Menu

Ecclesiastes 12:5 — Word Study

Depth

WLCגַּ֣ם מִגָּבֹ֤הַּ יִרָ֙אוּ֙ וְחַתְחַתִּ֣ים בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ וְיָנֵ֤אץ הַשָּׁקֵד֙ וְיִסְתַּבֵּ֣ל הֶֽחָגָ֔ב וְתָפֵ֖ר הָֽאֲבִיּוֹנָ֑ה כִּֽי־ הֹלֵ֤ךְ הָאָדָם֙ אֶל־ בֵּ֣ית עוֹלָמ֔וֹ וְסָבְב֥וּ בָשּׁ֖וּק הַסֹּפְדִֽים׃

BSA[when]gam [men] fearyârêʼ [also, even they, are afraid of, have a deep reverence for] the heightsgâbôahh [that which is high, lofty] and dangerschathchath [terrors, fears] of the roadderek [way, path] when the almond treeshâqêd blossomsnâʼats [flourishes, is in bloom] the grasshopperchâgâb [locust, a type of insect] loses its springçâbal [becomes a burden, is despised, vitality, energy] and the caper berryʼăbîyôwnâh [desire, that which provokes longing] shrivelspârar [fails, is destroyed] for thenkîy [because, since] manʼâdâm [the human, Adam] goeshâlak [walks, travels] toʼêl his eternalʻôwlâm [everlasting, forever] homebayith [place, house] and mournersçâphad [those who lament, sorrow] walkçâbab [go about, surround] the streetsshûwq [public thoroughfares, roads]

Word
Listen & take awayEcclesiastes 12
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 5 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.so.fe.Dim) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Ecclesiastes 12:5quick helps
In a sentenceThe verse reflects on the fears and changes that come with age, culminating in the inevitability of death.
Who is speakingThe author of Ecclesiastes, reflecting on the human condition.
Where we areThis verse is part of a poetic reflection on aging and mortality.
The hard wordחַתְחַתִּים
Take awayLife is fleeting; we must remember our Creator before it's too late.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectחַתְחַתִּים verbיָרֵא The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

2 of 20 occur nowhere else in the Old Testament — words 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 — Ecclesiastes 12:5

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

Context — Reflections on Aging and Mortalitygenerated

4when the doors to the street are shut and the sound of the mill fades away, when one rises at the sound of a bird and all the daughters of song grow faint,
5when men fear the heights and dangers of the road, when the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper loses its spring, and the caper berry shrivels— for then man goes to his eternal home and mourners walk the streets.
6Remember Him before the silver cord is snapped and the golden bowl is crushed, before the pitcher is shattered at the spring and the wheel is broken at the well,
7before the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

Ecclesiastes 12:5 captures the essence of aging, where fear and loss become prominent as one approaches the end of life. The imagery of nature, such as the almond tree blooming and the grasshopper losing its vitality, serves as a poignant reminder of life's transience. This verse is part of a larger meditation on the inevitability of death and the importance of remembering one's Creator before the physical body declines, as elaborated in the surrounding verses.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Genesis 42:38But Jacob replied, “My son will not go down there with you, for his brother is dead, and he alone is left. If any harm comes to him on your journey, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.”
2Genesis 44:29–31Now if you also take this one from me and harm comes to him, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.’
3Leviticus 19:32You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD.
4Job 15:10Both the gray-haired and the aged are on our side— men much older than your father.
5Psalm 71:18Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.

The Key Word יִרָ֙אוּ, yi.Ra.'ugenerated

The verb יָרֵא (yare') means to fear or revere, indicating a deep respect or anxiety about the heights and dangers of life. It reflects both a literal fear and a reverent awe, particularly in relation to the divine or the unknown.

This verb is in the imperfect tense, third person masculine plural, suggesting a generalization about people rather than a specific individual. It conveys a collective experience of fear that arises in the face of life's uncertainties.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The translations agree on the rendering of יִרָ֙אוּ as 'will be afraid' across different versions, including the BSB, KJV, ASV, YLT, WEB, and BBE.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb יִרָ֙אוּ governs the main clause, indicating what people will fear. Several phrases follow, describing the conditions under which this fear arises.

The structure emphasizes the sequence of events and observations, building a picture of the changes that accompany aging and the inevitability of death.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, יִרָ֙אוּ is rendered as ὄψονται, which carries a sense of seeing or perceiving. This choice may suggest that the fear arises from awareness or realization of life's dangers.

This translation reflects a slight shift in focus from the act of fearing to the perception of fear, emphasizing the cognitive aspect of the experience.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Ecclesiastes 12:5 describes how people become afraid of heights and dangers as they age. It uses imagery of nature, like the almond tree blooming and the grasshopper losing its energy, to illustrate the decline that comes with time. Ultimately, it reminds us that everyone will face death and that we should remember our Creator before it's too late.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does the verse mean by fearing heights and dangers?

It suggests that as people age, they become more aware of life's risks and uncertainties, leading to a sense of fear and reverence.

Why is the almond tree mentioned?

The almond tree symbolizes new life and growth, and its blooming signifies the fleeting nature of youth and vitality.

What does it mean that the grasshopper loses its spring?

This phrase indicates a loss of energy and vitality, reflecting the decline that comes with aging.

What is the significance of the mourners walking the streets?

It highlights the reality of death and mourning, emphasizing that life continues even as individuals face their mortality.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for life and its fleeting moments?
  2. In what ways do I see the changes of aging reflected in my own life?
  3. What steps can I take to remember my Creator amidst the busyness of life?
  4. How do I respond to fears and uncertainties as I navigate my own journey?

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

Early church fathers have commented on this verse, interpreting its imagery and implications regarding fear, mortality, and the nature of life.

Gregory of NeocaesareaPARAPHRASE OF Ecclesiastes 12:5 c. 213–270
Cities and their bloodstained leaders will wait for punishment from above. A most bitter and bloody time will arise like a blossoming almond tree, continuous punishments will be imposed like a swarm of flying locusts,
Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 12 →
Didymus the BlindCOMMENTARY ON Ecclesiastes 356:10 c. 313–398
Those who have dealt with the world of plants say the following about the almond: Among all the plants it grows leaves in springtime and sheds them not before all the other trees have gotten bare;
Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 12 →
JeromeCommentary on Ecclesiastes c. 347–420
"Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way. "That is, they will not be able to enter on difficult tasks and with tired knees and frightened footsteps, will not be able to go out in the open,
Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 12 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Ecclesiastes 12:5 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Also when they shall be afraid of [that which is] high,.... Not of the most high God, before whose tribunal they must shortly appear, as some; but rather of high places, as high hills, mountains, towers, c.

