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1 Kings 2:18 — Word Study

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WLCוַתֹּ֥אמֶר בַּת־ שֶׁ֖בַע ט֑וֹב אָנֹכִ֕י אֲדַבֵּ֥ר עָלֶ֖יךָ אֶל־ הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃

BSAVery wellṭôwb [Good, it is pleasant] BathshebaBath-Shebaʻ [the daughter of an oath, mother of Solomon] repliedʼâmar [to say, speak] Iʼânôkîy [the speaker, myself] will speakdâbar [to communicate, talk] toʼêl the kingmelek [the royal person, monarch] for youʻal [on your behalf, in your place]

Word
Listen & take away1 Kings 2
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 18 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 (ha.Me.lekh) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
1 Kings 2:18quick helps
In a sentenceBathsheba agrees to speak to King Solomon on behalf of Adonijah.
Who is speakingBathsheba, the mother of Solomon.
Where we areIn the context of a request made by Adonijah.
The hard wordאֲדַבֵּ֥ר
Take awayBathsheba is willing to act on behalf of another.
5 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Cambridge & more — read them › clause subjectאָנֹכִי verbאָמַר 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 2:18

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — Bathsheba's Response to Adonijahgenerated

17Adonijah replied, “Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not turn you down. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.”
18“Very well,” Bathsheba replied. “I will speak to the king for you.”
19So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother, who sat down at his right hand.
20“I have just one small request of you,” she said. “Do not deny me.” “Make your request, my mother,” the king replied, “for I will not deny you.”

1 Kings 2:18 shows Bathsheba responding to a request from Adonijah, who asks her to speak to King Solomon for him. This moment is significant as it reflects the political dynamics within the royal family and Bathsheba's role in these affairs. The verses surrounding this one illustrate the tension and the importance of royal favor in the context of succession and relationships.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Proverbs 14:15The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 1 reference, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word אֲדַבֵּ֥ר, 'a.da.Bergenerated

The verb דָבַר (dabar) means 'to speak' or 'to communicate.' It is a Piel imperfect form, indicating an ongoing or future action of speaking. This word emphasizes the act of communication, which is central to Bathsheba's role in this narrative.

The choice of this verb highlights Bathsheba's willingness to advocate for Adonijah, showcasing her influence and agency within the royal court.


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 main verb here is וַתֹּ֥אמֶר, and she said, which governs the entire statement. The sentence structure is straightforward, with Bathsheba's response directly following her declaration, emphasizing her agreement and intent to act.

The sentence flows with a clear subject (Bathsheba), followed by her intention to speak to the king, showing a direct and purposeful communication.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates אֲדַבֵּ֥ר as λαλήσω, which also means 'I will speak.' This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning, maintaining the focus on the act of speaking while using a Greek term familiar to its audience.

The translation reflects a direct correspondence in intent, preserving the original's emphasis on communication.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

1 Kings 2:18 shows Bathsheba responding to Adonijah's request. She agrees to speak to King Solomon for him, indicating her willingness to help him in a delicate situation. This moment highlights her role in the royal family and the importance of communication in their political landscape.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does Bathsheba mean by 'I will speak to the king'?

Bathsheba is indicating her intention to advocate for Adonijah by approaching King Solomon on his behalf.

Why is Bathsheba's role significant in this context?

Bathsheba's influence as the mother of Solomon places her in a pivotal position within the royal court, allowing her to mediate between conflicting interests.

What does the word 'speak' imply in this verse?

The word 'speak' implies not just communication, but also the act of advocating or interceding on behalf of another person.

How does this verse connect to the broader narrative?

This verse is part of the larger story of succession and power dynamics in the royal family, showcasing Bathsheba's involvement in these critical moments.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways can I advocate for others in my life, like Bathsheba did for Adonijah?
  2. How can I improve my communication skills to better express my intentions and support others?
  3. What lessons can I learn from Bathsheba's role in this narrative about influence and responsibility?
  4. How do the dynamics within families or communities affect decision-making and relationships?

Commentators on this verse — 5 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on 1 Kings 2:18 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And Bathsheba said, well,.... Very well spoken, the thing is good and right: I will speak for thee unto the king; and use her interest with him, not seeing into his design, but pitying an unfortunate man.

Read John Gill on 1 Kings 2 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Kings 2 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

1 Kings 2:18 And Bathsheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king.Ver. 18. Well; I will speak for thee.] Though Bathsheba were a wise woman, grandchild to Ahithophel, yet she perceived not Adonijah’ s drift - viz., to undermine her son Solomon, and to shoulder him out of the throne. Hence she was so facile and forward to gratify him.

Read John Trapp on 1 Kings 2 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

18. I will speak for thee] Bath-sheba does not seem to have suspected Adonijah’s design, and this simplicity of hers he perhaps hoped to trade upon, and thought that his petition, coming to Solomon through her, might appear less dangerous. That she should consent to ask the king was not unnatural. ‘The damsel was very fair’ (1 Kings 1:4) and Adonijah ‘a very goodly man’ (1 Kings 1:6), and such a marriage might appear to her not unfitting.

Read Cambridge on 1 Kings 2 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

18. Well; I will speak for thee — But did not Bathsheba perceive the treasonable project hidden under Adonijah’s petition? Probably not in all its consequences.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on 1 Kings 2 →

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

“Very well,” Bathsheba replied. “I will speak to the king for you.”

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Bathsheba said, “All right. I will speak for you to the king.”

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

“Very well,” Bathsheba replied. “I will speak to the king for you.”

NETBNew English Translation2006

Bathsheba replied, “That’s fine, I’ll speak to the king on your behalf.”

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And Bath-sheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And Bath-sheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And Bath-sheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And Bath-sheba said, Well; I will speak for thee to the king.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And Bath-sheba sayd, Well, I will speake for thee vnto the King.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And Bathsheba said, Well, I will speak for thee to the king.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And Bath-Sheba saith, 'Good; I do speak for thee unto the king.'

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And Bathsheba says, “Good; I speak to the king for you.”

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And Bath-sheba' said, Well: I will speak for thee unto the king.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Bathsheba said, “Very well, I will speak to the king.”

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And Bethsabee said: Well, I will speak for thee to the king.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

“Very well,” Bathsheba replied. “I will talk to the king for you.”

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And Bath-sheba said, Good! I will make your request to the king.

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.

וַandclauseverbתֹּ֥אמֶרshe.saidclauseclausepredicateט֑וֹבgoodclausesubjectאָנֹכִ֕יIverbאֲדַבֵּ֥רI.will.speakprepositional phrase · prepositionalעָלֶ֖יonךָyouprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֶלtonoun phraseהַtheמֶּֽלֶךְking

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 show a high degree of agreement, with 6 of the 9 words matched in their respective translations. This suggests a consistent understanding of the text across these traditions.

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

וַתֹּ֥אמֶר בַּת־ שֶׁ֖בַע ט֑וֹב אָנֹכִ֕י אֲדַבֵּ֥ר עָלֶ֖יךָ אֶל־ הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַתֹּ֥אמֶרεἶπενט֑וֹבκαλῶςאָנֹכִ֕יἐγὼאֲדַבֵּ֥רλαλήσωעָלֶ֖יךָσοῦהַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃βασιλεῖ

6 of the 9 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 2:18אָמַרand she saiand she saidאָמַרבַּת־שֶׁ֫בַעBath-Bath-בַּת־שֶׁ֫בַעבַּת־שֶׁ֫בַע-sheba-shebaבַּת־שֶׁ֫בַעטוֹבgoodgoodטוֹבאָֽנֹכִ֫יIIאָֽנֹכִ֫ידָבַרI will speaI will speakדָבַרעַלon youon youעַלאֶלtotoאֶלמֶ֫לֶךְthe kingthe kingמֶ֫לֶךְבַּתBath (ShuaBath (Shua)בַּתטוֹבbe pleasinbe pleasingטוֹבמָלַךְto reignto reignמָלַךְעַלheightheightעַלקָדַדto bowto bowקָדַדכֹּהthusthusכֹּהיהוהYHWH/GodYHWH/GodיהוהיָשָׁרJasharJasharיָשָׁרמַרְאֶהappearanceappearanceמַרְאֶהצָוָהto commandto commandצָוָהמִצְוָהcommandmencommandmentמִצְוָהמֹשֶׁהMosesMosesמֹשֶׁהלָשׁוֹןtonguetongueלָשׁוֹןכִּפֶּרto atoneto atoneכִּפֶּרכִּסֵּאthronethroneכִּסֵּאפָּלַלto prayto prayפָּלַליִרְמְיָ֫הJeremiahJeremiahיִרְמְיָ֫הנְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּרNebuchadneNebuchadnezzarנְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּר
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 2:18

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

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

and she said Bath- -sheba good I I will speak on you to the king
וַתֹּ֥אמֶרva.To.mer and she said H559 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
5,309× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Amplified meaning
to say, speak
Tyndale gloss
to say
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say

Qal

Say

Say in the heart (= think)

Promise

Command (esp. late)

Niph. be said, told

Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)

Hithp. act proudly, boast

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say

. Say in the heart (= think)

. Promise

. Command (esp. late)

. be said, told

. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)

. act proudly, boast

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

559 'amar aw-mar'

a primitive root; to say (used with great

latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,

certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),

commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X

expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,

publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X

suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),

utter, X verily, X yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.

1) to say, speak, utter

1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend

1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called

1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly

1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch

Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
Hc/Vqw3fs
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and she said Bath- -sheba good I I will speak on you to the king
בַּת־bat- Bath- H1339 Noun proper feminine
22× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Bathsheba was the mother of Solomon and wife of King David and Uriah. Her name means daughter of an oath, and she is also called Bath-shua. She is mentioned in 2 Samuel 11:3.
Amplified meaning
the daughter of an oath, mother of Solomon
Tyndale gloss
Bathsheba
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בַּת־שֶׁ֫בַע (Bath-Sheba) means 'daughter of an oath.' She is the wife of Uriah and later of King David, and the mother of Solomon. The name is derived from roots meaning 'daughter' and 'oath.' Bath-Sheba is first mentioned in 2 Samuel 11:3 and is also referred to as Bath-shua in 1 Chronicles 3:5.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בַּת־שֶׁ֫בַע n.pr.f. (daughter of oath?) wife of Uriah; afterwards of David, & mother of Solomon

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1339 בַּת־שֶׁ֫בַע

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1339 Bath-Sheba` bath-sheh'-bah

from 1323 and 7651 (in the sense of 7650); daughter of an

oath; Bath-Sheba, the mother of Solomon:--Bath- sheba.

see HEBREW for 01323

see HEBREW for 07651

see HEBREW for 07650

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בַּת־שֶׁ֫בַע (bat-she.va) — Bathsheba.

A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.11.3;

daughter of: Eliam (H0463); married to David (H1732) and Uriah (H0223A);

mother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416) and Solomon (H8010); also called Bath-shua at 1Ch.3.5;

Also named: bat-shu.a (בַּת־שׁוּעַ "Bath-shua" H1340)

§ Bath-sheba = "daughter of an oath"

the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Noun proper feminine
HNpf
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

(bath): A liquid measure equal to about 9 gallons, English measure. It seems to have been regarded as a standard for liquid measures (Eze 45:10), as in the case of the molten sea and the lavers in Solomon's temple (1Ki 7:26,38), and for measuring oil and wine (2Ch 2:10; Ezr 7:22; Isa 5:10; Eze 45:14). Its relation to the homer is given in Eze 45:11,14.

See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Bath

A Hebrew liquid measure, the tenth part of an homer (1 Kings 7:26, 38; Ezek. 45:10, 14). It contained 8 gallons 3 quarts of our measure. “Ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath” (Isa. 5:10) denotes great unproductiveness.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

[MEASURES]

Nave's Topical Bible

→ A Hebrew measure for liquids containing about eight gallons, three quarts 1Ki 7:26,38; Ezr 7:22; Isa 5:10; Eze 45:10,11,14

and she said Bath- -sheba good I I will speak on you to the king
שֶׁ֖בַעShe.va' -sheba H1339 Noun proper feminine
22× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Bathsheba was the mother of Solomon and wife of King David and Uriah. Her name means daughter of an oath, and she is also called Bath-shua. She is mentioned in 2 Samuel 11:3.
Tyndale gloss
Bathsheba
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בַּת־שֶׁ֫בַע (Bath-Sheba) means 'daughter of an oath.' She is the wife of Uriah and later of King David, and the mother of Solomon. The name is derived from roots meaning 'daughter' and 'oath.' Bath-Sheba is first mentioned in 2 Samuel 11:3 and is also referred to as Bath-shua in 1 Chronicles 3:5.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בַּת־שֶׁ֫בַע n.pr.f. (daughter of oath?) wife of Uriah; afterwards of David, & mother of Solomon

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1339 בַּת־שֶׁ֫בַע

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1339 Bath-Sheba` bath-sheh'-bah

from 1323 and 7651 (in the sense of 7650); daughter of an

oath; Bath-Sheba, the mother of Solomon:--Bath- sheba.

see HEBREW for 01323

see HEBREW for 07651

see HEBREW for 07650

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בַּת־שֶׁ֫בַע (bat-she.va) — Bathsheba.

A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.11.3;

daughter of: Eliam (H0463); married to David (H1732) and Uriah (H0223A);

mother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416) and Solomon (H8010); also called Bath-shua at 1Ch.3.5;

Also named: bat-shu.a (בַּת־שׁוּעַ "Bath-shua" H1340)

§ Bath-sheba = "daughter of an oath"

the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNpf — Noun proper feminine
HNpf
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Sheba

An oath, seven. (1.) Heb. shebha, the son of Raamah (Gen. 10:7), whose descendants settled with those of Dedan on the Persian Gulf.

(2.) Heb. id. A son of Joktan (Gen. 10:28), probably the founder of the Sabeans.

(3.) Heb. id. A son of Jokshan, who was a son of Abraham by Keturah (Gen. 25:3).

(4.) Heb. id. A kingdom in Arabia Felix. Sheba, in fact, was Saba in Southern Arabia, the Sabaeans of classical geography, who carried on the trade in spices with the other peoples of the ancient world. They were Semites, speaking one of the two main dialects of Himyaritic or South Arabic. Sheba had become a monarchy before the days of Solomon. Its queen brought him gold, spices, and precious stones (

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

1. Son of Raamah, Ge 10:7. His posterity is supposed to have settled near the head of the Persian Gulf. See CUSH and RAAMAH.

2. Son of Joktan, of the race of Shem, Ge 10:28. See SABEANS 2.

3. Son of Jokshan, and grandson of Abraham by Keturah, Ge 25:3. He is supposed to have settled in Arabia Deserta.

4. A turbulent Benjamite, who after the death of Absalom made a fruitless effort to excite a rebellion in Israel against David. Being pursued, and besieged in Abel-beth-maachah, near the southern part of Lebanon, he was beheaded by the people of the city, 2Sa 20:1-26.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

captivity; old man; repose; oath

and she said Bath- -sheba good I I will speak on you to the king
ט֑וֹבTov good H2896 Adj
538× 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 good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Amplified meaning
Good, it is pleasant
Tyndale gloss
pleasant
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

טוֹב (tov) is a Hebrew word meaning good or pleasant, encompassing a wide range of meanings from agreeable to the senses to ethical goodness. It can function as an adjective, noun, or adverb, referring to things like welfare, happiness, and prosperity. The feminine form, טוֹבָה (tovah), specifically denotes welfare or good things.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

טוֹב adj. pleasant, agreeable, good

pleasant, agreeable to the senses

pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity, and so agreeable, pleasing, well

good, excellent, of its kind

good, rich, valuable in estimation

good, appropriate, becoming

c. מִן compar. = better

of man's sensuous nature, glad, happy, prosperous

of man's intellectual nature, good understanding

good, kind, benign

good (ethical), right

base

טוֹב n.m. a good thing, benefit, welfare

welfare, prosperity, happiness

good things

good = benefit

moral good

base

טוֹבָה n.f. welfare, benefit, good things, good

welfare, prosperity, happiness

good things

bounty, good

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2896a טוֹב pleasant, agreeable, good . pleasant, agreeable to the senses

. pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity, and so agreeable, pleasing, well

. good, excellent, of its kind

. good, rich, valuable in estimation

. good, appropriate, becoming

. c. מִן compar. =better

. of man's sensuous nature, glad, happy, prosperous

. of man's intellectual nature, good understanding

. good, kind, benign

. good (ethical), right

H2896b טוֹב a good thing, benefit, welfare H2896c טוֹבָה welfare, benefit, good things, good

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2896 towb tobe

from 2895; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used

likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine,

the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a

good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or

women), also as an adverb (well):--beautiful, best, better,

bountiful, cheerful, at ease, X fair (word), (be in) favour,

fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s),

graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving,

merry, X most, pleasant, + pleaseth, pleasure, precious,

prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well

((-favoured)).

see HEBREW for 02895

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

טוֹב (tov) — pleasant.

adj

1) good, pleasant, agreeable

1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses)

1b) pleasant (to the higher nature)

1c) good, excellent (of its kind)

1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation

1e) good, appropriate, becoming

1f) better (comparative)

1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature)

1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature)

1i) good, kind, benign

1j) good, right (ethical)

Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)

טוֹב (tov) — good.

1) a good thing, benefit, welfare

1a) welfare, prosperity, happiness

1b) good things (collective)

1c) good, benefit

1d) moral good

טוֹבָה (to.vah) — welfare.

1) welfare, benefit, good things

1a) welfare, prosperity, happiness

1b) good things (collective)

1c) bounty

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAamsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

good (Tobh, Tubh, yaTabh; agathos, agathon, kalos, kalon): In English "good" is used in various senses, most of which are represented in the Bible.

(1) In the Old Testament the commonest word is Tobh, occurring very frequently and translated in a great variety of ways. Of the different shades of meaning, which frequently run into each other, the following may be distinguished:

(a) Possessing desirable qualities, beneficial, agreeable, e.g. "good for food" (Ge 2:9); "We will do thee good" (Nu 10:29); Who will show us any good?" (Ps 4:6); "good tidings of good" (Isa 52:7).

and she said Bath- -sheba good I I will speak on you to the king
אָנֹכִ֕י'a.no.Khi I H595 Pronoun
359× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Amplified meaning
the speaker, myself
Tyndale gloss
I
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אָֽנֹכִ֫י (*anokiy*) is a first-person singular pronoun meaning 'I' or 'me.' It is a variant spelling of אֲנִי (*ani*), which also means 'I.' The entries confirm its use as a personal pronoun without significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָֽנֹכִ֫י, אָנֹ֑כִי pron. 1s. comm. I

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H595 אָֽנֹכִ֫י, אָנֹ֑כִי I

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

595 'anokiy aw-no-kee'

sometimes {aw-no'-kee}; a primitive pro.; I:--I, me, X

which.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָֽנֹכִ֫י (a.no.khi) — I.

I (first pers. sing.)

Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Pron — Pronoun
HPp1bs
and she said Bath- -sheba good I I will speak on you to the king
אֲדַבֵּ֥ר'a.da.Ber I will speak H1696 Verb · Piel · imperfect first person common singular
1,142× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Amplified meaning
to communicate, talk
Tyndale gloss
to speak: speak
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דָבַר (dabar) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning 'to speak.' It encompasses a range of actions including declaring, commanding, and conversing. The root suggests a figurative use of words, with some entries noting a rare destructive sense of subduing. Various forms of the verb indicate different nuances, such as speaking with one another or making promises.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[דָבַר] 1142 vb. speak (original mng. dub.)

Qal speak

Niph. reciprocal sense, speak with one another, talk

Pi. speak

Pu. in the day when she may be spoken for

Hithp. speaking this word

Hiph. either leads subject, or puts to flight, fig. for subdues

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1696 דָבַר speak (original mng. dub.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1696 dabar daw-bar'

a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used

figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive

sense) to subdue:--answer, appoint, bid, command, commune,

declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse,

say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think,

use (entreaties), utter, X well, X work.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: speak.

: speak/tell/command

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: subdue.

: subdue

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: promise.

: promise/declare

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs — Verb · Piel · imperfect first person common singular
HVpi1cs
and she said Bath- -sheba good I I will speak on you to the king
עָלֶ֖יךָ'a.Lei.kha on you H5921 Preposition · suffix
5,774× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Amplified meaning
on your behalf, in your place
Tyndale gloss
upon
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

עַל, עָ֑ל

subst. height

As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against

Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed

of clothing, etc., which any one wears

With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it

Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him

Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him

על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him

חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears

. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it

. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him

. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him

. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him

. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5921 `al al

properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the

singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a

particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always

in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great

variety of applications (as follow):--above, according

to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because

of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both

and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in

(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,

through(-out), to, touching, X with.

see HEBREW for 05920

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַל (al) — upon.

prep

1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against

1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards

1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)

1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)

1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)

1e) over (of suspension or extension)

1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)

1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)

1h) to (as a dative)

[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.

conj

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp2ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and she said Bath- -sheba good I I will speak on you to the king
אֶל־'el- to H413 Preposition
5,518× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Tyndale gloss
to(wards)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),

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

Where the limit is actually entered, into

Of direction towards anything

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

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

Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

Of rule or standard according to (rare)

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

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

. Where the limit is actually entered, into

. Of direction towards anything

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

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

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

. Of rule or standard according to (rare)

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

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

413 'el ale

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

a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but

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

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

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

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

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

with(-in).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶל (el) — to(wards).

1) to, toward, unto (of motion)

2) into (limit is actually entered)

2a) in among

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

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

5) in addition to, to

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

7) according to (rule or standard)

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

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
and she said Bath- -sheba good I I will speak on you to the king
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ha.Me.lekh the king H4428 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
2,526× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Amplified meaning
the royal person, monarch
Tyndale gloss
King's
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word מֶ֫לֶךְ (*melek*) means 'king.' It is derived from a root that suggests royalty. The term appears in various contexts, including references to specific kings and locations, such as the 'King's Highway' in Numbers 20:17 and the 'King's Valley' in Genesis 14:17. The lexicons note its Aramaic equivalent and mention its use in the context of individuals like Hammelech in Jeremiah.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מֶ֫לֶךְ 2513 n.m. king

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4428 מֶ֫לֶךְ king

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4428 melek meh'-lek

from 4427; a king:--king, royal.

see HEBREW for 04427

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — king.

1) king

Aramaic equivalent: me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4430)

הַמֶּלֶךְ (me.lekh) — `the king`.

'the king' or a name, Hammelech in KJV of Jer.36.26; 38.6- a man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.36.26;

father of: Jerahmeel (H3396I) and Malchijah (H4441H); also translated "the king";

§ A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.36.26;

father of: Jerahmeel (H3396I) and Malchijah (H4441H); also translated "the king";

מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.

King's (Highway) (Num.20.17)

מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.

Another name of she.lach (שֶׁ֫לַח "Shelah" H7975A)

מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — Milcom.

Another name of mo.lekh (מֹ֫לֶךְ "Molech" H4432)

מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.

King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

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

King

Is in Scripture very generally used to denote one invested with authority, whether extensive or limited. There were thirty-one kings in Canaan (Josh. 12:9, 24), whom Joshua subdued. Adonibezek subdued seventy kings (Judg. 1:7). In the New Testament the Roman emperor is spoken of as a king (1 Pet. 2:13, 17); and Herod Antipas, who was only a tetrarch, is also called a king (Matt. 14:9; Mark 6:22).

This title is applied to God (1 Tim. 1:17), and to Christ, the Son of God (1 Tim. 6:15, 16;

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Called KING OF KINGS Ezr 7:12; Eze 26:7; Da 2:37

→ Divinely authorized De 17:15; 1Sa 9:16,17; 16:12; 1Ch 22:10; 2Ch 2:11,12; Pr 8:15; Da 2:21,37; 4:17; 5:20; Ho 8:4; 13:11

→ How chosen

By divine appointment, Saul 1Sa 10:1

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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