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Ezekiel 13:8 — Word Study

Depth

WLCלָכֵ֗ן כֹּ֤ה אָמַר֙ אֲדֹנָ֣י יְהוִ֔ה יַ֚עַן דַּבֶּרְכֶ֣ם שָׁ֔וְא וַחֲזִיתֶ֖ם כָּזָ֑ב לָכֵן֙ הִנְנִ֣י אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם נְאֻ֖ם אֲדֹנָ֥י יְהוִֽה׃

BSAThereforekên [thus, in this manner] this is whatkôh the LordʼĂdônây [Adonay, God as Master] GODYᵉhôvih [Yehovah] saysʼâmar Becauseyaʻan [since, for the reason that] you have uttereddâbar [spoken, proclaimed] vain wordsshâvᵉʼ [empty, false, deceitful, messages, prophecies] and seenchâzâh [perceived, prophesied] false visionskâzâb [lying, deceptive, revelations, inspirations] I am against youʼêl [opposed to, set against] declaresnᵉʼum [says, affirms] the LordʼĂdônây [Adonay, God as Master] GODYᵉhôvih [Yehovah]

Word
Listen & take awayEzekiel 13
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 8 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (Yah.weh) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Ezekiel 13:8quick helps
In a sentenceThe Lord declares His opposition to those who speak falsehoods and see deceptive visions.
Who is speakingThe Lord GOD, addressing the false prophets.
Where we areIn a warning to the people of Israel about false prophecies.
The hard wordשָׁוְא
Take awayThe Lord's judgment is pronounced against deceitful speech and visions.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectאֲדֹנָי verbאָמַר 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 13:8

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

Context — The Judgment Against False Prophetsgenerated

7Haven’t you seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken?
8Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Because you have uttered vain words and seen false visions, I am against you, declares the Lord GOD.
9My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and speak lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of My people or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD.
10Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built,

Ezekiel 13:8 warns against the consequences of speaking empty words and seeing false visions. The Lord GOD is making it clear that He is opposed to those who mislead His people with deceitful messages. This passage emphasizes the seriousness of prophetic integrity and the divine response to falsehood in the community.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Ezekiel 5:8Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself am against you, Jerusalem, and I will execute judgments among you in the sight of the nations.
2Ezekiel 21:3and tell her that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am against you, and I will draw My sword from its sheath and cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked.
3Ezekiel 26:3therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, O Tyre, I am against you, and I will raise up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves.
4Ezekiel 28:22And you are to declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I am against you, O Sidon, and I will be glorified within you. They will know that I am the LORD when I execute judgments against her and demonstrate My holiness through her.
5Ezekiel 29:3–4Speak to him and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Pharaoh king of Egypt, O great monster who lies among his rivers, who says, ‘The Nile is mine; I made it myself.’

The Key Word שָׁוְא, Shav'generated

The Hebrew word שָׁוְא (*shav*) means emptiness or vanity. It conveys ideas of falsehood, worthlessness, and deception, both in a literal sense and in terms of moral or spiritual emptiness. In this verse, it describes the messages that the false prophets have spoken, indicating they lack truth and value.

As a noun, שָׁוְא is used to highlight the nature of the words spoken by the prophets as being devoid of substance. The context here underscores the serious implications of such speech, as it leads to divine opposition.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

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


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb אָמַר, he says, governs the entire verse, with several phrases expanding on what the Lord declares. The structure emphasizes the direct speech of God, presenting a clear and authoritative message.

The main clause is followed by a series of subordinate clauses that detail the reasons for God's declaration, creating a layered structure that underscores the seriousness of the false prophecies.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates שָׁוְא with the Greek word ὑμῶν, which refers to 'your' in a possessive sense. This choice indicates a direct address to the people regarding their responsibility in accepting false teachings.

This translation reflects a narrowing of focus, emphasizing the personal accountability of the audience in relation to the falsehoods being spoken.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Ezekiel 13:8 tells us that the Lord GOD is declaring His opposition to those who speak empty and deceitful words and see false visions. This is a warning against the false prophets who mislead the people of Israel.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does the Lord mean by 'vain words'?

Vain words refer to speech that is empty, false, or deceitful, lacking truth and substance.

Why is God opposed to those who see false visions?

God opposes those who see false visions because they mislead His people and distort the truth He has revealed.

What is the significance of the Lord saying 'I am against you'?

This phrase signifies God's judgment and condemnation of the false prophets, indicating a serious consequence for their actions.

How does this verse relate to the role of prophets in Israel?

This verse highlights the importance of prophetic integrity and the responsibility of prophets to speak truthfully on behalf of God.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways can I discern between true and false teachings in my life?
  2. How can I ensure that my words reflect truth and integrity?
  3. What are some examples of falsehoods I have encountered in teachings around me?
  4. How does understanding God's opposition to falsehood affect my view of prophetic messages today?

