2 Samuel 11:15 — Word Study
WLCוַיִּכְתֹּ֥ב בַּסֵּ֖פֶר לֵאמֹ֑ר הָב֣וּ אֶת־ אֽוּרִיָּ֗ה אֶל־ מוּל֙ פְּנֵ֤י הַמִּלְחָמָה֙ הַֽחֲזָקָ֔ה וְשַׁבְתֶּ֥ם מֵאַחֲרָ֖יו וְנִכָּ֥ה וָמֵֽת׃ ס
BSAIn the letterçêpher [written document, scroll] he wrotekâthab▸ Putyâhab UriahʼÛwrîyâh [God is my light, a prophet] atʼêl the frontmûwl [in the forefront, opposite] of the fiercestchâzâq [most severe, strongest] battlemilchâmâh [war, conflict] then withdrawshûwb [retreat, turn back] from himʼachar so that he may be struck downnâkâh [smitten, hit] and killedmûwth [die, meet his end]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיִּכְתֹּ֥ב | and he wrote | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| בַּסֵּ֖פֶר | in the letter | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| לֵאמֹ֑ר | saying | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
| הָב֣וּ | set | Verb, Qal, imperative second person masculine plural |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| אֽוּרִיָּ֗ה | Uriah | Noun proper masculine |
| אֶל־ | to | Preposition |
| מוּל֙ | [the] front of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| פְּנֵ֤י | [the] face of | Noun common, masculine plural construct |
| הַמִּלְחָמָה֙ | the battle | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| הַֽחֲזָקָ֔ה | severe | Particle |
| וְשַׁבְתֶּ֥ם | and you will turn back | Verb, Qal, sequential perfect second person masculine plural |
| מֵאַחֲרָ֖יו | from after him | Preposition, suffix |
| וְנִכָּ֥ה | and he will be struck down | Verb, Niphal, sequential perfect third person masculine singular |
| וָמֵֽת׃ ס | and he will die | Verb, Qal, sequential perfect third person masculine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | In the letter he wrote: “Put Uriah at the front of the fiercest battle; then withdraw from him, so that he may be struck down and killed.” |
| KJV | And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. |
| ASV | And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. |
| YLT | and he writeth in the letter, saying, 'Place ye Uriah over-against the front of the severest battle, and ye have turned back from after him, and he hath been smitten, and hath died.' |
| WEB | He wrote in the letter, saying, “Send Uriah to the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck and die.” |
| BBE | And in the letter he said, Take care to put Uriah in the very front of the line, where the fighting is most violent, and go back from him, so that he may be overcome and put to death. |
Where they part company is נִכָּ֥ה — see How Translations Differ.
The structure is complex, with one main clause followed by several commands and a purpose clause, indicating the calculated nature of David's orders.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbכָּתַב
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 Samuel 11:15
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 Death of Uriahgenerated
2 Samuel 11:15 shows David's manipulation as he instructs Joab to place Uriah in the fiercest part of the battle, ensuring his death. This act is a pivotal moment in David's narrative, revealing his moral decline and the consequences of his actions. The surrounding verses detail the aftermath of this decision, highlighting the tragic fate of Uriah and the impact on David's reign.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 11:17 | And when the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of David’s servants fell, and Uriah the Hittite also died. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 18:17–21 | Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” |
| 3 | Psalm 51:4–14 | Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 20:13 | Sing to the LORD! Praise the LORD! For He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 12:9 | Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own, for you have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — נִכָּ֥ה, ni.Kahgenerated
The verb נָכָה (*nakah*) means 'to strike' or 'to smite', and in this context, it indicates the violent action of causing death. The parsing as a Niphal verb shows that Uriah is the recipient of this action, emphasizing his victimization.
This word captures the gravity of David's command, as it implies a deliberate act of violence against Uriah, who is placed in a position to be struck down. The use of this verb underscores the severity of the situation and David's culpability.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In the Berean Standard Bible, the phrase 'and he will be struck down' is used, which aligns with the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is יִּכְתֹּ֥ב, he wrote, which governs the entire clause. This structure shows that the letter is central to the action being described.
