2 Kings 20:10 — Word Study
WLCוַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ יְחִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ נָקֵ֣ל לַצֵּ֔ל לִנְט֖וֹת עֶ֣שֶׂר מַעֲל֑וֹת לֹ֣א כִ֔י יָשׁ֥וּב הַצֵּ֛ל אֲחֹרַנִּ֖ית עֶ֥שֶׂר מַעֲלֽוֹת׃
BSAIt is easyqâlal■ [a light thing] for the shadowtsêl [dark area, shade] to lengthennâṭâh [stretch, extend] tenʻeser [a decade, a period of time] stepsmaʻălâh [degrees, stages] answeredʼâmar▸ HezekiahChizqîyâh [the king of Judah] but notlôʼ [by no means] for ittsêl to goshûwb▸ [return, turn] backʼăchôrannîyth [in reverse, backwards] tenʻeser [a decade, a period of time] stepsmaʻălâh [degrees, stages]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ | and he said | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| יְחִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ | Hezekiah | Noun proper masculine |
| נָקֵ֣ל | it is trifling | Verb, Niphal, perfect third person masculine singular |
| לַצֵּ֔ל | to the shadow | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| לִנְט֖וֹת | to stretch out | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
| עֶ֣שֶׂר | ten | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| מַעֲל֑וֹת | steps | Noun common, feminine plural absolute |
| לֹ֣א | In- | Particle |
| כִ֔י | deed | Particle |
| יָשׁ֥וּב | let it go back | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| הַצֵּ֛ל | the shadow | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| אֲחֹרַנִּ֖ית | backwards | Adverb |
| עֶ֥שֶׂר | ten | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| מַעֲלֽוֹת׃ | steps | Noun common, feminine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | “It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,” answered Hezekiah, “but not for it to go back ten steps.” |
| KJV | And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees. |
| ASV | And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to decline ten steps: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten steps. |
| YLT | And Hezekiah saith, 'It hath been light for the shadow to incline ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow turn backward ten degrees.' |
| WEB | Hezekiah answered, “It is a light thing for the shadow to go forward ten steps. No, but let the shadow return backward ten steps.” |
| BBE | And Hezekiah said in answer, It is a simple thing for the shade to go forward; but let it go back ten degrees. |
The translations agree on the meaning of נָקֵ֣ל — see How Translations Differ.
The structure of the sentence highlights Hezekiah's assertion followed by a contrasting statement about the impossibility of reversing the shadow's movement.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectיְחִזְקִיָּהוּ
verbאָמַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
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 Kings 20:10
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 — Hezekiah's Response to Isaiahgenerated
2 Kings 20:10 features a conversation between Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, where Isaiah presents a miraculous sign from the Lord. Hezekiah's response reflects his understanding of the nature of time and the limitations of reversing what has occurred. This dialogue illustrates the broader theme of divine intervention and the assurance of God's promises, as seen throughout the narrative of Hezekiah's reign.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 2:10 | “You have requested a difficult thing,” said Elijah. “Nevertheless, if you see me as I am taken from you, it will be yours. But if not, then it will not be so.” |
| 2 | 2 Kings 3:18 | This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. |
| 3 | Isaiah 49:6 | He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.” |
| 4 | Mark 9:28–29 | After Jesus had gone into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” |
| 5 | John 14:12 | Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — נָקֵ֣ל, na.Kelgenerated
The verb נָקֵ֣ל (na.Kel) is in the Niphal stem, indicating a passive or reflexive action, meaning 'to be light' or 'to be trifling.' In this context, it conveys that the action of the shadow lengthening is an easy or trivial matter.
This choice of verb emphasizes Hezekiah's recognition of the miraculous nature of the sign being offered. He contrasts the ease of lengthening the shadow with the impossibility of reversing it, underscoring the significance of divine power in the situation.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In the Berean Standard Bible, the phrase is rendered as it is trifling, which aligns with the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse contains a main clause led by the verb יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ (he said), with Hezekiah as the subject. This structure highlights the dialogue format, emphasizing Hezekiah's response.
