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1 Kings 6:7 — Word Study

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WLCוְהַבַּ֙יִת֙ בְּהִבָּ֣נֹת֔וֹ אֶֽבֶן־ שְׁלֵמָ֥ה מַסָּ֖ע נִבְנָ֑ה וּמַקָּב֤וֹת וְהַגַּרְזֶן֙ כָּל־ כְּלִ֣י בַרְזֶ֔ל לֹֽא־ נִשְׁמַ֥ע בַּבַּ֖יִת בְּהִבָּנֹתֽוֹ׃

BSAThe templebayith [house of worship, dwelling place of God] was constructedbânâh usingbânâh finishedshâlêm [complete, whole] stonesʼeben [rocks, foundation stones] cut at the quarrymaççâʻ [place of stone extraction] so that nolôʼ hammermaqqâbâh [tool of strength, instrument of force] or chiselgarzen [instrument of shaping] [or] any [other]kôl ironbarzel [strong, harsh] toolkᵉlîy was heardshâmaʻ [perceived, listened to] in the templebayith [place of worship, house of God] while it was being builtbânâh [constructed, established]

Word
Listen & take away1 Kings 6
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 7 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 (be.hi.ba.no.To) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
1 Kings 6:7quick helps
In a sentenceThe temple was built using stones that were already finished, without the sound of tools during construction.
Who is speakingThe narrator describes the construction of the temple, emphasizing its quiet process.
Where we areThis verse details the method of building the temple, highlighting its significance.
The hard wordשְׁלֵמָ֥ה
Take awayThe construction was accomplished peacefully, without the clamor of tools.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbבָּנָה 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 6:7

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 Construction of the Templegenerated

6The bottom floor was five cubits wide, the middle floor six cubits, and the third floor seven cubits. He also placed offset ledges around the outside of the temple, so that nothing would be inserted into its walls.
7The temple was constructed using finished stones cut at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any other iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built.
8The entrance to the bottom floor was on the south side of the temple. A stairway led up to the middle level, and from there to the third floor.
9So Solomon built the temple and finished it, roofing it with beams and planks of cedar.

1 Kings 6:7 describes the construction of Solomon's temple, emphasizing the use of finished stones from the quarry. This method ensured that no tools were heard during the building process, signifying a peaceful and orderly construction. The verse illustrates the care taken in building a dwelling place for God, reflecting the importance of the temple in Israel's worship and identity.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
11 Kings 5:17–18And the king commanded them to quarry large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the temple with dressed stones.
2Deuteronomy 27:5–6Moreover, you are to build there an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones. You must not use any iron tool on them.
3Proverbs 24:27Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house.
4Romans 9:23What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory—
52 Corinthians 5:5And God has prepared us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a pledge of what is to come.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word שְׁלֵמָ֥ה, she.le.Mahgenerated

The Hebrew word שָׁלֵם (*shalem*) means complete and whole, indicating a state of perfection or wholeness. It is used to describe not just physical completeness, but also a sense of safety and peace, often in the context of a covenant relationship with God.

In this verse, the term highlights that the stones used in the temple were not only finished but also suitable for their sacred purpose, contributing to the overall integrity and sanctity of the temple structure.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The translations agree in rendering the phrase about the construction of the temple, focusing on the use of finished stones and the absence of tools.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb of the verse is נִבְנָ֑ה, it was built, which governs the entire sentence. The structure includes several phrases that describe how the temple was built and the absence of noise from tools.

The sentence emphasizes the peaceful nature of the construction process, with the main clause stating the building of the temple and subordinate clauses providing details about the materials and methods used.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates בַּיִת as οἶκος, meaning 'house', which aligns with the concept of the temple as a dwelling place for God.

The choice of ἀργοῖς for מַסָּע indicates a focus on the quarry, emphasizing the extraction of stones, while the absence of tools reflects a similar interpretation in the Greek text.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

1 Kings 6:7 tells us that the temple was built using stones that were already finished and cut at the quarry. No tools were heard during its construction, highlighting the quiet and orderly process of building God's house.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that the stones were finished?

It means that the stones were prepared and shaped before being brought to the temple site, ensuring a smooth and quiet construction process.

Why is the absence of tools significant?

The absence of tools emphasizes the peaceful nature of the construction, suggesting that the temple was built in a holy and reverent manner.

What does the term 'house' refer to in this context?

In this context, 'house' refers to the temple as a dwelling place for God, highlighting its importance in Israel's worship.

How does this verse reflect the character of God?

The careful construction of the temple reflects God's desire for a sacred space where His presence could dwell among His people.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What does the construction of the temple teach us about the importance of preparation in our own lives?
  2. How can we create a sacred space for worship in our own homes?
  3. What does the absence of noise during the temple's construction suggest about the nature of God's presence?
  4. In what ways can we ensure that our actions reflect reverence and order, similar to the building of the temple?

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

Early Church Fathers referenced this verse to discuss themes of construction and the nature of God's dwelling, highlighting its theological significance.

