Ecclesiastes 9:8 — Word Study
WLCבְּכָל־ עֵ֕ת יִהְי֥וּ בְגָדֶ֖יךָ לְבָנִ֑ים וְשֶׁ֖מֶן עַל־ רֹאשְׁךָ֥ אַל־ יֶחְסָֽר׃
BSALet your garmentsbeged alwayskôl [always be pure, spotless] behâyâh▸ whitelâbân [clean, freshly fallen snow] and neverʼal sparechâçêr▸ [be stingy with, withhold] ◂the oilshemen [olive oil, symbolizing richness] forʻal your headrôʼsh [the chief, prince, leader of your body]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| בְּכָל־ | at every | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| עֵ֕ת | time | Noun common, both singular absolute |
| יִהְי֥וּ | let them be | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| בְגָדֶ֖יךָ | clothes your | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| לְבָנִ֑ים | white | Adj |
| וְשֶׁ֖מֶן | and oil | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| עַל־ | on | Preposition |
| רֹאשְׁךָ֥ | head your | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| אַל־ | may not | Particle |
| יֶחְסָֽר׃ | it be lacking | Verb, Qal, jussive third person masculine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head. |
| KJV | Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. |
| ASV | Let thy garments be always white; and let not thy head lack oil. |
| YLT | At all times let thy garments be white, and let not perfume be lacking on thy head. |
| WEB | Let your garments be always white, and don’t let your head lack oil. |
| BBE | Let your clothing be white at all times, and let not your head be without oil. |
The translations agree on the meanings conveyed in this verse.
The sentence consists of a main clause with an adverbial phrase and a conjunction phrase that adds another action, emphasizing the importance of both purity and abundance.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectשֶׁמֶן
verbהָיָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
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 9:8
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 — Enjoying Life Under the Sungenerated
Ecclesiastes 9:8 encourages a life of joy and abundance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a cheerful disposition and not holding back on what enriches life. This verse is part of a broader reflection on the transient nature of life and the importance of savoring its moments, as seen in the surrounding verses that discuss eating, drinking, and enjoying one’s spouse.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 19:24 | Then Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, went down to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king had left until the day he returned safely. |
| 2 | Esther 8:15 | Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal garments of blue and white, with a large gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. |
| 3 | Revelation 3:4–5 | But you do have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments, and because they are worthy, they will walk with Me in white. |
| 4 | Revelation 7:9–13 | After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. |
| 5 | Revelation 16:15 | “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — לְבָנִ֑ים, le.va.Nimgenerated
The Hebrew word לָבָן (lavan) means 'white,' often symbolizing purity and cleanliness. It is used in contexts that convey freshness and brightness, such as in the description of snow.
In this verse, the instruction to have garments that are always white suggests a continual state of purity and readiness, reflecting a life lived without shame or guilt.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb יִהְי֥וּ, let them be, governs the structure of the verse, with two phrases describing what should be maintained: the state of garments and the abundance of oil.
The word order emphasizes the garments first, suggesting that purity is of primary importance, followed by the abundance of oil, which enhances the overall message of joy and richness in life.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates לְבָנִ֑ים as λευκά, which carries a similar meaning of purity and brightness. This choice aligns with the Hebrew intention of conveying cleanliness and readiness.
The Greek term reflects the same emphasis on the visual and symbolic aspects of white garments as seen in the Hebrew text.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Ecclesiastes 9:8 advises that one should keep their garments white, symbolizing purity, and not to be stingy with oil for the head, which represents richness and joy. This reflects a life of abundance and enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
White garments symbolize purity and a life lived without shame.
Oil represents richness and abundance, suggesting that one should not hold back on enjoying life's blessings.
You can strive to live joyfully and generously, embracing purity in your actions and being open to the richness of life.
The passage encourages enjoying life fully, maintaining purity, and being generous with one’s resources.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some ways I can maintain purity in my life?
- How can I practice generosity in my daily actions?
