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Exodus 30:15 — Word Study

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WLCהֶֽעָשִׁ֣יר לֹֽא־ יַרְבֶּ֗ה וְהַדַּל֙ לֹ֣א יַמְעִ֔יט מִֽמַּחֲצִ֖ית הַשָּׁ֑קֶל לָתֵת֙ אֶת־ תְּרוּמַ֣ת יְהוָ֔ה לְכַפֵּ֖ר עַל־ נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶֽם׃

BSAIn makingnâthan the offeringtᵉrûwmâh [a contribution, a sacrifice] to the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, the Lord of Israel] to atonekâphar [to cover, to make amends] forʻal your livesnephesh [your souls, your very being] the richʻâshîyr [the wealthy, the noble] shall notlôʼ give morerâbâh than a halfmachătsîyth [a middle portion] shekelsheqel [a unit of weight or money] nor shalllôʼ the poordal [the weak, the needy] give lessmâʻaṭ [diminish, reduce]

Word
Listen & take awayExodus 30
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 15 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 (naf.sho.tei.Khem) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Exodus 30:15quick helps
In a sentenceThis verse sets the standard for contributions to the LORD, emphasizing equality in giving regardless of wealth.
Who is speakingThe LORD, through Moses, instructing the Israelites on their offerings.
Where we areIn the context of the laws governing offerings and atonement for the people of Israel.
The hard wordעָשִׁיר
Take awayBoth the rich and the poor are held to the same standard in their offerings.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbרָבָה 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 — Exodus 30:15

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 — Laws of Atonement and Offeringsgenerated

14Everyone twenty years of age or older who crosses over must give this offering to the LORD.
15In making the offering to the LORD to atone for your lives, the rich shall not give more than a half shekel, nor shall the poor give less.
16Take the atonement money from the Israelites and use it for the service of the Tent of Meeting. It will serve as a memorial for the Israelites before the LORD to make atonement for your lives.”
17And the LORD said to Moses,

Exodus 30:15 outlines the guidelines for making offerings to the LORD, specifically addressing how both the rich and the poor should contribute equally. This reflects a principle of fairness in worship and communal responsibility, as seen in other contexts throughout the Torah, where God emphasizes justice and equity among His people.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Job 34:19who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.
2Proverbs 22:2The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all.
3Ephesians 6:9And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.
4Colossians 3:25Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
5Exodus 30:12“When you take a census of the Israelites to number them, each man must pay the LORD a ransom for his life when he is counted. Then no plague will come upon them when they are numbered.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word עָשִׁיר, he.'a.Shirgenerated

The word עָשִׁיר (ashir) means 'rich' and describes individuals with wealth or noble status. It serves as a noun denoting a rich person, highlighting the significance of wealth in the biblical context. The parsing indicates it is a particle, used here to specify the subject of the verb regarding offerings.

This term appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, often in discussions of wealth and social status. Its usage in this verse emphasizes that wealth does not exempt one from the obligation to give in a manner that honors God.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the term the rich and aligns with the KJV and ASV.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main clause is governed by the verb יַרְבֶּ֗ה, he will make much, which is followed by two subordinate clauses: one that describes the rich and the other that describes the poor. The structure emphasizes the equality in the command given to both groups.

The Hebrew word order places the subjects before the verbs, highlighting the focus on the rich and the poor, which serves to underscore the shared responsibility in their offerings.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates עָשִׁיר as πλουτῶν (ploutōn), which also means 'rich.' This choice captures the same idea of wealth but may carry a broader connotation of abundance in the Greek context.

The Greek term used for the poor is πενόμενος (penomenos), indicating those who are in need, aligning closely with the Hebrew meaning but perhaps emphasizing their state of lack more strongly.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Exodus 30:15 states that when making offerings to the LORD, both the rich and the poor must contribute equally, with the rich not giving more than a half shekel and the poor not giving less. This ensures fairness in worship and highlights the importance of each person's contribution.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that the rich shall not give more than a half shekel?

This means that regardless of wealth, everyone is expected to contribute equally to the offerings, promoting fairness among the community.

Why is there a specific amount mentioned for the offerings?

