Psalms 66:18 — Word Study
WLCאָ֭וֶן אִם־ רָאִ֣יתִי בְלִבִּ֑י לֹ֖א יִשְׁמַ֣ע׀ אֲדֹנָֽי׃
BSAIfʼim [in the event that, supposing] I had cherishedrâʼâh■ [focused my mind on, regarded] iniquityʼâven [evil, wickedness] in my heartlêb [mind, feelings, will] the LordʼĂdônây [Adonay, God, the supreme ruler] would notlôʼ [under no circumstances] have listenedshâmaʻ▸ [heard, given attention]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אָ֭וֶן | wickedness | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| אִם־ | if | Particle |
| רָאִ֣יתִי | I had considered | Verb, Qal, perfect first person common singular |
| בְלִבִּ֑י | in heart my | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| לֹ֖א | not | Particle |
| יִשְׁמַ֣ע׀ | he will listen | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אֲדֹנָֽי׃ | [the] Lord | Noun proper |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. |
| KJV | If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: |
| ASV | If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear: |
| YLT | Iniquity, if I have seen in my heart, The Lord doth not hear. |
| WEB | If I cherished sin in my heart, the Lord wouldn’t have listened. |
| BBE | I said in my heart, The Lord will not give ear to me: |
All translations agree on the rendering of אָ֭וֶן as iniquity or wickedness.
The sentence is structured around a conditional clause, emphasizing the relationship between the psalmist's heart condition and God's response.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbרָאָה
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 66:18
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 — A Prayer for Deliverancegenerated
Psalms 66:18 is part of a prayer where the psalmist acknowledges God's past help and expresses a desire for continued divine attention. The surrounding verses highlight the psalmist's praise and the importance of a right heart in seeking God's favor. This theme resonates with the broader context of prayer and repentance found throughout the Psalms, emphasizing the need for integrity in one's relationship with God.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 27:8–9 | For what is the hope of the godless when he is cut off, when God takes away his life? |
| 2 | Proverbs 15:8–29 | The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. |
| 3 | Proverbs 21:13 | Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer. |
| 4 | Proverbs 28:9 | Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable. |
| 5 | Isaiah 1:15 | When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אָ֭וֶן, 'A.vengenerated
The Hebrew word אָ֫וֶן ('aven) refers to wickedness or iniquity, often associated with idolatry and moral failure. It encompasses a range of negative connotations, including trouble and sorrow, indicating a strong ethical dimension. The parsing as a masculine singular noun suggests a specific instance of wrongdoing, reinforcing the personal nature of the psalmist's reflection.
In this verse, the psalmist's use of אָ֫וֶן highlights the seriousness of harboring iniquity in one's heart, suggesting that such thoughts can hinder communication with God. The word's implications of vanity and emptiness further emphasize the need for purity in one's inner life.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
All translations agree on the rendering of אָ֭וֶן as iniquity or wickedness, reflecting the moral weight of the term.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse is structured around a conditional clause introduced by אִם־ ('im-, if), which sets the stage for the psalmist's reflection on his inner state. The main verb יִשְׁמַ֣ע (yishma', he will listen) is contingent upon the condition presented.
The clause structure emphasizes the relationship between the psalmist's heart condition and God's willingness to listen, illustrating the moral and spiritual dynamics at play in prayer.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, אָ֭וֶן is rendered as ἀδικίαν (adikian), which means injustice or wrongdoing. This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning but may imply a broader ethical context.
The use of ἀδικίαν suggests an interpretation that encompasses not only personal sin but also social injustice, reflecting the translators' understanding of the implications of iniquity.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 66:18 highlights the importance of having a pure heart when approaching God in prayer. The psalmist acknowledges that if he had cherished wickedness in his heart, God would not have listened. This verse emphasizes the need for sincerity and integrity in one's relationship with the divine.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
To cherish iniquity means to hold onto or focus on wicked thoughts or behaviors, which can create a barrier in one's relationship with God.
A pure heart is essential because it reflects sincerity and honesty before God, allowing for open communication and a genuine relationship.
Regular self-examination, confession, and seeking God's guidance through prayer and scripture can help maintain a heart free from iniquity.
This verse teaches that God's willingness to listen is influenced by the condition of our hearts, emphasizing the need for integrity in our spiritual lives.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some ways I can examine my heart for iniquity?
- How does this verse challenge me to approach God in prayer?
- In what areas of my life do I need to seek purity and integrity?
- How can I encourage others to maintain a sincere heart in their relationship with God?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Augustine of Hippo references this verse in his exposition, highlighting the connection between iniquity in the heart and God's attentiveness.
"If I have beheld iniquity in my heart, may not the Lord hearken" [Psalms 66:18].Early Church Fathers on Psalms 66 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 66:18 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIf I regard iniquity in my heart,.... There was iniquity in his heart, as there is in every good man's heart, and a great deal too; it is full of it; and it should be regarded in some sense, so as to
Read John Gill on Psalms 66 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryIf I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me - rather 'If I had regarded iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have heard
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 66 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleIf I regard, Heb. if I have or had seen, or looked upon, to wit, with approbation and affection, as . Men look upon what they like, and turn away their face from what they loathe or hate. Iniquity; any sin whatsoever, and especially idolatry, which is oft expressed by this word, to which the Israelites were very prone, and to which they had most powerful temptations from the examples, and counsels, and promises, and threats of the idolaters, in whose land and power they had been. And so this is a purgation of themselves from that crime, somewhat like that ,21, and in general from those gross and reigning sins whereof they had been guilty formerly. In my heart; if my heart was false to God…
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 66 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear [me]:Ver. 18. If l regard iniquity in my heart] If I have but a month’ s mind to it, as we say; if I cast but a leering look towards it; if there be in me but an irresolution against it; how much more, then, if I allow it and wallow in it? He who chooseth to hold fast sin doth, by his own election, forsake mercy, Jonah 2:8, neither let such a man think that he shall receive anything at the hands of God, James 1:7. As in a wound, a plaster prevaileth not while the iron remaineth within; so neither prayer while sin rankleth. God will never accept a good motion from a bad mouth, as that State in story would not. A man may…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 66 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(18) If I regard . . .—Rather, if I had seen evil (i.e., had had it purposely in view) in my heart, the Lord would not have heard me. One may not “be pardoned and retain the offence.” The reference may be either to the forming of wicked schemes, or to the complacent view of wickedness in others. The protestation of innocence in this verse, being made by or for the community at large, marks a late period for the composition. (See Introduction, and Psalms 44, Introduction and Notes.)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 66 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 18. If I regard iniquity in my heart] "If I have seen (ראיתי raithi) iniquity in my heart," if I have known it was there, and encouraged it; if I pretended to be what I was not; if I loved iniquity, while I professed to pray and be sorry for my sin; the Lord, אדני Adonai, my Prop, Stay, and Supporter, would not have heard, and I should have been left without help or support.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 66 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges16–20. All who fear God are bidden to hear what He has done for the speaker. He had prayed in expectation of a favourable hearing, knowing that sincerity is the necessary condition of prayer; and the answer to his prayer had attested his sincerity. In conclusion he blesses God for this continuance of His lovingkindness.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 66 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleIf I regard iniquity in my heart - literally, “If I have seen iniquity in my heart.” That is, If I have indulged in a purpose of iniquity; if I have had a wicked end in view; if I have not been
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 66 →The verse in English, compared — 16 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
If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
If I cherished sin in my heart, the Lord wouldn’t have listened.
If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
If I had harbored sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
Tyndale line
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear:
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear:
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the LORD will not hear me :
If I regard wickednesse in mine heart, the Lord will not heare me.
Strictly literal
Had I regarded iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not hear.
Iniquity, if I have seen in my heart, The Lord doth not hear.
Iniquity, if I have seen in my heart, || The Lord does not hear.
If I had looked on wickedness with my heart, the Lord would not have heard;
If I had seen sin within my heart, the Lord would not have listened to me.
Simplified
If I had focused my mind on evil, the Lord would not have listened to me.
I said in my heart, The Lord will not give ear to me:
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 largely agree, with six of the seven words matching. The Dead Sea Scrolls (4Q83) contain partial restorations but align with the general meaning of the verse, indicating a consistent tradition regarding this text.
אָ֭וֶן אִם־ רָאִ֣יתִי בְלִבִּ֑י לֹ֖א יִשְׁמַ֣ע׀ אֲדֹנָֽי׃
6 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.
און אם ראיתי [בלב׳י] [לוא] [ישמע] אדני
2 words on the leather — 2 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.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 66:18
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.
אָ֫וֶן (aven) encompasses meanings related to trouble, sorrow, and wickedness. It may also refer to idolatry and the concept of vanity or nothingness. The entries suggest a range of negative connotations, including affliction and iniquity, indicating a strong moral or ethical dimension. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons.
אָ֫וֶן 85 n.m. trouble, sorrow, wickedness
trouble, sorrow
idolatry
trouble of iniquity, wickedness
base
H205 אָ֫וֶן trouble, sorrow, wickedness
205 'aven aw-ven'
from an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant (hence,
to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught);
strictly nothingness; also trouble. vanity, wickedness;
specifically an idol:--affliction, evil, false, idol,
iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust,
unrighteous, vain ,vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare 369.
see HEBREW for 0369
אָ֫וֶן (a.ven) — evil: wickedness.
1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow
1a) trouble, sorrow
1b) idolatry
1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness
Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
אָ֫וֶן (a.ven) — evil: trouble.
1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow
1a) trouble, sorrow
1b) idolatry
1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
wik'-ed-nes:
1. In the Old Testament:
The state of being wicked; a mental disregard for justice, righteousness, truth, honor, virtue; evil in thought and life; depravity; sinfulness; criminality. See SIN. Many words are rendered "wickedness." There are many synonyms for wickedness in English and also in the Hebrew. Pride and vanity lead to it: "All the proud, and all that work wickedness (rish`ah) shall be stubble" (Mal 4:1). Akin to this is the word `awen, "iniquity," "vanity": "She eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness" (Pr 30:20). Then we have the word hawwah, meaning "mischief," "calamity," coming from inward intent upon evil: "Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in…
אִם (im) is a Hebrew conjunction primarily meaning 'if' and is used in various contexts, including conditional clauses and interrogative situations. It can also express negation, alternatives, or exceptions, and appears frequently in the Old Testament. The lexicons note its use in oaths and its ability to connect different clauses, sometimes altering their meanings.
אִם conj.
hypoth. part. if
Interrog. part.
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
H518a אִם conj. . hypoth. part. if
. Interrog. part.
H518b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
518 'im eem
a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!;
interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh
that!, when; hence, as a negative, not:--(and, can-,
doubtless, if, that) (not), + but, either, + except, +
more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or,
+ save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, + surely (no more,
none, not), though, + of a truth, + unless, + verily, when,
whereas, whether, while, + yet.
אִם (im) — if.
: if/whether_or/though
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
[כִּי] אם (ki im) — if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
אִם (im) — if: surely no.
: surely_no
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: surely yes.
: surely_yes
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: until.
: until/except
Conj — ParticleHTc
רָאָה (ra'ah) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to see' and encompasses a wide range of visual and perceptual actions, including looking, observing, and causing others to see. It can refer to both literal sight and figurative understanding, with various grammatical forms indicating different nuances, such as appearing or being visible. The entries indicate a rich semantic field without significant disagreement among lexicographers.
רָאָה 1315 vb. see
Qal 1141
see, subj.
see, c. acc. rei
see, sq. acc. cl. or phr. of closer design
see, so as to learn to know
abs. see, have (power of) vision
see = perceive
look at, see, by direct volition
of mental observation
c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
see, c. acc. rei
Niph.
appear
be seen
be visible
Pu. appar. his bones are not detected
Hithp. recipr. look at each other
Hiph.
cause one to see something, shew
cause to experience something
cause to look intently at, to behold
Hoph.
be caused to see, be shewn
be exhibited to
base
H7200a רָאָה see .. . see, subj.
. see, c. acc. rei
. see, sq. acc. + cl. or phr. of closer design
. see, so as to learn to know
. abs. see, have (power of) vision
. see = perceive
. look at, see, by direct volition
. of mental observation
. . c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
. see, c. acc. rei
. . appear
. be seen
. be visible
. appar. his bones are not detected
. recipr. look at each other
. . . cause one to see something, shew
. cause to experience something
. cause to look intently at, to behold
. . be caused to see, be shewn
. be exhibited to
H7200b רְאוּת look
7200 ra'ah raw-aw'
a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in
numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive,
intransitive and causative):--advise self, appear, approve,
behold, X certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have
experience, gaze, take heed, X indeed, X joyfully, lo, look
(on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up,
upon), mark, meet, X be near, perceive, present, provide,
regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one
another), shew (self), X sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, X
surely, X think, view, visions.
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: see.
: see/show
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
1a4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out
1a5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish
1a6) to look at, gaze at
1a7) to provide, choose
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to appear, present oneself
1b2) to be seen
1b3) to be visible
1c) (Pual) to be seen
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to see, show
1d2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at
1e) (Hophal)
1e1) to be caused to see, be shown
1e2) to be exhibited to
1f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: examine.
: examine/consider
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singularHVqp1cs
The Hebrew word לֵב (lev) means 'heart' and encompasses the inner man, mind, will, and emotions. It refers to the center of feelings, intellect, and moral character, as well as the seat of appetites and courage. The entries suggest a broad range of meanings related to human experience and thought, with a specific mention of its use in Jeremiah 51:1.
לֵב 599 n.m. (f.) inner man, mind, will, heart
seldom of things in the midst of the sea
elsewhere of men
the inner man in contrast with the outer
the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
specific reference to mind
spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will
spec. ref. to conscience
[various]
for the man himself
as seat of appetites
as seat of emotions and passions
seat of courage
base
לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash Je 51:1.
ref
H3820a לֵב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the sea
. elsewhere of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer
. the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
. specific reference to mind
. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will
. spec. ref. to conscience
. [various]
. for the man himself
. as seat of appetites
. as seat of emotions and passions
. seat of courage
H3820b לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash
3820 leb labe
a form of 3824; the heart; also used (figuratively) very
widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect;
likewise for the centre of anything:--+ care for, comfortably,
consent, X considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-),
(hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart((-ed)), X
heed, X I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), X regard((-ed)), X
themselves, X unawares, understanding, X well, willingly,
wisdom.
see HEBREW for 03824
לֵב (lev) — heart.
1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding
1a) inner part, midst
1a1) midst (of things)
1a2) heart (of man)
1a3) soul, heart (of man)
1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory
1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)
1a6) conscience
1a7) heart (of moral character)
1a8) as seat of appetites
1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
לֵב (lev) — Leb.
§ Leb- = "heart of"
(probably a cryptic name for Babylon by Atbash)
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp1bs
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
The Hebrew word שָׁמַע (shama`) means 'to hear' and encompasses a range of meanings including listening, obeying, and proclaiming. It is built from a primitive root and can imply attention and understanding. The entries highlight various grammatical forms, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of hearing and obeying. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
שָׁמַע 1152 vb. hear
Qal 1052
subj. pers. hum.
י׳ (God) subj.
Niph. 42 be heard, of voice, sound
be heard of
be regarded, obeyed
= (favourable) hearing was granted to their voice.
Pi. he caused the people to hear
Hiph. 63
of man
י׳ subj.
base
H8085 שָׁמַע hear
8085 shama` shaw-mah'
a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with
implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to
tell, etc.):--X attentively, call (gather) together, X
carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content,
declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make
to) hear(-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be)
obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish,
regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell,
understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.
שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: hear.
: hear
v
1) to hear, listen to, obey
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)
1a2) to hear of or concerning
1a3) to hear (have power to hear)
1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to
1a5) to understand (language)
1a6) to hear (of judicial cases)
1a7) to listen, give heed
1a7a) to consent, agree
1a7b) to grant request
1a8) to listen to, yield to
1a9) to obey, be obedient
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound)
1b2) to be heard of
1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed
1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound
1d2) to sound aloud (musical term)
1d3) to make proclamation, summon
1d4) to cause to be heard
n m
2) sound
שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: obey.
: obey
v
1) to hear, listen to, obey
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)
1a2) to hear of or concerning
1a3) to hear (have power to hear)
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
אֲדֹנָי (Adonay) means 'Lord' and is an emphatic form of another Hebrew word for lord. It is used specifically as a title for God, often in place of Yahweh to show reverence. Variations include אֲדֹנִי and אֲדֹנַי, which help distinguish divine from human references.
אָדוֹן n.m. lord (אֲדֹנִי, אֲדֹנַי, אֲדֹנָי are variations of Mass. pointing to distinguish divine reference fr. human. Pl., with few exc. an intens. pl. of rank; word takes sf. as pl. in all other pers.; so doubtless here. Orig. reading prob. in all cases אֲדֹנַי; אֲדֹנִי now found in J 51 t.)
base
H136 אָדוֹן lord (אֲדֹנִי, אֲדֹנַי, אֲדֹנָי are variations of Mass. pointing to distinguish divine reference fr. human. Pl., with few exc. an intens. pl. of rank; word takes sf. as pl. in all other pers.; so doubtless here. Orig. reading prob. in all cases אֲדֹנַי; אֲדֹנִי now found in J 51 t.)
136 'Adonay ad-o-noy'
am emphatic form of 113; the Lord (used as a proper name of
God only):--(my) Lord.
see HEBREW for 0113
אֲדֹנָי (a.do.nai) — Lord.
Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
N-mp | Suff — Noun properHNpt
Lord
There are various Hebrew and Greek words so rendered.
(1.) Heb. Jehovah, has been rendered in the English Bible LORD, printed in small capitals. This is the proper name of the God of the Hebrews. The form “Jehovah” is retained only in Ex. 6:3; Ps. 83:18; Isa. 12:2; 26:4, both in the Authorized and the Revised Version.
(2.) Heb. ‘adon, means one possessed of absolute control. It denotes a master, as of slaves (Gen. 24:14, 27), or a ruler of his subjects (45:8), or a husband, as lord of his wife (18:12).
The old plural form of this Hebrew word is ’adonai. From a superstitious reverence for the name “Jehovah,” the Jews, in reading their Scriptures, whenever that name…
[GOD]
This name belongs to God by preeminence; and in this sense ought never to be given to any creature. Jesus Christ, as the Messiah, the Son of God, and equal with the Father, is often called Lord in Scripture, especially in the writing of Paul. The word LORD, in the English Bible, when printed in small capitals, stands always for JEHOVAH in the Hebrew. See JEHOVAH.