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Daniel 11:22 — Word Study

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WLCוּזְרֹע֥וֹת הַשֶּׁ֛טֶף יִשָּׁטְפ֥וּ מִלְּפָנָ֖יו וְיִשָּׁבֵ֑רוּ וְגַ֖ם נְגִ֥יד בְּרִֽית׃

BSAThen a floodsheṭeph [of powerful forces, overwhelming event] of forceszᵉrôwaʻ [armies, military strength] will be swept awayshâṭaph [overflowed, completely taken away] before himpânîym and destroyedshâbar [broken, shattered] along withgam a princenâgîyd [leader, commander] of the covenantbᵉrîyth [agreement, promise]

Word
Listen & take awayDaniel 11
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 22 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 (be.Rit) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Daniel 11:22quick helps
In a sentenceThe verse describes a powerful force that will be overwhelmed and destroyed, along with a leader of the covenant.
Who is speakingThe prophet Daniel, conveying a vision of future events.
Where we areIn the context of a prophecy about conflicts and power struggles.
The hard wordשֶׁטֶף
Take awayA significant military event will lead to destruction.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbשָׁטַף 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 — Daniel 11:22

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — The Prophecy of Danielgenerated

21In his place a despicable person will arise; royal honors will not be given to him, but he will come in a time of peace and seize the kingdom by intrigue.
22Then a flood of forces will be swept away before him and destroyed, along with a prince of the covenant.
23After an alliance is made with him, he will act deceitfully; for he will rise to power with only a few people.
24In a time of peace, he will invade the richest provinces and do what his fathers and forefathers never did. He will lavish plunder, loot, and wealth on his followers, and he will plot against the strongholds—but only for a time.

Daniel 11:22 presents a prophecy where a flood of military forces will be overwhelmed and destroyed, indicating a tumultuous period marked by conflict and betrayal. This verse follows a description of a deceitful leader rising to power, emphasizing the chaos that surrounds such events. The passage highlights the fragility of alliances and the sudden shifts in power dynamics, as seen in the surrounding verses.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Daniel 11:10But his sons will stir up strife and assemble a great army, which will advance forcefully, sweeping through like a flood, and will again carry the battle as far as his fortress.
2Daniel 9:26Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing. Then the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood, and until the end there will be war; desolations have been decreed.
3Isaiah 8:7–8the Lord will surely bring against them the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates — the king of Assyria and all his pomp. It will overflow its channels and overrun its banks.
4Amos 8:8Will not the land quake for this, and all its dwellers mourn? All of it will swell like the Nile; it will surge and then subside like the Nile in Egypt.
5Amos 9:5The Lord GOD of Hosts, He who touches the earth and it melts, and all its dwellers mourn— all the land rises like the Nile, then sinks like the river of Egypt—

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word וּזְרֹע֥וֹת, u.ze.ro.'otgenerated

The word וְ (u) is a conjunction meaning 'and,' often used to connect phrases or clauses. In this verse, it links the forces being swept away to the broader context of destruction.

The term זְרֹע֥וֹת (z'roa) refers to 'forces' or 'armies,' symbolizing military strength. The parsing indicates it is a feminine plural construct, suggesting a collective force. The word conveys the idea of power and might, which is crucial in understanding the nature of the conflict described in this prophecy.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

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


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verbs יִשָּׁטְפ֥וּ (they will be swept away) and יִשָּׁבֵ֑רוּ (they may be broken) govern the sentence, indicating the actions that will occur. The structure emphasizes the sequential nature of these events.

The clause order places the flood of forces at the forefront, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the event before detailing the destruction of the prince of the covenant.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew term הַשֶּׁ֛טֶף is rendered as συντριβέντας, which conveys a sense of being crushed or shattered. This choice narrows the focus on the complete destruction of the forces mentioned.

