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Ecclesiastes 4:12 — Word Study

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WLCוְאִֽם־ יִתְקְפוֹ֙ הָאֶחָ֔ד הַשְּׁנַ֖יִם יַעַמְד֣וּ נֶגְדּ֑וֹ וְהַחוּט֙ הַֽמְשֻׁלָּ֔שׁ לֹ֥א בִמְהֵרָ֖ה יִנָּתֵֽק׃

BSAAnd thoughʼim oneʼechâd [alone, single] may be overpoweredtâqaph [conquered, defeated] twoshᵉnayim [a pair, double] can resistʻâmad [stand against, withstand] Moreover, a cordchûwṭ [thread, rope] of threeshâlash [triple, threefold] strands is notlôʼ [twisted together, by no means] quicklymᵉhêrâh [in haste, swiftly] brokennâthaq [torn apart, severed]

Word
Listen & take awayEcclesiastes 4
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 12 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 (yi.na.Tek) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Ecclesiastes 4:12quick helps
In a sentenceSolomon reflects on the strength found in companionship and the durability of unity.
Who is speakingThe author of Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to Solomon.
Where we areA reflection on the value of relationships and the strength found in numbers.
The hard wordיִתְקְפוֹ֙
Take awayUnity and companionship provide strength against adversity.
6 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbעָמַד 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 — Ecclesiastes 4:12

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

Context — The Value of Companionshipgenerated

11Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone?
12And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
13Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take a warning.
14For the youth has come from the prison to the kingship, though he was born poor in his own kingdom.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 discusses the importance of companionship and unity. Solomon observes that while one person may be overpowered, two can resist, and a cord of three strands is even stronger. This reflects a broader theme in Ecclesiastes about the benefits of relationships and the strength that comes from being together, as seen in the surrounding verses.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
12 Samuel 23:9–16Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated,
2Daniel 3:16–17Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.
3Ephesians 4:3and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 3 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word יִתְקְפוֹ֙, yit.ke.Fogenerated

The verb יִתְקְפוֹ֙ (yit.ke.Fo) is in the imperfect tense, indicating an ongoing or future action. It means 'to overpower' or 'to prevail against', often in contexts of conflict or struggle. The parsing shows it is a third person masculine singular form, suggesting that it refers to an individual being overpowered.

This word emphasizes the vulnerability of being alone, as one person can easily be conquered, but the implication is that strength lies in numbers. The lexicons consistently define it within contexts of overcoming or prevailing, underscoring the importance of companionship.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

In this study, the verse is read in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses overpowered for יִתְקְפוֹ֙.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The sentence contains two main clauses: the first describes the vulnerability of one person, while the second highlights the strength of two. The finite verbs יִתְקְפוֹ֙ and יַעַמְד֣וּ anchor these clauses, indicating actions taken by individuals.

The structure emphasizes a contrast between the singular and plural forms, illustrating the theme of companionship. The use of a noun phrase for the subject in both clauses reinforces the focus on the individuals involved.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates יִתְקְפוֹ֙ as ἐπικραταιωθῆ, which also conveys the idea of overpowering. This choice reflects a consistent understanding of the struggle inherent in being alone versus the strength found in unity.

The Greek translation maintains the emphasis on the contrast between singular and plural, reinforcing the original Hebrew's message about companionship.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Ecclesiastes 4:12 teaches that while one person can easily be overpowered, two can stand against challenges together. Additionally, a cord made of three strands is even stronger, emphasizing the value of unity and companionship in facing difficulties.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that 'two can resist'?

It means that when two people work together, they can withstand challenges that one person alone might not be able to face.

Why is a 'cord of three strands' mentioned?

A cord of three strands symbolizes even greater strength and resilience, indicating that unity among more than two people is even more powerful.

How can this verse apply to relationships today?

This verse emphasizes the importance of companionship and teamwork in overcoming challenges, which is relevant in friendships, marriages, and communities.

