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Ezekiel 16:50 — Word Study

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WLCוַֽתִּגְבְּהֶ֔ינָה וַתַּעֲשֶׂ֥ינָה תוֹעֵבָ֖ה לְפָנָ֑י וָאָסִ֥יר אֶתְהֶ֖ן כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר רָאִֽיתִי׃ ס

BSAThus they were haughtygâbahh [proud, lifted up] and committedʻâsâh abominationstôwʻêbah [disgusting things, unclean actions] before Mepânîym [in My presence, face to face] Therefore I removedçûwr [took away, turned aside] themʼêth asʼăsher you have seenrâʼâh [as it seemed good to Me, when I looked]

Word
Listen & take awayEzekiel 16
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 50 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 (ra.'I.ti) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Ezekiel 16:50quick helps
In a sentenceGod describes the haughty behavior of Sodom and its daughters, leading to their removal.
Who is speakingGod, addressing the people of Jerusalem through the prophet Ezekiel.
Where we areThe context is a condemnation of Sodom's sins and a warning to Jerusalem.
The hard wordתּוֹעֵבָ֖ה
Take awayThe consequences of pride and abomination lead to removal.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbגָּבַהּ 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 16:50

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

Context — God's Judgment on Sodomgenerated

49Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and complacent; they did not help the poor and needy.
50Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them, as you have seen.
51Furthermore, Samaria did not commit half the sins you did. You have multiplied your abominations beyond theirs, and all the abominations you have committed have made your sisters appear righteous.
52So now you must bear your disgrace, since you have brought justification for your sisters. For they appear more righteous than you, because your sins were more vile than theirs. So you too must bear your shame and disgrace, since you have made your sisters appear righteous.

Ezekiel 16:50 presents God's indictment against Sodom, highlighting their arrogance and sinful actions. This verse follows a description of Sodom's iniquities, emphasizing their failure to care for the needy. The judgment serves as a warning to Jerusalem, indicating that their own sins are even greater than those of Sodom, as seen in the subsequent verses.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Genesis 13:13But the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD.
2Genesis 18:20Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Because their sin is so grievous,
3Genesis 19:5They called out to Lot, saying, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Send them out to us so we can have relations with them!”
4Leviticus 18:22You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination.
5Deuteronomy 23:17No daughter or son of Israel is to be a shrine prostitute.

The Key Word תּוֹעֵבָ֖ה, to.'e.Vahgenerated

The word תּוֹעֵבָ֖ה (to'evah) refers to something that is morally repugnant or disgusting, often associated with idolatry or wickedness. It is a feminine noun that conveys the severity of actions that are detestable to God, reflecting a strong ethical condemnation.

In this context, it signifies the abominable actions committed by Sodom, which ultimately led to their destruction. The use of this term underscores the gravity of their sins and God's response to such behavior.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

Translations generally agree on the meaning of תּוֹעֵבָ֖ה as 'abomination.' The BSB, KJV, ASV, YLT, WEB, and BBE all render it similarly, maintaining the sense of moral disgust.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb in this verse is וָאָסִ֥יר, and I removed, which governs the actions described in the preceding clauses. The structure indicates a cause-and-effect relationship: the haughtiness and abominations led to God's decision to remove them.

The sentence includes a series of clauses that detail the actions of the subjects (the people of Sodom) and the consequences of those actions, emphasizing the severity of their behavior.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates תּוֹעֵבָ֖ה as ἀνομήματα, which carries a similar connotation of lawlessness or wrongdoing. This choice highlights the moral implications of their actions as not just abominable but also in violation of divine law.

This translation choice reflects the translators' understanding of the severity of Sodom's sins, aligning with the Hebrew text's condemnation.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Ezekiel 16:50 shows that Sodom and its daughters were proud and committed terrible sins in God's sight. Because of this, God decided to remove them, as He had seen their actions and judged them accordingly.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that they were haughty?

Being haughty refers to their arrogance and pride, indicating a sense of superiority and disregard for others.

What kinds of actions are considered abominations?

Abominations refer to actions that are morally disgusting, such as idolatry or unethical behavior.

What is the significance of God removing them?

God's removal signifies judgment and the consequences of their sinful actions, serving as a warning to others.

How does this verse relate to the following verses?

