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Deuteronomy 15:3 — Word Study

Depth

WLCאֶת־ הַנָּכְרִ֖י תִּגֹּ֑שׂ וַאֲשֶׁ֨ר יִהְיֶ֥ה לְךָ֛ אֶת־ אָחִ֖יךָ תַּשְׁמֵ֥ט יָדֶֽךָ׃

BSAYou may collectnâgas [exact, require payment] something from a foreignernokrîy [stranger, non-Israelite] but you must forgiveshâmaṭ [release, let go of] whateverʼăsher your brotherʼâch [fellow Israelite, close relative] oweshâyâh

Word
Listen & take awayDeuteronomy 15
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 3 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 (ya.De.kha) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Deuteronomy 15:3quick helps
In a sentenceThis verse outlines the differing treatment of debts owed by foreigners and fellow Israelites.
Who is speakingThe speaker is addressing the Israelites, providing instructions on debt forgiveness.
Where we areThis instruction is part of the laws governing social justice and economic practices among the Israelites.
The hard wordתִּגֹּ֑שׂ
Take awayThe verse emphasizes the need for compassion towards fellow Israelites in financial matters.
6 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbנָגַשׂ 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 — Deuteronomy 15:3

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 — Laws on Debt Forgivenessgenerated

2This is the manner of remission: Every creditor shall cancel what he has loaned to his neighbor. He is not to collect anything from his neighbor or brother, because the LORD’s time of release has been proclaimed.
3You may collect something from a foreigner, but you must forgive whatever your brother owes you.
4There will be no poor among you, however, because the LORD will surely bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance,
5if only you obey the LORD your God and are careful to follow all these commandments I am giving you today.

Deuteronomy 15:3 provides guidance on how debts should be handled within the Israelite community, specifically emphasizing that while debts owed by foreigners may be collected, those owed by fellow Israelites must be forgiven. This reflects a broader theme of compassion and community responsibility in the laws given to the Israelites.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Deuteronomy 23:20You may charge a foreigner interest, but not your brother, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything to which you put your hand in the land that you are entering to possess.
2Exodus 22:25If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest.
3Matthew 17:25–26“Yes,” he answered. When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him. “What do you think, Simon?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?”
4John 8:35A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son belongs to it forever.
51 Corinthians 6:6–7Instead, one brother goes to law against another, and this in front of unbelievers!

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release;Deuteronomy 23:20 Exodus 22:25 Matthew 17:25–26 John 8:35 1 Corinthians 6:6–7 Galatians 6:10

The Key Word תִּגֹּ֑שׂ, ti.Gosgenerated

The verb נָגַשׂ (nagas) means to press or oppress, and in this context, it refers to the act of exacting payment from a debtor. The parsing indicates it is in the imperfect tense, suggesting an ongoing or habitual action. This highlights the expectation that the Israelites may collect debts from foreigners.

The use of the second person masculine singular form indicates that the instruction is directed specifically to the individual reader or listener, making it a personal command regarding their actions towards others.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

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


Sentence Structuregenerated

The verse has a main clause with two contrasting actions: תִּגֹּ֑שׂ describes the action toward the foreigner, while תַּשְׁמֵ֥ט describes the action toward the brother. The structure emphasizes the distinction between how debts are treated based on the identity of the debtor.

The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the actions required of the speaker, first stating what can be done with the foreigner before moving to the obligation towards the brother.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew נָגַשׂ is rendered as ἀπαιτήσεις (apaitēsēs), which carries the connotation of demanding or requiring payment. This choice suggests a more formal and legalistic approach to the act of collecting debts.

The Greek term ἀλλότριον for הַנָּכְרִ֖י indicates a focus on the otherness of the foreigner, reinforcing the distinction made in the Hebrew text between Israelites and non-Israelites.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Deuteronomy 15:3 instructs the Israelites that they can collect debts from foreigners but must forgive debts owed by their fellow Israelites. This reflects the importance of mercy and community responsibility in their laws.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to forgive a debt?

To forgive a debt means to release the debtor from the obligation to pay what they owe, showing compassion and mercy.

Why is there a distinction between foreigners and Israelites in debt collection?

This distinction emphasizes the importance of community and brotherhood among the Israelites, encouraging them to treat each other with kindness.

