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Exodus 39:21 — Word Study

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WLCוַיִּרְכְּס֣וּ אֶת־ הַחֹ֡שֶׁן מִטַּבְּעֹתָיו֩ אֶל־ טַבְּעֹ֨ת הָאֵפֹ֜ד בִּפְתִ֣יל תְּכֵ֗לֶת לִֽהְיֹת֙ עַל־ חֵ֣שֶׁב הָאֵפֹ֔ד וְלֹֽא־ יִזַּ֣ח הַחֹ֔שֶׁן מֵעַ֖ל הָאֵפֹ֑ד כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֶת־ מֹשֶֽׁה׃

BSAThen they tiedrâkaç [bound securely] the ringsṭabbaʻath of the breastpiecechôshen [sacred pouch, containing the Urim and Thummim] toʼêl the ringsṭabbaʻath of the ephodʼêphôwd [special vest, worn by priests] with a cordpâthîyl [thread, made of blue yarn] of blue yarntᵉkêleth [violet, obtained from a specific type of mussel] so that the breastpiecechôshen washâyâh aboveʻal [upon, on top of] the waistbandchêsheb [decorative belt, artwork] of the ephodʼêphôwd and would notlôʼ swing outzâchach [be loosed, removed] fromʻal the ephodʼêphôwd just asʼăsher [according to, in obedience to] the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, the supreme God] had commandedtsâvâh [given orders, appointed] MosesMôsheh

Word
Listen & take awayExodus 39
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 21 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 (mo.Sheh) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Exodus 39:21quick helps
In a sentenceThe artisans secured the breastpiece to the ephod with a blue cord, ensuring it remained in place as commanded by Yahweh.
Who is speakingThe narrative describes the actions of the craftsmen as they follow divine instructions.
Where we areThis verse details the construction of the high priest's garments, specifically the attachment of the breastpiece.
The hard wordוַיִּרְכְּס֣וּ
Take awayThe careful construction of the priestly garments illustrates obedience to God's commands.
3 commentators on this verse Jamieson, Ellicott, Whedon & more — read them › clause subjectיהוה verbרָכַס 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 39:21

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 Construction of the Priestly Garmentsgenerated

20They made two additional gold rings and attached them to the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, on its front, near the seam just above its woven waistband.
21Then they tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece was above the waistband of the ephod and would not swing out from the ephod, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
22They made the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, the work of a weaver,
23with an opening in the center of the robe like that of a garment, with a collar around the opening so that it would not tear.

Exodus 39:21 describes the meticulous process by which the artisans constructed the high priest's garments, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands. The breastpiece, a sacred pouch containing the Urim and Thummim, was to be securely attached to the ephod, a special vest worn by the priests, ensuring it remained in place during their service. This act of binding reflects the care and reverence with which the priests approached their duties, as outlined in earlier chapters of Exodus.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Matthew 16:24Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.
21 Corinthians 1:25–27For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 2 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word וַיִּרְכְּס֣וּ, vai.yir.ke.Sugenerated

The verb רָכַס (rakac) means 'to bind' and is a primitive root that conveys the action of tying or securing something. In this context, it indicates the careful fastening of the breastpiece to the ephod, highlighting the importance of stability in the priestly garments.

The parsing as a sequential imperfect third person masculine plural shows that multiple artisans were involved in this action, emphasizing collective effort in fulfilling God's command.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

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


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb is וַיִּרְכְּס֣וּ, and they bound, governing the entire clause. This is followed by a series of noun phrases and prepositional phrases that detail what was bound and how.

The structure emphasizes the action of binding, with the breastpiece and ephod as the focal points, illustrating the careful attention to detail in the priestly garments.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates וַיִּרְכְּס֣וּ as συνέσφιγχεν, which implies a strong and secure binding. This choice reflects a focus on the integrity of the attachment, aligning with the Hebrew meaning of securely fastening the breastpiece.

This translation underscores the importance of maintaining the sacredness of the priestly garments, consistent with the original Hebrew intent.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Exodus 39:21 describes how the artisans tied the rings of the breastpiece to the ephod using a blue cord. This ensured that the breastpiece stayed above the waistband and did not move out of place, following the instructions given by Yahweh to Moses.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What was the purpose of the breastpiece?

The breastpiece was a sacred pouch worn by the high priest to hold the Urim and Thummim, used for divination and decision-making in Israel.

Why is the color blue significant?

The blue cord symbolizes holiness and is part of the priestly garments, which were designed to reflect God's commands and the sacredness of the priestly role.

What does it mean that the breastpiece should not swing out?

This indicates that the breastpiece must remain securely attached to the ephod, signifying the importance of stability and order in the priest's attire during service.

How does this verse connect to the overall theme of obedience in Exodus?

This verse illustrates the theme of obedience by showing how the artisans followed God's specific instructions in crafting the priestly garments, reflecting the importance of adhering to divine commands.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What steps can I take to ensure that I follow God's commands in my daily life, just as the artisans did in this passage?
  2. How does the symbolism of the priestly garments enhance my understanding of holiness and service?
  3. In what ways can I demonstrate stability and commitment in my responsibilities?
  4. How can I apply the principle of careful attention to detail in my own tasks and duties?

