) and from the moment of Nehemiah’s arrival in Judea he set himself to oppose every measure for the welfare of Jerusalem. The only other incident in his life is his alliance with the high priest’s family by the marriage of his daughter with one of the grandsons of Eliashib; but the expulsion from the priesthood of the guilty son of Joiada by Nehemiah promptly followed. Here the scriptural narrative ends.
bramble-bush; enemy in secret
כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'
כִּי conj. that, for, when
that
Of time, when, of the past
elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
Because, since
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that
. . Of time, when, of the past
. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
. Because, since
H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
3588 kiy kee
a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional
prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent
or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative
conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by
other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,
where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,
even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +
nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,
therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,
whether, while, whom, yea, yet.
כִּי (ki) — for.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if
1f) but rather, but
1g) except that
1h) only, nevertheless
1i) surely
1j) that is
1k) but if
1l) for though
1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
1b) even though
כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
Conj — ParticleHTc
אֲנַ֫חְנוּ (anachnuw) is the first-person plural pronoun meaning 'we' or 'ourselves.' It is used for emphasis and is derived from another Hebrew word, אֲנִי (ani), meaning 'I.' The entries consistently define it as a pronoun without significant disagreement.
אֲנַ֫חְנוּ, אֲנָ֑חְנוּ pron. 1pl. comm. we
base
H587 אֲנַ֫חְנוּ, אֲנָ֑חְנוּ we
587 'anachnuw an-akh'-noo
apparently from 595; we:--ourselves, us, we.
see HEBREW for 0595
אֲנַ֫חְנוּ (a.nach.nu) — we.
we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
HPp1bp — PronounHPp1bp
The Hebrew word בָּנָה (banah) means "to build" and encompasses various forms such as rebuilding, establishing, and making permanent. It can refer to physical construction, like building a house or family, as well as metaphorical uses, such as the establishment of restored exiles. The entries indicate that it can also imply being built up, particularly in the context of a childless wife becoming a mother.
בָּנָה 373 vb. build
Qal build
Niph.
be built
be rebuilt
(fig.) of restored exiles, = established
established, made permanent
base
H1129 בָּנָה build .build
.. . be built
. be rebuilt
. . (fig.) of restored exiles, = established
. established, made permanent
1129 banah baw-naw'
a primitive root; to build (literally and
figuratively):--(begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make,
repair, set (up), X surely.
בָּנָה (ba.nah) — to build.
1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to build, rebuild
1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family)
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be built
1b2) to be rebuilt
1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.)
1b4) established (made permanent)
1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine)
Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
HVqrmpa — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine pluralHVqrmpa
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HTo — ParticleHTo
חוֹמָה (chowmah) refers to a wall, typically understood as a protective barrier. It is derived from a root meaning to join, and is often used to describe city walls or the walls of buildings. The term can also be applied figuratively, such as in reference to the waters of the Red Sea.
חוֹמָה 133 n.f. wall (as protection)
usu. term for wall of city
wall of a building
fig. of waters of Red Sea
base
H2346 חוֹמָה wall (as protection)
2346 chowmah kho-maw'
feminine active participle of an unused root apparently
meaning to join; a wall of protection:--wall, walled.
חוֹמָה (cho.mah) — wall.
wall
חוֹמָה (cho.mah) — (Broad) Wall.
wall
Combined with ra.chav (רָחָב "Broad" H7342)
Prep | N-fp — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
wol.
See ARCHITECTURE; CITY; FORTIFICATION; HOUSE; JERUSALEM; VILLAGE.
Wall
Cities were surrounded by walls, as distinguished from “unwalled villages” (Ezek. 38:11; Lev. 25:29-34). They were made thick and strong (Num. 13:28; Deut. 3:5). Among the Jews walls were built of stone, some of those in the temple being of great size (1 Kings 6:7; 7:9-12; 20:30; Mark 13:1, 2). The term is used metaphorically of security and safety (Isa. 26:1; 60:18; Rev. 21:12-20). (See FENCE.)
חָרָה (charah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to burn or be kindled, particularly in the context of anger or zeal. It encompasses various forms, including to glow, grow warm, or become incensed. The entries indicate its use in different stems, such as Qal (to burn), Niphal (to be angry), and Hiphil (to kindle). The lexicons do not present significant disagreement.
חָרָה vb. burn, be kindled, of anger
Qal
of man
of God
Niph. be angry with
Hiph. burned with zeal (?) in repairing; and kindled his anger against me
Hithp. heat oneself in vexation.—The foll. forms are somewhat dub.: how canst thou hotly contend (in a race) with the horses?; because thou strivest eagerly (to excel) in cedar
base
H2734 חָרָה burn, be kindled, of anger
2734 charah khaw-raw'
a primitive root (compare 2787); to glow or grow warm;
figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal,
jealousy:--be angry, burn, be displeased, X earnestly, fret
self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, X very, be
wroth. See 8474.
see HEBREW for 02787
see HEBREW for 08474
חָרָה (cha.rah) — to be incensed.
