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1 Kings 17:6 — Word Study

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WLCוְהָעֹרְבִ֗ים מְבִיאִ֨ים ל֜וֹ לֶ֤חֶם וּבָשָׂר֙ בַּבֹּ֔קֶר וְלֶ֥חֶם וּבָשָׂ֖ר בָּעָ֑רֶב וּמִן־ הַנַּ֖חַל יִשְׁתֶּֽה׃

BSAThe ravensʻôrêb [dark-colored birds, unclean animals] would bringbôwʼ breadlechem [food, especially grain] and meatbâsâr [flesh, living things] in the morningbôqer [the break of day, a new beginning] and eveningʻereb [sunset, the end of the day] and he would drinkshâthâh [to take in, to receive nourishment] frommin the brooknachal [a small river, a natural stream]

Word
Listen & take away1 Kings 17
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 6 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 (yish.Teh) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
1 Kings 17:6quick helps
In a sentenceElijah is provided for by ravens, receiving bread and meat at the start and end of each day.
Who is speakingThe narrative is about Elijah, a prophet of the LORD.
Where we areThis verse is part of the account detailing Elijah's life during a time of drought.
The hard wordעֹרֵב
Take awayGod cares for His prophet, providing sustenance in a miraculous way.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbבּוֹא 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 Kings 17:6

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 — Elijah's Provision by the Brookgenerated

5So Elijah did what the LORD had told him, and he went and lived by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan.
6The ravens would bring him bread and meat in the morning and evening, and he would drink from the brook.
7Some time later, however, the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land.
8Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah:

1 Kings 17:6 describes how God provided for Elijah during a time of drought. The ravens brought him food, demonstrating God's care and provision. This account highlights the miraculous ways in which God sustains His servants, even in dire circumstances, and is part of a larger narrative about Elijah's ministry and the challenges he faced.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Exodus 16:35The Israelites ate manna forty years, until they came to a land where they could settle; they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan.
2Numbers 11:23The LORD answered Moses, “Is the LORD’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not My word will come to pass.”
3Judges 14:14So he said to them: “Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet.” For three days they were unable to explain the riddle.
4Judges 15:18–19And being very thirsty, Samson cried out to the LORD, “You have accomplished this great deliverance through Your servant. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?”
5Psalm 34:9–10Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing.

The Key Word עֹרֵב, ve.ha.'o.re.Vimgenerated

The word עֹרֵב (oreb) means 'raven' and is derived from a root that relates to its dark color. Ravens are known for their distinctive hue and are often associated with God's provision in the Bible. The usage here emphasizes the role of these birds as instruments of divine care.

In this verse, the ravens serve as a means of sustenance for Elijah, bringing him bread and meat. This reflects a broader theme in the Bible where God uses unexpected means to provide for His people.


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 two main clauses, with the finite verbs מְבִיאִ֨ים (were bringing) and יִשְׁתֶּֽה (he drank) governing the actions. The structure indicates that the ravens are the subject performing the action of bringing, while Elijah is the recipient of their provision.

The first clause describes the action of the ravens bringing food, while the second clause details Elijah's action of drinking from the brook. This parallel structure emphasizes both the provision and the sustenance received by Elijah.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates עֹרֵב as κόρακες (korakes), which also means 'ravens.' This choice reflects a direct correspondence in meaning, maintaining the emphasis on these birds as God's provision.

The verb מְבִיאִ֨ים is rendered as ἔφερον (epheron), which means 'they were bringing.' This maintains the action of providing sustenance, consistent with the Hebrew text.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

1 Kings 17:6 tells us that God provided for Elijah by sending ravens to bring him food in the morning and evening. Elijah drank from the brook, showing how God cared for him during a time of need.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that the ravens brought Elijah food?

This signifies God's miraculous provision for Elijah in a time of drought, showing that He cares for His prophets.

Why is it significant that ravens were used?

Ravens are considered unclean animals in the Bible, yet God used them to provide for Elijah, highlighting His sovereignty and ability to use any means for His purposes.

What does the brook symbolize?

The brook represents a source of life and sustenance, illustrating God's provision in the midst of hardship.

How does this story relate to other biblical accounts of provision?

This account parallels other stories in the Bible where God provides for His people in miraculous ways, such as the manna in the wilderness.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How can I recognize God's provision in my own life, even in unexpected ways?
  2. What does this passage teach about trusting God during difficult times?
  3. In what ways can I be an instrument of God's provision for others?
  4. How does understanding God's care for Elijah encourage my faith?

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

Early Church Fathers comment on this passage to illustrate God's provision and the typology of Elijah as a precursor to Christ.

