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Exodus 30:2 — Word Study

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WLCאַמָּ֨ה אָרְכּ֜וֹ וְאַמָּ֤ה רָחְבּוֹ֙ רָב֣וּעַ יִהְיֶ֔ה וְאַמָּתַ֖יִם קֹמָת֑וֹ מִמֶּ֖נּוּ קַרְנֹתָֽיו׃

BSAIt is to behâyâh [foursquare, square-shaped] squarerâbaʻ a cubitʼammâh [unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm] longʼôrek a cubitʼammâh [in width, breadth] widerôchab and two cubitsʼammâh [in height, stature] highqôwmâh Its hornsqeren [protrusions, projections] must be of one piecemin [made from the same block]

Word
Listen & take awayExodus 30
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 2 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 (kar.no.Tav) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Exodus 30:2quick helps
In a sentenceThe altar is to be square, measuring one cubit in length and width, and two cubits in height, with its horns made from a single piece.
What is being describedThe specifications for the altar of incense in the Tabernacle.
Key measurementsThe altar's dimensions are given in cubits, a standard unit of measurement.
The hard wordרָב֣וּעַ
Take awayThe altar must be constructed with precision and unity.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbרָבַע 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 30:2

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

Context — The Instructions for the Altar of Incensegenerated

1“You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense.
2It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece.
3Overlay with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns, and make a molding of gold around it.
4And make two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it.

Exodus 30:2 provides detailed instructions for constructing the altar of incense, which was to be a key element in the Tabernacle's worship. This altar was not only functional but also symbolic, representing the prayers of the people ascending to God. The specifications emphasize the importance of exact measurements in the construction of sacred objects, reflecting the holiness of the space where they would be used.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Exodus 27:2Make a horn on each of its four corners, so that the horns are of one piece, and overlay it with bronze.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 1 reference, hung on the phrase they belong to

the hornsExodus 27:2

The Key Word אַמָּה, 'a.Mahgenerated

The word אַמָּה ('ammah) is a feminine noun meaning 'cubit,' a unit of measurement roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 0.5 meters. It is derived from a root associated with the word for 'mother' or 'forearm,' indicating its practical use in measuring length. The parsing shows it as a common noun in the singular form, emphasizing its role as a standard unit in construction.

In this verse, the term is used to specify the dimensions of the altar, indicating both its length and width. The repetition of the word underscores the importance of these measurements in the context of the altar's design.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb יִהְיֶ֔ה (it will be) governs the entire verse, with several noun phrases detailing the specifications of the altar. The structure emphasizes the precise measurements required for the altar's construction.

The phrase אַמָּ֨ה appears twice as a predicate, indicating both length and width, while the other phrases describe the shape and height. This arrangement highlights the importance of each dimension in the overall design.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates אַמָּה as πήξεος, which also means 'cubit.' This choice reflects a direct correspondence in measurement, maintaining the emphasis on the altar's dimensions.

The use of τετράγωνον for רָב֣וּעַ shows a clear interpretation of the altar's shape, ensuring that the Greek-speaking audience understands it as square.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Exodus 30:2 gives instructions for making the altar of incense, stating it should be square, measuring one cubit long and wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be made from a single piece, emphasizing the importance of unity in its construction.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does 'cubit' mean in this context?

A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects.

Why is the altar's shape important?

The square shape signifies stability and completeness, which are important qualities for objects used in worship.

What do the measurements tell us?

The specific measurements highlight the importance of precision in the construction of sacred items, reflecting their significance in worship.

What is the significance of the horns being made from one piece?

Having the horns made from one piece symbolizes unity and integrity, essential for an altar used in sacrificial worship.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How does understanding the measurements of the altar help us appreciate its significance in worship?
  2. What can we learn from the precision required in the construction of sacred objects?
  3. Why do you think unity is emphasized in the design of the altar's horns?
  4. How can we apply the principles of careful construction and design in our own lives?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Exodus 30:2 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, four square shall it be,.... It was one Jewish square cubit, which is in surface, according to Bishop Cumberland, three English

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

A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of the same.

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

See . Though these horns, as they were for another use, so they seem to be here of another form, and for ornament more than for service.

