Menu

2 Kings 4:3 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוַיֹּ֗אמֶר לְכִ֨י שַׁאֲלִי־ לָ֤ךְ כֵּלִים֙ מִן־ הַח֔וּץ מֵאֵ֖ת כָּל־ שְׁכֵנָ֑יִךְ כֵּלִ֥ים רֵקִ֖ים אַל־ תַּמְעִֽיטִי׃

BSAsaid [Elisha]ʼâmar borrowshâʼal [ask for, request] emptyrêyq [worthless, vacant] jarskᵉlîy frommin allkôl [every, the whole of] your neighborsshâkên [fellow citizens, those living nearby] Do notʼal gather just a fewmâʻaṭ [collect, bring together, a small number, a limited amount]

Word
Listen & take away2 Kings 4
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 3 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 (tam.'I.ti) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
2 Kings 4:3quick helps
In a sentenceElisha instructs a widow to borrow jars from her neighbors, emphasizing the need for many, even empty ones.
Who is speakingElisha, a prophet of God, is giving a directive.
Where we areThis verse is part of a narrative where Elisha helps a widow in distress.
The hard wordשַׁאֲלִי־, sha.'a.li-
Take awayThe widow is to actively seek out resources for her needs.
5 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them › clause verbאָמַר The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — 2 Kings 4:3

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 Miracle of the Widow's Oilgenerated

2“How can I help you?” asked Elisha. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.”
3“Go,” said Elisha, “borrow jars, even empty ones, from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few.
4Then go inside, shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour oil into all these jars, setting the full ones aside.”
5So she left him, and after she had shut the door behind her and her sons, they kept bringing jars to her, and she kept pouring.

2 Kings 4:3 recounts a moment when the prophet Elisha provides guidance to a widow facing financial trouble. He instructs her to borrow jars from her neighbors, highlighting the importance of gathering resources, even if they seem empty. This narrative illustrates God's provision through the prophet's wisdom and the widow's obedience, leading to a miraculous outcome in subsequent verses.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
12 Kings 3:16and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’
2John 2:7Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim.
32 Kings 13:18–19Then Elisha said, “Take the arrows!” So he took them, and Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground!” So he struck the ground three times and stopped.
4Psalm 81:10I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth, and I will fill it.
5John 16:24Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

empty vessels2 Kings 3:16 John 2:7

The Key Word שַׁאֲלִי־, sha.'a.li-generated

The Hebrew verb שָׁאַל (sha'al) means 'to ask' or 'to inquire.' It is often used in contexts where someone is seeking something, whether information or physical items. The imperative form here addresses the widow directly, indicating urgency and necessity in her request for jars.

This word emphasizes the act of seeking help or resources, which is crucial in the context of the widow's dire situation. It implies not just a simple request, but a deeper need for assistance in her time of need.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

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


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb in the verse is וַיֹּ֗אמֶר, and he said, which governs the entire directive given by Elisha. The structure includes several phrases: an imperative to go, an imperative to ask, and a prohibition against gathering too few jars.

The sentence is structured to emphasize Elisha's commands, with the verbs leading the clauses, highlighting the urgency and importance of each action the widow is to take.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew שַׁאֲלִי־ is rendered as αἴτησον (aitēsōn), which also means 'ask.' This choice maintains the imperative nature of the command while aligning with the Greek understanding of seeking or requesting.

The translation choice suggests a direct approach to the act of asking, emphasizing the widow's active role in her deliverance.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

2 Kings 4:3 shows Elisha telling a widow to go and borrow jars from her neighbors, even if they are empty. He emphasizes that she should not gather just a few. This instruction is part of a larger miracle where God provides for her needs through the prophet's guidance.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does Elisha mean by asking for empty jars?

Elisha instructs the widow to borrow empty jars to demonstrate that God can fill them, symbolizing His ability to provide abundantly, even from what seems worthless.

Why does Elisha emphasize not to gather just a few?

The emphasis on gathering many jars indicates that God’s provision will be abundant, and the widow should prepare to receive as much as possible.

What can we learn from the widow's obedience?