The translation reflects a strong emphasis on the devastation that will accompany the flood of forces, aligning with the prophetic tone of the original Hebrew.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Daniel 11:22 describes a future event where a powerful military force will be overwhelmed and destroyed, alongside a leader of the covenant. This verse illustrates the turmoil and conflict that will characterize this period.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does the flood of forces represent?

The flood of forces represents overwhelming military might that will lead to destruction, illustrating the chaos of conflict.

Who is the prince of the covenant?

The prince of the covenant refers to a leader associated with a treaty or agreement, likely indicating a significant figure in the political landscape.

What is the significance of being swept away?

Being swept away signifies total defeat and destruction, emphasizing the power of the forces at play.

How does this verse relate to the surrounding context?

This verse fits within a narrative of conflict and betrayal, highlighting the instability of alliances and the rise of deceitful leaders.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What are some historical examples of overwhelming military forces leading to significant change?
  2. How can we understand the concept of a 'prince of the covenant' in today's political context?
  3. What lessons can we draw from the destruction described in this verse regarding trust and alliances?
  4. In what ways can we prepare for unexpected changes in leadership or power dynamics in our lives?

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

Theodoret of Cyrus comments on this verse, indicating the overwhelming power of the Egyptians in the context of the prophecy.

Theodoret of CyrusCOMMENTARY ON Daniel 11:22 c. 393–460
Here again he hinted at the empire of the Egyptians, that though they too were very powerful, destroying their adversaries like an inundation, and rendering them totally undone,
Early Church Fathers on Daniel 11 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Daniel 11:22 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken,.... That is, by the help of the forces of Eumenes and Attalus, which were like an inundation of water, the

Read John Gill on Daniel 11 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.

Read Robert Jamieson on Daniel 11 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

They shall be overflown, i.e. the Egyptian force near Pelusium, where they fell by the power of Antiochus, with a great slaughter; and it was near the river Nilus, to which the Holy Ghost alludes here by the phrase, arms of a flood. The prince of the covenant, i.e. the high priest with his place and honour, for he put out Onias, and set up in his stead Jason his brother, ambitious of that honour. Thus he opposed the people and worship of God with the same stratagems as he did the king of Egypt.

Read Matthew Poole on Daniel 11 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Daniel 11:22 And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.Ver. 22. And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown.] The Egyptians shall, by the forces of Antiochus Epiphanes, who, in the minority of his sister Cleopatra’ s son, Ptolemy Philometor, invaded Egypt, and overthrew his two captains, Euleus and Leneus, as with a storm or flood. Yea, also the prince of the covenant.] Tryphon, the chief contriver of a covenant between the two kings, after the former overthrow. He was removed by Antiochus, that himself might do what he wished in Egypt, when his nephew Philometor was yet a minor.

Read John Trapp on Daniel 11 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(22) With the arms.—More correctly, and the arms in a flood; that is, the overwhelming forces of invading armies are swept away by the troops of this terrible king. But besides the enemy, the “prince of the covenant” is to be destroyed also. This expression is most readily explained by observing that it stands in contrast with the hostile armies mentioned in the first clause. It is an expression similar to “men of covenant,” “lords of covenant,” and means “those who were at peace with him,” “prince” being used as a collective noun (see Daniel 11:18). This has been supposed to refer to the murder of Onias III. (2Ma 4:1, &c., 2Ma 4:33, &c.); but there is no reason for supposing that the high…

Read Charles John Ellicott on Daniel 11 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 22. And with the arms of a flood] The arms which were overflown before him were his competitors for the crown. They were vanquished by the forces of Eumenes and Attalus; and were dissipated by the arrival of Antiochus from Athens, whose presence disconcerted all their measures. The prince of the covenant] This was Onias, the high priest, whom he removed, and put Jason in his place, who had given him a great sum of money; and then put wicked Menelaus in his room, who had offered him a larger sum. Thus he acted deceitfully in the league made with Jason.

Read AdamClarke on Daniel 11 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

21–45. Antiochus IV. (Epiphanes), 175–164.

