Exodus 4:8 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוְהָיָה֙ אִם־ לֹ֣א יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ לָ֔ךְ וְלֹ֣א יִשְׁמְע֔וּ לְקֹ֖ל הָאֹ֣ת הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן וְהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ לְקֹ֖ל הָאֹ֥ת הָאַחֲרֽוֹן׃

BSA[And the LORD said,]hâyâh [the self-existent, eternal God] Ifʼim they refuselôʼ [will not or are unwilling] to believeʼâman▸ [have faith, trust] orlôʼ heedshâmaʻ▸ [listen to, obey] the witnessqôwl [testimony, evidence] of the firstriʼshôwn signʼôwth [miraculous wonder, beacon] they may believeʼâman [have faith, be convinced] [that]qôwl of the secondʼachărôwn

Word

Listen & take awayExodus 4

English ↓ Download MP3

The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 8 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 (ha.'a.cha.Ron) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.

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Exodus 4:8quick helps

In a sentenceGod instructs Moses about the signs he will perform to convince the Israelites.

Who is speakingThe LORD, addressing Moses directly.

Where we areGod is preparing Moses for his mission to free the Israelites from Egypt.

The hard wordיַאֲמִ֣ינוּ

Take awayBelief is a response to signs and evidence provided by God.

Greek	English	Parsing
וְהָיָה֙	and it will be	Verb, Qal, sequential perfect third person masculine singular
אִם־	if	Particle
לֹ֣א	not	Particle
יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ	they will believe	Verb, Hiphil, imperfect third person masculine plural
לָ֔ךְ	you	Preposition, suffix
וְלֹ֣א	and not	Conjunction, particle
יִשְׁמְע֔וּ	they will listen	Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine plural
לְקֹ֖ל	to [the] voice of	Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct
הָאֹ֣ת	the sign	Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute
הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן	former	Particle
וְהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ	and they will believe	Verb, Hiphil, sequential perfect third person common plural
לְקֹ֖ל	[the] voice of	Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct
הָאֹ֥ת	the sign	Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute
הָאַחֲרֽוֹן׃	latter	Particle

Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.

8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbהָיָה 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 4:8

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

Context — God's Signs for Mosesgenerated

7“Put your hand back inside your cloak,” said the LORD. So Moses put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored, like the rest of his skin.

8And the LORD said, “If they refuse to believe you or heed the witness of the first sign, they may believe that of the second.

9But if they do not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground. Then the water you take from the Nile will become blood on the ground.”

10“Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.”

Exodus 4:8 describes God instructing Moses on how to convince the Israelites of his divine mission. God outlines the signs Moses will perform, emphasizing the importance of belief in these miraculous events. This passage highlights the relationship between faith and the evidence of God's power, as Moses is equipped to demonstrate God's authority through signs.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 4:30–31	and Aaron relayed everything the LORD had said to Moses. And Moses performed the signs before the people,
2	Isaiah 28:10	For they hear: “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there.”
3	John 12:37	Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him.
4	Deuteronomy 32:39	See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.
5	2 Kings 5:7	When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a leper? Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!”

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

if theyExodus 4:30–31 Isaiah 28:10 John 12:37

that theyDeuteronomy 32:39 2 Kings 5:7 Job 5:18

Nave’s Topical Bible — the subjects this verse is filed under

SignAsked for by, and given toMiraclesDesign OfRulersWickedMosesHis rod miraculously turned into a serpent, and his hand was made leprous, and then restoredCommunionInstances OfTokenMiracles of Moses, of the divine authority of his missionsIsrael(TRIBES OF ISRAEL were named after the sons of Jacob)CallTo Special Religious DutyCondescension Of GodReasons with Moses

The Key Word — יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ, ya.'a.Mi.nugenerated

The verb אָמַן (aman) means to be faithful or trustworthy, indicating a strong sense of belief or faith. It is used here in the Hiphil form, suggesting that the subjects (the Israelites) will be caused to believe or will come to faith as a result of the signs shown to them.

This word encompasses a range of meanings, including to support or confirm, and it is often associated with trust and reliability. In this context, it emphasizes the expectation that the Israelites will respond positively to the signs God provides through Moses.

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 verse is structured around a conditional clause introduced by אִם (im), meaning 'if', which sets the stage for the conditions under which the Israelites may believe. The main verb יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ (they will believe) governs the response to the signs.

The sentence contains multiple clauses: the first clause presents the condition of disbelief, followed by the consequences of that disbelief, and concludes with the potential for belief in the second sign. This structure emphasizes the importance of the signs in eliciting faith.

Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ is rendered as πιστεύσουσίν, which conveys a similar meaning of believing or having faith. This choice aligns with the overall theme of trust in God's signs.

The translation reflects a consistent understanding of the necessity of belief in God's miraculous acts as a response to His divine authority.