Read John Gill on Ecclesiastes 12 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man

Read Robert Jamieson on Ecclesiastes 12 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

They shall be afraid; the passion of fear is observed to be most incident to old men, of which divers reasons may be given. Of that which is high; either, 1. Of high things, lest they should fall upon them. Or rather, 2. Of high places, of going up hills or stairs, which is very irksome to them, because of their weakness, and weariness, ar, d giddiness, and danger, or dread of falling. And this clause, together with the next, may be rendered thus, and that agreeably to the Hebrew text, Also they shall be afraid and terrified (two words expressing the same thing, which is very frequent in the Hebrew) of that which is high in the way. When they walk abroad, they will dread to go up any high…

Read Matthew Poole on Ecclesiastes 12 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Ecclesiastes 12:5 Also [when] they shall be afraid of [that which is] high, and fears [shall be] in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:Ver. 5. Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high.] Hillocks or little stones standing up, whereat they may stumble, as being unsteady and unwieldy. High ascents also they shun, as being short winded; neither can they look down without danger of falling, their heads being as weak as their hams. Let them therefore pray for a guard of angels, putting that promise into suit. Let them also keep within God’ s…

Read John Trapp on Ecclesiastes 12 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(5) The old man is beset with terrors; terrors from on high, terrors on the way: all in which he had taken delight before, has charms for him no longer; the almond causes loathing (for so may be translated the word rendered “flourished” in our version); the locust, in the East a favourite article of food, is now burdensome; the caper berry (translated “desire” in our version) fails; for man is going to his everlasting house, &c

Read Charles John Ellicott on Ecclesiastes 12 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 5. When they shall be afraid of that which is high] 10. Being so feeble, they are afraid to trust themselves to ascend steps, stairs, c., without help. And when they look upwards, their heads turn giddy, and they are ready to fall. 11. Fears shall be in the way] They dare not walk out, lest they should meet some danger, which they have not strength to repel, nor agility to escape. A second childishness has taken place-apprehensions, fears, terrors, and weakness. 12. The almond tree shall flourish] ינאץ yenaets, not flourish, but fall off. The hair begins to change, first gray, then white it having no longer that supply of nutritive juices which it once had, this animal vegetable…

Read AdamClarke on Ecclesiastes 12 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

5. also when they shall be afraid of that which is high] The description becomes more and more enigmatic, possibly, as some have thought, because the special forms of infirmity referred to called for a veil. The first clause, however, is fairly clear if we omit the interpolated “when.” They (the indefinite plural, with the force of the French on) shall be afraid of a height, or hill. The new form of the sentence, the opening words also, indicate that the picture of the storm has been completed, and that symbolism of another kind comes in. We see, as it were, another slide in the magic lantern of the exhibiter. To be “afraid of a hill” expresses not merely or chiefly the failure of strength…

Read Cambridge on Ecclesiastes 12 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

High - The powerful and the proud, such persons as an old man in his timidity might shrink from opposing or meeting: or, high ground which old men would avoid ascending. Fears ... in the way - Compare Proverbs 26:13.

Read Albert Barnes on Ecclesiastes 12 →

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

when men fear the heights and dangers of the road, when the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper loses its spring, and the caper berry shrivels— for then man goes to his eternal home and mourners walk the streets.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

yes, they shall be afraid of heights, and terrors will be on the way; and the almond tree shall blossom, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail; because man goes to his everlasting home, and the mourners go about the streets;

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

when men fear the heights and dangers of the road, when the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper loses its spring, and the caper berry shrivels—for then man goes to his eternal home and mourners walk the streets.

NETBNew English Translation2006

and they are afraid of heights and the dangers in the street; the almond blossoms grow white, and the grasshopper drags itself along, and the caper berry shrivels up – because man goes to his eternal home, and the mourners go about in the streets –

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

yea, they shall be afraid of that which is high, and terrors shall be in the way; and the almond-tree shall blossom, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail; because man goeth to his everlasting home, and the mourners go about the streets:

RVARevised Version, American1894

yea, they shall be afraid of that which is high, and terrors shall be in the way; and the almond tree shall blossom, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and the caper-berry shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Also they shalbe afraide of the hie thing, and feare shalbe in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grassehopper shall be a burden, and concupiscence shall be driuen away: for man goeth to the house of his age, and the mourners goe about in the streete.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

they are also afraid of what is high, and terrors are in the way, and the almond is despised, and the grasshopper is a burden, and the caper-berry is without effect; (for man goeth to his age-long home, and the mourners go about the streets;)

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Also of that which is high they are afraid, And of the low places in the way, And the almond-tree is despised, And the grasshopper is become a burden, And want is increased, For man is going unto his home age-during, And the mourners have gone round through the street.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Also of that which is high they are afraid, || And of the low places in the way, || And the almond-tree is despised, || And the grasshopper has become a burden, || And want is increased, || For man is going to his perpetual home, || And the mourners have gone around through the street.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Also when men will be afraid of every elevation, and are terrified on every way, and the almond-tree will refuse [its blossom], and the locust will drag itself slowly along, and the desire will gainsay compliance; because man goeth to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets;

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

That will be the time when men become afraid of heights and of dangers along on the road, and when the almond tree blossoms, and when grasshoppers drag themselves along, and when natural desires fail. Then man goes to his eternal home and the mourners go down the streets.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And they shall fear high things, and they shall be afraid in the way, the almond tree shall flourish, the locust shall be made fat, and the caper tree shall be destroyed: because man shall go into the house of his eternity, and the mourners shall go round about in the street.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Before you develop a fear of heights and worry about going out on the streets; when the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper crawls along, and desire fails, for everyone has to go to their eternal home as the mourners go up and down the street.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And he is in fear of that which is high, and danger is in the road, and the tree is white with flower, and the least thing is a weight, and desire is at an end, because man goes to his last resting-place, and those who are sorrowing are in the streets;

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.

clauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalגַּ֣םalsoprepositional phraseמִfromגָּבֹ֤הַּa.high.[place]verbיִרָ֨אוּ֙people.will.be.afraidוְandclausesubjectחַתְחַתִּ֣יםterrorsprepositional phrase · predicateבַּ[are].innoun phrasetheדֶּ֔רֶךְwayוְandclauseverbיָנֵ֤אץit.will.bloomnoun phrase · subjectהַthe.almondשָּׁקֵד֙treeוְandclauseverbיִסְתַּבֵּ֣לit.will.drag.itself.alongnoun phrase · subjectהֶֽtheחָגָ֔בgrasshopperוְandclauseverbתָפֵ֖רit.will.failnoun phrase · subjectהָֽtheאֲבִיּוֹנָ֑הcaper-berryכִּֽי(dm)clauseverbהֹלֵ֤ךְ[is].goingnoun phrase · subjectהָ(the)אָדָם֙humankindprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֶלtonoun phraseבֵּ֣יתthe.housenoun phraseעוֹלָמ֔its.perpetuityוֹhisוְandclauseverbסָבְב֥וּthey.will.go.aboutprepositional phrase · prepositionalבָinnoun phrasetheשּׁ֖וּקstreetnoun phrase · subjectהַtheסֹּפְדִֽיםmourners

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


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

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of this verse, with the Septuagint providing a direct correspondence to the Hebrew without significant variation in meaning.

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

גַּ֣ם מִגָּבֹ֤הַּ יִרָ֙אוּ֙ וְחַתְחַתִּ֣ים בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ וְיָנֵ֤אץ הַשָּׁקֵד֙ וְיִסְתַּבֵּ֣ל הֶֽחָגָ֔ב וְתָפֵ֖ר הָֽאֲבִיּוֹנָ֑ה כִּֽי־ הֹלֵ֤ךְ הָאָדָם֙ אֶל־ בֵּ֣ית עוֹלָמ֔וֹ וְסָבְב֥וּ בָשּׁ֖וּק הַסֹּפְדִֽים׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
גַּ֣םγεמִגָּבֹ֤הַּὕψουςיִרָ֙אוּ֙ὄψονταιוְחַתְחַתִּ֣יםθάμβοιבַּדֶּ֔רֶךְἐνוְיָנֵ֤אץἀνθήσηהַשָּׁקֵד֙ἀμύγδαλονוְיִסְתַּבֵּ֣לπαξυνθῆהֶֽחָגָ֔בἀκρίςוְתָפֵ֖רδιασκεδασθῆהָֽאֲבִיּוֹנָ֑הκάππαριςכִּֽי־ὅτιהֹלֵ֤ךְἐπορεύθηהָאָדָם֙ἄνθρωποςאֶל־εἰςבֵּ֣יתοἶκονעוֹלָמ֔וֹαὐτοῦוְסָבְב֥וּἐκύκλωσανבָשּׁ֖וּקἀγορᾶהַסֹּפְדִֽים׃κοπτόμενοι

20 of the 20 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Ecclesiastes 12:5גַּםalsoalsoגַּםגָּבֹהַּfrom a highfrom a high [plגָּבֹהַּיָרֵאpeople willpeople will be יָרֵאחַתְחַתand terrorsand terrorsחַתְחַתדֶּ֫רֶךְ[are] in th[are] in the waדֶּ֫רֶךְנָאַץand it may and it may blosנָאַץשָׁקֵדthe almond the almond treeשָׁקֵדסָבַלso it may dso it may drag סָבַלחָגָבthe grasshothe grasshopperחָגָבפָּרַרand it may and it may failפָּרַראֲבִיּוֹנָהthe caper-bthe caper-berryאֲבִיּוֹנָהכִּיforforכִּיהָלַךְ[is] going[is] goingהָלַךְאָדָםhumankindhumankindאָדָםאֶלtotoאֶלבֵּית[the] house[the] house ofבֵּיתעוֹלָםperpetuity perpetuity itsעוֹלָםסָבַבand they wiand they will gסָבַבשׁוּקin the strein the streetשׁוּקסָפַדthe mournerthe mournersסָפַדבָּנָהto buildto buildבָּנָהגָּבַהּto exultto exultגָּבַהּחַתterrorterrorחַתדָּרַךְto treadto treadדָּרַךְשָׁקַדto watchto watchשָׁקַדאָבָהbe willingbe willingאָבָהאָדֹםto reddento reddenאָדֹםעָלַםto concealto concealעָלַםשׁוּקto overfloto overflowשׁוּקנָצָהto fleeto fleeנָצָההָלַךְto walkto walkהָלַךְתְּמוֹלyesterdayyesterdayתְּמוֹלשִׁלְשֹׁםthree daysthree days agoשִׁלְשֹׁםשָׁפֵלto abaseto abaseשָׁפֵלחָתַתto to be dto to be dismayחָתַתאַלnotnotאַלפָּנָהCorner (GaCorner (Gate)פָּנָהצָפוֹןZaphonZaphonצָפוֹן
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 Ecclesiastes 12:5

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

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

also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
גַּ֣םgam also H1571 Adverb
769× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Tyndale gloss
also
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1571 גַּם denoting addition, also, moreover, yea

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1571 gam gam

by contraction from an unused root meaning to gather;

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

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

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

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

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

גַּם (gam) — also.

1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea

1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis)

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

1c) even (for stress)

1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax)

1e) also (of correspondence or retribution)

1f) but, yet, though (adversative)

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

2) (TWOT) again, alike

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
DirObjM — Adverb
HD
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.'

also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
מִגָּבֹ֤הַּmi.ga.Vo.ah from a high [place] H1364 Preposition
41× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
High means elevated or powerful, like a tall mountain or a proud person, as described in Proverbs where pride comes before a fall.
Amplified meaning
that which is high, lofty
Tyndale gloss
high
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word גָּבֹהַּ (*gaboah*) means high or exalted, covering meanings such as tall, lofty, and haughty. It can also refer to loftiness as a noun. The word is derived from a root meaning to elevate or be elevated, and it appears in contexts that emphasize height or pride.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

גָּבֹהַּ adj. high, exalted

high, lofty, tall

exalted in station

haughty

n.[m.] loftiness

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1364 גָּבֹהַּ high, exalted . high, lofty, tall

