Genesis 27:8 — Word Study
WLCוְעַתָּ֥ה בְנִ֖י שְׁמַ֣ע בְּקֹלִ֑י לַאֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֖י מְצַוָּ֥ה אֹתָֽךְ׃
BSANowʻattâh [at this time, currently] my sonbên [descendant, child] listen toshâmaʻ [obey, hear and heed] my voiceqôwl [sound, spoken words] and do exactly asʼăsher [fully, completely] ◂Iʼănîy [personally, myself] telltsâvâh [command, instruct] youʼêth [to you, specifically]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְעַתָּ֥ה | and therefore | Conjunction, adverb |
| בְנִ֖י | O son my | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| שְׁמַ֣ע | listen | Verb, Qal, imperative second person masculine singular |
| בְּקֹלִ֑י | to voice my | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| לַאֲשֶׁ֥ר | to [that] which | Preposition, particle |
| אֲנִ֖י | I | Pronoun |
| מְצַוָּ֥ה | [am] commanding | Verb, Piel, participle (active) feminine singular |
| אֹתָֽךְ׃ | the object marker you | Particle, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Now, my son, listen to my voice and do exactly as I tell you. |
| KJV | Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee. |
| ASV | Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee. |
| YLT | 'And now, my son, hearken to my voice, to that which I am commanding thee: |
| WEB | Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command you. |
| BBE | Now, my son, do what I say. |
All translations agree on the core message of Isaac's command to Jacob.
The main command is clear and direct, with a subordinate instruction emphasizing the importance of obedience.
6 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאֲנִי
verbשָׁמַע
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 27:8
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 — Isaac's Instructions to Jacobgenerated
Genesis 27:8 shows Isaac giving specific instructions to his son Jacob. This moment is crucial as it sets the stage for the blessing that Jacob is to receive. Isaac emphasizes the importance of listening and following his commands exactly, reflecting the dynamics of their relationship and the significance of the blessing in their family lineage.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 27:13 | His mother replied, “Your curse be on me, my son. Just obey my voice and go get them for me.” |
| 2 | Genesis 25:23 | and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” |
| 3 | Acts 4:19 | But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. |
| 4 | Acts 5:29 | But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. |
| 5 | Ephesians 6:1 | Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — מְצַוָּה, me.tza.Vahgenerated
The word מְצַוָּה (me.tza.Vah) is a participle form of the verb צָוָה (tsavah), meaning 'to command.' This form indicates an ongoing action, suggesting that Isaac is actively giving a command to Jacob. The use of this term highlights the authority of Isaac as a father and the expectation of obedience from his son.
In this context, the command is not merely a suggestion but an instruction that Jacob is expected to follow. The emphasis on doing exactly as told underscores the importance of obedience in familial relationships and the weight of the blessing that is to follow.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the phrase listen to my voice and do exactly as I tell you.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb in this verse is שְׁמַע, listen, which governs the command structure. It is followed by a noun phrase indicating the subject, אֲנִי, I, and another verb מְצַוָּה, commanding, which completes the action.
The structure emphasizes the relationship between the speaker and the listener, with the imperative verb placed at the beginning, highlighting the urgency and importance of the command.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates שְׁמַע as ἄκουσόν (akouson), meaning 'listen' or 'hear.' This choice reflects the same imperative nature of the command, emphasizing the need for attention and obedience.
The Greek word ἐντέλλομαι is used for מְצַוָּה, indicating a command or instruction, which aligns with the Hebrew meaning and maintains the authoritative tone of Isaac's message.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Genesis 27:8 shows Isaac telling Jacob to listen to him and follow his instructions carefully. This command is part of a larger narrative where Isaac intends to bless Jacob, emphasizing the importance of obedience in their relationship.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Isaac's instruction highlights the importance of obedience and attentiveness in familial relationships, especially regarding the passing of blessings.
This emphasis indicates the weight of Isaac's command and the seriousness of the blessing that is to follow.
The command shows Isaac's authority as a father and Jacob's expected obedience, which is central to the dynamics of their relationship.
This verse teaches that listening carefully and following instructions is crucial, especially in important family matters.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I practice listening and obeying those in authority over me?
- How can I ensure that I am following instructions carefully in my own life?
- What lessons about family dynamics can I draw from Isaac's relationship with Jacob?
- How does this verse challenge me to reflect on my own obedience to commands or guidance?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentators like John Chrysostom and Quodvultdeus reflect on the significance of Isaac's command, discussing themes of divine providence and familial relationships.
See a mother’s affection, or rather God’s designs: He it was who prompted her to make plans and also made sure all turned out well.Early Church Fathers on Genesis 27 →
I will try to explain briefly how wonderful, great and full of mysteries according to the promises of God are the events that occurred in these two twins.Early Church Fathers on Genesis 27 →
Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Genesis 27:8 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleNow therefore, my son, obey my voice,.... Hearken to what I am about to say, and do according to that which I command thee, in every particular; she required of him filial obedience to all that she
Read John Gill on Genesis 27 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryBring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the LORD before my death. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Read Robert Jamieson on Genesis 27 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsGenesis 27:8 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee.Ver. 8. How therefore, my son, obey my voice.] Which yet he ought not to have done, because she commanded him that which was evil: and they that do thus, are peremptores, potius quam parentes; rather parricides than parents, as saith St Bernard.
Read John Trapp on Genesis 27 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English ReadersG: UPON THE OF JACOB’S LIFE (Genesis 27) The elaborate calculations of Lightfoot, and most Jewish and Christian commentators, intended to show that when Jacob set out upon his journey to Haran, he and Esau were each about 77 years of age, and Isaac their father about 137, though based apparently upon the letter of Scripture, are so contrary to its facts that evidently there must be some error in them. Fortunately there are several dates which are open to no doubt, and if we start with these, it may prove not Impossible to arrive at more trustworthy conclusions. When, then, Jacob went down into Egypt, he was 130 years of age (Genesis 46:9), and as Joseph when he “stood before Pharaoh” was 30…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Genesis 27 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges8. obey my voice] Jacob is Rebekah’s favourite; cf. Genesis 25:28. Rebekah is prepared to deceive Isaac, in order that Jacob may obtain the coveted blessing. As in chap. 24, she shews energy and decision. She believes that Isaac’s blessing of Esau would have the effect of reversing the oracle she herself had received (Genesis 25:23) and nullifying the privilege Jacob had purchased (Genesis 25:33). She is jealous for his sake.
Read Cambridge on Genesis 27 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible8. Obey my voice — Rebekah heard (Genesis 27:5) and spake (Genesis 27:6) on the subject pending with Isaac, for she, too, had a divine relation to the covenant blessing.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Genesis 27 →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
Now, my son, listen to my voice and do exactly as I tell you.
Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command you.
Now, my son, listen to my voice and do exactly as I tell you.
Now then, my son, do exactly what I tell you!
Tyndale line
Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee.
Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee.
Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee.
Now therefore, my son, obey my voice, according to that which I command thee.
Nowe therefore, my sonne, heare my voyce in that which I command thee.
Strictly literal
And now, my son, hearken to my voice in that which I command thee.
'And now, my son, hearken to my voice, to that which I am commanding thee:
And now, my son, listen to my voice, to that which I am commanding you:
And now, my son, obey my voice in that which I command thee.
Now therefore, my son, obey my voice as I command you.
From the Latin
Now, therefore, my son, follow my counsel:
Simplified
Now then, my son, listen to me and do exactly what I tell you.
Now, my son, do what I say.
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 reads: וְעַתָּ֥ה בְנִ֖י שְׁמַ֣ע בְּקֹלִ֑י לַאֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֖י מְצַוָּ֥ה אֹתָֽךְ׃. The Septuagint matches 7 of the 8 words, indicating a close translation but with its own word order. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs in two words, using קולי for 'voice' and מצויה for 'command,' which suggests slight variations in interpretation.
וְעַתָּ֥ה בְנִ֖י שְׁמַ֣ע בְּקֹלִ֑י לַאֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֖י מְצַוָּ֥ה אֹתָֽךְ׃
7 of the 8 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.
ועתה בני שׁמע בקולי לאשׁר אני מצויה אתך
2 words differ from the Masoretic Text: קולי (sound), מצויה (command)
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 27:8
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.
עַתָּ֫ה (attah) is an adverb of time meaning 'now.' It can also function as a conjunction or expletive, indicating immediacy or a current moment. The word is derived from a related term, עַת (att), and is used in various contexts to denote the present time.
עַתָּ֫ה 435, עָ֑֫תָּה, adv. of time, now
base
H6258 עַתָּ֫ה, עָ֑֫תָּה of time, now
6258 `attah at-taw'
from 6256; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or
expletive:--henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas.
see HEBREW for 06256
עַתָּ֫ה (at.tah) — now.
1) now
1a) now
1b) in phrases
Conj | Adv — Conjunction · adverbHC/D
בֵּן (ben) means 'son' or 'male child' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including descendants, young animals, and even figurative uses like sparks or arrows. It can refer to members of a tribe or class and is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, such as in 1 Chronicles 24:26. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to build' and implies a connection to family or lineage.
בֵּן 4870 n.m. son
son, male child, born of a woman
children (male and female)
youth, young men
the young of animals
of plant shoots
fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows
member of a guild, order or class
of animals son of (the) herd
ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.
n. relat. of age
base
בְּנוֹ 1 Ch 24:26, 27 as n.pr.m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son, cf. VB & Be Öt.
done
H1121a בֵּן son . son, male child, born of a woman
. children (male and female)
. youth, young men
. the young of animals
. of plant shoots
. fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows
. . member of a guild, order or class
. of animals son of (the) herd
. ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.
. n. relat. of age
H1121b בְּנוֹ as n. pr. m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son
1121 ben bane
from 1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the
widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship,
including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,
etc., (like 1, 251, etc.)):--+ afflicted, age, (Ahoh-)
(Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-)ite, (anoint-)ed one, appointed to,
(+) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-)ian, one born,
bough, branch, breed, + (young) bullock, + (young) calf, X
came up in, child, colt, X common, X corn, daughter, X of
first, + firstborn, foal, + very fruitful, + postage, X in, +
kid, + lamb, (+) man, meet, + mighty, + nephew, old, (+)
people, + rebel, + robber, X servant born, X soldier, son, +
spark, + steward, + stranger, X surely, them of, + tumultuous
one, + valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
see HEBREW for 01129
see HEBREW for 01
see HEBREW for 0251
בֵּן (ben) — son: child.
: child/son
בְּנוֹ (be.no) — Beno.
A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.24.26;
son of: Jaaziah (H3269);
brother of: Shoham (H7719), Zaccur (H2139I) and Ibri (H5681)
§ Beno = "his son"
the sons of Jaaziah and the sons of Merari by Jaahziah (his son)
בֵּן (ben) — son: descendant/people.
: descendant, people, tribe, nation
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : child/son
בֵּן (ben) — son: young animal.
: calf/lamb/young(ANIMAL)
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : descendant
בֵּן (ben) — son: type of.
: rebel/son(Belial)
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
§ : people/men/nation/tribe
בֵּן (ben) — son.
: [inheriting]son/heir
A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)
בֵּן (ben) — son: warrior.
: warrior/son(strong)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp1bs
The Hebrew word שָׁמַע (shama`) means 'to hear' and encompasses a range of meanings including listening, obeying, and proclaiming. It is built from a primitive root and can imply attention and understanding. The entries highlight various grammatical forms, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of hearing and obeying. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
שָׁמַע 1152 vb. hear
Qal 1052
subj. pers. hum.
י׳ (God) subj.
Niph. 42 be heard, of voice, sound
be heard of
be regarded, obeyed
= (favourable) hearing was granted to their voice.
Pi. he caused the people to hear
Hiph. 63
of man
י׳ subj.
base
H8085 שָׁמַע hear
8085 shama` shaw-mah'
a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with
implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to
tell, etc.):--X attentively, call (gather) together, X
carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content,
declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make
to) hear(-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be)
obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish,
regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell,
understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.
שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: hear.
: hear
v
1) to hear, listen to, obey
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)
1a2) to hear of or concerning
1a3) to hear (have power to hear)
1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to
1a5) to understand (language)
1a6) to hear (of judicial cases)
1a7) to listen, give heed
1a7a) to consent, agree
1a7b) to grant request
1a8) to listen to, yield to
1a9) to obey, be obedient
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound)
1b2) to be heard of
1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed
1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound
1d2) to sound aloud (musical term)
1d3) to make proclamation, summon
1d4) to cause to be heard
n m
2) sound
שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: obey.
: obey
v
1) to hear, listen to, obey
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)
1a2) to hear of or concerning
1a3) to hear (have power to hear)
V-Qal-Impv-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine singularHVqv2ms
קוֹל (qol) primarily means 'voice' or 'sound,' encompassing various contexts such as music, noise, and even thunder. It can also denote lightness or frivolity. The word is built from a root meaning to call aloud and appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including a reference in Jeremiah 3:9.
ref
H6963a קוֹל sound, voice H6963b קֹל lightness, frivolity
6963 qowl kole
or qol {kole}; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a
voice or sound:--+ aloud, bleating, crackling, cry (+ out),
fame, lightness, lowing, noise, + hold peace, (pro-)claim,
proclamation, + sing, sound, + spark, thunder(-ing), voice, +
yell.
קוֹל (qol) — voice.
: voice/shout/loud
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
קֹל (qol) — frivolity.
lightness, frivolity
קוֹל (qol) — voice: sound.
: sound/noise
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
קוֹל (qol) — voice: thunder.
: thunder
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
קוֹל (qol) — voice: message.
: message/proclaim
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
קוֹל (qol) — voice: [sound of].
: [sound_of](THING)
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
קוֹל (qol) — voice: listen.
: listen
1) voice, sound, noise
1a) voice
1b) sound (of instrument)
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp1bs
The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.
אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.
base
בַאֲשֶׁר
in (that) which
adv. in (the place) where
conj. in that, inasmuch as
on account of whom?
base
מֵאֲשֶׁר
from (or than) that which
adv. from (the place) where
conj. from (the fact) that …, since
base
כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when
according to that which, according as, as
with a causal force, in so far as, since
with a temporal force, when
base
H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which
. adv. in (the place) where
. conj. in that, inasmuch as
. on account of whom?
H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which
. adv. from (the place) where
. conj. from (the fact) that …, since
H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as
. with a causal force, in so far as, since
. with a temporal force, when
834 'aher ash-er'
a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)
when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X
alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +
from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,
wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where
(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +
whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is
indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun
expletively, used to show the connection.
אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.
A: 1) (relative part.)
1a) which, who
1b) that which
2) (conj)
2a) that (in obj clause)
2b) when
2c) since
2d) as
2e) conditional if
B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
D: Kaph+
1) (conj.), according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since
1c) with a temporal force: when
בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.
1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.
1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.
conj
1) according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
Prep | Rel — Preposition · particleHR/Tr
אֲנִי, transliterated as aniy, is a first-person singular pronoun meaning 'I' or 'me.' It is often used for emphasis and can also imply possession, as in 'mine' or 'myself.' The word is derived from a form that indicates self-reference, and it appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.
אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי pron. 1s. comm. I
base
H589 אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי I
589 'aniy an-ee'
contracted from 595; I:--I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, X
which, X who.
see HEBREW for 0595
אֲנִי (a.ni) — I.
I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Pron — PronounHPp1bs
צָוָה (tsavah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to command or give orders. It is built from a primitive root and primarily used in the Piel form, indicating actions like appointing or charging someone with a task. The entries highlight its various applications, including laying charges and sending messengers. There are no noted disagreements among the lexicons.
[צָוָה] 485 vb. Pi. lay charge (upon), give charge (to), charge, command, order
base
H6680 צָוָה Pi. lay charge (upon), give charge (to), charge, command, order
6680 tsavah tsaw-vaw'
a primitive root; (intensively) to constitute,
enjoin:--appoint, (for-)bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give
in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put,
(set) in order.
צָוָה (tsa.vah) — to command.
1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order
1a)(Piel)
1a1) to lay charge upon
1a2) to give charge to, give command to
1a3) to give charge unto
1a4) to give charge over, appoint
1a5) to give charge, command
1a6) to charge, command
1a7) to charge, commission
1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act)
1b) (Pual) to be commanded
V-Piel — Verb · Piel · participle (active) feminine singularHVprfsa
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)
DirObjM | Suff — Particle · suffixHTo/Sp2ms