Origen of AlexandriaHOMILIES ON Jeremiah 27(50).1-2 c. 185–253
How, he says, “was the hammer of the whole earth broken and crushed? How was Babylon brought to destruction?” One needs to enquire here who is the “hammer of all the earth” or in what way its brokenness is prophesied,
Early Church Fathers on 1 Kings 6 →
Ambrose of MilanInterrogation of Job and David 4.7.28 c. 339–397
Christ knocks with his hand that you may open, whereas the adversary cuts the door down with axes; and therefore it is written that hammer and axe should not enter into the house of God.
Early Church Fathers on 1 Kings 6 →
Richard Challoner 1691–1781
Made ready: So the stones for the building of God's eternal temple in the heavenly Jerusalem, (who are the faithful,) must first be hewn and polished here by many trials and sufferings,
Early Church Fathers on 1 Kings 6 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on 1 Kings 6:7 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And the house, when it was in building,.... And all the while it was building: was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither; being hewn or squared by the builders and stonesquarers of

Read John Gill on 1 Kings 6 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Kings 6 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Made ready; hewed, and squared, and fitted exactly according to the direction of the architect. No tool heard in the house, while it was in building: so it was ordered, partly, for the case and conveniency of carriage; partly, for the magnificence of the work, and commendation of the workmen’ s skill and diligence; and partly, for mystical signification. And as this temple was a manifest type, both of Christ’ s church upon earth, and of the heavenly Jerusalem; so this circumstance signified as to the former, that it is the duty of the builders and members of the church, as far as in them lies, to take care that all things be transacted there with perfect peace and quietness; and that no…

Read Matthew Poole on 1 Kings 6 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

1 Kings 6:7 And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe [nor] any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.Ver. 7. Was built of stone.] Tam artificiose non tantum sine deformi cicatrice vulneris, sed et sine subtilissimae suturae notis, ut imponerent oculo spectatoris … quasi tota moles in tantam magnitudinem ex unico ingenti lapide tam magnifice consurgeret: i.e., so artificially were the stones of the temple polished and cemented together, as if the whole fabric had been but one entire stone. Made ready before it was brought thither; ] Hewn and hammered in the mount, not so…

Read John Trapp on 1 Kings 6 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(7) Neither hammer nor ax . . . heard.—This striking provision, involving much labour, and requiring no little skill, was one of reverence. It may have been suggested by the prohibition (see Exodus 20:25; Deuteronomy 27:5) of the use of tools on the altar of the Lord. But the idea implied in this prohibition was rather different—viz., the use for the altar of stones in their simple, matural condition, without “pollution” by the art of man. It has been chronicled in Heber’s well-known lines:— “No workmen’s steel, no ponderous axes rung; Like some tall palm the noiseless fabric sprung.”

Read Charles John Ellicott on 1 Kings 6 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 7. The house - was built of stone] It appears that every stone was hewn and squared, and its place in the building ascertained, before it came to Jerusalem: the timbers were fitted in like manner. This greatly lessened the trouble and expense of carriage. On this account, that all was prepared at Mount Lebanon, there was neither hammer, axe, nor any tool of iron heard in the building; nothing except mallets to drive the tenons into the mortises, and drive in the pins to fasten them, was necessary: therefore there was no noise. But why is this so particularly marked? Is it not because the temple was a type of the kingdom of God; and the souls of men are to be prepared here for that…

Read AdamClarke on 1 Kings 6 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

7. stone made ready before it was brought thither] The R.V. renders made ready at the quarry with a margin on the last three words ‘when it was brought away.’ The final Hebrew word ξַ ?ρָּ ?ς on which the various reading is given is from the root of the verb rendered doubly in 1 Kings 6:17 ‘to hew’ or ‘to bring away.’ The best authorities incline to make it a noun signifying ‘the place of hewing,’ ‘the stonequarry.’ The LXX. gives λίθοιςἀκροτόμοις, which implies that the stones were made of their necessary shape at the quarry. The idea of this preparation at a distance, so that there might be as little noise as possible while the building was in progress, was probably derived from the…

Read Cambridge on 1 Kings 6 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The spirit of the command (marginal references), was followed. Thus the fabric rose without noise.

Read Albert Barnes on 1 Kings 6 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

The temple was constructed using finished stones cut at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any other iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

The house, when it was under construction, was built of stone prepared at the quarry; and no hammer or ax or any tool of iron was heard in the house while it was under construction.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

The temple was constructed using finished stones cut at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any other iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built.

NETBNew English Translation2006

As the temple was being built, only stones shaped at the quarry were used; the sound of hammers, pickaxes, or any other iron tool was not heard at the temple while it was being built.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready at the quarry; and there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready at the quarry: and there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither; so that there was neither hammer nor ax nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And when the house was built, it was built of stone perfite, before it was brought, so that there was neither hammer, nor axe, nor any toole of yron heard in the house, while it was in building.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And the house, when it was being built, was built of stone entirely made ready before it was brought thither; so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house while it was being built.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And the house, in its being built, of perfect stone brought [thither] hath been built, and hammer, and the axe — any instrument of iron — was not heard in the house, in its being built.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And the house, in its being built, has been built of perfect stone [that was] brought; and hammer and the axe—any instrument of iron—was not heard in the house in its being built.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And the house, when it was in building, was built of entire stones as they had been prepared at the quarry: so that neither hammer, nor axe, nor any tool of iron was heard in the house, while it was in building.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

The house was built of stones prepared at the quarry. No hammer, ax, or any iron tool was heard in the house while it was being built.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And the house, when it was in building, was built of stones hewed and made ready: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house when it was in building.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

When the Temple was built the stones were finished at the quarry so that no noise from any hammer, ax, or any iron tool was heard in the Temple during construction.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

(And the stones used in the building of the house were squared at the place where they were cut out; there was no sound of hammer or axe or any iron instrument while they were building the house.)