In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Exodus 4:8 shows God telling Moses that if the Israelites do not believe the first sign, they might believe the second one. This highlights the importance of signs in convincing people of God's message.

Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to believe in this context?

To believe here means to have faith or trust in God's signs and messages as conveyed through Moses.

Why does God say 'if they refuse to believe'?

God acknowledges the possibility of disbelief and prepares Moses for the challenge of convincing the Israelites.

What are the signs mentioned?

The signs refer to miraculous events that God will perform through Moses to demonstrate His power and authority.

How does this passage relate to faith?

This passage illustrates that faith can be prompted by witnessing God's signs and wonders, reinforcing the connection between belief and divine evidence.

Reflection Questionsgenerated

What signs of God's presence have I experienced in my own life?
How can I strengthen my faith when faced with doubt?
In what ways can I share my experiences of faith with others?
What role do signs and evidence play in my understanding of God?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Exodus 4:8 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee,.... Will not give credit to the commission he had from God, but question the truth of it: neither hearken to the voice of the first sign;

Read John Gill on Exodus 4 →

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

And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Read Robert Jamieson on Exodus 4 →

Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

To the voice of the first sign; to the voice or word of God delivered and confirmed by the first sign. For Moses did not make dumb shows before them, but acquainted them with the mind of God therein. Or he saith the voice, to note that God’ s works have a voice to speak to us, which we must diligently observe. See .

Read Matthew Poole on Exodus 4 →

John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Exodus 4:8 And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.Ver. 8. The voice of the first sign.] God’ s signs have a voice, and words. They speak not only to our eyes, but ears; as those many prodigies did before the last desolation of Jerusalem; as the terrible tempest at Rome in 1516, - the same year that Luther began to stir, - that so struck the church where Pope Leo was creating his cardinals, that it removed the child Jesus out of the lap of his mother, and the keys out of St Peter’ s hand. So the two suns seen in London at the coming in of King Philip on Feb. 15, 1553: the…

Read John Trapp on Exodus 4 →

Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(8) The voice of the first sign.—Not “the voice of Moses witnessed to by the first sign” (Rosenmüller), but the voice, which the sign itself might be regarded as uttering. (Comp. Psalms 105:27, where Moses and Aaron are said to have proclaimed “the words of God’s signs.”) A miracle speaks to men. They will believe, i.e., most of them. Accustomed to the tricks of the serpent charmers (see Exodus 7:11 and comment ad loc.), the Israelites might be unmoved by the sight of the first miracle. They were then to be shown the second, which would be much more astonishing to them, having no parallel in their experience. This would persuade the greater number. As some, however, might still doubt, a…

Read Charles John Ellicott on Exodus 4 →

AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 8. If they will not believe - the voice of the first sign, c.] Probably intimating that some would be more difficult to be persuaded than others: some would yield to the evidence of the first miracle others would hesitate till they had seen the second; and others would not believe till they had seen the water of the Nile turned into blood, when poured upon the dry land; Exodus 4:9.

Read AdamClarke on Exodus 4 →

CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

1–9. Moses’ third difficulty: in spite of the assurance of Exo 3:18 a, the Israelites will perhaps not listen to him, or believe in his divine commission. To enable him to meet this contingency, he is endowed with the power of performing three signs, which may serve as credentials of his commission.

Read Cambridge on Exodus 4 →

Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

8. First sign… latter sign — These signs are God’s voiceless but visible words to the people. But, like all other words, they may be heard or not, at the hearer’s option. No conceivable miracle can compel conviction.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Exodus 4 →

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

And the LORD said, “If they refuse to believe you or heed the witness of the first sign, they may believe that of the second.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

“It will happen, if they will not believe you or listen to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

And the LORD said, “If they refuse to believe you or heed the witness of the first sign, they may believe that of the second.

NETBNew English Translation2006

“If they do not believe you or pay attention to the former sign, then they may believe the latter sign.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

So shall it be, if they wil not beleeue thee, neither obey the voyce of ye first signe, yet shall they beleeue for the voyce of the seconde signe.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the other sign.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

' — and it hath come to pass, if they do not give credence to thee, and hearken not to the voice of the first sign, that they have given credence to the voice of the latter sign.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

“and it has come to pass, if they do not give credence to you, and do not listen to the voice of the first sign, that they have given credence to the voice of the latter sign.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Yahweh said, “If they do not believe you—if they do not pay attention to the first sign of my power or believe in it, then they will believe the second sign.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

If they will not believe thee, saith he, nor hear the voice of the former sign, they will believe the word of the latter sign.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

“If they don't believe you and they're not convinced by the first sign, they'll believe because of the second sign,” the Lord explained.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And if they do not have faith in you or give ear to the voice of the first sign, they will have faith in the second sign.