Commentators on this verse — 3 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Exodus 39:21 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Read Robert Jamieson on Exodus 39 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

XXXIX. THE MAKING OF THE HOLY .(1-31) This section corresponds to Exodus 28:5-40, but does not follow exactly the same order. Exodus 39:2-7 correspond to Exodus 39:5-12 of Exodus 28; Exodus 39:8-21 to Exodus 39:13-28; Exodus 39:22-26 to Exodus 39:31-35; but after this a dislocation occurs. Exodus 39:27-29 correspond to Exodus 39:39-42 of Exodus 28, and Exodus 39:30-31 to Exodus 39:36-38. It is not clear why any change was made. The order observed in Exodus 28 seems preferable.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Exodus 39 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

THE HOLY OF THE PRIESTS, Exodus 39:1-31 See notes on Exodus 28. ALL BROUGHT TO MOSES AND , Exodus 39:32-43.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Exodus 39 →

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

Then they tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece was above the waistband of the ephod and would not swing out from the ephod, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

They bound the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not come loose from the ephod, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Then they tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece was above the waistband of the ephod and would not swing out from the ephod, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

NETBNew English Translation2006

They tied the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod by blue cord, so that it was above the waistband of the ephod, so that the breastpiece would not be loose from the ephod, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And they did bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be upon the skilfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And they did bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be upon the cunningly woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And they bound the breast-plate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breast-plate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Then they fastened the brest plate by his rings vnto the rings of the Ephod, with a lace of blewe silke, that it might bee fast vpon the broydered garde of the Ephod, and that the brest plate should not be loosed from the Ephod, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And they bound the breastplate with its rings to the rings of the ephod with lace of blue, that it might be above the girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as Jehovah had commanded Moses.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

and they bind the breastplate by its rings unto the rings of the ephod, with a ribbon of blue, to be above the girdle of the ephod, and the breastplate is not loosed from off the ephod, as Jehovah hath commanded Moses.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

and they bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod, with a ribbon of blue, to be above the girdle of the ephod, and the breastplate is not loosed from off the ephod, as YHWH has commanded Moses.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And they fastened the breastplate by its rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might remain on the girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the Lord had commanded Moses.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

They tied the breastpiece by its rings to the ephod's rings with a blue cord, so that it might be attached just above the ephod's finely-woven waistband. This was so that the breastpiece might not become unattached from the ephod. This was done as Yahweh had commanded Moses.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And a hole for the head in the upper part at the middle, and a woven border round about the hole:

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

They tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue thread, so that the breastpiece wouldn't come loose from the ephod, as the Lord had ordered Moses to do.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And the rings on the bag were fixed to the rings of the ephod by a blue cord, keeping it in place over the band, so that the bag might not get loose, as the Lord gave orders to Moses.

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.

וַandclauseverbיִּרְכְּס֣וּthey.boundnoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)noun phraseהַtheחֹ֡שֶׁןbreastpieceprepositional phrase · prepositionalמִfromnoun phraseטַּבְּעֹתָיringsו֩itsprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֶלtonoun phraseטַבְּעֹ֨תthe.ringsnoun phraseהָofאֵפֹ֜דthe.ephodprepositional phrase · prepositionalבִּwithnoun phraseפְתִ֣ילa.cordתְּכֵ֗לֶתof.violet.stuffprepositional phrase · prepositionalלִֽtoclauseverbהְיֹת֙beprepositional phrase · prepositionalעַלonnoun phraseחֵ֣שֶׁבthe.girdlenoun phraseהָofאֵפֹ֔דthe.ephodוְandclauseadverbialלֹֽאnotverbיִזַּ֣חit.becomes.detachednoun phrase · subjectהַtheחֹ֔שֶׁןbreastpieceprepositional phrase · prepositionalprepositional phraseמֵfromעַ֖לonnoun phraseהָtheאֵפֹ֑דephodprepositional phrase · prepositionalכַּjustrelpאֲשֶׁ֛רasclauseverbצִוָּ֥הhe.had.commandedsubjectיְהוָ֖הYahwehnoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)מֹשֶֽׁהMoses

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 Samaritan Pentateuch share a similar structure, though the Samaritan version includes variations in some terms, such as using טבעתו (sealing ring) instead of טַבְּעֹתָיו (his rings). The Dead Sea Scrolls reflect a close alignment with the Masoretic Text, though some words are partly restored.

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

וַיִּרְכְּס֣וּ אֶת־ הַחֹ֡שֶׁן מִטַּבְּעֹתָיו֩ אֶל־ טַבְּעֹ֨ת הָאֵפֹ֜ד בִּפְתִ֣יל תְּכֵ֗לֶת לִֽהְיֹת֙ עַל־ חֵ֣שֶׁב הָאֵפֹ֔ד וְלֹֽא־ יִזַּ֣ח הַחֹ֔שֶׁן מֵעַ֖ל הָאֵפֹ֑ד כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֶת־ מֹשֶֽׁה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַיִּרְכְּס֣וּσυνέσφιγχενהַחֹ֡שֶׁןλογεῖονמִטַּבְּעֹתָיו֩ἀπὸאֶל־εἰςהָאֵפֹ֜דἐπωμίδοςתְּכֵ֗לֶתὑακίνθουעַל־εἰςהָאֵפֹ֔דἐπωμίδοςוְלֹֽא־μὴיִזַּ֣חξαλᾶταιהַחֹ֔שֶׁןλογεῖονמֵעַ֖לἀπὸהָאֵפֹ֑דἐπωμίδοςכַּאֲשֶׁ֛רκαθὰצִוָּ֥הσυνέταχενיְהוָ֖הκύριοςמֹשֶֽׁה׃μωυσῇ