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

וְandclauseclausenoun phraseהַtheבַּ֨יִת֙houseclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּwhenclauseverbהִבָּ֣נֹת֔itsubjectוֹwas.builtnoun phrase · adverbialnoun phraseאֶֽבֶןstoneשְׁלֵמָ֥הperfectמַסָּ֖עquarryverbנִבְנָ֑הit.was.builtוּandclausenoun phrase · subjectnoun phraseמַקָּב֤וֹתhammersוְandnoun phraseהַ(the)גַּרְזֶן֙axenoun phraseכָּלanynoun phraseכְּלִ֣יarticleבַרְזֶ֔לof.ironadverbialלֹֽאnotverbנִשְׁמַ֥עit.was.heardprepositional phrase · prepositionalבַּinnoun phrasetheבַּ֖יִתhouseprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּwhenclauseverbהִבָּנֹתֽitsubjectוֹwas.built

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 agree closely in their wording, with 15 out of 15 words matched. This indicates a strong consistency in the transmission of this verse across these ancient texts.

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

וְהַבַּ֙יִת֙ בְּהִבָּ֣נֹת֔וֹ אֶֽבֶן־ שְׁלֵמָ֥ה מַסָּ֖ע נִבְנָ֑ה וּמַקָּב֤וֹת וְהַגַּרְזֶן֙ כָּל־ כְּלִ֣י בַרְזֶ֔ל לֹֽא־ נִשְׁמַ֥ע בַּבַּ֖יִת בְּהִבָּנֹתֽוֹ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְהַבַּ֙יִת֙οἶκοςבְּהִבָּ֣נֹת֔וֹἐνאֶֽבֶן־λίθοιςשְׁלֵמָ֥הἀκροτόμοιςמַסָּ֖עἀργοῖςנִבְנָ֑הᾠκοδομήθηוּמַקָּב֤וֹתσφῦραוְהַגַּרְזֶן֙πέλεκυςכָּל־πᾶνכְּלִ֣יσκεῦοςבַרְזֶ֔לσιδηροῦνלֹֽא־οὐκנִשְׁמַ֥עἠκούσθηבַּבַּ֖יִתοἴκῳבְּהִבָּנֹתֽוֹ׃ἐν

15 of the 15 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 6:7בֵּיתand the houand the houseבֵּיתבָּנָהwhen was buwhen was built בָּנָהאֶ֫בֶןstonestoneאֶ֫בֶןשָׁלֵםperfectperfectשָׁלֵםמַסָּעquarryquarryמַסָּעבָּנָהit was builit was builtבָּנָהמַקֶּ֫בֶתand hammersand hammersמַקֶּ֫בֶתגַּרְזֶןand axeand axeגַּרְזֶןכֹּלanyanyכֹּלכְּלִיarticle ofarticle ofכְּלִיבַּרְזֶלironironבַּרְזֶללֹאnotnotלֹאשָׁמַעit was hearit was heardשָׁמַעבֵּיתin the housin the houseבֵּיתבָּנָהwhen was buwhen was built בָּנָהבָּנָהto buildto buildבָּנָהשָׁלֵםto completto completeשָׁלֵםנָסַעto set outto set outנָסַענָקַבto pierceto pierceנָקַבגָּרַזto cut offto cut offגָּרַזכָּלַלto perfectto perfectכָּלַלכָּלָהto end: fito end: finishכָּלָהברזותBirzaithBirzaithברזותחוֹמָהwallwallחוֹמָהמִזְבֵּחַaltaraltarמִזְבֵּחַאוֹצָרtreasuretreasureאוֹצָריָקָרpreciouspreciousיָקָרלוּחַtablettabletלוּחַלֵבָבheartheartלֵבָבאָסָאAsaAsaאָסָאפָּעַלto workto workפָּעַלנָדַחto banishto banishנָדַחעֵץtree: woodtree: woodעֵץ
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 6:7

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

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

and the house when was built it stone perfect quarry it was built and hammers and axe any article of iron not it was heard in the house when was built it
וְהַבַּ֙יִת֙ve.ha.Ba.yit and the house H1004 Conjunction · particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
2,049× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Amplified meaning
house of worship, dwelling place of God
Tyndale gloss
place
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word בַּיִת (*bayith*) means 'house' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including dwelling, family, and place. It can refer to physical structures, such as homes and temples, as well as metaphorical uses like the body or household affairs. The word is built from the root related to 'between' and appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between

base

בַּ֫יִת 2034 n.m. house

house

place

receptacle

of house as containing a family

household, family (592 t.)

house, including household affairs

lit. housewards, hence metaph. inwards

מִבַּיִת

adv. on the inside

prep. within

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1004a בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between H1004b בַּ֫יִת house

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1004 bayith bah'-yith

probably from 1129 abbreviated; a house (in the greatest

variation of applications, especially family, etc.):--court,

daughter, door, + dungeon, family, + forth of, X great as

would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter)house(-hold),

inside(-ward), palace, place, + prison, + steward, + tablet,

temple, web, + within(-out).

see HEBREW for 01129

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֵּית (bet) — place.

nm

place, origin, between

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — house: home.

: home/temple/building

nm

1) house

1a) house, dwelling habitation

1b) shelter or abode of animals

1c) human bodies (fig.)

