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2 Samuel 18:23 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוִיהִי־ מָ֣ה אָר֔וּץ וַיֹּ֥אמֶר ל֖וֹ ר֑וּץ וַיָּ֤רָץ אֲחִימַ֙עַץ֙ דֶּ֣רֶךְ הַכִּכָּ֔ר וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֖ר אֶת־ הַכּוּשִֽׁי׃

BSANo matter whatmâh [regardless of the outcome] I want to runrûwts [to rush, to move quickly] he repliedhâyâh Then runrûwts [go, start running] Joab toldʼâmar So AhimaazʼĂchîymaʻats [my brother is anger] ranrûwts by wayderek of the plainkikkâr [the lowland road, the valley] and outranʻâbar [overtook, passed by] the CushiteKûwshîy [the Ethiopian, a descendant of Cush]

Word
Listen & take away2 Samuel 18
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 23 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 (ha.ku.Shi) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
2 Samuel 18:23quick helps
In a sentenceAhimaaz insists on running to deliver news, despite Joab's concerns.
Who is speakingAhimaaz, son of Zadok, speaking to Joab.
Where we areThe moment before a race to deliver news, with a sense of urgency.
The hard wordאָר֔וּץ
Take awayAhimaaz's determination to run shows his eagerness to participate.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectמָה verbרוּץ 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 Samuel 18:23

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 Pursuit of Newsgenerated

22Ahimaaz son of Zadok, however, persisted and said to Joab, “Regardless of whatever may happen, please let me also run behind the Cushite!” “My son,” Joab replied, “why do you want to run, since you will not receive a reward?”
23“No matter what, I want to run!” he replied. “Then run!” Joab told him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.
24Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone.
25So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near,

2 Samuel 18:23 captures a moment of urgency and determination as Ahimaaz expresses his desire to run and deliver news to David. This scene unfolds in the context of a battle, where news of victory or defeat is crucial. Ahimaaz's eagerness contrasts with Joab's caution, highlighting the tension between personal ambition and the realities of the situation.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1John 20:4The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 1 reference, hung on the phrase they belong to

overran CushiJohn 20:4

The Key Word אָר֔וּץ, 'a.Rutzgenerated

The verb רוּץ (rutz) means to run, conveying a sense of urgency and speed. It is a primitive root that encompasses various forms of running, including running swiftly or causing someone to run away. In this verse, it reflects Ahimaaz's eagerness to deliver important news, emphasizing his determination and willingness to act quickly.

The parsing shows that אָר֔וּץ is in the imperfect tense, first person common singular, indicating a future action that Ahimaaz is committed to undertaking. This choice underscores his readiness to act, regardless of the outcome.


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 verse consists of multiple clauses, with the main verb יֹּ֥אמֶר (he said) governing the structure. It is followed by a direct address to Joab and the imperative רוּץ (run), indicating urgency.

The sequence of actions shows Ahimaaz's determination: he expresses his desire to run, Joab responds, and then Ahimaaz runs, illustrating a clear progression of thought and action.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates אָר֔וּץ as δραμοῦμαι, which carries the same meaning of running. This choice maintains the urgency of the original Hebrew but reflects the Greek's own nuances in conveying speed and action.

The translation choice indicates a direct correspondence in meaning, ensuring that the sense of Ahimaaz's eagerness is preserved in the Greek text.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

2 Samuel 18:23 shows Ahimaaz's determination to run and deliver news, despite Joab's concerns. He insists on running by the plain and successfully outruns the Cushite, demonstrating his eagerness and urgency in the situation.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What motivates Ahimaaz to run?

Ahimaaz is motivated by a strong desire to deliver news, regardless of the outcome, showing his eagerness to participate in the events unfolding.

What does Joab think about Ahimaaz running?

Joab questions Ahimaaz's desire to run, suggesting that he may not receive a reward for his efforts, indicating a concern for the risks involved.

What is the significance of the plain in this context?

The plain represents a direct and possibly faster route for Ahimaaz to take, emphasizing his urgency to reach David with the news.

How does the running motif appear elsewhere in the Bible?

Running is often used in the Bible to symbolize urgency, action, and the pursuit of a goal, as seen in various narratives and parables.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What drives my own eagerness to share important news or information?
  2. How do I respond to challenges or obstacles when pursuing a goal?
  3. In what ways can I show determination in my daily life, similar to Ahimaaz?
  4. What lessons can I learn from Joab's caution regarding Ahimaaz's desire to run?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on 2 Samuel 18:23 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

But howsoever ([said he]) let me run,.... Be it as it may, I beg I may have leave; and being so very importunate, it was granted: and he said unto him, run; since he would take no denial: then

Read John Gill on 2 Samuel 18 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi. By the way of the plain - or 'ciccar,' circle.

