Menu

Numbers 35:22 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוְאִם־ בְּפֶ֥תַע בְּלֹא־ אֵיבָ֖ה הֲדָפ֑וֹ אוֹ־ הִשְׁלִ֥יךְ עָלָ֛יו כָּל־ כְּלִ֖י בְּלֹ֥א צְדִיָּֽה׃

BSABut if anyoneʼim pushes a personHâdaph [thrusts, drives] suddenlypethaʻ [in an instant, without warning] withoutlôʼ [lacking] hostilityʼêybâh [enmity, hatred] orʼôw throwsshâlak [casts, hurls] ankôl objectkᵉlîy [article, utensil] at himʻal unintentionallylôʼ [without lying in wait, by accident]

Word
Listen & take awayNumbers 35
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 22 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 (tze.di.Yah) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Numbers 35:22quick helps
In a sentenceThis verse outlines unintentional acts that can lead to serious consequences.
Who is speakingThe author of Numbers, providing laws for Israel.
Where we areIn the context of laws regarding unintentional manslaughter.
The hard wordאֵיבָ֖ה
Take awayIntent matters; actions done without hostility are treated differently.
6 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Ellicott & more — read them › clause verbשָׁלַךְ 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 — Numbers 35:22

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 — Laws Regarding Unintentional Harmgenerated

21or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer. When the avenger of blood finds the murderer, he is to kill him.
22But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally,
23or without looking drops a heavy stone that kills him, but he was not an enemy and did not intend to harm him,
24then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances.

Numbers 35:22 provides a legal framework for situations where harm occurs without malice. It emphasizes the importance of intent in determining guilt and the appropriate response to actions that result in injury or death. This verse is part of a larger discussion on cities of refuge and the protection of those who commit unintentional harm, as seen in Numbers 35:11.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Numbers 35:11designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there.
2Exodus 21:13If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.
3Deuteronomy 19:5If he goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut timber and swings his axe to chop down a tree, but the blade flies off the handle and strikes and kills his neighbor, he may flee to one of these cities to save his life.
4Joshua 20:3–5so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait,Numbers 35:11 Exodus 21:13 Deuteronomy 19:5 Joshua 20:3–5

The Key Word אֵיבָ֖ה, 'ei.Vahgenerated

The word אֵיבָ֖ה ('ei.Vah) translates as 'enmity' or 'hostility'. It is a feminine noun that signifies a lack of friendship or animosity between individuals. This word is crucial in this verse as it establishes the absence of malice when describing the actions that lead to unintentional harm.

In this context, the absence of אֵיבָ֖ה indicates that the act of pushing or throwing was not done with intent to harm, which is significant for the legal implications that follow. The parsing as a common noun emphasizes its role in defining the conditions under which the actions are judged.


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 הֲדָפ֑וֹ (he pushed him) governs the sentence, while two clauses describe the conditions under which this action occurs: one clause specifies the suddenness of the action and the other the absence of hostility. This structure highlights the legal distinctions made in the verse.

The sentence is built around the actions of pushing and throwing, with prepositional phrases clarifying the circumstances. The word order emphasizes the conditions of the actions, indicating that the absence of hostility is a key factor in the legal evaluation.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, אֵיבָ֖ה is rendered as ἔξθραν, which carries the meaning of enmity or hostility. This choice reflects a direct correspondence to the Hebrew term, maintaining the focus on the lack of malice in the described actions.

The translation choice reinforces the legal implications of the verse, as it emphasizes the necessity of intent in determining the nature of the actions taken.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Numbers 35:22 explains that if someone pushes another person suddenly and without hostility, or throws something at them by accident, the situation is treated differently than if there was intent to harm. This shows the importance of intent in determining guilt.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to act without hostility?

Acting without hostility means that the person did not intend to harm or hurt someone else; their actions were unplanned and not driven by anger or malice.

Why is intent important in this verse?

Intent is crucial because it determines whether the action is considered a crime or an accident, affecting the legal consequences for the person involved.

How does this verse relate to modern legal principles?