. exalted in station

. haughty

. n. [m.] loftiness

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1364 gaboahh gaw-bo'-ah

or (fully) gabowahh {gaw-bo'-ah}; from 1361; elevated (or

elated), powerful, arrogant:--haughty, height, high(-er),

lofty, proud, X exceeding proudly.

see HEBREW for 01361

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

גָּבֹהַּ (ga.vo.ah) — high.

adj

1) high, exalted

1a) high, tall

1b) high (in position)

1c) proud, haughty

n m

2) loftiness

Also means: ga.vah (גָּבֹהַּ "high" H1362)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Adj — Preposition
HR/Aamsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

plas: Normally for maqom, Old Testament, and topos, New Testament, but in the King James Version "place" represents a great number of Hebrew and Greek words, often used with no difference in force (e.g. 2Ch 35:10,15). the Revised Version (British and American) has made few changes, but occasionally has attempted to specialize the meaning (Ge 40:13; Job 37:8; Ac 8:32; Jas 3:11, etc.).

also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
יִרָ֙אוּ֙yi.Ra.'u people will be afraid H3372 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
315× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Amplified meaning
also, even they, are afraid of, have a deep reverence for
Tyndale gloss
to fear
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָרֵא (yare') is a Hebrew verb meaning to fear or be afraid, encompassing a range of meanings from reverence and honor to causing terror. It appears in various forms, including Qal (to fear), Niphal (to be fearful), and Piel (to terrify). The entries highlight its moral and emotional dimensions, emphasizing awe and respect, particularly in relation to the divine.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָרֵא vb. fear

Qal

fear, be afraid

stand in awe of

fear, reverence, honour

Niph.

be fearful, dreadful

cause astonishment and awe

inspire reverence, godly fear, and awe

Piel. make afraid, terrify

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3372 יָרֵא fear .. fear, be afraid

. stand in awe of

. fear, reverence, honour

. . be fearful, dreadful

. cause astonishment and awe

. inspire reverence, godly fear, and awe

. make afraid, terrify

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3372 yare' yaw-ray'

a primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to

frighten:--affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in)

fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), X see,

terrible (act, -ness, thing).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָרֵא (ya.re) — to fear.

: frightening(DANGER)

1) to fear, revere, be afraid

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to fear, be afraid

1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed

1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared

1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe

1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe

1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify

2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

יָרֵא (ya.re) — to fear: revere.

: awesome(god)

1) to fear, revere, be afraid

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to fear, be afraid

1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed

1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared

1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe

1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe

1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify

2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Also means: ya.re (יָרֵא ": frightening" H3372)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVqi3mp
also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
וְחַתְחַתִּ֣יםve.chat.cha.Tim and terrors H2849 Conjunction · noun common masculine plural absolute
1× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Similar to another Hebrew word, this term also means terror or fear, describing a strong feeling of anxiety or dread. It is used in the Bible to convey a sense of being scared or intimidated.
Amplified meaning
terrors, fears
Tyndale gloss
terror
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חַתְחַת (chathchath) means 'terror' and is used only in the plural form in Ecclesiastes 12:5. It is derived from a root that also conveys the idea of fear.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[חַתְחַת] n.[m.] terror, only pl. Ec 12:5

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2849 חַתְחַת

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2849 chathchath khath-khath'

from 2844; terror:--fear.

see HEBREW for 02844

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חַתְחַת (chat.chat) — terror.

terror

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-mp — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural absolute
HC/Ncmpa
also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְba.De.rekh [are] in the way H1870 Preposition · noun common both singular absolute
708× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Amplified meaning
way, path
Tyndale gloss
way: road
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (derek) means way, road, or journey, and can refer to both literal paths and figurative courses of life or actions. It encompasses various aspects such as direction, manner, and moral character, often highlighting the nature of one's conduct. The term is used in both positive and negative contexts, reflecting the moral implications of one's path.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ 715 n.m. way, road, distance, journey, manner

way, road, path

journey

of direction, almost or quite = toward

way, manner

fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings

of moral action and character

of duty

specif.: in good sense

oftener in bad sense

way of י׳

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1870 דֶּ֫רֶךְ way, road, distance, journey, manner . way, road, path

. journey

. of direction, almost or quite = toward

. way, manner

. fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings

. . of moral action and character

. of duty

. specif.: in good sense

. oftener in bad sense

. way of י׳

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1870 derek deh'-rek

from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of

life or mode of action, often adverb:--along, away, because

of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner,

passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side),

whither(-soever).

see HEBREW for 01869

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: conduct.

: conduct/lifestyle

1) way, road, distance, journey, manner

1a) road, way, path

1b) journey

1c) direction

1d) manner, habit, way

1e) of course of life (fig.)

1f) of moral character (fig.)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — Way.

This name means way, road

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — (King's) Highway.

This name means way, road

Combined with me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "King's" H4428I)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: direction.

: direction

1) way, road, distance, journey, manner

1a) road, way, path

1b) journey

1c) direction

1d) manner, habit, way

1e) of course of life (fig.)

1f) of moral character (fig.)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: road.

: road/route

1) way, road, distance, journey, manner

1a) road, way, path

1b) journey

1c) direction

1d) manner, habit, way

1e) of course of life (fig.)

1f) of moral character (fig.)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: journey.

: journey

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-cs — Preposition · noun common both singular absolute
HRd/Ncbsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

wa ('orach, orcha', 'erets, bo', derekh, halikhah, ma`galah, nathibh; hodos, parodos, poreia, tropos; "highway," mecillah, meclul; diexodoi ton hodon): The list just cited contains only a portion of the words translated "way" or "highway" in the King James Version. Most of them have the primary meaning of "road," "customary path," "course of travel" (Ge 3:24; Ex 23:20; Nu 20:17, etc.). By a very easy and natural figure "way" is applied to the course of human conduct, the manner of life which one lives (Ex 18:20; 32:8; Nu 22:32; 1Sa 8:3;

Of sin, broad Mt 7:13

Jesus is the Joh 14:6; Heb 9:8

Doctrines taught by Christ Ac 9:2; 19:23; 22:4; 24:14,22

also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
וְיָנֵ֤אץve.ya.Netz and it may blossom H5006 Conjunction · verb hiphil third person masculine singular
25× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To spurn or scorn means to show contempt or hatred, often used in the Bible to describe rejection of God or his people. This word appears in Proverbs and Psalms, warning against despising others. It can also mean to provoke or blaspheme.
Amplified meaning
flourishes, is in bloom
Tyndale gloss
to spurn
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָאַץ (na'ats) is a Hebrew verb meaning to spurn or contemn. It has various forms including Qal, Piel, Hiphil, and Hithpolel, indicating different nuances of scorn and contempt. The word appears in contexts of disdain and provocation, with a notable reference in Ecclesiastes 12:5. The entries collectively emphasize its meanings related to despising and abhoring.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָאַץ vb. contemn, spurn

Qal contemn

Pi. contemn, spurn

Hiph.