- In what areas of my life do I feel I am holding back?
- How can I cultivate a joyful heart in my everyday experiences?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early church writers reference this verse to discuss themes of purity and the importance of living a joyful life, as seen in their teachings.
No one, therefore, can hear the Word of God unless he has first been sanctified, that is, unless he is “holy in body and spirit,” unless he has washed his garments.Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 9 →
The Holy Spirit actually teaches us not to put things off from day to day but to do to our soul all the good that is possible.Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 9 →
The Holy Spirit actually teaches us not to put things off from day to day but to do to our soul all the good that is possible.Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 9 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Ecclesiastes 9:8 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleLet thy garments be always white,.... That is, neat and clean, not vile and sordid; what is comely and decent, and suitable to a man's circumstances; this colour is particularly mentioned because
Read John Gill on Ecclesiastes 9 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryLet thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. Let thy garments be always white - in token of joy (Isaiah 61:3).
Read Robert Jamieson on Ecclesiastes 9 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleAlways; in all convenient times and circumstances; for there are times of mourning, 7:2: compare . White; decent, and splendid, as far as is suitable to the condition. The Eastern people of the best sort used white garments, especially in times of rejoicing, as : compare ,5 6:11. But by this whiteness of garments, he understands a pleasant and cheerful conversation. Let thy head lack no ointment; which upon joyful occasions was poured upon men’ s heads, .
Read Matthew Poole on Ecclesiastes 9 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsEcclesiastes 9:8 Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.Ver. 8. Let thy garments be always white; ] i.e., Neat, spruce, cleanly, comely. Or by a metaphor it may signify, Be merry in good manner, for they used to wear white clothing on festivals and at weddings, as Philo witnesseth. At this day also the Jews come to their synagogues in white raiment the day before the calends of September, which is their New Year’ s tide. Purple was affected by the Romans, white by the Jews. Hence Pilate clad Christ in purple, Herod in white. Herod himself was "arrayed in royal apparel"; that is, in cloth of silver, saith Josephus, which, being beaten upon by the sunbeams…
Read John Trapp on Ecclesiastes 9 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(8) 2 Samuel 12:20; 2 Samuel 14:2; Psalms 45:8; Psalms 104:14; Revelation 7:9.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Ecclesiastes 9 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 8. Let thy garments be always white] The Jews wore white garments on festal occasions, as emblems of joy and innocence. Be always pure, and always happy. The inhabitants of India are all dressed in clean white cotton, and to this is the allusion in the text. The Targum says: "At all times let thy garments be washed and pure from the stain of sin. Acquire a good name, which is likened to the oil of anointing, that blessings may be called down up thy head, and goodness not forsake thee."
Read AdamClarke on Ecclesiastes 9 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges8. Let thy garments be always white] In the symbolism of colours, so universal that we may almost call it natural, white garments, cool and refreshing in the heat of an Eastern climate, have always been associated with the idea of purity and joy (2 Chronicles 5:12; Esther 8:15). In the religious symbolism of Rev 3:4-5; Revelation 3:18; Revelation 6:11, the idea of purity is, perhaps, predominant over that of joy. So in Roman life the term “albatus” (clothed in white garments) was used of one who took part in a festive banquet (Hor. Sat. ii. 2. 61; Cic. in Vatin. c. 13). A singular instance of literalism is recorded in the life of Sisinnius, the Novatian bishop of Constantinople, who, as in…
Read Cambridge on Ecclesiastes 9 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible8. Garments… white — White garments, grateful in hot countries, are associated with festivities and triumphs, and are the customary holiday garb. Ointment — So, also, perfumes were gladdening and demonstrative of gladness.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ecclesiastes 9 →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
Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head.
Let your garments be always white, and don’t let your head lack oil.
Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head.
Let your clothes always be white, and do not spare precious ointment on your head.
Tyndale line
Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
Let thy garments be always white; and let not thy head lack oil.
