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Ezekiel 1:26 — Word Study

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WLCוּמִמַּ֗עַל לָרָקִ֙יעַ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל־ רֹאשָׁ֔ם כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה אֶֽבֶן־ סַפִּ֖יר דְּמ֣וּת כִּסֵּ֑א וְעַל֙ דְּמ֣וּת הַכִּסֵּ֔א דְּמ֞וּת כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה אָדָ֛ם עָלָ֖יו מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃

BSAAbovemaʻal [higher than, over] the expanserâqîyaʻ [firmament, dome] overʻal their headsrôʼsh [the topmost part of the body] [was]ʼăsher the likenessdᵉmûwth [resemblance, image] of a thronekiççêʼ [seat of power] with the appearancemarʼeh [semblance, likeness] of sapphireçappîyr [a precious blue gemstone] [and] on the thronekiççêʼ [upon, above, royal seat] high aboveʻal [exalted, elevated] was a figuredᵉmûwth [form, likeness] like thatmarʼeh of a manʼâdâm [human being, Adam, a person]

Word
Listen & take awayEzekiel 1
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 26 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 1:26quick helps
In a sentenceEzekiel describes a vision of God's throne, emphasizing its grandeur and the figure seated upon it.
Who is speakingThe prophet Ezekiel, recounting a divine vision.
Where we areIn the midst of a profound vision of God's glory and majesty.
The hard wordדְּמוּת
Take awayThe imagery of God's throne conveys authority and majesty, highlighting the divine presence.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectדְּמוּת 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 1:26

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

25And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood still with their wings lowered.
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.
27From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him.
28The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.

Ezekiel 1:26 presents a striking vision where Ezekiel sees a throne resembling sapphire above the expanse, with a figure like a man seated upon it. This vision emphasizes God's sovereignty and the majesty of His presence, as Ezekiel describes the heavenly realm and its significance. The imagery is rich, connecting to themes of divine authority and glory found throughout the prophetic literature, such as in Isaiah 6:1 and Revelation 4:2.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Ezekiel 1:22Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an awesome expanse, gleaming like crystal.
2Ezekiel 10:1And I looked and saw above the expanse, above the heads of the cherubim, the likeness of a throne of sapphire.
3Matthew 28:18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.
4Ephesians 1:21–22far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
5Philippians 2:9–10Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names,

The Key Word דְּמוּת, de.Mutgenerated

The word דְּמוּת (dmuwth) signifies likeness or resemblance, particularly in visual terms. It is used to describe something that bears a similarity to another, emphasizing the concept of appearance or form.

This noun is derived from a root that conveys the idea of resemblance and is often used in contexts where comparisons are made, such as in descriptions of creation in Genesis 1:26. In this verse, it highlights the likeness of the figure on the throne to a human being.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

In this study, the verse is read in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses likeness and appearance consistently with the original Hebrew terms.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main clause is governed by the finite verb הַכִּסֵּא, the throne, which anchors the sentence. The structure includes several prepositional phrases that elaborate on the location and appearance of the throne and the figure.

The word order places emphasis on the throne and its likeness, establishing a clear visual hierarchy in the description.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates דְּמוּת as ὁμοίωμα, which conveys the idea of a likeness or image. This choice aligns with the Hebrew meaning but may also suggest a more interpretive understanding of the figure's representation.

This translation choice highlights the connection between the divine and the human, emphasizing the significance of the vision in both texts.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Ezekiel 1:26 describes a vision where Ezekiel sees a throne that looks like sapphire, with a figure resembling a man seated on it. This vision highlights the majesty and authority of God, emphasizing the divine presence in a powerful way.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does the likeness of the throne represent?

The likeness of the throne symbolizes God's authority and sovereignty, representing His divine rule over creation.

Why is the figure described as being like a man?

The figure's resemblance to a man emphasizes the connection between the divine and humanity, illustrating God's presence in a form that is relatable.

How does this vision connect to other biblical themes?

This vision connects to themes of divine glory and authority found throughout the prophetic literature, such as in Isaiah's vision of the Lord in the temple.

