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Genesis 15:16 — Word Study

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WLCוְד֥וֹר רְבִיעִ֖י יָשׁ֣וּבוּ הֵ֑נָּה כִּ֧י לֹא־ שָׁלֵ֛ם עֲוֹ֥ן הָאֱמֹרִ֖י עַד־ הֵֽנָּה׃

BSAIn the fourthrᵉbîyʻîy [ranging from three to four, a period of time] generationdôwr [a group of people] [your descendants] will returnshûwb [come back, turn back] herehênnâh [to this place] forkîy [because] the iniquityʻâvôn [moral evil, sin] of the AmoritesʼĔmôrîy [a Canaanite tribe] [is] notlôʼ yetʻad [has not reached its full extent] completeshâlêm [whole, full]

Word
Listen & take awayGenesis 15
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 16 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 (He.nah) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Genesis 15:16quick helps
In a sentenceGod tells Abram that his descendants will return to the land after a specified period.
Who is speakingGod, speaking directly to Abram.
Where we areIn a covenantal context, where God is outlining future events for Abram's lineage.
The hard wordשָׁלֵם
Take awayThe iniquity of the Amorites has not yet reached its full extent.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbשׁוּב The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Genesis 15:16

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

Context — God's Promise to Abramgenerated

15You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a ripe old age.
16In the fourth generation your descendants will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”
17When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, behold, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch appeared and passed between the halves of the carcasses.
18On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates—

Genesis 15:16 reveals God's promise to Abram regarding his descendants, indicating that they will return to the land after a specified time. This promise is set against the backdrop of the Amorites' iniquity, which has not yet reached its full measure, suggesting a divine timeline for judgment and restoration. The context highlights God's sovereignty over history and His plans for Abram's lineage, which will unfold in the generations to come.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Exodus 12:40Now the duration of the Israelites’ stay in Egypt was 430 years.
21 Kings 21:26He committed the most detestable acts by going after idols, just like the Amorites whom the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.)
32 Peter 3:8–9Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.
4Daniel 8:23In the latter part of their reign, when the rebellion has reached its full measure, an insolent king, skilled in intrigue, will come to the throne.
5Zechariah 5:5–11Then the angel who was speaking with me came forward and told me, “Now lift up your eyes and see what is approaching.”

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word שָׁלֵם, sha.Lemgenerated

The Hebrew word שָׁלֵם (shalem) means complete, safe, and at peace. It is derived from the root word שָׁלֵם (H7999) and covers a range of meanings including full, perfect, and peaceful. In this verse, it indicates that the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet at its full measure, implying that their moral state is incomplete and will lead to future consequences.

This word is often used in contexts related to covenant relationships, emphasizing the idea of wholeness and fulfillment. The use of שָׁלֵם here highlights the moral and spiritual state of the Amorites, suggesting that their time of judgment is yet to come.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The translations of this verse are consistent in conveying the idea that the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb יָשׁ֣וּבוּ (they will return) governs the main clause, with the adverbial phrases providing context about the time and place of the return. The structure indicates a clear progression of thought, linking the promise of return to the condition of the Amorites' iniquity.

The sentence emphasizes the relationship between the generations and the moral state of the Amorites, with the adverbial phrases הֵ֑נָּה (here) and עַד־ (until) marking the specific location and temporal limit of the Amorites' iniquity.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates שָׁלֵם as ἀναπεπλήρωνται, which suggests a focus on the completion of the Amorites' iniquity. This choice indicates a nuanced understanding of their moral state, emphasizing that it is still in a process of becoming complete.

The use of ἀποστραφήσονται for יָשׁ֣וּבוּ reflects a similar idea of turning or returning, but with a different emphasis that may highlight the act of returning itself rather than the timing.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Genesis 15:16 tells us that in the fourth generation, Abram's descendants will return to the land. This will happen because the iniquity of the Amorites has not yet reached its full extent. This verse highlights God's plan for Abram's lineage and the moral state of the Amorites.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete?