17 of the 23 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

וירכסו את החשׁן מטבעתו אל טבעת האפוד בפתיל תכלת להיות על חשׁב האפוד ולא יזה החשׁן מעל האפוד כאשׁר צוה יהוה את משׁה ויעשׂו את הארים ואת התמים כאשׁר צוה יהוה את משׁה

9 words differ from the Masoretic Text: טבעתו (sealing ring), אפוד (ephod), היות (be), אפוד (ephod), יזה (spatter), אפוד (ephod)

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q17a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

וירכסו [את] [החשן] [מטבעתי׳ו] [אל] [טבעת] האפוד כאשר צוה יהוה את משה [בפתיל] [תכלת] [להית] [על] [חשב] האפוד בית׳ה ולא יזח החשן [מעל] [האפוד] [כאשר] [צוה] [יהוה] [את] [משה] ויעש את האורים [ואת] [התמים] [כאשר] [צוה] [יהוה] [את] משה

11 words on the leather — 5 partly restored, 23 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 39:21רָכַסand they boand they boundרָכַסאֵתthe object the object markאֵתחֹ֫שֶׁןthe breastpthe breastpieceחֹ֫שֶׁןטַבַּ֫עַתfrom rings from rings itsטַבַּ֫עַתאֶלtotoאֶלטַבַּ֫עַת[the] rings[the] rings ofטַבַּ֫עַתאֵפוֹדthe ephodthe ephodאֵפוֹדפָּתִילwith a cordwith a cord ofפָּתִילתְּכֵ֫לֶתviolet stufviolet stuffתְּכֵ֫לֶתהָיָהto beto beהָיָהעַלononעַלחֵ֫שֶׁב[the] girdl[the] girdle ofחֵ֫שֶׁבאֵפוֹדthe ephodthe ephodאֵפוֹדלֹאand notand notלֹאזָחַחit was dispit was displaceזָחַחחֹ֫שֶׁןthe breastpthe breastpieceחֹ֫שֶׁןעַלfrom onfrom onעַלאֵפוֹדthe ephodthe ephodאֵפוֹדאֲשֶׁרjust asjust asאֲשֶׁרצָוָהhe had commhe had commandeצָוָהיהוהYahwehYahwehיהוהאֵתthe object the object markאֵתמֹשֶׁהMosesMosesמֹשֶׁהאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתטָבַעto sinkto sinkטָבַעפָּתַלto twistto twistפָּתַלעַלheightheightעַלחָשַׁבto devise:to devise: counחָשַׁבהָיָהto beto beהָיָהמָשָׁהto drawto drawמָשָׁהשְׁחֵ֫לֶתonychaonychaשְׁחֵ֫לֶתהָוָאto fallto fallהָוָאחֹ֫שֶׁןbreastpiecbreastpieceחֹ֫שֶׁןחֵ֫שֶׁבartworkartworkחֵ֫שֶׁבמִגְרָשׁpasturepastureמִגְרָשׁאֵפוֹדephodephodאֵפוֹדקָצָהendendקָצָהצֵלָעsidesideצֵלָעכִּפֶּרto atoneto atoneכִּפֶּרכִּסֵּאthronethroneכִּסֵּאצָוָהto commandto commandצָוָה
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 39:21

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

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

and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
וַיִּרְכְּס֣וּvai.yir.ke.Su and they bound H7405 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine plural
2× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To bind means to tie something up, like a rope or a cord. This is a simple act of fastening or securing something in place. It is used in the Bible to describe being tied up.
Amplified meaning
bound securely
Tyndale gloss
to bind
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָכַס (rakac) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to bind.' It is a primitive root that conveys the action of tying or binding. The entries consistently emphasize this core meaning without any significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[רָכַס] vb. bind

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7405 [רָכַס] vb. bind

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7405 rakac raw-kas'

a primitive root; to tie:--bind.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָכַס (ra.khas) — to bind.

(Qal) to bind

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine plural
Hc/Vqw3mp
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

See BIND.

and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
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
and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
הַחֹ֡שֶׁןha.Cho.shen the breastpiece H2833 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
25× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The breastpiece was a sacred pouch worn by the high priest to hold the Urim and Thummim, as seen in Exodus 28:15-30.
Amplified meaning
sacred pouch, containing the Urim and Thummim
Tyndale gloss
breastpiece
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֹ֫שֶׁן (choshen) refers to the breast-piece or sacred pouch worn by the high priest, designed to hold the Urim and Thummim. It is derived from a root that likely means to contain or sparkle, suggesting a connection to richness or precious stones. The term is used exclusively in this context within the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֹ֫שֶׁן n.m. the breast-piece or sacred pouch

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2833 חֹ֫שֶׁן the breast-piece or sacred pouch

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2833 choshen kho'-shen

from an unused root probably meaning to contain or sparkle;

perhaps a pocket (as holding the Urim and Thummim), or rich

(as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the

highpriest:--breastplate.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֹ֫שֶׁן (cho.shen) — breastpiece.

