Menu

1 Kings 4:31 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוַיֶּחְכַּם֮ מִכָּל־ הָֽאָדָם֒ מֵאֵיתָ֣ן הָאֶזְרָחִ֗י וְהֵימָ֧ן וְכַלְכֹּ֛ל וְדַרְדַּ֖ע בְּנֵ֣י מָח֑וֹל וַיְהִֽי־ שְׁמ֥וֹ בְכָֽל־ הַגּוֹיִ֖ם סָבִֽיב׃

BSAand he was wisevai.yech.Kam more than anymi.kol humanha.'a.Dam more than Ethanme.'ei.Tan the Ezrachiteha.'ez.ra.Chi and Hemanve.hei.Man and Kalkolve.khal.Kol and Dardave.dar.Da' [the] sons ofbe.Nei Maholma.Chol and it wasvay.hi- name hisshe.Mo among allve.khal- the nationsha.go.Yim aroundsa.Viv

Word
Listen & take away1 Kings 4
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 31 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 (sa.Viv) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
1 Kings 4:31quick helps
In a sentenceSolomon's wisdom surpassed that of all other men, including notable wise figures of his time.
Who is speakingThe narrator, describing King Solomon's unparalleled wisdom.
Where we areIn the account of Solomon's reign, highlighting his wisdom and fame.
The hard wordחָכַם
Take awaySolomon's wisdom was renowned and recognized beyond Israel.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbH2449 The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

2 of 15 occur nowhere else in the Old Testament — words chosen on purpose.

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 4:31

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

Context — The Wisdom of Solomongenerated

30Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.
31He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations.
32Solomon composed three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered a thousand and five.
33He spoke of trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop growing in the wall, and he taught about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish.

1 Kings 4:31 presents Solomon as a figure of extraordinary wisdom, surpassing all men of his time, including the renowned wise men Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Darda, who were the sons of Mahol. This passage emphasizes Solomon's unique status and the spread of his fame among the nations surrounding Israel, showcasing the divine gift of wisdom bestowed upon him, as also noted in 1 Kings 3:12.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
11 Kings 3:12behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been nor will ever be another like you.
2Matthew 12:42The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.
3Luke 11:31The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.
4Colossians 2:3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
51 Chronicles 15:19The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals.

The Key Word חָכַם, chakamgenerated

The verb חָכַם (chakam) means 'to be wise' and indicates possessing good judgment and the ability to act intelligently. It is used in various contexts throughout the Bible to encourage the pursuit of wisdom, as seen in the teachings of Proverbs.

In this verse, it is in the sequential imperfect form, indicating Solomon's ongoing state of wisdom, which is greater than that of all men, including notable figures like Ethan the Ezrahite. This construction emphasizes the extent of his wisdom.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses wiser for the Hebrew word חָכַם.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb of the verse is וַיֶּחְכַּם, and he was wise, which governs the entire clause. The structure emphasizes Solomon's wisdom in comparison to others, with additional phrases providing context about those he surpassed.

The sentence includes several noun phrases listing the wise men and concludes with a prepositional phrase describing the spread of his fame, indicating the breadth of his influence.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, חָכַם is rendered as σοφώτερος (sophōteros), meaning 'wiser.' This choice reflects a direct comparison of wisdom, emphasizing Solomon's superiority over others.

The use of σοφώτερος highlights not just wisdom but an elevated status in wisdom, aligning with the Hebrew context of Solomon's unparalleled intellect.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

1 Kings 4:31 tells us that Solomon was wiser than all men, including Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. His fame spread throughout the surrounding nations, showing the recognition of his wisdom beyond Israel.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that Solomon was wiser than all men?

It means that Solomon's wisdom was unmatched, surpassing even the most renowned wise figures of his time.

Who were Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Darda?

They were notable wise men mentioned in the Bible, recognized for their wisdom, but Solomon's wisdom exceeded theirs.

Why is Solomon's fame significant?

Solomon's fame signifies the acknowledgment of his wisdom and the impact it had on surrounding nations, highlighting his role as a wise leader.

How does this verse connect to Solomon's request for wisdom?

This verse illustrates the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon, who asked for wisdom to lead his people, as noted in 1 Kings 3:5.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what areas of my life can I seek wisdom like Solomon did?
  2. How can I apply the lessons of wisdom from Solomon to my daily decisions?
  3. What does it mean to be wise in today's context?
  4. How can I share wisdom with others in my community?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on 1 Kings 4:31 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

For he was wiser than all men,.... Not only that lived in his time, but in ages past since the fall of Adam, and in times to come, especially in natural wisdom and knowledge, in all the branches of

Read John Gill on 1 Kings 4 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.

Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Kings 4 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Wiser than all men; either of his nation, or of his time, or of all times and nations, whether of the east or any other country, excepting only the first and Second Adam. Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman; Israelites of eminent wisdom, probably the same mentioned 15:19 25:4 89:1. Chalcol and Dorda of whom see . The sons of Mahol. Object. All these four were the sons of Zerah, , or of Ezrah, as others call him. Answ. Either the same man had two names, Zerah and Mahol, which was common amongst the Jews; and he might be called Mahol from his office or employment; for that signifies a dance, or a pipe; and he was expert in musical instruments, and so were his sons, , who possibly may here be…

Read Matthew Poole on 1 Kings 4 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

1 Kings 4:31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.Ver. 31. For he was wiser than all men.] Far beyond Socrates, whom Apollo pronounced the wisest of men. Than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman.] These were famous in their generations for wisdom and learning. Of these, haply, it was then held and said, as a modern writer saith of Tacitus and Pliny, Literarum nomina sunt, non hominum, they are rather learning itself than learned. And his fame was in all nations.] As Aristotle’ s was in Greece, Varo in Rome, Melanchthon’ s in Germany, Dr John Reynolds’ s here, whose learning and…

Read John Trapp on 1 Kings 4 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(31) He was wiser.—The wisdom of “Heman, Ethan, Chalcol, and Darda,” then rivals of Solomon’s fame, is now only known to us from this passage. In the genealogy of 1 Chronicles 2:6, “Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, and Dara” (or “Darda”) are found as sons of Zerah, the son of Judah; and the coincidence is remarkable enough to suggest identification. But this identification can scarcely hold. This passage evidently implies that these rivals of Solomon were contemporary with him, not belonging, therefore, to a family many generations earlier. Now it happens that we know of a Heman and an Ethan (see 1 Chronicles 6:33; 1 Chronicles 6:44) set by David over the service of song in the Tabernacle, and called…

Read Charles John Ellicott on 1 Kings 4 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 31. He was wiser than all men] He was wiser than any of those who were most celebrated in his time, among whom were the four after mentioned, viz., Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, and Darda. Ethan was probably the same as is mentioned in some of the Psalms, particularly Psalms 89:1, title; and among the singers in 1 Chronicles 6:42. There is a Heman mentioned in the title to Psalms 88:1. In 1 Chronicles 2:6 we have all the four names, but they are probably not the same persons, for they are there said to be the sons of Zerah, and he flourished long before Solomon's time. Some suppose that בני מחול beney machol should be rendered masters of dancing or music, as מחול machol signifies not only a…

Read AdamClarke on 1 Kings 4 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

31. Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman] Ethan and Heman are among the names of the singers (1 Chronicles 15:19) appointed by David when the ark was brought up to the city of David, but there is no possibility of deciding whether those are the men alluded to here. In 1 Chronicles (1 Kings 15:17) Ethan is called the son of Kushaiah, and the son of Kishi (1 Chronicles 6:44), and Heman is, in the latter chapter (1 Kings 4:33), called the son of Joel. See the next note. Chalcol] The better orthography is Calcol which A.V. gives for the same name in 1 Chronicles 2:6. In that passage we find (with a slight modification of the last) the four names of this verse all mentioned as sons of Zerah, the son of…

Read Cambridge on 1 Kings 4 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

It is most probable that the persons with whom Solomon is compared were contemporaries, men noted for “wisdom,” though there is no other mention of them. His fame was in all nations - See below, 1 Kings 10.

Read Albert Barnes on 1 Kings 4 →

The verse in English, compared — 8 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

He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

For he was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the nations all around.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the nations round about.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

For he was wiser then any man: yea, then were Ethan the Ezrahite, the Heman, then Chalcol, then Darda the sonnes of Mahol: and he was famous throughout all nations round about.

Simplified

BBEBible in Basic English1949

For he was wiser than all men, even than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman and Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and he had a great name among all the nations round about.

FBVFree Bible Version2020

He was wiser than anyone, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol. His reputation spread through the nations around.

Strictly literal

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

and he is wiser than all men, than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol, and his name is in all the nations round about.

T4T (Translation for Translators) is not shown above. It restates the passage rather than the verse, so there is no line of English to set beside the others — which is a fact about that translation, not a fault in it.

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.

וַandclauseverbיֶּחְכַּם֮he.was.wiseprepositional phrase · prepositionalprepositional phraseמִmorenoun phraseכָּלthan.anynoun phraseהָֽ(the)אָדָם֒humanprepositional phraseמֵmorenoun phrasenoun phraseאֵיתָ֣ןthan.Ethannoun phraseהָtheאֶזְרָחִ֗יEzrachiteוְandnoun phrasenoun phraseהֵימָ֧ןHemanוְandכַלְכֹּ֛לKalkolוְandדַרְדַּ֖עDardanoun phraseבְּנֵ֣יthe.sonsמָח֑וֹלof.Maholוַandclauseverbיְהִֽיit.wasnoun phrase · subjectשְׁמ֥nameוֹhisprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְamongnoun phraseכָֽלallnoun phraseהַtheגּוֹיִ֖םnationsadverbialסָבִֽיבaround

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text is consistent with the Septuagint and other witnesses, affirming that Solomon's wisdom was greater than that of all men, including the wise men named in the verse.