Let thy garments be always white; and let not thy head lack ointment.
Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
At all times let thy garments be white, and let not oyle be lacking vpon thine head.
Strictly literal
Let thy garments be always white, and let not thy head lack oil.
At all times let thy garments be white, and let not perfume be lacking on thy head.
At all times let your garments be white, and do not let oil be lacking on your head.
At all times let thy garments be white, and let oil not be wanting on thy head.
Let your clothes be always white and your head anointed with oil.
From the Latin
At all times let thy garments be white, and let not oil depart from thy head.
Simplified
Always wear smart clothes and look good.
Let your clothing be white at all times, and let not your head be without oil.
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.
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 completely in the wording of this verse, with all ten words matched. This indicates a strong consistency in the transmission of this text across these traditions.
בְּכָל־ עֵ֕ת יִהְי֥וּ בְגָדֶ֖יךָ לְבָנִ֑ים וְשֶׁ֖מֶן עַל־ רֹאשְׁךָ֥ אַל־ יֶחְסָֽר׃
10 of the 10 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
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.
Lexicons — every word in Ecclesiastes 9:8
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.
כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.
כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all
with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
Absolutely:
without the art., all things, all
with the art. הַכֹּל
where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
base
H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all
. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
3605 kol kole
or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;
hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a
plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any
(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as
many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,
whoso(-ever).
see HEBREW for 03634
כֹּל (kol) — all.
1) all, the whole
1a) all, the whole of
1b) any, each, every, anything
1c) totality, everything
Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
עֵת (eth) means 'time,' covering various aspects such as the time of an event, a usual time, or an appointed time. It can also refer to experiences or occurrences. The entries suggest it can denote both specific and uncertain times, but they do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.
עֵת 297 n.f. time
time of an event
= usual time
proper, suitable time
appointed time
as uncertain
= experience, fortunes
occurrence, occasion
base
H6256 עֵת time . time of an event
. . = usual time
. proper, suitable time
. appointed time
. as uncertain
. = experience, fortunes
. occurrence, occasion
6256 `eth ayth
from 5703; time, especially (adverb with preposition) now,
when, etc.:--+ after, (al-)ways, X certain, + continually, +
evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-,
noon-)tide, ((meal-)), what) time, when.
see HEBREW for 05703
עֵת (et) — time.
1) time
1a) time (of an event)
1b) time (usual)
1c) experiences, fortunes
1d) occurrence, occasion
HNcbsa — Noun common · both singular absoluteHNcbsa
tim: The basis of the Hebrew measurement of time was the day and the lunar month, as with the Semites generally. The division of the day into hours was late, probably not common until after the exile, although the sun-dial of Ahaz (2Ki 20:9; Isa 38:8) would scent to indicate some division of the day into periods of some sort, as we know the night was divided, The word used for "hour" is Aramaic she`a' (sha`ta'), and does not occur in the Old Testament until the Book of Daniel (4:33; 5:5), and even there it stands for an indefinite period for which "time" would answer as well.
1. The Day:
The term "day" (yom) was in use from the earliest times, as is indicated in the story of the Creation (Ge 1). It there doubtless denotes an indefinite period, but is marked off by "evening and…
Besides the ordinary uses of this word, the Bible sometimes employs it to denote a year, as in Da 4:16; or a prophetic year, consisting of three hundred and sixty natural year, a day being taken for a year. Thus in Da 7:25 12:7, the phrase "a time, times, and the dividing of a time" is supposed to mean three and a half prophetic years, or 1,260 natural years. This period is elsewhere paralleled by the expression, "forty-two months," each month including thirty years, Re 11:2-3 12:6,14 13:5.
The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be
Qal
Fall out, happen
occur, take place, come about, come to pass
esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass
וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)
rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה
less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)
Come into being, become
abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come
sq. prep.
become
sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)
sq. pred. adj.
become like
sq. pred. לְ pers.
sq. לְ pred.
oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.
with עַל and לְ
sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of
Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)
exist, be in existence
abide, remain, continue
with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie
as copula, joining subj. & pred.