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

Exodus 30:2 A cubit [shall be] the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits [shall be] the height thereof: the horns thereof [shall be] of the same.Ver. 2. A cubit shall be the length.] That in Ezekiel is much larger, as setting forth the service of God under the gospel.

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

(2) Foursquare shall it be.—Of the same shape with “the brazen altar” (Exodus 27:1), but much smaller—two cubits high instead of three cubits, and a cubit square at top instead of five cubits. This small space was ample for the burning of so precious a material, which could only be offered in small quantities. The horns thereof.—Comp. Exodus 27:2, and Note 1, ad loc.Shall be of the same—i.e., of one piece with the altar, not made separately, and then attached to it.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Exodus 30 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 2. Four-square] That is, on the upper or under surface, as it showed four equal sides; but it was twice as high as it was broad, being twenty-one inches broad, and three feet six inches high. It was called, not only the altar of incense, but also the golden altar, Numbers 4:11. For the crown, horns, staves, &c., see on the altar of burnt-offering, chap. xxvii. See Clarke on Exodus 27:1, &c.

Read AdamClarke on Exodus 30 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

2. the horns, &c.] see on Exodus 27:2; also, for of one piece with it, Exodus 25:31. The blood of the sin-offering was sprinkled upon the horns of this altar in the cases specified in Exodus 30:10, Leviticus 4:7; Leviticus 4:18.

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

2-5. Horns… rings… staves — In these respects it was fashioned after the manner of the greater altar in the court, and also of some portions of the ark, (Exodus 25:12-15.) The crown of gold round

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

It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Its length shall be a cubit, and its width a cubit. It shall be square, and its height shall be two cubits. Its horns shall be of one piece with it.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Its length is to be a foot and a half and its width a foot and a half; it will be square. Its height is to be three feet, with its horns of one piece with it.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of the same.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be; and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of one piece with it.

RVARevised Version, American1894

A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of one piece with it.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

A cubit shall be its length, and a cubit its breadth; foursquare shall it be; and two cubits shall be its hight: its horns shall be of the same.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

The length therof a cubite and the breadth thereof a cubite (it shalbe foure square) and the height thereof two cubites: the hornes thereof shalbe of the same,

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

a cubit the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof — square shall it be; and two cubits its height; of itself shall be its horns.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

a cubit its length, and a cubit its breadth, (it is square), and two cubits its height; its horns [are] of the same.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

a cubit its length and a cubit its breadth (it is square), and two cubits its height; its horns [are] of the same.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

A cubit shall be its length, and a cubit its breadth, foursquare shall it be; and two cubits shall be its height; from itself shall its horns be.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Its length must be one cubit, and its width one cubit. It must be square, and its height must be two cubits. Its horns must be made as one piece with it.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

It shall be a cubit in length, and another in breadth, that is, foursquare, and two in height. Horns shall go out of the same.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

It shall be square, measuring a cubit by a cubit, by two cubits high, with horns on its corners that are all one piece with the altar.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

The altar is to be square, a cubit long and a cubit wide, and two cubits high, and its horns are to be made of the same.

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.

clauseclauseclauseclausepredicateאַמָּ֨ה[will.be].a.cubitnoun phrase · subjectאָרְכּ֜lengthוֹitsוְandclausepredicateאַמָּ֤ה[will.be].a.cubitnoun phrase · subjectרָחְבּbreadthוֹ֙itsclauseobjectרָב֣וּעַsquareverbיִהְיֶ֔הit.will.beוְandclausepredicateאַמָּתַ֖יִם[will.be].two.cubitsnoun phrase · subjectקֹמָת֑heightוֹitsclauseprepositional phrase · predicateמִמֶּ֖[willנּוּbe].from.itnoun phrase · subjectקַרְנֹתָֽיhornsוits

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


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

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of this verse, with a complete correspondence of the words. This consistency across texts indicates a shared understanding of the altar's specifications.