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.

וְandclauseverbהָיָה֙it.will.beclauseclauseאִםifclauseclauseadverbialלֹ֣אnotverbיַאֲמִ֣ינוּthey.will.believeprepositional phrase · prepositionalלָ֔(to)ךְyouוְandclauseadverbialלֹ֣אnotverbיִשְׁמְע֔וּthey.will.listenprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְtonoun phraseקֹ֖לthe.voicenoun phraseהָofnoun phraseאֹ֣תthe.signadjective phraseהָ(the)רִאשׁ֑וֹןformerוְandclauseverbהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּthey.will.believeprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְ(to).thenoun phraseקֹ֖לvoicenoun phraseהָofnoun phraseאֹ֥תthe.signadjective phraseהָ(the)אַחֲרֽוֹןlatter

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

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

The Masoretic Text is supported by the Septuagint, which matches 14 out of 14 words. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs in seven words, including variations in terms for 'believe' and 'sign', indicating some interpretive differences. The Dead Sea Scrolls also provide partial agreement with the Masoretic Text, although some words are restored by editors.

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

וְהָיָה֙ אִם־ לֹ֣א יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ לָ֔ךְ וְלֹ֣א יִשְׁמְע֔וּ לְקֹ֖ל הָאֹ֣ת הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן וְהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ לְקֹ֖ל הָאֹ֥ת הָאַחֲרֽוֹן׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word

וְהָיָה֙δὲאִם־ἐὰνלֹ֣אμὴיַאֲמִ֣ינוּπιστεύσωσίνלָ֔ךְσοιוְלֹ֣אμηδὲיִשְׁמְע֔וּεἰσακούσωσινלְקֹ֖לφωνῆςהָאֹ֣תτοῦהָרִאשׁ֑וֹןπρώτουוְהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּπιστεύσουσίνלְקֹ֖לφωνῆςהָאֹ֥תτοῦהָאַחֲרֽוֹן׃ἐσξάτου

14 of the 14 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

והיה אם לא יאמנו לך ולא ישׁמעו לקול האות הראישׁון והאמנו לקול האות האחרון

7 words differ from the Masoretic Text: יאמנו (be firm), קול (sound), אות (sign), ראישׁון (first), האמנו (be firm), קול (sound)

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q1a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[והיה] [אם] לא יאמינו [ל׳ך] [ולא] [ישמעו] [לקל] [האת] [הראשון] [והאמינו] [לקל] [האת] [האחרון]

nothing on the leather here — 2 partly restored, 12 supplied entire by an editor.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q13a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

למען

1 word of the verse is on this fragment. The rest of the verse is not on it.

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.

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 4:8

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

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

וְהָיָה֙ and it will be אִם־ if לֹ֣א not יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ they will believe לָ֔ךְ you וְלֹ֣א and not יִשְׁמְע֔וּ they will listen לְקֹ֖ל to [the] voice of הָאֹ֣ת the sign הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן former וְהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ and they will believe לְקֹ֖ל [the] voice of הָאֹ֥ת the sign הָאַחֲרֽוֹן׃ latter

“and it will be if not they will believe you and not they will listen to [the] voice of the sign former and they will believe [the] voice of the sign latter”

וְהָיָה֙ve.ha.Yah and it will be H1961 Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person masculine singular ¶

3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×

In plain English

Meaning

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Amplified meaning

the self-existent, eternal God

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.

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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

Conj | V-Qal-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqq3ms

Bible dictionarieson the English sense

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

See TESTAMENT.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ THE MENTAL FACULTY

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

See BLESSINGS, CONTINGENT UPON OBEDIENCE

See CHOICE

See CONTINGENCY

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

“and it will be if not they will believe you and not they will listen to [the] voice of the sign former and they will believe [the] voice of the sign latter”

אִם־'im- if H518 Particle ¶

1,070× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×

In plain English

Meaning

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Tyndale gloss

Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers

Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אִם (im) is a Hebrew conjunction primarily meaning 'if' and is used in various contexts, including conditional clauses and interrogative situations. It can also express negation, alternatives, or exceptions, and appears frequently in the Old Testament. The lexicons note its use in oaths and its ability to connect different clauses, sometimes altering their meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אִם conj.

hypoth. part. if

Interrog. part.

base

כִּי אם־

each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:

that if

for if

(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—

limiting the prec. clause, except

the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

after an oath, surely

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H518a אִם conj. . hypoth. part. if

. Interrog. part.

H518b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if

. for if

. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except

. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

. after an oath, surely

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

518 'im eem

a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!;

interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh

that!, when; hence, as a negative, not:--(and, can-,

doubtless, if, that) (not), + but, either, + except, +

more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or,

+ save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, + surely (no more,

none, not), though, + of a truth, + unless, + verily, when,

whereas, whether, while, + yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אִם (im) — if.