H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen
. occur, take place, come about, come to pass
. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)
. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה
. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)
. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come
. sq. prep.
. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)
. sq. pred. adj.
. become like
. sq. pred. + לְ pers.
. sq. לְ pred.
. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.
. with עַל and לְ
. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of
. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence
. abide, remain, continue
1961 hayah haw-yaw
a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,
come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or
auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,
committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,
fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit
(one-)self, require, X use.
see HEBREW for 01933
הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.
1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out
1a) (Qal)
1a1) ---
1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass
1a1b) to come about, come to pass
1a2) to come into being, become
1a2a) to arise, appear, come
1a2b) to become
1a2b1) to become
1a2b2) to become like
1a2b3) to be instituted, be established
1a3) to be
1a3a) to exist, be in existence
1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)
1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)
1a3d) to accompany, be with
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about
1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVqi3mp
בֶּ֫גֶד (beged) has meanings related to both clothing and treachery. It can refer to a garment or covering, as well as deceit or betrayal. The word is built from a root that suggests a duality in its usage, appearing in contexts that range from apparel to treacherous actions, notably in Isaiah 24:16 and Jeremiah 12:1.
H899a בֶּ֫גֶד treachery H899b בֶּ֫גֶד garment, covering
899 beged behg'-ed
from 898; a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or
pillage:--apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag,
raiment, robe, X very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe.
see HEBREW for 0898
בֶּ֫גֶד (be.ged) — treachery.
treachery, deceit
בֶּ֫גֶד (be.ged) — garment.
(CLBL) garment, clothing (used indiscriminately)
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp2ms
לָבָן (lavan) means 'white' in Hebrew. It is derived from the root word לָבַן (lavan), which also conveys the same meaning. The term is used in contexts such as Genesis 49:12, where it describes color.
לָבָן adj. white
base
H3836 לָבָן white
3836 laban law-bawn'
or (Gen. 49:12) laben {law-bane'}; from 3835; white:--white.
see HEBREW for 03835
לָבָן (la.van) — white.
white
Adj — AdjHAampa
hwit.
See COLORS.
White
A symbol of purity (2 Chr. 5:12; Ps. 51:7; Isa. 1:18; Rev. 3:18; 7:14). Our Lord, at his transfiguration, appeared in raiment “white as the light” (Matt. 17:2, etc.).
→ See COLOR
שֶׁ֫מֶן (shemen) refers to fat or oil, particularly olive oil, and includes meanings related to richness and anointing. It is derived from the root word for grease and can also metaphorically describe fertile land. The entries consistently highlight its use in contexts like medicinal applications and anointing.
שֶׁ֫מֶן 192 n.m. fat, oil
base
H8081 שֶׁ֫מֶן fat, oil
8081 shemen sheh'-men
from 8080; grease, especially liquid (as from the olive,
often perfumed); figuratively, richness:--anointing, X fat
(things), X fruitful, oil((-ed)), ointment, olive, + pine.
see HEBREW for 08080
שֶׁ֫מֶן (she.men) — oil.
1) fat, oil
1a) fat, fatness
1b) oil, olive oil
1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent
1b2) for anointing
1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
oil (shemen; elaion):
1. Terms
2. Production and Storage
3. Uses
(1) As a Commodity of Exchange
(2) As a Cosmetic
(3) As a Medicine
(4) As a Food
(5) As an Illuminant
(6) In Religious Rites
(a) Consecration
(b) Offerings
(c) Burials
4. Figurative Uses
Shemen, literally, "fat," corresponds to the common Arabic senin of similar meaning, although now applied to boiled butter fat.