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

אַמָּ֨ה אָרְכּ֜וֹ וְאַמָּ֤ה רָחְבּוֹ֙ רָב֣וּעַ יִהְיֶ֔ה וְאַמָּתַ֖יִם קֹמָת֑וֹ מִמֶּ֖נּוּ קַרְנֹתָֽיו׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
אַמָּ֨הπήξεοςאָרְכּ֜וֹμῆκοςוְאַמָּ֤הπήξεοςרָחְבּוֹ֙εὖροςרָב֣וּעַτετράγωνονיִהְיֶ֔הἔσταιוְאַמָּתַ֖יִםπήξεωνקֹמָת֑וֹὕψοςמִמֶּ֖נּוּαὐτοῦקַרְנֹתָֽיו׃αὐτοῦ

10 of the 10 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

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


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

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

Exodus 30:2אַמָּה[will be] a[will be] a cubאַמָּהאֹ֫רֶךְlength itslength itsאֹ֫רֶךְאַמָּהand [will band [will be] aאַמָּהרֹ֫חַבbreadth itsbreadth itsרֹ֫חַברָבַעsquaresquareרָבַעהָיָהit will beit will beהָיָהאַמָּהand [will band [will be] tאַמָּהקוֹמָהheight itsheight itsקוֹמָהמִן־[will be] f[will be] from מִן־קֶ֫רֶןhorns itshorns itsקֶ֫רֶןאֵםmothermotherאֵםאָרַךְto prolongto prolongאָרַךְרָחַבto enlargeto enlargeרָחַבלֵב(Leb)-kama(Leb)-kamaiלֵבקָרַןto shineto shineקָרַןרָבַעto mateto mateרָבַעאַרְבַּעfourfourאַרְבַּעהָוָאto fallto fallהָוָאמֵןstringstringמֵןרֹ֫חַבwidthwidthרֹ֫חַבאֹ֫רֶךְlengthlengthאֹ֫רֶךְאַמָּהcubitcubitאַמָּהמְזוּזָהdoorpostdoorpostמְזוּזָהקוֹמָהheightheightקוֹמָהכֹּתֶ֫רֶתcapitalcapitalכֹּתֶ֫רֶתרָחַקto removeto removeרָחַקיָתַרto remainto remainיָתַרפִּנָּהcornercornerפִּנָּה
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 30:2

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.

[will be] a cubit length its and [will be] a cubit breadth its square it will be and [will be] two cubits height its [will be] from it horns its
אַמָּ֨ה'a.Mah [will be] a cubit H520 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
247× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Amplified meaning
unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm
Tyndale gloss
cubit
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַמָּה (ammah) primarily means 'cubit,' a unit of measure roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 0.5 meters, derived from the word for 'mother' or 'forearm.' It can also refer to a foundation or base, as noted in Isaiah 6:4. The lexicons mention different types of cubits used in the Old Testament, including the common cubit and the legal cubit.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַמָּה 246 n.f. ell, cubit

cubit

† measure, full measure, limit

base

[אַמָּה] n.f. (etym. & mng. dub.; Thes foundation) only Is 6:4.

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H520a אַמָּה ell, cubit H520b אַמָּה

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

520 'ammah am-maw'

prolonged from 517; properly, a mother (i.e. unit of measure,

or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e. a cubit; also a

door-base (as a bond of the entrance):--cubit, + hundred (by

exchange for 3967), measure, post.

see HEBREW for 0517

see HEBREW for 03967

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַמָּה (am.mah) — cubit.

cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment.

Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)

אַמָּה (am.mah) — foundation.

foundation

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

ku'-bit ('ammah; pechus): The standard for measures of length among the Hebrews. They derived it from the Babylonians, but a similar measure was used in Egypt with which they must have been familiar. The length of the cubit is variously estimated, since there seems to have been a double standard in both countries, and because we have no undisputed example of the cubit remaining to the present time. The original cubit was the length of the forearm, from the elbow to the end of the middle finger, as is implied from the derivation of the word in Hebrew and in Latin (cubitum). It seems to be referred to also in De 3:11: "after the cubit of a man." But this was too indefinite for a scientific standard, and the Babylonians early adopted a more accurate method of measurement which passed to the nations of the West. They had a double…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Cubit

Heb. ‘ammah; i.e., “mother of the arm,” the fore-arm, is a word derived from the Latin cubitus, the lower arm. It is difficult to determine the exact length of this measure, from the uncertainty whether it included the entire length from the elbow to the tip of the longest finger, or only from the elbow to the root of the hand at the wrist. The probability is that the longer was the original cubit. The common computation as to the length of the cubit makes it 20.24 inches for the ordinary cubit, and 21.888 inches for the sacred one. This is the same as the Egyptian measurements.