1) breastplate, breastpiece

1a) sacred pouch of the high priest designed to hold the Urim and Thummim

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
מִטַּבְּעֹתָיו֩mi.ta.be.'o.Tav from rings its H2885 Preposition · noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
49× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A ring or signet is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be a symbol of authority or an ornament. It is used to describe a ring that is sunk into wax to seal something, and is often translated as ring or signet in the KJV. This word appears in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Tyndale gloss
ring
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word טַבַּ֫עַת (*tabba`ath*) means a signet or ring, often used for sealing. It can refer to a signet ring symbolizing authority or a decorative ring. The term appears primarily in Exodus, associated with sacred items like the ark and ephod.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

טַבַּ֫עַת n.f. signet, signet-ring, ring

signet-ring

ring, as ornament

most often (only in Ex.) of rings for staves of ark, for curtains, for ephod, and other sacred furniture

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2885 טַבַּ֫עַת signet, signet-ring, ring

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2885 tabba`ath tab-bah'-ath

from 2883; properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e.

signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any

kind:--ring.

see HEBREW for 02883

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

טַבַּ֫עַת (tab.ba.at) — ring.

1) ring, signet, signet ring

1a) signet ring (as symbol of authority)

1b) ring (as ornament)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-fp | Suff — Preposition · noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
HR/Ncfpc/Sp3ms
and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
אֶל־'el- to H413 Preposition
5,518× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Tyndale gloss
to(wards)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),

prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place

Where the limit is actually entered, into

Of direction towards anything

Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

Of rule or standard according to (rare)

Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place

. Where the limit is actually entered, into

. Of direction towards anything

. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

. Of rule or standard according to (rare)

. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

413 'el ale

(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});

a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but

occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or

among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,

against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,

by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,

over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,

with(-in).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶל (el) — to(wards).

1) to, toward, unto (of motion)

2) into (limit is actually entered)

2a) in among

3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)

4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)

5) in addition to, to

6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of

7) according to (rule or standard)

8) at, by, against (of one's presence)

9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
טַבְּעֹ֨תta.be.'Ot [the] rings of H2885 Noun common · feminine plural construct
49× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A ring or signet is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be a symbol of authority or an ornament. It is used to describe a ring that is sunk into wax to seal something, and is often translated as ring or signet in the KJV. This word appears in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Tyndale gloss
ring
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word טַבַּ֫עַת (*tabba`ath*) means a signet or ring, often used for sealing. It can refer to a signet ring symbolizing authority or a decorative ring. The term appears primarily in Exodus, associated with sacred items like the ark and ephod.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

טַבַּ֫עַת n.f. signet, signet-ring, ring

signet-ring

ring, as ornament

most often (only in Ex.) of rings for staves of ark, for curtains, for ephod, and other sacred furniture

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2885 טַבַּ֫עַת signet, signet-ring, ring

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2885 tabba`ath tab-bah'-ath

from 2883; properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e.

signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any

kind:--ring.

see HEBREW for 02883

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

טַבַּ֫עַת (tab.ba.at) — ring.

1) ring, signet, signet ring

1a) signet ring (as symbol of authority)

1b) ring (as ornament)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fp — Noun common · feminine plural construct
HNcfpc
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…

and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
הָאֵפֹ֜דha.'e.Fod the ephod H646 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
49× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The ephod was a special vest worn by priests in the Bible, including the high priest, made with gold, blue, and purple threads. It was a symbol of their role and had shoulder pieces and a breastpiece with gems. In Exodus 28:6, God instructs Moses on how to make the ephod.
Amplified meaning
special vest, worn by priests
Tyndale gloss
ephod
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֵפוֹד (ephod) refers to a priestly garment, specifically a shoulder-cape or mantle worn by priests, with variations in material and design for ordinary and high priests. It is mentioned in contexts of priestly duties and rituals, including its use in consulting God and a notable instance where Gideon made a gold ephod.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵפוֹד (28 t.) & אֵפֹד (20 t.) n.m. ephod

ephod, priestly garment, shoulder-cape or mantle

ephod used in consulting י׳

ephod of gold made by Gideon

made (material not given) for a private, local sanctuary

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H646 אֵפוֹד (28 t.) & אֵפֹד (20 t.) ephod

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

646 'ephowd ay-fode'

rarely oephod {ay-fode'}; probably of foreign derivation ; a

girdle; specifically the ephod or high-priest's shoulder-

piece; also generally, an image:--ephod.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵפוֹד (e.phod) — ephod.

1) ephod

1a) priestly garment, shoulder-cape or mantle, outer garment

1a1) worn by an ordinary priest and made of white stuff

1a2) worn by the high priest-more costly, woven of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and linen threads provided with shoulder-pieces and a breast piece of like material, ornamented with gems and gold

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Ephod

Something girt, a sacred vestment worn originally by the high priest (Ex. 28:4), afterwards by the ordinary priest (1 Sam. 22:18), and characteristic of his office (1 Sam. 2:18, 28; 14:3). It was worn by Samuel, and also by David (2 Sam. 6:14). It was made of fine linen, and consisted of two pieces, which hung from the neck, and covered both the back and front, above the tunic and outer garment (Ex. 28:31). That of the high priest was embroidered with divers colours. The two pieces were joined together over the shoulders (hence in Latin called superhumerale) by clasps or buckles of gold or precious stones, and…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(a sacred vestment originally appropriate to the high priest. (Exodus 28:4)

