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Nehemiah 6:12 — Word Study

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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]

Word
Listen & take awayNehemiah 6
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 12 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (se.kha.Ro) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Nehemiah 6:12quick helps
In a sentenceNehemiah discerns that a false prophet has been sent by his enemies to intimidate him.
Who is speakingNehemiah, reflecting on the actions of those opposing him.
Where we areNehemiah is in the midst of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and facing opposition.
The hard wordנְבוּאָה
Take awayNehemiah's insight protects him from deception.
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 ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — 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

11But I replied, “Should a man like me run away? Should one like me go into the temple to save his own life? I will not go!”
12I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
13He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would sin by doing as he suggested, so they could give me a bad name in order to discredit me.
14O my God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who tried to intimidate me.

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

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Ezekiel 13:22Because 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,
21 Corinthians 2:15The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment.
31 Corinthians 12:10to 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.
4Jeremiah 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.
5Jeremiah 23:16–25This 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 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

What does Nehemiah mean by 'the prophecy'?

Nehemiah refers to a message that was falsely presented as a prophecy from God, intended to intimidate him and hinder his work.

Why did Tobiah and Sanballat hire a prophet?

They hired a prophet to spread false messages and create fear, aiming to disrupt Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem.

How can we discern true prophecies from false ones?

Discerning true prophecies involves understanding the source of the message and aligning it with God's word and character, as Nehemiah did.

What can we learn from Nehemiah's response to the false prophecy?

Nehemiah's response teaches us the importance of vigilance and discernment in the face of opposition and deception.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What are some ways I can discern truth from falsehood in my own life?
  2. How do I respond when I encounter opposition or false messages?
  3. What strategies can I use to strengthen my resolve in pursuing God's work?
  4. 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 Bible

And, 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 Commentary

And 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 Bible

I 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 Testaments

Nehemiah 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 Colleges

12. 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 Bible

The 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 Bible

12. 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

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

I discerned, and behold, God had not sent him, but he pronounced this prophecy against me. Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.

NETBNew English Translation2006

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

KJVKing James Version1611

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.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And I discerned, and, lo, God had not sent him; but he pronounced this prophecy against me: and Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And I discerned, and, lo, God had not sent him: but he pronounced this prophecy against me: and Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

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.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

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

DBYDarby Translation1890

And I perceived, and behold, God had not sent him; for he pronounced this prophecy against me; and Tobijah and Sanballat had hired him.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

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,

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

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,

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

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.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

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

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

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

FBVFree Bible Version2020

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.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

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.

וָandclauseverb phrase · verbאַכִּ֕ירָIהrecognizedוְandclauseclauseהִנֵּ֥הthere!clauseadverbialלֹֽאnotsubjectאֱלֹהִ֖יםGodverbשְׁלָח֑heobjectוֹhad.sent.himכִּ֤י(dm)clausenoun phrase · objectהַtheנְּבוּאָה֙prophecyverbדִּבֶּ֣רhe.had.spokenprepositional phrase · prepositionalעָלַ֔onיmeוְandclausenoun phrase · subjectטוֹבִיָּ֥הTobiahוְandסַנְבַלַּ֖טSanballatverbשְׂכָרֽheobjectוֹhad.hired.him

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.

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

וָאַכִּ֕ירָה וְהִנֵּ֥ה לֹֽא־ אֱלֹהִ֖ים שְׁלָח֑וֹ כִּ֤י הַנְּבוּאָה֙ דִּבֶּ֣ר עָלַ֔י וְטוֹבִיָּ֥ה וְסַנְבַלַּ֖ט שְׂכָרֽוֹ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וָאַכִּ֕ירָהἐπέγνωνוְהִנֵּ֥הἰδοὺאֱלֹהִ֖יםθεὸςשְׁלָח֑וֹαὐτόνכִּ֤יὅτιהַנְּבוּאָה֙προφητείαדִּבֶּ֣רλόγοςעָלַ֔יἐμοῦוְטוֹבִיָּ֥הτωβιαςוְסַנְבַלַּ֖טσαναβαλλατשְׂכָרֽוֹ׃ἐμισθώσαντο

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.

Nehemiah 6:12נָכַרand I recogand I recognizeנָכַרהִנֵּהand there!and there!הִנֵּהלֹאnotnotלֹאאֱלֹהִיםGodGodאֱלֹהִיםשָׁלַחhe had senthe had sent himשָׁלַחכִּיforforכִּינְבוּאָהthe prophecthe prophecyנְבוּאָהדָבַרhe had spokhe had spokenדָבַרעַלon meon meעַלטוֹבִיָּ֫הוּand Tobiahand Tobiahטוֹבִיָּ֫הוּסַנְבַּלַּטand Sanballand Sanballatסַנְבַּלַּטסָכַרhe had hirehe had hired hiסָכַרנָבָאto prophesto prophesyנָבָאטוֹבpleasantpleasantטוֹבהֵןlook!look!הֵןאֱלֹהַּgodgodאֱלֹהַּעַלheightheightעַלכָּרָהto tradeto tradeכָּרָהשָׁכַרbe drunkbe drunkשָׁכַראָחbrother: mbrother: male-sאָחאָֽנֹכִ֫יIIאָֽנֹכִ֫ינֶ֫גַעplagueplagueנֶ֫גַעחֲלוֹםdreamdreamחֲלוֹםיָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדאַחֵרanotheranotherאַחֵראֲרוֹןarkarkאֲרוֹןחָפְשִׁיfreefreeחָפְשִׁימַלְאָךְmessengermessengerמַלְאָךְיָדַעto knowto knowיָדַע
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Nehemiah 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.

and I recognized ! and there! not God he had sent him for the prophecy he had spoken on me and Tobiah and Sanballat he had hired him
וָאַכִּ֕ירָהva.'a.Ki.rah and I recognized ! H5234 Verb hiphil sequential imperfect first person common singular · suffix
49× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To alienate or treat as foreign, as seen in the story of Moses and the Egyptians in Exodus. This verb means to scrutinize or look intently at someone, often with suspicion or disregard. It is used to describe the actions of biblical characters towards others.
Amplified meaning
discerned, understood
Tyndale gloss
to recognize
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Niph. they are not recognized

Pi. he regardeth not the opulent above the poor

Hiph.

regard, observe, esp. with a view to recognition

Recognize (as formerly known)

Be willing to recognize, acknowledge

Be acquianted with

Distinguish, understand

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

base

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

Niph. with his lips a hater disguiseth himself

Pi. and they have treated this place as foreign

Hithp. he acted as a stranger toward them

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

. he regardeth not the opulent above the poor

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

. Recognize (as formerly known)

. Be willing to recognize, acknowledge

. Be acquianted with

. Distinguish, understand

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

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5234 nakar naw-kar'

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

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

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

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

resign, dissimulate (as if ignorant or

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

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

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

(make) self strange(-ly).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָכַר (na.khar) — to recognize.

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

1a) (Niphal) to be recognised

1b) (Piel) to regard

1c) (Hiphil)

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

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

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

1c4) to be acquainted with

1c5) to distinguish, understand

1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known

נָכַר (na.khar) — to alienate.

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

1a) (Niphal) to disguise oneself

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to treat as foreign (profane)

1b2) to misconstrue

1c) (Hithpael)

1c1) to act as alien

1c2) to disguise oneself

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff — Verb hiphil sequential imperfect first person common singular · suffix
Hc/Vhw1cs/Sh
and I recognized ! and there! not God he had sent him for the prophecy he had spoken on me and Tobiah and Sanballat he had hired him
וְהִנֵּ֥הve.hi.Neh and there! H2009 Conjunction · particle
843× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Tyndale gloss
behold
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הִנֵּה, once הִנֶּה־ Gn 19:2, demonstr.part. lo!, behold!

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2009 הִנֵּה, הִנֶּה־ lo!, behold!

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2009 hinneh hin-nay'

prolongation for 2005; lo!:--behold, lo, see.

see HEBREW for 02005

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הִנֵּה (hin.neh) — behold.

behold, lo, see, if

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HC/Tj — Conjunction · particle
HC/Tj
and I recognized ! and there! not God he had sent him for the prophecy he had spoken on me and Tobiah and Sanballat he had hired him
לֹֽא־lo'- not H3808 Particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and I recognized ! and there! not God he had sent him for the prophecy he had spoken on me and Tobiah and Sanballat he had hired him
אֱלֹהִ֖ים'E.lo.Him God H430 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
2,603× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
Elohim, the supreme God
Tyndale gloss
God
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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

Easton's Bible Dictionary

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.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(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…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

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…

and I recognized ! and there! not God he had sent him for the prophecy he had spoken on me and Tobiah and Sanballat he had hired him
שְׁלָח֑וֹshe.la.Cho he had sent him H7971 Verb qal perfect third person masculine singular · suffix
847× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Tyndale gloss
to send: depart
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff — Verb qal perfect third person masculine singular · suffix
HVqp3ms/Sp3ms
and I recognized ! and there! not God he had sent him for the prophecy he had spoken on me and Tobiah and Sanballat he had hired him
כִּ֤יki for H3588 Particle
4,483× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Tyndale gloss
for
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Particle
HTc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and I recognized ! and there! not God he had sent him for the prophecy he had spoken on me and Tobiah and Sanballat he had hired him
הַנְּבוּאָה֙ha.ne.vu.'Ah the prophecy H5016 Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
3× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means a prediction or prophecy, spoken or written. It can be a genuine or false prophecy, and is often used to describe God's messages.
Amplified meaning
prediction, message from God
Tyndale gloss
prophecy
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נְבוּאָה n.f. prophecy (late)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5016 נְבוּאָה

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5016 nbuw'ah neb-oo-aw'

from 5012; a prediction (spoken or written):--prophecy.

see HEBREW for 05012

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-fs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
HTd/Ncfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

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…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

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…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ 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)