It means that the Amorites have not yet reached the full measure of their moral corruption, indicating that God's judgment is still pending.

Why is the fourth generation significant?

The fourth generation signifies a specific period of time that God has set before the descendants of Abram will return to the land.

What does 'return here' imply?

'Return here' indicates a physical and spiritual return to the land promised to Abram, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant.

How does this verse relate to God's covenant with Abram?

This verse is part of God's covenant with Abram, assuring him that his descendants will inherit the land, despite the current state of the Amorites.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What does this promise reveal about God's timing and plans for His people?
  2. How can understanding the iniquity of the Amorites help us reflect on our own moral choices?
  3. In what ways does this verse encourage us to trust in God's promises?
  4. How does the concept of generations impact our understanding of God's covenant?

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

Early Church Fathers reference this verse to discuss God's covenant with Abram and the significance of the fourth generation in relation to the Israelites' future.

Didymus the BlindON Genesis 232-33 c. 313–398
After having said this of Abraham himself, God speaks of the children who will come from him: “In the fourth generation they shall come back here,” meaning the generation that would return to the land of inheritance.
Early Church Fathers on Genesis 15 →
Ambrose of MilanOn Abraham c. 339–397
The history of the Jews, who went down into Egypt and came out from Egypt, seems to accord with this. The years they spent there were 430, but not all of them lived a hundred years and more, as did Moses and Joshua,
Early Church Fathers on Genesis 15 →
JeromeVerse 16 c. 347–420
But in the fourth generation they will return here. There is no doubt that these will be the ones who are descended from Abraham.
Early Church Fathers on Genesis 15 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Genesis 15:16 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And in the fourth generation they shall come hither again,.... The seed of Abram were in the land of Canaan before their descent into Egypt; and it is here predicted and promised, that they should

Read John Gill on Genesis 15 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

Read Robert Jamieson on Genesis 15 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

In the fourth generation; in the end of the four hundred years mentioned , a generation being at that time reckoned at one hundred years, or thereabouts. Or, in the fourth generation numbered from their going into Egypt, or from their leaving Canaan; which may possibly be implied by these words, they shall come hither. So Caleb was the fourth from Judah, and Moses the fourth from Levi, and so doubtless many others. The iniquity of the Amorites, i.e. of the people inhabiting Canaan. And the Amorites, one of those people, , are here put for all the rest, as , either because they were the greatest and stoutest of all, , or because Abram dwelt among that people, 14:13. All men’ s sins are kept…

Read Matthew Poole on Genesis 15 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Genesis 15:16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites [is] not yet full.Ver. 16. The iniquity of the Amorites, &c.] A metaphor from a large vessel filled by drops; as elsewhere, from a harvest ready for the sickle, and from the vine ripe for the winepress. Pererius the Jesuit, writing upon this text, saith, If any marvel why England continueth to flourish, notwithstanding the cruel persecution of Catholics there (just execution of Catholics he should have said); I answer, Because their sin is not yet full. God grant it! Sed veniet tandem iniquitatis complementum , saith he. A true prophet, I fear me. That terrible text rings in mine ears…

Read John Trapp on Genesis 15 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16) The fourth generation.—Heb., dôr. (See Note on Genesis 6:9.) As the four generations are identical with the four centuries of Gen 15:13, we have here an undesigned testimony to the long duration of human life. So Abram was 100 years old when Isaac was born, and Isaac was 60 at the birth of his children, and Jacob 64 years of age at his marriage. But the word dôr had probably come down from a remote antiquity, and, like the Latin word seculum, signified a century. The iniquity of the Amorites.—As the chief and leading tribe, they are used here for all the Canaanite nations. We learn from this declaration that the Canaanites were not extirpated by any wilful decree to make room for…

