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2 Chronicles 31:17 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוְאֵ֨ת הִתְיַחֵ֤שׂ הַכֹּהֲנִים֙ לְבֵ֣ית אֲבוֹתֵיהֶ֔ם וְהַ֨לְוִיִּ֔ם מִבֶּ֛ן עֶשְׂרִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה וּלְמָ֑עְלָה בְּמִשְׁמְרוֹתֵיהֶ֖ם בְּמַחְלְקוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃

BSAandʼêth to the priestskôhên [spiritual leaders, ministers] enrolled according toʼâb [listed, recorded] their familiesbayith [households, genealogical lines] in the genealogyyâchas [family history, lineage] as well as to the LevitesLêvîyîy [descendants of Levi, temple servants] twentyʻesrîym years of agebên or oldermaʻal [from twenty years old and upward] according to their responsibilitiesmishmereth [and] divisionsmachălôqeth [groups, courses]

Word
Listen & take away2 Chronicles 31
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 17 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.mach.le.ko.tei.Hem) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
2 Chronicles 31:17quick helps
In a sentenceThe verse outlines the organization of the priests and Levites based on genealogical records and their respective duties.
Who is speakingThe chronicler, detailing the administrative structure of the temple service.
Where we areIn the context of temple organization during King Hezekiah's reign.
The hard wordהִתְיַחֵ֤שׂ, hit.ya.Ches
Take awayThe priests and Levites are organized by their families and responsibilities.
6 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Ellicott, AdamClarke & more — read them › clause verbיָחַשׂ 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 — 2 Chronicles 31:17

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 Organization of Temple Servicegenerated

16In addition, they distributed portions to the males registered by genealogy who were three years of age or older—to all who would enter the house of the LORD for their daily duties for service in the responsibilities of their divisions—
17and to the priests enrolled according to their families in the genealogy, as well as to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to their duties and divisions.
18The genealogy included all the little ones, wives, sons, and daughters in the whole assembly. For they had faithfully consecrated themselves as holy.
19As for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who lived on the farmlands around each of their cities or in any other city, men were designated by name to distribute a portion to every male among the priests and to every Levite listed by the genealogies.

2 Chronicles 31:17 details how the priests and Levites were assigned their roles based on genealogical records. This organization was crucial for maintaining order and ensuring that the temple service was conducted properly, reflecting the importance of lineage in the religious practices of ancient Israel. The chronicler emphasizes the significance of these records in establishing the legitimacy of those serving in the temple.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Numbers 3:15–20“Number the Levites by their families and clans. You are to count every male a month old or more.”
2Numbers 4:38–42Then the Gershonites were numbered by their clans and families,
3Numbers 17:2–3“Speak to the Israelites and take from them twelve staffs, one from the leader of each tribe. Write each man’s name on his staff,
4Ezra 2:59The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but could not prove that their families were descended from Israel:
5Numbers 4:3men from thirty to fifty years old—everyone who is qualified to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word הִתְיַחֵ֤שׂ, hit.ya.Chesgenerated

The verb הִתְיַחֵ֤שׂ (hit.ya.Ches) is in the Hithpael stem, indicating a reflexive or reciprocal action, specifically relating to genealogical enrollment. It emphasizes the act of being recorded or listed in a family lineage.

This word is derived from the root יָחַשׂ (yachas), which pertains to genealogy. It highlights the importance of ancestry in the context of priestly duties, as the roles of the priests and Levites were closely tied to their family backgrounds.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb הִתְיַחֵ֤שׂ, hit.ya.Ches governs the main clause, indicating the action of enrollment. The structure includes several noun phrases that provide details about the subjects involved: the priests and Levites, their genealogical connections, and their age requirements.

The word order emphasizes the priests first, followed by the Levites, highlighting their roles in the temple service. The use of prepositional phrases further clarifies the conditions under which they served.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the term for הִתְיַחֵ֤שׂ is rendered with a Greek equivalent that conveys the idea of being accounted for or registered. This choice reflects a similar emphasis on the importance of genealogical records.

The Greek word used indicates a formal record-keeping process, aligning with the Hebrew context of maintaining lineage for religious service.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

2 Chronicles 31:17 explains that the priests and Levites were organized according to their family genealogies. This means that those serving in the temple were listed based on their ancestry and were required to be at least twenty years old. Their roles and responsibilities were clearly defined, ensuring that the temple service was orderly.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

Why is genealogy important for the priests and Levites?

