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Psalms 49:4 — Word Study

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WLCאַטֶּ֣ה לְמָשָׁ֣ל אָזְנִ֑י אֶפְתַּ֥ח בְּ֝כִנּ֗וֹר חִידָתִֽי׃

BSAlippeh to speakdâbar wisdomchokmôwth meditationhâgûwth heartlêb understandingtâbûwn

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 49
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 4 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 (chi.da.Ti) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 49:4quick helps
In a sentenceThe psalmist intends to listen carefully to wisdom and express profound thoughts through music.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, reflecting on the nature of wisdom and understanding.
Where we areIn a poetic reflection on the pursuit of wisdom, found in Psalms 49.
The hard wordחִידָתִי
Take awayThe psalmist uses music as a medium to convey deep truths.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbפֶּה 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 — Psalms 49:4

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 Pursuit of Wisdom in Psalmsgenerated

3My mouth will impart wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will bring understanding.
4I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp:
5Why should I fear in times of trouble, when wicked usurpers surround me?
6They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches.

Psalms 49:4 reflects the psalmist's intent to seek wisdom through proverbs and riddles, using music as a means of expression. This verse is part of a larger meditation on understanding and the nature of human folly, as seen in the surrounding verses. The psalmist emphasizes the importance of listening and contemplating profound truths, which is a recurring theme in the Wisdom Literature of the Bible.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 78:2I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning,
2Matthew 13:35So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”
3Numbers 23:7And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘put a curse on Jacob for me; come and denounce Israel!’
4Ezekiel 20:49Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD, they are saying of me, ‘Is he not just telling parables?’”
5Matthew 13:11–15He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word חִידָתִי, chi.da.Tigenerated

The word חִידָה (chiydah) means 'riddle' or 'perplexing question.' It often conveys complex ideas or challenges to one's understanding. The parsing as a feminine singular noun indicates it refers to a specific riddle or puzzle that the psalmist intends to express.

This term is derived from a root meaning 'to puzzle,' suggesting that the psalmist's riddle may contain deeper truths that require contemplation and insight. In this verse, it serves to highlight the depth of wisdom being sought and the method of its expression through music.


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 verse consists of two main clauses, with the finite verbs אַטֶּ֣ה (I will incline) and אֶפְתַּ֥ח (I will open) governing the structure. The first clause indicates the act of listening, while the second emphasizes the act of expression.

The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the actions of inclining the ear and opening the riddle, suggesting a deliberate engagement with wisdom and understanding.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the verb λαλήσει (lalēsei) is used for 'to express,' which carries a similar meaning to the Hebrew אֶפְתַּ֥ח. This choice indicates a focus on the act of speaking or articulating, aligning with the psalmist's intent to convey wisdom.

The translation reflects a consistent understanding of the psalmist's desire to communicate profound truths, though the Greek word choice may suggest a slightly different nuance in the expression of wisdom.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalms 49:4 shows the psalmist's commitment to listen carefully to wise sayings and express complex thoughts through music. This verse highlights the importance of seeking understanding and sharing it creatively, reflecting a common theme in biblical wisdom literature.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does the psalmist mean by 'a proverb'?

A proverb is a short, wise saying that conveys deeper truths and lessons, often using metaphors or comparisons.

Why does the psalmist use music to express his riddle?

Music serves as a powerful medium to convey emotions and complex ideas, making the wisdom more accessible and engaging.

What is the significance of inclining the ear?

Inclining the ear signifies a readiness to listen and learn, emphasizing the importance of being attentive to wisdom.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Psalms?

This verse reflects the broader theme of seeking wisdom and understanding in the Psalms, where the pursuit of knowledge is often intertwined with musical expression.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways can I be more attentive to wisdom in my own life?
  2. How can music help me express complex thoughts or feelings?
  3. What are some proverbs that have impacted my understanding?
  4. How do I approach difficult questions or riddles in my own life?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

Early Church Fathers have commented on the themes of wisdom and expression in this verse, arguing from it to illustrate the role of divine inspiration in teaching.

Basil of CaesareaHOMILIES ON THE Psalms 19:2 (Psalms 49) c. 330–379
The things that I teach, he says, from the Spirit, these I proclaim to you, saying nothing of my own, nothing human; but, since I have been listening to the propositions of the Spirit, who hands down in mystery to us the wisdom of God,
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 49 →
Ambrose of MilanCommentaries on the Twelve Davidic Psalms, On Psalms 49 c. 339–397
The Lord opens up a theme or problem that has been closed when he finds an apt organ and a chosen instrument. Call it a harp. Such as this was Paul.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 49 →
Evagrius PonticusNOTES ON THE Psalms 48[49].4, 5 345–399
One who is in a calm spirit sings psalms. Through psalms he opens teaching. Through tranquility of spirit he understands teaching.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 49 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 49:4 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

I will incline mine ear to a parable,.... In which way of speaking the doctrines of the Gospel were delivered out by Christ, Matthew 13:3.