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

Early interpretations, such as those by Jerome, draw on this verse to emphasize the seriousness of God's declaration against false prophets.

JeromeVers. 8, 9. c. 347–420
Therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you have spoken idle words and have seen falsehood, behold, I am against you, declares the Lord God. And my hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations.
Early Church Fathers on Ezekiel 13 →

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Ezekiel 13:8 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Therefore thus saith the Lord God,.... This is what he says, and it may be depended on will come to pass; though the other he said not, they said he did, but was a lying divination: because ye have

Read John Gill on Ezekiel 13 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.

Read Robert Jamieson on Ezekiel 13 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

The whole verse speaks the dreadful anger of God against those false prophets. It is unspeakable wrath, and we are left to guess at it by the manner of speech here used, which is minatory, 26:3, concealing the greater part intended; an aposiopesis. I am against you: this is more particularly exemplified in the next verse.

Read Matthew Poole on Ezekiel 13 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Ezekiel 13:8 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I [am] against you, saith the Lord GOD.Ver. 8. Behold, I am against you.] Heb., Be hold I against you, by an angry aposiopesis. The Chaldee hath it, I will send my wrath against; you, and that is an evil messenger; for who knoweth the power of thy wrath? saith Moses. A rhetorical artifice, in which the speaker comes to a sudden halt, as if unable or unwilling to proceed. ŒD

Read John Trapp on Ezekiel 13 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(6) They have made others to hope.—Omit the word “others,” which is not in the original, and translate, “The Lord hath not sent them that they should hope”—i.e., they have no ground to expect that their prophecies will prove true, because they have no warrant for uttering them. D: ON CHAPTER 13:6, 7, AND 17. In these verses a broad and crucial distinction is made between the self-imagined vision and that which is sent from the Lord. It may be that in this case the prophets and prophetesses were untrue to their own convictions, and wilfully declared what they knew to be false; or it may be that they simply uttered as God’s message that which they had persuaded themselves would be the issue.…

Read Charles John Ellicott on Ezekiel 13 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

1–9. The lying prophets are like foxes among the ruins (1) Ezekiel 13:1-3. The inspiration of these prophets is not from the spirit of God but from their own heart. (2) Ezekiel 13:4-5. Consequently so far as the state was concerned they were like foxes among the ruins; they burrowed among these and only helped to bring down what might still be standing. (3) Ezekiel 13:6-7. They deceived the people, and were self-deceived. They prophesied lies, and looked that God would establish their lies. (4) Ezekiel 13:8-9. Therefore destruction shall overtake them. The people of the Lord, when the day of chastisement has passed, shall be again a people in their own land, but the names of these prophets…

Read Cambridge on Ezekiel 13 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

8. I am against you — How clearly this is an echo of Jer 23:31 : “Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.”

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ezekiel 13 →

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

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Because you have uttered vain words and seen false visions, I am against you, declares the Lord GOD.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

“‘Therefore the Lord Yahweh says: “Because you have spoken falsehood and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you,” says the Lord Yahweh.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Because you have uttered vain words and seen false visions, I am against you, declares the Lord GOD.

NETBNew English Translation2006

“‘Therefore, this is what the sovereign Lord says: Because you have spoken false words and forecast delusion, look, I am against you, declares the sovereign Lord.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because ye have spoken falsehood, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord Jehovah.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD: Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Therefore thus sayth the Lord God, Because ye haue spoken vanytie and haue seene lyes, therefore beholde, I am agaynst you, sayth the Lord God,

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because ye speak vanity, and have seen lies, therefore behold, I am against you, saith the Lord Jehovah.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Therefore, thus said the Lord Jehovah: Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen a lie, Therefore, lo, I [am] against you, An affirmation of the Lord Jehovah.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Therefore, thus said Lord YHWH: Because you have spoken vanity, and seen a lie, || Therefore, behold, I [am] against you, || A declaration of Lord YHWH.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Whereas ye have spoken falsehood, and have seen lies: therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord Eternal.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Therefore the Lord Yahweh says this, 'Because you have had false visions and have told lies—therefore this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration against you:

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Therefore thus saith the Lord God: Because you have spoken vain things, and have seen lies: therefore behold I come against you, saith the Lord God.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

So this is what the Lord God says: Since you've spoken lies and claimed to see false visions, then watch out, because I'm against you, declares the Lord God.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

So this is what the Lord has said: Because your words are without substance and your visions are false, see, I am against you, says the Lord.