This verse sets the stage for comparing Sodom's sins with those of Jerusalem, highlighting the greater iniquity of Jerusalem.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What are some examples of pride or arrogance that I see in my own life or in society?
  2. How can I recognize actions that may be considered abominations in today's context?
  3. In what ways can I ensure that I am not following in the footsteps of Sodom in my behavior?
  4. How does understanding God's judgment in this passage affect my view of justice and mercy?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Ezekiel 16:50 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And they were haughty,.... Sodom and her daughters, the inhabitants of that place, and the cities adjacent; they lifted up themselves above God and man; they were above regarding the poor and needy;

Read John Gill on Ezekiel 16 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good. They were haughty - puffed up with prosperity. And committed, abomination before me.

Read Robert Jamieson on Ezekiel 16 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Haughty; insufferably arrogant in their deportment towards good men, they vexed the soul of righteous Lot; and towards the angels, whom they assaulted in Lot’ s house; and towards God himself, as both in this verse, and in . Committed; worked, as if it were their trade. Abomination; the whole of these men’ s life was as one continued act of the highest wickedness. Before me; either against God, or openly and publicly, as . I took them away; destroyed their state, cities, people, and country, turned them into a lake of dead and deadly water, or rather bitumen and sulphur. As I saw good; in a way none could have suspected, and, for aught I know, none ever saw before or since. If you inquire…

Read Matthew Poole on Ezekiel 16 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Ezekiel 16:50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw [good].Ver. 50. And they were haughty.] This sin of theirs is once more instanced as the root of the rest, the hate of heaven, and gate to hell. And committed abomination before me.] That unnatural filthiness which taketh its name from them. This in the Levant is not held a vice, and in Mexico it is one of the Spanish virtues. Therefore I took them away as I saw good,] sc., By raining down hell from heaven upon them. Hereby also God gave men an example of that rule, that heinous sins bring hideous plagues, as Herodotus also saith of the fall of Troy.

Read John Trapp on Ezekiel 16 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(50) As I saw good.—The word good is not in the original, and should be omitted, and the particle translated when: “Therefore I took them away when I saw this.” Punishment followed upon the manifestation of their sin. (Comp. Genesis 18:21.)

Read Charles John Ellicott on Ezekiel 16 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

50. as I saw good] Or, when I saw it. Genesis 18:21, I “will go down and see whether they have done according to the cry which is come up unto me.”

Read Cambridge on Ezekiel 16 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

As I saw good - Or, “as soon as I saw it.” Omit “good.” God saw and punished. Compare Genesis 18:21.

Read Albert Barnes on Ezekiel 16 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

’S AND — THE ADOPTED CHILD-WIFE, Ezekiel 16:1-43.In chaps. 13-15 the prophet has shown how untrustworthy are all the Israelitish hopes that punishment will not fall upon them for their sins.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ezekiel 16 →

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

Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them, as you have seen.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

They were arrogant and committed abomination before me. Therefore I took them away when I saw it.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them, as you have seen.

NETBNew English Translation2006

They were haughty and practiced abominable deeds before me. Therefore when I saw it I removed them.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good .

GNVGeneva Bible1599

But they were hautie, and committed abomination before mee: therefore I tooke them away, as pleased me.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me, and I took them away when I saw [it].

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And they are haughty and do abomination before Me, And I turn them aside when I have seen.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And they are haughty and do abomination before Me, || And I turn them aside when I have seen.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And they became haughty, and committed abominations before me: therefore did I remove them when I saw their course.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

She was arrogant and committed disgusting actions before me, so I took them away just as you have seen.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And they were lifted up, and committed abominations before me: and I took them away as thou hast seen.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

They became arrogant and did disgusting things in my presence. So I got rid of them when I saw this.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

They were full of pride and did what was disgusting to me: and so I took them away as you have seen.

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.

וַֽandclauseverbתִּגְבְּהֶ֔ינָהthey.were.haughtyוַandclauseverbתַּעֲשֶׂ֥ינָהthey.didobjectתוֹעֵבָ֖הabominationprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְbeforenoun phraseפָנָ֑יmeוָandclauseverbאָסִ֥ירI.removednoun phrase · objectאֶתְהֶ֖ןthemprepositional phrase · prepositionalכַּwhenrelpאֲשֶׁ֥רclauseverbרָאִֽיתִיI.saw

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 agree in their wording for this verse, with all eight words matched. This consistency indicates a shared understanding of the text's meaning across these ancient witnesses.