The sentence is constructed with a series of phrases that clarify the comparison Hezekiah is making regarding the shadow's movement, with the adverbial phrases indicating the ease of one action versus the impossibility of another.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates נָקֵ֣ל as κοῦφον, which means 'light' or 'trivial.' This choice reflects a similar understanding of the ease associated with the action of the shadow lengthening.
This translation choice aligns with the Hebrew meaning, emphasizing the contrast between the ease of lengthening and the difficulty of reversing.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
2 Kings 20:10 shows Hezekiah responding to Isaiah's question about a sign from God. Hezekiah states that while it is easy for the shadow to lengthen, it is impossible for it to go back. This highlights his understanding of the miraculous nature of the sign being offered.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Hezekiah is acknowledging that lengthening the shadow is a simple task, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the sign.
Hezekiah contrasts the ease of lengthening the shadow with the impossibility of reversing it, illustrating the limits of time and divine power.
His response reflects a deep understanding of God's power and the nature of miracles, as well as his faith in God's ability to perform the sign.
This verse highlights Hezekiah's faith and the miraculous signs God provided during his reign, reinforcing the theme of divine intervention in Israel's history.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What does this verse teach us about the nature of miracles and God's power?
- How can we recognize and respond to God's signs in our own lives?
- In what ways do we sometimes underestimate God's ability to intervene in our situations?
- How does Hezekiah's faith inspire us to trust in God's promises?
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 2 Kings 20:10 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd Hezekiah answered, it is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees,.... That is, it was comparatively so, otherwise to go down ten degrees at once would be extraordinary and miraculous;
Read John Gill on 2 Kings 20 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Read Robert Jamieson on 2 Kings 20 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleTo go down ten degrees, to wit, in an instant; for that course or motion of the sun is natural for the kind of it, though miraculous for the swiftness of it; but the other would be both ways miraculous.
Read Matthew Poole on 2 Kings 20 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments2 Kings 20:10 And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.Ver. 10. It is a light thing,] viz., In comparison of the sun’ s retrogradation, wherein both the substance of the thing and the manner were wholly miraculous, whether it were done in an instant, or in the set course of time, or its ordinary continual motion. See on 2 Kings 20:9.
Read John Trapp on 2 Kings 20 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(10) It is a light thing for the shadow to go down.—Because that was the ordinary course of things. As a natural phenomenon, of course, the sudden extension of the shadow would have been as wonderful as its retrogression; but what is in any way a familiar occurrence must needs seem easier than what has never fallen under observation. To go down.—Rather, to spread. The LXX. has êëῖ ?íáé, another use of the Hebrew verb. The Targum, Syriac, and Arabic render “to go forward” (march).
Read Charles John Ellicott on 2 Kings 20 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges10. It is a light thing for the shadow to go down [R.V. decline] ten degrees] R.V. steps. The verb is not the same as that translated ‘to go down’ in verse 11. The king’s meaning is that it appears more natural and therefore easier, for the shadow to make a sudden advance in the direction in which it has been already going, than to turn in the contrary way. let the shadow return backward ten degrees] R.V. steps. Thus reversing the order of nature.
Read Cambridge on 2 Kings 20 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleIt is a light thing - It seemed to Hezekiah comparatively easy that the shadow, which had already begun to lengthen, should merely make a sudden jump in the same direction; but, wholly contrary to
Read Albert Barnes on 2 Kings 20 →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
“It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,” answered Hezekiah, “but not for it to go back ten steps.”
Hezekiah answered, “It is a light thing for the shadow to go forward ten steps. No, but let the shadow return backward ten steps.”
“It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,” answered Hezekiah, “but not for it to go back ten steps.”
Hezekiah answered, “It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps, but not for it to go back ten steps.”
Tyndale line
And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.
And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to decline ten steps: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten steps.
And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to decline ten steps: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten steps.
And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go forward ten degrees: no, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.
And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadowe to passe forward ten degrees: not so then, but let ye shadow go backe ten degrees.
Strictly literal
And Hezekiah said, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: no, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.
And Hezekiah saith, 'It hath been light for the shadow to incline ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow turn backward ten degrees.'
And Hezekiah says, “It has been light for the shadow to incline ten degrees; no, but let the shadow turn backward ten degrees.”