How does this verse reflect the character of God?

This verse reflects God's desire for justice and mercy within the community, promoting a caring and forgiving spirit among His people.

Are there modern applications of this principle?

Yes, the principle of forgiving debts can be applied in modern contexts of financial hardship, encouraging compassion and support for those in need.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways can I show forgiveness to those who owe me, as instructed in this verse?
  2. How can understanding this principle of debt forgiveness impact my relationships with others?
  3. What are some practical steps I can take to support those in financial need in my community?
  4. How does this verse challenge my views on fairness and justice in financial matters?

Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Deuteronomy 15:3 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again,.... Either on the seventh year, or after it: but that which is thine with thy brother, thine hand shall release; a debt that lies between them, where the

Read John Gill on Deuteronomy 15 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release; Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it.

Read Robert Jamieson on Deuteronomy 15 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

A foreigner, or stranger, yea, though a proselyte. For, 1. They are oft called by this name, as . 2. Though proselytes were admitted to the church privileges of the Israelites, yet they were not admitted to all their civil immunities or privileges. See . 3. Such were not then freed from their personal debt, to wit, of their service, , therefore not from their real debt. That which is thine, to wit, by right, though lent to him.

Read Matthew Poole on Deuteronomy 15 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Deuteronomy 15:3 Of a foreigner thou mayest exact [it again]: but [that] which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release;Ver. 3. Of a foreigner.] To show that none that are alienated from the life of God, or a godly life, have remission of sin by Christ: "he sanctifies all whom he justifies." Compare Romans 11:26 Isaiah 59:20.

Read John Trapp on Deuteronomy 15 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

3. foreigner] nokrî distinct not only from neighbour- or brother-Israelite, but also from gçr the foreign client or settler in Israel (Deuteronomy 14:21).

Read Cambridge on Deuteronomy 15 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

3. Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it — There would be a reason for dealing in a different way with the foreigner. He did not observe the sabbatical year.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Deuteronomy 15 →

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

You may collect something from a foreigner, but you must forgive whatever your brother owes you.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Of a foreigner you may require it; but whatever of yours is with your brother, your hand shall release.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

You may collect something from a foreigner, but you must forgive whatever your brother owes you.

NETBNew English Translation2006

You may exact payment from a foreigner, but whatever your fellow Israelite owes you, you must remit.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release;

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it: but whatsoever of thine is with thy brother thy hand shall release.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it: but whatsoever of thine is with thy brother thine hand shall release.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again : but that which is thine with thy brother thy hand shall release:

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Of a stranger thou mayest require it: but that which thou hast with thy brother, thine hand shall remit:

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Of the foreigner thou mayest demand it; but what is thine with thy brother thy hand shall release;

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

of the stranger thou mayest exact, and that which is thine with thy brother doth thy hand release;

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

of the stranger you may exact, but that which is yours with your brother your hand releases,

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Of a foreigner thou mayest exact [payment]; but that which is thine with thy brother shall thy hand release.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

From a foreigner you may demand it; but whatever of yours is with your brother your hand must release.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Of the foreigner or stranger thou mayst exact it: of thy countryman and neighbour thou shalt not have power to demand it again.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

You are allowed to collect payments from a foreigner, but you must cancel whatever your fellow Israelite owes you.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

A man of another nation may be forced to make payment of his debt, but if your brother has anything of yours, let it go;

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.

clausenoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)noun phraseהַtheנָּכְרִ֖יforeignerverbתִּגֹּ֑שׂyou.will.pressוַand.[that]clausenoun phrase · objectrelpאֲשֶׁ֨רwhichclauseverbיִהְיֶ֥הit.will.belongprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְtoךָ֛youprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֶתwithnoun phraseאָחִ֖יcountrymanךָyourverbתַּשְׁמֵ֥טyou.shall.let.releasenoun phrase · subjectיָדֶֽhandךָyour

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text is supported by the Samaritan Pentateuch, which agrees word for word. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain partial restoration, indicating some words were lost, but the essential meaning aligns with the Masoretic Text.

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

אֶת־ הַנָּכְרִ֖י תִּגֹּ֑שׂ וַאֲשֶׁ֨ר יִהְיֶ֥ה לְךָ֛ אֶת־ אָחִ֖יךָ תַּשְׁמֵ֥ט יָדֶֽךָ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
הַנָּכְרִ֖יἀλλότριονתִּגֹּ֑שׂἀπαιτήσειςוַאֲשֶׁ֨רἐὰνיִהְיֶ֥הלְךָ֛σοιאָחִ֖יךָσουיָדֶֽךָ׃σου

7 of the 10 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.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

את הנכרי תגשׂ ואשׁר יהיה לך את אחיך תשׁמט ידך

Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q30a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[את] [הנכרי] [תגש] [ואשר] יהיה ל׳ך את אחי׳ך [תשמט] [יד׳ך]

3 words on the leather — 1 partly restored, 6 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.

Deuteronomy 15:3אֵתthe object the object markאֵתנָכְרִיthe foreignthe foreignerנָכְרִינָגַשׂyou will pryou will pressנָגַשׂאֲשֶׁרand [that] and [that] whicאֲשֶׁרהָיָהit will belit will belongהָיָהךָּto youto youךָּאֵתwithwithאֵתאָחcountryman countryman yourאָחשָׁמַטlet it relelet it releaseשָׁמַטיָדhand yourhand yourיָדאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתנֶ֫כֶרmisfortunemisfortuneנֶ֫כֶראָנָהto meetto meetאָנָהכַּףpalmpalmכַּףהָוָאto fallto fallהָוָאאָבfatherfatherאָבמִגְרָשׁpasturepastureמִגְרָשׁזוּרbe a stranbe a strangerזוּרמָכַרto sellto sellמָכַרשָׁבָהto take cato take captiveשָׁבָהשָׁבַתto ceaseto ceaseשָׁבַתצָוָהto commandto commandצָוָהרִיבto contendto contendרִיבבְּרִיתcovenantcovenantבְּרִיתעֵשָׂו(Mount) Es(Mount) EsauעֵשָׂויוֹסֵףJosephJosephיוֹסֵףנָזָהto sprinklto sprinkleנָזָהחָזָקstrongstrongחָזָק
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 Deuteronomy 15:3

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

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

the object marker the foreigner you will press and [that] which it will belong to you with countryman your let it release hand your
אֶת־'et- the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

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

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

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

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

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

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
the object marker the foreigner you will press and [that] which it will belong to you with countryman your let it release hand your
הַנָּכְרִ֖יha.na.khe.Ri the foreigner H5237 Particle
45× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word describes something or someone foreign or unfamiliar, including people, women, or things. It can also mean wonderful or outlandish. In the Bible, it is often translated as alien or foreigner.
Amplified meaning
stranger, non-Israelite
Tyndale gloss
foreign
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָכְרִי (nokriy) means foreign or alien, covering a range of meanings from a foreign person to something unfamiliar or strange. It can also refer specifically to a foreign woman or harlot. The word is built from a root that suggests strangeness in various contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָכְרִי adj. foreign, alien

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5237 נָכְרִי foreign, alien

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5237 nokriy nok-ree'

from 5235 (second form); strange, in a variety of degrees and

applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different,

wonderful):--alien, foreigner, outlandish, strange(-r,

woman).

see HEBREW for 05235

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נׇכְרִי (nokh.ri) — foreign.

1) foreign, alien

1a) foreign

1b) foreigner (subst)

1c) foreign woman, harlot

1d) unknown, unfamiliar (fig.)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | Adj — Particle
HTd/Aamsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

for'-in-er" The translation of nokhri, "unknown," "foreign," frequently rendered "stranger" (De 15:3; Ob 1:11); of toshabh, "a settler," "an alien resident" (Ex 12:45; the Revised Version (British and American) "sojourner"; compare Le 25:47; Ps 39:12); of paroikos, "dwelling near," "sojourner" (Eph 2:19, the Revised Version (British and American) sojourners").

Revised Version has "foreigner" for "stranger" (De 17:15; 23:20; 29:22; Ru 2:10;

Foreigner

A Gentile. Such as resided among the Hebrews were required by the law to be treated with kindness (Ex. 22:21; 23:9; Lev. 19:33, 34; 23:22; Deut. 14:28; 16:10, 11; 24:19). They enjoyed in many things equal rights with the native-born residents (Ex. 12:49; Lev. 24:22; Num. 15:15; 35:15), but were not allowed to do anything which was an abomination according to the Jewish law (Ex. 20:10; Lev. 17:15,16; 18:26; 20:2; 24:16, etc.).