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

וַיֶּחְכַּם֮ מִכָּל־ הָֽאָדָם֒ מֵאֵיתָ֣ן הָאֶזְרָחִ֗י וְהֵימָ֧ן וְכַלְכֹּ֛ל וְדַרְדַּ֖ע בְּנֵ֣י מָח֑וֹל וַיְהִֽי־ שְׁמ֥וֹ בְכָֽל־ הַגּוֹיִ֖ם סָבִֽיב׃

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 4:31חָכַםand he was and he was wiseחָכַםכֹּלmore than amore than anyכֹּלאָדָםhumanhumanאָדָםאֵיתָןmore than Emore than Ethanאֵיתָןאֶזְרָחִיthe Ezrachithe Ezrachiteאֶזְרָחִיהֵימָןand Hemanand Hemanהֵימָןכַּלְכֹּלand Kalkoland Kalkolכַּלְכֹּלדַּרְדַּעand Dardaand Dardaדַּרְדַּעבֵּן[the] sons [the] sons ofבֵּןמָחוֹלMaholMaholמָחוֹלהָיָהand it wasand it wasהָיָהשֵׁםname hisname hisשֵׁםכֹּלamong allamong allכֹּלגּוֹיthe nationsthe nationsגּוֹיסָבִיבaroundaroundסָבִיבכָּלַלto perfectto perfectכָּלַלאָדֹםto reddento reddenאָדֹםחֹבָבHobabHobabחֹבָבאָמַןbe faithfube faithfulאָמַןכּוּלto sustainto sustainכּוּלדַּרmother-of-mother-of-pearlדַּרבָּנָהto buildto buildבָּנָהשׂוּםto set: mato set: makeשׂוּםסָבַבto turn: tto turn: turnסָבַבאֵיתָןstrongstrongאֵיתָןמָחוֹלdancedanceמָחוֹלהָוָאto fallto fallהָוָאגֵּוָהbackbackגֵּוָהעֵדָהcongregaticongregationעֵדָהעֲבֹדָהserviceserviceעֲבֹדָהאֵיתָןEthanEthanאֵיתָןלִיץto mockto mockלִיץדְּמוּתlikenesslikenessדְּמוּת
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 4:31

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

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

and he was wise more than any human more than Ethan the Ezrachite and Heman and Kalkol and Darda [the] sons of Mahol and it was name his among all the nations around
וַיֶּחְכַּם֮vai.yech.Kam and he was wise H2449 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
27× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To be wise means to have good judgment and act intelligently, as described in the Bible. This word is used in Proverbs and other books to encourage people to seek wisdom and make wise decisions, like King Solomon.
Tyndale gloss
be wise
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חָכַם (chakam) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be wise or to act wisely. It encompasses various forms, including teaching wisdom and showing oneself wise. The entries highlight its use in different contexts, such as making others wise or dealing shrewdly. There are no noted disagreements among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָכַם vb. be wise

Qal be or become wise, act wisely

Pi. make wise, teach wisdom

Pu. made wise, intensive, as it were the embodiment of wisdom

Hiph. making wise the simple

Hithp. let us deal wisely (shrewdly) toward it (the people); make or shew thyself wise

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2449 חָכַם be wise .be or become wise, act wisely

. make wise, teach wisdom

. made wise, intensive, as it were the embodiment of wisdom

. making wise the simple

. let us deal wisely (shrewdly) toward it (the people); make or shew thyself wise

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2449 chakam khaw-kam'

a primitive root, to be wise (in mind, word or act):--X

exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal

(never so) wisely, make wiser.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָכַם (cha.kham) — be wise.

1) to be wise

1a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely

1b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct

1c) (Pual) to be made wise

1d) (Hiphil) to make wise

1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Hc/Vqw3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
and he was wise more than any human more than Ethan the Ezrachite and Heman and Kalkol and Darda [the] sons of Mahol and it was name his among all the nations around
מִכָּל־mi.kol more than any H3605 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
5,415× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Tyndale gloss
all
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all

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

Absolutely:

without the art., all things, all

with the art. הַכֹּל

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

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

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

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

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3605 kol kole

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

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

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

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

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

whoso(-ever).

see HEBREW for 03634

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּל (kol) — all.

1) all, the whole

1a) all, the whole of

1b) any, each, every, anything

1c) totality, everything

Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Ncmsc — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
HR/Ncmsc
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he was wise more than any human more than Ethan the Ezrachite and Heman and Kalkol and Darda [the] sons of Mahol and it was name his among all the nations around
הָֽאָדָם֒ha.'a.Dam human H120 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
551× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Tyndale gloss
the man (Adam)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָדָם (adam) refers to 'man' or 'mankind,' encompassing both individual humans and the species as a whole. It is also the name of the first man in the Bible, Adam, who is mentioned in various verses, including Genesis 2:19. The term can denote a city in the Jordan valley as well. The entries indicate a range of meanings, but there is no significant disagreement among them.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָדָם 560 n.m. Gn 1:27 man, mankind

a man = human being

coll. man, mankind

n.pr.m. Adam, first man (without art.)

n.pr.loc. city in Jordan valley (as built?)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H120 אָדָם man, mankind . a man = human being

. coll. man, mankind

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

120 'adam aw-dawm'

from 119; ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the

species, mankind, etc.):--X another, + hypocrite, + common

sort, X low, man (mean, of low degree), person.

see HEBREW for 0119

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָדָם (a.dam) — man.

