Genesis 1:27 — Word Study
WLCוַיִּבְרָ֨א אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀ אֶת־ הָֽאָדָם֙ בְּצַלְמ֔וֹ בְּצֶ֥לֶם אֱלֹהִ֖ים בָּרָ֣א אֹת֑וֹ זָכָ֥ר וּנְקֵבָ֖ה בָּרָ֥א אֹתָֽם׃
BSASo God’ĕ·lō·hîm [Elohim, the one supreme God] createdway·yiḇ·rā▸ [brought into being, formed] manhā·’ā·ḏām [human beings, humanity] in His [own] imagebə·ṣal·mōw [likeness, resemblance to God] in the imagebə·ṣe·lem [likeness, nature] of God’ĕ·lō·hîm He createdbā·rā■ [formed, made] him’ō·ṯōw malezā·ḵār [the masculine sex] and femaleū·nə·qê·ḇāh [the feminine sex] He createdbā·rā■ [formed, brought into existence] them’ō·ṯām
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיִּבְרָ֨א | and he created | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀ | God | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| הָֽאָדָם֙ | humankind | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| בְּצַלְמ֔וֹ | in own image his | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| בְּצֶ֥לֶם | in [the] image of | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| אֱלֹהִ֖ים | God | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| בָּרָ֣א | he created | Verb, Qal, perfect third person masculine singular |
| אֹת֑וֹ | the object marker it | Particle, suffix |
| זָכָ֥ר | male | Noun -, masculine singular |
| וּנְקֵבָ֖ה | and female | Conjunction |
| בָּרָ֥א | he created | Verb, Qal, perfect third person masculine singular |
| אֹתָֽם׃ | the object marker them | Particle, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. |
| KJV | So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. |
| ASV | And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. |
| YLT | And God prepareth the man in His image; in the image of God He prepared him, a male and a female He prepared them. |
| WEB | God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. |
| BBE | And God made man in his image, in the image of God he made him: male and female he made them. |
All translations agree on the use of בָּרָא as created in this verse.
The sentence has a main clause with two subordinate phrases that elaborate on the act of creation and the nature of the created beings.
6 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאֱלֹהִים
verbבָּרָא
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
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 — Genesis 1:27
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 Creation of Humankindgenerated
Genesis 1:27 describes how God created man in His own image, emphasizing the unique relationship between humanity and the divine. This passage highlights the dignity and worth of every person, as they reflect God's likeness. The context includes God's command to fill the earth and exercise dominion, underscoring the responsibility given to humanity as part of creation.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 139:14 | I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. |
| 2 | Isaiah 43:7 | everyone called by My name and created for My glory, whom I have indeed formed and made.” |
| 3 | Ephesians 2:10 | For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. |
| 4 | Ephesians 4:24 | and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. |
| 5 | Colossians 1:15 | The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — בָּרָא, vai.yiv.Ra'generated
The verb בָּרָא (bara') means to create or form, specifically used in the context of divine creation. It indicates a bringing into existence something new, often with God as the subject, as seen throughout the creation narrative.
This verb is in the Qal stem, indicating a simple action, and is in the perfect tense, showing that the action is complete. The use of בָּרָא here emphasizes God's sovereign power in creating humankind, distinguishing this act from other forms of making or shaping.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses created for בָּרָא.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb is וַיִּבְרָ֨א (and He created), which governs the entire sentence. The structure presents a series of phrases that elaborate on the act of creation, specifically focusing on the object of creation, humankind, and its divine likeness.
The sentence is constructed with a clear subject-verb-object order, emphasizing the action of God in creating man, followed by a description of the created beings as male and female.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates בָּרָא as ἐποίησεν (he made), which carries a similar meaning but can imply a broader sense of crafting or forming. This choice reflects the translators' understanding of God's creative power.
This translation choice may suggest a focus on the act of making rather than the unique aspect of divine creation emphasized in the Hebrew.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Genesis 1:27 tells us that God created humanity in His own image, both male and female. This highlights the special relationship between God and people, as they are made to reflect His likeness.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Being created in God's image means that humanity reflects certain attributes of God, such as rationality, morality, and the capacity for relationships.
The mention of both male and female emphasizes the equality and complementarity of genders in reflecting God's image.