Hithpo‛el every day is my name contemned

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5006 נָאַץ contemn, spurn

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5006 na'ats naw-ats'

a primitive root; to scorn; or (Ecclesiastes 12:5) by

interchange for 5132, to bloom:--abhor, (give occasion to)

blaspheme, contemn, despise, flourish, X great, provoke.

see HEBREW for 05132

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָאַץ (na.ats) — to spurn.

1) to spurn, contemn, despise, abhor

1a) (Qal) to spurn, contemn

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to spurn

1b2) to cause to contemn

1c) (Hiphil) to spurn

1d) (Hithpolel) to be contemned

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms — Conjunction · verb hiphil third person masculine singular
HC/Vhu3ms
also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
הַשָּׁקֵד֙ha.sha.Ked the almond tree H8247 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The almond tree or nut is mentioned in Numbers and Genesis, often symbolizing new life and growth. In the Bible, the almond tree is noted for being one of the first trees to bloom in spring.
Tyndale gloss
almond
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׁקֵד (shaqed) refers to the almond tree or its nut, noted for being the earliest to bloom. It is derived from the root word for 'to be vigilant' or 'to awaken.' The entries consistently emphasize its botanical significance without any noted disagreements.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁקֵד n.[m.] almond(-tree)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8247 שָׁקֵד almond(-tree)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8247 shaqed shaw-kade'

from 8245; the almond (tree or nut; as being the earliest in

bloom):--almond (tree).

see HEBREW for 08245

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁקֵד (sha.qed) — almond.

1) almond tree, almonds

1a) almond (the nut)

1b) almond-tree

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

This tree resembles a peach-tree, but is larger. In Palestine, it blossoms in January, and in March has fruit. Its blossoms are white. Its Hebrew name signifies a watcher, and to this there is an allusion in Jer 1:11. In Ec 12:5, the hoary head is beautifully compared with the almond-tree, both on account of its snowy whiteness and its winter blossoming.

also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
וְיִסְתַּבֵּ֣לve.yis.ta.Bel so it may drag itself along H5445 Conjunction · verb hithpael third person masculine singular
9× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To bear means to carry something, whether it is a physical load or an emotional burden. In the Bible, it can also mean to be pregnant or to endure a difficult situation. It is often translated as 'bear' or 'carry'
Amplified meaning
becomes a burden, is despised, vitality, energy
Tyndale gloss
to bear
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word סָבַל (sabal) means to bear or carry a heavy load, both literally and figuratively. It can also imply being burdensome or dragging oneself along. The entries indicate its various forms, including Qal (to bear), Pual (laden), and Hithpael (to make oneself a burden). There is an Aramaic equivalent, סְבַל (seval), meaning 'to bear'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[סָבַל] vb. bear a heavy load

Qal bear a load

Pu. laden

Hithp. drag oneself along

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5445 סָבַל bear a heavy load

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5445 cabal saw-bal'

a primitive root; to carry (literally or figuratively), or

(reflexively) be burdensome; specifically, to be

gravid:--bear, be a burden, carry, strong to labour.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

סָבַל (sa.val) — to bear.

1) to bear, bear a load, drag oneself along

1a) (Qal) to bear (a load)

1b) (Pual) laden (participle)

1c)(Hithpael) to make oneself a burden, drag oneself along

Aramaic equivalent: se.val (סְבַל "to bear" H5446)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms — Conjunction · verb hithpael third person masculine singular
HC/Vtu3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a-long': Corresponding to two different Hebrew words, Jud 9:25; 1Sa 6:12; Jer 41:6, joined with "come" and "go," vividly describes a course that is taken--it emphasizes its directness and immediateness. In Jud 7:12, "lay along in the valley," probably means "all the length" or "at length."

also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
הֶֽחָגָ֔בhe.cha.Gav the grasshopper H2284 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
5× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a locust, a type of insect that can cause significant damage to crops. In the Bible, locusts are often used as a symbol of destruction or judgment.
Amplified meaning
locust, a type of insect
Tyndale gloss
locust
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חָגָב (chagab) refers to a locust or grasshopper. The word's derivation is uncertain, but it consistently denotes these insects across the entries. It appears in contexts related to swarms and plagues, emphasizing its significance in agricultural and ecological discussions in the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָגָב n.m. locust, grasshopper

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2284 חָגָב locust, grasshopper

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2284 chagab khaw-gawb'

of uncertain derivation; a locust:--locust.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָגָב (cha.gav) — locust.

locust, grasshopper

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

gras'-hop-er.

See LOCUST.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Grasshopper

Belongs to the class of neuropterous insects called Gryllidae. This insect is not unknown in Palestine.

In Judg. 6:5; 7:12; Job 39:30; Jer. 46:23, where the Authorized Version has “grasshopper,” the Revised Version more correctly renders the Hebrew word (‘arbeh) by “locust.” This is the case also in Amos 7:1; Nah. 3:17, where the Hebrew word gob is used; and in Lev. 11:22; Num. 13:33; Eccl. 12:5; Isa.…

A kind of locust, and so called in 2Ch 7:13. It was sometimes used for food, Le 11:22. Individually they are insignificant and timid creatures, Nu 13:33, and their worthlessness furnishes a striking comparison in Isa 40:22; while the feebleness of age is expressed by inability to endure them, Ec 12:5. Yet coming in great numbers, they are destructive to all herbage, Am 7:1. See LOCUST.