Nave's Topical Bible

→ FIGURATIVE Eph 2:19

See ALIENS

See GENTILES

See STRANGERS

the object marker the foreigner you will press and [that] which it will belong to you with countryman your let it release hand your
תִּגֹּ֑שׂti.Gos you will press H5065 Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singular
23× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To oppress or drive someone, like a taskmaster, and can also mean to exact or harass, as in Exodus 3:7.
Amplified meaning
exact, require payment
Tyndale gloss
to oppress
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word נָגַשׂ (nagas) is a primitive root meaning to press, drive, or oppress. It covers a range of actions including exacting tribute and tyrannizing others, with related forms indicating a driver or taskmaster. The Niphal form suggests being hard pressed, often in contexts of suffering or oppression.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָגַשׂ] vb. press, drive, oppress, exact

Qal

press, drive to work

exact

Pt. (= subst.) driver, taskmaster

Niph. hard pressed by enemy; treated harshly of suffering servant of י׳; recipr. tyrannize over each other

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5065 נָגַשׂ press, drive, oppress, exact .. press, drive to work

. exact

. Pt. (= subst.) driver, taskmaster

. hard pressed by enemy; treated harshly of suffering servant of י׳; recipr. tyrannize over each other

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5065 nagas naw-gas'

a primitive root; to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor,

an army); by implication, to tax, harass,

tyrannize:--distress, driver, exact(-or), oppress(-or), X

raiser of taxes, taskmaster.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָגַשׂ (na.ga.s) — to oppress.

1) to press, drive, oppress, exact, exert demanding pressure

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to press, drive

1a2) to exact

1a3) driver, taskmaster, ruler, oppressor, tyrant, lord, exactor of tribute (participle)

1b) (Niphal) to be hard pressed

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singular
HVqi2ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

pres: As a verb is used in the Revised Version (British and American) as a translation of no less than 13 Greek and Hebrew words (rather more in the King James Version). All the Revised Version (British and American) uses are modern. In the King James Version may be noted The Wisdom of Solomon 17:11, "pressed with conscience" (the Revised Version (British and American) "pressed hard by"); 2 Macc 14:9, "pressed on every side" (the Revised Version (British and American) "surrounded by foes"); Ac 18:5, "pressed in the spirit" (the Revised Version (British and American) "constrained by"). As a noun, the King James Version uses "press" in Mr 2:4 for ochlos, "crowd" (so the Revised Version (British and American)). For wine press see VINE; WINE.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Not only the vat in which the juice was trodden out from the grapes, but in some cases the whole place for the reception of wine, grapes, and orchard-fruit. It was often a room excavated in the ground; thus the husbandman "dug a wine-press" in his vineyard, Mt 21:33. See also Pr 3:10 Joe 3:13 Hag 2:16. See WINE.

the object marker the foreigner you will press and [that] which it will belong to you with countryman your let it release hand your
וַאֲשֶׁ֨רva.'a.Sher and [that] which H834 Conjunction · particle
5,500× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Tyndale gloss
which
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.

base

בַאֲשֶׁר

in (that) which

adv. in (the place) where

conj. in that, inasmuch as

on account of whom?

base

מֵאֲשֶׁר

from (or than) that which

adv. from (the place) where

conj. from (the fact) that …, since

base

כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when

according to that which, according as, as

with a causal force, in so far as, since

with a temporal force, when

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which

. adv. in (the place) where

. conj. in that, inasmuch as

. on account of whom?

H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which

. adv. from (the place) where

. conj. from (the fact) that …, since

H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as

. with a causal force, in so far as, since

. with a temporal force, when

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

834 'aher ash-er'

a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)

when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X

alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +

from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,

wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where

(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +

whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is

indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun

expletively, used to show the connection.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.

A: 1) (relative part.)

1a) which, who

1b) that which

2) (conj)

2a) that (in obj clause)

2b) when

2c) since

2d) as

2e) conditional if

B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

D: Kaph+

1) (conj.), according as, as, when

1a) according to that which, according as, as

1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since

1c) with a temporal force: when

בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.

1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.

1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.

conj

1) according as, as, when

1a) according to that which, according as, as

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Rel — Conjunction · particle
HC/Tr
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
the object marker the foreigner you will press and [that] which it will belong to you with countryman your let it release hand your
יִהְיֶ֥הyih.Yeh it will belong H1961 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Tyndale gloss
to be
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Qal

Fall out, happen

occur, take place, come about, come to pass

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

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

rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

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

Come into being, become

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

sq. prep.

become

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

sq. pred. adj.

become like

sq. pred. לְ pers.

sq. לְ pred.

oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.

with עַל and לְ

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

Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)

exist, be in existence

abide, remain, continue

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

as copula, joining subj. & pred.

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

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

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

. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

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

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

. sq. prep.

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

. sq. pred. adj.

. become like

. sq. pred. + לְ pers.

. sq. לְ pred.

. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.

. with עַל and לְ

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

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

. abide, remain, continue

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1961 hayah haw-yaw

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

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

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

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

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

(one-)self, require, X use.

see HEBREW for 01933

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.

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

1a) (Qal)

1a1) ---

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

1a1b) to come about, come to pass

1a2) to come into being, become

1a2a) to arise, appear, come

1a2b) to become

1a2b1) to become

1a2b2) to become like

1a2b3) to be instituted, be established

1a3) to be

1a3a) to exist, be in existence

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

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

1a3d) to accompany, be with

1b) (Niphal)

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

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVqi3ms
the object marker the foreigner you will press and [that] which it will belong to you with countryman your let it release hand your
לְךָ֛le.Kha to you H9031 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

ךָּ (ka) — you.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 2nd person masculine singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Sp2ms — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp2ms
the object marker the foreigner you will press and [that] which it will belong to you with countryman your let it release hand your
אֶת־'et- with H854 Preposition
929× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Tyndale gloss
with
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֵת (eth) is a preposition indicating nearness or proximity, often translated as 'with' or 'near.' It conveys a sense of companionship or association, distinguishing itself from similar terms by expressing closer relationships. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, including possession and memory, but do not provide specific verse references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת, prep. with—prep. denoting proximity

Of companionship, together with

Of localities

אֵת פּ׳ denotes specially

in one's possession or keeping

in one's knowledge or memory

מֵאֵת from proximity with

Note. אֵת expresses closer association than עִם: hence while מֵעִם sts. denotes hardly more than from the surroundings or belongings of, מֵאֵת expresses from close proximity to.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H854 אֵת with—prep. denoting proximity . Of companionship, together with

. Of localities

. אֵת פּ׳ denotes specially . in one's possession or keeping

. in one's knowledge or memory

. מֵאֵת from proximity with

Note. אֵת expresses closer association than עִם: hence while מֵעִם sts. denotes hardly more than from the surroundings or belongings of, מֵאֵת expresses from close proximity to.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

854 'eth ayth

probably from 579; properly, nearness (used only as a

preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by,

at, among, etc.:--against, among, before, by, for, from,

in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional

prefix.

see HEBREW for 0579

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — with.

1) with, near, together with

1a) with, together with

1b) with (of relationship)

1c) near (of place)

1d) with (poss.)

1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR — Preposition
HR
the object marker the foreigner you will press and [that] which it will belong to you with countryman your let it release hand your
אָחִ֖יךָ'a.Chi.kha countryman your H251 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
630× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Amplified meaning
fellow Israelite, close relative
Tyndale gloss
brother: male-sibling
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָח (ach) means 'brother' and encompasses a broad range of relationships, including literal siblings, half-brothers, and metaphorical kinship. It can refer to any male relative or compatriot, and it may also imply resemblance or reciprocal relationships. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, highlighting both familial and figurative connections.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָח 630 n.m. brother

brother, born of same mother (& father)

indef. = relative

fig. of resemblance

in phr. one … another

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H251 אָח brother

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

251 'ach awkh

a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of

literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance

(like 1)):--another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other.

Compare also the proper names beginning with "Ah-" or "Ahi-".

see HEBREW for 01

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָח (ach) — brother: male-sibling.