1d) of Sheol

1e) of abode of light and darkness

1f) of land of Ephraim

2) place

3) receptacle

4) home, house as containing a family

5) household, family

5a) those belonging to the same household

5b) family of descendants, descendants as organized body

6) household affairs

7) inwards (metaph.)

8) (TWOT) temple

adv

9) on the inside

prep

10) within

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(ashbea).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

Combined with ash.be.a (אַשְׁבֵּעַ "Ashbea" H0791)

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth (Haggan).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

Combined with hag (גַּן "Haggan" H1588)

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(togarmah).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

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

hous (bayith; oikos, in classical Greek generally "an estate," oikia, oikema (literally, "habitation"), in Ac 12:1, "prison"):

I. CAVE DWELLINGS

II. STONE-BUILT AND MUD/BRICK-BUILT HOUSES

1. Details of Plan and Construction

(1) Corner-Stone

(2) Floor

(3) Gutter

(4) Door

(5) Hinge

(6) Lock and Key

(7) Threshold

(8) Hearth

(9) Window

(10) Roof

2. Houses of More than One Story

(1) Upper Chambers and Stairs

(2) Palaces and Castles

3. Internal Appearance

III. OTHER MEANINGS

LITERATURE

I. Cave Dwellings.

The earliest permanent habitations of the prehistoric inhabitants of Palestine were the natural caves which abound throughout the country. As the people increased and grouped themselves into communities, these abodes were supplemented by systems of artificial caves which, in some cases, developed into extensive burrowings of many adjoining compartments, having…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

House

Till their sojourn in Egypt the Hebrews dwelt in tents. They then for the first time inhabited cities (Gen. 47:3; Ex. 12:7; Heb. 11:9). From the earliest times the Assyrians and the Canaanites were builders of cities. The Hebrews after the Conquest took possession of the captured cities, and seem to have followed the methods of building that had been pursued by the Canaanites. Reference is made to the stone (1 Kings 7:9; Isa. 9:10) and marble (1 Chr. 29:2) used in building, and to the internal wood-work of the houses (

The houses of the rural poor in Egypt, as well as in most parts of Syria, Arabia and Persia, are generally mere huts of mud or sunburnt bricks. In some parts of Palestine and Arabia stone is used, and in certain districts caves in the rocks are used as dwellings. (Amos 5:11) The houses are usually of one story only, viz., the ground floor, and often contain only one apartment. Sometimes a small court for the cattle is attached; and in some cases the cattle are housed in the same building, or the live in a raised platform, and, the cattle round them on the ground. (1 Samuel 28:24) The windows are small apertures high up in the walls, sometimes grated with wood. The roofs are commonly but not always flat, and are usually formed of plaster of mud and straw laid upon boughs or…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Is often put for dwelling, residence; and hence the temple, and even the tabernacle, are called the house of God.

The universal mode of building houses in the East, is in the form of a hollow square, with an open court or yard in the center; which is thus entirely shut in by the walls of the house around it. Into this court all the windows open, there being usually no windows towards the street. Some houses of large size require several courts, and these usually communicate with each other. These courts are commonly paved; and in many large houses parts of them are planted with shrubs and trees, Ps 84:3 128:3; they have also, when possible, a fountain in them, often with a jet d’ eau, 2Sa 17:18. It is customary in many houses to extend an awning over the whole court in hot…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the house when was built it stone perfect quarry it was built and hammers and axe any article of iron not it was heard in the house when was built it
בְּהִבָּ֣נֹת֔וֹbe.hi.Ba.no.To when was built it H1129 Preposition · verb niphal infinitive construct common · suffix
376× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Tyndale gloss
to build
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word בָּנָה (banah) means "to build" and encompasses various forms such as rebuilding, establishing, and making permanent. It can refer to physical construction, like building a house or family, as well as metaphorical uses, such as the establishment of restored exiles. The entries indicate that it can also imply being built up, particularly in the context of a childless wife becoming a mother.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בָּנָה 373 vb. build

Qal build

Niph.

be built

be rebuilt

(fig.) of restored exiles, = established

established, made permanent

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1129 בָּנָה build .build

.. . be built

. be rebuilt

. . (fig.) of restored exiles, = established

. established, made permanent

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1129 banah baw-naw'

a primitive root; to build (literally and

figuratively):--(begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make,

repair, set (up), X surely.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּנָה (ba.nah) — to build.

1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to build, rebuild

1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family)

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be built

1b2) to be rebuilt

1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.)

1b4) established (made permanent)

1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine)

Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a | Suff — Preposition · verb niphal infinitive construct common · suffix
HR/VNcc/Sp3ms
and the house when was built it stone perfect quarry it was built and hammers and axe any article of iron not it was heard in the house when was built it
אֶֽבֶן־'e.ven- stone H68 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
273× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Amplified meaning
rocks, foundation stones
Tyndale gloss
stone: weight
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶ֫בֶן (*eben*) means 'stone' and encompasses various types, including common stones, precious stones, and stones used as weights or tools. It can also refer to metaphorical uses, such as a hardened heart or sinking in water. The entries highlight its physical and symbolic significance, with no notable disagreements among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶ֫בֶן 274 n.f. stone

in natural state

stone, as material

precious stone, gen. with modifying word

stone containing metal, = ore

a weight, as orig. stone

plummet

objects like stone

in sim. (mostly poet.) of sinking in water

In topogr. terms

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H68 אֶ֫בֶן stone . in natural state

. stone, as material

. precious stone, gen. with modifying word

. stone containing metal, = ore

. a weight, as orig. stone

. plummet

. objects like stone

. in sim. (mostly poet.) of sinking in water

. In topogr. terms

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

68 'eben eh'-ben

from the root of 1129 through the meaning to build; a

stone:--+ carbuncle, + mason, + plummet, (chalk-, hail-,

head-, sling-)stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s).

see HEBREW for 01129

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶ֫בֶן (e.ven) — stone.

