Proverbs 16:26 — Word Study
WLCנֶ֣פֶשׁ עָ֭מֵל עָ֣מְלָה לּ֑וֹ כִּֽי־ אָכַ֖ף עָלָ֣יו פִּֽיהוּ׃
BSAA worker’sʻâmêl [labouring man, one who toils] appetitenephesh [strong desire, craving] worksʻâmal■ becausekîy his hungerpeh [need of food, emptiness] drives himʼâkaph△■ onwardʻal [urges him, motivates him to action]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| נֶ֣פֶשׁ | [the] appetite of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| עָ֭מֵל | a laborer | Adj |
| עָ֣מְלָה | it labors | Verb, Qal, perfect third person feminine singular |
| לּ֑וֹ | for him | Preposition, suffix |
| כִּֽי־ | for | Particle |
| אָכַ֖ף | it presses | Verb, Qal, perfect third person masculine singular |
| עָלָ֣יו | on him | Preposition, suffix |
| פִּֽיהוּ׃ | mouth his | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward. |
| KJV | He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. |
| ASV | The appetite of the laboring man laboreth for him; For his mouth urgeth him thereto. |
| YLT | A labouring man hath laboured for himself, For his mouth hath caused [him] to bend over it. |
| WEB | The appetite of the laboring man labors for him, for his mouth urges him on. |
| BBE | The desire of the working man is working for him, for his need of food is driving him on. |
Where they part company is עָ֭מֵל — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause is supported by a causal clause explaining why the appetite works for the worker, creating a clear connection between desire and action.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbעָמַל
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
1 of 8 occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament — a word chosen on purpose.
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 — Proverbs 16:26
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 — Wisdom on Work and Desiregenerated
Proverbs 16:26 teaches that a worker’s strong desire or appetite drives him to work, suggesting that hunger can be a powerful motivator. This verse is part of a larger discourse on the nature of human actions and their consequences, as seen in the surrounding verses that discuss the paths of life and the outcomes of one's choices.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 9:12 | If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences. |
| 2 | Proverbs 14:23 | There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 6:7 | All a man’s labor is for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied. |
| 4 | 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 | and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. |
| 5 | 2 Thessalonians 3:8–12 | nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — נֶ֫פֶשׁ, Ne.feshgenerated
The word נֶ֫פֶשׁ (*nephesh*) translates as 'soul' or 'living being,' and in this context, it refers to a strong desire or appetite. It encompasses the essence of a person, including their emotions and desires, indicating that one's inner drive is a significant factor in their actions.
This term is used to express the vitality of a person’s cravings, suggesting that the appetite not only signifies a need for sustenance but also represents a deeper drive that compels the individual to labor. The lexicons emphasize its connection to life and desire, making it a fitting choice for this verse.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses appetite to convey the meaning of נֶ֫פֶשׁ. The KJV and ASV also use appetite, maintaining the same sense of craving.
Where translations differ is in the rendering of עָ֭מֵל. The RVA and YLT use labouring man, while the NETB opts for a laborer, reflecting a slight variation in emphasis on the nature of the worker.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is עָ֣מְלָה, it labors, which governs the subject and the prepositional phrases that follow. The structure indicates that the appetite is the driving force behind the labor.
The sentence flows from the subject to the action and then to the cause, highlighting the relationship between desire and work. The prepositional phrases clarify the direction of the action, emphasizing that the labor is for the worker himself.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates נֶ֫פֶשׁ as ἀνὴρ, meaning 'man,' which shifts the focus from the inner desire to the person as a whole. This choice may reflect a broader interpretation of the verse, emphasizing the human aspect of labor rather than the specific appetite.
The Greek word πονεῖ is used for עָ֣מְלָה, indicating toil or labor, which aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning of hard work, though it does not carry the same nuance of personal drive.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 16:26 explains that a worker’s strong desire drives him to work hard. This verse highlights how hunger can motivate a person to take action and fulfill their needs. It is part of a larger discussion about the nature of human choices and their consequences.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that a strong desire or need can motivate a person to labor hard, fulfilling their needs and driving them to action.