: male-sibling

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

אָח (ach) — brother: male-relative.

: male-relative

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

אָח (ach) — brother: compatriot.

: compatriot

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp2ms
the object marker the foreigner you will press and [that] which it will belong to you with countryman your let it release hand your
תַּשְׁמֵ֥טtash.Met let it release H8058 Verb · Hiphil · jussive third person feminine singular
9× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to release or let something go, like dropping something or stopping an activity. It can also mean to throw something down or cause it to fall. The KJV translates it as release, overthrow, or let rest.
Amplified meaning
release, let go of
Tyndale gloss
to release
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׁמַט (shamat) is a Hebrew verb meaning to let drop or fall. It encompasses various nuances such as releasing, discontinuing, or overthrowing. The word appears in different forms, including Qal (to let drop), Niphal (to be thrown down), and Hiphil (to cause to let drop). The entries highlight its use in contexts of release and descent.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[שָׁמַט] vb. let drop

Qal let drop, fall

Niph. their judges have been thrown down

Hiph. thou shalt cause thy hand to let drop, etc.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8058 [שָׁמַט] let drop .let drop, fall

. their judges have been thrown down

. thou shalt cause thy hand to let drop, etc.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8058 shamat shaw-mat'

a primitive root; to fling down; incipiently to jostle;

figuratively, to let alone, desist, remit:--discontinue,

overthrow, release, let rest, shake, stumble, throw down.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁמַט (sha.mat) — to release.

1) to release, let drop or loose or rest or fall

1a) (Qal) to let drop or fall

1b) (Niphal) to be made to fall down, be thrown down

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to cause to let drop

1c2) to release, let drop

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Juss-3fs — Verb · Hiphil · jussive third person feminine singular
HVhj3fs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

re-les': (1) The forgiveness of a debt (shemiTTah (De 15:1,2,9; 31:10; see JUBILEE YEAR)), with verb shamaT, "to release," De 31:2,3. (2) To exempt from taxation or military service (hanachah, "release," "rest" (Es 2:18)). Some would render "granted a holiday." (3) To set a prisoner or slave at liberty (apoluo, "to let go free" (Mt 27:15 parallel Joh 19:10), etc.).

Nave's Topical Bible

→ YEAR OF

See JUBILEE, YEAR OF

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
the object marker the foreigner you will press and [that] which it will belong to you with countryman your let it release hand your
יָדֶֽךָ׃ya.De.kha hand your H3027 Noun common both singular construct · suffix
1,619× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Tyndale gloss
hand
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָד (yad) means 'hand' and can also refer to strength or power in a figurative sense. It encompasses various technical uses, such as a sign or monument, parts or shares, and even specific components in construction, like axle-trees and supports for the laver. The word is versatile, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָד 1604 n.f. hand

hand

Fig. = strength, power

Fig. = side

יָד is used in various special, technical senses:—

sign, monument

part, fractional part or share

time, repetition

axle-trees

stays, supports for laver

tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle

a (beckoning) hand

יַד with prep.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3027 יָד hand . hand

. Fig. = strength, power

. Fig. = side

. יָד is used in various special, technical senses:— . sign, monument

. part, fractional part or share

. time, repetition

. axle-trees

. stays, supports for laver

. tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle

. a (beckoning) hand

. יַד with prep.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3027 yad yawd

a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power,

means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed

one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of

applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate

and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes,

at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad,

(broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, +

creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship,

force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in,

labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine,

ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain,

power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay,

draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by

them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing,

+ thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side,

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָד (yad) — hand.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)

1d) (various special, technical senses)

1d1) sign, monument

1d2) part, fractional part, share

1d3) time, repetition

1d4) axle-trees, axle

1d5) stays, support (for laver)

1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)

1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)

1d8) wrists

יָד (yad) — hand: power.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)

1d) (various special, technical senses)

1d1) sign, monument

1d2) part, fractional part, share

1d3) time, repetition

1d4) axle-trees, axle

1d5) stays, support (for laver)

1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)

1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)

1d8) wrists

יָד (yad) — hand: themselves.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcbsc/Sp2ms — Noun common both singular construct · suffix
HNcbsc/Sp2ms
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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