: stone

1) stone (large or small)

1a) common stone (in natural state)

1b) stone, as material

1b1) of tablets

1b2) marble, hewn stones

1c) precious stones, stones of fire

1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon

1e) weight

1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal

1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice

1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines

1i) (simile)

1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness

1i2) strength, firmness, solidity

1i3) commonness

1j) (metaph)

1j1) petrified with terror

1j2) perverse, hard heart

אֶ֫בֶן (e.ven) — stone: weight.

: weight

1) stone (large or small)

1a) common stone (in natural state)

1b) stone, as material

1b1) of tablets

1b2) marble, hewn stones

1c) precious stones, stones of fire

1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Stone

Stones were commonly used for buildings, also as memorials of important events (Gen. 28:18; Josh. 24:26, 27; 1 Sam. 7:12, etc.). They were gathered out of cultivated fields (Isa. 5:2; comp. 2 Kings 3:19). This word is also used figuratively of believers (1 Pet. 2:4, 5), and of the Messiah (Ps. 118:22; Isa. 28:16; Matt. 21:42; Acts 4:11, etc.). In…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The allusion in Re 2:17 may be to the practice at the Olympic games of giving the successful competitor a white stone, inscribed with his name and the value of his prize; or to the mode of balloting with black and white stones on the question of the acquittal of an accused person, or his admission to certain privileges; if the stones deposited in the urn by the judges were all white, the decision was favorable. In early ages, flint-stone knives were in common use, instead of steel, Ex 4:25 Jos 5:2.

It was also customary to raise a heap or mound of stones in commemoration of any remarkable event, Ge 31:46 Jos 4:5-7 7:26 8:29…

and the house when was built it stone perfect quarry it was built and hammers and axe any article of iron not it was heard in the house when was built it
שְׁלֵמָ֥הshe.le.Mah perfect H8003 Adj
28× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Complete means being whole, safe, and at peace, like the covenant relationship between God and his people. It's used to describe something or someone that is perfect and unharmed. The Bible uses this word to talk about keeping promises and being faithful.
Amplified meaning
complete, whole
Tyndale gloss
complete
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׁלֵם (shalem) means complete, safe, and at peace. It is derived from the root word שָׁלֵם (H7999) and covers a range of meanings including full, perfect, and peaceful. The word is used to describe a state of wholeness or safety, often in the context of a covenant relationship.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁלֵם adj. complete, safe, at peace

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8003 שָׁלֵם complete, safe, at peace

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8003 shalem shaw-lame'

from 7999; complete (literally or figuratively); especially

friendly:--full, just, made ready, peaceable, perfect(-ed),

quiet, Shalem (by mistake for a name), whole.

see HEBREW for 07999

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁלֵם (sha.lem) — complete.

1) complete, safe, peaceful, perfect, whole, full, at peace

1a) complete

1a1) full, perfect

1a2) finished

1b) safe, unharmed

1c) peace (of covenant of peace, mind)

1c1) perfect, complete (of keeping covenant relation)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAafsa
and the house when was built it stone perfect quarry it was built and hammers and axe any article of iron not it was heard in the house when was built it
מַסָּ֖עma.Sa' quarry H4551 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
2× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to a missile like a spear or arrow, or a quarry where stones are extracted. It appears in the Bible to describe something thrown or ejected. In the KJV, it is translated as 'dart'.
Amplified meaning
place of stone extraction
Tyndale gloss
quarry
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מַסָּע (macca`) refers to both a quarry or the act of quarrying, as well as a missile or dart. It is derived from a root meaning to project, indicating both the extraction of stones and the launching of projectiles. The word appears in contexts such as 1 Kings 6:7 and Job 41:18, highlighting its dual meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מַסָּע n.[m.] quarry or quarrying;—only abs. as adv. 1 K 6:7

ref

מַסָּע missile, dart;—only abs. Jb 41:18

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4551a מַסָּע quarry or quarrying H4551b מַסָּע missile, dart

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4551 macca` mas-saw'

from 5265 in the sense of projecting; a missile (spear or

arrow); also a quarry (whence stones are, as it were,

ejected):--before it was brought, dart.

see HEBREW for 05265

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מַסָּע (mas.sa) — quarry.

quarry, quarrying, breaking out (of stones)

מַסָּע (mas.sa) — missile.

missile, dart

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
and the house when was built it stone perfect quarry it was built and hammers and axe any article of iron not it was heard in the house when was built it
נִבְנָ֑הniv.Nah it was built H1129 Verb · Niphal · perfect third person masculine singular
376× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Tyndale gloss
to build
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word בָּנָה (banah) means "to build" and encompasses various forms such as rebuilding, establishing, and making permanent. It can refer to physical construction, like building a house or family, as well as metaphorical uses, such as the establishment of restored exiles. The entries indicate that it can also imply being built up, particularly in the context of a childless wife becoming a mother.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בָּנָה 373 vb. build

Qal build

Niph.

be built

be rebuilt

(fig.) of restored exiles, = established

established, made permanent

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1129 בָּנָה build .build

.. . be built

. be rebuilt

. . (fig.) of restored exiles, = established

. established, made permanent

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1129 banah baw-naw'

a primitive root; to build (literally and

figuratively):--(begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make,

repair, set (up), X surely.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּנָה (ba.nah) — to build.

