Nehemiah 6:12 — Word Study
WLCוָאַכִּ֕ירָה וְהִנֵּ֥ה לֹֽא־ אֱלֹהִ֖ים שְׁלָח֑וֹ כִּ֤י הַנְּבוּאָה֙ דִּבֶּ֣ר עָלַ֔י וְטוֹבִיָּ֥ה וְסַנְבַלַּ֖ט שְׂכָרֽוֹ׃
BSAI realizednâkar▸ [discerned, understood] ◂that Godʼĕlôhîym [Elohim, the supreme God] had notlôʼ sent himshâlach■ but that he had uttereddâbar■ [spoken, pronounced] [this] prophecynᵉbûwʼâh [prediction, message from God] against meʻal becausekîy TobiahṬôwbîyâh [Jehovah is good] and SanballatÇanballaṭ [a Persian satrap] had hired himsâkar■ [paid, bribed]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וָאַכִּ֕ירָה | and I recognized ! | Verb hiphil sequential imperfect first person common singular, suffix |
| וְהִנֵּ֥ה | and there! | Conjunction, particle |
| לֹֽא־ | not | Particle |
| אֱלֹהִ֖ים | God | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| שְׁלָח֑וֹ | he had sent him | Verb qal perfect third person masculine singular, suffix |
| כִּ֤י | for | Particle |
| הַנְּבוּאָה֙ | the prophecy | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| דִּבֶּ֣ר | he had spoken | Verb, Piel, perfect third person masculine singular |
| עָלַ֔י | on me | Preposition, suffix |
| וְטוֹבִיָּ֥ה | and Tobiah | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
| וְסַנְבַלַּ֖ט | and Sanballat | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
| שְׂכָרֽוֹ׃ | he had hired him | Verb qal perfect third person masculine singular, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. |
| KJV | And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. |
| ASV | And I discerned, and, lo, God had not sent him; but he pronounced this prophecy against me: and Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. |
| YLT | And I discern, and lo, God hath not sent him, for in the prophecy he hath spoken unto me both Tobiah and Sanballat hired him, |
| WEB | I discerned, and behold, God had not sent him, but he pronounced this prophecy against me. Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. |
| BBE | Then it became clear to me that God had not sent him: he had given this word of a prophet against me himself: and Tobiah and Sanballat had given him money to do so. |
Where they part company is נְבוּאָה — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause is followed by a subordinate clause explaining the realization and another detailing the reason behind the false prophecy.






7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאֱלֹהִים
verbדָבַר
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 6:12
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 — Nehemiah Confronts Oppositiongenerated
Nehemiah 6:12 shows Nehemiah's realization that the prophecy spoken against him was not from God but was a tactic used by his enemies, Tobiah and Sanballat, to undermine his efforts in rebuilding Jerusalem. This moment highlights the challenges Nehemiah faced as he worked to restore the city amidst threats and deception.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 13:22 | Because you have disheartened the righteous with your lies, even though I have caused them no grief, and because you have encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways to save their lives, |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 2:15 | The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 12:10 | to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 14:14 | “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 23:16–25 | This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 17 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — נְבוּאָה, ha.ne.vu.'Ahgenerated
The Hebrew word נְבוּאָה (nevu'ah) means 'prophecy' and is derived from the root that signifies prediction. It encompasses both genuine and false prophecies, indicating messages that may come from God or be fabricated by others. In this verse, it specifically refers to a false prophecy intended to intimidate Nehemiah.
The parsing of נְבוּאָה as a feminine singular noun emphasizes its role as a subject of discussion, highlighting the importance of discerning true messages from false ones in the context of Nehemiah's leadership.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is וָאַכִּ֕ירָה, I realized, which governs the entire sentence. The structure is complex, with clauses detailing the realization about God not sending the prophet and the nature of the prophecy itself.
The sentence's order places emphasis on Nehemiah's recognition of the falsehood, followed by the explanation of who was behind the deception, indicating the source of the threat.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew נְבוּאָה is rendered as προφητεία, which also means 'prophecy'. This choice maintains the focus on the prophetic aspect, emphasizing the importance of discerning true prophecy from false.
