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Deuteronomy 2:20 — Word Study

Depth

WLCאֶֽרֶץ־ רְפָאִ֥ים תֵּחָשֵׁ֖ב אַף־ הִ֑וא רְפָאִ֤ים יָֽשְׁבוּ־ בָהּ֙ לְפָנִ֔ים וְהָֽעַמֹּנִ֔ים יִקְרְא֥וּ לָהֶ֖ם זַמְזֻמִּֽים׃

BSAThat tooʼaph [also, in addition] was regardedchâshab as the landʼerets [territory, region] of the Rephaimrâphâʼ [giants, Raphaite] [who]râphâʼ used to liveyâshab [dwell, reside] though the AmmonitesʻAmmôwnîy [people of Ammon, descendants of Lot] calledqârâʼ ZamzummitesZamzôm [Zamzummim, a native tribe of Palestine]

Word
Listen & take awayDeuteronomy 2
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 20 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 (zam.zu.Mim) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Deuteronomy 2:20quick helps
In a sentenceThe verse describes the land of the Rephaim, a group of giants, and how the Ammonites referred to them as Zamzummites.
Who is speakingThe narrator recounts the history of the Rephaim and their connection to the Ammonites.
Where we areThis verse is part of a larger narrative about the Israelites' journey and their encounters with various peoples.
The hard wordרְפָאִ֥ים
Take awayThe Rephaim were a notable group in the region, known for their size and strength.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectרְפָאִים verbחָשַׁב The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

1 of 13 occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament — a word chosen on purpose.

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 2:20

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 Land of the Rephaimgenerated

19But when you get close to the Ammonites, do not harass them or provoke them, for I will not give you any of the land of the Ammonites. I have given it to the descendants of Lot as their possession.”
20(That too was regarded as the land of the Rephaim, who used to live there, though the Ammonites called them Zamzummites.
21They were a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. But the LORD destroyed them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place,
22just as He had done for the descendants of Esau who lived in Seir, when He destroyed the Horites from before them. They drove them out and have lived in their place to this day.

Deuteronomy 2:20 discusses the land associated with the Rephaim, a race of giants, and how the Ammonites referred to them as Zamzummites. This verse highlights the historical context of the Israelites as they approached the lands of other nations, emphasizing the significance of the Rephaim in the region's lore and the interactions between different peoples.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Genesis 14:5In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaites in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh-kiriathaim,

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

ZamzummimsGenesis 14:5

The Key Word רְפָאִ֥ים, re.fa.'Imgenerated

The term רְפָאִים (refa'im) refers to a group of giants mentioned in the Old Testament. This noun is in the masculine plural form, indicating a collective identity. The Rephaim are often associated with great size and strength, and they appear in various biblical accounts, including 2 Samuel 21:16.

The Rephaim are described as descendants of Rapha, and their legacy is tied to their formidable presence in the land. The word's root emphasizes their connection to the concept of giants, which is significant in understanding the cultural and historical narratives of the ancient Near East.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

In this study, we reference the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the term Rephaim.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb תֵּחָשֵׁ֖ב (tehasev), meaning 'it was regarded,' governs the main clause, with the subject רְפָאִ֤ים (refaim) and additional phrases providing context about the Ammonites' naming of the giants. The structure emphasizes the relationship between the land and its historical inhabitants.

The sentence structure is complex, with multiple phrases detailing the subject and its attributes, illustrating the historical significance and cultural perceptions of the Rephaim.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates רְפָאִ֥ים as ραφαϊν, indicating a direct connection to the giants mentioned in the Hebrew text. This choice reflects the translators' understanding of the Rephaim as a notable group in the ancient world.

The use of λογισθήσεται for the verb 'it was regarded' shows a similar interpretative approach, suggesting a consideration of the Rephaim's historical significance.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Deuteronomy 2:20 explains that this area was known as the land of the Rephaim, who were giants living there. The Ammonites referred to them as Zamzummites, showing a cultural connection and distinction in how different groups viewed these ancient peoples.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

Who were the Rephaim?

The Rephaim were a group of giants mentioned in the Bible, known for their size and strength, and they are often associated with other ancient peoples in the region.

What does the term Zamzummites refer to?

Zamzummites is the name given by the Ammonites to the Rephaim, indicating a cultural distinction and possibly a different perspective on these giants.

Why is this land significant?

The land is significant as it was inhabited by the Rephaim, whose legacy impacted the narratives of the Israelites as they encountered various peoples during their journey.

How do the translations of this verse compare?