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

An ornamental part of the dress worn by the Hebrew priests. It was worn above the tunic and the robe, was without sleeves, and open below the arms on each side, consisting of two pieces, one of which covered the front of the body and the other the back, joined together on the shoulders by golden buckles set with gems, and reaching down to the middle of the thigh. A girdle was inwoven with it, by which it was fastened around the body, Ex 28:6-12. There were two kinds of ephod: one plain, of linen, for the priests, 1Sa 22:18; another embroidered, for the high priest. Young Samuel wore an ephod, though only a Levite and a child, 1Sa 2:18. David, in transferring the ark to Jerusalem, was "girt with a linen ephod,"

1. A sacred vestment worn by the high priest

Described Ex 28:6-14,31-35; 25:7

The making of Ex 39:2-26

Breastplate attached to Ex 28:22-29

Worn by Aaron Ex 39:5

Used as an oracle 1Sa 23:9,12; 30:7,8

An inferior, was worn by the ordinary priests 1Sa 22:18

Worn by Samuel 1Sa 2:18

Worn by David 2Sa 6:14

It was called COAT Ex 28:40; 29:8; 39:27; 40:14; Le 8:13; 10:5

and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
בִּפְתִ֣ילbif.Til with a cord of H6616 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
11× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a cord or thread, like something used for tying. It appears in Exodus 28:28, where it describes the threads used in priestly garments. It is a twisted thread or cord.
Amplified meaning
thread, made of blue yarn
Tyndale gloss
cord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פָּתִיל (pathiyl) refers to a cord or thread that is twisted. It encompasses various forms such as lace, wire, and ribbon. The word is derived from a root that suggests twining, and it is used in contexts related to binding or tying.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פָּתִיל n.m. cord, thread (twisted)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6616 פָּתִיל cord, thread (twisted)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6616 pathiyl paw-theel'

from 6617; twine:--bound, bracelet, lace, line, ribband,

thread, wire.

see HEBREW for 06617

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּתִיל (pa.til) — cord.

cord, thread (twisted)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
HR/Ncmsc
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…

and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
תְּכֵ֗לֶתte.Khe.let violet stuff H8504 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
49× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Describes the color blue or violet, obtained from a specific type of mussel, used to dye fabrics in Exodus 28. It is a distinct color in the biblical spectrum.
Amplified meaning
violet, obtained from a specific type of mussel
Tyndale gloss
blue
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

תְּכֵ֫לֶת (tekhelet) refers to a violet color, specifically associated with violet thread and fabric. The term may also encompass a broader spectrum, including blue hues. It is linked to the cerulean mussel, which produces the dye used for this color. The entries consistently emphasize its connection to both violet and blue.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

תְּכֵ֫לֶת 48 n.f. violet, i.e. violet thread and stuff

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8504 תְּכֵ֫לֶת violet, i.e. violet thread and stuff

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8504 tkeleth tek-ay'-leth

probably for 7827; the cerulean mussel, i.e. the color

(violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith:--blue.

see HEBREW for 07827

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תְּכֵ֫לֶת (te.khe.let) — blue.

1) violet, violet stuff

1a) violet thread

1b) violet stuff or fabric

2) (TWOT) blue (covering spectrum from brilliant red through deep purple)

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

stuf (keli; skeuos): "Material" for any purpose (Eze 12:3,4,7); or "supplies" in a more general sense (Ex 36:7, Hebrew mela'-khah; compare the King James Version, the English Revised Version 1Sa 10:22; 25:13; 30:24 (the American Standard Revised Version substitutes "baggage")); frequently, "household possessions" (Ge 31:37; 45:20; Ex 22:7; Jos 7:11; Ne 13:8; /RAPC Jdt 16:19; the King James Version Judith 15:11 (skeuasmata, the Revised Version (British and American) "furniture"); the King James Version

and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
לִֽהְיֹת֙lih.Yot to be H1961 Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common
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.
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
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common
HR/Vqcc
and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
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.
Amplified meaning
upon, on top of
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)

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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
and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
חֵ֣שֶׁבChe.shev [the] girdle of H2805 Noun common · masculine singular construct
8× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for a decorative belt or strap, often used to describe the intricate design of the ephod, a priestly garment, in Exodus.
Amplified meaning
decorative belt, artwork
Tyndale gloss
artwork
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֵ֫שֶׁב (chesheb) refers to an ingenious work, specifically the name of the girdle or band of the ephod, which is described as a cunningly woven band. It is derived from a root meaning to interlace, indicating a connection to craftsmanship in its construction.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֵ֫שֶׁב n.m. ingenious work, name of the girdle or band of the ephod (cunningly woven band, RV)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2805 חֵ֫שֶׁב ingenious work, name of the girdle or band of the ephod (cunningly woven band, RV)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2805 chesheb khay'-sheb

from 2803; a belt or strap (as being interlaced):--curious

girdle.

see HEBREW for 02803

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֵ֫שֶׁב (che.shev) — artwork.