Genealogy was crucial because it established the legitimacy of their roles in temple service, ensuring that only those from the appropriate lineages could serve.

What does it mean to be 'enrolled'?

To be 'enrolled' means to be officially listed or recorded, indicating one's eligibility and responsibilities within the temple structure.

How old did Levites need to be to serve?

Levites were required to be at least twenty years old to serve in their designated roles, as mentioned in this verse.

What were the duties of the priests and Levites?

Their duties included various responsibilities related to temple worship, sacrifices, and maintaining the sacred space, as outlined in other parts of the Scriptures.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How does understanding the genealogical records enhance our appreciation of the roles of priests and Levites?
  2. What can we learn about the importance of order and structure in our own communities from this passage?
  3. In what ways do our family backgrounds influence our roles and responsibilities today?
  4. How can we ensure that we honor our responsibilities in our spiritual communities?

Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on 2 Chronicles 31:17 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers,.... As to the priests registered according to their families from the age before observed, a portion was given: so to the Levites,

Read John Gill on 2 Chronicles 31 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Read Robert Jamieson on 2 Chronicles 31 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(17) Both to the genealogy.—The verse is a parenthesis relating to the registration of the priests and Levites, suggested by the occurrence of the word “register” in 2 Chronicles 31:16. Translate, “And as to the register of the priests, it was according to their clans (Heb., father-houses); and the Levites from twenty years old and upwards were in their offices in their divisions.” For the latter statement, see 1 Chronicles 23:24.

Read Charles John Ellicott on 2 Chronicles 31 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 17. From twenty years old] Moses had ordered that the Levites should not begin their labour till they were thirty years of age; but David changed this order, and obliged them to begin at twenty.

Read AdamClarke on 2 Chronicles 31 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

17. both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers] R.V. and them that were reckoned by genealogy of the priests by their fathers’ houses.

Read Cambridge on 2 Chronicles 31 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Both to the genealogy of the priests ... - Some prefer: “And as for the list of the priests, it was according to the houses of their fathers, and that of the Levites was from twenty years,” etc.

Read Albert Barnes on 2 Chronicles 31 →

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

and to the priests enrolled according to their families in the genealogy, as well as to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to their duties and divisions.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

and those who were listed by genealogy of the priests by their fathers’ houses, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their offices by their divisions;

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

and to the priests enrolled according to their families in the genealogy, as well as to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to their responsibilities and divisions.

NETBNew English Translation2006

They made disbursements to the priests listed in the genealogical records by their families, and to the Levites twenty years old and up, according to their duties as assigned to their divisions,

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

and them that were reckoned by genealogy of the priests by their fathers’ houses, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their offices by their courses;

RVARevised Version, American1894

and them that were reckoned by genealogy of the priests by their fathers’ houses, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges, by their courses;

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Both to the generation of the Priestes after the house of their fathers, and to the Leuites from twentie yeere olde and aboue, according to their charge in their courses:

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

— both to the priests enregistered according to their fathers' houses, and to the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges, by their divisions;

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

and the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and of the Levites, from a son of twenty years and upward, in their charges, in their courses;

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

and the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and of the Levites, from a son of twenty years and upward, in their charges, in their divisions;

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And likewise to the priests recorded by their genealogies after their family divisions, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their divisions;

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

They distributed to the priests according to the records of their ancestors, and the same to the Levites twenty years old and more, according to their offices and their divisions.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

To the priests by their families, and to the Levites from the twentieth year and upward, by their classes and companies.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

They also gave allowances to the priests listed by family in the genealogy, and to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to the responsibilities of their divisions.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And the families of the priests were listed by their fathers' names, but the Levites, of twenty years old and over, were listed in relation to their work in their divisions;

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.

וְandclausenoun phrase · objectאֵ֨ת(et)noun phraseהִתְיַחֵ֤שׂthe.genealogical.enrolmentnoun phraseהַofכֹּהֲנִים֙the.priestsprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְtonoun phraseבֵ֣יתthe.housenoun phraseאֲבוֹתֵיtheir.ancestorsהֶ֔םtheirוְandclausenoun phrase · objectהַ֨thenoun phraseלְוִיִּ֔םLevitesprepositional phraseprepositional phraseמִfromnoun phraseבֶּ֛ןa.sonnoun phraseעֶשְׂרִ֥יםof.twentyשָׁנָ֖הyear[s]וּandprepositional phraseלְ(to)adverb phraseמָ֑עְלָupwardsהprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּbynoun phraseמִשְׁמְרוֹתֵיdutiesהֶ֖םtheirprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּbynoun phraseמַחְלְקוֹתֵיdivisionsהֶֽםtheir

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


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

The Masoretic Text presents the verse as detailing the priests and Levites according to their genealogies and duties. The Septuagint, while it has a different word order and structure, matches about two-thirds of the words with the Masoretic Text, indicating a level of agreement in content, though it does not provide a full translation of the verse. The Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls do not have surviving texts for this specific verse, so their agreement or disagreement with the Masoretic Text cannot be determined.