1. Terms:
Another Hebrew word, zayith (zeth), "olive," occurs with shemen in several passages (Ex 27:20; 30:24; Le 24:2). The corresponding Arabic zeit, a contraction of zeitun, which is the name for the olive tree as well as the fruit, is now applied to oils in general, to distinguish them from solid fats. Zeit usually means olive oil, unless some qualifying name indicates another oil. A corresponding use was made of…
Oil
Only olive oil seems to have been used among the Hebrews. It was used for many purposes: for anointing the body or the hair (Ex. 29:7; 2 Sam. 14:2; Ps. 23:5; 92:10; 104:15; Luke 7:46); in some of the offerings (Ex. 29:40; Lev. 7:12; Num. 6:15; 15:4), but was excluded from the sin-offering (Lev. 5:11) and the jealousy-offering (Num. 5:15); for burning in lamps (
Of the numerous substances, animal and vegetable, which were known to the ancients as yielding oil, the olive berry is the one of which most frequent mention is made in the Scriptures. Gathering , --The olive berry was either gathered by hand or shaken off carefully with a light reed or stick. Pressing . --In order to make oil the fruit, was either bruised in a mortar crushed in a press loaded with wood or stones, ground in a mill, or trodden with the feet. The "beaten" oil of (Exodus 27:20; 29:40; Leviticus 24:2; Numbers 28:6) was probably made by bruising in a mortar, It was used-- (1) As food. Dried wheat, boiled with either butter or oil, but generally the former, is a common dish for all classes in Syria. (
Was employed from the earliest periods in the east, not only for the purpose of consecration, but to anoint the head, the beard, and the whole person in daily life, Ge 28:18. See ANOINTING. It was also universally used for food, Eze 16:13. Fresh and sweet olive oil was greatly preferred to butter and animal fat as a seasoning for food, and to this day in Syria almost every kind of food is cooked with oil. It had a place also among the meat-offerings in the temple, being usually mixed with the meal of the oblation, Le 5:11 6:21. For lamps, also, pure olive oil was regarded as the best, and was used in illuminating the tabernacle. These many uses for oil made the culture of the olive-tree an extensive and lucrative business,
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
Prep — PrepositionHR
On
Light; the sun, (Gen. 41:45, 50), the great seat of sun-worship, called also Bethshemesh (Jer. 43:13) and Aven (Ezek. 30:17), stood on the east bank of the Nile, a few miles north of Memphis, and near Cairo, in the north-east. The Vulgate and the LXX. Versions have “Heliopolis” (“city of the sun”) instead of On in Genesis and of Aven in Ezekiel. The “city of destruction” Isaiah speaks of (19:18, marg. “of Heres;” Heb. ‘Ir-ha-heres, which some MSS. read Ir-ha-heres, i.e., “city of the sun”) may be the name given to On, the prophecy being that the time will come when that city which was known as the “city of the sun-god” shall become the “city of destruction” of the sun-god, i.e., when idolatry shall cease, and the worship…
(abode or city of the sun), a town of lower Egypt, called BETH-SHEMESH in (Jeremiah 43:13) On is better known under its Greek name Heliopolis. It was situated on the east side of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, just below the point of the Delta, and about twenty miles northeast of Memphis. The chief object of worship at Heliopolis was the sun, whose temple, described by Strabo, is now only represented by the single beautiful obelisk, of red granite so feet 2 inches high above the pedestal which has stood for more than 4000 years, having been erected by Usirtesen, the second king of the twelfth dynasty. Heliopolis was anciently famous for its learning, and Eudoxus and Plato studied under its priests. The first mention of this place in the Bible is in the history of Joseph, to whom we read Pharaoh gave "to wife Asenath the daughter…
See HELIOPOLIS.
pain; force; iniquity
רֹאשׁ (ro'sh) means 'head' and encompasses various meanings related to position and rank. It can refer to the head of a person or animal, the top of a mountain, or a chief in various contexts, such as a city or nation. The word also signifies beginnings and sums, appearing in phrases related to enumeration. Additionally, it serves as a proper noun for 'Rosh,' a title for a chief or prince.
