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Deuteronomy 31:28 — Word Study

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WLCהַקְהִ֧ילוּ אֵלַ֛י אֶת־ כָּל־ זִקְנֵ֥י שִׁבְטֵיכֶ֖ם וְשֹׁטְרֵיכֶ֑ם וַאֲדַבְּרָ֣ה בְאָזְנֵיהֶ֗ם אֵ֚ת הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה וְאָעִ֣ידָה בָּ֔ם אֶת־ הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם וְאֶת־ הָאָֽרֶץ׃

BSAAssembleqâhal [gather together, summon] before meʼêl allkôl [every single one] the elderszâqên [respected leaders, wise men] of your tribesshêbeṭ [family groups, clans] and [all] your officersshôṭêr [every single one, officials, rulers, leaders] so that I may speakdâbar [communicate, declare] theseʼêl-leh wordsdâbâr [messages, teachings] in their hearingʼôzen [presence, ears] and call heavenshâmayim [summon, invoke, the sky, the spiritual realm] and earthʼerets [the land, the physical world] to witnessʻûwd [testify, bear record]

Word
Listen & take awayDeuteronomy 31
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 28 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 (ha.'A.retz) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Deuteronomy 31:28quick helps
In a sentenceMoses instructs the elders and officers to gather so he can declare important words while calling heaven and earth as witnesses.
Who is speakingMoses, addressing the leaders of Israel.
Where we areMoses is preparing to deliver a significant message to the people before his death.
The hard wordהַקְהִ֧ילוּ
Take awayGathering for a solemn declaration emphasizes accountability before God.
4 commentators on this verse Gill, Ellicott, Cambridge, Whedon & more — read them › clause verbקָהַל 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 31:28

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 — Moses' Final Instructionsgenerated

27For I know how rebellious and stiff-necked you are. If you are already rebelling against the LORD while I am still alive, how much more will you rebel after my death!
28Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officers so that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them.
29For I know that after my death you will become utterly corrupt and turn from the path I have commanded you. And in the days to come, disaster will befall you because you will do evil in the sight of the LORD to provoke Him to anger by the work of your hands.”
30Then Moses recited aloud to the whole assembly of Israel the words of this song from beginning to end:

Deuteronomy 31:28 shows Moses calling the leaders of Israel together before he passes away. He wants to ensure they hear his message clearly, as he anticipates their future disobedience. This gathering serves as a formal assembly where he invokes heaven and earth to witness their actions, highlighting the seriousness of his words and the consequences of their choices.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Deuteronomy 31:12Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law.
2Deuteronomy 29:10All of you are standing today before the LORD your God—you leaders of tribes, elders, officials, and all the men of Israel,
3Genesis 49:1–2Then Jacob called for his sons and said, “Gather around so that I can tell you what will happen to you in the days to come:
4Exodus 18:25So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
5Numbers 11:16–17Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word הַקְהִ֧ילוּ, hak.Hi.lugenerated

The verb קָהַל (qahal) means 'to assemble' or 'to gather,' often for a significant purpose, such as worship or important announcements. In this verse, it is in the Hiphil form, indicating a command to gather others together.

This imperative form directs the elders and officers to come before Moses, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the leaders to hear and heed the words he will speak. The gathering is not merely physical; it symbolizes unity and accountability among the tribes.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The verse is rendered in the Berean Standard Bible as 'Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officers...' This wording is consistent across the KJV, ASV, YLT, WEB, and BBE, reflecting a unified understanding of the command to gather.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb הַקְהִ֧ילוּ (assemble) governs the structure of the verse, with several phrases detailing who is to be gathered and what Moses intends to do. The sentence flows from the command to assemble to the purpose of that gathering.

The syntax emphasizes the imperative nature of the gathering, followed by a purpose clause that explains the significance of the assembly: to hear the words spoken and to invoke witnesses.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint uses ἐκκλησιάσατε for הַקְהִ֧ילוּ, which also means 'to assemble' but carries a connotation of a formal gathering, similar to a church assembly. This choice reflects the importance of the gathering in a religious context.

The translation indicates a continuity of the concept of assembly from Hebrew to Greek, maintaining the focus on the communal aspect of the gathering.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Deuteronomy 31:28 shows Moses calling all the elders and officers of Israel to gather before him. He wants them to hear his important words and to call upon heaven and earth as witnesses against them. This gathering is a serious moment where Moses emphasizes the need for accountability.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What is the significance of gathering the elders and officers?