1) man, mankind

1a) man, human being

1b) man, mankind (much more frequently intended sense in OT)

1c) Adam, first man

1d) city in Jordan valley

אָדָם (a.dam) — the man (Adam).

The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19;

married to Eve (H2332);

father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33;

Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121)

man, human being

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTd/Ncmsa — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
and he was wise more than any human more than Ethan the Ezrachite and Heman and Kalkol and Darda [the] sons of Mahol and it was name his among all the nations around
מֵאֵיתָ֣ןme.'ei.Tan more than Ethan H387 Preposition · noun proper masculine
8× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Ethan is a name in the Bible, given to four different Israelites, including a Levite who lived during the United Monarchy. The name Ethan means enduring and is mentioned in 1 Chronicles.
Tyndale gloss
Ethan
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵיתָן (Eythan) refers to a wise man and is associated with the meaning 'enduring.' The term identifies several individuals in the Old Testament, including an Ezrahite known for his wisdom and various descendants of Levi. The entries note that Ethan is mentioned in contexts related to the United and Divided Monarchy, with specific references in 1 Kings and 1 Chronicles.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵיתָן n.pr.m. a wise man

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H387 אֵיתָן a wise man

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

387 'Eythan ay-thawn'

the same as 386; permanent; Ethan, the name of four

Israelites:--Ethan.

see HEBREW for 0386

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵיתָן (e.tan) — Ethan.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.4.31;

son of: Mahol (H4235);

brother of: Heman (H1968), Calcol (H3633) and Darda (H1862)

§ Ethan = "enduring"

1) an Ezrahite known for his wisdom

2) a grandson of Judah, father of Azariah

3) a Kohathite descendant of Levi

4) a Merarite son of Kushaiah, descendant of Levi

אֵיתָן (e.tan) — Ethan.

A man of the tribe of Judah living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.2.6;

son of: Zerah (H2226I);

brother of: Zabdi (H2067), Heman (H1968H), Calcol (H3633H) and Dara (H1873);

father of: Azariah (H5838I)

§ Ethan = "enduring"

1) an Ezrahite known for his wisdom

2) a grandson of Judah, father of Azariah

3) a Kohathite descendant of Levi

4) a Merarite son of Kushaiah, descendant of Levi

אֵיתָן (e.tan) — Ethan.

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Npm — Preposition · noun proper masculine
HR/Npm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

e'-than ('ethan, "firm," "enduring"; Gaithan):

(1) A wise man with whom Solomon is compared (1Ki 4:31). Called there "Ethan the Ezrahite," to whom the title of Ps 89 ascribes the authorship of that poem.

(2) A "son of Kishi," or "Kishaiah," of the Merari branch of the Levites, and, along with Heman and Asaph, placed by David over the service of song (1Ch 6:44; 15:17,19).

See JEDUTHUN.

(3) An ancestor of Asaph of the Gershomite branch of the Levites (1Ch 6:42).

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Ethan

Firm. (1.) “The Ezrahite,” distinguished for his wisdom (1 Kings 4:31). He is named as the author of the 89th Psalm. He was of the tribe of Levi.

(2.) A Levite of the family of Merari, one of the leaders of the temple music (1 Chr. 6:44; 15:17, 19). He was probably the same as Jeduthun. He is supposed by some to be the same also as (1).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(enduring). Ethan the Ezrahite, one of the four sons of Mahol, whose wisdom was excelled by Solomon. (1 Kings 4:31; 1 Chronicles 2:6) His name is in the title of (Psalms 89:1) Son of Kishi or Kushaiah; a Merarite Levite, head of that family in the time of King David, (1 Chronicles 6:44) and spoken of as a "singer." With Heman and Asaph, the heads of the other two families of Levites, Ethan was appointed to sound with cymbals. (1 Chronicles 15:17,19) A Gershonite Levite, one of the ancestors of Asaph the singer. (1 Chronicles 6:42) Hebr 27. (B.C. 1420.)

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

1. One of four men renowned for wisdom, though excelled by Solomon, 1Ki 4:31 1Ch 2:6. He appears to have been a son of Zerah or Ezra, and grandson of the patriarch Judah.

2. A Levite, son of Kishi, and one of the three masters of the temple music, 1Ch 6:44 15:17-19. He would seem to be the same as Jeduthun, 1Ch 25:1 2Ch 35:15.