This verse reflects modern legal principles that differentiate between intentional and unintentional actions, which is fundamental in many legal systems today.

What are the implications of this law for community safety?

This law emphasizes the need for caution and awareness of one's actions to prevent unintentional harm to others, promoting community safety.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How can understanding the concept of intent change the way we view conflicts in our lives?
  2. In what situations have I acted without hostility, and how could that have been perceived differently?
  3. What steps can I take to ensure my actions do not unintentionally harm others?
  4. How does this principle of unintentional harm apply to our interactions in daily life?

Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Numbers 35:22 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

But if he thrust him suddenly, without enmity,.... Push him from a precipice, before he is aware, without any malicious design against his life, but merely through accident: or have cast upon him

Read John Gill on Numbers 35 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait, But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity ... Under the excitement of a sudden provocation or

Read Robert Jamieson on Numbers 35 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Suddenly; through sudden passion or provocation. Or, by chance, or unawares.

Read Matthew Poole on Numbers 35 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(22, 23) But if he thrust him suddenly . . . —See Deuteronomy 19:4-5, where the meaning of the law is illustrated.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Numbers 35 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

9–34. The ‘Cities of Refuge,’ and the Law relating to homicide In Numbers 35:9-15 the appointment of the six cities and their purpose are prescribed; Numbers 35:16-23 contain specimen cases distinguishing deliberate murder from accidental homicide; Numbers 35:24-28 provide the legal procedure; Numbers 35:29-34 form a conclusion. The section presents the latest development in the O.T. of the Law of Asylum. In early days an appointed place was provided, to which the manslayer might flee, i.e. an altar, which would be within easy reach of every town; cf. 1 Kings 1:50; 1 Kings 2:28. In D (Deuteronomy 19:1-10), when only one altar was permitted, at the national sanctuary at Jerusalem, which…

Read Cambridge on Numbers 35 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

THE , Numbers 35:22-28.Human life is so sacred that it must be hedged about by all possible safeguards.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Numbers 35 →

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

But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally,

WEBWorld English Bible2000

“‘But if he shoved him suddenly without hostility, or hurled on him anything without lying in wait,

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally,

NETBNew English Translation2006

“But if he strikes him suddenly, without enmity, or throws anything at him unintentionally,

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait,

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or hurled upon him anything without lying in wait,

RVARevised Version, American1894

But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or hurled upon him any thing without lying in wait,

NWBWebster's Bible1833

But if he shall thrust him suddenly without enmity, or shall have cast upon him any thing without laying in wait,

GNVGeneva Bible1599

But if he pusshed him vnaduisedly, and not of hatred, or cast vpon him any thing, without laying of waite,

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

But if he have thrust at him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him anything unintentionally,

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

'And if, in an instant, without enmity, he hath thrust him through, or hath cast at him any instrument, without lying in wait;

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And if, in an instant, without enmity, he has pushed him, or has cast any instrument at him without lying in wait,

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

But if he have pushed against him accidentally without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without lying in wait,

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

But if an accused man suddenly hits a victim without premeditated hate or throws something that hits the victim without lying in wait

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

But if by chance medley, and without hatred,

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

But if anyone knocks someone else down without meaning to and without hating them, or throws something at them not meaning to hurt them,

BBEBible in Basic English1949

But if a man has given a wound to another suddenly and not in hate, or without design has sent something against him,

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.

וְandclauseאִםifclauseclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּwithפֶ֥תַעsuddennessprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּwithnoun phraseלֹאnotאֵיבָ֖הenmityverbהֲדָפ֑heobjectוֹpushed.himאוֹorclauseverbהִשְׁלִ֥יךְhe.threwprepositional phrase · prepositionalעָלָ֛יonוhimnoun phrase · objectכָּלanyכְּלִ֖יweaponprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּwithnoun phraseלֹ֥אnotצְדִיָּֽהlying.in.wait

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


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

The Masoretic Text is supported by the Septuagint, which matches word-for-word, indicating a consistent understanding of the verse. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs slightly with the word הדיפו (push) instead of הֲדָף, but the overall meaning remains intact. The Dead Sea Scrolls also reflect similar language, although some words are partially restored.