Gathering the elders and officers signifies the importance of collective responsibility and accountability in leadership, ensuring they hear Moses' message directly.

Why does Moses call heaven and earth as witnesses?

Moses calls heaven and earth as witnesses to emphasize the gravity of the covenant and the consequences of Israel's actions, reinforcing that their choices are observed and will have repercussions.

What does Moses intend to communicate?

Moses intends to communicate critical teachings and warnings about the future behavior of the Israelites, urging them to remain faithful to God's commands.

How does this assembly relate to the future of Israel?

This assembly foreshadows the challenges Israel will face after Moses' death, as he predicts their rebellion and the need for accountability to God.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How can I ensure I am listening to important messages from spiritual leaders in my life?
  2. In what ways can I hold myself accountable to the teachings I receive?
  3. What does it mean to me to have heaven and earth as witnesses to my actions?
  4. How can I gather others to discuss and reflect on important spiritual matters?

Commentators on this verse — 4 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Deuteronomy 31:28 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers,.... The heads of the tribes, the princes, and all other inferior magistrates: that I may speak these words in their ears; not the

Read John Gill on Deuteronomy 31 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

Deuteronomy 31:24-28. OF THE BOOKS OF MOSES TO THE LEVITES.(24) When Moses had made an end of writing.—This means the completion of the books of Moses as he delivered them to Israel; not merely Deuteronomy, as above, in Deuteronomy 31:9, but the whole, including the song mentioned in Deuteronomy 31:22. The song was probably the end of the book as delivered to them by Moses. In a book.—’Al-sêpher; upon a roll. The Pentateuch is written upon a single roll to this day. (25) The Levites, which bare the ark.—Observe this, and comp. Deuteronomy 31:9, above. (26) In the side of the ark.—More literally, beside, Rashi says, “The wise men of Israel differ about this in the treatise Baba Bathra (in…

Read Charles John Ellicott on Deuteronomy 31 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

28. Assemble] Imperative Pl. See on Deuteronomy 31:12, and Deuteronomy 5:22. elders of your tribes, etc.] LXX heads of your tribes, adding and your judges, and some LXX codd. also add elders. Cp. Deuteronomy 5:23, Deuteronomy 29:10 (9). these words] Though this phrase usually refers to what precedes, it is more probable that here what follows, i.e. the Song, is meant, as indubitably is the case in Exodus 20:1.

Read Cambridge on Deuteronomy 31 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

28. Gather unto me all the elders — Moses now, after handing over the book of the law, directs that the elders of the tribes and all in official position be gathered around him.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Deuteronomy 31 →

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

Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officers so that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to witness against them.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officers so that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Gather to me all your tribal elders and officials so I can speak to them directly about these things and call the heavens and the earth to witness against them.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

¶ Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Assemble unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to witness against them.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Assemble unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to witness against them.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Gather vnto me all the Elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speake these wordes in their audience, and call heauen and earth to recorde against them.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Gather to me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and take heaven and earth to witness against them.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

'Assemble unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your authorities, and I speak in their ears these words, and cause to testify against them the heavens and the earth,

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Assemble to me all the elderly of your tribes, and your authorities, and I speak these words in their ears, and cause the heavens and the earth to testify against them,

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Assemble unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers; and I will speak in their ears these words, and I will call as witnesses against them the heavens and the earth.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, so that I may speak these words in their ears and call heaven and earth to witness against them.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Gather unto me all the ancients of your tribes, and your doctors, and I will speak these words in their hearing, and will call heaven and earth to witness against them.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Summon all the elders of your tribes and all your officers to gather here before me so that I can tell them this directly and call on heaven and earth as witnesses against them.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Get together before me all those who are in authority in your tribes, and your overseers, so that I may say these things in their hearing, and make heaven and earth my witnesses against them.

