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Ezekiel 1:22 — Word Study

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WLCוּדְמ֞וּת עַל־ רָאשֵׁ֤י הַחַיָּה֙ רָקִ֔יעַ כְּעֵ֖ין הַקֶּ֣רַח הַנּוֹרָ֑א נָט֥וּי עַל־ רָאשֵׁיהֶ֖ם מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃

BSASpread outnâṭâh aboveʻal [on high, over] the headsrôʼsh [the topmost part of the body] of the living creatureschay [beings, alive] [was] the likenessdᵉmûwth [resemblance, similar to] of an awesomeyârêʼ [fearful, to be revered] expanserâqîyaʻ [firmament, solid sky] gleamingʻayin [shining, like the color of] like crystalqerach [ice, rock crystal]

Word
Listen & take awayEzekiel 1
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 22 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 (mil.Ma.'e.lah) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Ezekiel 1:22quick helps
In a sentenceEzekiel describes a vision where a magnificent expanse appears above the living creatures.
Who is speakingEzekiel, the prophet, recounting a divine vision.
Where we areIn the midst of a vivid and symbolic vision of God's glory.
The hard wordוּדְמ֞וּת
Take awayThe expanse above conveys awe and reflects the divine presence.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbנָטָה 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 — Ezekiel 1:22

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 — Ezekiel's Vision of God's Glorygenerated

21When the creatures moved, the wheels moved; when the creatures stood still, the wheels stood still; and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels rose alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.
22Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an awesome expanse, gleaming like crystal.
23And under the expanse, their wings stretched out toward one another. Each one also had two wings covering its body.
24When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings like the roar of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.

Ezekiel 1:22 describes a part of Ezekiel's vision where he sees an expanse above the living creatures, symbolizing God's majesty and the heavenly realm. This vision is rich with imagery and serves to illustrate the divine nature and presence of God, as seen throughout the book of Ezekiel. The living creatures represent aspects of creation and God's interaction with the world, emphasizing His sovereignty and power.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Ezekiel 1:26Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man.
2Ezekiel 10:1And I looked and saw above the expanse, above the heads of the cherubim, the likeness of a throne of sapphire.
3Exodus 24:10and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself.
4Job 37:22Out of the north He comes in golden splendor; awesome majesty surrounds Him.
5Revelation 4:3–6The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.

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


The Key Word וּדְמ֞וּת, u.de.Mutgenerated

The word דְּמוּת (dmuwth) is a noun meaning 'likeness' or 'resemblance.' It describes something that bears similarity to another, often used in contexts of creation and divine representation. This term appears in various biblical passages, indicating connections between the created and the Creator.

In this verse, it emphasizes the appearance of the expanse, suggesting that it is not merely a physical structure but also a representation of divine glory. The use of this word invites contemplation on how the visible world reflects the unseen reality of God.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The translations agree on the rendering of וּדְמ֞וּת as 'likeness' or 'appearance.' All versions maintain this concept, highlighting the visual aspect of the expanse.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main clause is introduced by the verb נָט֥וּי, spread out, which governs the description of what is above the heads of the living creatures. The structure emphasizes the expanse's position relative to the living creatures, establishing a clear hierarchy in the vision.

The sentence is built around a noun phrase subject and several prepositional phrases that elaborate on the location and nature of the expanse, creating a vivid image of the scene Ezekiel describes.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word דְּמוּת is rendered as ὁμοίωμα (homoiōma), which also means 'likeness' or 'similarity.' This choice retains the focus on resemblance, indicating that the translators understood the expanse as a representation of divine attributes.

The Greek term στερέωμα (stereōma) for 'expanse' suggests a solid structure, aligning with the Hebrew concept while emphasizing the stability and strength of the divine presence.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Ezekiel 1:22 describes a vision where an expanse appears above the living creatures. This expanse is described as a likeness that is awesome and gleaming like crystal. The imagery conveys the majesty of God and the heavenly realm, illustrating the divine presence in the vision.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does the expanse above the living creatures represent?

The expanse signifies the majesty and glory of God, illustrating the divine presence in the heavenly realm.

Why is the likeness described as awesome?

The term 'awesome' conveys a sense of reverence and fear, indicating the greatness of what Ezekiel is witnessing in his vision.

How does this vision relate to other biblical descriptions of God's glory?

This vision parallels other biblical accounts, such as in Exodus and Revelation, where the glory of God is depicted with similar imagery of light and majesty.

What can we learn from Ezekiel's vision?

Ezekiel's vision teaches us about the nature of God and His relationship with creation, emphasizing His sovereignty and the awe-inspiring aspects of His presence.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What aspects of God's nature are reflected in the imagery of the expanse?
  2. How can we cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God in our own lives?
  3. In what ways does the vision challenge our understanding of the divine?
  4. How does this passage encourage us to reflect on our relationship with God?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

The early Church Fathers comment on Ezekiel's vision, offering interpretations that highlight the divine mystery and the nature of God's glory.

JeromeVerse 22 onwards c. 347–420
And the likeness above the heads of the living creatures was like the appearance of a crystal dreadful ice; extended above their heads was what appeared to be a firmament. Under the firmament their wings were straight, one toward another.
Early Church Fathers on Ezekiel 1 →
Gregory the DialogistHomilies on Ezekiel, Book 1, Homily 7 c. 540–604
"And the likeness over the heads of the living creatures was of a firmament, like the appearance of terrible crystal, stretched above their heads." With the Lord's generosity, we shall explain these things in two ways,
Early Church Fathers on Ezekiel 1 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Ezekiel 1:22 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature,.... This was not a real firmament, but the likeness of one; it was like the firmament which God created on the second day,

Read John Gill on Ezekiel 1 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

Read Robert Jamieson on Ezekiel 1 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

The likeness; the appearance or resemblance; of which word before, ,16. The firmament: the living creatures, the wheels, and these upon the earth, our prophet had seen and mentioned; now he speaks of the firmament, which must be supposed to be stretched forth above the earth; as the prophet saw the one, so he saw the other. This firmament was not that we behold, it was emblematical and representative. It appeared, but much more august and wonderful than the natural. Upon; not resting upon, but over their heads stretched out, and the Hebrew were better read, over, in this place and on this occasion. The colour, Heb. eye, a word twice already here used, and in the same sense; the aspect, and…

Read Matthew Poole on Ezekiel 1 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Ezekiel 1:22 And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature [was] as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.Ver. 22. And the likeness of the firmament.] The glory of God in Christ is revealed to the prophet in this ensuing vision, even that great "mystery of godliness, God manifested in the flesh," whereof this was a kind of prelude. To like purpose also was that vision. Upon the heads of the living creature.] Between them and the Lord Christ as a screen, and supplied likely the office of that other pair of wings. Was as the colour of the terrible crystal.] Heb., Of the formidable frost, that is, of the most vehement frost, a…

Read John Trapp on Ezekiel 1 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(22) The likeness of the firmament.—The word rendered “firmament” has undoubtedly originated, etymologically, from a verb originally signifying to beat out, as in the case of metals; but the derivative word, in its use in connection with the heavens, had wholly lost this reference, and had come to mean simply an expanse. The Hebrews do not appear to have ever entertained the classical idea of the sky as a metallic vault, the only passage seeming to indicate such a notion (Job 37:18) being capable of quite a different explanation. We are here to conceive, therefore, of that which was “stretched forth over their heads above” as a simple expanse, like the sky, as if he had said, “And above…

Read Charles John Ellicott on Ezekiel 1 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 22. The colour of the terrible crystal] Like a crystal, well cut and well polished, with various faces, by which rays of light were refracted, assuming either a variety of prismatic colours, or an insufferably brilliant splendour. This seems to be the meaning of the terrible crystal. Newcome translates, fearful ice. The common translation is preferable.

Read AdamClarke on Ezekiel 1 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

4–28. The theophany, or, vision of God This is described first generally, as a whirlwind and great cloud coming from the North, with a luminous splendour around it, due to a fire sending out continuous flashes within it (Ezekiel 1:4). Secondly, more particularly that is described which appeared within the storm-cloud (Ezekiel 1:5-28). This was the chariot of God, in which he rode, descending to the earth and moving from one place to another (cf. ch. 10). This chariot is represented as foursided. On each of the four sides was a living creature of human shape, with outstretched wings. Also on each of the four sides, beside each of the living creatures there was a wheel. The living creatures…

Read Cambridge on Ezekiel 1 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

“The color” (Hebrew, “eye”) “of the terrible crystal” refers to the dazzling brightness of the “firmament,” a clear bright expanse between the “throne” and the “living creatures,” separating heaven from earth.