רֹאשׁ 599 n.m.
(c. 230 t.) head, of human being
head, of animals
top (88 t.)
height, of stars
head = chief (man)
= chief (city)
chief nation
= chief (place, position)
= chief priest
= head of a family
head = front, leader's place
of time, beginning, of night watch
of things, river-heads
chief, choicest, best, of spices
head = division of army, company, band
= sum, esp. in phr. take sum of, enumerate
other phr.
base
רֹאשׁ n.pr.gent. Rôsh
base
H7218a רֹאשׁ . . (c. 230 t.) head, of human being
. head, of animals
. . top (88 t.)
. height, of stars
. . head = chief (man)
. = chief (city)
. chief nation
. = chief (place, position)
. = chief priest
. = head of a family
. . head = front, leader's place
. of time, beginning, of night watch
. of things, river-heads
. chief, choicest, best, of spices
. head = division of army, company, band
. = sum, esp. in phr. take sum of, enumerate
. other phr.
H7218b רֹאשׁ n. pr. gent. Rôsh
7218 ro'sh roshe
from an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head (as
most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many
applications, of place, time, rank, itc.):--band, beginning,
captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company,
end, X every (man), excellent, first, forefront, ((be-))head,
height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), X lead, X poor,
principal, ruler, sum, top.
רֹאשׁ (rosh) — head.
: head
1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning
1a) head (of man, animals)
1b) top, tip (of mountain)
1c) height (of stars)
1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest)
1e) head, front, beginning
1f) chief, choicest, best
1g) head, division, company, band
1h) sum
רֹאשׁ (rosh) — prince.
Rosh, a tite for a chief or prince
רֹאשׁ (rosh) — head: leader.
: leader
1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning
1a) head (of man, animals)
1b) top, tip (of mountain)
1c) height (of stars)
1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest)
1e) head, front, beginning
1f) chief, choicest, best
1g) head, division, company, band
1h) sum
רֹאשׁ (rosh) — head: top.
: top/best
1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning
1a) head (of man, animals)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp2ms
אַל (al) is a negative particle meaning 'not' or 'no,' often used to express a wish or prohibition rather than an objective fact. It can also function as a noun meaning 'nothing.' The lexicons highlight its use in various contexts, including deprecative forms, but do not show significant disagreement.
אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
base
H408 אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
408 'al al
a negative particle (akin to 3808); not (the qualified
negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun,
nothing:--nay, neither, + never, no ,nor, not, nothing
(worth), rather than.
see HEBREW for 03808
אַל (al) — not.
1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference)
1a) do not, let not (with a verb)
1b) let there not be (with a verb understood)
1c) not, no (with substantive)
1d) nothing (as substantive)
Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Part — ParticleHTn
חָסֵר (chacer) is a Hebrew verb meaning to lack or be without. It encompasses various nuances such as diminishing, decreasing, and causing something to be lacking. The entries indicate its use in different forms, including Qal, Piel, and Hiphil, which reflect its active and causative aspects.
חָסֵר vb. lack, need, be lacking, decrease
Qal
lack
be lacking
diminish, decrease
Pi. cause to lack
Hiph. cause to be lacking, fail
base
H2637 חָסֵר lack, need, be lacking, decrease .. lack
. be lacking
. diminish, decrease
. cause to lack
. cause to be lacking, fail
2637 chacer khaw-sare'
a primitive root; to lack; by implication, to fail, want,
lessen:--be abated, bereave, decrease, (cause to) fail, (have)
lack, make lower, want.
חָסֵר (cha.ser) — to lack.
1) to lack, be without, decrease, be lacking, have a need
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to lack
1a2) to be lacking
1a3) to diminish, decrease
1b) (Piel) to cause to lack
1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be lacking
V-Qal-Juss-3ms — Verb · Qal · jussive third person masculine singularHVqj3ms