Translations generally agree on the identity of the Rephaim and the context of the verse, maintaining consistency in the depiction of these ancient giants.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What do you think the presence of the Rephaim signifies about the history of the land?
  2. How can understanding the cultural names given to groups like the Rephaim and Zamzummites help us appreciate the complexities of ancient societies?
  3. In what ways do you see the legacy of ancient peoples like the Rephaim influencing modern perspectives on history?
  4. How can we apply lessons from the interactions of the Israelites with other nations in our own relationships today?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Deuteronomy 2:20 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

That also was accounted a land of giants,.... Ammon was so reckoned as well as Moab, Deuteronomy 2:10 giants dwelt therein in old time; the Rephaim dwelt there, as they did also in Ashteroth Karnaim,

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

(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims; No JFB commentary on this verse.

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

Which signifies men most wicked and abominable, or most presumptuous, or most crafty.

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

Deuteronomy 2:20 (That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;Ver. 20. Zamzummims.] Big and boisterous, bearing down all before them; presumptuous wicked ones they were, and yet they called themselves Rephaims, that is, physicians or preservers: such, indeed, rulers ought to be. The Greeks, therefore, call a king Aναξ, ab ακος, medela, because he is to be ligator vulnerum, chirurgus, et Reip. medicus - the commonwealth’ s surgeon and physician. But such were not these Zamzummims, more than in name: τομενονομαβιος, &c., as he said of his bow, Thy name is life, but thy use is present death. Cornel. a Lapid., in Isaiah 3:7.

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

(20) In old time.—See Genesis 14 Zamzummims = Zuzims (Genesis 14:5).

Read Charles John Ellicott on Deuteronomy 2 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 20. That also was accounted a land of giants] That was accounted the land or territory of the Rephaim. Zamzummims] Supposed to be the same as the Zuzim, Genesis 14:5. Of these ancient people we know very little; they were probably inconsiderable tribes or clans, "pursuing and pursued, each other's prey," till at length a stronger totally destroyed or subdued them, and their name became either extinct or absorbed in that of their conquerors. From the 10th to the 12th, and from the 20th to the 23d verse inclusive, we have certain historical remarks introduced which do not seem to have been made by Moses, but rather by Joshua or Ezra. By the introduction of these verses the thread of the…

Read AdamClarke on Deuteronomy 2 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

16–25. Approach to the ‘Ammonites and Amorites The adult generation having died out (Deuteronomy 2:16), Jehovah charged Moses that, being about to pass the border or cross the territory of Mo’ab (Deuteronomy 2:17 f.) and to approach ‘Ammôn, Israel (Sg. address) must not fight the latter, for Jehovah gave that land to the sons of Lot (Deuteronomy 2:19). Follows an archaeological note on the predecessors of ‘Ammôn (Deuteronomy 2:20-23); and then the command, in the Pl. address, to cross the Arnon (Deuteronomy 2:24 a); then, in the Sg., an assurance that Sîḥ ?ôn should be given into Israel’s hands, they must fight him (Deuteronomy 2:24 b); for the dread of Israel would Jehovah put on all…

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

These verses, like Deuteronomy 2:10-12, are in all likelihood an addition made by a later reviser. Deuteronomy 2:20 Zamzummims - A giant race usually identified with the Zuzims of Gen 14:5.

Read Albert Barnes on Deuteronomy 2 →

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

(That too was regarded as the land of the Rephaim, who used to live there, though the Ammonites called them Zamzummites.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

(That also is considered a land of Rephaim. Rephaim lived there in the past, but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim,

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

(That too was regarded as the land of the Rephaim, who used to live there, though the Ammonites called them Zamzummites.

NETBNew English Translation2006

(That also is considered to be a land of the Rephaites. The Rephaites lived there originally; the Ammonites call them Zamzummites.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

(That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim dwelt therein aforetime; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim,

RVARevised Version, American1894

(That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim dwelt therein aforetime; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim;

NWBWebster's Bible1833

(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt in it in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;

GNVGeneva Bible1599

That also was taken for a land of gyants: for gyants dwelt therein afore time, whome the Ammonites called Zamzummims:

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

(That also is reckoned a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in time past, and the Ammonites call them Zamzummim;

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

'A land of Rephaim it is reckoned, even it; Rephaim dwelt in it formerly, and the Ammonites call them Zamzummim;

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

It is reckoned [as] a land of Rephaim, even it; Rephaim formerly dwelt in it, and the Ammonites call them Zamzummim,

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

As the land of Rephaim was it also accounted: Rephaim dwelt therein in times past; and the 'Ammonites called them Zamzummim;