Read Robert Jamieson on 2 Samuel 18 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

The way of the plain was the smoother and easier, though the longer way.

Read Matthew Poole on 2 Samuel 18 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

2 Samuel 18:23 But howsoever, [said he], let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.Ver. 23. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain.] Which was the nearest way, though farthest about.

Read John Trapp on 2 Samuel 18 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(23) By the way of the plain.—The word used here is generally applied to the valley of the Jordan and hence it has been argued that the battle could not have been fought on the eastern side of the river, since, in that case, Ahimaaz could not have reached Mahanaim by the Jordan valley except by a long and tedious detour. But the word simply means circuit, or surrounding country, and is used in Nehemiah 12:28 for the country about Jerusalem. Here it means that Ahimaaz ran “by the way of the circuit,” i.e., in all probability, by a longer but smoother road than that taken by the Cushite, so that he was able to outrun him.

Read Charles John Ellicott on 2 Samuel 18 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

23. by the way of the plain] “The plain” (Heb. kikkar) is the technical term for the floor of the valley through which the Jordan runs. In our ignorance of the exact position of the battlefield, we cannot trace the routes taken by the rival runners with certainty. But in all probability what is meant is that Ahimaaz struck down into the Jordan valley, and ran by a longer but easier route to Mahanaim, while the Cushite took the direct but more difficult route over the hills.

Read Cambridge on 2 Samuel 18 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The plain - The floor of the valley through which the Jordan runs. The Cushite did not run by that road, but took the road over the hills, which may well have been the shorter but also the more difficult road.

Read Albert Barnes on 2 Samuel 18 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

23. Ran by the way of the plain — He seems to have understood the routes better than Cushi, and also to have been a swifter runner. What plain is here intended is not clear.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on 2 Samuel 18 →

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

“No matter what, I want to run!” he replied. “Then run!” Joab told him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

“But come what may,” he said, “I will run.” He said to him, “Run!” Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and outran the Cushite.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

“No matter what, I want to run!” he replied. “Then run!” Joab told him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.

NETBNew English Translation2006

But he said, “Whatever happens, I want to go!” So Joab said to him, “Then go!” So Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Jordan plain, and he passed the Cushite.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

But come what may, said he, I will run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and outran the Cushite.

RVARevised Version, American1894

But come what may, said he, I will run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and overran the Cushite.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

But however, said he , let me run. And he said to him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outran Cushi.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Yet what if I runne? Then he saide vnto him, Runne. So Ahimaaz ranne by the way of the plaine, and ouerwent Cushi.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

— But, come what may, let me run. And he said to him, Run. And Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outstripped the Cushite.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

'And, whatever it be, [said he,] let me run.' And he saith to him, 'Run;' and Ahimaaz runneth the way of the circuit, and passeth by the Cushite.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

“And whatever happens,” he said, “let me run.” And he says to him, “Run”; and Ahimaaz runs the way of the circuit, and passes by the Cushite.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

But be it as it may, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. And Achima'az ran by the way of the plain, and passed the Cushi.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

“Whatever happens,” said Ahimaaz, “I will run.” So Joab answered him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outran the Cushite.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

He answered: But what if I run? And he said to him: Run. Then Achimaas running by a nearer way passed Chusai.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

“Doesn't matter, I want to run anyway,” he said. “Fine, start running!” Joab told him. Ahimaaz took the route over flatter ground and overtook the Ethiopian.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Whatever may come of it, he said, I will go. Then he said to him, Go. So Ahimaaz went running by the lowland road and overtook the Cushite.

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.

וִandclauseverbיהִיmay.it.besubjectמָ֣הwhateverclauseverbאָר֔וּץI.will.runוַandclauseverbיֹּ֥אמֶרhe.saidprepositional phrase · prepositionalל֖toוֹhimclauseverbר֑וּץrunוַandclauseverbיָּ֤רָץhe.ransubjectאֲחִימַ֨עַץ֙Ahimaaznoun phrase · adverbialדֶּ֣רֶךְthe.waynoun phraseהַofכִּכָּ֔רthe.plainוַֽandclauseverbיַּעֲבֹ֖רhe.passed.bynoun phrase · adverbialאֶת(et)noun phraseהַtheכּוּשִֽׁיCushite

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 this passage, with 12 of the 13 words matched. The differences lie in the word order and the articles used in the Septuagint, which reflect its own syntactical structure.