The sentence includes several phrases that provide details about the content of the letter, including a prepositional phrase indicating the object of the writing and a series of commands that follow, creating a complex yet cohesive command structure.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates נִכָּ֥ה as πληγήσεται, meaning 'he will be struck'. This choice emphasizes the violent action intended against Uriah, aligning closely with the Hebrew meaning but also suggesting a broader interpretation of injury.
The LXX's rendering shows an understanding of the severity of the command, framing it within the context of divine judgment that often accompanies such actions in biblical narratives.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
2 Samuel 11:15 recounts how David wrote a letter instructing Joab to place Uriah in the most dangerous part of the battle, ensuring he would be killed. This action reveals David's treachery and the lengths he would go to cover his sin.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
David's command shows a significant moral failing, as he is willing to sacrifice Uriah to hide his own wrongdoing.
This moment marks a turning point in David's reign, leading to personal and national consequences as a result of his sin.
Uriah's fate serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of betrayal and the impact of one person's decisions on others.
This passage highlights the tension between human actions and divine justice, as David's sin will eventually lead to his own judgment.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are the implications of David's actions for his leadership and moral authority?
- How can we guard against the temptation to justify unethical decisions in our own lives?
- In what ways does this story challenge our understanding of justice and mercy?
- How can we respond when we see betrayal or injustice in our communities?
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 2 Samuel 11:15 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd he wrote in the letter, saying,.... Giving the following orders to Joab: set ye Uriah is the forefront of the hottest battle: over against that part of the city where the enemy was strongest, and
Read John Gill on 2 Samuel 11 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. Set ye Uriah in the fore front of the hottest battle.
Read Robert Jamieson on 2 Samuel 11 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleSo far is David from repenting upon these just and great occasions, that he seeks to cover one sin with another; and to hide his adultery with murder, even the murder of a most excellent person, and that in a most malicious and perfidious manner.
Read Matthew Poole on 2 Samuel 11 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments2 Samuel 11:15 And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.Ver. 15. Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle.] Here David schemes it indeed with hellish skill: little thinking how heavily this crimson sin would shortly lie upon his conscience, putting him to no less pain than if all his bones had been broken. Joab possibly might not know the cause of this bloody letter, but gather by it that Uriah had some way deserved death, howbeit he could not but know that by the law none should be put to death without witnesses, two or three, produced against him; his obedience, therefore, to…
Read John Trapp on 2 Samuel 11 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(15) Retire ye from him.—This part of David’s orders was not carried out. Perhaps Joab thought it would make the stratagem too evident, or perhaps it was impracticable. At all events, the consequence was that others were slain with Uriah, and thus a larger blood-guiltiness fell upon David.
Read Charles John Ellicott on 2 Samuel 11 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges15. that he may be smitten, and die] So blinded was David by his passion, and so eager to screen himself and Bath-sheba from the disgrace of exposure, that he did not shrink from plotting the murder of one of his bravest soldiers. The King’s command was sufficient warrant to Joab, without inquiry into the reason for it.
Read Cambridge on 2 Samuel 11 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible15. That he may be smitten — By a similar device Saul had once sought the bringing about of David’s death. Comp. 1 Samuel 18:17; 1 Samuel 18:25.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on 2 Samuel 11 →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
In the letter he wrote: “Put Uriah at the front of the fiercest battle; then withdraw from him, so that he may be struck down and killed.”
He wrote in the letter, saying, “Send Uriah to the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck and die.”
In the letter he wrote: “Put Uriah at the front of the fiercest battle; then withdraw from him, so that he may be struck down and killed.”
In the letter he wrote: “Station Uriah in the thick of the battle and then withdraw from him so he will be cut down and killed.”
Tyndale line
And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.