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

(That also is considered to be a land of the Rephaim. The Rephaim lived there previously—but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim—

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

It was accounted a land of giants: and giants formerly dwelt in it, whom the Ammonites call Zomzommims,

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

(This land was previously considered as the country of the Rephaim who used to live there. However, the Ammonites called them Zamzummites.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

(That land is said to have been a land of the Rephaim, for Rephaim had been living there in earlier times, but they were named Zamzummim by the Ammonites;

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 · objectאֶֽרֶץthe.landרְפָאִ֥יםof.[the].Rephaitesverbתֵּחָשֵׁ֖בit.was.regardednoun phrase · subjectאַףalsoהִ֑ואitclausesubjectרְפָאִ֤ים[the].Rephaitesverbיָֽשְׁבוּthey.dweltprepositional phrase · prepositionalבָinהּ֙itprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְformerlyפָנִ֔יםbeforeוְandclausenoun phrase · subjectהָֽtheעַמֹּנִ֔יםAmmonitesverbיִקְרְא֥וּthey.calledprepositional phrase · prepositionalלָ(to)הֶ֖םthemobjectזַמְזֻמִּֽיםZamzummites

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 align closely, with the Septuagint providing a consistent translation of the terms used. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs slightly, using הִיא (she) and עמונים (Ammonite), indicating some variation in the understanding of the text.

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

אֶֽרֶץ־ רְפָאִ֥ים תֵּחָשֵׁ֖ב אַף־ הִ֑וא רְפָאִ֤ים יָֽשְׁבוּ־ בָהּ֙ לְפָנִ֔ים וְהָֽעַמֹּנִ֔ים יִקְרְא֥וּ לָהֶ֖ם זַמְזֻמִּֽים׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
אֶֽרֶץ־γῆרְפָאִ֥יםραφαϊνתֵּחָשֵׁ֖בλογισθήσεταιאַף־καὶהִ֑ואγὰρרְפָאִ֤יםκατῴκουνיָֽשְׁבוּ־ραφαϊνבָהּ֙αὐτῆςלְפָנִ֔יםπρότερονוְהָֽעַמֹּנִ֔יםαμμανῖταιיִקְרְא֥וּὀνομάζουσινלָהֶ֖םαὐτοὺςזַמְזֻמִּֽים׃ζομζομμιν

13 of the 13 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

ארץ רפאים תחשׁב אף היא רפאים ישׁבו בה לפנים והעמונים יקראו להם זמזמים

2 words differ from the Masoretic Text: היא (she), עמונים (Ammonite)

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 2:20אֶ֫רֶץ[the] land [the] land ofאֶ֫רֶץרָפָה[the] Repha[the] Rephaitesרָפָהחָשַׁבit was regait was regardedחָשַׁבאַףalsoalsoאַףהוּאititהוּארָפָה[the] Repha[the] Rephaitesרָפָהיָשַׁבthey dweltthey dweltיָשַׁבהָin itin itהָפָּנֶהbeforebeforeפָּנֶהעַמּוֹנִיand the Ammand the Ammonitעַמּוֹנִיקָרָאthey calledthey calledקָרָאהֶםthemthemהֶםזַמְזֻמִּיםZamzummitesZamzummitesזַמְזֻמִּיםרָפָאto healto healרָפָאפָּנָהCorner (GaCorner (Gate)פָּנָהעַמּוֹןAmmonAmmonעַמּוֹןזָמַםto planto planזָמַםקָרָאto encountto encounter: mקָרָאיָלִידbornbornיָלִידעֵ֫מֶקvalleyvalleyעֵ֫מֶקכְּנַ֫עַןCanaanCanaanכְּנַ֫עַןמִצְרַ֫יִם(Sea of) E(Sea of) Egyptמִצְרַ֫יִםמַחֲשָׁבָהplotplotמַחֲשָׁבָהכַּרְמֶלplantationplantationכַּרְמֶלבַּלnotnotבַּלטָמֵאuncleanuncleanטָמֵאעֵתtimetimeעֵתבֶּ֫טַחsecuritysecurityבֶּ֫טַחכְּנַעֲנִיCanaanitesCanaanitessכְּנַעֲנִיסָתַרto hideto hideסָתַרנוּסto fleeto fleeנוּס
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 2:20