: if/whether_or/though

1) if

1a) conditional clauses

1a1) of possible situations

1a2) of impossible situations

1b) oath contexts

1b1) no, not

1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or

1d) when, whenever

1e) since

1f) interrogative particle

1g) but rather

[כִּי] אם (ki im) — if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

אִם (im) — if: surely no.

: surely_no

1) if

1a) conditional clauses

1a1) of possible situations

1a2) of impossible situations

1b) oath contexts

1b1) no, not

1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or

1d) when, whenever

1e) since

1f) interrogative particle

1g) but rather

אִם (im) — if: surely yes.

: surely_yes

1) if

1a) conditional clauses

1a1) of possible situations

1a2) of impossible situations

1b) oath contexts

1b1) no, not

1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or

1d) when, whenever

1e) since

1f) interrogative particle

1g) but rather

אִם (im) — if: until.

: until/except

Read the full entry →

Morphologythe parsing behind the code

Berean parsing

Conj — Particle
HTc

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance

מָצָאto find×יֵשׁthere×גָּאַלto redeem: redeem×חֵןfavor×חָדַלto cease×

“and it will be if not they will believe you and not they will listen to [the] voice of the sign former and they will believe [the] voice of the sign latter”

לֹ֣אlo' not H3808 Particle ¶

5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×

In plain English

Meaning

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Amplified meaning

will not or are unwilling

Tyndale gloss

not

Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers

Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3808 lo' lo

or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often

used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,

ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,

no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out

of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +

of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֹא (lo) — not.

1) not, no

1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)

1b) not (with modifier-negation)

1c) nothing (subst)

1d) without (with particle)

1e) before (of time)

Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code

Berean parsing

Part — Particle
HTn

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance

עוֹדstill×יָכֹלbe able×

“and it will be if not they will believe you and not they will listen to [the] voice of the sign former and they will believe [the] voice of the sign latter”

יַאֲמִ֣ינוּya.'a.Mi.nu they will believe H539 Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person masculine plural ¶

106× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×

In plain English

Meaning

This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.

Amplified meaning

have faith, trust

Tyndale gloss

be faithful

Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers

Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָמַן (aman) is a Hebrew root meaning to support or confirm, with applications ranging from nurturing (as a foster parent or nurse) to establishing trust and reliability. It encompasses concepts of faithfulness, permanence, and assurance. The entries highlight its use in various forms, including verbs and nouns, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[אָמַן] vb. confirm, support

Qal

as vb. support, nourish

as subst. foster-father

foster-mother, nurse

pillars, supporters of the door

Niph.

carried by nurse

made firm, sure, lasting

confirmed, established, sure

verified, confirmed

reliable, faithful, trusty

Hiph.

stand firm

trust, believe

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H539 אָמַן confirm, support .. as vb. support, nourish

. as subst. foster-father

. foster-mother, nurse

. pillars, supporters of the door

. . carried by nurse

. made firm, sure, lasting

. confirmed, established, sure

. verified, confirmed

. reliable, faithful, trusty

. . stand firm

. trust, believe

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

539 'aman aw-man'

a primitive root; properly, to build up or support; to foster

as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or

faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet;

morally to be true or certain; once (Isa. 30:21;

interchangeable with 541) to go to the right hand:--hence,

assurance, believe, bring up, establish, + fail, be faithful

(of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty,

verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the

right.

see HEBREW for 0541

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָמַן (a.man) — be faithful.

1) to support, confirm, be faithful

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish

1a1a) foster-father (subst.)

1a1b) foster-mother, nurse

1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm

1b1a) to be carried by a nurse

1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting

1b1c) confirmed, established, sure

1b1d) verified, confirmed

1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in

1c1a) stand firm

1c1b) trust, believe

Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code

Berean parsing

V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVhi3mp

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance

אָמַןbe faithful×קוֹלvoice: sound×עוֹלָםforever: antiquity×אוֹתsign: miraculous×נָבִיאprophet×עֵדwitness×מַ֫עַןbecause×חֶ֫סֶדkindness×

“and it will be if not they will believe you and not they will listen to [the] voice of the sign former and they will believe [the] voice of the sign latter”

לָ֔ךְLakh you H9031 Preposition · suffix ¶

Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

ךָּ (ka) — you.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 2nd person masculine singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code

Berean parsing

HRd/Sp2ms — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp2ms

“and it will be if not they will believe you and not they will listen to [the] voice of the sign former and they will believe [the] voice of the sign latter”

וְלֹ֣אve.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

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

עוֹדstill×יָכֹלbe able×

“and it will be if not they will believe you and not they will listen to [the] voice of the sign former and they will believe [the] voice of the sign latter”

יִשְׁמְע֔וּyish.me.'U they will listen H8085 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural ¶

1,160× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×

In plain English

Meaning

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Amplified meaning

listen to, obey

Tyndale gloss

to hear: hear

Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers

Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שָׁמַע (shama`) means 'to hear' and encompasses a range of meanings including listening, obeying, and proclaiming. It is built from a primitive root and can imply attention and understanding. The entries highlight various grammatical forms, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of hearing and obeying. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁמַע 1152 vb. hear

Qal 1052

subj. pers. hum.