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.

clauseverbהַקְהִ֧ילוּassembleprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֵלַ֛toיmenoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)noun phraseכָּלallnoun phrasenoun phraseזִקְנֵ֥יthe.eldersnoun phraseשִׁבְטֵיyour.tribesכֶ֖םyourוְandnoun phraseשֹׁטְרֵיofficialsכֶ֑םyourוַsoclauseverbאֲדַבְּרָ֣הthat.I.may.speakprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְinnoun phraseאָזְנֵיearsהֶ֗םtheirnoun phrase · objectאֵ֚ת(et)noun phraseהַthenoun phraseדְּבָרִ֣יםwordsadjective phraseהָ(the)אֵ֔לֶּהtheseוְandclauseverbאָעִ֣ידָהso.that.I.may.call.as.witnessesprepositional phrase · prepositionalבָּ֔againstםthemnoun phrase · objectnoun phraseאֶת(et)noun phraseהַtheשָּׁמַ֖יִםheavensוְandnoun phraseאֶת(et)noun phraseהָtheאָֽרֶץearth

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 Septuagint, which translates 13 of the 18 words directly, maintaining the core message. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs by using הקהלו instead of הַקְהִ֧ילוּ, but the meaning remains consistent. The Dead Sea Scrolls show partial restoration but align closely with the Masoretic Text.

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

הַקְהִ֧ילוּ אֵלַ֛י אֶת־ כָּל־ זִקְנֵ֥י שִׁבְטֵיכֶ֖ם וְשֹׁטְרֵיכֶ֑ם וַאֲדַבְּרָ֣ה בְאָזְנֵיהֶ֗ם אֵ֚ת הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה וְאָעִ֣ידָה בָּ֔ם אֶת־ הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם וְאֶת־ הָאָֽרֶץ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
הַקְהִ֧ילוּἐκκλησιάσατεאֵלַ֛יμεשִׁבְטֵיכֶ֖םὑμῶνוְשֹׁטְרֵיכֶ֑םὑμῶνוַאֲדַבְּרָ֣הλαλήσωבְאָזְנֵיהֶ֗םὦταהַדְּבָרִ֣יםλόγουςהָאֵ֔לֶּהτούτουςוְאָעִ֣ידָהδιαμαρτύρωμαιבָּ֔םαὐτοῖςהַשָּׁמַ֖יִםοὐρανὸνוְאֶת־καὶהָאָֽרֶץ׃γῆν

13 of the 18 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

הקהלו אלי את כל זקני שׁבטיכם ושׁטריכם ואדברה באזניהם את הדברים האלה ואעידה בם את השׁמים ואת הארץ

1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: הקהלו (assemble)

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q29a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

הקהילו [אל׳י] [את] [כל] [זקני] שבטי׳כם [וזקני׳כם] ושפטי׳כם ושטרי׳כם ואדברה [באזני׳הם] [את] [הדברים] [האלה] ואעידה [ב׳ם] [את] [השמים] ואת הארץ

6 words on the leather — 2 partly restored, 12 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 31:28קָהַלassembleassembleקָהַלאֶלto meto meאֶלאֵתthe object the object markאֵתכֹּלallallכֹּלזָקֵן[the] elder[the] elders ofזָקֵןשֵׁ֫בֶטtribes yourtribes yourשֵׁ֫בֶטשֹׁטֵרand officiaand officials yשֹׁטֵרדָבַרand let me and let me speaדָבַראֹ֫זֶןin ears thein ears theirאֹ֫זֶןאֵתthe object the object markאֵתדָּבָרthe wordsthe wordsדָּבָראֵ֫לֶּהthesetheseאֵ֫לֶּהעוּדso I may caso I may call aעוּדהֶםagainst theagainst themהֶםאֵתthe object the object markאֵתשָׁמַיthe heavensthe heavensשָׁמַיאֵתand the objand the object אֵתאֶ֫רֶץthe earththe earthאֶ֫רֶץאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתכָּלַלto perfectto perfectכָּלַלזָקֵןbe oldbe oldזָקֵןאָזַןto listento listenאָזַןדָבַרto speak: to speak: speakדָבַראֵלthesetheseאֵלמִגְרָשׁpasturepastureמִגְרָשׁעֵדָהcongregaticongregationעֵדָהיְהוּדִיof Judahof Judahיְהוּדִיפָּלַלto prayto prayפָּלַליִרְמְיָ֫הJeremiahJeremiahיִרְמְיָ֫העֲבֹדָהserviceserviceעֲבֹדָהבָּחוּרyouthyouthבָּחוּרשִׁבְעִיםseventyseventyשִׁבְעִיםחֲצִיhalfhalfחֲצִימְנַשֶּׁהMosesMosesמְנַשֶּׁהשָׁפַטto judgeto judgeשָׁפַטזָקֵןoldoldזָקֵן
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 31:28