What does Solomon mean by 'overpowered'?

Solomon refers to the idea that an individual can be easily defeated or conquered when alone, highlighting the vulnerability of isolation.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what areas of my life do I feel stronger when I have support from others?
  2. How can I cultivate deeper relationships that provide strength and encouragement?
  3. What are some examples of times when teamwork has helped me overcome challenges?
  4. How can I be a source of strength for others in my community?

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

Early church fathers reference this verse to discuss the strength of faith and unity, illustrating its importance in Christian teachings.

Ambrose of MilanFLIGHT FROM THE WORLD 9:54 c. 339–397
Paul fled too, that he might pass out through a window and be lowered in a basket. Yes, he knew that the triple-stranded rope could not break, but he fled so that he might preach the gospel of the Lord in the entire world,
Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 4 →
Gregory the DialogistMorals on the Book of Job, Book 33, Section 18 c. 540–604
By a “cord,” faith is expressed, as Solomon witnesses, who says, “A threefold cord is not easily broken” because the faith in truth that is woven by the mouth of preachers from the knowledge of the Trinity remains firm in the elect.
Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 4 →

Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Ecclesiastes 4:12 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him,.... If an enemy, or a thief, or a robber, attack anyone of them, in friendship and fellowship together, and is more than a match for him; both

Read John Gill on Ecclesiastes 4 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. If one prevail against him. One = the enemy.

Read Robert Jamieson on Ecclesiastes 4 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Against him; against either of them. A threefold cord is not quickly broken; if a man have not only one, but two or more friends, he is so much the safer and the happier.

Read Matthew Poole on Ecclesiastes 4 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Ecclesiastes 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.Ver. 12. And if one prevail against him, &c.] Vis unita fortior. God bade Gideon to go down to the camp of the Midianites, and if he feared to go, then to take with him his servant Phurah. Jonathan will not go without his armourbearer - David without Abishai. Christ, when to begin his passion in the garden, took Peter, James, and John with him, for the benefit of their prayers and company, though they served him but sorrily. "My dove is but one." "Jerusalem is a city compact together." The Church is "terrible as an army with banners"; "the gates of hell cannot prevail…

Read John Trapp on Ecclesiastes 4 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

12. if one prevail against him] Better, If a man overpowers him that is alone, yet two shall withstand. Another incident of travel is brought before us. The robber may lie in ambush. Against one his attack would be successful; the two friends defend each other and are saved. a threefold cord is not quickly broken] Perhaps no words in Ecclesiastes are better known than this as a proverbial expression for the strength of unity. It differs from the previous illustration in suggesting the thought of a friendship in which more than two persons are joined. “Threefold” is chosen as an epithet, partly as carrying on the thought from two to three, as in Proverbs 30:15; Proverbs 30:18; Proverbs…

Read Cambridge on Ecclesiastes 4 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

12. And if one prevail — “One” is here the object of the verb, and it should read, “If an assailant prevail against one man, two can resist him.” A threefold cord is a lively emblem of a close alliance.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ecclesiastes 4 →

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

And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Although an assailant may overpower one person, two can withstand him. Moreover, a three-stranded cord is not quickly broken.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And if one prevaileth against him, two shall withstand him; and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And if one ouercome him, two shall stand against him: and a threefolde coard is not easily broken.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And if a [man] overpower the one, the two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And if the one strengthen himself, the two stand against him; and the threefold cord is not hastily broken.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And if the one strengthens himself, the two stand against him; and the threefold cord is not quickly broken.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And if a man could overpower him, the single one, two would stand up against him: and a threefold cord cannot quickly be torn asunder.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

One man alone can be overpowered, but two can withstand an attack, and a three-strand rope is not quickly broken.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And if a man prevail against one, two shall withstand him: a threefold cord is not easily broken.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Someone fighting against one other person may win, but not if they are fighting against two. A cord made of three strands can't be torn apart quickly.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And two attacked by one would be safe, and three cords twisted together are not quickly broken.