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

וְאֵ֨ת הִתְיַחֵ֤שׂ הַכֹּהֲנִים֙ לְבֵ֣ית אֲבוֹתֵיהֶ֔ם וְהַ֨לְוִיִּ֔ם מִבֶּ֛ן עֶשְׂרִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה וּלְמָ֑עְלָה בְּמִשְׁמְרוֹתֵיהֶ֖ם בְּמַחְלְקוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְאֵ֨תοὗτοςהַכֹּהֲנִים֙ἱερέωνלְבֵ֣יתοἴκουςאֲבוֹתֵיהֶ֔םπατριῶνוְהַ֨לְוִיִּ֔םλευῖταιמִבֶּ֛ןἀπὸוּלְמָ֑עְלָהἐπάνωבְּמִשְׁמְרוֹתֵיהֶ֖םἐν

8 of the 12 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

2 Chronicles 31:17אֵתand the objand the object אֵתיַ֫חַשׂ[the] genea[the] genealogiיַ֫חַשׂכֹּהֵןthe prieststhe priestsכֹּהֵןבֵּיתto [the] hoto [the] house בֵּיתאָבancestors tancestors theirאָבלֵוִיand the Levand the Levitesלֵוִיבֵּןfrom a son from a son ofבֵּןעֶשְׂרִיםtwentytwentyעֶשְׂרִיםשָׁנָהyear[s]year[s]שָׁנָהמַ֫עַלand upwardsand upwardsמַ֫עַלמִשְׁמֶ֫רֶתby duties tby duties theirמִשְׁמֶ֫רֶתמַחֲלֹ֫קֶתby divisionby divisions thמַחֲלֹ֫קֶתבָּנָהto buildto buildבָּנָהאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתהִתְיַחֵשׂto enrollto enrollהִתְיַחֵשׂלֵוִיLeviLeviלֵוִיעֶשֶׂרtentenעֶשֶׂרשָׁנָהto changeto changeשָׁנָהעָלָהto ascend:to ascend: riseעָלָהחָלַקto divideto divideחָלַקכָּהַןto ministeto ministerכָּהַןמִשְׁמָרcustodycustodyמִשְׁמָרעֶשְׂרִיםtwentytwentyעֶשְׂרִיםמִגְרָשׁpasturepastureמִגְרָשׁמָצָאto findto findמָצָאאֶלְעָזָרEleazarEleazarאֶלְעָזָרצָדוֹקZadokZadokצָדוֹקאוֹצָרtreasuretreasureאוֹצָרקָבַרto buryto buryקָבַראֵםmothermotherאֵם
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 2 Chronicles 31:17

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 object marker [the] genealogical enrolment of the priests to [the] house of ancestors their and the Levites from a son of twenty year[s] and upwards by duties their by divisions their
וְאֵ֨תve.'Et and the object marker H853 Conjunction · particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | DirObjM — Conjunction · particle
HC/To
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the object marker [the] genealogical enrolment of the priests to [the] house of ancestors their and the Levites from a son of twenty year[s] and upwards by duties their by divisions their
הִתְיַחֵ֤שׂhit.ya.Ches [the] genealogical enrolment of H3188 Verb · Hithpael · infinitive construct common
3× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Genealogy refers to a family's history or pedigree, like a tree growing spontaneously. In the Bible, it appears in Exodus and 1 Chronicles. Genealogy is important to understand family relationships.
Tyndale gloss
genealogy
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יַ֫חַשׂ (yachas) refers to a genealogy or family list, indicating a lineage that grows spontaneously. It is derived from the root word for a pedigree. The term appears in Nehemiah 7:5.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יַ֫חַשׂ n.[m.] genealogy—Ne 7:5

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3188 יַ֫חַשׂ

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3188 yachas yakh'-as

from 3187; a pedigree or family list (as growing

spontaneously):--genealogy.

see HEBREW for 03187

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יַ֫חַשׂ (ya.cha.s) — genealogy.