God's act of creation signifies the value and purpose of human life, establishing a relationship between the Creator and His creation.
This verse sets the stage for understanding humanity's role in creation and their responsibilities as caretakers of the earth.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I see the image of God reflected in myself and others?
- How can I honor the dignity of all people as being made in God's image?
- What responsibilities do I have as a steward of God's creation?
- How does understanding my identity as created in God's image affect my relationships with others?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Church Fathers have commented on this verse, discussing the implications of humanity being created in God's image and the distinctions between male and female.
He distinguishes among the Persons: "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God created He him." Genesis 1:27 Why say "image of God?" Why not "His own image" merely,Early Church Fathers on Genesis 1 →
Our inner man consists of spirit and soul. The spirit is said to be male; the soul can be called female. If these have concord and agreement between themselves,Early Church Fathers on Genesis 1 →
It seems to be worth inquiring in this passage how, according to the letter, when the woman was not yet made, the Scripture says, “Male and female he made them.” Perhaps, as I think,Early Church Fathers on Genesis 1 →
Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Genesis 1:27 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleSo God created man in his own image,.... Which consisted both in the form of his body, and the erect stature of it, different from all other creatures; in agreement with the idea of that body,
Read John Gill on Genesis 1 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and
Read Robert Jamieson on Genesis 1 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleNot both together, as some of the Jews have fabled, but successively, the woman after and out of the man, as is more particularly related, , &c., which is here mentioned by anticipation. Albeit the woman also seems to have been made upon the sixth day, as is here related, and as the following blessing showeth, which is common to both of them, though the particular history of it is brought in afterwards, , by way of recapitulation or repetition.
Read Matthew Poole on Genesis 1 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsGenesis 1:27 So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.Ver. 27. So God created man in his own image.] There is a double image of God in the soul. One in the substance of it, whereof I have spoken in the former verse. The other in the qualities and supernatural graces, of knowledge in the understanding, rightness or straitness in the will, and holiness in the affections. In all these, man, when he came first out of God’ s mint, shone most gloriously. But now, Oh, think of this burnt temple, and mourn, as they in Ezra
Read John Trapp on Genesis 1 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(27) Created.—This significant verb is thrice repeated with reference to man. It indicates, first, that man has that in him which was not a development or evolution, but something new. He is, in fact, the most perfect work of the creative energy, and differs from the animals not only in degree, but in kind, though possessing, in common with them, an organised body. And next, it indicates the rejoicing of the Deity at the completion of His purpose.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Genesis 1 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges27. The reiteration of the principal words in the clauses of this verse has something of the rhythm of poetry. Repetition and love of detail are characteristics of the Priestly Code. “Created,” cf. Genesis 1:1; Genesis 1:21 (see notes). male and female] The distinction of the sexes, which is here given, has been omitted, probably for brevity’s sake, in the mention of the animals. When, in view of the discoveries of the science of Anthropology, the question is asked whether there was one original pair of human beings, or whether each of the different races, Caucasian, Mongolian, Negro, Red Indian, Australian, &c., originated from one pair, or from groups of pairs, we must answer that such…
Read Cambridge on Genesis 1 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.
Tyndale line
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Thus God created the man in his image: in the image of God created he him: he created them male and female.
Strictly literal
And God created Man in his image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God prepareth the man in His image; in the image of God He prepared him, a male and a female He prepared them.
And God creates the man in His image; in the image of God He created him, a male and a female He created them.
And God created man in his image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
God created man in his own image. In his own image he created him. Male and female he created them.
From the Latin
And God created man to his own image: to the image of God he created him: male and female he created them.
Simplified
So God created human beings in his own image. He created them in the image of God. He created them male and female.
And God made man in his image, in the image of God he made him: male and female he made them.
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.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text states, "וַיִּבְרָא אֱלֹהִים אֶת־ הָֽאָדָם בְּצַלְמ֔וֹ בְּצֶ֥לֶם אֱלֹהִ֖ים בָּרָ֣א אֹת֑וֹ זָכָ֥ר וּנְקֵבָ֖ה בָּרָ֥א אֹתָֽם," which translates to, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." The Samaritan Pentateuch agrees with the Masoretic Text word for word. The Septuagint matches 11 of the 13 words, but its word order and articles differ, indicating a slight variation in translation. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain fragments that have parts of the verse, with some words restored or supplied by editors, but they do not present a complete agreement with the Masoretic Text. Overall, while the core message remains consistent across these texts, there are notable differences in wording and completeness, especially in the Dead Sea Scrolls.