And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.
And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.
And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the front of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.
And he wrote thus in the letter, Put ye Vriah in the forefront of the strength of the battell, and recule ye backe from him, that he may be smitten, and die.
Strictly literal
And he wrote in the letter saying, Set Urijah in the front of the thickest fight, and withdraw from him, that he may be smitten and die.
and he writeth in the letter, saying, 'Place ye Uriah over-against the front of the severest battle, and ye have turned back from after him, and he hath been smitten, and hath died.'
and he writes in the letter, saying, “Place Uriah in front of the face of the most severe battle, and you have turned back from after him, and he has been struck, and has died.”
And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set Uriyah in front, opposite to the hottest fight, and then withdraw from behind him, that he may be smitten and die.
David wrote in the letter saying, “Set Uriah at the very front of the most intense battle, and then withdraw from him, that he may be hit and killed.”
From the Latin
Writing in the letter: Set ye Urias in the front of the battle, where the fight is strongest: and leave ye him, that he may be wounded and die.
Simplified
In the letter, David told Joab, “Put Uriah right in the front where the fighting is worst, and then pull back behind him so that he'll be attacked and killed.”
And in the letter he said, Take care to put Uriah in the very front of the line, where the fighting is most violent, and go back from him, so that he may be overcome and put to death.
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 presents the verse as it stands, while the Septuagint matches 11 of the 15 words, indicating a close relationship between the two texts. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain fragments that support the MT but show some editorial restoration.
וַיִּכְתֹּ֥ב בַּסֵּ֖פֶר לֵאמֹ֑ר הָב֣וּ אֶת־ אֽוּרִיָּ֗ה אֶל־ מוּל֙ פְּנֵ֤י הַמִּלְחָמָה֙ הַֽחֲזָקָ֔ה וְשַׁבְתֶּ֥ם מֵאַחֲרָ֖יו וְנִכָּ֥ה וָמֵֽת׃ ס
11 of the 15 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
[מאחרי׳ו] [ונכה] [ומת]
3 words of the verse are on this fragment — 3 supplied entire by an editor.
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 Samuel 11:15
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.
The Hebrew word כָּתַב (*kathab*) means 'to write' and encompasses various forms of writing, including recording, enrolling, and decreeing. It can also refer to something being written or recorded. The entries indicate that it is a primitive root with frequent usage in different contexts.
כָּתַב 223 vb. write
Qal
write
= write down, describe in writing
= register, enroll
= decree
Niph.
be written
= be written down, recorded
Pi. frequent.
base
H3789 כָּתַב write .. write
. = write down, describe in writing
. = register, enroll
. = decree
. . be written
. = be written down, recorded
. frequent.
3789 kathab kaw-thab'
a primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write
(describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe):--describe, record,
prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten).
כָּתַב (ka.tav) — to write.
1) to write, record, enrol
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on
1a2) to write down, describe in writing
1a3) to register, enrol, record
1a4) to decree
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be written
1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled
1c) (Piel) to continue writing
Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
סֵ֫פֶר (cepher) refers to a writing or document, encompassing meanings such as book, scroll, and missive. It can denote various types of texts, including legal documents, genealogical records, and scripture. The feminine form, סִפְרָה (siphrah), also signifies a book. Notably, it appears in contexts related to preservation and communication.
סֵ֫פֶר 185 n.m. missive, document, writing, book
missive
legal document
book or scroll, in which something is written to preserve it for future use
base
[סִפְרָה] n.f. book;—sf. ψ 56:9
ref
H5612a סֵ֫פֶר missive, document, writing, book . missive
. legal document
. book or scroll, in which something is written to preserve it for future use
H5612b סִפְרָה book
5612 cepher say'-fer
or (feminine) ciphrah (Psa. 56:8 (9)) {sif-raw'}; from 5608;
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a
book:--bill, book, evidence, X learn(-ed) (-ing), letter,
register, scroll.
see HEBREW for 09
see HEBREW for 05608
סֵ֫פֶר (se.pher) — scroll: document.