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
וְתָפֵ֖רve.ta.Fer and it may fail H6565 Conjunction · verb hiphil third person feminine singular
50× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To split or break something apart is the meaning of this word, often used figuratively to mean frustrate or violate. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Amplified meaning
fails, is destroyed
Tyndale gloss
to break
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פָּרַר (pa.rar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to break or frustrate, with various forms indicating actions like splitting or dividing. It can refer to both literal and figurative breaking, such as violating or making something ineffective. The entries highlight different grammatical forms, including Hiphil and Qal, with uses in contexts like division or frustration.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[פָּרַר] vb. Hiph. break, frustrate

Hoph.

be frustrated

be broken

Pilp. he hath shattered me.

base

[פָּרַר] vb. split, divide

Qal Hithpō‛. split or cracked through in the earth

Pō‛êl thou didst divide the sea.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6565a פָּרַר Hiph. break, frustrate H6565b פָּרַר split, divide

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6565 parar paw-rar'

a primitive root; to break up (usually figuratively, i.e. to

violate, frustrate:--X any ways, break (asunder), cast off,

cause to cease, X clean, defeat, disannul, disappoint,

dissolve, divide, make of none effect, fail, frustrate, bring

(come) to nought, X utterly, make void.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּרַר (pa.rar) — to break.

1) to break, frustrate

1a) (Hiphil)

1a1) to break, violate

1a2) to frustrate, make ineffectual

1b) (Hophal)

1b1) to be frustrated

1b2) to be broken

1b3) to break

1c) (Pilpel) to break to bits, shatter

Also means: pur (פּוּר "to break" H6331)

פָּרַר (pa.rar) — to split.

1) to split, divide

1a) (Qal) to split, crack through

1b) (Poel) to break apart

1c) (Hithpoel) to be split, be cracked through

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs — Conjunction · verb hiphil third person feminine singular
HC/Vhu3fs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

fal (kalah, karath; ekleipo): "Fail" is both intransitive, "to fall short," "be wanting," and trans, "to be wanting to."

Of the many words translated "fail" in the Old Testament, kalah is the most frequent, meaning "to be consumed," "ended" (Job 11:20; 17:5; Ps 69:3; 71:9, etc.; Pr 22:8; Isa 15:6, etc.; Jer 14:6; La 2:11; 3:22; 4:17); it is the translation of karath, "to be cut off" (2Sa 3:29, of failure in succession; so 1Ki 2:4, etc.); `adhar, "to marshal," "to…

also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
הָֽאֲבִיּוֹנָ֑הha.'a.vi.yo.Nah the caper-berry H35 Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
1× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Desire, also referring to the caper berry which stimulates taste, symbolizing something that provokes longing.
Amplified meaning
desire, that which provokes longing
Tyndale gloss
desire
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֲבִיּוֹנָה (abiyownah) refers to the caper berry, noted for its stimulating taste and associated with desire. It appears in Ecclesiastes 12:5. While most sources agree on its meaning related to desire and the caper berry, Wetzstein suggests an alternative interpretation linking it to the concept of a poor soul.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲבִיּוֹנָה n.f. caper-berry (as stimulating desire) Ec 12:5 (v. GFM JBL 1891, 55 ff.; so 𝔊 𝔙, Mish. אביונות, cf. NHWB; v. also 𝔖; i.e. capparis spinosa, cf. Ri HWB; so Thes, Ew De, etc.; but Wetzst in De (Germ. ed. 1875) proposes אֶבְיוֹנָה (as fem. of אביון) the poor soul in sense = נִשְׁמָתוֹ הָאֶבְיוֹנָה cf. Symm 𝔖, where double translation).

done

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H35 אֲבִיּוֹנָה

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

35 'abiyownah ab-ee-yo-naw'

from 14; provocative of desire; the caper berry (from its

stimulative taste):--desire.

see HEBREW for 014

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲבִיּוֹנָה (a.viy.yo.nah) — desire.

caper-berry-of stimulating desire

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-fs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
HTd/Ncfsa
also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
כִּֽי־ki- for H3588 Particle
4,483× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Amplified meaning
because, since
Tyndale gloss
for
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי conj. that, for, when

that

Of time, when, of the past

elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

Because, since

base

כִּי אם־

each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:

that if

for if

(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—

limiting the prec. clause, except

the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

after an oath, surely

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that

. . Of time, when, of the past

. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

. Because, since

H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if

. for if

. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except

. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

. after an oath, surely

H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3588 kiy kee

a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional

prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent

or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative

conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by

other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,

where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,

even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +

nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,

therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,

whether, while, whom, yea, yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּי (ki) — for.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if

1f) but rather, but

1g) except that

1h) only, nevertheless

1i) surely

1j) that is

1k) but if

1l) for though

1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

1b) even though

כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Particle
HTc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.

In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
הֹלֵ֤ךְho.Lekh [is] going H1980 Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singular
1,549× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Amplified meaning
walks, travels
Tyndale gloss
to go: walk
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הָלַךְ (halak) means 'to go,' 'come,' or 'walk,' and covers a wide range of literal and figurative uses, including aspects of life and death. It can describe physical movement, moral conduct, and even influence on character. The verb appears in various forms, such as Qal, Piel, and Hithpael, indicating different nuances like leading or traversing.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָלַךְ 1546 vb. go, come, walk

Qal Impf. usually (629 t.) as if from ילך

lit.

of persons

Also of animals, in similar meanings and combinations

in like manner of inanimate things

The inf. abs. is often used

as in other vbs., quite independently

to intensify meaning of finite form

most noteworthy is the joining of the Inf. abs.

with a following Inf. abs. denoting a simutaneous action or process, and so emphasizing duration or continuance

with a foll. vb. fin. c. ו consec. (rare)

in cases where vb. fin. is foll. by Inf. abs. adj. denoting progress, advance

twice, where vb. fin. is not הלך, but another vb. denoting motion

quite by itself

13 t. the Inf. abs. = Imv. & is followed by Pf. consec.

akin to the use of Inf. abs. are some instances of Pt.

In combination with other verbal forms

Fig.; the most common uses follow; in most the origin in a literal meaning is evident:

pass away, die

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1980 הָלַךְ go, come, walk .Impf. usually (629 t.) as if from ילך . lit. . of persons

. Also of animals, in similar meanings and combinations

. in like manner of inanimate things

. The inf. abs. is often used . as in other vbs., quite independently

. to intensify meaning of finite form

. most noteworthy is the joining of the Inf. abs. . with a following Inf. abs. denoting a simutaneous action or process, and so emphasizing duration or continuance

. with a foll. vb. fin. c. ו consec. (rare)

. in cases where vb. fin. is foll. by Inf. abs. + adj. denoting progress, advance

. twice, where vb. fin. is not הלך, but another vb. denoting motion

. quite by itself

. 13 t. the Inf. abs. = Imv. & is followed by Pf. consec.