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.

conjunction phraseprepositional phraseלָthereforeכֵ֗ןclauseadverbialכֹּ֤הthusverbאָמַר֙he.saysnoun phrase · subjectnoun phraseאֲדֹנָ֣Lordי[the]יְהוִ֔הYahwehclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalיַ֚עַןbecauseclauseclauseverbדַּבֶּרְyousubjectכֶ֣םhave.spokenobjectשָׁ֔וְאworthlessnessוַandclauseverbחֲזִיתֶ֖םyou.have.seenobjectכָּזָ֑בfalsehoodconjunction phraseprepositional phraseלָthereforeכֵן֙that’s whyclauseclause · subjectpredicateהִנְheresubjectנִ֣יIprepositional phrase · predicateאֲלֵי[am].againstכֶ֔םyouclausenoun phrase · predicateנְאֻ֖םthe.utterancenoun phrasenoun phraseאֲדֹנָ֥Lordיof.[the]יְהוִֽהYahweh

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 show some agreement in the overall message but differ in word order and specific terms used. The Septuagint retains some of the key concepts but does not match the Hebrew text word for word.

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

לָכֵ֗ן כֹּ֤ה אָמַר֙ אֲדֹנָ֣י יְהוִ֔ה יַ֚עַן דַּבֶּרְכֶ֣ם שָׁ֔וְא וַחֲזִיתֶ֖ם כָּזָ֑ב לָכֵן֙ הִנְנִ֣י אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם נְאֻ֖ם אֲדֹנָ֥י יְהוִֽה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
לָכֵ֗ןτοῦτοכֹּ֤הτάδεאָמַר֙λέγειשָׁ֔וְאὑμῶνוַחֲזִיתֶ֖םκαὶלָכֵן֙διὰהִנְנִ֣יἰδοὺאֲלֵיכֶ֔םἐφ’נְאֻ֖םὑμᾶςאֲדֹנָ֥יλέγει

10 of the 16 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 13:8כֵּןthereforethereforeכֵּןכֹּהthusthusכֹּהאָמַרhe sayshe saysאָמַראָדוֹן[the] Lord[the] LordאָדוֹןיהוהYahwehYahwehיהוהיַעַןbecausebecauseיַעַןדָבַרhave spokenhave spoken youדָבַרשָׁוְאworthlessneworthlessnessשָׁוְאחָזָהand you havand you have seחָזָהכָּזָבfalsehoodfalsehoodכָּזָבכֵּןthereforethereforeכֵּןהֵןhere Ihere Iהֵןאֶל[am] agains[am] against yoאֶלנְאֻם[the] utter[the] utteranceנְאֻםאָדוֹן[the] Lord[the] LordאָדוֹןיהוהYahwehYahwehיהוהכּוּןto establito establish: pכּוּןאָדוֹןlordlordאָדוֹןיהוהThe LordThe Lordיהוהכָּזַבto lieto lieכָּזַבנָאַםto prophesto prophesyנָאַםהוּאhe/she/ithe/she/itהוּאשׁוֹאravageravageשׁוֹאאָדוֹןLordLordאָדוֹןיהוהYHWH/GodYHWH/Godיהוהכֹּהthusthusכֹּהקָסַםto divineto divineקָסַםנְאֻםutteranceutteranceנְאֻםכָּנַעbe humblebe humbleכָּנַעמָאַסto rejectto rejectמָאַסמֹשֶׁהMosesMosesמֹשֶׁהלָשׁוֹןtonguetongueלָשׁוֹןכָּזָבlielieכָּזָבאָמוֹץAmozAmozאָמוֹץ
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 13:8

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

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

therefore thus he says [the] Lord Yahweh because have spoken you worthlessness and you have seen falsehood therefore here I [am] against you [the] utterance of [the] Lord Yahweh
לָכֵ֗ןla.Khen therefore H3651 Preposition · adverb
771× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
thus, in this manner
Tyndale gloss
right
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word כֵּן (*ken*) is built from the root meaning 'set upright.' It functions as an adjective meaning 'right,' 'veritable,' or 'honest,' and as an adverb meaning 'so,' 'therefore,' or 'thus.' It appears in various contexts, often indicating manner or relation, and is used in phrases like 'forasmuch as.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֵּן adj. right, veritable, honest

right

veritable, true

pl. concr. honest (men)

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

כֵּן adv. so

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3651a כֵּן adj. right, veritable, honest H3651b כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as H3651c כֵּן so

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3651 ken kane

from 3559; properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as

adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction)

rightly or so (in various applications to manner, time and

relation; often with other particles):--+ after that

(this, -ward, -wards), as ... as, + (for-)asmuch as yet, + be

(for which) cause, + following, howbeit, in (the) like

(manner, -wise), X the more, right, (even) so, state,

straightway, such (thing), surely, + there (where)-fore, this,

thus, true, well, X you.