Read John Gill on Psalms 49 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp. I will incline mine ear to a parable - or 'similitude' [ maashaal (H4912)]: a sententiously expressed truth.

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 49 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

I will incline mine ear: this is another argument to persuade them to hearken to him: I will hearken what God by his Spirit speaks to me, and that and nothing else will I now speak to you; and therefore it is well worth your hearing. I also shall join with you in attending to it, that whilst I teach you, I myself may learn the same lesson. For as ministers now teach themselves whilst they teach others, so the holy prophets did ofttimes search into and study to find out the meaning of their own prophecies, as appears plainly from ,11. The phrase is thought to be taken from the musicians, who lay their ear close to the instrument when they tune it, and by their ear try how the voice and…

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 49 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 49:4 I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.Ver. 4. I will incline mine ear to a parable] q.d. I desire you to do no more than I will do myself. I believed, therefore have I spoken; I have wrought my doctrine upon mine own affections first, and shall dig it out of mine own bosom for your benefit. It is a parable I must tell you, or a master sentence, yea, it is a mystery, a riddle, as the other word here signifieth. I will open my dark sayings] The doctrine of life eternal, and the judgment to come, here more clearly delivered than anywhere else almost in the Old Testament, is a mystery.

Read John Trapp on Psalms 49 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(4) I will incline mine ear.—The psalmist first listens, that he may himself catch the inspiration which is to reach others through his song. It was an obvious metaphor in a nation to whom God’s voice was audible, as it was to Wordsworth, for whom nature had an audible voice: “The stars of midnight shall be dear To her; and she shall lend her earIn many a secret place, Where rivulets dance their wayward round, And beauty, born of murmuring sound, Shall pass into her face.” Parable.—Heb. mâshal, root idea, similitude. It is the term used of Balaam’s prophecies, and of the eloquent speeches of Job. Hence here proverb-song (Ewald), since the psalmist intends his composition for musical…

Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 49 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 4. I will incline mine ear to a parable] This was the general method of conveying instruction among the Asiatics. They used much figure and metaphor to induce the reader to study deeply in order to find out the meaning. This had its use; it obliged men to think and reflect deeply; and thus in some measure taught them the use, government, and management of their minds. My dark saying upon the harp.] Music was sometimes used to soothe the animal spirits, and thus prepare the mind for the prophetic influx.

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 49 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

4. The poet receives by revelation what he desires to teach. He will bend his ear to listen to the voice of God before he ventures himself to speak to men. Mâshâl, rendered parable, means (1) primarily a comparison, (2) a proverb, as frequently involving a comparison, (3) a parable, as the extension of a proverb, (4) a poem, either contemptuous (Isaiah 14:4) or didactic, as here. Chîdâh, denotes (1) an enigma or riddle (Judges 14:12 f.; 1 Kings 10:1), (2) a parable or simile (Ezekiel 17:2), (3) any profound or obscure utterance, a problem, dark saying. Both words occur together in Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6; Ezekiel 17:2. The prosperity of the godless was one of the great ‘enigmas of life’…

Read Cambridge on Psalms 49 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

I will incline mine ear to a parable - The phrase “I will incline mine ear” means that he would listen or attend to - as we incline our ear toward those whom we are anxious to hear, or in the

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 49 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp:

WEBWorld English Bible2000

I will incline my ear to a proverb. I will solve my riddle on the harp.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp:

NETBNew English Translation2006

I will learn a song that imparts wisdom; I will then sing my insightful song to the accompaniment of a harp.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

RVARevised Version, American1894

I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

I will incline my ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

I will incline mine eare to a parable, and vtter my graue matter vpon the harpe.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

I will incline mine ear to a parable, I will open my riddle upon the harp.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

I incline to a simile mine ear, I open with a harp my riddle:

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

I incline my ear to an allegory, || I open my riddle with a harp:

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

(49:5) I will incline my ear to a parable: I will open with the harp my riddle.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

I will incline my ear to a parable; I will begin my parable with the harp.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

He shall call heaven from above, and the earth, to judge his people.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

I pay attention to wise sayings; I answer hard questions to a tune on the harp.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

I will put my teaching into a story; I will make my dark sayings clear with music.

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.

clauseverbאַטֶּ֣הI.will.inclineprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְtoמָשָׁ֣לa.proverbnoun phrase · objectאָזְנִ֑earיmyclauseverbאֶפְתַּ֥חI.will.openprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּ֝withכִנּ֗וֹרa.harpnoun phrase · objectחִידָתִֽriddleיmy

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


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

The Masoretic Text presents the verse as אַטֶּ֣ה לְמָשָׁ֣ל אָזְנִ֑י אֶפְתַּ֥ח בְּ֝כִנּ֗וֹר חִידָתִֽי׃. The Septuagint matches four of the six words, indicating a strong correspondence between the two texts. The Dead Sea Scrolls show some restoration, but the core message remains consistent with the Masoretic Text.

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

אַטֶּ֣ה לְמָשָׁ֣ל אָזְנִ֑י אֶפְתַּ֥ח בְּ֝כִנּ֗וֹר חִידָתִֽי׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
לְמָשָׁ֣לλαλήσειאָזְנִ֑יκαὶבְּ֝כִנּ֗וֹרμουחִידָתִֽי׃σύνεσιν

4 of the 6 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.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q85a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

פ׳י ידבר חכמות [והגות] [לב׳י] [תבונות]

2 words on the leather — 1 partly restored, 3 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.

Psalms 49:4נָטָהI will inclI will inclineנָטָהמָשָׁלto a proverto a proverbמָשָׁלאֹ֫זֶןear myear myאֹ֫זֶןפָּתַחI will openI will openפָּתַחכִּנּוֹרwith a harpwith a harpכִּנּוֹרחִידָהriddle myriddle myחִידָהחוּדto riddleto riddleחוּדמָשַׁלto ruleto ruleמָשַׁלאָזַןto listento listenאָזַןמְלִיצָהmockerymockeryמְלִיצָהחָזָקstrongstrongחָזָקזְרוֹעַarmarmזְרוֹעַשְׁנִינָהtaunttauntשְׁנִינָהתְּנוּךְlobelobeתְּנוּךְנָטָהto stretchto stretchנָטָהפִּתּוּחַengravingengravingפִּתּוּחַדָּלdoordoorדָּלמְצִלְתַּיִםcymbalcymbalמְצִלְתַּיִםנֵ֫בֶלbagbagנֵ֫בֶל
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 Psalms 49:4

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.

I will incline to a proverb ear my I will open with a harp riddle my
אַטֶּ֣ה'a.Teh I will incline H5186 Verb · Hiphil · imperfect first person common singular
214× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Tyndale gloss
to stretch
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָטָה (natah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to stretch out, spread out, or extend. It encompasses a wide range of actions, including bending, inclining, and pitching a tent. The word can also imply moral deflection or turning aside. The entries suggest various applications, from physical actions to metaphorical uses, but do not indicate significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָטָה 215 vb. stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend

Qal

stretch out, extend, hand, rod

stretch line and plummet

= offer

Spread out, i.e. pitch, tent

Bend, turn, incline

Niph. be stretched out

Hiph.

rarely stretch out, hand

rarely spread out cloth on rock

usu. turn, incline

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5186 נָטָה stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend .. . stretch out, extend, hand, rod

. stretch line and plummet

. = offer

. Spread out, i.e. pitch, tent

. Bend, turn, incline

. be stretched out

. . rarely stretch out, hand

. rarely spread out cloth on rock

. usu. turn, incline

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5186 natah naw-taw'

a primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication,

to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great

variety of application (as follows):--+ afternoon, apply, bow

(down, - ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down,

be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched,

overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread

(out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away),

wrest, cause to yield.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָטָה (na.tah) — to stretch.

1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer

1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent)

1a3) to bend, turn, incline

1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down

1a3b) to bend, bow

1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.)

1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to stretch out

1c2) to spread out

1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVhi1cs — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect first person common singular
HVhi1cs
I will incline to a proverb ear my I will open with a harp riddle my
לְמָשָׁ֣לle.ma.Shal to a proverb H4912 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
39× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A proverb is a short saying that teaches a lesson, often using comparisons or metaphors, like those found in the book of Proverbs. It's a way of sharing wisdom and insight. Proverbs are used by Solomon and other biblical writers.
Tyndale gloss
proverb
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מָשָׁל (mashal) refers to a proverb or parable, often characterized by parallelism and typically found in Hebrew Wisdom literature. It encompasses various forms such as aphorisms, bywords, and ethical maxims. The word is derived from a root suggesting superiority in mental action, indicating its metaphorical nature.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מָשָׁל n.m. proverb, parable (of sentences constructed in parallelism, usu. of Hebrew Wisdom, but occas. of other types)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4912 מָשָׁל proverb, parable (of sentences constructed in parallelism, usu. of Hebrew Wisdom, but occas. of other types)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4912 mashal maw-shawl'

apparently from 4910 in some original sense of superiority in

mental action; properly, a pithy maxim, usually of

metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem,

discourse):--byword, like, parable, proverb.

see HEBREW for 04910

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָשָׁל (ma.shal) — proverb.

1) proverb, parable

1a) proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism

1b) byword

1c) similitude, parable

1d) poem

1e) sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Ncmsa — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HR/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

prov'-erb (mashal, chidhah; parabole (Lu 4:23), paroimia (Joh 16:25,29)):

I. FOLK MEANING AND USE

1. The Primitive Sense

2. The Communal Origin

3. Animus of Proverbs

II. LITERARY DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROVERB

1. Discovery of Literary Value

2. The Differentiation

III. AS UNIT OF A STRAIN OF LITERATURE

1. From Detachment to Continuity

2. The Conception of Wisdom

3. In Later Times

By this term mainly, but sometimes by the term "parable" (e.g. Nu 23:7,18; 24:3,15; Job 27:1; 29:1), is translated the Hebrew word (mashal), which designates the formal unit or vehicle of didactic discourse. The mashal was an enunciation of truth, self-evident and self-illustrative, in some pointed or concentrated…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Proverb

A trite maxim; a similitude; a parable. The Hebrew word thus rendered (mashal) has a wide signification. It comes from a root meaning “to be like,” “parable.” Rendered “proverb” in Isa. 14:4; Hab. 2:6; “dark saying” in Ps. 49:4, Num. 12:8. Ahab’s defiant words in answer to the insolent demands of Benhadad, “Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off,” is a well known instance of a proverbial saying (1 Kings 20:11).

I will incline to a proverb ear my I will open with a harp riddle my
אָזְנִ֑י'a.ze.Ni ear my H241 Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
187× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Tyndale gloss
ear
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֹ֫זֶן (*ozen*) means 'ear' and is derived from a root that suggests broadness. It refers to the physical ear as well as the organ of hearing, and can also imply the act of revealing or receiving divine revelation. The term appears in contexts such as Exodus 29:20.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֹ֫זֶן 188 n.f. Ex 29:20 ear

ear, as part of body

especially as organ of hearing

open ears of, reveal to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H241 אֹ֫זֶן ear

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

241 'ozen o'-zen

from 238; broadness. i.e. (concrete) the ear (from its form

in man):--+ advertise, audience, + displease, ear, hearing, +

show.

see HEBREW for 0238

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֹ֫זֶן (o.zen) — ear.

: ear

1) ear, as part of the body

2) ear, as organ of hearing

3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation

אֹ֫זֶן (o.zen) — ear: hearing.

: hearing

1) ear, as part of the body

2) ear, as organ of hearing

3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation

אֹ֫זֶן (o.zen) — ear: to ears.

: to[ears_of](PERSON)

1) ear, as part of the body

2) ear, as organ of hearing

3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcfsc/Sp1bs — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HNcfsc/Sp1bs
I will incline to a proverb ear my I will open with a harp riddle my
אֶפְתַּ֥ח'ef.Tach I will open H6605 Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common singular
144× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Tyndale gloss
to open
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פָּתַח (pathach) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to open' and can refer to various actions such as opening doors, loosening restraints, or engraving. It has different forms, including Qal (to open), Niphal (to be opened), and Piel (to engrave). The entries highlight its literal and figurative uses, but there is some overlap in meaning regarding its applications in opening and engraving.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פָּתַח vb. open

Qal open sack

Niph. be opened

Pi. be opened

free, i.e. ungird, camels

loosen (and remove) sack-cloth

open gates, doors

Hithp. loosen thee the fetters of thy neck

base

[פָּתַח] vb. Pi. engrave

Pu. stones engraved with the engravings of a signet.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6605a פָּתַח open .open sack

. be opened

. be opened . free, i.e. ungird, camels

. loosen (and remove) sack-cloth

. open gates, doors

. loosen thee the fetters of thy neck

H6605b פָּתַח Pi. engrave

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6605 pathach paw-thakh'

a primitive root; to open wide (literally or figuratively);

specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve:--appear, break

forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-)grave(-n), loose (self),

(be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּתַח (pa.tach) — to open.

1) to open

1a) (Qal) to open

1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to free

1c2) to loosen

1c3) to open, open oneself

1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself

Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)

פָּתַח (pa.tach) — to engrave.

1) to carve, engrave

1a) (Piel) to engrave

1b) (Pual) to be engraved

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqi1cs — Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common singular
HVqi1cs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

o'-p'-n: In the Old Testament represents chiefly pathach, but also other words, as galah, "to uncover"; of the opening of the eyes in vision, etc. (thus Balaam, Nu 22:31; 24:4; compare Job 33:16; 36:10; Ps 119:18; Jer 32:11,14). In the New Testament the usual word is anoigo (of opening of mouth, eyes, heavens, doors, etc.). A peculiar word, trachelizomai (literally, to have the neck bent back, to be laid bare), is used for "laid open" before God in Heb 4:13.

I will incline to a proverb ear my I will open with a harp riddle my
בְּ֝כִנּ֗וֹרbe.khi.Nor with a harp H3658 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
42× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Kinnor is a musical instrument, specifically a lyre or harp. It is used to make music and is mentioned in the Bible as a instrument used by musicians.
Tyndale gloss
lyre
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כִּנּוֹר (kinnor) refers to a lyre or harp, derived from a root meaning to twang. The term is consistently used across lexicons to denote this stringed musical instrument.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּנּוֹר n.m. lyre

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3658 כִּנּוֹר lyre

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3658 kinnowr kin-nore'

from a unused root meaning to twang; a harp: -harp.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּנּוֹר (kin.nor) — lyre.

lyre, harp

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Ncmsa — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HR/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

harp.

See MUSIC.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Harp

(Heb. kinnor), the national instrument of the Hebrews. It was invented by Jubal (Gen. 4:21). Some think the word kinnor denotes the whole class of stringed instruments. It was used as an accompaniment to songs of cheerfulness as well as of praise to God (Gen. 31:27; 1 Sam. 16:23; 2 Chr. 20:28; Ps. 33:2; 137:2).

In Solomon’s time harps were made of almug-trees (1 Kings 10:11, 12). In 1 Chr. 15:21 mention is made of “harps on the Sheminith;” Revised Version, “harps set to the Sheminith;” better perhaps “harps…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The harp was the national instrument of the Hebrews, and was well known throughout Asia. Moses assigns its invention to Jubal during the antediluvian period. (Genesis 4:21) Josephus records that the harp had ten strings, and that it was played on with the plectrum. Sometimes it was smaller having only eight strings, and was usually played with the fingers.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Hebrew KINNOR, the most ancient and common stringed instrument of the Jews, more properly translated lyre. It was light and portable, and was used on joyful occasions, whether sacred or not. It was invented by Jubal, Ge 4:21 31:27 1Ch 16:5 25:1-5 Ps 81:2. David was a proficient in its use, 1Sa 16:16,23 18:10. The instrument most nearly resembling our harp was the Hebrew NEBEL, translated, psaltery in the Old Testament, Ps 57:8 81:2 92:3 108:2. It had a general triangular shape, and seven to twelve strings, Ps 33:2 144:9. It was played with the hand or with a short…

I will incline to a proverb ear my I will open with a harp riddle my
חִידָתִֽי׃chi.da.Ti riddle my H2420 Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
17× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A riddle or puzzle is what this Hebrew word represents, often used to describe difficult questions or perplexing sayings. It appears in the Bible as a way to convey complex ideas or challenge people's thinking, such as in the story of Samson and Delilah.
Tyndale gloss
riddle
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חִידָה (chiydah) means 'riddle' or 'perplexing question.' It can refer to enigmatic sayings, dark utterances, or difficult questions, often used in a context of testing someone's wisdom, as seen in the story of the Queen of Sheba and Solomon. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to puzzle' and can also imply trickery or double-dealing.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חִידָה n.f. riddle, enigmatic, perplexing saying or question

riddle = dark, obscure utterance

riddle, enigma, to be guessed

perplexing questions by which queen of Sheba put Sol. to the test

skilled in double-dealing

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2420 חִידָה

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2420 chiydah khee-daw'

from 2330; a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious

maxim:--dark saying (sentence, speech), hard question,

proverb, riddle.

see HEBREW for 02330

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חִידָה (chi.dah) — riddle.

1) riddle, difficult question, parable, enigmatic saying or question, perplexing saying or question

1a) riddle (dark obscure utterance)

1b) riddle, enigma (to be guessed)

1c) perplexing questions (difficult)

1d) double dealing (with 'havin')

Aramaic equivalent: a.chi.dah (אֲחִידָה "riddle" H0280)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcfsc/Sp1bs — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HNcfsc/Sp1bs
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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