Inspired Isa 28:22; Lu 1:70; 2Ti 3:16; 2Pe 1:21

“;The word of the Lord came to,” etc., to

Elijah 1Ki 17:8; 21:17,28

Isaiah Isa 2:1; 8:5; 13:1; 14:28; 38:4

Jeremiah Jer 1:4; 7:1; 11:1; 13:8; 16:1; 18:1; 25:1,2; 26:1; 27:1; 29:30; 30:1,4; 32:1,6,26; 33:1,19,23; 34:12; 35:12; 36:1; 37:6; 40:1…

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

- Is the foretelling of future events

Ge 49:1; Nu 24:14

- God is the author of

Isa 44:7; 45:21

- God gives, through Christ

Re 1:1

- A gift of Christ

Eph 4:11; Re 11:3

- A gift of the Holy Spirit

1Co 12:10

- Came not by the will of man

2Pe 1:21

- Given from the beginning

Lu 1:70

- Is a sure word

2Pe 1:19

- THEY WHO UTTERED

. Raised up by God

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and I recognized ! and there! not God he had sent him for the prophecy he had spoken on me and Tobiah and Sanballat he had hired him
דִּבֶּ֣רdi.Ber he had spoken H1696 Verb · Piel · perfect third person masculine singular
1,142× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Amplified meaning
spoken, pronounced
Tyndale gloss
to speak: speak
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Qal speak

Niph. reciprocal sense, speak with one another, talk

Pi. speak

Pu. in the day when she may be spoken for

Hithp. speaking this word

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1696 דָבַר speak (original mng. dub.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1696 dabar daw-bar'

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

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

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

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

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

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: speak.

: speak/tell/command

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

1a) (Qal) to speak

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

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

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

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: subdue.

: subdue

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

1a) (Qal) to speak

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

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

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

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: promise.

: promise/declare

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

1a) (Qal) to speak

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

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel-Perf-3ms — Verb · Piel · perfect third person masculine singular
HVpp3ms
and I recognized ! and there! not God he had sent him for the prophecy he had spoken on me and Tobiah and Sanballat he had hired him
עָלַ֔י'a.Lai on me H5921 Preposition · suffix
5,774× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Tyndale gloss
upon
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

עַל, עָ֑ל

subst. height

As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against

Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed

of clothing, etc., which any one wears

With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it

Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him

Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him

על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him

חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears

. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it

. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him

. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him

. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him

. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5921 `al al

properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the

singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a

particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always

in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great

variety of applications (as follow):--above, according

to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because

of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both

and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in

(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,

through(-out), to, touching, X with.

see HEBREW for 05920

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַל (al) — upon.

prep

1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against

1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards

1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)

1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)

1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)

1e) over (of suspension or extension)

1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)

1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)

1h) to (as a dative)

[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.

conj

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp1bs
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and I recognized ! and there! not God he had sent him for the prophecy he had spoken on me and Tobiah and Sanballat he had hired him
וְטוֹבִיָּ֥הve.toi.Yah and Tobiah H2900 Conjunction · noun proper masculine
18× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Tobijah means Jehovah is good, the name of three Israelites and one Samaritan, including a Levite in Jehoshaphat's reign. Tobijah opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem with Sanballat. He is mentioned in Zechariah 6:10.
Amplified meaning
Jehovah is good
Tyndale gloss
Tobijah
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2900 טוֹבִיָּ֫הוּ, טוֹבִיָּה

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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.

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

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…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

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).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(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…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

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.

and I recognized ! and there! not God he had sent him for the prophecy he had spoken on me and Tobiah and Sanballat he had hired him
וְסַנְבַלַּ֖טve.san.va.Lat and Sanballat H5571 Conjunction · noun proper masculine
10× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Sanballat was a Persian satrap of Samaria who opposed Nehemiah and the returned exiles in their goal of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. His name means strength and he was a Moabite from Horonaim. Sanballat is mentioned in Nehemiah 2:10.
Amplified meaning
a Persian satrap
Tyndale gloss
Sanballat
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

סַנְבַּלַּט n.pr.m. leader of Samaritan opponents of Nehemiah

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5571 סַנְבַּלַּט, סַנְבַלַּט

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5571 Canballat san-bal-lat'

of foreign origin; Sanballat, a Persian satrap of

Samaria:--Sanballat.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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

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

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…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

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).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(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.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

bramble-bush; enemy in secret

and I recognized ! and there! not God he had sent him for the prophecy he had spoken on me and Tobiah and Sanballat he had hired him
שְׂכָרֽוֹ׃se.kha.Ro he had hired him H7936 Verb qal perfect third person masculine singular · suffix
21× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To hire someone or be hired, as seen in the story of Jacob hiring himself out to Laban in Genesis 29. This word is about working for pay. It appears in various forms, such as earning wages or rewarding someone.
Amplified meaning
paid, bribed
Tyndale gloss
to hire
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[סָכַר] vb. hire;—only Qal Ezr 4:5

ref

שָׂכַר vb. hire

Qal hire

Niph. hire oneself out

Hithp. earn wages

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7936a סָכַר hire H7936b שָׂכַר hire .hire

. hire oneself out

. earn wages

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff — Verb qal perfect third person masculine singular · suffix
HVqp3ms/Sp3ms
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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