Nehemiah 9:16 — Word Study
WLCוְהֵ֥ם וַאֲבֹתֵ֖ינוּ הֵזִ֑ידוּ וַיַּקְשׁוּ֙ אֶת־ עָרְפָּ֔ם וְלֹ֥א שָׁמְע֖וּ אֶל־ מִצְוֹתֶֽיךָ׃
BSABut theyhêm [our ancestors, the Israelites] and our fathersʼâb [forefathers, ancestral leaders] became arrogantzûwd■ [proud, dealt proudly] and stiff-neckedqâshâh▸ [hardened their necks, stubborn] and did notlôʼ obeyshâmaʻ■ [hearken not, refuse to listen] Your commandmentsmitsvâh [laws, divine instructions]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְהֵ֥ם | and they | Conjunction, pronoun |
| וַאֲבֹתֵ֖ינוּ | and ancestors our | Conjunction, noun common feminine plural construct, suffix |
| הֵזִ֑ידוּ | they acted presumptuously | Verb, Hiphil, perfect third person common plural |
| וַיַּקְשׁוּ֙ | and they stiffened | Verb, Hiphil, sequential imperfect third person masculine plural |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| עָרְפָּ֔ם | neck their | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| וְלֹ֥א | and not | Conjunction, particle |
| שָׁמְע֖וּ | they listened | Verb, Qal, perfect third person common plural |
| אֶל־ | to | Preposition |
| מִצְוֹתֶֽיךָ׃ | commandments your | Noun common feminine plural construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | But they and our fathers became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey Your commandments. |
| KJV | But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, |
| ASV | But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their neck, and hearkened not to thy commandments, |
| YLT | 'And they and our fathers have acted proudly, and harden their neck, and have not hearkened unto Thy commands, |
| WEB | “But they and our fathers behaved proudly, hardened their neck, didn’t listen to your commandments, |
| BBE | But they and our fathers, in their pride, made their necks stiff, and gave no attention to your orders, |
Where they part company is in the rendering of הֵזִ֑ידוּ — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause introduces the subjects and their actions, with additional phrases detailing their stubbornness and disobedience.






7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbזִיד
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 9:16
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's Prayer of Confessiongenerated
Nehemiah 9:16 recounts the history of the Israelites, highlighting their arrogance and stubbornness in the face of God's commandments. This prayer serves as a reminder of their repeated failures and God's enduring mercy, as Nehemiah reflects on the covenant relationship between God and His people. The surrounding verses illustrate God's provision and the people's responses, emphasizing the contrast between divine grace and human disobedience.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 9:10–29 | You performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, all his officials, and all the people of his land, for You knew they had acted with arrogance against our fathers. You made a name for Yourself that endures to this day. |
| 2 | Exodus 32:9 | The LORD also said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 9:6–13 | Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 32:15 | But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked— becoming fat, bloated, and gorged. He abandoned the God who made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation. |
| 5 | Psalm 78:8–72 | Then they will not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose heart was not loyal, whose spirit was not faithful to God. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 23 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — הֵזִ֑ידוּ, he.Zi.dugenerated
The verb הֵזִ֑ידוּ (he.Zi.du) is a Hiphil perfect form meaning 'they acted presumptuously' or 'they boiled over with pride.' It conveys a sense of arrogance and rebellion against God's authority, often seen in contexts where individuals defy divine commands.
This word is rooted in the idea of boiling or seething, suggesting an intense emotional state leading to presumptuous actions. The parsing indicates that it is a third person common plural verb, showing that the Israelites collectively acted in arrogance against God's laws.
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 הֵזִ֑ידוּ governs the sentence, indicating the action of the subjects, which are the Israelites and their ancestors. The structure includes two additional verbs: וַיַּקְשׁוּ (they stiffened) and שָׁמְע֖וּ (they listened), which describe further actions taken by the subjects.
The sentence's emphasis is on the actions of the subjects, with the verbs placed prominently to highlight their defiance against God's commandments.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates הֵזִ֑ידוּ as ὑπερηφανεύσαντο, which means 'they acted proudly.' This choice narrows the focus to the prideful aspect of their actions, aligning with the overall theme of arrogance in the verse.
The LXX captures the essence of the Hebrew text while providing a Greek expression that emphasizes the prideful nature of the Israelites' rebellion.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Nehemiah 9:16 tells us that the Israelites and their ancestors became proud and stubborn, refusing to listen to God's commandments. This verse reflects their history of disobedience despite God's guidance and provision.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that the Israelites acted with pride and defiance against God's commands, showing a lack of humility and obedience.
Disobeying God's commandments signifies a break in the covenant relationship and a refusal to acknowledge His authority and guidance.
This verse summarizes a pattern of rebellion and disobedience in Israel's history, highlighting their need for repentance and God's mercy.