see HEBREW for 03559

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֵּן (ken) — right.

adv

adj

1) right, just, honest, true, veritable

1a) right, just, honest

1b) correct

1c) true, veritable

[כִּי עַל] כֵּן ([ki al] ken) — as.

adv

forasmuch as, since

כֵּן (ken) — so.

adv

1) so, therefore, thus

1a) thus, so

1b) just so

1c) therefore

1d) so...as (paired with adv)

1e) then

1f) forasmuch as (in phrase)

1g) (with prep)

1g1) therefore, this being so (specific)

1g2) hitherto

1g3) therefore, on this ground (general)

1g4) afterwards

1g5) in such case

Aramaic equivalent: ken (כֵּן "thus" H3652)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Adv — Preposition · adverb
HR/D
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
therefore thus he says [the] Lord Yahweh because have spoken you worthlessness and you have seen falsehood therefore here I [am] against you [the] utterance of [the] Lord Yahweh
כֹּ֤הkoh thus H3541 Adverb
577× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Tyndale gloss
thus
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כֹּה (koh) is a demonstrative adverb meaning 'thus' or 'here.' It can indicate manner, place, or time, covering usages like 'thus,' 'here,' and 'until now.' The word is built from a prefix meaning 'like' and a root related to 'to be.' There is an Aramaic equivalent, כָּה (kah), which also means 'thus.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּה demonstr.adv. thus, here

of manner, thus

of place, here

of time, hitherto

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3541 כֹּה thus, here

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3541 koh ko

from the prefix k and 1931; properly, like this, i.e. by

implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here

(or hither); or (of time) now:--also, here, + hitherto, like,

on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on)

this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while,

yonder.

see HEBREW for 01931

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּה (koh) — thus.

1) thus, here, in this manner

1a) thus, so

1b) here, here and there

1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile

Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adv — Adverb
HD
therefore thus he says [the] Lord Yahweh because have spoken you worthlessness and you have seen falsehood therefore here I [am] against you [the] utterance of [the] Lord Yahweh
אָמַר֙'a.Mar he says H559 Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singular
5,309× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Tyndale gloss
to say
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say

Qal

Say

Say in the heart (= think)

Promise

Command (esp. late)

Niph. be said, told

Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)

Hithp. act proudly, boast

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say

. Say in the heart (= think)

. Promise

. Command (esp. late)

. be said, told

. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)

. act proudly, boast

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

559 'amar aw-mar'

a primitive root; to say (used with great

latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,

certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),

commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X

expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,

publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X

suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),

utter, X verily, X yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.

1) to say, speak, utter

1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend

1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called

1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly

1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch

Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singular
HVqp3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
therefore thus he says [the] Lord Yahweh because have spoken you worthlessness and you have seen falsehood therefore here I [am] against you [the] utterance of [the] Lord Yahweh
אֲדֹנָ֣י'a.do.Nai [the] Lord H136 Noun proper
440× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Amplified meaning
Adonay, God as Master
Tyndale gloss
Lord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֲדֹנָי (Adonay) means 'Lord' and is an emphatic form of another Hebrew word for lord. It is used specifically as a title for God, often in place of Yahweh to show reverence. Variations include אֲדֹנִי and אֲדֹנַי, which help distinguish divine from human references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָדוֹן n.m. lord (אֲדֹנִי, אֲדֹנַי, אֲדֹנָי are variations of Mass. pointing to distinguish divine reference fr. human. Pl., with few exc. an intens. pl. of rank; word takes sf. as pl. in all other pers.; so doubtless here. Orig. reading prob. in all cases אֲדֹנַי; אֲדֹנִי now found in J 51 t.)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H136 אָדוֹן lord (אֲדֹנִי, אֲדֹנַי, אֲדֹנָי are variations of Mass. pointing to distinguish divine reference fr. human. Pl., with few exc. an intens. pl. of rank; word takes sf. as pl. in all other pers.; so doubtless here. Orig. reading prob. in all cases אֲדֹנַי; אֲדֹנִי now found in J 51 t.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

136 'Adonay ad-o-noy'

am emphatic form of 113; the Lord (used as a proper name of

God only):--(my) Lord.

see HEBREW for 0113

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲדֹנָי (a.do.nai) — Lord.

Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence

Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp | Suff — Noun proper
HNpt
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Lord

There are various Hebrew and Greek words so rendered.

(1.) Heb. Jehovah, has been rendered in the English Bible LORD, printed in small capitals. This is the proper name of the God of the Hebrews. The form “Jehovah” is retained only in Ex. 6:3; Ps. 83:18; Isa. 12:2; 26:4, both in the Authorized and the Revised Version.

(2.) Heb. ‘adon, means one possessed of absolute control. It denotes a master, as of slaves (Gen. 24:14, 27), or a ruler of his subjects (45:8), or a husband, as lord of his wife (18:12).

The old plural form of this Hebrew word is ’adonai. From a superstitious reverence for the name “Jehovah,” the Jews, in reading their Scriptures, whenever that name…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

[GOD]

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

This name belongs to God by preeminence; and in this sense ought never to be given to any creature. Jesus Christ, as the Messiah, the Son of God, and equal with the Father, is often called Lord in Scripture, especially in the writing of Paul. The word LORD, in the English Bible, when printed in small capitals, stands always for JEHOVAH in the Hebrew. See JEHOVAH.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ A prince Jos 13:3; Jud 3:3; 1Sa 5:8; 6:4

→ See GOD

→ See JESUS

therefore thus he says [the] Lord Yahweh because have spoken you worthlessness and you have seen falsehood therefore here I [am] against you [the] utterance of [the] Lord Yahweh
יְהוִ֔הYah.weh Yahweh H3069 Noun proper
306× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Amplified meaning
Yehovah
Tyndale gloss
YHWH/God
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יְהֹוִה (Yhovih) is a variation of the name יָהְוֶה (Yahweh), which is the proper name of the God of Israel. It is often used in combination with other terms, such as 'Lord Jehovah.' The name is significant in the context of the Old Testament, particularly in Exodus 3:12-15, where it is revealed to Moses.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)

יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb

יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D

the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy

יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3069 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3069 Yhovih yeh-ho-vee'

a variation of 3068 (used after 136, and pronounced by Jews

as 430, in order to prevent the repetition of the same sound,

since they elsewhere pronounce 3068 as 136):--God.

see HEBREW for 03068

see HEBREW for 0136

see HEBREW for 0430

see HEBREW for 03068

see HEBREW for 0136

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְהֹוִה (ye.ho.vih) — YHWH/God.

1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah'

1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpt
therefore thus he says [the] Lord Yahweh because have spoken you worthlessness and you have seen falsehood therefore here I [am] against you [the] utterance of [the] Lord Yahweh
יַ֚עַןYa.'an because H3282 Conjunction
99× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means because or therefore, and is used to show the reason or cause of something, like in a sentence explaining why something happened. It is often translated as because or for in the KJV Bible. This word helps us understand the motivations behind actions.
Amplified meaning
since, for the reason that
Tyndale gloss
because
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יַעַן (ya`an) is primarily a conjunction or preposition meaning 'because' or 'on account of.' It conveys purpose or intention, indicating reasons or causes in sentences. The entries consistently emphasize its use in this context, with no significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יַעַן 95 prop. subst. purpose, intention, but always used as prep. or conj. on account of, because

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3282 יַעַן prop. subst. purpose, intention, but always used as prep. or conj. on account of, because

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3282 ya`an yah'-an

from an unused root meaning to pay attention; properly, heed;

by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to

indicate the reason or cause:--because (that), forasmuch (+

as), seeing then, + that, + wheras, + why.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יַעַן (ya.an) — because.

conj

1) because, therefore, because that, on account of

prep

2) because of, on account of

3) why (with interrogative pron)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Conjunction
HC
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

be-kos' (hina, "in order that"): "The multitude rebuked them, because (AV; the Revised Version (British and American) "that") they should hold their peace" (Mt 20:31).

therefore thus he says [the] Lord Yahweh because have spoken you worthlessness and you have seen falsehood therefore here I [am] against you [the] utterance of [the] Lord Yahweh
דַּבֶּרְכֶ֣םda.ber.Khem have spoken you H1696 Verb piel infinitive construct common · suffix
1,142× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Amplified meaning
spoken, proclaimed
Tyndale gloss
to speak: speak
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דָבַר (dabar) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning 'to speak.' It encompasses a range of actions including declaring, commanding, and conversing. The root suggests a figurative use of words, with some entries noting a rare destructive sense of subduing. Various forms of the verb indicate different nuances, such as speaking with one another or making promises.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[דָבַר] 1142 vb. speak (original mng. dub.)

Qal speak

Niph. reciprocal sense, speak with one another, talk

Pi. speak

Pu. in the day when she may be spoken for

Hithp. speaking this word

Hiph. either leads subject, or puts to flight, fig. for subdues

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1696 דָבַר speak (original mng. dub.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1696 dabar daw-bar'

a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used

figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive

sense) to subdue:--answer, appoint, bid, command, commune,

declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse,

say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think,

use (entreaties), utter, X well, X work.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: speak.

: speak/tell/command

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: subdue.

: subdue

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: promise.

