Menu

1 Chronicles 19:10 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוַיַּ֣רְא יוֹאָ֗ב כִּֽי־ הָיְתָ֧ה פְנֵי־ הַמִּלְחָמָ֛ה אֵלָ֖יו פָּנִ֣ים וְאָח֑וֹר וַיִּבְחַ֗ר מִכָּל־ בָּחוּר֙ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַֽיַּעֲרֹ֖ךְ לִקְרַ֥את אֲרָֽם׃

BSAWhen JoabYôwʼâb [the nephew of King David, a skilled military leader] sawrâʼâh the battle linesmilchâmâh [set in array, positioned for war] before himpânîym and behind himʼâchôwr he selectedbâchar [chose, picked out] some ofkôl the bestbâchar men of IsraelYisrâʼêl [the choice, the bravest, the descendants of Jacob, God's chosen people] and arrayed themʻârak [put in order, set in array] the ArameansʼĂrâm [the people of Aram, the Syrians]

Word
Listen & take away1 Chronicles 19
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 10 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 ('a.Ram) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
1 Chronicles 19:10quick helps
In a sentenceJoab assesses the battlefield and strategically selects his best men for the fight.
Who is speakingJoab, the nephew of King David and a military leader.
Where we areIn the midst of a military confrontation, as Joab prepares for battle.
The hard wordבָּחוּר
Take awayJoab's decisive action showcases his leadership and tactical skill.
3 commentators on this verse Jamieson, Ellicott, Cambridge & more — read them › clause subjectיוֹאָב verbרָאָה 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 — 1 Chronicles 19:10

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 Battle Against the Arameansgenerated

9The Ammonites marched out and arrayed themselves for battle at the entrance to the city, while the kings who had come stayed by themselves in the open country.
10When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans.
11And he placed the rest of the forces under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites.
12“If the Arameans are too strong for me,” said Joab, “then you will come to my rescue. And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue.

1 Chronicles 19:10 describes Joab, a key military leader, observing the battle lines set against him and behind him. He strategically selects the best of Israel's men to array them against the Arameans, demonstrating his leadership and tactical acumen in a critical moment of conflict.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
12 Samuel 10:9–14When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans.
2Joshua 8:22Meanwhile, those in the ambush came out of the city against them, and the men of Ai were trapped between the Israelite forces on both sides. So Israel struck them down until no survivor or fugitive remained.
3Judges 20:42–43So they fled before the men of Israel toward the wilderness, but the battle overtook them, and the men coming out of the cities struck them down there.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 3 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word בָּחוּר, ba.Churgenerated

The word בָּחוּר (bachar) is a participle meaning 'chosen' or 'selected.' It conveys the action of making a choice, particularly in a context where discernment is required. Here, it emphasizes Joab's decision to select the best men from Israel for battle, highlighting the importance of quality and bravery in military leadership.

This term appears frequently in the Old Testament and is often associated with divine choice or election, but in this context, it refers to Joab's human decision-making process as he prepares for combat.


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 contains a main clause led by the finite verb וַיַּ֣רְא, and he saw, which introduces Joab's observation of the battlefield. This is followed by a series of actions, including his choice and arrangement of troops, structured to show the sequence of Joab's strategic decisions.

The syntax emphasizes Joab's perception of the battlefield, with the arrangement of phrases indicating both the immediate context of his actions and the larger military strategy.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, וַיַּ֣רְא is rendered as εἶδεν, which means 'he saw.' This choice reflects a straightforward translation of the Hebrew verb, maintaining the focus on Joab's observation.

The use of παρετάχαντο for וַיַּעֲרֹ֖ךְ indicates an interpretation of arranging troops, aligning with the military context of the passage.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

1 Chronicles 19:10 tells us that Joab, seeing the battle lines in front of and behind him, chose some of the best men from Israel and arranged them to face the Arameans. This shows Joab's leadership and tactical skill in preparing for battle.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

Why did Joab select the best men of Israel?

Joab selected the best men to ensure that he had a strong and capable force to face the Arameans, indicating his strategic thinking in military leadership.

What does it mean that Joab saw the battle lines?

Joab's observation of the battle lines indicates his awareness of the tactical situation, allowing him to make informed decisions about troop deployment.

How does Joab's action reflect his leadership?

Joab's choice to select the best men and arrange them for battle demonstrates his ability to lead effectively and respond to the challenges of warfare.

What can we learn from Joab's selection of troops?

Joab's selection emphasizes the importance of choosing capable individuals for critical tasks, a principle that can apply in various leadership contexts today.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What qualities do I look for when choosing a team or group to work with?
  2. How can I be more aware of the situations around me, like Joab was in battle?
  3. In what areas of my life do I need to make strategic choices, and how can I apply Joab's example?
  4. How can I demonstrate leadership in my own responsibilities, whether in work, school, or community?

Commentators on this verse — 3 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on 1 Chronicles 19:10 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose out of all the choice of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Chronicles 19 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(10) The battle was set against him before and behind.—Literally, the front of the battle had become towards him, front and rear. The order of words is different in Samuel, and a preposition added (“on front and on rear”). The Ammonites lay in front of the city, their Aramæan allies at some distance away, in the plain. For Joab to attack either with his entire army would have been to expose his rear to the assault of the other. He therefore divided his forces. The choice of Israel.—Literally, the chosen or young warriors (singular collective) in Israel (i.e., in the Israelitish army). These Joab himself led against the Aramæans, as the most dangerous enemy, while he sent a detachment, under…

Read Charles John Ellicott on 1 Chronicles 19 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

10. he chose out of all the choice] R.V. he chose of all the choice men. The Syrians were the more formidable because of the chariots they had; Joab therefore opposed to them the flower of his army.

Read Cambridge on 1 Chronicles 19 →

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

When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose some of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans.

NETBNew English Translation2006

When Joab saw that the battle would be fought on two fronts, he chose some of Israel’s best men and deployed them against the Arameans.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose out of all the choice of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he selected all the choice of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

When Ioab saw that the front of the battel was against him before and behinde, then he chose out of all the choyse of Israel, and set him selfe in aray to meete the Aramites.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind; and he chose out of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians;

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And Joab seeth that the front of the battle hath been unto him, before and behind, and he chooseth out of all the choice in Israel, and setteth in array to meet Aram,

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And Joab sees that the front of the battle has been to him, before and behind, and he chooses out of all the choice in Israel, and sets in array to meet Aram,

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

When now Joab saw that the front of battle was against him before and behind, he made a selection from all the chosen men of Israel, and arrayed himself against the Syrians.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

When Joab saw the battle lines facing him both in front and behind, he chose some of Israel's best fighters and arranged them against the Arameans.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Wherefore Joab understanding that the battle was set against him before and behind, chose out the bravest men of all Israel, and marched against the Syrians,

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Joab realized he would have to fight both in front of him and behind him, he chose some of Israel's best troops and he took charge of them to lead the attack the Arameans.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Now when Joab saw that their forces were in position against him in front and at his back, he took all the best men of Israel, and put them in line against the Aramaeans;

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.

וַandclauseverbיַּ֣רְאhe.sawsubjectיוֹאָ֗בJoabclause · objectכִּֽי(dm).thatclauseverbהָיְתָ֧הit.wasnoun phrase · subjectפְנֵיthe.facenoun phraseהַofמִּלְחָמָ֛הthe.battleprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֵלָ֖יagainstוhimnoun phrase · adverbialפָּנִ֣יםbeforeוְandאָח֑וֹרbehindוַandclauseverbיִּבְחַ֗רhe.choseprepositional phrase · prepositionalמִfromnoun phrasenoun phraseכָּלeveryבָּחוּר֙chosen.[man]prepositional phraseבְּinיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelוַֽandclauseverbיַּעֲרֹ֖ךְhe.deployedprepositional phrase · prepositionalלִtoclauseverbקְרַ֥אתmeetobjectאֲרָֽםAram

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 in their wording, with a close match in the majority of terms used. The Septuagint's rendering maintains the essential meaning of the Hebrew text, demonstrating consistency across these ancient witnesses.

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

וַיַּ֣רְא יוֹאָ֗ב כִּֽי־ הָיְתָ֧ה פְנֵי־ הַמִּלְחָמָ֛ה אֵלָ֖יו פָּנִ֣ים וְאָח֑וֹר וַיִּבְחַ֗ר מִכָּל־ בָּחוּר֙ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַֽיַּעֲרֹ֖ךְ לִקְרַ֥את אֲרָֽם׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַיַּ֣רְאεἶδενיוֹאָ֗בιωαβכִּֽי־ὅτιהָיְתָ֧הγεγόνασινפְנֵי־ἀντιπρόσωποιהַמִּלְחָמָ֛הπολεμεῖνאֵלָ֖יוαὐτὸνפָּנִ֣יםπρόσωπονוְאָח֑וֹרἐχόπισθενוַיִּבְחַ֗רἐχελέχατοמִכָּל־παντὸςבָּחוּר֙νεανίουבְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לισραηλוַֽיַּעֲרֹ֖ךְπαρετάχαντοלִקְרַ֥אתἐναντίον

15 of the 16 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

1 Chronicles 19:10רָאָהand he sawand he sawרָאָהיוֹאָבJoabJoabיוֹאָבכִּיthatthatכִּיהָיָהit wasit wasהָיָהפָּנֶה[the] face [the] face ofפָּנֶהמִלְחָמָהthe battlethe battleמִלְחָמָהאֶלagainst himagainst himאֶלפָּנֶהfacefaceפָּנֶהאָחוֹרand backand backאָחוֹרבָּחַרand he chosand he choseבָּחַרכֹּלfrom everyfrom everyכֹּלבָּחַרchosen [manchosen [man]בָּחַריִשְׂרָאֵלin Israelin Israelיִשְׂרָאֵלעָרַךְand he depland he deployedעָרַךְקָרָאto meetto meetקָרָאאֲרָםAramAramאֲרָםפָּנָהCorner (GaCorner (Gate)פָּנָהיהוהThe LordThe Lordיהוהלָחַםto fightto fightלָחַםאֲחִירַעAhiraAhiraאֲחִירַעכָּלַלto perfectto perfectכָּלַלשָׂרָהto striveto striveשָׂרָההָוָאto fallto fallהָוָאאַרְמוֹןcitadel: pcitadel: palaceאַרְמוֹןסָתַרto hideto hideסָתַרנוּסto fleeto fleeנוּסעָרַךְto arrangeto arrangeעָרַךְמָאַסto rejectto rejectמָאַסמָקוֹםplaceplaceמָקוֹםעֳנִיafflictionafflictionעֳנִינָבַטto lookto lookנָבַטצְרוּיָהZeruiahZeruiahצְרוּיָהעֲשָׂהאֵלAsahelAsahelעֲשָׂהאֵליָדַעto knowto knowיָדַע
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 1 Chronicles 19:10

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and he saw Joab that it was [the] face of the battle against him face and back and he chose from every chosen [man] in Israel and he deployed to meet Aram
וַיַּ֣רְאvai.Yar' and he saw H7200 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
1,300× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Tyndale gloss
Provider
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

so.

See TOOLS.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Egyptian saws, so far as has yet been discovered, are single-handed. As is the case in modern Oriental saws, the teeth usually incline toward the handle, instead of away from it like ours. They have, in most cases, bronze blades, apparently attached to the handles by leathern thongs. No evidence exists of the use of the saw applied to stone in Egypt, but we read of sawn stones used in the temple. (1 Kings 7:9) The saws "under" or "in" which David is said to have placed his captives were of iron. The expression in (2 Samuel 12:31) does not necessarily imply torture, but the word "cut" in (1 Chronicles 20:3) can hardly be understood otherwise.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Used as an instrument of torture 2Sa 12:31; Heb 11:37

→ Used for cutting stone 1Ki 7:9

→ FIGURATIVE Isa 10:15

and he saw Joab that it was [the] face of the battle against him face and back and he chose from every chosen [man] in Israel and he deployed to meet Aram
יוֹאָ֗בyo.'Av Joab H3097 Noun proper masculine
145× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Joab was a prominent Israelite, his name means Jehovah is father. He was King David's nephew and army general, playing a key role in the Bible, including in the books of Samuel and Kings.
Amplified meaning
the nephew of King David, a skilled military leader
Tyndale gloss
Joab
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יוֹאָב (Yow'ab) means 'Jehovah is father' and refers to several individuals in the Old Testament, primarily Joab, the nephew of King David and commander of his army. The name is built from elements meaning 'Jehovah' and 'father.' Joab is first mentioned in 1 Samuel 26:6, and other references include genealogical mentions during and after the exile.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יוֹאָב n.pr.m. (י׳ is father)

David’s sister’s son & captain of host

a descendant of Judah

a family-name after exile

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3097 יוֹאָב

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3097 Yow'ab yo-awb'

from 3068 and 1; Jehovah-fathered; Joab, the name of three

Israelites:--Joab.

see HEBREW for 03068

see HEBREW for 01

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יוֹאָב (yo.av) — Joab.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.26.6; his mother was Zeruiah (H6870);

brother of: Abishai (H0052) and Asahel (H6214)

§ Joab = "Jehovah is father"

1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army

2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz

3) a post exilic family

יוֹאָב (yo.av) — Joab.

A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.14;

son of: Seraiah (H8304J)

§ Joab = "Jehovah is father"

1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army

2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz

3) a post exilic family

יוֹאָב (yo.av) — Joab.

A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.6;

son of: Pahath-moab (H6355);

brother of: Jeshua (H3442I)

§ Joab = "Jehovah is father"

1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army

2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

jo'-ab (yo'-abh, "Yahweh is father"; Ioab):

(1) Son of Zeruiah, David's sister. He was "captain of the host" (compare 2Sa 19:13) under David.

1. Joab and Abner:

(a) Joab is first introduced in the narrative of the war with Abner, who supported the claims of Ishbosheth to the throne against those of David (2Sa 2:8-3:1). The two armies met, and on Abner's suggestion a tournament took place between 12 men from each side; a general engagement follows, and in this Joab's army is victorious. Asahel, Joab's brother, is killed in his pursuit of Abner, but the latter's army is sorely pressed, and he appeals to Joab for a cessation of hostilities. Joab calls a halt, but declares that he would not cease had Abner not made his plea.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Joab

Jehovah is his father. (1.) One of the three sons of Zeruiah, David’s sister, and “captain of the host” during the whole of David’s reign (2 Sam. 2:13; 10:7; 11:1; 1 Kings 11:15). His father’s name is nowhere mentioned, although his sepulchre at Bethlehem is mentioned (2 Sam. 2:32). His two brothers were Abishai and Asahel, the swift of foot, who was killed by Abner (2 Sam. 2:13-32), whom Joab afterwards treacherously murdered (3:22-27). He afterwards led the assault at the storming of the fortress on Mount Zion, and for this service was raised to the rank of “prince of the king’s army” (2 Sam. 5:6-10;

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Son of Zeruiah, David’s sister, and brother of Abishai and Asahel, was the commander of David’s army during almost the whole of his reign, 2Sa 5:6-10. He was a valiant warrior, and an able general; and his great influence on public affairs was often exerted for good, as in the rebellion of Absalom, and the numbering of Israel, 2Sa 18:1-19:42 24:1-25. But as a man he was imperious, revengeful, and unscrupulous: witness his treacherous assassination of Abner, and of his cousin Amasa, 2Sa 3:27 20:9-10; his bearing towards David, 2Sa 3:39 19:5, and connivance with him in the matter of Uriah; his slaying Absalom, and conspiring with Adonijah against the divinely appointed heir to…

and he saw Joab that it was [the] face of the battle against him face and back and he chose from every chosen [man] in Israel and he deployed to meet Aram
כִּֽי־ki- that H3588 Particle
4,483× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Tyndale gloss
for
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי conj. that, for, when

that

Of time, when, of the past

elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

Because, since

base

כִּי אם־

each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:

that if

for if

(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—

limiting the prec. clause, except

the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

after an oath, surely

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that

. . Of time, when, of the past

. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

. Because, since

H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if

. for if

. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except

. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

. after an oath, surely

H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3588 kiy kee

a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional

prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent

or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative

conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by

other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,

where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,

even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +

nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,

therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,

whether, while, whom, yea, yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּי (ki) — for.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if

1f) but rather, but

1g) except that

1h) only, nevertheless

1i) surely

1j) that is

1k) but if

1l) for though

1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

1b) even though

כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTc — Particle
HTc
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he saw Joab that it was [the] face of the battle against him face and back and he chose from every chosen [man] in Israel and he deployed to meet Aram
הָיְתָ֧הha.ye.Tah it was H1961 Verb · Qal · perfect third person feminine singular
3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Tyndale gloss
to be
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be

Qal

Fall out, happen

occur, take place, come about, come to pass

esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass

וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

Come into being, become

abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

sq. prep.

become

sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

sq. pred. adj.

become like

sq. pred. לְ pers.

sq. לְ pred.

oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.

with עַל and לְ

sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)

exist, be in existence

abide, remain, continue

with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie

as copula, joining subj. & pred.

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen

. occur, take place, come about, come to pass

. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

. sq. prep.

. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

. sq. pred. adj.

. become like

. sq. pred. + לְ pers.

. sq. לְ pred.

. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.

. with עַל and לְ

. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence

. abide, remain, continue

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1961 hayah haw-yaw

a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,

come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or

auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,

committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,

fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit

(one-)self, require, X use.

see HEBREW for 01933

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.

1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) ---

1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass

1a1b) to come about, come to pass

1a2) to come into being, become

1a2a) to arise, appear, come

1a2b) to become

1a2b1) to become

1a2b2) to become like

1a2b3) to be instituted, be established

1a3) to be

1a3a) to exist, be in existence

1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)

1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)

1a3d) to accompany, be with

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about

1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqp3fs — Verb · Qal · perfect third person feminine singular
HVqp3fs
and he saw Joab that it was [the] face of the battle against him face and back and he chose from every chosen [man] in Israel and he deployed to meet Aram
פְנֵי־fe.nei- [the] face of H6440 Noun common · masculine plural construct
2,127× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Tyndale gloss
face
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces

face, faces

presence, person

technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

face of seraphim

face of animals

face (= surface) of ground

as adv.loc. before

for other phrases

with prepositions

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces

. . presence, person

. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

. face of seraphim

. face of animals

. face (= surface) of ground

. as adv. loc. before

. for other phrases

. with prepositions

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6440 paniym paw-neem'

plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh

{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);

used in a great variety of applications (literally and

figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a

preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),

against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),

+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,

face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er

time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +

honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +

meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,

open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,

presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right

forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,

X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.

: before/to/front

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.

: face

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cp — Noun common · masculine plural construct
HNcmpc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

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 company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he saw Joab that it was [the] face of the battle against him face and back and he chose from every chosen [man] in Israel and he deployed to meet Aram
הַמִּלְחָמָ֛הha.mil.cha.Mah the battle H4421 Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
320× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Amplified meaning
set in array, positioned for war
Tyndale gloss
battle
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִלְחָמָה (milchamah) means 'battle' or 'war.' It is derived from the root word for fighting and encompasses both specific engagements and the broader concept of warfare. The entries consistently define it in this way, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִלְחָמָה 319 n.f. battle, war

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4421 מִלְחָמָה battle, war

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4421 milchamah mil-khaw-maw'

from 3898 (in the sense of fighting); a battle (i.e. the

engagement); generally, war (i.e. warfare):--battle,

fight(-ing), war((-rior)).

see HEBREW for 03898

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִלְחָמָה (mil.cha.mah) — battle.

battle, war

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-fs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
HTd/Ncfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

See WAR.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Shouting in Jud 7:20; 1Sa 17:20

→ Priests in 2Ch 13:12

→ Prayer before

By Asa 2Ch 14:11

By Jehoshaphat 2Ch 20:3-12

→ See ARMIES

→ See WAR

and he saw Joab that it was [the] face of the battle against him face and back and he chose from every chosen [man] in Israel and he deployed to meet Aram
אֵלָ֖יו'e.Lav against him H413 Preposition · suffix
5,518× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Tyndale gloss
to(wards)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),

prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place

Where the limit is actually entered, into

Of direction towards anything

Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

Of rule or standard according to (rare)

Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place

. Where the limit is actually entered, into

. Of direction towards anything

. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

. Of rule or standard according to (rare)

. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

413 'el ale

(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});

a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but

occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or

among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,

against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,

by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,

over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,

with(-in).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶל (el) — to(wards).

1) to, toward, unto (of motion)

2) into (limit is actually entered)

2a) in among

3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)

4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)

5) in addition to, to

6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of

7) according to (rule or standard)

8) at, by, against (of one's presence)

9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp3ms
and he saw Joab that it was [the] face of the battle against him face and back and he chose from every chosen [man] in Israel and he deployed to meet Aram
פָּנִ֣יםpa.Nim face H6440 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
2,127× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Tyndale gloss
face
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces

face, faces

presence, person

technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

face of seraphim

face of animals

face (= surface) of ground

as adv.loc. before

for other phrases

with prepositions

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces

. . presence, person

. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

. face of seraphim

. face of animals

. face (= surface) of ground

. as adv. loc. before

. for other phrases

. with prepositions

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6440 paniym paw-neem'

plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh

{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);

used in a great variety of applications (literally and

figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a

preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),

against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),

+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,

face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er

time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +

honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +

meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,

open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,

presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right

forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,

X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.

: before/to/front

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.

: face

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmpa — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

fas: In Hebrew the translation of three expressions:

(1) panim

(2) `ayin, literally, "eye" and

(3) 'aph, literally, "nose," "nostril," already noted under the word COUNTENANCE, which see.

The first and second of these words are used synonymously, even in metaphorical expressions, as, for example in the phrase "the face of the earth," where panim is used (De 6:15 et passim) and `ayin (Nu 22:5 et passim). The third expression preserves more clearly its original meaning. It is generally used in the phrases "to bow one's self to the earth," "to fall on one's face," where the nose actually touched the ground. Often "my face," "thy face" is mere oriental circumlocution for the personal pronoun "I," "me," "thou," "thee." "In thy face" means "in thy presence;" and is often so translated. A…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Face

Means simply presence, as when it is recorded that Adam and Eve hid themselves from the “face [R.V., ‘presence’] of the Lord God” (Gen. 3:8; comp. Ex. 33:14, 15, where the same Hebrew word is rendered “presence”). The “light of God’s countenance” is his favour (Ps. 44:3; Dan. 9:17). “Face” signifies also anger, justice, severity (Gen. 16:6, 8; Ex. 2:15; Ps. 68:1; Rev. 6:16). To “provoke God to his face” (Isa.…

Face and presence, expressed by the same word in Hebrew, are often put for the person himself, Ge 48:11 Ex 33:14 Isa 63:9. No man has seen the face of God, that is, had a full revelation of his glory, Ex 33:20 Joh 1:18 1Ti 6:16. To see him "face to face," is to enjoy his presence, Ge 32:30 Nu 14:14 De 5:4, and have a clear manifestation of his nature and grace,

→ Covering of Isa 6:2

→ Disfiguring of, in fasting Mt 6:16

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he saw Joab that it was [the] face of the battle against him face and back and he chose from every chosen [man] in Israel and he deployed to meet Aram
וְאָח֑וֹרve.'a.Chor and back H268 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
41× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the back or rear side of something. It can also refer to a location or direction, like the West. In Genesis, it describes the back of the Tabernacle.
Tyndale gloss
back
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָחוֹר (achowr) refers to the hinder side or back part of something. It can also imply a direction, meaning backward or behind, and has temporal uses, indicating a time to come or hereafter. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to be behind' and encompasses various contexts, including physical and temporal references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָחוֹר 41 subst. the hinder side, back part

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H268 אָחוֹר the hinder side, back part

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

268 'achowr aw-khore'

or (shortened) achor {aw-khore'}; from 299; the hinder part;

hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the

West:--after(-ward), back (part, -side, -ward), hereafter,

(be-)hind(-er part), time to come, without.

see HEBREW for 0299

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָחוֹר (a.chor) — back.

1) the back side, the rear

1a) backwards

1b) hereafter (of time)

1c) behind

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
HC/Ncmsa
and he saw Joab that it was [the] face of the battle against him face and back and he chose from every chosen [man] in Israel and he deployed to meet Aram
וַיִּבְחַ֗רvai.yiv.Char and he chose H977 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
171× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Amplified meaning
chose, picked out
Tyndale gloss
to choose
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּחַר (bachar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to choose or select. It encompasses actions like examining and trying, indicating both divine and human choices. The word can appear in various forms, such as being chosen or selected. It is used in contexts of making decisions, often with specific prepositions indicating the nature of the choice.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בָּחַר vb. choose

Qal

with בְּ,

divine choice

man’s choice

with אֲשֶׁר:

divine choice

man’s choice

with acc. & לְ, choose some one or something for

with acc. and מִן, choose, select from

acc.

divine choice

man’s choice

with עַל, for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction

with לְ of acc. chosen

test, try

Niph. to be chosen

Pu. chosen, selected

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H977 בָּחַר examine, try .. examine, scrutinize, try

. prove, test, try

. to be tried, proved

. the trial has been made

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

977 bachar baw-khar'

a primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. (by implication)

select:--acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent,

join, be rather, require.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּחַר (ba.char) — to choose.

1) to choose, elect, decide for

1a) (Qal) to choose

1b) (Niphal) to be chosen

1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
and he saw Joab that it was [the] face of the battle against him face and back and he chose from every chosen [man] in Israel and he deployed to meet Aram
מִכָּל־mi.kol from every H3605 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
5,415× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Tyndale gloss
all
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all

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

Absolutely:

without the art., all things, all

with the art. הַכֹּל

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

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

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

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

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3605 kol kole

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

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

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

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

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

whoso(-ever).

see HEBREW for 03634

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּל (kol) — all.

1) all, the whole

1a) all, the whole of

1b) any, each, every, anything

1c) totality, everything

Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
HR/Ncmsc
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he saw Joab that it was [the] face of the battle against him face and back and he chose from every chosen [man] in Israel and he deployed to meet Aram
בָּחוּר֙ba.Chur chosen [man] H977 Verb · Qal · participle (passive) masculine singular
171× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Tyndale gloss
to choose
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּחַר (bachar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to choose or select. It encompasses actions like examining and trying, indicating both divine and human choices. The word can appear in various forms, such as being chosen or selected. It is used in contexts of making decisions, often with specific prepositions indicating the nature of the choice.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בָּחַר vb. choose

Qal

with בְּ,

divine choice

man’s choice

with אֲשֶׁר:

divine choice

man’s choice

with acc. & לְ, choose some one or something for

with acc. and מִן, choose, select from

acc.

divine choice

man’s choice

with עַל, for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction

with לְ of acc. chosen

test, try

Niph. to be chosen

Pu. chosen, selected

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H977 בָּחַר examine, try .. examine, scrutinize, try

. prove, test, try

. to be tried, proved

. the trial has been made

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

977 bachar baw-khar'

a primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. (by implication)

select:--acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent,

join, be rather, require.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּחַר (ba.char) — to choose.

1) to choose, elect, decide for

1a) (Qal) to choose

1b) (Niphal) to be chosen

1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Inf-c — Verb · Qal · participle (passive) masculine singular
HVqsmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

See ANTHROPOLOGY.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Man

(1.) Heb. ‘Adam, used as the proper name of the first man. The name is derived from a word meaning “to be red,” and thus the first man was called Adam because he was formed from the red earth. It is also the generic name of the human race (Gen. 1:26, 27; 5:2; 8:21; Deut. 8:3). Its equivalents are the Latin homo and the Greek anthropos (Matt. 5:13, 16). It denotes also man in opposition to woman (Gen. 3:12; Matt. 19:10).

(2.) Heb. ‘ish, like the Latin vir and Greek aner, denotes properly a man in opposition to a woman (1 Sam. 17:33;

→ CREATED Ge 1:26,27; 2:7; 5:1,2; De 4:32; Job 4:17; 10:2,3,8,9; 31:15; 33:4; 35:10; Ps 8:5; 100:3; 119:73; 138:8; 139:14; Ec 7:29; Isa 17:7; 42:5; 43:7; 45:12; 64:8; Jer 27:5; Zec 12:1; Mal 2:10; Mr 10:6; Heb 2:7

See CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD, below

and he saw Joab that it was [the] face of the battle against him face and back and he chose from every chosen [man] in Israel and he deployed to meet Aram
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לbe.Yis.ra.'El in Israel H3478 Preposition · noun proper
2,508× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Amplified meaning
the choice, the bravest, the descendants of Jacob, God's chosen people
Tyndale gloss
Israel
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el) refers to both the second name of Jacob, meaning 'God prevails,' and the name of the Hebrew nation descended from him. It is derived from roots meaning 'to rule' and 'God.' The term encompasses Jacob's descendants and is used historically for the northern kingdom of Israel and the nation as a whole after the Babylonian exile.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יִשְׂרָאֵל 2507 n.pr.m. et gent. Israel (Ēl persisteth, persevereth)

n.pr.m. second name of Jacob

n.pr.gent. name of Hebrew nation

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3478 יִשְׂרָאֵל Israel (Ēl persisteth, persevereth) . n. pr. m. second name of Jacob

. n. pr. gent. name of Hebrew nation

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3478 Yisra'el yis-raw-ale'

from 8280 and 410; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical

name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity:

--Israel.

see HEBREW for 08280

see HEBREW for 0410

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יִשְׂרָאֵל (yis.ra.el) — Israel.

A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26;

son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259);

brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A);

father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently

§ Israel = "God prevails"

1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel

2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob

2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun proper
HR/Npl
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

iz'-ra-el.

See JACOB.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Israel

The name conferred on Jacob after the great prayer-struggle at Peniel (Gen. 32:28), because “as a prince he had power with God and prevailed.” (See JACOB.) This is the common name given to Jacob’s descendants. The whole people of the twelve tribes are called “Israelites,” the “children of Israel” (Josh. 3:17; 7:25; Judg. 8:27; Jer. 3:21), and the “house of Israel” (Ex. 16:31; 40:38).

This name Israel is sometimes used emphatically for the true Israel (Ps. 73:1: Isa. 45:17; 49:3;

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(the prince that prevails with God). The name given, (Genesis 32:28) to Jacob after his wrestling with the angel, (Hosea 12:4) at Peniel. Gesenius interprets Israel "soldier of God." It became the national name of the twelve tribes collectively. They are so called in (Exodus 3:16) and afterward. It is used in a narrower sense, excluding Judah, in (1 Samuel 11:8; 2 Samuel 20:1; 1 Kings 12:16) Thenceforth it was assumed and accepted as the name of the northern kingdom. After the Babylonian captivity, the returned exiles resumed the name Israel as the designation of…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Who prevails with God, a name given to Jacob, after having wrestled with the Angel-Jehovah at Penuel. Ge 32:1,2,28,30 Ho 12:3. See JACOB. By the name Israel is sometimes understood all the posterity of Israel, the seed of Jacob, 1Co 10:18; sometimes all true believers, his spiritual seed, Ro 9:6; and sometimes the kingdom of Israel, or the ten tribes, as distinct from the kingdom of Judah.

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he saw Joab that it was [the] face of the battle against him face and back and he chose from every chosen [man] in Israel and he deployed to meet Aram
וַֽיַּעֲרֹ֖ךְvai.ya.'a.Rokh and he deployed H6186 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
75× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to value or arrange things in order. It is used in various contexts, like setting up an army for battle or estimating the value of something, as seen in 1 Kings 10.
Amplified meaning
put in order, set in array
Tyndale gloss
to arrange
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָרַךְ (arak) means to arrange or set in order, applicable in various contexts such as preparing a table, organizing a battle, or stating a legal case. It can also denote valuing or taxing in the Hiphil form. The word encompasses a wide range of meanings related to order and comparison.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָרַךְ vb. arrange or set in order

Qal

arrange in order, seven altars

set or lay in order, as wood

in common life, arrange a table

arrange a battle, i.e. draw up in battle order

arrange weapons of army in order for battle

arrange words

state in order, set forth a legal case

compare (as result of arranging in order)

intrans. be comparable

base

עָרַךְ vb. denom. Hiph. value (for taxation), tax

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6186a עָרַךְ arrange or set in order .. . arrange in order, seven altars

. set or lay in order, as wood

. in common life, arrange a table

. arrange a battle, i.e. draw up in battle order

. arrange weapons of army in order for battle

. arrange words

. state in order, set forth a legal case

. . compare (as result of arranging in order)

. intrans. be comparable

H6186b עָרַךְ vb. denom. Hiph. value (for taxation), tax

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6186 `arak aw-rak'

a primitive root; to set in a row, i.e. arrange, put in order

(in a very wide variety of applications):--put (set) (the

battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem,

estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle),

ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax,

value.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָרַךְ (a.rakh) — to arrange.

1) to arrange, set or put or lay in order, set in array, prepare, order, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct, compare

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to arrange or set or lay in order, arrange, state in order, set forth (a legal case), set in place

1a2) to compare, be comparable

עָרַךְ (a.rakh) — to value.

(Hiphil) to value, tax

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
and he saw Joab that it was [the] face of the battle against him face and back and he chose from every chosen [man] in Israel and he deployed to meet Aram
לִקְרַ֥אתlik.Rat to meet H7122 Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common
139× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to encounter or meet someone, either by chance or on purpose. It can describe a friendly meeting or a hostile one. In Exodus, the Israelites encountered God on Mount Sinai.
Tyndale gloss
to encounter: meet
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word קָרָא (*qara'*) is a primitive root meaning to encounter or meet, often unexpectedly. It encompasses various nuances, including to befall or happen by chance. The verb appears in different forms: Qal (to meet), Niphal (to meet unexpectedly), and Hiphil (to cause to meet). Brown-Driver-Briggs notes its use in a figurative sense as well.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[קָרָא] 137 vb. encounter, befall

Qal 131

meet, encounter

fig. befall

Niph. meet unexpectedly

Hiph. thou didst cause all this evil to befall them

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7122 קָרָא encounter, befall

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7122 qara' kaw-raw'

a primitive root: to encounter, whether accidentally or in a

hostile manner:--befall, (by) chance, (cause to) come (upon),

fall out, happen, meet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קָרָא (qa.ra) — to encounter: meet.

: meet

1) to encounter, befall, meet

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to meet, encounter

1a2) to befall (fig)

1b) (Niphal) to meet, meet unexpectedly

1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet

קָרָא (qa.ra) — to encounter: toward.

: toward/(come)against

1) to encounter, befall, meet

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to meet, encounter

1a2) to befall (fig)

1b) (Niphal) to meet, meet unexpectedly

1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet

קָרָא (qa.ra) — to encounter: chanced.

: happen[unexpectedly]

1) to encounter, befall, meet

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to meet, encounter

1a2) to befall (fig)

1b) (Niphal) to meet, meet unexpectedly

1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Vqcc — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common
HR/Vqcc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

met, adjective (yashar; axios): Various words are employed to express meetness, the sense of what is proper, worthy, or fit. We have yashar, "straight," "upright," "right" (2Ki 10:3, "meetest"; Jer 26:14, the Revised Version (British and American) "right"); yashar (Jer 27:5, the Revised Version (British and American) "right"); yosher (Pr 11:24, the Revised Version margin "what is justly due"); 'arikh, Aramaic "meet" (Ezr 4:14); bene, "sons of" (De 3:18, the King James Version "meet for the war," margin "Hebrew sons of power," the Revised Version (British and…

and he saw Joab that it was [the] face of the battle against him face and back and he chose from every chosen [man] in Israel and he deployed to meet Aram
אֲרָֽם׃'a.Ram Aram H758 Noun proper
143× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Aram refers to a region in the Bible, also known as Syria, and its people, the Arameans. The grandson of Nahor, an ancestor of Jesus, was also named Aram. The prophet Isaiah wrote about Aram and its relationship with Israel in Isaiah 7:1-9.
Amplified meaning
the people of Aram, the Syrians
Tyndale gloss
Aram
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֲרָם (Aram) refers to both a person and a region. It denotes the fifth son of Shem, a grandson of Nahor, and a descendant of Asher. The term also encompasses the Aramean people and their territory, primarily in Mesopotamia and northern Syria. The word is often associated with the meaning 'exalted' and appears in various contexts, including references to the land of Mesopotamia.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲרָם n.pr.m. Aram

5th son of Shem

grandson of Nahor

a descendant of Asher

—Elsewhere only of Aramæan people & land (= 1 supr.)

people, sg. coll. = the Aramæans, a leading branch of the Shemitic stock inhabiting Mesopotamia & northern Syria, in many tribes & settlements

less often clearly of land; also of particular divisions of territory א׳ נַהֲרַיִם ‘Mesopotamia,’ i.e. prob. land between Euphrates & Chaboras; cf. פַּדַּן א׳ Paddan-Aram

often indeterminate

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H758 אֲרָם Aram . 5th son of Shem

. grandson of Nahor

. a descendant of Asher

—Elsewhere only of Aramæan people & land (= 1 supr.) . people, sg. coll. = the Aramæans, a leading branch of the Shemitic stock inhabiting Mesopotamia & northern Syria, in many tribes & settlements

. less often clearly of land; also of particular divisions of territory א׳ נַהֲרַיִם ‘Mesopotamia,’ i.e. prob. land between Euphrates & Chaboras; cf. פַּדַּן א׳ Paddan-Aram

. often indeterminate

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

758 'Aram arawm'

from the same as 759; the highland; Aram or Syria, and its

inhabitants; also the name of the son of Shem, a grandson of

Nahor, and of an Israelite:--Aram, Mesopotamia, Syria,

Syrians.

see HEBREW for 0759

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲרָם (a.ram) — Aram.

A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.22;

son of: Shem (H8035);

brother of: Asshur (H0804H), Elam (H5867C), Arpachshad (H0775) and Lud (H3865);

father of: Uz (H5780), Hul (H2343), Gether (H1666) and Mash (H4851)

§ Aram or Arameans = "exalted"

1) Aram or Syrian nation

2) the Syrian or Aramean people

Aram = "exalted"

n m

3) fifth son of Shem

4) a grandson of Nahor

5) a descendant of Asher

אֲרָם (a.ram) — Aram.

A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, only mentioned at Gen.22.21;

son of: Kemuel (H7055)

§ Aram or Arameans = "exalted"

1) Aram or Syrian nation

2) the Syrian or Aramean people

Aram = "exalted"

n m

3) fifth son of Shem

4) a grandson of Nahor

5) a descendant of Asher

אֲרָם (a.ram) — Syria.

§ Aram or Arameans = "exalted"

Aram or Syrian nation

אֲרָם (a.ram) — Aram.

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpl
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a'-ram ('aram):

(1) A son of Shem (Ge 10:22; 1Ch 1:17). See ARAMEANS; SYRIA.

(2) A grandson of Nahor (Ge 22:21).

(3) A descendant of Asher (1Ch 7:34).

(4) Aram, King James Version: Greek form of Ram (thus the Revised Version (British and American) Mt 13:4; Arni Lu 3:33), grandson of Perez.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Aram

The son of Shem (Gen. 10:22); according to Gen. 22:21, a grandson of Nahor. In Matt. 1:3, 4, and Luke 3:33, this word is the Greek form of Ram, the father of Amminadab (1 Chr. 2:10).

The word means high, or highlands, and as the name of a country denotes that elevated region extending from the northeast of Palestine to the Euphrates. It corresponded generally with the Syria and Mesopotamia of the Greeks and Romans. In Gen. 25:20; 31:20, 24; Deut. 26:5, the word “Syrian” is properly “Aramean” (R.V., marg.).…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(high). The name by which the Hebrews designated, generally, the country lying to the northeast of Palestine; the great mass of that high tableland which, rising with sudden abruptness from the Jordan and the very margin of the Lake of Gennesaret, stretched at an elevation of no less than 2000 feet above the level of the sea, to the banks of the Euphrates itself. Throughout the Authorized Version the word is, with only a very few exceptions, rendered, as in the Vulgate and LXX., SYRIA. Its earliest occurrence in the book of Genesis is in the form of Aram-naharaim , i.e. the "highland of or between the two rivers." (Genesis 24:10) Authorized Version "Mesopotamia." In the later history we meet with a number of small nations or kingdoms forming parts of the general land of Aram; but as Damascus increased in importance it gradually…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

1. The name of three men in the Bible: a son of Shem, Ge 10:22, a grandson of Nahor, Ge 22:21, and an ancestor of our Lord, Ru 4:19 1Ch 2:10 Mt 1:3 Lu 3:33 2. Nearly synonymous with Syria; the Hebrew name of the whole region northeast of Palestine, extending from the Tigris on the east nearly to the Mediterranean on the west, and to the Taurus range on the north. It was named after Aram the son of Shem. Thus defined, it includes also Mesopotamia, which the Hebrews named Aram-naharaim, Aram of the two rivers, Ge…

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

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

Donate