Read Albert Barnes on Ezekiel 1 →

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

Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an awesome expanse, gleaming like crystal.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Over the head of the living creature there was the likeness of an expanse, like an awesome crystal to look at, stretched out over their heads above.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an awesome expanse, gleaming like crystal.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Over the heads of the living beings was something like a platform, glittering awesomely like ice, stretched out over their heads.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And over the head of the living creature there was the likeness of a firmament, like the terrible crystal to look upon, stretched forth over their heads above.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And over the head of the living creature there was the likeness of a firmament, like the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the color of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And the similitude of the firmament vpon the heads of the beasts was wonderfull, like vnto chrystall, spred ouer their heads aboue.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And there was the likeness of an expanse over the heads of the living creature, as the look of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And a likeness [is] over the heads of the living creatures of an expanse, as the colour of the fearful ice, stretched out over their heads from above.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And over the heads of the living creatures—a likeness of an expanse, as the color of the fearful ice, stretched out over their heads from above.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And the likeness of a vault was over the head of the living creatures, [shining] like the glitter of the purest crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Over the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an expansive dome; it looked like awe-inspiring crystal stretched out over their heads above.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And over the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of the firmament, as the appearance of crystal terrible to behold, and stretched out over their heads above.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Extending above the heads of the being was something that looked like an amazing expanse that glittered like ice crystal.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And over the heads of the living beings there was the form of an arch, looking like ice, stretched out over their heads on high.

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.

וּandclausenoun phrase · subjectדְמ֞וּתa.likenessprepositional phraseעַל[was].abovenoun phraseרָאשֵׁ֤יthe.headsnoun phraseהַofחַיָּה֙the.living.creaturepredicateרָקִ֔יעַan.expanseprepositional phrase · prepositionalכְּlikenoun phraseעֵ֖יןthe.appearancenoun phraseהַof.(the)noun phraseקֶּ֣רַחiceadjective phraseהַ(the)נּוֹרָ֑אawesomeclauseverbנָט֥וּיspread.outprepositional phrase · prepositionalעַלabovenoun phraseרָאשֵׁיheadsהֶ֖םtheirprepositional phrase · prepositionalprepositional phraseמִfromלְtoadverb phraseמָֽעְלָaboveה

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


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

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in content, with the Septuagint providing a different word order and some variations in articles. The Dead Sea Scrolls show partial restoration, indicating some differences in wording but maintaining the overall meaning of the vision.

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

וּדְמ֞וּת עַל־ רָאשֵׁ֤י הַחַיָּה֙ רָקִ֔יעַ כְּעֵ֖ין הַקֶּ֣רַח הַנּוֹרָ֑א נָט֥וּי עַל־ רָאשֵׁיהֶ֖ם מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וּדְמ֞וּתὁμοίωμαעַל־ὑπὲρרָאשֵׁ֤יκεφαλῆςהַחַיָּה֙ζῴωνרָקִ֔יעַστερέωμαכְּעֵ֖יןὅρασιςהַקֶּ֣רַחκρυστάλλουנָט֥וּיἐκτεταμένονעַל־ἐπὶ

9 of the 12 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.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q74a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

ודמות׳ם על ראשי [החיה] [רקיע] כעין הקרח הנורא נטוי [על] [ראשי׳הם] מלמעל׳ה

5 words on the leather — 3 partly restored, 4 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.

Ezekiel 1:22דְּמוּתand a likenand a likenessדְּמוּתעַל[was] above[was] aboveעַלרֹאשׁ[the] heads[the] heads ofרֹאשׁחַיthe living the living creaחַירָקִיעַan expansean expanseרָקִיעַעַ֫יִןlike [the] like [the] appeעַ֫יִןקֶ֫רַחfrostfrostקֶ֫רַחיָרֵאawesomeawesomeיָרֵאנָטָהspread outspread outנָטָהעַלaboveaboveעַלרֹאשׁheads theirheads theirרֹאשׁמַ֫עַלfrom to abofrom to aboveמַ֫עַלדָּמָהto resemblto resembleדָּמָהעַלheightheightעַלחָיָהto liveto liveחָיָהרָקַעto beatto beatרָקַעקָרַחto make bato make baldקָרַחעָלָהto ascend:to ascend: riseעָלָהכִּפֶּרto atoneto atoneכִּפֶּרכִּסֵּאthronethroneכִּסֵּאעֲטָרָהcrowncrownעֲטָרָהנָשִׂיאleaderleaderנָשִׂיאמַרְאֶהappearanceappearanceמַרְאֶהעוֹףbirdbirdעוֹףשָׂדַיfieldfieldשָׂדַישָׁמַיheavenheavenשָׁמַימַיWater (GatWater (Gate)מַיחֵןfavorfavorחֵןיָשָׁרJasharJasharיָשָׁרחֹ֫רֶבdroughtdroughtחֹ֫רֶב
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 Ezekiel 1:22