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

וִיהִי־ מָ֣ה אָר֔וּץ וַיֹּ֥אמֶר ל֖וֹ ר֑וּץ וַיָּ֤רָץ אֲחִימַ֙עַץ֙ דֶּ֣רֶךְ הַכִּכָּ֔ר וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֖ר אֶת־ הַכּוּשִֽׁי׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וִיהִי־γὰρמָ֣הἐὰνאָר֔וּץδραμοῦμαιוַיֹּ֥אמֶרεἶπενל֖וֹαὐτῷר֑וּץδράμεוַיָּ֤רָץἔδραμενאֲחִימַ֙עַץ֙αξιμααςדֶּ֣רֶךְὁδὸνהַכִּכָּ֔רτὴνוַֽיַּעֲבֹ֖רὑπερέβηהַכּוּשִֽׁי׃ξουσι

12 of the 13 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 Samuel 18:23הָיָהand may it and may it beהָיָהמָהwhateverwhateverמָהרוּץI will runI will runרוּץאָמַרand he saidand he saidאָמַרוֹto himto himוֹרוּץrunrunרוּץרוּץand he ranand he ranרוּץאֲחִימַ֫עַץAhimaazAhimaazאֲחִימַ֫עַץדֶּ֫רֶךְ[the] way o[the] way ofדֶּ֫רֶךְכִּכָּרthe plainthe plainכִּכָּרעָבַרand he passand he passed bעָבַראֵתthe object the object markאֵתכּוּשִׁיthe Cushitethe Cushiteכּוּשִׁיאָחbrother: mbrother: male-sאָחדָּרַךְto treadto treadדָּרַךְכָּרַרto danceto danceכָּרַראוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתכּוּשׁEthiopiaEthiopiaכּוּשׁהָוָאto fallto fallהָוָאקָרָאto encountto encounter: mקָרָאכָּ֫כָהthusthusכָּ֫כָהפָּעַלto workto workפָּעַלכֹּהthusthusכֹּהיהוהYHWH/GodYHWH/Godיהוהמְרוּצָהrunningrunningמְרוּצָהעַ֫יִןעַ֫יִןפָּנָהCorner (GaCorner (Gate)פָּנָהצָפוֹןZaphonZaphonצָפוֹןכֶּ֫סֶףsilver: mosilver: moneyכֶּ֫סֶףיַרְדֵןJordanJordanיַרְדֵןחָלַץto rescueto rescueחָלַץ
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 Samuel 18:23

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 may it be whatever I will run and he said to him run and he ran Ahimaaz [the] way of the plain and he passed by the object marker the Cushite
וִיהִי־vi.hi- and may it be H1961 Conjunction · verb qal jussive third person masculine singular
3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Tyndale gloss
to be
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be

Qal

Fall out, happen

occur, take place, come about, come to pass

esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass

וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

Come into being, become

abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

sq. prep.

become

sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

sq. pred. adj.

become like

sq. pred. לְ pers.

sq. לְ pred.

oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.

with עַל and לְ

sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)

exist, be in existence

abide, remain, continue

with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie

as copula, joining subj. & pred.

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen

. occur, take place, come about, come to pass

. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

. sq. prep.

. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

. sq. pred. adj.

. become like

. sq. pred. + לְ pers.

. sq. לְ pred.

. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.

. with עַל and לְ

. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence

. abide, remain, continue

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1961 hayah haw-yaw

a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,

come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or

auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,

committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,

fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit

(one-)self, require, X use.

see HEBREW for 01933

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.

1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) ---

1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass

1a1b) to come about, come to pass

1a2) to come into being, become

1a2a) to arise, appear, come

1a2b) to become

1a2b1) to become

1a2b2) to become like

1a2b3) to be instituted, be established

1a3) to be

1a3a) to exist, be in existence

1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)

1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)

1a3d) to accompany, be with

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about

1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms — Conjunction · verb qal jussive third person masculine singular
HC/Vqj3ms
and may it be whatever I will run and he said to him run and he ran Ahimaaz [the] way of the plain and he passed by the object marker the Cushite
מָ֣הmah whatever H4100 Pronoun
753× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Amplified meaning
regardless of the outcome
Tyndale gloss
what?
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מָה (mah) is a Hebrew word primarily used as an interrogative particle meaning 'what?' or 'how?'. It can also function as an indefinite pronoun, encompassing meanings like 'anything' or 'whatever'. The word is versatile, appearing in various adverbial forms and often used with prefixes to express different nuances, such as reason or manner.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מָה, rarely מָה־, מַה־, מַה‍ּ, מֶה, מַ‍ּ, מָ—pron.interrog. and indef. what? how? aught

interrog. what?

Used adverbially

Indef. pron.

With preps.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4100 מָה, rarely מָה־, מַה־, מַה‍ּ, מֶה, מַ‍ּ, מָ—pron. interrog. and indef. what? how? aught . interrog. what?

. Used adverbially

. Indef. pron.

. With preps.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4100 mah maw

or mah {mah}; or ma {maw}; or ma {mah}; also meh {meh}; a

primitive particle; properly, interrogative what? (including

how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including

how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and even

relatively, that which); often used with prefixes in various

adverbial or conjunctive senses:--how (long, oft, (-

soever)), (no-)thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing),

whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָה (mah) — what?.

interr pron

1) what, how, of what kind

1a) (interrogative)

1a1) what?

1a2) of what kind

1a3) what? (rhetorical)

1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what

1b) (adverb)

1b1) how, how now

1b2) why

1b3) how! (exclamation)

1c) (with prep)

1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means?

1c2) because of what?

1c3) the like of what?

1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often?

1c3b) for how long?

1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose?

1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore?

indef pron

2) anything, aught, what may

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Pronoun
HPi
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and may it be whatever I will run and he said to him run and he ran Ahimaaz [the] way of the plain and he passed by the object marker the Cushite
אָר֔וּץ'a.Rutz I will run H7323 Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common singular
103× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To run or rush, often used to describe someone moving quickly, as seen in the story of the runners in Jeremiah 51:31. This verb appears in various forms, including running swiftly or darting. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or haste.
Amplified meaning
to rush, to move quickly
Tyndale gloss
to run: run
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רוּץ (ruts) means to run, encompassing various nuances such as running swiftly or causing someone to run away. It is a primitive root that can imply actions like breaking down or dividing quickly. The word appears in different forms, including participles for runners or messengers. There is some overlap in definitions across lexicons, but they consistently focus on the core idea of running.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רוּץ vb. run

Qal

run

pl. the runners (prop. out-runners)

runner = (royal messenger, post, late)

Pō‛lēl they run swiftly, dart

Hiph. cause to run

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7323 רוּץ run

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7323 ruwts roots

a primitive root; to run (for whatever reason, especially to

rush):--break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring

hastily, (make) run (away, through), post.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רוּץ (ruts) — to run: run.

: run/runner/messenger

1) to run

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to run

1a2) runners (participle as subst)

1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry

1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away

רוּץ (ruts) — to run: guard.

: guard

1) to run

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to run

1a2) runners (participle as subst)

1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry

1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away

רוּץ (ruts) — to run: pieces.

: pieces

1) to run

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to run

1a2) runners (participle as subst)

1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry

1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs — Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common singular
HVqi1cs
and may it be whatever I will run and he said to him run and he ran Ahimaaz [the] way of the plain and he passed by the object marker the Cushite
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרvai.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 may it be whatever I will run and he said to him run and he ran Ahimaaz [the] way of the plain and he passed by the object marker the Cushite
ל֖וֹlo to him H9033 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

וֹ (o) — him.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp3ms
and may it be whatever I will run and he said to him run and he ran Ahimaaz [the] way of the plain and he passed by the object marker the Cushite
ר֑וּץRutz run H7323 Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine singular
103× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To run or rush, often used to describe someone moving quickly, as seen in the story of the runners in Jeremiah 51:31. This verb appears in various forms, including running swiftly or darting. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or haste.
Amplified meaning
go, start running
Tyndale gloss
to run: run
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רוּץ (ruts) means to run, encompassing various nuances such as running swiftly or causing someone to run away. It is a primitive root that can imply actions like breaking down or dividing quickly. The word appears in different forms, including participles for runners or messengers. There is some overlap in definitions across lexicons, but they consistently focus on the core idea of running.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רוּץ vb. run

Qal

run

pl. the runners (prop. out-runners)

runner = (royal messenger, post, late)

Pō‛lēl they run swiftly, dart

Hiph. cause to run

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7323 רוּץ run

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7323 ruwts roots

a primitive root; to run (for whatever reason, especially to

rush):--break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring

hastily, (make) run (away, through), post.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רוּץ (ruts) — to run: run.

: run/runner/messenger

1) to run

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to run

1a2) runners (participle as subst)

1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry

1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away

רוּץ (ruts) — to run: guard.

: guard

1) to run

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to run

1a2) runners (participle as subst)

1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry

1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away

רוּץ (ruts) — to run: pieces.

: pieces

1) to run

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to run

1a2) runners (participle as subst)

1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry

1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Impv-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine singular
HVqv2ms
and may it be whatever I will run and he said to him run and he ran Ahimaaz [the] way of the plain and he passed by the object marker the Cushite
וַיָּ֤רָץvai.Ya.rotz and he ran H7323 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
103× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To run or rush, often used to describe someone moving quickly, as seen in the story of the runners in Jeremiah 51:31. This verb appears in various forms, including running swiftly or darting. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or haste.
Tyndale gloss
to run: run
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רוּץ (ruts) means to run, encompassing various nuances such as running swiftly or causing someone to run away. It is a primitive root that can imply actions like breaking down or dividing quickly. The word appears in different forms, including participles for runners or messengers. There is some overlap in definitions across lexicons, but they consistently focus on the core idea of running.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רוּץ vb. run

Qal

run

pl. the runners (prop. out-runners)

runner = (royal messenger, post, late)

Pō‛lēl they run swiftly, dart

Hiph. cause to run

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7323 רוּץ run

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7323 ruwts roots

a primitive root; to run (for whatever reason, especially to

rush):--break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring

hastily, (make) run (away, through), post.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רוּץ (ruts) — to run: run.

: run/runner/messenger

1) to run

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to run

1a2) runners (participle as subst)

1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry

1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away

רוּץ (ruts) — to run: guard.

: guard

1) to run

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to run

1a2) runners (participle as subst)

1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry

1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away

רוּץ (ruts) — to run: pieces.

: pieces

1) to run

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to run

1a2) runners (participle as subst)

1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry

1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
and may it be whatever I will run and he said to him run and he ran Ahimaaz [the] way of the plain and he passed by the object marker the Cushite
אֲחִימַ֙עַץ֙'a.chi.Ma.'atz Ahimaaz H290 Noun proper masculine
15× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Ahimaaz means my brother is anger, the name of three Israelites, including a supply officer of Solomon and Zadok's son who aided David. He is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:15. Ahimaaz was a common name in biblical times.
Amplified meaning
my brother is anger
Tyndale gloss
Ahimaaz
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֲחִימַ֫עַץ (Achiyma`ats) means "my brother is anger (wrath)" and refers to several individuals in the Old Testament. Notably, he is the son of Zadok, a priest, and served during the United Monarchy, aiding David in Absalom's rebellion. He is also mentioned as a father-in-law of Saul and a supply officer for Solomon.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲחִימַ֫עַץ n.pr.m. (my brother is wrath)

son of Zadok

father-in-law of Saul

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H290 אֲחִימַ֫עַץ

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

290 'Achiyma`ats akh-ee-mah'-ats

from 251 and the equivalent of 4619; brother of anger;

Achimaats, the name of three Israelites:--Ahimaaz.

see HEBREW for 0251

see HEBREW for 04619

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲחִימַ֫עַץ (a.chi.ma.ats) — Ahimaaz.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Sa.14.50;

father of: Ahinoam (H0293)

§ Ahimaaz = "my brother is anger (wrath)"

1) father-in-law of Saul

2) Zadok's son who aided David during Absalom's rebellion

3) a supply officer of Solomon

אֲחִימַ֫עַץ (a.chi.ma.ats) — Ahimaaz.

A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.15.27;

son of: Zadok (H6659);

father of: Azariah (H5838)

§ Ahimaaz = "my brother is anger (wrath)"

1) father-in-law of Saul

2) Zadok's son who aided David during Absalom's rebellion

3) a supply officer of Solomon

אֲחִימַ֫עַץ (a.chi.ma.ats) — Ahimaaz.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ki.4.15; married to Basemath (H1315)

§ Ahimaaz = "my brother is anger (wrath)"

1) father-in-law of Saul

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a-hi-ma'-az, a-him'-a-az ('achima`ats, perhaps "my brother is rage," or "brother of rage"):

(1) Father of Ahinoam the wife of King Saul (1Sa 14:50).

(2) The son of Zadok the high priest (1Ch 6:8,9,53). With his father he remained loyal to David in the rebellions both of Absalom and of Adonijah. With Jonathan the son of Abiathar he carried information to Dared when he fled from Absalom (2Sa 15:27,36; 17:17,20). At his own urgent request he carried tidings to David after the death of Absalom (2Sa 18:19 ff). He told the king of the victory, and also, through his reluctance to speak, informed him of Absalom's death. By his reluctance and his sympathy he softened a little the…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Ahimaaz

Brother of anger = irascible. (1.) The father Ahinoam, the wife of Saul (1 Sam. 14:50).

(2.) The son and successor of Zadok in the office of high priest (1 Chr. 6:8, 53). On the occasion of the revolt of Absalom he remained faithful to David, and was of service to him in conveying to him tidings of the proceedings of Absalom in Jerusalem (2 Sam. 15:24-37; 17:15-21). He was swift of foot, and was the first to carry to David tidings of the defeat of Absalom, although he refrained, from delicacy of feeling, from telling him of his death (2 Sam. 18:19-33).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(brother of anger). Son of Zadok the high priest in David’s reign, and celebrated for his swiftness of foot. During Absalom’s rebellion he carried to David the important intelligence that Ahithophel had counselled an immediate attack upon David and his followers. (2 Samuel 15:24-37; 17:15-22) Shortly afterwards he was the first to bring to the king the good news of Absalom’s defeat. (2 Samuel 18:19-33) (B.C. 972-956.) Saul’s wife’s father. (1 Samuel 14:50) (B.C. before 1093.) Solomon’s son-in-law. (1 Kings 4:15) (B.C. after 1014.)

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The son and successor of Zadok became high priest in the reign of Solomon. During the reign of David, he revealed to him the counsels of Absalom and his advisers in rebellion, 2Sa 17:15-21; and conveyed to him also the tidings of Absalom’s defeat and death, 2Sa 18:1-33.

and may it be whatever I will run and he said to him run and he ran Ahimaaz [the] way of the plain and he passed by the object marker the Cushite
דֶּ֣רֶךְDe.rekh [the] way of H1870 Noun common · both singular construct
708× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Tyndale gloss
way: road
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (derek) means way, road, or journey, and can refer to both literal paths and figurative courses of life or actions. It encompasses various aspects such as direction, manner, and moral character, often highlighting the nature of one's conduct. The term is used in both positive and negative contexts, reflecting the moral implications of one's path.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ 715 n.m. way, road, distance, journey, manner

way, road, path

journey

of direction, almost or quite = toward

way, manner

fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings

of moral action and character

of duty

specif.: in good sense

oftener in bad sense

way of י׳

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1870 דֶּ֫רֶךְ way, road, distance, journey, manner . way, road, path

. journey

. of direction, almost or quite = toward

. way, manner

. fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings

. . of moral action and character

. of duty

. specif.: in good sense

. oftener in bad sense

. way of י׳

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1870 derek deh'-rek

from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of

life or mode of action, often adverb:--along, away, because

of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner,

passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side),

whither(-soever).

see HEBREW for 01869

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: conduct.

: conduct/lifestyle

1) way, road, distance, journey, manner

1a) road, way, path

1b) journey

1c) direction

1d) manner, habit, way

1e) of course of life (fig.)

1f) of moral character (fig.)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — Way.

This name means way, road

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — (King's) Highway.

This name means way, road

Combined with me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "King's" H4428I)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: direction.

: direction

1) way, road, distance, journey, manner

1a) road, way, path

1b) journey

1c) direction

1d) manner, habit, way

1e) of course of life (fig.)

1f) of moral character (fig.)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: road.

: road/route

1) way, road, distance, journey, manner

1a) road, way, path

1b) journey

1c) direction

1d) manner, habit, way

1e) of course of life (fig.)

1f) of moral character (fig.)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: journey.

: journey

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs — Noun common · both singular construct
HNcbsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

and may it be whatever I will run and he said to him run and he ran Ahimaaz [the] way of the plain and he passed by the object marker the Cushite
הַכִּכָּ֔רha.ki.Kar the plain H3603 Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
68× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, a talent was a unit of weight or currency, like in Matthew 25:15-28, where a master gives his servants talents to invest. It could also refer to a round loaf of bread or a region, such as the Jordan valley.
Amplified meaning
the lowland road, the valley
Tyndale gloss
talent
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כִּכָּר (kikkar) refers to something round, encompassing meanings such as a round district, a round loaf of bread, or a round weight like a talent. It is derived from a root meaning 'circle' and is notably associated with the region around the Jordan Valley. The term also has an Aramaic equivalent, indicating its use in various contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּכָּר n.f. a round: hence 1. a round district. 2. a round loaf. 3. a round weight, talent

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3603 כִּכָּר a round: hence 1. a round district. 2. a round loaf. 3. a round weight, talent

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3603 kikkar kik-kawr'

from 3769; a circle, i.e. (by implication) a circumjacent

tract or region, expec. the Ghor or valley of the Jordan; also

a (round) loaf; also a talent (or large (round) coin):--loaf,

morsel, piece, plain, talent.

see HEBREW for 03769

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּכָּר (kik.kar) — Plain (of Jericho).

This name means round, environs

כִּכָּר (kik.kar) — talent.

1) round

1a) a round district (environs of the Jordan valley)

1b) a round loaf (of bread)

1c) a round weight, talent (of gold, silver, bronze, iron)

Aramaic equivalent: kik.ker (כִּכֵּר "talent" H3604)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-cs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
HTd/Ncfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

plan

(1) kikkar, "circle" "talent," or "round loaf";

(2) mishor, from yashar, "to be level"; compare Arabic maisur, "that which is easy";

(3) biqah; compare Arabic baq`at, "a plot of ground" or "a wet meadow";

(4) `arabhah;

(5) shephelah;

(6) topos pedinos (Lu 6:17);

(7) 'elon; compare elah, and 'allon "oak" (Ge 35:4,8, etc.); also 'elah, "Elah" (1Sa 17:2);

(8) 'abhel):

See NATURAL FEATURES.

(1) Kikkar, when meaning "plain" usually refers to the alluvial plain about Jericho near the north end of the Dead Sea: "Plain (the Revised Version margin "circle") of the Jordan" (Ge 13:10,11; 1Ki 7:46;

Plain

(1.) Heb. ‘abel (Judg. 11:33), a “grassy plain” or “meadow.” Instead of “plains of the vineyards,” as in the Authorized Version, the Revised Version has “Abel-cheramim” (q.v.), comp. Judg. 11:22; 2 Chr. 16:4.

(2.) Heb. ‘elon (Gen. 12:6; 13:18; 14:13; 18:1; Deut. 11:30; Judg. 9:6), more correctly “oak,” as in the Revised Version; margin, “terebinth.”

(3.) Heb. bik’ah (Gen. 11:2; Neh. 6:2;

and may it be whatever I will run and he said to him run and he ran Ahimaaz [the] way of the plain and he passed by the object marker the Cushite
וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֖רvai.ya.'a.Vor and he passed by H5674 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
556× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Amplified meaning
overtook, passed by
Tyndale gloss
to pass
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עָבַר (abar) is a versatile verb meaning to pass over, through, or by, and it encompasses a range of actions including crossing, traversing, and alienating. It can also imply causing something to pass or be transferred, as well as emotional states like anger in its Hithpael form. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, though they do not provide specific verse references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָבַר 648 vb. pass over, through, by, pass on

Qal

pass over

Pass beyond

Pass through, traverse

pass along by

pass by

sweep by, of scourge

be past, over, of time

pass along (from hand to hand)

Pass on, go on

Pass away

Niph. Impf. a stream which cannot be forded

Pi.

his bull impregnateth

cause one to cross river

cause something to pass over

make over to

devote children to (לְ) heathen god

pass along (from hand to hand)

cause to pass through

let pass through

cause to pass by

let pass by

cause arrow to pass beyond

cause to pass under rod, for counting

cause to pass away, take away

Hiph.

cause to pass over, bring over

he made to pass across with chains of gold

base

[עָבַר] vb. denom. Hithp. be arrogant, infuriate oneself

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5674a עָבַר pass over, through, by, pass on .. pass over

. Pass beyond

. Pass through, traverse

. . pass along by

. pass by

. sweep by, of scourge

. be past, over, of time

. pass along (from hand to hand)

. Pass on, go on

. Pass away

. Impf. a stream which cannot be forded

. . his bull impregnateth . cause one to cross river

. cause something to pass over

. make over to

. devote children to (לְ) heathen god

. pass along (from hand to hand)

. . cause to pass through

. let pass through

. . cause to pass by

. let pass by

. cause arrow to pass beyond

. cause to pass under rod, for counting

. cause to pass away, take away

. . cause to pass over, bring over

. he made to pass across with chains of gold

H5674b עָבַר vb. denom. Hithp. be arrogant, infuriate oneself

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5674 `abar aw-bar'

a primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any

transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive,

intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

copulation):--alienate, alter, X at all, beyond, bring (over,

through), carry over, (over-)come (on, over), conduct (over),

convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail,

gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way,

in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle,

overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over)

pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over,

through), (cause to, make) + proclaim(-amation), perish,

provoke to anger, put away, rage, + raiser of taxes, remove,

send over, set apart, + shave, cause to (make) sound, X

speedily, X sweet smelling, take (away), (make to)

transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-)faring man, be

wrath.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָבַר (a.var) — to pass.

1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over

1a2) to pass beyond

1a3) to pass through, traverse

1a3a) passers-through (participle)

1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant)

1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by

1a4a) passer-by (participle)

1a4b) to be past, be over

1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance

1a6) to pass away

1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory)

1a6b) to vanish

1a6c) to perish, cease to exist

1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree)

1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands

1b) (Niphal) to be crossed

1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross

1d) (Hiphil)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

In the sense of "against" which survives only in dialectal English (compare Wright, Dialect Dict., I, 470, for examples) is the King James Version rendering of the dative emauto of 1Co 4:4 (the American Standard Revised Version renders this "against"). In classical Greek the same idiom sunoida with dative = "be conscious" or "be cognizant of" a thing.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

By

In the expression “by myself” (A.V., 1 Cor. 4:4), means, as rendered in the Revised Version, “against myself.”

and may it be whatever I will run and he said to him run and he ran Ahimaaz [the] way of the plain and he passed by the object marker the Cushite
אֶת־'et- the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

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

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

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

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

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

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and may it be whatever I will run and he said to him run and he ran Ahimaaz [the] way of the plain and he passed by the object marker the Cushite
הַכּוּשִֽׁי׃ha.ku.Shi the Cushite H3569 Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
26× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A Cushite is a descendant of Cush, referring to someone from Ethiopia. They are mentioned as a distinct group in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
the Ethiopian, a descendant of Cush
Tyndale gloss
Cushite
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כּוּשִׁי (kuwshiy) refers to a Cushite or Ethiopian, a descendant of Cush, the grandson of Noah. The entries describe it as someone from Ethiopia, highlighting connections to blackness and the land of Cush. It also mentions a specific individual named Cushi, who is noted in Zephaniah 1:1 as the father of Zephaniah.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כּוּשִׁי adj.gent.

sg. agreeing with noun

= subst., a Cushite

id. c. art., the Cushite, of Joab’s adjutant

pl. = subst.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3569 כּוּשִׁי, כּוּשִׁית

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3569 Kuwshiy koo-shee'

patronymically from 3568; a Cushite, or descendant of

Cush:--Cushi, Cushite, Ethiopian(-s).

see HEBREW for 03568

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כּוּשִׁי (ku.shi) — Ethiopian.

Someone from Ethiopia

Group of kush (כּוּשׁ "Ethiopia" H3568H)

§ Cushi or Ethiopian, of Cush "their blackness"

inhabitant of Ethiopia, land of one of the descendants of Cush the grandson of Noah

כּוּשִׁי (ku.shi) — Cushi.

A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Zep.1.1;

son of: Gedaliah (H1436H);

father of: Zephaniah (H6846H)

§ Cushi or Ethiopian, of Cush "their blackness"

1) one of the descendants of Cush the grandson of Noah through Ham and a member of that nation or people

2) one of Joab's couriers

3) (TWOT) Ethiopian

כּוּשִׁי (ku.shi) — Cushite.

Someone from Cush

Group of kush (כּוּשׁ "Cush" H3568A)

§ Cushi or Ethiopian, of Cush "their blackness"

one of the descendants of Cush the grandson of Noah through Ham and a member of that nation or people

(TWOT) Ethiopian

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | Ngmsa — Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ngmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

kush'-it: Whereas kushi, is elsewhere rendered Ethiopian, in 2Sa 18:21-32 it is rendered Cushite in the Revised Version (British and American) (see CUSHI and compare CUSHITE WOMAN). Its plural, which occurs in Zephaniah, Daniel and 2 Chronicles, also in the form kushiyim, in Amos, is uniformly translated Ethiopians, following Septuagint. The other Old Testament books use simply kush, for people as well as land.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Cushite

(1.) The messenger sent by Joab to David to announce his victory over Absalom (2 Sam. 18:32).

(2.) The father of Shelemiah (Jer. 36:14).

(3.) Son of Gedaliah, and father of the prophet Zephaniah (1:1).

(4.) Moses married a Cushite woman (Num. 12:1). From this circumstance some have supposed that Zipporah was meant, and hence that Midian was Cush.

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

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