A rod or staff the measure of a cubit is called in Judg. 3:16 gomed, which literally means a “cut,” something “cut off.” The LXX. and Vulgate render it “span.”

Smith's Bible Dictionary

[WEIGHTS AND MEASURES AND MEASURES]

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A measure used among the ancients. A cubit was originally the distance from the elbow to the extremity of the middle finger, which is the fourth part of a well-proportioned man’s stature. The Hebrew cubit, according to some, is twenty-one inches; but others fix it at eighteen. The Talmudists observe that the Hebrew cubit was larger by one quarter than the Roman.

[will be] a cubit length its and [will be] a cubit breadth its square it will be and [will be] two cubits height its [will be] from it horns its
אָרְכּ֜וֹ'a.re.Ko length its H753 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
95× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Length can refer to physical distance or a long period of time, and also to patience and self-restraint, like waiting forever for something to happen.
Tyndale gloss
length
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֹ֫רֶךְ (orek) means 'length' and can refer to physical length or duration of time. It also encompasses concepts of forbearance and self-restraint, particularly in the context of patience. The word is derived from a root associated with the idea of length, as noted in Strong's entries.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֹ֫רֶךְ 94 n.[m.] length

length

of time

forbearance, self-restraint

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H753 אֹ֫רֶךְ length

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

753 'orek o'rek'

from 748; length:--+ forever, length, long.

see HEBREW for 0748

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֹ֫רֶךְ (o.rekh) — length.

1) length

1a) physical length

1b) of time

2) forbearance, self-restraint (of patience)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp3ms
[will be] a cubit length its and [will be] a cubit breadth its square it will be and [will be] two cubits height its [will be] from it horns its
וְאַמָּ֤הve.'a.Mah and [will be] a cubit H520 Conjunction · noun common feminine singular absolute
247× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Amplified meaning
in width, breadth
Tyndale gloss
cubit
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַמָּה (ammah) primarily means 'cubit,' a unit of measure roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 0.5 meters, derived from the word for 'mother' or 'forearm.' It can also refer to a foundation or base, as noted in Isaiah 6:4. The lexicons mention different types of cubits used in the Old Testament, including the common cubit and the legal cubit.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַמָּה 246 n.f. ell, cubit

cubit

† measure, full measure, limit

base

[אַמָּה] n.f. (etym. & mng. dub.; Thes foundation) only Is 6:4.

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H520a אַמָּה ell, cubit H520b אַמָּה

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

520 'ammah am-maw'

prolonged from 517; properly, a mother (i.e. unit of measure,

or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e. a cubit; also a

door-base (as a bond of the entrance):--cubit, + hundred (by

exchange for 3967), measure, post.

see HEBREW for 0517

see HEBREW for 03967

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַמָּה (am.mah) — cubit.

cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment.

Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)

אַמָּה (am.mah) — foundation.

foundation

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-fs — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular absolute
HC/Ncfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ku'-bit ('ammah; pechus): The standard for measures of length among the Hebrews. They derived it from the Babylonians, but a similar measure was used in Egypt with which they must have been familiar. The length of the cubit is variously estimated, since there seems to have been a double standard in both countries, and because we have no undisputed example of the cubit remaining to the present time. The original cubit was the length of the forearm, from the elbow to the end of the middle finger, as is implied from the derivation of the word in Hebrew and in Latin (cubitum). It seems to be referred to also in De 3:11: "after the cubit of a man." But this was too indefinite for a scientific standard, and the Babylonians early adopted a more accurate method of measurement which passed to the nations of the West. They had a double…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Cubit

Heb. ‘ammah; i.e., “mother of the arm,” the fore-arm, is a word derived from the Latin cubitus, the lower arm. It is difficult to determine the exact length of this measure, from the uncertainty whether it included the entire length from the elbow to the tip of the longest finger, or only from the elbow to the root of the hand at the wrist. The probability is that the longer was the original cubit. The common computation as to the length of the cubit makes it 20.24 inches for the ordinary cubit, and 21.888 inches for the sacred one. This is the same as the Egyptian measurements.

A rod or staff the measure of a cubit is called in Judg. 3:16 gomed, which literally means a “cut,” something “cut off.” The LXX. and Vulgate render it “span.”

Smith's Bible Dictionary

[WEIGHTS AND MEASURES AND MEASURES]

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A measure used among the ancients. A cubit was originally the distance from the elbow to the extremity of the middle finger, which is the fourth part of a well-proportioned man’s stature. The Hebrew cubit, according to some, is twenty-one inches; but others fix it at eighteen. The Talmudists observe that the Hebrew cubit was larger by one quarter than the Roman.

[will be] a cubit length its and [will be] a cubit breadth its square it will be and [will be] two cubits height its [will be] from it horns its
רָחְבּוֹ֙ra.che.Bo breadth its H7341 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
101× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means width or breadth, used to describe physical size or space. It appears in the Bible to describe the width of the earth or a room. In the KJV, it is translated as breadth or broad.
Tyndale gloss
width
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רֹ֫חַב (rochab) refers to width or breadth, encompassing both literal and figurative uses. It is derived from the root word meaning to be wide. The term appears in various contexts, indicating expanse or largeness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רֹ֫חַב 101 n.[m.] breadth, width

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7341 רֹ֫חַב breadth, width

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7341 rochab ro'-khab

from 7337; width (literally or figuratively):--breadth,

broad, largeness, thickness, wideness.

see HEBREW for 07337

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רֹ֫חַב (ro.chav) — width.

breadth, width, expanse

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp3ms
[will be] a cubit length its and [will be] a cubit breadth its square it will be and [will be] two cubits height its [will be] from it horns its
רָב֣וּעַra.Vu.a' square H7251 Verb · Qal · participle (passive) masculine singular
12× 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 square or four-sided, like a square-shaped building. It is used to describe something with four equal sides. In the Bible, it is used to describe the shape of the altar in Ezekiel's vision.
Tyndale gloss
to square
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָבַע (raba`) is a verb meaning to square or to be squared, derived from a primitive root related to the concept of being four-sided. Its usage is limited to participles in the Qal and Pual forms, indicating a denominative action. The entries emphasize its geometric connotation without significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[רָבַע] vb. denom., only Pt. pass. squared, square;—

Qal square

Pu. square

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7251 רָבַע vb. denom., only Pt. pass. squared, square

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7251 raba` raw-bah'

a primitive root (rather identical with 7250 through the idea

of sprawling "at all fours" (or possibly the reverse is the

order of deriv.); compare 702); properly, to be four (sided);

used only as denominative of 7253; to be

quadrate:--(four-)square(-d).

see HEBREW for 07250

see HEBREW for 0702

see HEBREW for 07253

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָבַע (ra.va) — to square.

1) to square, be squared

1a) (Qal) square (participle)

1b) (Pual) square (participle)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Inf-c — Verb · Qal · participle (passive) masculine singular
HVqsmsa
[will be] a cubit length its and [will be] a cubit breadth its square it will be and [will be] two cubits height its [will be] from it horns its
יִהְיֶ֔הyih.Yeh it will be H1961 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Amplified meaning
foursquare, square-shaped
Tyndale gloss
to be
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be

Qal

Fall out, happen

occur, take place, come about, come to pass

esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass

וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

Come into being, become

abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

sq. prep.

become

sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

sq. pred. adj.

become like

sq. pred. לְ pers.

sq. לְ pred.

oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.

with עַל and לְ

sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)

exist, be in existence

abide, remain, continue

with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie

as copula, joining subj. & pred.

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen

. occur, take place, come about, come to pass

. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

. sq. prep.

. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

. sq. pred. adj.

. become like

. sq. pred. + לְ pers.

. sq. לְ pred.

. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.

. with עַל and לְ

. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence

. abide, remain, continue

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1961 hayah haw-yaw

a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,

come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or

auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,

committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,

fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit

(one-)self, require, X use.

see HEBREW for 01933

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.

1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) ---

1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass

1a1b) to come about, come to pass

1a2) to come into being, become

1a2a) to arise, appear, come

1a2b) to become

1a2b1) to become

1a2b2) to become like

1a2b3) to be instituted, be established

1a3) to be

1a3a) to exist, be in existence

1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)

1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)

1a3d) to accompany, be with

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about

1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVqi3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

See TESTAMENT.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ THE MENTAL FACULTY

Freedom of, recognized by God Ge 4:6-10; De 5:29; 1Ki 20:42; Isa 1:18-20; 43:26; Jer 36:3,7; Joh 7:17

See BLESSINGS, CONTINGENT UPON OBEDIENCE

See CHOICE

See CONTINGENCY

→ OF GOD, THE SUPREME RULE OF DUTY Mt 6:10; 12:50; 26:39,42; Mr 3:35; 14:36; Lu 11:2; 22:42; Joh 4:34; 5:30; 6:38-40; Ac…

[will be] a cubit length its and [will be] a cubit breadth its square it will be and [will be] two cubits height its [will be] from it horns its
וְאַמָּתַ֖יִםve.'a.ma.Ta.yim and [will be] two cubits H520 Conjunction · noun common feminine dual absolute
247× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Amplified meaning
in height, stature
Tyndale gloss
cubit
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַמָּה (ammah) primarily means 'cubit,' a unit of measure roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 0.5 meters, derived from the word for 'mother' or 'forearm.' It can also refer to a foundation or base, as noted in Isaiah 6:4. The lexicons mention different types of cubits used in the Old Testament, including the common cubit and the legal cubit.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַמָּה 246 n.f. ell, cubit

cubit

† measure, full measure, limit

base

[אַמָּה] n.f. (etym. & mng. dub.; Thes foundation) only Is 6:4.

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H520a אַמָּה ell, cubit H520b אַמָּה

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

520 'ammah am-maw'

prolonged from 517; properly, a mother (i.e. unit of measure,

or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e. a cubit; also a

door-base (as a bond of the entrance):--cubit, + hundred (by

exchange for 3967), measure, post.

see HEBREW for 0517

see HEBREW for 03967

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַמָּה (am.mah) — cubit.

cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment.

Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)

אַמָּה (am.mah) — foundation.

foundation

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-fd — Conjunction · noun common feminine dual absolute
HC/Ncfda
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Thompson Chain Reference topics

measures of length

Ge 6:16; Ex 37:1; De 3:11; Mt 6:27; Re 21:17

--SEE Tables, 3532

[will be] a cubit length its and [will be] a cubit breadth its square it will be and [will be] two cubits height its [will be] from it horns its
קֹמָת֑וֹko.ma.To height its H6967 Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
45× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Qomah refers to height or stature, describing how tall someone or something is, like the height of a person or a building in the book of Ezekiel.
Tyndale gloss
height
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

קוֹמָה (qowmah) means 'height' and refers to stature or tallness. It is derived from the root word קוּם (qum), which relates to standing or rising. The entries consistently emphasize its meaning related to physical height.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

קוֹמָה, קֹמָה 45 n.f. height

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6967 קוֹמָה, קֹמָה height

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6967 qowmah ko-maw'

from 6965; height:--X along, height, high, stature, tall.

see HEBREW for 06965

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קוֹמָה (qo.mah) — height.