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.

assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
הַקְהִ֧ילוּhak.Hi.lu assemble H6950 Verb · Hiphil · imperative second person masculine plural
39× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To gather people together, often for a special purpose like worship or war, as seen in Exodus and Numbers.
Amplified meaning
gather together, summon
Tyndale gloss
to gather
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

קָהַל (qahal) is a verb meaning to assemble or gather, often for religious or political purposes. It can denote both the act of gathering together and the summoning of an assembly, particularly in contexts of war or judgment. The term is derived from a root that emphasizes the idea of convocation.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[קָהַל] vb. denom. assemble as a קָהָל

Niph. assemble as a קָהָל

Hiph. summon an assembly

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6950 קָהַל vb. denom. assemble as a קָהָל

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6950 qahal 'kaw-hal'

a primitive root; to convoke:--assemble (selves) (together),

gather (selves) (together).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קָהַל (qa.hal) — to gather.

1) to assemble, gather

1a) (Niphal) to assemble

1a1) for religious reasons

1a2) for political reasons

1b) (Hiphil) to summon an assembly

1b1) for war, judgment

1b2) for religious purposes

Also means: qa.lah (קָלַהּ "to gather" H7035)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp — Verb · Hiphil · imperative second person masculine plural
HVhv2mp
assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
אֵלַ֛י'e.Lai to me H413 Preposition · suffix
5,518× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Tyndale gloss
to(wards)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),

prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place

Where the limit is actually entered, into

Of direction towards anything

Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

Of rule or standard according to (rare)

Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place

. Where the limit is actually entered, into

. Of direction towards anything

. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

. Of rule or standard according to (rare)

. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

413 'el ale

(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});

a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but

occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or

among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,

against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,

by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,

over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,

with(-in).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶל (el) — to(wards).

1) to, toward, unto (of motion)

2) into (limit is actually entered)

2a) in among

3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)

4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)

5) in addition to, to

6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of

7) according to (rule or standard)

8) at, by, against (of one's presence)

9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp1bs
assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
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
assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
כָּל־kol- all H3605 Noun common · masculine singular construct
5,415× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Amplified meaning
every single one
Tyndale gloss
all
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all

with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

Absolutely:

without the art., all things, all

with the art. הַכֹּל

where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all

. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3605 kol kole

or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;

hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a

plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any

(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as

many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,

whoso(-ever).

see HEBREW for 03634

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּל (kol) — all.

1) all, the whole

1a) all, the whole of

1b) any, each, every, anything

1c) totality, everything

Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

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

ol: Used in various combinations, and with different meanings.

(1) All along, "Weeping all along as he went" (Jer 41:6), i.e. throughout the whole way he went, feigning equal concern with the men from Shiloh, etc., for the destruction of the Temple, so as to put them off their guard.

(2) All in all, "That God may be all in all" (1Co 15:28, Greek: panta en pasin, "all things in all (persons and) things"). "The universe, with all it comprises, will wholly answer to God's will and reflect His mind" (Dummelow).

(3) All one, "It is all one" (Job 9:22), "it makes no difference whether I live or die."

(4) At all, "If thy father miss me at all" (1Sa 20:6), "in any way," "in the least."

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
זִקְנֵ֥יzik.Nei [the] elders of H2205 Adj
178× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Amplified meaning
respected leaders, wise men
Tyndale gloss
old
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זָקֵן (zaqen) means 'old' and is used to refer to human beings, often as a noun for 'old man' or 'elder.' It encompasses meanings related to age and authority, indicating both age and leadership roles. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to be old,' and it is consistently associated with the concept of elders in various contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

זָקֵן adj. old

old, of human beings

usu. as subst.

old man (or woman)

elder

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2205 זָקֵן old . old, of human beings

. usu. as subst. . old man (or woman)

. elder

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2205 zaqen zaw-kane'

from 2204; old:--aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man,

men and...women), senator.

see HEBREW for 02204

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זָקֵן (za.qen) — old: elder.

: elder/leader

1) old

1a) old (of humans)

1b) elder (of those having authority)

זָקֵן (za.qen) — old.