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] land of [the] Rephaites it was regarded also it [the] Rephaites they dwelt in it before and the Ammonites they called them Zamzummites
אֶֽרֶץ־'e.retz- [the] land of H776 Noun common · feminine singular construct
2,504× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Amplified meaning
territory, region
Tyndale gloss
land: soil
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֶ֫רֶץ (erets) is a feminine noun meaning 'earth' or 'land.' It encompasses various meanings, including the whole earth, specific territories like Canaan, and even inhabitants of the land. It can refer to soil, ground, or regions, and is used in phrases related to distance and the living. There is a note on the plural form אֲרָצוֹת, which mainly appears in later texts to denote multiple lands.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶ֫רֶץ n. f. & (seld.) m. earth, land

earth, whole earth (opp. to a part)

earth, opp. to heaven, sky

earth = inhabitants of earth

land =

country, territory

district, region

trial territory

piece of ground

specif. land of Canaan, or Israel

= inhabitants of land

used even of Shᵉʼôl

ground, surface of ground

soil, as productive

אֶרֶץ in phrases

people of the land

in measurements of distance

the country of the plain, level or plain country

land of the living

end(s) of the earth

pl. אֲרָצוֹת is almost wholly late; it denotes lands, countries, often in contrast to Canaan, lands of the nations, etc.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H776 אֶ֫רֶץ n. f. & (seld.) m. earth, land . . earth, whole earth (opp. to a part)

. earth, opp. to heaven, sky

. earth = inhabitants of earth

. land = . country, territory

. district, region

. trial territory

. piece of ground

. specif. land of Canaan, or Israel

. = inhabitants of land

. used even of Shᵉʼôl

. . ground, surface of ground

. soil, as productive

. אֶרֶץ in phrases . people of the land

. in measurements of distance

. the country of the plain, level or plain country

. land of the living

. end(s) of the earth

. pl. אֲרָצוֹת is almost wholly late; it denotes lands, countries, often in contrast to Canaan, lands of the nations, etc.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

776 'erets eh'-rets

from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth

(at large, or partitively a land):--X common, country, earth,

field, ground, land, X natins, way, + wilderness, world.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶ֫רֶץ (e.rets) — land: country/planet.

: country/field

1) land, earth

1a) earth

1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)

1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven)

1a3) earth (inhabitants)

1b) land

1b1) country, territory

1b2) district, region

1b3) tribal territory

1b4) piece of ground

1b5) land of Canaan, Israel

1b6) inhabitants of land

1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world

1b8) city (-state)

1c) ground, surface of the earth

1c1) ground

1c2) soil

1d) (in phrases)

1d1) people of the land

1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance)

1d3) level or plain country

1d4) land of the living

1d5) end(s) of the earth

1e) (almost wholly late in usage)

1e1) lands, countries

1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

אֶ֫רֶץ (e.rets) — land: soil.

: soil

1) land, earth

1a) earth

1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)

1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven)

1a3) earth (inhabitants)

1b) land

1b1) country, territory

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

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

[the] land of [the] Rephaites it was regarded also it [the] Rephaites they dwelt in it before and the Ammonites they called them Zamzummites
רְפָאִ֥יםre.fa.'Im [the] Rephaites H7497 Noun gentilic · masculine plural absolute
25× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Raphaite were a group of giants, including Goliath, mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:16, who lived during the time of King David.
Amplified meaning
giants, Raphaite
Tyndale gloss
Rapha
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָפָה (rapha') refers to a giant, specifically associated with the Rephaim, an ancient race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament. The term encompasses both the individual Rapha and the collective Rephaim, who are described as descendants of Rapha. The entries highlight the connection to invigorating or healing, but primarily focus on the notion of giants.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רָפָה, רָפָא as n.pr.m. Hā-Rāphā

base

רְפָאִים n.pr.gent. old race of giants

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7497a רָפָה, רָפָא Hā-Rāphā H7497b רְפָאִים n. pr. gent. old race of giants

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7497 rapha' raw-faw'

or raphah {raw-faw'}; from 7495 in the sense of invigorating;

a giant:--giant, Rapha, Rephaim(-s). See also 1051.

see HEBREW for 07495

see HEBREW for 01051

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָפָה (ra.pah) — Rapha.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.16;

father of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902), huge_man (H4060A); also translated "giant";

Also named: re.pha.im (רְפָאִים "Raphaite" H7497H)

§ giant, Rephah

רְפָאִים (re.pha.im) — Rephaim.

1) giants, Rephaim

1a) old tribe of giants

2) People descended from Repha(?), first mentioned at Gen.14.5

Also named: zam.zom (זַמְזֻמִּים "Zamzummin" H2157)

רְפָאִים (re.pha.im) — (Valley of) Rephaim.