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 a likeness [was] above [the] heads of the living creature an expanse like [the] appearance of frost awesome spread out above heads their from to above
וּדְמ֞וּתu.de.Mut and a likeness H1823 Conjunction · noun common feminine singular absolute
25× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a likeness or resemblance, often used to describe something that is similar to something else. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, describing creation and God's relationship with humanity. It helps us understand how things are connected.
Amplified meaning
resemblance, similar to
Tyndale gloss
likeness
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דְּמוּת (dmuwth) means likeness or similitude, particularly in terms of external appearance. It can also function adverbially to mean 'in the likeness of' or 'like as.' The word is derived from a root that conveys the idea of resemblance, and it encompasses both the concept of a model or shape.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

דְּמוּת n.f. likeness, similitude

likeness, similitude, of external appearance

adverbially,in likeness of, like as

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1823 דְּמוּת likeness, similitude . likeness, similitude, of external appearance

. adverbially,in likeness of, like as

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1823 dmuwth dem-ooth'

from 1819; resemblance; concretely, model, shape;

adverbially, like:--fashion, like (-ness, as), manner,

similitude.

see HEBREW for 01819

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דְּמוּת (de.mut) — likeness.

1) likeness, similitude

adv

2) in the likeness of, like as

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-fs — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular absolute
HC/Ncfsa
and a likeness [was] above [the] heads of the living creature an expanse like [the] appearance of frost awesome spread out above heads their from to above
עַל־'al- [was] above 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
on high, over
Tyndale gloss
upon
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

עַל, עָ֑ל

subst. height

As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against

Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed

of clothing, etc., which any one wears

With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it

Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him

Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him

על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him

חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears

. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it

. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him

. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him

. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him

. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5921 `al al

properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the

singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a

particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always

in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great

variety of applications (as follow):--above, according

to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because

of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both

and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in

(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,

through(-out), to, touching, X with.

see HEBREW for 05920

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַל (al) — upon.

prep

1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against

1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards

1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)

1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)

1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)

1e) over (of suspension or extension)

1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)

1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)

1h) to (as a dative)

[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.

conj

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and a likeness [was] above [the] heads of the living creature an expanse like [the] appearance of frost awesome spread out above heads their from to above
רָאשֵׁ֤יra.Shei [the] heads of H7218 Noun common · masculine plural construct
600× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Amplified meaning
the topmost part of the body
Tyndale gloss
head
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רֹאשׁ (ro'sh) means 'head' and encompasses various meanings related to position and rank. It can refer to the head of a person or animal, the top of a mountain, or a chief in various contexts, such as a city or nation. The word also signifies beginnings and sums, appearing in phrases related to enumeration. Additionally, it serves as a proper noun for 'Rosh,' a title for a chief or prince.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רֹאשׁ 599 n.m.

(c. 230 t.) head, of human being

head, of animals

top (88 t.)

height, of stars

head = chief (man)

= chief (city)

chief nation

= chief (place, position)

= chief priest

= head of a family

head = front, leader's place

of time, beginning, of night watch

of things, river-heads

chief, choicest, best, of spices

head = division of army, company, band

= sum, esp. in phr. take sum of, enumerate

other phr.

base

רֹאשׁ n.pr.gent. Rôsh

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7218a רֹאשׁ . . (c. 230 t.) head, of human being

. head, of animals

. . top (88 t.)

. height, of stars

. . head = chief (man)

. = chief (city)

. chief nation

. = chief (place, position)

. = chief priest

. = head of a family

. . head = front, leader's place

. of time, beginning, of night watch

. of things, river-heads

. chief, choicest, best, of spices

. head = division of army, company, band

. = sum, esp. in phr. take sum of, enumerate

. other phr.

H7218b רֹאשׁ n. pr. gent. Rôsh

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7218 ro'sh roshe

from an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head (as

most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many

applications, of place, time, rank, itc.):--band, beginning,

captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company,

end, X every (man), excellent, first, forefront, ((be-))head,

height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), X lead, X poor,

principal, ruler, sum, top.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רֹאשׁ (rosh) — head.

: head

1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning

1a) head (of man, animals)

1b) top, tip (of mountain)

1c) height (of stars)

1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest)

1e) head, front, beginning

1f) chief, choicest, best

1g) head, division, company, band

1h) sum

רֹאשׁ (rosh) — prince.

Rosh, a tite for a chief or prince

רֹאשׁ (rosh) — head: leader.

: leader

1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning

1a) head (of man, animals)

1b) top, tip (of mountain)

1c) height (of stars)

1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest)

1e) head, front, beginning

1f) chief, choicest, best

1g) head, division, company, band

1h) sum

רֹאשׁ (rosh) — head: top.

: top/best

1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning

1a) head (of man, animals)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural construct
HNcmpc
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 a likeness [was] above [the] heads of the living creature an expanse like [the] appearance of frost awesome spread out above heads their from to above
הַחַיָּה֙ha.chai.Yah the living creature H2416 Particle · noun common feminine singular absolute
498× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Amplified meaning
beings, alive
Tyndale gloss
alive
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word חַי (*chay*) means 'alive' or 'living' and covers a range of meanings related to life, including living beings, vitality, and freshness. It can refer to God, animals, vegetation, and even concepts like appetite and community. Variants include חַיָּה (*chayyah*), meaning 'living thing' or 'animal,' and חַיִּים (*chayim*), which emphasizes life and sustenance.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חַי adj. alive, living

of God, as the living one, the fountain of life

of man

of animals, alive, living

animals and man

(dub.) of vegetation, as thorns, green

of water, fresh

(dub.) lively, active

reviving

base

[חַי] n.[m.] kinsfolk, pl. sf. 1 S 18:18

ref

חַיָּה n.f. living thing, animal

animal

in general

wild animals, on account of their vital energy and activity

living beings, of the cherubic chariot

life, only in late poetry

appetite, activity of hunger

revival, renewal

base

חַיָּה n.f. community

base

חַיִּים n.m. pl. abstr. emph. life

life: physical

life: as welfare and happiness in king's presence

sustenance, maintenance

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2416a חַי alive, living . . of God, as the living one, the fountain of life

. of man

. of animals, alive, living

. animals and man

. (dub.) of vegetation, as thorns, green

. of water, fresh

. (dub.) lively, active

. reviving

H2416b חַי kinsfolk H2416c חַיָּה living thing, animal . animal . in general

. wild animals, on account of their vital energy and activity

. living beings, of the cherubic chariot

. life, only in late poetry

. appetite, activity of hunger

. revival, renewal

H2416d חַיָּה community H2416e חַיִּים pl. abstr. emph. life . life: physical

. life: as welfare and happiness in king's presence

. sustenance, maintenance

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2416 chay khah'-ee

from 2421; alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water,

year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine

singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether

literally or figuratively:--+ age, alive, appetite, (wild)

beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living

(creature, thing), maintenance, + merry, multitude, + (be)

old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop.

see HEBREW for 02421

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חַי (chay) — alive.

adj

1) living, alive

1a) green (of vegetation)

1b) flowing, fresh (of water)

1c) lively, active (of man)

1d) reviving (of the springtime)

Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)

חַי (chay) — kinsfolk.

kinsfolk

חַיָּה (chay.yah) — living thing.

1) living thing, animal

1a) animal

1b) life

1c) appetite

1d) revival, renewal

Aramaic equivalent: che.va (חֵיוָא "beast" H2423)

חַיָּה (chay.yah) — community.

community

חַיִּים (chay.yim) — life.

1) life (abstract emphatic)

1a) life

1b) sustenance, maintenance

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

liv'-ing kre'-tur:

(1) (nephesh chayyah, or nephesh hachayyah (nephesh, "breath" or "living things"; chayyah, "living"; compare Arabic nefs, "breath," chaiy, "living")): In the account of the creation this term is used of aquatic animals (Ge 1:21), of mammals (Ge 1:24) and of any animals whatsoever (Ge 2:19).

(2) ([chayyoth], plural of chayyah): The name of the "living creatures" of Eze 1:5-25, which had wings and the faces of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle; compare Eze 10:1-22.

(3) (zoon, "living thing," "animal"): The four "living creatures" (the King James Version "beasts") of

and a likeness [was] above [the] heads of the living creature an expanse like [the] appearance of frost awesome spread out above heads their from to above
רָקִ֔יעַra.Ki.a' an expanse H7549 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
17× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for the sky or heavens, describing the firmament as a solid surface. It appears in Genesis 1:6-8, where God separates the waters. The KJV translates it as 'firmament'.
Amplified meaning
firmament, solid sky
Tyndale gloss
expanse
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָקִיעַ (raqiya`) refers to an extended surface or expanse, often translated as 'firmament.' It denotes the vault of heaven, which Hebrews viewed as solid and supporting waters above. The term is linked to the concept of a flat expanse, emphasizing its role in the structure of the sky.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רָקִיעַ n.m. extended surface, (solid) expanse

(flat) expanse

the vault of heaven, or ‘firmament,’ regarded by Hebrews as solid, and supporting ‘waters’ above it

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7549 רָקִיעַ extended surface, (solid) expanse . (flat) expanse

. the vault of heaven, or ‘firmament,’ regarded by Hebrews as solid, and supporting ‘waters’ above it

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7549 raqiya` raw-kee'-ah

from 7554; properly, an expanse, i.e. the firmament or

(apparently) visible arch of the sky:--firmament.

see HEBREW for 07554

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָקִיעַ (ra.qi.a) — expanse.

1) extended surface (solid), expanse, firmament

1a) expanse (flat as base, support)

1b) firmament (of vault of heaven supporting waters above)

1b1) considered by Hebrews as solid and supporting 'waters' above

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
and a likeness [was] above [the] heads of the living creature an expanse like [the] appearance of frost awesome spread out above heads their from to above
כְּעֵ֖יןke.'Ein like [the] appearance of H5869 Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct
887× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Amplified meaning
shining, like the color of
Tyndale gloss
eye
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עַ֫יִן (*'ayin*) means 'eye' and can refer to both the physical organ and its figurative uses, such as mental qualities and desires. It also denotes a 'spring' or 'fountain' of water. The entries highlight various phrases and contexts, including appearances and expressions of emotion, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עַ֫יִן 859 n.f. eye

lit. as physical organ

eyes as showing mental qualities

desire of the eyes, abominations of the eyes

Fig. of mental and physical faculties, acts and states

Transferred mngs.:

visible surface of earth

appearance

gleam, sparkle

Other phrases are: an eye for an eye; eye to eye; in the presence of, in full view of; of business transaction; on the forehead

base

עַ֫יִן n.f. spring (of water). Particular springs are:

ע׳ חֲרֹר Ju 7:1

ע׳ הַקּוֹרֵא (partridge-spring) Ju 15:19

ע׳ רֹגֵל near Jerus.

ע׳ הַתַּנִּין (dragon-spring)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5869a עַ֫יִן eye . lit. as physical organ

. . eyes as showing mental qualities

. desire of the eyes, abominations of the eyes

. Fig. of mental and physical faculties, acts and states

. Transferred mngs.: . visible surface of earth

. appearance

. gleam, sparkle

. Other phrases are: an eye for an eye; eye to eye; in the presence of, in full view of; of business transaction; on the forehead

H5869b עַ֫יִן spring (of water)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5869 `ayin ah'-yin

probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or

figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the

landscape):--affliction, outward appearance, + before, +

think best, colour, conceit, + be content, countenance, +

displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, + favour,

fountain, furrow (from the margin), X him, + humble,

knowledge, look, (+ well), X me, open(-ly), + (not) please,

presence, + regard, resemblance, sight, X thee, X them, +

think, X us, well, X you(-rselves).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye.

: eye

1) eye

1a) eye

1a1) of physical eye

1a2) as showing mental qualities

1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — Fountain (Gate).

§ spring, fountain

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — Fountain of.

§ spring, fountain

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: seeing.

: seeing

1) eye

1a) eye

1a1) of physical eye

1a2) as showing mental qualities

1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: appearance.

: appearance

1) eye

1a) eye

1a1) of physical eye

1a2) as showing mental qualities

1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: before(the eyes).

: before(the_eyes)

1) eye

1a) eye

1a1) of physical eye

1a2) as showing mental qualities

1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: sin.

: sin

1) eye

1a) eye

1a1) of physical eye

1a2) as showing mental qualities

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

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

and a likeness [was] above [the] heads of the living creature an expanse like [the] appearance of frost awesome spread out above heads their from to above
הַקֶּ֣רַחha.Ke.rach frost H7140 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
7× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Ice or frost, used to describe cold temperatures, like the frost that covered the ground in Exodus, and also rock crystal, a shiny mineral.
Amplified meaning
ice, rock crystal
Tyndale gloss
ice
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

קֶ֫רַח (qerach) refers to ice and frost, describing smooth, cold forms like ice crystals. It is derived from the root meaning 'bald' or 'smooth.' The term encompasses frost, ice, and by extension, rock crystal. It appears in contexts relating to cold weather phenomena.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

קֶ֫רַח n.m. frost, ice

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7140 קֶ֫רַח

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7140 qerach keh'-rakh

or qorach {ko'-rakh}; from 7139; ice (as if bald, i.e.

smooth); hence, hail; by resemblance, rock crystal:--crystal,

frost, ice.

see HEBREW for 07139

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קֶ֫רַח (qe.rach) — ice.

1) frost, ice, ice crystal

1a) frost (of night)

1b) ice

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

frost (kephor, "hoar-frost," Ex 16:14; Job 38:29; chanamal, perhaps "the aphis," Ps 78:47; qerach, "cold," Ge 31:40; Job 37:10 the King James Version; Jer 36:30):

1. Formation:

A temperature of freezing or lower is called frost. Dew forms when the temperature is decreased; and if below freezing, the dew takes the form of a white film or covering over rocks and leaves. This white covering is called hoar-frost. Like dew it is the result of condensation of the moisture of the air on objects which radiate their heat quickly. In order that condensation may take place…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Frost

(Heb. kerah, from its smoothness) Job 37:10 (R.V., “ice”); Gen. 31:40; Jer. 36:30; rendered “ice” in Job 6:16, 38:29; and “crystal” in Ezek. 1:22. “At the present day frost is entirely unknown in the lower portions of the valley of the Jordan, but slight frosts are sometimes felt on the sea-coast and near Lebanon.” Throughout Western Asia cold frosty nights are frequently succeeded by warm days.

“Hoar frost” (Heb. kephor, so called from its covering the ground) is mentioned in Ex. 16:14; Job…

and a likeness [was] above [the] heads of the living creature an expanse like [the] appearance of frost awesome spread out above heads their from to above
הַנּוֹרָ֑אha.no.Ra' awesome H3372 Particle · verb niphal participle (active) masculine singular
315× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Amplified meaning
fearful, to be revered
Tyndale gloss
to fear
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָרֵא (yare') is a Hebrew verb meaning to fear or be afraid, encompassing a range of meanings from reverence and honor to causing terror. It appears in various forms, including Qal (to fear), Niphal (to be fearful), and Piel (to terrify). The entries highlight its moral and emotional dimensions, emphasizing awe and respect, particularly in relation to the divine.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָרֵא vb. fear

Qal

fear, be afraid

stand in awe of

fear, reverence, honour

Niph.

be fearful, dreadful

cause astonishment and awe

inspire reverence, godly fear, and awe

Piel. make afraid, terrify

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3372 יָרֵא fear .. fear, be afraid

. stand in awe of

. fear, reverence, honour

. . be fearful, dreadful

. cause astonishment and awe

. inspire reverence, godly fear, and awe

. make afraid, terrify

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3372 yare' yaw-ray'

a primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to

frighten:--affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in)

fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), X see,

terrible (act, -ness, thing).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָרֵא (ya.re) — to fear.

: frightening(DANGER)

1) to fear, revere, be afraid

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to fear, be afraid

1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed

1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared

1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe

1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe

1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify

2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

יָרֵא (ya.re) — to fear: revere.

: awesome(god)

1) to fear, revere, be afraid

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to fear, be afraid

1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed

1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared

1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe

1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe

1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify

2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Also means: ya.re (יָרֵא ": frightening" H3372)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | V-Niphal — Particle · verb niphal participle (active) masculine singular
HTd/VNrmsa
and a likeness [was] above [the] heads of the living creature an expanse like [the] appearance of frost awesome spread out above heads their from to above
נָט֥וּיna.Tui spread out H5186 Verb · Qal · participle (passive) masculine singular
214× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Tyndale gloss
to stretch
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָטָה (natah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to stretch out, spread out, or extend. It encompasses a wide range of actions, including bending, inclining, and pitching a tent. The word can also imply moral deflection or turning aside. The entries suggest various applications, from physical actions to metaphorical uses, but do not indicate significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָטָה 215 vb. stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend

Qal

stretch out, extend, hand, rod

stretch line and plummet

= offer

Spread out, i.e. pitch, tent

Bend, turn, incline

Niph. be stretched out

Hiph.

rarely stretch out, hand

rarely spread out cloth on rock

usu. turn, incline

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5186 נָטָה stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend .. . stretch out, extend, hand, rod

. stretch line and plummet

. = offer

. Spread out, i.e. pitch, tent

. Bend, turn, incline

. be stretched out

. . rarely stretch out, hand

. rarely spread out cloth on rock

. usu. turn, incline

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5186 natah naw-taw'

a primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication,

to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great

variety of application (as follows):--+ afternoon, apply, bow

(down, - ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down,

be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched,

overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread

(out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away),

wrest, cause to yield.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָטָה (na.tah) — to stretch.

1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer

1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent)

1a3) to bend, turn, incline

1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down

1a3b) to bend, bow

1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.)

1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to stretch out

1c2) to spread out

1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Inf-c — Verb · Qal · participle (passive) masculine singular
HVqsmsa
and a likeness [was] above [the] heads of the living creature an expanse like [the] appearance of frost awesome spread out above heads their from to above
עַל־'al- above H5921 Preposition
5,774× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Tyndale gloss
upon
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

עַל, עָ֑ל

subst. height

As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against

Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed

of clothing, etc., which any one wears

With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it

Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him

Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him

על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him

חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears

. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it

. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him

. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him

. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him

. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5921 `al al

properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the

singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a

particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always

in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great

variety of applications (as follow):--above, according

to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because

of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both

and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in

(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,

through(-out), to, touching, X with.

see HEBREW for 05920

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַל (al) — upon.

prep

1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against

1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards

1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)

1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)

1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)

1e) over (of suspension or extension)

1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)

1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)

1h) to (as a dative)

[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.

conj

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR — Preposition
HR
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and a likeness [was] above [the] heads of the living creature an expanse like [the] appearance of frost awesome spread out above heads their from to above
רָאשֵׁיהֶ֖םra.shei.Hem heads their H7218 Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
600× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Tyndale gloss
head
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רֹאשׁ (ro'sh) means 'head' and encompasses various meanings related to position and rank. It can refer to the head of a person or animal, the top of a mountain, or a chief in various contexts, such as a city or nation. The word also signifies beginnings and sums, appearing in phrases related to enumeration. Additionally, it serves as a proper noun for 'Rosh,' a title for a chief or prince.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רֹאשׁ 599 n.m.

(c. 230 t.) head, of human being

head, of animals

top (88 t.)

height, of stars

head = chief (man)

= chief (city)

chief nation

= chief (place, position)

= chief priest

= head of a family

head = front, leader's place

of time, beginning, of night watch

of things, river-heads

chief, choicest, best, of spices

head = division of army, company, band

= sum, esp. in phr. take sum of, enumerate

other phr.

base

רֹאשׁ n.pr.gent. Rôsh

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7218a רֹאשׁ . . (c. 230 t.) head, of human being

. head, of animals

. . top (88 t.)

. height, of stars

. . head = chief (man)

. = chief (city)

. chief nation

. = chief (place, position)

. = chief priest

. = head of a family

. . head = front, leader's place

. of time, beginning, of night watch

. of things, river-heads

. chief, choicest, best, of spices

. head = division of army, company, band

. = sum, esp. in phr. take sum of, enumerate

. other phr.

H7218b רֹאשׁ n. pr. gent. Rôsh

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7218 ro'sh roshe

from an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head (as

most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many

applications, of place, time, rank, itc.):--band, beginning,

captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company,

end, X every (man), excellent, first, forefront, ((be-))head,

height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), X lead, X poor,

principal, ruler, sum, top.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רֹאשׁ (rosh) — head.

: head

1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning

1a) head (of man, animals)

1b) top, tip (of mountain)

1c) height (of stars)

1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest)

1e) head, front, beginning

1f) chief, choicest, best

1g) head, division, company, band

1h) sum

רֹאשׁ (rosh) — prince.

Rosh, a tite for a chief or prince

רֹאשׁ (rosh) — head: leader.

: leader

1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning

1a) head (of man, animals)

1b) top, tip (of mountain)

1c) height (of stars)

1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest)

1e) head, front, beginning

1f) chief, choicest, best

1g) head, division, company, band

1h) sum

רֹאשׁ (rosh) — head: top.

: top/best

1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning

1a) head (of man, animals)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmpc/Sp3mp — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HNcmpc/Sp3mp
and a likeness [was] above [the] heads of the living creature an expanse like [the] appearance of frost awesome spread out above heads their from to above
מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃mil.Ma.'e.lah from to above H4605 Preposition · preposition · suffix
140× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Tyndale gloss
above
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מַ֫עַל (ma'al) refers to the concept of being above or upward. It is primarily used as a noun meaning 'higher part' but appears adverbially and prepositionally in phrases indicating positions such as 'above' or 'on higher ground.' The word is built from a root meaning 'to go up' and is found in various contexts in the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מַ֫עַל 140 subst., higher part, only in adv. and prep. phrases, above, upward

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4605 מַ֫עַל subst., higher part, only in adv. and prep. phrases, above, upward

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4605 ma`al mah'al

from 5927; properly, the upper part, used only adverbially

with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc.:--

above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on (X very) high, over,

up(-on, -ward), very.

see HEBREW for 05927

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מַ֫עַל (ma.al) — above.

subst

1) higher part, upper part

adv

1a) above

prep

1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than

with locative

1c) upwards, higher, above

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/R/Acbsa/Sd — Preposition · preposition · suffix
HR/R/Acbsa/Sd
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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