: old

1) old

1a) old (of humans)

1b) elder (of those having authority)

Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAampc
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…

assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
שִׁבְטֵיכֶ֖םshiv.tei.Khem tribes your H7626 Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
190× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Amplified meaning
family groups, clans
Tyndale gloss
tribe
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֵׁ֫בֶט (shebet) refers to both a physical object and a social group. It can mean a rod, staff, or sceptre, often associated with authority or punishment, as well as a tribe or clan. The word is built from a root likely meaning to branch off, indicating both literal and figurative uses.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֵׁ֫בֶט 189 n.m. 1. rod, staff, club, sceptre. 2. tribe

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7626 שֵׁ֫בֶט 1. rod, staff, club, sceptre. 2. tribe

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7626 shebet shay'-bet

from an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion,

i.e. (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting,

ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan:--X

correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֵׁ֫בֶט (she.vet) — tribe: staff.

: staff

1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe

1a) rod, staff

1b) shaft (of spear, dart)

1c) club (of shepherd's implement)

1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority)

1e) clan, tribe

שֵׁ֫בֶט (she.vet) — tribe.

: tribe

1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe

1a) rod, staff

1b) shaft (of spear, dart)

1c) club (of shepherd's implement)

1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority)

1e) clan, tribe

שֵׁ֫בֶט (she.vet) — tribe: javelin.

: javelin

1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe

1a) rod, staff

1b) shaft (of spear, dart)

1c) club (of shepherd's implement)

1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority)

1e) clan, tribe

שֵׁ֫בֶט (she.vet) — tribe: ruler.

: ruler

1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe

1a) rod, staff

1b) shaft (of spear, dart)

1c) club (of shepherd's implement)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HNcmpc/Sp2mp
assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
וְשֹׁטְרֵיכֶ֑םve.sho.te.rei.Khem and officials your H7860 Conjunction · verb qal participle (active) masculine plural common · suffix
25× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a high-ranking official or officer, often translated as 'officer', 'overseer', or 'ruler'. In the Bible, it describes a person with authority and responsibility, such as a scribe or magistrate.
Amplified meaning
every single one, officials, rulers, leaders
Tyndale gloss
official
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֹׁטֵר (shoter) refers to an official or officer, with possible roots in the concepts of writing or organization. The term is described as an active participle, suggesting roles such as a scribe or magistrate. The entries do not provide significant disagreement, focusing instead on its administrative connotations.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֹׁטֵר n.m. official, officer (prop. scribe, secretary? or fr. original meaning as arranger, organizer?)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7860 שֹׁטֵר official, officer (prop. scribe, secretary? or fr. original meaning as arranger, organizer?)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7860 shoter sho-tare'

active participle of an otherwise unused root probably

meaning to write; properly, a scribe, i.e. (by analogy or

implication) an official superintendent or

magistrate:--officer, overseer, ruler.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֹׁטֵר (sho.ter) — official.

(Qal) official, officer

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal | Suff — Conjunction · verb qal participle (active) masculine plural common · suffix
HC/Vqrmpc/Sp2mp
assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
וַאֲדַבְּרָ֣הva.'a.da.be.Rah and let me speak H1696 Conjunction · verb piel infinitive construct first person common singular
1,142× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Amplified meaning
communicate, declare
Tyndale gloss
to speak: speak
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דָבַר (dabar) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning 'to speak.' It encompasses a range of actions including declaring, commanding, and conversing. The root suggests a figurative use of words, with some entries noting a rare destructive sense of subduing. Various forms of the verb indicate different nuances, such as speaking with one another or making promises.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[דָבַר] 1142 vb. speak (original mng. dub.)

Qal speak

Niph. reciprocal sense, speak with one another, talk

Pi. speak

Pu. in the day when she may be spoken for

Hithp. speaking this word

Hiph. either leads subject, or puts to flight, fig. for subdues

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1696 דָבַר speak (original mng. dub.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1696 dabar daw-bar'

a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used

figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive

sense) to subdue:--answer, appoint, bid, command, commune,

declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse,

say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think,

use (entreaties), utter, X well, X work.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: speak.

: speak/tell/command

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: subdue.

: subdue

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: promise.