1) girdle, band, ingenious work

1a) ingenious work-the name of the girdle or band of the ephod

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
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…

and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
הָאֵפֹ֔דha.'e.Fod the ephod H646 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
49× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The ephod was a special vest worn by priests in the Bible, including the high priest, made with gold, blue, and purple threads. It was a symbol of their role and had shoulder pieces and a breastpiece with gems. In Exodus 28:6, God instructs Moses on how to make the ephod.
Tyndale gloss
ephod
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֵפוֹד (ephod) refers to a priestly garment, specifically a shoulder-cape or mantle worn by priests, with variations in material and design for ordinary and high priests. It is mentioned in contexts of priestly duties and rituals, including its use in consulting God and a notable instance where Gideon made a gold ephod.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵפוֹד (28 t.) & אֵפֹד (20 t.) n.m. ephod

ephod, priestly garment, shoulder-cape or mantle

ephod used in consulting י׳

ephod of gold made by Gideon

made (material not given) for a private, local sanctuary

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H646 אֵפוֹד (28 t.) & אֵפֹד (20 t.) ephod

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

646 'ephowd ay-fode'

rarely oephod {ay-fode'}; probably of foreign derivation ; a

girdle; specifically the ephod or high-priest's shoulder-

piece; also generally, an image:--ephod.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵפוֹד (e.phod) — ephod.

1) ephod

1a) priestly garment, shoulder-cape or mantle, outer garment

1a1) worn by an ordinary priest and made of white stuff

1a2) worn by the high priest-more costly, woven of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and linen threads provided with shoulder-pieces and a breast piece of like material, ornamented with gems and gold

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Ephod

Something girt, a sacred vestment worn originally by the high priest (Ex. 28:4), afterwards by the ordinary priest (1 Sam. 22:18), and characteristic of his office (1 Sam. 2:18, 28; 14:3). It was worn by Samuel, and also by David (2 Sam. 6:14). It was made of fine linen, and consisted of two pieces, which hung from the neck, and covered both the back and front, above the tunic and outer garment (Ex. 28:31). That of the high priest was embroidered with divers colours. The two pieces were joined together over the shoulders (hence in Latin called superhumerale) by clasps or buckles of gold or precious stones, and…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(a sacred vestment originally appropriate to the high priest. (Exodus 28:4)

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

An ornamental part of the dress worn by the Hebrew priests. It was worn above the tunic and the robe, was without sleeves, and open below the arms on each side, consisting of two pieces, one of which covered the front of the body and the other the back, joined together on the shoulders by golden buckles set with gems, and reaching down to the middle of the thigh. A girdle was inwoven with it, by which it was fastened around the body, Ex 28:6-12. There were two kinds of ephod: one plain, of linen, for the priests, 1Sa 22:18; another embroidered, for the high priest. Young Samuel wore an ephod, though only a Levite and a child, 1Sa 2:18. David, in transferring the ark to Jerusalem, was "girt with a linen ephod,"

1. A sacred vestment worn by the high priest

Described Ex 28:6-14,31-35; 25:7

The making of Ex 39:2-26

Breastplate attached to Ex 28:22-29

Worn by Aaron Ex 39:5

Used as an oracle 1Sa 23:9,12; 30:7,8

An inferior, was worn by the ordinary priests 1Sa 22:18

Worn by Samuel 1Sa 2:18

Worn by David 2Sa 6:14

It was called COAT Ex 28:40; 29:8; 39:27; 40:14; Le 8:13; 10:5

and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
וְלֹֽא־ve.lo'- and not H3808 Conjunction · 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
Conj | Part — Conjunction · particle
HC/Tn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
יִזַּ֣חyi.Zach it was displaced H2118 Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person masculine singular
2× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means to remove or displace something, like shoving it out of the way. It can also mean to loosen or be displaced. In the KJV, it is translated as 'loose'.
Amplified meaning
be loosed, removed
Tyndale gloss
to remove
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זָחַח (zachach) is a Hebrew verb meaning to remove or displace. It can also refer to something being loosened or displaced, particularly in the Niphal form. The entries emphasize its use in contexts where something is shifted or not in its proper place.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[זָחַח] vb. remove, displace

Niph. and that the breast-piece be not displaced etc.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2118 [זָחַח] vb. remove, displace . and that the breast-piece be not displaced etc.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2118 zachach zaw-khakh'

a primitive root; to shove or displace:--loose.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זָחַח (za.chach) — to remove.

1) to remove, displace

1a) (Niphal) to be removed, be loosened, be displaced

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVNi3ms
and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
הַחֹ֔שֶׁןha.Cho.shen the breastpiece H2833 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
25× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The breastpiece was a sacred pouch worn by the high priest to hold the Urim and Thummim, as seen in Exodus 28:15-30.
Tyndale gloss
breastpiece
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֹ֫שֶׁן (choshen) refers to the breast-piece or sacred pouch worn by the high priest, designed to hold the Urim and Thummim. It is derived from a root that likely means to contain or sparkle, suggesting a connection to richness or precious stones. The term is used exclusively in this context within the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֹ֫שֶׁן n.m. the breast-piece or sacred pouch

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2833 חֹ֫שֶׁן the breast-piece or sacred pouch

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2833 choshen kho'-shen

from an unused root probably meaning to contain or sparkle;

perhaps a pocket (as holding the Urim and Thummim), or rich

(as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the

highpriest:--breastplate.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֹ֫שֶׁן (cho.shen) — breastpiece.

1) breastplate, breastpiece

1a) sacred pouch of the high priest designed to hold the Urim and Thummim

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
מֵעַ֖לme.'Al from on H5921 Preposition · 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 | Prep — Preposition · preposition
HR/R
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
and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
הָאֵפֹ֑דha.'e.Fod the ephod H646 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
49× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The ephod was a special vest worn by priests in the Bible, including the high priest, made with gold, blue, and purple threads. It was a symbol of their role and had shoulder pieces and a breastpiece with gems. In Exodus 28:6, God instructs Moses on how to make the ephod.
Tyndale gloss
ephod
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֵפוֹד (ephod) refers to a priestly garment, specifically a shoulder-cape or mantle worn by priests, with variations in material and design for ordinary and high priests. It is mentioned in contexts of priestly duties and rituals, including its use in consulting God and a notable instance where Gideon made a gold ephod.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵפוֹד (28 t.) & אֵפֹד (20 t.) n.m. ephod

ephod, priestly garment, shoulder-cape or mantle

ephod used in consulting י׳

ephod of gold made by Gideon

made (material not given) for a private, local sanctuary

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H646 אֵפוֹד (28 t.) & אֵפֹד (20 t.) ephod

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

646 'ephowd ay-fode'

rarely oephod {ay-fode'}; probably of foreign derivation ; a

girdle; specifically the ephod or high-priest's shoulder-

piece; also generally, an image:--ephod.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵפוֹד (e.phod) — ephod.

1) ephod

1a) priestly garment, shoulder-cape or mantle, outer garment

1a1) worn by an ordinary priest and made of white stuff

1a2) worn by the high priest-more costly, woven of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and linen threads provided with shoulder-pieces and a breast piece of like material, ornamented with gems and gold

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Ephod

Something girt, a sacred vestment worn originally by the high priest (Ex. 28:4), afterwards by the ordinary priest (1 Sam. 22:18), and characteristic of his office (1 Sam. 2:18, 28; 14:3). It was worn by Samuel, and also by David (2 Sam. 6:14). It was made of fine linen, and consisted of two pieces, which hung from the neck, and covered both the back and front, above the tunic and outer garment (Ex. 28:31). That of the high priest was embroidered with divers colours. The two pieces were joined together over the shoulders (hence in Latin called superhumerale) by clasps or buckles of gold or precious stones, and…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(a sacred vestment originally appropriate to the high priest. (Exodus 28:4)

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

An ornamental part of the dress worn by the Hebrew priests. It was worn above the tunic and the robe, was without sleeves, and open below the arms on each side, consisting of two pieces, one of which covered the front of the body and the other the back, joined together on the shoulders by golden buckles set with gems, and reaching down to the middle of the thigh. A girdle was inwoven with it, by which it was fastened around the body, Ex 28:6-12. There were two kinds of ephod: one plain, of linen, for the priests, 1Sa 22:18; another embroidered, for the high priest. Young Samuel wore an ephod, though only a Levite and a child, 1Sa 2:18. David, in transferring the ark to Jerusalem, was "girt with a linen ephod,"

1. A sacred vestment worn by the high priest

Described Ex 28:6-14,31-35; 25:7

The making of Ex 39:2-26

Breastplate attached to Ex 28:22-29

Worn by Aaron Ex 39:5

Used as an oracle 1Sa 23:9,12; 30:7,8

An inferior, was worn by the ordinary priests 1Sa 22:18

Worn by Samuel 1Sa 2:18

Worn by David 2Sa 6:14

It was called COAT Ex 28:40; 29:8; 39:27; 40:14; Le 8:13; 10:5

and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רka.'a.Sher just as H834 Preposition · particle
5,500× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Amplified meaning
according to, in obedience to
Tyndale gloss
which
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.

base

בַאֲשֶׁר

in (that) which

adv. in (the place) where

conj. in that, inasmuch as

on account of whom?

base

מֵאֲשֶׁר

from (or than) that which

adv. from (the place) where

conj. from (the fact) that …, since

base

כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when

according to that which, according as, as

with a causal force, in so far as, since

with a temporal force, when

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which

. adv. in (the place) where

. conj. in that, inasmuch as

. on account of whom?

H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which

. adv. from (the place) where

. conj. from (the fact) that …, since

H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as

. with a causal force, in so far as, since

. with a temporal force, when

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

834 'aher ash-er'

a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)

when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X

alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +

from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,

wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where

(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +

whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is

indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun

expletively, used to show the connection.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.

A: 1) (relative part.)

1a) which, who

1b) that which

2) (conj)

2a) that (in obj clause)

2b) when

2c) since

2d) as

2e) conditional if

B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

D: Kaph+

1) (conj.), according as, as, when

1a) according to that which, according as, as

1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since

1c) with a temporal force: when

בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.

1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.

1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.

conj

1) according as, as, when

1a) according to that which, according as, as

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Rel — Preposition · particle
HR/Tr
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

az: Conj. and adverb (usually Greek hos hosper, kathos), designating:

(1) Likeness: (a) between nouns (Ge 3:5; Jud 6:5; Php 2:8; Heb 11:27,29); (b) between verbs (Lu 6:36; Joh 5:30; 1Co 10:7); (c) between adjectives (1Co 15:48).

(2) Limitation (with respect to a particular aspect or relation) (1Pe 4:15,16).

