Exodus 20:26 — Word Study
WLCוְלֹֽא־ תַעֲלֶ֥ה בְמַעֲלֹ֖ת עַֽל־ מִזְבְּחִ֑י אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־ תִגָּלֶ֥ה עֶרְוָתְךָ֖ עָלָֽיו׃ פ
BSAAnd you must notlôʼ [under any circumstances] go upʻâlâh▸ [ascend, rise] toʻal My altarmizbêach [place of sacrifice, worship] on stepsmaʻălâh [stairway, ascent] lestʼăsher [so that not, in order that not] your nakednessʻervâh [exposed state, shame] be exposedgâlâh▸ [revealed, uncovered] on itʻal [upon the altar, in God's presence]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְלֹֽא־ | and not | Conjunction, particle |
| תַעֲלֶ֥ה | you must go up | Verb, Qal, imperfect second person masculine singular |
| בְמַעֲלֹ֖ת | on steps | Preposition, noun common feminine plural absolute |
| עַֽל־ | to | Preposition |
| מִזְבְּחִ֑י | altar my | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| אֲשֶׁ֛ר | that | Particle |
| לֹֽא־ | not | Particle |
| תִגָּלֶ֥ה | it will be uncovered | Verb, Niphal, imperfect third person feminine singular |
| עֶרְוָתְךָ֖ | nakedness your | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| עָלָֽיו׃ פ | on it | Preposition, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | And you must not go up to My altar on steps, lest your nakedness be exposed on it.’ |
| KJV | Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon. |
| ASV | Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not uncovered thereon. |
| YLT | neither dost thou go up by steps on Mine altar, that thy nakedness be not revealed upon it. |
| WEB | You shall not go up by steps to my altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed to it.’ |
| BBE | And do not go up by steps to my altar, for fear that your bodies may be seen uncovered. |
All translations agree on the interpretation of עֶרְוָתְךָ — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence consists of one main clause and two subordinate phrases, clearly outlining the command and its implications.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbעָלָה
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 — Exodus 20:26
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 — Instructions for Worship at the Altargenerated
Exodus 20:26 is part of God's instructions to the Israelites regarding worship practices. It emphasizes the need for reverence and modesty when approaching the altar, which is a sacred place for offerings. This command is situated within a larger set of laws that govern the Israelites' relationship with God and their communal worship practices.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 10:3 | Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent. |
| 2 | Psalm 89:7 | In the council of the holy ones, God is greatly feared, and awesome above all who surround Him. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 5:1 | Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. |
| 4 | Hebrews 12:28–29 | Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. |
| 5 | 1 Peter 1:16 | for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — עֶרְוָתְךָ, 'er.va.te.Khagenerated
The word עֶרְוָה (ervah) refers to nakedness or exposure, particularly in a context that implies shame or vulnerability. It is often used in biblical texts to highlight the importance of modesty and the avoidance of disgraceful exposure.
In this verse, the form is a construct state with a suffix, indicating possession: 'your nakedness.' This underscores the personal responsibility of the worshiper to maintain dignity before God.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
All translations agree on the meaning of עֶרְוָתְךָ as 'nakedness.' The BSB, KJV, ASV, YLT, WEB, and BBE all convey the same idea of exposure and shame in their renderings.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb תַעֲלֶ֥ה (ta'aleh), meaning 'you must go up,' governs the structure of the verse. It is followed by a prepositional phrase indicating the manner of ascent and a conditional clause that warns against exposing nakedness.
The sentence structure is straightforward, with the main clause clearly stating the command and the subordinate clause explaining the consequence of disobedience.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates תַעֲלֶ֥ה as ἀναβήσῃ, indicating 'you must ascend.' This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning, emphasizing the act of going up.
The Greek word ἀναβαθμίσιν for 'steps' suggests a similar understanding of elevation, maintaining the focus on the method of approach to the altar.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Exodus 20:26 instructs the Israelites not to approach God's altar using steps, as this could lead to exposing their nakedness. The command emphasizes the importance of modesty and respect in worship.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
This command emphasizes the need for modesty and reverence when approaching the altar, suggesting that exposure is inappropriate in God's presence.
Nakedness symbolizes vulnerability and shame, and this command serves to protect the worshiper from humiliation during sacred acts.
It is part of a broader set of instructions that govern how the Israelites are to conduct themselves in worship, highlighting the importance of purity and respect.
The principle of maintaining dignity and respect in worship is timeless, reminding believers to approach God with reverence.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I ensure that I approach God with the proper reverence in my own worship practices?
- What are some ways to maintain modesty and dignity in my daily life?
- How do the principles behind this command apply to my interactions with others?
- In what areas of my life do I need to be more mindful of how I present myself before God?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early commentary from Cassiodorus references this verse to discuss the nature of unity and equality in worship, emphasizing the importance of modesty.