י׳ (God) subj.

Niph. 42 be heard, of voice, sound

be heard of

be regarded, obeyed

= (favourable) hearing was granted to their voice.

Pi. he caused the people to hear

Hiph. 63

of man

י׳ subj.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8085 שָׁמַע hear

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8085 shama` shaw-mah'

a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with

implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to

tell, etc.):--X attentively, call (gather) together, X

carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content,

declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make

to) hear(-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be)

obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish,

regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell,

understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: hear.

: hear

1) to hear, listen to, obey

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)

1a2) to hear of or concerning

1a3) to hear (have power to hear)

1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to

1a5) to understand (language)

1a6) to hear (of judicial cases)

1a7) to listen, give heed

1a7a) to consent, agree

1a7b) to grant request

1a8) to listen to, yield to

1a9) to obey, be obedient

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound)

1b2) to be heard of

1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed

1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound

1d2) to sound aloud (musical term)

1d3) to make proclamation, summon

1d4) to cause to be heard

n m

2) sound

שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: obey.

: obey

1) to hear, listen to, obey

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)

1a2) to hear of or concerning

1a3) to hear (have power to hear)

Read the full entry →

Morphologythe parsing behind the code

Berean parsing

V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVqi3mp

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance

קוֹלvoice: sound×דָּבָרChronicles×אֹ֫זֶןear×קָשַׁבto listen×תְּפִלָּהprayer×אָבָהbe willing×אָזַןto listen×חִזְקִיָּהוּHezekiah×

“and it will be if not they will believe you and not they will listen to [the] voice of the sign former and they will believe [the] voice of the sign latter”

לְקֹ֖לle.Kol to [the] voice of H6963 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct ¶

506× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×

In plain English

Meaning

A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.

Amplified meaning

testimony, evidence

Tyndale gloss

voice: sound

Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers

Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

קוֹל (qol) primarily means 'voice' or 'sound,' encompassing various contexts such as music, noise, and even thunder. It can also denote lightness or frivolity. The word is built from a root meaning to call aloud and appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including a reference in Jeremiah 3:9.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

קוֹל 506 n.m. sound, voice

base

קֹל n.[m.] lightness, frivolity;—Je 3:9

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6963a קוֹל sound, voice H6963b קֹל lightness, frivolity

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6963 qowl kole

or qol {kole}; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a

voice or sound:--+ aloud, bleating, crackling, cry (+ out),

fame, lightness, lowing, noise, + hold peace, (pro-)claim,

proclamation, + sing, sound, + spark, thunder(-ing), voice, +

yell.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קוֹל (qol) — voice.

: voice/shout/loud

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

קֹל (qol) — frivolity.

lightness, frivolity

קוֹל (qol) — voice: sound.

: sound/noise

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

קוֹל (qol) — voice: thunder.

: thunder

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

קוֹל (qol) — voice: message.

: message/proclaim

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

קוֹל (qol) — voice: [sound of].

: [sound_of](THING)

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

קוֹל (qol) — voice: listen.

: listen

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

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…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance

שָׁמַעto hear: hear×קוֹלvoice: sound×גָּדוֹלGreat (Sea)×שֹׁפָרtrumpet×שִׂמְחָהjoy×בָּכָהto weep×תְּרוּעָהshout×רוּםto exalt×

“and it will be if not they will believe you and not they will listen to [the] voice of the sign former and they will believe [the] voice of the sign latter”

הָאֹ֣תha.'Ot the sign H226 Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute ¶

80× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×

In plain English

Meaning

A miraculous sign or wonder, like a beacon or monument. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It means a signal or token of God's power.