We can learn the importance of humility and obedience to God's commandments, recognizing the consequences of pride and rebellion.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I acted arrogantly or stubbornly in my own life?
- How can I better listen to and obey God's commandments?
- What examples from my life reflect a pattern of disobedience similar to that of the Israelites?
- How can I cultivate a heart of humility and submission to God's authority?
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Nehemiah 9:16 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleBut they and our fathers dealt proudly,.... Behaved in a haughty manner towards God, their kind benefactor: and hardened their necks; refused to take the yoke of his law, as refractory oxen, that
Read John Gill on Nehemiah 9 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham; No JFB commentary on these verses.
Read Robert Jamieson on Nehemiah 9 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleNotwithstanding all these singular and wonderful mercies; which he hitherto recounted to aggravate their sins, which he now comes to confess, and to lead them to a sincere and ingenuous grief and repentance for their sins, not only for the mischief which they brought upon themselves, but for the injury and indignity which they offered to God. Dealt proudly, i.e. sinned presumptuously, and with contempt of God, as scorning to submit their wills to God’ s.
Read Matthew Poole on Nehemiah 9 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsNehemiah 9:16 But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,Ver. 16. But they and our fathers] God’ s mercies have been hitherto mentioned, that their sins might thereby be aggravated; for good turns aggravate unkindness; and men’ s sins are much increased by their obligations. It is charged upon Solomon as a foul fault, that he departed from the Lord, who had appeared unto him twice, 1 Kings 11:9. Dealt proudly] Pride is the master pock of the soul, and the root of rebellion against God, Psalms 119:21. And hardened their necks] As unruly beasts, that will not bear the yoke; lawless and aweless persons, that refuse to be reformed…
Read John Trapp on Nehemiah 9 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(16) Dealt proudly.—Like the Egyptians themselves (Nehemiah 9:10). It is remarkable that the same word is used as in the Hebrew of Exo 18:11 and Deuteronomy 1:43.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Nehemiah 9 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges16. But they and our fathers] The ‘and’ here seems not to be necessary. It is found, however, in all the MSS., and is represented in all the Versions, and must clearly be retained in the text. As the following Nehemiah 9:17-22 continue to refer to the Mosaic generation, no distinction of meaning can be drawn between ‘they’ and ‘our fathers.’ It seems best therefore to regard the ‘and’ as an instance of the explanatory or exegetical copula. ‘They and (= that is to say) our fathers.’ Cf. Nehemiah 9:22. dealt proudly] Cf. Nehemiah 9:10. In this verse and in Nehemiah 9:29 the word is used with reference to the children of Israel, as in Deuteronomy 1:43, ‘ye rebelled … and were presumptuous.’…
Read Cambridge on Nehemiah 9 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible16. They and our fathers — This should be rendered, and they, even our fathers.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Nehemiah 9 →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
But they and our fathers became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey Your commandments.
“But they and our fathers behaved proudly, hardened their neck, didn’t listen to your commandments,
But they and our fathers became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey Your commandments.
“But they – our ancestors – behaved presumptuously; they rebelled and did not obey your commandments.
Tyndale line
But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,
But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their neck, and hearkened not to thy commandments,
But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their neck, and hearkened not to thy commandments,
But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,
But they and our fathers behaued them selues proudely, and hardened their neck, so that they hearkened not vnto thy commandements,
Strictly literal
But they, our fathers, dealt proudly, and hardened their neck, and hearkened not to thy commandments,
'And they and our fathers have acted proudly, and harden their neck, and have not hearkened unto Thy commands,
And they and our fathers have acted proudly, || And harden their neck, || And have not listened to Your commands,
And they and our fathers acted presumptuously, and hardened their neck, and hearkened not to thy commandments.
But they and our ancestors acted disrespectfully, and they were stubborn, and did not listen to your commandments.
From the Latin
But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks and hearkened not to thy commandments.
Simplified
But they and our forefathers acted arrogantly and became stubborn, and didn't pay attention to your commands.
But they and our fathers, in their pride, made their necks stiff, and gave no attention to your orders,
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 matches the Septuagint in 9 of the 10 words, indicating a strong agreement on the wording and meaning of this verse. The slight differences in word order and expression highlight the translation process rather than substantive variations in content.
וְהֵ֥ם וַאֲבֹתֵ֖ינוּ הֵזִ֑ידוּ וַיַּקְשׁוּ֙ אֶת־ עָרְפָּ֔ם וְלֹ֥א שָׁמְע֖וּ אֶל־ מִצְוֹתֶֽיךָ׃
9 of the 10 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 9:16
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.
הֵ֫מָּה (hemmah) is a masculine plural pronoun meaning 'they.' The entries indicate that it can also mean 'these,' 'the same,' or refer to people in an emphatic context. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its usage.