What is the significance of the sapphire appearance?

The sapphire appearance conveys beauty and rarity, symbolizing the preciousness of God's throne and His majesty.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What does the vision of the throne teach us about God's authority in our lives?
  2. How can we understand the figure like a man in relation to our own humanity?
  3. In what ways does this vision inspire awe and reverence for God?
  4. How can we apply the themes of divine presence and authority in our daily lives?

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

Early Christian writers referenced this vision to discuss God's glory and presence. Quotations from Pachomius the Great and Gregory the Dialogist illustrate the interpretation of this passage.

Pachomius the GreatLIFE OF PACHOMIUS (BOHAIRIC) 184 c. 292–348
When he came to the doorway of the church, he looked in and saw an apparition. Where his feet were, there appeared to him something like a sparkling sapphire,
Early Church Fathers on Ezekiel 1 →
Gregory the DialogistHomilies on Ezekiel, Book 1, Homily 8 c. 540–604
"And above the firmament that was over their head, as it were the appearance of a sapphire stone, the likeness of a throne;
Early Church Fathers on Ezekiel 1 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Ezekiel 1:26 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And above the firmament that [was] over their heads,.... The heads of the living creatures: [was] the likeness of a throne; a symbol of Christ's kingly power and authority, who is the person that sat

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

And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.

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

Above the firmament; the crystalline firmament which appeared in the vision, not the vast expanse or firmament in which are sun, moon, and stars. That was over their heads; heads of the living creatures which moved the wheels, and stood by the chariot. Was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; in view appeared a sapphire stone, like or in likeness of a throne; so the Hebrew, though we transpose the words somewhat in our version: the sapphire speaks splendour and preciousness; the throne speaks the authority and power of him who sitteth thereon. As the appearance of a man; Christ, God-man, who here appears as King and Judge to vindicate his own honour, to punish…

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

Ezekiel 1:26 And above the firmament that [was] over their heads [was] the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne [was] the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.Ver. 26. And above the firmament.] See on Ezekiel 1:22. Was the likeness of a throne.] Far beyond that of Solomon. That was of ivory, but this of sapphire; that had a rich canopy over it, but this the azured sky under it; all to set forth Christ’ s kingly dignity and surpassing majesty. And upon the likeness.] All was but likeness and appearance, because all was visional here. As the appearance of a man.] This was the man Christ Jesus, and this is the last and…

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

(26) As the appearance of a sapphire stone.—Comp. Exodus 24:10, where the same description is applied to “the pavement under His feet” as here and in Ezekiel 10:1 to his throne, in either case indicating the intense clearness of the heavenly blue. The constant repetition of the words “likeness” and “appearance” is very striking throughout this vision. They occur five times in this verse, and four times in each of the two following. The prophet thus labours to make it plain that what he saw was not the realities of existing things, but certain symbolic representations given for the purpose of producing their fitting impression upon the mind. It is especially important to remember this in…

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

Verse 26. A sapphire] The pure oriental sapphire, a large well cut specimen of which is now before me, is one of the most beautiful and resplendent blues that can be conceived. I have sometimes seen the heavens assume this illustrious hue. The human form above this canopy is supposed to represent Him who, in the fulness of time, was manifested in the flesh.

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

Sapphire - Clear heavenly blue. The appearance of a man - Deeply significant is the form of this manifestation. Here is no angel conveying God’s message to man, but the glory of the Lord Himself.