And Hezekiah said, It is a light thing for the shadow to go forward ten degrees: no; but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.
Hezekiah answered, “It is an easy thing for the shadow to go forward ten steps. No, let the shadow go backward ten steps.”
From the Latin
And Ezechias said: It is an easy matter for the shadow to go forward ten lines: and I do not desire that this be done, but let it return back ten degrees.
Simplified
“It's easy enough for the shadow to go forward ten steps, but not to go back ten steps,” Hezekiah answered.
And Hezekiah said in answer, It is a simple thing for the shade to go forward; but let it go back ten degrees.
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.
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 in their wording for this verse, with the Septuagint providing a direct correspondence to the Hebrew text, maintaining the integrity of the original message.
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ יְחִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ נָקֵ֣ל לַצֵּ֔ל לִנְט֖וֹת עֶ֣שֶׂר מַעֲל֑וֹת לֹ֣א כִ֔י יָשׁ֥וּב הַצֵּ֛ל אֲחֹרַנִּ֖ית עֶ֥שֶׂר מַעֲלֽוֹת׃
14 of the 14 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.
Lexicons — every word in 2 Kings 20:10
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.
אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.
אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say
Qal
Say
Say in the heart (= think)
Promise
Command (esp. late)
Niph. be said, told
Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
Hithp. act proudly, boast
base
H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say
. Say in the heart (= think)
. Promise
. Command (esp. late)
. be said, told
. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
. act proudly, boast
559 'amar aw-mar'
a primitive root; to say (used with great
latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,
certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),
commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X
expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,
publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X
suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),
utter, X verily, X yet.
אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.
1) to say, speak, utter
1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called
1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly
1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch
Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
חִזְקִיָּהוּ (Hizqiyahu) means "Jehovah is my strength" and refers primarily to Hezekiah, the 12th king of Judah, known for his religious reforms. The name is derived from the roots meaning 'to strengthen' and 'Jah' (a form of Jehovah). Hezekiah is noted for his lineage as a descendant of David and is mentioned in various contexts, including his role during the Divided Monarchy and the Exile.
חִזְקִיָּהוּ, חִזְקִיָּה, יְחִזְקִיָּהוּ, יְחִזְקִיָּה n.pr.m. (י׳ hath strengthened, י׳ strengtheneth)
son of Ahaz, King of Judah
great-great-grandson pf proph. Zephaniah
man of royal Davidic line
head of a family of returned exiles
an Ephraimite, Ahaz’s time
base
H2396 חִזְקִיָּהוּ, חִזְקִיָּה, יְחִזְקִיָּהוּ, יְחִזְקִיָּה (י׳ hath strengthened, י׳ strengtheneth)
2396 Chizqiyah khiz-kee-yaw'
or Chizqiyahuw {khiz-kee-yaw'-hoo}; also Ychizqiyah
{yekh-iz-kee-yaw'}; or Ychizqiyahuw {yekh-iz-kee-yaw'-hoo};
from 2388 and 3050; strengthened of Jah; Chizkijah, a king of
Judah, also the name of two other Israelites:--Hezekiah,
Hizkiah, Hizkijah. Compare 3169.
see HEBREW for 02388
see HEBREW for 03050
see HEBREW for 03169
חִזְקִיָּהוּ (chiz.qiy.yah) — Hezekiah.
A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.16.20;
son of: Ahaz (H0271) and Abi (H0021);
brother of: Maaseiah (H4641J); married to Hephzibah (H2657);
father of: Manasseh (H4519H)
§ Hezekiah or Hizkiah or Hizkijah = "Jehovah is my strength"
1) 12th king of Judah, son of Ahaz and Abijah; a good king in that he served Jehovah and did away with idolatrous practices
2) great-great-grandfather of Zephaniah the prophet
3) son of Neariah, a descendant of David
4) head of a family of returning exiles in the time of Nehemiah
חִזְקִיָּהוּ (chiz.qiy.yah) — Hizkiah.