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

וְאִם־ בְּפֶ֥תַע בְּלֹא־ אֵיבָ֖ה הֲדָפ֑וֹ אוֹ־ הִשְׁלִ֥יךְ עָלָ֛יו כָּל־ כְּלִ֖י בְּלֹ֥א צְדִיָּֽה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְאִם־ἐὰνבְּפֶ֥תַעἐχάπιναבְּלֹא־οὐאֵיבָ֖הἔξθρανהֲדָפ֑וֹαὐτὸνאוֹ־הִשְׁלִ֥יךְἐπιρρίψῃעָלָ֛יוαὐτὸνכָּל־πᾶνכְּלִ֖יσκεῦοςבְּלֹ֥אοὐκצְדִיָּֽה׃ἐνέδρου

12 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.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

ואם בפתע בלא איבה הדיפו או השׁליך עליו כל כלי בלא צדיה

1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: הדיפו (push)

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q27a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[ואם] [בפתע] [בלוא] איבה הדפ׳ו או השליך [עלי׳ו] [כול] [כלי] [בלוא] צדיה

4 words on the leather — 1 partly restored, 7 supplied entire by an editor.

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.

Numbers 35:22אִםand ifand ifאִםפֶּתַעin an instain an instantפֶּתַעלֹאwith notwith notלֹאאֵיבָהenmityenmityאֵיבָההָדַףhe pushed hhe pushed himהָדַףאוֹororאוֹשָׁלַךְhe threwhe threwשָׁלַךְעַלon himon himעַלכֹּלanyanyכֹּלכְּלִיweaponweaponכְּלִילֹאwith notwith notלֹאצְדִיָּהlying in walying in waitצְדִיָּהפִּתְאֹםsuddenlysuddenlyפִּתְאֹםאָיַבbe hostilebe hostileאָיַבכָּלַלto perfectto perfectכָּלַלכָּלָהto end: fito end: finishכָּלָהצָדָהto ambushto ambushצָדָהאַוָּהdesiredesireאַוָּהעַלheightheightעַליָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדאוֹororאוֹחֵןfavorfavorחֵןיֵשׁtherethereיֵשׁמַרְפֵּאhealinghealingמַרְפֵּאבַּ֫יִןbetweenbetweenבַּ֫יִןשָׁלַךְto throwto throwשָׁלַךְשְׁתִיwarpwarpשְׁתִיעֵ֫רֶבracial-mixracial-mixעֵ֫רֶבנְבֵלָהcarcasscarcassנְבֵלָה
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 Numbers 35:22

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 if in an instant with not enmity he pushed him or he threw on him any weapon with not lying in wait
וְאִם־ve.'im- and if H518 Conjunction · particle
1,070× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Tyndale gloss
if
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אִם (im) is a Hebrew conjunction primarily meaning 'if' and is used in various contexts, including conditional clauses and interrogative situations. It can also express negation, alternatives, or exceptions, and appears frequently in the Old Testament. The lexicons note its use in oaths and its ability to connect different clauses, sometimes altering their meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אִם conj.

hypoth. part. if

Interrog. part.

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H518a אִם conj. . hypoth. part. if

. Interrog. part.

H518b 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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

518 'im eem

a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!;

interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh

that!, when; hence, as a negative, not:--(and, can-,

doubtless, if, that) (not), + but, either, + except, +

more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or,

+ save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, + surely (no more,

none, not), though, + of a truth, + unless, + verily, when,

whereas, whether, while, + yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אִם (im) — if.

: if/whether_or/though

1) if

1a) conditional clauses

1a1) of possible situations

1a2) of impossible situations

1b) oath contexts

1b1) no, not

1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or

1d) when, whenever

1e) since

1f) interrogative particle

1g) but rather

[כִּי] אם (ki im) — if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

אִם (im) — if: surely no.