הֵ֫מָּה and הֵם (without appreciable distinction in usage, except prob. in so far as the longer or shorter form was better adapted to the rhythm of particular sentences) pron. 3 pl. masc. they
base
H1992 הֵ֫מָּה, הֵם (without appreciable distinction in usage, except prob. in so far as the longer or shorter form was better adapted to the rhythm of particular sentences) they
1992 hem haym
or (prolonged) hemmah {haym'-maw}; masculine plural from
1981; they (only used when emphatic):--it, like, X (how, so)
many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, X so, X such,
their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye.
see HEBREW for 01981
הֵ֫מָּה (hem.mah) — they(masc.).
they, these, the same, who
Conj | Pron — Conjunction · pronounHC/Pp3mp
אָב (av) means 'father' and encompasses various roles such as the literal father of an individual, God as the father of His people, and the head of a household or clan. It can also refer to an ancestor, originator of a profession, or a figure of respect and protection. Notably, it can imply a ruler or chief in later contexts.
אָב 1101 n.m. father
father of individual
of God as father of his people
head of household, family or clan
ancestor
originator or patron of a class, profession, or art
fig. of producer, generator
fig. of benevolence & protection
term of respect & honor
specif., ruler, chief (late)
base
H1 אָב father . father of individual
. of God as father of his people
. head of household, family or clan
. ancestor
. originator or patron of a class, profession, or art
. fig. of producer, generator
. fig. of benevolence & protection
. term of respect & honor
. specif., ruler, chief (late)
1 'ab awb
a primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or
figurative and remote application):--chief,
(fore-)father(-less), X patrimony, principal. Compare names
in "Abi-".
אָב (av) — father.
1) father of an individual
2) of God as father of his people
3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan
4) ancestor
4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person
4b) of people
5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art
6) of producer, generator (fig.)
7) of benevolence and protection (fig.)
8) term of respect and honour
9) ruler or chief (spec.)
Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
אָב (av) — (Huram)-abi.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.7.13; also called Huram-abi (KJV: "Huram my father's") at 2Ch.2.13; 4.16;
Combined with chi.ram (חִירָם "Hiram" H2438H)
אָב (av) — father of.
The father of Gibeon, also known as Abiel - a man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.9.1;
son of: Zeror (H6872C); married to Maacah (H4601N);
Conj | N-mp | Suff — Conjunction · noun common feminine plural construct · suffixHC/Ncfpc/Sp1bp
זִיד (zuwd) means to boil or seethe, and it also conveys the idea of acting proudly or presumptuously. The word is a primitive root with a range that includes arrogance and rebellion. It appears in contexts where individuals act insolently, such as in relations involving Egyptians and Babylonians.
[זִיד, זוּד] vb. boil up, seethe, act proudly, presumptuously, rebelliously
Qal of Egyptians, in the matter as to which they acted presumptuously against them; of Babylon, against י׳ hath she acted presumptuously.
Hiph.
boil, seethe, trans.
act presumptuously, insolently
base
H2102 זִיד, זוּד boil up, seethe, act proudly, presumptuously, rebelliously
2102 zuwd zood
or (by permutation) ziyd {zeed}; a primitive root; to seethe;
figuratively, to be insolent:--be proud, deal proudly,
&Š presume, (come) presumptuously, sod.
זִיד (zud) — to boil.
1) to boil, boil up, seethe, act proudly, act presumptuously, act rebelliously, be presumptuous, be arrogant, be rebelliously proud
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to act presumptuously
1a2) to deal arrogantly (with 'al')
1a3) to defy proudly (with 'el')
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to boil, seethe, act proudly
1b2) to act presumptuously, act insolently
Aramaic equivalent: zud (זוּד "be proud" H2103)
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp — Verb · Hiphil · perfect third person common pluralHVhp3cp
קָשָׁה (qashah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be hard, severe, or fierce. It can describe difficulty or harshness in various contexts, including labor and obstinacy. The word has different forms, such as Qal (to be hard), Niphal (to be ill-treated), and Hiphil (to make difficult or burdensome).
[קָשָׁה] vb. be hard, severe, fierce
Qal
be hard, difficult
be hard, severe
Niph. hardly bestead, hard pressed
Pi. she made hard in her bearing (had severe labour)
Hiph.
make difficult, difficulty
make severe, burdensome, yoke imposed by king
make hard, stiff, stubborn, fig. of obstinacy
shew stubbornness
base
H7185 קָשָׁה be hard, severe, fierce .. be hard, difficult
. be hard, severe
. hardly bestead, hard pressed
. . make difficult, difficulty
. make severe, burdensome, yoke imposed by king
. . make hard, stiff, stubborn, fig. of obstinacy
. shew stubbornness
7185 qashah kaw-shaw'
a primitive root; properly, to be dense, i.e. tough or severe
(in various applications):--be cruel, be fiercer, make
grievous, be ((ask a), be in, have, seem, would) hard(-en,
(labour), -ly, thing), be sore, (be, make) stiff(-en,
(-necked)).