Hunger creates a sense of urgency and necessity, prompting individuals to seek out work and fulfill their basic needs.
The term 'laborer' emphasizes the hard work and effort required to satisfy one's desires, highlighting the relationship between appetite and action.
This verse fits into a broader context of wisdom literature that discusses the consequences of human choices and the motivations behind actions.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I feel a strong desire driving me to work harder?
- How can I ensure that my motivations align with positive outcomes in my labor?
- What are some examples of how hunger or need has motivated me in the past?
- How can I apply the wisdom of this verse to my daily work and responsibilities?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Church Fathers often reflected on the themes of labor and desire in their writings. Here, Bede comments on the implications of this verse regarding the nature of work and human need.
The soul of the laborer labors for itself, etc. It is evident, according to the letter, that man expelled from paradise exercises daily labor so that he may not lack.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 16 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 16:26 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleHe that laboureth, laboureth for himself,.... Man is born for labour; it is a part of the curse inflicted on him for sin; and his condition and circumstances are such as make it necessary, for such
Read John Gill on Proverbs 16 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryHe that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. He that laboureth, laboureth for himself - literally, 'The soul of him that laboureth, laboureth,' etc.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 16 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleFor himself; for his own use and benefit. The scope of the proverb is to commend and press diligence in a man’ s calling, and to condemn idleness. Craveth it of him, Heb. boweth to him, as a suppliant; beggeth him to labour, that it may have something to put into it for its own comfort, and for the nourishment of the whole body.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 16 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 16:26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.Ver. 26. He that laboureth, laboureth for himself.] He earns it to eat it, he gets it with his hands to maintain "the life of his hands," as it is therefore also called Animantis cuiusque vita in fuga est, saith the philosopher; Life will away if not repaired by aliment. Et dii boni; quantum hominum unus exereet venter! Oh what ado there is to provide meat for the belly! There are those who make too much ado, while they make it "their god," as did that Pamphagus, Nabal; those in St Paul’ s time, that "served not the Lord Jesus Christ, but their own bellies"; and our Abbey lubbers, Quorum luxuriae totus…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 16 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(26) He that laboureth laboureth for himself.—Rather, the desire, or hunger, of the labourer laboureth for him, for his mouth urges him on; the feeling that he is supplying his own needs gives him strength for his work.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 16 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 26. He that laboureth] No thanks to a man for his labour and industry; if he do not work he must starve.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 16 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges26. He that laboureth laboureth for himself] Rather, the desire, or appetite (lit. soul, see A.V. marg.) of him that laboureth, laboureth for him. The desire which craves satisfaction is the motive power, impelling to the labour by which it is satisfied. Couched, after the true manner of a parable, in terms belonging to the lowest sphere of animal appetite (“his mouth, or bodily hunger, craveth it of him”), the proverb extends to the highest aspirations and noblest efforts of the affections, the intellect and the soul. Comp. John 6:27, and Ecclesiastes 6:7 (where the Heb. words for “labour” and “desire” or “appetite” are the same as here): “All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet…
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 16 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleHe that laboreth - literally, as in the margin, i. e., “The desire of the laborer labors for him” (or, helps him in his work), “for his mouth urges him on.” Hunger of some kind is the spring of all hearty labor.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 16 →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
A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward.
The appetite of the laboring man labors for him, for his mouth urges him on.
A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward.
A laborer’s appetite works on his behalf, for his hunger urges him to work.
Tyndale line
He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
The appetite of the laboring man laboreth for him; For his mouth urgeth him thereto.
The appetite of the labouring man laboureth for him; for his mouth craveth it of him.
He that laboreth laboreth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
The person that traueileth, traueileth for himselfe: for his mouth craueth it of him.
Strictly literal
The appetite of the labourer laboureth for him, for his mouth urgeth him on.
A labouring man hath laboured for himself, For his mouth hath caused [him] to bend over it.
A laboring man has labored for himself, || For his mouth has caused [him] to bend over it.
The desire of the laborer laboreth for him; for his mouth imposeth it on him.