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

Above 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.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone. On the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man on it above.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Above 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.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Above the platform over their heads was something like a sapphire shaped like a throne. High above on the throne was a form that appeared to be a man.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

¶ And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and upon the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man upon it above.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man upon it above.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And aboue the firmament that was ouer their heads, was the facion of a throne like vnto a saphir stone, and vpon the similitude of the throne was by appearance, as the similitude of a man aboue vpon it.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and upon the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And above the expanse that [is] over their head, as an appearance of a sapphire stone, [is] the likeness of a throne, and on the likeness of the throne a likeness, as the appearance of man upon it from above.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And above the expanse that [is] over their head, as an appearance of a sapphire stone, [is] the likeness of a throne, and on the likeness of the throne a likeness, as the appearance of man on it from above.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And above the vault that was over their head was like the appearance of a sapphire-stone, the likeness of a throne: and upon the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Above the dome over their heads was the likeness of a throne that was like the appearance of a sapphire stone, and on the likeness of the throne was a likeness like the appearance of a man.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And above the firmament that was over their heads, was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of the sapphire stone, and upon the likeness of the throne, was a likeness as of the appearance of a man above upon it.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Above the expanse over their heads I saw what looked like a throne made of lapis lazuli. Sitting on the throne high above was a being who looked like a man.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And on the top of the arch which was over their heads was the form of a king's seat, like a sapphire stone; and on the form of the seat was the form of a man seated on it 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.

וּand.[was]clauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalמִfromadverb phraseמַּ֗עַלaboveprepositional phraseלָ(to)noun phrasethenoun phraseרָקִ֨יעַ֙expanserelpאֲשֶׁ֣רwhichclauseprepositional phrase · predicateעַל[was].abovenoun phraseרֹאשָׁ֔headםtheirprepositional phrase · predicateכְּlike.[the]noun phraseמַרְאֵ֥הappearancenoun phraseאֶֽבֶןof.a.stoneסַפִּ֖ירof.sapphirenoun phrase · subjectדְּמ֣וּת[the].likenessכִּסֵּ֑אof.a.throneוְandclauseclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalעַל֙onnoun phraseדְּמ֣וּתthe.likenessnoun phraseהַofכִּסֵּ֔אthe.throneclausesubjectדְּמ֞וּתa.likenessprepositional phrase · predicateכְּlike.[the]noun phraseמַרְאֵ֥הappearanceאָדָ֛םof.a.humanprepositional phrase · prepositionalעָלָ֖י[was].onוitprepositional 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 their wording for Ezekiel 1:26, with 15 of the 18 words matched. The Septuagint's word order and articles differ, but the essential imagery remains consistent.

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

וּמִמַּ֗עַל לָרָקִ֙יעַ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל־ רֹאשָׁ֔ם כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה אֶֽבֶן־ סַפִּ֖יר דְּמ֣וּת כִּסֵּ֑א וְעַל֙ דְּמ֣וּת הַכִּסֵּ֔א דְּמ֞וּת כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה אָדָ֛ם עָלָ֖יו מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
לָרָקִ֙יעַ֙’’אֲשֶׁ֣ר’’עַל־’’רֹאשָׁ֔ם’’כְּמַרְאֵ֥הὅρασιςאֶֽבֶן־λίθουסַפִּ֖ירσαπφείρουדְּמ֣וּתὁμοίωμαכִּסֵּ֑אθρόνουוְעַל֙ἐπὶהַכִּסֵּ֔אθρόνουדְּמ֞וּתὁμοίωμαכְּמַרְאֵ֥הεἶδοςאָדָ֛םἀνθρώπουעָלָ֖יוαὐτοῦ

15 of the 18 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

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


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

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

Ezekiel 1:26מַ֫עַלand [was] fand [was] from מַ֫עַלרָקִיעַthe expansethe expanseרָקִיעַאֲשֶׁרwhichwhichאֲשֶׁרעַל[was] above[was] aboveעַלרֹאשׁhead theirhead theirרֹאשׁמַרְאֶהlike [the] like [the] appeמַרְאֶהאֶ֫בֶןa stone ofa stone ofאֶ֫בֶןסַפִּירsapphiresapphireסַפִּירדְּמוּת[the] liken[the] likeness דְּמוּתכִּסֵּאa thronea throneכִּסֵּאעַלand [was] oand [was] onעַלדְּמוּת[the] liken[the] likeness דְּמוּתכִּסֵּאthe thronethe throneכִּסֵּאדְּמוּתa likenessa likenessדְּמוּתמַרְאֶהlike [the] like [the] appeמַרְאֶהאָדָםa humana humanאָדָםעַלon iton itעַלמַ֫עַלfrom to abofrom to aboveמַ֫עַלדָּמָהto resemblto resembleדָּמָהעָלָהto ascend:to ascend: riseעָלָהרָאָהProviderProviderרָאָהכָּסָהto coverto coverכָּסָהעַלheightheightעַלרָקַעto beatto beatרָקַעסָפַרto recountto recountסָפַראָדֹםto reddento reddenאָדֹםבָּנָהto buildto buildבָּנָהכִּפֶּרto atoneto atoneכִּפֶּרכִּסֵּאthronethroneכִּסֵּאדְּמוּתlikenesslikenessדְּמוּתמַרְאֶהappearanceappearanceמַרְאֶהעֶשְׂרִיםtwentytwentyעֶשְׂרִיםשְׁלֹשִׁיםthirtythirtyשְׁלֹשִׁיםיָפֶהbeautifulbeautifulיָפֶהמַלְכוּתroyaltyroyaltyמַלְכוּתשָׁמַיheavenheavenשָׁמַי
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 1:26

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 [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it from to above
וּמִמַּ֗עַלu.mi.Ma.'al and [was] from above H4605 Conjunction · preposition
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.
Amplified meaning
higher than, over
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
Conj | Prep | Adv — Conjunction · preposition
HC/R/Acbsa
and [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it from to above
לָרָקִ֙יעַ֙la.ra.Ki.a' the expanse H7549 Preposition · 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, dome
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
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HRd/Ncmsa
and [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it from to above
אֲשֶׁ֣ר'a.Sher which H834 Particle
5,500× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Tyndale gloss
which
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

base

בַאֲשֶׁר

in (that) which

adv. in (the place) where

conj. in that, inasmuch as

on account of whom?

base

מֵאֲשֶׁר

from (or than) that which

adv. from (the place) where

conj. from (the fact) that …, since

base

כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when

according to that which, according as, as

with a causal force, in so far as, since

with a temporal force, when

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

. adv. in (the place) where

. conj. in that, inasmuch as

. on account of whom?

H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which

. adv. from (the place) where

. conj. from (the fact) that …, since

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

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

. with a temporal force, when

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

834 'aher ash-er'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun

expletively, used to show the connection.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.

A: 1) (relative part.)

1a) which, who

1b) that which

2) (conj)

2a) that (in obj clause)

2b) when

2c) since

2d) as

2e) conditional if

B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

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

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

D: Kaph+

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

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

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

1c) with a temporal force: when

בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.

1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.

1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.

conj

1) according as, as, when

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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Rel — Particle
HTr
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it 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.
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 [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it from to above
רֹאשָׁ֔םro.Sham head their H7218 Noun common masculine singular 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.
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-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp3mp
and [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it from to above
כְּמַרְאֵ֥הke.mar.'Eh like [the] appearance of H4758 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
103× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Amplified meaning
semblance, likeness
Tyndale gloss
appearance
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מַרְאֶה (mar'eh) refers to sight, appearance, or vision, encompassing both physical and supernatural aspects of what is seen. It can denote a phenomenon, spectacle, or the power of seeing. The word is derived from a root meaning to see, and it covers a range of meanings related to visual perception.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מַרְאֶה 102 n.m. sight, appearance, vision

sight, phenomenon, spectacle

appearance

appearance, sight, vision

in gen. what is seen

specif. a (supernat.) vision

sight, vision = power of seeing (and enjoying), late

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4758 מַרְאֶה sight, appearance, vision . . sight, phenomenon, spectacle

. appearance

. appearance, sight, vision

. in gen. what is seen

. specif. a (supernat.) vision

. sight, vision = power of seeing (and enjoying), late

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4758 mar'eh mar-eh'

from 7200; a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance

(the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if

handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks), or (mental) a

vision:--X apparently, appearance(-reth), X as soon as

beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to

look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight,

visage, vision.

see HEBREW for 07200

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מַרְאֶה (mar.eh) — appearance.

1) sight, appearance, vision

1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision

1b) what is seen

1c) a vision (supernatural)

1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)

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

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

and [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it from to above
אֶֽבֶן־'e.ven- a stone of H68 Noun common · feminine singular construct
273× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Tyndale gloss
stone: weight
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶ֫בֶן (*eben*) means 'stone' and encompasses various types, including common stones, precious stones, and stones used as weights or tools. It can also refer to metaphorical uses, such as a hardened heart or sinking in water. The entries highlight its physical and symbolic significance, with no notable disagreements among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶ֫בֶן 274 n.f. stone

in natural state

stone, as material

precious stone, gen. with modifying word

stone containing metal, = ore

a weight, as orig. stone

plummet

objects like stone

in sim. (mostly poet.) of sinking in water

In topogr. terms

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H68 אֶ֫בֶן stone . in natural state

. stone, as material

. precious stone, gen. with modifying word

. stone containing metal, = ore

. a weight, as orig. stone

. plummet

. objects like stone

. in sim. (mostly poet.) of sinking in water

. In topogr. terms

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

68 'eben eh'-ben

from the root of 1129 through the meaning to build; a

stone:--+ carbuncle, + mason, + plummet, (chalk-, hail-,

head-, sling-)stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s).

see HEBREW for 01129

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶ֫בֶן (e.ven) — stone.

: stone

1) stone (large or small)

1a) common stone (in natural state)

1b) stone, as material

1b1) of tablets

1b2) marble, hewn stones

1c) precious stones, stones of fire

1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon

1e) weight

1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal

1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice

1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines

1i) (simile)

1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness

1i2) strength, firmness, solidity

1i3) commonness

1j) (metaph)

1j1) petrified with terror

1j2) perverse, hard heart

אֶ֫בֶן (e.ven) — stone: weight.

: weight

1) stone (large or small)

1a) common stone (in natural state)

1b) stone, as material

1b1) of tablets

1b2) marble, hewn stones

1c) precious stones, stones of fire

1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcfsc — Noun common · feminine singular construct
HNcfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

and [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it from to above
סַפִּ֖ירsa.Pir sapphire H5601 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
11× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The sapphire is a precious gemstone mentioned in the Bible, possibly used to scratch other materials, as seen in Exodus 24:10. It is a blue gem, highly valued for its beauty and rarity. The KJV translates it as sapphire.
Amplified meaning
a precious blue gemstone
Tyndale gloss
sapphire
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

סַפִּיר (sappir) refers to sapphire, and possibly lapis lazuli. It is identified as a gem, potentially used for scratching other materials. The word is derived from a root meaning to scratch, and it is noted in various lexicons for its association with these precious stones.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

סַפִּיר n.[m.] sapphire, perh. also lapis lazuli

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5601 סַפִּיר sapphire, perh. also lapis lazuli

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5601 cappiyr sap-peer'

from 5608; a gem (perhaps used for scratching other

substances), probably the sapphire:--sapphire.

see HEBREW for 05608

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

סַפִּיר (sap.pir) — sapphire.

sapphire, lapis lazuli

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

saf'-ir.

See STONES, PRECIOUS.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Sapphire

Associated with diamonds (Ex. 28:18) and emeralds (Ezek. 28:13); one of the stones in the high priest’s breastplate. It is a precious stone of a sky-blue colour, probably the lapis lazuli, brought from Babylon. The throne of God is described as of the colour of a sapphire (Ex. 24:10; comp. Ezek. 1:26).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(Heb. sappir), a precious stone, apparently of a bright-blue color, set: (Exodus 24:10) the second stone in the second row of the high priest’s breastplate, (Exodus 28:18) extremely precious, (Job 28:16) it was one of the precious stones that ornamented the king of Tyre. (Ezekiel 28:13) The sapphire of the ancients was not our gem of that name, viz. the azure or indigo-blue, crystalline variety of corundum, but our lapis lazuli (ultra-marine).

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A gem next in hardness and value to the diamond, and comprising, as varieties, all those precious stones known by the name of oriental gems, namely, the oriental ruby, oriental topaz, and oriental emerald, Joh 21:25. In general the name of sapphire is given to the blue variety, which is either of deep indigo blue, or of various lighter tints, Ex 24:10, and sometimes gradually passes into perfectly white or colorless, which, when cut, may also pass for a diamond, Ex 28:18; 39:11; Re 21:19.

and [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it from to above
דְּמ֣וּתde.Mut [the] likeness of H1823 Noun common · feminine singular construct
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, image
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
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular construct
HNcfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

and [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it from to above
כִּסֵּ֑אki.Se' a throne H3678 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
135× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word means a throne, symbolizing a seat of power or authority, often canopied or covered. It is used to describe the throne of God or a king, representing royal dignity and power.
Amplified meaning
seat of power
Tyndale gloss
throne
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כִּסֵּא (kis.se) refers to a seat of honour or throne, often associated with royal dignity and authority. It is derived from a root meaning 'covered' and encompasses meanings like stool and seat. The entries consistently highlight its significance in both literal and figurative contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּסֵּא, כִּסֵּה 133 n.m. seat of honour, throne

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3678 כִּסֵּא, כִּסֵּה seat of honour, throne

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3678 kicce' kis-say'

or kicceh {kis-say'}; from 3680; properly, covered, i.e. a

throne (as canopied):--seat, stool, throne.

see HEBREW for 03680

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּסֵּא (kis.se) — throne.

1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool

1a) seat (of honour), throne

1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)

כִּסֵּא (kis.se) — (Hall of) the Throne.

Combined with u.lam (אוּלָם "Hall" H0197I)

This name means throne, seat

כִּסֵּא (kis.se) — throne: seat.

1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool

1a) seat (of honour), throne

1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

thron. (kicce', a "seat" in 2Ki 4:10; a "royal seat" in Jon 3:6; thronos): Usually the symbol of kingly power and dignity. Solomon's throne was noted for its splendor and magnificence (1Ki 10:18-20; compare 2Ch 9:17-19). It symbolizes:

(1) The exalted position of earthly kings, rulers, judges, etc., their majesty and power (of kings: Ge 41:40; 1Ki 2:19; Job 36:7, etc.; denoting governing or judicial power: 2Sa 14:9;

Throne

(Heb. kiss’e), a royal chair or seat of dignity (Deut. 17:18; 2 Sam. 7:13; Ps. 45:6); an elevated seat with a canopy and hangings, which cover it. It denotes the seat of the high priest in 1 Sam. 1:9; 4:13, and of a provincial governor in Neh. 3:7 and Ps. 122:5. The throne of Solomon is described at length in 1 Kings 10:18-20.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The Hebrew word so translated applies to any elevated seat occupied by a person in authority, whether a high priest, (1 Samuel 1:9) a judge, (Psalms 122:5) or a military chief (Jeremiah 1:16) The use of a chair in a country where the usual postures were squatting and reclining was at all times regarded as a symbol of dignity. (2 Kings 4:10; Proverbs 9:14) In order to specify a throne in our sense of the term, it was necessary to add to the word the notion of royalty; hence the frequent occurrence of such expressions as "throne of the kingdom." (17:18; 1 Kings 1:46;

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

An established emblem of kingly dignity and power, used by sovereigns on all stale occasions. That of Solomon was of ivory, overlaid with gold; having six broad steps, every one guarded by a golden lion at each end, 1Ki 10:18-20. Heaven is called God’s throne, and the earth his footstool, Isa 66:1. His throne is also sublimely described as everlasting, and as built upon justice and equity, Ps 45:6; 97:2. See also Isa 6:2-4; Eze 1:1- 28. Christ is on the throne forever, as the King of heaven, Ps 110:1; He 1:8;

and [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it from to above
וְעַל֙ve.'Al and [was] on H5921 Conjunction · 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
exalted, elevated
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 | Suff — Conjunction · preposition
HC/R
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

On

Light; the sun, (Gen. 41:45, 50), the great seat of sun-worship, called also Bethshemesh (Jer. 43:13) and Aven (Ezek. 30:17), stood on the east bank of the Nile, a few miles north of Memphis, and near Cairo, in the north-east. The Vulgate and the LXX. Versions have “Heliopolis” (“city of the sun”) instead of On in Genesis and of Aven in Ezekiel. The “city of destruction” Isaiah speaks of (19:18, marg. “of Heres;” Heb. ‘Ir-ha-heres, which some MSS. read Ir-ha-heres, i.e., “city of the sun”) may be the name given to On, the prophecy being that the time will come when that city which was known as the “city of the sun-god” shall become the “city of destruction” of the sun-god, i.e., when idolatry shall cease, and the worship…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(abode or city of the sun), a town of lower Egypt, called BETH-SHEMESH in (Jeremiah 43:13) On is better known under its Greek name Heliopolis. It was situated on the east side of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, just below the point of the Delta, and about twenty miles northeast of Memphis. The chief object of worship at Heliopolis was the sun, whose temple, described by Strabo, is now only represented by the single beautiful obelisk, of red granite so feet 2 inches high above the pedestal which has stood for more than 4000 years, having been erected by Usirtesen, the second king of the twelfth dynasty. Heliopolis was anciently famous for its learning, and Eudoxus and Plato studied under its priests. The first mention of this place in the Bible is in the history of Joseph, to whom we read Pharaoh gave "to wife Asenath the daughter…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

See HELIOPOLIS.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

pain; force; iniquity

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it from to above
דְּמ֣וּתde.Mut [the] likeness of H1823 Noun common · feminine singular construct
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
form, likeness
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
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular construct
HNcfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

and [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it from to above
הַכִּסֵּ֔אha.ki.Se' the throne H3678 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
135× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word means a throne, symbolizing a seat of power or authority, often canopied or covered. It is used to describe the throne of God or a king, representing royal dignity and power.
Amplified meaning
upon, above, royal seat
Tyndale gloss
throne
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כִּסֵּא (kis.se) refers to a seat of honour or throne, often associated with royal dignity and authority. It is derived from a root meaning 'covered' and encompasses meanings like stool and seat. The entries consistently highlight its significance in both literal and figurative contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּסֵּא, כִּסֵּה 133 n.m. seat of honour, throne

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3678 כִּסֵּא, כִּסֵּה seat of honour, throne

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3678 kicce' kis-say'

or kicceh {kis-say'}; from 3680; properly, covered, i.e. a

throne (as canopied):--seat, stool, throne.

see HEBREW for 03680

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּסֵּא (kis.se) — throne.

1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool

1a) seat (of honour), throne

1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)

כִּסֵּא (kis.se) — (Hall of) the Throne.

Combined with u.lam (אוּלָם "Hall" H0197I)

This name means throne, seat

כִּסֵּא (kis.se) — throne: seat.

1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool

1a) seat (of honour), throne

1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)

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

thron. (kicce', a "seat" in 2Ki 4:10; a "royal seat" in Jon 3:6; thronos): Usually the symbol of kingly power and dignity. Solomon's throne was noted for its splendor and magnificence (1Ki 10:18-20; compare 2Ch 9:17-19). It symbolizes:

(1) The exalted position of earthly kings, rulers, judges, etc., their majesty and power (of kings: Ge 41:40; 1Ki 2:19; Job 36:7, etc.; denoting governing or judicial power: 2Sa 14:9;

Throne

(Heb. kiss’e), a royal chair or seat of dignity (Deut. 17:18; 2 Sam. 7:13; Ps. 45:6); an elevated seat with a canopy and hangings, which cover it. It denotes the seat of the high priest in 1 Sam. 1:9; 4:13, and of a provincial governor in Neh. 3:7 and Ps. 122:5. The throne of Solomon is described at length in 1 Kings 10:18-20.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The Hebrew word so translated applies to any elevated seat occupied by a person in authority, whether a high priest, (1 Samuel 1:9) a judge, (Psalms 122:5) or a military chief (Jeremiah 1:16) The use of a chair in a country where the usual postures were squatting and reclining was at all times regarded as a symbol of dignity. (2 Kings 4:10; Proverbs 9:14) In order to specify a throne in our sense of the term, it was necessary to add to the word the notion of royalty; hence the frequent occurrence of such expressions as "throne of the kingdom." (17:18; 1 Kings 1:46;

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

An established emblem of kingly dignity and power, used by sovereigns on all stale occasions. That of Solomon was of ivory, overlaid with gold; having six broad steps, every one guarded by a golden lion at each end, 1Ki 10:18-20. Heaven is called God’s throne, and the earth his footstool, Isa 66:1. His throne is also sublimely described as everlasting, and as built upon justice and equity, Ps 45:6; 97:2. See also Isa 6:2-4; Eze 1:1- 28. Christ is on the throne forever, as the King of heaven, Ps 110:1; He 1:8;

and [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it from to above
דְּמ֞וּתde.Mut a likeness H1823 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.
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
HNcfsa — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
and [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it from to above
כְּמַרְאֵ֥הke.mar.'Eh like [the] appearance of H4758 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
103× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Tyndale gloss
appearance
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מַרְאֶה (mar'eh) refers to sight, appearance, or vision, encompassing both physical and supernatural aspects of what is seen. It can denote a phenomenon, spectacle, or the power of seeing. The word is derived from a root meaning to see, and it covers a range of meanings related to visual perception.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מַרְאֶה 102 n.m. sight, appearance, vision

sight, phenomenon, spectacle

appearance

appearance, sight, vision

in gen. what is seen

specif. a (supernat.) vision

sight, vision = power of seeing (and enjoying), late

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4758 מַרְאֶה sight, appearance, vision . . sight, phenomenon, spectacle

. appearance

. appearance, sight, vision

. in gen. what is seen

. specif. a (supernat.) vision

. sight, vision = power of seeing (and enjoying), late

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4758 mar'eh mar-eh'

from 7200; a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance

(the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if

handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks), or (mental) a

vision:--X apparently, appearance(-reth), X as soon as

beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to

look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight,

visage, vision.

see HEBREW for 07200

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מַרְאֶה (mar.eh) — appearance.

1) sight, appearance, vision

1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision

1b) what is seen

1c) a vision (supernatural)

1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)

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

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

and [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it from to above
אָדָ֛ם'a.Dam a human H120 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
551× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Amplified meaning
human being, Adam, a person
Tyndale gloss
the man (Adam)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָדָם (adam) refers to 'man' or 'mankind,' encompassing both individual humans and the species as a whole. It is also the name of the first man in the Bible, Adam, who is mentioned in various verses, including Genesis 2:19. The term can denote a city in the Jordan valley as well. The entries indicate a range of meanings, but there is no significant disagreement among them.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָדָם 560 n.m. Gn 1:27 man, mankind

a man = human being

coll. man, mankind

n.pr.m. Adam, first man (without art.)

n.pr.loc. city in Jordan valley (as built?)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H120 אָדָם man, mankind . a man = human being

. coll. man, mankind

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

120 'adam aw-dawm'

from 119; ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the

species, mankind, etc.):--X another, + hypocrite, + common

sort, X low, man (mean, of low degree), person.

see HEBREW for 0119

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָדָם (a.dam) — man.

1) man, mankind

1a) man, human being

1b) man, mankind (much more frequently intended sense in OT)

1c) Adam, first man

1d) city in Jordan valley

אָדָם (a.dam) — the man (Adam).

The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19;

married to Eve (H2332);

father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33;

Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121)

man, human being

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
and [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it from to above
עָלָ֖יו'a.Lav on it H5921 Preposition · suffix
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/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and [was] from above the expanse which [was] above head their like [the] appearance of a stone of sapphire [the] likeness of a throne and [was] on [the] likeness of the throne a likeness like [the] appearance of a human on it 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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