Read Cambridge on Daniel 11 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

And with the arms of a flood - The refercnce here is to some mighty invasion of some country by Antiochus, which would sweep everything before him.

Read Albert Barnes on Daniel 11 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

Then a flood of forces will be swept away before him and destroyed, along with a prince of the covenant.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

The overwhelming forces will be overwhelmed from before him, and will be broken. Yes, also the prince of the covenant.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Then a flood of forces will be swept away before him and destroyed, along with a prince of the covenant.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Armies will be suddenly swept away in defeat before him; both they and a covenant leader will be destroyed.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And the overwhelming forces shall be overwhelmed from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And with the arms of a flood shall they be swept away from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflowed from before him, and shall be broken; yes, also the prince of the covenant.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And the armes shall be ouerthrowen with a flood before him, and shall be broken: and also the prince of the couenant.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And the overflowing forces shall be overflowed from before him, and shall be broken: yea, also the prince of the covenant.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And the arms of the flood are overflowed from before him, and are broken; and also the leader of the covenant.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And the arms of the flood are overflowed from before him, and are broken; and also the leader of the covenant.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And the powers of the overflow will be swept away from before him, and will be broken: yea, so also the prince in covenant [with him].

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

An army will be swept away like a flood from before him. Both that army and the leader of the covenant will be destroyed.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And the arms of the fighter shall be overcome before his face, and shall be broken; yea also the prince of the covenant.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Great armies will be swept away before him. They will be broken, as well as the prince of the agreement.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And his forces will be completely taken away from before him and broken; and even the ruler of the agreement will have the same fate.

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.

וּandclauseclauseclausenoun phrase · subjectזְרֹע֥וֹתthe.forcesnoun phraseהַofשֶּׁ֛טֶףthe.floodverbיִשָּׁטְפ֥וּthey.will.be.swept.awayprepositional phrase · prepositionalprepositional phraseמִfromלְּbeforenoun phraseפָנָ֖יfaceוhimוְandclauseverbיִשָּׁבֵ֑רוּthey.will.be.brokenconjunction phraseוְandגַ֖םalsoclausenoun phrase · subjectנְגִ֥ידa.princeבְּרִֽיתof.a.covenant

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 in their wording for this verse, with all eight words matched. This consistency across witnesses reinforces the reliability of the prophecy.

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

וּזְרֹע֥וֹת הַשֶּׁ֛טֶף יִשָּׁטְפ֥וּ מִלְּפָנָ֖יו וְיִשָּׁבֵ֑רוּ וְגַ֖ם נְגִ֥יד בְּרִֽית׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וּזְרֹע֥וֹתκαὶהַשֶּׁ֛טֶףσυντριβένταςיִשָּׁטְפ֥וּσυντρίψειמִלְּפָנָ֖יוαὐτοῦוְיִשָּׁבֵ֑רוּ’’וְגַ֖ם’’נְגִ֥יד’’בְּרִֽית׃’’

8 of the 8 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.

Daniel 11:22זְרוֹעַand [the] fand [the] forceזְרוֹעַשֶׁ֫טֶףthe floodthe floodשֶׁ֫טֶףשָׁטַףthey will bthey will be swשָׁטַףפָּנֶהfrom to beffrom to before פָּנֶהשָׁבַרso they mayso they may be שָׁבַרגַּםand alsoand alsoגַּםנָגִידa prince ofa prince ofנָגִידבְּרִיתa covenanta covenantבְּרִיתזָרַעto sowto sowזָרַעשָׁטַףto overfloto overflowשָׁטַףפָּנָהCorner (GaCorner (Gate)פָּנָהנָגַדto tellto tellנָגַדבָּרָהto eatto eatבָּרָהשָׂבַרto inspectto inspectשָׂבַרחָזָקstrongstrongחָזָקנָטָהto stretchto stretchנָטָהקֵץendendקֵץמִיwho?who?מִיגֶּ֫שֶׁםrainrainגֶּ֫שֶׁםנַ֫חַלBrookBrookנַ֫חַלסָתַרto hideto hideסָתַרנוּסto fleeto fleeנוּסמַצֵּבָהpillarpillarמַצֵּבָהגָּדַעto cut dowto cut down/offגָּדַעתְּמוֹלyesterdayyesterdayתְּמוֹלשִׁלְשֹׁםthree daysthree days agoשִׁלְשֹׁם
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 Daniel 11:22

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

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

and [the] forces of the flood they will be swept away from to before him so they may be broken and also a prince of a covenant
וּזְרֹע֥וֹתu.ze.ro.'ot and [the] forces of H2220 Conjunction · noun common feminine plural construct
91× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.
Amplified meaning
armies, military strength
Tyndale gloss
arm
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זְרוֹעַ (z'roa) refers to an arm or shoulder, often symbolizing strength. It can denote the physical arm, the shoulder of a sacrificed animal, or military and political forces. The word is derived from a root meaning to stretch out, indicating both physical and metaphorical strength.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

זְרוֹעַ, זְרֹעַ n.f. and (rare) m. arm, shoulder, strength

arm

arm, as symbol of strength

Pl. forces, political and military

Shoulder of animal sacrificed, belonging to priest

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2220 זְרוֹעַ, זְרֹעַ arm, shoulder, strength . arm

. arm, as symbol of strength

. Pl. forces, political and military

. Shoulder of animal sacrificed, belonging to priest

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2220 zrowa` zer-o'-ah

or (shortened) zroao {zer-o'-ah}; and (feminine) zrowpah

{zer-o-aw'}; or zrowah {zer-o-aw'}; from 2232; the arm (as

stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively,

force:--arm, + help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength.

see HEBREW for 02232

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זְרוֹעַ (ze.ro.a) — arm.

1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength

1a) arm

1b) arm (as symbol of strength)

1c) forces (political and military)

1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-cp — Conjunction · noun common feminine plural construct
HC/Ncfpc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

and [the] forces of the flood they will be swept away from to before him so they may be broken and also a prince of a covenant
הַשֶּׁ֛טֶףha.She.tef the flood H7858 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
6× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This noun refers to a flood or downpour, often used to describe a powerful and overwhelming event. It can be literal, as in the story of Noah, or figurative, as in a flood of emotions or troubles. The word is used in several Old Testament books.
Amplified meaning
of powerful forces, overwhelming event
Tyndale gloss
flood
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֶׁ֫טֶף (sheteph) refers to a flood, either literally or figuratively, and can also imply an overflowing or deluge. It is derived from a related word, שֶׁצֶף (shetsaph), which also means overflowing. The term captures the idea of a significant downpour or inundation.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֶׁ֫טֶף, שֶׁ֫צֶף n.m. flood

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7858 שֶׁ֫טֶף, שֶׁ֫צֶף, שֵׁטֶף

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7858 sheteph sheh'-tef

or sheteph {shay'-tef}; from 7857; a deluge (literally or

figuratively):--flood, outrageous, overflowing.

see HEBREW for 07857

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֶׁ֫טֶף (she.teph) — flood.

flood, downpour

Also means: she.tseph (שֶׁצֶף "overflowing" H8241)

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

flud:

In the King James Version not less than 13 words are rendered "flood," though in the Revised Version (British and American) we find in some passages "river," "stream," "tempest," etc. The word is used for: the deluge of Noah, mabbul (Ge 6:17 ff); kataklusmos (Mt 24:38,39; Lu 17:27); the waters of the Red Sea, nazal (Ex 15:8); the Euphrates, nahar, "Your fathers dwelt of old time on the other side of the flood". (the Revised Version (British and American) "beyond the River" Jos 24:2): the Nile, ye'or, "the flood (the Revised Version (British and American) "River") of Egypt" (

Flood

An event recorded in Gen. 7 and 8. (See DELUGE.) In Josh. 24:2, 3, 14, 15, the word “flood” (R.V., “river”) means the river Euphrates. In Ps. 66:6, this word refers to the river Jordan.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

[NOAH]

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

See DELUGE.

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and [the] forces of the flood they will be swept away from to before him so they may be broken and also a prince of a covenant
יִשָּׁטְפ֥וּyi.sha.te.Fu they will be swept away H7857 Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person masculine plural
31× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to overflow or gush, often used to describe a strong flow of water. It can also imply cleansing or conquering, as seen in various Old Testament passages, including Psalm 69. The word is used to describe powerful natural events.
Amplified meaning
overflowed, completely taken away
Tyndale gloss
to overflow
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שָׁטַף (shataph) is a primitive root meaning to overflow or wash off. It encompasses actions such as gushing, inundating, and cleansing, with various forms indicating different nuances like being swept away or rinsed out. The entries consistently highlight its connection to flowing and washing, without significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁטַף vb. overflow, rinse or wash off

Qal

overflow

flow, run

lit., rinse or wash off

Niph. be rinsed out, off

Pu. it shall be scoured and rinsed.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7857 שָׁטַף overflow, rinse or wash off

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7857 shataph shaw-taf'

a primitive root; to gush; by implication, to inundate,

cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer:--drown,

(over-)flow(- whelm, rinse, run, rush, (throughly) wash

(away).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁטַף (sha.taph) — to overflow.

1) to wash, rinse, overflow, engulf, rinse or wash off

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to overflow

1a2) to flow, run

1a3) to rinse or wash off

1b) (Niphal) to be swept away, be rinsed out

1c) (Pual) to be rinsed, be scoured and rinsed

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVNi3mp
and [the] forces of the flood they will be swept away from to before him so they may be broken and also a prince of a covenant
מִלְּפָנָ֖יוmi.le.fa.Nav from to before him H6440 Preposition · preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
2,127× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Tyndale gloss
face
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces

face, faces

presence, person

technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

face of seraphim

face of animals

face (= surface) of ground

as adv.loc. before

for other phrases

with prepositions

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces

. . presence, person

. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

. face of seraphim

. face of animals

. face (= surface) of ground

. as adv. loc. before

. for other phrases

. with prepositions

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6440 paniym paw-neem'

plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh

{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);

used in a great variety of applications (literally and

figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a

preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),

against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),

+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,

face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er

time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +

honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +

meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,

open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,

presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right

forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,

X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.

: before/to/front

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.

: face

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Prep | N-cp | Suff — Preposition · preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HR/R/Ncmpc/Sp3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and [the] forces of the flood they will be swept away from to before him so they may be broken and also a prince of a covenant
וְיִשָּׁבֵ֑רוּve.yi.sha.Ve.ru so they may be broken H7665 Conjunction · verb niphal third person masculine plural
147× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Amplified meaning
broken, shattered
Tyndale gloss
to break
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׁבַר (shabar) means to break or shatter, with various nuances including breaking in pieces, causing to break out (like bringing to birth), and being broken or crushed. It appears in different forms, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, Hiphil, and Hophal, indicating active and passive meanings. The lexicons do not present any significant disagreements.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁבַר 148 vb. break, break in pieces

Qal 53 break, lit.

Niph. 57 be broken

Pi. 26 shatter, break

Hiph. cause to break out, i.e. bring to the birth

Hoph. be broken, shattered (in heart)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7665 שָׁבַר break, break in pieces .break, lit.

. be broken

. shatter, break

. cause to break out, i.e. bring to the birth

. be broken, shattered (in heart)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7665 shabar shaw-bar'

a primitive root; to burst (literally or

figuratively):--break (down, off, in pieces, up),

broken((-hearted)), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt,

quench, X quite, tear, view (by mistake for 7663).

see HEBREW for 07663

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁבַר (sha.var) — to break.

1) to break, break in pieces

1a) (Qal)

1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench

1a2) to break, rupture (fig)

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked

1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig)

1c) (Piel) to shatter, break

1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth

1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered

Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp — Conjunction · verb niphal third person masculine plural
HC/VNu3mp
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

bro'-k'-n: Occurs both as past participle of the verb translated "to break" and as an adjective, the former use will be dealt with here only so far as verbs occur which are thus translated but do not present the non-participial forms. Such are: meroach = "bruised," "emasculated" (Le 21:20); chathath = "to frustrate," hence, "to break down" either by violence or by confusion and fear (1Sa 2:10; Jer 48:20,39); dakhah = "to collapse" (Ps 44:19; 51:8); ratsats = "to crack in pieces" "crush" (Ec 12:6); kathath = "to bruise or violently strike," "break in pieces" (Isa…

and [the] forces of the flood they will be swept away from to before him so they may be broken and also a prince of a covenant
וְגַ֖םve.Gam and also H1571 Conjunction · adverb
769× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Tyndale gloss
also
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

גַּם (gam) is an adverb meaning 'also' or 'moreover,' indicating addition or emphasis. It can express various nuances, such as 'even,' 'indeed,' or 'but.' The term is often used in a correlational manner, as in 'both...and.' It appears in contexts that require clarification or reinforcement of a statement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

גַּם 768 adv. denoting addition, also, moreover, yea

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1571 גַּם denoting addition, also, moreover, yea

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1571 gam gam

by contraction from an unused root meaning to gather;

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea,

though; often repeated as correl. both...and:--again, alike,

also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and , but, either...or,

even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover,

nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

גַּם (gam) — also.

1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea

1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis)

1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative)

1c) even (for stress)

1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax)

1e) also (of correspondence or retribution)

1f) but, yet, though (adversative)

1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case)

2) (TWOT) again, alike

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | DirObjM — Conjunction · adverb
HC/D
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ol'-so: In the Greek kai, when it is equivalent to "also" or "even," is always placed before the word or phrase which it is intended to emphasize (e.g. Ac 12:3; 1 Joh 4:21). Mt 6:14 should therefore read, "Your heavenly Father will forgive you also"; Lu 6:13, "Whom also he named apostles"; Heb 8:6, "The mediator of a better covenant also"; and 1Th 4:14, `If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also (we believe that) those who are fallen asleep in Jesus, God will bring with Him.'

and [the] forces of the flood they will be swept away from to before him so they may be broken and also a prince of a covenant
נְגִ֥ידne.Gid a prince of H5057 Noun common · masculine singular construct
45× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a leader or commander, someone who is in charge or has authority. In the Bible, it is used to describe military, civil, or religious leaders, such as princes or governors.
Amplified meaning
leader, commander
Tyndale gloss
leader
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָגִיד (nagiyd) refers to a leader or ruler, often implying someone in a prominent position, such as a prince or captain. The word encompasses various types of leadership, including civil, military, and religious roles, and can also denote honorable themes or princely matters. It is derived from a root meaning to be in front, suggesting a position of command.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָגִיד n.m. leader (lit. prob. one in front), ruler, prince

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5057 נָגִיד leader (lit. prob. one in front), ruler, prince

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5057 nagiyd naw-gheed'

or nagid {naw-gheed'}; from 5046; a commander (as occupying

the front), civil, military or religious; generally

(abstractly, plural), honorable themes:--captain, chief,

excellent thing, (chief) governor, leader, noble, prince,

(chief) ruler.

see HEBREW for 05046

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָגִיד (na.gid) — leader.

1) leader, ruler, captain, prince

1a) ruler, prince

1b) prince-overseer

1c) ruler (in other capacities)

1d) princely things

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…

and [the] forces of the flood they will be swept away from to before him so they may be broken and also a prince of a covenant
בְּרִֽית׃be.Rit a covenant H1285 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
284× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Amplified meaning
agreement, promise
Tyndale gloss
covenant
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בְּרִית (berith) means 'covenant' and encompasses agreements between individuals, such as treaties and alliances, as well as divine covenants between God and humanity. It is derived from a root meaning 'to cut,' suggesting the seriousness of such agreements. The term appears in various contexts, including friendships, marriages, and formal ordinances.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בְּרִית 285 n.f. covenant

between men.

treaty, alliance, league

constitution, ordinance, between monarch and subjects

agreement, pledge

alliance of friendship between David and Jonathan

alliance of marriage

between God and man.

alliance of friendship

covenant, as a divine constitution or ordinance with signs or pledges

Phrases.

covenant making

covenant keeping

covenant violation

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1285 בְּרִית covenant . between men. . treaty, alliance, league

. constitution, ordinance, between monarch and subjects

. agreement, pledge

. alliance of friendship between David and Jonathan

. alliance of marriage

. between God and man. . alliance of friendship

. covenant, as a divine constitution or ordinance with signs or pledges

. Phrases. . covenant making

. covenant keeping

. covenant violation

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1285 briyth ber-eeth'

from 1262 (in the sense of cutting (like 1254)); a compact

(because made by passing between pieces of

flesh):--confederacy, (con-)feder(-ate), covenant, league.

see HEBREW for 01262

see HEBREW for 01254

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בְּרִית (be.rit) — covenant.

1) covenant, alliance, pledge

1a) between men

1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man)

1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects)

1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man)

1a4) alliance (of friendship)

1a5) alliance (of marriage)

1b) between God and man

1b1) alliance (of friendship)

1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges)

2) (phrases)

2a) covenant making

2b) covenant keeping

2c) covenant violation

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Covenant

A contract or agreement between two parties. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word berith is always thus translated. Berith is derived from a root which means “to cut,” and hence a covenant is a “cutting,” with reference to the cutting or dividing of animals into two parts, and the contracting parties passing between them, in making a covenant (Gen. 15; Jer. 34:18, 19).

The corresponding word in the New Testament Greek is diatheke, which is, however, rendered “testament” generally in the Authorized Version. It ought to be rendered, just as the word berith of the Old Testament, “covenant.”

This word is used (1) of a covenant or compact between man and man (Gen. 21:32), or between tribes or nations (1 Sam.…

The Heb. berith means primarily "a cutting," with reference to the custom of cutting or dividing animals in two and passing between the parts in ratifying a covenant. (Genesis 15; Jeremiah 34:18,19) In the New Testament the corresponding word is diathece (diatheke), which is frequently translated testament in the Authorized Version. In its biblical meaning two parties the word is used-- Of a covenant between God and man; e.g. God covenanted with Noah, after the flood, that a like judgment should not be repeated. It is not precisely like a covenant between men, but was a promise or agreement by God. The principal covenants are the covenant of works --God promising to save and bless men on condition of perfect obedience --and the covenant of grace , or God’s promise to save men on condition of their believing in Christ and receiving…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The word testamentum is often used in Latin to express the Hebrew word which signifies covenant; whence the titles, Old and New Testaments, are used to denote the old and new covenants. See TESTAMENT.

A covenant is properly an agreement between two parties. Where one of the parties is infinitely superior to the other, as in a covenant between God and man, there God’s covenant assumes the nature of a promise, Isa 59:21 Jer 31:33,34 Ga 3:15-18. The first covenant with the Hebrews was made when the Lord chose Abraham and his posterity for his people; a second covenant, or a solemn renewal of the former, was made at Sinai, comprehending all who observe the law of Moses. The "new covenant" of which Christ is the Mediator and…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Sacred Jos 9:18-21; Ga 3:15

→ Binding Jos 9:18-20; Jer 34:8-21; Eze 17:14-18; Ga 3:15

→ Binding, not only on those who make them, but on those who are represented De 29:14,15

→ Blood of Ex 24:8

→ Book of Ex 24:7

→ The Mosaic law called a covenant Ex 34:28

→ See CONTRACTS

→ See VOWS

→ OF MEN WITH MEN

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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