Read Charles John Ellicott on Genesis 15 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 16. In the fourth generation] In former times most people counted by generations, to each of which was assigned a term of years amounting to 20, 25, 30, 33, 100, 108, or 110; for the generation was of various lengths among various people, at different times. It is probable that the fourth generation here means the same as the four hundred years in the preceding verse. Some think it refers to the time when Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the son of Amram, the son of Kohath, came out of Egypt, and divided the land of Canaan to Israel, Joshua 14:1. Others think the fourth generation of the Amorites is intended, because it is immediately added, The iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full; but…

Read AdamClarke on Genesis 15 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

16. in the fourth generation] This agrees with the genealogy in Exodus 6:16-20, where the generations are: (1) Levi, (2) Kohath, (3) Amram, (4) Moses. If the fourth generation is to be harmonized with the 400 years in Genesis 15:13, a generation must have been computed as 100 years. Isaac was born in Abram’s 100th year. But it may be doubted, whether the mention of “the fourth generation” comes from the same hand as “the 400 years” in Genesis 15:13. for the iniquity of the Amorite] The idea is that the wickedness of the people of Canaan must reach a certain degree, before the Divine penalty can be inflicted. The postponement of the penalty, which indicates Divine forbearance, means also a…

Read Cambridge on Genesis 15 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

16. In the fourth generation — Evidently reckoning one hundred years as an average generation among these patriarchs. For the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full — Another sentence of profound significance.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Genesis 15 →

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

In the fourth generation your descendants will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”

WEBWorld English Bible2000

In the fourth generation they will come here again, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full.”

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

In the fourth generation your descendants will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”

NETBNew English Translation2006

In the fourth generation your descendants will return here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its limit.”

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And in the fourth generation they shall come hither againe: for the wickednes of the Amorites is not yet full.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And [in the] fourth generation they shall come hither again; for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

and the fourth generation doth turn back hither, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete.'

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

and the fourth generation turns back here, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete.”

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Yet the fourth generation shall come hither again; for the iniquity of the Emorites will not be full until then.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

In the fourth generation they will come here again, for the iniquity of the Amorites has not yet reached its limit.”

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

But in the fourth generation they shall return hither: for as yet the iniquities of the Amorrhites are not at the full until this present time.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Four generations later your descendants will come back here to live, because right now the sins of the Amorites have not reached their full extent.”

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And in the fourth generation they will come back here; for at present the sin of the Amorite is not full.

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.

וְand.[the]clausenoun phrase · adverbialד֥וֹרgenerationרְבִיעִ֖יfourthverbיָשׁ֣וּבוּthey.will.returnadverbialהֵ֑נָּהhitherכִּ֧י(dm)clauseadverbialלֹאnotpredicateשָׁלֵ֛ם[is].completenoun phrase · subjectעֲוֺ֥ןthe.iniquitynoun phraseהָofאֱמֹרִ֖יthe.Amorite[s]prepositional phrase · prepositionalעַדuntilהֵֽנָּהnow

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 Samaritan Pentateuch agree on the main structure of the verse, though the Samaritan Pentateuch uses a slightly different form of the verb for 'return' (ישׁוב) which does not alter the meaning significantly.

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

וְד֥וֹר רְבִיעִ֖י יָשׁ֣וּבוּ הֵ֑נָּה כִּ֧י לֹא־ שָׁלֵ֛ם עֲוֹ֥ן הָאֱמֹרִ֖י עַד־ הֵֽנָּה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְד֥וֹרγενεὰיָשׁ֣וּבוּἀποστραφήσονταιהֵ֑נָּהὧδεכִּ֧יγὰρשָׁלֵ֛םἀναπεπλήρωνταιהָאֱמֹרִ֖יαμορραίωνעַד־ἕωςהֵֽנָּה׃νῦν

8 of the 11 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.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

ודור הרביעי ישׁוב הנה כי לא שׁלם עון האמרי עד הנה

1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: ישׁוב (return)

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.