1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to build, rebuild

1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family)

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be built

1b2) to be rebuilt

1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.)

1b4) established (made permanent)

1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine)

Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Niphal · perfect third person masculine singular
HVNp3ms
and the house when was built it stone perfect quarry it was built and hammers and axe any article of iron not it was heard in the house when was built it
וּמַקָּב֤וֹתu.ma.ka.Vot and hammers H4717 Conjunction · noun common feminine plural absolute
3× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A hammer is a tool used to shape or break things, and this word appears in the Bible as a symbol of strength or force. It is used in books like Judges and Isaiah to describe the power of God or the work of a craftsman. The idea is to shape or mold something into a new form.
Amplified meaning
tool of strength, instrument of force
Tyndale gloss
hammer
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word מַקֶּ֫בֶת (*maqqabah*) means 'hammer,' specifically one used for driving in nails and pegs. It is derived from the root meaning to pierce. The entries consistently define it as a type of hammer, and it is noted as another spelling of מַקֶּ֫בֶת (*maq.qe.vet*), which also means 'hammer.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מַקֶּ֫בֶת n.f. hammer (by means of which one drives in nails and pegs)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4717 מַקֶּ֫בֶת hammer (by means of which one drives in nails and pegs)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4717 maqqabah mak-kaw-baw'

from 5344; properly, a perforatrix, i.e. a hammer (as

piercing):--hammer.

see HEBREW for 05344

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מַקָּבָה (maq.qa.vah) — hammer.

hammer

Another spelling of maq.qe.vet (מַקֶּ֫בֶת "hammer" H4718A)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-fp — Conjunction · noun common feminine plural absolute
HC/Ncfpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Thompson Chain Reference topics
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the house when was built it stone perfect quarry it was built and hammers and axe any article of iron not it was heard in the house when was built it
וְהַגַּרְזֶן֙ve.ha.gar.Zen and axe H1631 Conjunction · particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to an axe, a common tool used for chopping and cutting. It appears in the Bible as a simple, everyday object.
Amplified meaning
instrument of shaping
Tyndale gloss
axe
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

גַּרְזֶן (garzen) refers to an axe or pick-axe. The entries indicate it is a noun and derive from the root word for axe, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

גַּרְזֶן n.m. axe (pick, pick-axe)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1631 גַּרְזֶן axe (pick, pick-axe)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1631 garzen gar-zen'

from 1629; an axe:--ax.

see HEBREW for 01629

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

גַּרְזֶן (gar.zen) — axe.

axe

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

Axe

Used in the Authorized Version of Deut. 19:5; 20:19; 1 Kings 6:7, as the translation of a Hebrew word which means “chopping.” It was used for felling trees (Isa. 10:34) and hewing timber for building. It is the rendering of a different word in Judg. 9:48, 1 Sam. 13:20, 21, Ps. 74:5, which refers to its sharpness. In 2 Kings 6:5 it is the translation of a word used with reference to its being made of iron. In Isa. 44:12 the Revised Version renders by “axe” the…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the house when was built it stone perfect quarry it was built and hammers and axe any article of iron not it was heard in the house when was built it
כָּל־kol- any H3605 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
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the house when was built it stone perfect quarry it was built and hammers and axe any article of iron not it was heard in the house when was built it
כְּלִ֣יke.Li article of H3627 Noun common · masculine singular construct
325× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Tyndale gloss
article/utensil
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כְּלִי (kliy) refers to an article or utensil, encompassing a wide range of objects such as vessels, tools, and implements used for various purposes, including music and warfare. It is derived from a root meaning 'to prepare' and can denote anything from furniture to weapons. The entries highlight its general use in the Old Testament without significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כְּלִי 324 n.m. article, utensil, vessel

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3627 כְּלִי article, utensil, vessel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3627 kliy kel-ee'

from 3615; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an

implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon):--armour

((-bearer)), artillery, bag, carriage, + furnish, furniture,

instrument, jewel, that is made of, X one from another, that

which pertaineth, pot, + psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool,

vessel, ware, weapon, + whatsoever.

see HEBREW for 03615

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כְּלִי (ke.li) — article/utensil.

1) article, vessel, implement, utensil

1a) article, object (general)

1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel

1b1) implement (of hunting or war)

1b2) implement (of music)

1b3) implement, tool (of labour)

1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen)

1b5) utensils, furniture

1c) vessel, receptacle (general)

1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

and the house when was built it stone perfect quarry it was built and hammers and axe any article of iron not it was heard in the house when was built it
בַרְזֶ֔לvar.Zel iron H1270 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
76× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Iron refers to a strong metal used for tools and furniture, symbolizing strength or harshness, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of iron implements.
Amplified meaning
strong, harsh
Tyndale gloss
iron
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בַּרְזֶל (barzel) means 'iron' and can refer to iron ore or iron implements like tools and utensils. It also carries figurative meanings related to harshness, strength, or oppression. The word may be derived from a root associated with cutting. There is an Aramaic equivalent, פַּרְזֶל (parzel), also meaning 'iron'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בַּרְזֶל n.m. iron

iron, lit.

tool of iron

iron in fig. of unwatered earth

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1270 בַּרְזֶל iron

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1270 barzel bar-zel'

perhaps from the root of 1269; iron (as cutting); by

extension, an iron implement:--(ax) head, iron.

see HEBREW for 01269

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בַּרְזֶל (bar.zel) — iron.