: document
1) missive, document, writing, book
1a) missive
1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree
1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign
1c) book, scroll
1c1) book of prophecies
1c2) genealogical register
1c3) law-book
1c4) book (of poems)
1c5) book (of kings)
1c6) books of the canon, scripture
1c7) record book (of God)
1d) book-learning, writing
1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
סִפְרָה (siph.rah) — scroll.
book
סֵ֫פֶר (se.pher) — scroll: book.
: book
1) missive, document, writing, book
1a) missive
1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree
1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign
1c) book, scroll
1c1) book of prophecies
1c2) genealogical register
1c3) law-book
1c4) book (of poems)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
let'-er.
See EPISTLE.
Letter
In Rom. 2:27, 29 means the outward form. The “oldness of the letter” (7:6) is a phrase which denotes the old way of literal outward obedience to the law as a system of mere external rules of conduct. In 2 Cor. 3:6, “the letter” means the Mosaic law as a written law. (See WRITING.)
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)
HR/Vqcc — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHR/Vqcc
יָהַב (yahab) is a Hebrew verb meaning to give, with various nuances including to set, provide, and ascribe glory. It can also imply granting or permitting something. The entries highlight its use in both literal and figurative contexts, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.
[יָהַב] vb. give
give
= set
with reflex. = provide
ascribe glory, etc.
= come now (orig. grant, permit)
base
H3051 יָהַב give . give
. = set
. with reflex. = provide
. ascribe glory, etc.
. = come now (orig. grant, permit)
3051 yahab yaw-hab'
a primitive root; to give (whether literal or figurative);
generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come:--ascribe,
bring, come on, give, go, set, take.
יָהַב (ya.hav) — to give.
1) to give, provide, ascribe, come
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to give
1a2) to set, place
1a3) to provide (with reflexive)
1a4) to ascribe (glory)
1a5) to grant, permit, come now
Aramaic equivalent: ye.hav (יְהַב "to give" H3052)
V-Qal-Impv-2mp — Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine pluralHVqv2mp
Few words in the English language have such a rich variety of meaning and are used in so rich a variety of idiomatic expression as the word "set." A glance at any of the great dictionaries will convince anyone of the truth of this statement. The Standard Dictionary devotes three and a half columns to the word. In its primary meaning it there denotes 22 distinct things, in its secondary meaning 17 more, while 18 distinct phrases are given in which it is used, in some cases again in a variety of meanings. It is indeed a word calculated to drive a foreigner to despair. Some 70 Hebrew and about 30 Greek words in the original tongues of the Holy Scriptures have been rendered by the word "set," in the King James Version and also in the Revised Version (British and American). A careful comparative study of the original and of translations in other tongues will at once indicate that a lack of…
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HTo — ParticleHTo
אוּרִיָּה (Uwriyah) means "flame of Jah" or "my light is Yah." It refers to several individuals, including a Hittite husband of Bathsheba and a prophet slain by Jehoiakim. The name appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, with specific mentions in 2 Samuel, Jeremiah, and Nehemiah.
אוּרִיָּה n.pr.m. (flame of Yah or my light is Yah v. יָהּ).
Hittite husband of Bathsheba
priest in reign of Ahaz
priest in time of Nehemiah
base
אוּרִיָּ֫הוּ n.pr.m. (flame of Yahweh or my light is Yahweh v. יהוה) a prophet slain by Jehoiakim Je 26:20.
done
H223a אוּרִיָּה H223b אוּרִיָּ֫הוּ
223 'Uwriyah oo-ree-yaw'
or (prolonged) Uwriyahuw {oo-ree-yaw'-hoo}; from 217 and
3050; flame of Jah; Urijah, the name of one Hittite and five
Israelites:--Uriah, Urijah.
see HEBREW for 0217
see HEBREW for 03050
אוּרִיָּה (u.riy.yah) — Uriah.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.11.3; married to Bathsheba (H1339)
Also named: Ourias (Οὐρίας "Uriah" G3774)
§ Uriah or Urijah = "Jehovah (Yahweh) is my light (flame)"
1) Hittite husband of Bathsheba
2) a priest who built king Ahaz' heathen altar
3) a priest who rebuilt Jerusalem's wall
אוּרִיָּ֫הוּ (u.riy.ya.hu) — Uriah.