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.

וְandclauseclauseאִֽםthoughclauseverbיִתְקְפsomeoneobjectוֹ֙will.overpower.himnoun phrase · subjectהָthe.oneאֶחָ֔ד[person]clausenoun phrase · subjectהַthe.twoשְּׁנַ֖יִם[people]verbיַעַמְד֣וּthey.will.standprepositional phrase · prepositionalנֶגְדּ֑beforeוֹhimוְandclausenoun phrase · subjectהַthenoun phraseחוּט֙threadadjective phraseהַֽ(the)מְשֻׁלָּ֔שׁthreefoldadverbialלֹ֥אnotprepositional phrase · prepositionalבִ(in)מְהֵרָ֖הquicklyverbיִנָּתֵֽקit.will.be.torn.apart

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 both agree on the wording of this verse, with the Septuagint providing a direct word-by-word correspondence. This consistency highlights the enduring nature of the message regarding companionship and strength.

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

וְאִֽם־ יִתְקְפוֹ֙ הָאֶחָ֔ד הַשְּׁנַ֖יִם יַעַמְד֣וּ נֶגְדּ֑וֹ וְהַחוּט֙ הַֽמְשֻׁלָּ֔שׁ לֹ֥א בִמְהֵרָ֖ה יִנָּתֵֽק׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְאִֽם־ἐανיִתְקְפוֹ֙ἐπικραταιωθῆהָאֶחָ֔דεἷςהַשְּׁנַ֖יִםδύοיַעַמְד֣וּστήσονταιנֶגְדּ֑וֹαὐτοῦוְהַחוּט֙σπαρτίονהַֽמְשֻׁלָּ֔שׁἔντριτονלֹ֥אοὐבִמְהֵרָ֖הταξέωςיִנָּתֵֽק׃ἀπορραγήσεται

11 of the 11 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 4:12אִםand thoughand thoughאִםתָּקֵףsomeone wilsomeone will ovתָּקֵףאֶחָדthe one [pethe one [personאֶחָדשְׁנַ֫יִםthe two [pethe two [peopleשְׁנַ֫יִםעָמַדthey will sthey will standעָמַדנֶ֫גֶדbefore himbefore himנֶ֫גֶדחוּטand the thrand the threadחוּטשִׁלֵּשׁthreefoldthreefoldשִׁלֵּשׁלֹאnotnotלֹאמְהֵרָהquicklyquicklyמְהֵרָהנָתַקit will be it will be tornנָתַקחָדַדto go eithto go either waחָדַדנָגַדto tellto tellנָגַדשָׁלֹשׁthreethreeשָׁלֹשׁשֵׁנִיsecondsecondשֵׁנִימַהֵרquickquickמַהֵראַ֫יִלramramאַ֫יִלחֵןfavorfavorחֵןיֵשׁtherethereיֵשׁכֶּ֫בֶשׂlamblambכֶּ֫בֶשׂעָשָׂרtentenעָשָׂראֵ֫צֶלbesidebesideאֵ֫צֶלעָנָןcloudcloudעָנָןבְּלִיַּ֫עַלBelial: woBelial: worthleבְּלִיַּ֫עַלשָׁנִיscarletscarletשָׁנִיקוֹמָהheightheightקוֹמָהעֶגְלָהheiferheiferעֶגְלָהיָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹד
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 4:12

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

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

and though someone will overpower him the one [person] the two [people] they will stand before him and the thread threefold not quickly it will be torn apart
וְאִֽם־ve.'im- and though H518 Conjunction · particle
1,070× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Tyndale gloss
if
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אִם (im) is a Hebrew conjunction primarily meaning 'if' and is used in various contexts, including conditional clauses and interrogative situations. It can also express negation, alternatives, or exceptions, and appears frequently in the Old Testament. The lexicons note its use in oaths and its ability to connect different clauses, sometimes altering their meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אִם conj.

hypoth. part. if

Interrog. part.

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H518a אִם conj. . hypoth. part. if

. Interrog. part.

H518b 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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

518 'im eem

a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!;

interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh

that!, when; hence, as a negative, not:--(and, can-,

doubtless, if, that) (not), + but, either, + except, +

more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or,

+ save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, + surely (no more,

none, not), though, + of a truth, + unless, + verily, when,

whereas, whether, while, + yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אִם (im) — if.

: if/whether_or/though

1) if

1a) conditional clauses

1a1) of possible situations

1a2) of impossible situations

1b) oath contexts

1b1) no, not

1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or

1d) when, whenever

1e) since

1f) interrogative particle

1g) but rather

[כִּי] אם (ki im) — if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

אִם (im) — if: surely no.

: surely_no

1) if

1a) conditional clauses

1a1) of possible situations

1a2) of impossible situations

1b) oath contexts

1b1) no, not

1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or

1d) when, whenever

1e) since

1f) interrogative particle

1g) but rather

אִם (im) — if: surely yes.

: surely_yes

1) if

1a) conditional clauses

1a1) of possible situations

1a2) of impossible situations

1b) oath contexts

1b1) no, not

1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or

1d) when, whenever

1e) since

1f) interrogative particle

1g) but rather

אִם (im) — if: until.

: until/except

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Conj — Conjunction · particle
HC/Tc
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and though someone will overpower him the one [person] the two [people] they will stand before him and the thread threefold not quickly it will be torn apart
יִתְקְפוֹ֙yit.ke.Fo someone will overpower him H8630 Verb qal imperfect third person masculine singular · suffix
3× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to overpower or overcome someone or something. It's used to describe a situation where one person or group gains control over another. In the Bible, it often describes military victories or struggles.
Amplified meaning
conquered, defeated
Tyndale gloss
to prevail
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

תָּקֵף (taqaph) is a primitive root meaning to overpower or prevail against. The entries consistently describe its use in the context of overcoming or prevailing over something. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meaning.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[תָּקֵף] vb. prevail over, overpower

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8630 תָּקֵף, תָּקַף

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8630 taqaph taw-kaf'

a primitive root; to overpower:--prevail (against).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תָּקֵף (ta.qaph) — to prevail.

(Qal) to prevail over or against, overcome, overpower

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff — Verb qal imperfect third person masculine singular · suffix
HVqi3ms/Sp3ms
and though someone will overpower him the one [person] the two [people] they will stand before him and the thread threefold not quickly it will be torn apart
הָאֶחָ֔דha.'e.Chad the one [person] H259 Particle
971× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Amplified meaning
alone, single
Tyndale gloss
one
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֶחָד (echad) means 'one' and is derived from a numeral. It encompasses meanings such as each, every, a certain, and can serve as an indefinite article. It is also used as an ordinal to denote 'first' and appears in various combinations, including eleven. The entries consistently emphasize its numerical and qualitative aspects.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶחָד 972 adj.num. one

one

= each, every

= a certain

= indef. art.

only, & (fem.) once

one … another, one … the other

as ordinal first

in combin.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H259 אֶחָד one . one

. = each, every

. = a certain

. = indef. art.

. only, & (fem.) once

. one … another, one … the other

. as ordinal first

. in combin.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

259 'echad ekh-awd'

a numeral from 258; properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an

ordinal) first:--a, alike, alone, altogether, and,

any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-)ly, each (one), +

eleven, every, few, first, + highway, a man, once, one, only,

other, some, together,

see HEBREW for 0258

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶחָד (e.chad) — one.