A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.3.23;
son of: Neariah (H5294);
brother of: Elioenai (H0454B) and Azrikam (H5840)
§ Hezekiah or Hizkiah or Hizkijah = "Jehovah is my strength"
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
Hezekiah
Whom Jehovah has strengthened. (1.) Son of Ahaz (2 Kings 18:1; 2 Chr. 29:1), whom he succeeded on the throne of the kingdom of Judah. He reigned twenty-nine years (B.C. 726-697). The history of this king is contained in 2 Kings 18:20, Isa. 36-39, and 2 Chr. 29-32. He is spoken of as a great and good king. In public life he followed the example of his great-granfather Uzziah. He set himself to abolish idolatry from his kingdom, and among other things which he did for this end, he destroyed the “brazen serpent,” which had been removed to Jerusalem, and had become an object of idolatrous worship (Num. 21:9). A great reformation was wrought in the kingdom of Judah in…
(the might of Jehovah). Twelfth king of Judah, son of the apostate Ahaz and Abi or Abijah, ascended the throne at the age of 25, B.C. 726. Hezekiah was one of the three most perfect kings of Judah. (2 Kings 18:5) Ecclus. 49:4. His first act was to purge and repair and reopen with splendid sacrifices and perfect ceremonial the temple. He also destroyed a brazen serpent, said to have been the one used by Moses in the miraculous healing of the Israelites, (Numbers 21:9) which had become an object of adoration. When the kingdom of Israel had fallen, Hezekiah invited the scattered inhabitants to a peculiar passover, which was continued for the unprecedented period of fourteen days. (2 Chronicles 29:30,31) At the head of a repentant…
A pious king of Judah, succeeded his father Ahaz about 726 B. C., and died about 698 B. C. His history is contained in 2Ki 18:12-21 2Ch 29:1-32:33. Compare Isa 36:1-38:22. His reign is memorable for his faithful efforts to restore the worship of Jehovah; for his pride and presumption towards the Assyrians; for the distractions of their invading host in answer to his prayer; for his sickness and humiliation, and the prolonging of his life fifteen years of peace. He was succeeded by the unworthy Manasseh.
strength of the Lord
The Hebrew word קָלַל (qalal) is a primitive root meaning to be light or trifling, covering a range of senses from being swift to being of little account. It can also mean to curse or treat with contempt. The verb appears in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances such as making light or being lightly esteemed.
[קָלַל] 82 vb. be slight, swift, trifling
Qal
be slight, of water, be abated
be swift
trifling, i.e. of little account
Niph.
shew oneself swift
appear trifling
be lightly esteemed
Pi. curse (prop. make contemptible)
Pu. be cursed
Hiph.
make light, lighten
treat with contempt
Pilp.
shake
(peculiarly) whet
Hithpalp. reflex. of 1: hills shook themselves
base
H7043 קָלַל be slight, swift, trifling .. be slight, of water, be abated
. be swift
. trifling, i.e. of little account
. . shew oneself swift
. appear trifling
. be lightly esteemed
. curse (prop. make contemptible)
. be cursed
. . make light, lighten
. treat with contempt
. . shake
. (peculiarly) whet
. reflex. of 1: hills shook themselves
7043 qalal kaw-lal'
a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) light, literally
(swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling,
vile, etc.):--abate, make bright, bring into contempt,
(ac-)curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make
somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly
afflict, -ly esteem, thing), X slight(-ly), be swift(-er),
(be, be more, make, re-)vile, whet.
קָלַל (qa.lal) — to lighten.
1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water)
1a2) to be swift
1a3) to be trifling, be of little account
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift
1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant
1b3) to be lightly esteemed
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to make despicable
1c2) to curse
1d) (Pual) to be cursed
1e) (Hiphil)
1e1) to make light, lighten
1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour
1f) (Pilpel)
1f1) to shake
1f2) to whet
1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Niphal · perfect third person masculine singularHVNp3ms
צֵל (tsel) means 'shadow' or 'shade,' encompassing both literal and figurative uses. It can refer to a physical shadow, as well as a protective shade or a symbol of life's transience. The word is derived from a root meaning to shade, and it is related to another term, צֵלֶל (tselel), which also means 'shadow.'
H6738 צֵל shadow
6738 tsel tsale
from 6751; shade, whether literal or figurative:--defence,
shade(-ow).
see HEBREW for 06751
צֵל (tsel) — shadow.
