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Amos 5:6 — Word Study

Depth

WLCדִּרְשׁ֥וּ אֶת־ יְהוָ֖ה וִֽחְי֑וּ פֶּן־ יִצְלַ֤ח כָּאֵשׁ֙ בֵּ֣ית יוֹסֵ֔ף וְאָכְלָ֥ה וְאֵין־ מְכַבֶּ֖ה לְבֵֽית־ אֵֽל׃

BSASeekdârash [diligently, with all your heart] the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] and livechâyâh [have life, be revived] orpên He will sweeptsâlach [break out, rush] like fireʼêsh [burning, flame] through the housebayith [family, dwelling place] of JosephYôwçêph [Jehovah has added] it will devour everythingʼâkal [eat, consume] with no oneʼayin [nothing, none] at BethelBêyth-ʼÊl [house of God, a significant location] to extinguish itkâbâh [quench, put out]

Word
Listen & take awayAmos 5
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 6 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 ('El) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Amos 5:6quick helps
In a sentenceAmos urges the people to seek the LORD for life, warning of impending destruction.
Who is speakingThe prophet Amos, addressing the house of Joseph.
Where we areThe call to repentance in the midst of judgment.
The hard wordדִּרְשׁ֥וּ
Take awaySeek the LORD to avoid destruction.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectכָּבָה verbדָּרַשׁ 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 — Amos 5:6

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 — A Call to Seek the LORDgenerated

5Do not seek Bethel or go to Gilgal; do not journey to Beersheba, for Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will come to nothing.
6Seek the LORD and live, or He will sweep like fire through the house of Joseph; it will devour everything, with no one at Bethel to extinguish it.
7There are those who turn justice into wormwood and cast righteousness to the ground.
8He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns darkness into dawn and darkens day into night, who summons the waters of the sea and pours them over the face of the earth— the LORD is His name—

Amos 5:6 presents a stark choice: seek the LORD and live, or face the devastating consequences of judgment. This verse is part of a larger message where Amos calls the Israelites to turn back to God, emphasizing the urgency of their situation. The surrounding verses highlight the futility of seeking other places of worship, urging the people to focus on their relationship with God instead.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Amos 5:4For this is what the LORD says to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live!
2Ezekiel 33:11Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’
3Exodus 22:6If a fire breaks out and spreads to thornbushes so that it consumes stacked or standing grain, or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make full restitution.
4Amos 6:6You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you fail to grieve over the ruin of Joseph.
5Genesis 48:8–20When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, “Who are these?”

The Key Word דִּרְשׁ֥וּ, dir.Shugenerated

The verb דָּרַשׁ (darash) means to seek or inquire, often in the context of worshiping God. It encompasses a range of actions from frequenting a place to consulting deities in prayer. The imperative form here indicates a strong call to action, urging the people to diligently seek the LORD.

This word carries a sense of urgency and importance, as it is not merely about casual seeking but about a heartfelt pursuit of God. The parsing as a Qal imperative second person masculine plural emphasizes that this is a command directed at the community.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The translations generally agree on the imperative to seek the LORD.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The verse consists of a main clause and a conditional clause. The finite verb דִּרְשׁ֥וּ (seek) governs the entire statement, with the second part presenting a consequence if the command is not followed.

The structure highlights the urgency of the command and the dire warning that follows, creating a clear cause-and-effect relationship.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates דִּרְשׁ֥וּ as ἐκζητήσατε (ekzētēsate), which carries a similar meaning of seeking or inquiring. This choice reflects a consistent understanding of the necessity of seeking God.

The translation choice in the Septuagint emphasizes the active pursuit of God, aligning with the urgency expressed in the Hebrew text.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Amos 5:6 urges the people to seek the LORD to find life. If they fail to do so, they will face destruction, symbolized by fire sweeping through the house of Joseph. The verse warns that there will be no one at Bethel to extinguish this fire, emphasizing the seriousness of their situation.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to seek the LORD?

To seek the LORD means to earnestly pursue a relationship with God, to worship Him, and to inquire of Him for guidance and life.

What is the significance of the house of Joseph?

The house of Joseph represents the northern kingdom of Israel, which was facing judgment for its sins, and serves as a warning to the people.

Why is Bethel mentioned in this verse?

Bethel is highlighted as a significant location for worship, but the verse warns that it will not provide refuge from God's judgment.

What does the fire symbolize in this context?

The fire symbolizes God's judgment and destruction, illustrating the consequences of turning away from Him.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways can I seek the LORD more diligently in my daily life?
  2. What are some distractions that keep me from focusing on my relationship with God?
  3. How can I help others understand the importance of seeking God?
  4. What does it mean for me to live in the light of seeking the LORD?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

Early Church Fathers referenced this verse to emphasize the importance of seeking God for salvation and avoiding judgment.

CyprianTreatise V. An Address to Demetrianus 23 c. 200–258
Therefore, while there is time, look to the true and eternal salvation, and, since the end of the world is now at hand, out of fear of God turn your minds to God.
Early Church Fathers on Amos 5 →
JeromeVerse 6. c. 347–420
Seek the Lord, and live: lest the house of Joseph be burned with fire, and it devour, and there be none to quench it. LXX: Seek the Lord, and live: lest the house of Joseph be kindled with fire, and it consume it,
Early Church Fathers on Amos 5 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Amos 5:6 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Seek the Lord, and ye shall live,.... This is, repeated to stir up unto it, because of their backwardness and slothfulness, and to show the importance and necessity of it.

Read John Gill on Amos 5 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel.

Read Robert Jamieson on Amos 5 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Seek the Lord, and ye shall life: the prophet repeateth his exhortation to repentance with the repeated promise of a good issue hereon: see . Lest he break out: this is a new argument to persuade them to do their duty, for unless they do it God’ s judgments will break out upon them. Like fire; suddenly, with strength and prevalence, as the Hebrew word here rendered break out importeth. In the house of Joseph; the kingdom of the ten tribes, the chief whereof was Ephraim, who was the younger son of Joseph, and the first erecter of this kingdom was an Ephraimite, . And devour it; utterly consume it, as fire useth to do where it gets head and prevaileth. And there be none to quench it in…

Read Matthew Poole on Amos 5 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Amos 5:6 Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour [it], and [there be] none to quench [it] in Bethel.Ver. 6. Seek ye the Lord, and ye shall live] See Amos 5:4. Sic eadem saepe surdis et obstinatis inculcantur (Mercer). The continual pressing of a duty imports: 1. The excellency; 2. The necessity; 3. The difficulty of doing it: else what need so many words? Perquam durum est, sed ita lex scripts est, saith Ulpian. Hard or not hard, it must be done, or men are undone. Lest he break out like fire] Lest he go through you and burn you together, Isaiah 27:4, lest ye be "utterly burnt with fire in the same place," 2 Samuel 23:7, that is, in…

Read John Trapp on Amos 5 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(6) Render, lest he rush down like fire on the house of Joseph (i.e., the Northern Kingdom). For “in Bethel” read “for Bethel.” Let the blending of mercy with judgment be here observed, “Seek Jehovah and live, lest this evil befall you.” The curse is still conditional.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Amos 5 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 6. Seek the Lord, and ye shall live] Repeated from Amos 5:4. In the house of Joseph] The Israelites of the ten tribes, of whom Ephraim and Manasseh, sons of Joseph, were the chief.

Read AdamClarke on Amos 5 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

6. Seek Jehovah, &c.] The exhortation of Amo 5:4 is repeated, and enforced with a fresh motive—lest a fire, namely, kindled by Jehovah, advance irresistibly, and spread irretrievable destruction in Israel. break out] lit. come mightily, advance forcibly. It is the word used of the spirit of God coming mightily upon Samson (Judges 14:6; Judges 14:19; Judges 15:14), Saul (1 Samuel 10:6; 1 Samuel 11:6), and David (1 Samuel 16:13). The comparison of Jehovah to a fire, as Deuteronomy 4:24; Isaiah 10:17; cf. Deuteronomy 32:22; Jeremiah 4:4 (“lest my fury go forth as fire, and burn, and there be none to quench it”; so Jeremiah 21:12). house of Joseph] i.e. the Northern kingdom generally, Joseph…

Read Cambridge on Amos 5 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Seek ye the Lord and ye shall live - Literally, “seek the Lord and live;” being united to Him, the Fountain of life.

Read Albert Barnes on Amos 5 →

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

Seek the LORD and live, or He will sweep like fire through the house of Joseph; it will devour everything, with no one at Bethel to extinguish it.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Seek Yahweh, and you will live, lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, and there be no one to quench it in Bethel.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Seek the LORD and live, or He will sweep like fire through the house of Joseph; it will devour everything, with no one at Bethel to extinguish it.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Seek the Lord so you can live! Otherwise he will break out like fire against Joseph’s family; the fire will consume and no one will be able to quench it and save Bethel.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Beth-el.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Seek Jehovah, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, and there be none to quench it in Beth-el.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour and there be none to quench it in Beth-el:

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it , and there be none to quench it in Beth-el.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Seeke the Lord, and yee shall liue, least he breake out like fire in the house of Ioseph and deuoure it, and there be none to quench it in Beth-el.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Seek Jehovah, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour [it], and there be none to quench [it] in Bethel.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Seek ye Jehovah, and live, Lest He prosper as fire [against] the house of Joseph, And it hath consumed, And there is no quencher for Beth-El.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Seek YHWH, and live, || Lest He prosper as fire [against] the house of Joseph, || And it has consumed, || And there is no quencher for Beth-El—

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Seek for the Lord, and ye shall live: so that he come not suddenly like fire over the house of Joseph, and it devour, and there be none to quench it in Beth-el;

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Seek Yahweh and live, or he will break out like fire in the house of Joseph. It will devour, and there will be no one to quench it in Bethel.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Seek ye the Lord, and live: lest the house of Joseph be burnt with fire, and it shall devour, and there shall be none to quench Bethel.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Look to the Lord so you may live! Otherwise he will explode like fire against the descendants of Joseph and no one from Bethel will be able to quench it.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Go to the Lord for help so that you may have life; for fear that he may come like fire bursting out in the family of Joseph, causing destruction, and there will be no one to put it out in Beth-el.

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.

clauseclauseverbדִּרְשׁ֥וּseeknoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)יְהוָ֖הYahwehוִֽandclauseverbחְי֑וּliveפֶּןlestclauseverbיִצְלַ֤חhe.should.rushprepositional phrase · prepositionalכָּlikenoun phrase(the)אֵשׁ֙firenoun phrase · adverbialבֵּ֣יתthe.houseיוֹסֵ֔ףof.Josephוְandclauseverbאָכְלָ֥הit.will.consumeוְandclausepredicateאֵיןthere.[is].notsubjectמְכַבֶּ֖ה[one.who].extinguishesprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְfor

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 show agreement in the overall message of the verse, though the Septuagint's wording differs in structure. The Hebrew text emphasizes the imperative to seek the LORD, while the Septuagint maintains the same call but with a different syntactical arrangement.

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

דִּרְשׁ֥וּ אֶת־ יְהוָ֖ה וִֽחְי֑וּ פֶּן־ יִצְלַ֤ח כָּאֵשׁ֙ בֵּ֣ית יוֹסֵ֔ף וְאָכְלָ֥ה וְאֵין־ מְכַבֶּ֖ה לְבֵֽית־ אֵֽל׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
דִּרְשׁ֥וּἐκζητήσατεוִֽחְי֑וּζήσατεפֶּן־μὴיִצְלַ֤חἀναλάμψῃכָּאֵשׁ֙πῦρבֵּ֣יתοἶκοςיוֹסֵ֔ףιωσηφוְאָכְלָ֥הκαταφάγεταιוְאֵין־οὐκ

9 of the 14 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

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


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

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

Amos 5:6דָּרַשׁseekseekדָּרַשׁאֵתthe object the object markאֵתיהוהYahwehYahwehיהוהחָיָהand liveand liveחָיָהפֶּן־lestlestפֶּן־צָלַחhe should rhe should rushצָלַחאֵשׁlike firelike fireאֵשׁבֵּית[the] house[the] house ofבֵּיתיוֹסֵףJosephJosephיוֹסֵףאָכַלand it willand it will conאָכַלאַ֫יִןand notand notאַ֫יִןכָּבָה[one who] e[one who] extinכָּבָהבֵּֽיתְאֵל[will belon[will belong] tבֵּֽיתְאֵלבֵּֽיתְאֵל-el-elבֵּֽיתְאֵלבֵּיתplaceplaceבֵּיתבָּנָהto buildto buildבָּנָהאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתהָיָהto beto beהָיָהפָּנָהCorner (GaCorner (Gate)פָּנָהחָוָהto explainto explainחָוָהיָסַףto addto addיָסַףיוֹסֵףJosephJosephיוֹסֵףאַ֫יִןwhere?where?אַ֫יִןעַיAiAiעַיבַּעַלבַּעַללֵבָבheartheartלֵבָבמִגְרָשׁpasturepastureמִגְרָשׁנְאֻםutteranceutteranceנְאֻםצָבָאarmyarmyצָבָאצְדָקָהrighteousnrighteousnessצְדָקָהפָּגַעto fall onto fall onפָּגַעשָׁכַחto forgetto forgetשָׁכַח
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 Amos 5:6

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.

seek the object marker Yahweh and live lest he should rush like fire [the] house of Joseph and it will consume and not [one who] extinguishes [it] [will belong] to Beth- -el
דִּרְשׁ֥וּdir.Shu seek H1875 Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine plural
164× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Amplified meaning
diligently, with all your heart
Tyndale gloss
to seek
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דָּרַשׁ (darash) is a Hebrew verb meaning to seek or inquire. It encompasses a range of actions from frequenting a place to consulting deities in prayer and worship. The word can imply a diligent search or demand, and it appears in both Qal and Niphal forms, indicating various nuances of seeking and being sought. The entries do not present any significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

דָּרַשׁ 162 vb. resort to, seek

Qal

(tread a place,) resort to, frequent

seek, consult, inquire of

seek deity in prayer and worship

seek, with idea of demanding, require

inquire, investigate (a matter)

ask for, require, demand

seek with application, study, follow, practise

seek with care, care for

Niph.

let oneself be inquired of, consulted, only of God

be sought out

be required, of blood

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1875 דָּרַשׁ resort to, seek

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1875 darash daw-rash'

a primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to

follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or

ask; specifically to worship:--ask, X at all, care for, X

diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-)mancer,

question, require, search, seek (for, out), X surely.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דָּרַשׁ (da.rash) — to seek.

1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place)

1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek

1a2a) of God

1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers

1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship

1a3a) God

1a3b) heathen deities

1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require

1a5) to investigate, enquire

1a6) to ask for, require, demand

1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application

1a8) to seek with care, care for

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God)

1b2) to be sought, be sought out

1b3) to be required (of blood)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Impv-2mp — Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine plural
HVqv2mp
seek the object marker Yahweh and live lest he should rush like fire [the] house of Joseph and it will consume and not [one who] extinguishes [it] [will belong] to Beth- -el
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
seek the object marker Yahweh and live lest he should rush like fire [the] house of Joseph and it will consume and not [one who] extinguishes [it] [will belong] to Beth- -el
יְהוָ֖הYah.weh Yahweh H3068 Noun proper
6,528× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
Yehovah, The covenant Name of God
Tyndale gloss
The Lord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)

יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb

יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D

the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy

יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'

from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish

national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.

see HEBREW for 01961

see HEBREW for 03050

see HEBREW for 03069

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.

Jehovah = "the existing One"

1) the proper name of the one true God

1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.

Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.

Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpt
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
seek the object marker Yahweh and live lest he should rush like fire [the] house of Joseph and it will consume and not [one who] extinguishes [it] [will belong] to Beth- -el
וִֽחְי֑וּvich.Yu and live H2421 Conjunction · verb qal imperative second person masculine plural
282× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Amplified meaning
have life, be revived
Tyndale gloss
to live
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חָיָה (chayah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to live or have life, encompassing both literal and figurative senses. It includes various nuances such as reviving, preserving life, and restoring health. The entries detail its use in different stems, with Qal focusing on living and being quickened, while Piel and Hiphil emphasize giving life and reviving. No specific verse references are provided.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָיָה 283 vb. live

Qal 203

live

be quickened, revive

Pi.

preserve alive, let live

give life

quicken, revive, refresh

Hiph.

preserve alive, let live

quicken, revive

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2421 חָיָה live .. live

. be quickened, revive

. . preserve alive, let live

. give life

. quicken, revive, refresh

. . preserve alive, let live

. quicken, revive

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2421 chayah khaw-yaw'

a primitive root (compare 2331, 2421); to live, whether

literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive:--keep

(leave, make) alive, X certainly, give (promise) life, (let,

suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken,

recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, (X God) save

(alive, life, lives), X surely, be whole.

see HEBREW for 02331

see HEBREW for 02421

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָיָה (cha.yah) — to live.

1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to live

1a1a) to have life

1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive

1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon

1a1d) to live (prosperously)

1a2) to revive, be quickened

1a2a) from sickness

1a2b) from discouragement

1a2c) from faintness

1a2d) from death

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to preserve alive, let live

1b2) to give life

1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh

1b3a) to restore to life

1b3b) to cause to grow

1b3c) to restore

1b3d) to revive

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to preserve alive, let live

1c2) to quicken, revive

1c2a) to restore (to health)

1c2b) to revive

1c2c) to restore to life

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp — Conjunction · verb qal imperative second person masculine plural
HC/Vqv2mp
seek the object marker Yahweh and live lest he should rush like fire [the] house of Joseph and it will consume and not [one who] extinguishes [it] [will belong] to Beth- -el
פֶּן־pen- lest H6435 Particle
133× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Tyndale gloss
lest
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פֶּן־ (pen) is a conjunction meaning 'lest' or 'not,' often used to express a warning or fear of a potential negative outcome. It is derived from a root meaning 'removal' and is typically found in constructions that indicate a precautionary context. The entries consistently emphasize its adverbial use in cautionary statements.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פֶּן־ 133 (alw. with Makkeph) conj. (adverting or deprecating), lest

with impf.

with Pf., the result feared being conceived as having possibly already taken place

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6435 פֶּן־ (alw. with Makkeph) (adverting or deprecating), lest . with impf.

. with Pf., the result feared being conceived as having possibly already taken place

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6435 pen pane

from 6437; properly, removal; used only (in the construction)

adverb as conjunction, lest:--(lest) (peradventure),

that...not.

see HEBREW for 06437

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פֶּן־ (pen) — lest.

conj

1) lest, not, beware lest

adv

2) lest

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Particle
HTc
seek the object marker Yahweh and live lest he should rush like fire [the] house of Joseph and it will consume and not [one who] extinguishes [it] [will belong] to Beth- -el
יִצְלַ֤חyitz.Lach he should rush H6743 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
65× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To prosper or succeed, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis, who rose to power in Egypt. This Hebrew word means to push forward and make progress. It is used to describe success and prosperity.
Amplified meaning
break out, rush
Tyndale gloss
to rush
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

צָלַח (tsalach) is a Hebrew verb meaning to rush or advance, with a focus on prospering or succeeding. It can refer to both literal and figurative progress, and can be used transitively or intransitively. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, including causing prosperity. There is an Aramaic equivalent, צְלַח (tse.lach), which also means to prosper.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[צָלַח] vb. rush

base

[צָלֵחַ, צָלַח] vb. advance, prosper

Qal prosper

Hiph.

make prosperous, bring to successful issue

shew, experience, prosperity

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6743a צָלַח rush H6743b צָלֵחַ, צָלַח advance, prosper

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6743 tsalach tsaw-lakh'

or tsaleach {tsaw-lay'-akh}; a primitive root; to push

forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive

or intransitive):--break out, come (mightily), go over, be

good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to,

send) prosper(-ity, -ous, - ously).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

צָלַח (tsa.lach) — to rush.

(Qal) to rush

צָלֵחַ (tsa.lech) — to prosper.

1) to advance, prosper, make progress, succeed, be profitable

1a) (Qal) to prosper

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to make prosperous, bring to successful issue, cause to prosper

1b2) to show or experience prosperity, prosper

Aramaic equivalent: tse.lach (צְלַח "to prosper" H6744)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVqi3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

(1) (gome'; papuros, "bulrushes," margin "papyrus" (Ex 2:3); "rush," margin "papyrus" (Job 8:11); "papyrus," the King James Version "rush" (Isa 18:2); "rushes" (Isa 35:7)): This is almost certainly the famous papyrus, Cyperus papyrus (Natural Order, Cyperaceae), known in Arabic as babir (whence comes our word "paper"). This plant, the finest of the sedges, flourishes plentifully in Upper Egypt; in Palestine there is a great mass of it growing in the marsh to the North of Lake Huleh, and it also occurs on the Lake of Galilee and the Jordan. Light boats of plaited papyrus have been used on the Nile from ancient times and are mentioned by many writers (compare

Rush

The papyrus (Job 8:11). (See BULRUSH.) The expression “branch and rush” in Isa. 9:14; 19:15 means “utterly.”

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Translated bulrush in Isa 58:5, flag in Job 40:21, and hook in Job 41:2; a plant growing in marshy ground or by watercourses, and used for chair-bottoms, baskets, mats, ropes, etc. The pith of a similar plant in Europe is used as the wick of a candle or rush-light. In Isa 9:14; 19:15, a rush is put for the lowest of the people.

seek the object marker Yahweh and live lest he should rush like fire [the] house of Joseph and it will consume and not [one who] extinguishes [it] [will belong] to Beth- -el
כָּאֵשׁ֙ka.'Esh like fire H784 Preposition · noun common both singular absolute
378× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Amplified meaning
burning, flame
Tyndale gloss
fire
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵשׁ (esh) means 'fire' and encompasses various types, including natural fire, supernatural fire associated with divine appearances, and fire used for cooking or on altars. It can also figuratively represent God's anger. The entries consistently highlight its literal and metaphorical uses, with no significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵשׁ 377 n.f. fire

fire, of conflagration

of supernatural fire

fire for cooking, roasting, parching

esp. of altar fire

fig. of Yahweh's anger

in various combinations

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H784 אֵשׁ fire . fire, of conflagration

. of supernatural fire

. fire for cooking, roasting, parching

. esp. of altar fire

. fig. of Yahweh's anger

. in various combinations

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

784 'esh aysh

a primitive word; fire (literally or figuratively):--

burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵשׁ (esh) — fire.

1) fire

1a) fire, flames

1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany)

1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching)

1d) altar-fire

1e) God's anger (fig.)

Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-cs — Preposition · noun common both singular absolute
HRd/Ncbsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

fir ('esh; pur):

These are the common words for fire, occurring very frequently. 'Ur, "light" (Isa 24:15 the King James Version; compare the Revised Version (British and American); Isa 31:9, and see FIRES), nur (Aramaic) (Da 3:22 ff) are found a few times, also 'eshshah (Jer 6:29), and be`erah (Ex 22:6), once each. Ac 28:2,3 has pura, "pyre," and Mr 14:54; Lu 22:56, phos, "light," the Revised Version (British and American) "in the light (of the fire)." "To set…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Fire

(1.) For sacred purposes. The sacrifices were consumed by fire (Gen. 8:20). The ever-burning fire on the altar was first kindled from heaven (Lev. 6:9, 13; 9:24), and afterwards rekindled at the dedication of Solomon’s temple (2 Chr. 7:1, 3). The expressions “fire from heaven” and “fire of the Lord” generally denote lightning, but sometimes also the fire of the altar was so called (Ex. 29:18; Lev. 1:9; 2:3; 3:5, 9).

Fire for a sacred purpose obtained otherwise than from the altar was called “strange fire” (Lev. 10:1, 2;

is represented as the symbol of Jehovah’s presence and the instrument of his power, in the way either of approval or of destruction. (Exodus 3:2; 14:19) etc. There could not be a better symbol for Jehovah than this of fire, it being immaterial, mysterious, but visible, warming, cheering, comforting, but also terrible and consuming. Parallel with this application of fire and with its symbolical meaning are to be noted the similar use for sacrificial purposes and the respect paid to it, or to the heavenly bodies as symbols of deity, which prevailed among so many nations of antiquity, and of which the traces are not even now extinct; e.g. the Sabean and Magian systems of worship. (Isaiah 27:9) Fire for sacred purposes obtained elsewhere than from the altar was called "strange fire," and for the use of such Nadab and Abihu were punished…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

In Scripture, is often connected with the presence of Jehovah; as in the burning bush, and on Mount Sinai, Ex 3:2 19:18 Ps 18:1-50 Hab 1:1-3:19. The second coming of Christ will be "in flaming fire," 2Th 1:8. In the New Testament it illustrates the enlightening, cheering, and purifying agency of the Holy Spirit, Mt 3:11 Ac 2:3. By sending fire from heaven to consume sacrifices, God often signified his acceptance of them: as in the case of Abel, Ge 4:4; Abraham, Ge…

seek the object marker Yahweh and live lest he should rush like fire [the] house of Joseph and it will consume and not [one who] extinguishes [it] [will belong] to Beth- -el
בֵּ֣יתbeit [the] house of H1004 Noun common · masculine singular construct
2,049× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Amplified meaning
family, dwelling place
Tyndale gloss
place
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word בַּיִת (*bayith*) means 'house' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including dwelling, family, and place. It can refer to physical structures, such as homes and temples, as well as metaphorical uses like the body or household affairs. The word is built from the root related to 'between' and appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between

base

בַּ֫יִת 2034 n.m. house

house

place

receptacle

of house as containing a family

household, family (592 t.)

house, including household affairs

lit. housewards, hence metaph. inwards

מִבַּיִת

adv. on the inside

prep. within

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1004a בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between H1004b בַּ֫יִת house

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1004 bayith bah'-yith

probably from 1129 abbreviated; a house (in the greatest

variation of applications, especially family, etc.):--court,

daughter, door, + dungeon, family, + forth of, X great as

would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter)house(-hold),

inside(-ward), palace, place, + prison, + steward, + tablet,

temple, web, + within(-out).

see HEBREW for 01129

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֵּית (bet) — place.

nm

place, origin, between

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — house: home.

: home/temple/building

nm

1) house

1a) house, dwelling habitation

1b) shelter or abode of animals

1c) human bodies (fig.)

1d) of Sheol

1e) of abode of light and darkness

1f) of land of Ephraim

2) place

3) receptacle

4) home, house as containing a family

5) household, family

5a) those belonging to the same household

5b) family of descendants, descendants as organized body

6) household affairs

7) inwards (metaph.)

8) (TWOT) temple

adv

9) on the inside

prep

10) within

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(ashbea).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

Combined with ash.be.a (אַשְׁבֵּעַ "Ashbea" H0791)

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth (Haggan).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

Combined with hag (גַּן "Haggan" H1588)

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(togarmah).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

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

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
seek the object marker Yahweh and live lest he should rush like fire [the] house of Joseph and it will consume and not [one who] extinguishes [it] [will belong] to Beth- -el
יוֹסֵ֔ףyo.Sef Joseph H3130 Noun proper masculine
213× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Amplified meaning
Jehovah has added
Tyndale gloss
Joseph
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יוֹסֵף (Yowceph) means 'he adds' or 'increases' and refers primarily to Joseph, the eldest son of Jacob and Rachel. The name appears in various contexts, including other individuals named Joseph, such as a man of Issachar, a son of Asaph, and a priest. The entries highlight his familial relationships and roles during different periods, including the Exile and Return.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יוֹסֵף 212 and יְהוֹסֵף n.pr.m. (he adds, increases)

elder son of Jacob and Rachael

a man of Issachar

a son of Asaph

one of those who took strange wives

a priest

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3130 יוֹסֵף and יְהוֹסֵף (he adds, increases) . elder son of Jacob and Rachael

. a man of Issachar

. a son of Asaph

. one of those who took strange wives

. a priest

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3130 Yowceph yo-safe'

future of 3254; let him add (or perhaps simply active

participle adding); Joseph, the name of seven

Israelites:--Joseph. Compare 3084.

see HEBREW for 03254

see HEBREW for 03084

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יוֹסֵף (yo.seph) — Joseph.

A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.24;

son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354);

brother of: Benjamin (H1144);

half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); married to Asenath (H0621);

father of: Manasseh (H4519) and Ephraim (H0669); also called Zaphenath-paneah at Gen.41.45;

§ Joseph = "Jehovah has added"

1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel

2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies

3) a son of Asaph

4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra

5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah

יוֹסֵף (yo.seph) — Joseph.

A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at Num.13.7;

father of: Igal (H3008)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Joseph

Remover or increaser. (1.) The elder of the two sons of Jacob by Rachel (Gen. 30:23, 24), who, on the occasion of his birth, said, “God hath taken away [Heb. ‘asaph] my reproach.” “The Lord shall add [Heb. yoseph] to me another son” (Gen. 30:24). He was a child of probably six years of age when his father returned from Haran to Canaan and took up his residence in the old patriarchal town of Hebron. “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age,” and he “made him a long garment with sleeves” (Gen. 37:3, R.V. marg.), i.e., a garment long and full, such as was worn by the children of nobles. This seems to be the correct rendering of the words. The phrase, however, may also be…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(increase). The elder of the two sons of Jacob by Rachel. He was born in Padan-aram (Mesopotamia), probably about B.C. 1746. He is first mentioned when a youth, seventeen years old. Joseph brought the evil report of his brethren to his father, and they hated him because his father loved him more than he did them, and had shown his preference by making a dress which appears to have been a long tunic with sleeves, worn by youths and maidens of the richer class. (Genesis 37:2) He dreamed a dream foreshadowing his future power, which increased the hatred of his brethren. (Genesis 37:5-7) He was sent by his father to visit his brothers, who were tending flocks in the fields of Dothan. They resolved to kill him, but he was saved by Reuben, who persuaded the brothers to cast Joseph into…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

1. The son of Jacob and his beloved Rachel, born in Mesopotamia, Ge 30:22-24, B. C. 1747. He is memorable for the wonderful providence of God, which raised him from a prison to be the grandvizier of Egypt, and made him the honored means of saving countless human lives. His history is one of the most pleasing and instructive in the Bible; and is related in language inimitably natural, simple, and touching. It is too beautiful for abridgment, and too familiar to need rehearsal. It throws much light on the superintending providence of God, as embracing all things, great and small in the perpetual unfolding of his universal plan. No narrative in the Bible more strikingly illustrates the protective and elevating power of the fear of God, and its especial value for the young. To behold this lovely image of filial piety and unwavering…

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

increase; addition

seek the object marker Yahweh and live lest he should rush like fire [the] house of Joseph and it will consume and not [one who] extinguishes [it] [will belong] to Beth- -el
וְאָכְלָ֥הve.'a.khe.Lah and it will consume H398 Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person feminine singular
810× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Amplified meaning
eat, consume
Tyndale gloss
to eat
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָכַל (akal) means 'to eat' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including literal consumption by humans and animals, as well as figurative uses like devouring by fire or destruction. It can describe actions such as feeding or causing to eat, and it also appears in contexts of oppression and destruction. The verb has various forms, indicating different subjects and nuances.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָכַל 806 vb. eat

Qal

eat, human subject

of beasts, birds, etc., eat, devour

fig. of fire, devour, consume

of sword, devour, slay

in genl., devour, consume, destroy

fig. of oppression, devour the poor

Niph.

be eaten by man

be devoured by fire, consumed

be wasted, destroyed, of flesh

Pu. be consumed

Hiph.

cause to eat, feed with

cause to devoure, obj. sword

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H398 אָכַל eat .. eat, human subject

. of beasts, birds, etc., eat, devour

. fig. of fire, devour, consume

. of sword, devour, slay

. in genl., devour, consume, destroy

. fig. of oppression, devour the poor

. . be eaten by man

. be devoured by fire, consumed

. be wasted, destroyed, of flesh

. be consumed

. . cause to eat, feed with

. cause to devoure, obj. sword

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

398 'akal aw-kal'

a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively):--X at

all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up),

feed (with), food, X freely, X in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay)

meat, X quite.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָכַל (a.khal) — to eat.

1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to eat (human subject)

1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds)

1a3) to devour, consume (of fire)

1a4) to devour, slay (of sword)

1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought)

1a6) to devour (of oppression)

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be eaten (by men)

1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire)

1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh)

1c) (Pual)

1c1) to cause to eat, feed with

1c2) to cause to devour

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to feed

1d2) to cause to eat

1e) (Piel)

1e1) consume

Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person feminine singular
Hc/Vqq3fs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

kon-sum' (akhal, kalah, tamam; analisko): In Old Testament 'akhal ("to eat," "devour") occurs very frequently, and is translated "consumed" (Ge 31:40; Ex 15:7; Ps 78:63, etc.); kalah ("to finish") is also frequently translated "consume," "consumed" (Ge 41:30; Ex 32:10; Ps 59:13, etc.); tamam, "to be perfect," "finished" (Nu 17:13; De 2:15; Ps 73:19, etc.). There are many other words translated "consume"…

seek the object marker Yahweh and live lest he should rush like fire [the] house of Joseph and it will consume and not [one who] extinguishes [it] [will belong] to Beth- -el
וְאֵין־ve.'ein- and not H369 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct
789× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Amplified meaning
nothing, none
Tyndale gloss
nothing
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַ֫יִן (ayin) primarily means 'nothing' or 'nought' and serves as a negative particle indicating absence or negation, such as 'is not' or 'there is not.' It can also express lack of possession or existence. The word is derived from a root meaning to be non-existent, and it appears frequently in various grammatical constructions.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought

to nothing, as nothing

cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not

אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not

in circumst. clauses

with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …

with prefixes

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H369 אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought . to nothing, as nothing

. cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not

. אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not

. in circumst. clauses

. with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …

. with prefixes

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

369 'ayin ah'-yin

as if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not

exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative

particle:--else, except, fail, (father-)less, be gone,

in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any,

thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable),

well-nigh, without. Compare 370.

see HEBREW for 0370

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַ֫יִן (a.yin) — nothing.

1) nothing, not, nought n

1a) nothing, nought neg

1b) not

1c) to have not (of possession) adv

1d) without w/prep

1e) for lack of

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Part — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct
HC/Ncmsc
seek the object marker Yahweh and live lest he should rush like fire [the] house of Joseph and it will consume and not [one who] extinguishes [it] [will belong] to Beth- -el
מְכַבֶּ֖הme.kha.Beh [one who] extinguishes [it] H3518 Verb · Piel · participle (active) masculine singular
24× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To quench means to put out or extinguish something, like a fire or a flame, as seen in Ezekiel 20:47 where God warns of a fire that will not be quenched. It can also refer to satisfying a desire or need.
Amplified meaning
quench, put out
Tyndale gloss
to quench
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כָּבָה (kabah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to quench or extinguish, particularly in reference to fire or light. It has a range of uses, including both the action of putting out a flame and the state of being extinguished. The entries highlight its forms in different stems, such as Qal and Piel, which indicate the verb's active and causative aspects.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[כָּבָה] vb. be quenched, extinguished, go out, of fire or lamp

Qal be quenched, extinguished

Pi. quench, extinguish

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3518 כָּבָה be quenched, extinguished, go out, of fire or lamp .be quenched, extinguished

. quench, extinguish

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3518 kabah kaw-baw'

a primitive root; to expire or (causatively) to extinguish

(fire, light, anger):--go (put) out, quench.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כָּבָה (ka.vah) — to quench.

1) to quench, put out, be put out, be quenched, be extinguished

1a) (Qal) to be quenched, be extinguished

1b) (Piel) to quench, extinguish

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel — Verb · Piel · participle (active) masculine singular
HVprmsa
seek the object marker Yahweh and live lest he should rush like fire [the] house of Joseph and it will consume and not [one who] extinguishes [it] [will belong] to Beth- -el
לְבֵֽית־le.veit- [will belong] to Beth- H1008 Preposition · noun proper
142× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Amplified meaning
house of God, a significant location
Tyndale gloss
Bethel
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בֵּֽיתְאֵל (Bethel) means 'house of God' and refers to a significant ancient location in Palestine, identified with Luz. It is described as a seat of worship situated in Ephraim on the border of Benjamin, as well as a place in the southern region of Judah.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֵּֽיתְאֵל 71 n.pr.loc. Bethel

ancient place and seat of worship in Ephraim on border of Benjamin, identif. with Luz (former name)

place in south country of Judah, not far from Beersheba & Ziklag

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1008 בֵּֽיתְאֵל Bethel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1008 Beyth-'El bayth-ale'

from 1004 and 410; house of God; Beth-El, a place in

Palestine:--Beth-el.

see HEBREW for 01004

see HEBREW for 0410

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֵּֽיתְ־אֵל (bet-el) — Bethel.

§ Bethel = "house of God"

ancient place and seat of worship in Ephraim on border of Benjamin, identified with Luz (former name)

בֵּֽיתְ־אֵל (bet-el) — Bethel.

§ Bethel = "house of God"

a place in south country of Judah

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Preposition · noun proper
HR/Npl
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Beth

Occurs frequently as the appellation for a house, or dwelling-place, in such compounds as the words immediately following:

Smith's Bible Dictionary

the most general word for a house or habitation. It has the special meaning of a temple or house of worship Beth is more frequently employed in compound names of places than any other word.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

House, forms a part of many compounds names of places, and sometimes means the place or dwelling; and at others the temple. This word becomes Beit in modern Arabic.

seek the object marker Yahweh and live lest he should rush like fire [the] house of Joseph and it will consume and not [one who] extinguishes [it] [will belong] to Beth- -el
אֵֽל׃'El -el H1008 Noun proper
142× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Tyndale gloss
Bethel
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בֵּֽיתְאֵל (Bethel) means 'house of God' and refers to a significant ancient location in Palestine, identified with Luz. It is described as a seat of worship situated in Ephraim on the border of Benjamin, as well as a place in the southern region of Judah.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֵּֽיתְאֵל 71 n.pr.loc. Bethel

ancient place and seat of worship in Ephraim on border of Benjamin, identif. with Luz (former name)

place in south country of Judah, not far from Beersheba & Ziklag

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1008 בֵּֽיתְאֵל Bethel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1008 Beyth-'El bayth-ale'

from 1004 and 410; house of God; Beth-El, a place in

Palestine:--Beth-el.

see HEBREW for 01004

see HEBREW for 0410

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֵּֽיתְ־אֵל (bet-el) — Bethel.

§ Bethel = "house of God"

ancient place and seat of worship in Ephraim on border of Benjamin, identified with Luz (former name)

בֵּֽיתְ־אֵל (bet-el) — Bethel.

§ Bethel = "house of God"

a place in south country of Judah

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNpl — Noun proper
HNpl
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

See GOD, NAMES OF.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Strength, one of the names of God, especially in poetry,

Ge 33:18-20. It is very often found in proper names, as Bethel, Daniel, Elijah, etc. Eloi, like Eli, means, My God.

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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