genealogy

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVtcc — Verb · Hithpael · infinitive construct common
HVtcc
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…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the object marker [the] genealogical enrolment of the priests to [the] house of ancestors their and the Levites from a son of twenty year[s] and upwards by duties their by divisions their
הַכֹּהֲנִים֙ha.ko.ha.Nim the priests H3548 Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
750× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Amplified meaning
spiritual leaders, ministers
Tyndale gloss
priest
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כֹּהֵן (kohen) means 'priest' and is derived from the active participle of a related root. It encompasses various types of priests, including Levitical, Aaronic, and even pagan priests, as well as chief rulers or principal officers. The term is used in contexts referring to both Jewish and non-Jewish priestly roles.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּהֵן 750 n.m. priest

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3548 כֹּהֵן priest

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3548 kohen ko-hane'

active participle of 3547; literally, one officiating, a

priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a

layman):--chief ruler, X own, priest, prince, principal

officer.

see HEBREW for 03547

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּהֵן (ko.hen) — priest.

1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler

1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah)

1b) pagan priests

1c) priests of Jehovah

1d) Levitical priests

1e) Zadokite priests

1f) Aaronic priests

1g) the high priest

Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-mp — Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
HTd/Ncmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Torrey's New Topical Textbook

- First notice of persons acting as

Ge 4:3,4

- During patriarchal age heads of families acted as

Ge 8:20; 12:8; 35:7

- After the exodus young men (first-born) deputed to act as

Ex 24:5; 19:22

- The sons of Aaron appointed as, by perpetual statute

Ex 29:9; 40:15

- All except seed of Aaron excluded from being

Nu 3:10; 16:40; 18:7

- Sanctified by God for the office

Ex 29:44

- Publicly consecrated

Ex 28:3; Nu 3:3

- CEREMONIES AT CONSECRATION OF

. Washing in water

and the object marker [the] genealogical enrolment of the priests to [the] house of ancestors their and the Levites from a son of twenty year[s] and upwards by duties their by divisions their
לְבֵ֣יתle.Veit to [the] house of H1004 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
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
households, genealogical lines
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 construct
HR/Ncmsc
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…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and the object marker [the] genealogical enrolment of the priests to [the] house of ancestors their and the Levites from a son of twenty year[s] and upwards by duties their by divisions their
אֲבוֹתֵיהֶ֔ם'a.vo.tei.Hem ancestors their H1 Noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
1,213× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Amplified meaning
listed, recorded
Tyndale gloss
father
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָב (av) means 'father' and encompasses various roles such as the literal father of an individual, God as the father of His people, and the head of a household or clan. It can also refer to an ancestor, originator of a profession, or a figure of respect and protection. Notably, it can imply a ruler or chief in later contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָב 1101 n.m. father

father of individual

of God as father of his people

head of household, family or clan

ancestor

originator or patron of a class, profession, or art

fig. of producer, generator

fig. of benevolence & protection

term of respect & honor

specif., ruler, chief (late)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1 אָב father . father of individual

. of God as father of his people

. head of household, family or clan

. ancestor

. originator or patron of a class, profession, or art

. fig. of producer, generator

. fig. of benevolence & protection

. term of respect & honor

. specif., ruler, chief (late)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1 'ab awb

a primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or

figurative and remote application):--chief,

(fore-)father(-less), X patrimony, principal. Compare names

in "Abi-".

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָב (av) — father.

1) father of an individual

2) of God as father of his people

3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan

4) ancestor

4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person

4b) of people

5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art

6) of producer, generator (fig.)

7) of benevolence and protection (fig.)

8) term of respect and honour

9) ruler or chief (spec.)

Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

אָב (av) — (Huram)-abi.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.7.13; also called Huram-abi (KJV: "Huram my father's") at 2Ch.2.13; 4.16;

Combined with chi.ram (חִירָם "Hiram" H2438H)

אָב (av) — father of.