קָשָׁה (qa.shah) — to harden.
1) to be hard, be severe, be fierce, be harsh
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be hard, be difficult
1a2) to be hard, be severe
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be ill-treated
1b2) to be hard pressed
1c) (Piel) to have severe labour (of women)
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to make difficult, make difficulty
1d2) to make severe, make burdensome
1d3) to make hard, make stiff, make stubborn
1d3a) of obstinacy (fig)
1d4) to show stubbornness
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp — Verb · Hiphil · sequential imperfect third person masculine pluralHc/Vhw3mp
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HTo — ParticleHTo
עֹ֫רֶף (oreph) refers to the back of the neck, and can also denote the back generally, both literally and figuratively. It is associated with concepts like obstinacy and apostasy. The word is derived from a related term, עָרַף (araf), and is mentioned in contexts describing a stiff neck or a fleeing foe.
עֹ֫רֶף n.m. back of neck, neck
base
H6203 עֹ֫רֶף back of neck, neck
6203 `oreph o-ref'
from 6202; the nape or back of the neck (as declining);
hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative):--
back ((stiff-)neck((-ed).
see HEBREW for 06202
עֹ֫רֶף (o.reph) — neck.
1) neck, back of the neck, back
1a) back of the neck
1a1) of fleeing foe
1a2) of apostasy (fig.)
1b) stiff of neck, obstinate (fig.)
HNcmsc/Sp3mp — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3mp
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)
Conj | Part — Conjunction · particleHC/Tn
The Hebrew word שָׁמַע (shama`) means 'to hear' and encompasses a range of meanings including listening, obeying, and proclaiming. It is built from a primitive root and can imply attention and understanding. The entries highlight various grammatical forms, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of hearing and obeying. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
שָׁמַע 1152 vb. hear
Qal 1052
subj. pers. hum.
י׳ (God) subj.
Niph. 42 be heard, of voice, sound
be heard of
be regarded, obeyed
= (favourable) hearing was granted to their voice.
Pi. he caused the people to hear
Hiph. 63
of man
י׳ subj.
base
H8085 שָׁמַע hear
8085 shama` shaw-mah'
a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with
implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to
tell, etc.):--X attentively, call (gather) together, X
carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content,
declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make
to) hear(-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be)
obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish,
regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell,
understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.
שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: hear.
: hear
v
1) to hear, listen to, obey
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)
1a2) to hear of or concerning
1a3) to hear (have power to hear)
1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to
1a5) to understand (language)
1a6) to hear (of judicial cases)
1a7) to listen, give heed
1a7a) to consent, agree
1a7b) to grant request
1a8) to listen to, yield to
1a9) to obey, be obedient
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound)
1b2) to be heard of
1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed
1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound
1d2) to sound aloud (musical term)
1d3) to make proclamation, summon
1d4) to cause to be heard
n m
2) sound
שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: obey.
: obey
v
1) to hear, listen to, obey
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)
1a2) to hear of or concerning
1a3) to hear (have power to hear)
V-Qal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Qal · perfect third person common pluralHVqp3cp
The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),
prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place
Where the limit is actually entered, into
Of direction towards anything
Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
Of rule or standard according to (rare)
Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
base
H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place
. Where the limit is actually entered, into
. Of direction towards anything
. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
. Of rule or standard according to (rare)
. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
413 'el ale
(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});
a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but
occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or
among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,
against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,
by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,
over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,
with(-in).
אֶל (el) — to(wards).
1) to, toward, unto (of motion)
2) into (limit is actually entered)
2a) in among
3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)
4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)
5) in addition to, to
6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of
7) according to (rule or standard)
8) at, by, against (of one's presence)
9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
HR — PrepositionHR
מִצְוָה (mitsvah) means 'commandment' and can refer to commands from both humans and God. It encompasses laws, ordinances, and precepts, indicating a range of directives within religious and moral contexts. The term is derived from a root meaning to command, linking it to the broader framework of divine law.
מִצְוָה 181 n.f. commandment
base
H4687 מִצְוָה commandment
4687 mitsvah mits-vaw'
from 6680; a command, whether human or divine (collectively,
the Law):--(which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance,
precept.
see HEBREW for 06680
מִצְוָה (mits.vah) — commandment.
1) commandment
1a) commandment (of man)
1b) the commandment (of God)
1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
N-fp | Suff — Noun common feminine plural construct · suffixHNcfpc/Sp2ms
