Genesis 20:17 — Word Study
WLCוַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֶל־ הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים וַיִּרְפָּ֨א אֱלֹהִ֜ים אֶת־ אֲבִימֶ֧לֶךְ וְאֶת־ אִשְׁתּ֛וֹ וְאַמְהֹתָ֖יו וַיֵּלֵֽדוּ׃
BSAThen AbrahamʼAbrâhâm [the father of faith] prayedpâlal▸ [to intercede, to ask for help] toʼêl Godʼĕlôhîym [Elohim, the one supreme God] and Godʼĕlôhîym [the Healer] healedrâphâʼ▸ [to mend, to cure] AbimelechʼĂbîymelek [the king of Gerar] and his wifeʼishshâh [his female partner] and his maidservantsʼâmâh [female slaves, servants] so that they could again bear childrenyâlad▸ [once more, anew, to give birth, to beget]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל | and he prayed | Verb, Hithpael, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אַבְרָהָ֖ם | Abraham | Noun proper masculine |
| אֶל־ | to | Preposition |
| הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים | God | Particle, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| וַיִּרְפָּ֨א | and he healed | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אֱלֹהִ֜ים | God | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| אֲבִימֶ֧לֶךְ | Abimelech | Noun proper masculine |
| וְאֶת־ | and the object marker | Conjunction, particle |
| אִשְׁתּ֛וֹ | wife his | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| וְאַמְהֹתָ֖יו | and female slaves his | Conjunction, noun common feminine plural construct, suffix |
| וַיֵּלֵֽדוּ׃ | and they bore children | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine plural |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maidservants, so that they could again bear children— |
| KJV | ¶ So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children. |
| ASV | And Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maid-servants; and they bare children. |
| YLT | And Abraham prayeth unto God, and God healeth Abimelech and his wife, and his handmaids, and they bear: |
| WEB | Abraham prayed to God. So God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, and they bore children. |
| BBE | Then Abraham made prayer to God, and God made Abimelech well again, and his wife and his women-servants, so that they had children. |
The translations agree on the key actions of the verse, with no significant differences noted.
The main action of the verse is Abraham's prayer, followed by God's healing action and the result of that healing.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאַבְרָהָם
verbפָּלַל
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Genesis 20:17
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Healing of Abimelechgenerated
Genesis 20:17 recounts how Abraham interceded for Abimelech, leading to God's healing of him and his household. This event highlights the importance of prayer and the power of intercession, as Abraham's plea resulted in the restoration of Abimelech's ability to bear children, which had been hindered by God due to a previous encounter with Abraham's wife, Sarah.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 20:7 | Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet; he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not restore her, be aware that you will surely die—you and all who belong to you.” |
| 2 | Genesis 29:31 | When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 5:11–12 | Then the Ekronites assembled all the rulers of the Philistines and said, “Send away the ark of the God of Israel. It must return to its place, so that it will not kill us and our people!” For a deadly confusion had pervaded the city; the hand of God was heavy upon it. |
| 4 | Ezra 6:10 | Then they will be able to offer sacrifices of a sweet aroma to the God of heaven and to pray for the lives of the king and his sons. |
| 5 | Job 42:9–10 | So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD had told them; and the LORD accepted Job’s request. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 13 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל, vai.yit.pa.Lelgenerated
The verb פָּלַל (palal) means to pray or intercede, emphasizing the act of seeking divine assistance. The Hithpael stem indicates a reflexive or reciprocal action, suggesting that Abraham was not only praying but also acting on behalf of another, in this case, Abimelech.
This word is significant in biblical contexts where individuals seek God's intervention, as seen in the prayers of figures like Moses and David. Abraham's prayer here is a direct appeal to God, showcasing the role of a mediator between God and humanity.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The verse is presented in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses prayed for וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל and healed for וַיִּרְפָּ֨א, consistent with the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל (and he prayed) governs the verse, with two clauses following: one describing God's action of healing and the other detailing the subjects affected by that healing.
The structure emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship between Abraham's prayer and the subsequent healing, illustrating how divine intervention follows human intercession.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל as προσηύχατο (prosēuchato), meaning 'he prayed'. This choice indicates a direct appeal to God, maintaining the essence of intercession.
For וַיִּרְפָּ֨א, the translation is ἰάσατο (iasato), meaning 'he healed', which captures the restorative action taken by God.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Genesis 20:17 describes how Abraham prayed to God, and as a result, God healed Abimelech and his wife along with his maidservants, allowing them to bear children again. This narrative emphasizes the power of prayer and God's response to intercession.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Abraham's prayer signifies the act of intercession, where he appeals to God on behalf of Abimelech and his household, demonstrating the importance of prayer in seeking divine help.
Abimelech's household was healed as a direct response to Abraham's prayer, highlighting God's willingness to intervene when His people intercede.
The healing implies that God is compassionate and responsive to the prayers of His faithful servants, showing His power to restore and heal.
This event relates to the broader narrative of Abraham as a man of faith, whose prayers have significant effects, reinforcing his role as a patriarch and intercessor.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I be an intercessor for others in my life?
- How does this passage encourage me to approach God in prayer?
- What does the response of God to Abraham's prayer teach me about His willingness to heal?
- How can I apply the lessons of faith and intercession from Abraham's example in my own life?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers have commented on this passage, discussing the significance of Abraham's intercession and God's healing response.
But it does not seem to me superfluous that mention is made not only of Abim-elech’s wife but also of his handmaids, especially in that place that says, “God healed them, and they bore children.Early Church Fathers on Genesis 20 →
Unless Sarah received renewed youth in the seed that she had received, Abim-elech would not have desired a woman ninety years old.Early Church Fathers on Genesis 20 →
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Genesis 20:17 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleSo Abraham prayed unto God,.... As the Lord had told Abimelech be would, Genesis 20:7; he might pray for the forgiveness of him and his wife, and might give thanks that Sarah had been restored to
Read John Gill on Genesis 20 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentarySo Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children. So Abraham prayed unto God.
Read Robert Jamieson on Genesis 20 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsGenesis 20:17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare [children].Ver. 17. So Abraham prayed unto God, and God healed Abimelech.] Here was that of St James verified, "The prayer of faith shall save the sick; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him". So he is healed on both sides. The story of Luther is well known, how by his prayers he recovered Theodorus Virus of a consumption, after the physicians had given him up for dead. The saints are God’ s favourites; they may have anything of him. Sejanus found Tiberius so facile, that he needed only to ask, and give thanks. He never denied him anything, and ofttimes…
Read John Trapp on Genesis 20 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(17) Abraham prayed . . . —As Abimelech had now made very liberal compensation, it became the duty of Abraham to intercede for him. The malady seems to have been one confined to Abimelech, as its object was to protect Sarah; but in some way it so affected the whole household as to produce general barrenness. Maidservants.—Not the word rendered women-servants in Genesis 20:14, but one specially used of concubines.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Genesis 20 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 17. So Abraham prayed] This was the prime office of the נביא nabi; see Genesis 20:7.
Read AdamClarke on Genesis 20 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges17. Abraham prayed] See note on Genesis 20:7. This verse explains Genesis 20:4. Barrenness was regarded as the sign of Divine displeasure, which might be averted by prayer and intercession: cf. Genesis 25:21, Genesis 30:2; Genesis 30:22; 1 Samuel 1:10. See note on Genesis 12:17.
Read Cambridge on Genesis 20 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible17. Prayed unto God — He prayed unto δΰμδιν, the true God; as one who felt the responsibility of being a prophet.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Genesis 20 →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
Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maidservants, so that they could again bear children—
Abraham prayed to God. So God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, and they bore children.
Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maidservants, so that they could again bear children—
Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, as well as his wife and female slaves so that they were able to have children.
Tyndale line
¶ So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.
And Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maid-servants; and they bare children.
And Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.
So Abraham prayed to God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maid-servants, and they bore children.
Then Abraham prayed vnto God, and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his women seruants: and they bare children.
Strictly literal
And Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and his wife and his handmaids, and they bore [children].
And Abraham prayeth unto God, and God healeth Abimelech and his wife, and his handmaids, and they bear:
And Abraham prays to God, and God heals Abimelech and his wife, and his handmaids, and they bear:
And Abraham prayed unto God; and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maid-servants, so that they could bear children.
Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female slaves so that they were able to have children.
From the Latin
And when Abraham prayed, God healed Abimelech and his wife, and his handmaids, and they bore children:
Simplified
Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female slaves, so that they could have children again.
Then Abraham made prayer to God, and God made Abimelech well again, and his wife and his women-servants, so that they had children.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint align closely, with 11 of the 12 words matching. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs slightly, using אמתיו (handmaids) instead of the Masoretic אַמְהֹתָיו, but the overall meaning remains consistent.
וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֶל־ הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים וַיִּרְפָּ֨א אֱלֹהִ֜ים אֶת־ אֲבִימֶ֧לֶךְ וְאֶת־ אִשְׁתּ֛וֹ וְאַמְהֹתָ֖יו וַיֵּלֵֽדוּ׃
11 of the 12 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.
ויתפלל אברהם אל האלהים וירפא אלהים את אבימלך ואת אשׁתו ואמתיו וילדו
1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: אמתיו (handmaid)
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Genesis 20:17
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.
פָּלַל (palal) is a Hebrew verb that primarily means to intervene or interpose, with a significant focus on the act of praying. It encompasses various forms, including mediation and judgment, particularly in the Piel and Hithpael stems, which emphasize intercession and supplication. The entries suggest a connection to both personal and communal prayer, though no specific Old Testament verses are cited.
[פָּלַל] 84 vb. prob. intervene, interpose
Pi. mediate, judge
Hithp.
specif. intercede
gen. pray
pray
of poetical, liturgical prayer
base
H6419 פָּלַל prob. intervene, interpose
6419 palal paw-lal'
a primitive root; to judge (officially or mentally); by
extension, to intercede, pray:--intreat, judge(-ment), (make)
pray(-er, -ing), make supplication.
פָּלַל (pa.lal) — to pray.
1) to intervene, interpose, pray
1a) (Piel) to mediate, judge
1b)(Hithpael)
1b1) to intercede
1b2) to pray
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Hithpael · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vtw3ms
The Hebrew word אַבְרָם (*Abram*) refers to the biblical figure later known as אַבְרָהָם (*Abraham*), meaning 'father of a multitude.' He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 as the son of Terah and is notable for being the patriarch of the Hebrew nation through God's covenant. The name reflects his role as a significant ancestor.
אַבְרָם n.pr.m. (id., Thes al. exalted father) Abram = אַבְרָהָם Abraham
base
H85 אַבְרָם Abram = אַבְרָהָם Abraham
85 'Abraham ab-raw-hawm'
contracted from 1 and an unused root (probably meaning to be
populous); father of a multitude; Abraham, the later name of
Abram:--Abraham.
see HEBREW for 01
אַבְרָהָם (av.ra.ham) — Abraham.
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
§ Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude"
friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
a'-bra-ham:
I. NAME 1. Various Forms 2. Etymology 3. Association II. KINDRED III. CAREER 1. Period of Wandering 2. Period of Residence at Hebron 3. Period of Residence in the Negeb IV. CONDITIONS OF LIFE 1. Economic Conditions 2. Social Conditions 3. Political Conditions 4. Cultural Conditions V. CHARACTER 1. Religious Beliefs 2. Morality 3. Personal Traits VI. SIGNIFICANCE IN THE HISTORY OF RELIGION 1. In the Old Testament 2. In the New Testament 3. In Jewish Tradition 4. In the Koran VII. INTERPRETATIONS OF THE STORY OTHER THAN HISTORICAL 1. The Allegorical Interpretation 2. The Personification Theory 3. The Mythical Theory 4. The "Saga" Theory
I. Name.
1. Various Forms:
In the Old Testament, when applied, to the patriarch, the name appears as 'abhram, up to Ge 17:5; thereafter always as 'abhraham. Two other persons are named 'abhiram.…
Abraham
Father of a multitude, son of Terah, named (Gen. 11:27) before his older brothers Nahor and Haran, because he was the heir of the promises. Till the age of seventy, Abram sojourned among his kindred in his native country of Chaldea. He then, with his father and his family and household, quitted the city of Ur, in which he had hitherto dwelt, and went some 300 miles north to Haran, where he abode fifteen years. The cause of his migration was a call from God (Acts 7:2-4). There is no mention of this first call in the Old Testament; it is implied, however, in Gen. 12. While they tarried at Haran, Terah died at the age of 205 years. Abram now received a second and more definite call, accompanied by a promise from God (Gen.…
(father of a multitude) was the son of Terah, and founder of the great Hebrew nation. (B.C. 1996-1822.) His family, a branch of the descendants of Shem, was settled in Ur of the Chaldees, beyond the Euphrates, where Abraham was born. Terah had two other sons, Nahor and Haran. Haran died before his father in Ur of the Chaldees, leaving a son, Lot; and Terah, taking with him Abram, with Sarai his wife and his grandson Lot, emigrated to Haran in Mesopotamia, where he died. On the death of his father, Abram, then in the 75th year of his age, with Sarai and Lot, pursued his course to the land of Canaan, whither he was directed by divine command, (Genesis 12:5) when he received the general promise that he should become the founder of a great nation, and that all the families of the earth should be blessed in him. He passed through the…
Father of a multitude, Ge 17:4,5; the great founder of the Jewish nation. He was a son of Terah, a descendant of Shem, and born in Ur, a city of Chaldea, A.M. 2008, B. C. 1996, Ge 11:27,28. Here he lived seventy years, when at the call of God he left his idolatrous kindred, and removed to Haran, in Mesopotamia, Ac 7:2-4, accompanied by his father, his wife Sarai, his brother Nahor, and his nephew Lot. A few years after, having buried his father, he again removed at the call of God, with his wife and nephew, and entered the land of promise as a nomad or wandering shepherd. Sojourning for a time at Shechem, he built here, as was his custom, an alter to the Lord, who appeared to him, and promised that land to his seed. Removing…
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.
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
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
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).
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)
Prep — PrepositionHR
אֱלֹהִים (elohiym) is a plural noun meaning 'gods' or 'God,' often referring to the supreme deity in the Old Testament. It encompasses divine beings, rulers, and judges, reflecting divine majesty and power. The term can also denote angels and is used in a superlative sense. Notably, it is sometimes combined with יהוה (YHWH), the personal name of God.
אֱלֹהִים 2570 n.m.pl.
pl. in number.
rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
angels
gods
pl. intensive
god or goddess
godlike one
works of God, or things belongng to him
God
הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
אֱלֹהִים = God
base
H430 אֱלֹהִים n. m. pl. . pl. in number. . rulers, judges, either asdivine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
. angels
. gods
. pl. intensive . god or goddess
. godlike one
. works of God, or things belongng to him
. God
. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
. אֱלֹהִים = God
430 'elohiym el-o-heem'
plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically
used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the
supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to
magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X
exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X
mighty.
see HEBREW for 0433
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — God.
This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God"
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (LORD)-Elohe.
Combined with ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (Gibeath)-elohim.
Combined with giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeath" H1389)
Art | N-mp — Particle · noun common masculine plural absoluteHTd/Ncmpa
god ('Elohim, 'El, [`Elyon], Shadday, Yahweh; Theos):
I. INTRODUCTION TO THE GENERAL IDEA
1. The Idea in Experience and in Thought
2. Definition of the Idea
3. The Knowledge of God
4. Ethnic Ideas of God
(1) Animism
(2) Fetishism
(3) Idolatry
(4) Polytheism
(5) Henotheism
(6) Pantheism
(7) Deism
(8) Semitic Monolatry
(9) Monotheism
II. THE IDEA OF GOD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. The Course of Its Development
2. Forms of Its Manifestation
(1) The Face or Countenance of God
(2) The Voice and Word of God
(3) The Glory of God
(4) The Angel of God
(5) The Spirit of God
(6) The Name of God
(7) Occasional Forms
3. The Names of God
(1) Generic
(2) Attributive
(3) Yahweh
4. Pre-prophetic Conceptions of God
(1) Yahweh Alone Is the God of Israel
(a) His Early Worship
(b) Popular Religion
(c) Polytheistic Tendencies
(i) Coordination
(ii) Assimilation
(iii) Disintegration
(d) No Hebrew Goddesses
(e) Human Sacrifices
God
(A.S. and Dutch God; Dan. Gud; Ger. Gott), the name of the Divine Being. It is the rendering (1) of the Hebrew ’El, from a word meaning to be strong; (2) of ’Eloah_, plural _’Elohim. The singular form, Eloah, is used only in poetry. The plural form is more commonly used in all parts of the Bible, The Hebrew word Jehovah (q.v.), the only other word generally employed to denote the Supreme Being, is uniformly rendered in the Authorized Version by “LORD,” printed in small capitals. The existence of God is taken for granted in the Bible. There is nowhere any argument to prove it. He who disbelieves this truth is spoken of as one devoid of understanding (Ps. 14:1).
The arguments generally adduced by theologians in proof of the being of God are:
(1.) The a priori argument, which is the testimony afforded by reason.
(good). Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures two chief names are used for the one true divine Being--ELOHIM, commonly translated God in our version, and JEHOVAH, translated Lord . Elohim is the plural of Eloah (in Arabic Allah); it is often used in the short form EL (a word signifying strength , as in EL-SHADDAI, God Almighty, the name by which God was specially known to the patriarchs. (Genesis 17:1; 28:3; Exodus 6:3) The etymology is uncertain, but it is generally agreed that the primary idea is that of strength, power of effect , and that it properly describes God in that character in which he is exhibited to all men in his works, as the creator, sustainer and supreme governor of the world. The plural form of Elohim has given rise to much discussion. The fanciful idea that it…
This name, the derivation of which is uncertain, we give to that eternal, infinite, perfect, and incomprehensible Being, the Creator of all things, who preserves and governs all by his almighty power and wisdom, and is the only proper object of worship. The proper Hebrew name for God is JEHOVAH, which signifies He is. But the Jews, from a feeling of reverence, avoid pronouncing this name, substituting for it, wherever it occurs in the sacred test, the word ADONAI, Lord; except in the expression, ADONAI JEHOVAH, Lord Jehovah, for which they put, ADONAI ELOHIM, Lord God. This usage, which is not without an element of superstition, is very ancient, dating its origin some centuries before Christ; but there is no good ground for assuming its existence in the days of the inspired Old Testament writers. The proper word for God is ELOHIM, which is plural in its form, being thus used to signify…
רָפָא (rapha') is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to heal' or 'to mend.' It covers various forms, including healing by God, physicians, and figurative healing of nations or individuals. The verb has different stems indicating active healing, being healed, and healing in order to be healed. The entries do not present any significant disagreement.
רָפָא vb. heal
Qal heal
Niph. be healed
Pi. have healed, heal
Hithp. in order to get healed
base
H7495 רָפָא heal
7495 rapha' raw-faw'
or raphah {raw-faw'}; a primitive root; properly, to mend (by
stitching), i.e. (figuratively) to cure:--cure, (cause to)
heal, physician, repair, X thoroughly, make whole. See 7503.
see HEBREW for 07503
רָפָא (ra.pah) — to heal.
1) to heal, make healthful
1a) (Qal) to heal
1a1) of God
1a2) healer, physician (of men)
1a3) of hurts of nations involving restored favour (fig)
1a4) of individual distresses (fig)
1b) (Niphal) to be healed
1b1) literal (of persons)
1b2) of water, pottery
1b3) of national hurts (fig)
1b4) of personal distress (fig)
1c) (Piel) to heal
1c1) literal
1c2) of national defects or hurts (fig)
1d) (Hithpael) in order to get healed (infinitive)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
אֱלֹהִים (elohiym) is a plural noun meaning 'gods' or 'God,' often referring to the supreme deity in the Old Testament. It encompasses divine beings, rulers, and judges, reflecting divine majesty and power. The term can also denote angels and is used in a superlative sense. Notably, it is sometimes combined with יהוה (YHWH), the personal name of God.
אֱלֹהִים 2570 n.m.pl.
pl. in number.
rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
angels
gods
pl. intensive
god or goddess
godlike one
works of God, or things belongng to him
God
הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
אֱלֹהִים = God
base
H430 אֱלֹהִים n. m. pl. . pl. in number. . rulers, judges, either asdivine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
. angels
. gods
. pl. intensive . god or goddess
. godlike one
. works of God, or things belongng to him
. God
. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
. אֱלֹהִים = God
430 'elohiym el-o-heem'
plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically
used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the
supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to
magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X
exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X
mighty.
see HEBREW for 0433
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — God.
This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God"
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (LORD)-Elohe.
Combined with ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (Gibeath)-elohim.
Combined with giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeath" H1389)
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
god ('Elohim, 'El, [`Elyon], Shadday, Yahweh; Theos):
I. INTRODUCTION TO THE GENERAL IDEA
1. The Idea in Experience and in Thought
2. Definition of the Idea
3. The Knowledge of God
4. Ethnic Ideas of God
(1) Animism
(2) Fetishism
(3) Idolatry
(4) Polytheism
(5) Henotheism
(6) Pantheism
(7) Deism
(8) Semitic Monolatry
(9) Monotheism
II. THE IDEA OF GOD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. The Course of Its Development
2. Forms of Its Manifestation
(1) The Face or Countenance of God
(2) The Voice and Word of God
(3) The Glory of God
(4) The Angel of God
(5) The Spirit of God
(6) The Name of God
(7) Occasional Forms
3. The Names of God
(1) Generic
(2) Attributive
(3) Yahweh
4. Pre-prophetic Conceptions of God
(1) Yahweh Alone Is the God of Israel
(a) His Early Worship
(b) Popular Religion
(c) Polytheistic Tendencies
(i) Coordination
(ii) Assimilation
(iii) Disintegration
(d) No Hebrew Goddesses
(e) Human Sacrifices
God
(A.S. and Dutch God; Dan. Gud; Ger. Gott), the name of the Divine Being. It is the rendering (1) of the Hebrew ’El, from a word meaning to be strong; (2) of ’Eloah_, plural _’Elohim. The singular form, Eloah, is used only in poetry. The plural form is more commonly used in all parts of the Bible, The Hebrew word Jehovah (q.v.), the only other word generally employed to denote the Supreme Being, is uniformly rendered in the Authorized Version by “LORD,” printed in small capitals. The existence of God is taken for granted in the Bible. There is nowhere any argument to prove it. He who disbelieves this truth is spoken of as one devoid of understanding (Ps. 14:1).
The arguments generally adduced by theologians in proof of the being of God are:
(1.) The a priori argument, which is the testimony afforded by reason.
(good). Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures two chief names are used for the one true divine Being--ELOHIM, commonly translated God in our version, and JEHOVAH, translated Lord . Elohim is the plural of Eloah (in Arabic Allah); it is often used in the short form EL (a word signifying strength , as in EL-SHADDAI, God Almighty, the name by which God was specially known to the patriarchs. (Genesis 17:1; 28:3; Exodus 6:3) The etymology is uncertain, but it is generally agreed that the primary idea is that of strength, power of effect , and that it properly describes God in that character in which he is exhibited to all men in his works, as the creator, sustainer and supreme governor of the world. The plural form of Elohim has given rise to much discussion. The fanciful idea that it…
This name, the derivation of which is uncertain, we give to that eternal, infinite, perfect, and incomprehensible Being, the Creator of all things, who preserves and governs all by his almighty power and wisdom, and is the only proper object of worship. The proper Hebrew name for God is JEHOVAH, which signifies He is. But the Jews, from a feeling of reverence, avoid pronouncing this name, substituting for it, wherever it occurs in the sacred test, the word ADONAI, Lord; except in the expression, ADONAI JEHOVAH, Lord Jehovah, for which they put, ADONAI ELOHIM, Lord God. This usage, which is not without an element of superstition, is very ancient, dating its origin some centuries before Christ; but there is no good ground for assuming its existence in the days of the inspired Old Testament writers. The proper word for God is ELOHIM, which is plural in its form, being thus used to signify…
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HTo — ParticleHTo
אֲבִימֶ֫לֶךְ (Abiymelek) means 'father of the king' and refers to several figures in the Old Testament, including kings of Gerar and Gath, a son of Gideon, and a priest. The name is derived from the components for 'father' and 'king.' It is first mentioned in Genesis 20:2 and appears in various contexts throughout the scriptures.
אֲבִימֶ֫לֶךְ n.pr.m. (Melek (= Malik, Molech) is father)
king of Gerar
king of Gath
son of Gideon
priest, son of Abiathar
base
H40 אֲבִימֶ֫לֶךְ (Melek (= Malik, Molech) is father)
40 'Abiymelek ab-ee-mel'-ek
from 1 and 4428; father of (the) king; Abimelek, the name of
two Philistine kings and of two Israelites:--Abimelech.
see HEBREW for 01
see HEBREW for 04428
אֲבִימֶ֫לֶךְ (a.vi.me.lekh) — Abimelech.
A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.20.2
§ Abimelech = "Melek is father" or "my father is king"
1) king of Gerar in Abraham's time
2) king of Gath in David's time; maybe title of Philistine kings
3) son of Gideon by a concubine
4) priest, son of Abiathar
אֲבִימֶ֫לֶךְ (a.vi.me.lekh) — Abimelech.
A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.8.31;
son of: Gideon (H1439);
brother of: Jether (H3500) and Jotham (H3147)
§ Abimelech = "Melek is father" or "my father is king"
1) king of Gerar in Abraham's time
2) king of Gath in David's time; maybe title of Philistine kings
3) son of Gideon by a concubine
4) priest, son of Abiathar
אֲבִימֶ֫לֶךְ (a.vi.me.lekh) — Abimelech.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.21.10;
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
a-bim'-e-lek ('abhimelekh, "father of a king"): A name borne by five Old Testament persons.
(1) The name of two kings of Philistia; the first was a contemporary of Abraham, the second, probably son of the former, was king in the days of Isaac. It is quite possible that Abimelech was the royal title rather than the personal name, since in the title of Ps 34 we find it applied to the king of Gath, elsewhere known by his personal name, Achish (1Sa 27:2,3). Shortly after the destruction of Sodom Abraham journeyed with his herds and flocks into the extreme Southeast country of Palestine (Ge 20). While sojourning at Gerar, the city of Abimelech, king of the Philistine country, he made believe that Sarah was his sister (Ge 20:2), and Abimelech took her, intending to make her one of his…
Abimelech
My father a king, or father of a king, a common name of the Philistine kings, as “Pharaoh” was of the Egyptian kings. (1.) The Philistine king of Gerar in the time of Abraham (Gen. 20:1-18). By an interposition of Providence, Sarah was delivered from his harem, and was restored to her husband Abraham. As a mark of respect he gave to Abraham valuable gifts, and offered him a settlement in any part of his country; while at the same time he delicately and yet severely rebuked him for having practised a deception upon him in pretending that Sarah was only his sister. Among the gifts presented by the king were a thousand pieces of silver as a “covering of the eyes” for Sarah; i.e., either as an atoning gift and a testimony of her innocence in the sight of all, or rather for the purpose of procuring a veil for Sarah to conceal her…
(father of the king), the name of several Philistine kings, was probably a common title of these kings, like that of Pharaoh among the Egyptians and that of Caesar and Augustus among the Romans. Hence in the title of (Psalms 34:1) ... the name of Abimelech is given to the king, who is called Achish in (1 Samuel 21:11) A Philistine, king of Gerar, Genesis 20,21, who, exercising the right claimed by Eastern princes of collecting all the beautiful women of their dominions into their harem, (Genesis 12:15; Esther 2:3) sent for and took Sarah. A similar account is given of Abraham’s conduct of this occasion to that of his behavior towards Pharaoh. [ABRAHAM] (B.C. 1920.) Another…
1. King of Gerar of the Philistines, who took Sarah into his harem; but being warned of God in a dream, he restored her to Abraham, and gave him 1,000 pieces of silver as a "covering of the eyes" for Sarah, that is, as an atoning present, and to be a testimony of her innocence in the eyes of all. He afterwards made a league with Abraham, Ge 20:1-18.
2. Another king of Gerar, probably son of the former, and contemporary with Isaac. He rebuked Isaac for dissimulation in regard to Rebekah, and afterwards made a new league with him at Beersheba, Ge 26:1-35.
3. A son of Gideon by a concubine, made himself king of Shechem after his father’s death, and slew his father’s seventy sons on one stone, only Jotham the youngest being left. Jotham reproached the Shechemites for their conduct, in…
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HC/To — Conjunction · particleHC/To
אִשָּׁה (ishshah) means 'woman,' 'wife,' or 'female.' It can refer to a woman in general, a wife in relation to a man, or the female of animals. The term also has distributive and reciprocal uses, indicating 'each woman' from her neighbor. The word is derived from the masculine forms אִישׁ (ish) and אִישָׁה (ishah), indicating a broad range of meanings.
אִשָּׁה 773 n.f. woman, wife, female
woman
Wife (woman belonging to a man, usually cstr. or sf.)
Female of animals
With distrib. & recipr. sense, each woman from her neighbor; each one
base
H802 אִשָּׁה woman, wife, female . woman
. Wife (woman belonging to a man, usually cstr. or sf.)
. Female of animals
. With distrib. & recipr. sense, each woman from her neighbor; each one
802 'ishshah ish-shaw'
feminine of 376 or 582; irregular plural, nashiym
{naw-sheem'}; a woman (used in the same wide sense as
582):--(adulter)ess, each, every, female, X many, + none,
one, + together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English.
see HEBREW for 0376
see HEBREW for 0582
see HEBREW for 0582
אִשָּׁה (ish.shah) — woman.
: woman
1) woman, wife, female
1a) woman (opposite of man)
1b) wife (woman married to a man)
1c) female (of animals)
1d) each, every (pronoun)
אִשָּׁה (ish.shah) — woman: wife.
: wife/widow
1) woman, wife, female
1a) woman (opposite of man)
1b) wife (woman married to a man)
1c) female (of animals)
1d) each, every (pronoun)
אִשָּׁה (ish.shah) — woman: another.
: another
1) woman, wife, female
1a) woman (opposite of man)
1b) wife (woman married to a man)
1c) female (of animals)
1d) each, every (pronoun)
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp3ms
אָמָה (amah) refers to a maid or handmaid, often indicating a female servant or slave. The term can also imply humility in certain contexts. It is derived from a primitive root and is consistently used to denote a female in servitude.
אָמָה n.f. maid, handmaid
lit. maidservant
fig. in address
base
H519 אָמָה maid, handmaid
519 'amah aw-maw'
apparently a primitive word; a maid-servant or female
slave:--(hand-)bondmaid(-woman), maid(-servant).
אָמָה (a.mah) — maidservant.
1) maid-servant, female slave, maid, handmaid, concubine
1a) of humility (fig.)
Conj | N-fp | Suff — Conjunction · noun common feminine plural construct · suffixHC/Ncfpc/Sp3ms
The Hebrew word יָלַד (*yalad*) means to bear, bring forth, or beget, and it encompasses various forms of childbirth and lineage declaration. It can refer to both the act of giving birth and the role of a midwife. The entries also note its use in contexts of distress and wicked behavior, as well as in reference to birthdays.
יָלַד 497 vb. bear, bring forth, beget
Qal
bear, bring forth
less often beget
of both parents
Niph. be born
Pi. cause (or help) to bring forth, viz., assist or tend as midwife
Pu. be born
Hiph.
beget (a father a child)
bear
Hoph. day of one's being born = birthday
Hithp. declared their pedigree
base
H3205 יָלַד bear, bring forth, beget .. bear, bring forth
. less often beget
. of both parents
. be born
. cause (or help) to bring forth, viz., assist or tend as midwife
. be born
. . beget (a father a child)
. bear
. day of one's being born = birthday
. declared their pedigree
3205 yalad yaw-lad'
a primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget;
medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show
lineage:--bear, beget, birth((-day)), born, (make to) bring
forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be
delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch,
labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be
the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman).
יָלַד (ya.lad) — to beget.
1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to bear, bring forth
1a1a) of child birth
1a1b) of distress (simile)
1a1c) of wicked (behaviour)
1a2) to beget
1b) (Niphal) to be born
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to cause or help to bring forth
1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife
1c3) midwife (participle)
1d) (Pual) to be born
1e) (Hiphil)
1e1) to beget (a child)
1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity)
1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive)
1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine pluralHc/Vqw3mp
The blessing of offspring, but especially of the male sex, is highly valued among all eastern nations, while a the absence is regarded as one of the severest punishments. (Genesis 16:2; 7:14; 1 Samuel 1:6; 2 Samuel 6:23; 2 Kings 4:14; Isaiah 47:9; Jeremiah 20:15; Psalms 127:3,5) As soon as the child was born it was washed in a bath, rubbed with salt and wrapped in swaddling clothes. (Ezekiel 16:4; Job 38:9; Luke…
A numerous offspring was regarded as a signal blessing, Ps 127:3-5, and childless wives sought various means to escape the reproach of barrenness, which was deprecated in the blessing given to a newly married couple, Ru 4:11. The pangs of childbirth, in their suddenness and sharpness, are often alluded to in Scripture. The apostle Paul speaks of them as fruits and evidences of the fall; but assures those who abide in faith, that, amid all the suffering that reminds them that woman was first in the transgression, Ge 3:16, they may yet look trustfully to God for acceptance and salvation, 1Ti 2:15.
→ In answer to prayer
To Abraham Ge 15:2-5; with 21:1,2
Isaac Ge 25:21
Leah Ge 30:17-22
Rachel Ge 30:22-24
Hannah 1Sa 1:9-20
Zacharias Lu 1:13
→ Treatment of, at birth Eze 16:4-6; Lu 2:7,12
→ Circumcision of
→ See CIRCUMCISION
→ Dedicated to God in infancy
Samson Jud 13:5,7
Samuel 1Sa 1:24-28
- Christ was an example to
- Are a gift from God
- Are capable of glorifying God
- SHOULD BE
. Brought to Christ
. Brought early to the house of God
. Instructed in the ways of God
. Judiciously trained