The widow's obedience to Elisha's instructions highlights the importance of faith and action in receiving God's blessings.

How does this story relate to God's provision?

This story illustrates how God provides for His people through unexpected means, encouraging trust in His ability to meet needs.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what areas of my life do I need to ask for help, like the widow did?
  2. How can I prepare to receive God's blessings in my life?
  3. What does it mean to me to gather resources from those around me?
  4. How can I demonstrate faith in God's provision during difficult times?

Commentators on this verse — 5 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on 2 Kings 4:3 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Then he said, go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours,.... For he perceived that she had none: even empty vessels; which they might more readily lend her: borrow not a few; but as many

Read John Gill on 2 Kings 4 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Read Robert Jamieson on 2 Kings 4 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

2 Kings 4:3 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, [even] empty vessels; borrow not a few.Ver. 3. Even empty vessels.] They must be empty hearts, saith Bernard; empty of self, and all ungodly lusts, which God will fill with the oil of grace: Intus existens prohibet alienum, else that precious liquor would be spilt upon the ground. Borrow not a few.] Ne paucifices. Let not men be constrained in their own heart; there is enough in God.

Read John Trapp on 2 Kings 4 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(3) Abroad.—Literally, from the outside (of the house); out of doors. Borrow not a few.—See margin. Do not scant, or stint, namely, to borrow.

Read Charles John Ellicott on 2 Kings 4 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

3. borrow thee vessels] Another sign of indigence. But the command to borrow many gave promise of the coming help.

Read Cambridge on 2 Kings 4 →

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

“Go,” said Elisha, “borrow jars, even empty ones, from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Then he said, “Go, borrow empty containers from all your neighbors. Don’t borrow just a few containers.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

“Go,” said Elisha, “borrow empty jars from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few.

NETBNew English Translation2006

He said, “Go and ask all your neighbors for empty containers. Get as many as you can.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbors, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbors, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And he sayde, Goe, and borowe thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, emptie vessels, and spare not.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And he said, Go, borrow for thyself vessels abroad from all thy neighbours, empty vessels; let it not be few;

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And he saith, 'Go, ask for thee vessels from without, from all thy neighbours — empty vessels — let [them] not be few;

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And he says, “Go, ask [for] vessels for yourself from outside, from all your neighbors—empty vessels—let [them] not be few;

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And he said, Go, borrow for thyself vessels from abroad from all thy neighbors, empty vessels, let them not be a few.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Then Elisha said, “Go out to borrow jars from your neighbors, empty jars. Borrow as many as possible.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And he said to her: Go, borrow of all thy neighbours empty vessels not a few.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

“Go and borrow empty jars from your neighbors—as many as possible, not just a few,” Elisha told her.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Then he said, Go out to all your neighbours and get vessels, a very great number of them.

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.

וַandclauseverbיֹּ֗אמֶרhe.saidclauseverbלְכִ֨יgoclauseverbשַׁאֲלִיaskprepositional phrase · prepositionalלָ֤forךְyourselfobjectכֵּלִים֙vesselsprepositional phrase · prepositionalמִןfromnoun phraseהַtheח֔וּץoutsideprepositional phrase · prepositionalprepositional phraseמֵfromאֵ֖תwithnoun phraseכָּלallnoun phraseשְׁכֵנָ֑יִneighborsךְyourclausenoun phrase · objectכֵּלִ֥יםvesselsרֵקִ֖יםemptyadverbialאַלdo.notverbתַּמְעִֽיטִיmake.few

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 largely agree in their wording, with 13 out of 14 words matched. This indicates a strong consistency in the transmission of this verse across different textual traditions.

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

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר לְכִ֨י שַׁאֲלִי־ לָ֤ךְ כֵּלִים֙ מִן־ הַח֔וּץ מֵאֵ֖ת כָּל־ שְׁכֵנָ֑יִךְ כֵּלִ֥ים רֵקִ֖ים אַל־ תַּמְעִֽיטִי׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַיֹּ֗אמֶרεἶπενלְכִ֨יδεῦροשַׁאֲלִי־αἴτησονלָ֤ךְσαυτῇכֵּלִים֙σκεύηהַח֔וּץἔχωθενמֵאֵ֖תπαρὰכָּל־πάντωνשְׁכֵנָ֑יִךְσουכֵּלִ֥יםσκεύηרֵקִ֖יםκενάאַל־μὴתַּמְעִֽיטִי׃ὀλιγώσῃς

13 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.