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
צִוָּ֥הtzi.Vah he had commanded H6680 Verb · Piel · perfect third person masculine singular
494× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
given orders, appointed
Tyndale gloss
to command
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

צָוָה (tsavah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to command or give orders. It is built from a primitive root and primarily used in the Piel form, indicating actions like appointing or charging someone with a task. The entries highlight its various applications, including laying charges and sending messengers. There are no noted disagreements among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[צָוָה] 485 vb. Pi. lay charge (upon), give charge (to), charge, command, order

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6680 צָוָה Pi. lay charge (upon), give charge (to), charge, command, order

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6680 tsavah tsaw-vaw'

a primitive root; (intensively) to constitute,

enjoin:--appoint, (for-)bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give

in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put,

(set) in order.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

צָוָה (tsa.vah) — to command.

1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order

1a)(Piel)

1a1) to lay charge upon

1a2) to give charge to, give command to

1a3) to give charge unto

1a4) to give charge over, appoint

1a5) to give charge, command

1a6) to charge, command

1a7) to charge, commission

1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act)

1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel-Perf-3ms — Verb · Piel · perfect third person masculine singular
HVpp3ms
and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
יְהוָ֖הYah.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 supreme God
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
and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
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
and they bound the object marker the breastpiece from rings its to [the] rings of the ephod with a cord of violet stuff to be on [the] girdle of the ephod and not it was displaced the breastpiece from on the ephod just as he had commanded Yahweh the object marker Moses
מֹשֶֽׁה׃mo.Sheh Moses H4872 Noun proper masculine
766× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Tyndale gloss
Moses
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מֹשֶׁה (Mosheh) refers to Moses, the prominent Hebrew leader, prophet, and lawgiver. The name is derived from the root meaning 'drawing out,' indicating his rescue from water. He is a key figure in the Old Testament, first mentioned in Exodus 2:10, and is known for leading the Israelites during the Exodus.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מֹשֶׁה 767 n.pr.m. Moses, the great Hebrew leader, prophet and lawgiver

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4872 מֹשֶׁה Moses, the great Hebrew leader, prophet and lawgiver

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4872 Mosheh mo-sheh'

from 4871; drawing out (of the water), i.e. rescued; Mosheh,

the Israelite lawgiver:--Moses.

see HEBREW for 04871

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מֹשֶׁה (mo.sheh) — Moses.

A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10;

son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115);

brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855);

father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?)

§ Moses = "drawn"

the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

mo'-zez, mo'-ziz (mosheh; Egyptian mes, "drawn out," "born"; Septuagint Mouse(s)). The great Hebrew national hero, leader, author, law-giver and prophet.

I. LIFE

1. Son of Levi

2. Foundling Prince

3. Friend of the People

4. Refuge in Midian

5. Leader of Israel

II. WORK AND CHARACTER

1. The Author

2. The Lawgiver

3. The Prophet

LITERATURE

The traditional view of the Jewish church and of the Christian church, that Moses was a person and that the narrative with which his life-story is interwoven is real history, is in the main sustained by commentators and critics of all classes.

It is needless to mention the old writers among whom these questions were hardly under discussion. Among the advocates of the current radical criticism may be mentioned Stade and Renan, who minimize the historicity of the Bible narrative at this point. Renan thinks the narrative "may be very probable." Ewald, Wellhausen…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Moses

Drawn (or Egypt. mesu, “son;” hence Rameses, royal son). On the invitation of Pharaoh (Gen. 45:17-25), Jacob and his sons went down into Egypt. This immigration took place probably about 350 years before the birth of Moses. Some centuries before Joseph, Egypt had been conquered by a pastoral Semitic race from Asia, the Hyksos, who brought into cruel subjection the native Egyptians, who were an African race. Jacob and his retinue were accustomed to a shepherd’s life, and on their arrival in Egypt were received with favour by the king, who assigned them the “best of the land”, the land of Goshen, to dwell in. The Hyksos or “shepherd” king who thus showed favour to Joseph and his family was in all probability the Pharaoh Apopi (or Apopis).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(Heb. Mosheh , "drawn," i.e. from the water; in the Coptic it means "saved from the water"), the legislator of the Jewish people, and in a certain sense the founder of the Jewish religion. The immediate pedigree of Moses is as follows: Levi was the father of: Gershon -- Kohath -- Merari Kohath was the father of: Amram = Jochebed Amram = Jochebed was the father of: Hur = Miriam -- Aaron = Elisheba -- Moses = Zipporah Aaron = Elisheba was the father of: Nadab -- Abihu -- Eleazar -- Ithamar Eleazar was the father of: Phineas Moses = Zipporah was the father of: Gershom -- Eliezer Gershom was the father of: Jonathan The history of Moses naturally divides itself into three periods of 40 years each. Moses was born at Goshen, In Egypt, B.C. 1571. The story of his birth is thoroughly Egyptian in its scene. His mother made extraordinary efforts for his preservation from the general destruction of…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The name of the illustrious prophet and legislator of the Hebrews, who led them from Egypt to the Promised Land. Having been originally imposed by a native Egyptian princess, the word is no doubt Egyptian in its origin, and Josephus gives its true derivation—from the two Egyptian words, MO, water, and USE, saved. With this accords the Septuagint form, MOUSES. The Hebrews by a slight change accommodated it to their own language, as they did also in the case of some other foreign words; calling it MOSHIE, from the verb MASHA, to draw. See Ex 2:10. Moses was born about 15.71 B. C., the son of Amram and Jochebed, of the tribe of Levi, and the younger brother of Miriam and Aaron. His history is too extensive to permit insertion here, and in general too well known to need it. It is enough simply to remark, that it is divided into three…

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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