1) iron

1a) iron

1a1) iron ore

1a2) as material of furniture, utensils, implements

2) tool of iron

3) harshness, strength, oppression (fig.)

Aramaic equivalent: par.zel (פַּרְזֶל "iron" H6523)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Iron

Tubal-Cain is the first-mentioned worker in iron (Gen. 4:22). The Egyptians wrought it at Sinai before the Exodus. David prepared it in great abundance for the temple (1 Chr. 22:3: 29:7). The merchants of Dan and Javan brought it to the market of Tyre (Ezek. 27:19). Various instruments are mentioned as made of iron (Deut. 27:5; 19:5; Josh. 17:16, 18; 1 Sam. 17:7; 2 Sam. 12:31; 2 Kings 6:5, 6; 1 Chr.…

is mentioned with brass as the earliest of known metals. (Genesis 4:22) The natural wealth in iron of the soil of Canaan is indicated by describing it as a land whose stones are iron." (8:9) (Recent explorations have shown that iron ore is abundant in the northern part of Palestine. --ED.) The book of Job contains passages which indicate that iron was a metal well known. Sheet-iron was used for cooking utensils. (Ezekiel 4:3) cf. Levi 7:9 That it was plentiful in the time of David appears from (1 Chronicles 22:3) The market of Tyre was supplied with bright or polished iron by the merchants of by Dan and Javan. (Ezekiel 27:19) The Chalybes of the Pontus were celebrated as…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Was early known and wrought, Ge 4:22. Moses often alludes to it. He compares the bondage in Egypt to a furnace for smelting iron, and speaks of the iron ore of Canaan, De 3:11 4:20 8:9. Many different articles and tools were anciently made of it. Immense quantities were provided for the building of the temple, 1Ch 29:2,7. "Iron" is used to illustrated slavery, strength, obstinacy, fortitude, affliction, etc., De 28:48 Job 40:18 Isa 48:4 Jer 1:18 Eze 22:18,20…

Nave's Topical Bible

1. First recorded use of Ge 4:22

Ore of De 8:9; Job 28:2

Melted Eze 22:20

Used in the temple 1Ch 22:3; 29:2,7

Articles made of

Ax 2Ki 6:6; 2Ch 18:10; Ec 10:10; Isa 10:34

Bedstead De 3:11

Breastplate Re 9:9

and the house when was built it stone perfect quarry it was built and hammers and axe any article of iron not it was heard in the house when was built it
לֹֽא־lo'- not H3808 Particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3808 lo' lo

or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often

used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,

ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,

no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out

of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +

of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֹא (lo) — not.

1) not, no

1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)

1b) not (with modifier-negation)

1c) nothing (subst)

1d) without (with particle)

1e) before (of time)

Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the house when was built it stone perfect quarry it was built and hammers and axe any article of iron not it was heard in the house when was built it
נִשְׁמַ֥עnish.Ma' it was heard H8085 Verb · Niphal · perfect third person masculine singular
1,160× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Amplified meaning
perceived, listened to
Tyndale gloss
to hear: hear
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שָׁמַע (shama`) means 'to hear' and encompasses a range of meanings including listening, obeying, and proclaiming. It is built from a primitive root and can imply attention and understanding. The entries highlight various grammatical forms, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of hearing and obeying. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁמַע 1152 vb. hear

Qal 1052

subj. pers. hum.

י׳ (God) subj.

Niph. 42 be heard, of voice, sound

be heard of

be regarded, obeyed

= (favourable) hearing was granted to their voice.

Pi. he caused the people to hear

Hiph. 63

of man

י׳ subj.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8085 שָׁמַע hear

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8085 shama` shaw-mah'

a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with

implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to

tell, etc.):--X attentively, call (gather) together, X

carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content,

declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make

to) hear(-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be)

obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish,

regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell,

understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: hear.

: hear

v

1) to hear, listen to, obey

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)

1a2) to hear of or concerning

1a3) to hear (have power to hear)

1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to

1a5) to understand (language)

1a6) to hear (of judicial cases)

1a7) to listen, give heed

1a7a) to consent, agree

1a7b) to grant request

1a8) to listen to, yield to

1a9) to obey, be obedient

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound)

1b2) to be heard of

1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed

1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound

1d2) to sound aloud (musical term)

1d3) to make proclamation, summon

1d4) to cause to be heard

n m

2) sound

שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: obey.

: obey

v

1) to hear, listen to, obey

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)

1a2) to hear of or concerning

1a3) to hear (have power to hear)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Niphal · perfect third person masculine singular
HVNp3ms
and the house when was built it stone perfect quarry it was built and hammers and axe any article of iron not it was heard in the house when was built it
בַּבַּ֖יִתba.Ba.yit in the house H1004 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
2,049× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Amplified meaning
place of worship, house of God
Tyndale gloss
place
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word בַּיִת (*bayith*) means 'house' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including dwelling, family, and place. It can refer to physical structures, such as homes and temples, as well as metaphorical uses like the body or household affairs. The word is built from the root related to 'between' and appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between

base

בַּ֫יִת 2034 n.m. house

house

place

receptacle

of house as containing a family

household, family (592 t.)

house, including household affairs

lit. housewards, hence metaph. inwards

מִבַּיִת

adv. on the inside

prep. within

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1004a בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between H1004b בַּ֫יִת house

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1004 bayith bah'-yith

probably from 1129 abbreviated; a house (in the greatest

variation of applications, especially family, etc.):--court,

daughter, door, + dungeon, family, + forth of, X great as

would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter)house(-hold),

inside(-ward), palace, place, + prison, + steward, + tablet,

temple, web, + within(-out).

see HEBREW for 01129

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֵּית (bet) — place.

nm

place, origin, between

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — house: home.