: surely_no

1) if

1a) conditional clauses

1a1) of possible situations

1a2) of impossible situations

1b) oath contexts

1b1) no, not

1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or

1d) when, whenever

1e) since

1f) interrogative particle

1g) but rather

אִם (im) — if: surely yes.

: surely_yes

1) if

1a) conditional clauses

1a1) of possible situations

1a2) of impossible situations

1b) oath contexts

1b1) no, not

1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or

1d) when, whenever

1e) since

1f) interrogative particle

1g) but rather

אִם (im) — if: until.

: until/except

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Conj — Conjunction · particle
HC/Tc
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and if in an instant with not enmity he pushed him or he threw on him any weapon with not lying in wait
בְּפֶ֥תַעbe.Fe.ta' in an instant H6621 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
7× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means suddenness or quickness, often used to describe something happening in an instant. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of urgency or surprise. In the KJV, it is translated as 'at an instant' or 'suddenly'.
Amplified meaning
in an instant, without warning
Tyndale gloss
suddenness
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פֶּתַע (petha`) refers to suddenness or an instant, derived from an unused root meaning to open the eyes. It conveys the idea of something happening quickly or unexpectedly. The entries consistently emphasize this notion of suddenness without notable disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פֶּתַע subst. suddenness (√ unknown)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6621 פֶּתַע suddenness

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6621 petha` peh'-thah

from an unused root meaning to open (the eyes); a wink, i.e.

moment (compare 6597) (used only (with or without preposition)

adverbially, quickly or unexpectedly):--at an instant,

suddenly, X very.

see HEBREW for 06597

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פֶּתַע (pe.ta) — suddenness.

suddenness, in an instant

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HR/Ncmsa
and if in an instant with not enmity he pushed him or he threw on him any weapon with not lying in wait
בְּלֹא־be.lo'- with not H3808 Preposition · 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.
Amplified meaning
lacking
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
Prep | Part — Preposition · particle
HR/Tn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and if in an instant with not enmity he pushed him or he threw on him any weapon with not lying in wait
אֵיבָ֖ה'ei.Vah enmity H342 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
5× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word represents hostility or hatred between people or groups, like the enmity between God and those who disobey Him. It is mentioned in Genesis and Ezekiel, describing the consequences of sin.
Amplified meaning
enmity, hatred
Tyndale gloss
enmity
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵיבָה ('eybah) means enmity or hostility, derived from the root word associated with hatred. The entries consistently emphasize its meaning as a form of animosity, with no significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵיבָה n.f. enmity

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H342 אֵיבָה enmity

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

342 'eybah ay-baw'

from 340; hostility:--emnity, hatred.

see HEBREW for 0340

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵיבָה (e.vah) — enmity.

enmity, hatred

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

en'-mi-ti ('ebhah; echthra):

"Enmity" (hate) occurs as the translation of 'ebhah in Ge 3:15, "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed," and in Nu 35:21,22, where the absence of enmity on the part of the man-slayer modifies the judgment to be passed on him.

In the New Testament "enmity" is the translation of echthra: Lu 23:12; Ro 8:7, "The mind of the flesh is enmity against God." Jas 4:4, "The friendship of the world is enmity with God" (because "the world" is preferred to God); in Eph 2:15,16, Christ is said to have "abolished in…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Enmity

Deep-rooted hatred. “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, between thy seed and her seed” (Gen. 3:15). The friendship of the world is “enmity with God” (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15, 16). The “carnal mind” is “enmity against God” (Rom. 8:7). By the abrogation of the Mosaic institutes the “enmity” between Jew and Gentile is removed. They are reconciled, are “made one” (Eph. 2:15, 16).

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and if in an instant with not enmity he pushed him or he threw on him any weapon with not lying in wait
הֲדָפ֑וֹha.da.Fo he pushed him H1920 Verb qal perfect third person masculine singular · suffix
11× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To thrust means to push away or down, as seen in the Bible when driving out or expelling someone, like in the book of Leviticus.
Amplified meaning
thrusts, drives
Tyndale gloss
to thrust
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הָדַף (Hadaph) is a Hebrew verb meaning to thrust, push, or drive away. It encompasses actions like casting out or expelling, and can also imply deposing someone. The entries consistently highlight its use in the context of physical force or removal.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[הָדַף] vb. thrust, push, drive

Qal

thrust, push

thrust out, drive out

= depose

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1920 [הָדַף] thrust, push, drive

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1920 Hadaph haw-daf'

a prim root; to push away or down:--cast away (out), drive,

expel, thrust (away).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָדַף (ha.daph) — to thrust.

1) to thrust, push, drive, cast away, cast out, expel, thrust away

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to thrust, push

1a2) to drive out, thrust out

1a3) to depose

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff — Verb qal perfect third person masculine singular · suffix
HVqp3ms/Sp3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and if in an instant with not enmity he pushed him or he threw on him any weapon with not lying in wait
אוֹ־'ov- or H176 Conjunction
321× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Tyndale gloss
or
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אוֹ (*'ow*) primarily functions as a conjunction meaning 'or,' often indicating a preference or choice between options. It can also introduce examples, express conditions, or imply alternatives. Additionally, it is associated with the noun meaning 'desire' in Proverbs 31:4. The entries reflect a range of uses, but do not present significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אוֹ 320 conj. or

sometimes implying a preference, nearly or rather

introducing a sentence, esp. a particular case under a general principle, or = or if

if perchance

once, with the juss. = except

base

[אֵו] n.m. אוֹ, Kt Pr 31:4 desire, so Thes MV; but < Qr אֵי q.v.

done

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H176 אוֹ or . sometimes implying a preference, nearly or rather

. introducing a sentence, esp. a particular case under a general principle, or = or if

. if perchance

. once, with the juss. = except

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

176 'ow o

presumed to be the "constructive" or genitival form of -av

{av}; short for 185; desire (and so probably in Prov. 31:4);

hence (by way of alternative) or, also if:--also, and,

either, if, at the least, X nor, or, otherwise, then, whether.

see HEBREW for 0185

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אוֹ (o) — or.

1) or, rather

1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred

1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle

1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or

1d) if perchance

1e) except, or else

2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then

אוֹ (o) — desire.

desire

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Conjunction
HC
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

or: The word is used once for either (1Sa 26:10), and is still in poetic use in this sense; as in, "Without or wave or wind" (Coleridge); "Or the bakke or some bone he breketh in his dzouthe" (Piers Plowman (B), VII, 93; compare Merchant of Venice, III, ii, 65). It is also used with "ever" for before (Ps 90:2; Ecclesiasticus 18:19), which the American Standard Revised Version substitutes in Ec 12:6 (compare 12:1,2); So 6:12; Da 6:24.

and if in an instant with not enmity he pushed him or he threw on him any weapon with not lying in wait
הִשְׁלִ֥יךְhish.Likh he threw H7993 Verb · Hiphil · perfect third person masculine singular
125× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To throw or cast away is the meaning of this Hebrew verb. It is used in various contexts, including throwing lots or casting out something unwanted. The word appears in stories like Jonah being thrown into the sea.
Amplified meaning
casts, hurls
Tyndale gloss
to throw
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׁלַךְ (shalak) is a Hebrew verb meaning to throw, cast, or fling. It can be used literally or figuratively, covering actions like throwing away or casting lots. The Hiphil form indicates an active throwing, while the Hophal form suggests being thrown or cast. The entries collectively emphasize various nuances of throwing and casting.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[שָׁלַךְ] 125 vb. Hiph. 112 throw, fling, cast

Hoph.

be thrown, cast

be cast forth, out

be cast down

metaph., be cast

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7993 שָׁלַךְ Hiph. throw, fling, cast

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7993 shalak shaw-lak

a primitive root; to throw out, down or away (literally or

figuratively):--adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off,

out), hurl, pluck, throw.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁלַךְ (sha.lakh) — to throw.

1) to throw, cast, hurl, fling

1a) (Hiphil)

1a1) to throw, cast, throw away, cast off, shed, cast down

1a2) to cast (lots) (fig)

1b) (Hophal)

1b1) to be thrown, be cast

1b2) to be cast forth or out

1b3) to be cast down

1b4) to be cast (metaph)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · perfect third person masculine singular
HVhp3ms
and if in an instant with not enmity he pushed him or he threw on him any weapon with not lying in wait
עָלָ֛יו'a.Lav on him 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
HRd/Sp3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and if in an instant with not enmity he pushed him or he threw on him any weapon with not lying in wait
כָּל־kol- any H3605 Noun common · masculine singular construct
5,415× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Tyndale gloss
all
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all

with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

Absolutely:

without the art., all things, all

with the art. הַכֹּל

where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all

. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3605 kol kole

or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;

hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a

plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any

(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as

many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,

whoso(-ever).

see HEBREW for 03634

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּל (kol) — all.

1) all, the whole

1a) all, the whole of

1b) any, each, every, anything

1c) totality, everything

Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and if in an instant with not enmity he pushed him or he threw on him any weapon with not lying in wait
כְּלִ֖יke.Li weapon H3627 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
325× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Amplified meaning
article, utensil
Tyndale gloss
article/utensil
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כְּלִי (kliy) refers to an article or utensil, encompassing a wide range of objects such as vessels, tools, and implements used for various purposes, including music and warfare. It is derived from a root meaning 'to prepare' and can denote anything from furniture to weapons. The entries highlight its general use in the Old Testament without significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כְּלִי 324 n.m. article, utensil, vessel

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3627 כְּלִי article, utensil, vessel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3627 kliy kel-ee'

from 3615; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an

implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon):--armour

((-bearer)), artillery, bag, carriage, + furnish, furniture,

instrument, jewel, that is made of, X one from another, that

which pertaineth, pot, + psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool,

vessel, ware, weapon, + whatsoever.

see HEBREW for 03615

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כְּלִי (ke.li) — article/utensil.

1) article, vessel, implement, utensil

1a) article, object (general)

1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel

1b1) implement (of hunting or war)

1b2) implement (of music)

1b3) implement, tool (of labour)

1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen)

1b5) utensils, furniture

1c) vessel, receptacle (general)

1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
and if in an instant with not enmity he pushed him or he threw on him any weapon with not lying in wait
בְּלֹ֥אbe.Lo' with not H3808 Preposition · 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.
Amplified meaning
without lying in wait, by accident
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
Prep | Part — Preposition · particle
HR/Tn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and if in an instant with not enmity he pushed him or he threw on him any weapon with not lying in wait
צְדִיָּֽה׃tze.di.Yah lying in wait H6660 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
2× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to lie in wait or ambush, often with a sense of design or planning. It is used in the Bible to describe situations where someone is setting a trap for others. It appears in passages like Psalm 10:9.
Tyndale gloss
ambush
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

צְדִיָּה (tsdiyah) refers to the concept of ambush or lying in wait. It is derived from the root word for design and is associated with the idea of being in a hidden position to surprise or attack. The entries consistently emphasize this meaning without significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

צְדִיָּה n.f. lying-in-wait

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6660 צְדִיָּה

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6660 tsdiyah tsed-ee-yaw'

from 6658; design (compare 6656):--lying in wait.

see HEBREW for 06658

see HEBREW for 06656

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

צְדִיָּה (tse.diy.yah) — ambush.

lying in wait, ambushing

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcfsa — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

wat:

1. The Substantive:

The word is used in the Old Testament both as a substantive add as a verb. In the New Testament it appears as a verb only. 'erebh, ma'arabh, mean a concealed hiding-place for purposes of sudden attack, an ambuscade.

(1) "Lie in wait": "Abimelech rose up .... from lying in wait" (Jud 9:35 the King James Version); "When they .... abide in the covert to lie in wait" (Job 38:40).

(2) "Lay wait": "They compassed him in, and laid wait for him" (Jud 16:2).

2. The Verb:

(1) sharath, "to serve," "to minister," to act in the capacity of servant or attendant: "These waited on the king" (2Ch 17:19). Used especially in this sense with regard to the ceremonial service…

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.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate