Amos 8:5 — Word Study
WLCלֵאמֹ֗ר מָתַ֞י יַעֲבֹ֤ר הַחֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ וְנַשְׁבִּ֣ירָה שֶּׁ֔בֶר וְהַשַּׁבָּ֖ת וְנִפְתְּחָה־ בָּ֑ר לְהַקְטִ֤ין אֵיפָה֙ וּלְהַגְדִּ֣יל שֶׁ֔קֶל וּלְעַוֵּ֖ת מֹאזְנֵ֥י מִרְמָֽה׃
BSAaskingʼâmar Whenmâthay [how long, at what time] will the New Moonchôdesh [lunar cycle, month] be overʻâbar▸ that we may sellshâbar [trade, exchange] grainsheber [corn, wheat, barley] When will the Sabbath [end]shabbâth [day of rest, worship] that we may marketpâthach [sell, trade] wheatbâr Let us reduceqâṭôn [make small, diminish] the ephahʼêyphâh [unit of measurement, about 9 gallons] and increasegâdal [magnify, grow] the shekelsheqel [unit of weight, money] let us cheatʻâvath [pervert, twist] with dishonestmirmâh [deceitful, false] scalesmôʼzên [balances, weights]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| לֵאמֹ֗ר | saying | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
| מָתַ֞י | when? | Particle |
| יַעֲבֹ֤ר | will it pass | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| הַחֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ | the new moon | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְנַשְׁבִּ֣ירָה | so we may sell grain | Conjunction, verb hiphil infinitive construct first person common plural |
| שֶּׁ֔בֶר | grain | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וְהַשַּׁבָּ֖ת | and the sabbath | Conjunction, particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| וְנִפְתְּחָה־ | so we may open | Conjunction, verb qal infinitive construct first person common plural |
| בָּ֑ר | grain | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| לְהַקְטִ֤ין | to make small | Preposition, verb hiphil infinitive construct common |
| אֵיפָה֙ | an ephah | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| וּלְהַגְדִּ֣יל | and to make great | Conjunction, preposition, verb hiphil infinitive construct common |
| שֶׁ֔קֶל | a shekel | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וּלְעַוֵּ֖ת | and to falsify | Conjunction, preposition, verb piel infinitive construct common |
| מֹאזְנֵ֥י | balances of | Noun common, masculine dual construct |
| מִרְמָֽה׃ | deceit | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales. |
| KJV | Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? |
| ASV | saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell grain? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and dealing falsely with balances of deceit; |
| YLT | Saying, When doth the new moon pass, And we sell ground corn? And the sabbath, and we open out pure corn? To make little the ephah, And to make great the shekel, And to use perversely balances of deceit. |
| WEB | saying, ‘When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may market wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel large, and dealing falsely with balances of deceit; |
| BBE | Saying, When will the new moon be gone, so that we may do trade in grain? and the Sabbath, so that we may put out in the market the produce of our fields? making the measure small and the price great, and trading falsely with scales of deceit; |
Where they part company is in the rendering of שֶּׁ֔בֶר — see How Translations Differ.
The verse consists of a main inquiry followed by a series of clauses expressing the people's intentions, emphasizing their impatience and desire for profit.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbעָבַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Amos 8:5
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 Warning Against Exploitationgenerated
Amos 8:5 highlights the attitudes of the Israelites who are eager for religious observances to conclude so they can resume their business dealings. This reflects a broader theme of social injustice and the exploitation of the needy, as seen in the preceding verses. The prophet Amos condemns their greed, contrasting their desire for profit with the sacredness of the New Moon and the Sabbath, which should be times of reflection and worship.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 10:10 | And on your joyous occasions, your appointed feasts, and the beginning of each month, you are to blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to serve as a reminder for you before your God. I am the LORD your God.” |
| 2 | Numbers 28:11–15 | At the beginning of every month, you are to present to the LORD a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all unblemished, |
| 3 | 2 Kings 4:23 | “Why would you go to him today?” he replied. “It is not a New Moon or a Sabbath.” “Everything is all right,” she said. |
| 4 | Psalm 81:3–4 | Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, and at the full moon on the day of our Feast. |
| 5 | Isaiah 1:13 | Bring your worthless offerings no more; your incense is detestable to Me— your New Moons, Sabbaths, and convocations. I cannot endure iniquity in a solemn assembly. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 19 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — מִרְמָה, mir.Mahgenerated
The Hebrew word מִרְמָה (mirmah) means deceit or treachery, indicating actions that involve trickery or dishonesty. It is derived from a root meaning to deceive and is often used in contexts that highlight moral failure. This word emphasizes the unethical behavior of the people, who are willing to compromise their integrity for financial gain.
In this verse, מִרְמָה underscores the contrast between the sacred observance of the Sabbath and the people's desire to engage in dishonest practices. The use of this term highlights the seriousness of their actions and the moral implications of their intentions.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree on the meaning of מִרְמָה, using terms like deceit (BSB, KJV, ASV) and dishonest (YLT, WEB, BBE) to convey the sense of trickery and fraud.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse is structured around a series of clauses, with the main verb יַעֲבֹ֤ר (will it pass) governing the questions about the New Moon and Sabbath. The subsequent clauses detail the actions the people wish to take, emphasizing their desire to trade and manipulate measurements.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on their impatience, starting with the inquiry about the New Moon and Sabbath, followed by their intentions to engage in dishonest practices. This structure highlights the contrast between sacred time and their greed.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates מִרְמָה as ἄδικον (adikon), meaning 'unjust' or 'wrong.' This choice highlights the moral failing of the people in their desire to cheat and exploit during sacred times.
The use of ἄδικον suggests a broader interpretation of their actions as not just deceitful, but fundamentally unjust, reinforcing the prophetic condemnation of their behavior.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Amos 8:5 shows the Israelites asking when the New Moon and Sabbath will end so they can sell grain and cheat with dishonest scales. This reflects their greed and disregard for the sacredness of these times, highlighting a call for justice and ethical behavior.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The New Moon and Sabbath are sacred times meant for rest and worship, but the people express impatience for these observances to end so they can return to their business dealings.
This verse illustrates the Israelites' greed and desire for profit over their commitment to God and ethical behavior, as they plan to engage in dishonest practices.
The term 'deceit' highlights the unethical actions of the people, showing their willingness to manipulate and cheat others for personal gain.
Amos addresses these issues to call out the injustices and moral failures of the Israelites, urging them to reflect on their behavior during sacred times.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I see impatience for spiritual practices in my own life?
- How can I ensure that my actions align with my values, especially during sacred times?
- What are some examples of dishonesty in my community, and how can I address them?
- How can I cultivate a deeper respect for the sacredness of time set apart for God?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Amos 8:5 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleSaying, when will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn?.... The first day of every month, on which it was forbid to sell any thing, or do any worldly business, being appointed and used for
Read John Gill on Amos 8 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentarySaying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?
Read Robert Jamieson on Amos 8 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleWhen will the new moon be gone? ye that could wish there were nothing to interrupt your marketing, your irreligious impatience, and your eagerness after the world, look on solemn times of Divine worship as very burdensome; such was the first day of every month, and the weekly sabbath. That we may sell corn: no servile work might be done on new moons, no markets kept, or corn brought forth publicly to be sold. And the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat? they were also bound very religiously to observe the sabbath, and on that day they might not buy or sell; now they are weary of the sabbath, as of the new moon, and on the same account wish it over: here was irreligious gaping after gain.…
Read Matthew Poole on Amos 8 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsAmos 8:5 Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?Ver. 5. Saying, When will the new moon be gone, &c.] "O, what a weariness it is! and ye have snuffed at it," Malachi 1:13. See the note there. This ye have said, or thought at least; and God knoweth the language of your hearts. He presseth upon no man; neither will he accept that service that is pressed out of people, as verjuice out of a crab. All his saints are free hearted, Psalms 110:3, all his soldiers volunteers; they welcome the sabbath, as that holy man did, who went forth to meet and…
Read John Trapp on Amos 8 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(5) When . . . gone.—They desired that the festivals of the New Moon and Sabbath should be over, when they might not only return to their secular employments, but pursue their search for ill-gotten gains—a proof that these festivals were observed in the northern nation, even if they were disliked. Set forth wheat.—The original signifies the opening of the sacks, or granaries, where the wheat was stored. The greedy mercantile class is referred to. The ephah, which was a dry measure (= three English pecks), was “made small,” so that a smaller quantity might be sold. The shekel was the weight against which the precious metal was weighed. If this were fraudulently augmented, more of the gold or…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Amos 8 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 5. When will the new moon be gone] This was kept as a kind of holy day, not by Divine command, but by custom. The Sabbath was strictly holy; and yet so covetous were they that they grudged to give to God and their own souls this seventh portion of time! But bad and execrable as they were, they neither set forth their corn, nor their wheat, nor any other kind of merchandise, on the Sabbath. They were saints then, when compared to multitudes called Christians, who keep their shops either partially or entirely open on the Lord's day, and buy and sell without any scruples of conscience. Conscience! alas! they have none; it is seared as with a hot iron. The strong man armed, in them, is…
Read AdamClarke on Amos 8 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges5. When will the new moon be gone?] The new moon, the first of the month, was observed as a popular holiday (2 Kings 4:23; cf. 1 Samuel 20:5; 1 Samuel 20:24), and marked by religious services Isaiah 1:13-14; Hosea 2:11; and often in later writings: cf. Numbers 28:11-15). From the present passage, it is apparent that, like the sabbath, it was a day on which trade was suspended, and which accordingly was viewed by the grasping Israelitish merchants with impatience, on account of the interruption which it occasioned in their unjust practices. making the ephah small &c.] The ephah by which they sold was of short measure, while the shekel, by which the money to be paid by the purchaser was…
Read Cambridge on Amos 8 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleWhen will the new moon be gone? - They kept their festivals, though weary and impatient for their close. They kept sabbath and festival with their bodies, not with their minds.
Read Albert Barnes on Amos 8 →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
asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales.
saying, ‘When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may market wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel large, and dealing falsely with balances of deceit;
asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales.
You say, “When will the new moon festival be over, so we can sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, so we can open up the grain bins? We’re eager to sell less for a higher price, and to cheat the buyer with rigged scales!
Tyndale line
Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?
saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell grain? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and dealing falsely with balances of deceit;
saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat? making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and dealing falsely with balances of deceit;
Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?
Saying, When will the newe moneth bee gone, that we may sell corne? and the Sabbath, that we may set forth wheate, and make the Ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifie the weights by deceit?
Strictly literal
saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat? making the ephah small and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances for deceit:
Saying, When doth the new moon pass, And we sell ground corn? And the sabbath, and we open out pure corn? To make little the ephah, And to make great the shekel, And to use perversely balances of deceit.
Saying, “When does the new moon pass, || And we sell ground grain? And the Sabbath, and we open out pure grain? To make little the ephah, || And to make great the shekel, || And to use balances of deceit perversely.
Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell provision? and the sabbath, that we may open the corn-warehouses, making the ephah small, and increasing the shekel, and cheating with deceitful balances?
They say, “When will the new moon be over, so we can sell grain again? When will the Sabbath day be over, so that we can sell wheat? We will make the measure small and increase the price, as we cheat with false scales.
From the Latin
Saying: When will the month be over, and we shall sell our wares: and the sabbath, and we shall open the corn: that we may lessen the measure, and increase the sicle, and may convey in deceitful balances,
Simplified
You who ask, “When will the holy day be over so we can get back to selling grain? When will the Sabbath be over so we can open our storehouses, and cheat people with short measures and unfair scales?”
Saying, When will the new moon be gone, so that we may do trade in grain? and the Sabbath, so that we may put out in the market the produce of our fields? making the measure small and the price great, and trading falsely with scales of deceit;
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the core message of the verse, with the Septuagint maintaining a close correspondence to the Hebrew text. The Dead Sea Scrolls show some variations, with partial restorations indicating similar themes of impatience and dishonesty.
לֵאמֹ֗ר מָתַ֞י יַעֲבֹ֤ר הַחֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ וְנַשְׁבִּ֣ירָה שֶּׁ֔בֶר וְהַשַּׁבָּ֖ת וְנִפְתְּחָה־ בָּ֑ר לְהַקְטִ֤ין אֵיפָה֙ וּלְהַגְדִּ֣יל שֶׁ֔קֶל וּלְעַוֵּ֖ת מֹאזְנֵ֥י מִרְמָֽה׃
14 of the 16 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.
לאמר מתי [יעבר] [החדש] [ונשבירה] [שבר] [והשבת] [ונפתחה] בר להקטין [איפה] [ולהגדיל] [שקל] [ולעות] [מאזני] מרמה
3 words on the leather — 2 partly restored, 11 supplied entire by an editor.
[לאמר] [מתי] [יעבר] [החדש] [ונשבים] [שבר] [והשבת] [ונפתחה] [בר]
9 words of the verse are on this fragment — 9 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Amos 8:5
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.
אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say
Qal
Say
Say in the heart (= think)
Promise
Command (esp. late)
Niph. be said, told
Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
Hithp. act proudly, boast
base
H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say
. Say in the heart (= think)
. Promise
. Command (esp. late)
. be said, told
. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
. act proudly, boast
559 'amar aw-mar'
a primitive root; to say (used with great
latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,
certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),
commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X
expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,
publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X
suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),
utter, X verily, X yet.
אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.
1) to say, speak, utter
1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called
1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly
1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch
Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHR/Vqcc
מָתַי (mathay) is an adverb meaning 'when?' It is derived from an unused root that suggests extension, particularly in relation to time. The word is used interrogatively to ask about timeframes, such as 'how long?' or 'until when?'. It appears in contexts that require a temporal inquiry.
מָתַי 43 interrog.adv. when?
base
H4970 מָתַי when?
4970 mathay maw-thah'ee
from an unused root meaning to extend; properly, extent (of
time); but used only adverbially (especially with other
particle prefixes), when (either relative or
interrogative):--long, when.
מָתַי (ma.tay) — how.
1) when?
1a) with prep
1a1) against when?, until when?, how long?, after how long?
Part — ParticleHTi
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.
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
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
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.
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)
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
חֹ֫דֶשׁ (chodesh) refers to the concept of newness, specifically the new moon and the month. It denotes both the lunar month and the first day of that month. The entries consistently emphasize its connection to timekeeping in the Hebrew calendar.
חֹ֫דֶשׁ 282 n.m. (newness), new moon, month
base
H2320 חֹ֫דֶשׁ (newness), new moon, month
2320 chodesh kho'-desh
from 2318; the new moon; by implication, a
month:--month(-ly), new moon.
see HEBREW for 02318
חֹ֫דֶשׁ (cho.desh) — month.
: month
1) the new moon, month, monthly
1a) the first day of the month
1b) the lunar month
חֹ֫דֶשׁ (cho.desh) — month: new moon.
: new_moon
1) the new moon, month, monthly
1a) the first day of the month
1b) the lunar month
Also means: cho.desh (חֹ֫דֶשׁ ": month" H2320)
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
See MOON, NEW; FASTS AND FEASTS.
The first day of the lunar month was observed as a holy day. In addition to the daily sacrifice there were offered two young bullocks, a ram and seven lambs of the first year as a burnt offering, with the proper meat offerings and drink offerings, and a kid as a sin offering. (Numbers 28:11-15) As on the Sabbath, trade and handicraft work were stopped, (Amos 8:5) and the temple was opened for public worship. (Isaiah 66:23; Ezekiel 46:3) The trumpets were blown at the offering of the special sacrifices for the day, as on the solemn festivals. (Numbers 10:10; Psalms 81:3) It was an occasion for state banquets. (
The new moon was the commencement of each of the Hebrew months. See MONTH.
The Hebrews had a particular veneration of the first day of every month, for which Moses appointed peculiar sacrifices, Nu 28:11-15; but he gave no orders that it should be kept as a holy day, nor can it be proved that the ancients observed it as such: it was a festival of merely voluntary devotion. It appears that even from the time of Saul, they made on this day a sort of family entertainment; since David ought then to have been at the king’s table and Saul took his absence amiss, 1Sa 20:5,18. Moses implies that, besides the national sacrifices then regularly offered, every private person had his particular sacrifices of devotion, Nu 10:10.
שָׁבַר (shabar) is a verb meaning to buy grain, derived from a related root. It covers the actions of purchasing grain in the Qal form and selling it in the Hiphil form. The word emphasizes trade in grain, with no significant disagreement noted among the lexicons.
[שָׁבַר] vb. denom. buy grain
Qal buy grain for food
Hiph. sell grain (prop. cause to buy grain)
base
H7666 שָׁבַר vb. denom. buy grain
7666 shabar shaw-bar'
denominative from 7668; to deal in grain:--buy, sell.
see HEBREW for 07668
שָׁבַר (sha.var) — to buy grain.
1) to buy or purchase grain
1a) (Qal) to buy grain
1b) (Hiphil) to sell grain
Aramaic equivalent: ze.van (זְבַן "to buy" H2084)
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cp — Conjunction · verb hiphil infinitive construct first person common pluralHC/Vhc1cp
gran.
See AGRICULTURE; GARNER.
Grain
Used, in Amos 9:9, of a small stone or kernel; in Matt. 13:31, of an individual seed of mustard; in John 12:24, 1 Cor. 15:37, of wheat. The Hebrews sowed only wheat, barley, and spelt; rye and oats are not mentioned in Scripture.