: home/temple/building

nm

1) house

1a) house, dwelling habitation

1b) shelter or abode of animals

1c) human bodies (fig.)

1d) of Sheol

1e) of abode of light and darkness

1f) of land of Ephraim

2) place

3) receptacle

4) home, house as containing a family

5) household, family

5a) those belonging to the same household

5b) family of descendants, descendants as organized body

6) household affairs

7) inwards (metaph.)

8) (TWOT) temple

adv

9) on the inside

prep

10) within

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(ashbea).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

Combined with ash.be.a (אַשְׁבֵּעַ "Ashbea" H0791)

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth (Haggan).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

Combined with hag (גַּן "Haggan" H1588)

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(togarmah).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

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

hous (bayith; oikos, in classical Greek generally "an estate," oikia, oikema (literally, "habitation"), in Ac 12:1, "prison"):

I. CAVE DWELLINGS

II. STONE-BUILT AND MUD/BRICK-BUILT HOUSES

1. Details of Plan and Construction

(1) Corner-Stone

(2) Floor

(3) Gutter

(4) Door

(5) Hinge

(6) Lock and Key

(7) Threshold

(8) Hearth

(9) Window

(10) Roof

2. Houses of More than One Story

(1) Upper Chambers and Stairs

(2) Palaces and Castles

3. Internal Appearance

III. OTHER MEANINGS

LITERATURE

I. Cave Dwellings.

The earliest permanent habitations of the prehistoric inhabitants of Palestine were the natural caves which abound throughout the country. As the people increased and grouped themselves into communities, these abodes were supplemented by systems of artificial caves which, in some cases, developed into extensive burrowings of many adjoining compartments, having…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

House

Till their sojourn in Egypt the Hebrews dwelt in tents. They then for the first time inhabited cities (Gen. 47:3; Ex. 12:7; Heb. 11:9). From the earliest times the Assyrians and the Canaanites were builders of cities. The Hebrews after the Conquest took possession of the captured cities, and seem to have followed the methods of building that had been pursued by the Canaanites. Reference is made to the stone (1 Kings 7:9; Isa. 9:10) and marble (1 Chr. 29:2) used in building, and to the internal wood-work of the houses (

The houses of the rural poor in Egypt, as well as in most parts of Syria, Arabia and Persia, are generally mere huts of mud or sunburnt bricks. In some parts of Palestine and Arabia stone is used, and in certain districts caves in the rocks are used as dwellings. (Amos 5:11) The houses are usually of one story only, viz., the ground floor, and often contain only one apartment. Sometimes a small court for the cattle is attached; and in some cases the cattle are housed in the same building, or the live in a raised platform, and, the cattle round them on the ground. (1 Samuel 28:24) The windows are small apertures high up in the walls, sometimes grated with wood. The roofs are commonly but not always flat, and are usually formed of plaster of mud and straw laid upon boughs or…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Is often put for dwelling, residence; and hence the temple, and even the tabernacle, are called the house of God.

The universal mode of building houses in the East, is in the form of a hollow square, with an open court or yard in the center; which is thus entirely shut in by the walls of the house around it. Into this court all the windows open, there being usually no windows towards the street. Some houses of large size require several courts, and these usually communicate with each other. These courts are commonly paved; and in many large houses parts of them are planted with shrubs and trees, Ps 84:3 128:3; they have also, when possible, a fountain in them, often with a jet d’ eau, 2Sa 17:18. It is customary in many houses to extend an awning over the whole court in hot…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the house when was built it stone perfect quarry it was built and hammers and axe any article of iron not it was heard in the house when was built it
בְּהִבָּנֹתֽוֹ׃be.hi.ba.no.To when was built it H1129 Preposition · verb niphal infinitive construct common · suffix
376× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Amplified meaning
constructed, established
Tyndale gloss
to build
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word בָּנָה (banah) means "to build" and encompasses various forms such as rebuilding, establishing, and making permanent. It can refer to physical construction, like building a house or family, as well as metaphorical uses, such as the establishment of restored exiles. The entries indicate that it can also imply being built up, particularly in the context of a childless wife becoming a mother.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בָּנָה 373 vb. build

Qal build

Niph.

be built

be rebuilt

(fig.) of restored exiles, = established

established, made permanent

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1129 בָּנָה build .build

.. . be built

. be rebuilt

. . (fig.) of restored exiles, = established

. established, made permanent

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1129 banah baw-naw'

a primitive root; to build (literally and

figuratively):--(begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make,

repair, set (up), X surely.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּנָה (ba.nah) — to build.

1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to build, rebuild

1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family)

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be built

1b2) to be rebuilt

1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.)

1b4) established (made permanent)

1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine)

Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a | Suff — Preposition · verb niphal infinitive construct common · suffix
HR/VNcc/Sp3ms
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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