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

וַֽתִּגְבְּהֶ֔ינָה וַתַּעֲשֶׂ֥ינָה תוֹעֵבָ֖ה לְפָנָ֑י וָאָסִ֥יר אֶתְהֶ֖ן כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר רָאִֽיתִי׃ ס

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַֽתִּגְבְּהֶ֔ינָהἐμεγαλαύξουνוַתַּעֲשֶׂ֥ינָהἐποίησανתוֹעֵבָ֖הἀνομήματαלְפָנָ֑יμουוָאָסִ֥ירἐχῆραאֶתְהֶ֖ןαὐτάςכַּאֲשֶׁ֥רκαθὼςרָאִֽיתִי׃ סεἶδον

8 of the 8 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 16:50גָּבַהּand they weand they were hגָּבַהּעָשָׂהand they diand they didעָשָׂהתּוֹעֵבַהabominationabominationתּוֹעֵבַהפָּנֶהbefore mebefore meפָּנֶהסוּרand I removand I removedסוּראֵתthe object the object markאֵתאֲשֶׁרjust whenjust whenאֲשֶׁררָאָהI sawI sawרָאָהפָּנָהCorner (GaCorner (Gate)פָּנָהאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתתַּעָבto abhorto abhorתַּעָבנֶשֶׁרeagleeagleנֶשֶׁרקוֹמָהheightheightקוֹמָהמְלָאכָהworkworkמְלָאכָהתּוֹעֵבַהabominatioabominationתּוֹעֵבַהשִׁקּוּץabominatioabominationשִׁקּוּץבּוֹשׁbe ashamedbe ashamedבּוֹשׁסָתַרto hideto hideסָתַרנוּסto fleeto fleeנוּסשְׂמֹאלleftleftשְׂמֹאלבָּמָהhigh placehigh placeבָּמָהמִגְרָשׁpasturepastureמִגְרָשׁצָוָהto commandto commandצָוָהעֳנִיafflictionafflictionעֳנִינָבַטto lookto lookנָבַט
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 16:50

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

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

and they were haughty and they did abomination before me and I removed the object marker them just when I saw
וַֽתִּגְבְּהֶ֔ינָהva.tig.be.Hei.nah and they were haughty H1361 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine plural
34× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To exult means to feel proud or haughty, like being lofty or high, as described in Psalms where God's ways are lofty and good.
Amplified meaning
proud, lifted up
Tyndale gloss
to exult
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

גָּבַהּ (gabahh) is a Hebrew root meaning to be high or exalted. It can refer to physical height or a figurative sense of arrogance and pride. The word appears in various forms, including Qal, indicating a state of being lofty, and Hiphil, which means to elevate or exalt. There is a distinction in connotation, as it can imply both positive exaltation and negative haughtiness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

גָּבַהּ vb. be high, exalted

Qal

be high, lofty, tall

be exalted

lofty

Hiph. make high, exalt

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1361 גָּבַהּ be high, exalted

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1361 gabahh gaw-bah'

a primitive root; to soar, i.e. be lofty; figuratively, to be

haughty:--exalt, be haughty, be (make) high(-er), lift up,

mount up, be proud, raise up great height, upward.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

גָּבַהּ (ga.vah) — to exult.

1) to be high, be exalted

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to be high, lofty, tall

1a2) to be exalted

1a3) to be lofty

1a3a) to be lofty (of Jehovah's ways-good sense)

1a3b) to be haughty, be arrogant (bad sense)

1b) (Hiphil) to make high, exalt

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine plural
Hc/Vqw3fp
and they were haughty and they did abomination before me and I removed the object marker them just when I saw
וַתַּעֲשֶׂ֥ינָהva.ta.'a.Sei.nah and they did H6213 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine plural
2,629× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Tyndale gloss
to make
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָשָׂה (asah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to do or make, encompassing a wide range of actions such as producing, preparing, and observing. It can refer to both concrete and abstract activities, including making offerings and attending to tasks. The verb also has forms indicating passive meanings, such as being made or offered. Notably, the Piel form refers to pressing or squeezing.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָשָׂה 2622 vb. do, make

Qal 2524

do (1560 t.)

deal with

oft. in phr. do kindness with

abs. act, act with effect

make (670 t.)

produce, yield

prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food

make offering

attend to, put in order

observe, celebrate, religious festival

acquire property of various kinds

appoint priests

bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance

use

spend, pass, days of life

Niph.