: promise/declare

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Piel-1cs — Conjunction · verb piel infinitive construct first person common singular
HC/Vpc1cs
assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
בְאָזְנֵיהֶ֗םve.'a.ze.nei.Hem in ears their H241 Preposition · noun common feminine dual construct · suffix
187× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Amplified meaning
presence, ears
Tyndale gloss
ear
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֹ֫זֶן (*ozen*) means 'ear' and is derived from a root that suggests broadness. It refers to the physical ear as well as the organ of hearing, and can also imply the act of revealing or receiving divine revelation. The term appears in contexts such as Exodus 29:20.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֹ֫זֶן 188 n.f. Ex 29:20 ear

ear, as part of body

especially as organ of hearing

open ears of, reveal to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H241 אֹ֫זֶן ear

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

241 'ozen o'-zen

from 238; broadness. i.e. (concrete) the ear (from its form

in man):--+ advertise, audience, + displease, ear, hearing, +

show.

see HEBREW for 0238

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֹ֫זֶן (o.zen) — ear.

: ear

1) ear, as part of the body

2) ear, as organ of hearing

3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation

אֹ֫זֶן (o.zen) — ear: hearing.

: hearing

1) ear, as part of the body

2) ear, as organ of hearing

3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation

אֹ֫זֶן (o.zen) — ear: to ears.

: to[ears_of](PERSON)

1) ear, as part of the body

2) ear, as organ of hearing

3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-fd | Suff — Preposition · noun common feminine dual construct · suffix
HR/Ncfdc/Sp3mp
assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
אֵ֚ת'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
assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
הַדְּבָרִ֣יםha.de.va.Rim the words H1697 Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
1,442× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Amplified meaning
messages, teachings
Tyndale gloss
Chronicles
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דָּבָר (dabar) means 'word' or 'speech' and encompasses a range of meanings including discourse, saying, and matter. It can refer to anything spoken or a topic of discussion, extending to concepts like business or affairs. The entries consistently highlight its use in various contexts, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicographers.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

דָּבָר 1439 n.m. speech, word

sg. speech, discourse, saying, word, as the sum of that which is spoken

sg. saying, utterance, sentence, as a section of a discourse

sg. a word, words

sg. matter, affair, thing about which one speaks

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1697 דָּבָר speech, word . sg. speech, discourse, saying, word, as the sum of that which is spoken

. sg. saying, utterance, sentence, as a section of a discourse

. sg. a word, words

. sg. matter, affair, thing about which one speaks

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1697 dabar daw-baw'

from 1696; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or

thing; adverbially, a cause:--act, advice, affair, answer, X

any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case,

cause, certain rate, + chronicles, commandment, X

commune(-ication), + concern(-ing), + confer, counsel, +

dearth, decree, deed, X disease, due, duty, effect, +

eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-)ness, + glory, + harm, hurt,

+ iniquity, + judgment, language, + lying, manner, matter,

message, (no) thing, oracle, X ought, X parts, + pertaining, +

please, portion, + power, promise, provision, purpose,

question, rate, reason, report, request, X (as hast) said,

sake, saying, sentence, + sign, + so, some (uncleanness),

somewhat to say, + song, speech, X spoken, talk, task, + that,

X there done, thing (concerning), thought, + thus, tidings,

what(-soever), + wherewith, which, word, work.

see HEBREW for 01696

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דָּבָר (da.var) — word.

: word/speech/command

1) speech, word, speaking, thing

1a) speech

1b) saying, utterance

1c) word, words

1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)

דָּבָר (da.var) — word: speaking.

: speaking

1) speech, word, speaking, thing

1a) speech

1b) saying, utterance

1c) word, words

1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)

דָּבָר (da.var) — word: thing.

: thing/matter

1) speech, word, speaking, thing

1a) speech

1b) saying, utterance

1c) word, words

1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)

דָּבָר (da.var) — word: promised.

: promised/duty

1) speech, word, speaking, thing

1a) speech

1b) saying, utterance

1c) word, words

1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)

דָּבָר (da.var) — word: deed.