The translation reflects a consistent understanding of the term as it relates to divine messages, aligning with the Hebrew context.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Nehemiah 6:12 reveals that Nehemiah recognized a false prophecy aimed at him, which was spoken by someone hired by his enemies, Tobiah and Sanballat. This moment underscores the importance of discernment in leadership, especially when facing opposition.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Nehemiah refers to a message that was falsely presented as a prophecy from God, intended to intimidate him and hinder his work.
They hired a prophet to spread false messages and create fear, aiming to disrupt Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem.
Discerning true prophecies involves understanding the source of the message and aligning it with God's word and character, as Nehemiah did.
Nehemiah's response teaches us the importance of vigilance and discernment in the face of opposition and deception.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some ways I can discern truth from falsehood in my own life?
- How do I respond when I encounter opposition or false messages?
- What strategies can I use to strengthen my resolve in pursuing God's work?
- In what ways can I support leaders who face similar challenges as Nehemiah?
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Nehemiah 6:12 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him,.... Because he advised to that which was against the cause of God and true religion: but that he pronounced the prophecy against me; for by fleeing, as
Read John Gill on Nehemiah 6 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Read Robert Jamieson on Nehemiah 6 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleI perceived; partly, by considering the sinful nature and pernicious consequence of this counsel; partly, by the suggestion of God’ s Spirit, whose counsel and help I sought in this matter; and partly, by the event, which discovered that there was no such danger from the approach of the enemy as was pretended.
Read Matthew Poole on Nehemiah 6 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsNehemiah 6:12 And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.Ver. 12. And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him] By my spiritual sagacity I smelt him out; as having my inward senses habitually exercised to discern good and evil, Hebrews 5:14. Doth not the ear try words, as the mouth tasteth meat? Job 12:11. What though we have not received the spirit of the world (we cannot cog and comply as they can, yet), we have received a better thing, the Spirit of God, the mind of Christ, 1 Corinthians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 2:16. But that he pronounced this prophecy against me] To make my righteous soul sad…
Read John Trapp on Nehemiah 6 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges12. And lo, I perceived that] R.V. And I discerned, and, lo. The R.V. gives the verb the requisite sense of ‘recognition’ as in Genesis 27:23, ‘he discerned him not.’ Not as some commentators ‘I considered.’ Of a sudden, as it were, Nehemiah distinguishes the man’s object. The interjection ‘and, lo,’ follows after the recognition of Shemaiah’s character and intent. God had not sent him] The emphasis lies on ‘God,’ i.e. it was not God that sent him, but Sanballat and his party. Cf. Jeremiah 23:21, ‘I sent not these prophets, yet they ran: I spake not unto them, yet they prophesied.’ Nehemiah’s words probably refer to the Deuteronomic law about the false prophet that ‘speaketh rebellion…
Read Cambridge on Nehemiah 6 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe existence of a party among the Jews who sided with Sanballat and lent themselves to his schemes, is here for the first time indicated. Compare Nehemiah 6:14, Nehemiah 6:17-19; Nehemiah 13:4-5, Nehemiah 13:28.
Read Albert Barnes on Nehemiah 6 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible12. God had not sent him — Nehemiah soon perceived that Shemaiah was a false and lying prophet. This prophecy — Any utterance of advice, counsel, or warning, given by a professed man of God, is in Old Testament usage a prophecy.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Nehemiah 6 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
I discerned, and behold, God had not sent him, but he pronounced this prophecy against me. Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
I recognized the fact that God had not sent him, for he had spoken the prophecy against me as a hired agent of Tobiah and Sanballat.
Tyndale line
And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
And I discerned, and, lo, God had not sent him; but he pronounced this prophecy against me: and Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
And I discerned, and, lo, God had not sent him: but he pronounced this prophecy against me: and Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
And lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
And loe, I perceiued, that God had not sent him, but that he pronounced this prophecie against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
Strictly literal
And I perceived, and behold, God had not sent him; for he pronounced this prophecy against me; and Tobijah and Sanballat had hired him.