1) height

1a) height, stature

1b) height

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HNcfsc/Sp3ms
[will be] a cubit length its and [will be] a cubit breadth its square it will be and [will be] two cubits height its [will be] from it horns its
מִמֶּ֖נּוּmi.Me.nu [will be] from it H4480 Preposition · suffix
1,189× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Amplified meaning
made from the same block
Tyndale gloss
from
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word מִן־ (*min*) is a preposition meaning 'from' or 'out of,' indicating separation or origin. It covers various uses, including temporal references, comparisons, and causal relationships. Additionally, it can denote a portion when used as a noun מֵן (*men*). The entries highlight its versatility in expressing different nuances of separation and position.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִן־, and מִ, before יְ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not

with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal

from, against

מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from

of position, off, on the side of, on

Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex

Partitively

Of time—

as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since

as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after

towards, to

(וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to

In comparisons, beyond, above

מן is prefixed to an infin.:

with causal force, from, on account of, through

after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.

with a temporal force, since, after

Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that

In compounds:

base

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4480a מִן־, מִ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not . with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal . from, against

. מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from

. of position, off, on the side of, on

. Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex

. Partitively

. Of time— . as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since

. as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after

. towards, to

. (וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to

. In comparisons, beyond, above

. מן is prefixed to an infin.: . with causal force, from, on account of, through

. after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.

. with a temporal force, since, after

. Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4480 min min

or minniy {min-nee'}; or minney (constructive plural)

{min-nay'}; (Isaiah 30:11); for 4482; properly, a part of;

hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses (as

follows):--above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason

of), from (among), in, X neither, X nor, (out) of, over,

since, X then, through, X whether, with.

see HEBREW for 04482

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִן־ (min) — from.

prep

1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than

1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of

1b) out of

1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling)

1b2) (of material from which something is made)

1b3) (of source or origin)

1c) out of, some of, from (partitively)

1d) from, since, after (of time)

1e) than, more than (in comparison)

1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or

1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons)

1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive)

conj

2) that

Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

מֵן (men) — portion.

n.m.

portion

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp3ms
[will be] a cubit length its and [will be] a cubit breadth its square it will be and [will be] two cubits height its [will be] from it horns its
קַרְנֹתָֽיו׃kar.no.Tav horns its H7161 Noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
76× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word means a horn or a corner, and can also refer to power or a mountain peak. It's used to describe a place called Karnaim, which was conquered by Israel. The KJV translation uses phrases like 'hill' or 'horn' to convey the idea.
Amplified meaning
protrusions, projections
Tyndale gloss
horn
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word קֶ֫רֶן (*qeren*) primarily means 'horn,' which can refer to a ram's horn, a musical instrument, or horn-like projections on an altar. It also has figurative meanings related to strength and can denote a flask or rays of light. The term קַרְנַ֫יִם (*qarnaim*) refers to a location conquered by Israel, likely in Bashan.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

קֶ֫רֶן 75 n.f. horn

of ram

used as oil-flask

as wind instr.

(from curved shape of tusks)

fig. of pers., symbol of strength

of altar, horn-like projections at corners

hill (so in Ar., peak, isolated hill)

rays at his side(s) he had (of lightning-flashes in theoph.)

base

קַרְנַ֫יִם n.pr.loc. conquered by Isr.; prob. in Bashan

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7161a קֶ֫רֶן horn . . of ram

. used as oil-flask

. as wind instr.

. (from curved shape of tusks)

. fig. of pers., symbol of strength

. of altar, horn-like projections at corners

. hill (so in Ar., peak, isolated hill)

. rays at his side(s) he had (of lightning-flashes in theoph.)

H7161b קַרְנַ֫יִם conquered by Isr.; prob. in Bashan

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7161 qeren keh'-ren

from 7160; a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask,

cornet; by resembl. an elephant's tooth (i.e. ivory), a corner

(of the altar), a peak (of a mountain), a ray (of light);

figuratively, power:--X hill, horn.

see HEBREW for 07160

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קֶ֫רֶן (qe.ren) — horn.

1) horn

1a) horn

1b) of strength (fig)

1c) flask (container for oil)

1d) horn (as musical instrument)

1e) horn (of horn-like projections on the altar)

1f) of rays of light

1g) hill

Aramaic equivalent: qe.ren (קֶ֫רֶן "horn" H7162)

קַרְנַ֫יִם (qar.na.im) — Karnaim.

(BDB) Karnaim, a place conquered by Israel probably in Bashan

Another name of ash.te.rot qar.na.yim (עַשְׁתְּרֹת קַרְנַיִם "Ashteroth-karnaim" H6255)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cp | Suff — Noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
HNcfpc/Sp3ms
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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