וַיִּבְרָ֨א אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀ אֶת־ הָֽאָדָם֙ בְּצַלְמ֔וֹ בְּצֶ֥לֶם אֱלֹהִ֖ים בָּרָ֣א אֹת֑וֹ זָכָ֥ר וּנְקֵבָ֖ה בָּרָ֥א אֹתָֽם׃
11 of the 13 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.
ויברא אלהים את האדם בצלמו בצלם אלהים ברא אתו זכר ונקבה ברא אתם
Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.
[ויברא] אלהים את [האדם] [בצלמ׳ו] [בצלם] [אלהים] [ברא] [את׳ו] [זכר] [ונקבה] [ברא] את׳ם
2 words on the leather — 1 partly restored, 10 supplied entire by an editor.
[ויברא] [אלהים] [את] האדם [בצלמ׳ו] [בצלם] [אלהים] [ברא] [את׳ו] [זכר] [ונקבה] ברא את׳ם
2 words on the leather — 1 partly restored, 10 supplied entire by an editor.
[בצלם] [אלוהים] [ברא] [אות׳ו] [זכר] [ונקבה] [ברא] [אות׳ם]
8 words of the verse are on this fragment — 8 supplied entire by an editor.
ויברא אלהים את האדם
4 words of the verse are on this fragment. The rest of the verse is not on it.
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.
Lexicons — every word in Genesis 1:27
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.
בָּרָא (bara') is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning to create or shape, often with God as the subject. It encompasses the creation of the heavens, earth, and new circumstances, and can also refer to cutting down or out. Additionally, it has a secondary meaning related to becoming fat or making oneself fat, as noted in 1 Samuel 2:29.
בָּרָא 53 vb. shape, create
Qal Pf.—shape, fashion, create
Niph.—Pass.
be created
with reference to birth
of something new, astonishing
Pi.
cut down
cut out
base
[בָּרָא] vb. be fat—Hiph. 1 S 2:29 to make yourself fat.
ref
H1254a בָּרָא shape, create .Pf.—shape, fashion, create
.—Pass. . be created
. with reference to birth
. of something new, astonishing
. . cut down
. cut out
H1254b בָּרָא be fat
1254 bara' baw-raw'
a primitive root; (absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut
down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes):--
choose, create (creator), cut down, dispatch, do, make (fat).
בָּרָא (ba.ra) — to create.
1) to create, shape, form
1a) (Qal) to shape, fashion, create (always with God as subject)
1a1) of heaven and earth
1a2) of individual man
1a3) of new conditions and circumstances
1a4) of transformations
1b) (Niphal) to be created
1b1) of heaven and earth
1b2) of birth
1b3) of something new
1b4) of miracles
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to cut down
1c2) to cut out
בָּרָא (ba.ra) — to fatten.
1) to be fat
1a) (Hiphil) to make yourselves fat
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
אֱלֹהִים (elohiym) is a plural noun meaning 'gods' or 'God,' often referring to the supreme deity in the Old Testament. It encompasses divine beings, rulers, and judges, reflecting divine majesty and power. The term can also denote angels and is used in a superlative sense. Notably, it is sometimes combined with יהוה (YHWH), the personal name of God.
אֱלֹהִים 2570 n.m.pl.
pl. in number.
rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
angels
gods
pl. intensive
god or goddess
godlike one
works of God, or things belongng to him
God
הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
אֱלֹהִים = God
base
H430 אֱלֹהִים n. m. pl. . pl. in number. . rulers, judges, either asdivine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
. angels
. gods
. pl. intensive . god or goddess
. godlike one
. works of God, or things belongng to him
. God
. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
. אֱלֹהִים = God
430 'elohiym el-o-heem'
plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically
used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the
supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to
magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X
exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X
mighty.
see HEBREW for 0433
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — God.
This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God"
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (LORD)-Elohe.
Combined with ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (Gibeath)-elohim.
Combined with giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeath" H1389)
Noun - masculine plural — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
god ('Elohim, 'El, [`Elyon], Shadday, Yahweh; Theos):
I. INTRODUCTION TO THE GENERAL IDEA
1. The Idea in Experience and in Thought
2. Definition of the Idea
3. The Knowledge of God
4. Ethnic Ideas of God
(1) Animism
(2) Fetishism
(3) Idolatry
(4) Polytheism
(5) Henotheism
(6) Pantheism
(7) Deism
(8) Semitic Monolatry
(9) Monotheism
II. THE IDEA OF GOD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. The Course of Its Development
2. Forms of Its Manifestation
(1) The Face or Countenance of God
(2) The Voice and Word of God
(3) The Glory of God
(4) The Angel of God
(5) The Spirit of God
(6) The Name of God
(7) Occasional Forms
3. The Names of God
(1) Generic
(2) Attributive
(3) Yahweh
4. Pre-prophetic Conceptions of God
(1) Yahweh Alone Is the God of Israel
(a) His Early Worship
(b) Popular Religion
(c) Polytheistic Tendencies
(i) Coordination
(ii) Assimilation
(iii) Disintegration
(d) No Hebrew Goddesses
(e) Human Sacrifices
God
(A.S. and Dutch God; Dan. Gud; Ger. Gott), the name of the Divine Being. It is the rendering (1) of the Hebrew ’El, from a word meaning to be strong; (2) of ’Eloah_, plural _’Elohim. The singular form, Eloah, is used only in poetry. The plural form is more commonly used in all parts of the Bible, The Hebrew word Jehovah (q.v.), the only other word generally employed to denote the Supreme Being, is uniformly rendered in the Authorized Version by “LORD,” printed in small capitals. The existence of God is taken for granted in the Bible. There is nowhere any argument to prove it. He who disbelieves this truth is spoken of as one devoid of understanding (Ps. 14:1).
The arguments generally adduced by theologians in proof of the being of God are:
(1.) The a priori argument, which is the testimony afforded by reason.
(good). Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures two chief names are used for the one true divine Being--ELOHIM, commonly translated God in our version, and JEHOVAH, translated Lord . Elohim is the plural of Eloah (in Arabic Allah); it is often used in the short form EL (a word signifying strength , as in EL-SHADDAI, God Almighty, the name by which God was specially known to the patriarchs. (Genesis 17:1; 28:3; Exodus 6:3) The etymology is uncertain, but it is generally agreed that the primary idea is that of strength, power of effect , and that it properly describes God in that character in which he is exhibited to all men in his works, as the creator, sustainer and supreme governor of the world. The plural form of Elohim has given rise to much discussion. The fanciful idea that it…
This name, the derivation of which is uncertain, we give to that eternal, infinite, perfect, and incomprehensible Being, the Creator of all things, who preserves and governs all by his almighty power and wisdom, and is the only proper object of worship. The proper Hebrew name for God is JEHOVAH, which signifies He is. But the Jews, from a feeling of reverence, avoid pronouncing this name, substituting for it, wherever it occurs in the sacred test, the word ADONAI, Lord; except in the expression, ADONAI JEHOVAH, Lord Jehovah, for which they put, ADONAI ELOHIM, Lord God. This usage, which is not without an element of superstition, is very ancient, dating its origin some centuries before Christ; but there is no good ground for assuming its existence in the days of the inspired Old Testament writers. The proper word for God is ELOHIM, which is plural in its form, being thus used to signify…
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).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
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
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)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular — ParticleHTo
אָדָם (adam) refers to 'man' or 'mankind,' encompassing both individual humans and the species as a whole. It is also the name of the first man in the Bible, Adam, who is mentioned in various verses, including Genesis 2:19. The term can denote a city in the Jordan valley as well. The entries indicate a range of meanings, but there is no significant disagreement among them.
אָדָם 560 n.m. Gn 1:27 man, mankind
a man = human being
coll. man, mankind
n.pr.m. Adam, first man (without art.)
n.pr.loc. city in Jordan valley (as built?)
base
H120 אָדָם man, mankind . a man = human being
. coll. man, mankind
120 'adam aw-dawm'
from 119; ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the
species, mankind, etc.):--X another, + hypocrite, + common
sort, X low, man (mean, of low degree), person.
see HEBREW for 0119
אָדָם (a.dam) — man.