And I discern, and lo, God hath not sent him, for in the prophecy he hath spoken unto me both Tobiah and Sanballat hired him,
And I discern, and behold, God has not sent him, for in the prophecy he has spoken to me both Tobiah and Sanballat hired him,
And I perceived that, lo, God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy over me, because Tobiyah and Sanballat had hired him.
I realized that it was not God who sent him, but that he had prophesied against me. Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
From the Latin
And I understood that God had not sent him, but that he had spoken to me as if he had been prophesying, and Tobias, and Sanaballat had hired him.
Simplified
I thought about it and saw that God hadn't sent him, but that he had spoken this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
Then it became clear to me that God had not sent him: he had given this word of a prophet against me himself: and Tobiah and Sanballat had given him money to do so.
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 agree in this verse, with 11 of the 12 words matched. The Septuagint's wording corresponds closely to the Hebrew, maintaining the original meaning while presenting it in a different order.
וָאַכִּ֕ירָה וְהִנֵּ֥ה לֹֽא־ אֱלֹהִ֖ים שְׁלָח֑וֹ כִּ֤י הַנְּבוּאָה֙ דִּבֶּ֣ר עָלַ֔י וְטוֹבִיָּ֥ה וְסַנְבַלַּ֖ט שְׂכָרֽוֹ׃
11 of the 12 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 6:12
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 נָכַר (nakar) encompasses meanings related to recognition and alienation. It can signify acknowledging, regarding, or understanding someone or something, as well as treating something as foreign or strange. The entries highlight its use in various forms, including recognizing and disguising, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.
[נָכַר] vb. (not Qal) regard, recognize
Niph. they are not recognized
Pi. he regardeth not the opulent above the poor
Hiph.
regard, observe, esp. with a view to recognition
Recognize (as formerly known)
Be willing to recognize, acknowledge
Be acquianted with
Distinguish, understand
Hithp. Impf by his deeds a youth maketh himself known, whether his doing be pure, etc.
base
[נכר] vb. denom. act or treat as foreign, or strange; disguise, misconstrue
Niph. with his lips a hater disguiseth himself
Pi. and they have treated this place as foreign
Hithp. he acted as a stranger toward them
base
H5234a נָכַר (not Qal) regard, recognize . they are not recognized
. he regardeth not the opulent above the poor
. . regard, observe, esp. with a view to recognition
. Recognize (as formerly known)
. Be willing to recognize, acknowledge
. Be acquianted with
. Distinguish, understand
. Impf by his deeds a youth maketh himself known, whether his doing be pure, etc.
H5234b נכר vb. denom. act or treat as foreign, or strange; disguise, misconstrue
5234 nakar naw-kar'
a primitive root; properly, to scrutinize, i.e. look intently
at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be
acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (with suspicion
implied), to disregard, ignore, be strange toward, reject,
resign, dissimulate (as if ignorant or
disowning):--acknowledge, X could, deliver, discern,
dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take
knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave
(make) self strange(-ly).
נָכַר (na.khar) — to recognize.
1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard
1a) (Niphal) to be recognised
1b) (Piel) to regard
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice
1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive
1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour
1c4) to be acquainted with
1c5) to distinguish, understand
1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known
נָכַר (na.khar) — to alienate.
1) to act or treat as foreign or strange, disguise, misconstrue
1a) (Niphal) to disguise oneself
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to treat as foreign (profane)
1b2) to misconstrue
1c) (Hithpael)
1c1) to act as alien
1c2) to disguise oneself
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff — Verb hiphil sequential imperfect first person common singular · suffixHc/Vhw1cs/Sh
הִנֵּה (hinneh) is a Hebrew word meaning 'behold' or 'lo!' It serves as a demonstrative particle used to draw attention, appearing in contexts such as Genesis 19:2. The word is derived from a prolongation of another Hebrew term, but the entries do not provide further details on its usage beyond this.
הִנֵּה, once הִנֶּה־ Gn 19:2, demonstr.part. lo!, behold!
base
H2009 הִנֵּה, הִנֶּה־ lo!, behold!