Ephrem the SyrianON THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS 17:2 c. 306–373
“The ravens brought him bread in the morning and meat in the evening.” The bread represents perfection and justice accomplished together.
Early Church Fathers on 1 Kings 17 →
Ambrose of MilanOn Elijah and Fasting, Chapter 11, 40 c. 339–397
Therefore do not boast when you fast, do not glory lest fasting profit you nothing; for those things that are done for ostentation will not prolong their fruit into the future, but they consume the reward for present deeds.
Early Church Fathers on 1 Kings 17 →
Augustine of HippoSERMON 124.1 354–430
Blessed Elijah typified our Lord and Savior. Just as Elijah suffered persecution by the Jews, so our Lord, the true Elijah, was condemned and despised by the Jews.
Early Church Fathers on 1 Kings 17 →

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on 1 Kings 17:6 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening,.... For his breakfast and supper, the two principal meals then in use; and as there were several

Read John Gill on 1 Kings 17 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Kings 17 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Bread and flesh; not raw, but boiled by the ministry of some angel or man, and left in some place or places till the ravens came for it, in all which there is nothing incredible, considering the power and providence of God. In the morning and in the evening, i.e. for dinner and supper, according to the custom. See ,10.

Read Matthew Poole on 1 Kings 17 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

1 Kings 17:6 And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.Ver. 6. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh.] Which he knew could not be done but by a miracle. This was to Elijah a sensible demonstration of the divine care and providence: and therefore must every bit needs be more pleasing to him, than a whole tableful of Ahab’ s best cheer. Angeli autem hos panes et carnes apparabant, saith one; the angels made ready this bread and flesh. Luther saith, that at the continual feast of a good conscience angels are cooks and butlers; and the three persons in Trinity joyful guests. Elijah was ever at this feast, over…

Read John Trapp on 1 Kings 17 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 6. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh] The Septuagint, in the Codex Vaticanus, and some ancient fathers, read the passage thus: - Καιοἱκορακεςεφεροναυτῳαρτουςτοπρωΐ, καικρεατοδειλης, And the crows brought him bread in the morning, and flesh in the evening: but all the other versions agree with the Hebrew text. This is the first account we have of flesh-meat breakfasts and flesh-meat suppers; and as this was the food appointed by the Lord for the sustenance of the prophet, we may naturally conjecture that it was the food of the people at large.

Read AdamClarke on 1 Kings 17 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

6. And the ravens brought, &c.] According to the LXX., the ravens brought him ‘bread in the morning, and flesh in the evening.’ Jerome in his life of Paul the hermit (§ 10) relates that a raven thus supplied the hermit’s wants, “suspiciunt alitem corvum in ramo arboris consedisse, qui inde leniter subvolabat, et integrum panem ante ora mirantium deposuit.’ Those who have watched the habits of large birds like the raven can bear witness to the large supply which they bring home under ordinary circumstances, and for Elijah’s sustenance their natural energy was quickened.

Read Cambridge on 1 Kings 17 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

6. Ravens brought him bread and flesh — Many attempts have been made to explain away the obvious import of this verse. J.D.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on 1 Kings 17 →

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

The ravens would bring him bread and meat in the morning and evening, and he would drink from the brook.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

The ravens would bring him bread and meat in the morning and evening, and he would drink from the brook.

NETBNew English Translation2006

The ravens would bring him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he would drink from the stream.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And the rauens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the euening, and he dranke of the riuer.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the torrent.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

and the ravens are bringing to him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening, and of the brook he drinketh.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

and the ravens are bringing bread and flesh to him in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening, and he drinks from the brook.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening: and out of the brook he used to drink.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening, and he drank of tile torrent.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Ravens brought him bread and meat both in the morning and in the evening, and he drank from the brook.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And the ravens took him bread in the morning and meat in the evening; and the water of the stream was his drink.

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.

וְandclauseclausenoun phrase · subjectהָtheעֹרְבִ֗יםravensverbמְבִיאִ֨ים[were].bringingprepositional phrase · prepositionalל֜toוֹhimnoun phrase · objectלֶ֤חֶםbreadוּandבָשָׂר֙meatprepositional phrase · prepositionalבַּinnoun phrasetheבֹּ֔קֶרmorningוְandclausenoun phrase · objectלֶ֥חֶםbreadוּandבָשָׂ֖רmeatprepositional phrase · prepositionalבָּinnoun phrasetheעָ֑רֶבeveningוּandclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalמִןfromnoun phraseהַtheנַּ֖חַלwadiverbיִשְׁתֶּֽהhe.drank

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 for this verse, with a close correspondence between the two. The Septuagint reflects the same essential meaning, though its word order differs from the Hebrew.

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

וְהָעֹרְבִ֗ים מְבִיאִ֨ים ל֜וֹ לֶ֤חֶם וּבָשָׂר֙ בַּבֹּ֔קֶר וְלֶ֥חֶם וּבָשָׂ֖ר בָּעָ֑רֶב וּמִן־ הַנַּ֖חַל יִשְׁתֶּֽה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְהָעֹרְבִ֗יםκόρακεςמְבִיאִ֨יםἔφερονל֜וֹαὐτῷלֶ֤חֶםἄρτουςבַּבֹּ֔קֶרπρωὶוּבָשָׂ֖רκρέαבָּעָ֑רֶבδείληςוּמִן־ἐκהַנַּ֖חַלξειμάρρουיִשְׁתֶּֽה׃ἔπινεν

10 of the 12 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 Kings 17:6עֹרֵבand the ravand the ravensעֹרֵבבּוֹא[were] brin[were] bringingבּוֹאוֹto himto himוֹלֶ֫חֶםbreadbreadלֶ֫חֶםבָּשָׂרand meatand meatבָּשָׂרבֹּ֫קֶרin the mornin the morningבֹּ֫קֶרלֶ֫חֶםand breadand breadלֶ֫חֶםבָּשָׂרand meatand meatבָּשָׂרעֶ֫רֶבin the evenin the eveningעֶ֫רֶבמִן־and fromand fromמִן־נַ֫חַלthe wadithe wadiנַ֫חַלשָׁתָהhe drankhe drankשָׁתָהעָרַבto grow dato grow darkעָרַבלָחַםto fightto fightלָחַםבָּשַׂרto bear tito bear tidingsבָּשַׂרבָּקַרto enquireto enquireבָּקַרנָחַלto inheritto inheritנָחַלמֵןstringstringמֵןשָׁקָהto water: to water: waterשָׁקָהפַּתmorselmorselפַּתשָׂבֵעַto satisfyto satisfyשָׂבֵעַעוֹרskinskinעוֹרעֶ֫צֶםboneboneעֶ֫צֶםמִיןkindkindמִיןנַ֫חַלBrookBrookנַ֫חַלשֶׁ֫מֶשׁsunsunשֶׁ֫מֶשׁשָׁכַםto riseto riseשָׁכַםעֶ֫רֶבeveningeveningעֶ֫רֶבטָמֵאto defileto defileטָמֵאבֹּ֫קֶרmorningmorningבֹּ֫קֶר
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 Kings 17:6

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 the ravens [were] bringing to him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening and from the wadi he drank
וְהָעֹרְבִ֗יםve.ha.'o.re.Vim and the ravens H6158 Conjunction · particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
10× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A raven is a dark-colored bird, first mentioned in the Bible as the bird Noah released from the ark in Genesis 8:7. The word is used to describe its dusky hue. It is a symbol of God's care in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
dark-colored birds, unclean animals
Tyndale gloss
raven
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עֹרֵב (oreb) means 'raven' and is derived from the root meaning related to its dark color. The entries consistently identify it as a raven without additional nuances or variations in meaning.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֹרֵב n.m. raven

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6158 עֹרֵב raven

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6158 `oreb o-rabe'

or mowreb {o-rabe'}; from 6150; a raven (from its dusky

hue):--raven.

see HEBREW for 06150

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֹרֵב (o.rev) — raven.

raven

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Art | N-mp — Conjunction · particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
HC/Td/Ncmpa
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the ravens [were] bringing to him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening and from the wadi he drank
מְבִיאִ֨יםme.vi.'Im [were] bringing H935 Verb · Hiphil · participle (active) masculine plural
2,573× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Tyndale gloss
Lebo
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בּוֹא (bo) is a Hebrew verb meaning to come or go in, with a wide range of applications including entering, arriving, and bringing in. It can refer to both physical movement and abstract concepts like events coming to pass. The verb appears in various forms, such as Qal (to come), Hiphil (to cause to come), and Hophal (to be brought). There is no significant disagreement among lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בּוֹא 2569 vb. come in, come, go in, go

Qal

come in

come (approach, arrive)

go, i.e. walk, associate with

go from speaker, but with limit of motion given

Hiph.

cause to come in, bring in (conduct, lead, obj. persons and animals)

cause to come, bring, bring near, etc. (animate obj.)

Hoph.

be brought in (of pers. and things)

be brought

be introduced, put

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H935 בּוֹא come in, come, go in, go .. come in

. come (approach, arrive)

. go, i.e. walk, associate with

. go from speaker, but with limit of motion given

. . cause to come in, bring in (conduct, lead, obj. persons and animals)

. cause to come, bring, bring near, etc. (animate obj.)

. . be brought in (of pers. and things)

. be brought

. be introduced, put

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

935 bow' bo

a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of

applications):--abide, apply, attain, X be, befall, +

besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, X

certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out,

upon, to pass), depart, X doubtless again, + eat, + employ,

(cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be

fallen, fetch, + follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war),

grant, + have, X indeed, (in-)vade, lead, lift (up), mention,

pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, X (well) stricken

(in age), X surely, take (in), way.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בּוֹא (bo) — to come (in): come.

: come/go_in

1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to enter, come in

1a2) to come

1a2a) to come with

1a2b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)

1a2c) to come to pass

1a3) to attain to

1a4) to be enumerated

1a5) to go

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to lead in

1b2) to carry in

1b3) to bring in, cause to come in, gather, cause to come, bring near, bring against, bring upon

1b4) to bring to pass

1c) (Hophal)

1c1) to be brought, brought in

1c2) to be introduced, be put

לְב֥וֹא (bo) — Lebo-(Hamath).

This name means to go in, enter

Combined with cha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574)

בּוֹא (bo) — to come (in): towards.

: towards/entrance

1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to enter, come in

1a2) to come

1a2a) to come with

1a2b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)

1a2c) to come to pass

1a3) to attain to

1a4) to be enumerated

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil — Verb · Hiphil · participle (active) masculine plural
HVhrmpa
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the ravens [were] bringing to him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening and from the wadi he drank
ל֜וֹlo to him H9033 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

וֹ (o) — him.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp3ms
and the ravens [were] bringing to him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening and from the wadi he drank
לֶ֤חֶםLe.chem bread H3899 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
298× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Amplified meaning
food, especially grain
Tyndale gloss
food
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֶ֫חֶם (lechem) means bread or food, encompassing items like grain and provisions for both humans and animals. It is derived from a related root and is used in various contexts, particularly in the Old Testament. The entries consistently emphasize its primary association with bread, though they also acknowledge its broader meaning as food.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֶ֫חֶם 296 n.m. and (rarely) f. bread, food

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3899 לֶ֫חֶם bread, food

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3899 lechem lekh'-em

from 3898; food (for man or beast), especially bread, or

grain (for making it):--((shew-))bread, X eat, food, fruit,

loaf, meat, victuals. See also 1036.

see HEBREW for 03898

see HEBREW for 01036

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֶ֫חֶם (le.chem) — food.

: food(eating)

1) bread, food, grain

1a) bread

1a1) bread

1a2) bread-corn

1b) food (in general)

לֶ֫חֶם (le.chem) — food: bread.

: bread/loaf

1) bread, food, grain

1a) bread

1a1) bread

1a2) bread-corn

1b) food (in general)

לֶ֫חֶם (le.chem) — food: allowance.

: allowance

1) bread, food, grain

1a) bread

1a1) bread

1a2) bread-corn

1b) food (in general)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

bred (lechem; artos):

I. DIETARY PREEMINENCE

II. MATERIALS

1. Barley

2. Wheat

3. Three Kinds of Flour

III. BREAD-MAKING

1. Grinding

2. Kneading

3. Baking

(1) Hot Stones

(2) Baking Pans

4. Ovens

(1) The Bowl-Oven

(2) The Jar-Oven

(3) The Pit-Oven

5. Forms of Baked Bread

6. Work for Women

IV. SANCTITY AND SYMBOLISM OF BREAD

1. Sanctity

2. Symbolism

LITERATURE

The art of bread-making is very ancient. It was even known to the Egyptians at a very early day (Wilkinson, Ancient Egyptians), to the Hebrews of the Exodus (Nowack, Lehrbuch der hebr. Archaologie) and, of course, to the Greeks and Romans of a later day. Bread played a large part in the vocabulary and in the life of the ancient Hebrews.

I. Dietary Preeminence.

(1) In the East bread is primary, other articles of food merely accessory; while in the West meat and other things chiefly constitute the meal, and bread is merely secondary. Accordingly "bread" in…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Bread

Among the Jews was generally made of wheat (Ex. 29:2; Judg. 6:19), though also sometimes of other grains (Gen. 14:18; Judg. 7:13). Parched grain was sometimes used for food without any other preparation (Ruth 2:14).

Bread was prepared by kneading in wooden bowls or “kneading troughs” (Gen. 18:6; Ex. 12:34; Jer. 7:18). The dough was mixed with leaven and made into thin cakes, round or oval, and then baked. The bread eaten at the Passover was always…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The preparation of bread as an article of food dates from a very early period. (Genesis 18:6) The corn or grain employed was of various sorts. The best bread was made of wheat, but "barley" and spelt were also used. (John 6:9,13; Isaiah 28:25) The process of making bread was as follows: the flour was first mixed with water or milk; it was then kneaded with the hands (in Egypt with the feet also) in a small wooden bowl or "kneading-trough" until it became dough. (Exodus 12:34,39; 2 Samuel 13:3; Jeremiah 7:18) When the kneading was completed, leaven was generally added [LEAVEN]; but when the time for preparation was short…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A word which in Scripture is often put for food in general, Ge 3:19 18:5 28:20 Ex 2:20 Le 11:3. Manna is called bread from heaven, Ex 16:4. Bread, in the proper and literal sense, usually means cakes made of wheaten flour; barely being used chiefly by the poor and for feeding horses. The wheat was ground daily, in small stone mills; the flour was made into dough in a wooden trough, and subsequently leavened, Ex 12:34 Ho 7:4. It was then made into cakes, and baked.

and the ravens [were] bringing to him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening and from the wadi he drank
וּבָשָׂר֙u.va.Sar and meat H1320 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
270× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Amplified meaning
flesh, living things
Tyndale gloss
flesh
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּשָׂר (basar) means 'flesh' and encompasses various meanings, including the physical body, kinship, and a euphemism for male genitalia. It can refer to humans, animals, and all living things, highlighting the frailty of man in relation to God. The entries consistently emphasize its bodily and relational aspects.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בָּשָׂר 266 n.m. flesh

of the body

flesh for the body itself

male organ of generation (euphemism)

flesh for kindred, blood-relations

man over against God as frail or erring

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1320 בָּשָׂר flesh . of the body

. flesh for the body itself

. male organ of generation (euphemism)

. flesh for kindred, blood-relations

. man over against God as frail or erring

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1320 basar baw-sawr'

from 1319; flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body,

person; also (by euphem.) the pudenda of a man:--body, (fat,

lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-)kind, + nakedness, self, skin.

see HEBREW for 01319

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּשָׂר (ba.sar) — flesh.

1) flesh

1a) of the body

1a1) of humans

1a2) of animals

1b) the body itself

1c) male organ of generation (euphemism)

1d) kindred, blood-relations

1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God)

1f) all living things

1g) animals

1h) mankind

Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
HC/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

met (broma, brosis): In the King James Version used for food in general, e.g. "I had my meat of herbs" (2 Esdras 12:51); "his disciples were gone away into the city to buy meat," the Revised Version (British and American) "food" (Joh 4:8). The English word signified whatever is eaten, whether of flesh or other food.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

It does not appear that the word "meat" is used in any one instance in the Authorized Version of either the Old or New Testament in the sense which it now almost exclusively bears of animal food. The latter is denoted uniformly by "flesh." The word "meat," when our English version was made, meant food in general; or if any particular kind was designated, it referred to meal, flour or grain. The only real and inconvenient ambiguity caused by the change which has taken place in the meaning of the word is in the case of the "meat offering." [MEAT OFFERING OFFERING]

and the ravens [were] bringing to him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening and from the wadi he drank
בַּבֹּ֔קֶרba.Bo.ker in the morning H1242 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
214× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.
Amplified meaning
the break of day, a new beginning
Tyndale gloss
morning
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בֹּ֫קֶר (boqer) means 'morning' and is derived from the root word for 'dawn.' It encompasses the time of day when light begins to appear, marking the end of night and the start of a new day. The term can also refer to the next day or morning after a specific point in time. It is associated with brightness and joy following periods of distress.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֹּ֫קֶר 214 n.m. morning

morning (of point of time, time at which, never during which, Eng. morning = forenoon

morrow, next day

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1242 בֹּ֫קֶר morning . morning (of point of time, time at which, never during which, Eng. morning = forenoon

. morrow, next day

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1242 boqer bo'-ker

from 1239; properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally,

morning:--(+) day, early, morning, morrow.

see HEBREW for 01239

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֹּ֫קֶר (bo.qer) — morning.

1) morning, break of day

1a) morning

1a1) of end of night

1a2) of coming of daylight

1a3) of coming of sunrise

1a4) of beginning of day

1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.)

1b) morrow, next day, next morning

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HRd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

mor'-ning: There are several Hebrew and Greek words which are rendered "morning," the most common in Hebrew being boqer, which occurs 180 times. It properly means "the breaking forth of the light," "the dawn," as in Ge 19:27; Jud 19:8,25,27. Another word with the same meaning is shachar (Ge 19:15; Ne 4:21; Isa 58:8). mishchar ("womb of the morning," Ps 110:3) is a poetical term derived from. the same root. See HIND OF THE MORNING. noghah, naghha' (Da 6:19 (Hebrew 20)), mean "brightness." hashkem, comes from…

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

- The second part of the day at the creation

Ge 1:5,8,13,19,23,31

- The first part of the natural day

Mr 16:2

- Ordained by God

Job 38:12

- Began with first dawn

Jos 6:15; Ps 119:147

- Continued until noon

1Ki 18:26; Ne 8:3

- First dawning of, called the eyelids of the morning

Job 3:9; 41:18

- The outgoings of, made to rejoice

Ps 65:8

- THE JEWS

. Generally rose early in

and the ravens [were] bringing to him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening and from the wadi he drank
וְלֶ֥חֶםve.Le.chem and bread H3899 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
298× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Tyndale gloss
food
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֶ֫חֶם (lechem) means bread or food, encompassing items like grain and provisions for both humans and animals. It is derived from a related root and is used in various contexts, particularly in the Old Testament. The entries consistently emphasize its primary association with bread, though they also acknowledge its broader meaning as food.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֶ֫חֶם 296 n.m. and (rarely) f. bread, food

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3899 לֶ֫חֶם bread, food

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3899 lechem lekh'-em

from 3898; food (for man or beast), especially bread, or

grain (for making it):--((shew-))bread, X eat, food, fruit,

loaf, meat, victuals. See also 1036.

see HEBREW for 03898

see HEBREW for 01036

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֶ֫חֶם (le.chem) — food.

: food(eating)

1) bread, food, grain

1a) bread

1a1) bread

1a2) bread-corn

1b) food (in general)

לֶ֫חֶם (le.chem) — food: bread.

: bread/loaf

1) bread, food, grain

1a) bread

1a1) bread

1a2) bread-corn

1b) food (in general)

לֶ֫חֶם (le.chem) — food: allowance.

: allowance

1) bread, food, grain

1a) bread

1a1) bread

1a2) bread-corn

1b) food (in general)

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

bred (lechem; artos):

I. DIETARY PREEMINENCE

II. MATERIALS

1. Barley

2. Wheat

3. Three Kinds of Flour

III. BREAD-MAKING

1. Grinding

2. Kneading

3. Baking

(1) Hot Stones

(2) Baking Pans

4. Ovens

(1) The Bowl-Oven

(2) The Jar-Oven

(3) The Pit-Oven

5. Forms of Baked Bread

6. Work for Women

IV. SANCTITY AND SYMBOLISM OF BREAD

1. Sanctity

2. Symbolism

LITERATURE

The art of bread-making is very ancient. It was even known to the Egyptians at a very early day (Wilkinson, Ancient Egyptians), to the Hebrews of the Exodus (Nowack, Lehrbuch der hebr. Archaologie) and, of course, to the Greeks and Romans of a later day. Bread played a large part in the vocabulary and in the life of the ancient Hebrews.

I. Dietary Preeminence.

(1) In the East bread is primary, other articles of food merely accessory; while in the West meat and other things chiefly constitute the meal, and bread is merely secondary. Accordingly "bread" in…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Bread

Among the Jews was generally made of wheat (Ex. 29:2; Judg. 6:19), though also sometimes of other grains (Gen. 14:18; Judg. 7:13). Parched grain was sometimes used for food without any other preparation (Ruth 2:14).

Bread was prepared by kneading in wooden bowls or “kneading troughs” (Gen. 18:6; Ex. 12:34; Jer. 7:18). The dough was mixed with leaven and made into thin cakes, round or oval, and then baked. The bread eaten at the Passover was always…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The preparation of bread as an article of food dates from a very early period. (Genesis 18:6) The corn or grain employed was of various sorts. The best bread was made of wheat, but "barley" and spelt were also used. (John 6:9,13; Isaiah 28:25) The process of making bread was as follows: the flour was first mixed with water or milk; it was then kneaded with the hands (in Egypt with the feet also) in a small wooden bowl or "kneading-trough" until it became dough. (Exodus 12:34,39; 2 Samuel 13:3; Jeremiah 7:18) When the kneading was completed, leaven was generally added [LEAVEN]; but when the time for preparation was short…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A word which in Scripture is often put for food in general, Ge 3:19 18:5 28:20 Ex 2:20 Le 11:3. Manna is called bread from heaven, Ex 16:4. Bread, in the proper and literal sense, usually means cakes made of wheaten flour; barely being used chiefly by the poor and for feeding horses. The wheat was ground daily, in small stone mills; the flour was made into dough in a wooden trough, and subsequently leavened, Ex 12:34 Ho 7:4. It was then made into cakes, and baked.

and the ravens [were] bringing to him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening and from the wadi he drank
וּבָשָׂ֖רu.va.Sar and meat H1320 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
270× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Tyndale gloss
flesh
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּשָׂר (basar) means 'flesh' and encompasses various meanings, including the physical body, kinship, and a euphemism for male genitalia. It can refer to humans, animals, and all living things, highlighting the frailty of man in relation to God. The entries consistently emphasize its bodily and relational aspects.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בָּשָׂר 266 n.m. flesh

of the body

flesh for the body itself

male organ of generation (euphemism)

flesh for kindred, blood-relations

man over against God as frail or erring

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1320 בָּשָׂר flesh . of the body

. flesh for the body itself

. male organ of generation (euphemism)

. flesh for kindred, blood-relations

. man over against God as frail or erring

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1320 basar baw-sawr'

from 1319; flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body,

person; also (by euphem.) the pudenda of a man:--body, (fat,

lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-)kind, + nakedness, self, skin.

see HEBREW for 01319

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּשָׂר (ba.sar) — flesh.

1) flesh

1a) of the body

1a1) of humans

1a2) of animals

1b) the body itself

1c) male organ of generation (euphemism)

1d) kindred, blood-relations

1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God)

1f) all living things

1g) animals

1h) mankind

Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)

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

met (broma, brosis): In the King James Version used for food in general, e.g. "I had my meat of herbs" (2 Esdras 12:51); "his disciples were gone away into the city to buy meat," the Revised Version (British and American) "food" (Joh 4:8). The English word signified whatever is eaten, whether of flesh or other food.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

It does not appear that the word "meat" is used in any one instance in the Authorized Version of either the Old or New Testament in the sense which it now almost exclusively bears of animal food. The latter is denoted uniformly by "flesh." The word "meat," when our English version was made, meant food in general; or if any particular kind was designated, it referred to meal, flour or grain. The only real and inconvenient ambiguity caused by the change which has taken place in the meaning of the word is in the case of the "meat offering." [MEAT OFFERING OFFERING]

and the ravens [were] bringing to him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening and from the wadi he drank
בָּעָ֑רֶבba.'A.rev in the evening H6153 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
134× 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 evening or sunset, like when God created daylight and darkness in Genesis. It refers to the time of day, often marking the end of a workday. This word is used in many verses, including Exodus and Psalms.
Amplified meaning
sunset, the end of the day
Tyndale gloss
evening
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עֶ֫רֶב (ereb) refers to the time of day known as evening or dusk, originally associated with sunset. It can also denote night, particularly in poetic contexts. The phrase 'between two evenings' suggests a time frame between sunset and darkness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֶ֫רֶב 131 n.[m.] (sun)set, evening

evening, orig. sunset

du. in phrase between two evenings, i.e. prob. between sunset and dark

(late poet.) = night

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6153 עֶ֫רֶב (sun)set, evening . . evening, orig. sunset

. du. in phrase between two evenings, i.e. prob. between sunset and dark

. (late poet.) = night

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6153 `ereb eh'-reb

from 6150; dusk:--+ day, even(-ing, tide), night.

see HEBREW for 06150

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֶ֫רֶב (e.rev) — evening.

1) evening, night, sunset

1a) evening, sunset

1b) night

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HRd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Evening

The period following sunset with which the Jewish day began (Gen. 1:5; Mark 13:35). The Hebrews reckoned two evenings of each day, as appears from Ex. 16:12: 30:8; 12:6 (marg.); Lev. 23:5 (marg. R.V., “between the two evenings”). The “first evening” was that period when the sun was verging towards setting, and the “second evening” the moment of actual sunset. The word “evenings” in Jer. 5:6 should be “deserts” (marg. R.V.).

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The Hebrews reckoned two evenings in each day; as in the phrase, "between the two evenings," Ex 12:6 Nu 9:3 28:4. In this interval the Passover was to be killed, and the daily evening sacrifice offered, Ex 29:39-41, Hebrew. According to the Carites, this time between the evenings is the interval from sunset to complete darkness, that is, the evening is the interval from sunset to complete darkness, that is, the evening twilight. Compare De 16:6. According to the Pharisees and the rabbins, the first evening began when the sun inclined to descend more rapidly, that is, at the ninth hour; while the second or real evening commenced at sunset. See DAY.

and the ravens [were] bringing to him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening and from the wadi he drank
וּמִן־u.min- and from H4480 Conjunction · preposition
1,189× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Tyndale gloss
from
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word מִן־ (*min*) is a preposition meaning 'from' or 'out of,' indicating separation or origin. It covers various uses, including temporal references, comparisons, and causal relationships. Additionally, it can denote a portion when used as a noun מֵן (*men*). The entries highlight its versatility in expressing different nuances of separation and position.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִן־, and מִ, before יְ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not

with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal

from, against

מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from

of position, off, on the side of, on

Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex

Partitively

Of time—

as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since

as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after

towards, to

(וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to

In comparisons, beyond, above

מן is prefixed to an infin.:

with causal force, from, on account of, through

after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.

with a temporal force, since, after

Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that

In compounds:

base

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4480a מִן־, מִ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not . with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal . from, against

. מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from

. of position, off, on the side of, on

. Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex

. Partitively

. Of time— . as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since

. as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after

. towards, to

. (וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to

. In comparisons, beyond, above

. מן is prefixed to an infin.: . with causal force, from, on account of, through

. after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.

. with a temporal force, since, after

. Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4480 min min

or minniy {min-nee'}; or minney (constructive plural)

{min-nay'}; (Isaiah 30:11); for 4482; properly, a part of;

hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses (as

follows):--above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason

of), from (among), in, X neither, X nor, (out) of, over,

since, X then, through, X whether, with.

see HEBREW for 04482

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִן־ (min) — from.

prep

1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than

1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of

1b) out of

1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling)

1b2) (of material from which something is made)

1b3) (of source or origin)

1c) out of, some of, from (partitively)

1d) from, since, after (of time)

1e) than, more than (in comparison)

1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or

1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons)

1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive)

conj

2) that

Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

מֵן (men) — portion.

n.m.

portion

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Prep — Conjunction · preposition
HC/R
and the ravens [were] bringing to him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening and from the wadi he drank
הַנַּ֖חַלha.Na.chal the wadi H5158 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
141× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Amplified meaning
a small river, a natural stream
Tyndale gloss
Brook
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נַ֫חַל (*nachal*) primarily refers to a torrent or stream, often associated with a valley or wadi where water flows, particularly in winter. It can also denote a shaft of a mine. Additionally, the term may relate to palm trees in certain contexts. The word appears in various forms in the Old Testament, including references in Psalms and Ezekiel.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נַ֫חַל n.m. torrent, torrent-valley, wady

base

[נַ֫חַל] n.[m.] perh. palm-tree;—only pl. abs., Nu 24:6

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5158a נַ֫חַל torrent, torrent-valley, wady H5158b נַ֫חַל perh. palm-tree

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5158 nachal nakh'-al

or (feminine) nachlah (Psalm 124:4) {nakh'-law}; or nachalah

(Ezekiel 47:19; 48:28) {nakh-al-aw'}; from 5157 in its

original sense; a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by

implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a

shaft (of a mine):--brook, flood, river, stream, valley.

see HEBREW for 05157

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נַ֫חַל (na.chal) — torrent: river.

: river/bed

1) torrent, valley, wadi, torrent-valley

1a) torrent

1b) torrent-valley, wadi (as stream bed)

1c) shaft (of mine)

Also means: na.chal (נַ֫חַל ": valley" H5158N)

נַ֫חַל (na.chal) — palm-tree.

palm-tree

נַ֫חַל (na.chal) — Brook.

§ palm-tree

נַ֫חַל (na.chal) — (Eshcol) Valley.

Combined with esh.kol (אֶשְׁכֹּל " of Eshcol" H0812H)

§ palm-tree

נַ֫חַל (na.chal) — (Shittim) Valley.

Combined with shit.tim (שִׁטִּים " of Shittim" H7851H)

§ palm-tree

נַ֫חַל (na.chal) — (Sorek) Valley.

Combined with s.vo.req (שֹׂרֵק " of Sorek" H7796)

§ palm-tree

נַ֫חַל (na.chal) — Brook.

§ palm-tree

נַ֫חַל (na.chal) — Brook.

palm-tree

Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)

נַ֫חַל (na.chal) — Brook.

palm-tree

Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
and the ravens [were] bringing to him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening and from the wadi he drank
יִשְׁתֶּֽה׃yish.Teh he drank H8354 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
217× 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 to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Amplified meaning
to take in, to receive nourishment
Tyndale gloss
to drink
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׁתָה (shathah) means 'to drink' and can refer to both literal drinking and figurative uses, such as feasting or experiencing God's wrath. It is a primitive root that appears in various forms, including Qal and Niphal, indicating actions like drinking and being drunk. The lexicons note its connection to the Aramaic equivalent שְׁתָה (she.tah), but do not present significant disagreements.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁתָה 217 vb. drink

Qal 216

Niph. all which is (may be) drunk

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8354 שָׁתָה drink

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8354 shathah shaw-thaw'

a primitive root; to imbibe (literally or figuratively):--X

assuredly, banquet, X certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk

(X -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of 8248.)

see HEBREW for 08248

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁתָה (sha.tah) — to drink.

1) to drink

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to drink

1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig)

1a2) to feast

1b) (Niphal) to be drunk

Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVqi3ms
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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