: deed

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-mp — Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
HTd/Ncmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Nave's Topical Bible

→ Of Jesus

Gracious Lu 4:22

Are spirit and life Joh 6:63

Of eternal life Joh 6:68

Will judge Joh 12:47,48

→ Of the wise

As goads, and as well-fastened nails Ec 12:11

Gracious Ec 10:12

→ Spoken at the proper moment Pr 15:23; Isa 50:4

→ Aptly spoken, like apples of gold in filigree of silver Pr 25:11

→ Of the complete man, gentle Jas 3:2

assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
הָאֵ֔לֶּהha.'E.leh these H428 Particle · particle
746× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Tyndale gloss
these
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵ֫לֶּה (el-leh) means 'these' and is used in various grammatical contexts, often in apposition to a noun with a pronoun suffix. It can appear with or without the definite article and is sometimes paired with other terms like וְאֵלֶּה (and these). The word conveys a sense of proximity or specification, referring to particular items or people.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵ֫לֶּה pr.pl.m. & f. these

in appos. to a subst. with a pron. suff. (always without the article)

repeated, אלה … ואלה, these … those

with the art. (but only after a subst. determined likewise by the art.)

with preps.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H428 אֵ֫לֶּה these . in appos. to a subst. with a pron. suff. (always without the article)

. repeated, אלה … ואלה, these … those

. with the art. (but only after a subst. determined likewise by the art.)

. with preps.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

428 'el-leh ale'-leh

prolonged from 411; these or those:--an- (the) other; one

sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those,

thus, which, who(-m).

see HEBREW for 0411

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵ֫לֶּה (el.leh) — these.

1) these

1a) used before antecedent

1b) used following antecedent

Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | Pron — Particle · particle
HTd/Tm
assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
וְאָעִ֣ידָהve.'a.'I.dah so I may call as witnesses H5749 Conjunction · verb hiphil infinitive construct first person common singular
44× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To testify means to repeat or affirm something, like a witness in court. In the Bible, it appears in Deuteronomy 4:26 and Isaiah 44:26. It involves speaking up or warning others.
Amplified meaning
testify, bear record
Tyndale gloss
to uphold
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עוּד (uwd) is a Hebrew verb that primarily means to return, repeat, or do again. It also encompasses the idea of bearing witness or testifying, often with a sense of solemnity or urgency. The word can imply surrounding or restoring, and its various forms indicate actions like admonishing or warning. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[עוּד] vb. prob. return, go about, repeat, do again

Pi. surround

Pōl‛ēl, restore, relieve

Hithpōl. be restored

base

עוּד vb. denom. bear witness

Qal Impf. < Hiph.

Hiph.

testify, bear witness

cause to testify, take as witness

protest, affirm solemnly, wanr

Hoph. and protest be entered

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5749a עוּד prob. return, go about, repeat, do again H5749b עוּד vb. denom. bear witness .Impf. < Hiph.

. . testify, bear witness

. cause to testify, take as witness

. protest, affirm solemnly, wanr

. and protest be entered

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5749 `uwd ood

a primitive root; to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to

protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to

encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication):--admonish,

charge, earnestly, lift up, protest, call (take) to record,

relieve, rob, solemnly, stand upright, testify, give warning,

(bear, call to, give, take to) witness.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עוּד (ud) — to uphold.

1) to return, repeat, go about, do again

1a) (Piel) to surround, go round and round

1b) (Pilel) to restore, relieve

1c) (Hithpalel) to be restored

עוּד (ud) — to testify.

1) to bear witness

1a) (Qal) to bear witness, say again and again

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to testify, bear witness

1b2) to cause to testify, take or call as witness, invoke

1b3) to protest, affirm solemnly, warn, exhort or enjoin solemnly, admonish, charge

1c) (Hophal) to protest, give warning

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs — Conjunction · verb hiphil infinitive construct first person common singular
HC/Vhc1cs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Thompson Chain Reference topics

(1) Two or thee Required. See COURTS

(2) Disciples and Early Christians as

Lu 1:2; 24:48; Ac 1:22; 5:32; 10:39; 13:31; 1Pe 5:1; 2Pe 1:16

--SEE Witnessing, TESTIMONY, RELIGIOUS

& TESTIMONY, RELIGIOUS

Testimony, TESTIMONY, RELIGIOUS

--, Living. See TESTIMONY, RELIGIOUS

assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
בָּ֔םBam against 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
HRd/Sp3mp — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp3mp
assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
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
assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
הַשָּׁמַ֖יִםha.sha.Ma.yim the heavens H8064 Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
421× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Amplified meaning
summon, invoke, the sky, the spiritual realm
Tyndale gloss
heaven
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שָׁמַיִם (*shamayim*) is a dual noun meaning 'heavens' or 'sky.' It refers to the visible heavens where celestial bodies are found, as well as the abode of God. The dual form may suggest both the arch of the sky and the higher ether. It is noted in contexts such as Elijah's ascent in a whirlwind.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[שָׁמַי] n.m. only pl. שָׁמַיִם 421 heavens, sky

visible heavens, sky, where stars, etc., are

phrases

as abode of God

Elijah taken up הַשּׁ׳ in whirlwind

הַשּׁ׳ personified in various relations

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8064 שָׁמַי only pl. שָׁמַיִם heavens, sky . . visible heavens, sky, where stars, etc., are