2 Kings 4:3אָמַרand he saidand he saidאָמַרהָלַךְgogoהָלַךְשָׁאַלaskaskשָׁאַלךְfor yourselfor yourselfךְכְּלִיvesselsvesselsכְּלִימִן־fromfromמִן־חוּץthe outsidethe outsideחוּץאֵתfrom withfrom withאֵתכֹּלallallכֹּלשָׁכֵןneighbors yneighbors yourשָׁכֵןכְּלִיvesselsvesselsכְּלִירֵיקemptyemptyרֵיקאַלmay notmay notאַלמָעַטyou make feyou make fewמָעַטכָּלָהto end: fito end: finishכָּלָהאָנָהto meetto meetאָנָהכָּלַלto perfectto perfectכָּלַלשָׁכַןto dwellto dwellשָׁכַןרִיקto emptyto emptyרִיקהָלַךְto walkto walkהָלַךְמֵןstringstringמֵןלֹאnotnotלֹאזָהָבgoldgoldזָהָבכֹּהthusthusכֹּהיהוהYHWH/GodYHWH/Godיהוהדֶּ֫רֶךְway: roadway: roadדֶּ֫רֶךְחֻקָּהstatutestatuteחֻקָּהשְׁאֵלָהpetitionpetitionשְׁאֵלָהרָחַקto removeto removeרָחַקיָתַרto remainto remainיָתַרמַחֲנֶהcampcampמַחֲנֶהרְחוֹבstreet/plastreet/plazaרְחוֹב
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 Kings 4:3

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

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

and he said go ask for yourself vessels from the outside from with all neighbors your vessels empty may not you make few
וַיֹּ֗אמֶרvai.Yo.mer and he said H559 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
5,309× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Tyndale gloss
to say
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say

Qal

Say

Say in the heart (= think)

Promise

Command (esp. late)

Niph. be said, told

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

Hithp. act proudly, boast

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say

. Say in the heart (= think)

. Promise

. Command (esp. late)

. be said, told

. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)

. act proudly, boast

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

559 'amar aw-mar'

a primitive root; to say (used with great

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

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

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

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

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

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

utter, X verily, X yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.

1) to say, speak, utter

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

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

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

1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he said go ask for yourself vessels from the outside from with all neighbors your vessels empty may not you make few
לְכִ֨יle.Khi go H1980 Verb · Qal · imperative second person feminine singular
1,549× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Tyndale gloss
to go: walk
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הָלַךְ (halak) means 'to go,' 'come,' or 'walk,' and covers a wide range of literal and figurative uses, including aspects of life and death. It can describe physical movement, moral conduct, and even influence on character. The verb appears in various forms, such as Qal, Piel, and Hithpael, indicating different nuances like leading or traversing.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָלַךְ 1546 vb. go, come, walk

Qal Impf. usually (629 t.) as if from ילך

lit.

of persons

Also of animals, in similar meanings and combinations

in like manner of inanimate things

The inf. abs. is often used

as in other vbs., quite independently

to intensify meaning of finite form

most noteworthy is the joining of the Inf. abs.

with a following Inf. abs. denoting a simutaneous action or process, and so emphasizing duration or continuance

with a foll. vb. fin. c. ו consec. (rare)

in cases where vb. fin. is foll. by Inf. abs. adj. denoting progress, advance

twice, where vb. fin. is not הלך, but another vb. denoting motion

quite by itself

13 t. the Inf. abs. = Imv. & is followed by Pf. consec.

akin to the use of Inf. abs. are some instances of Pt.

In combination with other verbal forms

Fig.; the most common uses follow; in most the origin in a literal meaning is evident:

pass away, die

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1980 הָלַךְ go, come, walk .Impf. usually (629 t.) as if from ילך . lit. . of persons

. Also of animals, in similar meanings and combinations

. in like manner of inanimate things

. The inf. abs. is often used . as in other vbs., quite independently

. to intensify meaning of finite form

. most noteworthy is the joining of the Inf. abs. . with a following Inf. abs. denoting a simutaneous action or process, and so emphasizing duration or continuance

. with a foll. vb. fin. c. ו consec. (rare)

. in cases where vb. fin. is foll. by Inf. abs. + adj. denoting progress, advance

. twice, where vb. fin. is not הלך, but another vb. denoting motion

. quite by itself

. 13 t. the Inf. abs. = Imv. & is followed by Pf. consec.

. akin to the use of Inf. abs. are some instances of Pt.

. In combination with other verbal forms

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1980 halak haw-lak'

akin to 3212; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety

of applications, literally and figuratively):--(all) along,

apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant,

depart, + be eased, enter, exercise (self), + follow, forth,

forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on,

out, up and down), + greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead,

march, X more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away),

be at the point, quite, run (along), + send, speedily, spread,

still, surely, + tale-bearer, + travel(-ler), walk (abroad,

on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax,

(way-)faring man, X be weak, whirl.

see HEBREW for 03212

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: went.

: went/go[away]

1) to go, walk, come

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away

1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to walk

1b2) to walk (fig.)

1c) (Hithpael)

1c1) to traverse

1c2) to walk about

1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: come.

: come[nearer]

1) to go, walk, come

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away

1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to walk

1b2) to walk (fig.)

1c) (Hithpael)

1c1) to traverse

1c2) to walk about

1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: walk.

: walk/move

1) to go, walk, come

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away

1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to walk

1b2) to walk (fig.)

1c) (Hithpael)

1c1) to traverse

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqv2fs — Verb · Qal · imperative second person feminine singular
HVqv2fs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

(halakh, yalakh, bo', yatsa'; ago, hupago, anabaino, erchomi, aperchomai, poreuomai): "Go" ("went," etc.) occurs very frequently in the English Bible, and is the translation of a great many different Hebrew and Greek terms. As the word implies movement of all kinds, physical and mental, it has naturally many applications.

1. In the Old Testament:

In the Old Testament halakh and yalakh are among the commonest words, meaning "to go" in its original sense of "to walk," but also in the most varied senses, according to the verbal conjugations, etc., the preposition attached, and the words in connection with which the terms stand; halakh and yalakh are often used figuratively (translated "to walk," etc.) for to live, to pursue a way of life, e.g. "to walk ever in his ways" (De 19:9; compare

Mt 9:13; 21:28; 28:7; Lu 10:37; Joh 8:11

--SEE Divine Direction, GUIDANCE

and he said go ask for yourself vessels from the outside from with all neighbors your vessels empty may not you make few
שַׁאֲלִי־sha.'a.li- ask H7592 Verb · Qal · imperative second person feminine singular
171× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Amplified meaning
ask for, request
Tyndale gloss
to ask
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׁאַל (sha'al) means to ask or inquire, often in the context of requesting a favor or borrowing. It covers a range of uses, including seeking counsel, consulting deities, and even begging. The verb can appear in different forms, such as asking for oneself or granting requests. There is a noted Aramaic equivalent, שְׁאֵל (she.el), meaning 'to ask'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁאַל 170 vb. ask, inquire

Qal

ask, ask for

specif. ask as a fovour, for temporary use, i.e. borrow

in weakened sense, seek, desire (late)

inquire of

inquire of, consult, deity, oracle, etc.

in weakened sense, seek, desire (late)

Niph. ask for oneself

Pi.

inquire carefully

beg, practise beggary

Hiph. (prop. let one ask [successfully], give, or lend, on request, then) grant, make over to (as a favour, with or without request)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7592 שָׁאַל ask, inquire .. . ask, ask for

. specif. ask as a fovour, for temporary use, i.e. borrow

. in weakened sense, seek, desire (late)

. . inquire of

. inquire of, consult, deity, oracle, etc.

. in weakened sense, seek, desire (late)

. ask for oneself

. . inquire carefully

. beg, practise beggary

. (prop. let one ask [successfully], give, or lend, on request, then) grant, make over to (as a favour, with or without request)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7592 sha'al shaw-al'

or shael {shaw-ale'}; a primitive root; to inquire; by

implication, to request; by extension, to demand:--ask

(counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand,

desire, X earnestly, enquire, + greet, obtain leave, lend,

pray, request, require, + salute, X straitly, X surely, wish.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁאַל (sha.al) — to ask.

1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to ask, ask for

1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow

1a3) to enquire, enquire of

1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle)

1a5) to seek

1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully

1c2) to beg, practise beggary

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to be given on request

1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to

Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Impv-2fs — Verb · Qal · imperative second person feminine singular
HVqv2fs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ask (sha'al "to inquire," "to seek for counsel," "to demand"): It is the word commonly used in the Old Testament and is equivalent to eperotao, "to request," used in the New Testament. It does not imply any inferiority on the part of the person asking (Ps 2:8). It is the Son who is bidden to ask, and therefore the word expresses the request of an equal. It has also the meaning "to inquire": "Wherefore .... ask after my name?" (Ge 32:29) signifying, "Surely you must know who I am." "Ye shall ask me no question" (Joh 16:23), i.e. "about the true meaning of My words, for all will then be clear to you" (Dummelow). aiteo, is the word commonly used with reference to prayer. It means "to ask," "to implore," and presents the…

and he said go ask for yourself vessels from the outside from with all neighbors your vessels empty may not you make few
לָ֤ךְlakh for yourself H9032 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

ךְ (kh) — you.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 2nd person feminine singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Sp2fs — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp2fs
and he said go ask for yourself vessels from the outside from with all neighbors your vessels empty may not you make few
כֵּלִים֙ke.Lim vessels H3627 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
325× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Tyndale gloss
article/utensil
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כְּלִי 324 n.m. article, utensil, vessel

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3627 כְּלִי article, utensil, vessel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3627 kliy kel-ee'

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

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

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

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

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

vessel, ware, weapon, + whatsoever.

see HEBREW for 03615

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כְּלִי (ke.li) — article/utensil.

1) article, vessel, implement, utensil

1a) article, object (general)

1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel

1b1) implement (of hunting or war)

1b2) implement (of music)

1b3) implement, tool (of labour)

1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen)

1b5) utensils, furniture

1c) vessel, receptacle (general)

1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
and he said go ask for yourself vessels from the outside from with all neighbors your vessels empty may not you make few
מִן־min- from H4480 Preposition
1,189× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Tyndale gloss
from
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word מִן־ (*min*) is a preposition meaning 'from' or 'out of,' indicating separation or origin. It covers various uses, including temporal references, comparisons, and causal relationships. Additionally, it can denote a portion when used as a noun מֵן (*men*). The entries highlight its versatility in expressing different nuances of separation and position.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִן־, and מִ, before יְ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not

with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal

from, against

מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from

of position, off, on the side of, on

Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex

Partitively

Of time—

as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since

as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after

towards, to

(וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to

In comparisons, beyond, above

מן is prefixed to an infin.:

with causal force, from, on account of, through

after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.

with a temporal force, since, after

Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that

In compounds:

base

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4480a מִן־, מִ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not . with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal . from, against

. מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from

. of position, off, on the side of, on

. Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex

. Partitively

. Of time— . as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since

. as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after

. towards, to

. (וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to

. In comparisons, beyond, above

. מן is prefixed to an infin.: . with causal force, from, on account of, through

. after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.

. with a temporal force, since, after

. Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4480 min min

or minniy {min-nee'}; or minney (constructive plural)

{min-nay'}; (Isaiah 30:11); for 4482; properly, a part of;

hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses (as

follows):--above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason

of), from (among), in, X neither, X nor, (out) of, over,

since, X then, through, X whether, with.

see HEBREW for 04482

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִן־ (min) — from.

prep

1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than

1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of

1b) out of

1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling)

1b2) (of material from which something is made)

1b3) (of source or origin)

1c) out of, some of, from (partitively)

1d) from, since, after (of time)

1e) than, more than (in comparison)

1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or

1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons)

1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive)

conj

2) that

Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

מֵן (men) — portion.

n.m.

portion

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
and he said go ask for yourself vessels from the outside from with all neighbors your vessels empty may not you make few
הַח֔וּץha.Chutz the outside H2351 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
164× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Tyndale gloss
outside
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חוּץ (chuwts) refers to the concept of being outside or outward, often associated with streets or highways. It is derived from a root meaning to sever, indicating separation by a wall. The term covers various contexts, including outdoors and fields.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חוּץ n.[m.] the outside, sts., esp. in pl., spec. a street

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2351 חוּץ

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2351 chuwts khoots

or (shortened) chuts {khoots}; (both forms feminine in the

plural) from an unused root meaning to sever; properly,

separate by a wall, i.e. outside, outdoors:--abroad, field,

forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חוּץ (chuts) — outside.

outside, outward, street, the outside

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTd/Ncmsa — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
and he said go ask for yourself vessels from the outside from with all neighbors your vessels empty may not you make few
מֵאֵ֖תme.'Et from with H854 Preposition · preposition
929× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Tyndale gloss
with
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֵת (eth) is a preposition indicating nearness or proximity, often translated as 'with' or 'near.' It conveys a sense of companionship or association, distinguishing itself from similar terms by expressing closer relationships. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, including possession and memory, but do not provide specific verse references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת, prep. with—prep. denoting proximity

Of companionship, together with

Of localities

אֵת פּ׳ denotes specially

in one's possession or keeping

in one's knowledge or memory

מֵאֵת from proximity with

Note. אֵת expresses closer association than עִם: hence while מֵעִם sts. denotes hardly more than from the surroundings or belongings of, מֵאֵת expresses from close proximity to.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H854 אֵת with—prep. denoting proximity . Of companionship, together with

. Of localities

. אֵת פּ׳ denotes specially . in one's possession or keeping

. in one's knowledge or memory

. מֵאֵת from proximity with

Note. אֵת expresses closer association than עִם: hence while מֵעִם sts. denotes hardly more than from the surroundings or belongings of, מֵאֵת expresses from close proximity to.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

854 'eth ayth

probably from 579; properly, nearness (used only as a

preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by,

at, among, etc.:--against, among, before, by, for, from,

in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional

prefix.

see HEBREW for 0579

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — with.

1) with, near, together with

1a) with, together with

1b) with (of relationship)

1c) near (of place)

1d) with (poss.)

1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/R — Preposition · preposition
HR/R
and he said go ask for yourself vessels from the outside from with all neighbors your vessels empty may not you make few
כָּל־kol- all H3605 Noun common · masculine singular construct
5,415× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Amplified meaning
every, the whole of
Tyndale gloss
all
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all

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

Absolutely:

without the art., all things, all

with the art. הַכֹּל

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

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

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

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

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3605 kol kole

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

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

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

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

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

whoso(-ever).

see HEBREW for 03634

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּל (kol) — all.

1) all, the whole

1a) all, the whole of

1b) any, each, every, anything

1c) totality, everything

Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

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

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

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

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

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

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

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he said go ask for yourself vessels from the outside from with all neighbors your vessels empty may not you make few
שְׁכֵנָ֑יִךְshikh.ni.khe neighbors your H7934 Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
20× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes someone who lives near you, like a neighbor or a fellow citizen. It's used in books like Genesis and Jeremiah to talk about the people around you.
Amplified meaning
fellow citizens, those living nearby
Tyndale gloss
neighboring
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׁכֵן (sha.khen) refers to an inhabitant or neighbor, derived from the root word for dwelling. It encompasses meanings related to residency and proximity, indicating a fellow citizen or someone living nearby.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁכֵן adj. inhabitant, neighbor

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7934 שָׁכֵן inhabitant, neighbor

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7934 shaken shaw-kane'

from 7931; a resident; by extension, a

fellow-citizen:--inhabitant, neighbour, nigh.

see HEBREW for 07931

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁכֵן (sha.khen) — neighboring.

1) inhabitant, neighbour

1a) inhabitant

1b) neighbour

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HNcmpc/Sp2fs
and he said go ask for yourself vessels from the outside from with all neighbors your vessels empty may not you make few
כֵּלִ֥יםke.Lim vessels H3627 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
325× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Tyndale gloss
article/utensil
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כְּלִי 324 n.m. article, utensil, vessel

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3627 כְּלִי article, utensil, vessel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3627 kliy kel-ee'

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

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

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

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

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

vessel, ware, weapon, + whatsoever.

see HEBREW for 03615

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כְּלִי (ke.li) — article/utensil.

1) article, vessel, implement, utensil

1a) article, object (general)

1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel

1b1) implement (of hunting or war)

1b2) implement (of music)

1b3) implement, tool (of labour)

1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen)

1b5) utensils, furniture

1c) vessel, receptacle (general)

1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmpa — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
and he said go ask for yourself vessels from the outside from with all neighbors your vessels empty may not you make few
רֵקִ֖יםre.Kim empty H7386 Adj
14× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word describes something that is empty or worthless, like an empty vessel or a person without value. It is used to emphasize the importance of being filled with purpose or meaning.
Amplified meaning
worthless, vacant
Tyndale gloss
worthless
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רֵיק (reyq) means empty or vain, often referring to something that is worthless or idle. It can describe physical emptiness, such as vessels, as well as ethical worthlessness. The word is derived from a root meaning to empty, and it appears in contexts that highlight its figurative implications.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[רֵיק], רֵק adj. empty, vain

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7386 [רֵיק], רֵק empty, vain

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7386 reyq rake

or (shorter) req {rake}; from 7324; empty; figuratively,

worthless:--emptied(-ty), vain (fellow, man).

see HEBREW for 07324

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רֵיק (req) — worthless.

1) empty, vain

1a) empty (of vessels)

1b) empty, idle, worthless (ethically)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAampa
and he said go ask for yourself vessels from the outside from with all neighbors your vessels empty may not you make few
אַל־'al- may not H408 Particle
724× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַל (al) is a negative particle meaning 'not' or 'no,' often used to express a wish or prohibition rather than an objective fact. It can also function as a noun meaning 'nothing.' The lexicons highlight its use in various contexts, including deprecative forms, but do not show significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H408 אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

408 'al al

a negative particle (akin to 3808); not (the qualified

negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun,

nothing:--nay, neither, + never, no ,nor, not, nothing

(worth), rather than.

see HEBREW for 03808

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַל (al) — not.

1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference)

1a) do not, let not (with a verb)

1b) let there not be (with a verb understood)

1c) not, no (with substantive)

1d) nothing (as substantive)

Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTn
and he said go ask for yourself vessels from the outside from with all neighbors your vessels empty may not you make few
תַּמְעִֽיטִי׃tam.'I.ti you make few H4591 Verb · Hiphil · imperfect second person feminine singular
22× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to make something smaller or less. It can describe reducing a quantity or making something less effective. The KJV translates it as diminish or make few.
Amplified meaning
collect, bring together, a small number, a limited amount
Tyndale gloss
to diminish
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word מָעַט (ma`at) means to diminish or become small. It can refer to being few in number or making something smaller or fewer. The entries indicate its use in various forms, including Qal, Piel, and Hiphil, covering both intransitive and causative meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[מָעַט] vb. be or become small, diminished, few

Qal be too small for a lamb

Pi. become few

Hiph. make small or few, diminish

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4591 מָעַט be or become small, diminished, few .be too small for a lamb

. become few

. make small or few, diminish

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4591 ma`at maw-at'

a primitive root; properly, to pare off, i.e. lessen;

intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few

(or figuratively, ineffective):--suffer to decrease,

diminish, (be, X borrow a, give, make) few (in number, -ness),

gather least (little), be (seem) little, (X give the) less, be

minished, bring to nothing.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָעַט (ma.at) — to diminish.

1) to be or become small, be few, be diminished

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to diminish

1a2) to be too small

1b) (Piel) to become few

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to make small, make few, diminish

1c2) to give less

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Juss-2fs — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect second person feminine singular
HVhi2fs
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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

Donate