The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger urges him on.
From the Latin
The soul of him that laboureth, laboureth for himself, because his mouth hath obliged him to it.
Simplified
A good appetite helps workers—hunger encourages them.
The desire of the working man is working for him, for his need of food is driving him on.
Word by word, the decisions they made
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 reads, "נֶ֣פֶשׁ עָ֭מֵל עָ֣מְלָה לּ֑וֹ כִּֽי־ אָכַ֖ף עָלָ֣יו פִּֽיהוּ׃" which translates to, "A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward." The Septuagint, while not providing a full text for comparison, indicates that 6 of the 8 words align with the Masoretic Text, suggesting a significant agreement in meaning. However, the exact wording and structure differ, as the Septuagint presents its own sentence construction. The Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls do not provide additional readings for this verse, so we cannot assess their agreement or differences with the Masoretic Text in this instance.
נֶ֣פֶשׁ עָ֭מֵל עָ֣מְלָה לּ֑וֹ כִּֽי־ אָכַ֖ף עָלָ֣יו פִּֽיהוּ׃
6 of the 8 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 Proverbs 16:26
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word נֶ֫פֶשׁ (*nephesh*) broadly means 'soul' or 'living being,' encompassing concepts like life, self, person, desire, and emotion. It is derived from the root meaning 'to breathe' and signifies both physical and mental aspects of existence. The lexicons note its use in various contexts, including as the seat of appetites and emotions, though its application to will and character is uncertain.
נֶ֫פֶשׁ 756 n.f. soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, appetite, emotion, and passion
= that which breathes, the breathing substance or being
The נפשׁ becomes a living being
The נפשׁ is specif.
The נפשׁ as the essential of man stands for the man himself
נפשׁ = seat of the appetites, in all periods (46 t.)
נ׳ = seat of emotions and passions
נפשׁ is used occasionally for mental acts
נפשׁ for acts of the will is dub.
נפשׁ = character is still more dub.
נ׳ in D
base
H5315 נֶ֫פֶשׁ soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, appetite, emotion, and passion . = that which breathes, the breathing substance or being
. The נפשׁ becomes a living being
. The נפשׁ is specif.
. The נפשׁ as the essential of man stands for the man himself
. נפשׁ = seat of the appetites, in all periods (46 t.)
. נ׳ = seat of emotions and passions
. נפשׁ is used occasionally for mental acts
. נפשׁ for acts of the will is dub.
. נפשׁ = character is still more dub.
. נ׳ in D
5315 nephesh neh'-fesh
from 5314; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of
(abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal,
accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental):--any,
appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, X dead(-ly), desire,
X (dis-)contented, X fish, ghost, + greedy, he, heart(-y),
(hath, X jeopardy of) life (X in jeopardy), lust, man, me,
mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-,
thy-)self, them (your)-selves, + slay, soul, + tablet, they,
thing, (X she) will, X would have it.
see HEBREW for 05314
נֶ֫פֶשׁ (ne.phesh) — soul.
1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion
1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man
1b) living being
1c) living being (with life in the blood)
1d) the man himself, self, person or individual
1e) seat of the appetites
1f) seat of emotions and passions
1g) activity of mind
1g1) uncertain
1h) activity of the will
1h1) uncertain
1i) activity of the character
1i1) uncertain
נֶ֫פֶשׁ (ne.phesh) — soul: life.
1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion
1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man
1b) living being
1c) living being (with life in the blood)
1d) the man himself, self, person or individual
1e) seat of the appetites
1f) seat of emotions and passions
1g) activity of mind
N-cs — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
עָמֵל (amel) refers to a laborer or sufferer, emphasizing toil and hardship. The word can denote both a concrete worker and a figurative sense of sorrow or misery. It is derived from a root that implies toiling, and it appears in contexts that highlight labor and suffering.