Unity knows no number, equality allows no scale. As Scripture says, “You shall not go up by steps to my altar.”Early Church Fathers on Exodus 20 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Exodus 20:26 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleNeither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar,.... That is, you priests, the sons of Aaron, as the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem paraphrase the words; the altar of burnt offering built when
Read John Gill on Exodus 20 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryNeither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon. Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar.
Read Robert Jamieson on Exodus 20 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleHe seems to mean the steps of ladders, or others of the same nature, which could suddenly be made, and were proper for their present condition, where there was danger of the following inconvenience. For afterwards God appointed an altar ten cubits high, ; though some conceive they went not up to that by steps, but by an insensible ascent upon the ground raised by degrees for that purpose. But if the priests did go up to it by steps, God provided against the indecency here mentioned, by prescribing linen breeches to them in that service. That thy nakedness be not discovered thereon; for these linen breeches were not yet appointed, and the manner then and there was for men to wear long coats…
Read Matthew Poole on Exodus 20 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsExodus 20:26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.Ver. 26. That thy nakedness.] We blush when taken naked, as if the blood would run forth to cover us. What beasts, then, were those priests of Priapus, and those base Bacchanalists, that ran up and down naked!
Read John Trapp on Exodus 20 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(26) Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar.—When the dress of the priests had been so arranged that no exposure of the person was possible (verses 42, 43), this precept became unnecessary. Thus it would seem that Solomon’s altar had steps. (Compare 2 Chronicles 4:1 with Ezekiel 43:17.)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Exodus 20 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 26. Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar] The word altar comes from altus, high or elevated, though the Hebrew word מזבח mizbach, from זבח zabach, to slay, kill, c., signifies merely a place for sacrifice see Genesis 8:20. But the heathens, who imitated the rites of the true God in their idolatrous worship, made their altars very high; whence they derived their name altaria, altars, i.e., very high or elevated places; which they built thus, partly through pride and vain glory, and partly that their gods might the better hear them. Hence also the high places or idolatrous altars so often and so severely condemned in the Holy Scriptures. The heathens made some of their…
Read AdamClarke on Exodus 20 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges26. Steps are prohibited, because the command is addressed to the Israelite in general, who would sacrifice in his ordinary dress. In later times, when altars of larger size were constructed, a ledge (see on Exodus 27:5), or steps (Ezekiel 43:17), came into use: but sacrifice was then confined to the priests, and exposure of the person was guarded against in their case by linen drawers being specially prescribed for their use (Exodus 28:42). Cf. OTJC.2[183] p. 358. [183] W. R. Smith, Old Testament in the Jewish Church, ed. 2, 1892.
Read Cambridge on Exodus 20 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible26. Neither shalt thou go up by steps — That is, by an elevated staircase or means of ascent which would indecently expose the person of the one who offered the sacrifice.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Exodus 20 →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
And you must not go up to My altar on steps, lest your nakedness be exposed on it.’
You shall not go up by steps to my altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed to it.’
And you must not go up to My altar on steps, lest your nakedness be exposed on it.’
And you must not go up by steps to my altar, so that your nakedness is not exposed.’
Tyndale line
Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not uncovered thereon.
Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
Neither shalt thou go up by steps to my altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
Neither shalt thou goe vp by steppes vnto mine altar, that thy filthines be not discouered thereon.
Strictly literal
Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
neither dost thou go up by steps on Mine altar, that thy nakedness be not revealed upon it.
neither do you go up by steps on My altar, that your nakedness is not revealed on it.
Neither shalt thou go up by steps upon my altar, that thy nakedness be not laid open thereon.
You must not go up to my altar on steps, so that your nakedness is not exposed.'”
From the Latin
Thou shalt not go up by steps unto my altar, lest thy nakedness be discovered.
Simplified
Also, you must not go up to my altar using steps, so your private parts are not seen.’”
And do not go up by steps to my altar, for fear that your bodies may be seen uncovered.
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 closely, with all ten words matched. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs slightly in wording, using מעלות (ascent) and אליו (to) instead of the Hebrew terms. The Dead Sea Scrolls show some restoration but align with the Masoretic Text in essence.
וְלֹֽא־ תַעֲלֶ֥ה בְמַעֲלֹ֖ת עַֽל־ מִזְבְּחִ֑י אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־ תִגָּלֶ֥ה עֶרְוָתְךָ֖ עָלָֽיו׃ פ
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.
ולא תעלה במעלות על מזבחי אשׁר לא תגלה ערותך אליו
2 words differ from the Masoretic Text: מעלות (ascent), אליו (to)
ולא תעלה [במעלות] על [מזבח׳י] [אשר] [לא] [תגלה] [ערות׳ך] [עלי׳ו]
2 words on the leather — 1 partly restored, 7 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Exodus 20:26
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.
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.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
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.
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)
Conj | Part — Conjunction · particleHC/Tn
The Hebrew word עָלָה (alah) means 'to ascend' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including going up, climbing, and rising in various contexts such as personal, natural, and spiritual. It can refer to actions involving people, animals, vegetation, and even thoughts, and includes nuances of being exalted or offering sacrifices. The word is built from a primitive root and appears in various grammatical forms, indicating different aspects of ascent or elevation.
עָלָה 890 vb. go up, ascend, climb
Qal
of persons, go up, ascend, in local relations
go up, in personal relations
of animals, go or come up
of vegetation, spring up, grow, shoot forth
of natural phenom., go up, rise
of inanimate things, instead of passive construction
of thoughts
come up before God, arrogance
go up, extend, of boundary
excel
Niph.
be brought up
be taken up
pass., be taken up, away
reflex., take oneself away from, get up from
reflex.: take oneself away
be exalted, of God
Hiph.
bring up persons
in personal relations
bring up animals
cause to ascend
mentally
offer a present; bring up tithe to
exalt
cause to ascend (in flame), offer sacrifice
Hoph.
be carried away
be taken up into, inserted in
be offered
Hithp. lift oneself
base
H5927 עָלָה go up, ascend, climb .. of persons, go up, ascend, in local relations
. go up, in personal relations
. of animals, go or come up
. of vegetation, spring up, grow, shoot forth
. of natural phenom., go up, rise
. of inanimate things, instead of passive construction
. of thoughts
. come up before God, arrogance
. go up, extend, of boundary
. excel
. . . be brought up
. be taken up
. . pass., be taken up, away
. reflex., take oneself away from, get up from
. reflex.: take oneself away
. be exalted, of God
. . bring up persons
. in personal relations
. bring up animals
. cause to ascend
. mentally
. offer a present; bring up tithe to
. exalt
. cause to ascend (in flame), offer sacrifice
. . be carried away
. be taken up into, inserted in
. be offered
. lift oneself
5927 `alah aw-law'
a primitive root; to ascend, intransitively (be high) or
actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary
and secondary, literal and figurative (as follow):--arise
(up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up),
bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, + shew, climb
(up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart,
exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up);
grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light,
(make) up, X mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, + perfect,
prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise
(up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring
(up), stir up, take away (up), work.
עָלָה (a.lah) — to ascend: rise.
: rise/go
1) to go up, ascend, climb
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to go up, ascend
1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat
1a3) to go up, come up (of animals)
1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation)
1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon)
1a6) to come up (before God)
1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary)
1a8) to excel, be superior to
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away
1b2) to take oneself away
1b3) to be exalted
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up
1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away
1c3) to bring up, draw up, train
1c4) to cause to ascend
1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally)
1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts)
1c7) to exalt
1c8) to cause to ascend, offer
1d) (Hophal)
1d1) to be carried away, be led up
1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in
1d3) to be offered
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singularHVqi2ms
מַעֲלָה (ma`alah) refers to a step or stair, as well as the concept of elevation or ascent. It can denote both a physical journey to a higher place and a figurative rise in thought or status. The term is notably used in the context of 'songs of ascent' in certain Psalms, indicating a spiritual or literal elevation.
[מַעֲלָה] n.f. what comes up;—pl. cstr. Ez 11:5
ref
מַעֲלָה 46 n.f. step, stair
step, stair
steps (forming sun-dial)
stories of heaven
ascent
song of ascents
base
H4609a מַעֲלָה what comes up H4609b מַעֲלָה step, stair
4609 ma`alah mah-al-aw'
feminine of 4608; elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a
journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising),
or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step or
grade-mark, figuratively, a superiority of station);
specifically a climactic progression (in certain
Psalms):--things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up,
stair, step, story.
see HEBREW for 04608
מַעֲלָה (ma.a.lah) — thought.
what comes up, thoughts
מַעֲלָה (ma.a.lah) — step.
1) step, stair
1a) step, stair
1b) steps (of sundial)
1c) stories (of heaven)
1d) ascent
1e) song of ascent
1e1) to the three great pilgrim feasts (Psalm titles)
Prep | N-fp — Preposition · noun common feminine plural absoluteHR/Ncfpa
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
מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach) means 'altar' in Hebrew. It is derived from the root word meaning to slay or kill, indicating its use in sacrificial contexts. The term is consistently used throughout the Old Testament to refer to places of sacrifice and worship.
מִזְבֵּחַ 401 n.m. altar
base
H4196 מִזְבֵּחַ altar
4196 mizbeach miz-bay'-akh
from 2076; an altar:--altar.
see HEBREW for 02076
מִזְבֵּחַ (miz.be.ach) — altar.
altar
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp1bs
The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.
אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.
base
בַאֲשֶׁר
in (that) which
adv. in (the place) where
conj. in that, inasmuch as
on account of whom?
base
מֵאֲשֶׁר
from (or than) that which
adv. from (the place) where
conj. from (the fact) that …, since
base
כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when
according to that which, according as, as
with a causal force, in so far as, since
with a temporal force, when
base
H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which
. adv. in (the place) where
. conj. in that, inasmuch as
. on account of whom?
H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which
. adv. from (the place) where
. conj. from (the fact) that …, since
H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as
. with a causal force, in so far as, since
. with a temporal force, when
834 'aher ash-er'
a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)
when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X
alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +
from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,
wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where
(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +
whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is
indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun
expletively, used to show the connection.
אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.
A: 1) (relative part.)
1a) which, who
1b) that which
2) (conj)
2a) that (in obj clause)
2b) when
2c) since
2d) as
2e) conditional if
B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
D: Kaph+
1) (conj.), according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since
1c) with a temporal force: when
בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.
1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.
1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.
conj
1) according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
Rel — ParticleHTr
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.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
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.
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)
HTn — ParticleHTn
The Hebrew word גָּלָה (galah) is a primitive root meaning to uncover or remove, with implications of revealing, disclosing, or going into exile. It encompasses various forms, including reflexive and passive uses, and can refer to both physical uncovering and metaphorical revelation. The word is notably associated with disgraceful exposure and the act of exile.
גָּלָה 189 vb. uncover, remove
Qal
uncover the ear of one, i.e. reveal to him
intr. remove, depart
go into exile
Niph.
refl.
uncover oneself (one’s nakedness)
discover or shew oneself
pass.
be uncovered (one’s nakedness)
be disclosed, discovered
be removed
Pi.
uncover
disclose, discover, lay bare
make known, shew, reveal
Pu. be uncovered
Hiph. carry away into exile, take into exile
Hoph. carried into exile
Hithp.
was uncovered (naked)
that his heart may reveal itself
base
H1540 גָּלָה uncover, remove .. uncover the ear of one, i.e. reveal to him
. intr. remove, depart
. go into exile
. . refl. . uncover oneself (one’s nakedness)
. discover or shew oneself
. pass. . be uncovered (one’s nakedness)
. be disclosed, discovered
. be removed
. . uncover
. disclose, discover, lay bare
. make known, shew, reveal
. be uncovered
. carry away into exile, take into exile
. carried into exile
. . was uncovered (naked)
. that his heart may reveal itself
1540 galah gaw-law'
a primitive root; to denude (especially in a disgraceful
sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually
stripped); figuratively, to reveal:--+ advertise, appear,
bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity),
depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, X plainly,
publish, remove, reveal, X shamelessly, shew, X surely, tell,
uncover.
הֶגְלָם (ga.lah) — Heglam.
A man of the tribe of Benjamin living before Israel's Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.8.7;
son of: Ehud (H0164);
brother of: Naaman (H5283J), Ahijah (H0281K), Uzza (H5798H) and Ahihud (H0284); also called Heglam (KJV: "removed"; NIV: "deported") at 1Ch.8.7;
Another name of ge.ra (גֵּרָא "Gera" H1617J)
to reveal oneself
גָּלָה (ga.lah) — to reveal: reveal.
: reveal[information]
1) to uncover, remove
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to uncover
1a2) to remove, depart
1a3) to go into exile
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) (reflexive)
1b1a) to uncover oneself
1b1b) to discover or show oneself
1b1c) to reveal himself (of God)
1b2) (passive)
1b2a) to be uncovered
1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered
1b2c) to be revealed
1b3) to be removed
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to uncover (nakedness)
1c1a) nakedness
1c1b) general
1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare
1c3) to make known, show, reveal
1d) (Pual) to be uncovered
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs — Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person feminine singularHVNi3fs
עֶרְוָה (ervah) refers to nakedness or nudity, particularly emphasizing the pudenda. It can also denote shame, disgrace, or improper behavior. The term has a figurative use, suggesting exposure or vulnerability. The Aramaic equivalent is עַרְוָה (arvah), meaning dishonor.
עֶרְוָה 54 n.f. nakedness, pudenda
base
H6172 עֶרְוָה nakedness, pudenda
6172 `ervah er-vaw'
from 6168; nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or
figuratively (disgrace, blemish):--nakedness, shame,
unclean(-ness).
see HEBREW for 06168
עֶרְוָה (er.vah) — nakedness.
1) nakedness, nudity, shame, pudenda
1a) pudenda (implying shameful exposure)
1b) nakedness of a thing, indecency, improper behaviour
1c) exposed, undefended (fig.)
Aramaic equivalent: ar.vah (עַרְוָה "dishonor" H6173)
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp2ms
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 | Suff — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp3ms