Combined with e.meq (עֵ֫מֶק " Valley" H6010P)

This name means giants,

רְפָאִים (re.pha.im) — Raphaite.

Descendants from Rapha, who lived at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.16;

father of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902), huge_man (H4060A); also translated "giant";

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun gentilic · masculine plural absolute
HNgmpa
[the] land of [the] Rephaites it was regarded also it [the] Rephaites they dwelt in it before and the Ammonites they called them Zamzummites
תֵּחָשֵׁ֖בte.cha.Shev it was regarded H2803 Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person feminine singular
124× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Tyndale gloss
to devise: count
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word חָשַׁב (chashab) is a primitive root meaning to think, account, or devise. It encompasses a range of actions including planning, valuing, and inventing, both for humans and in relation to God. The entries indicate various grammatical forms, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hithpael, each reflecting different nuances of thought and consideration.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָשַׁב vb. think, account

Qal

of man:

think, account

devise, plan, mean

charge, impute

esteem, value, regard

invent ingenious and artistic things

of God:

think

devise, plan, mean

inpute, reckon

esteem, value, regard

invent ingenious and artistic things

Niph.

be accounted, thought, esteemed

be computed, reckoned

be imputed to any one

Pi.

think upon, consider, be mindful of

think to do, devise, plan

count, reckon, the years since a sale of land

Hithp. among the nations it shall not reckon itself

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2803 חָשַׁב think, account .. of man: . think, account

. devise, plan, mean

. charge, impute

. esteem, value, regard

. invent ingenious and artistic things

. of God: . think

. devise, plan, mean

. inpute, reckon

. esteem, value, regard

. invent ingenious and artistic things

. . be accounted, thought, esteemed

. be computed, reckoned

. be imputed to any one

. . think upon, consider, be mindful of

. think to do, devise, plan

. count, reckon, the years since a sale of land

. among the nations it shall not reckon itself

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2803 chashab khaw-shab'

a primitive root; properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e.

(literally) to weave or (gen.) to fabricate; figuratively, to

plot or contrive (usually in a malicious sense); hence (from

the mental effort) to think, regard, value, compute:--(make)

account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work,

workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine,

impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made),

regard, think.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָשַׁב (cha.shav) — to devise: design.

: design/skillful

1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to think, account

1a2) to plan, devise, mean

1a3) to charge, impute, reckon

1a4) to esteem, value, regard

1a5) to invent

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed

1b2) to be computed, be reckoned

1b3) to be imputed

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of

1c2) to think to do, devise, plan

1c3) to count, reckon

1d) (Hithpael) to be considered

חָשַׁב (cha.shav) — to devise: count.

: count/regard_as

1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to think, account

1a2) to plan, devise, mean

1a3) to charge, impute, reckon

1a4) to esteem, value, regard

1a5) to invent

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed

1b2) to be computed, be reckoned

1b3) to be imputed

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs — Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person feminine singular
HVNi3fs
[the] land of [the] Rephaites it was regarded also it [the] Rephaites they dwelt in it before and the Ammonites they called them Zamzummites
אַף־'af- also H637 Particle
134× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Amplified meaning
also, in addition
Tyndale gloss
also
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אַף (aph) is a conjunction that indicates addition, often implying something greater. It can mean 'also,' 'yea,' or 'though,' and is used to connect ideas in a sentence. The entries highlight its use as both an adverb and conjunction, with a focus on its additive nature.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַף conj. denoting addition, esp. of something greater, also, yea

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H637 אַף conj. denoting addition, esp. of something greater, also, yea

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

637 'aph af

a primitive particle; meaning accession (used as an adverb or

conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though:--also, +

although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, + how much less

(more, rather than), moreover, with, yea.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַף (aph) — also.

conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater)

1) also, yea, though, so much the more

adv

2) furthermore, indeed

Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
DirObjM — Particle
HTj
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.'

[the] land of [the] Rephaites it was regarded also it [the] Rephaites they dwelt in it before and the Ammonites they called them Zamzummites
הִ֑ואhi' it H1931 Pronoun
1,879× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Tyndale gloss
he/she/it
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הוּא (hu) is a third-person singular pronoun meaning he, she, or it, used for emphasis or when no verb is present. It can also refer to oneself or serve as a demonstrative pronoun. The word has various nuances, including resuming the subject with emphasis or expressing it unobtrusively. It can indicate 'that' or 'those' when used with the definite article.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הוּא m. הִיא f., pron. of the 3rd ps. sing. he, she, used also (in both genders) for the neuter it

an emph. he (she, it, they), sometimes equivalent to himself (herself, itself, themselves), or (esp. with the art.) that (those)

It resumes the subj. with emph.