The father of Gibeon, also known as Abiel - a man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.9.1;

son of: Zeror (H6872C); married to Maacah (H4601N);

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp | Suff — Noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
HNcfpc/Sp3mp
and the object marker [the] genealogical enrolment of the priests to [the] house of ancestors their and the Levites from a son of twenty year[s] and upwards by duties their by divisions their
וְהַ֨לְוִיִּ֔םve.Hal.vi.Yim and the Levites H3881 Conjunction · particle · noun gentilic masculine plural absolute
291× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Amplified meaning
descendants of Levi, temple servants
Tyndale gloss
Levi
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֵוִי (Leviy) refers to a Levite, a member of the tribe of Levi, which is the third son of Jacob and Leah. This term encompasses the descendants of Levi, who were set apart for religious duties. The word is linked to the Hebrew root for 'joining,' reflecting the tribe's special role in service to God. It first appears in Genesis 29:34.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֵוִי 291 adj.gent. Levite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3881 לֵוִי Levite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3881 Leviyiy lay-vee-ee'

or Leviy {lay-vee'}; patronymically from 3878; a Levite or

descendant of Levi:--Leviite.

see HEBREW for 03878

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֵוִי (le.viy.yi) — Levi.

Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34;

son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812);

brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783);

half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144);

father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115)

Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878)

§ Levite, of Levi "joined to"

1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah

1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Art | Ngmpa — Conjunction · particle · noun gentilic masculine plural absolute
HC/Td/Ngmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

le'-vits.

See PRIESTS AND LEVITES.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(descendants of Levi). Sometimes the name extends to the whole tribe, the priests included, (Exodus 6:25; Leviticus 25:32; Numbers 35:2; Joshua 21:3,41) etc; sometimes only to those members of the tribe who were not priests, and as distinguished from them. Sometimes again it is added as an epithet of the smaller portion of the tribe, and we read of "the priests the Levites." (Joshua 3:3; Ezekiel 44:15) The history of the tribe and of the functions attached to its several orders is essential to any right apprehension of the history of Israel as a people. It will fall…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

All the descendants of Levi may be comprised under this name, Ex 6:16,25 Jos 3:3, (see LEVI;) but chiefly those who were employed in the lower services in the temple, by which they were distinguished from the priests, who were of the race of Levi by Aaron, and were employed in higher offices, Nu 3:6-10 18:2-7. God chose the Levites for the service of his tabernacle and temple, instead of the firstborn of all Israel, to whom such duties naturally belonged, and who were already sacred to God in memory of the great deliverance in Egypt. Ex 13:1-22 Nu 3:12,13,39-51. In the wilderness, the Levites took charge of the tabernacle…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ (The descendants of Levi)

→ Set apart as ministers of religion Nu 1:47-54; 3:6-16; 16:9; 26:57-62; De 10:8; 1Ch 15:2

→ Substituted in the place of the firstborn children Nu 3:12,41-45; 8:14,16-18; 18:6

→ Religious zeal of Ex 32:26-28; De 33:9,10; Mal 2:4,5

→ Consecration of Nu 8:6-21

→ Sedition among, led by Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and On, on account of jealousy toward Moses and Aaron Nu 16; with 4:19,20

and the object marker [the] genealogical enrolment of the priests to [the] house of ancestors their and the Levites from a son of twenty year[s] and upwards by duties their by divisions their
מִבֶּ֛ןmi.Ben from a son of H1121 Preposition · noun common masculine singular 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
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
HR/Ncmsc
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 object marker [the] genealogical enrolment of the priests to [the] house of ancestors their and the Levites from a son of twenty year[s] and upwards by duties their by divisions their
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים'es.Rim twenty H6242 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
315× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Tyndale gloss
twenty
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עֶשְׂרִים (esriym) means 'twenty' and can also refer to the ordinal 'twentieth.' It is derived from the root word for 'ten' and has an Aramaic equivalent, עֶשְׂרִין (es.rin). The entries consistently define the term without significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֶשְׂרִים (a) twenty

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6242 עֶשְׂרִים (a) twenty

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6242 `esriym es-reem'

from 6235; twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth:--(six-)score,

twenty(-ieth).

see HEBREW for 06235

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֶשְׂרִים (es.rim) — twenty.

twenty, twentieth

Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

twen'-ti.

See NUMBER.

and the object marker [the] genealogical enrolment of the priests to [the] house of ancestors their and the Levites from a son of twenty year[s] and upwards by duties their by divisions their
שָׁנָ֖הsha.Nah year[s] H8141 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
877× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Tyndale gloss
year
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׁנָה (shaneh) means 'year' and is derived from the root meaning to change or revolve. It encompasses various aspects of time, including divisions of time, measures of age, and even a lifetime. The Aramaic equivalent is שְׁנָה (she.nah), also meaning 'year'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁנָה 877 n.f. year (etym. v. √[v.ek.aa])

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8141 שָׁנָה year (etym. v. √[8138a])

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8141 shaneh shaw-neh'

(in plura or (feminine) shanah {shaw-naw'}; from 8138; a year

(as a revolution of time):--+ whole age, X long, + old,

year(X -ly).

see HEBREW for 08138

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁנָה (sha.neh) — year.

1) year

1a) as division of time

1b) as measure of time

1c) as indication of age

1d) a lifetime (of years of life)

Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcfsa — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
and the object marker [the] genealogical enrolment of the priests to [the] house of ancestors their and the Levites from a son of twenty year[s] and upwards by duties their by divisions their
וּלְמָ֑עְלָהu.le.Ma.'e.lah and upwards H4605 Conjunction · preposition · suffix
140× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Amplified meaning
from twenty years old and upward
Tyndale gloss
above
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מַ֫עַל (ma'al) refers to the concept of being above or upward. It is primarily used as a noun meaning 'higher part' but appears adverbially and prepositionally in phrases indicating positions such as 'above' or 'on higher ground.' The word is built from a root meaning 'to go up' and is found in various contexts in the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מַ֫עַל 140 subst., higher part, only in adv. and prep. phrases, above, upward

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4605 מַ֫עַל subst., higher part, only in adv. and prep. phrases, above, upward

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4605 ma`al mah'al

from 5927; properly, the upper part, used only adverbially

with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc.:--

above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on (X very) high, over,

up(-on, -ward), very.

see HEBREW for 05927

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מַ֫עַל (ma.al) — above.

subst

1) higher part, upper part

adv

1a) above

prep

1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than

with locative

1c) upwards, higher, above

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Prep | Adv | Suff — Conjunction · preposition · suffix
HC/R/Acbsa/Sd
and the object marker [the] genealogical enrolment of the priests to [the] house of ancestors their and the Levites from a son of twenty year[s] and upwards by duties their by divisions their
בְּמִשְׁמְרוֹתֵיהֶ֖םbe.mish.me.ro.tei.Hem by duties their H4931 Preposition · noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
78× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Tyndale gloss
charge
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִשְׁמֶ֫רֶת (mishmereth) refers to a guard or watch, encompassing the concepts of duty, function, and preservation. It can denote a specific role, such as a sentry or an office, and implies the act of keeping or safeguarding. The term appears in contexts related to obligation and service, highlighting its multifaceted use in the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִשְׁמֶ֫רֶת 78 n.f. guard, watch, also charge, function

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4931 מִשְׁמֶ֫רֶת guard, watch, also charge, function

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4931 mishmereth mish-mer'-reth

fem. of 4929; watch, i.e. the act (custody), or (concr.) the

sentry, the post; obj. preservation, or (concr.) safe; fig.

observance, i.e. (abstr.) duty or (obj.) a usage or

party:--charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace,

safeguard, ward, watch.

see HEBREW for 04929

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִשְׁמֶ֫רֶת (mish.me.ret) — charge.

1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch

1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement

1b) keeping, preserving

1c) charge, injunction

1d) office, function (ceremonial)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-fp | Suff — Preposition · noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
HR/Ncfpc/Sp3mp
and the object marker [the] genealogical enrolment of the priests to [the] house of ancestors their and the Levites from a son of twenty year[s] and upwards by duties their by divisions their
בְּמַחְלְקוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃be.mach.le.ko.tei.Hem by divisions their H4256 Preposition · noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
42× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A division or section of people, including soldiers, priests, and Levites, as described in the Bible's accounts of the Israelites' military and priestly organizations.
Amplified meaning
groups, courses
Tyndale gloss
division
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מַחֲלֹ֫קֶת (machaloqeth) refers to a division or course, often in the context of Levites, priests, or soldiers. It denotes a section or allotment, and is primarily used in a technical sense within religious or organizational structures. The term is derived from another Hebrew word, and its Aramaic equivalent is noted as well.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מַחֲלֹ֫קֶת n.f. division, course (almost wholly Chr.)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4256 מַחֲלֹ֫קֶת

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4256 machaloqeth makh-al-o'-keth

from 2505; a section (of Levites, people or

soldiers):--company, course, division, portion. See also

5555.

see HEBREW for 02505

see HEBREW for 05555

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מַחֲלֹ֫קֶת (ma.cha.lo.qet) — division.

1) division, course, class, share, allotment

1a) division, part

1b) division, class, course

1b1) of priests, Levites (technical term of organisation)

Aramaic equivalent: mach.le.qah (מַחְלְקָה "class" H4255)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-fp | Suff — Preposition · noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
HR/Ncfpc/Sp3mp
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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