A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.26.20;
son of: Shemaiah (H8098X)
§ Uriah or Urijah = "Jehovah (Yahweh) is my light (flame)"
a prophet slain by Jehoiakim
אוּרִיָּה (u.riy.yah) — Uriah.
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.16.10
§ Uriah or Urijah = "Jehovah (Yahweh) is my light (flame)"
a prophet slain by Jehoiakim
אוּרִיָּה (u.riy.yah) — Uriah.
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
Uriah
The Lord is my light. (1.) A Hittite, the husband of Bathsheba, whom David first seduced, and then after Uriah’s death married. He was one of the band of David’s “mighty men.” The sad story of the curel wrongs inflicted upon him by David and of his mournful death are simply told in the sacred record (2 Sam. 11:2-12:26). (See BATHSHEBA; DAVID.)
(light of Jehovah). One of the thirty commanders of the thirty bands into which the Israelite army of David was divided. (1 Chronicles 11:41; 2 Samuel 23:39) Like others of David’s officers he was a foreigner--a Hittite. His name, however and his manner of speech (2 Samuel 11:11) indicate that he had adopted the Jewish religion. He married Bath-sheba a woman of extraordinary beauty, the daughter of Eliam--possibly the same as the son of Ahithophel, and one of his brother officers, (2 Samuel 23:34) and hence, perhaps, Uriah’s first acquaintance with Bath-sheba. It may be inferred from Nathan’s parable, (2 Samuel 12:3)…
A Hittie in David’s army, renowned for his valor. To save Bathsheba Uriah’s wife from death for adultery, and secure her for himself, David caused Uriah to be exposed to death, 2Sa 11:1-27; 12:9; 23:29; 1Ki 15:5.
or Urijah, the Lord is my light or fire
The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),
prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place
Where the limit is actually entered, into
Of direction towards anything
Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
Of rule or standard according to (rare)
Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
base
H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place
. Where the limit is actually entered, into
. Of direction towards anything
. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
. Of rule or standard according to (rare)
. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
413 'el ale
(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});
a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but
occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or
among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,
against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,
by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,
over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,
with(-in).
אֶל (el) — to(wards).
1) to, toward, unto (of motion)
2) into (limit is actually entered)
2a) in among
3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)
4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)
5) in addition to, to
6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of
7) according to (rule or standard)
8) at, by, against (of one's presence)
9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Prep — PrepositionHR
מוּל (mul) means 'front' or 'in front of,' and is used adverbially to indicate position or direction. It can refer to being opposite or toward the front of something. The word is derived from a root meaning 'abrupt' or 'precipice,' and appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, such as in Deuteronomy 1:1 and Numbers 22:5.
מוּל, מוֹל, מוֹאל subst. and prep. front, in front of
base
H4136 מוּל, מוֹל, מוֹאל front, in front of
4136 muwl mool
or mowl (Deuteronomy 1:1) {mole}; or mowtl (Nehemiah 12:38)
{mole}; or mul (Numbers 22:5) {mool}; from 4135; properly,
abrupt, i.e. a precipice; by implication, the front; used only
adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite:--(over)
against, before, (fore-)front, from, (God-)ward, toward, with.
see HEBREW for 04135
מוּל (mul) — opposite.
1) front
1a) front
1b) in the opposite direction
prep
2) in front of
2a) in front of
2b) (with prefix)
2b1) towards the front of, to the front of, on the front of
2b2) from the front of, off the front of, close in front of, on the forefront of
Prep — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.
[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces
face, faces
presence, person
technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
face of seraphim
face of animals
face (= surface) of ground
as adv.loc. before
for other phrases
with prepositions
base
H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces
. . presence, person
. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
. face of seraphim
. face of animals
. face (= surface) of ground
. as adv. loc. before
. for other phrases
. with prepositions
6440 paniym paw-neem'
plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh
{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);
used in a great variety of applications (literally and
figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a
preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),
against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),
+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,
face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er
time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +
honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +
meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,
open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,
presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right
forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,
X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.
: before/to/front
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.
: face
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…
HNcmpc — Noun common · masculine plural constructHNcmpc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
מִלְחָמָה (milchamah) means 'battle' or 'war.' It is derived from the root word for fighting and encompasses both specific engagements and the broader concept of warfare. The entries consistently define it in this way, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
מִלְחָמָה 319 n.f. battle, war
base
H4421 מִלְחָמָה battle, war
4421 milchamah mil-khaw-maw'
from 3898 (in the sense of fighting); a battle (i.e. the
engagement); generally, war (i.e. warfare):--battle,
fight(-ing), war((-rior)).
see HEBREW for 03898
מִלְחָמָה (mil.cha.mah) — battle.
battle, war
Art | N-fs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
See WAR.
חָזָק (chazaq) means strong, stout, or mighty, often with a connotation of severity or hardness. It can also refer to a strong person as a noun. The word is built from a root that suggests strength in various contexts, including boldness and violence.
חָזָק adj. strong, stout, mighty
strong
as subst., a strong one
base
H2389 חָזָק strong, stout, mighty . strong
. as subst., a strong one
2389 chazaq khaw-zawk'
from 2388; strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold,
violent):--harder, hottest, + impudent, loud, mighty, sore,
stiff(-hearted), strong(-er).
see HEBREW for 02388
חָזָק (cha.zaq) — strong.
1) strong, stout, mighty
1a) strong
1a1) severe, sharp, hot
1a2) firm, hard
1b) a strong one (subst)
Art | Adj — ParticleHTd/Aafsa
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)
Conj | V-Qal-2mp — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect second person masculine pluralHc/Vqq2mp
The Hebrew word אַחַר (*achar*) primarily denotes the concept of 'after' or 'behind' in both spatial and temporal contexts. It functions as a substantive, adverb, preposition, and conjunction, indicating a following part or time. The related form אַחֲרַי (*acharai*) refers to a person who turns backwards. There is a reference to Proverbs 28:23 in relation to the latter.
אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part
adv.
of place, behind
of time, afterwards
prep.
of place, behind, after
of time, after
conj. after that.
H310a אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part . adv. . of place, behind
. of time, afterwards
. prep. . of place, behind, after
. of time, after
. conj. after that.
H310b אַחֲרַי a man that turneth backwards.
310 'achar akh-ar'
from 309; properly, the hind part; generally used as an
adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses):--after
(that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side),
behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from,
hereafter, hinder end, + out (over) live, + persecute,
posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth),
when, with.
see HEBREW for 0309
אַחַר (a.char) — after.
1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time)
1a) as an adverb
1a1) behind (of place)
1a2) afterwards (of time)
1b) as a preposition
1b1) behind, after (of place)
1b2) after (of time)
1b3) besides
1c) as a conjunction
1c) after that
1d) as a substantive
1d1) hinder part
1e) with other prepositions
1e1) from behind
1e2) from following after
אַחֲרַי (a.cha.ray) — backwards.
backwards (of a man that turns backwards)
Prep | Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffixHR/Acmpc/Sp3ms
נָכָה (nakah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to strike or smite, encompassing a range of actions from lightly hitting to fatal blows. It appears in various forms, indicating actions like attacking, punishing, or causing disease. The entries suggest its use in both literal and figurative contexts, including divine judgment and applause. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
[נָכָה] 501 vb. smite (not in Qal)
Niph. and he shall be smitten [struck by weapon in battle] and die
Pu. both be smitten down by the hail
Hiph.
lit., smite (with a single, non-fatal, blow), strike
smite repeatedly, beat a man
and they clapped hands (in applause)
give a thrust (with fork) into pot; strike roots
rarely smite (in battle) so as (merely) to wound
smite, of sun
Smite fatally
Smite = attack, attack and destroy a company
Of God
smite with a plague, disease, etc.
smite = chastise, or send judgment upon
of God’s destroying palaces
Hoph. be smitten
base
H5221 נָכָה smite (not in Qal) . and he shall be smitten [struck by weapon in battle] and die
. both be smitten down by the hail
. . . lit., smite (with a single, non-fatal, blow), strike
. smite repeatedly, beat a man
. and they clapped hands (in applause)
. give a thrust (with fork) into pot; strike roots
. rarely smite (in battle) so as (merely) to wound
. smite, of sun
. Smite fatally
. Smite = attack, attack and destroy a company
. Of God . smite with a plague, disease, etc.
. smite = chastise, or send judgment upon
. of God’s destroying palaces
. be smitten
5221 nakah naw-kaw'
a primitive root; to strike (lightly or severely, literally
or figuratively):--beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), X
go forward, X indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer,
punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike,
be stricken, (give) stripes, X surely, wound.
נָכָה (na.khah) — to smite.
1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill
1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten
1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust
1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast)
1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage
1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy
1d) (Hophal) to be smitten
1d1) to receive a blow
1d2) to be wounded
1d3) to be beaten
1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain
1d5) to be attacked and captured
1d6) to be smitten (with disease)
1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Conj | V-Niphal-3ms — Verb · Niphal · sequential perfect third person masculine singularHc/VNq3ms
מוּת (mūth) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to die' or 'to kill.' It encompasses a range of meanings from dying naturally to being executed as a penalty. The word can refer to both humans and animals, and it includes various forms such as causing death or being killed. There is a distinction in usage based on the subject, whether it is a person or God inflicting death.
מוּת vb. die
Qal
die, of natural or other causes
die as a penalty = be put to death
Po‛lel. kill, put to death, despatch (intens.)
Hiph.
abs., elsewhere c. acc., subj. man
subj. God, by inflicting penalty
of animals killing men
bring to a premature death
Hoph. be killed, put to death
base
H4191 מוּת die .. die, of natural or other causes
. die as a penalty = be put to death
. kill, put to death, despatch (intens.)
. . abs., elsewhere c. acc., subj. man
. subj. God, by inflicting penalty
. of animals killing men
. bring to a premature death
. be killed, put to death
4191 muwth mooth
a primitive root: to die (literally or figuratively);
causatively, to kill:--X at all, X crying, (be) dead (body,
man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to,
be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), X must needs,
slay, X surely, X very suddenly, X in (no) wise.
מוּת (mut) — to die.
1) to die, kill, have one executed
1a)(Qal)
1a1) to die
1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death
1a3) to die, perish (of a nation)
1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct)
1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch
1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death
1d) (Hophal)
1d1) to be killed, be put to death
1d1a) to die prematurely
Conj | V-Qal-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqq3ms
(muth, gawa`; apothnesko, teleutao): "To die," etc., is of very frequent occurrence, and in the Old Testament is generally the translation of muth, meaning perhaps originally, "to be stretched out" or "prostrate." "To die," should be the consequence of eating the forbidden fruit (Ge 2:17; compare Ge 20:7; 2Ki 1:4,6). "Die" is commonly used of natural death (Ge 5:8; 25:8). It is used also of violent death (Ge 26:9,11; Ex 21:20); punitive (Ex 19:12; 21:12,14; 28:43; Nu…