2009 hinneh hin-nay'
prolongation for 2005; lo!:--behold, lo, see.
see HEBREW for 02005
הִנֵּה (hin.neh) — behold.
behold, lo, see, if
HC/Tj — Conjunction · particleHC/Tj
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Part — ParticleHTn
אֱלֹהִים (elohiym) is a plural noun meaning 'gods' or 'God,' often referring to the supreme deity in the Old Testament. It encompasses divine beings, rulers, and judges, reflecting divine majesty and power. The term can also denote angels and is used in a superlative sense. Notably, it is sometimes combined with יהוה (YHWH), the personal name of God.
אֱלֹהִים 2570 n.m.pl.
pl. in number.
rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
angels
gods
pl. intensive
god or goddess
godlike one
works of God, or things belongng to him
God
הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
אֱלֹהִים = God
base
H430 אֱלֹהִים n. m. pl. . pl. in number. . rulers, judges, either asdivine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
. angels
. gods
. pl. intensive . god or goddess
. godlike one
. works of God, or things belongng to him
. God
. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
. אֱלֹהִים = God
430 'elohiym el-o-heem'
plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically
used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the
supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to
magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X
exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X
mighty.
see HEBREW for 0433
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — God.
This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God"
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (LORD)-Elohe.
Combined with ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (Gibeath)-elohim.
Combined with giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeath" H1389)
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
god ('Elohim, 'El, [`Elyon], Shadday, Yahweh; Theos):
I. INTRODUCTION TO THE GENERAL IDEA
1. The Idea in Experience and in Thought
2. Definition of the Idea
3. The Knowledge of God
4. Ethnic Ideas of God
(1) Animism
(2) Fetishism
(3) Idolatry
(4) Polytheism
(5) Henotheism
(6) Pantheism
(7) Deism
(8) Semitic Monolatry
(9) Monotheism
II. THE IDEA OF GOD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. The Course of Its Development
2. Forms of Its Manifestation
(1) The Face or Countenance of God
(2) The Voice and Word of God
(3) The Glory of God
(4) The Angel of God
(5) The Spirit of God
(6) The Name of God
(7) Occasional Forms
3. The Names of God
(1) Generic
(2) Attributive
(3) Yahweh
4. Pre-prophetic Conceptions of God
(1) Yahweh Alone Is the God of Israel
(a) His Early Worship
(b) Popular Religion
(c) Polytheistic Tendencies
(i) Coordination
(ii) Assimilation
(iii) Disintegration
(d) No Hebrew Goddesses
(e) Human Sacrifices
God
(A.S. and Dutch God; Dan. Gud; Ger. Gott), the name of the Divine Being. It is the rendering (1) of the Hebrew ’El, from a word meaning to be strong; (2) of ’Eloah_, plural _’Elohim. The singular form, Eloah, is used only in poetry. The plural form is more commonly used in all parts of the Bible, The Hebrew word Jehovah (q.v.), the only other word generally employed to denote the Supreme Being, is uniformly rendered in the Authorized Version by “LORD,” printed in small capitals. The existence of God is taken for granted in the Bible. There is nowhere any argument to prove it. He who disbelieves this truth is spoken of as one devoid of understanding (Ps. 14:1).
The arguments generally adduced by theologians in proof of the being of God are:
(1.) The a priori argument, which is the testimony afforded by reason.