Amplified meaning

miraculous wonder, beacon

Tyndale gloss

sign: miraculous

Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers

Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אוֹת (owth) means 'sign' and encompasses a range of meanings including a token, miracle, or omen. It can refer to distinguishing marks, banners, and memorials, as well as signs of divine presence or prophetic promises. The term is used in contexts related to covenants and changes in weather. Notably, it appears in Exodus 4:8.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אוֹת n.m. 79 Ex 4:8 (f. Jos 24:17) sign

sign, pledge, token

signs, omens promised by prophets as pledges of certain predicted events

sign, symbol of prophets

signs, miracles, as pledges or attestations of divine presence & interposition

signs, memorials

sign, pledge of covenant

ensigns, standards

signs, tokens of changes of weather & times

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H226 אוֹת sign . sign, pledge, token

. signs, omens promised by prophets as pledges of certain predicted events

. sign, symbol of prophets

. signs, miracles, as pledges or attestations of divine presence & interposition

. signs, memorials

. sign, pledge of covenant

. ensigns, standards

. signs, tokens of changes of weather & times

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

226 'owth oth

probably from 225 (in the sense of appearing); a signal

(literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument,

omen, prodigy, evidence, etc.:--mark, miracle, (en-)sign,

token.

see HEBREW for 0225

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אוֹת (ot) — sign: miraculous.

: miraculous

1) sign, signal

1a) a distinguishing mark

1b) banner

1c) remembrance

1d) miraculous sign

1e) omen

1f) warning

2) token, ensign, standard, miracle, proof

אוֹת (ot) — sign: indicator.

: 2_indicator

1) sign, signal

1a) a distinguishing mark

1b) banner

1c) remembrance

1d) miraculous sign

1e) omen

1f) warning

2) token, ensign, standard, miracle, proof

Morphologythe parsing behind the code

Berean parsing

Art | N-cs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
HTd/Ncfsa

Bible dictionarieson the English sense

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

sin ('oth "a sign" "mark" mopheth, "wonder"' semeion, "a sign," "signal," "mark"): A mark by which persons or things are distinguished and made known. In Scripture used generally of an address to the senses to attest the existence of supersensible and therefore divine power. Thus the plagues of Egypt were "signs" of divine displeasure against the Egyptians (Ex 4:8 ff; Jos 24:17, and often); and the miracles of Jesus were "signs" to attest His unique relationship with God (Mt 12:38; Joh 2:18; Ac 2:22). Naturally, therefore, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament, "signs" are assimilated to the miraculous, and…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A token, pledge, or proof, Ge 9:12,13 17:11 Ex 3:12 Isa 8:18. Also a supernatural portent, Lu 21:11; and a miracle, regarded as a token of the divine agency, Ex 4:7-9 Mr 8:11. The "signs of heaven" were the movements and aspects of the heavenly bodies, from which heathen astrologers pretended to obtain revelations, Isa 44:25 Jer 10:2. See SHIP.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ A miracle to confirm faith Mt 12:38; 16:4; 24:3,30; Mr 8:11,12; 13:4; Joh 2:11; 3:2; 4:48

→ Asked for by, and given to

Abraham Ge 15:8-17

Moses Ex 4:1-9

Gideon Jud 6:17,36-40

Hezekiah 2Ki 20:8

Zacharias Lu 1:18

→ Given to Jeroboam 1Ki 13:3-5

→ A token of coming events Mt 16:3,4; 24:3

→ See MIRACLES

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance

מוֹפֵתwonder×בַּ֫יִןbetween×שׂוּםto set: make×זֶהthis×מִצְרַ֫יִם(Sea of) Egypt×אֵ֫לֶּהthese×קֶ֫רֶבentrails: among×זֶהthis×

“and it will be if not they will believe you and not they will listen to [the] voice of the sign former and they will believe [the] voice of the sign latter”

הָרִאשׁ֑וֹןha.ri.Shon former H7223 Particle ¶

182× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×

In plain English

Meaning

This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.

Tyndale gloss

first

Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers

Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word רִאשׁוֹן (*ri'shown*) means 'first' and can refer to something that is primary, former, or chief. It encompasses meanings related to time, rank, and location, indicating ancestors or previous things. The entries consistently emphasize its use as an adjective and adverb, with no significant disagreement noted among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רִאשׁוֹן 182 adj. former, first, chief

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7223 רִאשׁוֹן former, first, chief

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7223 ri'shown ree-shone'

or riishon {ree-shone'}; from 7221; first, in place, time or

rank (as adjective or noun):--ancestor, (that were)

before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father)

(-most), former (thing), of old time, past.

see HEBREW for 07221

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רִאשׁוֹן (ri.shon) — first.

: first

adj

1) first, primary, former

1a) former (of time)

1a1) ancestors

1a2) former things

1b) foremost (of location)

1c) first (in time)

1d) first, chief (in degree)

adv

2) first, before, formerly, at first

רִאשׁוֹן (ri.shon) — first: previous.

: previous

adj

1) first, primary, former

1a) former (of time)

1a1) ancestors

1a2) former things

1b) foremost (of location)

1c) first (in time)

1d) first, chief (in degree)

adv

2) first, before, formerly, at first

רִאשׁוֹן (ri.shon) — first: chief.

