Menu

Genesis 16:6 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוַיֹּ֨אמֶר אַבְרָ֜ם אֶל־ שָׂרַ֗י הִנֵּ֤ה שִׁפְחָתֵךְ֙ בְּיָדֵ֔ךְ עֲשִׂי־ לָ֖הּ הַטּ֣וֹב בְּעֵינָ֑יִךְ וַתְּעַנֶּ֣הָ שָׂרַ֔י וַתִּבְרַ֖ח מִפָּנֶֽיהָ׃

BSAHerehinnêh saidʼâmar AbramʼAbrâm [the father of faith] your servantshiphchâh [maidservant, female slave] is in your handsyâd [power, authority] Doʻâsâh whatever you wantṭôwb [as it pleaseth thee] Then SaraiSâray [Abraham's wife, princess] treatedʻânâh [Hagar] so harshly that she fledbârach [Abram's servant, cruelly, roughly, ran away quickly] from herpânîym [Sarai's presence]

Word
Listen & take awayGenesis 16
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 6 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 (mi.pa.Nei.ha) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Genesis 16:6quick helps
In a sentenceAbram tells Sarai that Hagar, his maidservant, is in her hands, and he allows her to do as she wishes.
Who is speakingAbram, the father of faith, addressing his wife Sarai.
Where we areThis verse occurs in the narrative of Abram and Sarai's family dynamics.
The hard wordעֲשִׂי
Take awaySarai's harsh treatment of Hagar leads to Hagar fleeing.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectאַבְרָם verbאָמַר The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

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

Deep Study — Genesis 16:6

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 — Abram and Sarai's Family Dynamicsgenerated

5Then Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be upon you! I delivered my servant into your arms, and ever since she saw that she was pregnant, she has treated me with contempt. May the LORD judge between you and me.”
6“Here,” said Abram, “your servant is in your hands. Do whatever you want with her.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she fled from her.
7Now the angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water in the desert—the spring along the road to Shur.
8“Hagar, servant of Sarai,” he said, “where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I am running away from my mistress Sarai,” she replied.

Genesis 16:6 describes a tense moment between Abram and Sarai regarding Hagar, their maidservant. Sarai feels wronged and harshly treats Hagar, who then flees from her presence. This passage highlights the complexities of their relationships and the consequences of their actions, as seen in the broader narrative of Genesis 16.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Genesis 13:8–9So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are brothers.
2Proverbs 14:29A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.
3Proverbs 15:1–17A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
41 Peter 3:7Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
5Genesis 24:10Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed with all manner of good things from his master in hand. And he set out for Nahor’s hometown in Aram-naharaim.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

as it pleaseth theeProverbs 29:19

The Key Word עֲשִׂי, 'a.si-generated

The verb עָשָׂה (asah) means to do or make, and here it is in the imperative form, directing Sarai to take action regarding Hagar. The command reflects Sarai's authority over Hagar, as Abram places her in Sarai's hands.

This verb appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, indicating a wide range of actions from creating to performing tasks. The parsing as an imperative shows urgency and a direct request for action.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

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


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb is יֹּ֨אמֶר, he said, which governs the entire sentence. It introduces a sequence of actions and responses involving Abram, Sarai, and Hagar.

The structure includes a prepositional phrase indicating the direction of the action, followed by clauses that describe Sarai's treatment of Hagar and Hagar's subsequent flight.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates עֲשִׂי as ξρῶ (khrō), which carries the meaning of 'to do' or 'to make.' This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning, maintaining the imperative sense of action.

The translation reflects a direct command, emphasizing Sarai's authority and the immediacy of her decision regarding Hagar.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Genesis 16:6 shows Abram telling Sarai that Hagar is in her hands, allowing her to do as she wishes. Sarai then treats Hagar harshly, causing Hagar to run away from her.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does Abram mean when he says, 'your servant is in your hands'?

Abram is indicating that Hagar is under Sarai's authority, and he is allowing her to take whatever action she deems necessary.

Why does Sarai treat Hagar harshly?

Sarai feels wronged by Hagar's pregnancy and reacts out of jealousy and anger, leading her to mistreat Hagar.

What does it mean that Hagar fled?

Hagar's flight signifies her desperation and the severity of Sarai's treatment, illustrating the conflict within Abram's household.

How does this passage relate to the broader narrative of Genesis?

This passage highlights themes of family conflict, authority, and the consequences of human actions, which are recurring motifs throughout Genesis.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What can we learn about authority and responsibility from Abram's words to Sarai?
  2. How do Sarai's actions reflect her emotional state and the dynamics of her relationship with Hagar?
  3. In what ways can we see parallels between this story and modern family conflicts?
  4. What does Hagar's flight reveal about her situation and the choices available to her?

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

Early Church Fathers comment on this passage to illustrate themes of authority and human relationships, drawing lessons from Abram and Sarai's actions.

Didymus the BlindON Genesis 241 c. 313–398
In the literal sense, this statement introduces the beginner to the passionlessness (apatheia) of the patriarch, who had received the slave girl from his wife without looking for pleasure and who now yields to his wife and withdraws in…
Early Church Fathers on Genesis 16 →
Didymus the BlindON Genesis 241 c. 313–398
There is a kind of maltreatment of the slave girl that we have likened, by anagogy, to the preparatory exercises (progymnasmata): the shadow [Hagar] of things to come [the generative promise] is transcended.
Early Church Fathers on Genesis 16 →
Augustine of HippoCity of God 16.25 354–430
And here follow the times of Abraham’s sons, the one by Hagar the bondmaid, the other by Sarah the free woman, about whom we have already spoken in the previous book.
Early Church Fathers on Genesis 16 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Genesis 16:6 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

But Abram said unto Sarai,.... In a meek, mild and gentle manner: behold, thy maid [is] in thine hand; though Hagar was Abram's secondary wife he still considers her as Sarai's maid, and as subject

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

But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face. Abram said ... Behold, thy maid is in thy hand.

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

Thy maid is in thine hand, i.e. subject to thy power and authority, as the phrase is taken, 39:4,6,8 Numbers 31:49. For though she be my concubine, yet she is thy inferior; and therefore if she exalt herself above her measure, I give thee power to exercise thy authority over her. But whether this was not one of Abram’ s infirmities, to give up his second wife into the hands of the first, may well be questioned. Use whatsoever power God hath given thee over her; for we must not think that Abram gave her power of life and death over her, especially now when she was with child. Therefore here, as often elsewhere, the general words must be limited from the nature of the thing, and from other…

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

Genesis 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid [is] in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.Ver. 6. But Abram said to Sarai, Behold, &c.] Here that of Solomon is verified, "A soft answer pacifieth wrath". Hard to soft cloth no hurt, as a bullet against a woolsack. Uxoris vitium aut tollendum, aut tollerandum , said Varro, πασαγυνηχολοςεστι The woman is the weaker, and hath many provocations among children and servants that the man meets not with. This must be considered, and all bitterness abandoned. The heathens, when they sacrificed at their marriage feasts, used to cast the gall of the beast sacrificed out of…

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

(6) Sarai dealt hardly with her.—The verb is translated afflicted in Exodus 1:11 and Isaiah 60:14; its more exact meaning is, Sarai humbled her, that is, reduced her to her original condition. It was quite right that as Hagar had abused her elevation, Abram should make her yield to Sarai all due respect and submission; but in making her resume her old position as a slave, Sarai was possibly dealing unkindly with her (but see on Genesis 16:9). In running away Hagar not only showed the untamable love of freedom which Ishmael inherited from her, but apparently was repeating the act from which she had her name.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Genesis 16 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 6. Sarah dealt hardly with her] תאנה teanneha, she afflicted her; the term implying stripes and hard usage, to bring down the body and humble the mind. If the slave was to blame in this business the mistress is not less liable to censure. She alone had brought her into those circumstances, in which it was natural for her to value herself beyond her mistress.

Read AdamClarke on Genesis 16 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

6. in thy hand] Abram replies, with forbearance, that Hagar is under Sarai’s authority. Whether this is a formal transference of Hagar back into the power of Sarai, after she had become, as a concubine, the property of Abram, is not explained. dealt hardly] The same word as that rendered “afflict” (Genesis 15:13). Here it evidently means “persecute,” “ill-treat.” fled] The character of Hagar is depicted as high-spirited and courageous, as well as independent. There is no evidence that her conduct was insolent.

Read Cambridge on Genesis 16 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

6. Thy maid is in thy hand — By this he repudiates the implication of having wronged his wife by exalting another to her place in his affections, or in his household. Sarai’s maid is still her own.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Genesis 16 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

“Here,” said Abram, “your servant is in your hands. Do whatever you want with her.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she fled from her.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your maid is in your hand. Do to her whatever is good in your eyes.” Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her face.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

“Here,” said Abram, “your servant is in your hands. Do whatever you want with her.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she fled from her.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Abram said to Sarai, “Since your servant is under your authority, do to her whatever you think best.” Then Sarai treated Hagar harshly, so she ran away from Sarai.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her that which is good in thine eyes. And Sarai dealt hardly with her, and she fled from her face.

RVARevised Version, American1894

But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her that which is good in thine eyes. And Sarai dealt hardly with her, and she fled from her face.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

But Abram said to Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Then Abram saide to Sarai, Beholde, thy maide is in thine hand: doe with her as it pleaseth thee. Then Sarai dealt roughly with her: wherefore she fled from her.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And Abram said to Sarai, Behold, thy maidservant is in thy hand: do to her what is good in thine eyes. And Sarai oppressed her; and she fled from her face.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And Abram saith unto Sarai, 'Lo, thine handmaid [is] in thine hand, do to her that which is good in thine eyes;' and Sarai afflicted her, and she fleeth from her presence.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And Abram says to Sarai, “Behold, your handmaid [is] in your hand, do to her that which is good in your eyes”; and Sarai afflicted her, and she flees from her presence.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

But Abram said to Sarai, “See here, your servant woman is in your power, do to her what you think best.” So Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And Abram made answer, and said to her: Behold thy handmaid is in thy own hand, use her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai afflicted her, she ran away.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

“Listen, she's your slave!” Abram replied. “You can do whatever you want to her.” Sarai treated Hagar so badly that she ran away.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And Abram said, The woman is in your power; do with her whatever seems good to you. And Sarai was cruel to her, so that she went running away from her.

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.

וַandclauseverbיֹּ֨אמֶרhe.saidsubjectאַבְרָ֜םAbramprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֶלtoשָׂרַ֗יSaraiclauseclauseהִנֵּ֤הthere!clausenoun phrase · subjectשִׁפְחָתֵmaidservantךְ֙yourprepositional phrase · predicateבְּ[is].innoun phraseיָדֵ֔handךְyourclauseverbעֲשִׂיdoprepositional phrase · prepositionalלָ֖toהּhernoun phrase · objectהַthenoun phraseטּ֣וֹבgoodprepositional phraseבְּinnoun phraseעֵינָ֑יִeyesךְyourוַandclauseverbתְּעַנֶּ֣sheobjectהָafflicted.hersubjectשָׂרַ֔יSaraiוַandclauseverbתִּבְרַ֖חshe.fledprepositional phrase · prepositionalמִfromnoun phraseפָּנֶֽיbeforeהָher

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text matches the Septuagint word-for-word, indicating a strong textual consistency. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs in three words, changing the terms for maidservant, hand, and make, which may reflect different nuances in their understanding of the text.

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

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אַבְרָ֜ם אֶל־ שָׂרַ֗י הִנֵּ֤ה שִׁפְחָתֵךְ֙ בְּיָדֵ֔ךְ עֲשִׂי־ לָ֖הּ הַטּ֣וֹב בְּעֵינָ֑יִךְ וַתְּעַנֶּ֣הָ שָׂרַ֔י וַתִּבְרַ֖ח מִפָּנֶֽיהָ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרεἶπενאַבְרָ֜םαβραμאֶל־πρὸςשָׂרַ֗יσαρανהִנֵּ֤הἰδοὺשִׁפְחָתֵךְ֙σουבְּיָדֵ֔ךְσουעֲשִׂי־ξρῶלָ֖הּαὐτῇהַטּ֣וֹבσοιבְּעֵינָ֑יִךְוַתְּעַנֶּ֣הָαὐτὴνשָׂרַ֔יσαραוַתִּבְרַ֖חἀπέδραמִפָּנֶֽיהָ׃αὐτῆς

15 of the 15 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

ויאמר אברם אל שׂרי הנה שׁפחתיך בידיך עשׂה לה הטוב בעיניך ותענה שׂרי ותברח מפניה

3 words differ from the Masoretic Text: שׁפחתיך (maidservant), ידיך (hand), עשׂה (make)

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 16:6אָמַרand he saidand he saidאָמַראַבְרָםAbramAbramאַבְרָםאֶלtotoאֶלשָׂרַיSaraiSaraiשָׂרַיהִנֵּהthere!there!הִנֵּהשִׁפְחָהmaidservantmaidservant youשִׁפְחָהיָד[is] in han[is] in hand yoיָדעָשָׂהdodoעָשָׂההָto herto herהָטוֹבthe goodthe goodטוֹבעַ֫יִןin view youin view yourעַ֫יִןעָנָהand she affand she afflictעָנָהשָׂרַיSaraiSaraiשָׂרַיבָּרַחand she fleand she fledבָּרַחפָּנֶהfrom beforefrom before herפָּנֶהשַׂרrulerrulerשַׂראֲבִירָםAbiramAbiramאֲבִירָםכַּףpalmpalmכַּףטוֹבbe pleasinbe pleasingטוֹבעוּןto dwellto dwellעוּןפָּנָהCorner (GaCorner (Gate)פָּנָההֵןlook!look!הֵןמִשְׁפָּחָהfamilyfamilyמִשְׁפָּחָהאַבְרָםAbramAbramאַבְרָםשִׁפְחָהmaidservanmaidservantשִׁפְחָהיָשָׁרJasharJasharיָשָׁרכֹּהthusthusכֹּהיהוהYHWH/GodYHWH/GodיהוהשָׂרַיSaraiSaraiשָׂרַינָחוֹרNahorNahorנָחוֹרפָּלַלto prayto prayפָּלַליִרְמְיָ֫הJeremiahJeremiahיִרְמְיָ֫הנֶ֫גַעplagueplagueנֶ֫גַע
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 16:6

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 he said Abram to Sarai there! maidservant your [is] in hand your do to her the good in view your and she afflicted her Sarai and she fled from before her
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרvai.Yo.mer and he said H559 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
5,309× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Tyndale gloss
to say
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say

Qal

Say

Say in the heart (= think)

Promise

Command (esp. late)

Niph. be said, told

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

Hithp. act proudly, boast

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say

. Say in the heart (= think)

. Promise

. Command (esp. late)

. be said, told

. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)

. act proudly, boast

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

559 'amar aw-mar'

a primitive root; to say (used with great

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

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

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

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

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

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

utter, X verily, X yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.

1) to say, speak, utter

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

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

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

1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he said Abram to Sarai there! maidservant your [is] in hand your do to her the good in view your and she afflicted her Sarai and she fled from before her
אַבְרָ֜ם'av.Ram Abram H87 Noun proper masculine
61× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Abram was the original name of Abraham, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Terah, brother of Nahor and Haran, and husband of Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah, as told in Genesis 11:26--17:5.
Amplified meaning
the father of faith
Tyndale gloss
Abram
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַבְרָם (Avram) means 'exalted father' and refers to the original name of Abraham. The entries indicate that Abram is a significant figure from the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned in Genesis 11:26, and he is the son of Terah and the husband of Sarah, among others. He is also the father of several notable sons, including Isaac and Ishmael.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַבְרָם n.pr.m. (id., Thes al. exalted father) Abram = אַבְרָהָם Abraham

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H87 אַבְרָם Abram = אַבְרָהָם Abraham

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

87 'Abram ab-rawm'

contracted from 48; high father; Abram, the original name of

Abraham:--Abram.

see HEBREW for 048

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַבְרָם (av.ram) — Abram.

A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26;

son of: Terah (H8646);

brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989);

father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x

Another name of av.ra.ham (אַבְרָהָם "Abraham" H0085)

§ Abram = "exalted father"

original name of Abraham

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a'-bram. See ABRAHAM.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Abram

Exalted father. (see ABRAHAM.)

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(a high father), the earlier name of Abraham.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

High father, afterwards named Abraham.

and he said Abram to Sarai there! maidservant your [is] in hand your do to her the good in view your and she afflicted her Sarai and she fled from before her
אֶל־'el- to H413 Preposition
5,518× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Tyndale gloss
to(wards)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),

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

Where the limit is actually entered, into

Of direction towards anything

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

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

Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

Of rule or standard according to (rare)

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

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

. Where the limit is actually entered, into

. Of direction towards anything

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

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

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

. Of rule or standard according to (rare)

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

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

413 'el ale

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

a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but

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

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

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

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

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

with(-in).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶל (el) — to(wards).

1) to, toward, unto (of motion)

2) into (limit is actually entered)

2a) in among

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

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

5) in addition to, to

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

7) according to (rule or standard)

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

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR — Preposition
HR
and he said Abram to Sarai there! maidservant your [is] in hand your do to her the good in view your and she afflicted her Sarai and she fled from before her
שָׂרַ֗יsa.Rai Sarai H8297 Noun proper feminine
17× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Sarai was Abraham's wife, first mentioned in Genesis 11:29, and her name means princess, later changed to Sarah.
Amplified meaning
Abraham's wife, princess
Tyndale gloss
Sarai
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׂרַי (Saray) refers to the wife of Abram, later known as Sarah. The name is derived from a root meaning 'dominative' and is associated with the meaning 'princess.' Sarai is first mentioned in Genesis 11:29 and is the mother of Isaac. She is also noted as the sister of Abram and the daughter of Terah.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׂרַי n.pr.f. wife of Abram

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8297 שָׂרַי wife of Abram

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8297 Saray saw-rah'-ee

from 8269; dominative; Sarai, the wife of Abraham:--Sarai.

see HEBREW for 08269

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׂרַי (sa.ray) — Sarai.

A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.29;

daughter of: Terah (H8646);

sister of: Abraham (H0085), Nahor (H5152H) and Haran (H2039); married to Abraham (H0085);

mother of: Isaac (H3327); also called Sarai at Gen.11.29,30,31; 12.5,11,17; 16.1,2,3,5,6,8; 17.15;

Another name of sa.rah (שָׂרָה "Sarah" H8283)

§ Sarai = "princess"

original name of Sarah the wife of Abram or Abraham

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper feminine
HNpf
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Sarai

My princess, the name originally borne by Sarah (Gen. 11:31; 17:15).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(my princess) the original name of Sarah wife of Abraham.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

my lady; my princess

and he said Abram to Sarai there! maidservant your [is] in hand your do to her the good in view your and she afflicted her Sarai and she fled from before her
הִנֵּ֤הhi.Neh there! H2009 Particle
843× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Tyndale gloss
behold
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הִנֵּה (hinneh) is a Hebrew word meaning 'behold' or 'lo!' It serves as a demonstrative particle used to draw attention, appearing in contexts such as Genesis 19:2. The word is derived from a prolongation of another Hebrew term, but the entries do not provide further details on its usage beyond this.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הִנֵּה, once הִנֶּה־ Gn 19:2, demonstr.part. lo!, behold!

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2009 הִנֵּה, הִנֶּה־ lo!, behold!

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2009 hinneh hin-nay'

prolongation for 2005; lo!:--behold, lo, see.

see HEBREW for 02005

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הִנֵּה (hin.neh) — behold.

behold, lo, see, if

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTj
and he said Abram to Sarai there! maidservant your [is] in hand your do to her the good in view your and she afflicted her Sarai and she fled from before her
שִׁפְחָתֵךְ֙shif.cha.teKh maidservant your H8198 Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
63× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A shiphchah was a female slave or servant in a household, often belonging to a mistress. This term is used to describe a lowly position, and is sometimes used as a term of humility or respect.
Amplified meaning
maidservant, female slave
Tyndale gloss
maidservant
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שִׁפְחָה (shiphchah) refers to a maid or maid-servant, often indicating a female slave within a household. It derives from a root meaning to spread out, suggesting a role in family or domestic settings. The term can also imply humility in certain contexts, but the primary focus remains on servitude.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שִׁפְחָה n.f. maid, maid-servant

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8198 שִׁפְחָה maid, maid-servant

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8198 shiphchah shif-khaw'

feminine from an unused root meaning to spread out (as a

family; see 4940); a female slave (as a member of the

household):--(bond-, hand-)maid(-en, -servant), wench,

bondwoman, womanservant.

see HEBREW for 04940

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שִׁפְחָה (shiph.chah) — maidservant.

1) maid, maid-servant, slavegirl

1a) maid, maid-servant (as belonging to a mistress)

1b) of address, speaker, humility (fig)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HNcfsc/Sp2fs
and he said Abram to Sarai there! maidservant your [is] in hand your do to her the good in view your and she afflicted her Sarai and she fled from before her
בְּיָדֵ֔ךְbe.ya.Dekh [is] in hand your H3027 Preposition · noun common both singular construct · suffix
1,619× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Amplified meaning
power, authority
Tyndale gloss
hand
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָד (yad) means 'hand' and can also refer to strength or power in a figurative sense. It encompasses various technical uses, such as a sign or monument, parts or shares, and even specific components in construction, like axle-trees and supports for the laver. The word is versatile, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָד 1604 n.f. hand

hand

Fig. = strength, power

Fig. = side

יָד is used in various special, technical senses:—

sign, monument

part, fractional part or share

time, repetition

axle-trees

stays, supports for laver

tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle

a (beckoning) hand

יַד with prep.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3027 יָד hand . hand

. Fig. = strength, power

. Fig. = side

. יָד is used in various special, technical senses:— . sign, monument

. part, fractional part or share

. time, repetition

. axle-trees

. stays, supports for laver

. tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle

. a (beckoning) hand

. יַד with prep.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3027 yad yawd

a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power,

means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed

one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of

applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate

and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes,

at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad,

(broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, +

creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship,

force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in,

labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine,

ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain,

power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay,

draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by

them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing,

+ thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side,

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָד (yad) — hand.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)

1d) (various special, technical senses)

1d1) sign, monument

1d2) part, fractional part, share

1d3) time, repetition

1d4) axle-trees, axle

1d5) stays, support (for laver)

1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)

1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)

1d8) wrists

יָד (yad) — hand: power.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)

1d) (various special, technical senses)

1d1) sign, monument

1d2) part, fractional part, share

1d3) time, repetition

1d4) axle-trees, axle

1d5) stays, support (for laver)

1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)

1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)

1d8) wrists

יָד (yad) — hand: themselves.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-cs | Suff — Preposition · noun common both singular construct · suffix
HR/Ncbsc/Sp2fs
and he said Abram to Sarai there! maidservant your [is] in hand your do to her the good in view your and she afflicted her Sarai and she fled from before her
עֲשִׂי־'a.si- do H6213 Verb · Qal · imperative second person feminine singular
2,629× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Tyndale gloss
to make
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָשָׂה 2622 vb. do, make

Qal 2524

do (1560 t.)

deal with

oft. in phr. do kindness with

abs. act, act with effect

make (670 t.)

produce, yield

prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food

make offering

attend to, put in order

observe, celebrate, religious festival

acquire property of various kinds

appoint priests

bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance

use

spend, pass, days of life

Niph.

97be done

be made, of concr. things

be produced from vine

be prepared, of food

be offered

be observed, passover

be used

Pu. I was made

base

[עָשָׂה] vb. Pi. press, squeeze

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

. deal with

. oft. in phr. do kindness with

. abs. act, act with effect

. . make (670 + t.)

. produce, yield

. prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food

. make offering

. attend to, put in order

. observe, celebrate, religious festival

. acquire property of various kinds

. appoint priests

. bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance

. use

. spend, pass, days of life

. . be done

. . be made, of concr. things

. be produced from vine

. be prepared, of food

. be offered

. be observed, passover

. be used

. I was made

H6213b עָשָׂה Pi. press, squeeze

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6213 `asah aw-saw'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make: do.

: do/perform

1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to do, work, make, produce

1a1a) to do

1a1b) to work

1a1c) to deal (with)

1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect

1a2) to make

1a2a) to make

1a2b) to produce

1a2c) to prepare

1a2d) to make (an offering)

1a2e) to attend to, put in order

1a2f) to observe, celebrate

1a2g) to acquire (property)

1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute

1a2i) to bring about

1a2j) to use

1a2k) to spend, pass

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be done

1b2) to be made

1b3) to be produced

1b4) to be offered

1b5) to be observed

1b6) to be used

1c) (Pual) to be made

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to press.

(Piel) to press, squeeze

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make.

: make(OBJECT)

1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to do, work, make, produce

1a1a) to do

1a1b) to work

1a1c) to deal (with)

1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect

1a2) to make

1a2a) to make

1a2b) to produce

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Impv-2fs — Verb · Qal · imperative second person feminine singular
HVqv2fs
and he said Abram to Sarai there! maidservant your [is] in hand your do to her the good in view your and she afflicted her Sarai and she fled from before her
לָ֖הּlah to her H9034 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָ (ha) — her.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person feminine singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Sp3fs — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp3fs
and he said Abram to Sarai there! maidservant your [is] in hand your do to her the good in view your and she afflicted her Sarai and she fled from before her
הַטּ֣וֹבha.Tov the good H2896 Particle
538× 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 good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Amplified meaning
as it pleaseth thee
Tyndale gloss
pleasant
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

טוֹב (tov) is a Hebrew word meaning good or pleasant, encompassing a wide range of meanings from agreeable to the senses to ethical goodness. It can function as an adjective, noun, or adverb, referring to things like welfare, happiness, and prosperity. The feminine form, טוֹבָה (tovah), specifically denotes welfare or good things.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

טוֹב adj. pleasant, agreeable, good

pleasant, agreeable to the senses

pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity, and so agreeable, pleasing, well

good, excellent, of its kind

good, rich, valuable in estimation

good, appropriate, becoming

c. מִן compar. = better

of man's sensuous nature, glad, happy, prosperous

of man's intellectual nature, good understanding

good, kind, benign

good (ethical), right

base

טוֹב n.m. a good thing, benefit, welfare

welfare, prosperity, happiness

good things

good = benefit

moral good

base

טוֹבָה n.f. welfare, benefit, good things, good

welfare, prosperity, happiness

good things

bounty, good

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2896a טוֹב pleasant, agreeable, good . pleasant, agreeable to the senses

. pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity, and so agreeable, pleasing, well

. good, excellent, of its kind

. good, rich, valuable in estimation

. good, appropriate, becoming

. c. מִן compar. =better

. of man's sensuous nature, glad, happy, prosperous

. of man's intellectual nature, good understanding

. good, kind, benign

. good (ethical), right

H2896b טוֹב a good thing, benefit, welfare H2896c טוֹבָה welfare, benefit, good things, good

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2896 towb tobe

from 2895; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used

likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine,

the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a

good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or

women), also as an adverb (well):--beautiful, best, better,

bountiful, cheerful, at ease, X fair (word), (be in) favour,

fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s),

graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving,

merry, X most, pleasant, + pleaseth, pleasure, precious,

prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well

((-favoured)).

see HEBREW for 02895

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

טוֹב (tov) — pleasant.

adj

1) good, pleasant, agreeable

1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses)

1b) pleasant (to the higher nature)

1c) good, excellent (of its kind)

1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation

1e) good, appropriate, becoming

1f) better (comparative)

1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature)

1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature)

1i) good, kind, benign

1j) good, right (ethical)

Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)

טוֹב (tov) — good.

1) a good thing, benefit, welfare

1a) welfare, prosperity, happiness

1b) good things (collective)

1c) good, benefit

1d) moral good

טוֹבָה (to.vah) — welfare.

1) welfare, benefit, good things

1a) welfare, prosperity, happiness

1b) good things (collective)

1c) bounty

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | Adj — Particle
HTd/Aamsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

good (Tobh, Tubh, yaTabh; agathos, agathon, kalos, kalon): In English "good" is used in various senses, most of which are represented in the Bible.

(1) In the Old Testament the commonest word is Tobh, occurring very frequently and translated in a great variety of ways. Of the different shades of meaning, which frequently run into each other, the following may be distinguished:

(a) Possessing desirable qualities, beneficial, agreeable, e.g. "good for food" (Ge 2:9); "We will do thee good" (Nu 10:29); Who will show us any good?" (Ps 4:6); "good tidings of good" (Isa 52:7).

and he said Abram to Sarai there! maidservant your [is] in hand your do to her the good in view your and she afflicted her Sarai and she fled from before her
בְּעֵינָ֑יִךְbe.'ei.Na.yikh in view your H5869 Preposition · noun common feminine dual construct · suffix
887× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Tyndale gloss
eye
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עַ֫יִן (*'ayin*) means 'eye' and can refer to both the physical organ and its figurative uses, such as mental qualities and desires. It also denotes a 'spring' or 'fountain' of water. The entries highlight various phrases and contexts, including appearances and expressions of emotion, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עַ֫יִן 859 n.f. eye

lit. as physical organ

eyes as showing mental qualities

desire of the eyes, abominations of the eyes

Fig. of mental and physical faculties, acts and states

Transferred mngs.:

visible surface of earth

appearance

gleam, sparkle

Other phrases are: an eye for an eye; eye to eye; in the presence of, in full view of; of business transaction; on the forehead

base

עַ֫יִן n.f. spring (of water). Particular springs are:

ע׳ חֲרֹר Ju 7:1

ע׳ הַקּוֹרֵא (partridge-spring) Ju 15:19

ע׳ רֹגֵל near Jerus.

ע׳ הַתַּנִּין (dragon-spring)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5869a עַ֫יִן eye . lit. as physical organ

. . eyes as showing mental qualities

. desire of the eyes, abominations of the eyes

. Fig. of mental and physical faculties, acts and states

. Transferred mngs.: . visible surface of earth

. appearance

. gleam, sparkle

. Other phrases are: an eye for an eye; eye to eye; in the presence of, in full view of; of business transaction; on the forehead

H5869b עַ֫יִן spring (of water)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5869 `ayin ah'-yin

probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or

figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the

landscape):--affliction, outward appearance, + before, +

think best, colour, conceit, + be content, countenance, +

displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, + favour,

fountain, furrow (from the margin), X him, + humble,

knowledge, look, (+ well), X me, open(-ly), + (not) please,

presence, + regard, resemblance, sight, X thee, X them, +

think, X us, well, X you(-rselves).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye.

: eye

1) eye

1a) eye

1a1) of physical eye

1a2) as showing mental qualities

1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — Fountain (Gate).

§ spring, fountain

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — Fountain of.

§ spring, fountain

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: seeing.

: seeing

1) eye

1a) eye

1a1) of physical eye

1a2) as showing mental qualities

1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: appearance.

: appearance

1) eye

1a) eye

1a1) of physical eye

1a2) as showing mental qualities

1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: before(the eyes).

: before(the_eyes)

1) eye

1a) eye

1a1) of physical eye

1a2) as showing mental qualities

1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: sin.

: sin

1) eye

1a) eye

1a1) of physical eye

1a2) as showing mental qualities

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Ncfdc/Sp2fs — Preposition · noun common feminine dual construct · suffix
HR/Ncfdc/Sp2fs
and he said Abram to Sarai there! maidservant your [is] in hand your do to her the good in view your and she afflicted her Sarai and she fled from before her
וַתְּעַנֶּ֣הָva.te.'a.Ne.ha and she afflicted her H6031 Verb piel sequential imperfect third person feminine singular · suffix
82× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To afflict or oppress someone, making them feel low or depressed. In the Bible, it can also mean to humble oneself, as seen in Psalm 35:13. It involves being put down or becoming weak.
Tyndale gloss
be occupied
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָנָה (anah) is a Hebrew verb with a range of meanings related to affliction and humility. It can denote being occupied, as well as being bowed down, depressed, or afflicted. The word has various forms, including ways to humble oneself or to afflict others, and it appears in contexts of discipline and humility, particularly in relation to fasting.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[עָנָה] vb. be occupied, busied with

base

[עָנָה] vb. be bowed down, afflicted

Qal

be put down or become low, of song of triumph

be depressed, downcast

be afflicted

Niph.

humble oneself

be afflicted

Pi.

humble, mishandle, afflict

humble, a woman by cohabit.

afflict as a discipline

humble, weaken

Pu.

be afflicted, in discipline by God

be humbled by fasting

Hiph. afflict, in discipline

Hithp.

humble oneself

be afflicted

humble oneself in fasting

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6031a עָנָה be occupied, busied with H6031b עָנָה be bowed down, afflicted .. be put down or become low, of song of triumph

. be depressed, downcast

. be afflicted

. . humble oneself

. be afflicted

. . humble, mishandle, afflict

. humble, a woman by cohabit.

. afflict as a discipline

. humble, weaken

. . be afflicted, in discipline by God

. be humbled by fasting

. afflict, in discipline

. . humble oneself

. be afflicted

. humble oneself in fasting

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6031 `anah aw-naw'

a primitive root (possibly rather ident. with 6030 through

the idea of looking down or browbeating); to depress literally

or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various

applications, as follows):--abase self, afflict(-ion, self),

answer (by mistake for 6030), chasten self, deal hardly with,

defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt,

ravish, sing (by mistake for 6030), speak (by mistake for

6030), submit self, weaken, X in any wise.

see HEBREW for 06030

see HEBREW for 06030

see HEBREW for 06030

see HEBREW for 06030

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָנָה (a.nah) — be occupied.

(Qal) to be occupied, be busied with

עָנָה (a.nah) — to afflict.

1) to afflict, oppress, humble, be afflicted, be bowed down

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to be put down, become low

1a2) to be depressed, be downcast

1a3) to be afflicted

1a4) to stoop

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to humble oneself, bow down

1b2) to be afflicted, be humbled

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to humble, mishandle, afflict

1c2) to humble, be humiliated

1c3) to afflict

1d4) to humble, weaken oneself

1d) (Pual)

1d1) to be afflicted

1d2) to be humbled

1e) (Hiphil) to afflict

1f) (Hithpael)

1f1) to humble oneself

1f2) to be afflicted

Aramaic equivalent: a.nah (עֲנָי "to afflict" H6033)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff — Verb piel sequential imperfect third person feminine singular · suffix
Hc/Vpw3fs/Sp3fs
and he said Abram to Sarai there! maidservant your [is] in hand your do to her the good in view your and she afflicted her Sarai and she fled from before her
שָׂרַ֔יsa.Rai Sarai H8297 Noun proper feminine
17× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Sarai was Abraham's wife, first mentioned in Genesis 11:29, and her name means princess, later changed to Sarah.
Tyndale gloss
Sarai
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׂרַי (Saray) refers to the wife of Abram, later known as Sarah. The name is derived from a root meaning 'dominative' and is associated with the meaning 'princess.' Sarai is first mentioned in Genesis 11:29 and is the mother of Isaac. She is also noted as the sister of Abram and the daughter of Terah.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׂרַי n.pr.f. wife of Abram

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8297 שָׂרַי wife of Abram

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8297 Saray saw-rah'-ee

from 8269; dominative; Sarai, the wife of Abraham:--Sarai.

see HEBREW for 08269

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׂרַי (sa.ray) — Sarai.

A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.29;

daughter of: Terah (H8646);

sister of: Abraham (H0085), Nahor (H5152H) and Haran (H2039); married to Abraham (H0085);

mother of: Isaac (H3327); also called Sarai at Gen.11.29,30,31; 12.5,11,17; 16.1,2,3,5,6,8; 17.15;

Another name of sa.rah (שָׂרָה "Sarah" H8283)

§ Sarai = "princess"

original name of Sarah the wife of Abram or Abraham

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNpf — Noun proper feminine
HNpf
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Sarai

My princess, the name originally borne by Sarah (Gen. 11:31; 17:15).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(my princess) the original name of Sarah wife of Abraham.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

my lady; my princess

and he said Abram to Sarai there! maidservant your [is] in hand your do to her the good in view your and she afflicted her Sarai and she fled from before her
וַתִּבְרַ֖חva.tiv.Rach and she fled H1272 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
65× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To flee means to run away quickly, as seen in the Bible when people escaped from danger or pursued others, like in the story of David and Absalom.
Amplified meaning
Abram's servant, cruelly, roughly, ran away quickly
Tyndale gloss
to flee
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּרַח (barach) is a Hebrew verb meaning to flee or run away. It can also imply going through or hastening, with different nuances in its forms, such as causing someone to flee in the Hiphil stem. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, including sudden flight or urgency.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בָּרַח vb. go through, flee

Qal

go or pass through, of bar

flee

flee = hasten, come quickly

Hiph.

pass through

cause to flee, put to flight

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1272 בָּרַח go through, flee

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1272 barach baw-rakh'

a primitive root; to bolt, i.e. figuratively, to flee

suddenly:--chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to

flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּרַח (ba.rach) — to flee.

1) to go through, flee, run away, chase, drive away, put to flight, reach, shoot (extend), hurry away

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go, pass through

1a2) to flee

1a3) to hasten, come quickly

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to pass through

1b2) to cause to flee, put to flight

1b3) to drive away

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
Hc/Vqw3fs
and he said Abram to Sarai there! maidservant your [is] in hand your do to her the good in view your and she afflicted her Sarai and she fled from before her
מִפָּנֶֽיהָ׃mi.pa.Nei.ha from before her H6440 Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
2,127× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Amplified meaning
Sarai's presence
Tyndale gloss
face
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

face, faces

presence, person

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

face of seraphim

face of animals

face (= surface) of ground

as adv.loc. before

for other phrases

with prepositions

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

. . presence, person

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

. face of seraphim

. face of animals

. face (= surface) of ground

. as adv. loc. before

. for other phrases

. with prepositions

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6440 paniym paw-neem'

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

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

used in a great variety of applications (literally and

figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.

: before/to/front

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

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

1g) with prep

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

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.

: face

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

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

1g) with prep

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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-cp | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HR/Ncmpc/Sp3fs
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
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.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate