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Ezekiel 21:15 — Word Study

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WLCלְמַ֣עַן׀ לָמ֣וּג לֵ֗ב וְהַרְבֵּה֙ הַמִּכְשֹׁלִ֔ים עַ֚ל כָּל־ שַׁ֣עֲרֵיהֶ֔ם נָתַ֖תִּי אִבְחַת־ חָ֑רֶב אָ֛ח עֲשׂוּיָ֥ה לְבָרָ֖ק מְעֻטָּ֥ה לְטָֽבַח׃

BSASo thatmaʻan allkôl to flash like lightningbârâq [shine, gleam, a bright, powerful force] for slaughterṭebach [the act of, butchery, carnage]

Word
Listen & take awayEzekiel 21
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 15 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 (le.Ta.vach) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Ezekiel 21:15quick helps
In a sentenceEzekiel declares the impending destruction, using vivid imagery of a sword ready for slaughter.
Who is speakingEzekiel, the prophet, conveying God's message.
Where we areA warning of judgment, focusing on the hearts of the people and their fate.
The hard wordחֶ֫רֶב
Take awayThe sword is drawn, ready to enact judgment.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectחָדַד verbשֵׁבֶט The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

2 of 16 occur nowhere else in the Old Testament — words chosen on purpose.

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 21:15

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 Prophecy of Judgmentgenerated

14‘So then, son of man, prophesy and strike your hands together. Let the sword strike two times, even three. It is a sword that slays, a sword of great slaughter closing in on every side!
15So that their hearts may melt and many may stumble, I have appointed at all their gates a sword for slaughter. Yes, it is ready to flash like lightning; it is drawn for slaughter.
16Slash to the right; set your blade to the left— wherever your blade is directed.
17I too will strike My hands together, and I will satisfy My wrath.’ I, the LORD, have spoken.”

Ezekiel 21:15 presents a dire warning from God through Ezekiel, indicating that the hearts of the people will melt and many will stumble due to the impending judgment. The imagery of a sword at the gates emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, as it is prepared for slaughter. This passage reflects the broader theme of divine judgment found throughout the book of Ezekiel, where God addresses the unfaithfulness of His people and the consequences they face.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Ezekiel 21:22In his right hand appears the portent for Jerusalem, where he is to set up battering rams, to call for the slaughter, to lift a battle cry, to direct the battering rams against the gates, to build a ramp, and to erect a siege wall.
2Ezekiel 15:7And I will set My face against them. Though they may have escaped the fire, yet another fire will consume them. And when I set My face against them, you will know that I am the LORD.
3Jeremiah 17:27But if you do not listen to Me to keep the Sabbath day holy by not carrying a load while entering the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle an unquenchable fire in its gates to consume the citadels of Jerusalem.’”
4Ezekiel 21:7And when they ask, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you are to say, ‘Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt, and every hand will go limp. Every spirit will faint, and every knee will turn to water.’ Yes, it is coming and it will surely happen, declares the Lord GOD.”
5Ezekiel 20:47Say to the forest of the Negev: Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Lord GOD says: I am about to ignite in you a fire, and it will devour all your trees, both green and dry. The blazing flame will not be quenched, and by it every face from south to north will be scorched.

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


The Key Word לְמַ֣עַן, le.Ma.'angenerated

The word לְמַ֣עַן (le.Ma.'an) is a particle that conveys purpose or intent, meaning 'for the sake of' or 'because of.' It is used to indicate the reason behind an action, especially in the context of divine intentions. In this verse, it sets the stage for the consequences that follow, highlighting that the sword is appointed for a specific purpose.

This word appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing God's motives and the reasons for His actions. Here, it underscores the gravity of the impending judgment and the emotional state of the people.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The verse is rendered in the Berean Standard Bible as it appears in the original text.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb in the verse is נָתַ֖תִּי, I have set, which governs the entire sentence. The structure includes several phrases that elaborate on the purpose of the sword, the emotional state of the people, and the imagery of the sword itself.

The sentence's organization emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship between the appointed sword and the resulting fear and stumbling of the people, highlighting the urgency of the message.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word לְמַ֣עַן is rendered as ὅπως (hopōs), which carries a similar meaning of purpose or intent. This choice reflects the translators' understanding of the reason behind the appointed sword.

The use of σφάγια for לָמ֣וּג suggests a focus on the act of slaughter, aligning with the original Hebrew intent while also emphasizing the severity of the judgment.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Ezekiel 21:15 warns that God has set a sword at the gates, ready for slaughter, to cause fear and stumbling among the people. This imagery highlights the seriousness of the impending judgment and the emotional turmoil it will bring.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that their hearts will melt?

This phrase indicates that the people will experience fear and despair due to the impending judgment, feeling overwhelmed by the situation.

Why is a sword described as being at the gates?

The sword at the gates symbolizes imminent danger and judgment, suggesting that the people cannot escape the consequences of their actions.

What is the significance of the word 'slaughter' in this context?

The term 'slaughter' emphasizes the brutality of the judgment that is about to befall the people, indicating a severe and destructive outcome.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Ezekiel?

This verse reflects the broader theme of judgment and accountability found in Ezekiel, where God addresses the unfaithfulness of His people and the consequences they face.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways do I see fear affecting those around me, similar to the melting hearts described in this verse?
  2. How can I prepare myself spiritually for the challenges that may come, as indicated by the imagery of the sword?
  3. What does this passage teach me about the seriousness of my actions and their consequences?
  4. How can I support others who are struggling with fear or despair in light of this message?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Ezekiel 21:15 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

I have set the point of the sword against all their gates,.... The word rendered "point" is nowhere else used, and is differently translated: by some the "fear" of the sword (z), as Menachem and

Read John Gill on Ezekiel 21 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter.

Read Robert Jamieson on Ezekiel 21 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

The Lord hath gathered them together round about Jerusalem, with their swords sharpened and drawn at every gate to slay whosoever attempt to come out, or to slay all they meet with when they take the city. All their gates; both of meaner cities, of their palaces, and private houses. That their heart may faint; as what heart can be thought able to retain its courage, when beset with death by an enemy’ s sword, which killeth all that come out, and entereth to kill all that stay within? Multiplied; for number made many, for nature made very great. Made bright; prepared, brightened, and sharpened. Wrapped up; and hath been carefully kept in the scabbard, that it might keep its edge, and not be…

Read Matthew Poole on Ezekiel 21 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Ezekiel 21:15 I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that [their] heart may faint, and [their] ruins be multiplied: ah! [it is] made bright, [it is] wrapped up for the slaughter.Ver. 15. Ah! it is made bright.] By this doleful exclamation the prophet venteth himself tanquam coram deformitatem cladis cerneret, as if he had seen the execution. Oecolamp.

Read John Trapp on Ezekiel 21 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(15) The point.—The Hebrew word occurs only here. The marginal rendering comes nearer its sense, but the exact meaning is the glance or the whirl of the sword. The glancing or the whirling motion of the sword was to be everywhere, “against all their gates.” Their ruins be multiplied.—Literally, their stumbling blocks be multiplied. The thought is that in the coming desolation trouble shall be on every side and, in their perplexity, occasions for ill-advised action shall arise all around. “Bright” means “glittering.” (Comp. Deuteronomy 32:41; Job 20:25; Nahum 3:3.) It is wrapped.—The margin has sharpened, but the exact sense is drawn, “drawn out for the slaughter.”

Read Charles John Ellicott on Ezekiel 21 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 15. Wrapped up] It is not a blunt sword, it is carefully sharpened and preserved for the slaughter.

Read AdamClarke on Ezekiel 21 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

15. the point of the sword] Or, the glitter, lit. whirl or swing. Others by changing a letter would read “slaughter,” which Frd. Del. (Baer, Ezek.) by comparison of Assyr. considers the word to mean as it stands. ruins be multiplied] Or, stumbling-blocks, Jeremiah 6:21. Or, by a slight change in pointing: those overthrown may be multiplied; Jeremiah 18:23; cf. Jeremiah 46:16. wrapt up] sharpened, as marg.

Read Cambridge on Ezekiel 21 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

15. Point — The word has been supposed to mean “threatening,” “terror,” “shouting,” “waving.” Glitter — It literally means whirl. “Almost exactly the same word in Assyrian means slaughter.” — W.A.I., 2:23, 9.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ezekiel 21 →

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

So that their hearts may melt and many may stumble, I have appointed at all their gates a sword for slaughter. Yes, it is ready to flash like lightning; it is drawn for slaughter.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, that their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied. Ah! It is made as lightning. It is pointed for slaughter.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

So that their hearts may melt and many may stumble, I have appointed at all their gates a sword for slaughter. Yes, it is ready to flash like lightning; it is drawn for slaughter.

NETBNew English Translation2006

So hearts melt with fear and many stumble. At all their gates I have stationed the sword for slaughter. Ah! It is made to flash, it is drawn for slaughter!

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, that their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! it is made as lightning, it is pointed for slaughter.

RVARevised Version, American1894

I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! it is made as lightning, it is pointed for slaughter.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is sharpened for the slaughter.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

I haue brought the feare of the sword into all their gates to make their heart to faint, and to multiplie their ruines. Ah it is made bright, and it is dressed for the slaughter.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

In order that the heart may melt, and the stumbling-blocks be multiplied, I have set the threatening sword against all their gates: ah! it is made glittering, it is whetted for the slaughter.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

To melt the heart, and to multiply the ruins, By all their gates I have set the point of a sword. Ah, it is made for brightness, Wrapped up for slaughter.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

To melt the heart, and to multiply the ruins, || I have set the point of a sword by all their gates. Aah! It is made for brightness, || Wrapped up for slaughter.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

(21:20) In order to make timid the heart, and to multiply the stumbling-blocks, do I bring the howling of the sword against all their gates: ah! it is made bright, it is made thin-edged for the slaughter.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

In order to melt their hearts and to multiply their fallen, I have set the sword for slaughter at all their gates. Ah! It is made like lightning, it is grasped for slaughter.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And languish in heart, and that multiplieth ruins. In all their gates I have set the dread of the sharp sword, the sword that is furbished to glitter, that is made ready for slaughter.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

I have placed a sword at all the gates of their city so that they may lose their courage, and many may fall. Oh no! It's made to flash like lightning and used to kill.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

In order that hearts may become soft, and the number of those who are falling may be increased, I have sent death by the sword against all their doors: you are made like a flame, you are polished for death.

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.

clauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְמַ֣עַןso.asprepositional phraseלָtoclauseclauseverbמ֣וּגmeltsubjectלֵ֗בa.heartוְandclausepredicateהַרְבֵּה֙[may.be].manynoun phrase · subjectהַtheמִּכְשֹׁלִ֔יםstumblingsprepositional phrase · prepositionalעַ֚לatnoun phraseכָּלallnoun phraseשַׁ֣עֲרֵיgatesהֶ֔םtheirverbנָתַ֖תִּיI.have.setnoun phrase · objectאִבְחַתa.slaughterחָ֑רֶבof.a.swordclauseclauseאָ֛חalas!clauseverbעֲשׂוּיָ֥ה[it.is].madeprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְforבָרָ֖קlightningclausepredicateמְעֻטָּ֥ה[it.is].wrappedprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְforטָֽבַחslaughter

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 significant agreement in the wording of this verse, with 12 out of 16 words matched. This indicates a consistent understanding of the message across these ancient texts, though the Septuagint's word order differs from the Hebrew.

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

לְמַ֣עַן׀ לָמ֣וּג לֵ֗ב וְהַרְבֵּה֙ הַמִּכְשֹׁלִ֔ים עַ֚ל כָּל־ שַׁ֣עֲרֵיהֶ֔ם נָתַ֖תִּי אִבְחַת־ חָ֑רֶב אָ֛ח עֲשׂוּיָ֥ה לְבָרָ֖ק מְעֻטָּ֥ה לְטָֽבַח׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
לְמַ֣עַן׀ὅπωςלָמ֣וּגσφάγιαלֵ֗בὀχύνουוְהַרְבֵּה֙γένῃהַמִּכְשֹׁלִ֔יםεἰςעַ֚לστίλβωσινכָּל־ἑτοίμηנָתַ֖תִּיσφάζεחָ֑רֶבἐχουδένειאָ֛חἀπωθοῦעֲשׂוּיָ֥הπᾶνלְבָרָ֖קχύλον

12 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 21:15מַ֫עַןso asso asמַ֫עַןמוּגto meltto meltמוּגלֵבa hearta heartלֵברָבָהand [may beand [may be] maרָבָהמִכְשׁוֹלthe stumblithe stumblingsמִכְשׁוֹלעַלatatעַלכֹּלallallכֹּלשַׁ֫עַרgates theirgates theirשַׁ֫עַרנָתַןI have setI have setנָתַןאִבְחָהa slaughtera slaughter ofאִבְחָהחֶ֫רֶבa sworda swordחֶ֫רֶבאָחalas!alas!אָחעָשָׂהmademadeעָשָׂהבָּרַקfor lightnifor lightningבָּרַקמָרַטwrappedwrappedמָרַטטֶ֫בַחfor slaughtfor slaughterinטֶ֫בַחטָבַחto slaughtto slaughterטָבַחעוּןto dwellto dwellעוּןכָּשַׁלto stumbleto stumbleכָּשַׁלכָּלַלto perfectto perfectכָּלַלשָׁעַרto calculato calculateשָׁעַרחָרֵבto dryto dryחָרֵבבָּרַקto flashto flashבָּרַקלֵבָבheartheartלֵבָברָבַבto multiplto multiply tenרָבַבעַלheightheightעַלאֲהָהּalas!alas!אֲהָהּמָעַטto diministo diminishמָעַטאָרַךְto prolongto prolongאָרַךְיָטַבbe goodbe goodיָטַבגִּבְעָהGibeatGibeatגִּבְעָהיָשַׁבto dwellto dwellיָשַׁבחָסֵרlackinglackingחָסֵרחָכָםwisewiseחָכָם
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 21:15

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.

so as to melt a heart and [may be] many the stumblings at all gates their I have set a slaughter of a sword alas! made for lightning wrapped for slaughtering
לְמַ֣עַן׀le.Ma.'an so as H4616 Particle
272× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Tyndale gloss
because
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מַ֫עַן (ma`an) is a preposition and conjunction meaning 'for the sake of' or 'on account of.' It conveys purpose or intent, indicating a motive or aim, and is used adverbially. The word is derived from a root meaning 'heed' or 'purpose' and appears in contexts that express reasons or intentions.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[מַ֫עַן] subst. purpose, intent, only with לְ, in לְמַ֫עַן 271 prep. and conj. for the sake of, on account of, to the intent or in order that

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4616 מַ֫עַן prep. and conj. for the sake of, on account of, to the intent or in order that

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4616 ma`an mah'-an

from 6030; properly, heed, i.e. purpose; used only

adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim),

teleologically, in order that:--because of, to the end

(intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), + lest, that, to.

see HEBREW for 06030

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מַ֫עַן (ma.an) — because.

1) purpose, intent prep

1a) for the sake of

1b) in view of, on account of

1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj

1d) to the end that

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Particle
HTc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

az: Conj. and adverb (usually Greek hos hosper, kathos), designating:

(1) Likeness: (a) between nouns (Ge 3:5; Jud 6:5; Php 2:8; Heb 11:27,29); (b) between verbs (Lu 6:36; Joh 5:30; 1Co 10:7); (c) between adjectives (1Co 15:48).

(2) Limitation (with respect to a particular aspect or relation) (1Pe 4:15,16).

so as to melt a heart and [may be] many the stumblings at all gates their I have set a slaughter of a sword alas! made for lightning wrapped for slaughtering
לָמ֣וּגla.Mug to melt H4127 Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common
17× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To melt means to soften or dissolve, and can also describe feeling faint or fearful. In the Bible, it is used to describe times when people are overwhelmed or weakened, such as in the book of Psalms.
Tyndale gloss
to melt
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מוּג (muwg) is a Hebrew verb meaning to melt. It can refer to the literal act of melting or softening, as well as figuratively to describe feelings of fear or helplessness. The entries indicate various forms, including causing something to melt and melting away. There is a slight variation in the nuances of its figurative meanings across the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מוּג vb. melt

Qal

melt

trans. cause to melt

Niph. melt away, fig. for be helpless, disorganized

Po‛l. soften, dissolve

Po‛. Hithpo‛l. mely; hyperb. for flow

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4127 מוּג melt .. melt

. trans. cause to melt

. melt away, fig. for be helpless, disorganized

. soften, dissolve

. mely; hyperb. for flow

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4127 muwg moog

a primitive root; to melt, i.e. literally (to soften, flow

down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint):--consume,

dissolve, (be) faint(-hearted), melt (away), make soft.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מוּג (mug) — to melt.

1) to melt, cause to melt

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to melt, faint

1a2) to cause to melt

1b) (Niphal) to melt away

1c) (Polel) to soften, dissolve, dissipate

1d) (Hithpolel) to melt, flow

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Vqcc — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common
HR/Vqcc
so as to melt a heart and [may be] many the stumblings at all gates their I have set a slaughter of a sword alas! made for lightning wrapped for slaughtering
לֵ֗בLev a heart H3820 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
595× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Tyndale gloss
heart
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word לֵב (lev) means 'heart' and encompasses the inner man, mind, will, and emotions. It refers to the center of feelings, intellect, and moral character, as well as the seat of appetites and courage. The entries suggest a broad range of meanings related to human experience and thought, with a specific mention of its use in Jeremiah 51:1.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֵב 599 n.m. (f.) inner man, mind, will, heart

seldom of things in the midst of the sea

elsewhere of men

the inner man in contrast with the outer

the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

specific reference to mind

spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will

spec. ref. to conscience

[various]

for the man himself

as seat of appetites

as seat of emotions and passions

seat of courage

base

לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash Je 51:1.

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3820a לֵב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the sea

. elsewhere of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer

. the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

. specific reference to mind

. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will

. spec. ref. to conscience

. [various]

. for the man himself

. as seat of appetites

. as seat of emotions and passions

. seat of courage

H3820b לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3820 leb labe

a form of 3824; the heart; also used (figuratively) very

widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect;

likewise for the centre of anything:--+ care for, comfortably,

consent, X considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-),

(hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart((-ed)), X

heed, X I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), X regard((-ed)), X

themselves, X unawares, understanding, X well, willingly,

wisdom.

see HEBREW for 03824

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֵב (lev) — heart.

1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding

1a) inner part, midst

1a1) midst (of things)

1a2) heart (of man)

1a3) soul, heart (of man)

1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory

1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)

1a6) conscience

1a7) heart (of moral character)

1a8) as seat of appetites

1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

לֵב (lev) — Leb.

§ Leb- = "heart of"

(probably a cryptic name for Babylon by Atbash)

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

hart (lebh, lebhabh; kardia): The different senses in which the word occurs in the Old Testament and the New Testament may be grouped under the following heads:

1. Various Meanings:

It represents in the first place the bodily organ, and by easy transition those experiences which affect or are affected by the body. Fear, love, courage, anger, Joy, sorrow, hatred are always ascribed to the heart--especially in the Old Testament; thus courage for which usually ruach is used (Ps 27:14); joy (Ps 4:7); anger (De 19:6, "while his heart is hot," lebhabh); fear (1Sa 25:37); sorrow (Ps 13:2), etc.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Heart

According to the Bible, the heart is the centre not only of spiritual activity, but of all the operations of human life. “Heart” and “soul” are often used interchangeably (Deut. 6:5; 26:16; comp. Matt. 22:37; Mark 12:30, 33), but this is not generally the case.

The heart is the “home of the personal life,” and hence a man is designated, according to his heart, wise (1 Kings 3:12, etc.), pure (Ps. 24:4; Matt. 5:8, etc.), upright and righteous (Gen. 20:5, 6;

so as to melt a heart and [may be] many the stumblings at all gates their I have set a slaughter of a sword alas! made for lightning wrapped for slaughtering
וְהַרְבֵּה֙ve.har.Beh and [may be] many H7235 Conjunction · verb hiphil infinitive absolute
227× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Tyndale gloss
to multiply
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָבָה (rabah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to increase or multiply, encompassing ideas of becoming great, numerous, or abundant. It has various forms, including Qal (to become many), Piel (to make large), and Hiphil (to make much). The word also appears in a context related to shooting in Genesis 21:20. There is a noted Aramaic equivalent, רְבָה.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[רָבָה] 225 vb. be, or become, much, many, great

Qal 59

become many, numerous

be great

grow great (Aramaism)

Pi. 4 make large, increase

Hiph. 162

make much or many

make great, obj. pers.

base

[רָבָה] vb. shoot;—only Qal Gn 21:20

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7235a רָבָה be, or become, much, many, great .. become many, numerous

. . be great

. grow great (Aramaism)

. make large, increase

. . make much or many

. make great, obj. pers.

H7235b רָבָה shoot

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7235 rabah raw-baw'

a primitive root; to increase (in whatever respect):--(bring

in) abundance (X -antly), + archer (by mistake for 7232), be

in authority, bring up, X continue, enlarge, excel,

exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly,

X -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have,

make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more

(in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much

(greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), X

process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very.

see HEBREW for 07232

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָבָה (ra.vah) — to multiply.

1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things)

1a2) to be or grow great

1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to make much, make many, have many

1c1a) to multiply, increase

1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly

1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly

1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much

Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)

רָבָה (ra.vah) — to shoot.

(Qal) to shoot

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HC/Vhaa — Conjunction · verb hiphil infinitive absolute
HC/Vhaa
English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

MANY, adjective men'ny.

1. Numerous; comprising a great number of individuals.

Thou shalt be a father of many nations. Genesis 17:4.

Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 1 Corinthians 1:26.

MANY are the afflictions of the righteous. Psalms 34:12.

It is often preceded by as or so, and followed by so, indicating an equal number.

As many books as you take, so many shall be charged to your account.

So many laws argue so many sins.

It is followed by as.

As many as were willing-hearted brought bracelets. Exodus 34:1.

It precedes an or a, before a noun in the singular number.

Full many a gem of purest ray serene.

2. In low language, preceded by too, it denotes powerful or much; as, they are too many for us.

MANY, noun men'ny. A multitude; a great number of individuals; the people.

O thou fond many

The vulgar and the many are fit only to be led or driven.

so as to melt a heart and [may be] many the stumblings at all gates their I have set a slaughter of a sword alas! made for lightning wrapped for slaughtering
הַמִּכְשֹׁלִ֔יםha.mikh.sho.Lim the stumblings H4383 Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
14× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means a stumbling block or obstacle, literal or figurative. It can refer to an idol or something that causes someone to sin, as seen in the books of Leviticus and Matthew. The word is often associated with things that lead people astray.
Tyndale gloss
stumbling
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִכְשׁוֹל (mikshowl) refers to a stumbling or an occasion of stumbling, often translated as 'stumbling-block.' It can denote both literal and figurative obstacles, including enticements like idols. The term is derived from a root meaning to fall and encompasses various contexts of offense or ruin.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִכְשׁוֹל n.m. a stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, stumbling-block

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4383 מִכְשׁוֹל a stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, stumbling-block

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4383 mikshowl mik-shole'

or mikshol {mik-shole'}; masculine from 3782; a

stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle,

enticement (specifically an idol), scruple):--caused to fall,

offence, X (no-)thing offered, ruin, stumbling-block.

see HEBREW for 03782

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִכְשׁוֹל (mikh.shol) — stumbling.