: chief

adj

1) first, primary, former

1a) former (of time)

1a1) ancestors

1a2) former things

1b) foremost (of location)

1c) first (in time)

1d) first, chief (in degree)

adv

2) first, before, formerly, at first

Morphologythe parsing behind the code

Berean parsing

Art | Adj — Particle
HTd/Aomsa

Bible dictionarieson the English sense

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

for'-mer:

The word in the sense of "maker," "framer," occurs only in Jer 51:19, "He is the former (from yatsar, "to form") of all things." The adjective, in the sense of preceding in the order of time, is commonly in Hob the translation of ri'shon, "first," "foremost" (Ge 40:13; Nu 21:26; De 24:4, etc.); in Greek of proteros (Eph 4:22; Heb 10:32; 1Pe 1:14); and in two cases (Ac 1:1; Re 21:4) of protos, where…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance

יוֹםday×חֹ֫דֶשׁmonth×אַחֲרוֹןlast×עָשָׂרten×אַרְבַּעfour×כָּתַבto write×לוּחַtablet×הֵןlook!×

“and it will be if not they will believe you and not they will listen to [the] voice of the sign former and they will believe [the] voice of the sign latter”

וְהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּve.he.'e.Mi.nu and they will believe H539 Verb · Hiphil · sequential perfect third person common plural ¶

106× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×

In plain English

Meaning

Amplified meaning

have faith, be convinced

Tyndale gloss

be faithful

Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers

Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[אָמַן] vb. confirm, support

Qal

as vb. support, nourish

as subst. foster-father

foster-mother, nurse

pillars, supporters of the door

Niph.

carried by nurse

made firm, sure, lasting

confirmed, established, sure

verified, confirmed

reliable, faithful, trusty

Hiph.

stand firm

trust, believe

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H539 אָמַן confirm, support .. as vb. support, nourish

. as subst. foster-father

. foster-mother, nurse

. pillars, supporters of the door

. . carried by nurse

. made firm, sure, lasting

. confirmed, established, sure

. verified, confirmed

. reliable, faithful, trusty

. . stand firm

. trust, believe

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

539 'aman aw-man'

a primitive root; properly, to build up or support; to foster

as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or

faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet;

morally to be true or certain; once (Isa. 30:21;

interchangeable with 541) to go to the right hand:--hence,

assurance, believe, bring up, establish, + fail, be faithful

(of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty,

verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the

right.

see HEBREW for 0541

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָמַן (a.man) — be faithful.

1) to support, confirm, be faithful

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish

1a1a) foster-father (subst.)

1a1b) foster-mother, nurse

1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm

1b1a) to be carried by a nurse

1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting

1b1c) confirmed, established, sure

1b1d) verified, confirmed

1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in

1c1a) stand firm

1c1b) trust, believe

Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code

Berean parsing

Conj | V-Hiphil-3cp — Verb · Hiphil · sequential perfect third person common plural
Hc/Vhq3cp

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance

אָמַןbe faithful×קוֹלvoice: sound×עוֹלָםforever: antiquity×אוֹתsign: miraculous×נָבִיאprophet×עֵדwitness×מַ֫עַןbecause×חֶ֫סֶדkindness×

“and it will be if not they will believe you and not they will listen to [the] voice of the sign former and they will believe [the] voice of the sign latter”

לְקֹ֖לle.Kol [the] voice of H6963 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct ¶

506× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×

In plain English

Meaning

A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.

Tyndale gloss

voice: sound

Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers

Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

קוֹל 506 n.m. sound, voice

base

קֹל n.[m.] lightness, frivolity;—Je 3:9

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6963a קוֹל sound, voice H6963b קֹל lightness, frivolity

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6963 qowl kole

or qol {kole}; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a

voice or sound:--+ aloud, bleating, crackling, cry (+ out),

fame, lightness, lowing, noise, + hold peace, (pro-)claim,

proclamation, + sing, sound, + spark, thunder(-ing), voice, +

yell.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קוֹל (qol) — voice.

: voice/shout/loud

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

קֹל (qol) — frivolity.

lightness, frivolity

קוֹל (qol) — voice: sound.

: sound/noise

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

קוֹל (qol) — voice: thunder.

: thunder

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

קוֹל (qol) — voice: message.

: message/proclaim

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

קוֹל (qol) — voice: [sound of].

: [sound_of](THING)

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

קוֹל (qol) — voice: listen.

: listen

1) voice, sound, noise

1a) voice

1b) sound (of instrument)

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:

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.

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance

שָׁמַעto hear: hear×קוֹלvoice: sound×גָּדוֹלGreat (Sea)×שֹׁפָרtrumpet×שִׂמְחָהjoy×בָּכָהto weep×תְּרוּעָהshout×רוּםto exalt×

“and it will be if not they will believe you and not they will listen to [the] voice of the sign former and they will believe [the] voice of the sign latter”

הָאֹ֥תha.'Ot the sign H226 Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute ¶

80× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×

In plain English

Meaning

A miraculous sign or wonder, like a beacon or monument. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It means a signal or token of God's power.