: promise/declare

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff — Verb piel infinitive construct common · suffix
HVpcc/Sp2mp
therefore thus he says [the] Lord Yahweh because have spoken you worthlessness and you have seen falsehood therefore here I [am] against you [the] utterance of [the] Lord Yahweh
שָׁ֔וְאShav' worthlessness H7723 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
53× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Vanity or falsehood, this word describes something empty, useless, or deceitful, like the idols worshipped by the Israelites in Isaiah 41:29, or the lies and false promises spoken by false prophets in Jeremiah 23:25.
Amplified meaning
empty, false, deceitful, messages, prophecies
Tyndale gloss
vanity: false
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שָׁוְא (*shav*) means emptiness or vanity. It conveys ideas of falsehood, worthlessness, and deception, both in a literal sense and in terms of moral or spiritual emptiness. The lexicons highlight its use in describing empty speech or conduct that is devoid of value.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁוְא n.[m.] emptiness, vanity

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7723 שָׁוְא emptiness, vanity

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7723 shav' shawv

or shav {shav}; from the same as 7722 in the sense of

desolating; evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally

(especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false,

subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, objective; also

adverbially, in vain):--false(-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity.

see HEBREW for 07722

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁוְא (shav) — vanity: false.

: false

1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood

1a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity

1b) emptiness of speech, lying

1c) worthlessness (of conduct)

Also means: shav (שָׁוְא ": vain" H7723H)

שָׁוְא (shav) — vanity: vain.

: vain/empty/worthless

1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood

1a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity

1b) emptiness of speech, lying

1c) worthlessness (of conduct)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
therefore thus he says [the] Lord Yahweh because have spoken you worthlessness and you have seen falsehood therefore here I [am] against you [the] utterance of [the] Lord Yahweh
וַחֲזִיתֶ֖םva.cha.zi.Tem and you have seen H2372 Verb · Qal · sequential perfect second person masculine plural
55× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Chazah means to see or perceive, and can also mean to have a vision or prophesy. It is used to describe seeing something with your eyes or in your mind.
Amplified meaning
perceived, prophesied
Tyndale gloss
to see
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חָזָה (chazah) is a Hebrew verb primarily used in poetic contexts, meaning to see or behold. It encompasses a range of meanings including perceiving, contemplating, and having visions, often in an ecstatic state. The entries highlight its use in prophesying and providing insight, with an Aramaic equivalent also noted.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָזָה vb. (almost wholly poet.) see, behold

Qal

see, behold

see as a seer in the ecstatic state

see, perceive

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2372 חָזָה (almost wholly poet.) see, behold

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2372 chazah khaw-zaw'

a primitive root; to gaze at; mentally, to perceive,

contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision

of:--behold, look, prophesy, provide, see.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָזָה (cha.zah) — to see.

1) to see, perceive, look, behold, prophesy, provide

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to see, behold

1a2) to see as a seer in the ecstatic state

1a3) to see, perceive

1a3a) with the intelligence

1a3b) to see (by experience)

1a3c) to provide

Aramaic equivalent: cha.zah (חֲזָה "to see" H2370)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2mp — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect second person masculine plural
Hc/Vqq2mp
therefore thus he says [the] Lord Yahweh because have spoken you worthlessness and you have seen falsehood therefore here I [am] against you [the] utterance of [the] Lord Yahweh
כָּזָ֑בka.Zav falsehood H3577 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
31× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A lie or falsehood is what this word represents, whether it is a literal untruth or a figurative idol, and is often used to describe the deceitful nature of humanity.
Amplified meaning
lying, deceptive, revelations, inspirations
Tyndale gloss
lie
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כָּזָב (kazab) refers to a lie or falsehood, encompassing meanings like deceit and untruth. It is derived from a root that suggests the concept of deception. The entries consistently describe it as a term for falsehood without significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כָּזָב n.m. lie, falsehood, deceptive thing

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3577 כָּזָב lie, falsehood, deceptive thing

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3577 kazab kaw-zawb'

from 3576; falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively

(idol):--deceitful, false, leasing, + liar, lie, lying.

see HEBREW for 03576

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כָּזָב (ka.zav) — lie.

a lie, untruth, falsehood, deceptive thing

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

fols'-hood.