1) a stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, stumbling block

1a) stumbling, fall

1b) means or occasion of stumbling, stumbling block

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTd/Ncmpa — Particle · noun common masculine plural absolute
HTd/Ncmpa
so as to melt a heart and [may be] many the stumblings at all gates their I have set a slaughter of a sword alas! made for lightning wrapped for slaughtering
עַ֚ל'al at H5921 Preposition
5,774× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Tyndale gloss
upon
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

עַל, עָ֑ל

subst. height

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

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

of clothing, etc., which any one wears

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

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

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

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

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

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5921 `al al

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

see HEBREW for 05920

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַל (al) — upon.

prep

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

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

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

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

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

1e) over (of suspension or extension)

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

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

1h) to (as a dative)

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

conj

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR — Preposition
HR
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
so as to melt a heart and [may be] many the stumblings at all gates their I have set a slaughter of a sword alas! made for lightning wrapped for slaughtering
כָּל־kol- all H3605 Noun common · masculine singular construct
5,415× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Tyndale gloss
all
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all

with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

Absolutely:

without the art., all things, all

with the art. הַכֹּל

where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all

. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3605 kol kole

or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;

hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a

plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any

(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as

many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,

whoso(-ever).

see HEBREW for 03634

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּל (kol) — all.

1) all, the whole

1a) all, the whole of

1b) any, each, every, anything

1c) totality, everything

Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

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

ol: Used in various combinations, and with different meanings.

(1) All along, "Weeping all along as he went" (Jer 41:6), i.e. throughout the whole way he went, feigning equal concern with the men from Shiloh, etc., for the destruction of the Temple, so as to put them off their guard.

(2) All in all, "That God may be all in all" (1Co 15:28, Greek: panta en pasin, "all things in all (persons and) things"). "The universe, with all it comprises, will wholly answer to God's will and reflect His mind" (Dummelow).

(3) All one, "It is all one" (Job 9:22), "it makes no difference whether I live or die."

(4) At all, "If thy father miss me at all" (1Sa 20:6), "in any way," "in the least."

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
so as to melt a heart and [may be] many the stumblings at all gates their I have set a slaughter of a sword alas! made for lightning wrapped for slaughtering
שַׁ֣עֲרֵיהֶ֔םsha.'a.rei.Hem gates their H8179 Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
374× 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 a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Tyndale gloss
gate
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שַׁ֫עַר (sha'ar) means 'gate' and is derived from a root that signifies an opening. It encompasses various types of gates, including those of cities, palaces, and temples, as well as metaphorical uses like 'gate of heaven.' The entries consistently highlight its role as an entrance or threshold.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שַׁ֫עַר 373 n.m. gate

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8179 שַׁ֫עַר gate

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8179 sha`ar shah'-ar

from 8176 in its original sense; an opening, i.e. door or

gate:--city, door, gate, port (X -er).

see HEBREW for 08176

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שַׁ֫עַר (sha.ar) — gate.

: gate

1) gate

1a) gate (of entrance)

1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place)

1b1) city, town

1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle)

1d) heaven

שַׁ֫עַר (sha.ar) — gate: town.

: town

1) gate

1a) gate (of entrance)

1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place)

1b1) city, town

1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle)

1d) heaven

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmpc/Sp3mp — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HNcmpc/Sp3mp
so as to melt a heart and [may be] many the stumblings at all gates their I have set a slaughter of a sword alas! made for lightning wrapped for slaughtering
נָתַ֖תִּיna.Ta.ti I have set H5414 Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singular
2,011× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Tyndale gloss
to give: give
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word נָתַן (natan) means 'to give' and encompasses a wide range of applications such as putting, setting, and making. It can also indicate actions like bestowing, delivering, and assigning. The entries describe its use in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hophal, but do not present any significant disagreements among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָתַן 2007 vb. give, put, set

Qal 1917

give

Put, set

Make, constitute

Niph.

82be given

Be put, set

Hoph.

be given, bestowed

= be given to one for wife

be put upon

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5414 נָתַן give, put, set .. give

. Put, set

. Make, constitute

. . be given

. Be put, set

. . . be given, bestowed

. = be given to one for wife

. be put upon

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5414 nathan naw-than'

a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of

application (put, make, etc.):--add, apply, appoint, ascribe,

assign, X avenge, X be ((healed)), bestow, bring (forth,

hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, +

cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, X doubtless, X

without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up),

grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up),

(give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that,

occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X

pull , put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send

(out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), + sing, + slander,

strike, (sub-)mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade,

turn, utter, + weep, + willingly, + withdraw, + would (to)

God, yield.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: give.

: give/deliver/send/produce

1) to give, put, set

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend

1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate

1a3) to make, constitute

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned

1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted

1c) (Hophal)

1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up

1c2) to be put upon

נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: put.

: put/set/apppoint

1) to give, put, set

1a) (Qal)

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

Few words in the English language have such a rich variety of meaning and are used in so rich a variety of idiomatic expression as the word "set." A glance at any of the great dictionaries will convince anyone of the truth of this statement. The Standard Dictionary devotes three and a half columns to the word. In its primary meaning it there denotes 22 distinct things, in its secondary meaning 17 more, while 18 distinct phrases are given in which it is used, in some cases again in a variety of meanings. It is indeed a word calculated to drive a foreigner to despair. Some 70 Hebrew and about 30 Greek words in the original tongues of the Holy Scriptures have been rendered by the word "set," in the King James Version and also in the Revised Version (British and American). A careful comparative study of the original and of translations in other tongues will at once indicate that a lack of…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
so as to melt a heart and [may be] many the stumblings at all gates their I have set a slaughter of a sword alas! made for lightning wrapped for slaughtering
אִבְחַת־'iv.chat- a slaughter of H19 Noun common · feminine singular construct
1× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[אִבְחָה] n.f. cstr. Ez 21:20; as above, slaughter; but prob. error for טבחת (v. טבח)

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H19 [אִבְחָה] as above, slaughter

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

19 'ibchah ib-khaw'

from an unused root (apparently meaning to turn); brandishing

of a sword:--point.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אִבְחָה (iv.chah) — slaughter.

slaughter, flesh, meat, slaughtered meat

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

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

so as to melt a heart and [may be] many the stumblings at all gates their I have set a slaughter of a sword alas! made for lightning wrapped for slaughtering
חָ֑רֶבCha.rev a sword H2719 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
413× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Tyndale gloss
sword
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֶ֫רֶב (chereb) means 'sword' and can also refer to other cutting instruments like knives and tools. It is derived from a root meaning 'drought,' highlighting its destructive nature. The term is used in various contexts in the Old Testament, primarily to denote weapons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֶ֫רֶב 411 n.f. sword (as weapon)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2719 חֶ֫רֶב sword (as weapon)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2719 chereb kheh'-reb

from 2717; drought; also a cutting instrument (from its

destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp

implement:--axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool.

see HEBREW for 02717

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֶ֫רֶב (che.rev) — sword.

1) sword, knife

1a) sword

1b) knife

1c) tools for cutting stone

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

sord.

See ARMOR, III, 5.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Sword

Of the Hebrew was pointed, sometimes two-edged, was worn in a sheath, and suspended from the girdle (Ex. 32:27; 1 Sam. 31:4; 1 Chr. 21:27; Ps. 149:6: Prov. 5:4; Ezek. 16:40; 21:3-5).

It is a symbol of divine chastisement (Deut. 32:25; Ps. 7:12; 78:62), and of a slanderous tongue (Ps. 57:4; 64:3; Prov. 12:18). The word of God is likened also to a…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

[ARMS, ARMOR]

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Used by

Gideon Jud 7:20

Goliath 1Sa 21:9

Peter Mt 26:51; Joh 18:10

→ David' s army equipped with 1Ch 21:5

→ To be beaten into plowshares Isa 2:4; Mic 4:3

→ Made of plowshares Joe 3:10

→ Two-edged Heb 4:12; Re 1:16; 2:12

→ FIGURATIVE

Of war Ge 27:40

so as to melt a heart and [may be] many the stumblings at all gates their I have set a slaughter of a sword alas! made for lightning wrapped for slaughtering
אָ֛ח'ach alas! H253 Particle
3× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word expresses strong emotions like grief or surprise, similar to saying 'ah!' or 'alas!' in English. It's used to convey a sense of shock or sadness. In the Bible, it's used to express emotional reactions to difficult events.
Tyndale gloss
ah!
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָח (ach) is an interjection expressing grief or surprise, translated as “ah!” or “alas!” It appears in contexts of lamentation, such as in Ezekiel 6:11 and 21:20. The entries consistently emphasize its emotional expression without significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָח interj. (onomatop.) ah! alas! Ez 6:11 21:20.

done

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H253 אָח

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

253 'ach awkh

a variation for 162; Oh! (expressive of grief or

surprise):--ah, alas.

see HEBREW for 0162

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָח (ach) — ah!.

ah!, alas!, woe!

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTj — Particle
HTj
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
so as to melt a heart and [may be] many the stumblings at all gates their I have set a slaughter of a sword alas! made for lightning wrapped for slaughtering
עֲשׂוּיָ֥ה'a.su.Yah made H6213 Verb · Qal · participle (passive) feminine singular
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
HVqsfsa — Verb · Qal · participle (passive) feminine singular
HVqsfsa
so as to melt a heart and [may be] many the stumblings at all gates their I have set a slaughter of a sword alas! made for lightning wrapped for slaughtering
לְבָרָ֖קle.va.Rak for lightning H1300 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
21× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to lightning, a bright and powerful force of nature. It is also used to describe a flashing sword, conveying a sense of speed and intensity.
Amplified meaning
shine, gleam, a bright, powerful force
Tyndale gloss
to use lightning
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּרַק (baraq) refers to lightning and its associated phenomena, such as flashes of light or gleams. It can also describe a bright or glittering object, like a sword or an arrowhead. The entries consistently emphasize its connection to the natural phenomenon of lightning, with no significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בָּרַק vb. flash, of lightning

base

בָּרָק n.m. lightning

lit. mostly pl. = lightnings, lightning flashes

fig. (always sing.) of flashing arrow-head

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1300a בָּרַק flash of lightning H1300b בָּרָק lightning

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1300 baraq baw-rawk'

from 1299; lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a

flashing sword:--bright, glitter(-ing sword), lightning.

see HEBREW for 01299

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּרַק (ba.raq) — to use lightning.

to flash (with lightning)

בָּרָק (ba.raq) — lightning.

1) lightning

1a) lightnings, lightning flashes

1b) of flashing arrow-head (fig.)

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

lit'-ning (baraq, chaziz; astrape): Lightning is caused by the discharge of electricity between clouds or between clouds and the earth. In a thunder-storm there is a rapid gathering of particles of moisture into clouds and forming of large drops of rain. This gathers with it electric potential until the surface of the cloud (or the enlarged water particles) is insufficient to carry the charge, and a discharge takes place, producing a brilliant flash of light and the resulting thunder-clap. Thunder-storms are common in Syria and Palestine during the periods of heavy rain in the spring and fall and are often severe. Lightning is usually accompanied by heavy rainfall or by hail, as at the time of the plague of hail (Ex 9:24).

See HAIL.

In the Scriptures it is used:

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Lightning

Frequently referred to by the sacred writers (Nah. 1:3-6). Thunder and lightning are spoken of as tokens of God’s wrath (2 Sam. 22:15; Job 28:26; 37:4; Ps. 135:7; 144:6; Zech. 9:14). They represent God’s glorious and awful majesty (Rev. 4:5), or some judgment of God on the world (20:9).

Nave's Topical Bible

→ General scriptures concerning Job 28:26; 37:3; 38:25,35; Ps 18:14; 77:18; 78:48; 97:4; 135:7; 144:6; Jer 10:13; 51:16; Eze 1:13,14; Da 10:6; Na 2:4; Zec 9:14; 10:1; Mt 24:27; 28:3; Lu 10:18; Re 4:5; 8:5; 11:19; 16:18

so as to melt a heart and [may be] many the stumblings at all gates their I have set a slaughter of a sword alas! made for lightning wrapped for slaughtering
מְעֻטָּ֥הme.'u.Tah wrapped H4593 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
1× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[מָרַט] vb. make smooth, bare, bald; scour, polish

Qal

make bare

scour, polish

Niph. his head is made bald

Pu. scoured, polished

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4593 מָרַט, מוֹרָט

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4593 ma`ot maw-ote'

passive adjective of 4591; thinned (as to the edge), i.e.

sharp:--wrapped up.

see HEBREW for 04591

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָעֹט (ma.ot) — sharp.

1) wrapped, grasped

1a) meaning uncertain

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcfsa — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
so as to melt a heart and [may be] many the stumblings at all gates their I have set a slaughter of a sword alas! made for lightning wrapped for slaughtering
לְטָֽבַח׃le.Ta.vach for slaughtering H2874 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
12× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to the act of slaughter or the meat that results from it, and can also mean a place of slaughter. It is used to describe the brutal killing of animals or people. The concept is used in both literal and figurative senses.
Amplified meaning
the act of, butchery, carnage
Tyndale gloss
slaughter
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

טֶ֫בַח (tebach) refers to slaughtering or the act of slaughter. It denotes something that has been slaughtered, typically animals, and can also refer to butchery or a place where slaughter occurs. The word is derived from a related term, indicating its connection to the process of killing for food.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

טֶ֫בַח n.m. slaughtering, slaughter

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2874 טֶ֫בַח slaughtering, slaughter

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2874 tebach teh'-bakh

from 2873; properly, something slaughtered; hence, a beast

(or meat, as butchered); abstr. butchery (or concretely, a

place of slaughter):--X beast, slaughter, X slay, X sore.

see HEBREW for 02873

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

טֶ֫בַח (te.vach) — slaughter.

1) slaughter, slaughtering, animal

1a) slaughtering, slaughter (of animals)

1b) slaughter (fig.)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HR/Ncmsa
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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