Tyndale gloss

sign: miraculous

Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers

Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אוֹת n.m. 79 Ex 4:8 (f. Jos 24:17) sign

sign, pledge, token

signs, omens promised by prophets as pledges of certain predicted events

sign, symbol of prophets

signs, miracles, as pledges or attestations of divine presence & interposition

signs, memorials

sign, pledge of covenant

ensigns, standards

signs, tokens of changes of weather & times

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H226 אוֹת sign . sign, pledge, token

. signs, omens promised by prophets as pledges of certain predicted events

. sign, symbol of prophets

. signs, miracles, as pledges or attestations of divine presence & interposition

. signs, memorials

. sign, pledge of covenant

. ensigns, standards

. signs, tokens of changes of weather & times

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

226 'owth oth

probably from 225 (in the sense of appearing); a signal

(literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument,

omen, prodigy, evidence, etc.:--mark, miracle, (en-)sign,

token.

see HEBREW for 0225

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אוֹת (ot) — sign: miraculous.

: miraculous

1) sign, signal

1a) a distinguishing mark

1b) banner

1c) remembrance

1d) miraculous sign

1e) omen

1f) warning

2) token, ensign, standard, miracle, proof

אוֹת (ot) — sign: indicator.

: 2_indicator

1) sign, signal

1a) a distinguishing mark

1b) banner

1c) remembrance

1d) miraculous sign

1e) omen

1f) warning

2) token, ensign, standard, miracle, proof

Morphologythe parsing behind the code

Berean parsing

HTd/Ncfsa — Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
HTd/Ncfsa

Bible dictionarieson the English sense

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Nave's Topical Bible

→ A miracle to confirm faith Mt 12:38; 16:4; 24:3,30; Mr 8:11,12; 13:4; Joh 2:11; 3:2; 4:48

→ Asked for by, and given to

Abraham Ge 15:8-17

Moses Ex 4:1-9

Gideon Jud 6:17,36-40

Hezekiah 2Ki 20:8

Zacharias Lu 1:18

→ Given to Jeroboam 1Ki 13:3-5

→ A token of coming events Mt 16:3,4; 24:3

→ See MIRACLES

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance

מוֹפֵתwonder×בַּ֫יִןbetween×שׂוּםto set: make×זֶהthis×מִצְרַ֫יִם(Sea of) Egypt×אֵ֫לֶּהthese×קֶ֫רֶבentrails: among×זֶהthis×

“and it will be if not they will believe you and not they will listen to [the] voice of the sign former and they will believe [the] voice of the sign latter”

הָאַחֲרֽוֹן׃ha.'a.cha.Ron latter H314 Particle ¶

51× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×

In plain English

Meaning

This Hebrew word means last or western, and can refer to something that is behind or following something else. It is used in the Bible to describe things that are late or last in time or location.

Tyndale gloss

last

Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers

Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אַחֲרוֹן (*acharown*) means 'last' or 'coming after.' It can refer to both spatial and temporal contexts, indicating something that is behind or subsequent. The entries highlight its use in describing location (e.g., western) and time (e.g., latter). There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַחֲרוֹן 61 f. אַחֲרוֹנָה, pl. אַחֲרֹנִים (also אַחֲרוֹנִים), adj. from אַחַר, coming after or behind

of place, behind, hindermost

of time, latter or last

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H314 אַחֲרוֹן f. אַחֲרוֹנָה, pl. אַחֲרֹנִים (also אַחֲרוֹנִים), coming after or behind

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

314 'acharown akh-ar-one'

or (shortened) ;acharon {akh-ar-one'}; from 309; hinder;

generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east)

western:--after (-ward), to come, following,

hind(-er, -ermost, -most), last, latter, rereward,

ut(ter)most.

see HEBREW for 0309

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַחֲרוֹן (a.cha.ron) — last.

1) behind, following, subsequent, western

1a) behind, hindermost, western (of location)

1b) later, subsequent, latter, last (of time)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code

Berean parsing

Art | Adj — Particle
HTd/Aamsa

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance

רִאשׁוֹןfirst×כָּתַבto write×דָּבָרChronicles×יָם(Mt. Ephron in the) West×הֵןlook!×דּוֹרgeneration×דָּוִדDavid×אֲנִיI×

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.

Exodus 4:8 — Word Study

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Deep Study — Exodus 4:8

Context — God's Signs for Mosesgenerated

Cross References

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

Nave’s Topical Bible — the subjects this verse is filed under

The Key Word — יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ, ya.'a.Mi.nugenerated

How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

Sentence Structuregenerated

Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

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Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

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Lexicons — every word in Exodus 4:8