1) one (number)

1a) one (number)

1b) each, every

1c) a certain

1d) an (indefinite article)

1e) only, once, once for all

1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one

1g) first

1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | Adj — Particle
HTd/Acfsa
and though someone will overpower him the one [person] the two [people] they will stand before him and the thread threefold not quickly it will be torn apart
הַשְּׁנַ֖יִםha.she.Na.yim the two [people] H8147 Particle
769× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Amplified meaning
a pair, double
Tyndale gloss
two
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שְׁנַ֫יִם (shnayim) means 'two' and serves as both a cardinal and ordinal number. It can denote 'both,' 'double,' or 'twice,' and is used in various combinations with other numbers. The word is derived as a dual form of שָׁנָה (shanah), which relates to the concept of pairs.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שְׁנַ֫יִם, שְׁתַּיִם 768 n.m. et f. du. two

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8147 שְׁנַ֫יִם, שְׁתַּיִם two

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8147 shnayim shen-ah'-yim

dual of 8145; feminine shttayim {shet-tah'-yim}; two; also

(as ordinal) twofold:--both, couple, double, second, twain, +

twelfth, + twelve, + twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two.

see HEBREW for 08145

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שְׁנַ֫יִם (she.na.yim) — two.

1) two

1a) two (the cardinal number)

1a1) two, both, double, twice

1b) second (the ordinal number)

1c) in combination with other numbers

1d) both (a dual number)

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

pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…

and though someone will overpower him the one [person] the two [people] they will stand before him and the thread threefold not quickly it will be torn apart
יַעַמְד֣וּya.'am.Du they will stand H5975 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
521× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Amplified meaning
stand against, withstand
Tyndale gloss
to stand: stand
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עָמַד (amad) means to stand and encompasses a variety of related actions such as remaining, enduring, and taking a stand. It can refer to both literal and figurative stances, including presenting oneself or being appointed. The word appears in various contexts, including standing still, ceasing movement, and even serving. There are different forms of the verb, such as Qal, Hiphil, and Hophal, each with specific nuances.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָמַד 620 take one's stand, stand

Qal 435

take one's stand, and (esp. pt.) stand, be in a standing attitude

stand forth

take a stand against, in opposition to

present oneself before

attend upon, be(come) servant of

stand afar

stand (silent)

stand (appealingly)

stand, subj. רֶגֶל

stand, of water

stand still, stop, cease moving

= be inactive

= be attentive

stop, cease doing a thing

tarry, delay

remain

continue, abide

endure

be steadfast

persist

make a stand, hold one's ground

stand upright

arise, appear, come on the scene

stand forth, appear = come into being

rise up as foe

rare usages

Hiph.

83station, set

cause to stand firm

cause to stand up, set up, erect

present one before king

appoint

other meanings

Hoph. be presented

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5975 עָמַד take one's stand, stand .. . take one's stand, and (esp. pt.) stand, be in a standing attitude

. stand forth

. take a stand against, in opposition to

. present oneself before

. attend upon, be(come) servant of

. stand afar

. stand (silent)

. stand (appealingly)

. stand, subj. רֶגֶל

. stand, of water

. . stand still, stop, cease moving

. = be inactive

. = be attentive

. stop, cease doing a thing

. . tarry, delay

. remain

. continue, abide

. endure

. be steadfast

. persist

. make a stand, hold one's ground

. stand upright

. . arise, appear, come on the scene

. stand forth, appear = come into being

. rise up as foe

. rare usages

. . station, set

. cause to stand firm

. cause to stand up, set up, erect

. present one before king

. appoint

. other meanings

. be presented

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5975 `amad aw-mad'

a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and

figurative, intransitive and transitive):--abide (behind),

appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed,

endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be)

present (self), raise up, remain, repair, + serve, set (forth,

over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-)stand (by,

fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָמַד (a.mad) — to stand: stand.