1) man, mankind
1a) man, human being
1b) man, mankind (much more frequently intended sense in OT)
1c) Adam, first man
1d) city in Jordan valley
אָדָם (a.dam) — the man (Adam).
The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19;
married to Eve (H2332);
father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33;
Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121)
man, human being
Article | Noun - masculine singular — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
צֶ֫לֶם (tselem) means 'image' or 'likeness,' and can refer to both physical representations and figurative concepts like illusion or semblance. It is derived from a root meaning to shade, suggesting a resemblance or representation. The term appears in contexts ranging from idols to mere appearances, with some entries noting its use in reference to images of tumors or heathen gods.
צֶ֫לֶם n.m. image
images
image, likeness, of resemblance
fig. = mere, empty, image, semblance
base
H6754 צֶ֫לֶם image . images
. image, likeness, of resemblance
. fig. = mere, empty, image, semblance
6754 tselem tseh'-lem
from an unused root meaning to shade; a phantom, i.e.
(figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative
figure, especially an idol:--image, vain shew.
צֶ֫לֶם (tse.lem) — image.
1) image
1a) images (of tumours, mice, heathen gods)
1b) image, likeness (of resemblance)
1c) mere, empty, image, semblance (fig.)
Aramaic equivalent: tse.lem (צְלֵם "image" H6755)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp3ms
צֶ֫לֶם (tselem) means 'image' or 'likeness,' and can refer to both physical representations and figurative concepts like illusion or semblance. It is derived from a root meaning to shade, suggesting a resemblance or representation. The term appears in contexts ranging from idols to mere appearances, with some entries noting its use in reference to images of tumors or heathen gods.
צֶ֫לֶם n.m. image
images
image, likeness, of resemblance
fig. = mere, empty, image, semblance
base
H6754 צֶ֫לֶם image . images
. image, likeness, of resemblance
. fig. = mere, empty, image, semblance
6754 tselem tseh'-lem
from an unused root meaning to shade; a phantom, i.e.
(figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative
figure, especially an idol:--image, vain shew.
צֶ֫לֶם (tse.lem) — image.
1) image
1a) images (of tumours, mice, heathen gods)
1b) image, likeness (of resemblance)
1c) mere, empty, image, semblance (fig.)
Aramaic equivalent: tse.lem (צְלֵם "image" H6755)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
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.
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…
אֱלֹהִים (elohiym) is a plural noun meaning 'gods' or 'God,' often referring to the supreme deity in the Old Testament. It encompasses divine beings, rulers, and judges, reflecting divine majesty and power. The term can also denote angels and is used in a superlative sense. Notably, it is sometimes combined with יהוה (YHWH), the personal name of God.
אֱלֹהִים 2570 n.m.pl.
pl. in number.
rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
angels
gods
pl. intensive
god or goddess
godlike one
works of God, or things belongng to him
God
הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
אֱלֹהִים = God
base
H430 אֱלֹהִים n. m. pl. . pl. in number. . rulers, judges, either asdivine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
. angels
. gods
. pl. intensive . god or goddess
. godlike one
. works of God, or things belongng to him
. God
. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
. אֱלֹהִים = God
430 'elohiym el-o-heem'
plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically
used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the
supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to
magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X
exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X
mighty.
see HEBREW for 0433
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — God.
This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God"
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (LORD)-Elohe.
Combined with ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (Gibeath)-elohim.
Combined with giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeath" H1389)
Noun - masculine plural — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
god ('Elohim, 'El, [`Elyon], Shadday, Yahweh; Theos):
I. INTRODUCTION TO THE GENERAL IDEA
1. The Idea in Experience and in Thought
2. Definition of the Idea
3. The Knowledge of God
4. Ethnic Ideas of God
(1) Animism
(2) Fetishism
(3) Idolatry
(4) Polytheism
(5) Henotheism
(6) Pantheism
(7) Deism
(8) Semitic Monolatry
(9) Monotheism
II. THE IDEA OF GOD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. The Course of Its Development
2. Forms of Its Manifestation
(1) The Face or Countenance of God
(2) The Voice and Word of God
(3) The Glory of God
(4) The Angel of God
(5) The Spirit of God
(6) The Name of God
(7) Occasional Forms
3. The Names of God
(1) Generic
(2) Attributive
(3) Yahweh
4. Pre-prophetic Conceptions of God
(1) Yahweh Alone Is the God of Israel
(a) His Early Worship
(b) Popular Religion
(c) Polytheistic Tendencies
(i) Coordination
(ii) Assimilation
(iii) Disintegration
(d) No Hebrew Goddesses
(e) Human Sacrifices
God
(A.S. and Dutch God; Dan. Gud; Ger. Gott), the name of the Divine Being. It is the rendering (1) of the Hebrew ’El, from a word meaning to be strong; (2) of ’Eloah_, plural _’Elohim. The singular form, Eloah, is used only in poetry. The plural form is more commonly used in all parts of the Bible, The Hebrew word Jehovah (q.v.), the only other word generally employed to denote the Supreme Being, is uniformly rendered in the Authorized Version by “LORD,” printed in small capitals. The existence of God is taken for granted in the Bible. There is nowhere any argument to prove it. He who disbelieves this truth is spoken of as one devoid of understanding (Ps. 14:1).
The arguments generally adduced by theologians in proof of the being of God are:
(1.) The a priori argument, which is the testimony afforded by reason.
(good). Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures two chief names are used for the one true divine Being--ELOHIM, commonly translated God in our version, and JEHOVAH, translated Lord . Elohim is the plural of Eloah (in Arabic Allah); it is often used in the short form EL (a word signifying strength , as in EL-SHADDAI, God Almighty, the name by which God was specially known to the patriarchs. (Genesis 17:1; 28:3; Exodus 6:3) The etymology is uncertain, but it is generally agreed that the primary idea is that of strength, power of effect , and that it properly describes God in that character in which he is exhibited to all men in his works, as the creator, sustainer and supreme governor of the world. The plural form of Elohim has given rise to much discussion. The fanciful idea that it…
This name, the derivation of which is uncertain, we give to that eternal, infinite, perfect, and incomprehensible Being, the Creator of all things, who preserves and governs all by his almighty power and wisdom, and is the only proper object of worship. The proper Hebrew name for God is JEHOVAH, which signifies He is. But the Jews, from a feeling of reverence, avoid pronouncing this name, substituting for it, wherever it occurs in the sacred test, the word ADONAI, Lord; except in the expression, ADONAI JEHOVAH, Lord Jehovah, for which they put, ADONAI ELOHIM, Lord God. This usage, which is not without an element of superstition, is very ancient, dating its origin some centuries before Christ; but there is no good ground for assuming its existence in the days of the inspired Old Testament writers. The proper word for God is ELOHIM, which is plural in its form, being thus used to signify…
בָּרָא (bara') is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning to create or shape, often with God as the subject. It encompasses the creation of the heavens, earth, and new circumstances, and can also refer to cutting down or out. Additionally, it has a secondary meaning related to becoming fat or making oneself fat, as noted in 1 Samuel 2:29.
בָּרָא 53 vb. shape, create
Qal Pf.—shape, fashion, create
Niph.—Pass.
be created
with reference to birth
of something new, astonishing
Pi.
cut down
cut out
base
[בָּרָא] vb. be fat—Hiph. 1 S 2:29 to make yourself fat.
ref
H1254a בָּרָא shape, create .Pf.—shape, fashion, create
.—Pass. . be created
. with reference to birth
. of something new, astonishing
. . cut down
. cut out
H1254b בָּרָא be fat
1254 bara' baw-raw'
a primitive root; (absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut
down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes):--
choose, create (creator), cut down, dispatch, do, make (fat).
בָּרָא (ba.ra) — to create.
1) to create, shape, form
1a) (Qal) to shape, fashion, create (always with God as subject)
1a1) of heaven and earth
1a2) of individual man
1a3) of new conditions and circumstances
1a4) of transformations
1b) (Niphal) to be created
1b1) of heaven and earth
1b2) of birth
1b3) of something new
1b4) of miracles
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to cut down
1c2) to cut out
בָּרָא (ba.ra) — to fatten.
1) to be fat
1a) (Hiphil) to make yourselves fat
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singularHVqp3ms
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).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
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
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)
Direct object marker | third person masculine plural — Particle · suffixHTo/Sp3ms
זָכָר (zakar) refers to a male, specifically the male of humans and animals. It is used both as a noun to denote male offspring and as an adjective to describe humans as male. The term is derived from a root meaning 'remembered,' emphasizing the male as a noteworthy sex.
זָכָר n.m. & adj. male
subst. male, offspring of men and animals
adj. sg. male (only human beings)
base
H2145 זָכָר male . subst. male, offspring of men and animals
. adj. sg. male (only human beings)
2145 zakar zaw-kawr'
from 2142; properly, remembered, i.e. a male (of man or
animals, as being the most noteworthy sex):--X him, male,
man(child, -kind).
see HEBREW for 02142
זָכָר (za.khar) — male.
1) male (of humans and animals)
adj
2) male (of humans)
Noun - masculine singular — Noun - · masculine singularHAamsa
mal
(1) zakhar, zakhar, zakhur (the root means "to stand out," "to be prominent," here a physiological differentiation of the sex, as neqebhah, "female," which see);
(2) 'ish literally, "man";
(3) by circumlocution, only in the books of Samuel and Kings, mashtin beqir; ouron pros toichon, which the Revised Version (British and American) euphemistically renders "man-child" (1Sa 25:22,34; 1Ki 14:10)):
Gesenius has rightly pointed out that this phrase designates young boys, who do not as yet wear clothes, of whom the above description is accurate, while it does not apply in the case of adults, even in the modern Orient. We know this from the statement of Herodotus ii.35, relating to Egypt, and from Jud 3:24;
נְקֵבָה (nqebah) means 'female' and can refer to a woman, female child, or female animal. It is derived from the root word for 'to pierce' or 'to perforate,' indicating a connection to the sexual form. The term appears in contexts discussing gender.
נְקֵבָה n.f. female
base
H5347 נְקֵבָה female
5347 nqebah nek-ay-baw'
from 5344; female (from the sexual form):--female.
see HEBREW for 05344
נְקֵבָה (ne.qe.vah) — female.
1) female
1a) woman, female child
1b) female animal
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular — ConjunctionHC/Aafsa
fe'-mal: Two Hebrew words are thus translated:
(1) neqebhah, which is merely a physiological description of the sexual characteristic (from naqabh, "to perforate"), and which corresponds to zakhar, "male" (see under the word).
(2) 'ishshah, with the irregular plural nashim (only Ge 7:2, in all other places "wife," "woman"), the feminine form of 'ish, "man."
The Greek word is thelus, literally, "the nursing one," "the one giving suck" (from thelazo, "to suckle").
Israelitic law seems frequently guilty of unjust partiality in favor of the male sex, but we have to consider that most of these legal and religious disabilities of women can be explained from the social conditions prevailing at the time of legislation. They are therefore found also in contemporaneous Gentilereligions. Though traces of this prejudice against the weaker sex are…
בָּרָא (bara') is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning to create or shape, often with God as the subject. It encompasses the creation of the heavens, earth, and new circumstances, and can also refer to cutting down or out. Additionally, it has a secondary meaning related to becoming fat or making oneself fat, as noted in 1 Samuel 2:29.
בָּרָא 53 vb. shape, create
Qal Pf.—shape, fashion, create
Niph.—Pass.
be created
with reference to birth
of something new, astonishing
Pi.
cut down
cut out
base
[בָּרָא] vb. be fat—Hiph. 1 S 2:29 to make yourself fat.
ref
H1254a בָּרָא shape, create .Pf.—shape, fashion, create
.—Pass. . be created
. with reference to birth
. of something new, astonishing
. . cut down
. cut out
H1254b בָּרָא be fat
1254 bara' baw-raw'
a primitive root; (absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut
down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes):--
choose, create (creator), cut down, dispatch, do, make (fat).
בָּרָא (ba.ra) — to create.
1) to create, shape, form
1a) (Qal) to shape, fashion, create (always with God as subject)
1a1) of heaven and earth
1a2) of individual man
1a3) of new conditions and circumstances
1a4) of transformations
1b) (Niphal) to be created
1b1) of heaven and earth
1b2) of birth
1b3) of something new
1b4) of miracles
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to cut down
1c2) to cut out
בָּרָא (ba.ra) — to fatten.
1) to be fat
1a) (Hiphil) to make yourselves fat
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singularHVqp3ms
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).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
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
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)
HTo/Sp3mp — Particle · suffixHTo/Sp3mp