. phrases

. . as abode of God

. Elijah taken up הַשּׁ׳ in whirlwind

. הַשּׁ׳ personified in various relations

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8064 shamayim shaw-mah'-yim

dual of an unused singular shameh {shaw-meh'}; from an unused

root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps

alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well

as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies

revolve):--air, X astrologer, heaven(-s).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁמַיִם (sha.ma.yim) — heaven.

1) heaven, heavens, sky

1a) visible heavens, sky

1a1) as abode of the stars

1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc

1b) Heaven (as the abode of God)

Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)

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

hev'-'nz (shamayim; ouranoi): On the physical heavens see ASTRONOMY; WORLD. Above these, in popular conception, were the celestial heavens, the abode of God and of the hosts of angels (Ps 11:4; 103:19-21; Isa 66:1; Re 4:2; 5:11; compare Da 7:10), though it was recognized that Yahweh's presence was not confined to any region (1Ki 8:27). Later Judaism reckoned seven heavens. The apostle Paul speaks of himself as caught up into "the third heaven," which he evidently identifies with Paradise (2Co 12:2).

See HEAVENLY.

assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
וְאֶת־ve.'Et and the object marker H853 Conjunction · 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
HC/To — Conjunction · particle
HC/To
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
assemble to me the object marker all [the] elders of tribes your and officials your and let me speak in ears their the object marker the words these so I may call as witnesses against them the object marker the heavens and the object marker the earth
הָאָֽרֶץ׃ha.'A.retz the earth H776 Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
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
the land, the physical world
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
Art | N-cs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
HTd/Ncfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

urth ('adhamah, 'erets, 'aphar; ge, oikoumene):

In a hilly limestone country like Palestine, the small amount of iron oxide in the rocks tends to be oxidized, and thereby to give a prevailing reddish color to the soil. This is especially the case on relatively barren hills where there is little organic matter present to prevent reddening and give a more blackish tinge.

'Adhamah (compare 'adham, "a man," and Adam) is from 'adham, "to be red," and is used in the senses: "earth" (Ex 20:24), "land" (Ps 105:35), a "land" or country (Isa 14:2), "ground" (Ge 4:11), "the earth" (Ge 7:4).

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Earth

(1.) In the sense of soil or ground, the translation of the word adamah’. In Gen. 9:20 “husbandman” is literally “man of the ground or earth.” Altars were to be built of earth (Ex. 20:24). Naaman asked for two mules’ burden of earth (2 Kings 5:17), under the superstitious notion that Jehovah, like the gods of the heathen, could be acceptably worshipped only on his own soil.

(2). As the rendering of ’erets, it means the whole world (Gen. 1:2); the land as opposed to the sea (1:10). Erets also denotes a country (21:32); a plot of ground (23:15); the ground on which a man stands (33:3); the inhabitants of the earth (6:1; 11:1); all the world except Israel (

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The term is used in two widely-different senses: (1) for the material of which the earth’s surface is composed; (2) as the name of the planet on which man dwells. The Hebrew language discriminates between these two by the use of separate terms, adamah for the former, erets for the latter. Adamah is the earth in the sense of soil or ground, particularly as being susceptible of cultivation. (Genesis 2:7) Erets is applied in a more or less extended sense-- (1) to the whole world, (Genesis 1:1) (2) to land as opposed to sea, (Genesis 1:10) (3) to a country, (Genesis 21:32) (4) to a plot of ground, (Genesis 23:15) and (5) to…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

In both Hebrew and Greek the same word is used to denote the earth as a whole, and a particular land. Only the context can enable us to decide in which of these senses it is to be taken in a given passage.

Thus in Mt 27:45 we might, so far as the original word is concerned, render either "there was darkness over all the land," or over all the earth. The expression "all the earth" is sometimes used hyperbolically for a large portion of it, Ezr 1:2. The word is used of the whole world, etc. In a moral sense, earthly is opposed to what is heavenly, spiritual and holy, Joh 3:31 1Co 15:47 Col 3:2

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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