: stand/stop/establish

1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of

1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease

1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast

1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground

1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright

1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against

1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to station, set

1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain

1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect

1b4) to present (one) before (king)

1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVqi3mp
and though someone will overpower him the one [person] the two [people] they will stand before him and the thread threefold not quickly it will be torn apart
נֶגְדּ֑וֹneg.Do before him H5048 Suffix
151× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Tyndale gloss
before
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נֶ֫גֶד (neged) refers to something that is conspicuous or in front, functioning as both a noun and an adverb. It denotes a position opposite or before someone, often used to indicate presence or visibility. The word can imply a counterpart or mate, and it appears in contexts emphasizing sight or proximity.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נֶ֫גֶד 151 subst. what is conspicuous or in front, always as adv. or prep. in front of, in sight of, opposite to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5048 נֶ֫גֶד subst. what is conspicuous or in front, always as adv. or prep. in front of, in sight of, opposite to

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5048 neged neh'-ghed

from 5046; a front, i.e. part opposite; specifically a

counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with

preposition) over against or before:--about, (over) against,

X aloof, X far (off), X from, over, presence, X other side,

sight, X to view.

see HEBREW for 05046

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נֶ֫גֶד (ne.ged) — before.

subst

1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of

adv

2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of

3) in front of oneself, straightforward

4) before your face, in your view or purpose

with prep

5) what is in front of, corresponding to

6) in front of, before

7) in the sight or presence of

8) parallel to

9) over, for

10) in front, opposite

11) at a distance

prep

12) from the front of, away from

13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from

14) from before, in front of

15) as far as the front of

Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HAcmsc/Sp3ms — Suffix
HAcmsc/Sp3ms
and though someone will overpower him the one [person] the two [people] they will stand before him and the thread threefold not quickly it will be torn apart
וְהַחוּט֙ve.ha.Chut and the thread H2339 Conjunction · particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
7× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A thread or string, also used as a measuring tape, mentioned in biblical descriptions of clothing and construction.
Amplified meaning
thread, rope
Tyndale gloss
thread
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חוּט (chuwt) refers to a thread, cord, or line, and is derived from a root likely meaning to sew. The term encompasses various forms of string or measuring tape. All entries agree on its basic meanings without significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חוּט n.m. thread, cord, line

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2339 חוּט thread, cord, line

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2339 chuwt khoot

from an unused root probably meaning to sew; a string; by

implication, a measuring tape:--cord, fillet, line, thread.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חוּט (chut) — thread.

a thread, cord, line, string

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Art | N-ms — Conjunction · particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HC/Td/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Thompson Chain Reference topics
and though someone will overpower him the one [person] the two [people] they will stand before him and the thread threefold not quickly it will be torn apart
הַֽמְשֻׁלָּ֔שׁham.shu.Lash threefold H8027 Particle · verb pual participle (passive) masculine singular
9× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew verb means to do something three times or to divide something into three parts. It is used in the Bible to describe repeating an action or dividing things into thirds.
Amplified meaning
triple, threefold
Tyndale gloss
to do three
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שִׁלֵּשׁ (shalash) is a denominative verb meaning to do something a third time or to divide into three parts. It can also refer to being three years old. The word is derived from a primitive root that suggests intensification, but its usage is primarily focused on the concept of triplication.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[שִׁלֵּשׁ] Pi. denom. do a third time, divide into three parts, etc.

Pu. Pt. three years old

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8027 שִׁלֵּשׁ Pi. denom. do a third time, divide into three parts, etc. . Pt. three years old

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8027 shalash shaw-lash'

a primitive root perhaps originally to intensify, i.e.

treble; but apparently used only as denominative from 7969, to

be (causatively, make) triplicate (by restoration, in

portions, strands, days or years):--do the third time,

(divide into, stay) three (days, - fold, parts, years old).

see HEBREW for 07969

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁלַשׁ (sha.lash) — to do three.

1) to do a third time, do three times, divide in three parts

1a) (Piel) to do a third time, divide into three parts

1b) (Pual) to be three years of age, be threefold

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | V-Pual-Inf-c — Particle · verb pual participle (passive) masculine singular
HTd/VPsmsa
and though someone will overpower him the one [person] the two [people] they will stand before him and the thread threefold not quickly it will be torn apart
לֹ֥אlo' not H3808 Particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Amplified meaning
twisted together, by no means
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3808 lo' lo

or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often

used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,

ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,

no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out

of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +

of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֹא (lo) — not.