1) to be hot, furious, burn, becomeangry, be kindled
1a) (Qal) to burn, kindle (anger)
1b) (Niphal) to be angry with, be incensed
1c) (Hiphil) to burn, kindle
1d) (Hithpael) to heat oneself in vexation
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
וֹ (o) — him.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine singular
HR/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp3ms
כָּעַס (ka`as) is a Hebrew verb that conveys a range of emotions related to anger and vexation. It can mean to be angry, vexed, or indignant, and can also imply provoking someone to anger. The word has different forms, including Qal (to be angry), Piel (to provoke to anger), and Hiphil (to vex).
כָּעַס vb. be vexed, angry
Qal
be vexed, indignant
be angry
Piel. provoke to anger
Hiph.
vex
vex, provoke to anger
base
H3707 כָּעַס be vexed, angry
3707 ka`ac kaw-as'
a primitive root; to trouble; by implication, to grieve,
rage, be indignant:--be angry, be grieved, take indignation,
provoke (to anger, unto wrath), have sorrow, vex, be wroth.
כָּעַס (ka.as) — to provoke.
1) to be angry, be vexed, be indignant, be wroth, be grieved, provoke to anger and wrath
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be vexed, be indignant
1a2) to be angry
1b) (Piel) to provoke to anger
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to vex
1c2) to vex, provoke to anger
Hc/Vqw3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
רָבָה (rabah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to increase or multiply, encompassing ideas of becoming great, numerous, or abundant. It has various forms, including Qal (to become many), Piel (to make large), and Hiphil (to make much). The word also appears in a context related to shooting in Genesis 21:20. There is a noted Aramaic equivalent, רְבָה.
[רָבָה] 225 vb. be, or become, much, many, great
Qal 59
become many, numerous
be great
grow great (Aramaism)
Pi. 4 make large, increase
Hiph. 162
H7235a רָבָה be, or become, much, many, great .. become many, numerous
. . be great
. grow great (Aramaism)
. make large, increase
. . make much or many
. make great, obj. pers.
H7235b רָבָה shoot
7235 rabah raw-baw'
a primitive root; to increase (in whatever respect):--(bring
in) abundance (X -antly), + archer (by mistake for 7232), be
in authority, bring up, X continue, enlarge, excel,
exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly,
X -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have,
make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more
(in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much
(greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), X
process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very.
see HEBREW for 07232
רָבָה (ra.vah) — to multiply.
1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things)
1a2) to be or grow great
1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to make much, make many, have many
1c1a) to multiply, increase
1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly
1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly
1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much
Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
רָבָה (ra.vah) — to shoot.
(Qal) to shoot
HVhaa — Verb · Hiphil · infinitive absoluteHVhaa
לָעַג (la'ag) is a Hebrew verb meaning to mock or deride. It can also refer to stammering, particularly in the Niphal form, which suggests speaking unintelligibly. The entries indicate that the word conveys ridicule and scorn, with variations in its use across different grammatical forms.
[לָעַג] vb. mock, deride; also (Niph.) stammer, poet.
Qal mock, deride, have in derision
Niph. a people stammering of tongue (i.e. barbarians)
Hiph. mock, deride
base
H3932 [לָעַג] mock, deride; also (Niph.) stammer, poet.
3932 la`ag law-ag'
a primitive root; to deride; by implication (as if imitating
a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly:--have in derision, laugh
(to scorn), mock (on), stammering.
לָעַג (la.ag) — to mock.
1) to mock, deride, ridicule
1a) (Qal) to mock, deride, have in derision
1b) (Niphal) to stammer
1c) (Hiphil) to mock, deride
Hc/Vhw3ms — Verb · Hiphil · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vhw3ms
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.
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)
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)
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
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
HR — PrepositionHR
The Hebrew word יְהוּדִי (*yehudiy*) refers to a Jew or someone descended from Judah. It is derived from the root word for Judah (יְהוּדָה), indicating a connection to the tribe of Judah or the region of Judea. The term is used in various contexts in the Old Testament, including mentions in 2 Kings and Genesis.
יְהוּדִי adj.gent. Jewish, as subst. a Jew
base
H3064 יְהוּדִי, יְהֻדִיָּה
3064 Yhuwdiy yeh-hoo-dee'
patronymically from 3063; a Jehudite (i.e. Judaite or Jew),
or descendant of Jehudah (i.e. Judah):--Jew.
see HEBREW for 03063
יְהוּדִי (ye.hu.di) — Jew.
Someone descended from Judah (H3063) and possibly other tribes, first mentioned at 2Ki.25.25
§ Jew
יְהוּדִי (ye.hu.di) — Judean.
Someone from the tribal area of Judea or descended from Judah, or possibly other tribes
Group of ye.hu.dah (יְהוּדָה "Judea" H3063N)
§ Jew
יְהוּדִי (ye.hu.di) — of Judah.
People descended from 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)
HTd/Ngmpa — Particle · noun gentilic masculine plural absoluteHTd/Ngmpa
juz, jooz.
See JEW.
The name borne by the Hebrews among foreign nations, especially after the return from Babylon; from Judah their ancestor. See HEBREWS.