See LYING.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ General scriptures concerning Ex 20:16; 23:1; Le 6:2-7; 19:11,12,16; Job 13:4; 21:34; 27:4; 31:5,6,33; 36:4; Ps 5:6,9; 10:7; 12:2,3; 28:3; 31:18; 34:13; 36:3; 50:19,20; 52:2-5; 55:21,23; 58:3; 59:12; 62:4; 63:11; 101:5,7; 109:2; 116:11; 119:29,69,163; 120:2-4; 144:8,11; Pr 2:12-15; 3:3; 6:12,13,17-19; 10:9,10,18,31; 11:9; 12:17,19,20,22; 13:5; 14:5,8,25; 17:4,7; 19:5,9,22,28; 20:17; 21:6; 26:18,19,24-26,28; 27:14; Ec 5:6; Isa 28:15; 32:7; 57:11; 59:3,4,12,13; 63:8;

therefore thus he says [the] Lord Yahweh because have spoken you worthlessness and you have seen falsehood therefore here I [am] against you [the] utterance of [the] Lord Yahweh
לָכֵן֙la.Khen therefore H3651 Preposition · adverb
771× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Tyndale gloss
right
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word כֵּן (*ken*) is built from the root meaning 'set upright.' It functions as an adjective meaning 'right,' 'veritable,' or 'honest,' and as an adverb meaning 'so,' 'therefore,' or 'thus.' It appears in various contexts, often indicating manner or relation, and is used in phrases like 'forasmuch as.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֵּן adj. right, veritable, honest

right

veritable, true

pl. concr. honest (men)

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

כֵּן adv. so

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3651a כֵּן adj. right, veritable, honest H3651b כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as H3651c כֵּן so

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3651 ken kane

from 3559; properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as

adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction)

rightly or so (in various applications to manner, time and

relation; often with other particles):--+ after that

(this, -ward, -wards), as ... as, + (for-)asmuch as yet, + be

(for which) cause, + following, howbeit, in (the) like

(manner, -wise), X the more, right, (even) so, state,

straightway, such (thing), surely, + there (where)-fore, this,

thus, true, well, X you.

see HEBREW for 03559

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֵּן (ken) — right.

adv

adj

1) right, just, honest, true, veritable

1a) right, just, honest

1b) correct

1c) true, veritable

[כִּי עַל] כֵּן ([ki al] ken) — as.

adv

forasmuch as, since

כֵּן (ken) — so.

adv

1) so, therefore, thus

1a) thus, so

1b) just so

1c) therefore

1d) so...as (paired with adv)

1e) then

1f) forasmuch as (in phrase)

1g) (with prep)

1g1) therefore, this being so (specific)

1g2) hitherto

1g3) therefore, on this ground (general)

1g4) afterwards

1g5) in such case

Aramaic equivalent: ken (כֵּן "thus" H3652)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/D — Preposition · adverb
HR/D
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
therefore thus he says [the] Lord Yahweh because have spoken you worthlessness and you have seen falsehood therefore here I [am] against you [the] utterance of [the] Lord Yahweh
הִנְנִ֣יhi.Ni here I H2005 Particle · suffix
316× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Tyndale gloss
look!
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הֵן (hen) is a demonstrative adverb or interjection meaning 'lo!' or 'behold!'. It is primarily used to draw attention to a fact that prompts action or leads to a conclusion. The word can also express surprise and is less common than its counterpart הִנֵּה (hinneh). Additionally, it can function hypothetically as 'if'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הֵן 100 demonstr.adv. or interj. lo!, behold (on etym. v. הִנֵּה), less widely used than הִנֵּה, and in prose mostly confined to calling attention to some fact upon which action is to be taken, or a conclusion based

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2005 הֵן demonstr. adv. or interj. lo!, behold (on etym. v. הִנֵּה), less widely used than הִנֵּה, and in prose mostly confined to calling attention to some fact upon which action is to be taken, or a conclusion based

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2005 hen hane

a primitive particle; lo!; also (as expressing surprise)

if:--behold, if, lo, though.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הֵן (hen) — look!.

interj

1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part

2) if

Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTj/Sp1bs — Particle · suffix
HTj/Sp1bs
therefore thus he says [the] Lord Yahweh because have spoken you worthlessness and you have seen falsehood therefore here I [am] against you [the] utterance of [the] Lord Yahweh
אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם'a.lei.Khem [am] against you H413 Preposition · suffix
5,518× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Amplified meaning
opposed to, set against
Tyndale gloss
to(wards)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),

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

Where the limit is actually entered, into

Of direction towards anything

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

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

Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

Of rule or standard according to (rare)

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

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

. Where the limit is actually entered, into

. Of direction towards anything

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

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

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

. Of rule or standard according to (rare)

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

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

413 'el ale

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

a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but

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

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

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

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

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

with(-in).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶל (el) — to(wards).

1) to, toward, unto (of motion)

2) into (limit is actually entered)

2a) in among

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

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

5) in addition to, to

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

7) according to (rule or standard)

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

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp2mp
therefore thus he says [the] Lord Yahweh because have spoken you worthlessness and you have seen falsehood therefore here I [am] against you [the] utterance of [the] Lord Yahweh
נְאֻ֖םne.'Um [the] utterance of H5002 Noun common · masculine singular construct
376× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Amplified meaning
says, affirms
Tyndale gloss
utterance
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word נְאֻם (*n'um*) means 'utterance' or 'oracle,' derived from the root meaning 'to say.' It refers to declarations, often made by prophets, particularly in ecstatic states or preceding divine names. The entries consistently highlight its prophetic context without significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נְאֻם 376 n.m. utterance

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5002 נְאֻם utterance

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5002 n'um neh-oom'

from 5001; an oracle:--(hath) said, saith.

see HEBREW for 05001

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נְאֻם (ne.um) — utterance.

1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet)

1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state)

1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)

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

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

therefore thus he says [the] Lord Yahweh because have spoken you worthlessness and you have seen falsehood therefore here I [am] against you [the] utterance of [the] Lord Yahweh
אֲדֹנָ֥י'a.do.Nai [the] Lord H136 Noun proper
440× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Amplified meaning
Adonay, God as Master
Tyndale gloss
Lord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֲדֹנָי (Adonay) means 'Lord' and is an emphatic form of another Hebrew word for lord. It is used specifically as a title for God, often in place of Yahweh to show reverence. Variations include אֲדֹנִי and אֲדֹנַי, which help distinguish divine from human references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָדוֹן n.m. lord (אֲדֹנִי, אֲדֹנַי, אֲדֹנָי are variations of Mass. pointing to distinguish divine reference fr. human. Pl., with few exc. an intens. pl. of rank; word takes sf. as pl. in all other pers.; so doubtless here. Orig. reading prob. in all cases אֲדֹנַי; אֲדֹנִי now found in J 51 t.)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H136 אָדוֹן lord (אֲדֹנִי, אֲדֹנַי, אֲדֹנָי are variations of Mass. pointing to distinguish divine reference fr. human. Pl., with few exc. an intens. pl. of rank; word takes sf. as pl. in all other pers.; so doubtless here. Orig. reading prob. in all cases אֲדֹנַי; אֲדֹנִי now found in J 51 t.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

136 'Adonay ad-o-noy'

am emphatic form of 113; the Lord (used as a proper name of

God only):--(my) Lord.

see HEBREW for 0113

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲדֹנָי (a.do.nai) — Lord.

Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence

Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp | Suff — Noun proper
HNpt
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Lord

There are various Hebrew and Greek words so rendered.

(1.) Heb. Jehovah, has been rendered in the English Bible LORD, printed in small capitals. This is the proper name of the God of the Hebrews. The form “Jehovah” is retained only in Ex. 6:3; Ps. 83:18; Isa. 12:2; 26:4, both in the Authorized and the Revised Version.

(2.) Heb. ‘adon, means one possessed of absolute control. It denotes a master, as of slaves (Gen. 24:14, 27), or a ruler of his subjects (45:8), or a husband, as lord of his wife (18:12).

The old plural form of this Hebrew word is ’adonai. From a superstitious reverence for the name “Jehovah,” the Jews, in reading their Scriptures, whenever that name…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

[GOD]

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

This name belongs to God by preeminence; and in this sense ought never to be given to any creature. Jesus Christ, as the Messiah, the Son of God, and equal with the Father, is often called Lord in Scripture, especially in the writing of Paul. The word LORD, in the English Bible, when printed in small capitals, stands always for JEHOVAH in the Hebrew. See JEHOVAH.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ A prince Jos 13:3; Jud 3:3; 1Sa 5:8; 6:4

→ See GOD

→ See JESUS

therefore thus he says [the] Lord Yahweh because have spoken you worthlessness and you have seen falsehood therefore here I [am] against you [the] utterance of [the] Lord Yahweh
יְהוִֽה׃Yah.weh Yahweh H3069 Noun proper
306× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Amplified meaning
Yehovah
Tyndale gloss
YHWH/God
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יְהֹוִה (Yhovih) is a variation of the name יָהְוֶה (Yahweh), which is the proper name of the God of Israel. It is often used in combination with other terms, such as 'Lord Jehovah.' The name is significant in the context of the Old Testament, particularly in Exodus 3:12-15, where it is revealed to Moses.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)

יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb

יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D

the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy

יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3069 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3069 Yhovih yeh-ho-vee'

a variation of 3068 (used after 136, and pronounced by Jews

as 430, in order to prevent the repetition of the same sound,

since they elsewhere pronounce 3068 as 136):--God.

see HEBREW for 03068

see HEBREW for 0136

see HEBREW for 0430

see HEBREW for 03068

see HEBREW for 0136

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְהֹוִה (ye.ho.vih) — YHWH/God.

1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah'

1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpt
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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