97be done

be made, of concr. things

be produced from vine

be prepared, of food

be offered

be observed, passover

be used

Pu. I was made

base

[עָשָׂה] vb. Pi. press, squeeze

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6213a עָשָׂה do, make .. . do (1560 + t.)

. deal with

. oft. in phr. do kindness with

. abs. act, act with effect

. . make (670 + t.)

. produce, yield

. prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food

. make offering

. attend to, put in order

. observe, celebrate, religious festival

. acquire property of various kinds

. appoint priests

. bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance

. use

. spend, pass, days of life

. . be done

. . be made, of concr. things

. be produced from vine

. be prepared, of food

. be offered

. be observed, passover

. be used

. I was made

H6213b עָשָׂה Pi. press, squeeze

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6213 `asah aw-saw'

a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and

widest application (as follows):--accomplish, advance,

appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth,

bruise, be busy, X certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal

(with), deck, + displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in)

execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, + feast, (fight-)ing man, +

finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go

about, govern, grant, great, + hinder, hold ((a feast)), X

indeed, + be industrious, + journey, keep, labour, maintain,

make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, + officer, pare,

bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure,

provide, put, requite, X sacrifice, serve, set, shew, X sin,

spend, X surely, take, X thoroughly, trim, X very, + vex, be

(warr-)ior, work(-man), yield, use.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make: do.

: do/perform

1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to do, work, make, produce

1a1a) to do

1a1b) to work

1a1c) to deal (with)

1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect

1a2) to make

1a2a) to make

1a2b) to produce

1a2c) to prepare

1a2d) to make (an offering)

1a2e) to attend to, put in order

1a2f) to observe, celebrate

1a2g) to acquire (property)

1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute

1a2i) to bring about

1a2j) to use

1a2k) to spend, pass

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be done

1b2) to be made

1b3) to be produced

1b4) to be offered

1b5) to be observed

1b6) to be used

1c) (Pual) to be made

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to press.

(Piel) to press, squeeze

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make.

: make(OBJECT)

1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to do, work, make, produce

1a1a) to do

1a1b) to work

1a1c) to deal (with)

1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect

1a2) to make

1a2a) to make

1a2b) to produce

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine plural
Hc/Vqw3fp
and they were haughty and they did abomination before me and I removed the object marker them just when I saw
תוֹעֵבָ֖הto.'e.Vah abomination H8441 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
117× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
disgusting things, unclean actions
Tyndale gloss
abomination
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

תּוֹעֵבַה (tow`ebah) means 'abomination' and refers to something morally disgusting. It can denote idolatry, unclean food, or ethical wickedness. The word is built from a feminine active participle of another root, and its usage encompasses both ritual and ethical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

תּוֹעֵבַה 117 n.f. abomination

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8441 תּוֹעֵבַה abomination

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8441 tow`ebah to-ay-baw'

or tonebah {to-ay-baw'}; feminine active participle of 8581;

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an

abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol:--

abominable (custom, thing), abomination.

see HEBREW for 08581

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תּוֹעֵבַה (to.e.vah) — abomination.

1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable

1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages)

1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)

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

a-bom-i-na'-shun (piggul, to`ebhah, sheqets (shiqquts)): Three distinct Hebrew words are rendered in the English Bible by "abomination," or "abominable thing," referring (except in Ge 43:32; 46:34) to things or practices abhorrent to Yahweh, and opposed to the ritual or moral requirements of His religion. It would be well if these words could be distinguished in translation, as they denote different degrees of abhorrence or loathsomeness.

The word most used for this idea by the Hebrews and indicating the highest degree of abomination is to`ebhah, meaning primarily that which offends the religious sense of a people. When it is said, for example, "The Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians," this is the word used; the significance being that the Hebrews were repugnant to the…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Abomination

This word is used, (1.) To express the idea that the Egyptians considered themselves as defiled when they ate with strangers (Gen. 43:32). The Jews subsequently followed the same practice, holding it unlawful to eat or drink with foreigners (John 18:28; Acts 10:28; 11:3).

(2.) Every shepherd was “an abomination” unto the Egyptians (Gen. 46:34). This aversion to shepherds, such as the Hebrews, arose probably from the fact that Lower and Middle Egypt had formerly been held in oppressive subjection by a tribe of nomad shepherds (the Hyksos), who had only recently been expelled, and partly also perhaps from this other fact that the Egyptians detested the lawless…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A term applied in Scripture to objects of great detestation. Idols and their worship were so named, because they robbed God of his honor, while the rites themselves were impure and cruel, De 7:25,26 12:31. The term was used respecting the Hebrews in Egypt, Ge 43:32 Ex 8:26, either because they ate and sacrificed animals held sacred by the Egyptians, or because they did not observe those ceremonies in eating which made a part of the religion of Egypt; and in Ge 46:34, because they were "wandering shepherds," a race of whom had grievously oppressed Egypt.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Things that are, to God

Idolatry De 7:25; 27:15; 32:16

Unjust weights and measures De 25:13-16; Pr 11:1; 20:1,23

Uncleanness Le 18:22; 20:13; De 24:4

Incest Le 18:6-18

Lying with a woman in her menses Le 18:18,20

Adultery Le 18:20

Sodomy Le 18:22,23

Offering seed to Molech Le 18:21

and they were haughty and they did abomination before me and I removed the object marker them just when I saw
לְפָנָ֑יle.fa.Nai before me H6440 Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
2,127× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Amplified meaning
in My presence, face to face
Tyndale gloss
face
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces

face, faces

presence, person

technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

face of seraphim

face of animals

face (= surface) of ground

as adv.loc. before

for other phrases

with prepositions

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces

. . presence, person

. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

. face of seraphim

. face of animals

. face (= surface) of ground

. as adv. loc. before

. for other phrases

. with prepositions

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6440 paniym paw-neem'

plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh

{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);

used in a great variety of applications (literally and

figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a

preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),

against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),

+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,

face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er

time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +

honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +

meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,

open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,

presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right

forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,

X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.

: before/to/front

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.

: face

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-cp | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HR/Ncmpc/Sp1bs
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and they were haughty and they did abomination before me and I removed the object marker them just when I saw
וָאָסִ֥ירva.'a.Sir and I removed H5493 Verb · Hiphil · sequential imperfect first person common singular
300× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
took away, turned aside
Tyndale gloss
to turn aside: remove
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

סוּר (sur) is a Hebrew verb meaning to turn aside or depart. It encompasses a range of actions including removal, avoidance, and coming to an end. The word can be used in various forms, such as causing something to turn aside or be taken away. It appears in contexts involving both literal and figurative departures.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

סוּר and [שׂוּר] 300 vb. turn aside

Qal

turn aside, out of one's course

depart

of lifeless things = be removed

= come to an end

Pô‛lēl he turned aside my ways (my steps)

Hiph.

cause to (turn aside,) depart, common word for remove, take away

rarer uses

Pô‛lēl be taken away, removed

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5493 סוּר, שׂוּר turn aside .. turn aside, out of one's course

. depart

. of lifeless things = be removed

. = come to an end

.he turned aside my ways (my steps)

. . cause to (turn aside,) depart, common word for remove, take away

. rarer uses

.be taken away, removed

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5493 cuwr soor

or suwr (Hosea 9:12) {soor}; a primitive root; to turn off

(literal or figurative):--be(-head), bring, call back,

decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), X grievous,

lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away,

down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, X be sour, take

(away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

סוּר (sur) — to turn aside: remove.

: remove

1) to turn aside, depart

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto

1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid

1a3) to be removed

1a4) to come to an end

1b) (Polel) to turn aside

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose

1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish

1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed

סוּר (sur) — to turn aside: depart.

: depart

1) to turn aside, depart

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto

1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid

1a3) to be removed

1a4) to come to an end

1b) (Polel) to turn aside

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose

1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish

1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed

סוּר (sur) — to turn aside: turn aside.

: turn_aside/deflect

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs — Verb · Hiphil · sequential imperfect first person common singular
Hc/Vhw1cs
and they were haughty and they did abomination before me and I removed the object marker them just when I saw
אֶתְהֶ֖ן'et.Hen the object marker them H853 Particle · suffix
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
DirObjM | Suff — Particle · suffix
HTo/Sp3fp
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and they were haughty and they did abomination before me and I removed the object marker them just when I saw
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥רka.'a.Sher just when H834 Preposition · particle
5,500× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Tyndale gloss
which
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

base

בַאֲשֶׁר

in (that) which

adv. in (the place) where

conj. in that, inasmuch as

on account of whom?

base

מֵאֲשֶׁר

from (or than) that which

adv. from (the place) where

conj. from (the fact) that …, since

base

כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when

according to that which, according as, as

with a causal force, in so far as, since

with a temporal force, when

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

. adv. in (the place) where

. conj. in that, inasmuch as

. on account of whom?

H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which

. adv. from (the place) where

. conj. from (the fact) that …, since

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

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

. with a temporal force, when

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

834 'aher ash-er'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun

expletively, used to show the connection.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.

A: 1) (relative part.)

1a) which, who

1b) that which

2) (conj)

2a) that (in obj clause)

2b) when

2c) since

2d) as

2e) conditional if

B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

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

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

D: Kaph+

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

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

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

1c) with a temporal force: when

בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.

1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.

1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.

conj

1) according as, as, when

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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Rel — Preposition · particle
HR/Tr
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and they were haughty and they did abomination before me and I removed the object marker them just when I saw
רָאִֽיתִי׃ סra.'I.ti I saw H7200 Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singular
1,300× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Amplified meaning
as it seemed good to Me, when I looked
Tyndale gloss
Provider
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָאָה (ra'ah) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to see' and encompasses a wide range of visual and perceptual actions, including looking, observing, and causing others to see. It can refer to both literal sight and figurative understanding, with various grammatical forms indicating different nuances, such as appearing or being visible. The entries indicate a rich semantic field without significant disagreement among lexicographers.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רָאָה 1315 vb. see

Qal 1141

see, subj.

see, c. acc. rei

see, sq. acc. cl. or phr. of closer design

see, so as to learn to know

abs. see, have (power of) vision

see = perceive

look at, see, by direct volition

of mental observation

c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest

see, c. acc. rei

Niph.

appear

be seen

be visible

Pu. appar. his bones are not detected

Hithp. recipr. look at each other

Hiph.

cause one to see something, shew

cause to experience something

cause to look intently at, to behold

Hoph.

be caused to see, be shewn

be exhibited to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7200a רָאָה see .. . see, subj.

. see, c. acc. rei

. see, sq. acc. + cl. or phr. of closer design

. see, so as to learn to know

. abs. see, have (power of) vision

. see = perceive

. look at, see, by direct volition

. of mental observation

. . c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest

. see, c. acc. rei

. . appear

. be seen

. be visible

. appar. his bones are not detected

. recipr. look at each other

. . . cause one to see something, shew

. cause to experience something

. cause to look intently at, to behold

. . be caused to see, be shewn

. be exhibited to

H7200b רְאוּת look

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7200 ra'ah raw-aw'

a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in

numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive,

intransitive and causative):--advise self, appear, approve,

behold, X certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have

experience, gaze, take heed, X indeed, X joyfully, lo, look

(on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up,

upon), mark, meet, X be near, perceive, present, provide,

regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one

another), shew (self), X sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, X

surely, X think, view, visions.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: see.

: see/show

1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to see

1a2) to see, perceive

1a3) to see, have vision

1a4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out

1a5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish

1a6) to look at, gaze at

1a7) to provide, choose

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to appear, present oneself

1b2) to be seen

1b3) to be visible

1c) (Pual) to be seen

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to see, show

1d2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at

1e) (Hophal)

1e1) to be caused to see, be shown

1e2) to be exhibited to

1f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face

רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: examine.

: examine/consider

1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to see

1a2) to see, perceive

1a3) to see, have vision

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singular
HVqp1cs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

so.

See TOOLS.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Egyptian saws, so far as has yet been discovered, are single-handed. As is the case in modern Oriental saws, the teeth usually incline toward the handle, instead of away from it like ours. They have, in most cases, bronze blades, apparently attached to the handles by leathern thongs. No evidence exists of the use of the saw applied to stone in Egypt, but we read of sawn stones used in the temple. (1 Kings 7:9) The saws "under" or "in" which David is said to have placed his captives were of iron. The expression in (2 Samuel 12:31) does not necessarily imply torture, but the word "cut" in (1 Chronicles 20:3) can hardly be understood otherwise.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Used as an instrument of torture 2Sa 12:31; Heb 11:37

→ Used for cutting stone 1Ki 7:9

→ FIGURATIVE Isa 10:15

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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