1) shadow, shade
1a) shadow (on dial)
1b) shadow, shade (as protection)
1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life)
Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
Sometimes denotes intense darkness and gloom, Ps 23:4, and sometimes a cool retreat, Isa 33:2, or perfect protection, Ps 17:8 Isa 49:2 Da 4:12.
The long shadows cast by the declining sun are alluded to in Job 7:2 Jer 6:4. The swift, never ceasing motion of a shadow is an emblem of human life, 1Ch 29:15 Ps 102:11.
נָטָה (natah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to stretch out, spread out, or extend. It encompasses a wide range of actions, including bending, inclining, and pitching a tent. The word can also imply moral deflection or turning aside. The entries suggest various applications, from physical actions to metaphorical uses, but do not indicate significant disagreement among the lexicons.
נָטָה 215 vb. stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend
Qal
stretch out, extend, hand, rod
stretch line and plummet
= offer
Spread out, i.e. pitch, tent
Bend, turn, incline
Niph. be stretched out
Hiph.
rarely stretch out, hand
rarely spread out cloth on rock
usu. turn, incline
base
H5186 נָטָה stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend .. . stretch out, extend, hand, rod
. stretch line and plummet
. = offer
. Spread out, i.e. pitch, tent
. Bend, turn, incline
. be stretched out
. . rarely stretch out, hand
. rarely spread out cloth on rock
. usu. turn, incline
5186 natah naw-taw'
a primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication,
to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great
variety of application (as follows):--+ afternoon, apply, bow
(down, - ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down,
be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched,
overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread
(out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away),
wrest, cause to yield.
נָטָה (na.tah) — to stretch.
1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer
1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent)
1a3) to bend, turn, incline
1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down
1a3b) to bend, bow
1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.)
1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to stretch out
1c2) to spread out
1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHR/Vqcc
עֶשֶׂר (eser) means 'ten' in Hebrew. It is a masculine noun derived from the root related to counting, specifically indicating the number ten and its use in combination with other numbers. The Aramaic equivalent is עֲשַׂר (asar), also meaning 'ten.'
עֶשֶׂר, עֲשָׂרָה 176 n.m. and f. ten
base
H6235 עֶשֶׂר, עֲשָׂרָה ten
6235 `eser eh'ser
masculine of term aasarah {as-aw-raw'}; from 6237; ten (as an
accumulation to the extent of the digits):--ten, (fif-,
seven-)teen.
see HEBREW for 06237
עֶשֶׂר (e.ser) — ten.
1) ten
1a) ten
1b) with other numbers
Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Adj — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
מַעֲלָה (ma`alah) refers to a step or stair, as well as the concept of elevation or ascent. It can denote both a physical journey to a higher place and a figurative rise in thought or status. The term is notably used in the context of 'songs of ascent' in certain Psalms, indicating a spiritual or literal elevation.
[מַעֲלָה] n.f. what comes up;—pl. cstr. Ez 11:5
ref
מַעֲלָה 46 n.f. step, stair
step, stair
steps (forming sun-dial)
stories of heaven
ascent
song of ascents
base
H4609a מַעֲלָה what comes up H4609b מַעֲלָה step, stair
4609 ma`alah mah-al-aw'
feminine of 4608; elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a
journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising),
or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step or
grade-mark, figuratively, a superiority of station);
specifically a climactic progression (in certain
Psalms):--things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up,
stair, step, story.
see HEBREW for 04608
מַעֲלָה (ma.a.lah) — thought.
what comes up, thoughts
מַעֲלָה (ma.a.lah) — step.
1) step, stair
1a) step, stair
1b) steps (of sundial)
1c) stories (of heaven)
1d) ascent
1e) song of ascent
1e1) to the three great pilgrim feasts (Psalm titles)
N-fp — Noun common · feminine plural absoluteHNcfpa
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.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
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.
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)
Part — ParticleHTn
A principal thing to notice about this preposition, which in the King James Version represents about 16 Hebrew and as many Greek words and prepositions, is that, in hundreds of cases (especially in the Old Testament, but frequently also in the New Testament) in the Revised Version (British and American) the rendering is changed to more exact forms ("to," "unto," "by," "upon," "at," "with," "among," "for," "throughout," etc.; compare e.g. Ge 6:16; 13:8; 17:7,9,12; 18:1; Ex 8:17; Le 1:9, etc.); while, nearly as often, "in" is substituted for divergent forms of the King James Version (e.g. Ge 2:14; 17:11; 31:54; 40:7; 49:17; Ex…
כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'
כִּי conj. that, for, when
that
Of time, when, of the past
elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
Because, since
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that
. . Of time, when, of the past
. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
. Because, since
H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
3588 kiy kee
a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional
prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent
or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative
conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by
other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,
where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,
even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +
nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,
therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,
whether, while, whom, yea, yet.
כִּי (ki) — for.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if
1f) but rather, but
1g) except that
1h) only, nevertheless
1i) surely
1j) that is
1k) but if
1l) for though
1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
1b) even though
כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
HTc — ParticleHTc
ded: Used in its ordinary modern sense in EV. In the Old Testament it is used to translates five Hebrew words: gemylah, literally, "recompense" (Isa 59:18); dabhar, literally, "word," "thing" (2Ch 35:27 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "acts"; Es 1:17,18; Jer 5:28); ma`aseh (Ge 20:9; 44:15; Ezr 9:13); `alilah (1Ch 16:8 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "doings"; Ps 105:1 the King James Version…
→ To land Jer 32:12,14; 44
→ See LAND
The Hebrew word שׁוּב (shuwb) means to turn back or return, covering a wide range of contexts including physical, spiritual, and relational. It can denote returning to a previous state, repenting, or even apostatizing. The entries describe various forms and uses, including bringing back, restoring, and refreshing. Notably, it can also imply a change in course of action.
שׁוּב 1056 vb. turn back, return
Qal 683;—turn back, return:
turn back
return, come or go back
esp. return unto
of dying
of revival from death
fig. of human relations:
return to leader, king
= change so as to appoach (in purpose, desire)
turn, i.e. resort to
return to a physical condition
abs. = change course of action
fig., specif. of spiritual relations:
turn back from God = apostatize
of י׳, turn away
turn back to God (= seek penitently)
abs. repent
turn back from evil
of י׳
of י׳, return (to shew favour)
of inanimate things (sts. personified, or treated as things of life):
denoting repetition, etc.
trans.
Pō‛l.
bring back
fig. restore, refresh
restore, repair
lead away (enticingly)
shew turning = apostatize
Hiph. 353 cause to return, bring back
bring back into bondage
put back
= draw back
= give back, restore
= relinguish
= give in payment, requital
bring one back (from dead)
bring back heart
= refresh
H7725 שׁוּב turn back, return .—turn back, return: . turn back
. return, come or go back
. esp. return unto
. . of dying
. of revival from death
. fig. of human relations: . return to leader, king
. = change so as to appoach (in purpose, desire)
. turn, i.e. resort to
. return to a physical condition
. abs. = change course of action
. fig., specif. of spiritual relations: . turn back from God = apostatize
. of י׳, turn away
. turn back to God (= seek penitently)
. abs. repent
. turn back from evil
. of י׳
. of י׳, return (to shew favour)
. of inanimate things (sts. personified, or treated as things of life):
. denoting repetition, etc.
. trans.
. . bring back
. . fig. restore, refresh
. restore, repair
. lead away (enticingly)
. shew turning = apostatize
. cause to return, bring back . . bring back into bondage
. put back
. = draw back
. = give back, restore
. = relinguish
. = give in payment, requital
7725 shuwb shoob
a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or
intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily
with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to
retreat; often adverbial, again:--((break, build, circumcise,
dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge,
make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) X again, (cause to) answer
(+ again), X in any case (wise), X at all, averse, bring
(again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back),
cease, X certainly, come again (back), X consider, +
continually, convert, deliver (again), + deny, draw back,
fetch home again, X fro, get (oneself) (back) again, X give
(again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see)
more, X needs, be past, X pay, pervert, pull in again, put
(again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh,
relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve,
שׁוּב (shuv) — to return: return.
: return
1) to return, turn back
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to turn back, return
1a1a) to turn back
1a1b) to return, come or go back
1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back
1a1d) of dying
1a1e) of human relations (fig)
1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig)
1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise
1a1f2) to turn away (of God)
1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent
1a1f4) turn back (from evil)
1a1g) of inanimate things
1a1h) in repetition
1b) (Polel)
1b1) to bring back
1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig)
1b3) to lead away (enticingly)
1b4) to show turning, apostatise
1c) (Pual) restored (participle)
1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back
1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment
1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore
1d3) to bring back, report to, answer
1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense)
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
צֵל (tsel) means 'shadow' or 'shade,' encompassing both literal and figurative uses. It can refer to a physical shadow, as well as a protective shade or a symbol of life's transience. The word is derived from a root meaning to shade, and it is related to another term, צֵלֶל (tselel), which also means 'shadow.'
H6738 צֵל shadow
6738 tsel tsale
from 6751; shade, whether literal or figurative:--defence,
shade(-ow).
see HEBREW for 06751
צֵל (tsel) — shadow.
1) shadow, shade
1a) shadow (on dial)
1b) shadow, shade (as protection)
1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life)
Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
Sometimes denotes intense darkness and gloom, Ps 23:4, and sometimes a cool retreat, Isa 33:2, or perfect protection, Ps 17:8 Isa 49:2 Da 4:12.
The long shadows cast by the declining sun are alluded to in Job 7:2 Jer 6:4. The swift, never ceasing motion of a shadow is an emblem of human life, 1Ch 29:15 Ps 102:11.
The Hebrew word אֲחֹרַנִית (*'achoranniyth*) means 'backwards' or 'the rear.' It is derived from a root meaning 'back' and is used to describe something that is oriented towards the back or rear part. The entries consistently define it in this way without significant disagreement.
אֲחֹרַנִית adv. backwards
base
H322 אֲחֹרַנִית backwards
322 'achoranniyth akh-o-ran-neeth'
prolonged from 268; backwards:--back (-ward, again).
see HEBREW for 0268
אֲחֹרַנִּית (a.cho.ran.nit) — backwards.
backwards, back part, the rear
Adv — AdverbHD
עֶשֶׂר (eser) means 'ten' in Hebrew. It is a masculine noun derived from the root related to counting, specifically indicating the number ten and its use in combination with other numbers. The Aramaic equivalent is עֲשַׂר (asar), also meaning 'ten.'
עֶשֶׂר, עֲשָׂרָה 176 n.m. and f. ten
base
H6235 עֶשֶׂר, עֲשָׂרָה ten
6235 `eser eh'ser
masculine of term aasarah {as-aw-raw'}; from 6237; ten (as an
accumulation to the extent of the digits):--ten, (fif-,
seven-)teen.
see HEBREW for 06237
עֶשֶׂר (e.ser) — ten.
1) ten
1a) ten
1b) with other numbers
Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Adj — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
מַעֲלָה (ma`alah) refers to a step or stair, as well as the concept of elevation or ascent. It can denote both a physical journey to a higher place and a figurative rise in thought or status. The term is notably used in the context of 'songs of ascent' in certain Psalms, indicating a spiritual or literal elevation.
[מַעֲלָה] n.f. what comes up;—pl. cstr. Ez 11:5
ref
מַעֲלָה 46 n.f. step, stair
step, stair
steps (forming sun-dial)
stories of heaven
ascent
song of ascents
base
H4609a מַעֲלָה what comes up H4609b מַעֲלָה step, stair
4609 ma`alah mah-al-aw'
feminine of 4608; elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a
journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising),
or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step or
grade-mark, figuratively, a superiority of station);
specifically a climactic progression (in certain
Psalms):--things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up,
stair, step, story.
see HEBREW for 04608
מַעֲלָה (ma.a.lah) — thought.
what comes up, thoughts
מַעֲלָה (ma.a.lah) — step.
1) step, stair
1a) step, stair
1b) steps (of sundial)
1c) stories (of heaven)
1d) ascent
1e) song of ascent
1e1) to the three great pilgrim feasts (Psalm titles)
N-fp — Noun common · feminine plural absoluteHNcfpa