See CORN.
The Hebrew word שֶׁ֫בֶר (*sheber*) refers to grain or corn, particularly as foodstuff. It is derived from a root that implies something broken into kernels. The entries consistently emphasize its meaning related to food, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
שֶׁ֫בֶר n.[m.] corn, grain, as food stuff
base
H7668 שֶׁ֫בֶר corn, grain, as food stuff
7668 sheber sheh'-ber
the same as 7667; grain (as if broken into kernels):--corn,
victuals.
see HEBREW for 07667
שֶׁ֫בֶר (she.ver) — grain.
grain, corn (as foodstuff)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
gran.
See AGRICULTURE; GARNER.
Grain
Used, in Amos 9:9, of a small stone or kernel; in Matt. 13:31, of an individual seed of mustard; in John 12:24, 1 Cor. 15:37, of wheat. The Hebrews sowed only wheat, barley, and spelt; rye and oats are not mentioned in Scripture.
See CORN.
שַׁבָּת (shabbath) refers to the Sabbath, a day of rest observed weekly, as well as the Day of Atonement and the sabbath year. It may also denote a week or the produce that grows during the sabbath year. The word is derived from a root meaning 'intermission.'
שַׁבָּת 111 n.f. and m. Sabbath
sabbath
day of atonement
sabbath year
= week (?)
= produce in sabbath year (growing of itself)
base
H7676 שַׁבָּת Sabbath . sabbath
. day of atonement
. sabbath year
. = week (?)
. = produce in sabbath year (growing of itself)
7676 shabbath shab-bawth'
intensive from 7673; intermission, i.e (specifically) the
Sabbath:--(+ every) sabbath.
see HEBREW for 07673
שַׁבָּת (shab.bat) — Sabbath.
Sabbath
1a) sabbath
1b) day of atonement
1c) sabbath year
1d) week
1e) produce (in sabbath year)
Conj | Art | N-cs — Conjunction · particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHC/Td/Ncfsa
sab'-ath (shabbath, shabbathon; sabbaton, ta sabbata; the root shabhath in Hebrew means "to desist," "cease," "rest"):
I. ORIGIN OF THE SABBATH
1. The Biblical Account
2. Critical Theories
II. HISTORY OF THE SABBATH AFTER MOSES
1. In the Old Testament
2. In the Inter-Testamental Period
3. Jesus and the Sabbath
4. Paul and the Sabbath
LITERATURE
The Sabbath was the day on which man was to leave off his secular labors and keep a day holy to Yahweh.
I. Origin of the Sabbath.
1. The Biblical Account:
The sketch of creation in Ge 1:1-2:3 closes with an impressive account of the hallowing of the 7th day, because on it God rested from all the work which He had made creatively. The word "Sabbath" does not occur in the story; but it is recognized by critics of every school that the author (P) means to describe the Sabbath as primeval. In
Sabbath
(Heb. verb shabbath, meaning “to rest from labour”), the day of rest. It is first mentioned as having been instituted in Paradise, when man was in innocence (Gen. 2:2). “The sabbath was made for man,” as a day of rest and refreshment for the body and of blessing to the soul.
It is next referred to in connection with the gift of manna to the children of Israel in the wilderness (Ex. 16:23); and afterwards, when the law was given from Sinai (20:11), the people were solemnly charged to “remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Thus it is spoken of as an institution already existing.
In the Mosaic law strict regulations were laid down regarding its observance (Ex. 35:2, 3;
(shabbath), "a day of rest," from shabath "to cease to do to," "to rest"). The name is applied to divers great festivals, but principally and usually to the seventh day of the week, the strict observance of which is enforced not merely in the general Mosaic code, but in the Decalogue itself. The consecration of the Sabbath was coeval with the creation. The first scriptural notice of it, though it is not mentioned by name, is to be found in (Genesis 2:3) at the close of the record of the six-days creation. There are not wanting indirect evidences of its observance, as the intervals between Noah’s sending forth the birds out of the ark, an act naturally associated with the weekly service, (Genesis 8:7-12) and in the week of a wedding celebration, (
Rest. God having created the world in six days, "rested" on the seventh, Ge 2:2,3; that is, he ceased from producing new beings in this creation; and because he had rested on it, he "blessed" or sanctified it, and appointed it in a peculiar manner for his worship.
We here have an account of the ORIGINAL INSTITUTION of the day of rest. Like the institution of marriage, it was given to man for the whole race. Those who worshipped God seem to have kept the Sabbath from the first, and there are tokens of this in the brief sketch the Bible contains of the ages before the giving of the law at Mount Sinai. Noah sent forth the raven from the ark, and the dove thrice, at intervals of seven days, Ge 8:1-22. The account of the sending of manna in the desert proves that the Sabbath was already…
פָּתַח (pathach) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to open' and can refer to various actions such as opening doors, loosening restraints, or engraving. It has different forms, including Qal (to open), Niphal (to be opened), and Piel (to engrave). The entries highlight its literal and figurative uses, but there is some overlap in meaning regarding its applications in opening and engraving.
פָּתַח vb. open
Qal open sack
Niph. be opened
Pi. be opened
free, i.e. ungird, camels
loosen (and remove) sack-cloth
open gates, doors
Hithp. loosen thee the fetters of thy neck
base
[פָּתַח] vb. Pi. engrave
Pu. stones engraved with the engravings of a signet.
base
H6605a פָּתַח open .open sack
. be opened
. be opened . free, i.e. ungird, camels
. loosen (and remove) sack-cloth
. open gates, doors
. loosen thee the fetters of thy neck
H6605b פָּתַח Pi. engrave
6605 pathach paw-thakh'
a primitive root; to open wide (literally or figuratively);
specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve:--appear, break
forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-)grave(-n), loose (self),
(be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent.
פָּתַח (pa.tach) — to open.
1) to open
1a) (Qal) to open
1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to free
1c2) to loosen
1c3) to open, open oneself
1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself
Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
פָּתַח (pa.tach) — to engrave.
1) to carve, engrave
1a) (Piel) to engrave
1b) (Pual) to be engraved
Conj | V-Qal-1cp — Conjunction · verb qal infinitive construct first person common pluralHC/Vqc1cp
o'-p'-n: In the Old Testament represents chiefly pathach, but also other words, as galah, "to uncover"; of the opening of the eyes in vision, etc. (thus Balaam, Nu 22:31; 24:4; compare Job 33:16; 36:10; Ps 119:18; Jer 32:11,14). In the New Testament the usual word is anoigo (of opening of mouth, eyes, heavens, doors, etc.). A peculiar word, trachelizomai (literally, to have the neck bent back, to be laid bare), is used for "laid open" before God in Heb 4:13.
בַּר (bar) primarily means 'grain' or 'corn,' and can also refer to a 'field.' It is derived from the sense of winnowing, indicating its agricultural context. The term appears in various forms, including its Aramaic equivalent, which also means 'field.' There is a specific reference to its use in Job 39:4.
ref
H1250a בַּר grain, corn H1250b בָּר field
1250 bar bawr
or bar {bar}; from 1305 (in the sense of winnowing); grain of
any kind (even while standing in the field); by extens. the
open country:--corn, wheat.
see HEBREW for 01305
בַּר (bar) — grain.
corn, grain
בָּר (bar) — field.
field (Aram. usage)
Aramaic equivalent: bar (בַּר "field" H1251)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
gran.
See AGRICULTURE; GARNER.
Grain
Used, in Amos 9:9, of a small stone or kernel; in Matt. 13:31, of an individual seed of mustard; in John 12:24, 1 Cor. 15:37, of wheat. The Hebrews sowed only wheat, barley, and spelt; rye and oats are not mentioned in Scripture.
See CORN.
קָטֹן (qaton) means to be small or insignificant. It can refer to being diminutive in a literal sense or figuratively as being of no account. The word has a primitive root that suggests a causative form, indicating the action of making something small or reducing its significance.
[קָטֹן] n.[m.] be small, insignificant
Qal I am too insignificant for all the kindness
Hiph. making ephah small.
base
H6994 [קָטֹן] be small, insignificant
6994 qaton kaw-tone'
a primitive root (rather denominative from 6996); to
diminish, i.e. be (causatively, make) diminutive or
(figuratively) of no account:--be a (make) small (thing), be
not worthy.
see HEBREW for 06996
קָטֹן (qa.ton) — be small.
1) to be small, be insignificant
1a) (Qal) to be insignificant
1b) (Hiphil) to make small, reduce significantly
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a — Preposition · verb hiphil infinitive construct commonHR/Vhcc
אֵיפָה (ephah) refers to a dry measure used for grain, equivalent to about 9 imperial gallons or 40 liters. It can denote both the quantity itself and the container used for measuring that amount. The term is derived from Egyptian and is mentioned in contexts related to measuring grain.
אֵיפָה 35, אֵפָה n.f. ephah
a certain quantity of wheat, barley, etc. = ten omers
receptacle or measure, holding an ephah
base
H374 אֵיפָה, אֵפָה ephah
374 'eyphah ay-faw'
or (shortened) ephah {ay-faw'}; of Egyptian derivation; an
ephah or measure for grain; hence, a measure in general:--
ephah, (divers) measure(-s).
אֵיפָה (e.phah) — ephah.
1) ephah
1a) a dry measure of quantity, equal to 3 seahs, 10 omers; the same as the liquid measure bath; (about 9 imperial gallons (40 l), rabbinical writings give sizes of one-half this amount)
1b) the receptacle for measuring or holding that amount
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
Ephah
Gloom. (1.) One of the five sons of Midian, and grandson of Abraham (Gen. 25:4). The city of Ephah, to which he gave his name, is mentioned Isa. 60:6, 7. This city, with its surrounding territory, formed part of Midian, on the east shore of the Dead Sea. It abounded in dromedaries and camels (Judg. 6:5).
(2.) 1 Chr. 2:46, a concubine of Caleb.
(3.) 1 Chr. 2:47, a descendant of Judah.
Ephah, a word of Egyptian origin, meaning measure; a grain measure containing “three seahs or ten omers,” and equivalent to the bath for liquids (Ex. 16:36;
[WEIGHTS AND MEASURES AND MEASURES]
1. A measure of capacity used among the Hebrews, containing three pecks and three pints. The Ephah was a dry measure, as of barley, Ru 2:17; and meal, Nu 5:15 Jud 6:19; and was of the same capacity with the bath in liquids. See BATH, or Ephah.
2. The son of Midian, and grandson of Abraham, Ge 25:4, who settled and gave his name to a region in Arabia supposed to have been near Midian, Isa 60:6.
weary; tired
גָּדַל (gadal) is a Hebrew verb meaning to grow up or become great. It encompasses a range of meanings including to magnify, promote, and make powerful. The word has various forms, such as Qal, Piel, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of growth and greatness. Notably, it can also imply self-magnification.
גָּדַל 115 vb. grow up, become great
Qal
grow up
become great
to be magnified
Pi.
cause to grow
make great, powerful
magnify
Pu. brought up
Hiph.
make great
magnify
do great things
Hithp. I will magnify myself
base
H1431 גָּדַל grow up, become great .. grow up
. become great
. to be magnified
. . cause to grow
. make great, powerful
. magnify
. brought up
. . make great
. magnify
. do great things
. I will magnify myself
1431 gadal gaw-dal'
a primitive root; properly, to twist (compare 1434), i.e. to
be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body,
mind, estate or honor, also in pride):--advance, boast, bring
up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax),
great(-er, come to...estate, + things), grow(up),increase,
lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass,
promote, proudly (spoken), tower.
see HEBREW for 01434
גָּדַל (ga.dal) — to magnify.
1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to grow up
1a2) to become great
1a3) to be magnified
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to cause to grow
1b2) to make great, powerful
1b3) to magnify
1c) (Pual) to be brought up
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to make great
1d2) to magnify
1d3) to do great things
1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a — Conjunction · preposition · verb hiphil infinitive construct commonHC/R/Vhcc
שֶׁ֫קֶל (sheqel) refers to a unit of weight and measure, primarily known as the shekel. It is defined as a commercial standard, with specific weights for gold, silver, and copper. The term is derived from a root meaning 'weight' and is also noted in Aramaic as תְּקֵל (teqel).
שֶׁ֫קֶל 87 n.m. a weight, shekel
base
H8255 שֶׁ֫קֶל a weight, shekel
8255 sheqel sheh'-kel
from 8254; probably a weight; used as a commercial
standard:--shekel.
see HEBREW for 08254
שֶׁ֫קֶל (she.qel) — shekel.
1) shekel
1a) the chief unit of weight or measure
1a1) gold-1/10000 of a talent and equal to 220 grains
1a2) silver-1/3000 of a talent and equal to 132 grains
1a3) copper-1/1500 of a talent and equal to 528 grains
Aramaic equivalent: te.qel (תְּקֵל "shekel" H8625B)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
shek'-'-l, shek'-el, she'-kel, she'-kul (sheqel): A weight and a coin. The Hebrew shekel was the 50th part of a mina, and as a weight about 224 grains, and as money (silver) was worth about 2 shillings 9d., or 66 cents (in 1915). No gold shekel has been found, and hence, it is inferred that such a coin was not used; but as a certain amount of gold, by weight, it is mentioned in 2Ch 3:9 and is probably intended to be supplied in 2Ki 5:5. The gold shekel was 1/60 of the heavy Babylonian mina and weighed about 252 grains. In value it was about equal to 2 British pounds and 1 shilling, or about $10.00 (in 1915). See MONEY; WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. In the Revised Version (British and American) of Mt 17:27 "shekel" replaces "piece of…
Shekel
Weight, the common standard both of weight and value among the Hebrews. It is estimated at 220 English grains, or a little more than half an ounce avoirdupois. The “shekel of the sanctuary” (Ex. 30:13; Num. 3:47) was equal to twenty gerahs (Ezek. 45:12). There were shekels of gold (1 Chr. 21:25), of silver (1 Sam. 9:8), of brass (17:5), and of iron (7). When it became a coined piece of money, the shekel of gold was equivalent to about 2 pound of our money. Six gold shekels, according to the later Jewish system, were equal in value to fifty silver ones.
[MONEY]
The shekel was properly and only a weight. It was used especially in weighing uncoined gold and silver: "The land is worth 400 shekels of silver...Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver-in the audience of the sons of Heth," Ge 23:15,16. In such cases the word shekel is often omitted in the Hebrew, as in Ge 20:16 37:28, where our translators have supplied the word "pieces," but improperly, because coined money was not then known. See MONEY.
Between the sacred shekel, Ex 30:13, and the shekel after the "king’s weight," 2Sa 14:26, there would seem to have been a difference; but this and many think the phrase "shekel of the sanctuary" simply means a full and just shekel…
The Hebrew word עָוַת (*avath*) is a primitive root meaning to wrest or make crooked. It covers actions like perverting, falsifying, and subverting, often in contexts related to justice or morality. The entries indicate various forms, including making something crooked or bending oneself.
[עָוַת] vb. be bent, crooked
Pi.
make crooked = falsify scales; pervert justice
bend, make crooked
Pu. what is bent
Hithp. and the strong men bend themselves.
base
H5791 עָוַת
5791 `avath aw-vath'
a primitive root; to wrest:--bow self, (make) crooked.,
falsifying, overthrow, deal perversely, pervert, subvert, turn
upside down.
עָוַת (a.vat) — to pervert.
1) to be bent, be crooked, bend, make crooked, pervert
1a)(Piel)
1a1) to make crooked, falsify, pervert, subvert
1a2) to bend, make crooked
1b) (Pual) thing bent (participle)
1c) (Hithpael) to bend oneself
Conj | Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a — Conjunction · preposition · verb piel infinitive construct commonHC/R/Vpcc
מֹאזֵן (mo'zen) refers to balances or scales, specifically in the dual form, indicating a pair. The term is linked to the root word for 'to weigh' and has an Aramaic equivalent. Its usage is consistent across the entries, focusing on the concept of weighing or measuring.
[מאזן] n.[m.]du. balances, scales
base
H3976 [מאזן] balances, scales
3976 mo'zen mo-zane'
from 239; (only in the dual) a pair of scales: -balances.
see HEBREW for 0239
מֹאזֵן (mo.zen) — balance.
scales, balances
Aramaic equivalent: mo.zen (מֹאזֵנְיָא "scale" H3977)
N-md — Noun common · masculine dual constructHNcmdc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
מִרְמָה (mirmah) refers to deceit or treachery. It is derived from the root word meaning to deceive and encompasses concepts like fraud, guile, and craftiness. The term appears in contexts that highlight dishonesty and trickery.
מִרְמָה n.f. deceit, treachery
base
H4820 מִרְמָה deceit, treachery
4820 mirmah meer-maw'
from 7411 in the sense of deceiving; fraud:--craft,
deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly,
treachery.
see HEBREW for 07411
מִרְמָה (mir.mah) — deceit.
deceit, treachery
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
de-set' (mirmah; (dolos)): The intentional misleading or beguiling of another; in Scripture represented as a companion of many other forms of wickedness, as cursing (Ps 10:7), hatred (Pr 26:24), theft, covetousness, adultery, murder (Mr 7:22; Ro 1:29). The Revised Version (British and American) introduces the word in Pr 14:25; 2Th 2:10; but in such passages as Ps 55:11; Pr 20:17; 26:26; 1Th 2:3, renders a…