Genesis 15:16דּוֹרand [the] gand [the] generדּוֹררְבִיעִיfourthfourthרְבִיעִישׁוּבthey will rthey will returשׁוּבהֵ֫נָּהhitherhitherהֵ֫נָּהכִּיforforכִּילֹאnotnotלֹאשָׁלֵם[is] comple[is] completeשָׁלֵםעָוֹן[the] iniqu[the] iniquity עָוֹןאֱמֹרִיthe Amoritethe Amorite[s]אֱמֹרִיעַדuntiluntilעַדהֵ֫נָּהnownowהֵ֫נָּההֵן3 fem3 femהֵןדּוּרדּוּררָבַעto squareto squareרָבַעשָׁלֵםto completto completeשָׁלֵםאָמַרto sayto sayאָמַרעָוָהto twistto twistעָוָהאֲבַדto destroyto destroyאֲבַדעַדperpetuityperpetuityעַדחָצָהto divideto divideחָצָהזֵ֫כֶרmemorialmemorialזֵ֫כֶרהִיןhinhinהִיןיְהוֹיָקִיםJehoiakimJehoiakimיְהוֹיָקִיםשְׁבִיתcaptivitycaptivityשְׁבִיתחָרוֹןburning anburning angerחָרוֹןיָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעיָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדלֵבָבheartheartלֵבָב
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 Genesis 15:16

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

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

and [the] generation fourth they will return hither for not [is] complete [the] iniquity of the Amorite[s] until now
וְד֥וֹרve.Dor and [the] generation H1755 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
167× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Amplified meaning
a group of people
Tyndale gloss
generation
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word דּוֹר (dor) encompasses meanings related to a period or generation, often emphasizing the transitory nature of life. It can refer to a specific age, a class of people living at a certain time, or a dwelling place. The entries suggest a focus on both the temporal and spatial aspects of existence.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

דּוֹר, דֹּר n.m. period, generation, dwelling

period, age, generation, mostly poet.

of men living at a particular time (period, age), generation, as transitory

generation characterized by quality or condition, class of men

dwelling-place, habitation

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1755 דּוֹר, דֹּר period, generation, dwelling . period, age, generation, mostly poet.

. of men living at a particular time (period, age), generation, as transitory

. generation characterized by quality or condition, class of men

. dwelling-place, habitation

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1755 dowr dore

or (shortened) dor {dore}; from 1752; properly, a revolution

of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling:--age, X

evermore, generation, (n-)ever, posterity.

see HEBREW for 01752

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דּוֹר (dor) — generation.

1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling

1a) period, age, generation (period of time)

1b) generation (those living during a period)

1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men)

1d) dwelling-place, habitation

Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)

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

jen-er-a'-shun (Latin generatio, from genero, "beget"):

(1) The translation

(a) of dor, "circle," "generation," hence, "age," "period," "cycle": "many generations" (De 32:7);

(b) the people of any particular period or those born about the same time: "Righteous before me in this generation" (Ge 7:1); "four generations" (Job 42:16);

(c) the people of a particular class or sort, with some implied reference to hereditary quality; the wicked (De 32:5; Pr 30:11); the righteous (Ps 14:5; 112:2).

(2) toledhoth, "births," hence

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Generation

Gen. 2:4, “These are the generations,” means the “history.” 5:1, “The book of the generations,” means a family register, or history of Adam. 37:2, “The generations of Jacob” = the history of Jacob and his descendants. 7:1, “In this generation” = in this age. Ps. 49:19, “The generation of his fathers” = the dwelling of his fathers, i.e., the grave. Ps. 73:15, “The generation of thy children” = the contemporary race. Isa. 53:8, “Who shall declare his generation?” = His manner of life who shall declare? or rather = His race, posterity, shall be so numerous that no one shall be able to declare it.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

In the long-lived patriarchal age a generation seems to have been computed at 100 years, (Genesis 15:16) comp. Genesis15:13 and Eccl 12:40 But subsequently the reckoning was the same which has been adopted by modern civilized nations, viz. from thirty to forty years (Job 42:16) (Generation is also used to signify the men of an age or time, as contemporaries, (Genesis 6:9; Isaiah 53:8) posterity , especially in legal formulae, (Leviticus 3:17) etc.; fathers, or ancestors. (Psalms 49:19)

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Besides the common acceptation of this word, as signifying race, descent, lineage, it is used for the history and genealogy of a person, as in Ge 5:1, "the book of the generations of Adam," that is, the history of Adam’s creation and of his posterity. So in Ge 2:4, "The generations of the heavens and of the earth," that is, their genealogy, so to speak, the history of the creation of heaven and earth; also in Mt 1:1, "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ," that is, the genealogy of Jesus Christ," that is, the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the history of his descent and life. "The present generation" comprises all those who are now alive; "This generation shall not pass till all be fulfilled," some now living shall witness the…

and [the] generation fourth they will return hither for not [is] complete [the] iniquity of the Amorite[s] until now
רְבִיעִ֖יre.vi.'I fourth H7243 Adj
57× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means fourth, and is used to describe something that is four-sided or divided into four parts, like a square or a quarter.
Amplified meaning
ranging from three to four, a period of time
Tyndale gloss
fourth
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רְבִיעִי (rbiy`iy) means 'fourth' and can also refer to a 'fourth part' or describe something as 'foursquare.' It is derived from the root word for 'four' and has both masculine and feminine forms. The term appears in contexts where ordinal numbers are used.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רְבִיעִי m., רְבִיעִית f., adj.num.ordin. fourth

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7243 רְבִיעִי, רְבִיעִית fourth

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7243 rbiy`iy reb-ee-ee'

or rbiiy {reb-ee-ee'}; from 7251; fourth; also

(fractionally) a fourth:--foursquare, fourth (part).

see HEBREW for 07251

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רְבִיעִי (re.vi.i) — fourth.

1) fourth

1a) fourth

1b) four square

1c) fourth part

Aramaic equivalent: re.vi.ay (רְבִיעִי "fourth" H7244)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAomsa
and [the] generation fourth they will return hither for not [is] complete [the] iniquity of the Amorite[s] until now
יָשׁ֣וּבוּya.Shu.vu they will return H7725 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
1,057× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Amplified meaning
come back, turn back
Tyndale gloss
to return: return
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שׁוּב (shuwb) means to turn back or return, covering a wide range of contexts including physical, spiritual, and relational. It can denote returning to a previous state, repenting, or even apostatizing. The entries describe various forms and uses, including bringing back, restoring, and refreshing. Notably, it can also imply a change in course of action.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שׁוּב 1056 vb. turn back, return

Qal 683;—turn back, return:

turn back

return, come or go back

esp. return unto

of dying

of revival from death

fig. of human relations:

return to leader, king

= change so as to appoach (in purpose, desire)

turn, i.e. resort to

return to a physical condition

abs. = change course of action

fig., specif. of spiritual relations:

turn back from God = apostatize

of י׳, turn away

turn back to God (= seek penitently)

abs. repent

turn back from evil

of י׳

of י׳, return (to shew favour)

of inanimate things (sts. personified, or treated as things of life):

denoting repetition, etc.

trans.

Pō‛l.

bring back

fig. restore, refresh

restore, repair

lead away (enticingly)

shew turning = apostatize

Hiph. 353 cause to return, bring back

bring back into bondage

put back

= draw back

= give back, restore

= relinguish

= give in payment, requital

bring one back (from dead)

bring back heart

= refresh

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7725 שׁוּב turn back, return .—turn back, return: . turn back

. return, come or go back

. esp. return unto

. . of dying

. of revival from death

. fig. of human relations: . return to leader, king

. = change so as to appoach (in purpose, desire)

. turn, i.e. resort to

. return to a physical condition

. abs. = change course of action

. fig., specif. of spiritual relations: . turn back from God = apostatize

. of י׳, turn away

. turn back to God (= seek penitently)

. abs. repent

. turn back from evil

. of י׳

. of י׳, return (to shew favour)

. of inanimate things (sts. personified, or treated as things of life):

. denoting repetition, etc.

. trans.

. . bring back

. . fig. restore, refresh

. restore, repair

. lead away (enticingly)

. shew turning = apostatize

. cause to return, bring back . . bring back into bondage

. put back

. = draw back

. = give back, restore

. = relinguish

. = give in payment, requital

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7725 shuwb shoob

a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or

intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily

with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to

retreat; often adverbial, again:--((break, build, circumcise,

dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge,

make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) X again, (cause to) answer

(+ again), X in any case (wise), X at all, averse, bring

(again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back),

cease, X certainly, come again (back), X consider, +

continually, convert, deliver (again), + deny, draw back,

fetch home again, X fro, get (oneself) (back) again, X give

(again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see)

more, X needs, be past, X pay, pervert, pull in again, put

(again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh,

relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve,

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שׁוּב (shuv) — to return: return.

: return

1) to return, turn back

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to turn back, return

1a1a) to turn back

1a1b) to return, come or go back

1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back

1a1d) of dying

1a1e) of human relations (fig)

1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig)

1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise

1a1f2) to turn away (of God)

1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent

1a1f4) turn back (from evil)

1a1g) of inanimate things

1a1h) in repetition

1b) (Polel)

1b1) to bring back

1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig)

1b3) to lead away (enticingly)

1b4) to show turning, apostatise

1c) (Pual) restored (participle)

1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back

1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment

1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore

1d3) to bring back, report to, answer

1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVqi3mp
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and [the] generation fourth they will return hither for not [is] complete [the] iniquity of the Amorite[s] until now
הֵ֑נָּהHe.nah hither H2008 Adverb
49× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means a location or direction, like here or there, and can also refer to a point in time, such as now. It is used in various contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'here' or 'hither'.
Amplified meaning
to this place
Tyndale gloss
here/thus
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הֵ֫נָּה (hennah) is an adverb meaning 'hither' or 'here,' and it can refer to both place and time. It is derived from the root word for 'to be' and encompasses meanings like 'now,' 'thus far,' and 'to and fro.' The entries indicate its usage in various contexts, but there is no significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הֵ֫נָּה 49 adv. hither

of place

of time

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2008 הֵ֫נָּה hither

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2008 hennah hane'-naw

from 2004; hither or thither (but used both of place and

time):--here, hither(-to), now, on this (that) side, + since,

this (that) way, thitherward, + thus far, to...fro, + yet.

see HEBREW for 02004

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הֵ֫נָּה (hen.nah) — here/thus.

here, there, now, hither

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adv — Adverb
HD
and [the] generation fourth they will return hither for not [is] complete [the] iniquity of the Amorite[s] until now
כִּ֧יki for H3588 Particle
4,483× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Amplified meaning
because
Tyndale gloss
for
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי conj. that, for, when

that

Of time, when, of the past

elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

Because, since

base

כִּי אם־

each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:

that if

for if

(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—

limiting the prec. clause, except

the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

after an oath, surely

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that

. . Of time, when, of the past

. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

. Because, since

H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if

. for if

. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except

. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

. after an oath, surely

H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3588 kiy kee

a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional

prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent

or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative

conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by

other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,

where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,

even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +

nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,

therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,

whether, while, whom, yea, yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּי (ki) — for.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if

1f) but rather, but

1g) except that

1h) only, nevertheless

1i) surely

1j) that is

1k) but if

1l) for though

1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

1b) even though

כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Particle
HTc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.

In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and [the] generation fourth they will return hither for not [is] complete [the] iniquity of the Amorite[s] until now
לֹא־lo'- not H3808 Particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3808 lo' lo

or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often

used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,

ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,

no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out

of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +

of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֹא (lo) — not.

1) not, no

1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)

1b) not (with modifier-negation)

1c) nothing (subst)

1d) without (with particle)

1e) before (of time)

Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and [the] generation fourth they will return hither for not [is] complete [the] iniquity of the Amorite[s] until now
שָׁלֵ֛םsha.Lem [is] complete H8003 Adj
28× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Complete means being whole, safe, and at peace, like the covenant relationship between God and his people. It's used to describe something or someone that is perfect and unharmed. The Bible uses this word to talk about keeping promises and being faithful.
Amplified meaning
whole, full
Tyndale gloss
complete
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׁלֵם (shalem) means complete, safe, and at peace. It is derived from the root word שָׁלֵם (H7999) and covers a range of meanings including full, perfect, and peaceful. The word is used to describe a state of wholeness or safety, often in the context of a covenant relationship.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁלֵם adj. complete, safe, at peace

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8003 שָׁלֵם complete, safe, at peace

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8003 shalem shaw-lame'

from 7999; complete (literally or figuratively); especially

friendly:--full, just, made ready, peaceable, perfect(-ed),

quiet, Shalem (by mistake for a name), whole.

see HEBREW for 07999

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁלֵם (sha.lem) — complete.

1) complete, safe, peaceful, perfect, whole, full, at peace

1a) complete

1a1) full, perfect

1a2) finished

1b) safe, unharmed

1c) peace (of covenant of peace, mind)

1c1) perfect, complete (of keeping covenant relation)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAamsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

kom-plet': In the King James Version for pleroo, the verb ordinarily used for the coming to pass of what had been predicted. the King James Version translates this "complete" in Col 2:10; 4:12 to express the final and entire attainment of what is treated, leaving nothing beyond to be desired or hoped for; otherwise rendered in the Revised Version (British and American) ("made full"). In the Revised Version (British and American), c. appears once for Greek artios, from aro, "to join," in 2Ti 3:17, in sense of "accurately fitted for," where the King James Version has "perfect."

and [the] generation fourth they will return hither for not [is] complete [the] iniquity of the Amorite[s] until now
עֲוֹ֥ן'a.Von [the] iniquity of H5771 Noun common · masculine singular construct
233× 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 moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Amplified meaning
moral evil, sin
Tyndale gloss
iniquity: crime
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָוֹן (avon) refers to iniquity, guilt, or the punishment associated with iniquity. It encompasses concepts of moral evil, such as perversity and depravity, and includes the consequences or punishment for these actions. The term appears in contexts like 2 Kings 7:9 and Psalm 51:5, highlighting its significance in discussions of sin and guilt.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָוֹן n.m. iniquity, guilt, or punishment of iniquity

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5771 עָוֹן iniquity, guilt, or punishment of iniquity

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5771 `avon aw-vone'

or oavown (2 Kings 7:9; Psalm 51:5 (7)) {aw-vone'}; from

5753; perversity, i.e. (moral) evil:--fault, iniquity,

mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin.

see HEBREW for 07

see HEBREW for 05753

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָוֺן (a.van) — iniquity: crime.

: crime

1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity

1a) iniquity

1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition)

1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity

עָוֺן (a.van) — iniquity: guilt.

: guilt

1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity

1a) iniquity

1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition)

1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity

עָוֺן (a.van) — iniquity: punishment.

: punishment

1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity

1a) iniquity

1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition)

1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity

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

ov:

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

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:1.

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

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

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

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

and [the] generation fourth they will return hither for not [is] complete [the] iniquity of the Amorite[s] until now
הָאֱמֹרִ֖יha.'e.mo.Ri the Amorite[s] H567 Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
87× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
An Amorite is a member of a Canaanite tribe, first mentioned in Genesis 10:16, descended from Canaan. The Israelites displaced them as they entered the Promised Land.
Amplified meaning
a Canaanite tribe
Tyndale gloss
Amorite
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֱמֹרִי (Emoriy) refers to the Amorites, a group of people descended from Canaan, possibly meaning 'mountain-dwellers.' They are noted as a prominent tribe dispossessed by the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. The term may derive from a root meaning 'to say,' suggesting a connection to prominence or publicity.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֱמֹרִי n.pr.m.coll. Amorites (perh. = mountain-dwellers)

called son of Canaan

a chief people dispossessed by Hebrews

adj.gent.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H567 אֱמֹרִי Amorites (perh. = mountain-dwellers)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

567 'Emoriy em-o-ree'

probably a patronymic from an unused name derived from 559 in

the sense of publicity, i.e. prominence; thus, a mountaineer;

an Emorite, one of the Canaanitish tribes:--Amorite.

see HEBREW for 0559

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֱמֹרִי (e.mo.ri) — Amorite.

Someone descended from Amor(?), first mentioned at Gen.10.16; descended from Canaan (H3667); along with Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577)

§ Amorite = "a sayer"

one of the peoples of east Canaan and beyond the Jordan, dispossessed by the Israelite incursion from Egypt

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | Ngmsa — Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ngmsa
and [the] generation fourth they will return hither for not [is] complete [the] iniquity of the Amorite[s] until now
עַד־'ad- until H5704 Preposition
1,261× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Amplified meaning
has not reached its full extent
Tyndale gloss
till
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עַד (ad) primarily functions as a preposition, adverb, or conjunction meaning 'until,' 'up to,' or 'as far as.' It can denote spatial, temporal, or degree-related contexts, such as 'even to' or 'while.' The entries indicate its use in poetry and in various combinations, but there is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עַד, in poetry עֲדֵי prep. as far as, even to, up to, until, while

prep.

of space

Of time

Of degree

conj.

until

While

Of degree, to the point that, so that even (rare)

עַד לְ, a strengthened form for עַד. Thus

of space

Of time

Of degree

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5704 עַד, in poetry עֲדֵי as far as, even to, up to, until, while . prep. . of space

. Of time

. Of degree

. conj. . until

. While

. Of degree, to the point that, so that even (rare)

. עַד לְ, a strengthened form for עַד. Thus . of space

. Of time

. Of degree

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5704 `ad ad

properly, the same as 5703 (used as a preposition, adverb or

conjunction; especially with a preposition); as far (or long,

or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during,

while, until) or degree (equally with):--against, and, as,

at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as),

(hither-)to, + how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that,

till, toward, until, when, while, (+ as) yet.

see HEBREW for 05703

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַד (ad) — till.

prep

1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as

1a) of space

1a1) as far as, up to, even to

1b) in combination

1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from)

1c) of time

1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end

1d) of degree

1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like

conj

2) until, while, to the point that, so that even

Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
and [the] generation fourth they will return hither for not [is] complete [the] iniquity of the Amorite[s] until now
הֵֽנָּה׃He.nah now H2008 Adverb
49× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means a location or direction, like here or there, and can also refer to a point in time, such as now. It is used in various contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'here' or 'hither'.
Tyndale gloss
here/thus
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הֵ֫נָּה (hennah) is an adverb meaning 'hither' or 'here,' and it can refer to both place and time. It is derived from the root word for 'to be' and encompasses meanings like 'now,' 'thus far,' and 'to and fro.' The entries indicate its usage in various contexts, but there is no significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הֵ֫נָּה 49 adv. hither

of place

of time

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2008 הֵ֫נָּה hither

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2008 hennah hane'-naw

from 2004; hither or thither (but used both of place and

time):--here, hither(-to), now, on this (that) side, + since,

this (that) way, thitherward, + thus far, to...fro, + yet.

see HEBREW for 02004

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הֵ֫נָּה (hen.nah) — here/thus.

here, there, now, hither

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HD — Adverb
HD
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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