1) not, no

1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)

1b) not (with modifier-negation)

1c) nothing (subst)

1d) without (with particle)

1e) before (of time)

Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and though someone will overpower him the one [person] the two [people] they will stand before him and the thread threefold not quickly it will be torn apart
בִמְהֵרָ֖הvim.he.Rah quickly H4120 Preposition · adverb
20× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for haste or speed, often used to describe doing something quickly. It appears in the Old Testament, such as when David acted hastily in 1 Samuel.
Amplified meaning
in haste, swiftly
Tyndale gloss
haste
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מְהֵרָה (meherah) refers to haste or speed, primarily used as an adverb meaning hastily or quickly. It is a feminine form derived from another Hebrew word, מְהֵר (meher), which also conveys a sense of urgency. The entries consistently emphasize its adverbial use, indicating promptness or swiftness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מְהֵרָה n.f. haste, speed;—usually as adverb. acc. hastily, quickly

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4120 מְהֵרָה haste, speed;—usually as adverb. acc. hastily, quickly

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4120 mherah meh-hay-raw'

feminine of 4118; properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially)

promptly:--hastily, quickly, shortly, soon, make (with)

speed(-ily), swiftly.

see HEBREW for 04118

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מְהֵרָה (me.he.rah) — haste.

1) haste, speed

1a) hastily, speedily (as adverb)

1b) in haste (with prep)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · adverb
HR/D
and though someone will overpower him the one [person] the two [people] they will stand before him and the thread threefold not quickly it will be torn apart
יִנָּתֵֽק׃yi.na.Tek it will be torn apart H5423 Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person masculine singular
27× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To tear or pull something away from something else, like pulling a plant out of the ground or separating two things, is what this word means, and it can also describe being separated or torn apart.
Amplified meaning
torn apart, severed
Tyndale gloss
to tear
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָתַק (nathaq) is a Hebrew verb meaning to pull, draw, or tear away. It encompasses various actions such as breaking, lifting, and rooting out, with different nuances in its grammatical forms, including Qal, Niphal, Piel, Hiphil, and Hophal. The entries indicate that it can refer to both active and passive forms of tearing or drawing away.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָתַק] vb. pull, draw, tear away, apart, off

Qal

draw away

draw or pull off

pull, tear away

Niph.

be drawn away

be torn apart, or in two, snapped

be separated

Pi.

tear apart, snap

tear out, up

Hiph.

draw away

drag them away

Hoph. they were drawn away from the city

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5423 נָתַק pull, draw, tear away, apart, off

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5423 nathaq naw-thak'

a primitive root; to tear off:--break (off), burst, draw

(away), lift up, pluck (away, off), pull (out), root out.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָתַק (na.taq) — to tear.

1) to pull or tear or draw off or away or apart, draw out, pluck up, break, lift, root out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to draw away

1a2) to draw or pull off

1a3) to pull or tear away

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be drawn away, be drawn out

1b2) to be torn apart or in two, be snapped

1b3) to be separated

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to tear apart, snap

1c2) to tear out, tear up, tear away

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to draw away

1d2) to drag away

1e) (Hophal) to be drawn away

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVNi3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a-part' (badh, "separation," i.e. alone, by oneself; niddah, "uncleanness" i.e. something put away: "an abomination"): In Zec 12:12-14 the former word is used eleven times with powerful effect to indicate the separation of families and the isolation of wives through excessive grief in Jerusalem on account of the slain Messiah. The latter word signifies removal from ceremonial uncleanness (Le 15:19; 18:19; Eze 22:10). In Greek, kat' idian, "by themselves," of marked significance as expressing Christ's desire for privacy in prayer, alone or with His disciples; either in a desert (Mt 14:13); a mountain (Mt 14:23); or a…

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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