עָמֵל n.m. laborer, sufferer
base
עָמֵל adj.verb. toiling, only Ec, as pred.
base
H6001a עָמֵל laborer, sufferer H6001b עָמֵל adj. verb. toiling
6001 `amel aw-male'
from 5998; toiling; concretely, a laborer; figuratively,
sorrowful:--that laboureth, that is a misery, had taken
(labour), wicked, workman.
see HEBREW for 05998
עָמֵל (a.mel) — labour(er).
1) labourer, sufferer, wretched one
1a) labourer, workman
1b) sufferer
עָמֵל (a.mel) — laborious.
adj v
toiling
Adj — AdjHAamsa
עָמַל (amal) is a primitive root meaning to toil or labor, often with a sense of severity and discomfort. The entries emphasize its use in the context of hard work, particularly in the Qal form. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meaning.
עָמַל vb. labour, toil
base
H5998 עָמַל
5998 `amal aw-mal'
a primitive root; to toil, i.e. work severely and with
irksomeness:--(take) labour (in).
עָמַל (a.mal) — to toil.
1) to labour, toil
1a) (Qal) to labour
V-Qal-Perf-3fs — Verb · Qal · perfect third person feminine singularHVqp3fs
וֹ (o) — him.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine singular
HR/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp3ms
כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'
כִּי conj. that, for, when
that
Of time, when, of the past
elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
Because, since
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that
. . Of time, when, of the past
. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
. Because, since
H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
3588 kiy kee
a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional
prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent
or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative
conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by
other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,
where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,
even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +
nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,
therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,
whether, while, whom, yea, yet.
כִּי (ki) — for.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if
1f) but rather, but
1g) except that
1h) only, nevertheless
1i) surely
1j) that is
1k) but if
1l) for though
1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
1b) even though
כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
Conj — ParticleHTc
for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.
In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…
אָכַף (akaph) is a primitive root that conveys the idea of pressing or urging, with a specific emphasis on craving. The entries suggest a range of meanings including to bend or curve, particularly in the context of a burden. The lexicons consistently highlight the notion of craving as a key aspect of this word.
אָכַף vb. press, urge
base
H404 אָכַף
404 'akaph aw-kaf'
a primitive root; apparently meaning to curve (as with a
burden); to urge:--crave.
אָכַף (a.khaph) — to crave.
1) press, urge, bend
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to crave
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singularHVqp3ms
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp3ms
The Hebrew word פֶּה (*peh*) means 'mouth' and encompasses various meanings, including the mouth of a person or animal, as well as openings or orifices. It can also refer to speech, edges, and portions. Additionally, it denotes a weight equal to one third of a shekel, found in 1 Samuel 13:21.
פֶּה 485 n.m. mouth
mouth, of man, organ of eating and drinking
external organ
much oftener, as organ of speech, of man
as laughing; panting
of God
of idols
of musical instr. = sound
of animals; hence of edge of sword
mouth = opening, orifice
extremity, end
= portion
with preps.
base
H6310 פֶּה mouth . . mouth, of man, organ of eating and drinking
. external organ
. . much oftener, as organ of speech, of man
. as laughing; panting
. of God
. of idols
. of musical instr. = sound
. of animals
. mouth = opening, orifice
. . extremity, end
. = portion
. with preps.
6310 peh peh
from 6284; the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether
literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically
edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition)
according to:--accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment,
assent, collar, command(-ment), X eat, edge, end, entry, +
file, hole, X in, mind, mouth, part, portion, X (should)
say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, X spoken, talk,
tenor, X to, + two-edged, wish, word.
see HEBREW for 06284
פֶּה (peh) — lip.
: lip/mouth
peh
1) mouth
1a) mouth (of man)
1b) mouth (as organ of speech)
1c) mouth (of animals)
1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc)
1e) extremity, end pim
2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
פֶּה (peh) — lip: edge.
: edge
peh
1) mouth
1a) mouth (of man)
1b) mouth (as organ of speech)
1c) mouth (of animals)
1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc)
1e) extremity, end pim
2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
פֶּה (peh) — lip: word.
: word/command
peh
1) mouth
1a) mouth (of man)
1b) mouth (as organ of speech)
1c) mouth (of animals)
1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc)
1e) extremity, end pim
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms