1 Kings 16:21 — Word Study
WLCאָ֧ז יֵחָלֵ֛ק הָעָ֥ם יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לַחֵ֑צִי חֲצִ֨י הָעָ֜ם הָ֠יָה אַחֲרֵ֨י תִבְנִ֤י בֶן־ גִּינַת֙ לְהַמְלִיכ֔וֹ וְהַחֲצִ֖י אַחֲרֵ֥י עָמְרִֽי׃
BSAAt that timeʼâz [then, in a past moment] the peopleʻam [a nation, a tribe] of IsraelYisrâʼêl [the descendants of Jacob] were dividedchâlaq▸ [split into two parts, separated] Halfchêtsîy [one part, a portion] of the peopleʻam supportedhâyâh■ [followed, backed] TibniTibnîy [the son of Ginath, an Israelite leader] sonbên of GinathGîynath [an Israelite man] as kingmâlak [a ruler, a leader] and halfchêtsîy [the other part, a remaining portion] supportedʼachar [followed, gave allegiance to] OmriʻOmrîy [a king of Israel, a ruler]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אָ֧ז | then | Adverb |
| יֵחָלֵ֛ק | it was divided | Verb, Niphal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| הָעָ֥ם | the people | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל | Israel | Noun proper |
| לַחֵ֑צִי | into the half | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| חֲצִ֨י | half of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| הָעָ֜ם | the people | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| הָ֠יָה | it was | Verb, Qal, perfect third person masculine singular |
| אַחֲרֵ֨י | behind | Prep |
| תִבְנִ֤י | Tibni | Noun proper masculine |
| בֶן־ | [the] son of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| גִּינַת֙ | Ginath | Noun proper masculine |
| לְהַמְלִיכ֔וֹ | to make king him | Preposition, verb hiphil infinitive construct common, suffix |
| וְהַחֲצִ֖י | and half | Conjunction, particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| אַחֲרֵ֥י | [was] behind | |
| עָמְרִֽי׃ | Omri | Noun proper masculine |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | At that time the people of Israel were divided: Half of the people supported Tibni son of Ginath as king, and half supported Omri. |
| KJV | ¶ Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri. |
| ASV | Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri. |
| YLT | Then are the sons of Israel parted into halves; half of the people hath been after Tibni son of Ginath to cause him to reign, and the half after Omri; |
| WEB | Then the people of Israel were divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king, and half followed Omri. |
| BBE | Then there was a division among the people of Israel; half the people were for making Tibni, son of Ginath, king, and half were supporting Omri. |
The translations agree on the meaning of יֵחָלֵ֛ק — see How Translations Differ.
The structure clearly shows the division among the people, with two main groups identified in the sentence.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbחָלַק
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 — 1 Kings 16:21
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 Division of Israelgenerated
1 Kings 16:21 describes a significant division within the nation of Israel during a turbulent period of its monarchy. At this time, the people were split in their allegiance, with one faction supporting Tibni, the son of Ginath, while the other backed Omri. This division is crucial in understanding the political dynamics of Israel's leadership, as seen in the subsequent events leading to Omri's eventual kingship, noted in 1 Kings 16:22.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 16:8–29 | In the twenty-sixth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Elah son of Baasha became king of Israel, and he reigned in Tirzah two years. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 15:25–28 | In the second year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Nadab son of Jeroboam became king of Israel, and he reigned two years. |
| 3 | Proverbs 28:2 | A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order. |
| 4 | Isaiah 9:18–21 | For wickedness burns like a fire that consumes the thorns and briers and kindles the forest thickets which roll upward in billows of smoke. |
| 5 | Isaiah 19:2 | “So I will incite Egyptian against Egyptian; brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, and kingdom against kingdom. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — יֵחָלֵ֛ק, ye.cha.Lekgenerated
The verb יֵחָלֵ֛ק (ye.cha.Lek) is in the Niphal stem, indicating a passive action, meaning 'it was divided.' This form suggests that the division occurred without the subject acting upon it, emphasizing the state of being divided rather than the act of dividing.
This word is derived from the root חָלַק (chalaq), which means 'to divide' or 'to share.' In this context, it highlights the separation of the people into factions, reflecting the political instability during this time in Israel's history.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree on the meaning of יֵחָלֵ֛ק as 'was divided.' The BSB, KJV, ASV, YLT, WEB, and BBE all convey this division among the people of Israel without significant variation.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb יֵחָלֵ֛ק (it was divided) governs the sentence, indicating the state of the people. The structure shows a clear division between the factions supporting Tibni and Omri, with the noun phrases detailing the subjects involved.
The sentence is constructed with a straightforward subject-verb-object order, emphasizing the division of the people and their respective allegiances.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, יֵחָלֵ֛ק is translated as μερίζεται (merizetai), meaning 'is divided.' This choice reflects a similar understanding of the division but may carry a slightly different connotation in Greek, focusing on the act of partitioning rather than the state of being divided.
This translation choice indicates a continuity in the understanding of the division among the people, aligning with the Hebrew text's emphasis on separation.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
1 Kings 16:21 tells us that at a certain point in Israel's history, the people were divided into two groups. One group supported Tibni, the son of Ginath, as their king, while the other group supported Omri. This division highlights the political struggles within Israel during this time.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It indicates a split in loyalty among the Israelites, with factions supporting different leaders, which led to conflict and instability.
Tibni was a contender for the throne of Israel, and Omri eventually became king after a period of rivalry and conflict.
This division reflects the political turmoil in Israel and sets the stage for future events in the monarchy, including the rise of Omri.
It illustrates the challenges of leadership and the consequences of division among the people, which are recurring themes in the history of Israel's monarchy.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What can this division among the people of Israel teach us about the importance of unity?
- How do political conflicts affect a community's stability?
- In what ways can we see similar divisions in our own society today?
- What lessons can we learn from the leadership styles of Tibni and Omri?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 1 Kings 16:21 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThen were the people of Israel divided into two parts,.... About the succession in the kingdom: half the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king: these were the friends of Zimri, or
Read John Gill on 1 Kings 16 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThen were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri.
Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Kings 16 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe people of Israel fell into a civil war; yet neither this nor any other of God’ s dreadful judgments could win them to repentance; which is an evidence of their prodigious impiety and incorrigibleness, and how ripe they were for ruin. Half of the people followed Tibni, disdaining that the soldiers should usurp such a power over the whole kingdom. Half followed Omri, because they approved the person, though not the manner of his election.
Read Matthew Poole on 1 Kings 16 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments1 Kings 16:21 Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri.Ver. 21. Half of the people followed Tibni, &c.] Both Tibni and Omri should have refused these offered honours: considering what had befallen the kings that had gone before them. Macro, captain of the guard, and Laco, knight of the watch, men that had been active in ruinating Sejanus, had great honours appointed them by the Senate. They refused them: and Dion attributeth the reason of their refusal to the terror of an example so fresh in their memories. Dion, in Tiberio.
Read John Trapp on 1 Kings 16 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(21) Tibni.—Of him we know nothing. No doubt he also was a military chief—possibly Zimri’s colleague, under the supreme command of Omri—and the LXX. speaks of a brother, Joram, who fought and fell with him. There is an ominous significance in the terse description of the alternatives of fortune in this internecine struggle, “so Tibni died, and Omri reigned.” By comparison of 1 Kings 16:23 with 1 Kings 16:15, it appears that the struggle had lasted four years.
Read Charles John Ellicott on 1 Kings 16 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 21. Divided into two parts] Why this division took place we cannot tell; the people appear to have been for Tibni, the army for Omri; and the latter prevailed.
Read AdamClarke on 1 Kings 16 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges21–28. Two parties in Israel. Omri’s followers prevail. Reign of Omri, and the building of Samaria (Not in Chronicles) 21. divided into two parts] Probably it was the civil population, which at first followed Zimri, and after his death, Tibni, while the military strength declared for their commander-in-chief Omri. half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath] Of Tibni we have no information but what is to be gathered from this passage. Comparing the date of Omri’s accession in 1 Kings 16:23, viz. the 31st year of Asa, with that of Zimri’s death in the 27th year of the same king (see 1 Kings 16:15) we find that the struggle between the two parties was continued for four years.
Read Cambridge on 1 Kings 16 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible21. Tibni the son of Ginath — He was probably set up by the people of Tirzah, which was besieged by Omri. There was a class of people that did not wish a king set up and maintained by a military despotism.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on 1 Kings 16 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
At that time the people of Israel were divided: Half of the people supported Tibni son of Ginath as king, and half supported Omri.
Then the people of Israel were divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king, and half followed Omri.
At that time the people of Israel were divided: Half of the people supported Tibni son of Ginath as king, and half supported Omri.
At that time the people of Israel were divided in their loyalties. Half the people supported Tibni son of Ginath and wanted to make him king; the other half supported Omri.
Tyndale line
¶ Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri.
Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri.
Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri.
Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri.
Then were the people of Israel deuided into two partes: for halfe the people followed Tibni the sonne of Ginath to make him King, and the other halfe followed Omri.
Strictly literal
Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and half followed Omri.
Then are the sons of Israel parted into halves; half of the people hath been after Tibni son of Ginath to cause him to reign, and the half after Omri;
Then the sons of Israel are parted into halves; half of the people have been after Tibni son of Ginath to cause him to reign, and the [other] half after Omri;
At that time were the people of Israel divided into two parts: one half of the people followed Thibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and the other half followed 'Omri.
Then the people of Israel were divided into two parts. Half of the people followed Tibni son of Ginath, to make him king, and half followed Omri.
From the Latin
Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: one half of the people followed Thebni the son of Gineth, to make him king: and one half followed Amri.
Simplified
After this the people of Israel were divided. Half supported Tibni, son of Ginath, as king, while the other half supported Omri.
Then there was a division among the people of Israel; half the people were for making Tibni, son of Ginath, king, and half were supporting Omri.
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 in their wording and meaning for this verse, with only minor differences in structure. The Septuagint matches 15 of the 16 words from the Hebrew, indicating a strong textual consistency between the two.
אָ֧ז יֵחָלֵ֛ק הָעָ֥ם יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לַחֵ֑צִי חֲצִ֨י הָעָ֜ם הָ֠יָה אַחֲרֵ֨י תִבְנִ֤י בֶן־ גִּינַת֙ לְהַמְלִיכ֔וֹ וְהַחֲצִ֖י אַחֲרֵ֥י עָמְרִֽי׃
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.
Lexicons — every word in 1 Kings 16:21
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.
אָז (az) is a demonstrative adverb meaning 'at that time' or 'then,' used for both temporal and logical expressions. It can refer to past events or indicate a condition for future actions. The related form מֵאָז (me.az) means 'from that time' or 'since.' The entries highlight its use in various contexts without significant disagreement.
אָז adv. at that time, then whether expressing duration, or inception (= thereupon).
strictly temporal
expressing logical sequence strictly
base
מֵאָז lit. from that time
base
H227a אָז at that time, then H227b מֵאָז, once
227 'az awz
a demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a
conjunction, therefore:--beginning, for, from, hitherto, now,
of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet.
אָז (az) — then.
1) then, at that time
1a) temporal expressions
1a1) then (past)
1a2) then, if...then (future)
1a3) earlier
1b) logical expressions
1b1) in that case
1b2) that (being so)
מֵאָז (me.az) — the past.
1) in time past, of old
2)from time of, since
Adv — AdverbHD
חָלַק (chalaq) is a Hebrew verb with two primary meanings: to divide or share, and to be smooth or slippery. It encompasses actions like apportioning, distributing, and even plundering, as well as the state of being smooth. The entries indicate a range of uses in different grammatical forms, including reflexive and passive. Notably, the lexicons also emphasize the figurative use of smoothness in relation to deceit.
חָלַק vb. divide, share
Qal
divide, apportion
assign, distribute
assign, impart
share
divide up = plunder the temple
Niph. Impf.
reflex. divide oneself
pass. be divided
trans. assign, distribute
Pi.
divide, apportion
assign, distribute
scatter
Pu. be divided, of land
Hithp. divide land among themselves
Hiph. to receive a portion
base
חָלַק vb. be smooth, slippery
Qal smooth, slippery
Hiph. make smooth
base
H2505a חָלַק divide, share .. divide, apportion
. assign, distribute
. assign, impart
. share
. divide up = plunder the temple
. Impf. . reflex. divide oneself
. pass. be divided
. trans. assign, distribute
. . divide, apportion
. assign, distribute
. scatter
. be divided, of land
. divide land among themselves
. to receive a portion
H2505b חָלַק be smooth, slippery
2505 chalaq khaw-lak'
a primitive root; to be smooth (figuratively); by implication
(as smooth stones were used for lots) to apportion or
separate:--deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have,
im-)part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self,
(be) smooth(-er).
חָלַק (cha.laq) — to divide.
1) to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assign
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to divide, apportion
1a2) to assign, distribute
1a3) to assign, impart
1a4) to share
1a5) to divide up, plunder
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to divide oneself
1b2) to be divided
1b3) to assign, distribute
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to divide, apportion
1c2) to assign, distribute
1c3) to scatter
1d) (Pual) to be divided
1e) (Hiphil) to receive a portion or part
1f) (Hithpael) to divide among themselves
חָלַק (cha.laq) — to smooth.
1) to be smooth, slippery, deceitful
1a) (Qal) to be smooth, slippery
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to be smooth
1b2) to flatter
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVNi3ms
עַם (am) primarily means 'people' or 'nation,' referring to a collective group, often in the context of tribes such as those of Israel. It can also denote kinsmen or compatriots. The term appears in various contexts, including military and familial references. There is a mention of a specific individual named Ammi in Song of Solomon 6:12.
עַם, עָם 1810 n.m. people
a people, nation
= smaller units
= common people
people in gen., persons
phrases
base
[עַם] n.[m.] kinsman (on father's side)
base
H5971a עַם, עָם people H5971b עַם kinsman (on father's side)
5971 `am am
from 6004; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a
tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or
attendants; figuratively, a flock:--folk, men, nation,
people.
see HEBREW for 06004
עַם (am) — people.
: people/nation
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
עַם (am) — kinsman.
kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — Ammi.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at Sng.6.12
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — People's (Gate).
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — (Ibleam)-am.
Combined with yiv.le.am (יִבְלְעָם "Ibleam" H2991)
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — Amaw.
This name means nation, people
עַם (am) — people: soldiers.
: soldiers/army
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
עַם (am) — people: creatures.
: creatures
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…
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.
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
H3478 יִשְׂרָאֵל Israel (Ēl persisteth, persevereth) . n. pr. m. second name of Jacob
. n. pr. gent. name of Hebrew nation
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
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
N-proper — Noun properHNpl
iz'-ra-el.
See JACOB.
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;
(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…
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.
חֲצִי (chetsiy) means 'half' or 'middle,' referring to a division of something into two parts. It can denote the concept of 'midnight' as well. The word is derived from a root that also relates to 'midst' or 'part.'
חֲצִי 123 n.m. half
half of anything
middle … midnight
base
H2677 חֲצִי half . half of anything
. middle … midnight
2677 chetsiy khay-tsee'
from 2673; the half or middle:--half, middle, mid(-night),
midst, part, two parts.
see HEBREW for 02673
חֲצִי (che.tsi) — half.
1) half
1a) half
1b) middle
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
haf.
See NUMBER.
חֲצִי (chetsiy) means 'half' or 'middle,' referring to a division of something into two parts. It can denote the concept of 'midnight' as well. The word is derived from a root that also relates to 'midst' or 'part.'
חֲצִי 123 n.m. half
half of anything
middle … midnight
base
H2677 חֲצִי half . half of anything
. middle … midnight
2677 chetsiy khay-tsee'
from 2673; the half or middle:--half, middle, mid(-night),
midst, part, two parts.
see HEBREW for 02673
חֲצִי (che.tsi) — half.
1) half
1a) half
1b) middle
Conj | Art | N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
עַם (am) primarily means 'people' or 'nation,' referring to a collective group, often in the context of tribes such as those of Israel. It can also denote kinsmen or compatriots. The term appears in various contexts, including military and familial references. There is a mention of a specific individual named Ammi in Song of Solomon 6:12.
עַם, עָם 1810 n.m. people
a people, nation
= smaller units
= common people
people in gen., persons
phrases
base
[עַם] n.[m.] kinsman (on father's side)
base
H5971a עַם, עָם people H5971b עַם kinsman (on father's side)
5971 `am am
from 6004; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a
tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or
attendants; figuratively, a flock:--folk, men, nation,
people.
see HEBREW for 06004
עַם (am) — people.
: people/nation
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
עַם (am) — kinsman.
kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — Ammi.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at Sng.6.12
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — People's (Gate).
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — (Ibleam)-am.
Combined with yiv.le.am (יִבְלְעָם "Ibleam" H2991)
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — Amaw.
This name means nation, people
עַם (am) — people: soldiers.
: soldiers/army
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
עַם (am) — people: creatures.
: creatures
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…
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.
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.
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
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
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
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singularHVqp3ms
The Hebrew word אַחַר (*achar*) primarily denotes the concept of 'after' or 'behind' in both spatial and temporal contexts. It functions as a substantive, adverb, preposition, and conjunction, indicating a following part or time. The related form אַחֲרַי (*acharai*) refers to a person who turns backwards. There is a reference to Proverbs 28:23 in relation to the latter.
אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part
adv.
of place, behind
of time, afterwards
prep.
of place, behind, after
of time, after
conj. after that.
H310a אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part . adv. . of place, behind
. of time, afterwards
. prep. . of place, behind, after
. of time, after
. conj. after that.
H310b אַחֲרַי a man that turneth backwards.
310 'achar akh-ar'
from 309; properly, the hind part; generally used as an
adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses):--after
(that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side),
behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from,
hereafter, hinder end, + out (over) live, + persecute,
posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth),
when, with.
see HEBREW for 0309
אַחַר (a.char) — after.
1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time)
1a) as an adverb
1a1) behind (of place)
1a2) afterwards (of time)
1b) as a preposition
1b1) behind, after (of place)
1b2) after (of time)
1b3) besides
1c) as a conjunction
1c) after that
1d) as a substantive
1d1) hinder part
1e) with other prepositions
1e1) from behind
1e2) from following after
אַחֲרַי (a.cha.ray) — backwards.
backwards (of a man that turns backwards)
Prep — PrepHAcmpc
תִּבְנִי (Tibni) refers to an Israelite man known as a rival to Omri during the Divided Monarchy, mentioned in 1 Kings 16:21. The name is derived from a root meaning 'strawy' and is associated with the idea of intelligence. Tibni contested for the northern kingdom's throne for four years before his death.
תִּבְנִי n.pr.m. rival of Omri
base
H8402 תִּבְנִי
8402 Tibni tib-nee'
from 8401; strawy; Tibni, an Israelite:--Tibni.
see HEBREW for 08401
תִּבְנִי (tiv.ni) — Tibni.
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.16.21;
son of: Ginath (H1527)
§ Tibni = "intelligent"
contender for the throne of the northern kingdom of Israel after the death of Zimri; fought for 4 years with the rival faction whose leader was Omri; died after 4 years leaving the throne to Omri
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
tib'-ni (tibhni; Codex Vaticanus Thamnei, Codex Alexandrinus Thamni, Lucian Thabennei): A rival of Omri for the throne of Israel after the death of Zimri (1Ki 16:21 f). This is the only reference to Tibni that has come down to us; a comparison of this passage with the account of Zimri's death (especially 1Ki 16:15) shows that the length of the struggle was four years.
Tibni
Building of Jehovah, the son of Ginath, a man of some position, whom a considerable number of the people chose as monarch. For the period of four years he contended for the throne with Omri (1 Kings 16:21, 22), who at length gained the mastery, and became sole monarch of Israel.
(intelligent). After Zimri had burnt himself in his palace, there was a division in the northern kingdom, half of the people following Tibni the son of Ginath, and half following Omri. (1 Kings 16:21,22) Omri was the choice of the army Tibni was probably put forward by the people of Tirzah, which was then besieged by Omri and his host. The struggle between the contending factions lasted four years (comp.) (1 Kings 16:16,23) (B.C. 926-922.), when-Tibni died.
An unsuccessful competitor with Omri the general, for the throne of Israel, during three years after the death of Elah, 1Ki 16:18- 23.
בֵּן (ben) means 'son' or 'male child' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including descendants, young animals, and even figurative uses like sparks or arrows. It can refer to members of a tribe or class and is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, such as in 1 Chronicles 24:26. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to build' and implies a connection to family or lineage.
בֵּן 4870 n.m. son
son, male child, born of a woman
children (male and female)
youth, young men
the young of animals
of plant shoots
fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows
member of a guild, order or class
of animals son of (the) herd
ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.
n. relat. of age
base
בְּנוֹ 1 Ch 24:26, 27 as n.pr.m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son, cf. VB & Be Öt.
done
H1121a בֵּן son . son, male child, born of a woman
. children (male and female)
. youth, young men
. the young of animals
. of plant shoots
. fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows
. . member of a guild, order or class
. of animals son of (the) herd
. ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.
. n. relat. of age
H1121b בְּנוֹ as n. pr. m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son
1121 ben bane
from 1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the
widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship,
including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,
etc., (like 1, 251, etc.)):--+ afflicted, age, (Ahoh-)
(Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-)ite, (anoint-)ed one, appointed to,
(+) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-)ian, one born,
bough, branch, breed, + (young) bullock, + (young) calf, X
came up in, child, colt, X common, X corn, daughter, X of
first, + firstborn, foal, + very fruitful, + postage, X in, +
kid, + lamb, (+) man, meet, + mighty, + nephew, old, (+)
people, + rebel, + robber, X servant born, X soldier, son, +
spark, + steward, + stranger, X surely, them of, + tumultuous
one, + valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
see HEBREW for 01129
see HEBREW for 01
see HEBREW for 0251
בֵּן (ben) — son: child.
: child/son
בְּנוֹ (be.no) — Beno.
A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.24.26;
son of: Jaaziah (H3269);
brother of: Shoham (H7719), Zaccur (H2139I) and Ibri (H5681)
§ Beno = "his son"
the sons of Jaaziah and the sons of Merari by Jaahziah (his son)
בֵּן (ben) — son: descendant/people.
: descendant, people, tribe, nation
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : child/son
בֵּן (ben) — son: young animal.
: calf/lamb/young(ANIMAL)
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : descendant
בֵּן (ben) — son: type of.
: rebel/son(Belial)
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : people/men/nation/tribe
בֵּן (ben) — son.
: [inheriting]son/heir
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
בֵּן (ben) — son: warrior.
: warrior/son(strong)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
גִּינַ֑ת (Giynath) refers to an Israelite mentioned in the context of the Divided Monarchy, specifically as the father of Tibni in 1 Kings 16:21. The name is noted to mean 'protection,' but its derivation is uncertain.
גִּינַ֑ת n.pr.m. father of Tibni 1 K 16:21, 22.
done
H1527 גִּינַ֑ת
1527 Giynath ghee-nath'
of uncertain derivation; Ginath, an Israelite:--Ginath.
גִּינַ֑ת (gi.nat) — Ginath.
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.16.21;
father of: Tibni (H8402)
§ Ginath = "protection"
father of Tibni
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
gi'-nath (ginath): Father of Tibni, the unsuccessful rival of Omri (1Ki 16:21,22).
(protection), father of Tibni. (1 Kings 16:21,22)
Ginnetho, a garden
→ Father of Tibni 1Ki 16:21,22
מָלַךְ (malak) is a Hebrew verb meaning to reign, become king or queen, or to counsel. It encompasses various forms, including Qal (to reign), Hiphil (to make someone king), and Niphal (to consider). The word appears in contexts related to royalty and governance, with a notable reference in Daniel 9:1 for its use in the passive form.
H4427a מָלַךְ vb. denom. be, or become king, or queen, reign H4427b מָלַךְ counsel, advise—only Niph. Impf.
4427 malak maw-lak'
a primitive root; to reign; inceptively, to ascend the
throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; hence (by
implication) to take counsel:--consult, X indeed, be (make,
set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to)
reign(-ing), rule, X surely.
מָלַךְ (ma.lakh) — to reign.
1) to be or become king or queen, reign
1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign
1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign
1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
מָלַךְ (ma.lakh) — to advise.
1) to counsel, advise
1a) (Niphal) to consider
Aramaic equivalent: me.lakh (מְלֵךְ "counsel" H4431)
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff — Preposition · verb hiphil infinitive construct common · suffixHR/Vhcc/Sp3ms
חֲצִי (chetsiy) means 'half' or 'middle,' referring to a division of something into two parts. It can denote the concept of 'midnight' as well. The word is derived from a root that also relates to 'midst' or 'part.'
חֲצִי 123 n.m. half
half of anything
middle … midnight
base
H2677 חֲצִי half . half of anything
. middle … midnight
2677 chetsiy khay-tsee'
from 2673; the half or middle:--half, middle, mid(-night),
midst, part, two parts.
see HEBREW for 02673
חֲצִי (che.tsi) — half.
1) half
1a) half
1b) middle
HC/Td/Ncmsa — Conjunction · particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Td/Ncmsa
haf.
See NUMBER.
The Hebrew word אַחַר (*achar*) primarily denotes the concept of 'after' or 'behind' in both spatial and temporal contexts. It functions as a substantive, adverb, preposition, and conjunction, indicating a following part or time. The related form אַחֲרַי (*acharai*) refers to a person who turns backwards. There is a reference to Proverbs 28:23 in relation to the latter.
אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part
adv.
of place, behind
of time, afterwards
prep.
of place, behind, after
of time, after
conj. after that.
H310a אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part . adv. . of place, behind
. of time, afterwards
. prep. . of place, behind, after
. of time, after
. conj. after that.
H310b אַחֲרַי a man that turneth backwards.
310 'achar akh-ar'
from 309; properly, the hind part; generally used as an
adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses):--after
(that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side),
behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from,
hereafter, hinder end, + out (over) live, + persecute,
posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth),
when, with.
see HEBREW for 0309
אַחַר (a.char) — after.
1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time)
1a) as an adverb
1a1) behind (of place)
1a2) afterwards (of time)
1b) as a preposition
1b1) behind, after (of place)
1b2) after (of time)
1b3) besides
1c) as a conjunction
1c) after that
1d) as a substantive
1d1) hinder part
1e) with other prepositions
1e1) from behind
1e2) from following after
אַחֲרַי (a.cha.ray) — backwards.
backwards (of a man that turns backwards)
HAcmpc — HAcmpc
The Hebrew word עָמְרִי (Omriy) refers primarily to Omri, a king of Israel known for his 12-year reign and as the father of Ahab. The entries also mention other individuals named Omri, including a man from the tribe of Benjamin and another from Judah. The name means 'pupil of Jehovah' and appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.
עָמְרִי 18 n.pr.m.
Omri, king of Israel
name in Benj.
in Judah
in Issachar
base
H6018 עָמְרִי
6018 `Omriy om-ree'
from 6014; heaping; Omri, an Israelite:--Omri.
see HEBREW for 06014
עׇמְרִי (om.ri) — Omri.
A king of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.16.16;
father of: Ahab (H0256)
§ Omri = "pupil of Jehovah"
1) king of the northern kingdom of Israel, successor to king Elah for whom he was the captain of the army; ruled for 12 years and succeeded by his infamous son Ahab
2) one of the sons of Becher the son of Benjamin
3) a descendant of Pharez the son of Judah
4) son of Michael and chief of the tribe of Issachar in the time of David
עׇמְרִי (om.ri) — Omri.
A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.8;
son of: Becher (H1071);
brother of: Zemirah (H2160), Joash (H3135), Eliezer (H0461I), Elioenai (H0454I), Jeremoth (H3406H), Abijah (H0029K), Anathoth (H6068H) and Alemeth (H5964H)
§ Omri = "pupil of Jehovah"
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
om'-ri (`omri; Septuagint Ambri; Assyrian "Chumri" and "Chumria"):
(1) The 6th king of Northern Israel, and founder of the IIIrd Dynasty which reigned for nearly 50 years. Omri reigned 12 years, circa 887-876 BC. The historical sources of his reign are contained in 1Ki 16:15-28; 20:34, the Moabite Stone, Assyrian inscriptions, and in the published accounts of recent excavations in Samaria. In spite of the brief passage given to Omri in the Old Testament, he was one of the most important of the military kings of Northern Israel.
1. His Accession:
Omri is first mentioned as an officer in the army of Elah, which was engaged in the siege of the Philistine town of Gibbethon. While Omri was thus engaged, Zimri, another officer of Elah's army, conspired against the king, whom he assassinated in a drunken debauch, exterminating at the same…
Omri
Servant of Jehovah. When Elah was murdered by Zimri at Tirzah (1 Kings 16:15-27), Omri, his captain, was made king (B.C. 931). For four years there was continued opposition to his reign, Tibni, another claimant to the throne, leading the opposing party; but at the close of that period all his rivals were defeated, and he became king of Israel, “Tibni died and Omri reigned” (B.C. 927). By his vigour and power he gained great eminence and consolidated the kingdom. He fixed his dynasty on the throne so firmly that it continued during four succeeding reigns. Tirza was for six years the seat of his government. He then removed the capital to Samaria (q.v.), where he died, and was succeeded by his son Ahab. “He wrought evil in the eyes of the Lord, and did worse than all that were before him.”
(pupil of Jehovah). Originally "captain of the host" to Elah, was afterward himself king of Israel, and founder of the third dynasty. (B.C. 926.) Omri was engaged in the siege of Gibbethon situated in the tribe of Dan, which had been occupied by the Philistines. As soon as the army heard of Elah’s death they proclaimed Omri king. Thereupon he broke up the siege of Gibbethon and attacked Tirzah, where Zimri was holding his court as king of Israel. The city was taken, and Zimri perished in the flames of the palace, after a reign of seven days. Omri, however, was not allowed to establish his dynasty without a struggle against Tibni, whom "half the people," (1 Kings 16:21) desired to raise to the throne. The civil war lasted four years. Comp. (1 Kings 16:15) with 1Kin 16:23 After…
Was general of the army of Elah king of Israel; but being at the siege of Gibbethon, and hearing that his master Elah was assassinated by Zimri who had usurped his kingdom, he raised the siege, and being elected king by his army, marched against Zimri, attacked him at Tirzah, and forced him to burn himself and all his family in the palace in which he had shut himself up. After his death, half of Israel acknowledged Omri for king, the other half adhered to Tibni, son of Ginath, which division continued four years. When Tebni was dead, the people united in Acknowledging Omri as king of all Israel, who reigned twelve years, six years at Tirzah, and six at Samaria, 1Ki 16:8-28.
Tirzah had previously been the chief residence of the kings of Israel; but when Omri purchased the hill of Shomeron,