The specific amount, a half shekel, serves as a standard that ensures everyone participates in atonement, regardless of their financial status.

How does this verse reflect God's view on wealth?

This verse indicates that God values equal participation in worship and atonement, showing that wealth does not grant privilege in spiritual matters.

What is the significance of atonement in this context?

Atonement is crucial for maintaining a right relationship with God, and this verse emphasizes that all members of the community have a role in that process.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How can I ensure that my contributions to the community are fair and equitable?
  2. In what ways can I support those who are less fortunate in my community?
  3. What does this verse teach about the relationship between wealth and responsibility?
  4. How can I apply the principle of equal participation in my own life?

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Exodus 30:15 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel,.... Which shows that the Israelites were alike in the esteem of God, their worldly circumstances making no

Read John Gill on Exodus 30 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, When thou takest ... Moses did so twice, and doubtless observed the law here prescribed.

Read Robert Jamieson on Exodus 30 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

This was partly to teach them that all souls are of equal worth in themselves and price with God; that there is no respect of persons with God, and in God’ s worship and service, but gospel graces, ordinances, and privileges are common and equal to all, Exodus 12 16:18 ; that all persons are alike obnoxious to Divine justice, and are redeemed by one and the same price: partly to check the arrogance and vanity of the rich, who are very apt to despise the poor; and partly that by this means the number of the people might be exactly known when occasion required it.

Read Matthew Poole on Exodus 30 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Exodus 30:15 The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when [they] give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.Ver. 15. The rich shall not give more.] They are both of a price, because in spirituals they are equal.

Read John Trapp on Exodus 30 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(15) The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less.—See Note 2 on Exodus 30:12.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Exodus 30 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

15. Rich and poor are to contribute alike, for both stand in the same relation towards Jehovah.

Read Cambridge on Exodus 30 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

15. The rich shall not give more — This apportioning the same amount to rich and poor showed that in the meeting of Jehovah at the sanctuary all stood upon the same level.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Exodus 30 →

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

In making the offering to the LORD to atone for your lives, the rich shall not give more than a half shekel, nor shall the poor give less.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when they give the offering of Yahweh, to make atonement for your souls.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

In making the offering to the LORD to atone for your lives, the rich shall not give more than a half shekel, nor shall the poor give less.

NETBNew English Translation2006

The rich are not to increase it, and the poor are not to pay less than the half shekel when giving the offering of the Lord, to make atonement for your lives.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when they give the offering of Jehovah, to make atonement for your souls.

RVARevised Version, American1894

The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when they give the offering of the LORD, to make atonement for your souls.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering to the LORD to make an atonement for your souls.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

The rich shall not passe, and the poore shall not diminish from halfe a shekel, when ye shall giue an offring vnto the Lord, for the redemption of your liues.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when ye give the heave-offering of Jehovah, to make atonement for your souls.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

the rich doth not multiply, and the poor doth not diminish from the half-shekel, to give the heave-offering of Jehovah, to make atonement for your souls.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

the rich do not multiply, and the poor do not diminish from the half-shekel, to give the raised-offering of YHWH, to make atonement for your souls.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than the half of a shekel, as a tribute unto the Lord, to make an atonement for your souls.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

When the people give this offering to me to make atonement for their lives, the rich must not give more than the half shekel, and the poor must not give less.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

The rich man shall not add to half a sicle, and the poor man shall diminish nothing.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

When you give this offering to buy back your lives the rich are not to give more than a half shekel and the poor are not to give less.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

The man of wealth is to give no more and the poor man no less than the half-shekel of silver, when the offering is made to the Lord as the price for your lives.

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.

clausenoun phrase · subjectהֶֽthe.richעָשִׁ֣יר[person]adverbialלֹֽאnotverbיַרְבֶּ֗הhe.will.make.muchוְandclausenoun phrase · subjectהַthe.poorדַּל֙[person]adverbialלֹ֣אnotverbיַמְעִ֔יטhe.will.make.littleprepositional phrase · prepositionalמִֽmorenoun phraseמַּחֲצִ֖יתthan.(the).halfnoun phraseהַofשָּׁ֑קֶלthe.shekelprepositional phrase · prepositionalלָbyclauseverbתֵת֙payingnoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)noun phraseתְּרוּמַ֣תthe.contributionיְהוָ֔הof.Yahwehprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְtoclauseverbכַפֵּ֖רmake.atonementprepositional phrase · prepositionalעַלonnoun phraseנַפְשֹׁתֵיselvesכֶֽםyour

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


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

The Masoretic Text is supported by the Samaritan Pentateuch, which agrees word for word. The Septuagint matches 13 of the 15 words, although the word order differs, reflecting a translation choice rather than a textual variant. The Dead Sea Scrolls show partial restoration, confirming the essential wording of the Masoretic Text.

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

הֶֽעָשִׁ֣יר לֹֽא־ יַרְבֶּ֗ה וְהַדַּל֙ לֹ֣א יַמְעִ֔יט מִֽמַּחֲצִ֖ית הַשָּׁ֑קֶל לָתֵת֙ אֶת־ תְּרוּמַ֣ת יְהוָ֔ה לְכַפֵּ֖ר עַל־ נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶֽם׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
הֶֽעָשִׁ֣ירπλουτῶνלֹֽא־οὐיַרְבֶּ֗הπροσθήσειוְהַדַּל֙πενόμενοςלֹ֣אοὐκיַמְעִ֔יטἐλαττονήσειמִֽמַּחֲצִ֖יתἡμίσουςהַשָּׁ֑קֶלδιδράξμουלָתֵת֙διδόναιיְהוָ֔הκυρίῳלְכַפֵּ֖רἐχιλάσασθαιעַל־περὶנַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶֽם׃ὑμῶν

13 of the 15 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

העשׁיר לא ירבה והדל לא ימעיט ממחצית השׁקל לתת את תרומת יהוה לכפר על נפשׁתיכם

Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q22a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[העשיר] [לא] [ירבה] [והדל] [לא] [ימעיט] [ממחצית] השקל [לתת] [את] תרומת [יהוה] [לכפר] [על] נפשותי׳כם

1 word on the leather — 2 partly restored, 12 supplied entire by an editor.

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


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

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

Exodus 30:15עָשִׁירthe rich [pthe rich [persoעָשִׁירלֹאnotnotלֹארָבָהhe will makhe will make muרָבָהדַּלand the pooand the poor [pדַּללֹאnotnotלֹאמָעַטhe will makhe will make liמָעַטמַחֲצִיתmore than [more than [the]מַחֲצִיתשֶׁ֫קֶלthe shekelthe shekelשֶׁ֫קֶלנָתַןby payingby payingנָתַןאֵתthe object the object markאֵתתְּרוּמָה[the] contr[the] contributתְּרוּמָהיהוהYahwehYahwehיהוהכִּפֶּרto make atoto make atonemeכִּפֶּרעַלononעַלנֶ֫פֶשׁselves yourselves yourנֶ֫פֶשׁעָשַׁרto enrichto enrichעָשַׁרדָּלַלto languisto languishדָּלַלחָצָהto divideto divideחָצָהשָׁקַלto weighto weighשָׁקַלאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתרוּםto exaltto exaltרוּםהָיָהto beto beהָיָהנָפַשׁbe refreshbe refreshedנָפַשׁרָבַבto multiplto multiply tenרָבַבעַלheightheightעַליָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדרוּשׁbe poorbe poorרוּשׁדַּלpoorpoorדַּלפָּרָהbe fruitfube fruitfulפָּרָהמָעַטto diministo diminishמָעַטעָשִׁירrichrichעָשִׁיראֶבְיוֹןneedyneedyאֶבְיוֹן
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 Exodus 30:15

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.

the rich [person] not he will make much and the poor [person] not he will make little more than [the] half of the shekel by paying the object marker [the] contribution of Yahweh to make atonement on selves your
הֶֽעָשִׁ֣ירhe.'a.Shir the rich [person] H6223 Particle
23× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, the Hebrew word for 'rich' describes someone with wealth or noble status. It is used to describe people who are wealthy, like the rich man in certain parables. The word is often translated as 'rich' in English Bibles.
Amplified meaning
the wealthy, the noble
Tyndale gloss
rich
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָשִׁיר (ashiyr) means 'rich' and can refer to wealth in both a literal and figurative sense. It is primarily used as a noun to denote a rich person or the wealthy. The word is derived from another Hebrew root, but the entries do not provide further details on its usage in specific verses.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָשִׁיר rich; usu. n. m. the rich

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6223 עָשִׁיר rich; usu. n. m. the rich

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6223 `ashiyr aw-sheer'

from 6238; rich, whether literal or figurative

(noble):--rich (man).

see HEBREW for 06238

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָשִׁיר (a.shir) — rich.

adj

1) rich, wealthy

n

2) the rich, the wealthy, rich man

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | Adj — Particle
HTd/Aamsa
the rich [person] not he will make much and the poor [person] not he will make little more than [the] half of the shekel by paying the object marker [the] contribution of Yahweh to make atonement on selves your
לֹֽא־lo'- 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.
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
the rich [person] not he will make much and the poor [person] not he will make little more than [the] half of the shekel by paying the object marker [the] contribution of Yahweh to make atonement on selves your
יַרְבֶּ֗הyar.Beh he will make much H7235 Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person masculine singular
227× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Tyndale gloss
to multiply
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָבָה (rabah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to increase or multiply, encompassing ideas of becoming great, numerous, or abundant. It has various forms, including Qal (to become many), Piel (to make large), and Hiphil (to make much). The word also appears in a context related to shooting in Genesis 21:20. There is a noted Aramaic equivalent, רְבָה.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[רָבָה] 225 vb. be, or become, much, many, great

Qal 59

become many, numerous

be great

grow great (Aramaism)

Pi. 4 make large, increase

Hiph. 162

make much or many

make great, obj. pers.

base

[רָבָה] vb. shoot;—only Qal Gn 21:20

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7235a רָבָה be, or become, much, many, great .. become many, numerous

. . be great

. grow great (Aramaism)

. make large, increase

. . make much or many

. make great, obj. pers.

H7235b רָבָה shoot

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7235 rabah raw-baw'

a primitive root; to increase (in whatever respect):--(bring

in) abundance (X -antly), + archer (by mistake for 7232), be

in authority, bring up, X continue, enlarge, excel,

exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly,

X -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have,

make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more

(in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much

(greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), X

process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very.

see HEBREW for 07232

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָבָה (ra.vah) — to multiply.

1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things)

1a2) to be or grow great

1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to make much, make many, have many

1c1a) to multiply, increase

1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly

1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly

1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much

Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)

רָבָה (ra.vah) — to shoot.

(Qal) to shoot

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVhi3ms
the rich [person] not he will make much and the poor [person] not he will make little more than [the] half of the shekel by paying the object marker [the] contribution of Yahweh to make atonement on selves your
וְהַדַּל֙ve.ha.Dal and the poor [person] H1800 Conjunction · particle
47× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Amplified meaning
the weak, the needy
Tyndale gloss
poor
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word דַּל (dal) is built from the root meaning 'dangling' or 'weak.' It covers a range of meanings including low, weak, poor, and thin, and is particularly noted in wisdom literature and poetry. The entries consistently emphasize its connotations of neediness and weakness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

דַּל adj. low, weak, poor, thin (especially common in Wisd. lit. and poet.)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1800 דַּל low, weak, poor, thin (especially common in Wisd. lit. and poet.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1800 dal dal

from 1809; properly, dangling, i.e. (by implication) weak or

thin:--lean, needy, poor (man), weaker.

see HEBREW for 01809

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דַּל (dal) — poor.

low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Art | Adj — Conjunction · particle
HC/Td/Aamsa
the rich [person] not he will make much and the poor [person] not he will make little more than [the] half of the shekel by paying the object marker [the] contribution of Yahweh to make atonement on selves your
לֹ֣אlo' 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.
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
the rich [person] not he will make much and the poor [person] not he will make little more than [the] half of the shekel by paying the object marker [the] contribution of Yahweh to make atonement on selves your
יַמְעִ֔יטyam.'It he will make little H4591 Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person masculine singular
22× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to make something smaller or less. It can describe reducing a quantity or making something less effective. The KJV translates it as diminish or make few.
Amplified meaning
diminish, reduce
Tyndale gloss
to diminish
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word מָעַט (ma`at) means to diminish or become small. It can refer to being few in number or making something smaller or fewer. The entries indicate its use in various forms, including Qal, Piel, and Hiphil, covering both intransitive and causative meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[מָעַט] vb. be or become small, diminished, few

Qal be too small for a lamb

Pi. become few

Hiph. make small or few, diminish

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4591 מָעַט be or become small, diminished, few .be too small for a lamb

. become few

. make small or few, diminish

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4591 ma`at maw-at'

a primitive root; properly, to pare off, i.e. lessen;

intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few

(or figuratively, ineffective):--suffer to decrease,

diminish, (be, X borrow a, give, make) few (in number, -ness),

gather least (little), be (seem) little, (X give the) less, be

minished, bring to nothing.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָעַט (ma.at) — to diminish.

1) to be or become small, be few, be diminished

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to diminish

1a2) to be too small

1b) (Piel) to become few

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to make small, make few, diminish

1c2) to give less

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVhi3ms
the rich [person] not he will make much and the poor [person] not he will make little more than [the] half of the shekel by paying the object marker [the] contribution of Yahweh to make atonement on selves your
מִֽמַּחֲצִ֖יתmi.ma.cha.Tzit more than [the] half of H4276 Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct
16× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to something that is divided in half or the middle of something, like in 1 Kings 16:21 where the kingdom is divided. It can also refer to the middle of the day or noon, as in Acts 22:6.
Amplified meaning
a middle portion
Tyndale gloss
half
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מַחֲצִית (machatsiyth) refers to a concept of halving or being in the middle, covering meanings such as 'half' and 'midday' or 'noon.' It is derived from the root word for halving. The entries consistently highlight its use in contexts related to division and time.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מַחֲצִית n.f. half, middle

half of a shekel

middle = midday, noon

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4276 מַחֲצִית

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4276 machatsiyth makh-ats-eeth'

from 2673; a halving or the middle:--half (so much),

mid(-day).

see HEBREW for 02673

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מַחֲצִית (ma.cha.tsit) — half.

1) half, middle

1a) half

1b) middle, midday, noon

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct
HR/Ncfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

the rich [person] not he will make much and the poor [person] not he will make little more than [the] half of the shekel by paying the object marker [the] contribution of Yahweh to make atonement on selves your
הַשָּׁ֑קֶלha.Sha.kel the shekel H8255 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
88× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A shekel was a unit of weight or money in ancient Israel, like a coin or a measure of gold, silver, or copper. It was used for trade and commerce, as seen in the book of Exodus. The value varied depending on the material.
Amplified meaning
a unit of weight or money
Tyndale gloss
shekel
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֶׁ֫קֶל (sheqel) refers to a unit of weight and measure, primarily known as the shekel. It is defined as a commercial standard, with specific weights for gold, silver, and copper. The term is derived from a root meaning 'weight' and is also noted in Aramaic as תְּקֵל (teqel).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֶׁ֫קֶל 87 n.m. a weight, shekel

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8255 שֶׁ֫קֶל a weight, shekel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8255 sheqel sheh'-kel

from 8254; probably a weight; used as a commercial

standard:--shekel.

see HEBREW for 08254

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֶׁ֫קֶל (she.qel) — shekel.

1) shekel

1a) the chief unit of weight or measure

1a1) gold-1/10000 of a talent and equal to 220 grains

1a2) silver-1/3000 of a talent and equal to 132 grains

1a3) copper-1/1500 of a talent and equal to 528 grains

Aramaic equivalent: te.qel (תְּקֵל "shekel" H8625B)

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

shek'-'-l, shek'-el, she'-kel, she'-kul (sheqel): A weight and a coin. The Hebrew shekel was the 50th part of a mina, and as a weight about 224 grains, and as money (silver) was worth about 2 shillings 9d., or 66 cents (in 1915). No gold shekel has been found, and hence, it is inferred that such a coin was not used; but as a certain amount of gold, by weight, it is mentioned in 2Ch 3:9 and is probably intended to be supplied in 2Ki 5:5. The gold shekel was 1/60 of the heavy Babylonian mina and weighed about 252 grains. In value it was about equal to 2 British pounds and 1 shilling, or about $10.00 (in 1915). See MONEY; WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. In the Revised Version (British and American) of Mt 17:27 "shekel" replaces "piece of…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Shekel

Weight, the common standard both of weight and value among the Hebrews. It is estimated at 220 English grains, or a little more than half an ounce avoirdupois. The “shekel of the sanctuary” (Ex. 30:13; Num. 3:47) was equal to twenty gerahs (Ezek. 45:12). There were shekels of gold (1 Chr. 21:25), of silver (1 Sam. 9:8), of brass (17:5), and of iron (7). When it became a coined piece of money, the shekel of gold was equivalent to about 2 pound of our money. Six gold shekels, according to the later Jewish system, were equal in value to fifty silver ones.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

[MONEY]

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The shekel was properly and only a weight. It was used especially in weighing uncoined gold and silver: "The land is worth 400 shekels of silver...Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver-in the audience of the sons of Heth," Ge 23:15,16. In such cases the word shekel is often omitted in the Hebrew, as in Ge 20:16 37:28, where our translators have supplied the word "pieces," but improperly, because coined money was not then known. See MONEY.

Between the sacred shekel, Ex 30:13, and the shekel after the "king’s weight," 2Sa 14:26, there would seem to have been a difference; but this and many think the phrase "shekel of the sanctuary" simply means a full and just shekel…

the rich [person] not he will make much and the poor [person] not he will make little more than [the] half of the shekel by paying the object marker [the] contribution of Yahweh to make atonement on selves your
לָתֵת֙la.Tet by paying H5414 Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common
2,011× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Tyndale gloss
to give: give
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word נָתַן (natan) means 'to give' and encompasses a wide range of applications such as putting, setting, and making. It can also indicate actions like bestowing, delivering, and assigning. The entries describe its use in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hophal, but do not present any significant disagreements among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָתַן 2007 vb. give, put, set

Qal 1917

give

Put, set

Make, constitute

Niph.

82be given

Be put, set

Hoph.

be given, bestowed

= be given to one for wife

be put upon

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5414 נָתַן give, put, set .. give

. Put, set

. Make, constitute

. . be given

. Be put, set

. . . be given, bestowed

. = be given to one for wife

. be put upon

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5414 nathan naw-than'

a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of

application (put, make, etc.):--add, apply, appoint, ascribe,

assign, X avenge, X be ((healed)), bestow, bring (forth,

hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, +

cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, X doubtless, X

without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up),

grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up),

(give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that,

occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X

pull , put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send

(out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), + sing, + slander,

strike, (sub-)mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade,

turn, utter, + weep, + willingly, + withdraw, + would (to)

God, yield.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: give.

: give/deliver/send/produce

1) to give, put, set

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend

1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate

1a3) to make, constitute

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned

1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted

1c) (Hophal)

1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up

1c2) to be put upon

נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: put.

: put/set/apppoint

1) to give, put, set

1a) (Qal)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common
HR/Vqcc
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
the rich [person] not he will make much and the poor [person] not he will make little more than [the] half of the shekel by paying the object marker [the] contribution of Yahweh to make atonement on selves your
אֶת־'et- the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
the rich [person] not he will make much and the poor [person] not he will make little more than [the] half of the shekel by paying the object marker [the] contribution of Yahweh to make atonement on selves your
תְּרוּמַ֣תte.ru.Mat [the] contribution of H8641 Noun common · feminine singular construct
76× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word refers to a contribution or offering given to God, often as part of a sacrifice or tribute. It appears in Leviticus and Numbers, where it describes the gifts the Israelites gave to God. This word highlights the importance of giving to God.
Amplified meaning
a contribution, a sacrifice
Tyndale gloss
contribution
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

תְּרוּמָה (terumah) refers to a contribution or offering, particularly for sacred purposes. It denotes something that is lifted or separated, often associated with sacrifices or tributes to God. The term appears primarily in later texts, with a notable reference in Deuteronomy 12:11. It encompasses various forms of offerings, including grain and monetary gifts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

תְּרוּמָה n.f. contribution, offering, for sacred uses (not certain before Dt.; chiefly EzP and late) (prop. something lifted off, separated)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8641 תְּרוּמָה contribution, offering, for sacred uses (not certain before Dt.; chiefly EzP and late) (prop. something lifted off, separated)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8641 truwmah ter-oo-maw'

or trumah (Deut. 12:11) {ter-oo-maw'}; from 7311; a present

(as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute:--

gift, heave offering ((shoulder)), oblation, offered(-ing).

see HEBREW for 07311

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תְּרוּמָה (te.ru.mah) — contribution.

1) contribution, offering

1a) a heave offering

1b) any offering

1c) an offering to God

1d) an offering (of grain, money, etc)

1e) contribution

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular construct
HNcfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

the rich [person] not he will make much and the poor [person] not he will make little more than [the] half of the shekel by paying the object marker [the] contribution of Yahweh to make atonement on selves your
יְהוָ֔הYah.weh Yahweh H3068 Noun proper
6,528× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
Yehovah, the Lord of Israel
Tyndale gloss
The Lord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)

יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb

יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D

the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy

יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'

from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish

national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.

see HEBREW for 01961

see HEBREW for 03050

see HEBREW for 03069

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.

Jehovah = "the existing One"

1) the proper name of the one true God

1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.

Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.

Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpt
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
the rich [person] not he will make much and the poor [person] not he will make little more than [the] half of the shekel by paying the object marker [the] contribution of Yahweh to make atonement on selves your
לְכַפֵּ֖רle.kha.Per to make atonement H3722 Preposition · verb piel infinitive construct common
102× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To cover means to coat or cover something, like when the ark was covered with pitch to protect it. This word is also used figuratively to describe making amends or forgiving someone, like in a sacrifice or atonement.
Amplified meaning
to cover, to make amends
Tyndale gloss
to atone
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word כִּפֶּר (kaphar) is built from a root meaning 'to cover.' It encompasses a range of meanings including to atone, pacify, and make propitiation, often in a legal or ritual context. The word also appears in a more literal sense, such as covering with pitch. There is a distinction between its uses in different grammatical forms, indicating various nuances in meaning.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּפֶּר vb. Pi. etc. denom. cover over (fig.), pacify, make propitiation

Pi.

cover over, pacify, propitiate

cover over, atone for sin, without sacrifice

cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites

Pu. be covered over, atoned for

Hithp. the iniquity of the house of Eli shall not be covered by peace-offering or minchah

Niph. and the blood shall be covered for them

base

כָּפַר vb. denom. Gn 6:14 and thou shalt pitch it with pitch (P).

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3722a כִּפֶּר vb. denom. cover over (fig.), pacify, make propitiation H3722b כָּפַר vb. denom. and thou shalt pitch it with pitch

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3722 kaphar kaw-far'

a primitive root; to cover (specifically with bitumen);

figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel:--

appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be

merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make)

reconcile(-liation).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּפֶּר (ki.pher) — to atone.

1) to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation

1a) (Piel)

1a1) to cover over, pacify, propitiate

1a2) to cover over, atone for sin, make atonement for

1a3) to cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites

1b) (Pual)

1b1) to be covered over

1b2) to be atoned for

1c) (Hithpael) to be covered

כָּפַר (ka.phar) — to cover.

(Qal) to coat or cover with pitch

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a — Preposition · verb piel infinitive construct common
HR/Vpcc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a-ton'-ment: Translates kaphar; chaTa'; ratsah, the last employed only of human relations (1Sa 29:4); translates the following Greek stems hilas-, simple and compounded with various prepositions; allag- in composition only, but with numerous prepositions and even two at a time, e. g. Mt 5:24; lip- rarely (Da 9:24).

I. Terms Employed.

1. Hebrew and Greek Words:

The root meanings of the Hebrew words, taking them in the order cited above, are, to "cover," hence expiate, condone, cancel, placate; to "offer," or "receive a sin offering," hence, make atonement, appease, propitiate; "effect reconciliation," i. e. by some conduct, or course of action. Of the Greek words the meanings, in order, are "to be," or "cause to be, friendly"; "to…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Atonement

This word does not occur in the Authorized Version of the New Testament except in Rom. 5:11, where in the Revised Version the word “reconciliation” is used. In the Old Testament it is of frequent occurrence.

The meaning of the word is simply at-one-ment, i.e., the state of being at one or being reconciled, so that atonement is reconciliation. Thus it is used to denote the effect which flows from the death of Christ.

But the word is also used to denote that by which this reconciliation is brought about, viz., the death of Christ itself; and when so used it means satisfaction, and in this sense to make an atonement for one is to make satisfaction for his offences (Ex. 32:30; Lev. 4:26; 5:16;

→ For tabernacle and furniture Le 16:15-20,33

→ In consummation of the Levites Nu 8:21

→ For those defiled by the dead Nu 6:11

→ Made for houses Le 14:53

→ For sin, see below

→ By meat offerings Le 5:11-13

→ By jewels Nu 31:50

→ By money Ex 30:12-16; Le 5:15,16; 2Ki 12:16

→ By incense Nu 16:46-50

→ By animals, see below

the rich [person] not he will make much and the poor [person] not he will make little more than [the] half of the shekel by paying the object marker [the] contribution of Yahweh to make atonement on selves your
עַל־'al- on H5921 Preposition
5,774× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Tyndale gloss
upon
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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)

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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)

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

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…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(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…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

See HELIOPOLIS.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

pain; force; iniquity

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
the rich [person] not he will make much and the poor [person] not he will make little more than [the] half of the shekel by paying the object marker [the] contribution of Yahweh to make atonement on selves your
נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶֽם׃naf.sho.tei.Khem selves your H5315 Noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
754× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Amplified meaning
your souls, your very being
Tyndale gloss
soul
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word נֶ֫פֶשׁ (*nephesh*) broadly means 'soul' or 'living being,' encompassing concepts like life, self, person, desire, and emotion. It is derived from the root meaning 'to breathe' and signifies both physical and mental aspects of existence. The lexicons note its use in various contexts, including as the seat of appetites and emotions, though its application to will and character is uncertain.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נֶ֫פֶשׁ 756 n.f. soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, appetite, emotion, and passion

= that which breathes, the breathing substance or being

The נפשׁ becomes a living being

The נפשׁ is specif.

The נפשׁ as the essential of man stands for the man himself

נפשׁ = seat of the appetites, in all periods (46 t.)

נ׳ = seat of emotions and passions

נפשׁ is used occasionally for mental acts

נפשׁ for acts of the will is dub.

נפשׁ = character is still more dub.

נ׳ in D

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5315 נֶ֫פֶשׁ soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, appetite, emotion, and passion . = that which breathes, the breathing substance or being

. The נפשׁ becomes a living being

. The נפשׁ is specif.

. The נפשׁ as the essential of man stands for the man himself

. נפשׁ = seat of the appetites, in all periods (46 t.)

. נ׳ = seat of emotions and passions

. נפשׁ is used occasionally for mental acts

. נפשׁ for acts of the will is dub.

. נפשׁ = character is still more dub.

. נ׳ in D

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5315 nephesh neh'-fesh

from 5314; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of

(abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal,

accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental):--any,

appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, X dead(-ly), desire,

X (dis-)contented, X fish, ghost, + greedy, he, heart(-y),

(hath, X jeopardy of) life (X in jeopardy), lust, man, me,

mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-,

thy-)self, them (your)-selves, + slay, soul, + tablet, they,

thing, (X she) will, X would have it.

see HEBREW for 05314

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נֶ֫פֶשׁ (ne.phesh) — soul.

1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion

1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man

1b) living being

1c) living being (with life in the blood)

1d) the man himself, self, person or individual

1e) seat of the appetites

1f) seat of emotions and passions

1g) activity of mind

1g1) uncertain

1h) activity of the will

1h1) uncertain

1i) activity of the character

1i1) uncertain

נֶ֫פֶשׁ (ne.phesh) — soul: life.

1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion

1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man

1b) living being

1c) living being (with life in the blood)

1d) the man himself, self, person or individual

1e) seat of the appetites

1f) seat of emotions and passions

1g) activity of mind

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cp | Suff — Noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
HNcfpc/Sp2mp
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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