(good). Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures two chief names are used for the one true divine Being--ELOHIM, commonly translated God in our version, and JEHOVAH, translated Lord . Elohim is the plural of Eloah (in Arabic Allah); it is often used in the short form EL (a word signifying strength , as in EL-SHADDAI, God Almighty, the name by which God was specially known to the patriarchs. (Genesis 17:1; 28:3; Exodus 6:3) The etymology is uncertain, but it is generally agreed that the primary idea is that of strength, power of effect , and that it properly describes God in that character in which he is exhibited to all men in his works, as the creator, sustainer and supreme governor of the world. The plural form of Elohim has given rise to much discussion. The fanciful idea that it…
This name, the derivation of which is uncertain, we give to that eternal, infinite, perfect, and incomprehensible Being, the Creator of all things, who preserves and governs all by his almighty power and wisdom, and is the only proper object of worship. The proper Hebrew name for God is JEHOVAH, which signifies He is. But the Jews, from a feeling of reverence, avoid pronouncing this name, substituting for it, wherever it occurs in the sacred test, the word ADONAI, Lord; except in the expression, ADONAI JEHOVAH, Lord Jehovah, for which they put, ADONAI ELOHIM, Lord God. This usage, which is not without an element of superstition, is very ancient, dating its origin some centuries before Christ; but there is no good ground for assuming its existence in the days of the inspired Old Testament writers. The proper word for God is ELOHIM, which is plural in its form, being thus used to signify…
The Hebrew word שָׁלַח (shalach) is a primitive root meaning 'to send' with a wide range of applications. It can refer to sending away, stretching out (especially a hand), or letting go. The entries indicate various forms, including sending off, casting out, and setting free. Notably, it can also imply divorce or being sent away in a marital context.
שָׁלַח 814 vb. send
Qal
send: human subj.
send: subj. י׳ (God)
stretch out, esp. acc. hand
rarely send away: human subj.
let loose
Niph. letters were sent
Pi.
send off, away, human subj.
send away, subj. י׳
give over
cast out
send out, forth
let go, set free
shoot forth branches
let down
shoot
Phrases
Pu. be sent off (started on journey); be put away, divorced, of wife; be impelled(?)
Hiph. and I (י׳) will send
base
H7971 שָׁלַח send .. send: human subj.
. send: subj. י׳ (God)
. stretch out, esp. acc. hand
. rarely send away: human subj.
. let loose
. letters were sent
. . send off, away, human subj.
. . send away, subj. י׳
. give over
. cast out
. send out, forth
. let go, set free
. shoot forth branches
. let down
. shoot
. Phrases
. be sent off (started on journey); be put away, divorced, of wife; be impelled(?)
. and I (י׳) will send
7971 shalach shaw-lakh'
a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great
variety of applications):--X any wise, appoint, bring (on the
way), cast (away, out), conduct, X earnestly, forsake, give
(up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose),
push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send
(away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread,
stretch forth (out).
שָׁלַח (sha.lach) — to send: depart.
: depart/send
1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to send
1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct
1a3) to send away
1a4) to let loose
1b) (Niphal) to be sent
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out
1c2) to let go, set free
1c3) to shoot forth (of branches)
1c4) to let down
1c5) to shoot
1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled
1e) (Hiphil) to send
שָׁלַח (sha.lach) — to send: let go.
: let_go/free
1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to send
1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct
1a3) to send away
1a4) to let loose
1b) (Niphal) to be sent
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out
1c2) to let go, set free
1c3) to shoot forth (of branches)
1c4) to let down
1c5) to shoot
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff — Verb qal perfect third person masculine singular · suffixHVqp3ms/Sp3ms
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
for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.
In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…
נְבוּאָה (nebuw'ah) means 'prophecy' and is derived from the root word for prediction. It encompasses both genuine and false prophecies, as well as prophetic writings. The term appears in contexts related to predictions, highlighting its significance in biblical texts.
נְבוּאָה n.f. prophecy (late)
base
H5016 נְבוּאָה
5016 nbuw'ah neb-oo-aw'
from 5012; a prediction (spoken or written):--prophecy.
see HEBREW for 05012
נְבוּאָה (ne.vu.ah) — prophecy.
1) prophecy
1a) prophecy
1a1) specific and genuine
1a2) false
1b) prophetic writing
Aramaic equivalent: ne.vu.ah (נְבוּאָה "prophesying" H5017)
Art | N-fs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
Prophecy
Or prediction, was one of the functions of the prophet. It has been defined as a “miracle of knowledge, a declaration or description or representation of something future, beyond the power of human sagacity to foresee, discern, or conjecture.” (See PROPHET.)
The great prediction which runs like a golden thread through the whole contents of the Old Testament is that regarding the coming and work of the Messiah; and the great use of prophecy was to perpetuate faith in his coming, and to prepare the world for that event. But there are many subordinate and intermediate prophecies also which hold an important place in the great chain of events which illustrate the sovereignty and all-wise overruling providence of God.
Then there are many prophecies regarding the Jewish nation, its founder Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3; 13:16; 15:5; 17:2…
The foretelling of future events, by inspiration from God. It is very different from a sagacious and happy conjecture as to futurity, and from a vague and equivocal oracle, without any certain meaning. A true prophecy can come only from God; and is the highest proof of the divine origin of the message of which it is a part. A true prophecy may be known by these marks; being announced at a suitable time before the event it foretells; having a particular and exact agreement with that event; being such as no human sagacity or foresight could produce; and being delivered by one claiming to be under the inspiration of the Almighty. Many of the prophecies of Scripture foretold events ages before they occurred—events of which there was then no apparent probability, and the occurrence of which depended on innumerable contingencies, involving the history of things and the volitions of persons…
→ Concerning Jesus
See JESUS
→ Concerning the church
See CHURCH
→ PROPHECIES CONCERNING
→ (Relating to various countries, nations, and cities, see under their respective titles)
→ (Respecting individuals, see under their names)
- Is the foretelling of future events
- God is the author of
Isa 44:7; 45:21
- God gives, through Christ
- A gift of Christ
דָבַר (dabar) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning 'to speak.' It encompasses a range of actions including declaring, commanding, and conversing. The root suggests a figurative use of words, with some entries noting a rare destructive sense of subduing. Various forms of the verb indicate different nuances, such as speaking with one another or making promises.
[דָבַר] 1142 vb. speak (original mng. dub.)
Qal speak
Niph. reciprocal sense, speak with one another, talk
Pi. speak
Pu. in the day when she may be spoken for
Hithp. speaking this word
Hiph. either leads subject, or puts to flight, fig. for subdues
base
H1696 דָבַר speak (original mng. dub.)
1696 dabar daw-bar'
a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used
figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive
sense) to subdue:--answer, appoint, bid, command, commune,
declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse,
say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think,
use (entreaties), utter, X well, X work.
דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: speak.
: speak/tell/command
1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
1a) (Qal) to speak
1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to speak
1c2) to promise
1d) (Pual) to be spoken
1e) (Hithpael) to speak
1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: subdue.
: subdue
1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
1a) (Qal) to speak
1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to speak
1c2) to promise
1d) (Pual) to be spoken
1e) (Hithpael) to speak
1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: promise.
: promise/declare
1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
1a) (Qal) to speak
1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to speak
1c2) to promise
1d) (Pual) to be spoken
1e) (Hithpael) to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms — Verb · Piel · perfect third person masculine singularHVpp3ms
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
Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp1bs
טוֹבִיָּ֫הוּ (Towbiyah) means 'Jehovah is good' and refers to several individuals in the Old Testament. It is built from the roots for 'goodness' and 'Jehovah.' This name is associated with a Levite during Jehoshaphat's reign, an Ammonite adversary of Nehemiah, and a head of a family returning from exile. The name appears in contexts related to the Exile and Return.
טוֹבִיָּ֫הוּ, טוֹבִיָּה n.pr.m. (Yah(u) is my good)
a Levite, assigned to reign of Jehoshaphat
Ammonite adversary of Nehem.
head of a family of returning exiles of doubtful lineage
a chief of returning exiles
base
H2900 טוֹבִיָּ֫הוּ, טוֹבִיָּה
2900 Towbiyah to-bee-yaw'
or Towbiyahuw {to-bee-yaw'-hoo}; from 2896 and 3050; goodness
of Jehovah; Tobijah, the name of three Israelites and of one
Samaritan:--Tobiah, Tobijah.
see HEBREW for 02896
see HEBREW for 03050
טוֹבִיָּ֫הוּ (to.viy.yah) — Tobijah.
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Ch.17.8
§ Tobiah = "Jehovah is good"
1) head of a family who returned from exile with Zerubbabel but who were unable to prove their connection with Israel
2) the Ammonite who with Sanballat opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem
3) a Levite in the reign of Jehoshaphat
4) a chief of the returning exiles
טוֹבִיָּ֫הוּ (to.viy.yah) — Tobiah.
A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.60
§ Tobiah = "Jehovah is good"
1) head of a family who returned from exile with Zerubbabel but who were unable to prove their connection with Israel
2) the Ammonite who with Sanballat opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem
3) a Levite in the reign of Jehoshaphat
4) a chief of the returning exiles
טוֹבִיָּ֫הוּ (to.viy.yah) — Tobiah.
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
to-bi'-a (Tobhiyah; Codex Alexandrinus Tobias; omitted in Codex Vaticanus):
(1) An Ammonite slave (King James Version, "servant"), probably of Sanballat, the governor of Samaria (Ne 2:10). He was grieved exceedingly when Nehemiah came to seek the welfare of the children of Israel. In two ways he was connected by marriage with the Jews, having himself married the daughter of Shecaniah, the son of Arab, and his son Jehohanan having married the daughter of Meshullam, the son of Berechiah (Ne 6:18). Because of this close connection with the Jews, the nobles of the latter corresponded by letter with him and also reported his good deeds to Nehemiah and reported Nehemiah's words to Tobiah. In consequence of the report, Tobiah sent letters to Nehemiah to put him in fear (6:17-19). Nehemiah…
Tobiah
Pleasing to Jehovah, the “servant,” the “Ammonite,” who joined with those who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Exile (Neh. 2:10). He was a man of great influence, which he exerted in opposition to the Jews, and “sent letters” to Nehemiah “to put him in fear” (Neh. 6:17-19). “Eliashib the priest” prepared for him during Nehemiah’s absence “a chamber in the courts of the house of God,” which on his return grieved Nehemiah sore, and therefore he “cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber” (13:7, 8).
(goodness of Jehovah). "The children of Tobiah" were a family who returned with Zerubbabel, but were unable to prove their connection with Israel -- (Ezra 2:60; Nehemiah 7:62) (B.C. before 536.) "Tobiah the slave, the Ammonite," played a conspicuous part in the rancorous position made by Sanballat the Moabite and his adherents to the rebuilding of Jerusalem. (B.C. 446.) The two races of Moab and Ammon found in these men fit representatives of that hereditary hatred to the Israelites which began before the entrance into Caanan, and was not extinct when the Hebrews had ceased to exist as a nation. But Tobiah, though a slave, (Nehemiah 2:10,19) --unless, this is a title of opprobrium --and an Ammonite, found means to ally himself…
An Ammonite prince, in league with Sanballat and the Samaritans against the pious Jews, who were rebuilding the ruined temple, Ne 2:10; 4:3. His threats and treachery were employed in vain. During Nehemiah’s absence, Tobiah was unlawfully established by some of the chief men of Judah, his relatives, in a fine apartment of the new temple; but was ignominiously expelled on the governor’s return, Ne 6:17-19; 13:1-9.
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
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
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
סָכַר (sakar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to hire.' It can refer to hiring someone, hiring oneself out, or earning wages. The entries indicate its use primarily in the Qal stem, with a reference to Ezra 4:5. The word is built from a primitive root related to the concept of temporary purchase.
[סָכַר] vb. hire;—only Qal Ezr 4:5
ref
שָׂכַר vb. hire
Qal hire
Niph. hire oneself out
Hithp. earn wages
base
H7936a סָכַר hire H7936b שָׂכַר hire .hire
. hire oneself out
. earn wages
7936 sakar saw-kar'
or (by permutation) cakar (Ezra 4:5) {saw-kar'}; a primitive
root (apparently akin (by prosthesis) to 3739 through the idea
of temporary purchase; compare 7937); to hire:--earn wages,
hire (out self), reward, X surely.
see HEBREW for 03739
see HEBREW for 07937
סָכַר (sa.khar) — to hire.
1) to hire
1a) (Qal) to hire
שָׂכַר (sa.khar) — to hire.
1) to hire
1a) (Qal) to hire
1b) (Niphal) to hire oneself out
1c) (Hithpael) to earn wages
Also means: sa.khar (סָכַר "to hire" H7936A)
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff — Verb qal perfect third person masculine singular · suffixHVqp3ms/Sp3ms