Where, however, the pron. follows the pred., its position gives it the minimum of emphasis, and it expresses (or resumes) the subject as unobtrusively as possible

It anticipates (as it seems) the subject

As an emph. predicate, of God

In a neuter sense, that, it (of an action, occurrence, matte, etc.)

With the art.: so regularly when joined to a subst. defined itself by the art.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1931 הוּא, הִיא he, she, used also (in both genders) for the neuter it . an emph. he (she, it, they), sometimes equivalent to himself (herself, itself, themselves), or (esp. with the art.) that (those)

. It resumes the subj. with emph.

. Where, however, the pron. follows the pred., its position gives it the minimum of emphasis, and it expresses (or resumes) the subject as unobtrusively as possible

. It anticipates (as it seems) the subject

. As an emph. predicate, of God

. In a neuter sense, that, it (of an action, occurrence, matte, etc.)

. With the art.: so regularly when joined to a subst. defined itself by the art.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1931 huw' hoo

of which the feminine (beyond the Pentateuch) is hiyw {he}; a

primitive word, the third person pronoun singular, he (she or

it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also

(intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same;

sometimes (as demonstrative) this or that; occasionally

(instead of copula) as or are:--he, as for her, him(-self),

it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they,

this, those, which (is), who.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הוּא (hu) — he/she/it.

pron 3p s

1) he, she, it

1a) himself (with emphasis)

1b) resuming subj with emphasis

1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate)

1d) (anticipating subj)

1e) (emphasising predicate)

1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron

2) that (with article)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HPp3fs — Pronoun
HPp3fs
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
[the] land of [the] Rephaites it was regarded also it [the] Rephaites they dwelt in it before and the Ammonites they called them Zamzummites
רְפָאִ֤יםre.fa.'Im [the] Rephaites H7497 Noun gentilic · masculine plural absolute
25× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Raphaite were a group of giants, including Goliath, mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:16, who lived during the time of King David.
Tyndale gloss
Rapha
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָפָה (rapha') refers to a giant, specifically associated with the Rephaim, an ancient race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament. The term encompasses both the individual Rapha and the collective Rephaim, who are described as descendants of Rapha. The entries highlight the connection to invigorating or healing, but primarily focus on the notion of giants.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רָפָה, רָפָא as n.pr.m. Hā-Rāphā

base

רְפָאִים n.pr.gent. old race of giants

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7497a רָפָה, רָפָא Hā-Rāphā H7497b רְפָאִים n. pr. gent. old race of giants

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7497 rapha' raw-faw'

or raphah {raw-faw'}; from 7495 in the sense of invigorating;

a giant:--giant, Rapha, Rephaim(-s). See also 1051.

see HEBREW for 07495

see HEBREW for 01051

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָפָה (ra.pah) — Rapha.

A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.16;

father of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902), huge_man (H4060A); also translated "giant";

Also named: re.pha.im (רְפָאִים "Raphaite" H7497H)

§ giant, Rephah

רְפָאִים (re.pha.im) — Rephaim.

1) giants, Rephaim

1a) old tribe of giants

2) People descended from Repha(?), first mentioned at Gen.14.5

Also named: zam.zom (זַמְזֻמִּים "Zamzummin" H2157)

רְפָאִים (re.pha.im) — (Valley of) Rephaim.

Combined with e.meq (עֵ֫מֶק " Valley" H6010P)

This name means giants,

רְפָאִים (re.pha.im) — Raphaite.

Descendants from Rapha, who lived at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.16;

father of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902), huge_man (H4060A); also translated "giant";

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun gentilic · masculine plural absolute
HNgmpa
[the] land of [the] Rephaites it was regarded also it [the] Rephaites they dwelt in it before and the Ammonites they called them Zamzummites
יָֽשְׁבוּ־ya.she.vu- they dwelt H3427 Verb · Qal · perfect third person common plural
1,079× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Amplified meaning
dwell, reside
Tyndale gloss
to dwell
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָשַׁב (yashab) is a Hebrew verb meaning to sit, remain, or dwell. It encompasses a range of actions from simply sitting down to more complex ideas like establishing a home or causing a place to be inhabited. The entries indicate various forms, including Qal (to sit), Niphal (to be inhabited), and Hiphil (to cause to dwell). There is an Aramaic equivalent, יְתִב (ye.tiv), meaning 'to dwell'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָשַׁב 1090 vb. sit, remain, dwell

Qal

sit

sit, sit down

sit down

sit = be set (as a jewel)

remain, stay, tarry

with special emphasis of qualifying phr.

dwell, have one’s abode

of a land or city, sit, abide, seated in its place, fig. for be inhabited

Niph. be inhabited, of land

Pi. and they shall set their encampments in thee

Hiph.

cause to sit

cause to abide

cause to dwell

cause cities to be inhabited

marry (prop. give a dwelling to)

Hoph. and ye be made to dwell alone in the midst of the land

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3427 יָשַׁב sit, remain, dwell

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3427 yashab yaw-shab'

a primitive root; properly, to sit down (specifically as

judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to

remain; causatively, to settle, to marry:--(make to)

abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease

self, endure, establish, X fail, habitation, haunt, (make to)

inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, X marry(-ing),

(bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(- tle),

(down-)sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate),

take, tarry.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָשַׁב (ya.shav) — to dwell.

1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to sit, sit down

1a2) to be set

1a3) to remain, stay

1a4) to dwell, have one's abode

1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited

1c) (Piel) to set, place

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to sit

1d2) to cause to abide, set

1d3) to cause to dwell

1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited

1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to)

1e) (Hophal)

1e1) to be inhabited

1e2) to make to dwell

Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Qal · perfect third person common plural
HVqp3cp
[the] land of [the] Rephaites it was regarded also it [the] Rephaites they dwelt in it before and the Ammonites they called them Zamzummites
בָהּ֙vah in it H9034 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָ (ha) — her.

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Sp3fs — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp3fs
[the] land of [the] Rephaites it was regarded also it [the] Rephaites they dwelt in it before and the Ammonites they called them Zamzummites
לְפָנִ֔יםle.fa.Nim before H6440 Preposition · noun common masculine plural absolute
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
HR/Ncmpa — Preposition · noun common masculine plural absolute
HR/Ncmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

be-for': The translation of a great variety of Hebrew and Greek words. "Haran died before (the English Revised Version "in the presence of," literally "before the face of") his father Terah" (Ge 11:28). To be "before" God is to enjoy His favor (Ps 31:22). "The Syrians before" (Isa 9:12 the Revised Version, margin "on the east," as "behind," owing to the position of Canaan, relative to Syria, implies the west).

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
[the] land of [the] Rephaites it was regarded also it [the] Rephaites they dwelt in it before and the Ammonites they called them Zamzummites
וְהָֽעַמֹּנִ֔יםve.ha.'a.mo.Nim and the Ammonites H5984 Conjunction · particle · noun gentilic masculine plural absolute
21× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
An Ammonite is someone from the land of Ammon, descended from Lot. The term is used in the Bible to describe the people and their culture. The Ammonites are mentioned in the books of Judges and Samuel.
Amplified meaning
people of Ammon, descendants of Lot
Tyndale gloss
Ammon
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עַמּוֹנִי (‘Ammowniy) refers to an Ammonite, a person from the ancient region of Ammon. The word is derived from עַמּוֹן (‘Ammon), indicating tribal descent. It is used to describe both the people and their characteristics, with some sources linking it to the Meunites, a group mentioned in the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עַמּוֹנִי, עַמֹּנִי adj.gent. Ammonite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5984 עַמּוֹנִי, עַמֹּנִי Ammonite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5984 `Ammowniy am-mo-nee'

patronymically from 5983; an Ammonite or (the adjective)

Ammonitish:--Ammonite(-s).

see HEBREW for 05983

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַמּוֹנִי (am.mo.ni) — Meunite.

Someone descended from Meunit(?) of the Canaanites, first mentioned at 1Ch.4.41

Group of me.u.ni (מְעוּנִים "Meunite" H4586)

§ Ammonite, of Ammon "tribal"

descendants of Ammon and inhabitants of Ammon

עַמּוֹנִי (am.mo.ni) — Ammon.

Someone from Ammon, Ammonite, of Ammon "tribal"

descendants of Ammon and inhabitants of Ammon

Another name of am.mon (עַמּוֹן "Ammon" H5983)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Art | Ngmpa — Conjunction · particle · noun gentilic masculine plural absolute
HC/Td/Ngmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The descendants of Ammon, or Ben-Ammi, a son of Lot. They destroyed an ancient race of giants called Zamzummim, and seized their country, which lay east of Judea, De 2:19-21. Their territory extended from the Arnon to the Jabbok, and from the Jordan a considerable distance into Arabia. Their capital city was Rabbah, (also called Rabbath Ammon, and afterwards Philadelphia,) which stood on the Jabbok. Yet in the time of Moses they had been driven out of this region, towards the east, by the Amorites, Nu 21:21-35 32:33. Moses was forbidden to assail them, De 2:19. They were gross idolaters; their chief idol being Moloch, supposed to be the same with Saturn, 1Ki 11:5-7

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Descendants of Ben-ammi, one of the sons of Lot Ge 19:38

→ Character of Jud 10:6; 2Ki 23:13; 2Ch 20:25; Jer 27:3,9; Eze 25:3,6; Am 1:13; Zep 2:10

→ Territory of Nu 21:24; De 2:19; Jos 12:2; 13:10,25; Jud 11:13

Thompson Chain Reference topics

descendants of Lot

Ge 19:38; De 2:19; 23:3; Jud 10:7; 1Sa 14:47; 2Sa 8:12

2Ki 24:2; 2Ch 20:23; 26:8; Ne 4:3

[the] land of [the] Rephaites it was regarded also it [the] Rephaites they dwelt in it before and the Ammonites they called them Zamzummites
יִקְרְא֥וּyik.re.'U they called H7121 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
733× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Tyndale gloss
to call: call to
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word קָרָא (qara') is a primitive root meaning to call, proclaim, or read. It encompasses a range of actions including calling out, crying for help, reading aloud, and summoning. The word can also imply being called or named in various contexts. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

קָרָא 724 vb. call, proclaim, read

Qal

call, cry, utter a loud sound

call, cry

call unto some one

cry for help

proclaim

read aloud

read to oneself

summon

call = name

Niph.

reflex.

pass. be called

Pu. be called

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7121 קָרָא call, proclaim, read .. . call, cry, utter a loud sound

. call, cry

. . call unto some one

. cry for help

. proclaim

. . read aloud

. read to oneself

. summon

. call = name

. . reflex.

. pass. be called

. be called

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7121 qara' kaw-raw'

a primitive root (rather identical with 7122 through the idea

of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly,

address by name, but used in a wide variety of

applications):--bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for,

forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite,

mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(- ation),

pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.

see HEBREW for 07122

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קָרָא (qa.ra) — to call: call to.

: call_to/invite/entreat

1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound

1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God)

1a3) to proclaim

1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read

1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow

1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to call oneself

1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named

1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

קָרָא (qa.ra) — to call: call by.

: call_by/name

1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound

1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God)

1a3) to proclaim

1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVqi3mp
[the] land of [the] Rephaites it was regarded also it [the] Rephaites they dwelt in it before and the Ammonites they called them Zamzummites
לָהֶ֖םla.Hem them H9038 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הֶם (hem) — them.

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Sp3mp — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp3mp
[the] land of [the] Rephaites it was regarded also it [the] Rephaites they dwelt in it before and the Ammonites they called them Zamzummites
זַמְזֻמִּֽים׃zam.zu.Mim Zamzummites H2157 Noun proper
1× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Zamzummin were a native tribe of Palestine, descended from Repha, first mentioned in Genesis 14:5 as a numerous nation of giants. They were also called Rephaim. The Ammonites referred to them as plotters. In the Bible, they are described as a strong and powerful people.
Amplified meaning
Zamzummim, a native tribe of Palestine
Tyndale gloss
Zamzummin
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זַמְזֻמִּים (zamzummim) refers to a group of people, possibly giants, associated with the Rephaim and mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:20. The term is said to be an Ammonite name for these individuals, who were described as numerous and formidable. The word may also relate to the concept of 'plotters' and is linked to the native tribes of Palestine.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

זַמְזֻמִּים n.pr.gent. said to be a  name given to רְפָאִים by the Ammonites who dispossessed them Dt 2:20

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2157 זַמְזֻמִּים said to be a  name given to רְפָאִים by the Ammonites who dispossessed them

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2157 Zamzom zam-zome'

from 2161; intriguing; a Zamzumite, or native tribe of

Palestine:--Zamzummim.

see HEBREW for 02161

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זַמְזֻמִּים (zam.zom) — Zamzummin.

People descended from Repha(?), first mentioned at Gen.14.5

Another name of re.pha.im (רְפָאִים "Rephaim" H7497B)

§ Zamzummims = "plotters"

the Ammonite name for the people who by others were called Rephaim, and were described as a numerous nation of giants; perhaps the same as 'Zuzim'

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpl
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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