. akin to the use of Inf. abs. are some instances of Pt.

. In combination with other verbal forms

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1980 halak haw-lak'

akin to 3212; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety

of applications, literally and figuratively):--(all) along,

apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant,

depart, + be eased, enter, exercise (self), + follow, forth,

forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on,

out, up and down), + greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead,

march, X more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away),

be at the point, quite, run (along), + send, speedily, spread,

still, surely, + tale-bearer, + travel(-ler), walk (abroad,

on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax,

(way-)faring man, X be weak, whirl.

see HEBREW for 03212

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: went.

: went/go[away]

1) to go, walk, come

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away

1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to walk

1b2) to walk (fig.)

1c) (Hithpael)

1c1) to traverse

1c2) to walk about

1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: come.

: come[nearer]

1) to go, walk, come

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away

1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to walk

1b2) to walk (fig.)

1c) (Hithpael)

1c1) to traverse

1c2) to walk about

1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: walk.

: walk/move

1) to go, walk, come

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away

1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to walk

1b2) to walk (fig.)

1c) (Hithpael)

1c1) to traverse

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singular
HVqrmsa
also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
הָאָדָם֙ha.'a.Dam humankind H120 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
551× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Amplified meaning
the human, Adam
Tyndale gloss
the man (Adam)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָדָם (adam) refers to 'man' or 'mankind,' encompassing both individual humans and the species as a whole. It is also the name of the first man in the Bible, Adam, who is mentioned in various verses, including Genesis 2:19. The term can denote a city in the Jordan valley as well. The entries indicate a range of meanings, but there is no significant disagreement among them.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָדָם 560 n.m. Gn 1:27 man, mankind

a man = human being

coll. man, mankind

n.pr.m. Adam, first man (without art.)

n.pr.loc. city in Jordan valley (as built?)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H120 אָדָם man, mankind . a man = human being

. coll. man, mankind

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

120 'adam aw-dawm'

from 119; ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the

species, mankind, etc.):--X another, + hypocrite, + common

sort, X low, man (mean, of low degree), person.

see HEBREW for 0119

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָדָם (a.dam) — man.

1) man, mankind

1a) man, human being

1b) man, mankind (much more frequently intended sense in OT)

1c) Adam, first man

1d) city in Jordan valley

אָדָם (a.dam) — the man (Adam).

The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19;

married to Eve (H2332);

father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33;

Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121)

man, human being

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
אֶל־'el- to H413 Preposition
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 — Preposition
HR
also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
בֵּ֣יתbeit [the] house of H1004 Noun common · masculine singular construct
2,049× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Amplified meaning
place, house
Tyndale gloss
place
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word בַּיִת (*bayith*) means 'house' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including dwelling, family, and place. It can refer to physical structures, such as homes and temples, as well as metaphorical uses like the body or household affairs. The word is built from the root related to 'between' and appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between

base

בַּ֫יִת 2034 n.m. house

house

place

receptacle

of house as containing a family

household, family (592 t.)

house, including household affairs

lit. housewards, hence metaph. inwards

מִבַּיִת

adv. on the inside

prep. within

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1004a בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between H1004b בַּ֫יִת house

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1004 bayith bah'-yith

probably from 1129 abbreviated; a house (in the greatest

variation of applications, especially family, etc.):--court,

daughter, door, + dungeon, family, + forth of, X great as

would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter)house(-hold),

inside(-ward), palace, place, + prison, + steward, + tablet,

temple, web, + within(-out).

see HEBREW for 01129

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֵּית (bet) — place.

nm

place, origin, between

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — house: home.

: home/temple/building

nm

1) house

1a) house, dwelling habitation

1b) shelter or abode of animals

1c) human bodies (fig.)

1d) of Sheol

1e) of abode of light and darkness

1f) of land of Ephraim

2) place

3) receptacle

4) home, house as containing a family

5) household, family

5a) those belonging to the same household

5b) family of descendants, descendants as organized body

6) household affairs

7) inwards (metaph.)

8) (TWOT) temple

adv

9) on the inside

prep

10) within

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(ashbea).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

Combined with ash.be.a (אַשְׁבֵּעַ "Ashbea" H0791)

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth (Haggan).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

Combined with hag (גַּן "Haggan" H1588)

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(togarmah).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

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

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
עוֹלָמ֔וֹo.la.Mo perpetuity its H5769 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
438× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Amplified meaning
everlasting, forever
Tyndale gloss
forever: antiquity
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עוֹלָם (owlam) refers to concepts of long duration, antiquity, and futurity, encompassing meanings like eternity and perpetual existence. It is derived from a root meaning 'concealed' or 'the vanishing point.' The term is used to describe both ancient times and an indefinite future, indicating continuity and everlastingness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עוֹלָם 439 n.m. long duration, antiquity, futurity

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5769 עוֹלָם long duration, antiquity, futurity

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5769 `owlam o-lawm'

or lolam {o-lawm'}; from 5956; properly, concealed, i.e. the

vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future),

i.e. (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

(especially with prepositional prefix) always:--alway(-s),

ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for,

(n-))ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of)

old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world

(+ without end). Compare 5331, 5703.

see HEBREW for 05956

see HEBREW for 05331

see HEBREW for 05703

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עוֹלָם (o.lam) — forever: enduring.

: enduring/eternal

1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world

1a) ancient time, long time (of past)

1b) (of future)

1b1) for ever, always

1b2) continuous existence, perpetual

1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity

עוֹלָם (o.lam) — Everlasting.

This name means long duration, everlasting, perpetual

Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

עוֹלָם (o.lam) — forever: any time.

: any_time

1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world

1a) ancient time, long time (of past)

1b) (of future)

1b1) for ever, always

1b2) continuous existence, perpetual

1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity

עוֹלָם (o.lam) — forever: antiquity.

