Psalms 33:17 — Word Study
WLCשֶׁ֣קֶר הַ֭סּוּס לִתְשׁוּעָ֑ה וּבְרֹ֥ב חֵ֝יל֗וֹ לֹ֣א יְמַלֵּֽט׃
BSAA horseçûwç [a vain thing, a false hope] is a vain hopesheqer [deception, a false sense of security] for salvationtᵉshûwʻâh [deliverance, rescue] even its greatrôb [abundant, mighty] strengthchayil [power, might] cannotlôʼ [will not, is unable to] savemâlaṭ▸ [deliver, rescue]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| שֶׁ֣קֶר | [is] a vain hope | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| הַ֭סּוּס | horse | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| לִתְשׁוּעָ֑ה | for victory | Preposition, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| וּבְרֹ֥ב | and by [the] greatness of | Conjunction, preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| חֵ֝יל֗וֹ | strength its | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| לֹ֣א | not | Particle |
| יְמַלֵּֽט׃ | it delivers | Verb, Piel, imperfect third person masculine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save. |
| KJV | An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. |
| ASV | A horse is a vain thing for safety; Neither doth he deliver any by his great power. |
| YLT | A false thing [is] the horse for safety, And by the abundance of his strength He doth not deliver. |
| WEB | A horse is a vain thing for safety, neither does he deliver any by his great power. |
| BBE | A horse is a false hope; his great power will not make any man free from danger. |
The translations agree that a horse is a vain hope for salvation, emphasizing the deceptive nature of reliance on human strength.
The structure consists of a main clause with two prepositional phrases and a verb phrase, clearly presenting the relationship between the horse's inability to save and the concept of hope.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbמָלַט
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 — Psalms 33:17
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 — The Nature of True Salvationgenerated
Psalm 33:17 emphasizes the futility of placing hope in horses for salvation, contrasting human reliance with divine capability. This verse is part of a larger reflection on how no king or warrior can secure their safety through their own strength, as seen in the surrounding verses. The psalmist points to the importance of trusting in the Lord, who watches over those who fear Him and places their hope in His steadfast love.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 20:7 | Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. |
| 2 | Judges 4:15 | And in front of him the LORD routed with the sword Sisera, all his charioteers, and all his army. Sisera abandoned his chariot and fled on foot. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 7:6–7 | For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” |
| 4 | Proverbs 21:31 | A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 9:11 | I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — שֶׁקֶר, She.kergenerated
The Hebrew word שֶׁ֫קֶר (sheqer) denotes deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It is frequently used in contexts involving lies or deceitful behavior, as in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist declares that all men are liars.
This word's usage here highlights the false hope that reliance on a horse represents. It suggests that trusting in such things for salvation is inherently deceptive, as they ultimately lack the power to deliver.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree that a horse is a deceptive hope for salvation.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb יְמַלֵּט (ye.ma.Let), meaning 'it delivers,' governs the sentence, with a noun phrase and prepositional phrases providing the subject and context. The structure emphasizes the relationship between the horse's strength and its inability to save.
The main clause is clear: a horse is a vain hope for salvation, reinforced by the description of its strength, which cannot deliver.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates שֶׁ֫קֶר as ψευδὴς (pseudēs), meaning 'deceitful.' This choice underscores the deceptive nature of relying on horses for salvation, aligning with the Hebrew meaning but emphasizing the falsehood more explicitly.
The Greek word for 'horse' is ἵππος (hippos), which maintains the focus on the animal's role in the context of strength and deliverance.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 33:17 teaches that relying on horses for salvation is deceptive and futile. The strength of a horse cannot deliver anyone from danger. Instead, true salvation comes from trusting in God.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that relying on horses, or any human strength, for deliverance is deceptive and ultimately ineffective.
The strength of a horse is often seen as a symbol of power; the psalmist highlights that even this strength cannot save.
It fits into a broader context that emphasizes the futility of human efforts in securing safety compared to trusting in God.
It warns against misplaced trust in things that cannot provide true deliverance, urging reliance on God's power instead.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own strength instead of trusting in God?
- How can I remind myself of the futility of trusting in things that are ultimately deceptive?
- What are some practical ways I can place my hope in God's deliverance rather than in worldly means?
- How does understanding the concept of deception in this verse impact my faith and trust in God?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentators like Augustine of Hippo and Arnobius the Younger reflect on this verse, discussing the futility of trusting in horses for safety and the deception involved in such reliance.
"A horse is a deceitful thing for safety:" he is deceived, who thinks either that through men he gains salvation received among men, or that by the impetuosity of his own courage he is defended from destruction.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 33 →
You will not be safe any more than the man who trusted in his own horse, of whom it was sung, “He cast the horse and its rider into the sea.” The horse failed to save him.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 33 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 33:17 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleA horse [is] a vain thing for safety,.... Though it is prepared for the day of battle, and is a very warlike creature, and of great service in war, yet safety only is of the Lord, Proverbs 21:31;
Read John Gill on Psalms 33 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAn horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 33 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleAn horse; though he be strong, , &c., and fit for battle, ; or for flight, if need requires. And so this is put for all warlike provisions; of which horses were and are a very considerable part. A vain thing, Heb. a lie, because it promiseth that help and safety which it cannot give.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 33 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 33:17 An horse [is] a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver [any] by his great strength.Ver. 17. An horse is a vain thing] And yet a warlike creature, full of terror and so swift in service, that the Persians dedicated him to the sun (Pausan.). See Job 41:20 Proverbs 21:31,
Read John Trapp on Psalms 33 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(17) Safety.—Better, victory. (Comp. Habakkuk 3:8.) The allusion is to the war-horse.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 33 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 17. A horse is a vain thing for safety] Even the horse, with all his fleetness, is no sure means of escape from danger: the lion or the tiger can overtake him or he may stumble, fall, and destroy his rider.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 33 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges17. A horse—to the Israelites cavalry seemed the most formidable part of an army—is but a vain thing—lit. a lie, a delusion—for safety—for victory (Psalms 21:1): neither can it give escape by the greatness of its power: it cannot even secure its rider’s escape in case of defeat. Cp. Proverbs 21:31.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 33 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleAn horse - The reference here is undoubtedly to the war-horse. See the notes at Psalms 20:7. Is a vain thing - literally, is a “lie.” That is, he cannot be confided in. For safety - For securing safety in battle.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 33 →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 horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save.
A horse is a vain thing for safety, neither does he deliver any by his great power.
A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save.
A horse disappoints those who trust in it for victory; despite its great strength, it cannot deliver.
Tyndale line
An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
A horse is a vain thing for safety; Neither doth he deliver any by his great power.
An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great power.
A horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
A horse is a vaine helpe, and shall not deliuer any by his great strength.
Strictly literal
The horse is a vain thing for safety; neither doth he deliver by his great power.
A false thing [is] the horse for safety, And by the abundance of his strength He doth not deliver.
A false thing [is] the horse for safety, || And he does not deliver || By the abundance of his strength.
Vain is the horse for victory: nor shall he deliver any by the greatness of his strength.
A horse is a false hope for victory; in spite of his great strength, he cannot rescue.
From the Latin
But the countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil things: to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
Simplified
Don't deceive yourself: a warhorse can't give you victory—even its incredible strength won't save you.
A horse is a false hope; his great power will not make any man free from danger.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree closely on the wording of this verse, with all seven words matched. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain a partially restored version, but the essential meaning remains consistent with the Masoretic Text.
שֶׁ֣קֶר הַ֭סּוּס לִתְשׁוּעָ֑ה וּבְרֹ֥ב חֵ֝יל֗וֹ לֹ֣א יְמַלֵּֽט׃
7 of the 7 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.
[שקר] [הסוס] [לתשועה] [וברוב] [חיל׳ו] [לוא] ימלט
nothing on the leather here — 1 partly restored, 6 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.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 33:17
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.
שֶׁ֫קֶר (sheqer) refers to deception, falsehood, and disappointment. It encompasses various forms of deceit, including fraud and wrongful testimony. The word is built from the root associated with untruths and can imply sham or lying. It is used in contexts involving false prophets and general dishonesty.
שֶׁ֫קֶר 113 n.m. deception, disappointment, falsehood
deception, what deceives, disappoints, and betrays one
deceit, fraud, wrong
injurious falsehood, in testimony
falsity, of false or self-deceived prophets
lie, falsehood, in gen.
base
H8267 שֶׁ֫קֶר deception, disappointment, falsehood . deception, what deceives, disappoints, and betrays one
. deceit, fraud, wrong
. injurious falsehood, in testimony
. falsity, of false or self-deceived prophets
. lie, falsehood, in gen.
8267 sheqer sheh'-ker
from 8266; an untruth; by implication, a sham (often
adverbial):--without a cause, deceit(-ful),
false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, + lie, lying, vain
(thing), wrongfully.
see HEBREW for 08266
שֶׁ֫קֶר (she.qer) — deception.
1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood
1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one)
1b) deceit, fraud, wrong
1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb)
1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony)
1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely
1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets)
1e) lie, falsehood (in general)
1e1) false tongue
1f) in vain
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
hop:
1. In the Old Testament:
In the Revised Version (British and American) the New Testament "hope" represents the noun elpis (52 t), and the verb elpizo (31 t). King James Version, however, renders the noun in Heb 10:23 by "faith," and for the verb gives "trust" in 18 cases (apparently without much system, e.g. in Php 2 compare 2:19 and 23; see TRUST), while in Lu 6:35 it translates apelpizo, by "hoping for nothing again" (the Revised Version (British and American) "never despairing"). But in the Old Testament there is no Hebrew word that has the exact force of "expectation of some good thing," so that in the King James Version "hope" (noun and vb.) stands for some 15 Hebrew words, nearly all of which in other places are given other translation (e.g. mibhTach, is rendered "hope"…
Hope
One of the three main elements of Christian character (1 Cor. 13:13). It is joined to faith and love, and is opposed to seeing or possessing (Rom. 8:24; 1 John 3:2). “Hope is an essential and fundamental element of Christian life, so essential indeed, that, like faith and love, it can itself designate the essence of Christianity (1 Pet. 3:15; Heb. 10:23). In it the whole glory of the Christian vocation is centred (Eph. 1:18; 4:4).” Unbelievers are without this hope (Eph. 2:12;
→ General scriptures concerning Ps 9:18; 16:9; 31:24; 33:18,22; 38:15; 39:7; 43:5; 71:5,14; 78:5-7; 119:74,81,116,166; 130:7; 146:5; Pr 10:28; 13:12; 14:32; 23:18; 24:14; Isa 38:18; Jer 17:7; La 3:21,24,26; Ho 2:15; Joe 3:16; Zec 9:12; Ac 23:6; 24:14,15; 26:7,8; 28:20; Ro 4:18; 5:2-5; 8:24,25; 12:12; 15:4,13;
סוּס (sus) refers to both a 'swallow' and a 'horse,' derived from a root meaning to skip or leap. The word captures the swift nature of both the bird and the animal, often associated with chariot horses in the context of the Old Testament. There is a note in the entries about a comparison with another Hebrew word, but no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
סוּס n.[m.] swallow or swift
base
סוּס 138 n.m. horse
base
H5483a סוּס swallow or swift H5483b סוּס horse
5483 cuwc soos
or cuc {soos}; from an unused root meaning to skip (properly,
for joy); a horse (as leaping); also a swallow (from its rapid
flight):--crane, horse((-back, -hoof)). Compare 6571.
see HEBREW for 06571
סוּס (sus) — swallow.
swallow, swift
סוּס (sus) — Horse (Gate).
This name means horse
סוּס (sus) — horse.
1) horse
1a) chariot horses
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
hors:
1. Names:
The common names are (1) cuc, and
(2) hippos.
(3) The word parash, "horseman," occurs often, and in several cases is translated "horse" or "warhorse" (Isa 28:28; Eze 27:14; Joe 2:4 the Revised Version, margin); also in 2Sa 16, where the "horsemen" of English Versions of the Bible is ba`ale ha-parashim, "owners of horses"; compare Arabic faris, "horseman," and faras, "horse".
(4) The feminine form cucah, occurs in So 1:9, and is rendered as follows: Septuagint he hippos; Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) equitatum; the King James Version "company of horses," the Revised Version (British and American) "steed." It is not clear why English Versions of the…
Horse
Always referred to in the Bible in connection with warlike operations, except Isa. 28:28. The war-horse is described Job 39:19-25. For a long period after their settlement in Canaan the Israelites made no use of horses, according to the prohibition, Deut. 17:16. David was the first to form a force of cavalry (2 Sam. 8:4). But Solomon, from his connection with Egypt, greatly multiplied their number (1 Kings 4:26; 10:26, 29). After this, horses were freely used in Israel (1 Kings 22:4; 2 Kings 3:7; 9:21, 33…
The most striking feature in the biblical notices of the horse is the exclusive application of it to warlike operations; in no instance is that useful animal employed for the purposes of ordinary locomotion or agriculture, if we except (Isaiah 28:28) The animated description of the horse in (Job 39:19-25) applies solely to the war-horse. The Hebrews in the patriarchal age, as a pastoral race, did not stand in need of the services Of the horse, and for a long period after their settlement in Canaan they dispensed with it, partly in consequence of the hilly nature of the country, which only admitted of the use of chariots in certain localities, (Judges 1:19) and partly in consequence to the prohibition in (17:16) which would be held to apply at all periods. David first established…
תְּשׁוּעָה (tshuw`ah) refers to concepts of rescue, deliverance, and salvation, both in a personal and national context. It emphasizes help and safety, often associated with divine intervention. The term is linked to victory as well, indicating a broader range of meanings related to overcoming challenges or enemies.
תְּשׁוּעָה († תְּשֻׁעָה 2 S 19:3) n.f. deliverance, salvation
base
H8668 תְּשׁוּעָה, תְּשֻׁעָה
8668 tshuw`ah tesh-oo-aw'
or tshuah {tesh-oo-aw'}; from 7768 in the sense of 3467;
rescue (literal or figurative, pers., national or spir.):--
deliverance, help, safety, salvation, victory.
see HEBREW for 07768
see HEBREW for 03467
תְּשׁוּעָה (te.shu.ah) — deliverance: salvation.
: salvation
1) salvation, deliverance
1a) deliverance (usually by God through human agency)
1b) salvation (spiritual in sense)
Also means: te.shu.ah (תְּשׁוּעָה ": victory" H8668H)
תְּשׁוּעָה (te.shu.ah) — deliverance: victory.
: victory
1) salvation, deliverance
1a) deliverance (usually by God through human agency)
1b) salvation (spiritual in sense)
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absoluteHR/Ncfsa
רֹב (rov) refers to a multitude or abundance, encompassing ideas of greatness and numerousness. It is derived from a related root and can describe anything from a large quantity to excellence. The entries consistently highlight its use in various contexts, emphasizing its broad application in the Old Testament.
רֹב 151 n.m. multitude, abundance, greatness
base
H7230 רֹב multitude, abundance, greatness
7230 rob robe
from 7231; abundance (in any respect):--abundance(- antly),
all, X common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number),
huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much,
multitude, plenty(-ifully), X very (age).
see HEBREW for 07231
רֹב (rov) — abundance.
1) multitude, abundance, greatness
1a) multitude
1a1) abundance, abundantly
1a2) numerous
1b) greatness
Conj | Prep | N-cs — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHC/R/Ncmsc
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…
The Hebrew word חַ֫יִל (*chayil*) encompasses meanings related to strength, efficiency, wealth, and army. It is derived from a root meaning force and can refer to physical might, moral virtue, or resources. The entries consistently highlight its application to soldiers and military forces, with no significant disagreement noted among the lexicons.
חַ֫יִל 244 n.m. strength, efficiency, wealth, army
strength, usu. physical
ability, efficiency, often involving moral worth
wealth
force, army
base
H2428 חַ֫יִל strength, efficiency, wealth, army
2428 chayil khah'-yil
from 2342; probably a force, whether of men, means or other
resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength:--able,
activity, (+) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great)
forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong,
substance, train, (+)valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war,
worthy(-ily).
see HEBREW for 02342
חַ֫יִל (cha.yil) — strength: soldiers.
: soldiers/army
1) strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army
1a) strength
1b) ability, efficiency
1c) wealth
1d) force, army
חֵילֵךְ (che.lek) — Helech.
§ Helech = "your army"
a place near Arvad and Gammad
חַ֫יִל (cha.yil) — strength.
: strong
1) strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army
1a) strength
1b) ability, efficiency
1c) wealth
1d) force, army, soldiers/army
חַ֫יִל (cha.yil) — strength: rich.
: rich/wealth
1) strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army
1a) strength
1b) ability, efficiency
1c) wealth
1d) force, army
חַ֫יִל (cha.yil) — strength: worthy.
: worthy
1) strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army
1a) strength
1b) ability, efficiency
1c) wealth
1d) force, army
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Part — ParticleHTn
מָלַט (malat) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning to escape or slip away. It encompasses various nuances such as delivering, saving, and even giving birth in specific contexts. The entries indicate that it can refer to both physical escape and the act of laying eggs. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
[מָלַט] vb. slip away (not in Qal)
Niph.
slip away
escape
pass. be delivered
Pi.
lay (eggs)
let escape
deliver
Hiph.
give birth to a male child
deliver
Hithp.
slip forth, escape (sparks of fire from jaws of crocodile)
escape
base
H4422 מָלַט slip away . . slip away
. escape
. pass. be delivered
. . lay (eggs)
. let escape
. deliver
. . give birth to a male child
. deliver
. . slip forth, escape (sparks of fire from jaws of crocodile)
. escape
4422 malat maw-lat'
a primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. (by
implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively,
to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit
sparks:--deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone,
let go, preserve, save, X speedily, X surely.
מָלַט (ma.lat) — to escape.
1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered
1a)(Niphal)
1a1) to slip away
1a2) to escape
1a3) to be delivered
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs)
1b2) to let escape
1b3) to deliver, save (life)
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to give birth to
1c2) to deliver
1d) (Hithpael)
1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape
1d2) to escape
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Piel · imperfect third person masculine singularHVpi3ms