3. A person to whom Ps 89:1-52 is inscribed.

and he was wise more than any human more than Ethan the Ezrachite and Heman and Kalkol and Darda [the] sons of Mahol and it was name his among all the nations around
הָאֶזְרָחִ֗יha.'ez.ra.Chi the Ezrachite H250 Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
3× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
An Ezrahite is a descendant of Zerach, mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31. The term refers to someone from the family of Zerach, also known as an Ezraite.
Tyndale gloss
Ezrahite
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶזְרָחִי (*Ezrachiy*) refers to someone of the family of Zerach, or an Ezrahite. It is a patronymic derived from the root meaning 'to be a native' or 'to arise from the soil.' This term is associated with descendants of Zerach, first mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶזְרָחִי adj.gent. i.e. of family of זֶרַח

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H250 אֶזְרָחִי i.e. of family of זֶרַח

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

250 'Ezrachiy ez-raw-khee'

patronymic from 2246; an Ezrachite or descendant of

Zerach:--Ezrahite.

see HEBREW for 02246

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶזְרָחִי (ez.ra.chi) — Ezrahite.

Someone descended from Ezrah(?), first mentioned at 1Ki.4.31

§ Ezraite = "a native (as arising out of the soil)"

Ezrahite, of the family of Zerach

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTd/Ngmsa — Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ngmsa
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he was wise more than any human more than Ethan the Ezrachite and Heman and Kalkol and Darda [the] sons of Mahol and it was name his among all the nations around
וְהֵימָ֧ןve.hei.Man and Heman H1968 Conjunction · noun proper masculine
17× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Heman was the name of at least two Israelites, including a man from the tribe of Levi who lived during the United Monarchy. He was the son of Joel and father of many sons. The KJV translates his name as 'Heman'.
Tyndale gloss
Heman
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הֵימָן (Heyman) means 'faithful' and refers to a notable figure in the Old Testament, specifically a wise man compared to Solomon. There are at least two individuals named Heman, one a Levitical singer and author of Psalm 88, and the other a man from the tribe of Judah. The entries consistently highlight his wisdom and lineage.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הֵימָן n.pr.m. Heman (faithful) a wise man with whom Solomon is compared

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1968 הֵימָן

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1968 Heyman hay-mawn'

probably from 539; faithful; Heman, the name of at least two

Israelites:--Heman.

see HEBREW for 0539

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הֵימָן (he.man) — Heman.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.4.31;

son of: Mahol (H4235);

brother of: Ethan (H0387), Calcol (H3633) and Darda (H1862)

§ Heman = "faithful"

1) a wise man to whom Solomon was compared

2) son of Joel, grandson of Samuel, and a Levitical singer and author of PS 88

3) a seer

הֵימָן (he.man) — Heman.

A man of the tribe of Judah living before Israel's Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.2.6;

son of: Zerah (H2226I);

brother of: Zabdi (H2067), Ethan (H0387H), Calcol (H3633H) and Dara (H1873)

§ Heman = "faithful"

1) a wise man to whom Solomon was compared

2) son of Joel, grandson of Samuel, and a Levitical singer and author of PS 88

3) a seer

הֵימָן (he.man) — Heman.

A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.33;

son of: Joel (H3100);

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HC/Npm — Conjunction · noun proper masculine
HC/Npm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

he'-man (heman, "faithful"): The name of two men in the Old Testament.

(1) A musician and seer, a Levite, son of Joe and grandson of the prophet Samuel; of the family of the Kohathites (1Ch 6:33), appointed by David as one of the leaders of the temple-singing (1Ch 15:17; 2Ch 5:12). He had 14 sons (and 3 daughters) who assisted their father in the chorus. Heman seems also to have been a man of spiritual power; is called "the king's seer in matters of God" (1Ch 25:5; 2Ch 35:15).

(2) One of the noted wise men prior to, or about, the time of Solomon. He was one of the three sons of Mahol (

Heman

Faithful. (1.) 1 Kings 4:31; 1 Chr. 2:6, a son of Zerah, noted for his wisdom. (2.) Grandson of Samuel (1 Chr. 6:33; 15:17), to whom the 88th Psalm probably was inscribed. He was one of the “seers” named in 2 Chr. 29:14, 30, and took a leading part in the administration of the sacred services.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(faithful) Son of Zerah. (1 Chronicles 2:6; 1 Kings 4:31) Son of Joel and grandson of Samuel the prophet, a Kohathite. He is called "the singer," rather the musician, (1 Chronicles 6:33) and was the first of the three Levites to whom was committed the vocal and instrumental music of the temple service in the reign of David. (1 Chronicles 15:16-22) The 88th Psalm is ascribed to him. (B.C. 1014.)

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

1. A celebrated sage, of the tribe of Judah. The period of his life is unknown, 1Ki 4:31.

2. A Kohathite Levite, to whom as a chief musicians of the temple of the eighty-eighty Psalm is inscribed, 1Ch 6:33; 16:41,42.

and he was wise more than any human more than Ethan the Ezrachite and Heman and Kalkol and Darda [the] sons of Mahol and it was name his among all the nations around
וְכַלְכֹּ֛לve.khal.Kol and Kalkol H3633 Conjunction · noun proper masculine
2× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Calcol was an Israelite from the tribe of Judah, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:6 as a son of Zerah and brother of several wise men. He was known for his wisdom, comparable to Solomon's. Calcol means sustaining or son of Zerah.
Tyndale gloss
Calcol
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כַּלְכֹּל (Kalkol) refers to a man from the tribe of Judah, noted for his wisdom during the time of the United Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31 and 1 Chronicles 2:6, identified as a son of Zerah and a brother to several other wise men. The name is linked to the concept of sustenance.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כַּלְכֹּל n.pr.m. one of the wise men whom Solomon surpassed

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3633 כַּלְכֹּל

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3633 Kalkol kal-kole'

from 3557; sustenance; Calcol, an Israelite:--Calcol,

Chalcol.

see HEBREW for 03557

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כַּלְכֹּל (kal.kol) — Calcol.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ki.4.31;

son of: Mahol (H4235);

brother of: Ethan (H0387), Heman (H1968) and Darda (H1862)

§ Calcol or Chalcol = "sustaining"

son or descendant of Zerah of Judah and one of the wise men with whom Solomon was compared

כַּלְכֹּל (kal.kol) — Calcol.

A man of the tribe of Judah living before Israel's Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.2.6;

son of: Zerah (H2226I);

brother of: Zabdi (H2067), Ethan (H0387H), Heman (H1968H) and Dara (H1873)

§ Calcol or Chalcol = "sustaining"

son or descendant of Zerah of Judah and one of the wise men with whom Solomon was compared

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HC/Npm — Conjunction · noun proper masculine
HC/Npm
and he was wise more than any human more than Ethan the Ezrachite and Heman and Kalkol and Darda [the] sons of Mahol and it was name his among all the nations around
וְדַרְדַּ֖עve.dar.Da' and Darda H1862 Conjunction · noun proper masculine
1× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Darda was a wise man in Israel, mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31 as the son of Mahol. He and his brothers were known for their wisdom, but Solomon surpassed them all. Darda's name means pearl of knowledge, reflecting his reputation for insight and understanding.
Tyndale gloss
Darda
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דַּרְדַּע (Darda) is a proper name meaning "pearl of knowledge." It refers to an Israelite mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31 as one of the wise men during the United Monarchy, noted for his wisdom alongside Ethan, Heman, and Calcol, all sons of Mahol. The name is derived from roots meaning knowledge.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

דַּרְדַּע n.pr.m. only 1 K 5:11 Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol = דָ֖רַע 1 Ch 2:6

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1862 דַּרְדַּע

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1862 Darda` dar-dah'

apparently from 1858 and 1843; pearl of knowledge; Darda, an

Israelite:--Darda.

see HEBREW for 01858

see HEBREW for 01843

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דַּרְדַּע (dar.da) — Darda.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ki.4.31;

son of: Mahol (H4235);

brother of: Ethan (H0387), Heman (H1968) and Calcol (H3633)

§ Darda = "pearl of knowledge"

a son of Mahol, one of four men of great fame for their wisdom, but surpassed by Solomon

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HC/Npm — Conjunction · noun proper masculine
HC/Npm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

dar'-da (darda`, "pearl of wisdom"): One of the wise men to whom Solomon is compared (1Ki 4:31). He was either a son of Mahol (ibid.) or a son of Zerah, son of Judah (1Ch 2:6, where the corresponding name in the same list is given as DARA). In rabbinic lore the name has been interpreted as dor dea, "the generation of knowledge"--the generation of the wilderness.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Darda

Pearl of wisdom, one of the four who were noted for their wisdom, but whom Solomon excelled (1 Kings 4:31).

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

home of knowledge

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Also called DARA

→ A famous wise man 1Ki 4:31; 1Ch 2:6

and he was wise more than any human more than Ethan the Ezrachite and Heman and Kalkol and Darda [the] sons of Mahol and it was name his among all the nations around
בְּנֵ֣יbe.Nei [the] sons of H1121 Noun common · masculine plural construct
4,943× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Tyndale gloss
son: child
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בֵּן (ben) means 'son' or 'male child' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including descendants, young animals, and even figurative uses like sparks or arrows. It can refer to members of a tribe or class and is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, such as in 1 Chronicles 24:26. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to build' and implies a connection to family or lineage.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֵּן 4870 n.m. son

son, male child, born of a woman

children (male and female)

youth, young men

the young of animals

of plant shoots

fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows

member of a guild, order or class

of animals son of (the) herd

ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.

n. relat. of age

base

בְּנוֹ 1 Ch 24:26, 27 as n.pr.m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son, cf. VB & Be Öt.

done

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1121a בֵּן son . son, male child, born of a woman

. children (male and female)

. youth, young men

. the young of animals

. of plant shoots

. fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows

. . member of a guild, order or class

. of animals son of (the) herd

. ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.

. n. relat. of age

H1121b בְּנוֹ as n. pr. m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1121 ben bane

from 1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the

widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship,

including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,

etc., (like 1, 251, etc.)):--+ afflicted, age, (Ahoh-)

(Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-)ite, (anoint-)ed one, appointed to,

(+) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-)ian, one born,

bough, branch, breed, + (young) bullock, + (young) calf, X

came up in, child, colt, X common, X corn, daughter, X of

first, + firstborn, foal, + very fruitful, + postage, X in, +

kid, + lamb, (+) man, meet, + mighty, + nephew, old, (+)

people, + rebel, + robber, X servant born, X soldier, son, +

spark, + steward, + stranger, X surely, them of, + tumultuous

one, + valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.

see HEBREW for 01129

see HEBREW for 01

see HEBREW for 0251

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֵּן (ben) — son: child.

: child/son

בְּנוֹ (be.no) — Beno.

A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.24.26;

son of: Jaaziah (H3269);

brother of: Shoham (H7719), Zaccur (H2139I) and Ibri (H5681)

§ Beno = "his son"

the sons of Jaaziah and the sons of Merari by Jaahziah (his son)

בֵּן (ben) — son: descendant/people.

: descendant, people, tribe, nation

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : child/son

בֵּן (ben) — son: young animal.

: calf/lamb/young(ANIMAL)

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : descendant

בֵּן (ben) — son: type of.

: rebel/son(Belial)

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : people/men/nation/tribe

בֵּן (ben) — son.

: [inheriting]son/heir

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

בֵּן (ben) — son: warrior.

: warrior/son(strong)

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

See SON, SONS.

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and he was wise more than any human more than Ethan the Ezrachite and Heman and Kalkol and Darda [the] sons of Mahol and it was name his among all the nations around
מָח֑וֹלma.Chol Mahol H4235 Noun proper masculine
1× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Mahol was an Israelite who lived during the United Monarchy period. He was the father of several notable men, including Ethan, Heman, and Calcol, and his name means dancing.
Tyndale gloss
Mahol
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מָחוֹל (Machowl) refers to both a name and the concept of dancing. It is identified as the name of a man from the time of the United Monarchy, specifically the father of Heman and others, mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31. The term is linked to the idea of dancing, as indicated by its gloss.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מָחוֹל n.pr.m. father of Heman, etc., 1 K 5:11

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4235 מָחוֹל

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4235 Machowl maw-khole'

the same as 4234; dancing; Machol, an Israelite:--Mahol.

see HEBREW for 04234

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָחוֹל (ma.chol) — Mahol.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ki.4.31;

father of: Ethan (H0387), Heman (H1968), Calcol (H3633), Darda (H1862)

§ Mahol = "dancing"

father of Heman

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNpm — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ma'-hol (machol, "dance"; compare bene-machol, "sons of dance"): The father of the 4 sages reputed next in wisdom to Solomon (1Ki 4:31). Their names were Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, Darda.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Mahol

Dance, the father of four sons (1 Kings 4:31) who were inferior in wisdom only to Solomon.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(dancing), the father of the four men most famous for wisdom next to Solomon himself. (1 Kings 4:31; 1 Chronicles 2:6)

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Father of Heman, Chalcol, and Darda 1Ki 4:31

and he was wise more than any human more than Ethan the Ezrachite and Heman and Kalkol and Darda [the] sons of Mahol and it was name his among all the nations around
וַיְהִֽי־vay.hi- and it was H1961 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Tyndale gloss
to be
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Qal

Fall out, happen

occur, take place, come about, come to pass

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

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

rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

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

Come into being, become

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

sq. prep.

become

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

sq. pred. adj.

become like

sq. pred. לְ pers.

sq. לְ pred.

oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.

with עַל and לְ

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

Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)

exist, be in existence

abide, remain, continue

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

as copula, joining subj. & pred.

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

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

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

. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

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

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

. sq. prep.

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

. sq. pred. adj.

. become like

. sq. pred. + לְ pers.

. sq. לְ pred.

. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.

. with עַל and לְ

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

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

. abide, remain, continue

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1961 hayah haw-yaw

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

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

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

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

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

(one-)self, require, X use.

see HEBREW for 01933

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.

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

1a) (Qal)

1a1) ---

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

1a1b) to come about, come to pass

1a2) to come into being, become

1a2a) to arise, appear, come

1a2b) to become

1a2b1) to become

1a2b2) to become like

1a2b3) to be instituted, be established

1a3) to be

1a3a) to exist, be in existence

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

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

1a3d) to accompany, be with

1b) (Niphal)

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

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Hc/Vqw3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
and he was wise more than any human more than Ethan the Ezrachite and Heman and Kalkol and Darda [the] sons of Mahol and it was name his among all the nations around
שְׁמ֥וֹshe.Mo name his H8034 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
864× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Tyndale gloss
name
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֵׁם (shem) means 'name' and encompasses various meanings such as reputation, fame, and glory. It can refer to the designation of God and is often associated with memorials or monuments. The word is built from a primitive root and highlights individuality and honor. There is a mention of its use in relation to false gods, which is forbidden.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)

of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it

usu. of pers.

= reputation

esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons

name, as designation of God

of false gods, use forbidden

= memorial, monument

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8034 shem shame

a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea

of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an

appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by

implication honor, authority, character:--+ base,

(in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.

see HEBREW for 07760

see HEBREW for 08064

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֵׁם (shem) — name.

1) name

1a) name

1b) reputation, fame, glory

1c) the Name (as designation of God)

1d) memorial, monument

Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmsc/Sp3ms — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hiz: Used often in the King James Version with reference to a neuter or inanimate thing, or to a lower animal (Ge 1:11, "after his kind"; Le 1:16, "pluck away his crop"; Ac 12:10, "of his own accord"; 1Co 15:38, "his own body"), etc. the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "its."

and he was wise more than any human more than Ethan the Ezrachite and Heman and Kalkol and Darda [the] sons of Mahol and it was name his among all the nations around
בְכָֽל־ve.khal- among all H3605 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
5,415× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Tyndale gloss
all
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all

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

Absolutely:

without the art., all things, all

with the art. הַכֹּל

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

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

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

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

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3605 kol kole

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

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

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

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

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

whoso(-ever).

see HEBREW for 03634

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּל (kol) — all.

1) all, the whole

1a) all, the whole of

1b) any, each, every, anything

1c) totality, everything

Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Ncmsc — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
HR/Ncmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ol: Used in various combinations, and with different meanings.

(1) All along, "Weeping all along as he went" (Jer 41:6), i.e. throughout the whole way he went, feigning equal concern with the men from Shiloh, etc., for the destruction of the Temple, so as to put them off their guard.

(2) All in all, "That God may be all in all" (1Co 15:28, Greek: panta en pasin, "all things in all (persons and) things"). "The universe, with all it comprises, will wholly answer to God's will and reflect His mind" (Dummelow).

(3) All one, "It is all one" (Job 9:22), "it makes no difference whether I live or die."

(4) At all, "If thy father miss me at all" (1Sa 20:6), "in any way," "in the least."

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he was wise more than any human more than Ethan the Ezrachite and Heman and Kalkol and Darda [the] sons of Mahol and it was name his among all the nations around
הַגּוֹיִ֖םha.go.Yim the nations H1471 Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
561× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Tyndale gloss
Gentile
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

גּוֹי (goy) refers to a nation or people, often indicating non-Hebrew groups, but can also encompass descendants of Abraham and Israel. It may figuratively describe a swarm of locusts or animals. The plural form, גּוֹיִם (goyim), is noted as a proper noun referring to the people of Goim, specifically mentioned in Genesis 14:1.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

גּוֹי 661 n.m. nation, people

base

גּוֹיִם n.pr.gent. Tid‛al king of Goim

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1471a גּוֹי nation, people H1471b גּוֹיִם n. pr. gent. Tid‛al king of Goim

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1471 gowy go'-ee

rarely (shortened) goy {go'-ee}; apparently from the same

root as 1465 (in the sense of massing); a foreign nation;

hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a

flight of locusts:--Gentile, heathen, nation, people.

see HEBREW for 01465

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

גּוֹי (goy) — nation.

1) nation, people

1a) nation, people

1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people

1a2) of descendants of Abraham

1a3) of Israel

1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.)

גּוֹיִם (go.yim) — Goiim.

People descended from Goy(?), first mentioned at Gen.14.1

§ Goyim (Tidgal, king of)

גּוֹי (goy) — Gentile.

1) nation, people

1a) nation, people

1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people

1a2) of descendants of Abraham

1a3) of Israel

1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.)

1c) Goyim? = "nations"

Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)

גּוֹי (goy) — (Harosheth)-hagoyim.

Goyim (Tidgal, king of)

Combined with cha.ro.shet (חֲרֹ֫שֶׁת "Harosheth" H2800)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTd/Ncmpa — Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
HTd/Ncmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

na'-shunz.

See GENTILES; GOIIM; HEATHEN; TABLE OF NATIONS.

and he was wise more than any human more than Ethan the Ezrachite and Heman and Kalkol and Darda [the] sons of Mahol and it was name his among all the nations around
סָבִֽיב׃sa.Viv around H5439 Noun common · both singular absolute
336× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Tyndale gloss
around
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

סָבִיב (cabiyb) primarily means 'around' and is used as a noun, adverb, and preposition. It denotes a circle, neighbors, or the surrounding area, often implying a sense of being on every side or in a circuit. The entries consistently emphasize its usage in contexts of proximity and encirclement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

סָבִיב 336 subst., used mostly as adv. and prep., circuit, round about

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5439 סָבִיב subst., used mostly as adv. and prep., circuit, round about

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5439 cabiyb saw-beeb'

or (feminine) cbiybah {seb-ee-baw'}; from 5437; (as noun) a

circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with

or without preposition) around:--(place, round) about,

circuit, compass, on every side.

see HEBREW for 05437

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

סָבִיב (sa.viv) — around.

: around/border

subst

1) places round about, circuit, round about

adv

2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about

prep

3) in the circuit, from every side

סָבִיב (sa.viv) — around: side.

: side

subst

1) places round about, circuit, round about

adv

2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about

prep

3) in the circuit, from every side

סָבִיב (sa.viv) — around: whole.

: whole

subst

1) places round about, circuit, round about

adv

2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about

prep

3) in the circuit, from every side

סָבִיב (sa.viv) — around: neighours.

: neighours

subst

1) places round about, circuit, round about

adv

2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about

prep

3) in the circuit, from every side

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

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

Donate