: old/ancient

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp3ms
also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
וְסָבְב֥וּve.sa.ve.Vu and they will go about H5437 Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person common plural
161× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Amplified meaning
go about, surround
Tyndale gloss
to turn: turn
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word סָבַב (savav) means to turn or go around, encompassing a range of actions such as surrounding, marching, and changing direction. It is built from a primitive root and has various applications, both literal and figurative, including transforming or enclosing. The entries detail its uses in different verbal forms, but do not present any significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

סָבַב vb. turn about, go around, surround

Qal

turn, intrans.

march, or walk, around

go partly round, circle, skirt

make a round, or circuit, go about to

surround, encompass

Niph.

turn oneself against, close round upon

turn round (from a direct course)

esp. of boundary: turn round from, toward

pass. be turned over to, into the power of

Pi. to change, transform, the aspect of the matter

Po‛.

encompass (with protection)

come about, assemble round

march or go about

enclose, envelop

Hiph.

turn (trans.), cause to turn

bring over (i.e. to allegiance)

turn into, of changing name

= bring round, of changing name

cause to go around

surround with (acc.) wall

perh. also encompass (as foe)

Hoph.

be turned, of cart wheel

surrounded, i.e. set, of jewels

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5437 סָבַב turn about, go around, surround .. turn, intrans.

. . march, or walk, around

. go partly round, circle, skirt

. make a round, or circuit, go about to

. surround, encompass

. . . turn oneself against, close round upon

. turn round (from a direct course)

. esp. of boundary: turn round from, toward

. pass. be turned over to, into the power of

. to change, transform, the aspect of the matter

. . encompass (with protection)

. come about, assemble round

. march or go about

. enclose, envelop

. . . turn (trans.), cause to turn

. bring over (i.e. to allegiance)

. turn into, of changing name

. = bring round, of changing name

. . cause to go around

. surround with (acc.) wall

. perh. also encompass (as foe)

. . be turned, of cart wheel

. surrounded, i.e. set, of jewels

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5437 cabab saw-bab'

a primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in

various applications, literally and figuratively (as

follows):--bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, X whirl, X

round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset

(about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to

come about, X circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round),

drive, environ, X on every side, beset (close, come, compass,

go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit

down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

סָבַב (sa.vav) — to turn: turn.

: turn/bring_around

1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change

1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round

1b2) to be turned over to

1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform

1d) (Poel)

1d1) to encompass, surround

1d2) to come about, assemble round

1d3) to march, go about

1d4) to enclose, envelop

1e) (Hiphil)

1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round

1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass

1f) (Hophal)

1f1) to be turned

1f2) to be surrounded

סָבַב (sa.vav) — to turn: surround.

: surround/go_round

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-3cp — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person common plural
Hc/Vqq3cp
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a-bout': The use of this word as a preposition, in the sense of "around," is confined to the Old Testament. In the New Testament, generally an adverb, for Greek hos or "hosei." The Revised Version (British and American) adopts it in several idiomatic translations of mello, referring to what is about to be, i.e. on the point of occurring, or immediately impending, amending the King James Version, in Ac 5:35; 27:2; Re 12:4, etc.

also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
בָשּׁ֖וּקva.Shuk in the street H7784 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a street or public thoroughfare, likely because it is a place where people run or walk over. In the Bible, it is simply translated as 'street'.
Amplified meaning
public thoroughfares, roads
Tyndale gloss
street
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שׁוּק (shuwq) means 'street' and is derived from the root word שׁוּק (H7783). The entries consistently define it as a street, emphasizing its function as a thoroughfare.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שׁוּק n.m. street

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7784 שׁוּק

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7784 shuwq shook

from 7783; a street (as run over):--street.

see HEBREW for 07783

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שׁוּק (shuq) — street.

street

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

stret.

See CITY.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Street

The street called “Straight” at Damascus (Acts 9:11) is “a long broad street, running from east to west, about a mile in length, and forming the principal thoroughfare in the city.” In Oriental towns streets are usually narrow and irregular and filthy (Ps. 18:42; Isa. 10:6). “It is remarkable,” says Porter, “that all the important cities of Palestine and Syria Samaria, Caesarea, Gerasa, Bozrah, Damascus, Palmyra, had their ‘straight streets’ running through the centre of the city, and lined with stately rows of columns. The most perfect now remaining are those of Palmyra and Gerasa, where long ranges of the columns still stand.”, Through Samaria, etc.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The streets of a modern Oriental town present a great contrast to those with which we are familiar, being generally narrow, tortuous and gloomy, even in the best towns. Their character is mainly fixed by the climate and the style of architecture, the narrowness being due to the extreme heat, and the gloominess to the circumstance of the windows looking for the most part into the inner court. The street called "Straight," in Damascus, (Acts 9:11) was an exception to the rule of narrowness: it was a noble thoroughfare, one hundred feet wide. divided in the Roman age by colonnades into three avenues, the central one for foot passengers, the side passages for vehicles and horsemen going in different directions. The shops and warehouses were probably collected together into bazaars in ancient as in modern times. (

also from a high [place] people will be afraid and terrors [are] in the way and it may blossom the almond tree so it may drag itself along the grasshopper and it may fail the caper-berry for [is] going humankind to [the] house of perpetuity its and they will go about in the street the mourners
הַסֹּפְדִֽים׃ha.so.fe.Dim the mourners H5594 Particle · verb qal participle (active) masculine plural
30× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew verb means to mourn or lament, often by tearing hair and beating breasts. It involves expressing deep sadness or grief, like wailing or lamenting. The KJV translates it as lament or mourn.
Amplified meaning
those who lament, sorrow
Tyndale gloss
to mourn
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

סָפַד (sāphad) is a Hebrew verb meaning to wail or lament. It describes actions of grief, such as tearing hair and beating the breast, common in mourning practices. The word appears in various forms, including Qal (to wail) and Niphal (to be lamented). The entries consistently emphasize its connection to expressions of sorrow.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[סָפַד] vb. wail, lament

Qal wail, lament

Niph. they shall not be bewailed

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5594 סָפַד wail, lament

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5594 caphad saw-fad'

a primitive root; properly, to tear the hair and beat the

breasts (as Orientals do in grief); generally to lament; by

implication, to wail:--lament, mourn(-er), wail.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

סָפַד (sa.phad) — to mourn.

1) to wail, lament, mourn

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to wail, lament

1a2) wailers (participle)

1b) (Niphal) to be lamented, be bewailed

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | V-Qal — Particle · verb qal participle (active) masculine plural
HTd/Vqrmpa
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.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate